bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In VitroMicropropagation ofAloe adigratanaReynolds Using Offshoot Cuttings
Authors: Niguse Mulu , Sbhatu Desta Berhe , Abraha Haftom Baraki
Published: April 2020

This study aimed at developing a suitable and reproducible protocol forin vitromicropropagation ofAloe adigratanaReynolds using explants from offshoots with the help of the most commonly used plant growth regulators (PGRs). Explants were initiated in full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media enriched with 0.2 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BAP) + 0.2 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Shooting experiment was conducted in full-strength MS media enriched with 0/0, 0.5/0.5, 1.0/0.5, 1.5/0.5, and 2.0/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA. Likewise, rooting experiment was carried out in half-strength MS media enriched with NAA at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/L and indol-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/L. Finally, acclimatization study was conducted in greenhouse, nursery, and open field. The shooting response of the plant was best in MS media enriched with 1.0 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L NAA. This media formulation resulted in the shortest mean number of days to shooting (14.00 ± 2.30 days), the highest mean shoot number (4.00 ± 3.40), and the second highest mean shoot length (8.60 ± 2.10 cm). IBA enhanced rooting at higher concentrations (1.0 and 1.5 mg/L), but NAA did the same at lower concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 mg/L). All plantlets (n = 62) survived primary acclimatization. Secondary acclimatization in composted and matured soil media under nursery and open field (sun light) condition produced 88 to 93% survival rate. The death of plantlets in the secondary acclimatization is accounted to mechanical damage. This study demonstrated that the tested PGRs were useful in enhancing thein vitromicropropagation of the plant. Future studies need to focus on optimizing the protocol for large-scale, commercial micropropagation.
Safety and Tolerability of Bintrafusp Alfa, a Bifunctional Fusion Protein Targeting TGFβ and PD-L1, in Asian Patients with Pretreated Recurrent or Refractory Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kang Yoon-Koo , Bang Yung-Jue , Kondo Shunsuke , Chung Hyun Cheol , Muro Kei , Dussault Isabelle , Helwig Christoph , Osada Motonobu , Doi Toshihiko
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Patients with advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC) have limited treatment options after first-line therapy. Bintrafusp alfa is a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGFβRII receptor (a TGFβ “trap”) fused to a human IgG1 antibody against programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), potentially offering a new treatment approach for these patients. We report results for bintrafusp alfa in GC/GEJC.

Patients and Methods:

Asian patients with recurrent GC/GEJC for whom standard therapy does not exist or for whom standard therapy has failed enrolled in this expansion cohort of an ongoing phase I trial and received bintrafusp alfa 1,200 mg once every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal. The primary objective was to assess safety/tolerability.

Results:

By July 23, 2018, 31 heavily pretreated patients received bintrafusp alfa for a median of 10.1 weeks; 3 patients remained on treatment. Six patients (19%) experienced grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (AE); no grade 4 events occurred. One on-treatment death occurred (sudden death); rupture of a preexisting thoracic aortic aneurysm was the suspected cause. Ten patients (32%) had immune-related AEs. The confirmed objective response rate per independent review committee was 16%; disease control rate was 26%. Median duration of response was 8.7 months (range, 2.4–12.4+). Responses occurred irrespective of PD-L1 expression or microsatellite instability status and appeared to correlate with high tumor TGFB1 levels.

Conclusions:

In this first evaluation in Asian patients with heavily pretreated advanced GC/GEJC, bintrafusp alfa demonstrated a manageable safety profile and clinical activity.
Genomic Landscape of Uterine Sarcomas Defined Through Prospective Clinical Sequencing
Authors: Hensley Martee L. , Chavan Shweta S. , Solit David B. , Murali Rajmohan , Soslow Robert , Chiang Sarah , Jungbluth Achim A. , Bandlamudi Chaitanya , Srinivasan Preethi , Tap William D. , Rosenbaum Evan , Taylor Barry S. , Donoghue Mark T.A. , Hyman David M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

We examined whether prospective molecular characterization of advanced metastatic disease can reveal grade and/or histology-specific differences to inform diagnosis and facilitate enrollment onto clinical trials.

Experimental Design:

Patients with uterine sarcoma consented to a prospective study of next-generation sequencing (NGS). Clinical annotations were extracted from their medical record. Tumor and matched normal DNA were subjected to NGS, and the genomic landscape was explored for survival correlations and therapeutic targetability.

Results:

Tumors from 107 women were sequenced and included leiomyosarcoma (n = 80), high-grade non-leiomyosarcoma (n = 22), low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS, n = 4), and smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP, n = 2). Genomic profiling influenced histologic diagnosis in three cases. Common uterine leiomyosarcoma alterations were loss-of-function mutations in TP53 (56%), RB1 (51%), and ATRX (31%). Homozygous deletions of BRCA2 were present in 5% of these patients. PTEN alteration frequency was higher in the metastases samples as compared with the primary samples. Genomes of low-grade tumors were largely silent, while 50.5% of high-grade tumors had whole-genome duplication. Two metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma cases were hypermutated. Both had prolonged disease-free survival. Potentially actionable mutations were identified in 48 patients (45%), 8 (17%) of whom received matched therapy with 2 achieving clinical responses. Among patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma with somatic BRCA2 alterations, sustained partial responses were observed with PARP inhibitor–containing therapy.

