bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin-on-a-chip model simulating inflammation, edema and drug-based treatment
Authors: Wufuer Maierdanjiang , Lee GeonHui , Hur Woojune , Jeon Byoungjun , Kim Byung Jun , Choi Tae Hyun , Lee SangHoon
Published: November 2016

Recent advances in microfluidic cell cultures enable the construction of in vitro human skin models that can be used for drug toxicity testing, disease study. However, current in vitro skin model have limitations to emulate real human skin due to the simplicity of model. In this paper, we describe the development of ‘skin-on-a-chip’ to mimic the structures and functional responses of the human skin. The proposed model consists of 3 layers, on which epidermal, dermal and endothelial components originated from human, were cultured. The microfluidic device was designed for co-culture of human skin cells and each layer was separated by using porous membranes to allow interlayer communication. Skin inflammation and edema were induced by applying tumor necrosis factor alpha on dermal layer to demonstrate the functionality of the system. The expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed to illustrate the feasibility. In addition, we evaluated the efficacy of therapeutic drug testing model using our skin chip. The function of skin barrier was evaluated by staining tight junctions and measuring a permeability of endothelium. Our results suggest that the skin-on-a-chip model can potentially be used for constructing in vitro skin disease models or for testing the toxicity of cosmetics or drugs.
Repressor logic modules assembled by rolling circle amplification platform to construct a set of logic gates
Authors: Wei Hua , Hu Bo , Tang Suming , Zhao Guojie , Guan Yifu
Published: November 2016

Small molecule metabolites and their allosterically regulated repressors play an important role in many gene expression and metabolic disorder processes. These natural sensors, though valuable as good logic switches, have rarely been employed without transcription machinery in cells. Here, two pairs of repressors, which function in opposite ways, were cloned, purified and used to control DNA replication in rolling circle amplification (RCA) in vitro. By using metabolites and repressors as inputs, RCA signals as outputs, four basic logic modules were constructed successfully. To achieve various logic computations based on these basic modules, we designed series and parallel strategies of circular templates, which can further assemble these repressor modules in an RCA platform to realize twelve two-input Boolean logic gates and a three-input logic gate. The RCA-output and RCA-assembled platform was proved to be easy and flexible for complex logic processes and might have application potential in molecular computing and synthetic biology.
Correction: Corrigendum: NPNT is Expressed by Osteoblasts and Mediates Angiogenesis via the Activation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase
Authors: Kuek Vincent , Yang Zhifan , Chim Shek Man , Zhu Sipin , Xu Huazi , Chow Siu To , Tickner Jennifer , Rosen Vicki , Erber Wendy , Li Xiucheng , Qin An , Qian Yu , Xu Jiake
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 36210; published online: 26 October 2016; updated: 21 November 2016.
Macroscopic superpositions and gravimetry with quantum magnetomechanics
Authors: Johnsson Mattias T. , Brennen Gavin K. , Twamley Jason
Published: November 2016

Precision measurements of gravity can provide tests of fundamental physics and are of broad practical interest for metrology. We propose a scheme for absolute gravimetry using a quantum magnetomechanical system consisting of a magnetically trapped superconducting resonator whose motion is controlled and measured by a nearby RF-SQUID or flux qubit. By driving the mechanical massive resonator to be in a macroscopic superposition of two different heights our we predict that our interferometry protocol could, subject to systematic errors, achieve a gravimetric sensitivity of Δg/g ~ 2.2 × 10−10 Hz−1/2, with a spatial resolution of a few nanometres. This sensitivity and spatial resolution exceeds the precision of current state of the art atom-interferometric and corner-cube gravimeters by more than an order of magnitude, and unlike classical superconducting interferometers produces an absolute rather than relative measurement of gravity. In addition, our scheme takes measurements at ~10 kHz, a region where the ambient vibrational noise spectrum is heavily suppressed compared the ~10 Hz region relevant for current cold atom gravimeters.
Insight into the metabolic mechanism of scoparone on biomarkers for inhibiting Yanghuang syndrome
Authors: Fang Heng , Zhang Aihua , Yu Jingbo , Wang Liang , Liu Chang , Zhou Xiaohang , Sun Hui , Song Qi , Wang Xijun
Published: November 2016

Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) is the representative ingredient of Yinchenhao (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.) which is a famous Chinese medicinal herb and shows favorable efficacy for all kinds of liver disease, specifically for the treatment of Yanghuang syndrome (YHS). The precise molecular mechanism concerning the action of scoparone on YHS is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine the mechanism of scoparone and evaluate its efficacy on metabolite levels. The differential expression of metabolites responsible for the pharmacological effects of scoparone was characterized and the protection effect of scoparone against this disease. Using multivariate statistical analysis, 33 biomarkers were identified using precise MS/MS and play an important role in the regulation of key metabolic pathways associated with liver disease. In addition, pathological results also showed consistent changes in the YHS model group and after treatment with scoparone, both the metabolic profile and histopathology resembled that of normal level, which suggesting favorable efficacy over the observed time period. The present work indicated that a metabolomics platform provided a new insight into understanding the mechanisms of action of natural medicines such as scoparone.
Ion mobility spectrometry as a simple and rapid method to measure the plasma propofol concentrations for intravenous anaesthesia monitoring
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhou Qinghua , Jiang Dandan , Gong Yulei , Li Enyou , Li Haiyang
Published: November 2016

