bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamically Stable, Size Selective Solubilization of Carbon Nanotubes in Aqueous Media by Self-assembly with Amphiphilic Block Copolymers
Authors: Nagarajan Ramanathan 
Published: January 2010

AbstractTwo molecular modes of amphiphilic block copolymer-carbon nanotube interactions have been suggested in the literature, involving the adsorption of either individual block copolymer molecules or of multimolecular, spherical block copolymer micelles on the carbon nanotube. In both cases, the nature of stability imparted to the dispersion of nanotubes is kinetic, controlled by the steric barrier imposed by the adsorbed individual molecules or micelles. In this study we propose an alternate mode of molecular interaction, wherein the block copolymer molecules self-assemble around the nanotube to generate a thermodynamically stable aqueous dispersion. The possibility of such micellar solubilization of nanotubes is examined by constructing a phenomenological theory of nanotube solubilization. Illustrative calculations performed for polyethylene oxide- polypropylene oxide – polyethylene oxide (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymers show that they are capable of solubilizing carbon nanotubes in aqueous solutions. While the block copolymer molecules that spontaneously form cylindrical micelles are most likely to solubilize the nanotubes, other copolymers whose natural curvature is spherical or lamellar also are capable of forming cylindrical micelles around the nanotubes. Most interestingly, the solubilization is found to be size specific suggesting that this can be developed into a practical method to fractionate carbon nanotubes by size or chirality.
Standards Development for the Characterization of Quantum Dot Suspensions and Solids
Authors: Davis Lynn , Coe-Sullivan Seth , Shchekin Oleg , Mishra K.C. , Raukas Madis , Modi Rohit , Breen Craig , Leibowitz Mike 
Published: January 2010

AbstractLuminescent nanoparticles such as quantum dots (QDs) are beginning to appear in SSL devices and other commercial products. The allure of QDs in SSL these applications is the potential to provide enhanced device performance (e.g., improved energy efficiency, better color rendering properties, etc.) than is possible with conventional technologies. When used in SSL and other applications, QDs are typically incorporated into or coated onto a solid organic or inorganic matrix and then are excited using external stimuli (e.g., blue light with a maximum wavelength of 450 nm). This structure is vastly different from the colloidal environment in which QDs are typically synthesized and characterized. Bridging the gap between the measurements typically acquired by QD providers and those needed by potential end-users is currently difficult due to the absence of agreed upon standard test methods. Measurements taken in colloidal QD suspensions often do not translate to solid-phase material characterizations due to a variety of factors including sample preparation methods (e.g., temperature, solvents, etc), QD concentrations, and effects arising from the presence of the solid matrix. Additionally, solid samples are more likely to exhibit diffuse reflectance and/or diffuse transmittance necessitating the use of an integrating sphere and a computer-controlled spectrometer to acquire accurate readings. This paper discusses the development of a standard test method to measure the quantum efficiency of QDs contained in solid organic and inorganic matrices. This standard is being developed under the auspices of the International Electrotechnical Commission, Technical Committee 113 on Nano-electrotechnologies.
Surfactant-free Colloidal Crystal of ZnO Quantum Dots
Authors: Zhang Xi , Sun Dazhi , Sue Hung-Jue 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMonodisperse ZnO quantum dots (QDs) with a particle size of about 5 nm have been synthesized. Isopropanol together with hexane were utilized to precipitate ZnO nanoparticles to form condensed phases, ranging from white flocculation, to gel-like fluid, and to transparent solid. The morphology and structure in the transparent ZnO solid was characterized by UV-vis, X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanisms for the formation of transparent ZnO QDs close-packed structure were monitored via UV-vis spectra, and found likely to be a colloidal crystal. The colloidal crystal is transparent and absorbs UV light efficiently. Possible conditions for the formation of the ZnO QDs colloidal crystal are discussed.
Electrical Control of LSPR from Gold Nanoparticles Using Electrochemical Oxidation
Authors: Miyazaki Takashi , Hasegawa Rei , Yamaguchi Hajime , Nagato Hitoshi , Oh-oka Haruhi , Amemiya Isao , Uchikoga Shuichi 
Published: January 2010

AbstractLarge shift of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectrum of gold nanoparticles was attained by electrochemical oxidation of the nanoparticle surface. This oxidation occurred in a cell consisting of a pair of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes with water medium between the electrodes. On one side of the ITO electrode, the gold nanoparticles were adsorbed. The LSPR spectrum was moved consecutively to the red by increasing the applied positive voltage. By the application of 5 V to the cell, the spectrum shift as large as 55 nm was obtained. Though the spectrum shift has already been observed by changing liquid crystal (LC) orientation surrounding gold nanoparticles, the amount of the shift was not large (11 nm). That was because the variation of the effective refractive index of LC was rather small. Our large shift due to electrochemical oxidation resulted from the large refractive index of Au-O. The upper limit of the LSPR spectrum shift by our method is estimated to be 138 nm.
Grating Coupled Surface Plasmon Resonance Enhanced Fluorescence and Its Application for Cell Observation
Authors: Cui Xiaoqiang , Tawa Keiko , Nishii Junji 
Published: January 2010

