bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site-specific Isopeptide Bridge Tethering of Chimeric gp41 N-terminal Heptad Repeat Helical Trimers for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Xue , Yu Fei , Lu Lu , Jiang Xifeng , Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Huixin , Lai Wenqing , Zhang Tianhong , Zhang Zhenqing , Ye Ling , Jiang Shibo , Liu Keliang
Published: August 2016

Peptides derived from the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) of HIV-1 gp41 can be potent inhibitors against viral entry when presented in a nonaggregating trimeric coiled-coil conformation via the introduction of exogenous trimerization motifs and intermolecular disulfide bonds. We recently discovered that crosslinking isopeptide bridges within the de novo helical trimers added exceptional resistance to unfolding. Herein, we attempted to optimize (CCIZN17)3, a representative disulfide bond-stabilized chimeric NHR-trimer, by incorporating site-specific interhelical isopeptide bonds as the redox-sensitive disulfide surrogate. In this process, we systematically examined the effect of isopeptide bond position and molecular sizes of auxiliary trimeric coiled-coil motif and NHR fragments on the antiviral potency of these NHR-trimers. Pleasingly, (IZ14N24N)3 possessed promising inhibitory activity against HIV-1 infection and markedly increased proteolytic stability relative to its disulfide-tethered counterpart, suggesting good potential for further development as an effective antiviral agent for treatment of HIV-1 infection.
Quantitative analysis of diet structure by real-time PCR, reveals different feeding patterns by two dominant grasshopper species
Authors: Huang Xunbing , Wu Huihui , McNeill Mark Richard , Qin Xinghu , Ma Jingchuan , Tu Xiongbing , Cao Guangchun , Wang Guangjun , Nong Xiangqun , Zhang Zehua
Published: August 2016

Studies on grasshopper diets have historically employed a range of methodologies, each with certain advantages and disadvantages. For example, some methodologies are qualitative instead of quantitative. Others require long experimental periods or examine population-level effects, only. In this study, we used real-time PCR to examine diets of individual grasshoppers. The method has the advantage of being both fast and quantitative. Using two grasshopper species, Oedaleus asiaticus and Dasyhippus barbipes, we designed ITS primer sequences for their three main host plants, Stipa krylovii, Leymus chinensis and Cleistogenes squarrosa and used real-time PCR method to test diet structure both qualitatively and quantitatively. The lowest detection efficiency of the three grass species was ~80% with a strong correlation between actual and PCR-measured food intake. We found that Oedaleus asiaticus maintained an unchanged diet structure across grasslands with different grass communities. By comparison, Dasyhippus barbipes changed its diet structure. These results revealed why O. asiaticus distribution is mainly confined to Stipa-dominated grassland, and D. barbipes is more widely distributed across Inner Mongolia. Overall, real-time PCR was shown to be a useful tool for investigating grasshopper diets, which in turn offers some insight into grasshopper distributions and improved pest management.
Novel synthesized 2, 4-DAPG analogues: antifungal activity, mechanism and toxicology
Authors: Gong Liang , Tan Haibo , Chen Feng , Li Taotao , Zhu Jianyu , Jian Qijie , Yuan Debao , Xu Liangxiong , Hu Wenzhong , Jiang Yueming , Duan Xuewu
Published: August 2016

2, 4-Diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), a natural phenolic compound, has been investigated in light of its biological activities against plant pathogens. To improve its potential application, fourteen 2,4-DAPG analogous were synthesized through the Friedel-Crafts reaction using acyl chlorides and phloroglucinol. Of the 2,4-DAPG derivatives, MP4 exhibited much higher antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum, the major pathogenic fungi in citrus fruit, than 2, 4-DAPG in vitro and significantly inhibited the development of decay in harvested mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Shatang.) fruit in vivo. It was found that MP4 resulted in the wrinkle of the hyphae in both fungi with serious folds and breakage. In addition, the expression of several cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes were also modified in both fungi by MP4, which might be associated with the disorder of cell membrane formation. Furthermore, the toxicology of MP4 by evaluating the cell proliferation effect on human normal lung epithelial (16HBE) and kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, was significantly lower than that of albesilate, a widely used fungicide in harvested citrus fruit. In summary, the synthesized MP4 has shown a great potential as a novel fungicide that might be useful for control of postharvest decay in citrus fruit.
Multiplex gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 exhibits desirable muscle hypertrophy without detectable off-target effects in sheep
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Niu Yiyuan , Zhou Jiankui , Yu Honghao , Kou Qifang , Lei Anmin , Zhao Xiaoe , Yan Hailong , Cai Bei , Shen Qiaoyan , Zhou Shiwei , Zhu Haijing , Zhou Guangxian , Niu Wenzhi , Hua Jinlian , Jiang Yu , Huang Xingxu , Ma Baohua , Chen Yulin
Published: August 2016

The CRISPR/Cas9 system provides a flexible approach for genome engineering of genetic loci. Here, we successfully achieved precise gene targeting in sheep by co-injecting one-cell-stage embryos with Cas9 mRNA and RNA guides targeting three genes (MSTN, ASIP and BCO2). We carefully examined the sgRNAs:Cas9-mediated targeting effects in injected embryos, somatic tissues, as well as gonads via cloning and sequencing. The targeting efficiencies in these three genes were within the range of 27–33% in generated lambs and that of simultaneously targeting the three genes was 5.6%, which demonstrated that micro-injection of zygotes is an efficient approach for generating gene-modified sheep. Interestingly, we observed that disruption of the MSTN gene resulted in the desired muscle hypertrophy that is characterized by enlarged myofibers, thereby providing the first detailed evidence supporting that gene modifications had occurred at both the genetic and morphological levels. In addition, prescreening for the off-target effect of sgRNAs was performed on fibroblasts before microinjection, to ensure that no detectable off-target mutations from founder animals existed. Our findings suggested that the CRISPR/Cas9 method can be exploited as a powerful tool for livestock improvement by simultaneously targeting multiple genes that are responsible for economically significant traits.
Gene transduction in mammalian cells using Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus assisted by glycoprotein 64 of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Sugioka Saki , Itagaki Kohei , Park Enoch Y.
Published: August 2016

Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), an alphabaculovirus, has been widely utilized for protein expression in not only insect cells but also mammalian cells. AcMNPV is closely related to Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) and nucleotide sequences of AcMNPV genes have high similarity with those of BmNPV. However, the transduction of BmNPV into mammalian cells has not been reported. In this study, we constructed a recombinant BmNPV (BmNPVΔbgp/AcGP64/EGFP) whose surface 64 kDa glycoprotein (BmGP64) was substituted with that from AcMNPV (AcGP64). BmNPVΔbgp/AcGP64/EGFP also carried an EGFP gene under the control of the CMV promoter. BmNPVΔbgp/AcGP64/EGFP successfully transduced HEK293T cells. In comparison, a control construct (BmNPVΔbgp/BmGP64/EGFP) which possessed BmGP64 instead of AcGP64 did not express EGFP in HEK293T cells. The transduction efficiency of BmNPVΔbgp/AcGP64/EGFP was lower than that of an AcMNPV based-BacMam GFP transduction control. This result indicates that AcGP64 facilitates BmNPV transduction into HEK293T cells. BmNPV can be prepared easily on a large scale because BmNPV can infect silkworm larvae without any special equipment, even though specific diet is needed for silkworm rearing. BmNPV gene transduction into mammalian cells can potentially be applied easily for gene delivery into mammalian cells.
Directional Reflective Surface Formed via Gradient-Impeding Acoustic Meta-Surfaces
Authors: Song Kyungjun , Kim Jedo , Hur Shin , Kwak Jun-Hyuk , Lee Seong-Hyun , Kim Taesung
Published: August 2016

Artificially designed acoustic meta-surfaces have the ability to manipulate sound energy to an extraordinary extent. Here, we report on a new type of directional reflective surface consisting of an array of sub-wavelength Helmholtz resonators with varying internal coiled path lengths, which induce a reflection phase gradient along a planar acoustic meta-surface. The acoustically reshaped reflective surface created by the gradient-impeding meta-surface yields a distinct focal line similar to a parabolic cylinder antenna, and is used for directive sound beamforming. Focused beam steering can be also obtained by repositioning the source (or receiver) off axis, i.e., displaced from the focal line. Besides flat reflective surfaces, complex surfaces such as convex or conformal shapes may be used for sound beamforming, thus facilitating easy application in sound reinforcement systems. Therefore, directional reflective surfaces have promising applications in fields such as acoustic imaging, sonic weaponry, and underwater communication.
Functional brain networks related to individual differences in human intelligence at rest
Authors: Hearne Luke J. , Mattingley Jason B. , Cocchi Luca
Published: August 2016

Intelligence is a fundamental ability that sets humans apart from other animal species. Despite its importance in defining human behaviour, the neural networks responsible for intelligence are not well understood. The dominant view from neuroimaging work suggests that intelligent performance on a range of tasks is underpinned by segregated interactions in a fronto-parietal network of brain regions. Here we asked whether fronto-parietal interactions associated with intelligence are ubiquitous, or emerge from more widespread associations in a task-free context. First we undertook an exploratory mapping of the existing literature on functional connectivity associated with intelligence. Next, to empirically test hypotheses derived from the exploratory mapping, we performed network analyses in a cohort of 317 unrelated participants from the Human Connectome Project. Our results revealed a novel contribution of across-network interactions between default-mode and fronto-parietal networks to individual differences in intelligence at rest. Specifically, we found that greater connectivity in the resting state was associated with higher intelligence scores. Our findings highlight the need to broaden the dominant fronto-parietal conceptualisation of intelligence to encompass more complex and context-specific network dynamics.
Electric pulses: a flexible tool to manipulate cytosolic calcium concentrations and generate spontaneous-like calcium oscillations in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: de Menorval Marie-Amelie , Andre Franck M. , Silve Aude , Dalmay Claire , Français Olivier , Le Pioufle Bruno , Mir Lluis M.
Published: August 2016

Human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (haMSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells of great interest in regenerative medicine or oncology. They present spontaneous calcium oscillations related to cell cycle progression or differentiation but the correlation between these events is still unclear. Indeed, it is difficult to mimic haMSCs spontaneous calcium oscillations with chemical means. Pulsed electric fields (PEFs) can permeabilise plasma and/or organelles membranes depending on the applied pulses and therefore generate cytosolic calcium peaks by recruiting calcium from the external medium or from internal stores. We show that it is possible to mimic haMSCs spontaneous calcium oscillations (same amplitude, duration and shape) using 100 μs PEFs or 10 ns PEFs. We propose a model that explains the experimental situations reported. PEFs can therefore be a flexible tool to manipulate cytosolic calcium concentrations. This tool, that can be switched on and off instantaneously, contrary to chemicals agents, can be very useful to investigate the role of calcium oscillations in cell physiology and/or to manipulate cell fate.
A spiral plasmonic lens with directional excitation of surface plasmons
Authors: Guo Qingrui , Zhang Chi , Hu Xinhua
Published: August 2016

