bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV-dependent depletion of influenza-specific memory B cells impacts B cell responsiveness to seasonal influenza immunisation
Authors: Wheatley Adam K. , Kristensen Anne B. , Lay William N. , Kent Stephen J.
Published: May 2016

Infection with HIV drives significant alterations in B cell phenotype and function that can markedly influence antibody responses to immunisation. Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) can partially reverse many aspects of B cell dysregulation, however complete normalisation of vaccine responsiveness is not always observed. Here we examine the effects of underlying HIV infection upon humoral immunity to seasonal influenza vaccines. Serological and memory B cell responses were assessed in 26 HIV+ subjects receiving ART and 30 healthy controls immunised with the 2015 Southern Hemisphere trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3). Frequencies and phenotypes of influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-specific B cells were assessed by flow cytometry using recombinant HA probes. Serum antibody was measured using hemagglutination inhibition assays. Serological responses to IIV3 were comparable between HIV+ and HIV− subjects. Likewise, the activation and expansion of memory B cell populations specific for vaccine-component influenza strains was observed in both cohorts, however peak frequencies were diminished in HIV+ subjects compared to uninfected controls. Lower circulating frequencies of memory B cells recognising vaccine-component and historical influenza strains were observed in HIV+ subjects at baseline, that were generally restored to levels comparable with HIV− controls post-vaccination. HIV infection is therefore associated with depletion of selected HA-specific memory B cell pools.
Scaling and universality in glass transition
Authors: de Candia Antonio , Fierro Annalisa , Coniglio Antonio
Published: May 2016

Kinetic facilitated models and the Mode Coupling Theory (MCT) model B are within those systems known to exhibit a discontinuous dynamical transition with a two step relaxation. We consider a general scaling approach, within mean field theory, for such systems by considering the behavior of the density correlator 〈q(t)〉 and the dynamical susceptibility 〈q2(t)〉 − 〈q(t)〉2. Focusing on the Fredrickson and Andersen (FA) facilitated spin model on the Bethe lattice, we extend a cluster approach that was previously developed for continuous glass transitions by Arenzon et al. (Phys. Rev. E 90, 020301(R) (2014)) to describe the decay to the plateau and consider a damage spreading mechanism to describe the departure from the plateau. We predict scaling laws, which relate dynamical exponents to the static exponents of mean field bootstrap percolation. The dynamical behavior and the scaling laws for both density correlator and dynamical susceptibility coincide with those predicted by MCT. These results explain the origin of scaling laws and the universal behavior associated with the glass transition in mean field, which is characterized by the divergence of the static length of the bootstrap percolation model with an upper critical dimension dc = 8.
Atomic-level structural and chemical analysis of Cr-doped Bi2Se3 thin films
Authors: Ghasemi A. , Kepaptsoglou D. , Collins-McIntyre L. J. , Ramasse Q. , Hesjedal T. , Lazarov V. K.
Published: May 2016

We present a study of the structure and chemical composition of the Cr-doped 3D topological insulator Bi2Se3. Single-crystalline thin films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Al2O3 (0001), and their structural and chemical properties determined on an atomic level by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. A regular quintuple layer stacking of the Bi2Se3 film is found, with the exception of the first several atomic layers in the initial growth. The spectroscopy data gives direct evidence that Cr is preferentially substituting for Bi in the Bi2Se3 host. We also show that Cr has a tendency to segregate at internal grain boundaries of the Bi2Se3 film.
Resolving metal-molecule interfaces at single-molecule junctions
Authors: Komoto Yuki , Fujii Shintaro , Nakamura Hisao , Tada Tomofumi , Nishino Tomoaki , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: May 2016

Electronic and structural detail at the electrode-molecule interface have a significant influence on charge transport across molecular junctions. Despite the decisive role of the metal-molecule interface, a complete electronic and structural characterization of the interface remains a challenge. This is in no small part due to current experimental limitations. Here, we present a comprehensive approach to obtain a detailed description of the metal-molecule interface in single-molecule junctions, based on current-voltage (I-V) measurements. Contrary to conventional conductance studies, this I-V approach provides a correlated statistical description of both, the degree of electronic coupling across the metal-molecule interface and the energy alignment between the conduction orbital and the Fermi level of the electrode. This exhaustive statistical approach was employed to study single-molecule junctions of 1,4-benzenediamine (BDA), 1,4-butanediamine (C4DA) and 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT). A single interfacial configuration was observed for both BDA and C4DA junctions, while three different interfacial arrangements were resolved for BDT. This multiplicity is due to different molecular adsorption sites on the Au surface namely on-top, hollow and bridge. Furthermore, C4DA junctions present a fluctuating I-V curve arising from the greater conformational freedom of the saturated alkyl chain, in sharp contrast with the rigid aromatic backbone of both BDA and BDT.
Interface Engineering for the Enhancement of Carrier Transport in Black Phosphorus Transistor with Ultra-Thin High-k Gate Dielectric
Authors: Ling Zhi-Peng , Zhu Jun-Tao , Liu Xinke , Ang Kah-Wee
Published: May 2016

