bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 silencing inhibits tumor growth and lung metastasis in osteosarcoma
Authors: Lv Yang-Fan , Yan Guang-Ning , Meng Gang , Zhang Xi , Guo Qiao-Nan
Published: August 2015

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) methyltransferase is the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which acts as a transcription repressor via the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27me3). EZH2 has been recognised as an oncogene in several types of tumors; however, its role in osteosarcoma has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we show that EZH2 silencing inhibits tumor growth and lung metastasis in osteosarcoma by facilitating re-expression of the imprinting gene tumor-suppressing STF cDNA 3 (TSSC3). Our previous study showed that TSSC3 acts as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma. In this study, we found that EZH2 was abnormally elevated in osteosarcoma and its overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in osteosarcoma. Silencing of EZH2 resulted in tumor growth inhibition, apoptosis and chemosensitivity enhancement. Moreover, suppression of EZH2 markedly inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, EZH2 knockdown facilitated the re-expression of TSSC3 by reducing H3K27me3 in the promoter region. Cotransfection with siEZH2 and siTSSC3 could partially reverse the ability of siEZH2 alone. We have demonstrated that EZH2 plays a crucial role in tumor growth and distant metastasis in osteosarcoma; its oncogenic role is related to its regulation of the expression of TSSC3.
Unexpected observation of spatially separated Kondo scattering and ferromagnetism in Ta alloyed anatase TiO2 thin films
Authors: Sarkar T. P. , Gopinadhan K. , Motapothula M. , Saha S. , Huang Z. , Dhar S. , Patra A. , Lu W. M. , Telesio F. , Pallecchi I. , Ariando  , Marré D. , Venkatesan T.
Published: August 2015

We report the observation of spatially separated Kondo scattering and ferromagnetism in anatase Ta0.06Ti0.94O2 thin films as a function of thickness (10–200 nm). The Kondo behavior observed in thicker films is suppressed on decreasing thickness and vanishes below ~25 nm. In 200 nm film, transport data could be fitted to a renormalization group theory for Kondo scattering though the carrier density in this system is lower by two orders of magnitude, the magnetic entity concentration is larger by a similar magnitude and there is strong electronic correlation compared to a conventional system such as Cu with magnetic impurities. However, ferromagnetism is observed at all thicknesses with magnetic moment per unit thickness decreasing beyond 10 nm film thickness. The simultaneous presence of Kondo and ferromagnetism is explained by the spatial variation of defects from the interface to surface which results in a dominantly ferromagnetic region closer to substrate-film interface while the Kondo scattering is dominant near the surface and decreasing towards the interface. This material system enables us to study the effect of neighboring presence of two competing magnetic phenomena and the possibility for tuning them.
Pathway analysis of body mass index genome-wide association study highlights risk pathways in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Zhao Xin , Gu Jinxia , Li Ming , Xi Jie , Sun Wenyu , Song Guangmin , Liu Guiyou
Published: August 2015

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. It is reported that body mass index (BMI) is risk factor for CVD. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have recently provided rapid insights into genetics of CVD and its risk factors. However, the specific mechanisms how BMI influences CVD risk are largely unknown. We think that BMI may influences CVD risk by shared genetic pathways. In order to confirm this view, we conducted a pathway analysis of BMI GWAS, which examined approximately 329,091 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 4763 samples. We identified 31 significant KEGG pathways. There is literature evidence supporting the involvement of GnRH signaling, vascular smooth muscle contraction, dilated cardiomyopathy, Gap junction, Wnt signaling, Calcium signaling and Chemokine signaling in CVD. Collectively, our study supports the potential role of the CVD risk pathways in BMI. BMI may influence CVD risk by the shared genetic pathways. We believe that our results may advance our understanding of BMI mechanisms in CVD.
In vitro degradation of pure Mg in response to glucose
Authors: Zeng Rong-Chang , Li Xiao-Ting , Li Shuo-Qi , Zhang Fen , Han En-Hou
Published: August 2015

Magnesium and its alloys are promising biodegradable biomaterials but are still challenging to be used in person with high levels of blood glucose or diabetes. To date, the influence of glucose on magnesium degradation has not yet been elucidated, this issue requires more attention. Herein, we present pure Mg exhibiting different corrosion responses to saline and Hank’s solutions with different glucose contents and the degradation mechanism of pure Mg in the saline solution with glucose in comparison with mannitol as a control. On one hand, the corrosion rate of pure Mg increases with the glucose concentration in saline solutions. Glucose rapidly transforms into gluconic acid, which attacks the oxides of the metal and decreases the pH of the solution; it also promotes the absorption of chloride ions on the Mg surface and consequently accelerates corrosion. On the other hand, better corrosion resistance is obtained with increasing glucose content in Hank’s solution due to the fact that glucose coordinates Ca2+ ions in Hank’s solution and thus improves the formation of Ca-P compounds on the pure Mg surface. This finding will open up new avenues for research on the biodegradation of bio-Mg materials in general, which could yield many new and interesting results.
The equal effectiveness of different defensive strategies
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhang Yuxin , Ma Keming
Published: August 2015

