bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-density carrier-accumulated and electrically stable oxide thin-film transistors from ion-gel gate dielectric
Authors: Fujii Mami N. , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Miwa Kazumoto , Okada Hiromi , Uraoka Yukiharu , Ono Shimpei
Published: December 2015

The use of indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) has paved the way for high-resolution uniform displays or integrated circuits with transparent and flexible devices. However, achieving highly reliable devices that use IGZO for low-temperature processes remains a technological challenge. We propose the use of IGZO thin-film transistors (TFTs) with an ionic-liquid gate dielectric in order to achieve high-density carrier-accumulated IGZO TFTs with high reliability and we discuss a distinctive mechanism for the degradation of this organic–inorganic hybrid device under long-term electrical stress. Our results demonstrated that an ionic liquid or gel gate dielectric provides highly reliable and low-voltage operation with IGZO TFTs. Furthermore, high-density carrier accumulation helps improve the TFT characteristics and reliability and it is highly relevant to the electronic phase control of oxide materials and the degradation mechanism for organic–inorganic hybrid devices.
Liquid immersion thermal crosslinking of 3D polymer nanopatterns for direct carbonisation with high structural integrity
Authors: Kang Da-Young , Kim Cheolho , Park Gyurim , Moon Jun Hyuk
Published: December 2015

The direct pyrolytic carbonisation of polymer patterns has attracted interest for its use in obtaining carbon materials. In the case of carbonisation of nanopatterned polymers, the polymer flow and subsequent pattern change may occur in order to relieve their high surface energies. Here, we demonstrated that liquid immersion thermal crosslinking of polymer nanopatterns effectively enhanced the thermal resistance and maintained the structure integrity during the heat treatment. We employed the liquid immersion thermal crosslinking for 3D porous SU8 photoresist nanopatterns and successfully converted them to carbon nanopatterns while maintaining their porous features. The thermal crosslinking reaction and carbonisation of SU8 nanopatterns were characterised. The micro-crystallinity of the SU8-derived carbon nanopatterns was also characterised. The liquid immersion heat treatment can be extended to the carbonisation of various polymer or photoresist nanopatterns and also provide a facile way to control the surface energy of polymer nanopatterns for various purposes, for example, to block copolymer or surfactant self-assemblies.
DNA-Directed Assembly of Nanogold Dimers: A Unique Dynamic Light Scattering Sensing Probe for Transcription Factor Detection
Authors: Seow Nianjia , Tan Yen Nee , Yung Lin-Yue Lanry , Su Xiaodi
Published: December 2015

We have developed a unique DNA-assembled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) dimer for dynamic light scattering (DLS) sensing of transcription factors, exemplified by estrogen receptor (ER) that binds specifically to a double-stranded (ds) DNA sequence containing estrogen response element (ERE). Here, ERE sequence is incorporated into the DNA linkers to bridge the AuNPs dimer for ER binding. Coupled with DLS, this AuNP dimer-based DLS detection system gave distinct readout of a single ‘complex peak’ in the presence of the target molecule (i.e., ER). This unique signature marked the first time that such nanostructures can be used to study transcription factor-DNA interactions, which DLS alone cannot do. This was also unlike previously reported AuNP-DLS assays that gave random and broad distribution of particles size upon target binding. In addition, the ERE-containing AuNP dimers could also suppress the light-scattering signal from the unbound proteins and other interfering factors (e.g., buffer background) and has potential for sensitive detection of target proteins in complex biological samples such as cell lysates. In short, the as-developed AuNP dimer probe coupled with DLS is a simple (mix and test), rapid (readout in ~5 min) and sensitive (low nM levels of ER) platform to detect sequence-specific protein-DNA binding event.
A Revisit to High Thermoelectric Performance of Single-layer MoS2
Authors: Jin Zelin , Liao Quanwen , Fang Haisheng , Liu Zhichun , Liu Wei , Ding Zhidong , Luo Tengfei , Yang Nuo
Published: December 2015

Both electron and phonon transport properties of single layer MoS2 (SLMoS2) are studied. Based on first-principles calculations, the electrical conductivity of SLMoS2 is calculated by Boltzmann equations. The thermal conductivity of SLMoS2 is calculated to be as high as 116.8 Wm−1K−1 by equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The predicted value of ZT is as high as 0.11 at 500 K. As the thermal conductivity could be reduced largely by phonon engineering, there should be a high possibility to enhance ZT in the SLMoS2-based materials.
Mode-evolution-based polarization rotation and coupling between silicon and hybrid plasmonic waveguides
Authors: Kim Sangsik , Qi Minghao
Published: December 2015

Hybrid plasmonic (HP) modes allow strong optical field confinement and simultaneously low propagation loss, offering a potentially compact and efficient platform for on-chip photonic applications. However, their implementation is hampered by the low coupling efficiency between dielectric guided modes and HP modes, caused by mode mismatch and polarization difference. In this work, we present a mode-evolution-based polarization rotation and coupling structure that adiabatically rotates the TE mode in a silicon waveguide and couples it to the HP mode in a strip silicon-dielectric-metal waveguide. Simulation shows that high coupling factors of 92%, 78%, 75% and 73% are achievable using Ag, Au, Al and Cu as the metal cap, respectively, at a conversion length of about 5 μm. For an extremely broad wavelength range of 1300–1800 nm, the coupling factor is >64% with a Ag metal cap and the total back-reflection power, including all the mode reflections and backscattering, is below −40 dB, due to the adiabatic mode transition. Our device does not require high-resolution lithography and is tolerant to fabrication variations and imperfections. These attributes together make our device suitable for optical transport systems spanning all telecommunication bands.
Functional characterization of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase from Bactrocera dorsalis: Possible involvement in susceptibility to malathion
Authors: Huang Yong , Lu Xue-Ping , Wang Luo-Luo , Wei Dong , Feng Zi-Jiao , Zhang Qi , Xiao Lin-Fan , Dou Wei , Wang Jin-Jun
Published: December 2015

NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is essential for cytochrome P450 catalysis, which is important in the detoxification and activation of xenobiotics. In this study, two transcripts of Bactrocera dorsalis CPR (BdCPR) were cloned and the deduced amino-acid sequence had an N-terminus membrane anchor for BdCPR-X1 and three conserved binding domains (FMN, FAD and NADP), as well as an FAD binding motif and catalytic residues for both BdCPR-X1 and BdCPR-X2. BdCPR-X1 was detected to have the high expression levels in adults and in Malpighian tubules, fat bodies and midguts of adults, but BdCPR-X2 expressed lowly in B. dorsalis. The levels of BdCPRs were similar in malathion-resistant strain compared to susceptible strain. However, injecting adults with double-stranded RNA against BdCPR significantly reduced the transcript levels of the mRNA and knockdown of BdCPR increased adult susceptibility to malathion. Expressing complete BdCPR-X1 cDNA in Sf9 cells resulted in high activity determined by cytochrome c reduction and these cells had higher viability after exposure to malathion than control. The results suggest that BdCPR could affect the susceptibility of B. dorsalis to malathion and eukaryotic expression of BdCPR would lay a solid foundation for further investigation of P450 in B. dorsalis.
Ultrafast optical-ultrasonic system and miniaturized catheter for imaging and characterizing atherosclerotic plaques in vivo
Authors: Li Jiawen , Ma Teng , Mohar Dilbahar , Steward Earl , Yu Mingyue , Piao Zhonglie , He Youmin , Shung K. Kirk , Zhou Qifa , Patel Pranav M. , Chen Zhongping
Published: December 2015

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. The majority of CAD-induced deaths are due to the rupture of vulnerable plaques. Accurate assessment of plaques is crucial to optimize treatment and prevent death in patients with CAD. Current diagnostic techniques are often limited by either spatial resolution or penetration depth. Several studies have proved that the combined use of optical and ultrasonic imaging techniques increase diagnostic accuracy of vulnerable plaques. Here, we introduce an ultrafast optical-ultrasonic dual-modality imaging system and flexible miniaturized catheter, which enables the translation of this technology into clinical practice. This system can perform simultaneous optical coherence tomography (OCT)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging at 72 frames per second safely in vivo, i.e., visualizing a 72 mm-long artery in 4 seconds. Results obtained in atherosclerotic rabbits in vivo and human coronary artery segments show that this ultrafast technique can rapidly provide volumetric mapping of plaques and clearly identify vulnerable plaques. By providing ultrafast imaging of arteries with high resolution and deep penetration depth simultaneously, this hybrid IVUS-OCT technology opens new and safe opportunities to evaluate in real-time the risk posed by plaques, detect vulnerable plaques and optimize treatment decisions.
Secretome analysis of chickpea reveals dynamic extracellular remodeling and identifies a Bet v1-like protein, CaRRP1 that participates in stress response
Authors: Gupta Sonika , Wardhan Vijay , Kumar Amit , Rathi Divya , Pandey Aarti , Chakraborty Subhra , Chakraborty Niranjan
Published: December 2015

Secreted proteins maintain cell structure and biogenesis besides acting in signaling events crucial for cellular homeostasis during stress adaptation. To understand the underlying mechanism of stress-responsive secretion, the dehydration-responsive secretome was developed from suspension-cultured cells of chickpea. Cell viability of the suspension culture remained unaltered until 96 h, which gradually declined at later stages of dehydration. Proteomic analysis led to the identification of 215 differentially regulated proteins, involved in a variety of cellular functions that include metabolism, cell defence and signal transduction suggesting their concerted role in stress adaptation. One-third of the secreted proteins were devoid of N-terminal secretion signals suggesting a non-classical secretory route. Screening of the secretome identified a leaderless Bet v 1-like protein, designated CaRRP1, the export of which was inhibited by brefeldin A. We investigated the gene structure and genomic organization and demonstrated that CaRRP1 may be involved in stress response. Its expression was positively associated with abiotic and biotic stresses. CaRRP1 could complement the aberrant growth phenotype of yeast mutant, deficient in vesicular transport, indicating a partial overlap of protein secretion and stress response. Our study provides the most comprehensive analysis of dehydration-responsive secretome and the complex metabolic network operating in plant extracellular space.
Super-resolution optical telescopes with local light diffraction shrinkage
Authors: Wang Changtao , Tang Dongliang , Wang Yanqin , Zhao Zeyu , Wang Jiong , Pu Mingbo , Zhang Yudong , Yan Wei , Gao Ping , Luo Xiangang
Published: December 2015