The plasma propofol concentration is important information for anaesthetists to monitor and adjust the anaesthesia depth for patients during a surgery operation. In this paper, a stand-alone ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) was constructed for the rapid measurement of the plasma propofol concentrations. Without any sample pre-treatment, the plasma samples were dropped on a piece of glass microfiber paper and then introduced into the IMS cell by the thermal desorption directly. Each individual measurement could be accomplished within 1 min. For the plasma propofol concentrations from 1 to 12 μg mL−1, the IMS response was linear with a correlation coefficient R2 of 0.998, while the limit of detection was evaluated to be 0.1 μg mL−1. These measurement results did meet the clinical application requirements. Furthermore, other clinically-often-used drugs, including remifentanil, flurbiprofen and atracurium, were found no significant interference with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the plasma propofol. The plasma propofol concentrations measured by IMS were correlated well with those measured by the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results confirmed an excellent agreement between these two methods. Finally, this method was applied to monitor the plasma propofol concentrations for a patient undergoing surgery, demonstrating its capability of anaesthesia monitoring in real clinical environments.
A graph-theoretical representation of multiphoton resonance processes in superconducting quantum circuits
Authors: Jooya Hossein Z. , Reihani Kamran , Chu Shih-I
Published: November 2016

We propose a graph-theoretical formalism to study generic circuit quantum electrodynamics systems consisting of a two level qubit coupled with a single-mode resonator in arbitrary coupling strength regimes beyond rotating-wave approximation. We define colored-weighted graphs, and introduce different products between them to investigate the dynamics of superconducting qubits in transverse, longitudinal, and bidirectional coupling schemes. The intuitive and predictive picture provided by this method, and the simplicity of the mathematical construction, are demonstrated with some numerical studies of the multiphoton resonance processes and quantum interference phenomena for the superconducting qubit systems driven by intense ac fields.
In-situ nano-crystal-to-crystal transformation synthesis of energetic materials based on three 5,5′-azotetrazolate Cr(III) salts
Authors: Miao Yu , Qiu Yanxuan , Cai Jiawei , Wang Zizhou , Yu Xinwei , Dong Wen
Published: November 2016

The in-situ nano-crystal-to-crystal transformation (SCCT) synthesis provides a powerful approach for tailoring controllable feature shapes and sizes of nano crystals. In this work, three nitrogen-rich energetic nano-crystals based on 5,5′-azotetrazolate(AZT2−) Cr(III) salts were synthesized by means of SCCT methodology. SEM and TEM analyses show that the energetic nano-crystals feature a composition- and structure-dependent together with size-dependent thermal stability. Moreover, nano-scale decomposition products can be obtained above 500 °C, providing a new method for preparing metallic oxide nano materials.
Species-Specific Standard Redox Potential of Thiol-Disulfide Systems: A Key Parameter to Develop Agents against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Mirzahosseini Arash , Noszál Béla
Published: November 2016

Microscopic standard redox potential, a new physico-chemical parameter was introduced and determined to quantify thiol-disulfide equilibria of biological significance. The highly composite, codependent acid-base and redox equilibria of thiols could so far be converted into pH-dependent, apparent redox potentials (E’°) only. Since the formation of stable metal-thiolate complexes precludes the direct thiol-disulfide redox potential measurements by usual electrochemical techniques, an indirect method had to be elaborated. In this work, the species-specific, pH-independent standard redox potentials of glutathione were determined primarily by comparing it to 1-methylnicotinamide, the simplest NAD+ analogue. Secondarily, the species-specific standard redox potentials of the two-electron redox transitions of cysteamine, cysteine, homocysteine, penicillamine, and ovothiol were determined using their microscopic redox equilibrium constants with glutathione. The 30 different, microscopic standard redox potential values show close correlation with the respective thiolate basicities and provide sound means for the development of potent agents against oxidative stress.
Metal artifact reduction through MVCBCT and kVCT in radiotherapy
Authors: Liugang Gao , Hongfei Sun , Xinye Ni , Mingming Fang , Zheng Cao , Tao Lin
Published: November 2016

This study proposes a new method for removal of metal artifacts from megavoltage cone beam computed tomography (MVCBCT) and kilovoltage CT (kVCT) images. Both images were combined to obtain prior image, which was forward projected to obtain surrogate data and replace metal trace in the uncorrected kVCT image. The corrected image was then reconstructed through filtered back projection. A similar radiotherapy plan was designed using the theoretical CT image, the uncorrected kVCT image, and the corrected image. The corrected images removed most metal artifacts, and the CT values were accurate. The corrected image also distinguished the hollow circular hole at the center of the metal. The uncorrected kVCT image did not display the internal structure of the metal, and the hole was misclassified as metal portion. Dose distribution calculated based on the corrected image was similar to that based on the theoretical CT image. The calculated dose distribution also evidently differed between the uncorrected kVCT image and the theoretical CT image. The use of the combined kVCT and MVCBCT to obtain the prior image can distinctly improve the quality of CT images containing large metal implants.
Structural and immunomodulatory differences among lactobacilli exopolysaccharides isolated from intestines of mice with experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Górska Sabina , Sandstrőm Corine , Wojas-Turek Justyna , Rossowska Joanna , Pajtasz-Piasecka Elżbieta , Brzozowska Ewa , Gamian Andrzej
Published: November 2016

