bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocyte:T‐cell interaction regulates human T‐cell activation through a CD28/CD46 crosstalk
Authors: Charron Lauren , Doctrinal Axelle , Ni Choileain Siobhan , Astier Anne L
Published: March 2015

T‐cell activation requires engagement of the T‐cell receptor and of at least one costimulatory molecule. The key role of CD28 in inducing T‐cell activation was reported several decades ago and the molecular mechanisms involved have now been well described. The complement regulator CD46 also acts as a costimulatory molecule for T cells but, in contrast to CD28, has the ability to drive T‐cell differentiation from producing some IFNγ to secreting some potent anti‐inflammatory IL‐10, acquiring a so‐called Type I regulatory phenotype (Tr1). Proteolytic cleavage of CD46 occurs upon costimulation and is important for T‐cell activation and IL‐10 production. The observation that CD46 cleavage was reduced when PBMCs were costimulated compared with purified CD4+ T cells led us to hypothesize that interactions between different cell types within the PBMCs were able to modulate the CD46 pathway. We show that CD46 downregulation is also reduced when CD4+ T cells are cocultured with autologous monocytes. Indeed, monocyte: T‐cell cocultures impaired CD46‐mediated T‐cell differentiation and coactivation, by reducing downregulation of surface CD46, lowering induction of the early activation marker CD69, as well as reducing the levels of IL‐10 secretion. Blocking of CD86 could partly restore CD69 expression and cytokine secretion, demonstrating that the CD28: CD86 pathway regulates CD46 activation. Direct concomitant ligation of CD28 and CD46 on CD4+ T cells also modulated CD46 expression and regulated cytokine production. These data identify a crosstalk between two main costimulatory pathways and provide novel insights into the regulation of human T‐cell activation.
Polymer-metal hybrid transparent electrodes for flexible electronics
Authors: Kang Hongkyu , Jung Suhyun , Jeong Soyeong , Kim Geunjin , Lee Kwanghee
Published: March 2015

Despite nearly two decades of research, the absence of ideal flexible and transparent electrodes has been the largest obstacle in realizing flexible and printable electronics for future technologies. Here we report the fabrication of ‘polymer-metal hybrid electrodes’ with high-performance properties, including a bending radius <1 mm, a visible-range transmittance>95% and a sheet resistance <10 Ω sq−1. These features arise from a surface modification of the plastic substrates using an amine-containing nonconjugated polyelectrolyte, which provides ideal metal-nucleation sites with a surface-density on the atomic scale, in combination with the successive deposition of a facile anti-reflective coating using a conducting polymer. The hybrid electrodes are fully functional as universal electrodes for high-end flexible electronic applications, such as polymer solar cells that exhibit a high power conversion efficiency of 10% and polymer light-emitting diodes that can outperform those based on transparent conducting oxides.
Transparent conductor-embedding nanocones for selective emitters: optical and electrical improvements of Si solar cells
Authors: Kim Joondong , Yun Ju-Hyung , Kim Hyunyub , Cho Yunae , Park Hyeong-Ho , Kumar M. Melvin David , Yi Junsin , Anderson Wayne A. , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: March 2015

Periodical nanocone-arrays were employed in an emitter region for high efficient Si solar cells. Conventional wet-etching process was performed to form the nanocone-arrays for a large area, which spontaneously provides the graded doping features for a selective emitter. This enables to lower the electrical contact resistance and enhances the carrier collection due to the high electric field distribution through a nanocone. Optically, the convex-shaped nanocones efficiently reduce light-reflection and the incident light is effectively focused into Si via nanocone structure, resulting in an extremely improved the carrier collection performances. This nanocone-arrayed selective emitter simultaneously satisfies optical and electrical improvement. We report the record high efficiency of 16.3% for the periodically nanoscale patterned emitter Si solar cell.
The Role of Activated Cytotoxic T Cells in Etiopathogenesis of Periodontal Disease: Does It Harm or Does It Heal?
Authors: Cifcibasi Emine , Ciblak Meral , Kiran Bayram , Badur Selim , Firatli Erhan , Issever Halim , Cintan Serdar
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic profile of blood mononuclear cells, specifically CD8+/CD28+ cells, in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) in peripheral blood and in blood obtained from periodontal defect site which might contribute to tissue damage. 13 GAgP, 11 chronic periodontitis (CP) and 5 healthy controls (H) were included in the study. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. Blood from the base of periodontal defect site and peripheral blood from the antecubital vein were obtained. Relative counts of CD45+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+/CD28+, CD8+/CD28−, CD19+, CD16+/CD56+/CD3, CD3+/CD16+/CD56+ receptors were determined with two color flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. BoP, PPD and CAL were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups than healthy controls (p <0.05). Activated cytotoxic T cells, CD8+/CD28+ cells, were significantly elevated in GAgP and CP groups compared to HC both in blood obtained from defect site and blood obtained from systemic circulation (p <0.05). GAgP and CP patients have an increased levels of activated cytotoxic T cells as a result of inflammation which may cause severe tissue damage that lead to severe and rapid loss of periodontal tissues.
A combinatorial approach of comprehensive QTL-based comparative genome mapping and transcript profiling identified a seed weight-regulating candidate gene in chickpea
Authors: Bajaj Deepak , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Khan Yusuf , Das Shouvik , Badoni Saurabh , Shree Tanima , Kumar Vinod , Tripathi Shailesh , Gowda C. L. L. , Singh Sube , Sharma Shivali , Tyagi Akhilesh K. , Chattopdhyay Debasis , Parida Swarup K.
Published: March 2015

