bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 directly target the HBB IVS2–654 (C > T) mutation in β-thalassemia-derived iPSCs
Authors: Xu Peng , Tong Ying , Liu Xiu-zhen , Wang Ting-ting , Cheng Li , Wang Bo-yu , Lv Xiang , Huang Yue , Liu De-pei
Published: July 2015

β-Thalassemia is one of the most common genetic blood diseases and is caused by either point mutations or deletions in the β-globin (HBB) gene. The generation of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and subsequent correction of the disease-causing mutations may be a potential therapeutic strategy for this disease. Due to the low efficiency of typical homologous recombination, endonucleases, including TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9, have been widely used to enhance the gene correction efficiency in patient-derived iPSCs. Here, we designed TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 to directly target the intron2 mutation site IVS2-654 in the globin gene. We observed different frequencies of double-strand breaks (DSBs) at IVS2-654 loci using TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs mediated a higher homologous gene targeting efficiency compared to CRISPR/Cas9 when combined with the piggyBac transposon donor. In addition, more obvious off-target events were observed for CRISPR/Cas9 compared to TALENs. Finally, TALENs-corrected iPSC clones were selected for erythroblast differentiation using the OP9 co-culture system and detected relatively higher transcription of HBB than the uncorrected cells. This comparison of using TALENs or CRISPR/Cas9 to correct specific HBB mutations in patient-derived iPSCs will guide future applications of TALENs- or CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapies in monogenic diseases.
Ultrasound assisted extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for determination of alkylphenol levels in cleaning products
Authors: Viñas Pilar , Campillo Natalia , Pastor-Belda Marta , Hernández-Córdoba Manuel
Published: July 2015

Ultrasound facilitates alkylphenols to be extracted with a small amount of organic solvents. Liquid chromatography does not require derivatization.
Electroanalytical application of a boron-doped diamond electrode for sensitive voltammetric determination of theophylline in pharmaceutical dosages and human urine
Authors: Cinková K. , Zbojeková N. , Vojs M. , Marton M. , Samphao A. , Švorc Ľ.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a novel voltammetric method for the determination of 1,3-dimethylxanthine alkaloid theophylline is elaborated using differential pulse (DPV) and square-wave voltammetric (SWV) modes on a boron-doped diamond electrode.
Mechanistic insights for the development of Li–O2battery materials: addressing Li2O2conductivity limitations and electrolyte and cathode instabilities
Authors: McCloskey Bryan D. , Burke Colin M. , Nichols Jessica E. , Renfrew Sara E.
Published: July 2015

This featured article provides a perspective on challenges facing Li–air battery cathode development, including Li2O2conductivity limitations and instabilities of electrolyte and high surface area carbon.
Sulfurization of FeOOH nanorods on a carbon cloth and their conversion into Fe2O3/Fe3O4–S core−shell nanorods for lithium storage
Authors: Luo Yang , Balogun Muhammad-Sadeeq , Qiu Weitao , Zhao Ruirui , Liu Peng , Tong Yexiang
Published: July 2015

This work utilizes a simple approach to significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of iron oxide-based nanomaterials.
Chemical gardens without silica: the formation of pure metal hydroxide tubes
Authors: Batista Bruno C. , Steinbock Oliver
Published: July 2015

We establish a minimal reaction system for the study of hollow precipitation tubes that involves only hydroxide and metal ions.
Supramolecular quantum dots as biodegradable nano-probes for upconversion-enabled bioimaging
Authors: Zhao Fei , Li Zhe , Wang Lixia , Hu Chuangang , Zhang Zhipan , Li Chun , Qu Liangti
Published: July 2015

Supramolecular quantum dots derived from graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets exhibit unique biodegradable upconversion-enabled bioimaging.
Relationship between single-file diffusion of mixed and pure gases in dipeptide nanochannels by high field diffusion NMR
Authors: Dutta Akshita R. , Sekar Poorvajan , Dvoyashkin Muslim , Bowers Clifford R. , Ziegler Kirk J. , Vasenkov Sergey
Published: July 2015

Under single-file confinement, the relationship between diffusion rates of mixed and pure gases is studied experimentally for the first time and observed to differ from that for normal diffusion.
Dinitrogen extrusion from enoldiazo compounds under thermal conditions: synthesis of donor–acceptor cyclopropenes
Authors: Deng Yongming , Jing Changcheng , Doyle Michael P.
Published: July 2015

Donor–acceptor cyclopropenes are formed quantitatively or in high yield from enoldiazoacetates and enoldiazoacetamides under moderate thermal conditions.
Facile access to a heterocyclic, sp3-rich chemical scaffold via a tandem condensation/intramolecular nitrone–alkene [3+2] cycloaddition strategy
Authors: Rawling M. J. , Storr T. E. , Bawazir W. A. , Cully S. J. , Lewis W. , Makki M. S. I. T. , Strutt I. R. , Jones G. , Hamza D. , Stockman R. A.
Published: July 2015

A heterocyclic, sp3-rich chemical scaffold was synthesised in just 6 steps via a highly regio- and diastereo-selective tandem nitrone formation/intramolecular nitrone–alkene [3+2] cycloaddition reaction.
pH responsive ATP carriers to drive kinesin movement
Authors: Li Jieling , Jia Yi , Dong Weiguang , Wang Anhe , Li Junbai
Published: July 2015

