bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Imaging of Platinum-Based Drugs and their Metabolites
Authors: Liu Xin , Hummon Amanda B.
Published: December 2016

Platinum-based drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin) are widely used therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. Even though the platinum (Pt)-drugs are routinely used clinically, a clear picture of their distribution within tumor tissues is lacking. The current methods to image the distribution of Pt drugs are limited and do not enable the discrimination of the drug from its metabolites. In this manuscript, we demonstrate a methodology that enables chemical imaging of a Pt drug and its metabolites simultaneously and specifically. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) is combined with an on-tissue chemical derivatization using diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC). DDTC abstracts the Pt atom to generate ionizable complexes that can be imaged by MALDI MSI. We demonstrate that Pt drugs and their metabolites can be specifically imaged. This approach was successfully applied to map the penetration and metabolism of oxaliplatin in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)-like treated 3D colorectal tumor mimics. The distribution of cisplatin and carboplatin was mapped in additional 3D tumor mimics. We demonstrate that the approach can also be used to image the distribution of copper ions in cells. This method has the potential to be used to evaluate the penetration and distribution of a wide range of compounds.
Inhibition of alpha-synuclein aggregation by multifunctional dopamine agonists assessed by a novel in vitro assay and an in vivo Drosophila synucleinopathy model
Authors: Yedlapudi Deepthi , Joshi Gnanada S. , Luo Dan , Todi Sokol V. , Dutta Aloke K.
Published: December 2016

Aggregation of alpha synuclein (α-syn) leading to dopaminergic neuronal death has been recognized as one of the main pathogenic factors in the initiation and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Consequently, α-syn has been targeted for the development of therapeutics for PD. We have developed a novel assay to screen compounds with α-syn modulating properties by mimicking recent findings from in vivo animal studies involving intrastriatal administration of pre-formed fibrils in mice, resulting in increased α-syn pathology accompanying the formation of Lewy-body (LB) type inclusions. We found that in vitro generated α-syn pre-formed fibrils induce seeding of α-syn monomers to produce aggregates in a dose-and time-dependent manner under static conditions in vitro. These aggregates were toxic towards rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12). Our novel multifunctional dopamine agonists D-519 and D-520 exhibited significant neuroprotection in this assay, while their parent molecules did not. The neuroprotective properties of our compounds were further evaluated in a Drosophila model of synucleinopathy. Both of our compounds showed protective properties in fly eyes against the toxicity caused by α-syn. Thus, our in vitro results on modulation of aggregation and toxicity of α-syn by our novel assay were further validated with the in vivo experiments.
Association of Cortical Vein Filling with Clot Location and Clinical Outcomes in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Bhaskar Sonu , Bivard Andrew , Stanwell Peter , Attia John R. , Parsons Mark , Nilsson Michael , Levi Christopher
Published: December 2016

Delay in cortical vein filling during the late-venous phase (delayed-LCVF) is characterized by opacification of cerebral veins despite contrast clearance from contralateral veins on dynamic computed tomography angiography (dCTA) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of delayed-LCVF with clot location, reperfusion status at 24 hours, and 90-days functional outcome in AIS patients who received reperfusion therapy. A prospective cohort of AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis was studied. Groupwise comparison, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were used to study the association of delayed-LCVF with clot location and clinical outcomes. Of 93 patients (mean age = 72 ± 12 years) with hemispheric AIS included in the study, 46 (49%) demonstrated delayed-LCVF. Patients with delayed-LCVF demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of proximal occlusion (72% vs 13%, P =< 0.0001), and poor reperfusion at 24 hours (41% vs 11%, P = 0.001). The proportion of poor functional outcome at 90 days was not significantly different (22/56 (48%) vs 17/61 (36%), P = 0.297). The appearance of delayed-LCVF on baseline dCTA may be a surrogate for large vessel occlusion, and an early marker for poor 24-hour angiographic reperfusion.
The effects of light exposure during incubation on embryonic development and hatchling traits in lizards
Authors: Zhang Yong-Pu , Li Shu-Ran , Ping Jun , Li Shi-Wen , Zhou Hua-Bin , Sun Bao-Jun , Du Wei-Guo
Published: December 2016

Light is an environmental factor that is known to profoundly affect embryonic development in some oviparous vertebrates, but such effects are unstudied in reptiles. We investigated the light sensitivity of lizard embryos by examining the thickness and light transmittance of eggshells as well as the effect of light on embryonic development and hatchling traits in four lizard species, the Chinese skink (Plestiodon chinensis), the northern grass lizard (Takydromus septentrionalis), the oriental leaf-toed gecko (Hemidactylus bowringii) and the Japanese gecko (Gekko japonicus). The eggshells were thinner and thus had higher light transmittance in Chinese skink than the other three species. Light exposure during incubation significantly accelerated the embryonic development in all species, with higher light intensity resulting in faster embryonic development. Interestingly, light stimulation negatively influenced hatchling size and survival in skinks, but had no effect in lacertids and geckos. This interspecific discrepancy not only relates to the differences in thickness and light transmittance of eggshells, but might also reflect the differences in the reproductive habits of these species. Given the diversity of light conditions that reptile embryos face during development, studies on the response of reptile embryos to light may offer a unique opportunity to understand the mechanisms of embryonic light sensitivity in animals.
Strongly Confined Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons Waveguiding Enabled by Planar Staggered Plasmonic Waveguides
Authors: Ye Longfang , Xiao Yifan , Liu Yanhui , Zhang Liang , Cai Guoxiong , Liu Qing Huo
Published: December 2016

