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Promising Applications (promising + application)
Selected AbstractsLanthanide-Containing Light-Emitting Organic,Inorganic Hybrids: A Bet on the FutureADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 5 2009Luís D. Carlos Abstract Interest in lanthanide-containing organic,inorganic hybrids has grown considerably during the last decade, with the concomitant fabrication of materials with tunable attributes offering modulated properties. The potential of these materials relies on exploiting the synergy between the intrinsic characteristics of sol,gel derived hosts (highly controlled purity, versatile shaping and patterning, excellent optical quality, easy control of the refractive index, photosensitivity, encapsulation of large amounts of isolated emitting centers protected by the host) and the luminescence features of trivalent lanthanide ions (high luminescence quantum yield, narrow bandwidth, long-lived emission, large Stokes shifts, ligand-dependent luminescence sensitization). Promising applications may be envisaged, such as light-emitting devices, active waveguides in the visible and near-IR spectral regions, active coatings, and bio-medical actuators and sensors, opening up exciting directions in materials science and related technologies with significant implications in the integration, miniaturization, and multifunctionalization of devices. This review provides an overview of the latest advances in Ln3+ -containing siloxane-based hybrids, with emphasis on the different possible synthetic strategies, photoluminescence features, empirical determination [source] Quantitative Analysis of Prometrine Herbicide by Liquid,Liquid Extraction Procedures Coupled to Electrochemical MeasurementsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 6 2009V. Juarez Abstract A sensitive method is proposed for the preconcentration and quantification of the herbicide Prometrine (PROM) at a liquid-liquid interface employing square-wave voltammetry. The preconcentration stage was based on liquid-liquid extraction methodology and the PROM quantification was carried out from the peak current of square-wave voltammograms. Under the experimental conditions employed, linear calibration curves in the concentration range 1.0×10,6,M,5.0×10,5,M, with detection limit equal to 1.5×10,6,M were obtained without pretreatment of the samples. This linear range, as well as detection limit could be extended towards lower concentrations when a pretreatment procedure was employed. In this way, linearity of calibration curves between 8.0×10,8,M and 2.4×10,7,M and detection limit of 1.0×10,7,M, were observed. On the other hand, the standard addition method was also used as an alternative and an appropriated quantification technique for this system. A linear concentration range between 1.0×10,6,M and 2.7×10,5,M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.997, was obtained. This procedure has also a promising application in the separation of herbicides from other interferents, present in real samples, previous to their quantification. [source] Application of dodecyldimethyl (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl) ammonium in wall modification for capillary electrophoresis separation of proteinsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 3 2005Wei Wei Abstract A zwitterionic surfactant, dodecyldimethyl (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl) ammonium (C12H25N+(CH3)2CH2CHOHCH2SO3,), named dodecyl sulfobetaine (DSB), was used as a novel modifier to coat dynamically capillary walls for capillary electrophoresis separation of basic proteins. The DSB coating suppressed the electroosmotic flow (EOF) in the pH range of 3,12. At high DSB concentration, the EOF was suppressed by more than 8.8,times. The DSB coating also prevented successfully the adsorption of cationic proteins on the capillary wall. Anions, such as Cl,, Br,, I,, SO42,, CO32,, and ClO4,, could be used as running buffer modifiers to adjust the EOF for better separation of analytes. Using this dynamically coated capillary, a mixture of eight inorganic anions achieved complete separation within 4.2,min with the efficiencies from 24,000 to 1,310,000,plates/m. In the presence of ClO4, as EOF adjustor, the separation of a mixture containing four basic proteins (lysozyme, cytochrome c, ,-chymotrypsinogen,A, and myoglobin) yielded efficiencies of 204,000,896,000,plates/m and recoveries of 88%,98%. Migration time reproducibility of these proteins was less than 0.5% relative standard deviation (RSD) from run to run and less than 3.1% RSD from day to day, showing promising application of this novel modifier in protein separation. [source] Legal Feminism and Foucault , A Critique of the Expulsion of LawJOURNAL OF LAW AND SOCIETY, Issue 4 2001Vanessa E. Munro Contemporary theorists have become increasingly receptive to the selective incorporation of Foucaultian theory within feminist frameworks. However, the reception of Foucault within feminist legal critique has been less enthusiastic. The most celebrated theorist to argue for the incorporation of