bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helical Nanomachines as Mobile Viscometers
Authors: Ghosh Arijit , Dasgupta Debayan , Pal Malay , Morozov Konstantin I. , Leshansky Alexander M. , Ghosh Ambarish 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA wide variety of applications are envisioned and demonstrated with artificial micro‐ and nanomachines, ranging from targeted drug or gene delivery, microsurgery, environmental sensing, and many more. Here, it is demonstrated how helical nanomachines can be used to measure and map the local mechanical properties of a complex heterogeneous environment. The positions of the nanomachines are precisely controlled using externally applied magnetic fields, while their instantaneous orientations provide estimation of the viscosity of the surrounding medium with high spatial and temporal accuracy. The measurement technique can be applied to both Newtonian as well as shear thinning media, and all experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. It is believed that this novel application of helical nanomachines can be particularly relevant to biophysical studies and microfluidic technologies.
pH‐Responsive PEG–Doxorubicin‐Encapsulated Aza‐BODIPY Nanotheranostic Agent for Imaging‐Guided Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chen Dapeng , Tang Qianyun , Zou Jianhua , Yang Xiaoyan , Huang Wei , Zhang Qi , Shao Jinjun , Dong Xiaochen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSynergistic cancer therapy is of great interest for multiple advantages, such as excellent targeting accuracy, low side effects, and enhanced therapeutic efficiency. Herein, a near‐infrared photosensitizer aza‐BODIPY (AB) with high singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ= 82%) is designed and synthesized. With Schiff's base obtained from condensation reaction between doxorubicin (DOX) and polyethylene glycol‐benzaldehyde (PEG–CHO) as the polymer matrix, aza‐BODIPY is encapsulated to afford hydrophilic nanoparticles (DAB NPs). The DAB NPs exhibit high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation rate and outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 38.3%) under irradiation. In vivo fluorescence‐ and photothermal‐imaging (PTI) results demonstrate that DAB NPs can specifically accumulate at tumor sites and serve as dual‐modal imaging probe for cancer diagnosis. Particularly, triggered by acidic tumor microenvironment, the HCN bond of Schiff's base would be broken simultaneously, resulting in the efficient release of DOX from DAB NPs at tumor sites as well as enhancing the targeting performance of chemotherapeutics. Compared with free DOX and aza‐BODIPY nanoparticles, DAB NPs can inhibit tumor growth more effectively through pH‐responsive photodynamic/photothermal/chemo synergistic therapy. This report may also present a practicable strategy to develop a pH‐responsive nanotheranostic agent for tumor targeting, imaging, and therapy.
Stable High‐Index Faceted Pt Skin on Zigzag‐Like PtFe Nanowires Enhances Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Luo Mingchuan , Sun Yingjun , Zhang Xu , Qin Yingnan , Li Mingqiang , Li Yingjie , Li Chunji , Yang Yong , Wang Lei , Gao Peng , Lu Gang , Guo Shaojun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSelectively exposing active surfaces and judiciously tuning the near‐surface composition of electrode materials represent two prominent means of promoting electrocatalytic performance. Here, a new class of Pt3Fe zigzag‐like nanowires (Pt‐skin Pt3Fe z‐NWs) with stable high‐index facets (HIFs) and nanosegregated Pt‐skin structure is reported, which are capable of substantially boosting electrocatalysis in fuel cells. These unique structural features endow the Pt‐skin Pt3Fe z‐NWs with a mass activity of 2.11 A mg−1 and a specifc activity of 4.34 mA cm−2 for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at 0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which are the highest in all reported PtFe‐based ORR catalysts. Density function theory calculations reveal a combination of exposed HIFs and formation of Pt‐skin structure, leading to an optimal oxygen adsorption energy due to the ligand and strain effects, which is responsible for the much enhanced ORR activities. In contrast to previously reported HIFs‐based catalysts, the Pt‐skin Pt3Fe z‐NWs maintain ultrahigh durability with little activity decay and negligible structure transformation after 50 000 potential cycles. Overcoming a key technical barrier in electrocatalysis, this work successfully extends the nanosegregated Pt‐skin structure to nanocatalysts with HIFs, heralding the exciting prospects of high‐effcient Pt‐based catalysts in fuel cells.