AbstractOne-dimensional grating with 400 nm pitch was fabricated on a SiO2 glass surface. The grating was applied for detection of fluorescence excited by the electric field of the grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance and highly sensitive observation of fluorescence image by optical microscope. 40-times of fluorescence enhancement was obtained under optimal condition after our systematically investigating depth and duty ratio dependent behavior.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Responses of Au-SnOxNanocomposite Films
Authors: Yang Dongfang 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAu-SnOxnanocomposite thin films composed of gold nanoparticles embedded in SnOxmatrix were prepared by pulsed laser deposition technique and their crystal structure, morphology and chemical composition were evaluated by low angle X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. For the nanocomposite films with high Au percentage, the surfaces of nanocomposite films are very smooth, while for the films with low Au percentage, the films consist of many embedded Au nanoparticles with particle size of 5-20 nm. The XRD results revealed that in the nanocomposite films Au existed in a polycrystalline phase while SnOxin an amorphous phase. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) responses of the Au-SnOxnanocomposite thin films were investigated as functions of Au percentage and film thickness in the Kretschmann geometry of attenuated total reflection using a polarized light beam at the wavelength of 640 nm. The reflectance minima (SPR dip) of SPR responses of the Au-SnOxnanocomposite films appeared at higher values of incident angle than that of a pure Au film and as the Au percentage decreases the SPR angles shift to higher values and the widths also become broader. The potential use of Au-SnOxnanocomposite films for SPR gas sensing was discussed.
Marni Goldman Tribute: Contributions to Materials Science Education
Authors: Wade Charles , Frank Curtis 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis symposium is a memorial to Dr. Marni Goldman. Although she never walked and had only limited use of her arms, Marni's academic and professional accomplishments placed her in elite company. She obtained two bachelors degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of California at Berkeley. Even with a heavy course load, she was involved in educational outreach during her studies. She started her career as a Research Associate (Education Director) in Stanford's NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center on Polymer Interfaces and Macromolecular Assemblies in 2000 and retained those responsibilities until her death in 2007. During this period she rapidly added the responsibilities as Education Director for Stanford's Nanofabrication Facility and was ultimately named Associate Director of Stanford's Office of Science Outreach. Marni was a dynamo whose activities at Stanford included a large summer undergraduate internship program, a Research Experiences for Teachers program (local and national activities), a program to bring community college students (especially minority students) to the campus, public science (San Jose Tech Museum of Innovation, San Francisco Exploratorium), outreach to high schools with high minority populations, and a program with summer internships for students with disabilities. Marni's achievements are thanks in no small part to her extraordinary family, to her own intelligence and tenacity, and to a wide and loving circle of friends, drawn to her by the spirit of her determination and the unmistakable largeness of her heart.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Undergraduate Interns Investigate Smart Polymeric Materials
Authors: Cebe Peggy , Cherdack Daniel , Guertin Robert , Haas Terry , Huang Wenwen , Ince-Gunduz B. Seyhan , Tobin Roger , Valluzzi Regina 
Published: January 2010