Plants have evolved a variety of defensive strategies to resist herbivory, but at the interspecific level, the relative effectiveness of these strategies has been poorly evaluated. In this study, we compared the level of herbivory between species that depend on ants as indirect defenders and species that rely primarily on their own direct defenses. Using a dataset of 871 species and 1,405 data points, we found that in general, ant-associated species had levels of herbivory equal to those of species that are unattractive to ants; the pattern was unaffected by plant life form, climate and phylogenetic relationships between species. Interestingly, species that offer both food and nesting spaces for ants suffered significantly lower herbivory compared to species that offer either food or nesting spaces only or no reward for ants. A negative relationship between herbivory and latitude was detected, but the pattern can be changed by ants. These findings suggest that, at the interspecific level, the effectiveness of different defensive strategies may be equal. Considering the effects of herbivory on plant performance and fitness, the equal effectiveness of different defensive strategies may play an important role in the coexistence of various species at the community scale.
Symmetry warrants rational cooperation by co-action in Social Dilemmas
Authors: Sasidevan V. , Sinha Sitabhra
Published: August 2015

Is it rational for selfish individuals to cooperate? The conventional answer based on analysis of games such as the Prisoners Dilemma (PD) is that it is not, even though mutual cooperation results in a better outcome for all. This incompatibility between individual rationality and collective benefit lies at the heart of questions about the evolution of cooperation, as illustrated by PD and similar games. Here, we argue that this apparent incompatibility is due to an inconsistency in the standard Nash framework for analyzing non-cooperative games and propose a new paradigm, that of the co-action equilibrium. As in the Nash solution, agents know that others are just as rational as them and taking this into account lead them to realize that others will independently adopt the same strategy, in contrast to the idea of unilateral deviation central to Nash equilibrium thinking. Co-action equilibrium results in better collective outcomes for games representing social dilemmas, with relatively “nicer” strategies being chosen by rational selfish individuals. In particular, the dilemma of PD gets resolved within this framework, suggesting that cooperation can evolve in nature as the rational outcome even for selfish agents, without having to take recourse to additional mechanisms for promoting it.
Characterisation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell microRNA in hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Ding Wenchao , Xin Jiaojiao , Jiang Longyan , Zhou Qian , Wu Tianzhou , Shi Dongyan , Lin Biaoyang , Li Lanjuan , Li Jun
Published: August 2015

Hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a life-threatening condition and the mechanisms of its development and progression remain unclear. The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of peripheral blood mononuclear cell microRNAs in patients with HBV-ACLF. In this study, novel microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with HBV-ACLF were characterised by high-throughput sequencing and validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed 78 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in patients with HBV-ACLF compared to patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and healthy controls. Among patients with HBV-ACLF, 17 dysregulated miRNAs increased or decreased more than 4-fold, of which eight miRNAs had higher expression levels than median level. qRT-PCR validation demonstrated that six miRNAs (hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-34c-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-143-5p, hsa-miR-374a-3p and hsa-miR-542-3p) may be useful as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of HBV-ACLF. Five novel miRNAs (L-miR-1~5) were detected and two (L-miR-1 and L-miR-3) were significantly differentially expressed in patients with HBV-ACLF. Conclusions: The miRNA expression profile of PBMCs is altered in patients with HBV-ACLF and a signature of six miRNAs may be a promising biomarker for HBV-ACLF progression.
Mn-doped ZnS QDs entrapped in molecularly imprinted membranes for detection of trace bisphenol A
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yang Shu , Zhao Wentao , Sun Liquan , Luo Aiqin
Published: August 2015

This paper demonstrates a new strategy for producing fluorescent molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) for specific recognition of a target molecule.
Jadomycins, put a bigger ring in it: isolation of seven- to ten-membered ring analogues
Authors: Martinez-Farina Camilo F. , Jakeman David L.
Published: August 2015

We report the production, isolation, and characterization of jadomycins with seven-, nine-, and ten-membered E-rings, all of which are unique natural product ring scaffolds.
Co-crystallisation of cytosine with 1,10-phenanthroline: computational screening and experimental realisation
Authors: Hoxha Kreshnik , Case David H. , Day Graeme M. , Prior Timothy J.
Published: August 2015

Crystal structure prediction calculations applied to co-crystals of 1,10-phenanthroline and nucleobases (A, T, C, G) show that only cytosine is expected to form a 1 : 1 co-crystal. Experiments provide verification for this result although the observed co-crystal crystallises with Z′ = 2, not Z′ = 1.
Metal–organic frameworks for applications in remediation of oxyanion/cation-contaminated water
Authors: Howarth Ashlee J. , Liu Yangyang , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: August 2015

Highlighting the use of metal–organic frameworks for remediation of oxyanion and oxycation contaminated water.
Double hysteresis loops and large negative and positive electrocaloric effects in tetragonal ferroelectrics
Authors: Wu Hong-Hui , Zhu Jiaming , Zhang Tong-Yi
Published: August 2015

The double polarization-electric-field hysteresis loops are signals of the coexistence of positive and negative electrocaloric effects in one tetragonal ferroelectric material. The peak temperature of adiabatic temperature change can be tuned by an external electric field and mechanical compression.
Re-examining the Chevrel phase Mo6S8 cathode for Mg intercalation from an electronic structure perspective
Authors: Thöle Florian , Wan Liwen F. , Prendergast David
Published: August 2015

The metallic cathode material Mo6S8 allows for highly localized electronic screening that shields the Mg2+ charge and ease its diffusion.
Decomposition of multilayer benzene and n-hexane films on vanadium
Authors: Souda Ryutaro
Published: August 2015

