bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Characterization of Structural and Mechanical Properties of Boron Nitride Nanotubes in High Temperature Environments
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Dmuchowski Christopher M. , Park Cheol , Fay Catharine C. , Ke Changhong
Published: September 2017

The structural stability and mechanical integrity of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in high temperature environments are of importance in pursuit of their applications that are involved with extreme thermal processing and/or working conditions, but remain not well understood. In this paper, we perform an extensive study of the impacts of high temperature exposure on the structural and mechanical properties of BNNTs with a full structural size spectrum from nano- to micro- to macro-scale by using a variety of in situ and ex situ material characterization techniques. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal that the structures of individual BNNTs can survive at up to 850 °C in air and capture the signs of their structural degradation at 900 °C or above. In situ Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal that the BN bonds in BNNT micro-fibrils undergo substantial softening at elevated temperatures of up to 900 °C. The AFM-based nanomechanical compression measurements demonstrate that the mechanical integrity of individual BNNTs remain intact after being thermally baked at up to 850 °C in air. The studies reveal that BNNTs are structurally and mechanically stable materials in high temperature environments, which enables their usages in high temperature applications.
Neural correlates of ambient thermal sensation: An fMRI study
Authors: Oi Hajime , Hashimoto Teruo , Nozawa Takayuki , Kanno Akitake , Kawata Natasha , Hirano Kanan , Yamamoto Yuki , Sugiura Motoaki , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: September 2017

An increasing number of biometeorological and psychological studies have demonstrated the importance and complexity of the processes involved in environmental thermal perception in humans. However, extant functional imaging data on thermal perception have yet to fully reveal the neural mechanisms underlying these processes because most studies were performed using local thermal stimulation and did not dissociate thermal sensation from comfort. Thus, for the first time, the present study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and manipulated ambient temperature during brain measurement to independently explore the neural correlates of thermal sensation and comfort. There were significant correlations between the sensation of a lower temperature and activation in the left dorsal posterior insula, putamen, amygdala, and bilateral retrosplenial cortices but no significant correlations were observed between brain activation and thermal comfort. The dorsal posterior insula corresponds to the phylogenetically new thermosensory cortex whereas the limbic structures (i.e., amygdala and retrosplenial cortex) and dorsal striatum may be associated with supramodal emotional representations and the behavioral motivation to obtain heat, respectively. The co-involvement of these phylogenetically new and old systems may explain the psychological processes underlying the flexible psychological and behavioral thermo-environmental adaptations that are unique to humans.
IL-4 enhances IL-10 production in Th1 cells: implications for Th1 and Th2 regulation
Authors: Mitchell Ruth E. , Hassan Masriana , Burton Bronwen R. , Britton Graham , Hill Elaine V. , Verhagen Johan , Wraith David C.
Published: September 2017

IL-10 is an immunomodulatory cytokine with a critical role in limiting inflammation in immune-mediated pathologies. The mechanisms leading to IL-10 expression by CD4+T cells are being elucidated, with several cytokines implicated. We explored the effect of IL-4 on the natural phenomenon of IL-10 production by a chronically stimulated antigen-specific population of differentiated Th1 cells.In vitro, IL-4 blockade inhibited while addition of exogenous IL-4 to Th1 cultures enhanced IL-10 production. In thein vivosetting of peptide immunotherapy leading to a chronically stimulated Th1 phenotype, lack of IL-4Rα inhibited the induction of IL-10. Exploring the interplay of Th1 and Th2 cells through co-culture, Th2-derived IL-4 promoted IL-10 expression by Th1 cultures, reducing their pathogenicityin vivo. Co-culture led to upregulated c-Maf expression with no decrease in the proportion of T-bet+cells in these cultures. Addition of IL-4 also reduced the encephalitogenic capacity of Th1 cultures. These data demonstrate that IL-4 contributes to IL-10 production and that Th2 cells modulate Th1 cultures towards a self-regulatory phenotype, contributing to the cross-regulation of Th1 and Th2 cells. These findings are important in the context of Th1 driven diseases since they reveal how the Th1 phenotype and function can be modulated by IL-4.
Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of the toluene degrading black yeast Cladophialophora immunda
Authors: Blasi Barbara , Tafer Hakim , Kustor Christina , Poyntner Caroline , Lopandic Ksenija , Sterflinger Katja
Published: September 2017

Cladophialophora immunda is an ascomycotal species belonging to the group of the black yeasts. These fungi have a thick and melanized cell wall and other physiological adaptations that allows them to cope with several extreme physical and chemical conditions. Member of the group can colonize some of the most extremophilic environments on Earth. Cladophialophora immunda together with a few other species of the order Chaetothyriales show a special association with hydrocarbon polluted environments. The finding that the fungus is able to completely mineralize toluene makes it an interesting candidate for bioremediation purposes. The present study is the first transcriptomic investigation of a fungus grown in presence of toluene as sole carbon and energy source. We could observe the activation of genes involved in toluene degradatation and several stress response mechanisms which allowed the fungus to survive the toluene exposure. The thorough comparative genomics analysis allowed us to identify several events of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and Cladophialophora immunda and unveil toluene degradation steps that were previously reported in bacteria. The work presented here aims to give new insights into the ecology of Cladophialophora immunda and its adaptation strategies to hydrocarbon polluted environments.
Fabrication and characterisation of magnetic graphene oxide incorporated Fe3O4@polyaniline for the removal of bisphenol A, t-octyl-phenol, and α-naphthol from water
Authors: Zhou Qingxiang , Wang Yuqin , Xiao Junping , Fan Huili
Published: September 2017

