bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Rahimi Esmaeil , Gordon Reuven 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe nonlinear optical response of materials allows optical functionality not seen in linear devices, such as switching, wavelength conversion, and adaptive optics. Unfortunately, the nonlinear optical response is weak in naturally occurring materials, making many ultrafast information processing applications impractical from an efficiency point of view. Nonlinear plasmonic metasurfaces, as a subset of metamaterials, aim to provide a more efficient and functional nonlinear optical response by tailoring the configuration of nanostructures. Metasurfaces are compact, cascadable, and easy to fabricate with established planar technologies, and therefore deserve particular attention. In this review, advances in nonlinear plasmonic metasurfaces are presented, including theoretical approaches, design methodologies, and key demonstrations of functionality. The theoretical approach first considers the linear response of the plasmonic metal and then uses this to calculate the nonlinear scattering. Design methodologies are considered including limits on gap size enhancements, tunneling and charging effects, and thermal management. Key demonstrations such as efficiency in wavelength conversion, functional wavelength conversion, and switching are also reviewed. Finally, an outlook on the future development in this field of research is offered, aiming at efficient and ultrafast optical information processing.
Plasmon–Exciton Coupling in Complex Systems
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Zhou Li , Hao Zhonghua , Wang Qu‐Quan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn recent years, optical properties of the complex systems involving both metal plasmons and molecular/semiconductor excitons have attracted great attentions due to their rich and varied optical characteristics. In this type of hybrid systems, the plasmon plays a role to drastically enhance the coupling between the system and external field, while the exciton plays a role to control the detailed spectral properties, providing tempting avenues for manipulating new optical control beyond what can be achieved using either of the components. In addition to the mutual coupling between the plasmon and exciton, their different linewidths and the abilities to couple with external field provide a variety of control handles to tune the optical properties of the hybrid systems. It thus allows to precisely manipulate light on the nanometer‐scale, opening up opportunities for novel sensing, light‐emitting, and photovoltaic devices. Here, the recent progress in both theoretical and experimental developments is reviewed. The theoretical part is focused on studies of the absorption/scattering spectral line shapes of the hybrid systems, especially the transition between Fano resonance and Rabi splitting peaks. The various technical approaches to tune the plasmon–exciton coupling in complex systems are reviewed in the experimental part.
Ultrahigh Quality Upconverted Single‐Mode Lasing in Cesium Lead Bromide Spherical Microcavity
Authors: Tang Bing , Sun Liaoxin , Zheng Weihao , Dong Hongxing , Zhao Binbin , Si Quanquan , Wang Xiaoxia , Jiang Xiongwei , Pan Anlian , Zhang Long 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe realization of ultrahigh quality upconverted single‐mode lasing in wavelength‐scale cavity is still a great challenge, because of limitation of microcavity quality, gain medium, and low spontaneous emission coupling efficiency β. In this work, it is demonstrated that inorganic cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite spheres with size of ≈780 nm serve as a gain medium and whispering‐gallery cavity simultaneously for two‐photon excited single‐mode laser. Lasing mode with a very narrow linewidth (≈0.037 nm) is realized, corresponding to an ultrahigh Q factor ≈1.5 × 104. Surprisingly, the lasing performance of such small microcavity is best among reported naturally formed semiconductor microcavities. Furthermore, room‐temperature single‐mode lasing at same wavelength can be obtained at any angle between −30° and 30°, showing the nearly uniform emission output of the spherical microcavity. This work paves a simple and straight way to obtain ultrahigh Q two‐photon excited single‐mode lasing in micro/nanostructures, holding great promise for practical applications in frequency upconversion, high sensitive sensing in nano‐optics.