High experimental validation/genotyping success rate (94–96%) and intra-specific polymorphic potential (82–96%) of 1536 SNP and 472 SSR markers showing in silico polymorphism between desi ICC 4958 and kabuli ICC 12968 chickpea was obtained in a 190 mapping population (ICC 4958 × ICC 12968) and 92 diverse desi and kabuli genotypes. A high-density 2001 marker-based intra-specific genetic linkage map comprising of eight LGs constructed is comparatively much saturated (mean map-density: 0.94 cM) in contrast to existing intra-specific genetic maps in chickpea. Fifteen robust QTLs (PVE: 8.8–25.8% with LOD: 7.0–13.8) associated with pod and seed number/plant (PN and SN) and 100 seed weight (SW) were identified and mapped on 10 major genomic regions of eight LGs. One of 126.8 kb major genomic region harbouring a strong SW-associated robust QTL (Caq'SW1.1: 169.1–171.3 cM) has been delineated by integrating high-resolution QTL mapping with comprehensive marker-based comparative genome mapping and differential expression profiling. This identified one potential regulatory SNP (G/A) in the cis-acting element of candidate ERF (ethylene responsive factor) TF (transcription factor) gene governing seed weight in chickpea. The functionally relevant molecular tags identified have potential to be utilized for marker-assisted genetic improvement of chickpea.
High survival of mouse oocytes/embryos after vitrification without permeating cryoprotectants followed by ultra-rapid warming with an IR laser pulse
Authors: Jin Bo , Mazur Peter
Published: March 2015

Vitrification is now the main route to the cryopreservation of human and animal oocytes and preimplantation embryos. A central belief is that for success, the cells must be placed in very high concentrations of cryoprotective solutes and must be cooled extremely rapidly. We have shown recently that these beliefs are incorrect. Over 90% of mouse oocytes and embryos survive being cooled relatively slowly even in solutions containing only 1/3rd the normal solute concentrations, provided that they are warmed ultra-rapidly at 107°C/min by a laser pulse. Nearly all vitrification solutions contain both permeating and non-permeating solutes and an important question is whether the former protect because they permeate the cells and promote intracellular vitrification (as is almost universally believed), or because they osmotically withdraw a large fraction of intracellular water prior to cooling. The answer for the mouse system is clearly the latter. When oocytes or embryos are placed in 1 molal concentrations of the impermeable solute sucrose, they osmotically lose ~85% of their cellular water in less than 2 minutes. If the cells are then cooled rapidly to −196°C, nearly 90% remain viable after warming, again provided that the warming is ultra rapid.
Magnetic inhomogeneity on a triangular lattice: the magnetic-exchange versus the elastic energy and the role of disorder
Authors: Zorko A. , Kokalj J. , Komelj M. , Adamopoulos O. , Luetkens H. , Arčon D. , Lappas A.
Published: March 2015

Inhomogeneity in the ground state is an intriguing, emergent phenomenon in magnetism. Recently, it has been observed in the magnetostructural channel of the geometrically frustrated α-NaMnO2, for the first time in the absence of active charge degrees of freedom. Here we report an in-depth numerical and local-probe experimental study of the isostructural sister compound CuMnO2 that emphasizes and provides an explanation for the crucial differences between the two systems. The experimentally verified, much more homogeneous, ground state of the stoichiometric CuMnO2 is attributed to the reduced magnetoelastic competition between the counteracting magnetic-exchange and elastic-energy contributions. The comparison of the two systems additionally highlights the role of disorder and allows the understanding of the puzzling phenomenon of phase separation in uniform antiferromagnets.
Facile synthesis of three-dimensional structured carbon fiber-NiCo2O4-Ni(OH)2 high-performance electrode for pseudocapacitors
Authors: Li Wei , Xin Lipeng , Xu Xin , Liu Qida , Zhang Ming , Ding Shujiang , Zhao Mingshu , Lou Xiaojie
Published: March 2015

Two-dimensional textured carbon fiber is an excellent electrode material and/or supporting substrate for active materials in fuel cells, batteries and pseudocapacitors owing to its large surface area, high porosity, ultra-lightness, good electric conductivity and excellent chemical stability in various liquid electrolytes. And Nickel hydroxide is one of the most promising active materials that have been studied in practical pseudocapacitor applications. Here we report a high-capacitance, flexible and ultra-light composite electrode that combines the advantages of these two materials for pseudocapacitor applications. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the 3D hybrid nanostructured carbon fiber–NiCo2O4–Ni(OH)2 composite electrode shows high capacitance, excellent rate capability. To the best of our knowledge, the electrode developed in this work possesses the highest areal capacitance of 6.04 F cm−2 at the current density of 5 mA cm−2 among those employing carbon fiber as the conductor. It still remains 64.23% at 40 mA cm−2. As for the cycling stability, the initial specific capacitance decreases only from 4.56 F cm−2 to 3.35 F cm−2 after 1000 cycles under a current density of 30 mA cm−2.
Compact Multilayer Film Structure for Angle Insensitive Color Filtering
Authors: Yang Chenying , Shen Weidong , Zhang Yueguang , Li Kan , Fang Xu , Zhang Xing , Liu Xu
Published: March 2015