We demonstrate a novel route to achieving highly efficient and strongly confined spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) waveguides at subwavelength scale enabled by planar staggered plasmonic waveguides (PSPWs). The structure of these new waveguides consists of an ultrathin metallic strip with periodic subwavelength staggered double groove arrays supported by a flexible dielectric substrate, leading to unique staggered EM coupling and waveguiding phenomenon. The spoof SPP propagation properties, including dispersion relations and near field distributions, are numerically investigated. Furthermore, broadband coplanar waveguide (CPW) to planar staggered plasmonic waveguide (PSPW) transitions are designed to achieve smooth momentum matching and highly efficient spoof SPP mode conversion. By applying these transitions, a CPW-PSPW-CPW structure is designed, fabricated and measured to verify the PSPW’s propagation performance at microwave frequencies. The investigation results show the proposed PSPWs have excellent performance of deep subwavelength spoof SPPs confinement, long propagation length and low bend loss, as well as great design flexibility to engineer the propagation properties by adjusting their geometry dimensions and material parameters. Our work opens up a new avenue for development of various advanced planar integrated plasmonic devices and circuits in microwave and terahertz regimes.
Ubiquitin Ligase NEDD4 Regulates PPARγ Stability and Adipocyte Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Li Jing Jing , Wang Ruishan , Lama Rati , Wang Xinjiang , Floyd Z. Elizabeth , Park Edwards A. , Liao Francesca-Fang
Published: December 2016

Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor which controls lipid and glucose metabolism. It is also the master regulator of adipogenesis. In adipocytes, ligand-dependent PPARγ activation is associated with proteasomal degradation; therefore, regulation of PPARγ degradation may modulate its transcriptional activity. Here, we show that neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, interacts with the hinge and ligand binding domains of PPARγ and is a bona fide E3 ligase for PPARγ. NEDD4 increases PPARγ stability through the inhibition of its proteasomal degradation. Knockdown of NEDD4 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes reduces PPARγ protein levels and suppresses adipocyte conversion. PPARγ correlates positively with NEDD4 in obese adipose tissue. Together, these findings support NEDD4 as a novel regulator of adipogenesis by modulating the stability of PPARγ.
Steady-state mechanical squeezing in a double-cavity optomechanical system
Authors: Wang Dong-Yang , Bai Cheng-Hua , Wang Hong-Fu , Zhu Ai-Dong , Zhang Shou
Published: December 2016

We study the physical properties of double-cavity optomechanical system in which the mechanical resonator interacts with one of the coupled cavities and another cavity is used as an auxiliary cavity. The model can be expected to achieve the strong optomechanical coupling strength and overcome the optomechanical cavity decay, simultaneously. Through the coherent auxiliary cavity interferences, the steady-state squeezing of mechanical resonator can be generated in highly unresolved sideband regime. The validity of the scheme is assessed by numerical simulation and theoretical analysis of the steady-state variance of the mechanical displacement quadrature. The scheme provides a platform for the mechanical squeezing beyond the resolved sideband limit and solves the restricted experimental bounds at present.
Latent curing systems stabilized by reaction equilibrium in homogeneous mixtures of benzoxazine and amine
Authors: Wang Jun , Xu Ya Zhen , Fu Ya Fei , Liu Xiang Dong
Published: December 2016

Latent curing systems are widely used in industrial thermosets in applications such as adhesion, coating, and composites. Despite many attempts to improve the practicality of this dormant reaction system, the majority of commercially available latent products still use particulate hardeners or liquid compounds with blocked active groups. These formulations generally lack fluidity or rapid reaction characteristics and thus are problematic in some industry applications. Here we describe a novel concept that stabilizes highly reactive benzoxazine/amine mixtures by reaction equilibrium. These new latent benzoxazine curing systems have a long storable lifetime but very short gel time at 150 °C. The reversible reaction between benzoxazine and amine is further demonstrated by FT-IR spectral measurements and rheological experiments, and it is shown that the overall characteristics of the latent system are promising for many industrial applications.
Black carbon radiative forcing at TOA decreased during aging
Authors: Wu Yu , Cheng Tianhai , Zheng Lijuan , Chen Hao
Published: December 2016

During aging processing, black carbon (also called soot) particles may tend to be mixed with other aerosols, and highly influence their radiative forcing. In this study, freshly emitted soot particles were simulated as fractal aggregates composed of small spherical primary monomers. After aging in the atmosphere, soot monomers were coated by a thinly layer of sulfate as thinly coated soot particles. These soot particles were entirely embedded into large sulfate particle by further aging, and becoming heavily coated soot particles. In clear-sky conditions, black carbon radiative forcing with different aging states were investigated for the bottom and top of atmosphere (BOA and TOA). The simulations showed that black carbon radiative forcing increased at BOA and decreased at TOA after their aging processes. Thinly and heavily coated states increased up to ~12% and ~35% black carbon radiative forcing at BOA, and black carbon radiative forcing at TOA can reach to ~20% and ~100% smaller for thinly and heavily coated states than those of freshly emitted states, respectively. The effect of aging states of black carbon radiative forcing was varied with surface albedo, aerosol optical depth and solar zenith angles. These findings would be helpful for the assessments of climate change.
A high-throughput fluorimetric microarray with enhanced fluorescence and suppressed “coffee-ring” effects for the detection of calcium ions in blood
Authors: Ding Yanjun , Ling Jiang , Qiao Yuchun , Li Zhengjian , Sun Zongzhao , Cai Jifeng , Guo Yadong , Wang Hua
Published: December 2016