Black phosphorus (BP) is the most stable allotrope of phosphorus which exhibits strong in-plane anisotropic charge transport. Discovering its interface properties between BP and high-k gate dielectric is fundamentally important for enhancing the carrier mobility and electrostatics control. Here, we investigate the impact of interface engineering on the transport properties of BP transistors with an ultra-thin hafnium-dioxide (HfO2) gate dielectric of ~3.4 nm. A high hole mobility of ~536 cm2V−1s−1 coupled with a near ideal subthreshold swing (SS) of ~66 mV/dec were simultaneously achieved at room temperature by improving the BP/HfO2 interface quality through thermal treatment. This is attributed to the passivation of phosphorus dangling bonds by hafnium (Hf) adatoms which produces a more chemically stable interface, as evidenced by the significant reduction in interface states density. Additionally, we found that an excessively high thermal treatment temperature (beyond 200 °C) could detrimentally modify the BP crystal structure, which results in channel resistance and mobility degradation due to charge-impurities scattering and lattice displacement. This study contributes to an insight for the development of high performance BP-based transistors through interface engineering.
HPTLC-aptastaining – Innovative protein detection system for high-performance thin-layer chromatography
Authors: Morschheuser Lena , Wessels Hauke , Pille Christina , Fischer Judith , Hünniger Tim , Fischer Markus , Paschke-Kratzin Angelika , Rohn Sascha
Published: May 2016

Protein analysis using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is not commonly used but can complement traditional electrophoretic and mass spectrometric approaches in a unique way. Due to various detection protocols and possibilities for hyphenation, HPTLC protein analysis is a promising alternative for e.g., investigating posttranslational modifications. This study exemplarily focused on the investigation of lysozyme, an enzyme which is occurring in eggs and technologically added to foods and beverages such as wine. The detection of lysozyme is mandatory, as it might trigger allergenic reactions in sensitive individuals. To underline the advantages of HPTLC in protein analysis, the development of innovative, highly specific staining protocols leads to improved sensitivity for protein detection on HPTLC plates in comparison to universal protein derivatization reagents. This study aimed at developing a detection methodology for HPTLC separated proteins using aptamers. Due to their affinity and specificity towards a wide range of targets, an aptamer based staining procedure on HPTLC (HPTLC-aptastaining) will enable manifold analytical possibilities. Besides the proof of its applicability for the very first time, (i) aptamer-based staining of proteins is applicable on different stationary phase materials and (ii) furthermore, it can be used as an approach for a semi-quantitative estimation of protein concentrations.
Surfactant-assisted Nanocasting Route for Synthesis of Highly Ordered Mesoporous Graphitic Carbon and Its Application in CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Wang Yangang , Bai Xia , Wang Fei , Qin Hengfei , Yin Chaochuang , Kang Shifei , Li Xi , Zuo Yuanhui , Cui Lifeng
Published: May 2016

Highly ordered mesoporous graphitic carbon was synthesized from a simple surfactant-assisted nanocasting route, in which ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15 maintaining its triblock copolymer surfactant was used as a hard template and natural soybean oil (SBO) as a carbon precursor. The hydrophobic domain of the surfactant assisted SBO in infiltration into the template’s mesoporous channels. After the silica template was carbonized and removed, a higher yield of highly-ordered graphitic mesoporous carbon with rod-like morphology was obtained. Because of the improved structural ordering, the mesoporous carbon after amine modification could adsorb more CO2 compared with the amine-functionalized carbon prepared without the assistance of surfactant.
Elastomeric Cellular Structure Enhanced by Compressible Liquid Filler
Authors: Sun Yueting , Xu Xiaoqing , Xu Chengliang , Qiao Yu , Li Yibing
Published: May 2016

Elastomeric cellular structures provide a promising solution for energy absorption. Their flexible and resilient nature is particularly relevant to protection of human bodies. Herein we develop an elastomeric cellular structure filled with nanoporous material functionalized (NMF) liquid. Due to the nanoscale infiltration in NMF liquid and its interaction with cell walls, the cellular structure has a much enhanced mechanical performance, in terms of loading capacity and energy absorption density. Moreover, it is validated that the structure is highly compressible and self-restoring. Its hyper-viscoelastic characteristics are elucidated.
Alterations in voltage-sensing of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in ANT1-deficient cells
Authors: Doczi Judit , Torocsik Beata , Echaniz-Laguna Andoni , Mousson de Camaret Bénédicte , Starkov Anatoly , Starkova Natalia , Gál Aniko , Molnár Mária J , Kawamata Hibiki , Manfredi Giovanni , Adam-Vizi Vera , Chinopoulos Christos
Published: May 2016

The probability of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore opening is inversely related to the magnitude of the proton electrochemical gradient. The module conferring sensitivity of the pore to this gradient has not been identified. We investigated mPT’s voltage-sensing properties elicited by calcimycin or H2O2 in human fibroblasts exhibiting partial or complete lack of ANT1 and in C2C12 myotubes with knocked-down ANT1 expression. mPT onset was assessed by measuring in situ mitochondrial volume using the ‘thinness ratio’ and the ‘cobalt-calcein’ technique. De-energization hastened calcimycin-induced swelling in control and partially-expressing ANT1 fibroblasts, but not in cells lacking ANT1, despite greater losses of mitochondrial membrane potential. Matrix Ca2+ levels measured by X-rhod-1 or mitochondrially-targeted ratiometric biosensor 4mtD3cpv, or ADP-ATP exchange rates did not differ among cell types. ANT1-null fibroblasts were also resistant to H2O2-induced mitochondrial swelling. Permeabilized C2C12 myotubes with knocked-down ANT1 exhibited higher calcium uptake capacity and voltage-thresholds of mPT opening inferred from cytochrome c release, but intact cells showed no differences in calcimycin-induced onset of mPT, irrespective of energization and ANT1 expression, albeit the number of cells undergoing mPT increased less significantly upon chemically-induced hypoxia than control cells. We conclude that ANT1 confers sensitivity of the pore to the electrochemical gradient.
The minimal amount of starting DNA for Agilent’s hybrid capture-based targeted massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Chung Jongsuk , Son Dae-Soon , Jeon Hyo-Jeong , Kim Kyoung-Mee , Park Gahee , Ryu Gyu Ha , Park Woong-Yang , Park Donghyun
Published: May 2016