Conventional plasmonic lenses are composed of curved slits carved through metallic films. Here, we propose a new plasmonic lens based on a metallic slit with an auxiliary groove. When the lens is illumined normally, only inward surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) can be generated and then focused into a hot spot at the center of the lens. The focusing effect is theoretically investigated by varying the groove parameters and incident polarizations. It is found that this phenomenon exists for both the circular and linear polarizations of incidence. Under optimal groove parameters, the intensity of the focal spot in our lens can be 2.5 times of that in one without grooves for both linearly and circularly polarized illuminations.
Proteomic comparison reveals the contribution of chloroplast to salt tolerance of a wheat introgression line
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Lv Hongjun , Zhao Mingming , Li Yongchao , Qi Yueying , Peng Zhenying , Xia Guangmin , Wang Mengcheng
Published: August 2016

We previously bred a salt tolerant wheat cv. SR3 with bread wheat cv. JN177 as the parent via asymmetric somatic hybridization and found that the tolerance is partially attributed to the superior photosynthesis capacity. Here, we compared the proteomes of two cultivars to unravel the basis of superior photosynthesis capacity. In the maps of two dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), there were 26 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 18 cultivar-based and 8 stress-responsive ones. 21 of 26 DEPs were identified and classified into four categories, including photosynthesis, photosynthesis system stability, linolenic acid metabolism and protein synthesis in chloroplast. The chloroplast localization of some DEPs confirmed that the identified DEPs function in the chloroplast. The overexpression of a DEP enhanced salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. In line with these data, it is concluded that the contribution of chloroplast to high salinity tolerance of wheat cv. SR3 appears to include higher photosynthesis efficiency by promoting system protection and ROS clearance, stronger production of phytohormone JA by enhancing metabolism activity and modulating the in chloroplast synthesis of proteins.
AIM 2 inflammasomes regulate neuronal morphology and influence anxiety and memory in mice
Authors: Wu Pei-Jung , Liu Hsin-Yu , Huang Tzyy-Nan , Hsueh Yi-Ping
Published: August 2016

Inflammasomes are the protein assemblies that consist of inflammasome sensors, adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like proteins containing a CARD (ASC) and inflammasome caspase. Inflammasomes sense multiple danger signals via various inflammasome sensors and consequently use caspase to trigger proteolytic processing and secretion of IL-1β cytokines. Recent studies have suggested that neurons use their own innate immune system to detect danger signals and regulate neuronal morphology. Here, we investigate whether inflammasomes, the critical components of innate immunity, participate in regulation of neuronal morphology and function. Among various sensors, Absent in melanoma 2 (Aim2) expression in neurons is most prominent. Adding synthetic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) to cultured neurons induces IL-1β secretion in an AIM2-dependent manner and consequently downregulates dendritic growth but enhances axon extension. The results of Aim2 knockout and knockdown show that AIM2 acts cell-autonomously to regulate neuronal morphology. Behavioral analyses further reveal that Aim2−/− mice exhibit lower locomotor activity, increased anxious behaviors and reduced auditory fear memory. In conclusion, our study suggests that AIM2 inflammasomes regulate neuronal morphology and influence mouse behaviors.
Accurate Morphology Preserving Segmentation of Overlapping Cells based on Active Contours
Authors: Molnar Csaba , Jermyn Ian H. , Kato Zoltan , Rahkama Vesa , Östling Päivi , Mikkonen Piia , Pietiäinen Vilja , Horvath Peter
Published: August 2016

The identification of fluorescently stained cell nuclei is the basis of cell detection, segmentation, and feature extraction in high content microscopy experiments. The nuclear morphology of single cells is also one of the essential indicators of phenotypic variation. However, the cells used in experiments can lose their contact inhibition, and can therefore pile up on top of each other, making the detection of single cells extremely challenging using current segmentation methods. The model we present here can detect cell nuclei and their morphology even in high-confluency cell cultures with many overlapping cell nuclei. We combine the “gas of near circles” active contour model, which favors circular shapes but allows slight variations around them, with a new data model. This captures a common property of many microscopic imaging techniques: the intensities from superposed nuclei are additive, so that two overlapping nuclei, for example, have a total intensity that is approximately double the intensity of a single nucleus. We demonstrate the power of our method on microscopic images of cells, comparing the results with those obtained from a widely used approach, and with manual image segmentations by experts.
Deep sexual dimorphism in adult medaka fish liver highlighted by multi-omic approach
Authors: Qiao Qin , Le Manach Séverine , Sotton Benoit , Huet Hélène , Duvernois-Berthet Evelyne , Paris Alain , Duval Charlotte , Ponger Loïc , Marie Arul , Blond Alain , Mathéron Lucrèce , Vinh Joelle , Bolbach Gérard , Djediat Chakib , Bernard Cécile , Edery Marc , Marie Benjamin
Published: August 2016

