A model of product line design and introduction sequence with reservation utility

Cannibalization is a major concern for a firm when designing a product line. In addition, external options from outside the firm’s product line may also play a significant role. In this paper, we investigate the impact of external options, represented by reservation utility, on product line design and introduction sequence. We find that: (a) heterogeneous reservation utility defines the relative attractiveness of segments and corresponding product line; (b) reservation utility makes it more favorable to introduce products sequentially rather than simultaneously; (c) aggregating segments is an effective way to mitigate cannibalization when it becomes too difficult to manage with different values of reservation utility across multiple segments; and (d) introducing products in a non-monotone order of quality can improve profit from simultaneous introduction when the value of reservation utility of a middle segment is particularly high.     

Non-Poissonian statistics in an optical analog of quantum billiard with perfectly square boundaries

We study deviation from the Poissonian statistics of the frequency spacing distribution, appearing due to coupling of polarizational and transverse degrees of freedom in a perfectly square vertical cavity surface emitting laser. The deviation can be controlled by strength of the intracavity anisotropy and its alignment to the device boundaries.     

三维树枝状银薄膜的可控生长及其在表面增强拉曼光谱中的应用

通过电流置换反应制备了树枝状银纳米薄膜。在反应过程中通过控制反应时间和硝酸银的浓度,得到了不同形貌、分布和密度的树枝状银薄膜,从而得到了具有不同SERS性能的树枝状银纳米薄膜。选取了具有最佳SERS性能的树枝状银纳米薄膜对罗丹明6G进行了微量检测、再现性检测和稳定性检测,其检测限可达到1×10^-11 mol·L^-1,具有优良的再现性和良好的稳定性。     

A competitive displacement assay with quantum dots as fluorescence resonance energy transfer donors

The unique optoelectronic properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) make them well-suited as fluorescent bioprobes for use in various biological applications. Modification of CdSe/ZnS QDs with biologically relevant molecules provides for multipotent probes that can be used for cellular labeling, bioassays, and localized optical interrogation by means of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Herein, we demonstrate the use of red-emitting streptavidin-coated QDs (QD₆₀₅) as donors in FRET to introduce a competitive displacement-based assay for the detection of oligonucleotides. Various QD–DNA bioconjugates featuring 25-mer probe sequences diagnostic of Hsp23 were prepared. The single-stranded oligonucleotide probes were hybridized to dye-labeled (Alexa Fluor 647) reporter sequences, which were provided for a FRET-sensitized emission signal due to proximity of the QD and dye. The dye-labeled sequence was designed to be partially complementary and include base-pair mismatches to facilitate displacement by a more energetically favorable, fully complementary recognition motif embedded within a 98-mer displacer sequence. Overall, this study demonstrates proof-of-concept at the nM level for competitive displacement hybridization assays in vitro by reduction of fluorescence intensity that directly correlates to the presence of oligonucleotides of interest. This work demonstrates an analytical method that could potentially be implemented for monitoring of intracellular gene expression in the future.     

Dihalocarbene Addition to Vinylic Selenides-1,1-dihalo-2-(phenylseleno) cyclopropanes

Dihalocarbenes generated under phase transfer conditions add to cis and trans vinylic selenides to give the corresponding 1,1-dihalo-2-selenocyciopropanes with retention of configuration.     

Direct Formation of 2,3,5‐Trichloropyridine and its Nucleophilic Displacement Reactions in Ionic Liquid

Abstract

Reaction of trichloroacetaldehyde and acrylonitrile in the presence of a catalytic amount of copper (I) chloride in ionic liquid afforded 2,3,5‐trichloropyridine, fluorination of which with KF and CsF in ionic liquid afforded 3,5‐dichloro‐2‐fluoropyridine and 5‐chloro‐2,3‐dichloropyridine. Reaction of 2,3,5‐trichloropyridine, 3,5‐dichloro‐2‐fluoropyridine, or 5‐chloro‐2,3‐dichloropyride with 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenoxy)propionates in ionic liquid afforded the corresponding 2‐aryloxylpropionates in good yields.     

