Distributed Bragg reflector laser(1.8 μm) with 10 nm wavelength tuning range

We report a 1.8 μm two-section distributed Bragg reflector laser using butt-jointed In Ga As P bulk material as the waveguide core layer. The threshold current is 17 m A and the output power is 8 m W on average. The threshold current, output power, and emitting wavelength dependences on temperature are measured. The obtained wavelength tuning range is 10 nm. This device has potential applications in simultaneous multiple-gas detection.     

Effect of twin boundary on nanoimprint process of bicrystal Al thin film studied by molecular dynamics simulation

The effects of a twin boundary(TB) on the mechanical properties of two types of bicrystal Al thin films during the nanoimprint process are investigated by using molecular dynamics simulations.The results indicate that for the TB direction parallel to the imprinting direction,the yield stress reaches the maximum for the initial dislocation nucleation when the mould directly imprints to the TB,and the yield stress first decreases with the increase of the marker interval and then increases.However,for the TB direction perpendicular to the imprinting direction,the effect of the TB location to the imprinting forces is very small,and the yield stress is greater than that with the TB direction parallel to the imprinting direction.The results also demonstrate that the direction of the slip dislocations and the deformation of the thin film caused by spring-back are different due to various positions and directions of the TB.     

Preparation and Characterization of Vanillin Cross-Linked Chitosan Microspheres of Pterostilbene

A vanillin cross-linked chitosan microsphere delivery system was established for stabilization and controlled release of pterostilbene. The prepared microspheres were characterized by SEM images, FT-IR spectra, thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction. FT-IR spectra results indicated that chitosan was cross-linked by vanillin successfully. Thermal analysis showed that pterostilbene had been totally incorporated into the microspheres and the encapsulation of pterostilbene decreases the rate of degradation and increases the stability. XRD analysis was conducted to confirm the results of DSC analysis. The release rate of pterostilbene from microspheres in pH 3.6 buffer solution could be up to 58.1 % within 48 h.     

Synthesis and Characterizations of Strongly Phosphorescent Copper(I) Halide Complexes with Bridged Bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether Ligand

A series of strongly phosphorescent copper(I) halide complexes, namely [Cu(μ-X)POP]₂ (X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3), Br_0.5Cl_0.5 (4), POP = bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether), have been synthesized by reacting CuX with the diphosphine ligand in 1:1 molar ratio. All complexes were characterized by spectroscopic analysis (IR, UV–Vis), elemental analysis, and photoluminescence study. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that complex 2 is a dinuclear structure which is constructed by two μ-X bridges and two POP ligands as μ₂ bridges. Other complexes were determined as isologues of complex 2 by powder X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. All complexes exhibit intense blue-green phosphorescence with a lifetime of ~1 μs in the solid state. The halogen-mixed complex presents a lightly change in the luminescence comparing to that of parent complexes. The excited states of all complexes have been assigned as halide-to-ligand charge transfer state mixed metal-to-ligand charge transfer character based on the time-dependent density functional theory calculations. All complexes are thermally stable according to thermogravimetric analysis so that they are suitable for applying in luminescent devices.     

Aluminum hypophosphite in combination with expandable graphite as a novel flame retardant system for rigid polyurethane foams

The main aim of this work was to investigate the synergistic effect of expandable graphite (EG) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) on the flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). A series of flame retardant RPUF containing EG and AHP were prepared by one‐shot and free‐rise method. The flame retardant, thermal degradation, and combustion properties of RPUF hybrids were characterized through limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, vertical burning (UL‐94) test, thermogravimetric analysis and microscale combustion calorimeter. The LOI and UL‐94 results showed that the RPUF sample with 10 wt% EG and 5 wt% AHP passed UL‐94 V‐0 rating and reached a relatively high LOI value of 28.5%, which is superior over other EG/AHP ratios in RPUF at the equivalent filler loading. Microscale combustion calorimeter results revealed that the incorporation of EG and AHP into RPUF reduced the peak heat release rate and total heat release, thus decrease the fire risk of RPUF significantly. Incorporation of EG and AHP improved the thermal stability of RPUF as observed from the thermogravimetric analysis results and also enhanced the thermal resistance of char layer at high temperature from scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, it could be seen from thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry spectra that the addition of EG and AHP significantly decreased the combustible gaseous products such as hydrocarbons and ethers. Finally, the synergistic mechanism in flame retardancy was discussed and speculated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transplantation of betacellulin-transduced islets improves glucose intolerance in diabetic mice

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by permanent destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells and requires lifelong exogenous insulin therapy. Recently, islet transplantation has been developed, and although there have been significant advances, this approach is not widely used clinically due to the poor survival rate of the engrafted islets. We hypothesized that improving survival of engrafted islets through ex vivo genetic engineering could be a novel strategy for successful islet transplantation. We transduced islets with adenoviruses expressing betacellulin, an epidermal growth factor receptor ligand, which promotes β-cell growth and differentiation, and transplanted these islets under the renal capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Transplantation with betacellulin-transduced islets resulted in prolonged normoglycemia and improved glucose tolerance compared with those of control virus-transduced islets. In addition, increased microvascular density was evident in the implanted islets, concomitant with increased endothelial von Willebrand factor immunoreactivity. Finally, cultured islets transduced with betacellulin displayed increased proliferation, reduced apoptosis and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the presence of cytokines. These experiments suggest that transplantation with betacellulin-transduced islets extends islet survival and preserves functional islet mass, leading to a therapeutic benefit in type 1 diabetes.     