Discussion:

Prospective genomic profiling can contribute to diagnostic precision and inform treatment selection in patients with uterine sarcomas. There was evidence of clinical benefit in patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma with somatic BRCA2 alterations treated with PARP inhibitors.
Consensus-Based Care Recommendations for Pulmonologists Treating Adults with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Authors: Boentert Matthias , Cao Michelle , Mass Daphne , De Mattia Elisa , Falcier Elisa , Goncalves Miguel , Holland Venessa , Katz Sherri Lynne , Orlikowski David , Sannicolò Giulia , Wijkstra Peter , Hellerstein Leah , Sansone Valeria A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose of Review: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a severe, progressive genetic disease that affects approximately 1 in 2,500 individuals globally [Ashizawa et al.: Neurol Clin Pract 2018;8(6):507–20]. In patients with DM1, respiratory muscle weakness frequently evolves, leading to respiratory failure as the main cause of death in this patient population, followed by cardiac complications [de Die-Smulders et al.: Brain 1998;121(Pt 8):1557–63], [Mathieu et al.: Neurology 1999;52(8):1658–62], [Groh et al.: Muscle Nerve 2011;43(5):648–51]. This paper provides a more detailed outline on the diagnostic and management protocols, which can guide pulmonologists who may not have experience with DM1 or who are not part of a neuromuscular multidisciplinary clinic. A group of neuromuscular experts in DM1 including pulmonologists, respiratory physiotherapists and sleep specialists discussed respiratory testing and management at baseline and during follow-up visits, based on their clinical experience with patients with DM1. The details are presented in this report. Recent Findings: Myotonic recruited 66 international clinicians experienced in the treatment of people living with DM1 to develop and publish consensus-based care recommendations targeting all body systems affected by this disease [Ashizawa et al.: Neurol Clin Pract. 2018;8(6):507–20]. Myotonic then worked with 12 international respiratory therapists, pulmonologists and neurologists with long-standing experience in DM respiratory care to develop consensus-based care recommendations for pulmonologists using a methodology called the Single Text Procedure. This process generated a 7-page document that provides detailed respiratory care recommendations for the management of patients living with DM1. This consensus is completely based on expert opinion and not backed up by empirical evidence due to limited clinical care data available for respiratory care management in DM patients. Nevertheless, we believe it is of relevance for professionals treating adults with myotonic dystrophy because it addresses practical issues related to respiratory management and care, which have been adapted to meet the specific issues in patients with DM1. Summary: The resulting recommendations are intended to improve respiratory care for the most vulnerable of DM1 patients and lower the risk of untoward respiratory complications and mortality by providing pulmonologist who are less experienced with DM1 with practical indications on which tests and when to perform them, adapting the general respiratory knowledge to specific issues related to this multiorgan disease.
Galectin-3 Identifies a Subset of Macrophages With a Potential Beneficial Role in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Di Gregoli Karina , Somerville Michelle , Bianco Rosaria , Thomas Anita C. , Frankow Aleksandra , Newby Andrew C. , George Sarah J. , Jackson Christopher L. , Johnson Jason L.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Galectin-3 (formerly known as Mac-2), encoded by the
LGALS3
gene, is proposed to regulate macrophage adhesion, chemotaxis, and apoptosis. We investigated the role of galectin-3 in determining the inflammatory profile of macrophages and composition of atherosclerotic plaques.

Approach and Results:

We observed increased accumulation of galectin-3–negative macrophages within advanced human, rabbit, and mouse plaques compared with early lesions. Interestingly, statin treatment reduced galectin-3–negative macrophage accrual in advanced plaques within hypercholesterolemic (apolipoprotein E deficient)
Apoe
−/−
mice. Accordingly, compared with
Lgals3
+/+
:
Apoe
−/−
mice,
Lgals3
−/−
:
Apoe
−/−
mice displayed altered plaque composition through increased macrophage:smooth muscle cell ratio, reduced collagen content, and increased necrotic core area, characteristics of advanced plaques in humans. Additionally, macrophages from
Lgals3
−/−
mice exhibited increased invasive capacity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, loss of galectin-3 in vitro and in vivo was associated with increased expression of proinflammatory genes including MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-12, CCL2 (chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 2), PTGS2 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2), and IL (interleukin)-6, alongside reduced TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1 expression and consequent SMAD signaling. Moreover, we found that MMP12 cleaves macrophage cell-surface galectin-3 resulting in the appearance of a 22-kDa fragment, whereas plasma levels of galectin-3 were reduced in
Mmp12
−/−
:
Apoe
−/−
mice, highlighting a novel mechanism where MMP12-dependent cleavage of galectin-3 promotes proinflammatory macrophage polarization. Moreover, galectin-3–positive macrophages were more abundant within plaques of
Mmp12
−/−
:
Apoe
−/−
mice compared with
Mmp12
+/+
:
Apoe
−/−
animals.

Conclusions:

This study reveals a prominent protective role for galectin-3 in regulating macrophage polarization and invasive capacity and, therefore, delaying plaque progression.
Pervasive White Matter Fiber Degeneration in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Egorova Natalia , Dhollander Thijs , Khlif Mohamed Salah , Khan Wasim , Werden Emilio , Brodtmann Amy
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose—

We examined if ischemic stroke is associated with white matter degeneration predominantly confined to the ipsi-lesional tracts or with widespread bilateral axonal loss independent of lesion laterality.

Methods—

We applied a novel fixel-based analysis, sensitive to fiber tract–specific differences within a voxel, to assess axonal loss in stroke (N=104, 32 women) compared to control participants (N=40, 15 women) across the whole brain. We studied microstructural differences in fiber density and macrostructural (morphological) changes in fiber cross-section.