In this study, we fabricated a novel material composed of magnetic graphene oxide incorporated Fe3O4@polyaniline (Fe3O4@PANI-GO) using a modified Hummers’ method, solvothermal, and two-step polymerisation method. The resulting products were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that magnetic Fe3O4@PANI particles were successfully loaded onto the surface of the graphene oxide. Further Fe3O4@PANI-GO was investigated to remove bisphenol A(BPA), α-naphthol, and t-octyl-phenol (t-OP) from water samples by magnetic solid phase extraction. Under the optimal conditions, the Fe3O4@PANI-GO composite exhibited good adsorption capacity for t-OP, BPA, and α-naphthol, and the adsorption of these followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Adsorption isotherms fit the Langmuir model, and the adsorption was an endothermic and spontaneous process. This work indicated that Fe3O4@PANI-GO earned great application prospect for removing phenolic contaminants from polluted water.
Berberine ameliorates fatty acid-induced oxidative stress in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Sun Yixuan , Yuan Xinlu , Zhang Feifei , Han Yamei , Chang Xinxia , Xu Xi , Li Yu , Gao Xin
Published: September 2017

Oxidative stress is thought to be critical for the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and its progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Berberine (BBR) can improve hepatic steatosis. In this study, we investigated the role of BBR in ameliorating oxidative stress. Lipid accumulation was measured in the livers of C57BL/6 mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) or a normal diet for 8 weeks, then either received BBR or vehicle for the study duration. Nrf2 distribution was detected in male Sprague-Dawley rats’ livers in vivo and in Huh7 cells in vitro. ROS generation and mitochondrial complex expression was measured in Huh7 cells. HepG2 cells were employed for the measurement of oxygen consumption rates. Our results showed that BBR reduced triglyceride accumulation in the liver of HFD-fed mice. The activation and nuclear distribution of Nrf2 was decreased in the hepatocytes of rats that received BBR treatment, while on a HFD. BBR also markedly reduced Nox2-dependent cytoplasmic ROS production and mitochondrial ROS production, which was mediated by the down-regulation of Complex I and III expression. In conclusion, BBR has a great potential to reduce the effects of oxidative stress, which likely contributes to its protective effect in inhibiting the progression of hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis.
Effect of HNO3 concentration on a novel silica-based adsorbent for separating Pd(II) from simulated high level liquid waste
Authors: Ge Guo , Yuanlai Xu , Xinxin Yang , Fen Wang , Fang Zhou , Junxia Yu , Ruan Chi
Published: September 2017

A new kind of silica-based (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P adsorbent with high selectivity adsorption for palladium (Pd) was synthesized to examined the applicability for partitioning process of high level liquid waste (HLLW). Adsorption behavior of Pd(II) towards (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P adsorbent and stability of adsorbent against HNO3solution were investigated by batch method. The degradation parts of (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P dissolved in liquid phase were estimated by total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer. (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P adsorbent showed good selectivity adsorption for Pd(II) and reached equilibrium within 24 hr. The adsorption ability of (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P for Pd(II) and the content of TOC leaked decreased with the increasing of HNO3concentration. In 3 M HNO3, the average ofKdvalues were 85.03 cm3/g and 26.10 cm3/g after contact time one to 28 days at 298 K and 323 K, respectively. While the content of TOC leaked from the adsorbent after 28 days were 1095 ppm (298 K) and 2989 ppm (323 K), respectively. Therefore, the adsorbent showed good stability at 298 K after contact with nitric acid for a long time. All results indicated (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P can be proposed as an applicable and efficient absorbent for separation of Pd(II) in 3 M HNO3at 298 K.
Multiplex quantitative analysis of microRNA expression via exponential isothermal amplification and conformation-sensitive DNA separation
Authors: Na Jeongkyeong , Shin Gi Won , Son Heehwa G. , Lee Seung-Jae V. , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: September 2017

Expression profiling of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) generally provides valuable information for understanding various biological processes. Thus, it is necessary to develop a sensitive and accurate miRNA assay suitable for multiplexing. Isothermal exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR) has received significant interest as an miRNA analysis method because of high amplification efficiency. However, EXPAR cannot be used for a broader range of applications owing to limitations such as complexity of probe design and lack of proper detection method for multiplex analysis. Here, we developed a sensitive and accurate multiplex miRNA profiling method using modified isothermal EXPAR combined with high-resolution capillary electrophoresis-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (CE-SSCP). To increase target miRNA specificity, a stem-loop probe was introduced instead of a linear probe in isothermal EXPAR to allow specific amplification of multiple miRNAs with minimal background signals. CE-SSCP, a conformation-dependent separation method, was used for detection. Since CE-SSCP eliminates the need for probes to have different lengths, easier designing of probes with uniform amplification efficiency was possible. Eight small RNAs comprising six miRNAs involved in Caenorhabditis elegans development and two controls were analyzed. The expression patterns obtained using our method were concordant with those reported in previous studies, thereby supporting the proposed method’s robustness and utility.
MiR-503 modulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting PI3K p85 and is sponged by lncRNA MALAT1
Authors: Yan Weiwen , Wu Qiuyun , Yao Wenxi , Li Yan , Liu Yi , Yuan Jiali , Han Ruhui , Yang Jingjin , Ji Xiaoming , Ni Chunhui
Published: September 2017

