bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TiO2 Fibers Supported β-FeOOH Nanostructures as Efficient Visible Light Photocatalyst and Room Temperature Sensor
Authors: Zhu Ting , Li Ong Wei , Zhu Liangliang , Wei Ho Ghim 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHierarchical heterostructures of beta-iron oxyhydroxide (β-FeOOH) nanostructures on electrospun TiO2 nanofibers were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. This synthesis method proves to be versatile to tailoring of β-FeOOH structural design that cuts across zero-dimensional particles (TF-P), one-dimensional needles (TF-N) to two-dimensional flakes (TF-F). In addition, synthesizing such oxyhyroxide nanostructures presents the advantage of exhibiting similar functional performances to its oxides counterpart however, without the need to undergo any annealing step which leads to undesirable structural collapse or sintering. The as-prepared hierarchical heterostructures possess high surface area for dye adsorptivity, efficient charge separation and visible photocatalytic activity. Also, for the first time, hydrogen gas sensing has been demonstrated on β-FeOOH nanostructures at room temperature. The reported hierarchical heterostructures of β-FeOOH on TiO2 nanofibers afford multiple functions of photocatalysis and sensing which are highly promising for environment monitoring and clean up applications.
Continuous Metabolic Monitoring Based on Multi-Analyte Biomarkers to Predict Exhaustion
Authors: Kastellorizios Michail , Burgess Diane J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis work introduces the concept of multi-analyte biomarkers for continuous metabolic monitoring. The importance of using more than one marker lies in the ability to obtain a holistic understanding of the metabolism. This is showcased for the detection and prediction of exhaustion during intense physical exercise. The findings presented here indicate that when glucose and lactate changes over time are combined into multi-analyte biomarkers, their monitoring trends are more sensitive in the subcutaneous tissue, an implantation-friendly peripheral tissue, compared to the blood. This unexpected observation was confirmed in normal as well as type 1 diabetic rats. This study was designed to be of direct value to continuous monitoring biosensor research, where single analytes are typically monitored. These findings can be implemented in new multi-analyte continuous monitoring technologies for more accurate insulin dosing, as well as for exhaustion prediction studies based on objective data rather than the subject’s perception.
Giant enhancement in critical current density, up to a hundredfold, in superconducting NaFe0.97Co0.03 As single crystals under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Shabbir Babar , Wang Xiaolin , Ghorbani S. R. , Wang A. F. , Dou Shixue , Chen X. H. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTremendous efforts towards improvement in the critical current density “Jc” of iron based superconductors (FeSCs), especially at relatively low temperatures and magnetic fields, have been made so far through different methods, resulting in real progress. Jc at high temperatures in high fields still needs to be further improved, however, in order to meet the requirements of practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a simple approach to achieve this. Hydrostatic pressure can significantly enhance Jc in NaFe0.97Co0.03As single crystals by at least tenfold at low field and more than a hundredfold at high fields. Significant enhancement in the in-field performance of NaFe0.97Co0.03As single crystal in terms of pinning force density (Fp) is found at high pressures. At high fields, the Fp is over 20 and 80 times higher than under ambient pressure at12 K and 14 K, respectively, at P = 1 GPa. We believe that the Co-doped NaFeAs compounds are very exciting and deserve to be more intensively investigated. Finally, it is worthwhile to say that by using hydrostatic pressure, we can achieve more milestones in terms of high Jc values in tapes, wires or films of other Fe-based superconductors.
Absence of Structural Impact of Noble Nanoparticles on P3HT:PCBM Blends for Plasmon-Enhanced Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells Probed by Synchrotron GI-XRD
Authors: Lilliu Samuele , Alsari Mejd , Bikondoa Oier , Emyr Macdonald J. , Dahlem Marcus S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe incorporation of noble metal nanoparticles, displaying localized surface plasmon resonance, in the active area of donor-acceptor bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices is an industrially compatible light trapping strategy, able to guarantee better absorption of the incident photons and give an efficiency improvement between 12% and 38%. In the present work, we investigate the effect of Au and Ag nanoparticles blended with P3HT: PCBM on the P3HT crystallization dynamics by synchrotron grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. We conclude that the presence of (1) 80 nm Au, (2) mix of 5 nm, 50 nm, 80 nm Au, (3) 40 nm Ag and (4) 10 nm, 40 nm, 60 nm Ag colloidal nanoparticles, at different concentrations below 0.3 wt% for Au and below 0.1% for Ag in P3HT: PCBM blends, does not affect the behaviour of the blends themselves.