Here we report a compact multilayer film structure for angle robust color filtering, which is verified by theoretical calculations and experiment results. The introduction of the amorphous silicon in the proposed unsymmetrical resonant cavity greatly reduces the angular sensitivity of the filters, which is confirmed by the analysis of the phase shift within the structure. The temperature of the substrate during the deposition is expressly investigated to obtain the best optical performance with high peak reflectance and good angle insensitive color filtering by compromising the refractive index of dielectric layer and the surface roughness of the multilayer film. And the outlayer of the structure, worked as the anti-reflection layer, have an enormous impact on the filtering performance. This method, described in this paper, can have enormous potential for diverse applications in display, colorful decoration, anti-counterfeiting and so forth.
Activity of N-coordinated multi-metal-atom active site structures for Pt-free oxygen reduction reaction catalysis: Role of *OH ligands
Authors: Holby Edward F. , Taylor Christopher D.
Published: March 2015

We report calculated oxygen reduction reaction energy pathways on multi-metal-atom structures that have previously been shown to be thermodynamically favorable. We predict that such sites have the ability to spontaneously cleave the O2 bond and then will proceed to over-bind reaction intermediates. In particular, the *OH bound state has lower energy than the final 2 H2O state at positive potentials. Contrary to traditional surface catalysts, this *OH binding does not poison the multi-metal-atom site but acts as a modifying ligand that will spontaneously form in aqueous environments leading to new active sites that have higher catalytic activities. These *OH bound structures have the highest calculated activity to date.
ZNF32 inhibits autophagy through the mTOR pathway and protects MCF-7 cells from stimulus-induced cell death
Authors: Li Yanyan , Zhang Le , Li Kai , Li Jun , Xiang Rong , Zhang Jie , Li Hongjiang , Xu Yan , Wei Yuyan , Gao Junping , Lin Ping , Wei Yuquan
Published: March 2015

ZNF32 is a recently identified zinc finger protein and its functions remain largely unknown. Autophagy has been shown to affect cell proliferation and survival. Here, we innovatively show the effect of ZNF32 on cell autophagy and autophagy-associated cell death in breast carcinoma cells and also elucidate its underlying mechanisms. We examined the autophagic activity and LC3 II expression in human carcinoma cell lines with increased or decreased ZNF32 expression. Pharmacological inhibition (rapamycin) or activation (EGF) assays were used to investigate the function of the AKT/mTOR pathway during this process. H2O2- and diamide-induced MCF-7 cell death models were used to elucidate the role of ZNF32-associated autophagy in breast carcinoma cell death. Our results show that increasing ZNF32 expression in MCF-7 cells inhibits autophagy initiation by activating the AKT/mTOR pathway and further reduced autophagy-associated cell death and maintained MCF-7 cell survival. Conversely, impairing ZNF32 expression by transfecting ZNF32 siRNA strongly promoted autophagy, further augmenting autophagy-associated cell death. Furthermore, correlations between ZNF32 and autophagy were observed in both MCF-7 xenograft tumors and in breast cancer patients. In conclusion, ZNF32 acts as an effective autophagy inhibitor to protect breast cancer cells from excessive stimulus-autophagy-induced cell death.
Indole diketopiperazines from endophytic Chaetomium sp 88194 induce breast cancer cell apoptotic death
Authors: Wang Fu-qian , Tong Qing-yi , Ma Hao-ran , Xu Hong-feng , Hu Song , Ma Wei , Xue Yong-bo , Liu Jun-jun , Wang Jian-ping , Song Hong-ping , Zhang Jin-wen , Zhang Geng , Zhang Yong-hui
Published: March 2015

Diketopiperazines are important secondary metabolites of the fungi with variety bioactivities. Several species belonging to genus Chaetomium produce compounds of this class, such as chetomin. To identify new antitumor agents, secondary metabolites of fungus Chaetomium sp 88194 were investigated and three new indole diketopiperazines, Chaetocochins G (1), Oidioperazines E (2) and Chetoseminudin E (3), along with two known compounds Chetoseminudins C (4) and N-acetyl-β-oxotryptamine (5), were obtained. Chaetocochins G and Chetoseminudin E were recrystallized in CHCl3 containing a small amount of MeOH and their structures with absolute configuration were established by spectroscopic data interpretation and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The absolute configuration of Oidioperazines E was defined by comparing of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. These isolates were also evaluated the anticancer activity and Chaetocochins G displayed more potent cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells than the common chemotherapeutic agent (5-fluorouracil) associated with G2/M cell cycle arrest. More importantly, Chaetocochins G induced cell apoptotic death via caspase-3 induction and proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, concomitantly with increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Our findings suggested that indole diketopiperazines from endophytic Chaetomium sp 88194 may be potential resource for developing anti-cancer reagents.
Understanding the effect of alternative splicing in the folding and function of the second PDZ from Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-BL
Authors: Di Silvio Eva , Toto Angelo , Bonetti Daniela , Morrone Angela , Gianni Stefano
Published: March 2015

PDZ domains are the most prominent biological structural domains involved in protein-protein interactions in the human cell. The second PDZ domain of the protein tyrosine phosphatase BL (PDZ2) interacts and binds the C-termini of the tumour suppressor protein APC and of the LIM domain-containing protein RIL. One isoform of PDZ2 (PDZ2as) involves an alternative spliced form that exhibits an insertion of 5 residues in a loop. PDZ2as abrogates binding to its partners, even if the insertion is directly located in its binding pocket. Here, we investigate the folding and function of PDZ2as, in comparison to the previously characterized PDZ2 domain. Data reveal that, whilst the thermodynamic stability of PDZ2as appears as nearly identical to that of PDZ2, the insertion of 5 amino acids induces formation of some weak transient non-native interactions in the folding transition state, as mirrored by a concomitant increase of both the folding and unfolding rate constants. From a functional perspective, we show that the decrease in affinity is caused by a pronounced decrease of the association rate constants (by nearly ten fold), with no effect on the microscopic dissociation rate constants. The results are briefly discussed in the context of previous work on PDZ domains.
Circulating Peptidome to Indicate the Tumor-resident Proteolysis
Authors: Deng Zaian , Li Yaojun , Fan Jia , Wang Guohui , Li Yan , Zhang Yaou , Cai Guoping , Shen Haifa , Ferrari Mauro , Hu Tony Y.
Published: March 2015