Silicosis is a kind of chronic, progressive and incurable lung fibrotic diseases with largely unknown and complex pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms. Mounting evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of silicosis. Our previous study based on miRNA microarray had shown that the expression levels of miR-503 were down-regulated in mouse lung tissues of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we validated the decreased expression of miR-503 in the fibrotic mouse lung tissues, human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) and human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells which were exposed to silica. In addition, overexpressed miR-503 inhibited silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by attenuating the severity and the distribution of lesions in vivo and limiting the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Our molecular study further demonstrated that PI3K p85 is one of the target genes of miR-503 and the downstream molecules (Akt, mTOR and Snail) are tightly associated with EMT. Furthermore, the up-regulated lncRNA Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), can directly bound to miR-503, which indicated that lncRNA MALAT1 may modulate the expression of miR-503 thus triggering the activation of downstream fibrotic signaling pathways. Taken together, our data suggested that MALAT1-miR-503-PI3K/Akt/mTOR/Snail pathway plays critical roles in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Functional dissection of hematopoietic stem cell populations with a stemness-monitoring system based on NS-GFP transgene expression
Authors: Ali Mohamed A. E. , Fuse Kyoko , Tadokoro Yuko , Hoshii Takayuki , Ueno Masaya , Kobayashi Masahiko , Nomura Naho , Vu Ha Thi , Peng Hui , Hegazy Ahmed M. , Masuko Masayoshi , Sone Hirohito , Arai Fumio , Tajima Atsushi , Hirao Atsushi
Published: September 2017

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in a steady state can be efficiently purified by selecting for a combination of several cell surface markers; however, such markers do not consistently reflect HSC activity. In this study, we successfully enriched HSCs with a unique stemness-monitoring system using a transgenic mouse in which green florescence protein (GFP) is driven by the promoter/enhancer region of the nucleostemin (NS) gene. We found that the phenotypically defined long-term (LT)-HSC population exhibited the highest level of NS-GFP intensity, whereas NS-GFP intensity was strongly downregulated during differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Within the LT-HSC population, NS-GFPhigh cells exhibited significantly higher repopulating capacity than NS-GFPlow cells. Gene expression analysis revealed that nine genes, including Vwf and Cdkn1c (p57), are highly expressed in NS-GFPhigh cells and may represent a signature of HSCs, i.e., a stemness signature. When LT-HSCs suffered from remarkable stress, such as transplantation or irradiation, NS-GFP intensity was downregulated. Finally, we found that high levels of NS-GFP identified HSC-like cells even among CD34+ cells, which have been considered progenitor cells without long-term reconstitution ability. Thus, high NS-GFP expression represents stem cell characteristics in hematopoietic cells, making this system useful for identifying previously uncharacterized HSCs.
High sulfur-containing carbon polysulfide polymer as a novel cathode material for lithium-sulfur battery
Authors: Zhang Yiyong , Peng Yueying , Wang Yunhui , Li Jiyang , Li He , Zeng Jing , Wang Jing , Hwang Bing Joe , Zhao Jinbao
Published: September 2017

The lithium-sulfur battery, which offers a high energy density and is environmental friendly, is a promising next generation of rechargeable energy storage system. However, despite these attractive attributes, the commercialization of lithium-sulfur battery is primarily hindered by the parasitic reactions between the Li metal anode and dissolved polysulfide species from the cathode during the cycling process. Herein, we synthesize the sulfur-rich carbon polysulfide polymer and demonstrate that it is a promising cathode material for high performance lithium-sulfur battery. The electrochemical studies reveal that the carbon polysulfide polymer exhibits superb reversibility and cycle stability. This is due to that the well-designed structure of the carbon polysulfide polymer has several advantages, especially, the strong chemical interaction between sulfur and the carbon framework (C-S bonds) inhibits the shuttle effect and the π electrons of the carbon polysulfide compound enhance the transfer of electrons and Li+. Furthermore, as-prepared carbon polysulfide polymer-graphene hybrid cathode achieves outstanding cycle stability and relatively high capacity. This work highlights the potential promise of the carbon polysulfide polymer as the cathode material for high performance lithium-sulfur battery.
Integration of c-axis oriented Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti2.95Hf0.05O12/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 ferromagnetic-ferroelectric composite film on Si substrate
Authors: Duan Zongfan , Cui Ying , Zhao Gaoyang , Li Xiaoguang , Peng Biaolin , Han Chunchun
Published: September 2017

A La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) ferromagnetic layer and a Nd3+/Hf4+ co-substituted Bi4Ti3O12 (Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3-xHfxO12 (BNTHx, x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15)) ferroelectric layer were successively deposited onto the (00 l)-oriented LaNiO3 (LNO) layer buffered (001) Si substrate via all chemical solution deposition (CSD) method. As a result, the BNTHx/LSMO ferromagnetic-ferroelectric composite films integrated on Si substrate exhibit high c-axis orientation. The Nd3+/Hf4+ co-substituted BNTHx films have the lower leakage current and the better ferroelectric properties than the mono-substituted Bi4Ti3O12 (Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 and Bi4Ti2.95Hf0.05O12) films. In particular, the BNTH0.05/LSMO/LNO film has the lowest leakage current density of 2.5 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 200 kV/cm, and the highest remnant polarization (Pr) of 27.3 μC/cm2. The BNTH0.05/LSMO/LNO composite film also exhibits the soft ferromagnetism characteristics with a high saturated magnetization of 258 emu/cm3 at 300 K, and the excellent magnetoelectric (ME) effect. The variations of ME voltage coefficient αE values with DC bias magnetic field Hbias shows that the BNTH0.05/LSMO/LNO film has the high αE value at near zero Hbias. Moreover, at Hbias = 0 Oe, the αE value gradually increases from zero with the increasing of the AC magnetic field frequency, and eventually reaches about 18.9 V/cm·Oe at 100 kHz, suggesting the existence of self-biased ME effect.
Single Cell Oxygen Mapping (SCOM) by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Uncovers Heterogeneous Intracellular Oxygen Consumption
Authors: Santos Carla Santana , Kowaltowski Alicia J. , Bertotti Mauro
Published: September 2017