Efficient n‐Dopants and Their Roles in Organic Electronics
Authors: Bin Zhengyang , Liu Ziyang , Qiu Yong , Duan Lian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe n‐type doping is an effective method to improve electron injection/extraction which not only provides a way to fine‐control the energy level of organic semiconductors, but also greatly improves the efficiency and even enhances the stability of organic electronics, such as organic light‐emitting diodes, organic solar cells, and organic field‐effect transistors. Over the decades, n‐dopants are highly concerned by researchers and rapid advances are made in n‐doping species and models. In this paper, the recent progress on efficient n‐dopants and their roles in organic electronics are comprehensively reviewed from the perspective of doping physics, doping chemistry, and doping performance for devices.
Metalenses: Advances and Applications
Authors: Tseng Ming Lun , Hsiao Hui‐Hsin , Chu Cheng Hung , Chen Mu Ku , Sun Greg , Liu Ai‐Qun , Tsai Din Ping 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMetasurfaces, the 2D counterpart of artificial metamaterials, have attracted much attention because of their exceptional ability to manipulate the electromagnetic wave such as amplitude, phase, polarization, propagation direction, and so on. Different from conventional lenses, metalenses based on the metasurface optics are truly flat and compact and exhibit superior performance. In this report, recent progress in the development of metalenses is explored. First, the working principle and characteristics of metalenses are discussed. Then, it is described how the dispersion aberration in metalenses can be eliminated to make them suitable for being employed in a range of applications that are difficult or impossible for traditional lenses. In addition, various metalens‐based applications are introduced, including imaging, high spectral resolution spectroscopy, and multiplex color routing. Furthermore, a survey of reconfigurable and tunable metalenses is conducted. Finally, the report concludes by addressing future prospects of metalenses.
TiC MXene High Energy Density Cathode for Lithium–Air Battery
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Chen Xin , Shen Fei , Hang Xiaogang , Niu Chunming 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMXenes are reported to be great supercapacitor and lithium‐ion battery material recently. In this article, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that using TiC MXene TinCn − 1O2 (n = 2, 3, 4) as the cathode of lithium–air batteries (LABs) can potentially improve its efficiency by increasing the cathode conductivity and lowering the charging overpotential. In addition, the conservative predicted storage density is as high as ≈0.5 kWh kg−1. Compared with the bulk TiC{111}, the favorable structural agreement between the TiC MXenes and Li2O2, and better interfacial conduction help Li2O2 continuously grow on the TiC MXene; and the higher specific surface area (SSA) makes more Li2O2 deposition possible. The predicted reaction path calculations reveal that TiC MXenes have the charging overpotential of 0.13 V because they are excellent catalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Thus, the lower charging overpotential can extremely suppress the side reactions and accelerate the OER rate. All the evidence supports that TiC MXene is a potential high energy density cathode for LABs.
Biocrusts benefit from plant removal
Authors: Dettweiler‐Robinson Eva , Sinsabaugh Robert L. , Rudgers Jennifer A. 
Published: July 2018

Premise of the StudyProductivity in drylands may depend on the sensitivity of interactions between plants and biocrusts. Given future climate variability, it is essential to understand how interactions may be context‐dependent with precipitation regime. Furthermore, little is known about the additional interactions of these producers with the belowground biota (e.g., roots, fungi, microarthropods). We evaluated the effect of removal (such as could occur following disturbance) and net interaction of plants and biocrusts and additionally manipulated the abiotic and biotic context.MethodsWe established field mesocosms containing grass (Bouteloua gracilis) and surrounding biocrusts, then clipped the plant or heat‐sterilized the biocrust to simulate the loss of dryland producers. To test for context‐dependency on the precipitation pattern, we imposed a large, infrequent or small, frequent precipitation regime. A mesh barrier was used to impede belowground connections that may couple the dynamics of producers. Productivity was assessed by plant biomass and biocrust chlorophyll content.Key ResultsBiocrusts increased chlorophyll content more when plants were removed than when they were present in the first year, but only in the small, frequent precipitation regime. In contrast, plant growth slightly declined with biocrust removal. Plant biomass and biocrust chlorophyll content were negatively correlated in the second year, suggesting net competition. Belowground connectivity weakly promoted overall biocrust relative productivity, but was generally weakly detrimental to plant relative productivity.ConclusionsAltered precipitation patterns can amplify positive effects of plant removal on biocrust producers. Furthermore, we discovered that belowground networks contributed to dryland productivity by promoting biocrust performance.