Tumor-resident proteases (TRPs) are regarded as informative biomarkers for staging cancer progression and evaluating therapeutic efficacy. Currently in the clinic, measurement of TRP is dependent on invasive biopsies, limiting their usefulness as monitoring tools. Here we identified circulating peptides naturally produced by TRPs and evaluated their potential to monitor the efficacy of anti-tumor treatments. We established a mouse model for ovarian cancer development and treatment by orthotopic implantation of the human drug-resistant ovarian cancer cell line HeyA8-MDR, followed by porous silicon particle- or multistage vector (MSV) - enabled EphA2 siRNA therapy. Immunohistochemistry staining of tumor tissue revealed decreased expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) in mice exhibiting positive responses to MSV-EphA2 siRNA treatment. We demonstrated, via an ex vivo proteolysis assay, that C3f peptides can act as substrates of MMP-9, which cleaves C3f at L1311-L1312 into two peptides (SSATTFRL and LWENGNLLR). Importantly, we showed that these two C3f-derived fragments detected in serum were primarily generated by tumor-resident, but not blood-circulating, MMP-9. Our results suggested that the presence of the circulating fragments specially derived from the localized cleavage in tumor microenvironment can be used to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer treatment, assessed through a relatively noninvasive and user-friendly proteomics approach.
Simultaneous determination of 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid and caffeic acid in rat plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Dai Guoliang , Ma Shitang , Sun Bingting , Gong Tao , Liu Shijia , Li Changyin , Ju Wenzheng
Published: March 2015

The figure shows the average plasma concentration–time curves after an intravenous administration of 4 mL kg−1 Dengzhanxixin injection to rats.
A self-assembling magnetic resonance beacon for the detection of microRNA-1
Authors: Lee Jonghwan , Kang Hyo Jin , Lee Yong Seung , Heo Hyejung , Gu Ha-Na , Cho Sujeong , Kim Soonhag
Published: March 2015

A self-assembling magnetic resonance beacon was used to visualize the microRNA-1 expression-dependent change in magnetic resonance signal intensity.
The role of tryptophans in the UV-B absorption of a UVR8 photoreceptor – a computational study
Authors: Wu Qi , Huang Bolong , Niehaus T. A. , Yang Xiaojing , Fan Jun , Zhang Rui-Qin
Published: March 2015

Absorption spectra of different amino acid models of UVR8.
A thin empty-shell bismuth tungstate hierarchical structure constructed by the acid sculpture effect with improved visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Chunmei , Chen Gang , Sun Jingxue , Feng Yujie , Dong Hongjun , Han Zhonghui , Hu Yidong , Lv Chade
Published: March 2015

A thin empty-shell Bi2WO6hierarchical structure is constructed using a simple acid sculpture strategy, which shows excellent photocatalytic activity.
Synthesis, characterization, and physical properties of oligo(1-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyrrole)s and their doped forms, precursors of candidates for molecular flat-band ferromagnets
Authors: Yamanoi Yoshinori , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Hamada Takeshi , Ohshima Norikazu , Kurashina Masashi , Hattori Yohei , Kusamoto Tetsuro , Sakamoto Ryota , Miyachi Mariko , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: March 2015

Here we describe the synthesis and physical properties of oxidized forms of oligo(1-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyrrole)s.
Magnetic multiwall carbon nanotubes modified with dual hydroxy functional ionic liquid for the solid-phase extraction of protein
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Yuzhi , Huang Yanhua , Xu Kaijia , Li Na , Wen Qian , Zhou Yigang
Published: March 2015

A novel adsorbent based on silica-coated magnetic multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) surface modified by dual hydroxy functional ionic liquid (FIL) ([OH]-FIL-m-MWCNTs@SiO2) has been designed and used for the purification of lysozyme (Lys) by magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE).
Yeast transcription co-activator Sub1 and its human homolog PC4 preferentially bind to G-quadruplex DNA
Authors: Gao Jun , Zybailov Boris L. , Byrd Alicia K. , Griffin Wezley C. , Chib Shubeena , Mackintosh Samuel G. , Tackett Alan J. , Raney Kevin D.
Published: March 2015

DNA binding proteins Sub1 and PC4 preferentially bind to G-quadruplex DNA, providing a new link between DNA metabolism and G4-DNA.
Tetrabenzanthanthrenes by mitigation of rearrangements in the planarization of ortho-phenylene hexamers
Authors: He Jian , Mathew Sanyo , Kinney Zacharias J. , Warrell Rachel M. , Molina James S. , Hartley C. Scott
Published: March 2015

Stepwise planarization of an ortho-phenylene hexamer demonstrates that otherwise inaccessible graphenes may be achievable from substrates with polycyclic repeat units.
Nitric oxide releasing plasma polymer coating with bacteriostatic properties and no cytotoxic side effects
Authors: Michl Thomas D. , Coad Bryan R. , Doran Michael , Osiecki Michael , Kafshgari Morteza Hasanzadeh , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Hüsler Amanda , Vasilev Krasimir , Griesser Hans J.
Published: March 2015