Results—

In participants with stroke, we observed significantly lower fiber density and cross-section in areas adjacent, or connected, to the lesions (eg, ipsi-lesional corticospinal tract). In addition, the changes extended beyond directly connected tracts, independent of the lesion laterality (eg, corpus callosum, bilateral inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, right superior longitudinal fasciculus).

Conclusions—

We conclude that ischemic stroke is associated with extensive neurodegeneration that significantly affects white matter integrity across the whole brain. These findings expand our understanding of the mechanisms of brain volume loss and delayed cognitive decline in stroke.
Bodily Injuries and Dative Experiencers in Old Frisian
Authors: Bruno Laura , Kerkhof Peter Alexander
Published: April 2020

This article offers a descriptive account of body part constructions in Old East Frisian texts and analyzes the occurrence of dative experiencers in such clauses. This includes a comparison between Old Frisian body part grammar and its Middle Dutch counterpart, revisiting issues such as the antiquity of dative external possessors and oblique subject constructions in West Germanic. In presenting the data from a theory-neutral perspective, this investigation contributes to the study of body part grammar in Medieval Germanic in particular and to the growing body of literature on Old Frisian syntax in general.
A review of neococcid scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha) based on the morphology of the adult males
Authors: HODGSON CHRIS
Published: April 2020

The importance of adult male morphology in elucidating the phylogeny of scale insects (Coccomorpha) was first suggested by Balachowsky and Ferris in the late 1930s. However, the first extensive comparisons of adult male morphology were made by Jancke (1955) and Theron (1958), both of whom looked at the morphology of various groups of Coccomorpha. Theron’s study, under the guidance of K.L. Boratyński, set a new standard for detail and accuracy (although he did not describe the setae). These studies were closely followed by Beardsley (1962), who described the adult males of 30 mealybug species from Hawaii, and then by three more of Boratyński’s students who produced highly significant monographs on particular families, namely Ghauri (1962) who described 26 species of Diaspididae, Giliomee (1967a) who described 22 species of Coccidae and Afifi (1968) who described 17 species of Pseudococcidae and 7 species of Eriococcidae. Since then, the adult males of more than 300 neococcoid species have been described in considerable detail (Appendix A). Adult males of a further 48 species are described or redescribed and illustrated in this monograph (Acanthococcus adenostomae (Ehrhorn), Eriochiton armatus Brittin; Apiomorpha munita tereticornuta Gullan; A. ovicola (Froggatt); A. pharetrata (Schrader); A. rosaeformis (Froggatt); A. spinifer Froggatt; Dactylopius coccus (Costa); Callococcus leptospermi (Maskell);  Lachnodius ?eucalypti (Maskell); Tanyscelis verrucula (Froggatt); Beesonia dipterocarpi Green; Parastictococcus brachystegiae (Hall); P. hargreavesi (Vayssière); P. multispinosus (Newstead); Stictococcus intermedius Newstead; S. vayssierei Richard; Conchaspis angraeci Cockerell; C. capensis Linnaeus; C. socialis Green; C. vayssierei Mamet; Leucaspis gigas (Maskell); Labidaspis myersi (Green); Allokermes galliformis (Riley); Kermes shastensis Ehrhorn; Kermes sp.; Tachardina aurantiaca (Cockerell); Tachardiella sp.; Cerococcus artemisiae (Cockerell); Antecerococcus indicus (Maskell); A. ornatus (Green); Bambusaspis delicata (Green); B. longa (Green); Asterolecanium petrophilae (Fuller); Hsuia cheni Borchsenius; Aclerda arundinariae McConnell; A. distorta Green; A. tillandsiae Howell; A. tokionis Cockerell; Aclerda sp. A; Aclerda sp. B; Luzulaspis caricis (Ehrhorn); Akermes scrobiculatus (Maskell); A. pingue (Maskell); Cardiococcus major (Maskell); Ctenochiton serratus Green; C. eucalypti Maskell, and ?Pulvinaria dodonaeae Maskell). This paper summarises the data from all of these descriptions, and provides diagnoses for the adult male morphology for all of the neococcoid families and other taxa discussed here. Because our concept of the “Eriococcidae” remains uncertain, extra attention has been payed to the taxa considered to be most closely involved. At least 1 illustration is included of an adult male of each of the taxa (mainly families) discussed here. Identification keys are provided for most of the males described to-date.
First-Principles Study of Carbon Nanotubes with Bamboo-Shape and Pentagon–Pentagon Fusion Defects
Authors: Lim San Hua , Ji Wei , Lin Jianyi
Published: April 2020

A first-principles study of single-walled carbon nanotubes with bamboo-shape (BS) and pentagon–pentagon fusion defects was conducted. Sharp resonances occur on the BS-nanotubes as strong density of electronic states (DOS) localized at carbon atoms adjacent to the partitions, while
at the partition the localized DOS was greatly depleted. A strong defect state at −0.1 eV below the Fermi level was generated and the band gap was narrowed for BS-(10, 0) nanotube. Sharp resonant states are observed in the valence and conduction bands of BS-(12, 0) nanotube. The resonant
states are attributed to the pentagon defects as exemplified by the study of a (5, 5) nanotube with pentagon–pentagon fusion ring. The high chemical reactivity of the topological defects of the BS-nanotubes is correlated to the presence of localized resonant states.
Reversible and Hierarchical Composite Gels with CdSe Nanocrystals
Authors: Xue Pengchong , Nomoto Hiroyuki , Ueki Naokazu , Takafuji Makoto , Ihara Hirotaka
Published: April 2020