Suffering from giant size of objective lenses and infeasible manipulations of distant targets, telescopes could not seek helps from present super-resolution imaging, such as scanning near-field optical microscopy, perfect lens and stimulated emission depletion microscopy. In this paper, local light diffraction shrinkage associated with optical super-oscillatory phenomenon is proposed for real-time and optically restoring super-resolution imaging information in a telescope system. It is found that fine target features concealed in diffraction-limited optical images of a telescope could be observed in a small local field of view, benefiting from a relayed metasurface-based super-oscillatory imaging optics in which some local Fourier components beyond the cut-off frequency of telescope could be restored. As experimental examples, a minimal resolution to 0.55 of Rayleigh criterion is obtained and imaging complex targets and large targets by superimposing multiple local fields of views are demonstrated as well. This investigation provides an access for real-time, incoherent and super-resolution telescopes without the manipulation of distant targets. More importantly, it gives counterintuitive evidence to the common knowledge that relayed optics could not deliver more imaging details than objective systems.
Kindlin-3 interacts with the ribosome and regulates c-Myc expression required for proliferation of chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Qu Jing , Ero Rya , Feng Chen , Ong Li-Teng , Tan Hui-Foon , Lee Hui-Shan , Ismail Muhammad HB , Bu Wen-Ting , Nama Srikanth , Sampath Prabha , Gao Yong-Gui , Tan Suet-Mien
Published: December 2015

Kindlins are FERM-containing cytoplasmic proteins that regulate integrin-mediated cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) attachments. Kindlin-3 is expressed in hematopoietic cells, platelets and endothelial cells. Studies have shown that kindlin-3 stabilizes cell adhesion mediated by ß1, ß2 and ß3 integrins. Apart from integrin cytoplasmic tails, kindlins are known to interact with other cytoplasmic proteins. Here we demonstrate that kindlin-3 can associate with ribosome via the receptor for activated-C kinase 1 (RACK1) scaffold protein based on immunoprecipitation, ribosome binding and proximity ligation assays. We show that kindlin-3 regulates c-Myc protein expression in the human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K562. Cell proliferation was reduced following siRNA reduction of kindlin-3 expression and a significant reduction in tumor mass was observed in xenograft experiments. Mechanistically, kindlin-3 is involved in integrin α5ß1-Akt-mTOR-p70S6K signaling; however, its regulation of c-Myc protein expression could be independent of this signaling axis.
ENSO Modulations due to Interannual Variability of Freshwater Forcing and Ocean Biology-induced Heating in the Tropical Pacific
Authors: Zhang Rong-Hua , Gao Chuan , Kang Xianbiao , Zhi Hai , Wang Zhanggui , Feng Licheng
Published: December 2015

Recent studies have identified clear climate feedbacks associated with interannual variations in freshwater forcing (FWF) and ocean biology-induced heating (OBH) in the tropical Pacific. The interrelationships among the related anomaly fields are analyzed using hybrid coupled model (HCM) simulations to illustrate their combined roles in modulating the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The HCM-based supporting experiments are performed to isolate the related feedbacks, with interannually varying FWF and OBH being represented individually or collectively, which allows their effects to be examined in a clear way. It is demonstrated that the interannual freshwater forcing enhances ENSO variability and slightly prolongs the simulated ENSO period, while the interannual OBH reduces ENSO variability and slightly shortens the ENSO period, with their feedback effects tending to counteract each other.
A functional polymorphism in IFNAR1 gene is associated with susceptibility and severity of HFMD with EV71 infection
Authors: Zou Rongrong , Zhang Guoliang , Li Shaoyuan , Wang Wenfei , Yuan Jing , Li Jianming , Wang Yanrong , Lin Yimin , Deng Yong , Zhou Boping , Gao George Fu , Liu Yingxia
Published: December 2015

Enterovirus 71 (EV71), one of the major pathogens of Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), results in millions of infections and hundreds of deaths each year in Southeast Asia. Biased infection and variable clinical manifestations of EV71 HFMD indicated that host genetic background played an important role in the occurrence and development of the disease. We identified the mRNA profiles of EV71 HFMD patients, which type I interferon (IFN) pathway related genes were down-regulated. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of type I IFN receptor 1 (IFNAR1) were chosen to analyze their relationships to EV71 infection. We found that genotype GG of promoter variant rs2843710 was associated with the susceptibility and severity to EV71 HFMD. In addition, we assessed the regulatory effects of rs2843710 to IFN stimulated genes (ISGs) and found that the expressions of IFNAR1, OAS1 and MX1 were significantly lower in patients with rs2843710 genotype GG. And rs2843710 allele G showed weaker transcriptional activity compared with allele C. Our study indicated that rs2843710 of IFNAR1 was associated with the susceptibility and severity of EV71 HFMD in Chinese Han populations, acting as a functional polymorphism by regulating ISGs expression, such as OAS1 and MX1.
Deformability of Tumor Cells versus Blood Cells
Authors: Shaw Bagnall Josephine , Byun Sangwon , Begum Shahinoor , Miyamoto David T. , Hecht Vivian C. , Maheswaran Shyamala , Stott Shannon L. , Toner Mehmet , Hynes Richard O. , Manalis Scott R.
Published: December 2015

The potential for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to elucidate the process of cancer metastasis and inform clinical decision-making has made their isolation of great importance. However, CTCs are rare in the blood and universal properties with which to identify them remain elusive. As technological advancements have made single-cell deformability measurements increasingly routine, the assessment of physical distinctions between tumor cells and blood cells may provide insight into the feasibility of deformability-based methods for identifying CTCs in patient blood. To this end, we present an initial study assessing deformability differences between tumor cells and blood cells, indicated by the length of time required for them to pass through a microfluidic constriction. Here, we demonstrate that deformability changes in tumor cells that have undergone phenotypic shifts are small compared to differences between tumor cell lines and blood cells. Additionally, in a syngeneic mouse tumor model, cells that are able to exit a tumor and enter circulation are not required to be more deformable than the cells that were first injected into the mouse. However, a limited study of metastatic prostate cancer patients provides evidence that some CTCs may be more mechanically similar to blood cells than to typical tumor cell lines.
Neck Circumference and Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus over 10 Years in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Cho Nam H. , Oh Tae Jung , Kim Kyoung Min , Choi Sung Hee , Lee Jae Ho , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak Chul , Kim Jong Yeol , Lee Hong Kyu , Lim Soo
Published: December 2015