A rapid, ultrasensitive, and high-throughput fluorimetric microarray method has been developed using hydrophobic pattern as the microarray substrate and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-coupled carboxylic acid calcium (APS-CCA) as the fluorescent probes for sensing Ca2+ ions in blood. The hydrophobic pattern of the developed Ca2+ analysis microarray could largely suppress the “coffee-ring” effects to facilitate the better distribution density of testing microspots toward the high-throughput detections, and especially prevent the cross-contamination of the multiple samples between adjacent microspots. Moreover, the use of APS matrix could endow the CCA probe the enhanced environmental stability and fluorescence intensity, which is about 2.3-fold higher than that of free CCA. The interactions between APS-CCA and Ca2+ ions were systematically characterized by UV-vis and fluorescence measurements including microscopy imaging. It was demonstrated that the fluorimetric microarray could display the strong capacity of specifically sensing Ca2+ ions with the minimal interferences from blood backgrounds. Such an APS-CCA-based fluorimetric microarray can allow for the analysis of Ca2+ ions down to 0.0050 mM in blood, promising a highly sensitive and selective detection candidate for Ca2+ ions to be applied in the clinical laboratory.
Biodiversity in models of cyclic dominance is preserved by heterogeneity in site-specific invasion rates
Authors: Szolnoki Attila , Perc Matjaž
Published: December 2016

Global, population-wide oscillations in models of cyclic dominance may result in the collapse of biodiversity due to the accidental extinction of one species in the loop. Previous research has shown that such oscillations can emerge if the interaction network has small-world properties, and more generally, because of long-range interactions among individuals or because of mobility. But although these features are all common in nature, global oscillations are rarely observed in actual biological systems. This begets the question what is the missing ingredient that would prevent local oscillations to synchronize across the population to form global oscillations. Here we show that, although heterogeneous species-specific invasion rates fail to have a noticeable impact on species coexistence, randomness in site-specific invasion rates successfully hinders the emergence of global oscillations and thus preserves biodiversity. Our model takes into account that the environment is often not uniform but rather spatially heterogeneous, which may influence the success of microscopic dynamics locally. This prevents the synchronization of locally emerging oscillations, and ultimately results in a phenomenon where one type of randomness is used to mitigate the adverse effects of other types of randomness in the system.
Regional variations in the diversity and predicted metabolic potential of benthic prokaryotes in coastal northern Zhejiang, East China Sea
Authors: Wang Kai , Ye Xiansen , Zhang Huajun , Chen Heping , Zhang Demin , Liu Lian
Published: December 2016

Knowledge about the drivers of benthic prokaryotic diversity and metabolic potential in interconnected coastal sediments at regional scales is limited. We collected surface sediments across six zones covering ~200 km in coastal northern Zhejiang, East China Sea and combined 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, community-level metabolic prediction, and sediment physicochemical measurements to investigate variations in prokaryotic diversity and metabolic gene composition with geographic distance and under local environmental conditions. Geographic distance was the most influential factor in prokaryotic β-diversity compared with major environmental drivers, including temperature, sediment texture, acid-volatile sulfide, and water depth, but a large unexplained variation in community composition suggested the potential effects of unmeasured abiotic/biotic factors and stochastic processes. Moreover, prokaryotic assemblages showed a biogeographic provincialism across the zones. The predicted metabolic gene composition similarly shifted as taxonomic composition did. Acid-volatile sulfide was strongly correlated with variation in metabolic gene composition. The enrichments in the relative abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria and genes relevant with dissimilatory sulfate reduction were observed and predicted, respectively, in the Yushan area. These results provide insights into the relative importance of geographic distance and environmental condition in driving benthic prokaryotic diversity in coastal areas and predict specific biogeochemically-relevant genes for future studies.
Colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors for Cu2+. A comprehensive review from the years 2013–15
Authors: Udhayakumari Duraisamy , Naha Sanay , Velmathi Sivan
Published: December 2016

Colorimetric and fluorometric detection of copper ion (Cu2+) has attracted much attention because of the biological, environmental and medical significance of the Cu2+ion.
Effects of ovalbumin protein nanoparticle vaccine size and coating on dendritic cell processing
Authors: Chang Timothy Z. , Stadmiller Samantha S. , Staskevicius Erika , Champion Julie A.
Published: December 2016

Nanoparticle vaccine delivery platforms are a promising technology for enhancing vaccine immunogenicity.
A planar model of the vessel wall from cellularized-collagen scaffolds: focus on cell–matrix interactions in mono-, bi- and tri-culture models
Authors: Loy Caroline , Meghezi Sébastien , Lévesque Lucie , Pezzoli Daniele , Kumra Heena , Reinhardt Dieter , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Mantovani Diego
Published: December 2016

An easy to prepare and manipulate model of the vascular wall in a planar shape to investigate physiological and pathological processes of vascular tissues.
Metal-free 18F-labeling of aryl-CF2H via nucleophilic radiofluorination and oxidative C–H activation
Authors: Yuan Gengyang , Wang Feng , Stephenson Nickeisha A. , Wang Lu , Rotstein Benjamin H. , Vasdev Neil , Tang Pingping , Liang Steven H.
Published: December 2016

