bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beam guiding system geometric arrangement in the target area of high-power laser drivers
Authors: Ren Lei , Zhao Dongfeng , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: March 2015

With the increasing number of laser beams, the main difficulty in arranging beam guiding systems (BGSs) involves determining the corresponding relationships between the output and input ports to realize the identified light path length of all beams. Given the basic constraints of geometric arrangement, a BGS model is established, and a base-line algorithm is proposed to address the difficulty mentioned above. Boundary conditions of target area and target chamber are discussed to increase the number of laser beams, and a maximum value exists for a specific target area. Finally, the compatibility of a cylindrical hohlraum target chamber with a spherical hohlraum is analyzed, and a moveable final optics assembly is proposed to execute the switch between the two different targets.
Frequency and Predictors of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination and Reasons for Refusal Among Patients at a Large Tertiary Referral Hospital
Authors: Masnick Max , Leekha Surbhi
Published: March 2015

We assessed frequency and predictors of seasonal influenza vaccination acceptance among inpatients at a large tertiary referral hospital, as well as reasons for vaccination refusal. Over 5 seasons, >60% of patients unvaccinated on admission refused influenza vaccination while hospitalized; “believes not at risk” was the reason most commonly given.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(7):841–843
Microstructure and rheology relationships for shear thickening colloidal dispersions
Authors: Gurnon A. Kate , Wagner Norman J.
Published: March 2015

The non-Newtonian shear rheology of colloidal dispersions is the result of the competition and balance between hydrodynamic (dissipative) and thermodynamic (conservative) forces that lead to a non-equilibrium microstructure under flow. We present the first experimental measurements of the shear-induced microstructure of a concentrated near-hard-sphere colloidal dispersion through the shear thickening transition using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements made in three orthogonal planes during steady shear. New instrumentation coupled with theoretical derivations of the stress-SANS rule enable rigorous testing of the relationship between this non-equilibrium microstructure and the observed macroscopic shear rheology. The thermodynamic and hydrodynamic components of the stress that drive shear thinning, shear thickening and first normal stress differences are separately defined via stress-SANS rules and compared to the rheological behaviour of the dispersion during steady shear. Observations of shear-induced hydrocluster formation is in good agreement with Stokesian dynamics simulation results by Foss & Brady (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 407, 2000, pp. 167–200). This unique set of measurements of shear rheology and non-equilibrium microstructure of a model system provides new insights into suspension mechanics as well as a method to rigorously test constitutive equations for colloidal suspension rheology.
Validation of a Web-based, self-administered, non-consecutive-day dietary record tool against urinary biomarkers
Authors: Lassale Camille , Castetbon Katia , Laporte François , Camilleri Géraldine M. , Deschamps Valérie , Vernay Michel , Faure Patrice , Hercberg Serge , Galan Pilar , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle
Published: March 2015

New technologies are promising for the use of short-term instruments for dietary data collection; however, innovative tools should be validated against objective biomarkers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the validity of a Web-based, self-administered dietary record (DR) tool using protein, K and Na intakes against 24 h urinary biomarkers (24 h U). Of the total participants, 199 adult volunteers (104 men and 95 women, mean age 50·5 (23–83 years)) of the NutriNet-Santé Study were included in the protocol. They completed three non-consecutive-day DR and two 24 h U on the first and third DR days. Relative differences between reported (DR) and measured (24 h U) intakes were calculated from the log ratio (DR/24 h U) for protein, K and Na intakes: − 14·4,+2·6 and − 2·1 % for men; and − 13·9, − 3·7 and − 8·3 % for women, respectively. The correlations between reported and true intakes were 0·61, 0·78 and 0·47 for men and 0·64, 0·42 and 0·37 for women for protein, K and Na, respectively. Attenuation factors, that represent attenuation of the true diet–disease relationship due to measurement error (a value closer to 1 indicating lower attenuation), ranged from 0·23 (Na, women) to 0·60 (K, men). We showed that the Web-based DR tool used in the NutriNet-Santé cohort study performs well in estimating protein and K intakes and fairly well in estimating Na intake. Furthermore, three non-consecutive-day DR appear to be valid for estimating usual intakes of protein and K, although caution is advised regarding the generalisability of these findings to other nutrients and general population.
Essential fatty acid intake and serum fatty acid composition among adolescent girls in central Mozambique
Authors: Freese Riitta , Korkalo Liisa , Vessby Bengt , Tengblad Siv , Vaara Elina M. , Hauta-alus Helena , Selvester Kerry , Mutanen Marja
Published: March 2015