Benzene and n-hexane multilayer films were decomposed on V via C–C bond cleavage and the reaction products were dehydrogenated gradually.
Molecular dynamics modeling of carbon dioxide, water and natural organic matter in Na-hectorite
Authors: Yazaydin A. Ozgur , Bowers Geoffrey M. , Kirkpatrick R. James
Published: August 2015

Molecular dynamics modeling of systems containing a Na-exchanged hectorite and model natural organic matter molecules along with pure H2O, pure CO2, or a mixture of H2O and CO2 provides significant new insight into the molecular scale interactions among silicate surfaces, dissolved cations and organic molecules, H2O and CO2.
Revealing the role of Pb2+ in the stability of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3Pb1−xCdxI3: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Navas Javier , Sánchez-Coronilla Antonio , Gallardo Juan Jesús , Martín Elisa I. , Hernández Norge C. , Alcántara Rodrigo , Fernández-Lorenzo Concha , Martín-Calleja Joaquín
Published: August 2015

Experimental and theoretical analysis revealing the role of Pb2+ in the stability of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites.
A chemistry and material perspective on lithium redox flow batteries towards high-density electrical energy storage
Authors: Zhao Yu , Ding Yu , Li Yutao , Peng Lele , Byon Hye Ryung , Goodenough John B. , Yu Guihua
Published: August 2015

This review summarizes the latest advances and challenges from a chemistry and material perspective on Li-redox flow batteries that combine the synergistic features of Li-ion batteries and redox flow batteries towards large-scale high-density energy storage systems.
Strong π-acceptor sulfonated phosphines in biphasic rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of polar alkenes
Authors: Peral Daniel , Herrera Daniel , Real Julio , Flor Teresa , Bayón J. Carles
Published: August 2015

Trifluoromethylated and sulfonated triarylphosphines are remarkably resistant toward oxidation and very active for the biphasic hydroformylation of polar alkenes.
Electrodeposition of Pluronic F127 assisted rod-like EMD/carbon arrays for efficient energy storage
Authors: Biswal Avijit , Tripathy Bankim Ch. , Li Dan , Minakshi Manickam
Published: August 2015

The synergistic effect of F127 and carbon on EMD with superior performance for use in alkaline rechargeable batteries is reported.
Possibility of using a lithotrophic iron-oxidizing microbial fuel cell as a biosensor for detecting iron and manganese in water samples
Authors: Nguyen Tran Phuong Hoang , Thi Luong Tha Thanh , Thi Nguyen Thuy Thu , Nguyen Huy Quang , Duong Hop Van , Kim Byung Hong , Pham Hai The
Published: August 2015

A lithotrophic iron-oxidizing microbial fuel cell containing an enriched iron-oxidizing bacterial consortium has the potential to be used as a biosensor for detecting iron in water samples.
Foamed lignin–silicone bio-composites by extrusion and then compression molding
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Fleury Etienne , Brook Michael A.
Published: August 2015

Lignin-reinforced foams are efficiently prepared in a compression mold.
Operando XAFS of supported Pd nanoparticles in flowing ethanol/water mixtures: implications for catalysis
Authors: Newton Mark A. , Brazier John B. , Barreiro Elena M. , Parry Stephen , Emmerich Herman , Adrio Luis A. , Mulligan Christopher J. , Hellgardt Klaus , Hii King Kuok (Mimi)
Published: August 2015

Ethanol–water, a prototypical ‘green’ solvent mixture, cannot be considered as inert toward supported Pd nanoparticles.
Cell-sized condensed collagen microparticles for preparing microengineered composite spheroids of primary hepatocytes
Authors: Yamada Masumi , Hori Ayaka , Sugaya Sari , Yajima Yuya , Utoh Rie , Yamato Masayuki , Seki Minoru
Published: August 2015

Cell-sized, highly condensed collagen microparticles were produced, which were utilized to fabricate composite multicellular spheroids of primary hepatocytes.
Inhibitory effect of cytotoxic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic stilbene analogues on VEGF protein secretion and VEGF, hTERT and c-Myc gene expression
Authors: Martí-Centelles Rosa , Murga Juan , Falomir Eva , Carda Miguel , Alberto Marco J.
Published: August 2015

Twenty-one nitrogen-containing heterocyclic stilbenes were synthesized. Their cytotoxicity and effect on VEGF protein secretion as well asVEGF,hTERTandc-Mycgene expression were evaluated.
Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities of novel 4-substituted 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives
Authors: Zhang Xu-Yao , Gu Yi-Fei , Chen Ting , Yang Dong-Xiao , Wang Xi-Xin , Jiang Bai-Ling , Shao Kun-Peng , Zhao Wen , Wang Cong , Wang Jun-Wei , Zhang Qiu-Rong , Liu Hong-Min
Published: August 2015

To develop potent and selective anticancer agents, a series of novel 4-substituted 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives were designed and synthesized.
C1–C2-linker substituted 1,5-naphthyridine analogues of oxabicyclooctane-linked NBTIs as broad-spectrum antibacterial agents (part 7)
Authors: Singh Sheo B. , Kaelin David E. , Wu Jin , Miesel Lynn , Tan Christopher M. , Meinke Peter T. , Olsen David B. , Lagrutta Armando , Wei Changqing , Liao Yonggang , Peng Xuanjia , Wang Xiu , Fukuda Hideyuki , Kishii Ryuta , Takei Masaya , Shibata Takeshi , Takeuchi Tomoko , Ohata Kohei , Nishimura Akinori , Fukuda Yasumichi
Published: August 2015