A metal-free and selective method to form [18F]aryl-CF2H through nucleophilic radiofluorination of benzyl (pseudo)halides and oxidative C–H activation of benzylic C–H bonds has been developed.
A redox active switch for lanthanide luminescence in phenolate complexes
Authors: Molloy J. K. , Jarjayes O. , Philouze C. , Fedele L. , Imbert D. , Thomas F.
Published: December 2016

The reversible oxidation of coordinated phenolates into phenoxyl radicals results in a dramatic quenching (>95%) of the luminescence of the f metal ion.
Co-delivery of all-trans-retinoic acid enhances the anti-metastasis effect of albumin-bound paclitaxel nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Hai , Shi Hongdong , Liu Jing , Min Yuanzeng , Wang Yucai , Wang Andrew Z. , Wang Jun , Liu Yangzhong
Published: December 2016

Co-delivery of the cell differentiation agent ATRA significantly enhances the anti-metastasis effect of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in breast cancer treatment.
Nitric oxide release via oxygen atom transfer from nitrite at copper(ii)
Authors: Sakhaei Zeinab , Kundu Subrata , Donnelly Jane M. , Bertke Jeffery A. , Kim William Y. , Warren Timothy H.
Published: December 2016

Binding of nitrite to copper(ii), but not copper(i), turns on coupled O-atom transfer and NO generation.
Synthesis of oxindole from acetanilide via Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H carbenoid functionalization
Authors: Patel Pitambar , Borah Gongutri
Published: December 2016

The Ir(iii)-catalyzed intermolecular C–H annulations of acetanilide with diazotized Meldrum's acid furnished the oxindole derivative. Brief synthetic applications of the synthesized oxindole were also demonstrated.
A platinum(ii)–palladium(ii)–nickel(ii) heterotrimetallic coordination polymer showing a cooperative effect on catalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Kuwamura Naoto , Kurioka Yoshinari , Konno Takumi
Published: December 2016

Stepwise construction of a 1D heterotrimetallic coordination polymer containing all three group 10 metal ions and its heterogeneous catalytic activity for electrochemical hydrogen evolution are reported.
Guest-tuned spin crossover in flexible supramolecular assemblies templated by a halide (Cl−, Br− or I−)
Authors: Darawsheh M. D. , Barrios L. A. , Roubeau O. , Teat S. J. , Aromí G.
Published: December 2016

A supramolecular dimer of spin-crossover [FeL3]2+ complexes, L, being a polyheterocyclic ligand, encapsulates halides to form [X@[FeL3]2]3+ cations with tunable magnetic properties.
Proton conduction mechanisms in the phosphoric acid–water system (H4P2O7–H3PO4·2H2O): a1H,31P and17O PFG-NMR and conductivity study
Authors: Melchior Jan-Patrick , Kreuer Klaus-Dieter , Maier Joachim
Published: December 2016

The exceptionally high structural proton conductivity in neat phosphoric acid (H3PO4), which is closely related to the topology of its frustrated hydrogen bond network, is a singularity in that its contribution to the total ionic conductivity decreases with both increasing and decreasing water content.
Selective removal of alkynes from diene mixtures using ether-functionalized Cu(i)-containing ionic liquids as extractants
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Lee Hyun Ji , Ahn Yohan , Zhang Shuyao , Lee Je Seung , Cheong Minserk , Kim Hoon Sik
Published: December 2016

Ether-functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquids bearing a [Cu(i)(CH3SO3)2]− anion are thermally stable up to 350 °C and highly effective for the selective removal of alkynes from diene mixtures.
Stability of 2′,3′ and 3′,5′ cyclic nucleotides in formamide and in water: a theoretical insight into the factors controlling the accumulation of nucleic acid building blocks in a prebiotic pool
Authors: Cassone Giuseppe , Šponer Jiří , Saija Franz , Di Mauro Ernesto , Marco Saitta A. , Šponer Judit E.
Published: December 2016

Accumulation of 3′,5′ cyclic nucleotides is consistent with a formamide-based origin scenario.
Diglycolamide-functionalized poly(propylene imine) diaminobutane dendrimers for sequestration of trivalent f-elements: synthesis, extraction and complexation
Authors: Leoncini Andrea , Ansari Seraj A. , Mohapatra Prasanta K. , Sengupta Arijit , Huskens Jurriaan , Verboom Willem
Published: December 2016

Three generations of diglycolamide-functionalized poly(propylene imine)diaminobutane dendrimers were synthesized and evaluated for their complexation ability towards trivalent actinides/lanthanides.
Exploiting a robust biopolymer network binder for an ultrahigh-areal-capacity Li–S battery
Authors: Liu Jie , Galpaya Dilini G. D. , Yan Lijing , Sun Minghao , Lin Zhan , Yan Cheng , Liang Chengdu , Zhang Shanqing
Published: December 2016

High-loading sulfur electrode with ultrahigh areal capacity was easily achieved by exploiting a robust and efficient biopolymer network binder.
Recovery of dietary fiber and polyphenol from grape juice pomace and evaluation of their functional properties and polyphenol compositions
Authors: Zhang LuLu , Zhu MengTing , Shi Ting , Guo Cong , Huang YouSheng , Chen Yi , Xie MingYong
Published: December 2016

Our results indicated that the phenolic composition is essential for the antioxidant activity of “antioxidant dietary fiber (ADF)”.
PEG–peptide hydrogels reveal differential effects of matrix microenvironmental cues on melanoma drug sensitivity
Authors: Tokuda Emi Y. , Jones Caitlin E. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: December 2016