Nickel‐Based (Photo)Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Ji Lvlv , Lv Cuncai , Chen Zuofeng , Huang Zhipeng , Zhang Chi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHydrogen is considered a promising energy carrier for replacing traditional fossil fuels. Electrochemical or solar‐driven water splitting is a green and sustainable method of producing hydrogen. To lower the overpotential and minimize energy costs, numerous reports have focused on developing noble‐metal‐free catalysts for hydrogen production, with special attention paid to nickel‐based materials. Herein, the current state of research on the use of Ni‐based materials as electrocatalysts, cocatalysts, and photoactive materials in hydrogen production is reviewed. Recent research efforts toward the development of various Ni‐based (photo)electrocatalysts, their applications in hydrogen production, and the corresponding mechanisms are covered. The approaches used to improve or optimize these materials are summarized, and the key remaining challenges are discussed.
In Situ shRNA Synthesis on DNA–Polylactide Nanoparticles to Treat Multidrug Resistant Breast Cancer
Authors: Ni Qianqian , Zhang Fuwu , Zhang Yunlei , Zhu Guizhi , Wang Zhe , Teng Zhaogang , Wang Chunyan , Yung Bryant C. , Niu Gang , Lu Guangming , Zhang Longjiang , Chen Xiaoyuan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNanomedicine has shown unprecedented potential for cancer theranostics. Nucleic acid (e.g., DNA and RNA) nanomedicines are of particular interest for combination therapy with chemotherapeutics. However, current nanotechnologies to construct such nucleic acid nanomedicines, which rely on chemical conjugation or physical complexation of nucleic acids with chemotherapeutics, have restrained their clinical translation due to limitations such as low drug loading efficiency and poor biostability. Herein, in situ rolling circle transcription (RCT) is applied to synthesize short hairpin RNA (shRNA) on amphiphilic DNA–polylactide (PLA) micelles. Core–shell PLA@poly‐shRNA structures that codeliver a high payload of doxorubicin (Dox) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) targeted shRNA for MDR breast cancer (BC) therapy are developed. DNA–PLA conjugates are first synthesized, which then self‐assemble into amphiphilic DNA–PLA micelles; next, using the conjugated DNA as a promoter, poly‐shRNA is synthesized on DNA–PLA micelles via RCT, generating PLA@poly‐shRNA microflowers; and finally, microflowers are electrostatically condensed into nanoparticles using biocompatible and multifunctional poly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted polypeptides (PPT‐g‐PEG). These PLA@poly‐shRNA@PPT‐g‐PEG nanoparticles are efficiently delivered into MDR breast cancer cells and accumulated in xenograft tumors, leading to MDR1 silencing, intracellular Dox accumulation, potentiated apoptosis, and enhanced tumor therapeutic efficacy. Overall, this nanomedicine platform is promising to codeliver anticancer nucleic acid therapeutics and chemotherapeutics.
Hierarchical Porous Nanosheets Constructed by Graphene‐Coated, Interconnected TiO2 Nanoparticles for Ultrafast Sodium Storage
Authors: Li Baosong , Xi Baojuan , Feng Zhenyu , Lin Yue , Liu Jincheng , Feng Jinkui , Qian Yitai , Xiong Shenglin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered promising next‐generation energy storage devices. However, a lack of appropriate high‐performance anode materials has prevented further improvements. Here, a hierarchical porous hybrid nanosheet composed of interconnected uniform TiO2 nanoparticles and nitrogen‐doped graphene layer networks (TiO2@NFG HPHNSs) that are synthesized using dual‐functional C3N4 nanosheets as both the self‐sacrificing template and hybrid carbon source is reported. These HPHNSs deliver high reversible capacities of 146 mA h g−1 at 5 C for 8000 cycles, 129 mA h g−1 at 10 C for 20 000 cycles, and 116 mA h g−1 at 20 C for 10 000 cycles, as well as an ultrahigh rate capability up to 60 C with a capacity of 101 mA h g−1. These results demonstrate the longest cyclabilities and best rate capability ever reported for TiO2‐based anode materials for SIBs. The unprecedented sodium storage performance of the TiO2@NFG HPHNSs is due to their unique composition and hierarchical porous 2D structure.