Thin-film ‘Thermal Well’ Emitters and Absorbers for High-Efficiency Thermophotovoltaics
Authors: Tong Jonathan K. , Hsu Wei-Chun , Huang Yi , Boriskina Svetlana V. , Chen Gang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA new approach is introduced to significantly improve the performance of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems using low-dimensional thermal emitters and photovoltaic (PV) cells. By reducing the thickness of both the emitter and the PV cell, strong spectral selectivity in thermal emission and absorption can be achieved by confining photons in trapped waveguide modes inside the thin-films that act as thermal analogs to quantum wells. Simultaneously, photo-excited carriers travel shorter distances across the thin-films reducing bulk recombination losses resulting in a lower saturation current in the PV cell. We predict a TPV efficiency enhancement with near-field coupling between the thermal emitter and the PV cell up to 38.7% using a thin-film germanium (Ge) emitter at 1000 K and an ultra-thin gallium antimonide (GaSb) cell supported by perfect back reflectors separated by 100 nm. Even in the far-field limit, the efficiency is predicted to reach 31.5%, which is over an order of magnitude higher than the Shockley Queisser limit of 1.6% for a bulk GaSb cell and a blackbody emitter at 1000 K. The proposed design approach does not require nanoscale patterning of the emitter and PV cell surfaces, but instead offers a simple low-cost solution to improve the performance of thermophotovoltaic systems.
Disruption of Thermally-Stable Nanoscale Grain Structures by Strain Localization
Authors: Khalajhedayati Amirhossein , Rupert Timothy J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractNanocrystalline metals with average grain sizes of only a few nanometers have recently been observed to fail through the formation of shear bands. Here, we investigate this phenomenon in nanocrystalline Ni which has had its grain structure stabilized by doping with W, with a specific focus on understanding how strain localization drives evolution of the nanoscale grain structure. Shear banding was initiated with both microcompression and nanoindentation experiments, followed by site-specific transmission electron microscopy to characterize the microstructure. Grain growth and texture formation were observed inside the shear bands, which had a wide variety of thicknesses. These evolved regions have well-defined edges, which rules out local temperature rise as a possible formation mechanism. No structural evolution was found in areas away from the shear bands, even in locations where significant plastic deformation had occurred, showing that plastic strain alone is not enough to cause evolution. Rather, intense strain localization is needed to induce mechanically-driven grain growth in a thermally-stable nanocrystalline alloy.
High-mobility and air-stable single-layer WS2 field-effect transistors sandwiched between chemical vapor deposition-grown hexagonal BN films
Authors: Iqbal M Waqas , Iqbal M Zahir , Khan M Farooq , Shehzad M Arslan , Seo Yongho , Park Jong Hyun , Hwang Chanyong , Eom Jonghwa 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAn emerging electronic material as one of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), tungsten disulfide (WS2) can be exfoliated as an atomically thin layer and can compensate for the drawback of graphene originating from a gapless band structure. A direct bandgap, which is obtainable in single-layer WS2, is an attractive characteristic for developing optoelectronic devices, as well as field-effect transistors. However, its relatively low mobility and electrical characteristics susceptible to environments remain obstacles for the use of device materials. Here, we demonstrate remarkable improvement in the electrical characteristics of single-layer WS2field-effect transistor (SL-WS2FET) using chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown hexagonal BN (h-BN). SL-WS2FET sandwiched between CVD-grown h-BN films shows unprecedented high mobility of 214 cm2/Vs at room temperature. The mobility of a SL-WS2FET has been found to be 486 cm2/Vs at 5 K. The ON/OFF ratio of output current is ~107at room temperature. Apart from an ideal substrate for WS2FET, CVD-grown h-BN film also provides a protection layer against unwanted influence by gas environments. The h-BN/SL-WS2/h-BN sandwich structure offers a way to develop high-quality durable single-layer TMDCs electronic devices.