Multilayer film coated CaCO3 microspheres were employed as pH responsive ATP carriers to power the kinesin–microtubule system.
Pillared-bilayer zinc(ii)–organic laminae: pore modification and selective gas adsorption
Authors: Lee Li-Wei , Luo Tzuoo-Tsair , Lo Sheng-Han , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Peng Shie-Ming , Liu Yen-Hsiang , Lee Sheng-Long , Lu Kuang-Lieh
Published: July 2015

Three Zn(ii)-based pillared-bilayer MOFs were systematically synthesized. Their unusual structural characteristics allow these pillared-bilayer MOFs to serve as excellent models for studies of gas adsorption properties.
Water-induced phase transformation of a CuII coordination framework with pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate and di-2-pyridyl ketone: synchrotron radiation analysis
Authors: Llano-Tomé Francisco , Bazán Begoña , Urtiaga M. Karmele , Barandika Gotzone , Fidalgo-Marijuan Arkaitz , Fernández de Luis Roberto , Arriortua María I.
Published: July 2015

Water-induced reversible phase transformation in the CuII–PDC–(py)2C(OH)2 system.
Formation of organic molecular nanocrystals under soft confinement
Authors: Yang Xiaochuan , Ong Ta-Chung , Michaelis Vladimir K. , Heng Scott , Griffin Robert G. , Myerson Allan S.
Published: July 2015

We report the use of a novel solution impregnation method to form nanocrystals in polymer matrices with various microstructures in order to study the structure of the confined nanocrystals and the role of soft confinement and polymer chemistry on the nucleation process of nano-sized crystals.
Molecular features contributing to the lower viscosity of phosphonium ionic liquids compared to their ammonium analogues
Authors: Scarbath-Evers Laura Katharina , Hunt Patricia A. , Kirchner Barbara , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Zahn Stefan
Published: July 2015

Classical molecular dynamics simulations identify the size of the central atom and the angle flexibility as important molecular features contributing to the lower viscosity of phosphonium based ionic liquids compared to their ammonium analogues.
Trends in non-metal doping of the SrTiO3 surface: a hybrid density functional study
Authors: Guo Yating , Qiu Xiaowei , Dong Hao , Zhou Xin
Published: July 2015

N-, Br- and I-doped SrTiO3 surfaces are theoretically found to be promising photocatalysts for water splitting in the visible region.
Iron triad (Fe, Co, Ni) nanomaterials: structural design, functionalization and their applications
Authors: Zhou Wei , Guo Lin
Published: July 2015

Synthetic strategies and the functionalization of iron triad nanomaterials are summarized, applied mainly in the fields of energy and the environment.
Structure modeling, synthesis and X-ray diffraction determination of an extra-large calixarene-based coordination cage and its application in drug delivery
Authors: Du Shangchao , Yu Tang-Qing , Liao Wuping , Hu Chunhua
Published: July 2015

An extra-large octahedral calixarene-based coordination cage was modeled by the isomorphic replacement approach from a known structure of a smaller size. And then it was successfully synthesized and determined.
Kinetico-mechanistic studies on the formation of seven-membered [C,N]-platinacycles: the effect of methyl or fluoro substituents on the aryl ancillary ligands
Authors: Crespo Margarita , Font-Bardia Mercè , Martínez Manuel
Published: July 2015

The rate determining step for the formation of seven-membered platinacycles from cyclometallated Pt(iv) aryl complexes is determined by the nature of the substituents on the aryl groups.
Sn(ii) induced concentration dependent dynamic to static excimer conversion of a conjugated naphthalene derivative
Authors: Adhikari Susanta , Mandal Sandip , Ghosh Avijit , Guria Subhajit , Das Debasis
Published: July 2015

The colorimetric and fluorescence recognition of Sn2+ has been achieved using a naphthalene appended diformyl-p-cresol derivative (L). The dynamic excimer, observed up to 50 μM Sn2+, gradually converts to a static type above 50 μM Sn2+. DFT calculations support the experimental findings.
Asiatic acid and maslinic acid protected heart via anti-glycative and anti-coagulatory activities in diabetic mice
Authors: Hung Yi-chih , Yang Hui-ting , Yin Mei-chin
Published: July 2015

The cardiac protective effects of asiatic acid (AA) and maslinic acid (MA) in diabetic mice were examined.
Biocatalytic conversion of lignin to aromatic dicarboxylic acids in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 by re-routing aromatic degradation pathways
Authors: Mycroft Zoe , Gomis Maria , Mines Paul , Law Paul , Bugg Timothy D. H.
Published: July 2015

A gene insertion approach is used in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 to generate pyridine-dicarboxylic acid bioproducts from lignin.
Lewisite exposure biomarkers in urine by liquid chromatography – inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry: with an accelerated matrix-matched stability study
Authors: Palcic Jason D. , Jones Janet S. , Flagg E. Lindsay , Donovan Stephen F.
Published: July 2015

A simple and robust LC-ICP-MS/MS method is described for quantitative analysis of human urine for (2-chlorovinyl)arsonic acid (CVAOA), a metabolite of Lewisite.
LoMA-B: a simple and versatile lab-on-a-chip system based on single-channel bisulfite conversion for DNA methylation analysis
Authors: Yoon Jaeyun , Park Mi Kyoung , Lee Tae Yoon , Yoon Yong-Jin , Shin Yong
Published: July 2015

Here, we present a Lab-on-a-Chip system for DNA Methylation Analysis based on Bisulfite conversion (LoMA-B), which is coupled to a sample pre-processing module for on-chip bisulfite conversion and a label-free, real-time detection module for rapid analysis of DNA methylation status.
Direct coupling of a free-flow isotachophoresis (FFITP) device with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)
Authors: Park J. K. , Campos C. D. M , Neužil P. , Abelmann L. , Guijt R. M. , Manz A.
Published: July 2015