We developed a highly sensitive oxygen consumption scanning microscopy system using platinized platinum disc microelectrodes. The system is capable of reliably detecting single-cell respiration, responding to classical regulators of mitochondrial oxygen consumption activity as expected. Comparisons with commercial multi-cell oxygen detection systems show that the system has comparable errors (if not smaller), with the advantage of being able to monitor inter and intra-cell heterogeneity in oxygen consumption characteristics. Our results uncover heterogeneous oxygen consumption characteristics between cells and within the same cell´s microenvironments. Single Cell Oxygen Mapping (SCOM) is thus capable of reliably studying mitochondrial oxygen consumption characteristics and heterogeneity at a single-cell level.
Exploration of significant influences of the operating conditions on the local O2 transport in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)
Authors: Shen Shuiyun , Cheng Xiaojing , Wang Chao , Yan Xiaohui , Ke Changchun , Yin Jiewei , Zhang Junliang
Published: September 2017

Contrary to established rules, the local O2 transport resistance is aggravated along with the increase in dry mole fraction O2.
Mechanistic and kinetic studies of elemental mercury oxidation over a RuO2/rutile TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Liu Zhouyang , Sriram Vishnu , Li Can , Lee Joo-Youp
Published: September 2017

A mechanistic study using in situ DRIFTS and a kinetic study were conducted on a ruthenium oxide based mercury oxidation catalyst.
Synthesis, structure, and photophysics of copper(i) triphenylphosphine complexes with functionalized 3-(2′-pyrimidinyl)-1,2,4-triazole ligands
Authors: Chen Jing-Lin , Zeng Xue-Hua , Luo Yan-Sheng , Wang Wan-Man , He Li-Hua , Liu Sui-Jun , Wen He-Rui , Huang Shuping , Liu Li , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: September 2017

The use of CF3 group can enhance the solid-state luminescence of 1,2,4-triazole-based Cu(i) complexes but the use of But and pyrimidinyl groups and the 1,2,4-triazolyl-NH deprotonation do not favor this.
Synthesis, stability and Li-ion mobility of nanoconfined Li2B12H12
Authors: Yan Y. , Rentsch D. , Battaglia C. , Remhof A.
Published: September 2017

We demonstrate the first synthesis of nanoconfined Li2B12H12 using nano-porous SiO2 scaffold and evaluate the thermal stability and Li-ion mobility.
Structural and physical–chemical behavior of a CeO2 nanoparticle based diesel additive during combustion and environmental release
Authors: Auffan M. , Tella M. , Liu W. , Pariat A. , Cabié M. , Borschneck D. , Angeletti B. , Landrot G. , Mouneyrac C. , Giambérini L. , Rose J.
Published: September 2017

The colloidal and chemical stability of CeO2 nanoparticles used in a diesel additive (viz. Envirox™) was studied at different stages of their lifecycle (formulation, use, end of life).
Retraction: The feasibility of char and bio-oil production from pyrolysis of pit latrine sludge
Authors: Bond Tom , Tse Queenie , Chambon Clementine L. , Fennell Paul , Fowler Geoff D. , Templeton Michael R.
Published: September 2017

Retraction of ‘The feasibility of char and bio-oil production from pyrolysis of pit latrine sludge’ by Tom Bond et al., Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7ew00132k.
Pyrimidine nucleotides containing a (S)-methanocarba ring as P2Y6 receptor agonists
Authors: Toti Kiran S. , Jain Shanu , Ciancetta Antonella , Balasubramanian Ramachandran , Chakraborty Saibal , Surujdin Ryan , Shi Zhen-Dan , Jacobson Kenneth A.
Published: September 2017

Uracil nucleotides containing a south-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane ((S)-methanocarba) ring system in place of the ribose ring were synthesized and shown to be potent P2Y6R agonists in a calcium mobilization assay.
The nature of the Au–N bond in gold(iii) complexes with aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocycles: the influence of Au(iii) ions on the ligand aromaticity
Authors: Radenković Slavko , Antić Marija , Savić Nada D. , Glišić Biljana Đ.
Published: September 2017

Aromatic character of nitrogen-containing rings is decreased upon gold(iii) coordination.
C60 additive-assisted crystallization in CH3NH3Pb0.75Sn0.25I3 perovskite solar cells with high stability and efficiency
Authors: Liu Chong , Li Wenzhe , Li Hongliang , Zhang Cuiling , Fan Jiandong , Mai Yaohua
Published: September 2017