Substitutions around linker positions C-1 and C-2 suggest that the C-2α hydroxy group is the best for activity.
Chemical synthesis of PANI–TiO2 composite thin film for supercapacitor application
Authors: Deshmukh P. R. , Patil S. V. , Bulakhe R. N. , Pusawale S. N. , Shim Jae-Jin , Lokhande C. D.
Published: August 2015

A unique and cost effective chemical route has been carried out for the synthesis of a polyaniline–titanium oxide (PANI–TiO2) composite thin film at room temperature.
Application of biogenic iron phosphate for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kageyama Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Yasuo , Oaki Yuya , Saito Siro , Konishi Yasuhiro , Imai Hiroaki
Published: August 2015

Biogenic iron(ii) phosphate and microbially derived lithium iron phosphate spherical microparticles consisting of nanosheets produced by iron-reducing bacteria were investigated for application in lithium-ion batteries.
Sorption of lead from aqueous solutions by a commercially available tungsten trioxide nanopowder
Authors: Perkins Cory K. , Reed Travis M. , Apblett Allen W.
Published: August 2015

A commercially-available tungsten trioxide nanopowder was investigated and shown to be an excellent sorbent for removal of Pb2+ions from water.
In situ synthesis of multidentate PEGylated chitosan modified gold nanoparticles with good stability and biocompatibility
Authors: Liu Gongyan , Luo Quanqing , Wang Haibo , Zhuang Weihua , Wang Yunbing
Published: August 2015

To realize desirable functions in the rather complex biological systems, a suitable surface coating is desirable for gold nanoparticles, which plays an important role in their colloidal stability and biocompatibility.
Ultrasound-promoted green approach for the synthesis of thiazoloquinolines using gold(iii) dipyridine complex immobilized on SBA-15 as nano catalysts at room temperature
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Seyed Mohsen
Published: August 2015

Ultrasound-promoted green approach for the synthesis of thiazoloquinolines using a gold(iii)dipyridine complex immobilized on SBA-15 as nano catalysts at room temperature.
Effect of electrolytes on the electropolymerization and optoelectronic properties of poly(3-methylselenophene)
Authors: Lu Baoyang , Zhen Shijie , Ming Shouli , Xu Jingkun , Zhao Guoqun
Published: August 2015

The effects of electrolytes on the electropolymerization of 3-methylselenophene and on the properties and electrochromic performances of poly(3-methylselenophene) films were studied. The electrolyte has a significant effect on the polymer material.
Intramolecular triplet–triplet energy transfer enhanced triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion with a short-lived triplet state platinum(ii) terpyridyl acetylide photosensitizer
Authors: Yu Shuai , Zeng Yi , Chen Jinping , Yu Tianjun , Zhang Xiaohui , Yang Guoqiang , Li Yi
Published: August 2015

A triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion system with a short-lived triplet state photosensitizer was constructed and enhanced by the design of intramolecular triplet–triplet energy transfer.
Stereocomplexation kinetics of enantiomeric poly(l-lactide)/poly(d-lactide) blends seeded by nanocrystalline cellulose
Authors: Jiang Long , Lv Pei , Ma Piming , Bai Huiyu , Dong Weifu , Chen Mingqing
Published: August 2015

Stereocomplexation of PLA was significantly promoted by nanocrystal cellulose (NCC) showing strong NCC-dependent stereocomplex crystal growth and crystallization regime transitions.
Acid/base-controlled chemodivergent synthesis of two differently functionalized tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines
Authors: Guo Wei-Si , Xin Xing , Zhao Ke-Long , Wen Li-Rong , Li Ming
Published: August 2015

Two differently substituted type of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives were synthesized chemodivergently using β-ketothioamides, aldehydes and heterocyclic ketene aminals through acid/base regulation.
Rapid manufacture of modifiable 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) microstructures for capillary force-driven fluidic velocity control
Authors: Wu Wenming , Manz Andreas
Published: August 2015

2.5D multilevel microchannel as thin as 500 μm is fabricated through multi-layer-tape lithography. Capillary force-driven flow velocity increases from 0.03 μL s−1 to 0.39 μL s−1 as multilevel microchannel height increases from 100 μm to 400 μm.
An efficient green protocol for the preparation of acetoacetamides and application of the methodology to a one-pot synthesis of Biginelli dihydropyrimidines. Expansion of dihydropyrimidine topological chemical space
Authors: Gama Fernando H. S. , de Souza Rodrigo O. M. A. , Garden Simon J.
Published: August 2015

A one pot synthesis of Biginelli dihydropyrimidines. The novel use of the amino acids allows topological diversification of the chemical space.
Flow through ring resonator sensing platform
Authors: Grimaldi I. A. , Testa G. , Bernini R.
Published: August 2015

Polymeric microring resonator platform employing a flow-through approach is realized. A reduction of more than one order of magnitude of the sensor response time respect to standard flow-over approach is obtained.
In vivo visualization of osteoarthritic hypertrophic lesions
Authors: Hu Hai-Yu , Lim Ngee-Han , Juretschke Hans-Paul , Ding-Pfennigdorff Danping , Florian Peter , Kohlmann Markus , Kandira Abdullah , Peter von Kries Jens , Saas Joachim , Rudolphi Karl A. , Wendt K. Ulrich , Nagase Hideaki , Plettenburg Oliver , Nazare Marc , Schultz Carsten
Published: August 2015