Targeted capture massively parallel sequencing is increasingly being used in clinical settings, and as costs continue to decline, use of this technology may become routine in health care. However, a limited amount of tissue has often been a challenge in meeting quality requirements. To offer a practical guideline for the minimum amount of input DNA for targeted sequencing, we optimized and evaluated the performance of targeted sequencing depending on the input DNA amount. First, using various amounts of input DNA, we compared commercially available library construction kits and selected Agilent’s SureSelect-XT and KAPA Biosystems’ Hyper Prep kits as the kits most compatible with targeted deep sequencing using Agilent’s SureSelect custom capture. Then, we optimized the adapter ligation conditions of the Hyper Prep kit to improve library construction efficiency and adapted multiplexed hybrid selection to reduce the cost of sequencing. In this study, we systematically evaluated the performance of the optimized protocol depending on the amount of input DNA, ranging from 6.25 to 200 ng, suggesting the minimal input DNA amounts based on coverage depths required for specific applications.
Open and closed evolutionary paths for drastic morphological changes, involving serial gene duplication, sub-functionalization and selection
Authors: Abe Gembu , Lee Shu-Hua , Li Ing-Jia , Chang Chun-Ju , Tamura Koji , Ota Kinya G.
Published: May 2016

Twin-tail goldfish strains are examples of drastic morphological alterations that emerged through domestication. Although this mutation is known to be caused by deficiency of one of two duplicatedchordingenes, it is unknown why equivalent mutations have not been observed in other domesticated fish species. Here, we compared thechordingene morphant phenotypes of single-tail goldfish and common carp (close relatives, both of which underwentchordingene duplication and domestication). Morpholino-induced knockdown depletedchordingene expression in both species; however, while knockdown reproduced twin-tail morphology in single-tail goldfish, it had no effect on common carp morphology. This difference can be explained by the observation that expression patterns of the duplicatedchordingenes overlap completely in common carp, but are sub-functionalized in goldfish. Our finding implies that goldfish drastic morphological changes might be enhanced by the subsequent occurrence of three different types of evolutionary event (duplication, sub-functionalization and selection) in a certain order.
Alterations in leukocyte transcriptional control pathway activity associated with major depressive disorder and antidepressant treatment
Authors: Mellon S H , Wolkowitz O M , Schonemann M D , Epel E S , Rosser R , Burke H B , Mahan L , Reus V I , Stamatiou D , Liew C -C , Cole S W
Published: May 2016

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with a significantly elevated risk of developing serious medical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, immune impairments, infection, dementia and premature death. Previous work has demonstrated immune dysregulation in subjects with MDD. Using genome-wide transcriptional profiling and promoter-based bioinformatic strategies, we assessed leukocyte transcription factor (TF) activity in leukocytes from 20 unmedicated MDD subjects versus 20 age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched healthy controls, before initiation of antidepressant therapy, and in 17 of the MDD subjects after 8 weeks of sertraline treatment. In leukocytes from unmedicated MDD subjects, bioinformatic analysis of transcription control pathway activity indicated an increased transcriptional activity of cAMP response element-binding/activating TF (CREB/ATF) and increased activity of TFs associated with cellular responses to oxidative stress (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2, NFE2l2 or NRF2). Eight weeks of antidepressant therapy was associated with significant reductions in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and reduced activity of NRF2, but not in CREB/ATF activity. Several other transcriptional regulation pathways, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), nuclear factor kappa-B cells (NF-κB), early growth response proteins 1–4 (EGR1–4) and interferon-responsive TFs, showed either no significant differences as a function of disease or treatment, or activities that were opposite to those previously hypothesized to be involved in the etiology of MDD or effective treatment. Our results suggest that CREB/ATF and NRF2 signaling may contribute to MDD by activating immune cell transcriptome dynamics that ultimately influence central nervous system (CNS) motivational and affective processes via circulating mediators.
Separation, identification and mutagenic assessment of the photodegradation products of Ponceau 4R (E124) in a beverage
Authors: Yamjala Karthik , Subramania Nainar Meyyanathan , Varma Sameer Kumar , Ambore Nilesh
Published: May 2016

Azo dyes and their degradation products frequently show potential carcinogenic and genotoxic effects and can cause potential hazards to consumer health.
A chemometrics-assisted excitation–emission matrix fluorescence method for simultaneous determination of arbutin and hydroquinone in cosmetic products
Authors: Zhu Li , Wu Hai-Long , Xie Li-Xia , Fang Huan , Xiang Shou-Xia , Hu Yong , Liu Zhi , Wang Tong , Yu Ru-Qin
Published: May 2016

Simultaneous determination of arbutin and hydroquinone in cosmetic products using a second-order calibration method coupled with excitation–emission matrix fluorescence.
Molecular and mesoscale mechanism for hierarchical self-assembly of dipeptide and porphyrin light-harvesting system
Authors: Liu Kai , Kang Yu , Ma Guanghui , Möhwald Helmuth , Yan Xuehai
Published: May 2016