To synthesize composite solid materials of metal salt and CdSe nanocrystals by a simple one-step method has been described. These solids can form stable gel in some organic solvent, such as benzene, cyclohexane and 1-butanol, especial in n-decane even below 0.1 wt/vol.%. Further-more,
these gels appear strong fluorescence which can be easily adjusted by the gel concentration. Temperature-dependent fluorescence spectra of composite gels suggested that the CdSe NCs aggregate together in gel state which would induce the energy transfer between nanocrystals and these aggregates
could be reversibly disintegrated when gel was heated to form sol. TEM observations provided the further evidence of the energy transfer and suggested that the CdSe NCs were enchased regularly not only on the surface of self assembly of metal salt, but also embedded inside of self assembly
in composite gel with small size nanocrystals. In contrast, in composite organogel with large nanocrystals they were only enchased on the edge of self assembly.
Photoluminescence of Si Nanocrystallites and Amorphous Oxygen-Containing Si Nanoparticles: The Reversible Effect of Ambient Atmosphere on Luminescence
Authors: Tsai M.-Y. , Chiu J.-J. , Horng S.-F. , Chi C. C. , Perng T.-P.
Published: April 2020

Si nanocrystallites of various sizes and oxygen-containing Si nanoparticles with different oxygen contents were prepared by vapor condensation. The Si nanocrystallites showed a visible light emission from 500 nm to 900 nm with the peak at 800 nm, and the intensity of photoluminescence
increased with decreasing the particle size. This photoluminescence observed in vacuum could be quenched by air and hydrogen, and reappeared after the sample chamber was evacuated. The oxygen-containing Si nanoparticles consisting mainly of Si oxide were amorphous and had an average particle
size of approximately 20 nm. Increasing the oxygen content of nanoparticles caused a blueshift of the absorption edge in the transmission spectra. A blue-green photoluminescence with two peaks at 500 nm and 800 nm was observed from these oxygen-containing Si nanoparticles. The luminescence
intensity increased with the oxygen content of nanoparticles, and was very sensitive to the ambient atmosphere. Much lower intensity was observed in air, but higher intensity could be recovered in vacuum. Surface states and oxygen-induced luminescent centers were proposed to be responsible
for the photoluminescence from the Si nanocrystallites and oxygen-containing Si nanoparticles, respectively. The reversible ambient effect in both cases could be explained by surface charge redistribution during the gas adsorption and desorption processes.
Fe(III) Containing MCM-48 Type Mesoporous Molecular Sieves with Framework Zeolite Secondary Building Units
Authors: Sakthivel Ayyamperumal , Komura Kenichi , Sugi Yoshihiro
Published: April 2020

Fe(III) containing mesoporous materials (FeMMSH) with zeolite building units were first time synthesized. XRD and N2 adsorption/desorption analysis confirm the mesoporous characters similar to MCM-48. FT-IR analysis of FeMMSH showed an additional band at about 530–550
cm− 1, characteristic of double five-membered ring of zeolite (ZSM-5) secondary building unit. The Fe(III) in FeMMSH materials is present in tetrahedral, and distorted tetrahedral framework are evident from EPR and DRUV-VIS spectra.
Exploration of Functionalized CdTe Nanoparticles for Latent Fingerprint Detection
Authors: Cheng Kwan H. , Ajimo Jacob , Chen Wei
Published: April 2020

The potential of using water-soluble photoluminescent nanoparticles of different sizes for latent fingerprint detection has been explored. In this pilot study, green (582nm) and red (755 nm) CdTe nanocrystals coated with thioglycolic acid were used. Latent fingerprints on aluminum and
glass surfaces were successfully labeled with these nanoparticles for time periods ranging from 30 min to 24 h. The labeling is probably due to the amidation reaction between the surface carboxylic groups of the nanoparticles with the amine groups of the biomaterials present in the fingerprint
residues. The 582nm emitting nanoparticles appeared to better label the fingerprint ridges than did the 755 nm emitting ones for both surfaces. However, the 755 nm emitting nanoparticles were able to target the sweat pores within the ridges of the fingerprints. Other than high quantum yield
and photostability, the tunable emission wavelength, the narrow bandwidth, the customizable surface characteristics, and the relatively long fluorescence decay lifetime of these nanoparticles are useful and necessary features for the future development of ultra-sensitive, target-specific,
background suppressed latent fingerprint detection for forensic applications.
Ultrathin Ruthenium(II) Complex–H4SiW12O40 Multilayer Film
Authors: Zhang Yu-Qi , Gao Li-Hua , Wang Ke-Zhi , Gao Hong-Jun , Wang Ye-Liang
Published: April 2020

A dipolar Ru(II) complex, [(bpy)2Ru(bpbh)Ru(bpy)2](ClO4)4 {where bpbh = 1,6-bis-[2-(2-pyridyl) benzimidazoyl]hexane, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine}, was synthesized and characterized. A multilayer film of at least 18 layers was successfully
prepared by alternating adsorption of H4SiW12O40 and [Ru2(bpy)4(bpbh)](ClO4)4 by electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly. The multilayer films were studied by ultraviolet-visible and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
atomic force microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.
Optoelectronic Characteristics of Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Device Based on Poly(N-vinylcarbazole)/Cadmium Selenide Thin Films
Authors: Tang Aiwei , Teng Feng , Hou Yanbing , Xiong Sha , Feng Bin , Qian Lei , Wang Yongsheng
Published: April 2020