The direct coupling of free-flow isotachophoresis device with an electrospray-ionization-mass-spectrometer allows continuous online detection without any sample preparation such as purification and labeling.
Miniaturized, biopsy-implantable chemical sensor with wireless, magnetic resonance readout
Authors: Vassiliou C. C. , Liu V. H. , Cima M. J.
Published: July 2015

A new, miniaturized chemical sensor – implanted via needle biopsy – measures tissue pH and oxygen tension in vivo.
A green approach for the synthesis of bis (substituted sulfabenzamide) para-benzoquinone based on the reaction of sulfabenzamide with electrochemically generated para-benzoquinone and its antibacterial evaluation
Authors: Khazalpour Sadegh , Nematollahi Davood , Pajohi-Alamoti Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2015

The electrochemical synthesis of a new bis (substituted)p-benzoquinone was carried outviathe electrooxidation of hydroquinone in the presence of sulfabenzamide
Gold nanorods or nanoparticles deposited on layered manganese oxide: new findings
Authors: Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi , Hosseini Seyedeh Maedeh , Hołyńska Małgorzata , Tomo Tatsuya , Allakhverdiev Suleyman I.
Published: July 2015

Our results show that nano-sized gold has no significant effect on the water-oxidation activity of the Mn oxide phase in the presence of Ce(iv).
Engineering the defect state and reducibility of ceria based nanoparticles for improved anti-oxidation performance
Authors: Wang Yan-Jie , Dong Hao , Lyu Guang-Ming , Zhang Huai-Yuan , Ke Jun , Kang Li-Qun , Teng Jia-Li , Sun Ling-Dong , Si Rui , Zhang Jing , Liu Yan-Jun , Zhang Ya-Wen , Huang Yun-Hui , Yan Chun-Hua
Published: July 2015

In this article, we show a robust method to engineer the anti-oxidation performance of CeO2nanoparticles through the modification of defect state and reducibility.
Hollow Au/Ag nanostars displaying broad plasmonic resonance and high surface-enhanced Raman sensitivity
Authors: Garcia-Leis Adianez , Torreggiani Armida , Garcia-Ramos Jose Vicente , Sanchez-Cortes Santiago
Published: July 2015

Bimetallic Au/Ag hollow nanostar (HNS) nanoparticles and their surface-enhanced Raman scattering efficiency was tested with different morphologies were prepared in this work.
Faradic redox active material of Cu7S4 nanowires with a high conductance for flexible solid state supercapacitors
Authors: Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Dai Shuge , Wang Mingjun , Xi Yi , Lang Qiang , Guo Donglin , Hu Chenguo
Published: July 2015

The high Faradic redox active material of Cu7S4-NWs coated on a carbon fiber fabric is directly used as a binder-free electrode for a high performance flexible solid state supercapacitor.
Supramolecular helical nanofibers assembled from a pyridinium-functionalized methyl glycyrrhetate amphiphile
Authors: Gao Yuxia , Hao Jie , Wu Jindan , Zhang Xun , Hu Jun , Ju Yong
Published: July 2015

A facile approach for creating supramolecular helical nanostructures was developed by modifying a hydrophilic pyridinium group on the triterpenoid skeletons.
Towards more drug-like proteomimetics: two-faced, synthetic α-helix mimetics based on a purine scaffold
Authors: Lanning M. E. , Wilder P. T. , Bailey H. , Drennen B. , Cavalier M. , Chen L. , Yap J. L. , Raje M. , Fletcher S.
Published: July 2015

Key residues on opposing faces of the Bak-BH3 α-helix were recapitulated by the 2,6,9-tri-substitution of a purine scaffold.
Invariom based electron density studies on the C/Si analogues haloperidol/sila-haloperidol and venlafaxine/sila-venlafaxine
Authors: Luger Peter , Dittrich Birger , Tacke Reinhold
Published: July 2015

Hirshfeld surfaces of haloperidol hydropicrate (left) and sila-haloperidol hydrochloride (right) show comparable sites of ED concentrations due to comparable intermolecular environments.
Self-immolative base-mediated conjugate release from triazolylmethylcarbamates
Authors: Blencowe Christopher A. , Thornthwaite David W. , Hayes Wayne , Russell Andrew T.
Published: July 2015

A range of carbamate functionalized 1,4-disubstituted triazoles featuring a model aromatic amine reporter group (R) have been prepared via copper(i) catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition and revealed self-immolative characteristics under basic conditions.
Triazole linker-based trivalent sialic acid inhibitors of adenovirus type 37 infection of human corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Caraballo Rémi , Saleeb Michael , Bauer Johannes , Liaci A. Manuel , Chandra Naresh , Storm Rickard J. , Frängsmyr Lars , Qian Weixing , Stehle Thilo , Arnberg Niklas , Elofsson Mikael
Published: July 2015

Adenovirus type 37 (Ad37) is one of the principal agents responsible for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), a severe ocular infection that remains without treatment.
A simple fluorescent probe based on a pyrene derivative for rapid detection of protamine and monitoring of trypsin activity
Authors: Tang Baiyang , Yang Yan , Wang Gefu , Yao Zhiyi , Zhang Li , Wu Hai-Chen
Published: July 2015

Detection of protamine and trypsin with a simple fluorescent probe based on a pyrene derivative.
Iridium/copper-cocatalyzed asymmetric ring opening reaction of azabenzonorbornadienes with amines
Authors: Zeng Chaoyuan , Yang Fan , Chen Jingchao , Wang Jun , Fan Baomin
Published: July 2015