The hybrid Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells with C60 additive were demonstrated to own superior stability and efficiency when exposed to the ambient environment without encapsulation.
Electronic imitation of behavioral and psychological synaptic activities using TiOx/Al2O3-based memristor devices
Authors: Banerjee Writam , Liu Qi , Lv Hangbing , Long Shibing , Liu Ming
Published: September 2017

We report a TiOx/Al2O3-based electronic synapse that can mimic synaptic activity, successfully achieve <1% change per pulse and, at the same time, psychologically replicate the memorizing pattern of biological memory.
Tunable fabrication of folic acid-Au@poly(acrylic acid)/mesoporous calcium phosphate Janus nanoparticles for CT imaging and active-targeted chemotherapy of cancer cells
Authors: Wang Huiyuan , Li Shengnan , Zhang Lingyu , Chen Xiangjun , Wang Tingting , Zhang Manjie , Li Lu , Wang Chungang
Published: September 2017

A novel folic acid-Au@poly(acrylic acid)/mesoporous calcium phosphate Janus nanoparticles were synthesized for CT imaging and active-targeted chemotherapy in vitro.
Supramolecular polymers based on a pillar[5]arene-fused cryptand: design, fabrication and degradation accompanied by a fluorescence change
Authors: Wang Qi , Cheng Ming , Tian Lu , Fan Quli , Jiang Juli
Published: September 2017

Novel supramolecular polymers based on a pillar[5]arene-fused cryptand have been constructed easily and conveniently, in which three orthogonal interactions were combined together.
An inorganic–organic nanocomposite calix[4]quinone (C4Q)/CMK-3 as a cathode material for high-capacity sodium batteries
Authors: Zheng Shibing , Hu Jinyan , Huang Weiwei
Published: September 2017

A novel high-capacity cathode material C4Q/CMK-3 for SIBs shows an initial discharge capacity of 438 mA h g−1 and a capacity retention of 219.2 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles.
Cyanopyridone flanked the tetraphenylethylene to generate an efficient, three-dimensional small molecule non-fullerene electron acceptor
Authors: Rananaware Anushri , Gupta Akhil , Kadam Gajanan , Duc La Duong , Bilic Ante , Xiang Wanchun , Evans Richard A. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: September 2017

A cyanopyridone-functionalised non-fullerene acceptor (CP1). Device: ITO/P3HT : CP1 (1 : 1.2)/Ca/Al; PCE: 6.02%.
Recyclable, bifunctional composites of perovskite type N-CaTiO3 and reduced graphene oxide as an efficient adsorptive photocatalyst for environmental remediation
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Kumar Suneel , Bahuguna Ashish , Kumar Ajay , Sharma Vipul , Krishnan Venkata
Published: September 2017

Novel RGO–NCT composites have been synthesized and utilized for the degradation of MB and TBZ, as efficient bifunctional adsorptive photocatalysts.
Gold-catalyzed diversified synthesis of 3-aminosugar analogues of digitoxin and digoxin
Authors: Zeng Jing , Sun Guangfei , Wang Ruobin , Zhang Shuxin , Teng Shuang , Liao Zhiwen , Meng Lingkui , Wan Qian
Published: September 2017

A small library containing 3-aminosugar analogues of digitoxin and digoxin with potent anticancer activities was constructed by gold-catalyzed glycosylation.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel O2-derived diazeniumdiolates as photochemical and real-time monitoring nitric oxide delivery agents
Authors: Luo Xiaojun , Wu Jianbing , Lv Tian , Lai Yisheng , Zhang Honghua , Lu Jin-Jian , Zhang Yihua , Huang Zhangjian
Published: September 2017

3, a new photochemical theranostic agent, wherein light-triggered nitric oxide release can be controlled and real-time monitored at the cellular level.
Insights into the detection of mutations and epigenetic markers using diamondoid-functionalized sensors
Authors: Sivaraman Ganesh , Amorim Rodrigo G. , Scheicher Ralph H. , Fyta Maria
Published: September 2017

This work focuses on the detection of mutations and epigenetic markers using devices based on nanogaps functionalized with diamondoids. Quantum mechanical simulations, allow us to provide deeper insight into the inherent differences when detecting modified nucleotides.
Evolution of mechanics in α-helical peptide conjugated linear- and star-block PEG
Authors: O'Neill S. C. , Bhuiyan Z. H. , Tu R. S.
Published: September 2017

We have designed a peptide conjugated poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) bioconjugate system that allows us to examine intra- and inter-molecular dynamics of gelation.
3D-Hierarchical porous nickel sculptured by a simple redox process and its application in high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Zhihong , Yan Yingming , Chen Yifu , Han Wenqiao , Liu Mengting , Zhang Yaohui , Xiong Yueping , Chen Kongfa , Lv Zhe , Liu Meilin
Published: September 2017

3D-Hierarchical micron porous nickel foam was created using a simple redox process in a CH4–O2 gas mixture at high temperatures. This process is simple and cost effective, avoiding the use of sacrificial materials or templates.
Solvent-free synthesis of an ionic liquid integrated ether-abundant polymer as a solid electrolyte for flexible electric double-layer capacitors
Authors: Na Ruiqi , Su Ching-Wen , Su Yi-Han , Chen Yu-Chun , Chen Yen-Ming , Wang Guibin , Teng Hsisheng
Published: September 2017

Capitalizing on ether groups, solvent-free synthesis produces ionic liquid integrated solid electrolytes for flexible capacitors delivering high energy and power.
Tuning the separation performance of hydrogen permeable membranes using an anion doping strategy
Authors: Chen Li , Zhuang Libin , Xue Jian , Wei Yanying , Wang Haihui
Published: September 2017