Inhibition of phospholipase D2 induces autophagy in colorectal cancer cells

Autophagy is a conserved lysosomal self-digestion process used for the breakdown of long-lived proteins and damaged organelles, and it is associated with a number of pathological processes, including cancer. Phospholipase D (PLD) isozymes are dysregulated in various cancers. Recently, we reported that PLD1 is a new regulator of autophagy and is a potential target for cancer therapy. Here, we investigated whether PLD2 is involved in the regulation of autophagy. A PLD2-specific inhibitor and siRNA directed against PLD2 were used to treat HT29 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cells, and both inhibition and genetic knockdown of PLD2 in these cells significantly induced autophagy, as demonstrated by the visualization of light chain 3 (LC3) puncta and autophagic vacuoles as well as by determining the LC3-II protein level. Furthermore, PLD2 inhibition promoted autophagic flux via the canonical Atg5-, Atg7- and AMPK-Ulk1-mediated pathways. Taken together, these results suggest that PLD2 might have a role in autophagy and that its inhibition might provide a new therapeutic basis for targeting autophagy.     

Effect of ethyl cellulose microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate on flame retardancy,mechanical and thermal properties of flame retardant poly(butylene succinate) composites

Ethyl cellulose, a widely used bio-degradable shell material, microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MAPP) was added to the bio-degradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) to improve its flame retardancy, compatibility, and thermal stability. The MAPP was well characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle, and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The SEM results indicate the improved dispersion of MAPP into PBS matrix and the formation of the strong interfacial adhesion between MAPP and PBS than APP. With the incorporation of MAPP and char-forming agent into PBS, the limiting oxygen index of the composite was increased to 35.5 %, and the sample can pass the UL-94 V-0 rating, while the un-microencapsulated counterpart cannot reach the rating. The cone calorimeter test showed that the peak heat release rate was decreased by 46.7 % and the burning time was also prolonged compared to the pure PBS. The increased melt flow index and rheology test indicated the increase of viscosity and the improvement of anti-dripping properties. Moreover, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of MAPP composite were also obviously enhanced after the microencapsulation by mechanical, dynamical mechanical thermal analysis, and TG analysis.     

Preparation,thermal property,and thermal stability of microencapsulated n-octadecane with poly(stearyl methacrylate) as shell

This study focused on preparation and thermal properties of poly(stearyl methacrylate) shell (PSMA) microcapsules containing n-octadecane as a phase change material (PCM). Pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) and divinylbenzene (DVB) were employed as crosslinking agents. The surface morphologies, particle sizes, and distributions of the microencapsulated phase change material (microPCM) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The thermal properties, thermal reliabilities, and thermal stabilities of the microPCMs were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. The microPCM with DVB exhibits higher phase change enthalpies of melting (87.9 J g^?1) and crystallization (94.8 J g^?1) and a greater thermal stability in comparison with the microPCM with PETA. The phase change temperatures and enthalpies of the microPCMs varied little after thermal cycles. Thermal images showed that the gypsum board with PSMA/n-octadecane microPCM possessed temperature-regulated property. Therefore, microencapsulated n-octadecane with PSMA as shell has good thermal energy storage and thermal regulation potential.     

Development of novel LSM/GDC composite and electrochemical characterization of LSM/GDC based cathode-supported direct carbon fuel cells

(La_0.8Sr_0.2)_0.95MnO_3?δ (LSM)–Gd_0.1Ce_0.9O_2?δ (gadolinium-doped ceria, GDC) composite cathode material was developed and characterized in terms of chemical stability, sintering behaviour, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and microstructures to assess its feasibility as cathode support applications in cathode-supported fuel cell configurations. The sintering inhibition effect of LSM, in the presence of GDC, was observed and clearly demonstrated. The mechanical characterization of developed composites revealed that fracture behaviour is directly affected by pore size distribution. The Weibull strength distribution showed that for bimodal pore size distribution, two different fracture rates were present. Furthermore, the contiguity of LSM and GDC grains was calculated with image analysis, and correlation of microstructural features with mechanical and electrical properties was established. Subsequently, an LSM/GDC-based cathode-supported direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) with Ni/ScSZ (scandia-stabilised zirconia) anode was successfully fabricated via slurry coating and co-firing techniques. The microstructures of electrodes and electrolyte layers were observed to confirm the desired morphology after co-sintering, and a single cell was electrochemically characterized in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and DCFC mode with ambient air as oxidant. The higher values of open-circuit voltage indicated that the electrolyte layer prepared by vacuum slurry coating is dense enough. The corresponding peak power densities at 850 °C were 450 and 225 mW cm^?2 in SOFC and DCFC mode, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was carried out to observe electrode polarization and ohmic resistance.