Neck circumference, a proxy for upper-body fat, may be a unique fat depot that indicates metabolic risk beyond whole body fat. We investigated whether neck circumference is associated with development of diabetes mellitus (DM) in a subset of data with Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (n = 3521, age range = 42–71 years). Nondiabetic subjects at the baseline were categorized into 4 groups (Q1–Q4) according to their neck circumference. Parameters related with β-cell function and insulin resistance including Epworth sleepiness scale and snoring habit were examined. The development of DM was confirmed biannually based on a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Over the 10 years, 2623 (74.5%) among 3521 subjects were followed-up. Among them, 632 (24.1%) developed DM. The incidence of DM increased from 17.6% in Q1 to 18.2% in Q2, to 25.4% in Q3 and to 36.0% in Q4 (P < 0.001). After adjusting for most risk factors related with DM, the relative risks of DM development were 0.989 (95% confidence interval, 0.638–1.578), 1.660 (1.025–2.687) and 1.746 (1.037–2.942) in men and 0.939 (0.540–1.769), 1.518 (0.808–2.853) and 2.077 (1.068–4.038) in women in Q2, Q3 and Q4, respectively when compared to Q1. This finding indicates negative impact from large neck circumference in the development of DM.
Development of a novel bacteriophage based biomagnetic separation method as an aid for sensitive detection of viable Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Wang Danhui , Chen Juhong , Sela David A. , Nugen Sam R.
Published: December 2015

Genetic engineering of bacteriophage T7 allowed thein vivobiotinylation of capsid proteins. Oriented immobilization of the phage on magnetic beads then enabled the adsorption and separation ofE. colifrom liquid samples.
An ionic charge-transfer dyad prepared cost-effectively from a tetrathiafulvalene carboxylate anion and a TMPyP cation
Authors: Xue Li-Jun , Huo Peng , Li Yan-Hong , Hou Jin-Le , Zhu Qin-Yu , Dai Jie
Published: December 2015

The assembly of a simple ionic supramolecular system would be a cost-effective way to construct donor–acceptor ensembles and the strong anion–cation interaction can enhance the charge-transfer between them.
Flexibility at a glycosidic linkage revealed by molecular dynamics, stochastic modeling, and 13C NMR spin relaxation: conformational preferences of α-l-Rhap-α-(1 → 2)-α-l-Rhap-OMe in water and dimethyl sulfoxide solutions
Authors: Pendrill Robert , Engström Olof , Volpato Andrea , Zerbetto Mirco , Polimeno Antonino , Widmalm Göran
Published: December 2015

Coupling between global reorientation and local motion is essential for reproducing NMR relaxation parameters of a flexible molecule.
Controlling reactivity by remote protonation of a basic side group in a bifunctional photoacid
Authors: Ditkovich Julia , Pines Dina , Pines Ehud
Published: December 2015

Ultrafast reactivity-switch is achieved by remote-protonation caused by protons diffusing from acidic to basic side-groups of bifunctional photoacids.
Hydrophobic and antioxidant effects in In, Sn, and Sb based two dimensional materials
Authors: Takahashi Keisuke , Takahashi Lauren
Published: December 2015

Hydrophobic and antioxidant effects of two dimensional materials Sn, SnSb, InSb, and InSn are investigated with the implementation of first principles calculations.
Enhanced proton and electron reservoir abilities of polyoxometalate grafted on graphene for high-performance hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Rongji , Zhang Guangjin , Cao Hongbin , Zhang Suojiang , Xie Yongbing , Haider Ali , Kortz Ulrich , Chen Banghao , Dalal Naresh S. , Zhao Yongsheng , Zhi Linjie , Wu Cai-Xia , Yan Li-Kai , Su Zhongmin , Keita Bineta
Published: December 2015

A 3D configuration of high-quality graphene sheets and a polyoxometalate [H7P8W48O184]33− showing excellent hydrogen evolution activity at extremely low overpotential.
Implications of observed PBDE diffusion coefficients in low density polyethylene and silicone rubber
Authors: Narváez Valderrama Jhon F. , Baek Kine , Molina Francisco J. , Allan Ian J.
Published: December 2015

Significance of PBDE diffusivities in polymers for passive sampling and for the risk to biota when associated with microplastics.
Bifunctional hydrophobic ionic liquids: facile synthesis by thiol–ene “click” chemistry
Authors: Sanchez Zayas Manuel , Gaitor Jamie C. , Nestor Stephen T. , Minkowicz Samuel , Sheng Yinghong , Mirjafari Arsalan
Published: December 2015

We describe the facile, robust and orthogonal fabrication of a structurally comprehensive library of hydrophobic trimethoxysilyl-functionalized ionic liquids with C7–C15 thioether spacer, using thiol–ene “click” chemistry.
A multicomponent pharmacophore fragment-decoration approach to identify selective LRRK2-targeting probes
Authors: Tassini Sabrina , Castagnolo Daniele , Scalacci Nicolò , Kissova Miroslava , Armijos-Rivera Jorge I. , Giagnorio Federica , Maga Giovanni , Costantino Gabriele , Crespan Emmanuele , Radi Marco
Published: December 2015