Fluoride-anion doping is first reported for tuning the separation performance of mixed protonic-electronic conducting (MPEC) membranes, and enhanced hydrogen permeability was observed with appropriate introduction of the fluoride ions.
Sodium oxygen batteries: one step further with catalysis by ruthenium nanoparticles
Authors: Kang Jin-Hyuk , Kwak Won-Jin , Aurbach Doron , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: September 2017

A Ru catalyst exhibits a bifunctional catalytic effect for ORR and OER based on Na2−xO2 as the discharge product in Na–O2 batteries.
Room-temperature SO2 gas-sensing properties based on a metal-doped MoS2 nanoflower: an experimental and density functional theory investigation
Authors: Zhang Dongzhi , Wu Junfeng , Li Peng , Cao Yuhua
Published: September 2017

This paper demonstrates a sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas sensor based on a transition-metal-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanocomposite synthesized via a facile single-step hydrothermal route.
Super-paramagnetic and unusual nonlinear absorption switching behavior of an in situ decorated CdFe2O4–rGO nanocomposite
Authors: Saravanan M. , Girisun T. C. Sabari , Venugopal Rao S.
Published: September 2017

A simple strategy based on electrostatic interaction was utilized to assemble in situ cadmium ferrite of various morphologies (nanoplatelets to nanorods) on reduced graphene oxide sheets using a one-step hydrothermal reaction.
Joint hybrid precoder and combiner design for multi‐stream transmission in mmWave MIMO systems
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Zihuang , Tian Xiaowen , Liu Qian
Published: September 2017

Millimeter wave (mmWave) communications have been considered as a key technology for future 5G wireless networks since it can provide orders‐of‐magnitude wider bandwidth than current cellular bands. To overcome the severe propagation loss of the mmWave channel, an economic and energy‐efficient analogue/digital hybrid precoding and combining transceiver architecture is widely used in mmWave massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems. The digital precoding/combining layer offers more freedom than pure analogue one and enables multi‐stream transmission. In this study, the authors consider the problem of codebook‐based joint hybrid precoder and combiner design for multi‐stream transmission in mmWave MIMO systems. The authors propose to jointly select an analogue precoder and combiner pair for each data stream successively, which can maximise the channel gain as well as suppress the interference between different data streams. Then, the digital precoder and combiner are computed based on the obtained effective baseband channel to further mitigate the interference and maximise the sum‐rate. Both fully‐connected and partially‐connected hybrid beamforming structures are investigated. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms exhibit prominent advantages in combating interference between different data streams and offer satisfactory performance improvements compared with the existing codebook‐based hybrid beamforming schemes.
Analysis of LDPC code in the FH system with partial‐band interference
Authors: Dai Jingke , Jing Yaque , Yao Minli
Published: September 2017

The performance of low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) code is analysed in the frequency hopping (FH) system with partial‐band interference (PBI). Both of Slow Frequency hopping (SFH)/binary phase‐shift keying (SK) and Fast Frequency hopping (FFH)/binary frequency‐SK schemes are considered in which the channel fading and diversity combining are involved, respectively. The symmetry conditions on PBI channel are proven, and then the probability densities of initial message for sum–product decoder are derived. Given a probability of hopping to a jammed state, the decoding thresholds of LDPC codes on PBI channel are obtained using density evolution, which are in good agreement with the simulation results. Furthermore, the irregular LDPC codes are optimised over PBI channel, and the simulation result shows that it has better anti‐jamming performance than the existing regular and irregular codes which have been employed in FH systems.
Sparse power allocation in downlink transmission of cloud radio access networks
Authors: Farahmand Majid , Mohammadi Abbas
Published: September 2017

Here, the authors investigate the optimum power allocation to increase the ergodic capacity in cloud radio access network (C‐RAN). At first, some closed‐form expressions are derived to calculate the ergodic capacity in downlink transmission of C‐RAN. This is followed by using these expressions to optimise the power sharing among remote radio heads (RRHs), where this process is coordinated in a baseband unit. Then a sparse power allocation (SPA) strategy is proposed for coordination multipoint joint transmission (CoMP‐JT). By applying SPA in C‐RAN, the power allocations for RRHs can be managed to achieve higher capacity. The improvement in capacity is more satisfied in low signal‐to‐noise ratio region. It is shown that the proposed method can improve the ergodic capacity and meanwhile reduces the network power consumption. Simulation results show that using SPA strategy for CoMP‐JT increases the ergodic capacity by 4 bits/s/Hz in 8‐RRHs C‐RAN compared with equal power allocation technique.
Robust image fusion with block sparse representation and online dictionary learning
Authors: Xiang Fengtao , Jian Zhang , Liang Pan , Xueqiang Gu
Published: September 2017

For many image fusion problems, the most used technique is selecting features with rich information. The robust image fusion method based on block compressive sensing principle is studied here. Compressive sensing is known to provide an effective method with high accuracy. The framework of the proposed method is given in various perspectives: block sparse representations, restoration algorithms, feature extraction, online dictionary learning, and fusion rules. In terms of restoration of fused images, the split Bregman iteration is adopted. The proposed method can acquire well fusion image from source images and remove some degradations simultaneously, such as noises and blurring effect. In addition, both ‘maximum selection’ and ‘weighted mean’ are investigated as fusion rules, which can preserve more information. Generally, the proposed method can achieve better fusion result from the source images. The experiments with or without noise source images both illustrate that the proposed method has relatively comparative fusion results.
Numerical simulation on the surface charge accumulation process of epoxy insulator under needle‐plane corona discharge in air
Authors: Liang Hucheng , Du Boxue , Li Jin , Du Qiang
Published: September 2017