The effects of systematic microenvironmental changes on melanoma drug responsiveness were assessed and found to depend on the stage of progression and culture conditions.
Computational model of inductively coupled plasma sources in comparison to experimental data for different torch designs and plasma conditions. Part II: theoretical model
Authors: Voronov M. , Hoffmann V. , Buscher W. , Engelhard C.
Published: December 2016

Computational study of ICP in a low-argon-flow and standard Fassel-type torches and comparison with experimental results.
On-chip integration of droplet microfluidics and nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry for enzyme screening
Authors: Heinemann Joshua , Deng Kai , Shih Steve C. C. , Gao Jian , Adams Paul D. , Singh Anup K. , Northen Trent R.
Published: December 2016

μNIMS, a highly sensitive and high throughput technique for enzymatic assay that integrates droplet microfluidics with nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS).
Slanted, asymmetric microfluidic lattices as size-selective sieves for continuous particle/cell sorting
Authors: Yamada Masumi , Seko Wataru , Yanai Takuma , Ninomiya Kasumi , Seki Minoru
Published: December 2016

The asymmetric lattice pattern works as a size-selective sieve for continuous, hydrodynamic, and size-dependent sorting of microparticles and cells.
Vortex fluidics synthesis of polymer coated superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: D'Alonzo Nicholas J. , Eggers Paul K. , Raston Colin L.
Published: December 2016

Polymer coated superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles with improved magnetic properties are accessible under continuous flow conditions within a vortex fluidic device.
Synthesis and characterization of Z-scheme In2S3/Ag2CrO4 composites with an enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Luo Jin , Zhou Xiaosong , Ning Xiaomei , Zhan Liang , Ma Lin , Xu Xuyao , Huang Zhuanying , Liang Junmei
Published: December 2016

Efficient charge transfer at the interfaces of an In2S3/Ag2CrO4 composite, due to the formation of a Z-scheme system between In2S3 and Ag2CrO4, effectively facilitates photogenerated electron–hole pair separation.
A novel radiation chemistry-based methodology for the synthesis of PEDOT/Ag nanocomposites
Authors: Cui Zhenpeng , Coletta Cecilia , Bahry Teseer , Marignier Jean-Louis , Guigner Jean-Michel , Gervais Matthieu , Baiz Sarah , Goubard Fabrice , Remita Samy
Published: December 2016

A new alternative methodology based on γ-radiolysis has been successfully used for the synthesis of nanostructured PEDOT/Ag composites.
AgNO3-catalyzed direct C–H arylation of quinolines by oxidative decarboxylation of aromatic carboxylic acids
Authors: Yuan Jin-Wei , Yang Liang-Ru , Mao Pu , Qu Ling-Bo
Published: December 2016

AgNO3-catalyzed direct C–H arylation of quinolines by oxidative decarboxylation of aromatic carboxylic acids to afford aryl quinoline derivatives in moderate yields was described.
Preparation of ultrathin perovskite nanosheets by the exfoliation of H2CaTa2O7 for high-performance lead removal from water
Authors: Wang Yan , Ren Yi , Luo Jingjing , Hao Qiaoyan , Li Biao , Gao Zhan , Hu Yiwei , Lin Dan , Tang Kaibin
Published: December 2016

Dimensionally tailored H2CaTa2O7 nanosheets show high adsorption efficiency for Pb(ii), as well as excellent regeneration properties. The large surface area and nonporous structure of the as-prepared nanosheets facilitate the uptake of Pb(ii).
Functional characterizations of interactive recombinant PTEN–silica nanoparticles for potential biomedical applications
Authors: Arora Neha , Ghosh Siddhartha Sankar
Published: December 2016

Nanosystem mediated successful stabilization and delivery of functional recombinant PTEN.
Expanding metal cation options in polymeric anion exchange membranes
Authors: Kwasny Michael T. , Tew Gregory N.
Published: December 2016

Metal-cations in anion exchange membranes were expanded to include ruthenium, nickel, and cobalt, with nickel-based membranes performing the best.
Design of La2−xPrxNiO4+δ SOFC cathodes: a compromise between electrochemical performance and thermodynamic stability
Authors: Sharma Rakesh K. , Cheah Seng-Kian , Burriel Mónica , Dessemond Laurent , Bassat Jean-Marc , Djurado Elisabeth
Published: December 2016

A novel architecturally designed LaPrNiO4+δ IT-SOFC cathode shows the best compromise between thermodynamic stability and electrochemical properties.
New insight into Li/Ni disorder in layered cathode materials for lithium ion batteries: a joint study of neutron diffraction, electrochemical kinetic analysis and first-principles calculations
Authors: Zhao Enyue , Fang Lincan , Chen Minmin , Chen Dongfeng , Huang Qingzhen , Hu Zhongbo , Yan Qing-bo , Wu Meimei , Xiao Xiaoling
Published: December 2016

The clarity of relationship between structure and electrochemical properties of layered materials possesses important guiding significance.
A comprehensive review of Pt electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction: Nanostructure, activity, mechanism and carbon support in PEM fuel cells
Authors: Sui Sheng , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xintong , Su Yuehong , Riffat Saffa , Liu Chang-jun
Published: December 2016