Characteristic changes in the microbiota biostructure and a decreased tolerance to intestinal bacteria have been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, few studies have examined the constituents of the intestinal microbiota, including the surface molecules of the bacteria, in healthy and IBD subsets. Here, we compare the chemical structures and immunomodulatory properties of the exopolysaccharides (EPS) of lactobacilli isolated from mice with induced IBD (IBD “+”) versus those of healthy mice (IBD “−”). Classical structural analyses were performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Immunomodulatory properties were assessed by stimulation of dendritic cells derived from mouse bone marrow or human peripheral mononuclear blood cells. Our results revealed that EPS produced by IBD “+” species are structurally different from those isolated from IBD “−”. Moreover, the structurally different EPS generate different immune responses by dendritic cells. We speculate that resident strains could, upon gut inflammation, switch to producing EPS with specific motifs that are absent from lactobacilli IBD “−”, and/or that bacteria with a particular EPS structure might inhabit the inflamed intestinal mucosa. This study may shed light on the role of EPS in IBD and help the development of a specific probiotic therapy for this disease.
Functional states of rat cortical circuits during the unpredictable availability of a reward-related cue
Authors: Fernández-Lamo Iván , Sánchez-Campusano Raudel , Gruart Agnès , Delgado-García M José M.
Published: November 2016

Proper performance of acquired abilities can be disturbed by the unexpected occurrence of external changes. Rats trained with an operant conditioning task (to press a lever in order to obtain a food pellet) using a fixed-ratio (1:1) schedule were subsequently placed in a Skinner box in which the lever could be removed randomly. Field postsynaptic potentials (fPSPs) were chronically evoked in perforant pathway-hippocampal CA1 (PP-CA1), CA1-subiculum (CA1-SUB), CA1-medial prefrontal cortex (CA1-mPFC), mPFC-nucleus accumbens (mPFC-NAc), and mPFC-basolateral amygdala (mPFC-BLA) synapses during lever IN and lever OUT situations. While lever presses were accompanied by a significant increase in fPSP slopes at the five synapses, the unpredictable absence of the lever were accompanied by decreased fPSP slopes in all, except PP-CA1 synapses. Spectral analysis of local field potentials (LFPs) recorded when the animal approached the corresponding area in the lever OUT situation presented lower spectral powers than during lever IN occasions for all recording sites, apart from CA1. Thus, the unpredictable availability of a reward-related cue modified the activity of cortical and subcortical areas related with the acquisition of operant learning tasks, suggesting an immediate functional reorganization of these neural circuits to address the changed situation and to modify ongoing behaviors accordingly.
Embodied neurofeedback with an anthropomorphic robotic hand
Authors: Braun Niclas , Emkes Reiner , Thorne Jeremy D. , Debener Stefan
Published: November 2016

Neurofeedback-guided motor imagery training (NF-MIT) has been suggested as a promising therapy for stroke-induced motor impairment. Whereas much NF-MIT research has aimed at signal processing optimization, the type of sensory feedback given to the participant has received less attention. Often the feedback signal is highly abstract and not inherently coupled to the mental act performed. In this study, we asked whether an embodied feedback signal is more efficient for neurofeedback operation than a non-embodiable feedback signal. Inspired by the rubber hand illusion, demonstrating that an artificial hand can be incorporated into one’s own body scheme, we used an anthropomorphic robotic hand to visually guide the participants’ motor imagery act and to deliver neurofeedback. Using two experimental manipulations, we investigated how a participant’s neurofeedback performance and subjective experience were influenced by the embodiability of the robotic hand, and by the neurofeedback signal’s validity. As pertains to embodiment, we found a promoting effect of robotic-hand embodiment in subjective, behavioral, electrophysiological and electrodermal measures. Regarding neurofeedback signal validity, we found some differences between real and sham neurofeedback in terms of subjective and electrodermal measures, but not in terms of behavioral and electrophysiological measures. This study motivates the further development of embodied feedback signals for NF-MIT.
A carborane-incorporated mononuclear Co(ii) complex showing zero-field slow magnetic relaxation
Authors: Tu Deshuang , Shao Dong , Yan Hong , Lu Changsheng
Published: November 2016

The o-carborane-incorporated Co(ii) complex shows slow relaxation of magnetization at zero field and a hysteresis loop at 1.8 K.
A three-dimensional graphene oxide supramolecular hydrogel for infrared light-responsive cascade release of two anticancer drugs
Authors: Ha Wei , Zhao Xiao-Bo , Jiang Kan , Kang Yang , Chen Juan , Li Bang-Jing , Shi Yan-Ping
Published: November 2016

A graphene oxide hybrid supramolecular hydrogel with a well-defined interior microstructure was developed for near infrared light-triggered cascade release of two anticancer drugs.
Effect of ferrous ion concentration on the kinetics of radiation-induced iron-oxide nanoparticle formation and growth
Authors: Sutherland T. I. , Sparks C. J. , Joseph J. M. , Wang Z. , Whitaker G. , Sham T. K. , Wren J. C.
Published: November 2016

Magnetite nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution were produced via gamma-radiolysis of FeSO4 solutions. The average particle size increased with [Fe2+]0. A multistage mechanism (supported by radiolysis kinetic modelling) is described that can explain the observed dependence of particle size on [Fe2+]0.
Highly efficient polymer solar cells by step-by-step optimizing donor molecular packing and acceptor redistribution
Authors: Sun Qianqian , Zhang Fujun , An Qiaoshi , Zhang Miao , Wang Jian , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2016