AbstractSmart Materials are those which can undergo a reversible property change in response to an external influence. An important polymeric Smart Material is poly(vinylidene fluoride), or PVF2, which is piezoelectric. The structure of PVF2 determines which crystal phases will be electrically active. Recent research has shown that the electrically active beta phase of PVF2 grows preferentially in nanocomposites of PVF2 mixed with organically modified silicates (OMS) ‘1-4’. These nanocomposite Smart Materials offer a new processing strategy for PVF2 piezo-films. Using PVF2 nanocomposites as the research focal point, a summer internship program was developed for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) undergraduate students [5,6]. This paper describes the program and presents research results achieved by the interns. It is written from the perspective of the Principal Investigator, Cebe, on behalf of all the co-authors.
Identification, Development and Implementation of Nanoscience Activities for Alabama K-12
Authors: Bakker Martin , Staggemeier Katrina , Grano Amy , Kuntz Aaron , Gleason Jim , McKenzie Leigh , O'Neal Brenda , Pace Rachel 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe report on a pair of MSP (Mathematics & Science Partnership) START pilot projects designed to identify nanoscience experiments that will fit within the Alabama course of study for use in Alabama K-12 classrooms. As part of the first project we are testing the development, refinement and evaluation of an activity already partly developed. The form of this activity has had input from a focus group of RETs who were tasked to provide input into the activity and how it can be matched to components of the Alabama Course of Study. This activity consists of using sparks generated by abrasion of misch metal by sand paper of different grit size. Different grit sizes produce metal particles of different sizes, resulting in sparks of different size and length. If done in a dry box no sparks are produced and the powder left is not pyrophoric, demonstrating that high surface area, heat and oxygen are all required to produce sparks. SEM characterization of the powder allows the particle sizes to be determined, giving the correlation between size, grit size and spark track length. The activity was tested on groups of middle school science campers at McWane Science Center, and after evaluation, further modified to increase student interest and impact. The activity was then tested on grades 6-8 in a middle school classroom by a graduate student/undergraduate student team.
Innovative Evaluation of Two Materials Science Education Enrichment Programs
Authors: Steinberg Daniel Jonathan , Greco Shannon L. , Carroll Kimberly 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe Princeton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM) is an NSF-funded Materials Science and Research Center (MRSEC) at Princeton. PCCM currently has four Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs) and several seed projects. PCCM runs a variety of education outreach programs that include: Research Experience for Undergraduates, Research Experience for Teachers, Materials Camp for Teachers, Middle School Science and Engineering Expo (SEE) for 1200 students, and Princeton University Materials Academy (PUMA), for inner city high school students. In this paper we focus on new evaluation efforts for the PUMA and the Science and Engineering Expo. We will discuss first PUMA the SEE and elaborate on the new evaluation efforts for each program.Created in 2002 by PCCM, PUMA has an inquiry based materials science curriculum designed to work at the high school level. PUMA's activities are paired with an inquiry based evaluation of scientific ability and attitude change. An evaluation of high school students' ability to formulate scientific questions as a result of their participation in this summer program based was developed based on similar studies of college students questioning ability in inquiry learning environments. Created in 2004 by PCCM and partners in Molecular Biology, SEE is run once per year in the spring. It is a day dedicated to capturing the imaginations of young students through science demonstrations and direct interaction with materials scientists and engineers. 1000 middle school students from local schools come to Princeton University to interact with Princeton scientists and engineers and explore science with the help of demonstrations and hands-on activities. Throughout the day, they explore a wide range research from Princeton that is at the cutting edge of science and engineering to generate excitement about science and engineering. In addition to studying over 5000's student written essays we have constructed a pre and post test for student attitudes administered to over 500 students in 2009 to determine the impact of the SEE on students' attitudes about materials science and STEM fields. This large scale attitude assessment and student written statements help to establish the impact of this one day program.
Research Grade Instrumentation for Nanotechnology and MSE Education
Authors: Broadbridge Christine , Garofano Jacquelynn , Altman Eric , Khalil Yehia , Henrich Victor , Segal Yaron , Padmore Myrtle-Rose , Michael Philip , Walker Fred 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). CRISP is a partnership between Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) and Brookhaven National Laboratory. A main focus of CRISP research is complex oxide interfaces that are prepared using epitaxial techniques, including molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Complex oxides exhibit a wealth of electronic, magnetic and chemical behaviors, and the surfaces and interfaces of complex oxides can have properties that differ substantially from those of the corresponding bulk materials. CRISP employs this research program in a concerted way to educate students at all levels. CRISP has constructed a robust MBE apparatus specifically designed for safe and productive use by undergraduates. Students can grow their own samples and then characterize them with facilities at both Yale and SCSU, providing a complete research and educational experience. This paper will focus on the implementation of the CRISP Teaching MBE facility and its use in the study of the synthesis and properties of the crystalline oxide-silicon interface.
CB1 Antagonism Exerts Specific Molecular Effects on Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat and Reverses Liver Steatosis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Jourdan Tony , Djaouti Louiza , Demizieux Laurent , Gresti Joseph , Vergès Bruno , Degrace Pascal 
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE
The beneficial effects of the inactivation of endocannabinoid system (ECS) by administration of antagonists of the cannabinoid receptor (CB) 1 on several pathological features associated with obesity is well demonstrated, but the relative contribution of central versus peripheral mechanisms is unclear.
We examined the impact of CB1 antagonism on liver and adipose tissue lipid metabolism in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Mice were fed either with a standard diet or a high-sucrose high-fat (HSHF) diet for 19 weeks and then treated with the CB1-specific antagonist SR141716 (10 mg · kg−1 · day−1) for 6 weeks.