Inorganic/organic hybrid light-emitting diodes were easily fabricated with a thin film containing water-soluble cadmium selenide nanocrystals and poly(N-vinylcarbazole) as an emitting layer by a spin-coating method. The cadmium selenide nanocrystals were synthesized in aqueous solution
with L-cysteine hydrochloride as the stabilizer and were transferred from the aqueous solution into chloroform by a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide. A broad emission spanning the whole visible wavelength range was obtained from the inorganic/organic hybrid devices whether
poly(N-vinylcarbazole) was present in the devices or not, and the electroluminescence intensity of the devices increased as the applied voltages increased. However, an obvious blue-shift of the wave-length was observed with the increasing applied voltages in the device with poly(N-vinylcarbazole).
Accordingly, the emission color of the device made with poly(N-vinylcarbazole) could be tuned from white to blue by varying the applied voltages, but the emission color of the device made without poly(N-vinylcarbazole) was almost constrained in the white region. This can be attributed to a
limited contribution of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) emission to the electroluminescence spectra under the higher applied voltage. By comparing the electroluminescence intensity and the current–voltage characteristics of the devices made with and without poly(N-vinylcarbazole), the performance
of the device with poly(N-vinylcarbazole) was improved greatly, which indicated that poly(N-vinylcarbazole) played an important role in the carrier injection and transportation in the device with poly(N-vinylcarbazole).
Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence from a Hybrid of Lumogen Red in Nanoporous-Silica
Authors: Wang Junling , He Zhiqun , Wang Yongsheng , Mu Linping , Cao Anmin
Published: April 2020

In this paper white electroluminescence from a lumogen red-doped nanoporous silica matrix is presented. The matrix was prepared using a sol–gel process, and lumogen red—a perylene derivative—was doped at a number of concentrations. The photoluminescence and electroluminescence
of the lumogen red-doped nanoporous-silica composite were investigated in detail. The structures, surface morphology, and optical properties of the nanoporous silica composites were investigated. The average pore size of the nanoporous-silica matrix was ∼5 nm. The absorption spectra of
the lumogen red in the nanoporous-silica matrix were broader than those from solution specimens. The photoluminescence of the lumogen red-doped nanoporous-silica matrix depended strongly on the excitation wavelengths. When excited at relatively longer wavelengths, e.g., 467 nm, the emissions
peaked at constant positions (∼608 nm) for all cases, except a small shift to the red from its solution 601 nm. However, if excited at a shorter wavelength in the range of 200–400 nm, additional blue emissions were observed, which were particularly strong and suggested defect centers
of the nanoporous-silica matrix. The electroluminescence from a single-layered sandwich device consisting of the lumogen red-doped nanoporous-silica was interesting. When driving with an AC electric field, electroluminescence spectra covered a whole spectral range, consisting of the red emission
from lumogen red and the blue and green emission from the nanoporous silica matrix. In this way, we actually achieved a white electroluminescence from this hybrid organic and silica device with a color coordinate, CIE [x, y] = [0.30, 0.35] at a driving electric field of 3.0 ×
106 V/cm. This was a first attempt to investigate electroluminescence from an organic dye-doped nanoporous silica matrix.
Highly Luminescent CdSe/ZnSe Core–Shell Quantum Dots of One-Pot Preparation in Octadecene
Authors: Zeng Qinghui , Kong Xianggui , Zhang Youlin , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2020

CdSe/ZnSe core–shell quantum dots were synthesized using a new one-pot procedure where the core was prepared in octadecene. A ZnSe shell around a CdSe nanoparticle was formed by the reaction of selenium-richness on the surfaces of CdSe nanoparticles with Zn2+ from the
injected zinc stearate precursor. The optical properties, luminescence kinetics, and the effect of shell thickness of as-prepared QDs were studied, which verifies the high quality of the resulting QDs. The new approach is effective not only for preparing core/shell QDs, but also for reducing
the complexity of synthesis, toxicity, and reagent cost.
Preparation and Second-Harmonic Generation Properties of a Self-Assembled Multilayer Film Based on Nanoporous Isopolyoxomolybdate and Bipolar Hemicyanine
Authors: Gao Li-Hua , Hu Xiao-Juan , Zheng De-Sheng , Guo Yuan , Wang Ke-Zhi
Published: April 2020

An electrostatic self-assembled multilayer film has successfully been prepared by alternating adsorption of a wheel-shaped nanoporous isopolyoxomolybdate and a bipolar hemicyanine derivative, as monitored by absorption spectroscopy. The square roots of second-harmonic intensities of
the film exhibit quadratic dependence on film thickness up to 10 layers. The average titled angle of the nonlinear optical chromophores to the substrate normal is derived to be 34° by polarized second-harmonic generation measurements.
Optical Properties of Porphyrin Chromophores Assembled in Nano-Lamellar Zirconium Phosphate
Authors: Shi Shikao , Zhou Ji , Han Shitian , Peng Yanli , Ye Jianping
Published: April 2020