Rapid alignment of functional trait variation with locality across the invaded range of Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii)
Authors: Winkler Daniel E. , Gremer Jennifer R. , Chapin Kenneth J. , Kao Melanie , Huxman Travis E. 
Published: July 2018

Premise of StudyMechanisms by which invasive species succeed across multiple novel environmental contexts are poorly understood. Functional traits show promise for identifying such mechanisms, yet we lack knowledge of which functional traits are critical for success and how they vary across invaded ranges and with environmental features. We evaluated the widespread recent invasion of Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii) in the southwestern United States to understand the extent of functional trait variation across the invaded range and how such variation is related to spatial and climatic gradients.MethodsWe used a common garden approach, growing two generations of plants in controlled conditions sourced from 10 locations across the invaded range. We measured variation within and among populations in phenological, morphological, and physiological traits, as well as performance.Key ResultsWe found nine key traits that varied among populations. These traits were related to phenology and early growth strategies, such as the timing of germination and flowering, as well as relative allocation of biomass to reproduction and individual seed mass. Trait variation was related most strongly to variation in winter precipitation patterns across localities, though variations in temperature and latitude also had significant contributions.ConclusionsOur results identify key functional traits of this invasive species that showed significant variation among introduced populations across a broad geographic and climatic range. Further, trait variation among populations was strongly related to key climatic variables, which suggests that population divergence in these traits may explain the successful colonization of Sahara mustard across its invaded US range.
Creating a new index to evaluate imbalance in medical demand and supply when disasters occur
Authors: Takahashi Kohei , Morimura Naoto , Takeuchi Ichiro , Abe Takeru , Toida Chiaki , Hattori Jun , Hattori Kyoko , Honda Hideki , Uchiyama Munehito , Matsuda Kiyoshi , Nakagawa Yoshihide , Asari Yasushi 
Published: July 2018

AimThis study examines the use of the medical risk/resource ratio (RRR) and need for medical resources (NMR) as new indicators of the imbalance in medical demand and supply in disasters. These indicators are used to quantify the medical demand–supply imbalance per disaster base hospital, examine the demand–supply imbalance in the region, and verify the need for medical support.MethodsWe calculated the RRR of each disaster base hospital by dividing the revised estimate of the number of patients with the number of empty beds. We calculated the required number of hospital beds as the NMR to restore the RRR of each disaster base hospital to two. The RRR and NMR were combined, and prioritization for medical support was classified into three levels.ResultsThe median RRR was 23 (range, 1–101), and the median NMR was 943 (range, 0–2,124). Fifteen hospitals had a medical support priority of 1, five hospitals had a priority of 2, and 13 hospitals had a priority of 3.ConclusionThe medical demand–supply imbalance and amount of medical support needed can be quantified using RRR and NMR, which allows examination of the priority level for medical support.
Electric Field Writing of Ferroelectric Nano‐Domains Near 71° Domain Walls with Switchable Interfacial Conductivity
Authors: Yang Shuzhen , Peng Ren‐Ci , He Qing , Huang Yen‐Lin , Huang Yijing , Yang Jan‐Chi , Chen Tianzhe , Guo Jingwen , Chen Long‐Qing , Chu Ying‐Hao , Nan Ce‐Wen , Yu Pu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractConducting ferroelectric domain walls attract a wide range of research interest due to their promising applications in nanoelectronics. In this study, we reveal an unexpected enhanced conductivity near the well‐aligned 71° nonpolar domain walls in BiFeO3. Such an interfacial conductivity is induced by the creation of up‐polarized nano‐domains near the 71° domain walls, as revealed by the combination of the piezo‐response force microscopy (PFM) and conducting atomic force microscopy (c‐AFM) imaging techniques, as well as phase‐field simulations. The upward polarized domains are suggested to lower the Schottky barrier at the interface between the tip and sample surface, and then give rise to the enhanced interfacial conductivity. The result provides a new strategy to tune the local conductance in ferroelectric materials and opens up new opportunities to design novel nanoelectronic devices.