Herein we report the development of a new versatile chemical tool for the rapid identification of LRRK2-targeting probes as potential anti-Parkinson's agents.
The kinetics and mechanism of photooxygenation of 4′-diethylamino-3-hydroxyflavone
Authors: Szakács Zoltán , Bojtár Márton , Drahos László , Hessz Dóra , Kállay Mihály , Vidóczy Tamás , Bitter István , Kubinyi Miklós
Published: December 2015

The photolysis reactions of 4′-diethylamino-3-hydroxyflavone (D), a versatile fluorescent probe showing excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), and the magnesium chelate of D (Mg D2+) have been studied in acetonitrile solution. Upon UV irradiation both species were oxidized into O-4-diethylaminobenzoyl salicylic acid, differently from the photoreaction of the parent compound 3-hydroxyflavone (3HF) which was described to undergo rearrangement to 3-hydroxy-3-phenyl-indan-1,2-dione. The photooxygenation of the Mg2+ complex was found to be significantly faster than the reaction of the pure dye. As the kinetic analysis of the absorption spectra of samples under irradiation showed, the rate coefficients for the oxygenations of the excited state dye and complex have close values, k
ox(D*) = 2.4 × 107 min-1, k
ox(Mg D2+*) = 3.9 × 107 min-1; the difference arises from the higher photooxygenation quantum yield of the complex, F(Mg D2+) = 2.3 × 10-3, than the respective value for the pure dye, F(D) = 1.5 × 10-4. The potential energy surface of the photooxygenation of D was calculated assuming a reaction path in which the phototautomer formed from D via ESIPT, reacts in its triplet state with triplet molecular oxygen O2, a mechanism similar to that suggested for the photoreaction of the parent 3HF. The moderate values for the transition state energies confirmed the plausibility of the hypothetical mechanism.
Ni, Co and Ni–Co codoping induced modification in shape, optical band gap and enhanced photocatalytic activity of CeO2 nanostructures for photodegradation of methylene blue dye under visible light irradiation
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Ojha Animesh K.
Published: December 2015

The recombination rate of photo-induced electrons and holes for Ni–Co codoped CeO2 nanostructures is reduced significantly, which essentially improve the photocatalytic activity for photo-degradation of MB dye.
Selective recognition of lithium(i) ions using Biginelli based fluorescent organic nanoparticles in an aqueous medium
Authors: Kaur Gaganpreet , Singh Amanpreet , Venugopalan P. , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: December 2015

Detection of lithium ions using fluorescent organic nanoparticles.
Research of the optimum molar ratio between guest and host chromophores in binary chromophore systems for excellent electro-optic activity
Authors: Peng Chengcheng , Bo Shuhui , Xu Huajun , Chen Zhuo , Qiu Ling , Liu Xinhou , Zhen Zhen
Published: December 2015

A series of binary chromophore systems were designed and prepared. The optimum molar ratio (OMR) between guest and host chromophores was first systematically explored in the BCSs. When at the OMR, there is the biggest EO coefficient growth rate.
Fostering protein–calixarene interactions: from molecular recognition to sensing
Authors: Prata José V. , Barata Patrícia D.
Published: December 2015

An highly selective direct sensing of cytochromecby a bis-calix[4]arene-carbazole conjugate (CCC-1) in aqueous-based medium at nanomolar levels is disclosed. An electron transfer (ET) between complexed partners mediates the sensory event.
Macroporous three-dimensional graphene oxide foams for dye adsorption and antibacterial applications
Authors: Jayanthi Swetha , KrishnaRao Eswar Neerugatti , Singh Satyapaul A. , Chatterjee Kaushik , Madras Giridhar , Sood A. K.
Published: December 2015

Applicability of graphene oxide foams in water remediation.
Construction of a novel INHIBIT logic gate through a fine-tuned assembly of anthryl fluorophores via selective anion recognition and host–guest interactions
Authors: Zhang Lei , He Yilong , Zhang Na , Liu Daosheng , Han Jiao , Gong Weitao
Published: December 2015

A novel ligand containing of anthryl fluorophore was achieved. The assembly and disassembly of anthryl fluorophore by Pi and β-CD as chemical inputs and emission around 500 nm as output resulted in the construction of novel INHIBIT gate.
Dicarboxylate ligand-modulated assembly of new luminescent zinc(ii) coordination polymers with in situ formed tetrazole ligands: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Huang Rong-Yi , Jiang Hao , Zhu Chang-Hai , Xu Heng
Published: December 2015

In situ hydrothermal reactions of 4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzonitrile, Zn(NO3)2 and NaN3 with H2DPA or H2PYDC gave rise to two new zinc(ii) coordination polymers, which exhibit different intriguing architectures and photoluminescence properties.
Nano-K2CO3: preparation, characterization and evaluation of reactive activities
Authors: Li Jun-Zhang , Fan Shi-Ming , Sun Xuan-Fei , Liu Shouxin
Published: December 2015

Nano-K2CO3 shows higher basicity and can replace sodium (potassium) alkoxide to carry out monoalkylation and oximation of active methylene compounds.
High-field antiferroelectric-like behavior in uniaxially stretched poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene)-grafted-poly(methyl methacrylate) films with high energy density
Authors: Gong Honghong , Miao Bei , Zhang Xiao , Lu Junyong , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: December 2015