Foucaultian insight within the feminist analysis of law is Carol Smart. While conceding the significant contribution of her work, this article will argue that her interpretation of the Foucaultian thesis on law is considerably more problematic. Illustrating the extent to which she adopts an unnecessarily pessimistic prognosis for the development of Foucault within legal analysis and reform, this article will examine an emerging counter-interpretation of Foucault that presents the possibility for a more promising application, seeking to provide a defence both of the utility of Foucault for feminist jurisprudence, and of the utility of legal reform strategies being exercised for feminist purposes. [source] Light FCC gasoline olefin oligomerization over a magnetic NiSo4/,-Al2o3 catalyst in a magnetically stabilized bedAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009Ying Peng Abstract Magnetic NiSO4/,-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by impregnating NiSO4 solutions onto the ,-Al2O3 support containing a magnetic material of Fe3O4. Characterization by XRD, NH3 -TPD, and thermal analysis showed that the magnetic NiSO4/,-Al2O3 catalyst with a nickel content of 7.0% by weight had a monolayer dispersion of NiSO4 and the largest number of moderate strength acid sites, and a high specific saturation magnetization. The magnetic catalyst was evaluated for light FCC gasoline olefin oligomerization in both fixed-bed and magnetically stabilized bed (MSB) reactors. Comparing with that in the fixed-bed reactor, the optimal reaction temperature in the MSB lowered to 443 K, and its space velocity ranged broadly from 2.0 to 6.0 h,1. The sulfur-free diesel distillate produced by operation of the MSB for 100 h had higher cetane number and good low-temperature flow property, which illuminates a promising application of the MSB to manufacture clean diesel fuels with high productivity and flexibility. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] Systematic review: caspase-cleaved fragments of cytokeratin 18 , the promises and challenges of a biomarker for chronic liver diseaseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 11-12 2009Y. YILMAZ Summary Background, Biomarkers hold great promise for detecting chronic liver disease without the use of liver biopsy. Aim, To review the usefulness of cytokeratin (CK) 18 fragments, a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis, to predict the presence of chronic liver injury. Methods, Available literature identified from PubMed was reviewed. Results, Levels of CK18 fragments have been shown to be elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma, viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cholestatic liver disease. In the setting of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, CK18 fragments may distinguish nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from simple fatty liver. Conclusions, Undoubtedly, the most promising application of CK18 fragments is currently in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and especially for distinguishing patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis vs. those with simple steatosis. Further investigations and technical improvements are required to cross the boundary from research to the clinical application of CK18 fragments as a marker of chronic liver disease. [source] Auricular surface aging: Worse than expected?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 4 2006A test of the revised method on a documented historic skeletal assemblage Abstract This study presents results and recommendations arising from a blind test of the revised age estimation method for the auricular surface as proposed by Buckberry and Chamberlain (2002 Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 119:321,329). Auricular surfaces of 167 individuals from St. Bride's, London, a documented skeletal assemblage spanning the late 17th to early 19th century, were analyzed for the following traits: transverse organization, surface texture appearance, macroporosity, microporosity, and morphological changes to the apex. Composite scores of trait expressions were found to generally correlate with age and to show a positive association with known chronological age (P < 0.01). However, when composite scores were combined to define auricular surface phases, which ultimately assign age estimations, only three distinct developmental stages, compared with seven suggested by Buckberry and Chamberlain (2002 Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 119:321,329), could be identified and statistically supported, all showing a considerable degree of individual variation in age. The most well-defined stage in the St. Bride's assemblage was the new stage III, where the majority of individuals were older than 60 years, whereas middle-aged adults displayed a large variation in composite scores. These results provide little hope for a promising application of age-at-death estimation of auricular surface morphology traits with higher resolution, but rather suggest indications of broad stages of life. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A sensitive and specific HPGPC-FD method for the study of pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of Radix Ophiopogonis polysaccharide in ratsBIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 8 2010Xiao Lin Abstract Interest in antimyocardial ischemic activity of a graminan-type fructan with a weight average molecular weight of 4.8,kDa extracted from Radix Ophiopogonis (ROP) has necessitated the study of its pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution. For that, a simple HPGPC,FD method was developed for the sensitive and specific determination of FITC-ROP (fluorescein,isothiocyanate-labeled ROP) in plasma and rat tissues (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain and stomach). The analyte was separated on a Shodex Sugar KS-802 high-performance gel column with 0.1,M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5,mL/min, and fluorescence detection at ,ex 495,nm and ,em 515,nm. The calibration curve for FITC-ROP was linear over the range 0.25,20.0 or 50.0,,g/mL in all studied biosamples with correlation coefficients >0.995. The inter-day and intra-day precisions of analysis were not more than 10%, and assay accuracy ranged from 93 to 105% for plasma and from 89 to 108% for tissue homogenates. This method has been confirmed here to be suitable for the study of pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of ROP and the achieved results are highly instructive for the further pharmaceutical development of ROP, suggesting the promising application of the method to the increasingly important carbohydrate-based drugs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Multifunctional Au-Coated TiO2 Nanotube Arrays as Recyclable SERS Substrates for Multifold Organic Pollutants DetectionADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 17 2010Xuanhua Li Abstract A multifunctional Au-coated TiO2 nanotube array is made via synthesis of a TiO2 nanotube array through a ZnO template, followed by deposition of Au particles onto the TiO2 surface using photocatalytic deposition and a hydrothermal method, respectively. Such arrays exhibit superior detection sensitivity with high reproducibility and stability. In addition, due to possessing stable catalytic properties, the arrays can clean themselves by photocatalytic degradation of target molecules adsorbed to the substrate under irradiation with UV light into inorganic small molecules using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection, so that recycling can be achieved. Finally, by detection of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye, herbicide 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), persistent organic pollutant (POP) dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and organophosphate pesticide methyl-parathion (MP), the unique recyclable properties indicate a new route in eliminating the single-use problem of traditional SERS substrates and show promising applications for detecting other organic pollutants. [source] Electronic Structure of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Au(111) Surfaces: The Impact of Backbone PolarizabilityADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 23 2009LinJun Wang Abstract Modifying metal electrodes with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) has promising applications in organic and molecular electronics. The two key electronic parameters are the modification of the electrode work function because of SAM adsorption and the alignment of the SAM conducting states relative to the metal Fermi level. Through a comprehensive density-functional-theory study on a series of organic thiols self-assembled on Au(111), relationships between the electronic structure of the individual molecules (especially the backbone polarizability and its response to donor/acceptor substitutions) and the properties of the corresponding SAMs are described. The molecular backbone is found to significantly impacts the level alignment; for molecules with small ionization potentials, even Fermi-level pinning is observed. Nevertheless, independent of the backbone, polar head-group substitutions have no effect on the level alignment. For the work-function modification, the larger molecular dipole moments achieved when attaching donor/acceptor substituents to more polarizable backbones are largely compensated by increased depolarization in the SAMs. The main impact of the backbone on the work-function modification thus arises from its influence on the molecular orientation on the surface. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for the fundamental understanding of SAMs and significantly advances the understanding of structure,property relationships needed for the future development of functional organic interfaces. [source] Synthesis of Microporous Carbon Nanofibers and Nanotubes from Conjugated Polymer Network and Evaluation in Electrochemical CapacitorADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 13 2009Xinliang Feng Abstract One-dimensional fibers and tubes are constructed through the oriented carbon-carbon cross-linking reactions towards rigid conjugated polymer networks. As the result, a template-free and one-step synthesis of CNTs and CNFs is achieved through a simple carbonization of the as-formed carbon-rich tubular and fiberlike polyphenylene precursors under argon. Microporous CNTs and CNFs with a surface area up to 900 m2 g,1 are obtained, together with HR-TEM characterizations indicating the formation of intrinsic microporous structure in these rigid carbon-rich networks. The primary electrochemical experiments reveal their promising applications as advanced electrodes in electrochemical double-layered capacitor (EDLC). [source] Conducting-Polymer Nanomaterials for High-Performance Sensor Applications: Issues and ChallengesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2009Hyeonseok Yoon Abstract Owing to their promising applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices, conducting polymers have been continuously studied during the past few decades. Nevertheless, only limited progress had been made in conducting-polymer-based sensors until nanostructured conducting polymers were demonstrated for high-performance signal transducers. Significant advances in the synthesis of conducting-polymer nanomaterials have been recently reported, with enhanced sensitivity relative to their bulk counterparts. Today, conducting-polymer nanomaterials rival metal and inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials in sensing capability. However, there are still several technological challenges to be solved for practical sensor applications of conducting-polymer nanomaterials. Here, the key issues on conducting-polymer nanomaterials in the development of state-of-the-art sensors are discussed. Furthermore, a perspective on next-generation sensor technology from a materials point of view is also given. [source] Neutron Activation Analysis, Atomic Absorption and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Review for 2006,2007GEOSTANDARDS & GEOANALYTICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008L. Paul Bédard These mature analytical techniques do not show any change in publication level from the previous two years and AAS remains dominant in terms of the number of publications. The last two years have seen fewer technical improvements than in the previous review period. Some interesting papers dealing with uncertainty and quality assurance in INAA were published during 2006,2007. It is suggested that photon activation should be reconsidered because the source of electron accelerators has recently improved. A technique to preconcentrate Se for INAA determination has also been proposed. In the case of AAS, papers on analyte preconcentration continue to be more abundant than those relating to instrumental modification. Sample preparation for AAS is also active and ultrasound-assisted leaching shows some promising applications. There were an unusual number of reviews concerned with AAS and those important to geological samples are cited here. A technique to preconcentrate Cr in water is presented and a new device to determine As and Se is showing some potential uses. Confocal X-ray mapping continues to show interesting developments. One group developed a technique to perform XRF inside an oyster and an interesting application of ,-XRF mapping of sediments is presented. Determination of platinum-group elements (at ,g g1 concentrations) can be carried out very quickly with an improved XRF technique. [source] Field Emission and Cathodoluminescence of ZnS Hexagonal Pyramids of Zinc Blende Structured Single CrystalsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2009Zhi-Gang Chen Abstract Single-crystal hexagonal pyramids of zinc blende ZnS are fabricated by facile thermal evaporation in an ammonia atmosphere at 1150,°C. It is found that ZnS pyramids grow along the [111] crystal axis and possess a sharp tip with a diameter of ,10,nm and a micrometer-sized base. The structural model and growth mechanism are proposed based on crystallographic characteristics. This unique ZnS pyramid structure exhibits a low turn-on field (2.81,V µm,1), a high field-enhancement factor (over 3000), a large field-emission current density (20,mA cm,2), and good stability with very small fluctuation (0.9%). These superior field-emission properties are clearly attributed to the pyramid morphology, with micrometer-sized bases and nanotips, and high crystallinity. Moreover, a stable UV emission of 337,nm at room temperature is observed and can be ascribed to the band emission of the zinc blende phase. These results suggest that the ZnS hexagonal pyramids can be expected to find promising applications as field emitters and optoelectronic devices. [source] Hydrothermal Synthesis of Rare Earth (Tb, Y) Hydroxide and Oxide Nanotubes,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2003Y.