Sexual dimorphism describes the features that discriminate between the two sexes at various biological levels. Especially, during the reproductive phase, the liver is one of the most sexually dimorphic organs, because of different metabolic demands between the two sexes. The liver is a key organ that plays fundamental roles in various physiological processes, including digestion, energetic metabolism, xenobiotic detoxification, biosynthesis of serum proteins and also in endocrine or immune response. The sex-dimorphism of the liver is particularly obvious in oviparous animals, as the female liver is the main organ for the synthesis of oocyte constituents. In this work, we are interested in identifying molecular sexual dimorphism in the liver of adult medaka fish and their sex-variation in response to hepatotoxic exposures. By developing an integrative approach combining histology and different high-throughput omic investigations (metabolomics, proteomics and transcriptomics), we were able to globally depict the strong sexual dimorphism that concerns various cellular and molecular processes of hepatocytes comprising protein synthesis, amino acid, lipid and polysaccharide metabolism, along with steroidogenesis and detoxification. The results of this work imply noticeable repercussions on the biology of oviparous organisms environmentally exposed to chemical or toxin issues.
Catalytic activation and application of micro-spherical carbon derived from hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass: statistical analysis using Box–Behnken design
Authors: Chowdhury Z. Z. , Abd Hamid S. B. , Rahman Md. M. , Rafique R. F.
Published: August 2016

Activated carbon was produced by physico-chemical activation of hydrothermally carbonized dried stem derived fromCorchorus olitorius, commonly known as Jute (JS), using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an activation agent.
Self-templating synthesis of hollow spheres of MOFs and their derived nanostructures
Authors: Chuan Tan Ying , Chun Zeng Hua
Published: August 2016

A facile one-pot aqueous synthetic approach is developed to prepare ZIF-67 hollow spheres under room conditions.
Highly diastereoselective entry into chiral spirooxindole-based 4-methyleneazetidines via formal [2+2] annulation reaction
Authors: Rainoldi G. , Faltracco M. , Lo Presti L. , Silvani A. , Lesma G.
Published: August 2016

We describe here a diastereoselective, DABCO-catalyzed reaction of allenoates with chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl ketimines derived from isatin.
CuFeS2 colloidal nanocrystals as an efficient electrocatalyst for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wu Yihui , Zhou Bin , Yang Chi , Liao Shichao , Zhang Wen-Hua , Li Can
Published: August 2016

Cubic CuFeS2 colloidal nanocrystals have been obtained via a facile solution approach and they demonstrate high electrocatalytic activity and excellent electrochemical stability in the redox reaction of I3−/I−, showing comparable photovoltaic performance to Pt in DSSCs.
Tunable light trapping and absorption enhancement with graphene ring arrays
Authors: Xiao Shuyuan , Wang Tao , Liu Yuebo , Xu Chen , Han Xu , Yan Xicheng
Published: August 2016

Graphene ring arrays are proposed to introduce tunable light trapping and enhance the absorption in the surrounding light-absorbing materials.
Ligand-dependent formation of ion-pair CuI/CuIII trifluoromethyl complexes containing bisphosphines
Authors: Zhang Song-Lin , Bie Wen-Feng
Published: August 2016

Novel ion-pair CuI/CuIII trifluoromethyl complexes with representative bisphosphines are isolated and fully characterized to feature square planar [CuIII(CF3)4]− and tetrahedral [L2Cu]+ units. They show unprecedented excellent reactivity for aerobic trifluoromethylation of arylboronic acids in generally good to quantitative yields.
A long-life lithium ion oxygen battery based on commercial silicon particles as the anode
Authors: Wu Shichao , Zhu Kai , Tang Jing , Liao Kaiming , Bai Songyan , Yi Jin , Yamauchi Yusuke , Ishida Masayoshi , Zhou Haoshen
Published: August 2016

Safe and long-life lithium ion oxygen batteries with commercial silicon particles as anodes are developed for the first time by building a durable oxygen crossover-prohibited film on a silicon surface.
Self-assembled one-dimensional MnO2@zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanostructures for highly efficient arsenite removal
Authors: Jian Meipeng , Wang Huan , Liu Ruiping , Qu Jiuhui , Wang Huanting , Zhang Xiwang
Published: August 2016

A unique 1D nanostructure of β-MnO2@ZIF-8 for the concurrent oxidation and adsorptive removal of As(iii).
KCC-1 supported palladium nanoparticles as an efficient and sustainable nanocatalyst for carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling
Authors: Gautam Prashant , Dhiman Mahak , Polshettiwar Vivek , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: August 2016

This work reports a cost-effective and sustainable protocol for the carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction catalyzed by palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) supported on fibrous nanosilica (KCC-1) with very high turnover number.
Highly selective detection of Hg2+ and MeHgI by di-pyridin-2-yl-[4-(2-pyridin-4-yl-vinyl)-phenyl]-amine and its zinc coordination polymer
Authors: Chen Min-Min , Chen Liang , Li Hong-Xi , Brammer Lee , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: August 2016

Di-pyridin-2-yl-[4-(2-pyridin-4-yl-vinyl)-phenyl]-amine and its zinc coordination polymer are used to detect Hg2+ and MeHgI with high selectivity.
Fluorescence tuning of Zn(ii)-based metallo-supramolecular coordination polymers and their application for picric acid detection
Authors: Li Hong-Qing , Ding Zhong-Yu , Pan Yao , Liu Chun-Hua , Zhu Yuan-Yuan
Published: August 2016

A series of metallo-supramolecular coordination polymers displayed strong and tunable visible luminescent emission and possessed the capability for detection of picric acid (PA) with high sensitivity and selectivity.
LDA-mediated synthesis of ortho-cyanated diarylmethanes by reaction of fluoroarene with arylacetonitrile at room temperature
Authors: Liang Fang , Ji Xinfei , Zhang Juan , Cao Song
Published: August 2016