Capturing variation in Lens (Fabaceae): Development and utility of an exome capture array for lentil
Authors: Ogutcen Ezgi , Ramsay Larissa , von Wettberg Eric Bishop , Bett Kirstin E. 
Published: July 2018

Premise of the StudyLentil is an important legume crop with reduced genetic diversity caused by domestication bottlenecks. Due to its large and complex genome, tools for reduced representation sequencing are needed. We developed an exome capture array for use in various genetic diversity studies.MethodsBased on the CDC Redberry draft genome, we developed an exome capture array using multiple sources of transcript resources. The probes were designed to target not only the cultivated lentil, but also wild species. We assessed the utility of the developed method by applying the generated data set to population structure and phylogenetic analyses.ResultsThe data set includes 16 wild lentils and 22 cultivar accessions of lentil. Alignment rates were over 90%, and the genic regions were well represented in the capture array. After stringent filtering, 6.5 million high‐quality variants were called, and the data set was used to assess the interspecific relationships within the genus Lens.DiscussionThe developed exome capture array provides large amounts of genomic data to be used in many downstream analyses. The method will have useful applications in marker‐assisted breeding programs aiming to improve the quality of cultivated lentil.
SpheroidSim—Preliminary evaluation of a new computational tool to predict the influence of cell cycle time and phase fraction on spheroid growth
Authors: Little J. P. , Pettet G. J. , Hutmacher D. W. , Loessner D. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThere is a relative paucity of research that integrates materials science and bioengineering with computational simulations to decipher the intricate processes promoting cancer progression. Therefore, a first‐generation computational model, SpheroidSim, was developed that includes a biological data set derived from a bioengineered spheroid model to obtain a quantitative description of cell kinetics.ResultsSpheroidSim is a 3D agent‐based model simulating the growth of multicellular cancer spheroids. Cell cycle time and phases mathematically motivated the population growth. SpheroidSim simulated the growth dynamics of multiple spheroids by individually defining a collection of specific phenotypic traits and characteristics for each cell. Experimental data derived from a hydrogel‐based spheroid model were fit to the predictions providing insight into the influence of cell cycle time (CCT) and cell phase fraction (CPF) on the cell population. A comparison of the number of active cells predicted for each analysis showed that the value and method used to define CCT had a greater effect on the predicted cell population than CPF. The model predictions were similar to the experimental results for the number of cells, with the predicted total number of cells varying by 8% and 12%, respectively, compared to the experimental data.ConclusionsSpheroidSim is a first step in developing a biologically based predictive tool capable of revealing fundamental elements in cancer cell physiology. This computational model may be applied to study the effect of the microenvironment on spheroid growth and other cancer cell types that demonstrate a similar multicellular clustering behavior as the population develops. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1335–1343, 2018
Theory and Simulations for the Electron Transfer/Ion Transfer Mode of SECM with Electroactive Species Present in Both Liquid Phases
Authors: Oleinick Alexander , Yu Yun , Mirkin Michael V. , Svir Irina , Amatore Christian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe electron transfer/ion transfer mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), in which a nanopipette containing a solvent immiscible with the outer solution is used as a tip to approach a microelectrode substrate, is investigated by simulations in order to analyze the effect of the electroactive species being simultaneously present inside the nanopipette and in the external liquid phase. The simulations consider conventional transport modes of the species inside the nanopipette as well as in the bulk solution coupled with their transfer across the liquid‐liquid nanointerface supported at the nanopipette tip. The shapes of the simulated approach curves (tip current vs. tip‐substrate distance) are highly sensitive to the ratio of initial concentrations in the nanopipette and in the outer solution for a given partition coefficient value providing a direct method to determine its value. The effect of the 1st and 2nd order homogeneous reaction consuming the product electrogenerated at the microelectrode surface onto its collection by the nanopipette is also presented.