The PCEs were increased from 6.74% to 9.72% by synergistically optimizing donor molecular packing, acceptor redistribution and interfacial layer.
Potential-induced degradation in photovoltaic modules: a critical review
Authors: Luo Wei , Khoo Yong Sheng , Hacke Peter , Naumann Volker , Lausch Dominik , Harvey Steven P. , Singh Jai Prakash , Chai Jing , Wang Yan , Aberle Armin G. , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a critical review on potential-induced degradation (PID) in photovoltaic modules to illustrate the current research status and potential research paths to address PID-related issues.
Enrichment of d-lactic acid from organic wastes catalyzed by zero-valent iron: an approach for sustainable lactate isomerization
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Wenjuan , Xue Shunli , Lai Sizhou , Li Jun , Chen Hong , Liu Zhenhong , Xue Gang
Published: November 2016

Approach for the enrichment of highly optically active d-lactic acid from organic waste fermentation by catalyzing using zero-valent iron.
Co-Pyrolysis of torrefied biomass and methane over molybdenum modified bimetallic HZSM-5 catalyst for hydrocarbons production
Authors: Yang Zixu , Kumar Ajay , Apblett Allen W. , Moneeb Ahmed M.
Published: November 2016

Catalytic pyrolysis of torrefied switchgrass under methane atmosphere was performed over molybdenum modified bimetallic catalysts.
Analysis of whole blood by ICP-MS equipped with a high temperature total sample consumption system
Authors: Cañabate Águeda , García-Ruiz Esperanza , Resano Martín , Todolí José-Luis
Published: November 2016

In this work, the performance of a high temperature torch Integrated Sample Introduction System (hTISIS) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the multi-element analysis of whole blood is evaluated.
Carbon-doped freestanding TiO2 nanotube arrays in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Rho Won-Yeop , Kim Ho-Sub , Kim Hyung-Mo , Suh Jung Sang , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: November 2016

DSSCs with TiO2 nanotube arrays that were doped with carbon to improve their electron transport for energy conversion efficiency.
Intermolecular interactions boost aggregation induced emission in carbazole Schiff base derivatives
Authors: Gan Xiaoping , Liu Guangjin , Chu Mingjie , Xi Wengang , Ren Zili , Zhang Xiuli , Tian Yupeng , Zhou Hongping
Published: November 2016

The structure–property relationship was discussed and we found that the C–H⋯π interactions and H⋯H interactions played a significant role in AIE performance.
Resin and carbon foam production by cationic step-growth polymerization of organic carbonates
Authors: Wöckel L. , Seifert A. , Mende C. , Roth-Panke I. , Kroll L. , Spange S.
Published: November 2016

Acid induced step-growth polymerizations of bis(p-methoxybenzyl) carbonate (pMBC), bis(m-methoxybenzyl) carbonate (mMBC) and difurfuryl carbonate (DFC) have been performed to produce resin-foams, because controlled release of carbon dioxide takes place during polymerization of those organic carbonates.
Naphthalene diimide–diketopyrrolopyrrole copolymers as non-fullerene acceptors for use in bulk-heterojunction all-polymer UV–NIR photodetectors
Authors: Hu Liuyong , Qiao Wenqiang , Han Jinfeng , Zhou Xiaokang , Wang Canglong , Ma Dongge , Wang Zhi Yuan , Li Yuning
Published: November 2016

The performance of all-polymer photodetectors was enhanced by novel acceptor polymers, using a random copolymerization strategy.
Introduction of taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) as a green bio-organic catalyst for the promotion of organic reactions under green conditions
Authors: Shirini Farhad , Daneshvar Nader
Published: November 2016

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), a semi-essential amino acid that exists in the human body and numerous other living creatures, is used as a green bio-organic catalyst for the promotion of the Knoevenagel reaction between aldehydes and malononitrile.
Facile preparation of CoNi2S4@NiSe nano arrays on compressed nickel foam for high performance flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Tang Zhonghua , Jia Chunyang , Wan Zhongquan , Zhou Qianlong , Ye Xingke , Zhu Yucan
Published: November 2016

CoNi2S4@NiSe nano arrays with hierarchical structure are in situ prepared on compressed nickel foam for high performance flexible supercapacitors.
Formulation and performance of functional sub-micro CL-20-based energetic polymer composite ink for direct-write assembly
Authors: Wang Dunju , Zheng Baohui , Guo Changping , Gao Bing , Wang Jun , Yang Guangcheng , Huang Hui , Nie Fude
Published: November 2016

Direct writing deposition of energetic materials has been an area of interest for fuzing applications, novel initiation/booster trains, and for studying small scale detonations.
One-step nanocasting synthesis of nitrogen and phosphorus dual heteroatom doped ordered mesoporous carbons for supercapacitor application
Authors: Feng Jian , Song Weiming , Sun Li , Xu Liyang
Published: November 2016

N and P dual heteroatom doped ordered mesoporous carbon was synthesized and exhibited enhanced specific capacitance (220 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), good rate capability (178 F g−1 at 16 A g−1 with 81% capacitance retention) and excellent cycling stability (91% after 3000 cycles).
High coverage solution-processed planar perovskite solar cell grown based on the Stranski–Krastanov mechanism at low temperature and short time
Authors: Arabpour Roghabadi F. , Ahmadi V. , Oniy Aghmiuni K.
Published: November 2016

In this work, a full surface coverage CH3NH3PbI3 layer is achieved by controlling the growth mechanism of crystals according to the Stranski–Krastanov mode.
A series of europium-based metal organic frameworks with tuned intrinsic luminescence properties and detection capacities
Authors: Yi Pengda , Huang Hongliang , Peng Yaguang , Liu Dahuan , Zhong Chongli
Published: November 2016