Most of the HV power equipment with gas–solid insulation suffers a lot from the surface charge accumulation due to corona discharge. The existence of surface charge distorts the local electric field and leads to surface flashover faults in extreme situations. As a result, it is important to figure out the mechanism of surface charge accumulation process. In this study, a simulation model combining both the plasma hydrodynamics and charge trapping–detrapping process was built. The simulation results have a good agreement with the experimental data, the main summary is as follows: in the surface charge accumulation process, the corona discharge intensity increases first and then decreases with time. The curves of the surface potential distributions have different shapes at different times, the central value goes up rapidly with time in the beginning and finally reaches saturation. Surface charges exist in the skin layer of epoxy insulator, some of them may be captured by traps while transporting away under built‐in electric field.
Preparation and chemical mechanical polishing performance of CeO2/CeF3 composite powders
Authors: Zhou Chuan , Zhu Dachuan
Published: September 2017

This work reported a simple route for preparing CeO2/CeF3 composite powders. Cerium nitrate hexahydrate, oxalic acid dihydrate and ammonium fluoride were milled and subsequently calcined to obtain the composite powders. X‐ray diffractometer, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential tester, and polishing test were utilised to characterise those products and study the effect of doped fluorine amount on their physicochemical characteristics and chemical mechanical polishing properties. The results show that incorporation of 7 wt% fluorine into the starting materials can change the particle morphology from large sheet for pure CeO2 into uniform spherical particles with size of 30–50 nm. The composite powder with 7 wt% fluorine exhibits great suspension stability and relatively high material removal rate. Meanwhile, this slurry facilitates obtaining smoother surface after polishing, which may be related to the changes of particle morphology and decrease in overall hardness of abrasives.
Morphology and conductivity improvement of metal mesh through roll‐to‐roll‐compatible near‐infrared sintering
Authors: Wang Li‐Wen , Lo Cheng‐Yao
Published: September 2017

This work proposes a near‐infrared (NIR) sintering method to improve the surface roughness and to reduce the sheet resistance of a gravure‐offset‐printed metal mesh with a viscous silver paste that contains large nanoparticles. Results indicate that the sintering was thorough because the porosity in the metal mesh approached 0%. Examination proved a 29.7% surface roughness improvement in the metal mesh after NIR sintering, which outperformed the conventional oven operations by 2.37%. In addition, material analyses through both energy‐dispersive and Raman spectroscopy explained the reduction of insulative elements and features with chemical bonds in the metal mesh, supporting the finding of the most significant improvements in surface roughness (90.9%) and sheet resistance (98.6%). The effective NIR sintering evaluated in this work was proven to be not only capable of replacing discontinuous oven operations in roll‐to‐roll manufacturing but also efficient in enhancing the material characteristics under identical sintering conditions compared with conventional oven operations.
AC electrokinetics based capture of yeast cells from ultra‐fast through‐flow for sensitive detection
Authors: Yuan Quan , Islam Nazmul , Wu Jie
Published: September 2017

This work presents a three‐dimensional multi‐level microfluidic device that enables yeast cell trapping via alternating current (AC) electrokinetics (ACEK) from a rapid through‐flow of sample fluids. ACEK is a versatile technique to control and manipulate cells and microparticles at the micro/nano‐scale. Here the trapping device works by applying an AC signal over a pair of electrode across a flow‐through channel to capture bioparticles from an ultra‐fast through‐flow. The particle capture effect by ACEK was experimentally studied by measuring the cell densities at the inlet and outlet of the micro‐channel. Both symmetric AC signal and DC biased AC signal were used to achieve cell trapping. It is found that DC biased ACEK effect is highly capable of capturing cells from a rapid through‐flow. A trapping efficiency of 56.8% has been obtained from an ultra‐fast external flow with its average velocity at 4.44 mm/s. The merits of ACEK include low‐voltage electrical operation, which is suitable for portable lab‐on‐a‐chip systems. These devices offer numerous benefits for biological applications such as medical diagnostics, detection, drug screening, and particle trapping.
Collaborative micromanipulation using multiple bubble microrobots in an open reservoir
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Wang Zhidong , Ohta Aaron T.
Published: September 2017

Micromanipulation of bio‐microobjects is useful in tissue engineering, and requires high‐throughput, scalable, cell‐friendly assembly of mesoscale structures with micron resolution. One potential method of achieving such functionality is manipulation by independently actuated multiple microrobots in cell‐culture media. In this work, nine opto‐thermocapillary flow‐addressed bubble (OFB) microrobots were independently actuated in saline solution in an open reservoir. Laser heating generated the bubble microrobots in a fluid medium, and controlled the actuation of the microrobots. The microrobots were controlled using a computer‐generated holographic (CGH) control system. The collaborative manipulation of four glass beads was demonstrated using two to three OFB microrobots. The microobjects were transported over several millimetres by moving the microscope stage for coarse motion, and by CGH control for fine actuation of the microrobots. Following transportation, the microobjects were assembled into a particular geometry. Independent actuation of multiple microrobots in saline solution along with collaborative long‐range manipulation demonstrates the capability of the system to assemble cell‐laden microgels over a large area with potential microscale accuracy, making this suitable for tissue engineering applications. This work also shows that the system is scalable, as tasks can be assigned to the required number of microrobots, and the system is compatible with a traditional open‐reservoir cell‐culturing environment.
High‐crystallinity and large‐grain CH3NH3PbI3 thin films for efficient TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Long , Shi Chengwu , Deng Xinlian , Wang Yanqing , Ni Lingling
Published: September 2017