Myo-inositol improves the host’s ability to eliminate balofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Chen Xin-hai , Zhang Bing-wen , Li Hui , Peng Xuan-xian 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAntibiotic-resistant mechanisms are associated with fitness costs. However, why antibiotic-resistant bacteria usually show increasing adaptation to hosts is largely unknown, especially from the host’s perspective. The present study reveals the host’s varied response to balofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli (BLFX-R) using an integrated proteome and metabolome approach and identifies myo-inositol and phagocytosis-related proteins as crucial biomarkers. Originally, macrophages have an optimal attractive preference to BLFX-S due to more polarization of BLFX-S than BLFX-R, which renders faster elimination to BLFX-S than BLFX-R. The slower elimination to BLFX-R may be reversed by exogenous myo-inositol. Primarily, myo-inositol depolarizes macrophages, elevating adherence to both BLFX-S and BLFX-R. Since the altered adherence is equal to both strains, the myo-inositol-treated macrophages are free of the barrier to BLFX-R and thereby promote phagocytosis of BLFX-R. This work provides a novel strategy based on metabolic modulation for eliminating antibiotic-resistant bacteria with a high degree of host adaptation.
Promotion of acceptor formation in SnO2 nanowires by e-beam bombardment and impacts to sensor application
Authors: Sub Kim Sang , Gil Na Han , Woo Kim Hyoun , Kulish Vadym , Wu Ping 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe have realized a p-type-like conduction in initially n-type SnO2 nanowires grown using a vapor-liquid-solid method. The transition was achieved by irradiating n-type SnO2 nanowires with a high-energy electron beam, without intentional chemical doping. The nanowires were irradiated at doses of 50 and 150 kGy and were then used to fabricate NO2 gas sensors, which exhibited n-type and p-type conductivities, respectively. The tuneability of the conduction behavior is assumed to be governed by the formation of tin vacancies (under high-energy electron beam irradiation), because it is the only possible acceptor, excluding all possible defects via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The effect of external electric fields on the defect stability was studied using DFT calculations. The measured NO2 sensing dynamics, including response and recovery times, were well represented by the electron-hole compensation mechanism from standard electron-hole gas equilibrium statistics. This study elucidates the charge-transport characteristics of bipolar semiconductors that underlie surface chemical reactions. The principles derived will guide the development of future SnO2-based electronic and electrochemical devices.
Electroretinographic assessment of rod- and cone-mediated bipolar cell pathways using flicker stimuli in mice
Authors: Tanimoto Naoyuki , Sothilingam Vithiyanjali , Kondo Mineo , Biel Martin , Humphries Peter , Seeliger Mathias W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMouse full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) are dominated by responses of photoreceptors and depolarizing (ON-) bipolar cells, but not much of hyperpolarizing (OFF-) bipolar cells under conventional recording conditions. Here we investigate a novel ERG protocol in mice for functional assessment of the major ON- and OFF-bipolar cell pathways using flicker stimuli for a high luminance with varying frequency up to 30 Hz. Wild-type (WT) and functionally specific transgenic mice (Cnga3-/-, no cone photoreceptor function; rho-/-, no rod photoreceptor function; mGluR6-/-, no ON-bipolar cell function) were examined. The Cnga3-/- flicker ERG was similar to the WT flicker ERG at very low stimulus frequencies, whereas ERGs were comparable between WT and rho-/- mice at 5 Hz and above. Between 5 and 15 Hz, ERGs in mGluR6-/- mice differed in configuration and amplitude from those in WT and rho-/- mice; in contrast, response amplitudes above 15 Hz were comparable among WT, rho-/- and mGluR6-/- mice. In summary, we found three frequency ranges with these conditions that are dominated by activity in the rod pathways (below 5 Hz), cone ON-pathway (between 5 and 15 Hz) and cone OFF-pathway (above 15 Hz) that enables a quick overview of the functionality of the major bipolar cell pathways.
Automated Pipeline for Purification, Biophysical and X-Ray Analysis of Biomacromolecular Solutions
Authors: Graewert Melissa A. , Franke Daniel , Jeffries Cy M. , Blanchet Clement E. , Ruskule Darja , Kuhle Katja , Flieger Antje , Schäfer Bernd , Tartsch Bernd , Meijers Rob , Svergun Dmitri I. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSmall angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), an increasingly popular method for structural analysis of biological macromolecules in solution, is often hampered by inherent sample polydispersity. We developed an all-in-one system combining in-line sample component separation with parallel biophysical and SAXS characterization of the separated components. The system coupled to an automated data analysis pipeline provides a novel tool to study difficult samples at the P12 synchrotron beamline (PETRA-3, EMBL/DESY, Hamburg).