We report a stable plasma polymer coating which releases nitric oxide, inhibiting bacterial growth without cytotoxic side effects.
Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of three new cyano-bridged complexes based on the [Mn(CN)6]3−building block
Authors: Zhang Shao-Liang , Zhao Xin-Hua , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: March 2015

By tuning the reaction conditions and using macrocyclic ligands, three [Mn(CN)6]3−-based magnetic complexes were prepared and characterized.
Synthesis and characterization of a new mid-infrared transparent compound: acentric Ba5In4Te4S7
Authors: Tan De-Ming , Lin Chen-Sheng , Luo Zhong-Zhen , Zhang Hao , Zhang Wei-Long , He Zhang-Zhen , Cheng Wen-Dan
Published: March 2015

A new infrared nonlinear optical crystal with mixed anions: S–Te.
Aquatic photochemical kinetics of benzotriazole and structurally related compounds
Authors: Janssen Elisabeth M. L. , Marron Emily , McNeill Kristopher
Published: March 2015

Benzotriazole corrosion inhibitors are not completely removed during wastewater treatment and are frequently detected in surface waters.
Lipase purification using ionic liquids as adjuvants in aqueous two-phase systems
Authors: Souza Ranyere L. , Ventura Sónia P. M. , Soares Cleide M. F. , Coutinho João A. P. , Lima Álvaro S.
Published: March 2015

Ionic liquids as adjuvant in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are efficient, environmentally friendly, and “biocompatible” separation processes, which allow the high purification of enzymes.
Interactive articles in MedChemComm – connecting readers to a wealth of data and information
Authors: Kelly Richard
Published: March 2015

Direct linking to further chemical and biological data.
A new heterometallic terbium(iii)–ruthenium(ii) complex and its terbium(iii)–zinc(ii) analog: syntheses, characterization, luminescence, and electrochemical properties
Authors: Maria Xavier A. John , Samy N. Arockia , Paul M. Wilson Bosco , Brainard B. , Letticia M. , Alexander V.
Published: March 2015

TbIIIsensitized RuIIluminescence by intramolecular energy transfer from the luminescent5D4MC excited state of Tbiiito the3MLCT state of RuIIat RT in the d–f heterometallic assembly [Tb(NO3)2(L2){Ru(ttpy)}2](PF6)5is reported.
Functionalization of carbon nanotubes via Birch reduction chemistry for selective loading of CuO nanosheets
Authors: Sun Huiting , Song Xiaoping , Xu Minwei , Zhang Yin , Que Wenxiu , Yang Sen
Published: March 2015

CNTs pass through the inner part of CuO nanosheets, which ensures enhanced conductivity for electron transportation.
Absorptive carbon nanotube electrodes: Consequences of optical interference loss in thin film solar cells
Authors: Tait Jeffrey G. , De Volder Michaël F. L. , Cheyns David , Heremans Paul , Rand Barry P.
Published: March 2015

Ultrasonically spray coated carbon nanotube electrodes attain sheet resistances as low as 3.4 Ω □−1 without post-deposition treatments. Organic solar cells achieve similar performance as those with silver electrodes, while simulations of other PV materials elucidate device design parameters.
Self-assembled micelles of a multi-functional amphiphilic fusion (MFAF) peptide for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Cheng Yin-Jia , Cheng Hong , Zhao Xin , Xu Xiao-Ding , Zhuo Ren-Xi , He Feng
Published: March 2015

A new MFAF peptide was designed and prepared. The micelles of this MFAF peptide can efficiently use their tumor-targeting, membrane-penetrating and endosome-escaping functions to deliver the drug into targeted tumor cells, leading to the apoptosis of tumor cells.
Role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the protective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on lead-induced impairments of spine formation in the hippocampus of rats
Authors: Ge Meng-Meng , Hu Fan , Lou Zhi-Yi , Xue Weizhen , Yu Hang , Xu Li , Liu Zhi-Hua , Xu Yi , Chen Xiang-Tao , Wang Hui-Li
Published: March 2015

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may significantly reverse Pb-related spine damage in developing rats by increasing the expression of Wnt7a and the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Microbial lipid production from AFEX™ pretreated corn stover
Authors: Xue Ya-Ping , Jin Mingjie , Orjuela Andrea , Slininger Patricia J. , Dien Bruce S. , Dale Bruce E. , Balan Venkatesh
Published: March 2015

Comparison of cellulosic ethanol and cellulosic lipid production from corn stover.
Design, synthesis and mechanism of novel shikonin derivatives as potent anticancer agents
Authors: Baloch Shahla Karim , Ma Lin , Wang Xue-Liang , Shi Jing , Zhu Yu , Wu Feng-Yao , Pang Yan-Jun , Lu Gui-Hua , Qi Jin-Liang , Wang Xiao-Ming , Gu Hong-Wei , Yang Yong-Hua
Published: March 2015

Novel shikonin derivatives were synthesised and probed as anticancer agents. Compound 40 showed the best anticancer activity with an IC50 of 1.26 μM, could induce apoptosis and cause cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase via the P21 p-CDC2 (Tyr15) pathway independent of P53.
Controlled assembly of hybrid architectures based on carboxylic acid ligands and [(O3PCH2PO3)Mo6O22]12−
Authors: Sun Xiaopeng , Yang Donghui , Wang Gaigai , Liang Zhijie , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: March 2015

Polyanion 2a with a reverse symmetrical “crown-type” structure is composed of two {(HO3PCH2PO3)Mo6O18(CH3CO2)2} subunits and a linking bridge.
Cupreine grafted onto silica as an enantioselective and recyclable catalyst for the 1,4-addition of malonate to trans-β-nitrostyrene
Authors: Billault I. , Launez R. , Scherrmann M.-C.
Published: March 2015