Cartilage-binding bimodal MRI and fluorescent probes were developed to monitor osteoarthritic damage in animal models over extended periods of time.
Enabling high-mobility, ambipolar charge-transport in a DPP-benzotriazole copolymer by side-chain engineering
Authors: Gruber Mathias , Jung Seok-Heon , Schott Sam , Venkateshvaran Deepak , Kronemeijer Auke Jisk , Andreasen Jens Wenzel , McNeill Christopher R. , Wong Wallace W. H. , Shahid Munazza , Heeney Martin , Lee Jin-Kyun , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: August 2015

In this article we discuss the synthesis of four new low band-gap co-polymers based on the diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and benzotriazole (BTZ) monomer unit.
Light driven mesoscale assembly of a coordination polymeric gelator into flowers and stars with distinct properties
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Rahul Dev , Praveen Vakayil K. , Hazra Arpan , Maji Tapas Kumar , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: August 2015

Photoinduced coordination modulation varies the morphology of the coordination polymeric gel from flowers to stars, with different viscoelastic and gas adsorption properties.
Fast electrosynthesis of Fe-containing layered double hydroxide arrays toward highly efficient electrocatalytic oxidation reactions
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Shao Mingfei , An Hongli , Wang Zixuan , Xu Simin , Wei Min , Evans David G. , Duan Xue
Published: August 2015

Fast electrosynthesis of Fe-containing layered double hydroxide arrays and their highly-efficient electrocatalytic performance toward small molecule oxidation reactions.
Capillary rupture of suspended polymer concentric rings
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Hilton G. C. , Yang Ronggui , Ding Yifu
Published: August 2015

In this work, we present the first experimental study on the simultaneous capillary instability amongst viscous concentric rings suspended atop an immiscible medium.
Hydrothermal preparation of nanoporous TiO2 films with exposed {001} facets and superior photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xu Tongzhou , Zheng Hong , Zhang Pengyi , Lin Wei , Sekiguchi Yumiko
Published: August 2015

Nanoporous TiO2 film with numerous pores in {001} facets shows high photocatalytic activity for pharmaceutical pollutants.
Enhanced energy and O2evolution efficiency using an in situ electrochemically N-doped carbon electrode in non-aqueous Li–O2batteries
Authors: Kang Jungwon , Kim Do Youb , Suk Jungdon , Lee Sun Sook , Kim Dong Wook , Kim Jaekook , Kang Yongku
Published: August 2015

N-doped carbon materials were prepared byin situelectrochemical pre-treatment of a carbon electrode in a deaerated non-aqueous electrolyte containing lithium nitrate.
A facile route to enhance the water flux of a thin-film composite reverse osmosis membrane: incorporating thickness-controlled graphene oxide into a highly porous support layer
Authors: Lee Jaewoo , Jang Jun Hee , Chae Hee-Ro , Lee Sang H. , Lee Chung-Hak , Park Pyung-Kyu , Won Young-June , Kim In-Chul
Published: August 2015

Incorporation of single-layer graphene oxide into a highly porous support layer provides a thin-film composite reverse osmosis membrane with superior water flux.
Carbon microtube/graphene hybrid structures for thermal management applications
Authors: Bi Hui , Huang Haining , Xu Feng , Lin Tianquan , Zhang Hui , Huang Fuqiang
Published: August 2015

Carbon microtube/graphene hybrid structures were prepared as supporting frameworks to significantly improve the thermal transport properties of octadecanoic acid.
Amino-functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon for the separation of toxic microcystin-LR
Authors: Teng Wei , Wu Zhangxiong , Fan Jianwei , Zhang Wei-xian , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: August 2015

Amino-functionalized ordered mesoporous carbons were prepared with high surface areas and high-density amino groups, exhibiting pre-eminent batch and dynamic adsorption capabilities (580 and 334 mg g−1, respectively) for microcystin-LR removal.
Hierarchical Ru nanospheres as highly effective cathode catalysts for Li–O2batteries
Authors: Su D. W. , Dou S. X. , Wang G. X.
Published: August 2015

Carbon-free, hierarchical Ru nanospheres as a cathode for Li–O2batteries can significantly reduce discharge/charge overpotential with a high capacity.
Ferroelastic domains improve photochemical reactivity: a comparative study of monoclinic and tetragonal (Bi1−0.5xNa0.5x)(V1−xMox)O4 ceramics
Authors: Munprom Ratiporn , Salvador Paul A. , Rohrer Gregory S.
Published: August 2015

When the reactivities of crystals of the same orientation of (Bi1−0.5xNa0.5x)(V1−xMox)O4, with x = 0.05 and x = 0.175, are compared, the monoclinic (x = 0.05) sample is more reactive.
The impact of precursor water content on solution-processed organometal halide perovskite films and solar cells
Authors: Conings Bert , Babayigit Aslihan , Vangerven Tim , D'Haen Jan , Manca Jean , Boyen Hans-Gerd
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the impact of the water content (up to 10 vol%) in DMF-based precursors on organometal halide perovskites is investigated. The photovoltaic performance is found not to be affected, thus relaxing the conditions for large-scale production of this upcoming photovoltaic technology.
A simple and versatile method for microencapsulation of anti-epileptic drugs for focal therapy of epilepsy
Authors: Chen Yu , Yue Zhilian , Moulton Simon E. , Hayes Patricia , Cook Mark J. , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: August 2015