Some like it hot: Thermal tolerance and oxygen supply capacity in two eurythermal crustaceans
Authors: Ern Rasmus , Huong Do Thi Thanh , Phuong Nguyen Thanh , Madsen Peter Teglberg , Wang Tobias , Bayley Mark 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThermal sensitivity of the cardiorespiratory oxygen supply capacity has been proposed as the cardinal link underlying the upper boundary of the temperature niche in aquatic ectotherms. Here we examined the evidence for this link in two eurythermal decapods, the Giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and the European crayfish (Astacus astacus). We found that both species have a temperature resistant cardiorespiratory system, capable of maintaining oxygen delivery up to their upper critical temperature (Tcrit). In neither species was Tcrit reduced in hypoxia (60% air saturation) and both species showed an exponential increase in heart and gill ventilation rates up to their Tcrit. Further, failure of action potential conduction in preparations of A. astacus motor neurons coincided with Tcrit, indicating that compromised nervous function may provide the underlying determinant for Tcrit rather than oxygen delivery. At high temperatures, absolute aerobic scope was maintained in P. monodon, but reduced in A. astacus. However, A. astacus also displayed reduced exercise intensity indicating that impaired muscle performance with resulting reduced tissue oxygen demand may explain the reduced scope rather than insufficient oxygen supply capacity. This interpretation agrees with early literature on aquatic ectotherms, correlating loss of nervous function with impaired locomotion as temperatures approach Tcrit.
Effect of dilution of stool soluble component on growth and development of Strongyloides stercoralis
Authors: Anamnart Witthaya , Maleewong Intapan Pewpan , Pattanawongsa Attarat , Chamavit Pennapa , Kaewsawat Supreecha , Maleewong Wanchai 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDispersion or dilution of stool by water from heavy rainfall may affect Strongyloides stercoralis free-living development producing infective filariform larvae (FL). This study examined effect of water dilution of stool on survival of S. stercoralis free-living development. One g of stool was prepared in water so that its soluble component was diluted sequentially from 1:2 to 1:480. Three dishes were used to compare FL production in three culture conditions: stool suspension, stool sediment deposited in soil and isolated rhabditiform larvae (RhL) deposited in soil. The fourth dish was for developmental observation of RhL into free-living stages. Numerous FL were generated from undiluted or 1:2 diluted stool and stool sediment placed on soil. However, starting from dilution 1:5, FL production continuously decreased in both stool suspensions and stool sediments placed on soil. RhL isolated from stool dilutions placed on soil gave rise to few FL. Worm mating were seen at 24-30 hours in dilutions 1:20-1:120 only. Highest numbers of FL from indirect free-living cycle were 1/3 of those from control. FL production decreased as stool dilution increased and reached zero production at 1:160 dilution. Rainfall may disperse or dilute stool so that nutritional supplement for S. stercoralis free-living development is insufficient.
Discovery of novel inhibitors of human S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase based on in silico high-throughput screening and a non-radioactive enzymatic assay
Authors: Liao Chenzeng , Wang Yanlin , Tan Xiao , Sun Lidan , Liu Sen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractNatural polyamines are small polycationic molecules essential for cell growth and development and elevated level of polyamines is positively correlated with various cancers. As a rate-limiting enzyme of the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) has been an attractive drug target. In this report, we present the discovery of novel human AdoMetDC (hAdoMetDC) inhibitors by coupling computational and experimental tools. We constructed a reasonable computational structure model of hAdoMetDC that is compatible with general protocols for high-throughput drug screening and used this model inin silicoscreening of hAdoMetDC inhibitors against a large compound library using a battery of computational tools. We also established and validated a simple, economic and non-radioactive enzymatic assay, which can be adapted for experimental high-throughput screening of hAdoMetDC inhibitors. Finally, we obtained an hAdoMetDC inhibitor lead with a novel scaffold. This study provides both new tools and a new lead for the developing of novel hAdoMetDC inhibitors.