The supra-molecular assemblies and optical properties of the symmetrical neutral porphyrin chromophore, meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphine, bound to a modified α-zirconium phosphate framework have been studied. The interlayer distance of the cetyltrimethylammonium zirconium
phosphate framework is 39.6 Å. After the addition of meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphine to the framework, the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) patterns show that the interlayer distance of the framework is 30.3 Å, demonstrating the formation of novel assemblies. In the framework, organic
chromophores are assumed to align in a canted monolayer. The interaction of organic chromophores with the frame-work causes noticeable red shifts of the Soret absorption band from 416 to 427 nm. In contrast, the luminescence peak is blue shifted from 660 nm in aqueous media to 648 nm when
mesotetra(4-pyridyl)porphine is bound to the framework. Furthermore, the emission yield of the organic chromophore in the framework is dramatically enhanced compared to that of organic aqueous solutions. The spectroscopic change of meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphine is ascribed to the unique microenvironments
of the nano-lamellar framework. The juxtaposition of the porphyrin chromophores in the framework tunes their electronic interactions. In comparison, the organic chromophores also attempted to bind with another modified α-zirconium phosphate, n-butylammonium zirconium phosphate.
However, the chromophores could not enter into n-butylammonium zirconium phosphate due to its smaller interlayer distance (18.8 Å).
Effects of High Pressure on the Luminescent Properties of Nanocrystalline and Bulk Y2O3:Eu3+
Authors: Bai X. , Song H. W. , Liu B. B. , Hou Y. Y. , Pan G. H. , Ren X. G.
Published: April 2020

High pressure-induced spectral changes in a 20-nm cubic nanocrystalline yttria doped with europium and its corresponding bulk were studied in the range of 550–750 nm, corresponding to the 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 0–4)
transitions. The results demonstrate that the bulk Y2O3 underwent phase transition from the cubic phase to the monoclinic phase as the pressure increased to 15 GPa, while the 20-nm nanocrystals did not. This can be concluded from the fact that the 5D0
→ 7F0 line and the three 5D0 → 7F1 sublines originating from the cubic phase disappeared, while another group of 5D0 → 7F0 and 5D0 → 7F1
lines appeared. In addition, the relative intensity of the peak around 630 nm to that around 611 nm varied obviously as the pressure surpassed 15 GPa. The variations in the nanocrystals were more sluggish in comparison to those in the bulk, indicating that the nanocrystalline yttria had improved
compressibility, which is attributed to an increased surface energy in nanocrystals. The local environment surrounding luminescent Eu3+ in the nanocrystals and the bulk both became more disordered with the increase of the pressure. The phase transition from the cubic to the monoclinic
is irreversible.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photoluminescence of Eu2−xSmxSn2O7 (x = 0–2.0) Nanophosphors
Authors: Zhu Hongliang , Zhu Enze , Yang Hong , Jin Dalai , Yang Deren , Li Dongsheng , Yao Kuihong
Published: April 2020

Eu2–xSmxSn2O7 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0) solid solutions were successfully synthesized by a simple, mild hydrothermal process. The crystal structure, particle size, and chemical composition of the solid
solutions were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy images reveal that all the products were cubic pyrochlore-type Eu2–xSmxSn2O7
nano-crystals with the diameter of ∼20 nm. Due to efficient energy transfer from Sm3+ to Eu3+, the Eu2–xSmxSn2O7 (x = 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) nanocrystals exhibited strong 5D0
→ 7F1 photoluminescence emission of Eu3+. The dominant 5D0 → 7F1 transition revealed good monochromaticity and low distortion of the Eu2–xSmxSn2O7
nanophosphors.
Microstructure and Environment Dependence of 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 Upconversion Emission in YVO4:Er3+, Y b3+ Nanocrystals
Authors: Sun Yajuan , Chen Yue , Kong Xianggui , Chao Kefu , Yu Yi , Zeng Qinghui , Zhang Youlin , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2020

Upconversion emission of different nanocrystalline YVO4:Er3+, Yb3+ synthesized by a hydrothermal process at low temperature was studied under 980 nm excitation where green [(2H11/2, 4S3/2) → 4I15/2]
and red (4F9/2 → 4I15/2) emissions demonstrate sensitivity to the local environments of Er3+. Small particle size, high Yb3+ concentration, or high temperature favors the emission of the 2H11/2 →
4I15/2 transition. Both XRD patterns and Raman spectra have confirmed that crystal lattice distortion of YVO4:Er3+, Yb3+ nanocrystals is more serious when the nanoparticle size is decreasing or Yb3+ concentration is increasing.
This distortion is thought to play a key role in the observed spectral properties, which might lead to a new route to improve the monochromatic upconversion emission efficiency in these nanocrystals.
Comparison Between Isothermal Cold and Melt Crystallization of Polylactide/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Defeng , Wu Liang , Wu Lanfeng , Xu Bin , Zhang Yisheng , Zhang Ming
Published: April 2020

The isothermal cold and melt crystallization behavior of intercalated polylactide (PLA)/clay nanocomposites (PLACNs) were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscope (POM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometer
(FT-IR). The results show that the degree of crystallinity of PLA matrix decreases monotonously with increasing clay loadings for both the cold and melt crystallization. The cold crystallized sample shows a double melting behavior and lower melting temperature compared to that of melt-crystallized
sample, especially in the presence of clay. The crystallization kinetics was then analyzed by the Avrami and Lauritzen-Hoffman methods for further comparison between these two crystallization behaviors. The results reveal that PLA and its nanocomposites present higher activation energy in
melt crystallization than that in cold crystallization due to the reptation of entire polymer chains. The addition of clay facilitates the overall kinetics of melt crystallization, which is attributed to both the nucleation effect of clay and enhanced diffusion of PLA chains. However, for
cold crystallization, only very small amounts of clay can slightly increase the kinetics, while larger amounts impede the process. The presence of clay leads to a diffusion-controlled growth of nucleation of PLA matrix in the cold crystallization process and, the hindrance effect of clay hence
becomes the dominant factor gradually with increasing clay loadings in the case of high-rate nucleation.
Hierarchical Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes-Liquid Crystal Nanocomposite
Authors: Kundu Sudarshan , Batabyal Sudip K. , Nayek Prasenjit , Roy Subir K.
Published: April 2020