An efficient and facile method for the synthesis of ortho-cyanated diarylmethane by reaction of fluoroarene with arylacetonitrile in the presence of LDA (lithium diisopropylamide) at room temperature was developed.
Caffeic acid attenuates the angiogenic function of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via reduction in JNK-1-mediated HIF-1α stabilization in hypoxia
Authors: Gu Weiting , Yang Ye , Zhang Chi , Zhang Yujia , Chen Lijun , Shen Jian , Li Guiying , Li Zhong , Li Lei , Li Yuan , Dong Huibin
Published: August 2016

Our study revealed a novel mechanism in the CaA-attenuated angiogenic ability in HCC cells possiblyviareducing the JNK-1-mediated HIF-1α stabilization and inducing the ubiquitination-mediated HIF1α degradation.
Teniposide-loaded multilayer modified albumin nanoparticles with increased passive delivery to the lung
Authors: Guo Haiyan , Fei Siyang , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yu , Gou Jingxin , Zhang Ling , He Haibing , Yin Tian , Wang Yanjiao , Tang Xing
Published: August 2016

The structure of the albumin core and multi-coated layers are designed to encapsulate teniposide for achieving controlled release and passively targeted delivery to the lung.
Aerobic degradation of estrogenic alkylphenols by yeasts isolated from a sewage treatment plant
Authors: Rajendran Ranjith kumar , Huang Shir-Ly , Lin Chu-Ching , Kirschner Roland
Published: August 2016

Long-chain alkylphenols including octylphenol (OP) are well-known toxic pollutants prevailing in the environment due to the massive demand of these chemicals in industry and have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
Strain sensors on water-soluble cellulose nanofibril paper by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stencil lithography
Authors: Meng Lingju , Mahpeykar Seyed Milad , Xiong Qiuyang , Ahvazi Behzad , Wang Xihua
Published: August 2016

We report the patterning of metal electrodes on water-soluble nanofibril papers using PDMS stencil lithography. Strain sensors fabricated with silver nanoparticles on patterned metal electrodes show high gauge-factors of over 50 in strain testing.
Light-to-heat conversion and heating of single nanoparticles, their assemblies, and the surrounding medium under laser pulses
Authors: Pustovalov Victor K.
Published: August 2016

This review presents a platform for the description of the thermal processes of laser–nanoparticle interactions and their applications.
Peculiarities of the magneto-optical response in dispersions of anisometric pigment nano-particles
Authors: Eremin A. , Geng Y. , Stannarius R. , Ostapenko T. , Challa P. K. , Gleeson J. T. , Jákli A. , Klein S.
Published: August 2016

We demonstrate an unusually strong magneto-optical response of elongated plate-shaped pigment particles in magnetic fields ranging from 0 to 25 T.
Piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties of BNT-base ternary lead-free ceramic–polymer nanocomposites under different poling conditions
Authors: Mahdi R. I. , Majid W. H. Abd.
Published: August 2016

Aggregated charges on the polymer phase interface (a) when the electric field E = 0, (b) after E is applied and (c) piezoelectric particle polarization increases when the charges are further injected in the direction of the piezoelectric particles (c).
The PANI-DBSA content and dispersing solvent as influencing parameters in sensing performances of TiO2/PANI-DBSA hybrid nanocomposites to ammonia
Authors: Mikhaylov S. , Ogurtsov N. A. , Redon N. , Coddeville P. , Wojkiewicz J.-L. , Pud A. A.
Published: August 2016

Solubility in dispersing solvents and content of doped polyaniline strongly affect the morphology and sensing performance of TiO2/polyaniline-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid nanocomposites.
Development of Al-doped ZnO thin film as a transparent cathode and anode for application in transparent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Chauhan Ram Narayan , Tiwari Nidhi , Anand R. S. , Kumar Jitendra
Published: August 2016

Aluminum doped zinc oxide thin films have been prepared by sputtering under argon gas pressure of 0.15 Pa at different radio frequency (RF) power densities to optimize the conditions for application in both bottom emitting and transparent OLEDs.
Pulse potential deposition of thick polyvinylpyridine-like film on the surface of titanium nitride
Authors: Zeb Gul , Tri Phuong Nguyen , Palacin Serge , Le Xuan Tuan
Published: August 2016

We achieved covalent attachment of a thick polyvinylpyridine-like polymeric film on a 200 mm diameter titanium nitride wafer (MEMS industry standard) using a simple electrochemical setup.
Uniform ZnO nanorod/Cu2O core–shell structured solar cells by bottom-up RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Yoo Il-Han , Kalanur Shankara S. , Lee Sang Yeon , Eom Kiryung , Jeon Hyeongtag , Seo Hyungtak
Published: August 2016

Uniform ZnO nanorod-Cu2O core–shell structures are fabricated and studied.
High efficiency shear exfoliation for producing high-quality, few-layered MoS2nanosheets in a green ethanol/water system
Authors: Yuan Hong , Liu Xiaohong , Ma Limin , Gong Peiwei , Yang Zhigang , Wang Honggang , Wang Jinqing , Yang Shengrong
Published: August 2016

This work presented a feasible strategy to generate molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets by a direct liquid shear exfoliation technique in a green mixed solvent system of ethanol/water.
An efficient DFT method of predicting the one-, two- and three-bond indirect spin–spin coupling constants involving a fluorine nucleus in fluoroalkanes
Authors: Gryff-Keller Adam , Szczeciński Przemysław
Published: August 2016