A series of europium-based metal organic frameworks with different functional groups showed tuned intrinsic luminescence properties and detection capacities.
Enhanced charge storage of Li3FeF6with carbon nanotubes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Shi Yueli , Sun Shubin , Liu Jingjing , Cui Yongli , Zhuang Quanchao , Chen Xiaobo
Published: November 2016

The capacity of Li3FeF6/CNTs electrode can be achieved to 120 mA h g−1, with 83% capacity retention after 50 cycles.
A cellular model for screening of lactobacilli that can enhance tight junctions
Authors: Xu Qi , Li Xiangfei , Wang Eryin , He Yufeng , Yin Boxing , Fang Dongsheng , Wang Gang , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: November 2016

A new cellular model was established for screening the probiotics with direct effects on tight junction restoration efficiently.
Highly active and reusable silica-aerogel-supported platinum–cobalt bimetallic catalysts for the dehydrogenation of ammonia borane
Authors: Yu Pin-Ju , Hsieh Chia-Ching , Chen Po-Yu , Weng Biing-Jyh , Chen-Yang Yui Whei
Published: November 2016

In this study, platinum–cobalt bimetallic catalysts supported on mesoporous silica aerogel (SAG), abbreviated as PCx/SAG,x= 1–6, were prepared by facile chemical reduction and a simple, efficient microwave-assisted method using Co and Pt precursors.
Remarkable enhancement of the catalytic performance of molybdenum sulfide catalysts via an in situ decomposition method for higher alcohol synthesis from syngas
Authors: Wang Na , Li Jianli , Liu Xuemin , Hu Ruijue , Zhang Yulong , Su Haiquan , Gu Xiaojun
Published: November 2016

Through in situ decomposition of (NH4)2MoS4 and introduction of Ni, the resulting disorganized catalysts exhibited remarkably enhanced catalytic performance on higher alcohols synthesis from syngas.
Stereoelectronic effects of the glycosidic linkage on the conformational preference of d-sucrose
Authors: Rozada Thiago de Castro , Pontes Rodrigo Meneghetti , Rittner Roberto , Basso Ernani Abicht
Published: November 2016

d-Sucrose conformational analysis at DFT theory level applying NBO and NCI methodology.
Nitrogen oxide removal using seawater electrolysis in an undivided cell for ocean-going vessels
Authors: Yang Shaolong , Han Zhitao , Pan Xinxiang , Yan Zhijun , Yu Jingqi
Published: November 2016

As nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from marine slow speed diesel engines have caused serious health and environmental problems, NOx removal using electro-generated chlorine under seawater electrolysis was studied in a lab-scale scrubbing reactor.
Improved performances of lithium-ion batteries with a separator based on inorganic fibers
Authors: Wang Meina , Chen Xin , Wang Hong , Wu Haibo , Jin Xiangyu , Huang Chen
Published: November 2016

In lithium ion batteries, separators reinforced by inorganic fibers offer more advantages over those based on inorganic powders.
Homoleptic thiazole-based IrIII phosphorescent complexes for achieving both high EL efficiencies and an optimized trade-off among the key parameters of solution-processed WOLEDs
Authors: Guo Haoran , Zhao Jiang , Tian Zhuanzhuan , Wu Yong , Liu Boao , Dang Feifan , Yang Xiaolong , Zhou Guijiang , Wu Zhaoxin , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: November 2016

Optimized trade-off among high EL efficiency, stable CIE and high CRI in solution-processed WOLEDs with homoleptic thiazole-based IrIII metallophosphors.
Proxima’s orbit around α Centauri
Authors: Kervella P. , Thévenin F. , Lovis C.
Published: November 2016

Proxima and α Centauri AB have almost identical distances and proper motions with respect to the Sun. Although the probability of such similar parameters is, in principle, very low, the question as to whether they actually form a single gravitationally bound triple system has been open since the discovery of Proxima one century ago. Owing to HARPS high-precision absolute radial velocity measurements and the recent revision of the parameters of the α Cen pair, we show that Proxima and α Cen are gravitationally bound with a high degree of confidence. The orbital period of Proxima is ≈ 550 000 yr. With an eccentricity of 0.50+0.08-0.09, Proxima comes within 4.3+1.1-0.9 kau of α Cen at periastron, and is currently close to apastron (13.0+0.3-0.1 kau). This orbital motion may have influenced the formation or evolution of the recently discovered planet orbiting Proxima, as well as circumbinary planet formation around α Cen.
Myopathie à surcharge lipidique secondaire à une nouvelle mutation du gène PNPLA2
Authors: Jousserand Guillemette , Streichenberger Nathalie , Petiot Philippe
Published: November 2016

La myopathie due à des mutations du gène PNPLA2 est une entité rare entraînant une accumulation de gouttelettes lipidiques dans différents tissus dont le muscle et les leucocytes. Ce gène code l’ATGL (adipose triacylglycerol lipase), une enzyme qui catalyse l’hydrolyse des triglycérides. Nous rapportons ici le cas d’un patient de 54 ans présentant une myopathie distale et une cardiomyopathie. La biopsie musculaire met en évidence une accumulation de gouttelettes lipidiques dans les myocytes. Malgré l’absence de corps de Jordan dans les leucocytes, le diagnostic de myopathie par mutation du gène PNPLA2 est quand même envisagé, diagnostic que la biologie moléculaire confirmera avec l’identification d’une nouvelle mutation (c.798_799insC ; p.Ala267Argfsx40) dans l’exon 7 du gène PNPLA2.
Accelerated reconstruction of electrical impedance tomography images via patch based sparse representation
Authors: Wang Qi , Lian Zhijie , Wang Jianming , Chen Qingliang , Sun Yukuan , Li Xiuyan , Duan Xiaojie , Cui Ziqiang , Wang Huaxiang
Published: November 2016