Multiscale theoretical models are built to unravel the hierarchically ordered organization of dipeptide–porphyrin co-assemblies with different light-harvesting efficiencies.
Compensation effects and relation between the activation energy of spin transition and the hysteresis loop width for an iron(ii) complex
Authors: Bushuev Mark B. , Pishchur Denis P. , Nikolaenkova Elena B. , Krivopalov Viktor P.
Published: May 2016

Wide thermal hysteresis loops for iron(ii) spin crossover complexes are associated with high activation barriers: the higher the activation barrier, the wider the hysteresis loop for a series of related spin crossover systems.
Efficient planar Sb2S3 solar cells using a low-temperature solution-processed tin oxide electron conductor
Authors: Lei Hongwei , Yang Guang , Guo Yaxiong , Xiong Liangbin , Qin Pingli , Dai Xin , Zheng Xiaolu , Ke Weijun , Tao Hong , Chen Zhao , Li Borui , Fang Guojia
Published: May 2016

We reported efficient planar Sb2S3 solar cells based on a low-temperature solution-processed SnO2 electron conductor.
Structure of cobalt protoporphyrin chloride and its dimer, observation and DFT modeling
Authors: de la Lande Aurélien , Ha-Thi Minh-Huong , Chen Shufeng , Soep Benoît , Shafizadeh Niloufar
Published: May 2016

In this article we present a joint study by using time-of-flight mass spectroscopy and density functional theory of cobalt protoporphyrin dimer complexes.
Hybridization and de-hybridization between the locally-excited (LE) state and the charge-transfer (CT) state: a combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhang Shitong , Pan Yuyu , Yao Liang , Liu Haichao , Guo Yachen , Gu Qiang , Yang Bing , Ma Yuguang
Published: May 2016

Gradual evolution of hybridization process between the LE and CT states is investigated in a series of TPA–PI (HxVy) derivatives by TD-DFT method.
Synthesis of eucalyptus/tea tree oil absorbed biphasic calcium phosphate–PVDF polymer nanocomposite films: a surface active antimicrobial system for biomedical application
Authors: Bagchi Biswajoy , Banerjee Somtirtha , Kool Arpan , Thakur Pradip , Bhandary Suman , Hoque Nur Amin , Das Sukhen
Published: May 2016

A biocompatible poly(vinylidene) difluoride (PVDF) based film has been prepared byin situprecipitation of calcium phosphate precursors.
Mechanistic insight into the selective hydrogenolysis of sorbitol to propylene glycol and ethylene glycol on supported Ru catalysts
Authors: Jia Yuqing , Liu Haichao
Published: May 2016

Ru/C efficiently catalyzes the selective hydrogenolysis of sorbitol to ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in the presence of Ca(OH)2. This reaction proceeds by primary dehydrogenation of sorbitol to hexose intermediates as the rate-determining step, most likely via preferential activation of its C(5)–H bond on the Ru surfaces.
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of labile intercalative ruthenium(ii) complexes for anticancer drug screening
Authors: Huang Huaiyi , Zhang Pingyu , Chen Yu , Qiu Kangqiang , Jin Chengzhi , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: May 2016

[Ru(tpy)(N^N)Cl]+were synthesized for anticancer evolution.Ru2–Ru4were dual-mode DNA-binding complexes and exhibited higher DNA binding affinity, better cellular uptake efficiency and higher anticancer activity thanRu1.
Improvement of electrochemical performance of nickel rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2cathode active material by ultrathin TiO2coating
Authors: Qin CanCan , Cao JiaLi , Chen Jun , Dai GaoLe , Wu TongFu , Chen Yanbin , Tang YueFeng , Li AiDong , Chen Yanfeng
Published: May 2016

Ultrathin TiO2coating confers a significant improvement in the cycle performance of nickel-rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2cathode material.
Ultrafast charge–discharge characteristics of a nanosized core–shell structured LiFePO4 material for hybrid supercapacitor applications
Authors: Naoi Katsuhiko , Kisu Kazuaki , Iwama Etsuro , Nakashima Shota , Sakai Yuki , Orikasa Yuki , Leone Philippe , Dupré Nicolas , Brousse Thierry , Rozier Patrick , Naoi Wako , Simon Patrice
Published: May 2016

Highly dispersed crystalline/amorphous LiFePO4 (LFP) nanoparticles encapsulated within hollow-structured graphitic carbon were synthesized using an in situ ultracentrifugation process.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of pomegranate rind extract to ameliorate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Karwasra Ritu , Kalra Prerna , Gupta Yogendra Kumar , Saini Deepika , Kumar Ajay , Singh Surender
Published: May 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of pomegranate in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury.
The wild Egyptian artichoke as a promising functional food for the treatment of hepatitis C virus as revealed via UPLC-MS and clinical trials
Authors: Elsebai Mahmoud Fahmi , Abass Khaled , Hakkola Jukka , Atawia Ahmed Rezk , Farag Mohamed A.
Published: May 2016

Infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its subsequent complications are a major cause of mortality worldwide.
Drop formation using ferrofluids driven magnetically in a step emulsification device
Authors: Kahkeshani Soroush , Di Carlo Dino
Published: May 2016

Ferrofluids driven solely by magnetic force generate droplets in a step emulsification device, eliminating the need for a pump, and providing a format suitable for point-of-care digital microfluidic applications.
Small-molecule inhibitors of HIF-PHD2: a valid strategy to renal anemia treatment in clinical therapy
Authors: Wu Yue , Wang Nan , Lei Yonghua , Hu Tianhan , You Qidong , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: May 2016

Patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) always suffer from anemia with severe impacts on their quality of life.
UGT74B1 from Arabidopsis thaliana as a versatile biocatalyst for the synthesis of desulfoglycosinolates
Authors: Marroun Sami , Montaut Sabine , Marquès Stéphanie , Lafite Pierre , Coadou Gaël , Rollin Patrick , Jousset Guillaume , Schuler Marie , Tatibouët Arnaud , Oulyadi Hassan , Daniellou Richard
Published: May 2016

A glucosyltransferase is able to catalyze the formation of the thioglycosidic bond and lead to desulfoglycosinolates.
Investigation of modified sodium alginate-Alkyl glycoside interactions in aqueous solutions and at the oil–water interface
Authors: Huang Junhao , Li Jiacheng , Feng Yuhong , Xiang Fei , Wang Rui , Wu Jianbo , Yan HuiQiong , Chen Kai , Zhou Qingfeng , Liu Yanfeng
Published: May 2016

For CSAD/DGP solution systems, the conformations of complexes change differently with the increase in DGP concentration. For the emulsion system, CSAD–DGP interaction can develop a network structure on the oil–water interface.
Rashba spin–orbit coupling enhanced anomalous Hall effect in MnxSi1−x/SiO2/Si p–i–n junctions
Authors: Yang A. C. , Yan S. S. , Zhang K. , Li H. H. , Pei J. , He L. M. , Tian Y. F. , Qin Y. F. , Kang S. S. , Xiao S. Q.
Published: May 2016

The Mn0.48Si0.52/SiO2/Si p–i–n junction shows greatly enhanced negative anomalous Hall effect in the high temperature range due to the interfacial Rashba spin–orbit coupling.
Tuneable magnetic properties of carbon-shielded NiPt-nanoalloys
Authors: El-Gendy Ahmed A. , Hampel Silke , Büchner Bernd , Klingeler Rüdiger
Published: May 2016

Spherical NiPt@C nanoalloys encapsulated in carbon shells are synthesized by means of high-pressure chemical vapour deposition.
Dopant-induced shape evolution of polyhedral magnetite nanocrystals and their morphology/component-dependent high-rate electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ding Chuan , Zeng Yanwei , Cao Liangliang , Li Rongjie , Zhang Yuan , Zhao Longfei
Published: May 2016

Mn doped Fe3O4 polyhedrons are shown to have component-related morphology evolution and crystal plane-dependent electrochemical performance when used as high-rate anode materials for LIBs.
Ultrathin tandem-plasmonic photovoltaic structures for synergistically enhanced light absorption
Authors: Poursafar Jafar , Kolahdouz Mohammadreza , Asl-Soleimani Ebrahim , Golmohammadi Saeed
Published: May 2016

We have proposed and simulated a tandem ultra-thin silicon solar cell, in which each layer is integrated with metal nanostructures, using the FDTD method.
Synergistic interactions of surfactant blends in aqueous medium are reciprocated in non-polar medium with improved efficacy as a nanoreactor
Authors: Bardhan Soumik , Kundu Kaushik , Kar Barnali , Chakraborty Gulmi , Ghosh Dibbendu , Sarkar Debayan , Das Sajal , Senapati Sanjib , Saha Swapan K. , Paul Bidyut K.
Published: May 2016

Efficient soft chemical nanoreactors: a design strategy to improve the performance of a model C–C cross coupling (Heck) reaction under nanoscopic confinement of surfactant blends.
Efficient and safe gene transfection in fish spermatogonial stem cells using nanomaterials
Authors: Tonelli F. M. P. , Lacerda S. M. S. N. , Paiva N. C. O. , Lemos M. S. , de Jesus A. C. , Pacheco F. G. , Corrêa-Junior J. D. , Ladeira L. O. , Furtado C. A. , França L. R. , Resende R. R.
Published: May 2016

The nanomaterials MWCNTs, NGO and NRs can be functionalized and complexed to DNA to promote efficient gene delivery to Nile tilapia spermatogonial stem cells inducing less cell death than electroporation and the commercial reagents tested.
Environmentally friendly cyclotrimerization of substituted acetophenones catalyzed by a new nanocomposite of γ-Al2O3nanoparticles decorated with H5PW10V2O40
Authors: Tayebee Reza , Savoji Kokab , Razi Maryam Kargar , Maleki Behrooz
Published: May 2016

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of C3-symmetrical 1,3,5-triarylbenzenes under solvent-free conditions. γ-Al2O3/H5PW10V2O40nanocomposite is introduced as a highly reusable catalyst.
Short-term and long-term memory operations of synapse thin-film transistors using an In–Ga–Zn–O active channel and a poly(4-vinylphenol)–sodium β-alumina electrolytic gate insulator
Authors: Kim Yeo-Myeong , Kim Eom-Ji , Lee Won-Ho , Oh Ji-Young , Yoon Sung-Min
Published: May 2016

In this work, we proposed new type of synapse device with thin-film transistor (TFT) configuration using an In–Ga–Zn–O (IGZO) as active channel and a poly(4-vinylphenol)–sodium β-alumina (PVP–SBA) as gate insulator for emulating brain-like functions.
Fabrication and ionic transportation characterization of funnel-shaped nanochannels
Authors: Xiao Kai , Li Pei , Xie Ganhua , Zhang Zhen , Wen Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate funnel-shaped nanochannels with a gradual structural transformation and controlled ionic transportation properties.
Unlocking the potential of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based solar cells by a pre-solvent annealing method in all-solution processing
Authors: Xu Ting , Yan Lijia , Miao Jingsheng , Hu Zhao , Shao Shan , Li Aiyuan , Murtaza Imran , Meng Hong
Published: May 2016