Chiral trans-vicinal diamines were synthesized via an asymmetric ring opening reaction of azabenzonorbornadienes with amines.
Largely enhanced mechanical properties and heat distortion temperature of β-nucleated isotactic polypropylene by adding ultrafine full-vulcanized powdered rubber
Authors: Zhu Yanling , Zhao Yongsheng , Deng Sha , Zhang Qin , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2015

Large enhancement in toughness is observed in β-iPP with a small amount of EA-UFPR, which is mainly attributed to the decreased size of supermolecular units and formation of an interconnected structure.
Artificial inverted compound eye structured polymer films with light-harvesting and self-cleaning functions for encapsulated III–V solar cell applications
Authors: Leem Jung Woo , Yu Jae Su
Published: July 2015

Inverted compound eye structured polydimethylsiloxane (i.e., ICESs PDMS) antireflection layer enhances the solar power generation of encapsulated III–V solar cells.
Preparation of silver nanoparticles supported mesoporous silica microspheres with perpendicularly aligned mesopore channels and their antibacterial activities
Authors: Huang Ren-Shu , Hou Bao-Fei , Li Hai-Tao , Fu Xu-Cheng , Xie Cheng-Gen
Published: July 2015

In this study, a facile and effective route for the preparation of silver nanoparticle supported surface mesoporous silica microspheres with perpendicularly aligned mesopore channels and their antibacterial activities were reported.
Effective removal of methylene blue from water using phosphoric acid based geopolymers: synthesis, characterizations and adsorption studies
Authors: Khan M. Irfan , Min Teoh. K. , Azizli Khairun , Sufian Suriati , Ullah Hafeez , Man Zakaria
Published: July 2015

PAGPs were produced by phosphoric acid activation of metakaolin and were used as effective adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue from water.
Effect of influent COD/N ratio on performance and N2O emission of partial nitrification treating high-strength nitrogen wastewater
Authors: Zhang Xinwen , Zhang Jian , Hu Zhen , Xie Huijun , Wei Dong , Li Wenkai
Published: July 2015

The effect of influent chemical oxygen demand/nitrogen (COD/N) ratio on nitrogen removal and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission during partial nitrification treating high-strength nitrogen wastewater was investigated.
Can the high reactivity of azomethine betaines in [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions be explained using singlet-diradical character descriptors? What molecular mechanism is actually involved in these cycloadditions?
Authors: Emamian Saeedreza , Lu Tian , Moeinpour Farid
Published: July 2015

The singlet-diradical character of AZBs makes these TACs reactive in [3 + 2] cycloaddition toward ethylene taking place via a non-concerted one-step mechanism.
Highly efficient and reversible SO2 capture by halogenated carboxylate ionic liquids
Authors: Cui Guokai , Huang Yanjie , Zhang Ruina , Zhang Fengtao , Wang Jianji
Published: July 2015

Several halogenated carboxylate ionic liquids were developed for SO2 capture. Both enhanced capacity, improved desorption, and reversibility of ionic liquids can be achieved via adding halogen sulfur interaction between halogen on the anion and SO2.
Germanosilicate zeolite ITQ-44 with extra-large 18-rings synthesized using a commercial quaternary ammonium as a structure-directing agent
Authors: Qian Kun , Wang Yilin , Liang Zhiqiang , Li Jiyang
Published: July 2015

Synthesis of extra-large pore germanosilicate zeolite ITQ-44 and M-doped ITQ-44, featuring d3rs and d4rs, using commercial organic SDAs.
Tube-like α-Fe2O3@Ag/AgCl heterostructure: controllable synthesis and enhanced plasmonic photocatalytic activity
Authors: Liu Jun , Wu Wei , Tian Qingyong , Yang Shuanglei , Sun Lingling , Xiao Xiangheng , Ren Feng , Jiang Changzhong , Roy Vellaisamy A. L.
Published: July 2015

Plasmonic photocatalysts coupled with semiconductors are one of the most popular combinations in environmental remediation applications.
Design of honeycomb structure surfaces with controllable oil adhesion underwater
Authors: Guo Tianqi , Li Muchen , Heng Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: July 2015

We fabricate honeycomb-like poly acrylic acid (PAA) surfaces and achieve oil adhesion regulation underwater by changing the pore size and the solution pH, which affect triple-phase contact line (TCL) continuity and the negative pressure in the pores.
Wool supported manganese dioxide nano-scale dispersion: a biopolymer based catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of organic compounds
Authors: Shaabani Ahmad , Hezarkhani Zeinab , Badali Elham
Published: July 2015

A wool supported manganese dioxide nano-scale dispersion was synthesized by soaking wool in a potassium permanganate solution and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Rapid synthesis of nc-Si/a-SiNx:H QD thin films by plasma processing for their cost effective applications in photonic and photovoltaic devices
Authors: Das Debajyoti , Sain Basudeb
Published: July 2015

A rapid and single step synthesis of nc-Si/a-SiNx:H QD thin films has been made possible from a (SiH4 + NH3) gas mixture, with the advent of high density low pressure planar inductively coupled plasma processing.
Fabricating a morphology tunable patterned bio-inspired polydopamine film directly via microcontact printing
Authors: Hou Yanshan , Xiao Peng , Zhang Jiawei , Peng Meiwen , Lu Wei , Huang Youju , Ouyang Chunfa , Chen Tao
Published: July 2015