Nearly 30% of epilepsy cases cannot be adequately controlled with current medical treatments.
Assessment of a new constraint satisfaction problem based active demand control approach to address distribution network constraints
Authors: Luo Tianyu , Dolan Michael , Davidson Euan , Ault Graham
Published: August 2015

The requirement of electricity market reform in smart grid comprises power supply reliability, energy price stability, and environmental friendliness sustainability, which challenges network design and control activities from distribute network operator's (DNO) perspective. Demand side management (DSM) is considered as one of the solutions for deferring network capacity reinforcement, increasing energy efficiency, addressing network constraints, and implementing low carbon energy strategies. In this study, a new real time active demand control approach is proposed to deal effectively with distribution network thermal constraints within an active network management system. The novelty consists in the application of a constraint satisfaction problem model in power flow management (PFM) to achieve DSM flexible demand objective. This approach implements DNO's direct control of demand response (DR) via the curtailment of real power consumption from the contractual demand. The control performance is based on a contractual prioritisation and preferred control depth to obtain the desired objective function of curtailment minimisation. In the simulation of the DR‐PFM presented, the network thermal overload problem is relieved effectively by this new approach. This new control approach has potential to play an important role in the development of autonomous control approaches in smart grid.
Interdisciplinary collaboration in action: tracking the signal, tracing the noise
Authors: Callard Felicity , Fitzgerald Des , Woods Angela
Published: August 2015

Interdisciplinarity is often framed as an unquestioned good within and beyond the academy, one to be encouraged by funders and research institutions alike. And yet there is little research on how interdisciplinary projects actually work—and do not work—in practice, particularly within and across the social sciences and humanities. This article centres on “Hubbub”, the first interdisciplinary 2-year research residency of The Hub at Wellcome Collection, which is investigating rest and its opposites in neuroscience, mental health, the arts and the everyday. The article describes how Hubbub is tracing, capturing and reflecting on practices of interdisciplinarity across its large, dispersed team of collaborators, who work across the social sciences, humanities, arts, mind and brain sciences, and public engagement. We first describe the distinctiveness of Hubbub (a project designed for a particular space, and one in which the arts are not positioned as simply illustrating or disseminating the research of the scientists), and then outline three techniques Hubbub has developed to map interdisciplinary collaboration in the making: (1) ethnographic analysis; (2) “In the Diary Room”, an aesthetics of collaboration designed to harness and capture affective dynamics within a large, complex project; and (3) the Hubbub Collaboration Questionnaire, which yields quantitative and qualitative data, as well as a social network analysis of collaborators. We conclude by considering some themes that other interdisciplinary projects might draw on for their own logics of tracking and tracing. This article forms part of an ongoing thematic collection dedicated to interdisciplinary research.
Elastic suppression in Brillouin imaging by destructive interference
Authors: Antonacci Giuseppe , Lepert Guillaume , Paterson Carl , Török Peter
Published: August 2015

Brillouin microscopy is an emerging technique to yield high spatial resolution mechanical images in a non-contact manner. The main challenge in Brillouin spectroscopy is given by the detection and the localisation of the Brillouin peaks, in particular, when a high amount of elastic light is collected. We demonstrate a purely interferometric method to suppress the parasitic light which overwhelms the Brillouin spectrum using destructive interference in a Michelson interferometer. A suppression ratio of 35 dB is readily achieved. Both double and single stage virtually imaged phased array spectrometers are tested showing that the Brillouin peaks can still be measured when the intensity of the elastic light is higher by 53 dB, hence, enabling 3D mechanical imaging of thin biological systems such as cells.
Research Update: Synthesis, properties, and applications of ultrathin metallic nanowires and associated heterostructures
Authors: Liu Haiqing , Li Luyao , Scofield Megan E. , Wong Stanislaus S.
Published: August 2015

The properties of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructured materials can change considerably and unexpectedly, when their diameters attain the “ultrathin” level, i.e., below 10 nm. Herein, we have summarized recent developments associated with not only the synthesis but also more importantly, the applications of ultrathin 1D nanowires. Specifically, various classes of ultrathin metallic nanowires have been shown to be excellent, high-performing structural motifs for electrocatalysts, superconducting materials, electrical devices, and nano-sized pressure sensors. Moreover, the fabrication of ultrathin-based 0D-1D, 1D-1D, and 1D-2D composite hybrid structures may represent one of the most promising designs for novel architectures in energy storage and conversion, photovoltaic devices, photoconductivity, and photoelectrocatalysis.
Nanosecond pulsed sliding dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator for airflow control: Electrical, optical, and mechanical characteristics
Authors: Bayoda K. D. , Benard N. , Moreau E.
Published: August 2015

Plasma actuators used for active flow control are widely studied because they could replace mechanical actuators. Industrial applications of these plasma actuators sometimes require a large surface plasma sheet in view of increasing the interaction region between the discharge and the incoming flow. Instead of using a typical two-electrode nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge for which the interaction region is limited to about 20 mm, this study proposes to characterize a nanosecond sliding discharge based on a three-electrode geometry in order to increase the extension length up to the electrode gap. This sliding discharge is compared to the typical nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge by means of electrical, optical, and mechanical diagnostics. Electrical characterization reveals that the deposited energy can be widely increased. Time-resolved Intensified Charge Coupled Device (iCCD) images of the discharge development over the dielectric surface highlight that the intensity and the propagation velocity of streamers are strongly affected by the DC voltage applied at the third electrode. Finally, qualitative and quantitative characterizations of the pressure wave due to the surrounding gas heating are proposed by means of Schlieren visualizations and high frequency pressure measurements, respectively.
Like-charged protein-polyelectrolyte complexation driven by charge patches
Authors: Yigit Cemil , Heyda Jan , Ballauff Matthias , Dzubiella Joachim
Published: August 2015