A novel synthetic route for a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based DPP-ANT donor material is demonstrated and applied in polymer photovoltaics. The power conversion efficiency is more than four times that of an unannealed device.
Silver-mediated oxidative trifluoromethylthiolation of cycloalkanols by C–C bond cleavage: a regioselective approach to distally trifluoromethylthiolated ketones
Authors: Huang Feng-Qing , Wang Yue-Wei , Sun Jian-Guo , Xie Jian , Qi Lian-Wen , Zhang Bo
Published: May 2016

Various distally trifluoromethylthiolated ketones were readily prepared by silver-mediated oxidative trifluoromethylthiolation of cycloalkanols. The reaction features complete regioselectivity, operational simplicity, and excellent practicality.
Self-transformation and structural reconfiguration in coacervate-based protocells
Authors: Krishna Kumar Ravinash , Harniman Robert L. , Patil Avinash J. , Mann Stephen
Published: May 2016

We highlight a new approach for the design and construction of re-configurable soft colloidal scale objects (protocells) based on the pH-induced transition of dipeptide-containing coacervate micro-droplets into discrete aster-like micro-architectures.
A regenerative metal–organic framework for reversible uptake of Cd(ii): from effective adsorption to in situ detection
Authors: Xue Hui , Chen Qihui , Jiang Feilong , Yuan Daqiang , Lv Guangxun , Liang Linfeng , Liu Luyao , Hong Maochun
Published: May 2016

A metal–organic framework with high adsorption and selectivity for reversible uptake of Cd(ii) was developed. Both fast detection of Cd(ii) at low concentration and in situ reconstruction of the used MOF were successfully achieved.
Gel permeation chromatography as a multifunctional processor for nanocrystal purification and on-column ligand exchange chemistry
Authors: Shen Yi , Roberge Adam , Tan Rui , Gee Megan Y. , Gary Dylan C. , Huang Yucheng , Blom Douglas A. , Benicewicz Brian C. , Cossairt Brandi M. , Greytak Andrew B.
Published: May 2016

GPC provides a general approach to purification of a variety of nanocrystal types, and additionally achieves ligand exchange in a continuous flow system.
A reactivity-based [18F]FDG probe for in vivo formaldehyde imaging using positron emission tomography
Authors: Liu Wei , Truillet Charles , Flavell Robert R. , Brewer Thomas F. , Evans Michael J. , Wilson David M. , Chang Christopher J.
Published: May 2016

We present an aza-Cope-based reactivity probe for imaging formaldehydein vivousing positron emission tomography.
Luminescent photonic crystals with multi-functionality and tunability
Authors: Wang Hong , Gu Xinggui , Hu Rongrong , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Zhang Deqing , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2016

We develop a general method to incorporate aggregation-induced emission luminogens into photonic crystals (PCs) and the resulting luminescent PCs display diverse structural colors in response to water stimulation.
Thin film transfer for the fabrication of tantalum nitride photoelectrodes with controllable layered structures for water splitting
Authors: Wang Chizhong , Hisatomi Takashi , Minegishi Tsutomu , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Shibata Naoya , Katayama Masao , Domen Kazunari
Published: May 2016

Controlled layered structures fabricated by thin film transfer enhance the photoelectrochemical water splitting on Ta3N5photoanodes.
Low power DAC with single capacitor sampling method for SAR ADCs
Authors: Yazdani B. , Khorami A. , Sharifkhani M.
Published: May 2016

An ultra‐efficient switching method for successive approximation register ADCs is proposed. In this method, the input signals are sampled in a special fashion to reduce the switching energy. Owing to the sampling method, only one reference voltage (Vq = Vref/4) is required to implement the switching steps. Therefore, in addition to reduction in the switching energy (due to the lower supply voltage), the precision of the DAC is improved. The proposed method reduces the switching energy and area by 99.41 and 50%, respectively, compared with the conventional method.
Two‐vector‐based modeless predictive current control for four‐switch inverter‐fed synchronous reluctance motors emulating the six‐switch inverter operation
Authors: Lin C.‐K. , Yu J.‐t. , Lai Y.‐S. , Yu H.‐C. , Peng C.‐I.
Published: May 2016

This Letter presents a novel modeless predictive current control (PCC) based on two vectors for a synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) drive system fed by a four‐switch three‐phase (FSTP) inverter. In each sampling period, two voltage vectors generated by the FSTP inverter are applied to emulate the operation of a six‐switch three‐phase inverter. Unlike model‐based approaches, the proposed method is modeless, meaning that it does not require a system model or its parameters nor the capacitor voltage. For comparison purpose, both model‐based and modeless PCCs are realised on a FSTP inverter‐fed SynRM drive system via a 32‐bit digital signal controller to contrast their current‐tracking performances.
Multi‐objective wind‐driven optimisation and magnet design
Authors: Di Barba P.
Published: May 2016

After a short review of the main optimisation methods used in electromagnetic design, the wind‐driven optimisation algorithm is focused on. Its generalisation to the multi‐objective case is proposed as the original contribution. The relevant algorithm is able to approximate the Pareto front of a design problem characterised by two or more objective functions which are in conflict. The optimal synthesis of current in a solenoid, trading off field residual minimisation and power loss minimisation, is considered as the case study.
Geometric maximum power point tracking and sliding mode control of a bidirectional grid connected single phase two‐stage photovoltaic system with DC loads
Authors: Shen Liqun , Lu Dylan Dah‐Chuan , Wang Yanmin
Published: May 2016