First preparation of silica supported cupreine and its high catalytic performances for the asymmetric Michael addition in some biomass-derived solvents.
Enzymatic formation of a meta-stable supramolecular hydrogel for 3D cell culture
Authors: Chen Guoqin , Chen Jiaxin , Liu Qicai , Ou Caiwen , Gao Jie
Published: March 2015

A meta-stable supramolecular hydrogel triggered by phosphatase allows separation of cells post culture by simply pipetting and centrifugation.
Digitization of two-phase flow patterns in a microchannel induced by an external AC field
Authors: Sharma Abhinav , Chaudhuri Joydip , Kumar Vineet , Timung Seim , Mandal Tapas Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: March 2015

An externally applied alternating current (AC) electrostatic field can deform the interface of a pair of weakly conducting liquids to engender droplet flow patterns inside the ‘T’ shaped microchannels.
Engineering the epoxide hydrolase from Agromyces mediolanus for enhanced enantioselectivity and activity in the kinetic resolution of racemic epichlorohydrin
Authors: Xue Feng , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Wan Nan-Wei , Zhu Hang-Qin , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: March 2015

The biocatalytic production of enantiopure epichlorohydrin (ECH) has been steadily attracting more attention.
The applicability of the dimeric heterosynthon concept to molecules with equivalent binding sites. A DFT study of crystalline urea–H2O2
Authors: Medvedev A. G. , Shishkina A. V. , Prikhodchenko P. V. , Lev O. , Vener M. V.
Published: March 2015

The limited applicability of the dimeric heterosynthon concept to a two-component urea–H2O2crystal is reported.
Highly-ordered maghemite/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for high-performance photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Chandrasekaran Sundaram , Hur Seung Hyun , Kim Eui Jung , Rajagopalan Balasubramaniyan , Babu Kadumudi Firoz , Senthilkumar Velusamy , Chung Jin Suk , Choi Won Mook , Kim Yong Soo
Published: March 2015

Highly ordered γ-Fe2O3/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was synthesizedviaa facile solution technique combined with calcination at various temperatures.
α-NiS grown on reduced graphene oxide and single-wall carbon nanotubes as electrode materials for high-power supercapacitors
Authors: Yan Ji , Lui Gregory , Tjandra Ricky , Wang Xiaolei , Rasenthiram Lathankan , Yu Aiping
Published: March 2015

α-NiS combined with SWNTs and graphene exhibits high specific capacitance, and excellent rate performance and cycling stability.
Decomposition of S-nitroso species
Authors: Dorado J. B. , Dlugogorski B. Z. , Kennedy E. M. , Mackie J. C. , Gore J. , Altarawneh M.
Published: March 2015

Not an ordinary day for Mario and Luigi; this work explores the decomposition pathways of RSNO+ species.
Convenient synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted quinazolin-4(3H)-ones and 2-styryl-3-substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-ones: applications towards the synthesis of drugs
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Jadhavar Pradeep S. , Nautiyal Manesh , Sharma Himanshu , Meena Prahlad K. , Adane Legesse , Pancholia Sahaj , Chakraborti Asit K.
Published: March 2015

Simple, convenient, and green synthetic protocols have been developed for the one pot synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted quinazolin-4(3H)-ones and 2-styryl-3-substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-ones under catalyst and solvent free conditions.
Triphenylphosphine modified graphene quantum dots: spectral modulation for full spectrum of visible light with high quantum yield
Authors: Yang Siwei , Zhu Chong , Sun Jing , He Peng , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning , Ding Guqiao , Xie Xiaoming
Published: March 2015

The spectral modulation for visible light with high quantum yield is developed based on triphenylphosphine modified graphene quantum dots.
Local electric field factors by a combined charge-transfer and point–dipole interaction model
Authors: Davari Nazanin , Haghdani Shokouh , Åstrand Per-Olof , Schatz George C.
Published: March 2015

A model for the local electric field as a linear response to a frequency-dependent external electric field is presented based on a combined charge-transfer and point–dipole interaction force-field model.
Temperature-driven structural evolution of carbon modified LiFePO4in air
Authors: Ni Jiangfeng , Wang Yue
Published: March 2015

A structural evolution map of LiFePO4upon exposure to air was developed through various structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical analyses.
Integrated nanocatalysts: a unique class of heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Gawande Manoj B. , Zboril Radek , Malgras Victor , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: March 2015

In this highlight, we demonstrate the sophisticated nanoarchitecture, synthetic approaches and unique catalytic properties of specifically selected integrated nanocatalysts.
High and selective CO2 adsorption by a phthalocyanine nanoporous polymer
Authors: Neti Venkata S. Pavan K. , Wang Jun , Deng Shuguang , Echegoyen Luis
Published: March 2015

A rigid macrocyclic phthalocyanine-based porous polymer, CPP, was synthesized by a one pot “click” reaction between tetraazido-phthalocyanine and bisamine diethynylbenzene.
Composite of hierarchical interpenetrating 3D hollow carbon skeleton from lotus pollen and hexagonal MnO2 nanosheets for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Li Hongpeng , Wang Bin , He Xinyi , Xiao Jun , Zhang Hongseng , Liu Qi , Liu Jingyuan , Wang Jun , Liu Lianhe , Wang Peng
Published: March 2015

Hierarchical and interpenetrating three-dimensional (3D) hollow MnO2/C composites have been successfully prepared via a facile and rapid dipping method.
Physics-based modeling of mechano-electric transduction of tube-shaped ionic polymer-metal composite
Authors: Stalbaum Tyler , Pugal David , Nelson Shelby E. , Palmre Viljar , Kim Kwang J.
Published: March 2015