Many African diets are low in fat but are currently changing because of nutrition transition. We studied fat and fatty acid (FA) intake and the essential fatty acid (EFA) status of adolescent girls (aged 14–19 years,n262) in Zambezia Province, central Mozambique. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a city as well as in the towns and rural villages of a coastal and an inland district. Dietary intake and FA sources were studied in a 24 h dietary recall. FA compositions of cholesteryl esters and phospholipids of non-fasting serum samples were analysed by GLC. Fat intake was low (13–18 % of energy) in all areas. Coconut and palm oil were the main sources of fat, and soyabean oil and maize were the main sources of PUFA. Compared to Food and Agriculture Organization/WHO 2010 recommendations, intake of linoleic acid (LA, 18 : 2n-6) was inadequate in the coastal district, and intakes ofn-3 PUFA were inadequate in all areas. FA compositions of serum lipids differed between areas. The proportions of LA tended to be highest in the city and lowest in the rural areas. The phospholipid mead (20 : 3n-9):arachidonic acid (20 : 4n-6) ratio did not indicate EFA insufficiency. LA proportions in phospholipids were low, but those of long-chainn-6 andn-3 PUFA were high in comparison with Western adolescents. To conclude, fat sources, FA intake and EFA status differed between adolescent girls living in different types of communities. Fat intake was low, but EFA insufficiency was not indicated.
STATE SECRETS LAW AND NATIONAL SECURITY
Authors: Nasu Hitoshi
Published: March 2015

With the increased awareness of national security concerns associated with unauthorized disclosure of State secrets, the legal protection of State secrets on national security grounds has assumed renewed significance, while raising ever growing concerns about its impact on freedom of information. Between these competing policy concerns lies a discrete area of law that defines and protects State secrets from unauthorized communication or disclosure. This article aims to ascertain the actual State practice concerning State secrets protection on national security grounds across different countries, and examines common challenges to the delimitation of national security grounds for State secrets protection in light of the changing national security environment.
Two new species of Atla (Verrucariaceae)
Authors: Tibell Sanja , Tibell Leif
Published: March 2015

Two new species in the lichen genus Atla, A. alaskana and A. recondita, are described. The ITS rDNA region is used for their molecular characterization. Morphologically, Atla alaskana is characterized by its rather thick and well-developed whitish grey thallus, and the rather large perithecia having a thalline excipulum. The presence of a thalline excipulum renders it similar to Sporodictyon species; however, in A. alaskana a distinct zone around the ostiolum is without a thallus and covered only by a thick white pruina. Atla recondita has a thin olivaceous brown thallus and moderately sized, emerging perithecia. It is not possible to identify this species unequivocally as an Atla species only by morphology, and it might well be mistaken for a Polyblastia. A key to all six Atla species, including the two new species, is provided.
Increased Cerebral Blood Flow Associated with Better Response Inhibition in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Dev Sheena I. , McKenna Benjamin S. , Sutherland Ashley N. , Shin David D. , Liu Thomas T. , Wierenga Christina E. , Eyler Lisa T.
Published: March 2015