This paper reviews progress in studies of the mechanism, nanostructure, size effect and carbon supports of Pt electrocatalysts for the ORR.
An antimonate pyrochlore (H1.23Sr0.45SbO3.48) for photocatalytic oxidation of benzene: effective oxygen usage and excellent activity
Authors: Chen Jing , Shao Yu , Li Danzhen
Published: December 2016

The effective adsorption of oxygen molecules makes the antimonate pyrochlore sample (H1.23Sr0.45SbO3.48) an excellent photocatalyst.
Nanosized Mo-doped CeO2 enhances the electrocatalytic properties of the Pt anode catalyst in direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Zhang Genlei , Yang Zhenzhen , Zhang Wen , Wang Yuxin
Published: December 2016

A novel Pt/Ce0.7Mo0.3O2−δ–C electrocatalyst has been developed for methanol oxidation. A direct methanol fuel cell integrating this catalyst as the anode catalyst showed superior power density compared to that with a state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C-JM catalyst.
An interfacial engineering approach towards two-dimensional porous carbon hybrids for high performance energy storage and conversion
Authors: Lu Chenbao , Liu Shaohua , Zhang Fan , Su Yuezeng , Zou Xiaoxin , Shi Zhan , Li Guodong , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: December 2016

In order to improve the performance and fundamental understanding of conducting polymers, development of new nanotechnologies for engineering aggregated states and morphologies is one of the central focuses for conducting polymers.
An intercalated graphene/(molybdenum disulfide) hybrid fiber for capacitive energy storage
Authors: Wang Bingjie , Wu Qingqing , Sun Hao , Zhang Jing , Ren Jing , Luo Yongfeng , Wang Min , Peng Huisheng
Published: December 2016

A graphene/(molybdenum disulfide) hybrid fiber with an intercalated nanostructure is designed to effectively combine the high electrical conductivity from graphene sheets and high pseudocapacitance from molybdenum disulfide sheets. It has been demonstrated to fabricate a flexible fiber-shaped supercapacitor with a high specific capacitance of 368 F cm−3.
High performance solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells based on organic blue-colored dyes
Authors: Shen Zhongjin , Xu Bo , Liu Peng , Hu Yue , Yu Ying , Ding Haoran , Kloo Lars , Hua Jianli , Sun Licheng , Tian He
Published: December 2016

The development of novel photosensitizers with very high molar extinction coefficients and broad absorption spectra to enhance the light harvesting efficiency providing high PCEs in solid state dye sensitized solar cells (sDSCs) is a main target for improvement.
Energy conversion technologies towards self-powered electrochemical energy storage systems: the state of the art and perspectives
Authors: Wei Huige , Cui Dapeng , Ma Junhui , Chu Liqiang , Zhao Xiaoyu , Song Haixiang , Liu Hu , Liu Tao , Wang Ning , Guo Zhanhu
Published: December 2016

Mythology? Reality? Innovative technologies have achieved the conversion and storage of renewable energies as the hero did in Chinese myths.
Cholyl-l-lysine-carboxylbutyryl adriamycin prodrugs targeting chemically induced liver injury
Authors: Ma Haiping , Zhao Ming , Wang Yuji , Zhu Haimei , Wang Yaonan , Zhao Shurui , Wu Jianhui , Peng Shiqi
Published: December 2016

A liver-targeting nano-delivery system to protect liver from chemical injury was presented.
Azasiline-based thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters for blue organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Sun Jin Won , Baek Jang Yeol , Kim Kwon-Hyeon , Huh Jin-Suk , Kwon Soon-Ki , Kim Yun-Hi , Kim Jang-Joo
Published: December 2016

Azasiline-based blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters for blue fluorescent organic light emitting diodes.
Normally‐off AlGaN/GaN‐on‐Si MOS‐HFET with a monolithically integrated single‐stage inverter as a gate driver
Authors: Han S.‐W. , Park S.‐H. , Kim H.‐S. , Jo M.‐G. , Cha H.‐Y.
Published: December 2016

A normally‐off AlGaN/GaN‐on‐Si metal–oxide–semiconductor‐heterojunction field‐effect transistor (MOS‐HFET) with an integrated single‐stage inverter is developed. The integrated single‐stage GaN inverter consisted of an AlGaN/GaN driver MOS‐HFET and a resistive load. With the monolithically integrated gate driver, the gate charging current was boosted from 10 to 170 mA, which reduced the charging and discharging times from 626 to 107 ns and 553 to 196 ns, respectively.
Improvement of turn‐off energy loss (Eoff) variations by low Mg doping in p‐GaN gate power devices
Authors: Choi H.‐S.
Published: December 2016

In p‐GaN gate AlGaN/GaN power devices, turn‐off energy loss (Eoff) variations in die‐level uniformity are observed because of the thickness variations of remained p‐GaN in the ungated region. These Eoff variations can be reduced by negative turn‐off gate voltages. However, this method can induce new burden in circuit design because of the negative voltages. Therefore, we focus on fabrication processes such as Mg doping in p‐GaN gate. Using low Mg doping in p‐GaN gate, Eoff variations mostly disappear, but threshold voltage (Vth) is approximately 0.3 V decreases. In addition, dynamic on‐resistance (dynamic Rds,on) is slightly increased.
Single branch search based pilot allocation for multi‐cell massive multiple‐input multiple‐output systems
Authors: Hu Anzhong , Wang Haiquan
Published: December 2016