In this study, tube-shaped ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) mechanoelectrical transducers have been examined through simulation and experimental investigation for use as multi-directional sensor devices. It should be noted that cation migration simulations provide keen insight into the differences in actuation and sensing phenomena in IPMC transducers. COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3b is used to achieve 3D time-based finite element simulations, including all relevant physics. A physics-based model is proposed to simulate mechanoelectrical transduction of 3D shaped IPMCs. Configuration of interest is a tube-shaped IPMC with multi-directional transducer capabilities. Also, the fabricated IPMCs have an outer diameter of 1 mm and a length of 20–25 mm. Multi-directional sensing results are presented. The cation rise in a very small (roughly 10 micrometers) sub-surface layer near the electrodes is several orders of magnitude larger in case of actuation than in case of sensing. Furthermore, the signal produced from sensing is of opposite charge direction as that provided as input for actuation to achieve the same displacement. However, cation rise is in the same direction, indicating anion concentration change as the primary effect in sensing. The proposed model is independent of general geometry and can be readily applied to IPMC sensors of other complex 3D shapes.
Research on a 170 GHz, 2 MW coaxial cavity gyrotron with inner-outer corrugation
Authors: Hou Shenyong , Yu Sheng , Li Hongfu
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a coaxial cavity gyrotron with inner-outer corrugation is researched. The electron kineto-equations and the first order transmission line equations of the gyrotron are derived from Lorentz force equation and the transmission line theory, respectively. And then, a 2 MW, 170 GHz coaxial cavity gyrotron with inner-outer corrugation is designed. By means of numerical calculation, the beam-wave interaction of the coaxial cavity gyrotron with inner-outer corrugation is investigated. Results show that the efficient and the outpower of the gyrotron are 42.3% and 2.38 MW, respectively.
Optimized molecular reconstruction procedure combining hybrid reverse Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics
Authors: Bousige Colin , Boţan Alexandru , Ulm Franz-Josef , Pellenq Roland J.-M. , Coasne Benoît
Published: March 2015

We report an efficient atom-scale reconstruction method that consists of combining the Hybrid Reverse Monte Carlo algorithm (HRMC) with Molecular Dynamics (MD) in the framework of a simulated annealing technique. In the spirit of the experimentally constrained molecular relaxation technique [Biswas et al., Phys. Rev. B 69, 195207 (2004)], this modified procedure offers a refined strategy in the field of reconstruction techniques, with special interest for heterogeneous and disordered solids such as amorphous porous materials. While the HRMC method generates physical structures, thanks to the use of energy penalties, the combination with MD makes the method at least one order of magnitude faster than HRMC simulations to obtain structures of similar quality. Furthermore, in order to ensure the transferability of this technique, we provide rational arguments to select the various input parameters such as the relative weight ω of the energy penalty with respect to the structure optimization. By applying the method to disordered porous carbons, we show that adsorption properties provide data to test the global texture of the reconstructed sample but are only weakly sensitive to the presence of defects. In contrast, the vibrational properties such as the phonon density of states are found to be very sensitive to the local structure of the sample.
Modeling the effects of pH and ionic strength on swelling of polyelectrolyte gels
Authors: Drozdov A. D. , deClaville Christiansen J.
Published: March 2015

A model is developed for the elastic response of a polyelectrolyte gel under unconstrained and constrained swelling in a water bath with an arbitrary pH, where a monovalent salt is dissolved. A gel is treated as a three-phase medium consisting of an equivalent polymer network, solvent (water), and solute (mobile ions). Transport of solvent and solute is thought of as their diffusion through the network accelerated by an electric field formed by mobile and fixed ions and accompanied by chemical reactions (self-ionization of water molecules, dissociation of functional groups attached to polymer chains, and formation of ion pairs between bound charges and mobile counter-ions). Constitutive equations are derived by means of the free energy imbalance inequality for an arbitrary three-dimensional deformation with finite strains. Adjustable parameters in the governing relations are found by fitting equilibrium swelling diagrams on several hydrogels. The effects of pH, ionic strength of solution, and constraints on equilibrium water uptake are studied numerically.
Observation of spin rectification in Pt/yttrium iron garnet bilayer
Authors: Rao Jinwei , Fan Xiaolong , Ma Li , Zhou Hengan , Zhao Xiaobing , Zhao Jing , Zhang Fengzhen , Zhou Shiming , Xue Desheng
Published: March 2015

We used the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) to study the dc voltage generation in Pt 20 nm layer deposited on yttrium iron garnet. Although the main contribution to the FMR voltage comes from the inverse spin Hall effect associated with spin pumping, the spin rectification would also contribute the resonance signal via the “new” magnetoresistance effect in Pt layer. Based on a symmetry consideration, we can separate those two effects through angular dependent resonance amplitude.
Dynamic contact angle measurements on superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Kim Jeong-Hyun , Kavehpour H. Pirouz , Rothstein Jonathan P.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the dynamic advancing and receding contact angles of a series of aqueous solutions were measured on a number of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces using a modified Wilhelmy plate technique. Superhydrophobic surfaces are hydrophobic surfaces with micron or nanometer sized surface roughness. These surfaces have very large static advancing contact angles and little static contact angle hysteresis. In this study, the dynamic advancing and dynamic receding contact angles on superhydrophobic surfaces were measured as a function of plate velocity and capillary number. The dynamic contact angles measured on a smooth hydrophobic Teflon surface were found to obey the scaling with capillary number predicted by the Cox-Voinov-Tanner law, θD3 ∝ Ca. The response of the dynamic contact angle on the superhydrophobic surfaces, however, did not follow the same scaling law. The advancing contact angle was found to remain constant at θA = 160∘, independent of capillary number. The dynamic receding contact angle measurements on superhydrophobic surfaces were found to decrease with increasing capillary number; however, the presence of slip on the superhydrophobic surface was found to result in a shift in the onset of dynamic contact angle variation to larger capillary numbers. In addition, a much weaker dependence of the dynamic contact angle on capillary number was observed for some of the superhydrophobic surfaces tested.
Error analysis for ultra dense nanomagnet logic circuits
Authors: Shah Faisal A. , Csaba Gyorgy , Niemier Michael T. , Hu Xiaobo S. , Porod Wolfgang , Bernstein Gary H.
Published: March 2015