Impairment on inhibitory tasks has been well documented in bipolar disorder (BD). Differences in cerebral blood flow (CBF) between BD patients and healthy comparison (HC) participants have also been reported. Few studies have examined the relationship between cognitive performance and regional CBF in this patient population. We hypothesized that group differences on an inhibitory task (the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function Scale’s Color-Word Inhibition task) would be associated with differential CBF in bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) regions. Whole brain resting CBF was measured using Multiphase Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labeling MR imaging for 28 euthymic BD and 36 HC participants. Total gray matter (GM) CBF was measured, and regional CBF values were extracted for each region of interest (ROI) using Freesurfer-based individual parcellations. Group, CBF, and group-by-CBF interaction were examined as predictors of inhibition performance. Groups did not differ in age, gender or education. BD patients performed significantly worse on Color-Word inhibition. There were no significant group differences in CBF in either total GM or in any ROI. There was a group by CBF interaction in the bilateral ACC, right IPL and right DLPFC such that better inhibitory performance was generally associated with higher resting state CBF in BD subjects, but not HC participants. Although CBF was not abnormal in this euthymic BD sample, results confirm previous reports of inter-episode inhibitory deficits and indicate that the perfusion-cognition relationship is different in BD compared to HC individuals. (JINS, 2015, 21, 105–115)
FOURTH-ORDER NUMERICAL METHODS FOR THE COUPLED KORTEWEG–DE VRIES EQUATIONS
Authors: KOROSTIL I. A. , CLARKE S. R.
Published: March 2015

We compare six fixed-stepsize fourth-order numerical methods for a number of test problems described by a system of coupled Korteweg–de Vries equations. Particular attention is paid to the ability of these methods to preserve fixed points (solitary waves) and the invariants of the system, and establishing to what extent the conservation of integral invariants is indicative of the solution error for these methods.
Reversed oxygen sensing using colloidal quantum wells towards highly emissive photoresponsive varnishes
Authors: Lorenzon Monica , Christodoulou Sotirios , Vaccaro Gianfranco , Pedrini Jacopo , Meinardi Francesco , Moreels Iwan , Brovelli Sergio
Published: March 2015

Colloidal quantum wells combine the advantages of size-tunable electronic properties with vast reactive surfaces that could allow one to realize highly emissive luminescent-sensing varnishes capable of detecting chemical agents through their reversible emission response, with great potential impact on life sciences, environmental monitoring, defence and aerospace engineering. Here we combine spectroelectrochemical measurements and spectroscopic studies in a controlled atmosphere to demonstrate the ‘reversed oxygen-sensing’ capability of CdSe colloidal quantum wells, that is, the exposure to oxygen reversibly increases their luminescence efficiency. Spectroelectrochemical experiments allow us to directly relate the sensing response to the occupancy of surface states. Magneto-optical measurements demonstrate that, under vacuum, heterostructured CdSe/CdS colloidal quantum wells stabilize in their negative trion state. The high starting emission efficiency provides a possible means to enhance the oxygen sensitivity by partially de-passivating the particle surfaces, thereby enhancing the density of unsaturated sites with a minimal cost in term of luminescence losses.
Bottom-up formation of robust gold carbide
Authors: Westenfelder Benedikt , Biskupek Johannes , Meyer Jannik C. , Kurasch Simon , Lin Xiaohang , Scholz Ferdinand , Gross Axel , Kaiser Ute
Published: March 2015

A new phenomenon of structural reorganization is discovered and characterized for a gold-carbon system by in-situ atomic-resolution imaging at temperatures up to 1300 K. Here, a graphene sheet serves in three ways, as a quasi transparent substrate for aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, as an in-situ heater and as carbon supplier. The sheet has been decorated with gold nanoislands beforehand. During electron irradiation at 80 kV and at elevated temperatures, the accumulation of gold atoms has been observed on defective graphene sites or edges as well as at the facets of gold nanocrystals. Both resulted in clustering, forming unusual crystalline structures. Their lattice parameters and surface termination differ significantly from standard gold nanocrystals. The experimental data, supported by electron energy loss spectroscopy and density-functional theory calculations, suggests that isolated gold and carbon atoms form – under conditions of heat and electron irradiation – a novel type of compound crystal, Au-C in zincblende structure. The novel material is metastable, but surprisingly robust, even under annealing condition.
Contact Bubble Bilayers with Flush Drainage
Authors: Iwamoto Masayuki , Oiki Shigetoshi
Published: March 2015