The antiferroelectric-like behavior could be retained up to 675 MV m−1with a discharged energy density of 23.3 J cm−3because of the confinement of rigid PMMA segment onto the ferroelectric relaxation of P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) and the high breakdown strength.
Modification of shape memory polymer foams using tungsten, aluminum oxide, and silicon dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Hasan S. M. , Thompson R. S. , Emery H. , Nathan A. L. , Weems A. C. , Zhou F. , Monroe M. B. B. , Maitland D. J.
Published: December 2015

Porous SMP nanocomposites were fabricated to provide mechanically tough systems with tunable actuation and enhanced thermal stability for use as implantable biomaterials.
Effects of the furan ring in epoxy resin on the thermomechanical properties of highly cross-linked epoxy networks: a molecular simulation study
Authors: Li Kai , Huo Ni , Liu Xinping , Cheng Jue , Zhang Junying
Published: December 2015

Higher van der Waals interactions arising from the furan ring leads to improved thermomechanical properties of a cross-linked epoxy network.
Proton gated oxide electric-double-layer transistors for full-swing low voltage inverter applications
Authors: Xiao Hui , Zhu Li Qiang , Liu Yang Hui , Liu Rui
Published: December 2015

Low voltage full-swing inverters were built by connecting proton gated oxide electric-double-layer transistors in series with resistors.
Ultrafine porous boron nitride nanofibers synthesized via a freeze-drying and pyrolysis process and their adsorption properties
Authors: Lin Jing , Xu Lulu , Huang Yang , Li Jie , Wang Weijia , Feng Congcong , Liu Zhenya , Xu Xuewen , Zou Jin , Tang Chengchun
Published: December 2015

Ultrafine porous boron nitride nanofibers with high aspect ratios, high specific surface areas and large pore volumes has been synthesized in large quantity via a freeze-drying and post pyrolysis process.
Unsaturated polyfluoroalkyl ketones in the synthesis of nitrogen-bearing heterocycles
Authors: Rulev A. Yu. , Romanov A. R.
Published: December 2015

This review focuses on the recent achievements and new developments in the synthesis of polyfluorinated aza-heterocycles based on fluorine-bearing enones and ynones published in the last decade.
Electro-Fenton treatment of imidazolium-based ionic liquids: kinetics and degradation pathways
Authors: Bocos Elvira , Pazos Marta , Sanromán M. Ángeles
Published: December 2015

In this study, the removal of five imidazolium-based ionic liquids from water was accomplished by a heterogeneous electro-Fenton treatment.
Structure–property relationships in super-toughened polypropylene-based ternary blends of core–shell morphology
Authors: Mazidi Majid Mehrabi , Razavi Aghjeh Mir Karim , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Reuter Uta
Published: December 2015

A specific “percolated/interconnected” morphology of PA6/EPDM-g-MA core–shell modifier particles in PP matrix resulted in a tremendous enhancement of impact strength. Fracture behavior and toughening mechanisms were studied and proposed.
Biostimulation by direct voltage to enhance anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge
Authors: Chen Ying , Yu Bao , Yin Changkai , Zhang Chen , Dai Xiaohu , Yuan Haiping , Zhu Nanwen
Published: December 2015

Electrical stimulation has been used conventionally for stimulation of microorganisms, and also as a promising technology to manage wastewater treatment by stimulating microbial metabolism.
Redox behavior, chromatographic and spectroscopic characterization of some reactive π-conjugated 4′-tricyanovinylhydrazone dyes
Authors: El-Shahawi M. S. , Omirah T. A. , Asiri A. M. , Alsibaai A. A. , Bashammakh A. S. , Al-Najjar H. R.
Published: December 2015

The electrochemical reduction mechanism of 4′-nitrotricyanovinylhydrazone in DMF–B-R buffer to the corresponding [(4-hydroxyamino)phenyl]methamine via 2H+/2e− reduction of (E)-N-(1-(4-hydroxyamine)phenylethylidene)methamine is proposed.
The bi-functional roles of Ca-Y zeolite in the treatment of ethanol–HCl induced gastric ulcer using a mice model
Authors: Shang Xiaoqiang , Chen Hao , Qu Yingliang , Fan Jie
Published: December 2015

A calcium exchanged zeolite with high hemostatic ability in the therapy of gastric ulcers using a mice model.
Lewis acid–base bifunctional aluminum–salen catalysts: synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides
Authors: Ren Yanwei , Jiang Ou , Zeng Hang , Mao Qiuping , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: December 2015

Two Lewis acid–base bifunctional Al(salen) complexes proved to be efficient and recyclable one-component catalysts for CO2 fixation.
MoSe2 nanosheets grown on carbon cloth with superior electrochemical performance as flexible electrode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liu Zhengqing , Zhao Hongyang , Du Yaping
Published: December 2015

A flexible MoSe2/CF composite has been synthesized by a simple solvothermal method.
Chemo- and regioselective head-to-tail heterodimerization of vinylarenes with 1,1-diphenylethene over a heterogeneous catalyst (Snβ zeolite)
Authors: Mameda Naresh , Peraka Swamy , Kodumuri Srujana , Chevella Durgaiah , Marri Mahender Reddy , Aytam Hari Padmasri , Nama Narender
Published: December 2015