We study the pair complexation of a single, highly charged polyelectrolyte (PE) chain (of 25 or 50 monomers) with like-charged patchy protein models (CPPMs) by means of implicit-solvent, explicit-salt Langevin dynamics computer simulations. Our previously introduced set of CPPMs embraces well-defined zero-, one-, and two-patched spherical globules each of the same net charge and (nanometer) size with mono- and multipole moments comparable to those of globular proteins with similar size. We observe large binding affinities between the CPPM and the like-charged PE in the tens of the thermal energy, kBT, that are favored by decreasing salt concentration and increasing charge of the patch(es). Our systematic analysis shows a clear correlation between the distance-resolved potentials of mean force, the number of ions released from the PE, and CPPM orientation effects. In particular, we find a novel two-site binding behavior for PEs in the case of two-patched CPPMs, where intermediate metastable complex structures are formed. In order to describe the salt-dependence of the binding affinity for mainly dipolar (one-patched) CPPMs, we introduce a combined counterion-release/Debye-Hückel model that quantitatively captures the essential physics of electrostatic complexation in our systems.
A first-principles study on the B5O5+/0 and B5O5− clusters: The boron oxide analogs of C6H5+/0 and CH3Cl
Authors: Tian Wen-Juan , You Xue-Rui , Li Da-Zhi , Ou Ting , Chen Qiang , Zhai Hua-Jin , Li Si-Dian
Published: August 2015

The concept of boronyl (BO) and the BO/H isolobal analogy build an interesting structural link between boron oxide clusters and hydrocarbons. Based upon global-minimum searches and first-principles electronic structural calculations, we present here the perfectly planar C2v B5O5+ (1, 1A1), C2v B5O5 (2, 2A1), and tetrahedral Cs B5O5− (3, 1A′) clusters, which are the global minima of the systems. Structural and molecular orbital analyses indicate that C2v B5O5+ (1) [B3O3(BO)2+] and C2v B5O5 (2) [B3O3(BO)2] feature an aromatic six-membered boroxol (B3O3) ring as the core with two equivalent boronyl terminals, similar to the recently reported boronyl boroxine D3h B6O6 [B3O3(BO)3]; whereas Cs B5O5− (3) [B(BO)3(OBO)−] is characterized with a tetrahedral B− center, terminated with three BO groups and one OBO unit, similar to the previously predicted boronyl methane Td B5O4− [B(BO)4−]. Alternatively, the 1–3 clusters can be viewed as the boron oxide analogs of phenyl cation C6H5+, phenyl radical C6H5, and chloromethane CH3Cl, respectively. Chemical bonding analyses also reveal a dual three-center four-electron (3c-4e) π hyperbond in Cs B5O5− (3). The infrared absorption spectra of B5O5+ (1), B5O5 (2), and B5O5− (3) and anion photoelectron spectrum of B5O5− (3) are predicted to facilitate their forthcoming experimental characterizations. The present work completes the BnOn+/0/− series for n = 1–6 and enriches the analogous relationship between boron oxides and hydrocarbons.
Percolation threshold and electrical conductivity of graphene-based nanocomposites with filler agglomeration and interfacial tunneling
Authors: Wang Yang , Shan Jerry W. , Weng George J.
Published: August 2015

The dispersion state or degree of agglomeration of graphene is known to have a significant influence on the percolation threshold and electrical conductivity of graphene-based polymer nanocomposites. In addition, an imperfectly conducting interface and tunneling-assisted interfacial conductivity can also affect the overall conductivity. In this paper, a continuum theory is developed that considers all these factors. We first present a two-scale composite model consisting of graphene-rich regions serving as the agglomerates and a graphene-poor region as the matrix. We then introduce the effective-medium theory to determine the percolation threshold and electrical conductivity of the agglomerate and the composite. To account for the effect of imperfect interfaces, a thin layer of interphase with low conductivity is introduced to build a thinly coated graphene, while to account for the contribution of electron hopping from one graphene to another, Cauchy's statistical function which can reflect the increased tunneling activity near the percolation threshold is introduced. It is shown that the percolation threshold of the nanocomposite is controlled by two dispersion parameters, a and b, and the aspect ratio of agglomerates, αR. It is also shown that the overall conductivity of the nanocomposite mainly depends on the intrinsic conductivity of graphene and polymer matrix, the intrinsic interfacial resistivity, and the tunneling-assisted hopping process. We highlight the conceived theory by demonstrating that a set of recently measured data on the percolation threshold and electrical conductivity of graphene/polystyrene nanocomposites can be well captured by it.
Fabrication of large area plasmonic nanoparticle grating structure on silver halide based transmission electron microscope film and its application as a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate
Authors: Sudheer  , Tiwari P. , Bhartiya S. , Mukherjee C. , Singh M. N. , Sinha A. K. , Rai V. N. , Srivastava A. K.
Published: August 2015