A robust and simple strategy of microcontact printing is provided to fabricate micro-patterned polydopamine (PDA) films with tunable morphology achieved by altering the concentration of PDA “ink” solution.
Synthesis and formation mechanism of VO2(A) nanoplates with intrinsic peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Zhang Liangmiao , Xia Fang , Song Zhengdong , Webster Nathan A. S. , Luo Hongjie , Gao Yanfeng
Published: July 2015

In situPXRD confirmed the direct crystallization of VO2(A) from solution after complete hydrolysis of the VO(acac)2precursor.
Synthesis of photocatalytic hematite nanotube array using a template-free solvothermal approach
Authors: Jiao Jiqing , Tang Jianguo , Wang Guoming , Wang Yao , Huang Linjun , Huang Zhen , Liu Jixian , Zhu Yukun , Belfiore Laurence A.
Published: July 2015

Template-free solvothermal synthesis and visible light photoactivity of hollow hematite nanotube arrays.
A novel biodegradable phosphorus-containing copolyester with preferable flame retardancy and mechanical properties
Authors: Jin Tian-Xiang , Zhang Xian-Yin , Tao Yun-Feng , Wang Dan , Chen Feng , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2015

Upon the incorporation of HPPPA, the LOI values of the PBSHs were increased to 35% and the copolyester can also achieve a UL-94 V-0 rating in vertical burning test.
Enhanced corrosion performance of Zn coating by incorporating graphene oxide electrodeposited from deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Li Ruiqian , Liang Jun , Hou Yuanyuan , Chu Qingwei
Published: July 2015

The corrosion resistance of Zn–GO is much better than that of pure Zn.
[3 + 2] Annulations between indoles and α,β-unsaturated ketones: access to pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles and model reactions toward the originally assigned structure of yuremamine
Authors: Li Haokun , Wang Zhonglei , Zu Liansuo
Published: July 2015

The efficient assembly of densely substituted, highly functionalized pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles by the direct annulation of indoles and α,β-unsaturated ketones is reported.
Correction: High-k double gate junctionless tunnel FET with a tunable bandgap
Authors: Rahi Shiromani Balmukund , Ghosh Bahniman
Published: July 2015

Correction for ‘High-k double gate junctionless tunnel FET with a tunable bandgap’ by Shiromani Balmukund Rahi et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 54544–54550.
On–off switch of charge-separated states of pyridine-vinylene-linked porphyrin–C60 conjugates detected by EPR
Authors: Kirner Sabrina V. , Arteaga Danny , Henkel Christian , Margraf Johannes T. , Alegret Nuria , Ohkubo Kei , Insuasty Braulio , Ortiz Alejandro , Martín Nazario , Echegoyen Luis , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Clark Timothy , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: July 2015

The on–off switch of charge separated states in a new series of pyridine-vinylene linked porphyrin–C60 conjugates was detected by EPR at 77 K.
Exceptional time response, stability and selectivity in doubly-activated phenyl selenium-based glutathione-selective platform
Authors: Kim Youngsam , Mulay Sandip V. , Choi Minsuk , Yu Seungyoon B. , Jon Sangyong , Churchill David G.
Published: July 2015

Outstanding glutathione chemosensing selectivity with a new coumarin-based probe is reported and discussed in the context of live cell experiments; the point of attack is flanked by two proximal carbonyl groups.
MOF-derived surface modified Ni nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Teng , Zhou Qianyu , Wang Xiaojuan , Zheng Jie , Li Xingguo
Published: July 2015

Pyrolysis of a Ni based metal organic framework in NH3yields Ni nanoparticles with surface nitridation together with thin carbon coating layers. The subtle surface modification significantly improves the catalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Reactive adsorption of CEES on iron oxyhydroxide/(N-)graphite oxide composites under visible light exposure
Authors: Arcibar-Orozco Javier A. , Panettieri Silvio , Bandosz Teresa J.
Published: July 2015

The addition of graphite oxide and/or aminated graphite oxide increases the oxidative potential of iron oxyhydroxides leading to the efficient adsorption, oxidation, and elimination of chloroethyl ethyl sulfide.
A soft–hard template approach towards hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles with rough surfaces for controlled drug delivery and protein adsorption
Authors: Zhang Haijiao , Xu Huijuan , Wu Minghong , Zhong Yufang , Wang Donghai , Jiao Zheng
Published: July 2015

Novel hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) with rough surfaces have been successfully prepared using a facile soft–hard template route.
A super energy transfer process based S-shaped cluster in ZnMoO4 phosphors: theoretical and experimental investigation
Authors: Ran Weiguang , Wang Lili , Zhang Wenwen , Li Feiyang , Jiang Haiyan , Li Weina , Su Linghao , Houzong Ruizhi , Pan Xiaohua , Shi Jinsheng
Published: July 2015

In the ZnMoO4 phosphor, Bi3+ and Eu3+ ions were trapped together in an S-shaped cluster. A super energy transfer process from Bi3+ to Eu3+ occurred due to their short distance.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and transport properties of quaternary tetrahedral chalcogenides
Authors: Dong Yongkwan , Wojtas Lukasz , Martin Joshua , Nolas George S.
Published: July 2015