The values of the indirect nuclear spin–spin coupling constants for a series of aliphatic fluorocompounds have been calculated using DFT-based methods and compared with the experimental values of these parameters.
Irradiation damage of helium-accumulated vanadium: atomic simulations
Authors: Zhu Xiaolu , Wang Canglong , Hu Nengwen , Hu Wangyu , Duan Wenshan , Yang Lei
Published: August 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations have been implemented to gain insight into the displacement cascades in vanadium containing substitutional He atoms with several different concentrations from 0.2 to 1.0 at%.
Solvato-morphologically controlled, reversible NIPAAm hydrogel photoactuators
Authors: Dunne Aishling , Delaney Colm , Florea Larisa , Diamond Dermot
Published: August 2016

Herein we demonstrate the ability to control the swelling and photo-induced shrinking kinetics of hydrogels by changing the polymerisation solvent.
Effects of acidification time of MWCNTs on carbon dioxide capture of liquid-like MWCNTs organic hybrid materials
Authors: Yang Ruilu , Zheng Yaping , Li Peipei , Bai Haipeng , Wang Yudeng , Chen Lixin
Published: August 2016

The structure and surface properties of MWCNTs as cores in NOHMs have a significant influence on CO2capture.
Guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole-aryl conjugates as inhibitors of human dipeptidyl peptidase III: combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Matić Josipa , Šupljika Filip , Tir Nora , Piotrowski Patryciusz , Schmuck Carsten , Abramić Marija , Piantanida Ivo , Tomić Sanja
Published: August 2016

Good overlap of the standard DPP III substrate Arg-Arg-2NA (magenta) and the most efficient novel inhibitor (guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole-pyrene conjugate, blue-red) in the DPP III binding site.
Insight into the effect of ion source for the solution processing of perovskite films
Authors: Li Chongwen , Wang Zaiwei , Chang Yue , Zong Yingxia , Ji Fuxiang , Zhang Bo , Li Haiyan , Pang Shuping
Published: August 2016

Ion exchange is proved to happen in solutions made from different routes, which results in similar properties of perovskite films.
An optical fibre sensor for remotely detecting water traces in organic solvents
Authors: Han Mengke , Chen Ming , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike , Fang Cheng , Qin Anjun , Zhang Hu , Tang Ben Zhong , Tang Youhong , Ruan Yinlan
Published: August 2016

Tetraphenylpyrazine-triphenylamine detects water traces by fluorescence peak wavelength shifting and optical fibres were used for a remote and field-deployable sensing ability.
Green and efficient synthesis of pyranopyrazoles using [bmim][OH−] as an ionic liquid catalyst in water under microwave irradiation and investigation of their antioxidant activity
Authors: Aliabadi Roghayeh Sharifi , Mahmoodi Nosrat O.
Published: August 2016

Green and speedy synthesis of bispyranopyrazoles. [bmim][OH−] ionic liquid. Microwave irradiation. Antioxidant activity compared to vitamin E and C.
Tunable donor and acceptor impurity states in a WSe2 monolayer by adsorption of common gas molecules
Authors: Wang Tianxing , Zhao Rumeng , Zhao Xu , An Yipeng , Dai Xianqi , Xia Congxin
Published: August 2016

A gas sensor of common gas molecules, such as CO, H2O, NH3, O2, NO and NO2 on a WSe2 monolayer is investigated systematically by using first-principle calculations.
Pd(0) encapsulated nanocatalysts as superior catalytic systems for Pd-catalyzed organic transformations
Authors: Sadjadi S. , Heravi M. M.
Published: August 2016

In the last decade, Pd(0) nanoparticles have attracted increasing attention due to their outstanding utility as nanocatalysts in a wide variety of key chemical reactions.
Synthetic methods of CuS nanoparticles and their applications for imaging and cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Lu
Published: August 2016

A comprehensive survey of basic concepts and up-to-date literature results concerning the potential use of CuS nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
The enhanced performance of a CeSiOx support on a Mn/CeSiOx catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Li Wei , Guo Rui-tang , Wang Shu-xian , Pan Wei-guo , Chen Qi-lin , Li Ming-yuan , Sun Peng , Liu Shu-ming
Published: August 2016

A series of Mn/CeSiOx catalysts were prepared by the wet impregnation method and used for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3.
Correction: Fabrication of a composite of nanocrystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite (cHAP) with polylactic acid (PLA) and its surface topographical structuring with direct laser writing (DLW)
Authors: Garskaite E. , Alinauskas L. , Drienovsky M. , Krajcovic J. , Cicka R. , Palcut M. , Jonusauskas L. , Malinauskas M. , Stankeviciute Z. , Kareiva A.
Published: August 2016

Correction for ‘Fabrication of a composite of nanocrystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite (cHAP) with polylactic acid (PLA) and its surface topographical structuring with direct laser writing (DLW)’ by E. Garskaite et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 72733–72743.
Correction: A universal chemical potential for sulfur vapours
Authors: Jackson Adam J. , Tiana Davide , Walsh Aron
Published: August 2016

Correction for ‘A universal chemical potential for sulfur vapours’ by Adam J. Jackson et al., Chem. Sci., 2016, 7, 1082–1092.
Concentration-induced planar-to-homeotropic anchoring transition of stiff ring polymers on hard walls
Authors: Poier Peter , Egorov Sergei A. , Likos Christos N. , Blaak Ronald
Published: August 2016

Simulation snapshot showing a system of ultrasoft discs before (green) and after (blue) the density induced surface ordering transition.
Stretchable fluoroelastomer quasi-solid-state organic electrolyte for high-performance asymmetric flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Xi , Yang Chongyang , Wang Gengchao
Published: August 2016