-P. Fang Abstract In this paper, Tb(OH)3 and Y(OH)3 single-crystalline nanotubes with outer diameters of 30,260,nm, inner diameters of 15,120,nm, and lengths of up to several micrometers were synthesized on a large scale by hydrothermal treatment of the corresponding oxides in the presence of alkali. In addition, Tb4O7 and Y2O3 nanotubes can be obtained by calcination of Tb(OH)3 and Y(OH)3 nanotubes at 450,°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been employed to characterize these nanotube materials. The growth mechanism of rare earth hydroxide nanotubes can be explained well by the highly anisotropic crystal structure of rare earth hydroxides. These new types of rare earth compound nanotubes with open ends have uses in a variety of promising applications such as luminescent devices, magnets, catalysts, and other functional materials. Advantages of this method for easily realizing large-scale production include that it is a simple and unique one-pot synthetic process without the need for a catalysts or template, is low cost, has high yield, and the raw materials are readily available. The present study has enlarged the family of nanotubes available, and offers a possible new, general route to one-dimensional single-crystalline nanotubes of other materials. [source] Temperature- and pH-Sensitive Multicolored Micellar ComplexesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 23 2009Yong-Yong Li Novel multicolored micellar complexes self-assembled from P(NIPAAm- co -EIPPMMA,·,Eu(DMB)3)- b -PVPhol and P(NIPAAm- co -HEMA,·,FITC)- b -PVP polymers are prepared. These complexes exhibit temperature- and pH-dependent fluorescence, suggesting promising applications for in vivo sensing of the pH and temperature in complicated microenvironments. [source] Is iPS cell the panacea?IUBMB LIFE, Issue 3 2010Li Ou Abstract In 2006, it was reported that transgenic expression of merely four defined transcription factors (c-Myc, Klf4, Oct4, and Sox2) is sufficient to reprogram somatic cells to a pluripotent state. The resulting induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells ignited intense interest in the field of life science for their promising applications in basic biology, drug development, and transplantation. However, the underlying problems of iPS cells seem to be ignored. This review shed light on the problems pertaining iPS cells, including the elusive origin, risk of tumorgenesis, and its relationship with natural selection. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(3): 170,175, 2010 [source] Fungal tyrosinases: new prospects in molecular characteristics, bioengineering and biotechnological applicationsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006S. Halaouli Abstract Tyrosinases are type-3 copper proteins involved in the initial step of melanin synthesis. These enzymes catalyse both the o -hydroxylation of monophenols and the subsequent oxidation of the resulting o -diphenols into reactive o -quinones, which evolve spontaneously to produce intermediates, which associate in dark brown pigments. In fungi, tyrosinases are generally associated with the formation and stability of spores, in defence and virulence mechanisms, and in browning and pigmentation. First characterized from the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus because of undesirable enzymatic browning problems during postharvest storage, tyrosinases were found, more recently, in several other fungi with relevant insights into molecular and genetic characteristics and into reaction mechanisms, highlighting their very promising properties for biotechnological applications. The limit of these applications remains in the fact that native fungal tyrosinases are generally intracellular and produced in low quantity. This review compiles the recent data on biochemical and molecular properties of fungal tyrosinases, underlining their importance in the biotechnological use of these enzymes. Next, their most promising applications in food, pharmaceutical and environmental fields are presented and the bioengineering approaches used for the development of tyrosinase-overproducing fungal strains are discussed. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Predicting species distributions from small numbers of occurrence records: a test case using cryptic geckos in MadagascarJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2007Richard G. Pearson Abstract Aim, Techniques that predict species potential distributions by combining observed occurrence records with environmental variables show much potential for application across a range of biogeographical analyses. Some of the most promising applications relate to species for which occurrence records are scarce, due to cryptic habits, locally restricted distributions or low sampling effort. However, the minimum sample sizes required to yield useful predictions remain difficult to determine. Here we developed and tested a novel jackknife validation approach to assess the ability to predict species occurrence when fewer than 25 occurrence records are available. Location, Madagascar. Methods, Models were developed and evaluated for 13 species of secretive leaf-tailed geckos (Uroplatus spp.) that are endemic to Madagascar, for which available sample sizes range from 4 to 23 occurrence localities (at 1 km2 grid resolution). Predictions were based on 20 environmental data layers and were generated using two modelling