The performance of multi‐cell massive multiple‐input multiple‐output systems is constrained by inter‐cell interference. In this study, a pilot allocation approach is proposed to mitigate interference in such systems. The asymptotic spectral efficiency in the limit of the number of antennas is derived first. By analysing the derivatives of the spectral efficiency with the pilot allocation, a single branch search algorithm for pilot allocation is formed. In contrast, the existing approaches allocate pilots for each cell separately or with brute‐force search. The analysis and numerical results show that the proposed approach is of better compromise in mitigating the interference and reducing the computational complexity.
Internal sudden short‐circuit response of a new HSBDS for brushless synchronous machines tested on a 15 MVA generator
Authors: Rebollo Emilio , Platero Carlos A. , Blazquez Francisco , Granizo Ricardo
Published: December 2016

Synchronous generators with brushless excitation have the disadvantage that the field winding is not accessible for the de‐excitation of the generator. This means that, despite the proper operation of the protection system, the large de‐excitation time constant may produce severe damage in the event of an internal short circuit. This paper describes a novel high speed de‐excitation system (HSBDS) aimed at limiting the damage in the synchronous generator in case of an internal short circuit. The HSBDS for these generators was developed and it is in commercial operation. However in a power plant is not possible to test the operation of the HSBDS under sudden short circuit. This paper presents the results of a several tests in a laboratory 15 MVA brushless synchronous machine where internally reduced voltage sudden short‐circuits have been performed. As a rated voltage short circuit could damage the laboratory 15 MVA machine, a computer model has been developed in order to assess the performance of the HSBDS in a real short circuit at rated voltage. The HSBDS under sudden short circuit conditions has been evaluated and validated through laboratory tests and computer simulations with satisfactory results.
Comparison of zero‐sequence injection methods in cascaded H‐bridge multilevel converters for large‐scale photovoltaic integration
Authors: Yu Yifan , Konstantinou Georgios , Townsend Christopher D. , Agelidis Vassilios G.
Published: December 2016

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation levels in the three phases of a multilevel cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) converter can be significantly unbalanced, owing to different irradiance levels and ambient temperatures over a large‐scale solar PV power plant. Injection of a zero‐sequence voltage is required to maintain three‐phase balanced grid currents with unbalanced power generation. This study theoretically compares power balance capabilities of various zero‐sequence injection methods based on two metrics which can be easily generalised for all CHB applications to PV systems. Experimental results based on a 430 V, 10 kW, three‐phase, seven‐level cascaded H‐bridge converter prototype confirm superior performance of the optimal zero‐sequence injection technique.
Time–frequency–scale transform for analysis of PQ disturbances
Authors: Singh Utkarsh , Singh Shyam Narain
Published: December 2016

The advancements in signal processing have broadened the scope of research in power quality (PQ) analysis. Recent literature on PQ also highlights the need of signal processing tools, which offer high resolution, noise immunity and feature extraction capabilities. This study thus presents a time–frequency–scale transform (TFST) based on chirplet transform (CT) for PQ analysis. CT is a multi‐domain transform with each domain having specific effect on time–frequency representations (TFRs). CT cannot be directly applied to PQ analysis, and therefore, TFST is derived from it which limits the TFR operations to shifting and scaling. A Hann window is preferred for signal truncation due to its aptness for sinewave, high frequency resolution and reduced spectral leakage. The proposed transform resembles the short‐time Fourier transform with an added scaling feature. It has low computational complexity, and the resulting TFRs can provide signal information and features just like Stockwell transform. Seven case studies are presented for performance assessment. The typical trade‐off situation persists in some PQ disturbances due to windowing, but the results show appreciable time–frequency resolution and noise immunity.
Performance of the oxide film of pure aluminium processed by WEDM‐HS
Authors: Cheng Dongjie , Shi Guangfeng , Shi Guoquan , Xu Zhe , Zhu Keke
Published: December 2016

To study the performance of pure aluminium (Al) oxide film produced by high‐speed wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM‐HS), some characterisation indices including phase composition, surface morphology characteristics, roughness, friction coefficient, oxide content and thickness of the 1060 Al oxide film are researched, respectively, through X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, confocal microscope, contourgraph and nanoindentation. The results show that the produced oxide film of 1060 Al is mainly composed of Al2O3 phase after the 1060 Al sample processed by WEDM‐HS. With the pulse width of WEDM‐HS is gradually decreasing, the Al2O3 content values in the oxide film are all more than 84% with slight change. The surface morphology of the oxide film is made up of honeycomb holes of microns size. Moreover, the ladder‐like microstructures of square bracket are found for the first time at the inside wall from bottom to top of the microholes. With the decreasing of the pulse width, the thickness and the friction coefficient of the oxide film first decrease, then increase and finally tend to be stable. They both have certain relationships with the Al2O3 content of the oxide film.
Stability of observations of partial differential equations under uncertain perturbations
Authors: Lazar Martin
Published: December 2016

We demonstrate the stability of observability estimates for solutions to wave and Schrödinger equations subjected to additive perturbations. This work generalises recent averaged observability/control results by allowing for systems consisting of operators of different types. We also consider the simultaneous observability problem by which one tries to estimate the energy of each component of a system under consideration. Our analysis relies on microlocal defect tools, in particular on standard H-measures when the main system dynamic is governed by the wave operator, and parabolic H-measures in the case of the Schrödinger operator.
Catheter-Associated Blood Stream Infections in Intracardiac Lines
Authors: Pye Sherry , Tang Xinyu , Gossett Jeffrey , Prodhan Parthak , Bhutta Adnan , Garcia Xiomara
Published: December 2016

Purpose Right atrial (RA) or intracardiac lines are commonly used for hemodynamic monitoring in children undergoing cardiac surgery. In some institutions, these lines are used as the preferred long-term access line due to concerns for catheter-associated blood stream infections (CABSI) and catheter-related venous thrombosis with central lines in other locations. However, the rates and risk factors for CABSI and other complications are not known for RA lines. We undertook this study to estimate CABSI rates for RA lines in comparison with central catheters of various types and locations and to evaluate the incidence of other complications associated with the use of RA lines.