Fabrication of liquid crystalline (LC) nanomaterials in an aligned pattern along the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) has been reported here. The nanocomposite was prepared by sonicating esterified CNTs and the ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) in chloroform. The nanohybrid shish
kebab (NHSK) like pattern was observed in SEM analysis. The nanocomposite materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), polarizing optical microscopy and electron microscopy. The DC and AC electrical properties of the composite materials were investigated.
The DC conductivity of the nanocomposite increased by 2 order from the FLC materials and AC relaxation has been observed, in the nanocomposite, which was totally absent in the FLC materials.
Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites as Precursors of Nanostructured Carbon Materials for Electrochemical Devices: Templating Effect of Clays
Authors: Fernández-Saavedra Rocío , Darder Margarita , Gómez-Avilés Almudena , Aranda Pilar , Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo
Published: April 2020

The present work introduces a comparative study on the use of polymer nanocomposites containing clay minerals of different structure, such as montmorillonite and sepiolite as host solids for the templating synthesis of carbon-like materials from different organic precursors. Carbon-clay
nanocomposites were obtained by polymerization of either acrylonitrile or sucrose previously inserted in the pores of the clay minerals, followed by their further thermal transformation in carbon-like compounds. Acid treatment of the resulting carbon-clay nanocomposites removes the inorganic
templates giving carbon-like materials with different textural features. Polymer-clay, carbon-clay and carbon-like materials have been characterized by applying spectroscopic techniques as FTIR and in situ EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and other structural, textural and
analytical tools (chemical analysis, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM-EDX, N2 adsorption isotherms,...). Electrochemical properties of these carbon-clay nanocomposites, as well as their templated carbonaceous materials and their use as electrode materials of different electrochemical devices such
as rechargeable Li-batteries, supercapacitors and electrochemical sensors, are also discussed.
Fabrication and Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Poly(methyl methacrylate) Nanocomposites
Authors: Yu Suzhu , Kang Juay Yang , Shyan Young Ming
Published: April 2020

Multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated with melt blending. Two melt blending approaches of batch mixing and continuous extrusion have been used and the properties of the derived nanocomposites have
been compared. The interaction of PMMA and CNTs, which is crucial to greatly improve the polymer properties, has been physically enhanced by adding a third party of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) compatibilizer. It is found that the electrical threshold for both PMMA/CNT and PMMA/PVDF/CNT
nanocomposites lies between 0.5 to 1 wt% of CNTs. The thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites increase with CNTs and they are further increased by the addition of PVDF. For 5 wt% CNT reinforced PMMA/PVDF/CNT nanocomposite, the onset of decomposition temperature is about 17
°C higher and elastic modulus is about 19.5% higher than those of neat PMMA. Rheological study also shows that the CNTs incorporated in the PMMA/PVDF/CNT nanocomposites act as physical cross-linkers.
Nano-Holes in Silicon Wafers Using Laser-Induced Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Molian Pal , Lin Zhiqun , Zou Qingze
Published: April 2020

Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) have been explored for a multitude of applications including sub-wavelength lithography, data storage, microscopy and photonics. In this paper, we report the use of SPPs for nanomachining silicon in massively parallel fashion. A
Q-switched Nd:YAG laser beam was impinged on gold-thin film deposited, porous alumina membrane (PAM) that contains periodic 2-D array of thousands of nano-holes. The silicon substrate was placed in close proximity with PAM. The formation of SPPs and their coherent interference at the exit
of PAM holes created strong nanoscale electrical fields which in turn produced 50–70 nm diameter holes in silicon.
Alternative Materials and Processing Techniques for Optimized Nanostructures in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Hart Judy N. , Cheng Yi-Bing , Simon George P. , Spiccia Leone
Published: April 2020

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) represent an exciting application of nanotechnology and offer an appealing alternative to conventional solar cells based on photovoltaic devices, with significantly reduced production and material costs. However, further improvements are required to
enhance the commercial viability of these solar cells. These improvements may be achieved through the careful manipulation of the structure at the nanoscale and the application of novel processing techniques, which may help to increase the efficiency of these solar cells, improve the ease
of manufacture and allow the production of flexible, solid-state solar cells. For example, the use of a nanometre-thick coating of an insulating oxide over the semiconducting film in these solar cells may reduce recombination losses. Also, selective heating techniques such as microwave heating
may assist in the production of efficient solar cells on polymer, rather than glass, substrates, by allowing a rapid heat treatment to be applied to the titanium dioxide film at a higher temperature than would be possible with conventional heating. Some novel approaches to the production of
semiconducting thin films for dye-sensitized solar cells, as well as the use of alternative materials and nanostructures, are reviewed.
Delivery of Molecules to Cancer Cells Using Liposomes from Bacterial Cultures
Authors: Gupta Vibhuti , Gupta Roohi , Grover Rahul , Khanna Rajat , Jangra Vijeta , Mittal Aditya
Published: April 2020