approaches: a method based on the principle of maximum entropy (Maxent) and a genetic algorithm (GARP). Results, We found high success rates and statistical significance in jackknife tests with sample sizes as low as five when the Maxent model was applied. Results for GARP at very low sample sizes (less than c. 10) were less good. When sample sizes were experimentally reduced for those species with the most records, variability among predictions using different combinations of localities demonstrated that models were greatly influenced by exactly which observations were included. Main conclusions, We emphasize that models developed using this approach with small sample sizes should be interpreted as identifying regions that have similar environmental conditions to where the species is known to occur, and not as predicting actual limits to the range of a species. The jackknife validation approach proposed here enables assessment of the predictive ability of models built using very small sample sizes, although use of this test with larger sample sizes may lead to overoptimistic estimates of predictive power. Our analyses demonstrate that geographical predictions developed from small numbers of occurrence records may be of great value, for example in targeting field surveys to accelerate the discovery of unknown populations and species. [source] Combining microwave and ultrasound irradiation for rapid synthesis of nanowires: a case study on Pb(OH)BrJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Xiao-Fang Shen Abstract BACKGROUND: One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures such as wires, tubes and belts have attracted much attention in recent years because of their fascinating properties and promising applications, and various methods have been developed to prepare 1D nanostructures. Microwave and ultrasound, two methodologies for rapid synthesis, have both been applied to fabricate nanostructures. This paper reports on combining microwave and ultrasound irradiation as a new strategy for rapid synthesis of nanowires. Using Pb(OH)Br as a study case, nanowires were rapidly synthesized under the combined irradiation. The use of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide as a structure-directing agent and microwave absorbent significantly simplified the preparation procedure. RESULTS: Combined microwave,ultrasound irradiation at (50 W,50 W) greatly reduced the reaction time (10 min) and significantly increased the product yield (45.0%) in comparison with conventional heating (24 h reaction time, 23.0% yield). Combined microwave,ultrasound irradiation at (50 W,50 W) also changed the resultant wires from 20,30 µm diameter and 2,3 mm long to 80,800 nm and 50,100 µm, respectively. Further increase in power of the combined irradiation (250 W,50 W) led to a dramatic reduction in the reaction time (80 s) with a slightly increased yield of 48.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The obvious advantages of combined microwave,ultrasound irradiation are marked improvement of the product yield, significant enhancement of reaction rate and increased aspect ratio of the 1D structure. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Self-emulsifying O/W formulations of paclitaxel prepared from mixed nonionic surfactantsJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2010Jen-Ting Lo Abstract Nonionic self-emulsifying oil-in-water (O/W) formulations free of Cremophore® were developed as drug delivery vehicles for paclitaxel. The surfactants used included phosphatidylcholine purified from egg yolk (EPC), Tween, and Span. Oils phases were either pure components or blends from benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol benzyl benzoate, and tributyrin. Among these surfactants, mixtures of EPC and Tween-80 gave really stable emulsions in proper sizes ranging from 70 to 200,nm, mainly depends on the ratio of EPC to Tween-80 and amount of oils. Paclitaxel could be well preserved without any loss in oily stocks, namely mixtures of oils and paclitaxel as well as surfactants, stored at 4°C for more than 8 months. Only gentle mixing on oily stocks with aqueous diluents is enough to make paclitaxel-contained emulsions. The optimum formulation contains oils from 1 to 3 wt%, Tween-80 and EPC from 0.4 to 1.2 wt%, respectively. Consequently, near 500,ppm of paclitaxel can be contained in emulsions. Moreover, these paclitaxel-containing emulsions are compatible with commonly used injection fluids. No precipitation is observed upon preparation of emulsion from dilution of oily stocks. Negligible cytotoxicity on these emulsions assessed with NIH/3T3 cells implied their good biocompatibility and promising applications as drug delivery carriers. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99: 2320,2332, 2010 [source] Synthesis and properties of new dialkoxyphenylene quinoxaline-based donor-acceptor conjugated polymers and their applications on thin film transistors and solar cellsJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 3 2009Mei-Hsiu Lai Abstract Synthesis, properties, and optoelectronic device applications of four new bis-[4-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-phenyl]quinoxaline(Qx(EHP))-based donor-acceptor conjugated copolymers are reported, in which the donors are thiophene(T), dithiophene(DT), dioctylfluorene(FO), and didecyloxyphenylene(OC10). The optical band gaps (Eg) of PThQx(EHP), PDTQ(EHP), POC10DTQ(EHP), and PFODTQ(EHP) estimated from the onset absorption are 1.57, 1.65, 1.77, and 1.92 eV, respectively. The smallest Eg of PThQx(EHP) among the four copolymers is attributed to the balanced donor/acceptor ratio and backbone coplanarity, leading to a strong intramolecular charge transfer. The hole mobilities obtained from the thin film transistor (TFT) devices of PThQx(EHP), PDTQ(EHP), POC10DTQ(EHP), and PFODTQ(EHP) are 2.52 × 10,4, 4.50 × 10,3, 4.72 × 10,5, and 9.31 × 10,4 cm2 V,1 s,1, respectively, with the on-off ratios of 2.00 × 104, 1.89 × 103, 4.07 × 103, and 2.30 × 104. Polymer solar cell based on the polymer blends of PFODTQ(EHP), PThQx(EHP), POC10DTQ(EHP), and PDTQ(EHP) with [6, 6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) under illumination of AM1.5 (100 mW cm,2) solar simulator exhibit power conversion efficiencies of 1.75, 0.92, 0.79, and 0.43%, respectively. The donor/acceptor strength, molecular weight, miscibility, and energy level lead to the difference on the TFT or solar cell characteristics. The present study suggests that the prepared bis[4-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-phenyl]quinoxaline donor-acceptor conjugated copolymers would have promising applications on electronic device applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 973,985, 2009 [source] High-power RF photodiodes and their applicationsLASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS, Issue 1-2 2009T. Nagatsuma Abstract There has been an increasing interest in photonic generation of RF signals in the millimeter-wave (30 GHz,300 GHz) and/or terahertz-wave (0.1 THz,10 THz) regions, and photodiodes play a key role in it. This paper reviews recent progress in the high-power RF photodiodes such as Uni-Traveling-Carrier-Photodiodes (UTC-PDs), which operate at these frequencies. Several approaches to increasing both the bandwidth and output power of photodiodes are discussed, and promising applications to broadband wireless communications and spectroscopic sensing are described. [source] Preparation and Properties of Natural Sand Particles Reinforced Epoxy CompositesMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2007Gang Sui Abstract An epoxy composite using Cancun natural hydrophobic sand particle as filler material was fabricated in this study. Three point bending tests demonstrated an enhancement of 7.5 and 8.7% in flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, of epoxy composite containing 1 wt.-% sand particles without any chemical treatment involved, compared to the pristine epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that the fracture toughness of the epoxy matrix was enhanced owing to the presence of sand particles in an epoxy/sand composite. Through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) methods, it was found that the storage modulus (E,), glass transition temperature (Tg) and dimensional stability of the sand particles/epoxy composites were increased compared to the pristine epoxy. The friction behavior of epoxy/sand system reflected that the microstructure of epoxy composites was steady. These experimental results suggest that Cancun sand, as a freshly found natural micron porous material, may find promising applications in composite materials. [source] Color-Oscillating Photonic Crystal HydrogelMACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 20 2009Entao Tian Abstract In this work, a color-oscillating system is first developed by combining the intrinsic peristaltic motion of a Landolt pH-oscillator with the structure color of a well-designed pH-sensitive photonic crystal hydrogel. As a result, the pH oscillation reaction procedure could be distinctly monitored by the distinct change of structure color/optic signal. The oscillation rhythm of the pH well coincides with that of the stopband/structure color. The oscillation detail of each cycle can also be clearly monitored by color change. This work would be of great significance for the promising applications of real-time monitoring of the microactuator by optical signal or structure color. [source] Multiphoton excitation of disc shaped quantum dot in presence of laser (THz) and magnetic field for bioimagingPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 4 2010Siddhartha Lahon Abstract Recently, multiphoton processes in nanostructures have attracted much attention for their promising applications, especially in growing field of bioimaging. Here we investigate the optical response of quantum disc (QD) in the presence of laser and a static magnetic field. Floquet theory is employed to solve the equation of motion for laser driven intraband transitions between the states of the conduction band. Several interesting features namely dynamic stark shift, power broadening, and hole burning on excited levels degeneracy