Highly chemo- and regioselective heterodimerization of vinylarenes with 1,1-diphenylethene to form the corresponding alkenes using heterogeneous catalyst (Snβ zeolite) is reported for the first time.
CuNb1−xTaxO3(x ≤ 0.25) solid solutions: impact of Ta(v) substitution and Cu(i) deficiency on their structure, photocatalytic, and photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Zoellner Brandon , Stuart Sean , Chung Ching-Chang , Dougherty Daniel B. , Jones Jacob L. , Maggard Paul A.
Published: December 2015

Investigation of CuNb1−xTaxO3has led to new insights into the visible-light photocurrents and photocatalytic activities of solid solutions.
Fabrication of electrospun poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(capro lactone) composite nanofibers for co-delivery of niclosamide and silver nanoparticles exhibits enhanced anti-cancer effects in vitro
Authors: Dubey Poornima , Gopinath P.
Published: December 2015

An intrinsic property of many anticancer drugs including niclosamide is poor water solubility, which hindered their translation from laboratory to clinics.
Reverse micelles-in-microspheres with sustained release of water-soluble combretastatin A4 phosphate for S180 tumor treatment
Authors: wu Liping , Qiu Liyan
Published: December 2015

CA4P-loaded microspheres (CA4P-MS) composed of PELA reverse micelles (CA4P-RM) and PLGA with a sea-island structure were prepared. This unique type of construction can greatly improve the encapsulation efficiency of water-soluble CA4P and provide sustained drug release and action for cancer therapy.
Influence of magnetic alignment and layered structure of BN&Fe/EP on thermal conducting performance
Authors: Xu Shuai , Liu Hui , Li Qiaomei , Mu Qiwu , Wen Hanying
Published: December 2015

BN–Fe–BN structure orientation in a uniform magnetic field and the thermal conductivity of the samples reached 3.59 W m−1K−1.
Determination of the optimal installation site and capacity of battery energy storage system in distribution network integrated with distributed generation
Authors: Xiao Jun , Zhang Zequn , Bai Linquan , Liang Haishen
Published: December 2015

The presence of distributed generation (DG), represented by photovoltaic generation and wind generation, brings new challenges to distribution network operation. To accommodate the integration of DG, this study proposes a bi‐level optimisation model to determine the optimal installation site and the optimal capacity of battery energy storage system (BESS) in distribution network. The outer optimisation determines the optimal site and capacity of BESS aiming at minimising total net present value (NPV) of the distribution network within the project life cycle. Then optimal power flow (OPF) and BESS capacity adjustment are implemented in the inner optimisation. OPF optimises the scheduling of BESS and network losses. On the basis of optimal scheduling of BESS, a novel capacity adjustment method is further proposed to achieve the optimal BESS capacity considering battery lifetime for minimising the NPV of BESS. Finally, the proposed method is performed on a modified IEEE 33‐bus system and proven to be more effective comparing with an existing method without BESS capacity adjustment.
DC ice‐melting and temperature variation of optical fibre for ice‐covered overhead ground wire
Authors: Jiang Xingliang , Meng Zhigao , Zhang Zhijin , Hu Jianlin , Lei Yuqing
Published: December 2015

To prevent atmospheric ice on optical fibre composite overhead ground wire (OPGW) from affecting the safe and stable operation of power system, applying the direct current (DC) ice‐melting technology to remove ice from OPGW is a feasible option. If the selection of DC ice‐melting current is unreasonable, the temperature of optical fibre can be extremely high which may shorten its operating life or even cause it to burn. Therefore, based on the finite element method, the ice‐melting process of OPGW under glaze icing condition is simulated by COMSOL and MATLAB. The ice‐melting time and temperature variations of optical fibre for ice‐covered OPGW under different environmental conditions are obtained. Then, a series of ice‐melting tests are carried out in an artificial climate chamber to verify the calculation results. Results show that the ice‐melting and temperature increase of optical fibre gradually slow down during the entire DC ice‐melting process. When ice sheds from the OPGW, the temperature of optical fibre reaches its maximum value. The ice‐melting time is closely related to the ice‐melting current, ambient temperature, wind speed, ice thickness and type of OPGW. The maximum temperature of optical fibre is significantly influenced by ice thickness and ice‐melting current.
Traffic network micro‐simulation model and control algorithm based on approximate dynamic programming
Authors: Yin Biao , Dridi Mahjoub , El Moudni Abdellah
Published: December 2015

This study presents the adaptive traffic signal control algorithm in a distributed traffic network system. The proposed algorithm is based on a micro‐simulation model and a reinforcement learning method, namely approximate dynamic programming (ADP). By considering traffic environment in discrete time, the microscopic traffic dynamic model is built. In particular, the authors explore a vehicle‐following model using cellular automata theory. This vehicle‐following model theoretically contributes to traffic network loading environment in an accessible way. To make the network coordinated, tunable state with weights of queue length and vehicles on lane is considered. The intersection can share information with each other in this state representation and make a joint action for intersection coordination. Moreover, the traffic signal control algorithm based on ADP method performs quite well in different performance measures witnessed by simulations. By comparing with other control methods, experimental results present that the proposed algorithm could be a potential candidate in an application of traffic network control system.
The jetting behavior of viscoelastic Boger fluids during centrifugal spinning
Authors: Zhmayev Yevgen , Divvela Mounica Jyothi , Ruo An-Cheng , Huang Tao , Joo Yong Lak
Published: December 2015