Study on Influencing Factors of Chemical Flooding for Heavy Oil

Alkali and alkali/surfactant displacing agents are designed for two kinds of heavy oil. Results of emulsifying capacity, dynamic interfacial tension (IFT) and water-wet core flooding tests show that, although alkaline/surfactant systems exhibit better capacity in emulsification and IFT reduction, oil recovery values of alkaline/surfactant flooding are lower than those of alkaline flooding. Glass-etched micromodel tests further demonstrate that, when alkaline solution penetrates into the oil phase, water streams break into ganglia coating oil film. Water ganglia may be entrapped by narrow throats, consequently presenting a water-oil alternating slug flow. Similar water ganglia also appears in alkaline/surfactant flooding, however, water channeling along the pore surface occurs subsequently, resulting in its relatively lower oil recovery.     

Biocomputing Based on DNA Strand Displacement Reactions

The high sequence specificity and precise base complementary pairing principle of DNA provides a rich orthogonal molecular library for molecular programming, making it one of the most promising materials for developing bio-compatible intelligence. In recent years, DNA has been extensively studied and applied in the field of biological computing. Among them, the toehold-mediated strand displacement reaction (SDR) with properties including enzyme free, flexible design and precise control, have been extensively used to construct biological computing circuits. This review provides a systemic overview of SDR design principles and the applications. Strategies for designing DNA-only, enzymes-assisted, other molecules-involved and external stimuli-controlled SDRs are described. The recently realized computing functions and the application of DNA computing in other fields are introduced. Finally, the advantages and challenges of SDR-based computing are discussed.     

A Novel Fluorescent Probe for ATP Detection Based on Synergetic Effect of Aggregation-induced Emission and Counterion Displacement

In this work,a fluorescent probe(TPEBe-I)was developed for adenosine triphosphate(ATP)detection based on the synergetic effect of aggregation-induced emission and counterion displacement.TPEBe-I gave weak emission in aqueous solution due to the heavy-atom effect of counter iodide ion.However,upon the addition of ATP,the new aggregate complex(TPEBe-ATP)was formed between the cationic unit of TPEBe-I and ATP through electrostatic interactions,which not only restricted the intramolecular motion of luminogen but also eliminated the quenching effect of iodide ion.As a result,the fluorescent light-up detection for ATP was successfully achieved.Moreover,TPEBe-I exhibited high selectivity towards ATP and showed a wide linear detection region towards the logarithm of ATP concentration(5—600μmol/L)with a detection limit of 1.0μmol/L,enabling TPEBe-I as a promising probe for ATP quantitative analysis.     

Theoretical study on the mechanism of thieno[3,2‐b]benzofuran bromination: the importance of Lewis and non‐Lewis type NBOs interactions along the reaction path

A density functional theory study has been performed to estimate the electrophilic thieno[3,2‐b]benzofuran bromination reaction. Optimized structures for all stationary points were examined by employing the B3LYP and BMK at the 6‐31++G(d,p), 6‐311G(d,p), and 6‐311++G(d,p) levels of theory. The solvent polarity has a significant effect on a reduction of activation energies barriers. The reaction involves the formation of a triangle complex, migration of a proton through the bromine moiety followed by ionization of the bromine bond, and activation to the σ‐complex. Finally, the σ‐complex transforms into the reaction products. The natural bond orbital (NBO) population analysis was performed along the reaction minimal energy path defined as a function of the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC). The evolution of interaction energies between filled and empty NBOs along IRC has been estimated. The importance of these interactions for the disruption of Br?Br and C?H bonds and creation of C?Br and H?Br bonds have been emphasized. The changes in NBOs hybridization, covalency effects, electrostatic potential density maps, and occupancy of natural bonds have been investigated along IRC. The results obtained explain well the essence of bonding transformations and electron density changes during the reaction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.