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) reconstruction is a nonlinear and ill-posed problem. Exact reconstruction of an EIT image inverts a high dimensional mathematical model to calculate the conductivity field, which causes significant problems regarding that the computational complexity will reduce the achievable frame rate, which is considered as a major advantage of EIT imaging. The single-step method, state estimation method, and projection method were always used to accelerate reconstruction process. The basic principle of these methods is to reduce computational complexity. However, maintaining high resolution in space together with not much cost is still challenging, especially for complex conductivity distribution. This study proposes an idea to accelerate image reconstruction of EIT based on compressive sensing (CS) theory, namely, CSEIT method. The novel CSEIT method reduces the sampling rate through minimizing redundancy in measurements, so that detailed information of reconstruction is not lost. In order to obtain sparse solution, which is the prior condition of signal recovery required by CS theory, a novel image reconstruction algorithm based on patch-based sparse representation is proposed. By applying the new framework of CSEIT, the data acquisition time, or the sampling rate, is reduced by more than two times, while the accuracy of reconstruction is significantly improved.
Obtaining the solid-liquid interfacial free energy via multi-scheme thermodynamic integration: Ag-ethylene glycol interfaces
Authors: Qi Xin , Zhou Ya , Fichthorn Kristen A.
Published: November 2016

The solid-liquid interfacial free energy γsl is an important quantity in wetting, nucleation, and crystal growth. Although various methods have been developed to calculate γsl with atomic-scale simulations, such calculations still remain challenging for multi-component interfaces between molecular fluids and solids. We present a multi-scheme thermodynamic integration method that is inspired by the “cleaving-wall” method and aimed at obtaining γsl for such systems using open-source simulation packages. This method advances two aspects of its predecessor methods. First, we incorporate separate schemes to resolve difficulties when manipulating periodic boundary conditions of the supercell using open-source simulation packages. Second, we introduce a numerical approximation to obtain thermodynamic integrands for complex force fields when an analytical differentiation is not readily available. To demonstrate this method, we obtain γsl for interfaces between Ag(100) and Ag(111) and ethylene glycol (EG). These interfacial free energies mirror interfacial potential energies for each facet. We also estimate entropies of interface formation and these are consistent with theoretical predictions in signs and trends. For the Ag-EG systems, we find that the largest contribution to γsl is the free energy to create the bare metal surfaces. The second-largest contribution to γsl is from the liquid-solid interaction. This user-friendly method will accelerate investigation in a broad range of research topics, such as the thermodynamic effect of structure-directing agents in solution-phase shape-controlled nanocrystal syntheses.
Experimental investigation of interface deformation in free surface flow of concentrated suspensions
Authors: Kumar A. Ashok , Medhi Bhaskar Jyoti , Singh Anugrah
Published: November 2016

It is well known that during the free surface flow of concentrated suspension of non-colloidal particles, the suspension-air interface becomes highly corrugated. This surface corrugation changes the interfacial area which could have important implications in various applications involving heat and mass transfer across the interface. Surface corrugation in free surface flow has been studied in the past, but its mechanism is not fully understood. We report detailed experiments on quantitative measurement of the surface deformation of concentrated suspension of non-colloidal particles in open channel flow. The motion and location of the interface and the velocity field of the bulk flow beneath the free surface were measured using the particle image velocimetry technique. Experiments were performed to study the effect of particle size, particle concentration, and viscosity of suspending fluid on the corrugation. The interface fluctuation was found to increase linearly with the flow rate. The deformation of the interface increased with increase in particle concentration until an optimum concentration is reached and thereafter it decreases. Our observation supports the previous studies on surface corrugation interpreted from the power spectra of the reflected light from the interface. Suspension of larger particles and less viscous fluid gives larger deformations of the suspension-air interface. These results can be used to determine the optimum parameters to control the interfacial area in free surface flow of concentrated suspensions.
Plasma formation in diode pumped alkali lasers sustained in Cs
Authors: Markosyan Aram H. , Kushner Mark J.
Published: November 2016

In diode pumped alkali lasers (DPALs), lasing action occurs on the resonant lines of alkali atoms following pumping by broadband semiconductor lasers. The goal is to convert the efficient but usually poor optical quality of inexpensive diode lasers into the high optical quality of atomic vapor lasers. Resonant excitation of alkali vapor leads to plasma formation through the excitation transfer from the 2P states to upper lying states, which then are photoionized by the pump and intracavity radiation. A first principles global model was developed to investigate the operation of the He/Cs DPAL system and the consequences of plasma formation on the efficiency of the laser. Over a range of pump powers, cell temperatures, excitation frequency, and mole fraction of the collision mixing agent (N2 or C2H6), we found that sufficient plasma formation can occur that the Cs vapor is depleted. Although N2 is not a favored collisional mixing agent due to large rates of quenching of the 2P states, we found a range of pump parameters where laser oscillation may occur. The poor performance of N2 buffered systems may be explained in part by plasma formation. We found that during the operation of the DPAL system with N2 as the collisional mixing agent, plasma formation is in excess of 1014–1015 cm−3, which can degrade laser output intensity by both depletion of the neutral vapor and electron collisional mixing of the laser levels.
A precision cryostat design for manual and semi-automated cryo-plunge instruments
Authors: Russo Christopher J. , Scotcher Steve , Kyte Martin
Published: November 2016