breaking are observed with variation of electric and magnetic field strengths. Enhancement and power broadening observed for excited states probabilities with increase of external fields are directly linked to the emission spectra of QD and will be useful for making future bioimaging devices. [source] GaN nanorods and LED structures grown on patterned Si and AlN/Si substrates by selective area growthPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 7-8 2010Shunfeng Li Abstract GaN nanorods (NRs) show promising applications in high-efficiency light emitting diodes, monolithic white light emission and optical interconnection due to their superior properties. In this work, we performed GaN nanostructures growth by pre-patterning the Si and AlN/Si substrates. The pattern was transferred to Si and AlN/Si substrates by photolithography and inductively-coupled plasma etching. GaN NRs were grown on these templates by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). GaN grown on Si pillar templates show a truncated pyramidal structure. Transmission electron microscopy measurements demonstrated clearly that the threading dislocations bend to the side facets of the GaN nanostructures and terminate. GaN growth can also be observed on the sidewalls and bottom surface between the Si pillars. A simple phenomenological model is proposed to explain the GaN nanostructure growth on Si pillar templates. Based on this model, we developed another growth method, by which we grow GaN rod structures on pre-patterned AlN/Si templates. By in-situ nitridation and decreasing of the V/III ratio, we found that GaN rods only grew on the patterned AlN/Si dots with an aspect ratio of about 1.5 - 2. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Preparation of carbon nanofibres through electrospinning and thermal treatment,POLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 12 2009Cheng-Kun Liu Abstract Electrospinning is a versatile process to obtain continuous carbon nanofibres at low cost. Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer precursors are utilized to prepare electrospun carbon nanofibres, activated carbon nanofibres through chemical and/or physical activation and functionalized composite carbon nanofibres by surface coating or electrospinning a precursor solution tailored with nanomaterials. Many promising applications of electrospun carbon nanofibres can be expected if appropriate microstructural, mechanical and electrical properties become available. This article provides an in-depth review of the research activities regarding several varieties and performance requirements of precursor nanofibres, polyacrylonitrile-based carbon nanofibres and their functionalized products, and carbon nanofibres from other precursors. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applicationsPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 7 2007Chenjie Xu Abstract Magnetic nanoparticles that are superparamagnetic with high saturation moment have great potential for biomedical applications. Solution-phase syntheses have recently been applied to make various kinds of monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles with standard deviation in diameter of less than 10%. However, the surface of these nanoparticles is coated with a layer of hydrocarbon molecules due to the use of lipid-like carboxylic acid and amine in the syntheses. Surface functionalization leads to the formation of water-soluble nanoparticles that can be further modified with various biomolecules. Such functionalization has brought about several series of monodisperse magnetic nanoparticle systems that have shown promising applications in protein or DNA separation, detection and magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement. The goal of this mini review is to summarize the recent progress in the synthesis and surface modification of monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles and their applications in biomedicine. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] General and Facile Syntheses of Metal Silicate Porous Hollow NanostructuresCHEMISTRY - AN ASIAN JOURNAL, Issue 6 2010Jun Zheng Abstract Porous hollow nanostructures have attracted intensive interest owing to their unique structure and promising applications in various fields. A facile hydrothermal synthesis has been developed to prepare porous hollow nanostructures of silicate materials through a sacrificial-templating process. The key factors, such as the concentration of the free metal cation and the alkalinity of the solution, are discussed. Porous hollow nanostructures of magnesium silicate, nickel silicate, and iron silicate have been successfully prepared by using SiO2 spheres as the template, as well as a silicon source. Several yolk,shell structures have also been fabricated by a similar process that uses silica-coated composite particles as a template. As-prepared mesoporous magnesium silicate hollow spheres showed an excellent ability to remove Pb2+ ions in water treatment owing to their large specific surface and unique structures. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||