Dependency of errors in nanomagnet logic datalines on the dipole coupling strength is investigated. Evolution of different types of errors at different coupling strengths is studied. Dipole coupling strength in datalines is varied by changing the inter-magnet spacing from 30 nm to 10 nm and the aspect ratios of the 20-nm-thick Supermalloy (Ni79Fe16Mo5) dots from 90 × 60 nm2 to 120 × 60 nm2. An error rate improvement up to 46% is observed for inter-magnet space reduction from 30 nm to 10 nm. Error rates in datalines with larger spacing are dominated by premature switching, whereas a new type of error, due to the stronger influence of the driver magnets, dominates in datalines with tighter (sub-20-nm) spacing. For same spacing, datalines with lower aspect ratio magnets show higher error rates compared to those with higher aspect ratio.
A simplified scheme for generating narrow-band mid-ultraviolet laser radiation
Authors: Almog G. , Scholz M. , Weber W. , Leisching P. , Kaenders W. , Udem Th.
Published: March 2015

We report on the development and characterization of continuous, narrow-band, and tunable laser systems that use direct second-harmonic generation from blue and green diode lasers with an output power level of up to 11.1 mW in the mid-ultraviolet. One of our laser systems was tuned to the mercury 61S0 → 63P1 intercombination line at 253.7 nm. We could perform Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy on this line and were able to lock our laser to the transition frequency on long time scales.
Programmable and on-demand drug release using electrical stimulation
Authors: Yi Y. T. , Sun J. Y. , Lu Y. W. , Liao Y. C.
Published: March 2015

Recent advancement in microfabrication has enabled the implementation of implantable drug delivery devices with precise drug administration and fast release rates at specific locations. This article presents a membrane-based drug delivery device, which can be electrically stimulated to release drugs on demand with a fast release rate. Hydrogels with ionic model drugs are sealed in a cylindrical reservoir with a separation membrane. Electrokinetic forces are then utilized to drive ionic drug molecules from the hydrogels into surrounding bulk solutions. The drug release profiles of a model drug show that release rates from the device can be electrically controlled by adjusting the stimulated voltage. When a square voltage wave is applied, the device can be quickly switched between on and off to achieve pulsatile release. The drug dose released is then determined by the duration and amplitude of the applied voltages. In addition, successive on/off cycles can be programmed in the voltage waveforms to generate consistent and repeatable drug release pulses for on-demand drug delivery.
Enhancing the magnetoelectric response of Terfenol-D/polyvinylidene fluoride/Terfenol-D laminates by exploiting the shear mode effect
Authors: Lu Meng-Chien , Mei Lei , Jeong Dae-Yong , Xiang Jing , Xie Huaqing , Zhang Q. M.
Published: March 2015

Magnetoelectric (ME) composites have demonstrated high sensitivity for magnetic field sensor applications. Here, we report a ME laminate heterostructure consisting of magnetostrictive Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.92 (Terfenol-D) alloy and piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layers, both operated in shear mode. We show that the shear mode ME sensor exhibits a marked improved ME effect compared with the traditional ME composites operated in longitudinal and transverse piezoelectric and magnetostrictive modes using the same materials. A giant ME coefficient of 7.93 V/(cm·Oe) is obtained under a DC magnetic bias of 2300 Oe. The improved ME coefficient derives from the shear-mode heterostructure design, which allows both the Terfenol-D and PVDF to operate in shear mode that has maximum magnetoelectrical coupling coefficient.
Leapfrogging of multiple coaxial viscous vortex rings
Authors: Cheng M. , Lou J. , Lim T. T.
Published: March 2015

A recent theoretical study [Borisov, Kilin, and Mamaev, “The dynamics of vortex rings: Leapfrogging, choreographies and the stability problem,” Regular Chaotic Dyn. 18, 33 (2013); Borisov et al., “The dynamics of vortex rings: Leapfrogging in an ideal and viscous fluid,” Fluid Dyn. Res. 46, 031415 (2014)] shows that when three coaxial vortex rings travel in the same direction in an incompressible ideal fluid, each of the vortex rings alternately slips through (or leapfrogs) the other two ahead. Here, we use a lattice Boltzmann method to simulate viscous vortex rings with an identical initial circulation, radius, and separation distance with the aim of studying how viscous effect influences the outcomes of the leapfrogging process. For the case of two identical vortex rings, our computation shows that leapfrogging can be achieved only under certain favorable conditions, which depend on Reynolds number, vortex core size, and initial separation distance between the two rings. For the case of three coaxial vortex rings, the result differs from the inviscid model and shows that the second vortex ring always slips through the leading ring first, followed by the third ring slipping through the other two ahead. A simple physical model is proposed to explain the observed behavior.