The high‐crystallinity, large‐grain and full‐coverage CH3NH3PbI3 thin films are successfully prepared by converting the PbI2 ·dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) complex thin films at the optimum annealing temperature and time of 140°C and 10 min in the glove box with the relative humidity of 10–15%. The influence of the annealing temperature and time on the crystallinity, surface morphology, optical absorption of CH3NH3PbI3 thin films is systematically investigated and the photovoltaic performance of the corresponding TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells is evaluated. The results reveal that the crystallinity of CH3NH3PbI3 thin films can be improved and their grain sizes gradually increase from 200–300 to 300–500 and 500–800 nm with the increase of the annealing temperature from 100 to 120 and 140°C. The TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells with the optimum annealing temperature and time of 140°C and 10 min exhibit the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.11% and the average PCE of 15.62 ± 0.49%.
Reaction temperature‐dependent growth of ZnS nanomaterials
Authors: Liu Chang , Wu Xiang
Published: September 2017

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanobelts and nanotubes with high yield are prepared by a simple chemical vapour deposition approach at different reaction temperature. The as‐prepared products are characterised by several characterisation methods such as X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectrum and photoluminescence spectrum. It shows that the as‐prepared ZnS products possess well‐hexagonal wurtzite structures. Possible growth mechanisms of ZnS nanomaterials are proposed based on nucleation and oriental attachment. Photoluminescence spectrum of ZnS nanobelts shows a blue emission peak centred at 425 nm, which could be attributed to the defects associated with oxygen vacancies. Finally, the wettability of ZnS nanobelts is also investigated by water contact angle characterisation.
Synthesis of shuttle‐shaped porous CuO in water microdroplets for increased hydrazine oxidation
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Hui
Published: September 2017

Shuttle‐shaped, porous copper oxide (CuO) microparticles were prepared from Cu(OH)2 in a water/cyclohexane interfacial reaction followed by heat treatments at different temperatures. The CuO catalysts produced high catalytic activity and good durability for hydrazine oxidation reaction (HOR). Among all catalysts, CuO catalyst heat treated at 200°C provided the highest HOR activity with an onset potential of −0.204 V and a high oxidation peak current density of 0.87 mA cm−2 of HOR. HOR performances of the CuO catalysts correlated to their porous structure and transition of different Cu species. These findings shed light on factors influencing HOR activity of CuO catalysts.
Determination of lateral and vertical dielectrophoresis forces using tapered microelectrode array
Authors: Buyong Muhamad Ramdzan , Larki Farhad , Caille Celine Elie , Takamura Yuzuru , Hamzah Azrul Azlan , Majlis Burhanuddin Y.
Published: September 2017

The authors have introduced a method to generate and determine lateral and vertical dielectrophoresis forces simultaneously through a new configuration of microelectrodes arrays with tapered side wall profile. Two directions of motion are established based on obtaining a new crossover frequency, which they called as adjustment frequency (fadj) with the value between the crossover frequency of targeted and untargeted cells. The target particles could be particular biological cell in a mixture of cell and other particles or a mixture of cells with various physical and biological properties. The special design of microelectrodes arrays enables dielectrophoresis forces to manipulate and separate target species at two different locations via contactless technique by electrical driven but soft selective capture and sorting for higher efficiency and accuracy.
Performance of PbO2 on the basis of porous graphite/Pb conductive substrates for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Xue Wenjing , Shen Hao , Sun Yuzhen , Jia Guanglou , Huang Bing , Wang Jian
Published: September 2017

A lead dioxide electrode is obtained by anodic oxidation and applied to supercapacitors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that the conductive substrates of graphite/Pb possess a three‐dimensional porous structure after electrochemical expansion. Electrochemical results reveal that the prepared graphite/Pb conductive substrates (GPCSs) exhibit a high‐specific capacitance and good electrical conductivity. To improve the performance of the electrode, a layer of active lead was deposited on the other surface of the GPCSs. Pb particles were dispersed evenly on the surface of the substrate from the SEM image. Finally, the hybrid supercapacitor was assembled with a PbO2 positive electrode and a lead negative electrode. At the beginning of the charge and discharge, the voltage was set to 2.4 V. During this process, the active Pb deposited on the surface of the substrate was oxidised to PbO2 gradually to form a PbO2/(graphite/Pb) hybrid capacitor. The specific capacity of the capacitor can reach 120.4 F/g. After a period of 3000 cycles, the capacity still reached up to 104 F/g, and the capacity retention rate increased up to 87%. These values indicate good cycling stability.
Besser vorbeugen als heilen
Authors: Schmidt Maximilian
Published: September 2017

Delirprävention Das Risiko, nach einem Intensivaufenthalt zu sterben, ist bei älteren Patienten dann besonders erhöht, wenn sie ein
Delir erlitten haben. Vorrangiges Ziel sollte es daher sein, ein Delir erst gar nicht entstehen zu lassen.