This study proposes a new geometric maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for photovoltaic (PV) power system. The reference point can be calculated and updated in real time directly with the proposed method. The reference point will converge to the real maximum power point (MPP) when approaching MPP. This can improve the MPPT speed comparing with the commonly used step‐by‐step optimisation. The MPPT method is applied to a DC bus coupled grid‐connected PV system with the presence of DC loads, and an adaptive sliding mode controller is designed for the whole system. The proposed control scheme performs the MPPT and the power allocation between the PV array and the grid adaptively. With adaptive method, the converter can control the power flow bi‐directionally to balance the power supply and consumption under a unity power factor. Simulation and experimental results are reported to confirm the proposed approach.
Terahertz cyclotron resonance spectroscopy of an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure using a high-field pulsed magnet and an asynchronous optical sampling technique
Authors: Spencer B. F. , Smith W. F. , Hibberd M. T. , Dawson P. , Beck M. , Bartels A. , Guiney I. , Humphreys C. J. , Graham D. M.
Published: May 2016

The effective mass, sheet carrier concentration, and mobility of electrons within a two-dimensional electron gas in an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure were determined using a laboratory-based terahertz cyclotron resonance spectrometer. The ability to perform terahertz cyclotron resonance spectroscopy with magnetic fields of up to 31 T was enabled by combining a high-field pulsed magnet with a modified asynchronous optical sampling terahertz detection scheme. This scheme allowed around 100 transmitted terahertz waveforms to be recorded over the 14 ms magnetic field pulse duration. The sheet density and mobility were measured to be 8.0 × 1012 cm−2 and 9000 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 77 K. The in-plane electron effective mass at the band edge was determined to be 0.228 ± 0.002m0.
Energy deposition evaluation for ultra-low energy electron beam irradiation systems using calibrated thin radiochromic film and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Matsui S. , Mori Y. , Nonaka T. , Hattori T. , Kasamatsu Y. , Haraguchi D. , Watanabe Y. , Uchiyama K. , Ishikawa M.
Published: May 2016

For evaluation of on-site dosimetry and process design in industrial use of ultra-low energy electron beam (ULEB) processes, we evaluate the energy deposition using a thin radiochromic film and a Monte Carlo simulation. The response of film dosimeter was calibrated using a high energy electron beam with an acceleration voltage of 2 MV and alanine dosimeters with uncertainty of 11% at coverage factor 2. Using this response function, the results of absorbed dose measurements for ULEB were evaluated from 10 kGy to 100 kGy as a relative dose. The deviation between the responses of deposit energy on the films and Monte Carlo simulations was within 15%. As far as this limitation, relative dose estimation using thin film dosimeters with response function obtained by high energy electron irradiation and simulation results is effective for ULEB irradiation processes management.
Aperture alignment in autocollimator-based deflectometric profilometers
Authors: Geckeler R. D. , Artemiev N. A. , Barber S. K. , Just A. , Lacey I. , Kranz O. , Smith B. V. , Yashchuk V. V.
Published: May 2016

During the last ten years, deflectometric profilometers have become indispensable tools for the precision form measurement of optical surfaces. They have proven to be especially suitable for characterizing beam-shaping optical surfaces for x-ray beamline applications at synchrotrons and free electron lasers. Deflectometric profilometers use surface slope (angle) to assess topography and utilize commercial autocollimators for the contactless slope measurement. To this purpose, the autocollimator beam is deflected by a movable optical square (or pentaprism) towards the surface where a co-moving aperture limits and defines the beam footprint. In this paper, we focus on the precise and reproducible alignment of the aperture relative to the autocollimator’s optical axis. Its alignment needs to be maintained while it is scanned across the surface under test. The reproducibility of the autocollimator’s measuring conditions during calibration and during its use in the profilometer is of crucial importance to providing precise and traceable angle metrology. In the first part of the paper, we present the aperture alignment procedure developed at the Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA, for the use of their deflectometric profilometers. In the second part, we investigate the topic further by providing extensive ray tracing simulations and calibrations of a commercial autocollimator performed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany, for evaluating the effects of the positioning of the aperture on the autocollimator’s angle response. The investigations which we performed are crucial for reaching fundamental metrological limits in deflectometric profilometry.
Stitching methods at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)
Authors: Vivo A. , Lantelme B. , Baker R. , Barrett R.
Published: May 2016

X-ray mirror quality has continuously improved over the past 20 years and manufacturers are now able to provide long mirrors with slope errors below 0.2 μrad. Nevertheless, these mirrors are mounted on holders or even mechanical benders to adjust their curvature and their intrinsic quality must be preserved from any parasitic deformation such as twist. The most direct method of detecting these deformations is to measure the 3D topography of the optical surface. At the ESRF metrology laboratory, three different stitching systems are under development based on Fizeau sub-aperture measurements. The first one consists of measuring long flat mirrors, the second based on the relative angle determinable stitching interferometry (RADSI) method developed at SPring-8 is aimed primarily at the measurement of short mirrors with strong curvature down to a few meters, and the last, also based on the RADSI method, is dedicated to characterize longer mirrors with intermediate curvature. For each method we will describe the measurement setup and discuss first results obtained. Micro-stitching interferometry is also currently used at the ESRF metrology laboratory. The technique is suitable for measuring deeply curved aspherical profiles and will be illustrated with results from a Kirkpatrick-Baez mirror system for nano-focusing.
A variational master equation approach to quantum dynamics with off-diagonal coupling in a sub-Ohmic environment
Authors: Sun Ke-Wei , Fujihashi Yuta , Ishizaki Akihito , Zhao Yang
Published: May 2016