The synthesis, crystal structure, and transport properties of quaternary tetrahedral chalcogenides Cu2.1Fe0.9SnSe4, Cu2.2Fe0.8SnSe4 and Cu2.2Zn0.2Fe0.6SnSe4 were investigated. Cu2.2Fe0.8SnSe4 has a ZT value of 0.45 at 750 K, the highest ZT thus far reported at this temperature for solid–solution compositions in this material system.
Non-β-blocking R-carvedilol enantiomer suppresses Ca2+ waves and stress-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmia without lowering heart rate or blood pressure
Authors: Zhang Jingqun , Zhou Qiang , Smith Chris D. , Chen Haiyan , Tan Zhen , Chen Biyi , Nani Alma , Wu Guogen , Song Long-Sheng , Fill Michael , Back Thomas G. , Chen S.R. Wayne
Published: July 2015

Carvedilol is the current β-blocker of choice for suppressing ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT). However, carvedilol's benefits are dose-limited, attributable to its potent β-blocking activity that can lead to bradycardia and hypotension. The clinically used carvedilol is a racemic mixture of β-blocking S-carvedilol and non-β-blocking R-carvedilol. We recently reported that novel non-β-blocking carvedilol analogues are effective in suppressing arrhythmogenic Ca2+ waves and stress-induced VT without causing bradycardia. Thus, the non-β-blocking R-carvedilol enantiomer may also possess this favourable anti-arrhythmic property. To test this possibility, we synthesized R-carvedilol and assessed its effect on Ca2+ release and VT. Like racemic carvedilol, R-carvedilol directly reduces the open duration of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2), suppresses spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, Ca2+ waves in cardiomyocytes in intact hearts and stress-induced VT in mice harbouring a catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)-causing RyR2 mutation. Importantly, R-carvedilol did not significantly alter heart rate or blood pressure. Therefore, the non-β-blocking R-carvedilol enantiomer represents a very promising prophylactic treatment for Ca2+- triggered arrhythmia without the bradycardia and hypotension often associated with racemic carvedilol. Systematic clinical assessments of R-carvedilol as a new anti-arrhythmic agent may be warranted.
Focusing of geosynchronous SAR with nonlinear chirp scaling algorithm
Authors: Hu Bin , Jiang Yicheng , Zhang Shunsheng , Yeo Tat‐Soon
Published: July 2015

In geosynchronous (GEO) synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the satellite track is curvilinear and the typical assumption of ‘stop‐and‐go’ breaks down due to the increase of orbit altitude. Thus, standard imaging algorithms based on the conventional hyperbolic range equation (CHRE) become inadequate. A four‐order range equation taking the ‘stop‐and‐go’ errors into consideration is adopted to improve the accuracy in the approximation of the range history for GEO SAR. Then, an accurate two‐dimensional spectrum is analytically deduced under the curved trajectory model, and a modified nonlinear chirp scaling (NLCS) algorithm is proposed according to this new spectrum. Simulation results validate that the proposed algorithm has better performance than the CHRE‐based NLCS algorithm in the GEO cases.
Edge localisation in MRI for images with signal‐dependent noise
Authors: Aarya I. , Jiang D. , Gale T.
Published: July 2015

A new edge localisation technique for step edges in images with signal‐dependent Rician noise in MRI is proposed. Dependent noise can not only affect the detection of true edges in an image but also their position. Inaccurate localisation of an edge can lead to insufficient segmentation and reduce the overall accuracy of any edge detection method. The proposed technique uses higher‐order moments of the noise function to determine the correction factor for localisation and thus reduce the overall mean square error for true edge localisation due to noise. The proposed technique offers significant improvement in edge localisation for an image as compared with Canny and Sobel methods.
Wideband gain enhancement of slot antenna using one unprinted dielectric superstrate
Authors: Zeb B.A. , Hashmi R.M. , Esselle K.P.
Published: July 2015

A quarter‐wavelength‐thick unprinted dielectric slab is placed above a slot antenna to achieve high gain with a large bandwidth. By optimally truncating the high‐permittivity superstrate to a small area of 2.25λ02, 8–10 dB enhancement in the directivity of the slot is achieved over a 3 dB directivity bandwidth of 16–18%. A prototype antenna was fabricated and tested at 11.5 GHz. Its measured peak gain is 16.95 dBi and the 3 dB gain bandwidth is 16.25%. The proposed antenna is simple and, more importantly, has a lower profile with a total height of 0.593λ0.
16.8 A/600 V AlGaN/GaN MIS‐HEMTs employing LPCVD‐Si3N4 as gate insulator
Authors: Zhang Zhili , Yu Guohao , Zhang Xiaodong , Tan Shuxin , Wu Dongdong , Fu Kai , Huang Wei , Cai Yong , Zhang Baoshun
Published: July 2015

An AlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor high electron mobility transistor (MIS‐HEMT) on Si substrate was obtained with 18 nm silicon nitride (Si3N4) grown by low‐pressure chemical vapour deposition (LPCVD) as the gate insulator. The D‐mode MIS‐HEMT shows a high Idss of 16.8 A at Vg = 3 V, a high breakdown voltage (BV) of 600 V and a low‐specific on‐resistance of 2.3 mΩ·cm2. The power device figure of merit (FOM = BV2/Ron,sp) is calculated as 157 MW·cm−2. The good insulation effects of LPCVD‐Si3N4 were also demonstrated by the low gate leakage current of 154 nA at Vds = 600 V and Vgs = −14 V. Furthermore, an E‐mode device was realised by a low‐voltage silicon metal–oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor in series; the Vth was determined to be 2.6 V. The high Idss, low‐specific on‐resistance, high BV and positive Vth show the potential and advantages of GaN MIS‐HEMTs for power switching applications.
Study of two‐dimensional electron gases wave function in double‐heterojunction transistors
Authors: Cao Y.
Published: July 2015