Liquid Letters
Authors: Shi Shaowei , Liu Xubo , Li Yanan , Wu Xuefei , Wang Dong , Forth Joe , Russell Thomas P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUsing the interfacial jamming of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) surfactants, a new concept, termed all‐liquid molding, is introduced to produce all‐liquid objects that retain the shape and details of the mold with high fidelity, yet remain all liquid and are responsive to external stimuli. This simple process, where the viscosity of the CNC dispersion can range from that of water to a crosslinked gel, opens tremendous opportunities for encapsulation, delivery systems, and unique microfluidic devices. The process described is generally applicable to any functionalized nanoparticles dispersed in one liquid and polymer ligands having complementary functionality dissolved in a second immiscible liquid. Such sculpted liquids retain all the characteristics of the liquids but retain shape indefinitely, very much like a solid, and provide a new platform for next‐generation soft materials.
Digitalizing Self‐Assembled Chiral Superstructures for Optical Vortex Processing
Authors: Chen Peng , Ma Ling‐Ling , Duan Wei , Chen Ji , Ge Shi‐Jun , Zhu Zhi‐Han , Tang Ming‐Jie , Xu Ran , Gao Wei , Li Tao , Hu Wei , Lu Yan‐Qing 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) chiral superstructures exhibit unique features; that is, polychromatic and spin‐determined phase modulation. Here, a concept for digitalized chiral superstructures is proposed, which further enables the arbitrary manipulation of reflective geometric phase and may significantly upgrade existing optical apparatus. By encoding a specifically designed binary pattern, an innovative CLC optical vortex (OV) processor is demonstrated. Up to 25 different OVs are extracted with equal efficiency over a wavelength range of 116 nm. The multiplexed OVs can be detected simultaneously without mode crosstalk or distortion, permitting a polychromatic, large‐capacity, and in situ method for parallel OV processing. Such complex but easily fabricated self‐assembled chiral superstructures exhibit versatile functionalities, and provide a satisfactory platform for OV manipulation and other cutting‐edge territories. This work is a vital step towards extending the fundamental understanding and fantastic applications of ordered soft matter.
Binuclear Copper Complex Ink as a Seed for Electroless Copper Plating Yielding >70% Bulk Conductivity on 3D Printed Polymers
Authors: Farraj Yousef , Layani Michael , Yaverboim Avi , Magdassi Shlomo 
Published: January 2018

Abstract3D printed electronics is an emerging field of high importance in both academic research and industrial manufacturing. It enables fabrication of 3D devices with embedded or conformal electronic circuits, which are relevant to a variety of applications, such as Internet of things, soft robotics, and medical devices. Patterning of electrical conductors with conductivity higher than 50% bulk copper is challenging and usually involves electroless or electrolytic deposition processes that require the use of very costly catalyst, mainly palladium, as a seed material. Here, the use of a binuclear copper complex as a very efficient replacement for the conventional catalysts, which can be directly inkjet printed onto 3D plastic objects, is described. After printing, the copper complex is converted into pure copper upon short exposure to low‐temperature plasma. By combining the binuclear complex with electroless plating, resistivity as low as 2.38 µΩ cm, which corresponds to a 72% conductivity of bulk copper, is obtained. The applicability of the complex ink and the process is demonstrated in the fabrication of a near‐field communication antenna on a 3D printed plastic object.
Fabrication of Excellent Heterojunction Assisting by Interfaced Oxygen Vacancy to Improve the Separation Capacity of Photogenerated Carriers
Authors: Sun Dandan , Zhang Yue , Yan Shuang , Sun Kaili , Wang Guixue , Bu Yuyu , Xie Guangwen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHeterojunction connecting by interface chemical bonds is a promising method as it can provide more efficient route for photogenerated charge separation. In this work, the oxygen vacancies are introduced into the surface of SrTiO3 by a one‐step hydrogenation method. SrTiO3 with oxygen vacancy (STO) is compounded with Cd0.5Zn0.5S (CZS) by hydrothermal method, resulting in the successful formation of a good heterojunction structure. By comparing with the pristine SrTiO3/CZS composites, it is found that the oxygen vacancies play an important role in the formation of excellent heterojunctions, in addition to the traditional reports as charge traps and adsorption sites or the ability to cause band changes. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope results disclose that S2− enters the oxygen vacancy on the (110) plane of STO and interacts with the adjacent Ti in the van der Waals force to form the Ti‐O‐S group, which results in the formation of excellent heterojunctions and makes the CZS nanoparticles growth evenly on the STO nanoplates. Furthermore, the formation of excellent heterojunction and the introduction of interfaced oxygen vacancy significantly improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers, which dramatically increases the photoelectrochemical performance.