Liposomes have a variety of applications as model systems to study enclosed biological membranes, as delivery vehicles for a variety of drugs and as micro- and nano-reactors, amongst others. However, preparation of liposomes requires use of expensive raw material (synthetic lipids)
from specialized commercial suppliers, and ability to make reproducible preparations remains a specialized art till date. In this work, we prepared liposomes using natural lipids extracted from the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are extremely economical compared to
the synthetic lipids. We demonstrate robust procedures for convenient and reproducible preparations of 200–300 nm diameter liposomes from bacterial cells. We also show a potential application of these bacterial liposomes in delivery of aqueous molecules to cancer cells. We show not only
intracellular uptake, but also biodegradation of the liposomes inside cancer cells. Our economical liposomes promise to serve as excellent model systems for studies on encapsulation of molecules inside soft materials with desired efficiencies. Additionally, they certainly show a strong potential
to be tools for research in diverse areas ranging from drug delivery applications to sub-micron reaction engineering for carrying out and understanding the mechanisms of chemical reactions in small enclosed volumes.
An Atomic Force Microscopy Tip Model for Investigating the Mechanical Properties of Materials at the Nanoscale
Authors: Alderighi Michele , Ierardi Vincenzo , Allegrini Maria , Fuso Francesco , Solaro Roberto
Published: April 2020

Investigation of the mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale is often performed by atomic force microscopy nanoindentation. However, substrates with large surface roughness and heterogeneity demand careful data analysis. This requirement is even more stringent when surface
indentations with a typical depth of a few nanometers are produced to test material hardness. Accordingly, we developed a geometrical model of the nanoindenter, which was first validated by measurements on a reference gold sample. Then we used this technique to investigate the mechanical properties
of a coating layer made of Balinit C, a commercially available alloy with superior anti-wear features deposited on steel. The reported results support the feasibility of reliable hardness measurements with truly nanosized indents.
Synthesis of Nanoscale Copper Nitride Thin Film and Modification of the Surface Under High Electronic Excitation
Authors: Ghosh S. , Tripathi A. , Ganesan V. , Avasthi D. K.
Published: April 2020

Nanoscale (∼90 nm) Copper nitride (Cu3N) films are deposited on borosilicate glass and Si substrates by RF sputtering technique in the reactive environment of nitrogen gas. These films are irradiated with 200 MeV Au15+ ions from Pelletron accelerator in order
to modify the surface by high electronic energy deposition of heavy ions. Due to irradiation (i) at incident ion fluence of 1 × 1012 ions/cm2 enhancement of grains, (ii) at 5 × 1012 ions/cm2 mass transport on the films surface, (iii)
at 2 × 1013 ions/cm2 line-like features on Cu3N/glass and nanometallic structures on Cu3N/Si surface are observed. The surface morphology is examined by atomic force microscope (AFM). All results are explained on the basis of a thermal spike
model of ion-solid interaction.
Synthesis of Nano-Dimensional ZnO and Ga Doped ZnO Thin Films by Vapor Phase Transport and Study as Transparent Conducting Oxide
Authors: Ghosh S. , Saurav M. , Pandey B. , Srivastava P.
Published: April 2020

We report synthesis of polycrystalline ZnO and Ga doped ZnO (ZnO:Ga) thin films (∼80 nm) on Si and quartz substrates in a non-vacuum muffle furnace, a simple and cost-effective route, without any catalyst/reactive carrier gases, at relatively low processing temperature of 550 °C.
The crystalline phases of the films are identified by grazing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD). The growth of ZnO films is examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM) as a function of deposition time. An optical transmission of ∼90% is observed for pure ZnO film having a resistivity
of ∼2.1 Ω-cm as measured by van der Pauw technique. Doping with Ga results in single phase ZnO:Ga films, retaining an optical transmission of about 80% and three orders of magnitude decrease in resistivity as compared to pure ZnO film.
Poly(vinyl acetate)/Clay Nanocomposite Materials for Organic Thin Film Transistor Application
Authors: Park B. J. , Sung J. H. , Park J. H. , Choi J. S. , Choi H. J.
Published: April 2020

Nanocomposite materials of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and organoclay were fabricated, in order to be utilized as dielectric materials of the organic thin film transistor (OTFT). Spin coating condition of the nanocomposite solution was examined considering shear viscosity of the composite
materials dissolved in chloroform. Intercalated structure of the PVAc/clay nanocomposites was characterized using both wide-angle X-ray diffraction and TEM. Fracture morphology of the composite film on silicon wafer was also observed by SEM. Dielectric constant (4.15) of the nanocomposite
materials shows that the PVAc/clay nanocomposites are applicable for the gate dielectric materials.
Magnetic Properties of Ni-NiO (Ferromagnetic–Antiferromagnetic) Nanocomposites Obtained from a Partial Mechanochemical Reduction of NiO
Authors: Nogués J. , Langlais V. , Sort J. , Doppiu S. , Suriñach S. , Baró M. D.
Published: April 2020

The magnetic properties of ferromagnetic (FM)–antiferromagnetic (AFM), Ni-NiO, nanocomposites obtained from a reactive ball milling reduction of NiO in H2 atmosphere have been studied. The formation of ferromagnetic Ni from antiferromagnetic NiO can be accurately followed
by the increase of the saturation magnetization. The microstructure of the nanocomposite, consisting of FM Ni nanoparticles embedded in an AFM NiO matrix leads to exchange bias effects, i.e., loop shifts and coercivity enhancement, after field cooling from above the Néel temperature
of NiO.