The plasmonic responses of silver nanoparticle grating structures of different periods made on silver halide based electron microscope film are investigated. Raster scan of the conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to carry out electron beam lithography for fabricating the plasmonic nanoparticle grating (PNG) structures. Morphological characterization of the PNG structures, carried out by the SEM and the atomic force microscope, indicates that the depth of the groove decreases with a decrease in the grating period. Elemental characterization performed by the energy dispersive spectroscopy and the x-ray diffraction shows the presence of nanoparticles of silver in the PNG grating. The optical characterization of the gratings shows that the localized surface plasmon resonance peak shifts from 366 to 378 nm and broadens with a decrease in grating period from 10 to 2.5 μm. The surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of the Rhodamine-6G dye coated PNG structure shows the maximum enhancement by two orders of magnitude in comparison to the randomly distributed silver nanoparticles having similar size and shape as the PNG structure.
From nuclei to micro-structure in colloidal crystallization: Investigating intermediate length scales by small angle laser light scattering
Authors: Beyer Richard , Franke Markus , Schöpe Hans Joachim , Bartsch Eckhard , Palberg Thomas
Published: August 2015

Hard sphere suspensions are well recognized model systems of statistical physics and soft condensed matter. We here investigate the temporal evolution of the immediate environment of nucleating and growing crystals and/or their global scale distribution using time resolved Small Angle Light Scattering (SALS). Simultaneously performed Bragg scattering measurements provide an accurate temporal gauging of the sequence of events. We apply this approach to studies of re-crystallization in several different shear molten hard sphere and attractive hard sphere samples with the focus being on the diversity of observable signal shapes and their change in time. We demonstrate that depending on the preparation conditions different processes occur on length scales larger than the structural scale, which significantly influence both the crystallization kinetics and the final micro-structure. By careful analysis of the SALS signal evolution and by comparing different suggestions for small angle signal shapes to our data, we can for most cases identify the processes leading to the observed signals. These include form factor scattering from crystals surrounded by depletion zones and structure factor scattering from late stage inter-crystallite ordering. The large variety of different small angle signals thus in principle contains valuable information complementary to that gained from Bragg scattering or microscopy. Our comparison, however, also shows that further refinement and adaptation of the theoretical expressions to the sample specific boundary conditions is desired for a quantitative kinetic analysis of micro-structural evolution.
Photoelectron spectrum of PrO−
Authors: Kafader Jared O. , Ray Manisha , Jarrold Caroline Chick
Published: August 2015

The photoelectron (PE) spectrum of PrO− exhibits a short 835 ± 20 cm−1 vibrational progression of doublets (210 ± 30 cm−1 splitting) assigned to transitions from the 4f2 [3H4] σ6s2 Ω = 4 anion ground state to the 4f2 [3H4] σ6s Ω = 3.5 and 4.5 neutral states. This assignment is analogous to that of the recently reported PE spectrum of CeO−, though the 82 cm−1 splitting between the 4f [2F2.5] σ6s Ω = 2 and Ω = 3 CeO neutral states could not be resolved [Ray et al., J. Chem. Phys. 142, 064305 (2015)]. The origin of the transition to the Ω = 3.5 neutral ground state is 0.96 ± 0.01 eV, which is the adiabatic electron affinity of PrO. Density functional theory calculations on the anion and neutral molecules support the assignment. The appearance of multiple, irregularly spaced and low-intensity features observed ca. 1 eV above the ground state cannot be reconciled with low-lying electronic states of PrO that are accessible via one-electron detachment. However, neutral states correlated with the 4f2 [3H4] 5d superconfiguration are predicted to be approximately 1 eV above the 4f2 [3H4] σ6s Ω = 3.5 neutral ground state, leading to the assignment of these features to shake-up transitions to the excited neutral states. Based on tentative hot band transition assignments, the term energy of the previously unobserved 4f2 [3H4] σ6s Ω = 2.5 neutral state is determined to be 1840 ± 110 cm−1.
Effect of fast drifting electrons on electron temperature measurement with a triple Langmuir probe
Authors: Biswas Subir , Chowdhury Satyajit , Palivela Yaswanth , Pal Rabindranath
Published: August 2015

Triple Langmuir Probe (TLP) is a widely used diagnostics for instantaneous measurement of electron temperature and density in low temperature laboratory plasmas as well as in edge region of fusion plasma devices. Presence of a moderately energetic flowing electron component, constituting only a small fraction of the bulk electrons, is also a generally observed scenario in plasma devices, where plasmas are produced by electron impact ionization of neutrals. A theoretical analysis of its effect on interpretation of the TLP data for bulk electron temperature measurement is presented here assuming electron velocity distribution is not deviating substantially from a Maxwellian. The study predicts conventional expression from standard TLP theory to give overestimated value of bulk electron temperature. Correction factor is significant and largely depends on population density, temperature, and energy of the fast component. Experimental verification of theoretical results is obtained in the magnetized plasma linear experimental device of Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics where plasma is produced by an electron cyclotron resonance method and known to have a fast flowing electron component.
Large scale phononic metamaterials for seismic isolation
Authors: Aravantinos-Zafiris N. , Sigalas M. M.
Published: August 2015

In this work, we numerically examine structures that could be characterized as large scale phononic metamaterials. These novel structures could have band gaps in the frequency spectrum of seismic waves when their dimensions are chosen appropriately, thus raising the belief that they could be serious candidates for seismic isolation structures. Different and easy to fabricate structures were examined made from construction materials such as concrete and steel. The well-known finite difference time domain method is used in our calculations in order to calculate the band structures of the proposed metamaterials.