To study the electron transport properties in high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), it is essential to have a correct estimation for electron density distribution. The introduction of back barriers in GaN‐based HEMTs leads to a modified profile of a two‐dimensional (2D) electron wave function, which can no longer be described by the standard Fang‐Howard model. To address this change, a numerical model is developed for the wave function calculation based on the variational Hartree method. An electron density profile in the GaN channel with AlGaN top and back barriers has been simulated. The results are in good agreement with those obtained from self‐consistent Poisson‐Schrödinger simulation. The centroid of the 2D electron gas is also calculated as a function of the Al composition in the AlGaN back barrier.
High optical power and low‐efficiency droop blue light‐emitting diodes using compositionally step‐graded InGaN barrier
Authors: Pan Chih‐Chien , Yan Qimin , Fu Houqiang , Zhao Yuji , Wu Yuh‐Renn , Van de Walle Chris , Nakamura Shuji , DenBaars Steven P.
Published: July 2015

A compositionally step‐graded (CSG) InGaN barrier is designed for the active region of c‐plane blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). High external quantum efficiencies of 45, 42, 39 and 36% are achieved at current densities of 100, 200, 300 and 400 A/cm2, respectively. Compared with GaN barrier devices, LEDs with CSG InGaN barriers showed higher power, lower operating voltage and smaller wavelength blueshift, compared with GaN barrier LEDs. Owing to the low‐voltage performance, higher wall‐plug efficiency can be achieved for blue LEDs with CSG InGaN barriers.
Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors: Part II—Management Options and Outcomes
Authors: Samartzis Dino , Gillis Christopher C. , Shih Patrick , O'Toole John E. , Fessler Richard G.
Published: July 2015

Study Design

Broad narrative review.

Objectives

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) are uncommon lesions that can affect any age group or sex. However, numerous IMSCT exist and the clinical course of each tumor varies. The following article addresses the various management options and outcomes in patients with IMSCT.

Methods

An extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature was performed, addressing management options and clinical outcomes of patients with IMSCT.

Results

Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to obtain optimal functional outcome. Each IMSCT have specific imaging characteristics, which help in the clinical decision-making and prognostication. A comprehension of the tumor pathology and the clinical course associated with each tumor can allow for the proper surgical and nonsurgical management of these tumors, and reduce any associated morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in the operative management of such lesions have increased the success rate of tumor removal while minimizing iatrogenic-related trauma to the patient and, in tandem, improving patient outcomes.

Conclusions

Awareness and understanding of IMSCT is imperative to design proper management and obtain optimal patient outcomes. Meticulous operative technique and the use of surgical adjuncts are essential to accomplish proper tumor removal, diminish the risk of recurrence, and preserve neurologic function. Operative management of IMSCT should be individualized and based on tumor type, location, and dimensional extensions. To assist with preoperative and intraoperative decision-making, a general algorithm is provided.
The Evaluation and Observation of “Hidden” Hypertrophy of Cervical Ligamentum Flavum, Cervical Canal, and Related Factors Using Kinetic Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zeng Cheng , Xiong Jian , Wang Jeffrey C. , Inoue Hirokazu , Tan Yanlin , Tian Haijun , Aghdasi Bayan
Published: July 2015

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

The objective was to measure the change of flavum ligament diameter during positional changes of the cervical spine using kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to examine the correlational diameter changes of the flavum ligament, disk bulging, and the spinal canal from extension to flexion positions.

Methods

One hundred eight-nine patients underwent kinetic MRI in neutral, extension, and flexion positions. The diameters of cervical ligamentum flavum, disk bulging, and cervical spinal canal and the disk degeneration grade and Cobb angles were measured from C2–C3 to C7–T1.

Results

In all, 1,134 cervical spinal segments from 189 patients were included. There was a 0.26 ± 0.85-mm average increase in the diameter of the ligamentum flavum from flexion to extension, and 62.70% of the segments had increased ligamentum flavum diameter from flexion to extension. For all segments of the 189 patients, the cervical spinal canal diameters had an average decrease at the disk level of 0.56 ± 1.21 mm from flexion to extension. For all segments with cervical spinal canal narrowing ≥1 mm from flexion to extension view, the ligamentum flavum diameters at C3–C4 to C5–C6 had significant increases compared with patients with spinal canal narrowing < 1 mm ( p < 0.05). For patients with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy of ≥1 mm from the flexion to extension view, the cervical spinal canal diameters at C2–C3, C4–C5, and C5–C6 had significant decreases compared with patients with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy of <1 mm ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The “hidden” hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum was significant at C4–C5 and C5–C6 and significantly contributes to the stenosis of cervical spinal canal in the extension position.
Causal localizations in relativistic quantum mechanics
Authors: Castrigiano Domenico P. L. , Leiseifer Andreas D.
Published: July 2015

Causal localizations describe the position of quantum systems moving not faster than light. They are constructed for the systems with finite spinor dimension. At the center of interest are the massive relativistic systems. For every positive mass, there is the sequence of Dirac tensor-localizations, which provides a complete set of inequivalent irreducible causal localizations. They obey the principle of special relativity and are fully Poincaré covariant. The boosters are determined by the causal position operator and the other Poincaré generators. The localization with minimal spinor dimension is the Dirac localization. Thus, the Dirac equation is derived here as a mere consequence of the principle of causality. Moreover, the higher tensor-localizations, not known so far, follow from Dirac’s localization by a simple construction. The probability of localization for positive energy states results to be described by causal positive operator valued (PO-) localizations, which are the traces of the causal localizations on the subspaces of positive energy. These causal Poincaré covariant PO-localizations for every irreducible massive relativistic system were, all the more, not known before. They are shown to be separated. Hence, the positive energy systems can be localized within every open region by a suitable preparation as accurately as desired. Finally, the attempt is made to provide an interpretation of the PO-localization operators within the frame of conventional quantum mechanics attributing an important role to the negative energy states.
A new (2+1) dimensional integrable evolution equation for an ion acoustic wave in a magnetized plasma
Authors: Mukherjee Abhik , Janaki M. S. , Kundu Anjan
Published: July 2015

