BACKGROUND Understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying the cellular response to topographical surface features will extend our knowledge regarding the regulation of cell functions. Analyzing the cellular response to different topographical features, over multiple temporal and spatial scales, is central to understanding and guiding several biological functions. We used micropatterned sub...

A novel class of amide-functionalized pillar[5]arenes, that is, alkyl and aryl amide derivatives, has been synthesized. Highly selective binding of the dihydrogen phosphate anion over a range of anions by the new synthetic receptors is reported. First, the "binding strength-selectivity" relationship has been decided for the pillar[5]arene/anion systems.

A [2]rotaxane constructed from a per-ethylated pillar[6]arene as a wheel and a pyridinium derivative as an axle was prepared. The wheel segment of the per-ethylated pillar[6]arene moved from one station to another along the axle as a result of thermal stimuli.

This paper studies the unstable mechanisms of the mechanical system that is composed of the stiff hosts (roof and floor) and the coal pillar using catastrophe theory. It is assumed that the roof is an elastic beam and the coal pillar is a strain-softening medium which can be described by the Weibull s distribution theory of strength. It is found that the instability leading to coal bump depends...

Detection of nuclear materials is critical in preventing traffic of illicit nuclear materials. Several methods that are based on detection of spontaneous or induced emission of fission neutron are considered. Efficient fast and thermal neutron detectors are generally required. For some applications these detectors must have fast response and should be deployed with large or small detection area...