Methods After approval from the Institutional Review Board, a retrospective review of all patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Arkansas Children's Hospital between the dates of January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2011 was performed. Demographic data, clinical features, and outcomes were summarized on a per-patient level. Type, location of placement, and duration of all centrally placed catheters as well as associated complications were recorded. Central venous lines (CVL) used in our unit include peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) lines, and antibiotic and heparin coated double or triple lumen lines placed in internal jugular (IJ), femoral (Fem), or RA positions. The data were analyzed using statistical software STATA/MP.

Results A total of 2,736 central lines were used in 1,537 patients. Data on line duration, alteplase use, and percentage of lines developing CABSI are described in the study. Disease severity as assessed by risk-adjusted classification for congenital heart surgery (RACHS) score (p < 0.046), year of placement (p < 0.001), and line type adjusted for thrombolytic (alteplase) use are significantly associated with risk of any CABSI. Overall, IJ and RA lines had least risk of CABSI while PICC lines had the highest CABSI rates. RA lines are also associated with other medically significant complications.

Conclusion The CABSI rates associated with RA lines are lower than those seen with PICC lines. However, RA line use is associated with other, potentially significant complications. RA lines may be used cautiously as long-term access lines in cardiac patients in whom it is important to preserve venous patency for future interventions.
Synthesis of fine α″-Fe16N2 powders by low-temperature nitridation of α-Fe from magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Li Jing , Yuan Wei , Peng Xiaoling , Yang Yanting , Xu Jingcai , Wang Xinqing , Hong Bo , Jin Hongxiao , Jin Dingfeng , Ge Hongliang
Published: December 2016

α ″ - Fe 16 N 2 nanoparticles were produced from starting Fe3O4 powders via hydrogen reduction and low temperature nitridation. Influences of both reduction and nitridation conditions on the synthesis of α″-Fe16N2 were investigated in detail. The magnetic properties of the nitrided products were also studied. The results show that the combination of 4-h reduction at 400 °C and 16-h nitridation at 170 °C gives the highest yield of α″-Fe16N2 up to 59.8 wt. %, which exhibits a saturation magnetization of about 207.3 emu/g.
A reliable way of mechanical exfoliation of large scale two dimensional materials with high quality
Authors: Yuan Lin , Ge Jun , Peng Xianglin , Zhang Qian , Wu Zefei , Jian Yu , Xiong Xiaolu , Yin Hongxing , Han Junfeng
Published: December 2016

In this work, we have developed a modified way of mechanical exfoliation for making two-dimensional materials by introducing a home-designed exfoliation machine. Optical microscopy was employed to identify the thin-layer (mono- and few-layer) flakes primarily. To testify the high efficiency of our modified exfoliation method, we did a simple statistical work on the exfoliation of graphene and WSe2. Further, we used the Raman spectroscopy and the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to characterize the samples. The results indicated the high quality of the as-fabricated samples. Finally, we developed an exfoliation technique for working with easily oxidizing samples. Our modified exfoliation method would be intriguing and innovative for fabricating two dimensional materials, providing a facile way for making electronic and optoelectronic devices.
A force-level theory of the rheology of entangled rod and chain polymer liquids. I. Tube deformation, microscopic yielding, and the nonlinear elastic limit
Authors: Schweizer Kenneth S. , Sussman Daniel M.
Published: December 2016

We employ a first-principles-based, force-level approach to construct the anharmonic tube confinement field for entangled fluids of rigid needles, and also for chains described at the primitive-path (PP) level in two limiting situations where chain stretch is assumed to either be completely equilibrated or unrelaxed. The influence of shear and extensional deformation and polymer orientation is determined in a nonlinear elastic limit where dissipative relaxation processes are intentionally neglected. For needles and PP-level chains, a self-consistent analysis of transverse polymer harmonic dynamical fluctuations predicts that deformation-induced orientation leads to tube weakening or widening. In contrast, for deformed polymers in which chain stretch does not relax, we find tube strengthening or compression. For all three systems, a finite maximum transverse entanglement force localizing the polymers in effective tubes is predicted. The conditions when this entanglement force can be overcome by an externally applied force associated with macroscopic deformation can be crisply defined in the nonlinear elastic limit, and the possibility of a “microscopic absolute yielding” event destroying the tube confinement can be analyzed. For needles and contour-relaxed PP chains, this force imbalance occurs at a stress of order the equilibrium shear modulus and a strain of order unity, corresponding to a mechanically fragile entanglement tube field. However, for unrelaxed stretched chains, tube compression stabilizes transverse polymer confinement, and there appears to be no force imbalance. These results collectively suggest that the crossover from elastic to irreversible viscous response requires chain retraction to initiate disentanglement. We qualitatively discuss comparisons with existing phenomenological models for nonlinear startup shear, step strain, and creep rheology experiments.