A novel stretchable fluoroelastomer quasi-solid-state organic electrolyte (FKM/Et4NBF4–AN) with high stretchability and nonflammability was prepared, and high-performance flexible supercapacitor was assembled by “prestrain-stick-relax-cure-soak” strategy.
A general strategy for coating metal–organic frameworks on diverse components and architectures
Authors: Huang G. , Yin D. M. , Wang L. M.
Published: August 2016

A powerful synthetic protocol that enables a surfactant-modified core of any composition, dimension and size to be wrapped up by a ZIF-8 shell has been developed.
Chelation-assisted soft-template synthesis of ordered mesoporous zinc oxides for low concentration gas sensing
Authors: Zhou Xinran , Zhu Yongheng , Luo Wei , Ren Yuan , Xu Pengcheng , Elzatahry Ahmed A. , Cheng Xiaowei , Alghamdi Abdulaziz , Deng Yonghui , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: August 2016

Mesoporous zinc oxides were successfully synthesized through a chelation-assisted soft-template method and showed high performance in ethanol vapor sensing.
Tumor therapy: targeted drug delivery systems
Authors: Dai Liangliang , Liu Junjie , Luo Zhong , Li Menghuan , Cai Kaiyong
Published: August 2016

The review highlights the main targeted drug delivery systems for tumor therapy, including the targeting sites, strategies, mechanisms and preclinical/clinical trials.
BCD to 7‐segment decoder with oxide thin film transistors
Authors: Hwang J.Y. , Kim J.K. , Moon S.J. , Hong M.T. , Yun E.J. , Bae B.S.
Published: August 2016

Binary coded decimal (BCD) to 7‐segment decoder with oxide thin film transistors (TFTs) was implemented on a glass to display 7‐segment display from BCD. The developed BCD to the 7‐segment decoder with indium–gallium–zinc oxide thin film transistors was verified up to 1 kHz operation frequency under the power supply voltage of 5 V, and converted successfully 4‐bit binary input code to 7‐segment inputs. The binary output voltages were 0.4 V for the low and 4.1 V for the high at an operation frequency of 500 Hz, respectively. The output signals of the developed 7‐segment decoder matched well the BCD to the decimal values. The result showed that oxide TFT can be used for the integrated BCD to 7‐segment decoder for the various sensing applications, particularly for wearable devices and the integrated bio sensing platform.
Supporting availability evaluation in MCC‐based mHealth planning
Authors: Araujo C. , Silva F. , Costa I. , Vaz F. , Kosta S. , Maciel P.
Published: August 2016

The mHealth wearable devices have been adopted in the last few years and have improved the human well‐being. However, mobile devices are still quite resource constrained and mHealth applications require high availability. Mobile cloud computing (MCC) is one alternative to aid mobile devices by providing remote powerful infrastructure. The objective is twofold: (i) to identify the most important components of a mHealth system through parametric sensitivity analysis; (ii) to propose and design an extended mHealth architecture with higher system availability and lower downtime period. The proposed solution reduced the downtime in 41% compared with the baseline architecture.
Stability improvement of mode‐locked laser by passing simply EDF
Authors: Hussain S. , Won Y.‐Y. , Seo D.S.
Published: August 2016

A 10 GHz mode‐locked fibre laser has been treated to improve its stability and the quality of generated pulses. An unpumped 3 m erbium‐doped fibre (EDF) is incorporated outside the cavity at the output of the mode‐locked laser and a setup is designed so as to form the strong standing waves inside the EDF that leads to spatial hole burning effect. This reduces the phase noise of the mode‐locked laser, resulting in the timing jitter reduction from 260 to 130 fs.
Hydrogenated amorphous silicon waveguide with vertical pin structure for infrared detection
Authors: Maegami Y. , Takei R. , Cong G. , Ohno M. , Okano M. , Horikawa T. , Yamada K. , Kamei T.
Published: August 2016

Infrared light detection capability of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon waveguide with a vertically stacked pin structure by utilising defect absorption, i.e. transition between dangling bond defect and extended states is demonstrated. The responsivities for a 0.6 mm‐long device are ∼6.2 and ∼0.22 mA/W at 1300 and 1550 nm wavelength, respectively.
Efficient Lagrange multiplier selection algorithm for depth maps coding
Authors: Huo Junyan , Mo Dongchun , Yang Fuzheng , Lin Weisi
Published: August 2016

The rate–distortion optimisation criterion of depth maps coding is evaluated by virtual view distortion, which motivates research modelling the distortion and corresponding Lagrange multiplier for depth maps coding. Current studies follow the assumption that the virtual view distortion introduced by texture videos distortion and depth maps distortion can be explored separately. Then the texture‐videos‐distortion‐induced virtual view distortion is considered as a constant value during depth maps coding. A relationship between the optimal Lagrange multiplier of depth maps and texture videos distortion is investigated. Based on this relationship, an efficient Lagrange multiplier selection algorithm is proposed for depth maps coding based on quantisation parameters of texture videos and depth maps. With the proposed Lagrange multiplier, 1.36% bitrate saving with the same virtual view quality can be achieved compared with 3D high efficiency video coding reference software.
Intrinsically microwave tunable resonator designed on silicon
Authors: Allanic R. , Quéré Y. , Le Berre D. , Quendo C.
Published: August 2016