Hemocompatibility improvement of perfusion-decellularized clinical-scale liver scaffold through heparin immobilization
Authors: Bao Ji , Wu Qiong , Sun Jiu , Zhou Yongjie , Wang Yujia , Jiang Xin , Li Li , Shi Yujun , Bu Hong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWhole-liver perfusion-decellularization is an attractive scaffold–preparation technique for producing clinical transplantable liver tissue. However, the scaffold’s poor hemocompatibility poses a major obstacle. This study was intended to improve the hemocompatibility of perfusion-decellularized porcine liver scaffold via immobilization of heparin. Heparin was immobilized on decellularized liver scaffolds (DLSs) by electrostatic binding using a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique (/h-LBL scaffold), covalent binding via multi-point attachment (/h-MPA scaffold), or end-point attachment (/h-EPA scaffold). The effect of heparinization on anticoagulant ability and cytocompatibility were investigated. The result of heparin content and release tests revealed EPA technique performed higher efficiency of heparin immobilization than other two methods. Then, systematic in vitro investigation of prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), platelet adhesion and human platelet factor 4 (PF4, indicates platelet activation) confirmed the heparinized scaffolds, especially the /h-EPA counterparts, exhibited ultralow blood component activations and excellent hemocompatibility. Furthermore, heparin treatments prevented thrombosis successfully in DLSs with blood perfusion after implanted in vivo. Meanwhile, after heparin processes, both primary hepatocyte and endothelial cell viability were also well-maintained, which indicated that heparin treatments with improved biocompatibility might extend to various hemoperfusable whole-organ scaffolds’ preparation.
Catalytic subunits of the phosphatase calcineurin interact with NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) and attenuate NIK-dependent gene expression
Authors: Shinzawa Miho , Konno Hiroyasu , Qin Junwen , Akiyama Nobuko , Miyauchi Maki , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Miyamoto-Sato Etsuko , Yanagawa Hiroshi , Akiyama Taishin , Inoue Jun-ichiro 
Published: June 2015

AbstractNuclear factor (NF)-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) is a serine/threonine kinase that activates NF-κB pathways, thereby regulating a wide variety of immune systems. Aberrant NIK activation causes tumor malignancy, suggesting a requirement for precise regulation of NIK activity. To explore novel interacting proteins of NIK, we performed in vitro virus screening and identified the catalytic subunit Aα isoform of serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin (CnAα) as a novel NIK-interacting protein. The interaction of NIK with CnAα in living cells was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. Calcineurin catalytic subunit Aβ isoform (CnAβ) also bound to NIK. Experiments using domain deletion mutants suggested that CnAα and CnAβ interact with both the kinase domain and C-terminal region of NIK. Moreover, the phosphatase domain of CnAα is responsible for the interaction with NIK. Intriguingly, we found that TRAF3, a critical regulator of NIK activity, also binds to CnAα and CnAβ. Depletion of CnAα and CnAβ significantly enhanced lymphotoxin-β receptor (LtβR)-mediated expression of the NIK-dependent gene Spi-B and activation of RelA and RelB, suggesting that CnAα and CnAβ attenuate NF-κB activation mediated by LtβR-NIK signaling. Overall, these findings suggest a possible role of CnAα and CnAβ in modifying NIK functions.
Oxalic acid and sclerotial differentiation of Polyporus umbellatus
Authors: Xing Yong-Mei , Yin Wan-Qiang , Liu Meng-Meng , Wang Chun-Lan , Guo Shun-Xing 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe present investigation aimed to uncover the effects of exogenous oxalic acid during the sclerotial formation of Polyporus umbellatus, with an emphasis on determining the content of the endogenic oxalic acid in the fungus. To this end, the oxalic acid content of the vegetative mycelia, sclerotia, culture mediums and sclerotial exudate were measured using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the lipid peroxidation was estimated by detecting thiobarbituric bituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The results showed that the exogenous oxalic acid caused a delay in sclerotial differentiation (of up to 9 or more days), suppressed the sclerotial biomass and decreased the lipid peroxidation significantly in a concentration-dependent manner. Oxalic acid was found at very low levels in the mycelia and the maltose medium, whereas it was found at high levels in the mycelia and sucrose medium. After sclerotial differentiation, oxalic acid accumulated at high levels in both the sclerotia and the sclerotial exudate. Oxalic acid was therefore found to inhibit P. umbellatus sclerotial formation.