High‐Efficiency Thin‐Film Superlattice Thermoelectric Cooler Modules Enabled by Low Resistivity Contacts
Authors: He Yuping , Léonard François , Medlin Douglas L. , Baldasaro Nicholas , Temple Dorota S. , Barletta Philip , Spataru Catalin D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractV‐telluride superlattice thin films have shown promising performance for on‐chip cooling devices. Recent experimental studies have indicated that device performance is limited by the metal/semiconductor electrical contacts. One challenge in realizing a low resistivity contact is the absence of fundamental knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of interfaces between metal and V‐telluride materials. This study presents a combination of experimental and theoretical efforts to understand, design, and harness low resistivity contacts to V‐tellurides. Ab initio calculations are used to explore the effects of interfacial structure and chemical compositions on the electrical contacts, and an ab initio based macroscopic model is employed to predict the fundamental limit of contact resistivity as a function of both carrier concentration and temperature. Under the guidance of theoretical studies, an experimental approach is developed to fabricate low resistivity metal contacts to V‐telluride thin film superlattices, achieving a 100‐fold reduction compared to previous work. Interfacial characterization and analysis using both scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy show unusual interfacial morphology and the potential for further improvement in contact resistivity. Finally, the improved contacts are harnessed to realize an improved high‐performance thermoelectric cooling module.
Sodium–Sulfur Flow Battery for Low‐Cost Electrical Storage
Authors: Yang Fengchang , Mousavie Seyed Mohammad Ali , Oh Tae K. , Yang Tairan , Lu Yingqi , Farley Charles , Bodnar Robert J. , Niu Li , Qiao Rui , Li Zheng 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA new sodium–sulfur (Na–S) flow battery utilizing molten sodium metal and flowable sulfur‐based suspension as electrodes is demonstrated and analyzed for the first time. Unlike the conventional flow battery and the high‐temperature Na–S battery, the proposed flow battery system decouples the energy and power thermal management by operating at different temperatures for the storage tank (near room temperature) and the power stack (100–150 °C). The new Na–S flow battery offers several advantages such as easy preparation and integration of the electrode, low energy efficiency loss due to temperature maintenance, great tolerance of the volume change of the metal anode, and efficient utilization of sulfur. The Na–S flow battery has an estimated system cost in the range of $50–100 kWh−1 which is very competitive for grid‐scale energy storage applications.
New Na‐Ion Solid Electrolytes Na4−xSn1−xSbxS4 (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.33) for All‐Solid‐State Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Heo Jongwook W. , Banerjee Abhik , Park Kern Ho , Jung Yoon Seok , Hong Seung‐Tae 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSulfide Na‐ion solid electrolytes (SEs) are key to enable room‐temperature operable all‐solid‐state Na‐ion batteries that are attractive for large‐scale energy storage applications. To date, few sulfide Na‐ion SEs have been developed and most of the SEs developed contain P and suffer from poor chemical stability. Herein, discovery of a new structural class of tetragonal Na4−xSn1−xSbxS4 (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.33) with space group I41/acd is described. The evolution of a new phase, distinctly different from Na4SnS4 or Na3SbS4, allows fast ionic conduction in 3D pathways (0.2–0.5 mS cm−1 at 30 °C). Moreover, their excellent air stability and reversible dissolution in water and precipitation are highlighted. Specifically, TiS2/Na–Sn all‐solid‐state Na‐ion batteries using Na3.75Sn0.75Sb0.25S4 demonstrates high capacity (201 mA h (g of TiS2)−1) with excellent reversibility.