The potential of an intrinsically microwave tunable resonator consisting in a switchable diode and a stub directly co‐designed on the same silicon substrate is presented. Thanks to this substrate, the semiconductors properties can be associated directly to the electromagnetic wave propagation. Compared with the current technology, the absence of soldered components offers a great flexibility in the design of microwave tunable devices. The active element is based on an integrated and distributed N+PP+ junction which allows the tunability of the resonator by simply applying a low bias voltage. It is demonstrated that high doping levels of the diode and resonator can lead to good performances. Two stubs, switchable from open‐ended (λ/2 at 4 and 3 GHz) to short‐ended (λ/4 at 2.1 GHz) using a low bias voltage, were designed, fabricated and characterised. A good agreement was obtained between simulations and measurements and each resonator presents insertion losses lesser than 2 dB.
Research on efficient‐efficient routing protocol for WSNs based on improved artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Wang Huadong , Chen Ying , Dong Shi
Published: August 2016

Efficient and reliable routing protocol is one of the key technologies in wireless sensor networks, and it has been concerned by a lot of researchers. In light of the random selection of cluster head in low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy protocol algorithm, the residual energy of nodes, node location and node density are not considered. Through theoretical deduction and mathematical calculation, the study found that it is a NP – hard problem. A swarm intelligence algorithm was introduced into the clustering algorithm of wireless sensor network, and an efficient and reliable clustering algorithm for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) based on quantum artificial bee colony algorithm was proposed. Considering the residual energy of nodes, node location and node density, and the energy consumption of the network is balanced. Experiments show that the proposed routing protocol outperforms other work in most cases by reducing the network energy consumption for WSNs by more than 13%, which indicates the feasibility of the authors’ approach for efficient and reliable routing protocol in wireless sensor networks.
A microfluidic optical platform for real-time monitoring of pH and oxygen in microfluidic bioreactors and organ-on-chip devices
Authors: Mousavi Shaegh Seyed Ali , De Ferrari Fabio , Zhang Yu Shrike , Nabavinia Mahboubeh , Binth Mohammad Niema , Ryan John , Pourmand Adel , Laukaitis Eleanor , Banan Sadeghian Ramin , Nadhman Akhtar , Shin Su Ryon , Nezhad Amir Sanati , Khademhosseini Ali , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi
Published: August 2016

There is a growing interest to develop microfluidic bioreactors and organ-on-chip platforms with integrated sensors to monitor their physicochemical properties and to maintain a well-controlled microenvironment for cultured organoids. Conventional sensing devices cannot be easily integrated with microfluidic organ-on-chip systems with low-volume bioreactors for continual monitoring. This paper reports on the development of a multi-analyte optical sensing module for dynamic measurements of pH and dissolved oxygen levels in the culture medium. The sensing system was constructed using low-cost electro-optics including light-emitting diodes and silicon photodiodes. The sensing module includes an optically transparent window for measuring light intensity, and the module could be connected directly to a perfusion bioreactor without any specific modifications to the microfluidic device design. A compact, user-friendly, and low-cost electronic interface was developed to control the optical transducer and signal acquisition from photodiodes. The platform enabled convenient integration of the optical sensing module with a microfluidic bioreactor. Human dermal fibroblasts were cultivated in the bioreactor, and the values of pH and dissolved oxygen levels in the flowing culture medium were measured continuously for up to 3 days. Our integrated microfluidic system provides a new analytical platform with ease of fabrication and operation, which can be adapted for applications in various microfluidic cell culture and organ-on-chip devices.
Jet outflow and open field line measurements on the C-2U advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration plasma experiment
Authors: Sheftman D. , Gupta D. , Roche T. , Thompson M. C. , Giammanco F. , Conti F. , Marsili P. , Moreno C. D.
Published: August 2016

Knowledge and control of the axial outflow of plasma particles and energy along open-magnetic-field lines are of crucial importance to the stability and longevity of the advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration plasma. An overview of the diagnostic methods used to perform measurements on the open field line plasma on C-2U is presented, including passive Doppler impurity spectroscopy, microwave interferometry, and triple Langmuir probe measurements. Results of these measurements provide the jet ion temperature and axial velocity, electron density, and high frequency density fluctuations.
Exciton recombination at crystal-phase quantum rings in GaAs/InxGa1−xAs core/multishell nanowires
Authors: Corfdir P. , Lewis R. B. , Marquardt O. , Küpers H. , Grandal J. , Dimakis E. , Trampert A. , Geelhaar L. , Brandt O. , Phillips R. T.
Published: August 2016

We study the optical properties of coaxial GaAs/InxGa1−xAs core/multishell nanowires with x between 0.2 and 0.4 at 10 K. The evolution of the photoluminescence energy of the InxGa1−xAs quantum well shell with x and shell thickness agrees with the result of 8-band k·p calculations, demonstrating that the shell growth is pseudomorphic. At low excitation power, the photoluminescence from the shell is dominated by the recombination of exciton states deeply localized within the shell. We show that these states are associated with crystal-phase quantum rings that form at polytype segments of the InxGa1−xAs quantum well shell.
Applications of Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy for edge physics studies (invited)
Authors: Martin E. H. , Zafar A. , Caughman J. B. O. , Isler R. C. , Bell G. L.
Published: August 2016

Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy provides a very powerful method to obtain detailed information about the electronic structure of the atom through measurement of the spectral line profile. This is achieved through a significant decrease in the Doppler broadening and essentially an elimination of the instrument broadening inherent to passive spectroscopic techniques. In this paper we present the technique and associated physics of Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy in addition to how one selects the appropriate transition. Simulations of Hδ spectra are presented to illustrate the increased sensitivity to both electric field and electron density measurements.