RESULTS
Treatment with SR141716 reduced fat mass, insulin levels, and liver triglycerides primarily increased by HSHF feeding. Serum adiponectin levels were restored after being reduced in HSHF mice. Gene expression of scavenger receptor class B type I and hepatic lipase was induced by CB1 blockade and associated with an increase in HDL-cholesteryl ether uptake. Concomitantly, the expression of CB1, which was strongly increased in the liver and adipose tissue of HSHF mice, was totally normalized by the treatment. Interestingly, in visceral but not subcutaneous fat, genes involved in transport, synthesis, oxidation, and release of fatty acids were upregulated by HSHF feeding, while this effect was counteracted by CB1 antagonism.

CONCLUSIONS
A reduction in the CB1-mediated ECS activity in visceral fat is associated with a normalization of adipocyte metabolism, which may be a determining factor in the reversion of liver steatosis induced by treatment with SR141716.
Calbindin-D28K acts as a calcium-dependent chaperone suppressing α-synuclein fibrillation in vitro
Authors: Zhou Wenbo , Long Chunmei , Fink Anthony , Uversky Vladimir 
Published: January 2010

Abstractα-Synuclein, a natively unfolded protein aggregation which is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases, is known to interact with a great number of unrelated proteins. Some of these proteins, such as β-synuclein and DJ-1, were shown to inhibit α-synuclein aggregation in vitro and in vivo therefore acting as chaperones. Since calbindin-D28K is co-localized with Ca2+ neuronal membrane pumps, and since α-synuclein is also found in the membrane proximity, these two proteins can potentially interact in vivo. Here we show that calbindin-D28K interacts with α-synuclein and inhibits its fibrillation in a calcium-dependent manner, therefore potentially acting as a calcium-dependent chaperone.
Human mesenchymal adipose stromal cells from mature adipocyte fraction
Authors: Unguryte Aušra , Bernotiene Eiva , Venalis Algirdas 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMore effective techniques should be employed for isolation of human mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSC), seeking to make adipose tissue biopsies smaller in volume and thus less invasive. In this study, we compared properties of ADSC isolated by several different methods from the same samples of adipose tissue in order to enhance yields of potential ADSC. The mature adipocyte fraction was investigated using the ceiling culture method, including both ceiling and bottom cell fractions, and the control culture method with standard amount of medium. The results were also compared using the stromal vascular fraction from the same samples. The most efficient was the bottom cell population isolated from the mature adipocyte fraction by ceiling culture method. These cells readily differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages and, similar to stromal vascular fraction cells, displayed high proliferation potential. Cultures of mature adipocyte fractions with standard amount of medium were considerably less effective. Mature adipocyte fractions yields large quantities of adipose-derived stem cells that have properties comparable with stromal vascular fraction cells suitable for tissue regeneration, especially when only small biopsies can be taken.
Transfusions and long-term functional outcomes in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Warner Matthew A. , O'Keeffe Terence , Bhavsar Premal , Shringer Rashmi , Moore Carol , Harper Caryn , Madden Christopher J. , Sarode Ravi , Gentilello Larry M. , Diaz-Arrastia Ramon 
Published: January 2010

Object
In this paper, the authors' goal was to examine the relationship between transfusion and long-term functional outcomes in moderately anemic patients (lowest hematocrit [HCT] level 21–30%) with traumatic brain injury (TBI). While evidence suggests that transfusions are associated with poor hospital outcomes, no study has examined transfusions and long-term functional outcomes in this population. The preferred transfusion threshold remains controversial.

Methods
The authors performed a retrospective review of patients who were admitted with TBI between September 2005 and November 2007, extracting data such as HCT level, status of red blood cell transfusion, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, serum glucose, and length of hospital stay. Outcome measures assessed at 6 months were Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score, Functional Status Examination score, and patient death. A multivariate generalized linear model controlling for confounding variables was used to assess the association between transfusion and outcome.

Results
During the study period, 292 patients were identified, and 139 (47.6%) met the criteria for moderate anemia. Roughly half (54.7%) underwent transfusions. Univariate analyses showed significant correlations between outcome score and patient age, admission GCS score, head Abbreviated Injury Scale score, number of days with an HCT level < 30%, highest glucose level, number of days with a glucose level > 200 mg/dl, length of hospital stay, number of patients receiving a transfusion, and transfusion volume. In multivariate analysis, admission GCS score, receiving a transfusion, and transfusion volume were the only variables associated with outcome (F = 2.458, p = 0.007; F = 11.694, p = 0.001; and F = 1.991, p = 0.020, respectively). There was no association between transfusion and death.

Conclusions
Transfusions may contribute to poor long-term functional outcomes in anemic patients with TBI. Transfusion strategies should be aimed at patients with symptomatic anemia or physiological compromise, and transfusion volume should be minimized.