A master equation approach based on an optimized polaron transformation is adopted for dynamics simulation with simultaneous diagonal and off-diagonal spin-boson coupling. Two types of bath spectral density functions are considered, the Ohmic and the sub-Ohmic. The off-diagonal coupling leads asymptotically to a thermal equilibrium with a nonzero population difference Pz(t → ∞) ≠ 0, which implies localization of the system, and it also plays a role in restraining coherent dynamics for the sub-Ohmic case. Since the new method can extend to the stronger coupling regime, we can investigate the coherent-incoherent transition in the sub-Ohmic environment. Relevant phase diagrams are obtained for different temperatures. It is found that the sub-Ohmic environment allows coherent dynamics at a higher temperature than the Ohmic environment.
Quasi-transverse optical phonon mode in self-generated semipolar AlN grains embedded in c-oriented AlN matrix grown on sapphire using hydride vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Hu Y. Y. , Zhou T. F. , Zheng S. N. , Liu X. H. , Zhao J. J. , Su X. J. , Huang J. , Qiu Y. X. , Zhang J. C. , Xu K.
Published: May 2016

In this study, we present a microspectroscopic investigation on the quasi-transverse optical phonon modes Q(TO) in some self-generated aluminum nitride (AlN) grains grown on sapphire using hydride vapor phase epitaxy. Using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope, these grains were confirmed to be embedded in (0001)-AlN (c-AlN) epitaxial matrix with an appearance plane of (101¯1) (s-plane). Two beam bright field images further showed that the AlN grains were free of dislocation. In-plane phonon anisotropy of the AlN grains was discussed in detail using angular-dependent polarized Raman spectroscopy. The dependence of pure Raman phonons intensity on rotation angle agrees well with the calculation. The Q(TO) phonon intensity exhibited similar behavior to that of A1(TO) phonon, which can be explained by Loudon's formula. However, the observed frequency fluctuation for the Q(TO) phonon differs from that of the pure phonon modes, which cannot be directly understood from the classic Loudon's formula. A modified Loudon's formula appropriate to non-normal incidence was presented to explain the observed Q(TO) phonon frequency fluctuation. Combining with the angular-dependent Raman spectra, we proposed that a small inclination of s-plane along with the various in-plane orientations in c-AlN matrix lead to the frequency fluctuation of Q(TO) in these embedded semipolar AlN grains.
Target search kinetics of self-propelled particles in a confining domain
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Chen Yuhao , Yu Wancheng , Luo Kaifu
Published: May 2016

We present a numerical investigation of the search kinetics of self-propelled particles (SPPs) to a target located at the center or at the boundary of a confining domain. When searching a target located at the center of a circular confining domain, the search efficiency of SPPs is improved compared to that of Brownian particles if the rotational diffusion is not too slow. In this case, the mean search time τ could be minimized with proper combinations of the characteristic rotation time τθ and the self-propulsion velocity v0. It is further shown to be a consequence of the interplay between the enhanced diffusion and the thigmotactism (boundary-following behavior) of SPPs due to the self-propulsion. However, for a target located at the boundary of the circular confining domain, we find that the search process is continuing to be accelerated with increasing τθ or v0. Our results highlight the role of the target position in the search kinetics, and open up new opportunities to optimize the search process of SPPs by taking accurate controls over their motions.
Time-resolved analysis of thickness-dependent dewetting and ablation of silver films upon nanosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Qi Dongfeng , Paeng Dongwoo , Yeo Junyeob , Kim Eunpa , Wang Letian , Chen Songyan , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: May 2016

Nanosecond pulsed laser dewetting and ablation of thin silver films is investigated by time-resolved imaging. Laser pulses of 532 nm wavelength and 5 ns temporal width are irradiated on silver films of different thicknesses (50 nm, 80 nm, and 350 nm). Below the ablation threshold, it is observed that the dewetting process does not conclude until 630 ns after the laser irradiation for all samples, forming droplet-like particles in the spot central region. At higher laser intensities, ablative material removal occurs in the spot center. Cylindrical rims are formed in the peripheral dewetting zone due to the solidification of transported matter at about 700 ns following the laser pulse exposure. In addition to these features, droplet fingers are superposed upon irradiation of 350-nm thick silver films with higher intensity.
Pressure-induced semimetal-semiconductor transition and enhancement of thermoelectric performance in α-MgAgSb
Authors: Miao Naihua , Zhou Jian , Sa Baisheng , Xu Bin , Sun Zhimei
Published: May 2016

Comparable to bismuth telluride, α-MgAgSb-based materials (α-MAS) have been investigated recently as promising candidates for room-temperature thermoelectric energy harvesting and thus various efforts have been devoted to the enhancement of their thermoelectric performance. By utilizing first-principles density functional calculations and Boltzmann transport theory, we report that the thermoelectric properties of α-MAS can be dramatically improved with the application of hydrostatic pressure. This is attributed to a pressure-induced semimetal to semiconductor transition in α-MAS. With the benefit of this pressure-tunable behaviour, the Seebeck coefficient of α-MAS can be manipulated flexibly. Furthermore, we found that, through the combination of applying pressure and p-type doping, the optimal thermoelectric power factor and figure of merit of α-MAS can be enhanced remarkably by 110% at 550 K compared with the intrinsic case. Our results provide an interesting insight and a feasible guideline for the improvement of the thermoelectric properties of α-MAS related materials.