We present an experimental visualization study of centrifugal spinning, which is a novel method of producing nanofibers. The investigation was conducted using Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids to study the effect of viscoelasticity, driving force, and the flow rate on the initial thinning behavior, jet contour shapes, and radii. Boger fluids based on Newtonian polybutene and viscoelastic polyisobutylene were utilized as test fluids in the current study. Our results reveal that increasing the viscoelasticity leads to a faster initial thinning of the polymer jet. However, the effect is strongly coupled with the rotation speed, and due to a faster increase in extensional viscosity for highly viscoelastic fluids, the thinning slows down with the increase in the angular velocity. Initial thinning is shown to be faster for the lower flow rates. Viscoelasticity and centrifugal force have a significant influence on the jet contour radii. The maximum radius will decrease for more viscoelastic fluids, and with the increase in angular velocity due to the development of the elastic hoop stress. The comparison of experiments with the discretized element modeling with the FENE-P model confirms the model predictive potential for the thinning behavior. Finally, the centrifugal spinning experiments are compared to electrospinning in order to observe a qualitative similarity.
Unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of a translating rigid wing at low Reynolds number
Authors: Mancini Peter , Manar Field , Granlund Kenneth , Ol Michael V. , Jones Anya R.
Published: December 2015

Rectilinearly surging wings are investigated under several different velocity profiles and incidence angles. The primary wing studied here was an aspect ratio 4 rectangular flat plate. Studies on acceleration distance, ranging from 0.125c to 6c, and incidence angles 5°–45° were performed to obtain a better understanding of the force and moment histories during an extended surge motion over several chord-lengths of travel. Flow visualization and particle image velocimetry were performed to show the flow structures responsible for variations in force and moment coefficients. It was determined that the formation and subsequent shedding of a leading edge vortex correspond to oscillations in force coefficients for wings at high angle of attack. Comparing unsteady lift results to static force measurements, it was determined that for cases with large flow separation, even after 14 chords traveled at a constant velocity, the unsteady forces do not converge to the fully developed values. Forces were then broken up into circulatory and non-circulatory components to identify individual contributors to lift. Although it was observed that the “fast” and “slow” cases produced nearly identical vortex trajectories, circulation measurements confirmed that the faster acceleration case generates more vorticity in the form of a tighter, more coherent vortex and produces significantly more circulation than the slower acceleration case, which is consistent with the difference in force production.
Anomalous nodal count and singularities in the dispersion relation of honeycomb graphs
Authors: Band Ram , Berkolaiko Gregory , Weyand Tracy
Published: December 2015

We study the nodal count of the so-called bi-dendral graphs and show that it exhibits an anomaly: the nodal surplus is never equal to 0 or β, the first Betti number of the graph. According to the nodal-magnetic theorem, this means that bands of the magnetic spectrum (dispersion relation) of such graphs do not have maxima or minima at the “usual” symmetry points of the fundamental domain of the reciprocal space of magnetic parameters. In search of the missing extrema, we prove a necessary condition for a smooth critical point to happen inside the reciprocal fundamental domain. Using this condition, we identify the extrema as the singularities in the dispersion relation of the maximal Abelian cover of the graph (the honeycomb graph being an important example). In particular, our results show that the anomalous nodal count is an indication of the presence of conical points in the dispersion relation of the maximal universal cover. We also discover that the conical points are present in the dispersion relation of graphs with much less symmetry than was required in previous investigations.
The size and structure of the laser entrance hole in gas-filled hohlraums at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Schneider M. B. , MacLaren S. A. , Widmann K. , Meezan N. B. , Hammer J. H. , Yoxall B. E. , Bell P. M. , Benedetti L. R. , Bradley D. K. , Callahan D. A. , Dewald E. L. , Döppner T. , Eder D. C. , Edwards M. J. , Guymer T. M. , Hinkel D. E. , Hohenberger M. , Hsing W. W. , Kervin M. L. , Kilkenny J. D. , Landen O. L. , Lindl J. D. , May M. J. , Michel P. , Milovich J. L. , Moody J. D. , Moore A. S. , Ralph J. E. , Regan S. P. , Thomas C. A. , Wan A. S.
Published: December 2015

At the National Ignition Facility, a thermal X-ray drive is created by laser energy from 192 beams heating the inside walls of a gold cylinder called a “hohlraum.” The x-ray drive heats and implodes a fuel capsule. The laser beams enter the hohlraum via laser entrance holes (LEHs) at each end. The LEH radius decreases as heated plasma from the LEH material blows radially inward but this is largely balanced by hot plasma from the high-intensity region in the center of the LEH pushing radially outward. The x-ray drive on the capsule is deduced by measuring the time evolution and spectra of the x-radiation coming out of the LEH and correcting for geometry and for the radius of the LEH. Previously, the LEH radius was measured using time-integrated images in an x-ray band of 3–5 keV (outside the thermal x-ray region). For gas-filled hohlraums, the measurements showed that the LEH radius is larger than that predicted by the standard High Flux radiation-hydrodynamic model by about 10%. A new platform using a truncated hohlraum (“ViewFactor hohlraum”) is described, which allows time-resolved measurements of the LEH radius at thermal x-ray energies from two views, from outside the hohlraum and from inside the hohlraum. These measurements show that the LEH radius closes during the low power part of the pulse but opens up again at peak power. The LEH radius at peak power is larger than that predicted by the models by about 15%–20% and does not change very much with time. In addition, time-resolved images in a >4 keV (non-thermal) x-ray band show a ring of hot, optically thin gold plasma just inside the optically thick LEH plasma. The structure of this plasma varies with time and with Cross Beam Energy Transfer.