A new, completely integrable, two dimensional evolution equation is derived for an ion acoustic wave propagating in a magnetized, collisionless plasma. The equation is a multidimensional generalization of a modulated wavepacket with weak transverse propagation, which has resemblance to nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation and has a connection to Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation through a constraint relation. Higher soliton solutions of the equation are derived through Hirota bilinearization procedure, and an exact lump solution is calculated exhibiting 2D structure. Some mathematical properties demonstrating the completely integrable nature of this equation are described. Modulational instability using nonlinear frequency correction is derived, and the corresponding growth rate is calculated, which shows the directional asymmetry of the system. The discovery of this novel (2+1) dimensional integrable NLS type equation for a magnetized plasma should pave a new direction of research in the field.
Thermomagnetism with external and internal magnetic field quantities
Authors: Egolf Peter W. , Gama Sergio , Vuarnoz Didier
Published: July 2015

In magnetism literature, usually the applied or external field H0 is taken to present the results of an investigation. But for certain purposes, it is advantageous to work with the internal magnetic field H that occurs inside a magnetic body. It is well-known that the susceptibility of the material and the demagnetization effect, given by the geometry of a body, link the two usually different fields under consideration. If a probe is a long needle with the external magnetic field and the magnetization in the probe parallel to the axis of the slender body, the two fields are identical. But when building thermomagnetic machines, other demands may require also other shapes (porous materials, particle beds, wavy structures, etc.) of the magnetized material and then a correct distinction of these fields becomes important and in some cases also laborious if one of them must be theoretically determined from the other. This article shows how—from a theoretical point of view—the most important physical properties of thermomagnetism/magnetocalorics, namely, the adiabatic entropy change, the effective specific heat capacity, and the adiabatic temperature change must be transformed. Furthermore, this theory reveals the invariants of magnetocalorics, which are combinations of these three most important properties.
Instability of nonplanar modulated dust acoustic wave packets in a strongly coupled nonthermal dusty plasma
Authors: El-Labany S. K. , El-Taibany W. F. , Zedan N. A.
Published: July 2015

Cylindrical and spherical amplitude modulations of dust acoustic (DA) solitary wave envelopes in a strongly coupled dusty plasma containing nonthermal distributed ions are studied. Employing a reductive perturbation technique, a modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation including the geometrical effect is derived. The influences of nonthermal ions, polarization force, and the geometries on the modulational instability conditions are analyzed and the possible rogue wave structures are discussed in detail. It is found that the spherical DA waves are more structurally stable to perturbations than the cylindrical ones. Possible applications of these theoretical findings are briefly discussed.
ZnO thin film piezoelectric MEMS vibration energy harvesters with two piezoelectric elements for higher output performance
Authors: Wang Peihong , Du Hejun
Published: July 2015

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based vibration energy harvesters with two different designs are presented. These harvesters consist of a silicon cantilever, a silicon proof mass, and a ZnO piezoelectric layer. Design I has a large ZnO piezoelectric element and Design II has two smaller and equally sized ZnO piezoelectric elements; however, the total area of ZnO thin film in two designs is equal. The ZnO thin film is deposited by means of radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method and is characterized by means of XRD and SEM techniques. These ZnO energy harvesters are fabricated by using MEMS micromachining. The natural frequencies of the fabricated ZnO energy harvesters are simulated and tested. The test results show that these two energy harvesters with different designs have almost the same natural frequency. Then, the output performance of different ZnO energy harvesters is tested in detail. The effects of series connection and parallel connection of two ZnO elements on the load voltage and power are also analyzed. The experimental results show that the energy harvester with two ZnO piezoelectric elements in parallel connection in Design II has higher load voltage and higher load power than the fabricated energy harvesters with other designs. Its load voltage is 2.06 V under load resistance of 1 MΩ and its maximal load power is 1.25 μW under load resistance of 0.6 MΩ, when it is excited by an external vibration with frequency of 1300.1 Hz and acceleration of 10 m/s2. By contrast, the load voltage of the energy harvester of Design I is 1.77 V under 1 MΩ resistance and its maximal load power is 0.98 μW under 0.38 MΩ load resistance when it is excited by the same vibration.
Density functional theory meta-GGA + U study of water incorporation in the metal-organic framework material Cu-BTC
Authors: Cockayne Eric , Nelson Eric B.
Published: July 2015

Water absorption in the metal-organic framework (MOF) material Cu-BTC, up to a concentration of 3.5 H2O per Cu ion, is studied via density functional theory at the meta-GGA + U level. The stable arrangements of water molecules show chains of hydrogen-bonded water molecules and a tendency to form closed cages at high concentration. Water clusters are stabilized primarily by a combination of water-water hydrogen bonding and Cu-water oxygen interactions. Stability is further enhanced by van der Waals interactions, electric field enhancement of water-water bonding, and hydrogen bonding of water to framework oxygens. We hypothesize that the tendency to form such stable clusters explains the particularly strong affinity of water to Cu-BTC and related MOFs with exposed metal sites.