Preclinical therapeutic efficacy of the ciprofloxacin‐eluting sinus stent for Pseudomonas aeruginosa sinusitis
Authors: Cho Do‐Yeon , Lim Dong‐Jin , Mackey Calvin , Skinner Daniel , Weeks Christopher , Gill Gobind S. , Hergenrother Robert W. , Swords William E. , Woodworth Bradford A. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThe ciprofloxacin‐coated sinus stent (CSS) has unique therapeutic potential to deliver antibiotics to the sinuses. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the CSS stent in eliminating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in a rabbit model of sinusitis.MethodsA ciprofloxacin‐eluting sinus stent was created by coating ciprofloxacin/Eudragit RS100 on biodegradable poly‐D/L‐lactic acid (2 mg). After analyzing in‐vitro inhibition of P aeruginosa (PAO‐1 strain) biofilm formation, a total of 8 stents (4 shams, 4 CSSs) were placed unilaterally in rabbit maxillary sinuses via dorsal sinusotomy after inducing infection for 1 week with PAO‐1. Animals were assessed 2 weeks after stent insertion with nasal endoscopy, sinus culture, computed tomography (CT) scan, histopathology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).ResultsPAO‐1 biofilm formation was significantly reduced in vitro with exposure to the CSS (p < 0.0001). Insertion of the stent in PAO‐1–infected rabbits for 2 weeks resulted in significant improvement in sinusitis according to endoscopy scoring (p < 0.0001) and CT scoring (p < 0.002). Histology and SEM revealed marked improvement in the structure of the mucosa and submucosa with no detection of biofilm structures in the CSS cohort.ConclusionAlthough this study had a small sample size, we identified robust therapeutic efficacy of the CSS by reducing bacterial load and biofilm formation of P aeruginosa in a preclinical model of sinusitis after placement for 2 weeks.
Cross‐Linking/Mass Spectrometry for Studying Protein Structures and Protein–Protein Interactions: Where Are We Now and Where Should We Go from Here?
Authors: Sinz Andrea 
Published: January 2018

AbstractStructural mass spectrometry (MS) is gaining increasing importance for deriving valuable three‐dimensional structural information on proteins and protein complexes, and it complements existing techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Structural MS unites different MS‐based techniques, such as hydrogen/deuterium exchange, native MS, ion‐mobility MS, protein footprinting, and chemical cross‐linking/MS, and it allows fundamental questions in structural biology to be addressed. In this Minireview, I will focus on the cross‐linking/MS strategy. This method not only delivers tertiary structural information on proteins, but is also increasingly being used to decipher protein interaction networks, both in vitro and in vivo. Cross‐linking/MS is currently one of the most promising MS‐based approaches to derive structural information on very large and transient protein assemblies and intrinsically disordered proteins.
LMI‐Based Robust PID Controller Design for Voltage Control of Islanded Microgrid
Authors: Armin Maniza , Roy Priyo Nath , Sarkar Subroto K. , Das Sajal K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper presents the design of a robust proportional integral derivative (PID) controller for the control of a single phase microgrid voltage. A microgrid consists of loads, distributed generation units and several power‐electronics interfaced LC filter and voltage source inverter. These loads are unknown and parameters are uncertain which produce unmodeled load dynamics. This unmodeled load dynamics reduces the voltage tracking performance of the microgrid. The proposed controller gives the robustness of the system with unmodeled load dynamics. Under different kinds of uncertainties, PID controller guarantees the stability and provides zero steady‐state error and fast transient response. The robustness and optimal performance of the controller is obtained by using linear matrix inequality approach. The performance of the controller under different uncertainties is studied. Results indicate the robustness and high voltage tracking performance of the microgrid system.
Delayed Feedback MPC Algorithms of Vehicle Platoons Subject to Constraints on Measurement Range and Driving Behaviors
Authors: Yu Shi‐Ming , Wu Sai‐Nan , Zhao Yun‐Bo , He De‐Feng 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe control problem of vehicle platoons considering sensors with limited measurement range and actuator time delay is investigated in the face of constraints. A new delayed feedback model predictive control scheme is proposed to solve the problem while satisfying the constraints on measurement range and driving behaviors. A family of controllers is presented with free parameters which are then computed by online solving of a receding horizon optimal control problem. Terminal equality constraints are adopted to guarantee stability of the closed‐loop system. Some sufficient conditions with guaranteed string stability of the platoon and zero steady‐state error are established. The effectiveness and advantages of the presented method are demonstrated by simulating two classical road scenarios.