Here we describe a bench-top cryostat system to control the temperature of liquid ethane in a cryo-plunge apparatus designed for biological specimen preparation for electron cryomicroscopy. It comprises a foam insulated Dewar containing a copper cryostat cup, whose temperature is controlled via an active feedback system to within 0.1 K. The device can easily be incorporated into existing manual and semi-automatic cryo-plunge instruments that are not equipped with cryogenic temperature control. Over the course of normal use, we find that using a cryostat is convenient, fast, and does not require special mixtures of cryogens like ethane/propane. This simple cryostat improves the reliability and reproducibility of biological specimen preparation for electron cryomicroscopy.
Enhancement-mode Ga2O3 wrap-gate fin field-effect transistors on native (100) β-Ga2O3 substrate with high breakdown voltage
Authors: Chabak Kelson D. , Moser Neil , Green Andrew J. , Walker Dennis E. , Tetlak Stephen E. , Heller Eric , Crespo Antonio , Fitch Robert , McCandless Jonathan P. , Leedy Kevin , Baldini Michele , Wagner Gunter , Galazka Zbigniew , Li Xiuling , Jessen Gregg
Published: November 2016

Sn-doped gallium oxide (Ga2O3) wrap-gate fin-array field-effect transistors (finFETs) were formed by top-down BCl3 plasma etching on a native semi-insulating Mg-doped (100) β-Ga2O3 substrate. The fin channels have a triangular cross-section and are approximately 300 nm wide and 200 nm tall. FinFETs, with 20 nm Al2O3 gate dielectric and ∼2 μm wrap-gate, demonstrate normally-off operation with a threshold voltage between 0 and +1 V during high-voltage operation. The ION/IOFF ratio is greater than 105 and is mainly limited by high on-resistance that can be significantly improved. At VG = 0, a finFET with 21 μm gate-drain spacing achieved a three-terminal breakdown voltage exceeding 600 V without a field-plate.
A small long-life acoustic transmitter for studying the behavior of aquatic animals
Authors: Lu J. , Deng Z. D. , Li H. , Myjak M. J. , Martinez J. J. , Xiao J. , Brown R. S. , Cartmell S. S.
Published: November 2016

Acoustic telemetry is an important tool for studying the behavior of aquatic animals and assessing the environmental impact of structures such as hydropower facilities. However, the physical size, signal intensity, and service life of off-the-shelf transmitters are presently insufficient for monitoring certain species. In this study, we developed a small, long-life acoustic transmitter with an approximate length of 24.2 mm, diameter of 5.0 mm, and dry weight of 0.72 g. The transmitter generates a coded acoustic signal at 416.7 kHz with a selectable source level between 159 and 163 dB relative to 1 μPa at 1 m, allowing a theoretical detection range of up to 500 m. The expected operational lifetime is 1 yr at a pulse rate interval of 15 s. The new technology makes long-term acoustic telemetry studies of small fish possible, and is being deployed for a long-term tracking of juvenile sturgeon.
Thickness-dependent electronic structure modulation of ferromagnetic films on shape memory alloy substrates based on a pure strain effect
Authors: Feng Chun , Hu Di , Gong Kui , Jiang Xumin , Yin Jianjuan , Cao Yi , Tang Xiao-Lei , Yang Feng , Zhou Zhongfu , Yu Guanghua , Andrew Evans D.
Published: November 2016

Pure strain-induced electronic structure modulation in ferromagnetic films is critical for developing reliable strain-assisted spintronic devices with low power consumption. For the conventional electricity-controlled strain engineering, it is difficult to reveal the pure strain effect on electronic structure tunability due to the inseparability of pure strain effect and surface charge effect. Here, a non-electrically controlled NiTi shape memory alloy was utilized as a strain output substrate to induce a pure strain on attached Fe films through a thermally controlled shape memory effect. The pure strain induced electronic structure evolution was revealed by in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and correlated with first-principles calculations and magnetic anisotropy measurements. A compressive strain enhances the shielding effect for core electrons and significantly tunes their binding energy. Meanwhile, the strain modifies the partial density of states of outer d orbits, which may affect spin-orbit coupling strength and related magnetic anisotropy. This work helps for clarifying the physical nature of the pure strain effect and developing the pure-strain-assisted spintronic devices.
Strain control of vibrational properties of few layer phosphorene
Authors: Tokár K. , Derian R. , Brndiar J. , Štich I.
Published: November 2016

Using density functional theory techniques, we study lattice vibrational Raman and infrared modes in strained few-layer phosphorene. We find very significant frequency shifts, up to ≈ 100 cm−1 in the applied strain range of ±6%, of the Raman activities in both high- and low-frequency region and infrared activities in the low-frequency region. The type of applied strain, that is, armchair and zigzag, selectively affects specific vibrational modes. Combined with high spatial-resolution Raman/infrared scattering experiments, our calculated results can aid understanding of the complicated inhomogeneous strain distributions in few-layer phosphorene or manufacturing of materials with desired electronic properties via strain or layer engineering.
Si:SrTiO3-Al2O3-Si:SrTiO3 multi-dielectric architecture for metal-insulator-metal capacitor applications
Authors: Dugu Sita , Pavunny Shojan P. , Scott James F. , Katiyar Ram S.
Published: November 2016

Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors comprised of amorphous Si:SrTiO3-Al2O3-Si:SrTiO3 multi-dielectric architecture have been fabricated employing a combination of pulsed laser and atomic layer deposition techniques. The voltage linearity, temperature coefficients of capacitance, dielectric and electrical properties upon thickness were studied under a wide range of temperature (200–400 K) and electric field stress (±1.5 MV/cm). A high capacitance density of 31 fF/μm2, a low voltage coefficient of capacitance of 363 ppm/V2, a low temperature coefficient of capacitance of <644 ppm/K, and an effective dielectric constant of ∼133 are demonstrated in a MIM capacitor with ∼1.4 nm capacitance equivalent thickness in a ∼40 nm thick ultra high-k multi-dielectric stack. All of these properties make this dielectric architecture of interest for next generation, highly scaled MIM capacitor applications.
Influence of polarization on contact angle saturation during electrowetting
Authors: Jiang Chen , Ma Hanbin , Hasko David G. , Nathan Arokia
Published: November 2016

Electrowetting is widely used to manipulate liquids on a dielectric surface by changing the wettability of the solid-liquid interface using an externally applied electric field. While the contact angle can be adequately predicted at low fields using Lippmann's model, there is a large disagreement with experimental behavior at high fields, where the contact angle saturates. Previous attempts to explain this saturation effect (by considering a range of different mechanisms) have led to models that are applicable only to limited field ranges. Here, we use a model for the solid-liquid interfacial surface energy (based on a dipole-dipole interaction) to describe electrowetting and find that this explains the contact angle change at both low (continuous change) and high (saturation) fields. The model is compared with measured contact angle changes for both water and ethylene glycol liquids, with good agreement over the whole field range.
Broadband planar achromatic anomalous reflector based on dispersion engineering of spoof surface plasmon polariton
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Jiafu , Li Yongfeng , Wang Zhuoluo , Chen Hongya , Wang Xinhua , Qu Shaobo
Published: November 2016

Planar reflectors are generally composed of non-uniform inclusions positioned on conducting sheet. Restricted by strong dispersion of the inclusions, the reflection of planar reflectors is usually chromatic. In this letter, we first obtain the dispersion relation for planar achromatic anomalous reflector (PAAR). Then, we propose to realize the dispersion relation based on dispersion engineering of spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP). Metallic blades structure is proposed to achieve the linear dispersion response by tailoring the weak dispersion region of SSPP. 6 metallic blade structures are designed to compose the super cell of the PAAR. A prototype was fabricated and measured. Both the simulation and experiment results show that the PAAR can achieve an achromatic reflected angle of 49.3° in 10.7–11.7 GHz under normal incidence.
Online analysis of secondary organic aerosols from OH-initiated photooxidation and ozonolysis of α-pinene, β-pinene, Δ3-carene and d-limonene by thermal desorption–photoionisation aerosol mass spectrometry
Authors: Fang Wenzheng , Gong Lei , Sheng Liusi
Published: November 2016

Environmental contextSecondary organic aerosol, formed by oxidation of volatile precursors such as monoterpenes, is a major contributor to the total atmospheric organic aerosol. We focus on the online mass spectrometric analysis of the aerosol generated by oxidation products of four major monoterpenes in an environmental chamber. Numerous important monoterpene oxidation products were clearly observed and provided a direct comparison of the formation of biogenic secondary organic aerosols.
AbstractWe present here thermal desorption–tunable vacuum ultraviolet time-of-flight photoionisation aerosol mass spectrometry (TD-VUV-TOF-PIAMS) for online analysis of biogenic secondary organic aerosols (BSOAs) formed from OH-initiated photooxidation and dark ozonolysis of α-pinene, β-pinene, Δ3-carene and d-limonene in smog chamber experiments. The ‘soft’ ionisation at near-threshold photon energies (≤10.5eV) used in this study permits direct measurement of the fairly clean mass spectra, facilitating molecular identification. The online BSOA mass spectra compared well with previous offline measurements and most of the important monoterpene oxidation products were clearly found in the online mass spectra. Oxidation products such as monoterpene-derived acids (e.g. pinic acid, pinonic acid, 3-caronic acid, limononic acid, limonalic acid), ketones (e.g. norpinone, limonaketone), aldehydes (e.g. caronaldehyde, norcaronaldehyde, limononaldehyde) and multifunctional organics (e.g. hydroxypinonaldehydes, hydroxy-3-caronic aldehydes, hydroxylimononic acid) were tentatively identified. The online TD-VUV-TOF-PIAMS mass spectra showed that the OH-initiated photooxidation and ozonolysis of the same monoterpenes produced some similar BSOA products; for example, 3-caric acid, 3-caronic acid, 3-norcaronic acid, 3-norcaralic acid, caronaldehyde and norcaronaldehyde were observed in both photooxidation and ozonolysis of Δ3-carene. However, they could be formed through different pathways. Some of the same products and isomers (e.g. 10-oxopinonic acid, pinonic acid, norpinic acid, hydroxyl pinonaldehyde, norpinonic acid, norpinone) were formed during the photooxidation and ozonolysis of α-pinene and β-pinene. However, several different BSOA products were generated in these photooxidation and ozonolysis reactions due to their different parent structures. The OH–monoterpene reaction generated higher-molecular-weight products than O3–monoterpene owing to multiple OH additions to the unsaturated carbon bond. The online observation of key BSOA products provided a direct comparison of BSOA formation among different monoterpenes and insights into the formation pathways in the OH-initiated photooxidation and ozonolysis of monoterpenes.