Spectroscopic Fingerprints of Intermolecular H‐Bonding Interactions in Carbon Nitride Model Compounds
Authors: Lanzilotto Valeria , Silva J. Luis , Zhang Teng , Stredansky Matuš , Grazioli Cesare , Simonov Konstantin , Giangrisostomi Erika , Ovsyannikov Ruslan , De Simone Monica , Coreno Marcello , Araujo C. Moyses , Brena Barbara , Puglia Carla 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe effect of intermolecular H‐bonding interactions on the local electronic structure of N‐containing functional groups (amino group and pyridine‐like N) that are characteristic of polymeric carbon nitride materials p‐CN(H), a new class of metal‐free organophotocatalysts, was investigated. Specifically, the melamine molecule, a building block of p‐CN(H), was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) and near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The molecule was studied as a noninteracting system in the gas phase and in the solid state within a H‐bonded network. With the support of DFT simulations of the spectra, it was found that the H‐bonds mainly affect the N 1s level of the amino group, leaving the N 1s level of the pyridine‐like N mostly unperturbed. This is responsible for a reduction of the chemical shift between the two XPS N 1s levels relative to free melamine. Consequently, N K‐edge NEXAFS resonances involving the amino N 1s level also shift to lower photon energies. Moreover, the solid‐state absorption spectra showed significant modification/quenching of resonances related to transitions from the amino N 1s level to σ* orbitals involving the NH2 termini.
Enantioselective α‐Allylation of Acyclic Esters Using B(pin)‐Substituted Electrophiles: Independent Regulation of Stereocontrol Elements through Cooperative Pd/Lewis Base Catalysis
Authors: Scaggs W. Rush , Snaddon Thomas N. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCooperation between a Lewis base and Pd catalyst enables the direct enantioselective α‐functionalization of aryl and vinyl acetic acid esters using a bifunctional B(pin)‐substituted electrophile. Critical to the success of this method was the recognition that both catalysts could control the necessary stereochemical aspects; the Lewis base catalyst controls the enantioselectivity of the reaction, whereas the Pd catalyst regulates alkenyl‐B(pin) configuration. This is the first example of using cooperative catalysis to control both stereochemical features during Pd‐catalyzed allylic alkylation.
Design and Synthesis of DNA‐Interactive β‐Carboline–Oxindole Hybrids as Cytotoxic and Apoptosis‐Inducing Agents
Authors: Tokala Ramya , Thatikonda Sowjanya , Vanteddu Usha Sree , Sana Sravani , Godugu Chandraiah , Shankaraiah Nagula 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA new series of (E)‐3‐[(1‐aryl‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indol‐3‐yl)methylene]indolin‐2‐one hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against a panel of selected human cancer cell lines, namely, HCT‐15, HCT‐116, A549, NCI‐H460, and MCF‐7, including HFL. Among the tested compounds, (E)‐1‐benzyl‐5‐bromo‐3‐{[1‐(2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indol‐3‐yl]methylene}indolin‐2‐one (10 s) showed potent cytotoxicity against HCT‐15 cancer cells with an IC50 value of 1.43±0.26 μm and a GI50 value of 0.89±0.06 μm. Notably, induction of apoptosis by 10 s on the HCT‐15 cell line was characterized by using different staining techniques, such as acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and DAPI. Further, to understand the mechanism of anticancer effects, various assays such as annexin V‐FITC/PI, DCFDA, and JC‐1were performed. The flow cytometric analysis revealed that compound 10 s arrests the HCT‐15 cancer cells at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Additionally, western blot analysis indicated that treatment of 10 s on HCT‐15 cancer cells led to decreased expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and increased protein expression of both pro‐apoptotic Bax and caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9, and cleaved PARP with reference to actin. Next, a clonogenic assay revealed the inhibition of colony formation in HCT‐15 cancer cells by 10 s in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, upon testing on normal human lung cells (HFL), the compounds were observed to be safer with a low toxicity profile. In addition, viscosity and molecular‐docking studies showed that compound 10 s has typical intercalation with DNA.