Planar lipid bilayers have been used to form stable bilayers into which membrane proteins are reconstituted for measurements of their function under an applied membrane potential. Recently, a lipid bilayer membrane is formed by the apposition of two monolayers that line an oil-electrolyte interface. Here, a bilayer membrane system is developed with picoliter bubbles under mechanically and chemically manipulable conditions. A water bubble lined with a phospholipid monolayer is blown from a glass pipette into an oil phase. Two blowing pipettes are manipulated and bubbles (each with a diameter of ~ 50 μm) are held side by side to form a bilayer, which is termed a contact bubble bilayer. With the electrode implemented in the blowing pipette, currents through the bilayer are readily measured. The intra-bubble pressure is varied with the pressure-controller, leading to various sizes of the bubble and the membrane area. A rapid solution exchange system is developed by introducing additional pressure-driven injection pipettes and the blowing pipette works as a drain. The solution is exchanged within 20 ms. Also, an asymmetric membrane with different lipid composition of each leaflet is readily formed. Example applications of this versatile method are presented to characterize the function of ion channels.
Graphene Quantum Dots Interfaced with Single Bacterial Spore for Bio-Electromechanical Devices: A Graphene Cytobot
Authors: Sreeprasad T. S. , Nguyen Phong , Alshogeathri Ahmed , Hibbeler Luke , Martinez Fabian , McNeil Nolan , Berry Vikas
Published: March 2015

The nanoarchitecture and micromachinery of a cell can be leveraged to fabricate sophisticated cell-driven devices. This requires a coherent strategy to derive cell's mechanistic abilities, microconstruct and chemical-texture towards such microtechnologies. For example, a microorganism's hydrophobic membrane encapsulating hygroscopic constituents allows it to sustainably withhold a high aquatic pressure. Further, it provides a rich surface chemistry available for nano-interfacing and a strong mechanical response to humidity. Here we demonstrate a route to incorporate a complex cellular structure into microelectromechanics by interfacing compatible graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with a highly responsive single spore microstructure. A sensitive and reproducible electron-tunneling width modulation of 1.63 nm within a network of GQDs chemically-secured on a spore was achieved via sporal hydraulics with a driving force of 299.75 Torrs (21.7% water at GQD junctions). The electron-transport activation energy and the Coulomb blockade threshold for the GQD network were 35 meV and 31 meV, respectively; while the inter-GQD capacitance increased by 1.12 folds at maximum hydraulic force. This is the first example of nano/bio interfacing with spores and will lead to the evolution of next-generation bio-derived microarchitectures, probes for cellular/biochemical processes, biomicrorobotic-mechanisms and membranes for micromechanical actuation.
Ultra-high dispersion of graphene in polymer composite via solvent freefabrication and functionalization
Authors: Noh Ye Ji , Joh Han-Ik , Yu Jaesang , Hwang Soon Hyoun , Lee Sungho , Lee Cheol Ho , Kim Seong Yun , Youn Jae Ryoun
Published: March 2015

The drying process of graphene-polymer composites fabricated by solution-processingfor excellent dispersion is time consuming and suffers from a restacking problem.Here, we have developed an innovative method to fabricate polymer compositeswith well dispersed graphene particles in the matrix resin by using solventfree powder mixing and in-situ polymerization of a low viscosity oligomerresin. We also prepared composites filled with up to 20 wt% of grapheneparticles by the solvent free process while maintaining a high degree of dispersion.The electrical conductivity of the composite, one of the most significantproperties affected by the dispersion, was consistent with the theoreticallyobtained effective electrical conductivity based on the mean field micromechanicalanalysis with the Mori-Tanaka model assuming ideal dispersion. It can be confirmedby looking at the statistical results of the filler-to-filler distance obtainedfrom the digital processing of the fracture surface images that the variousoxygenated functional groups of graphene oxide can help improve the dispersionof the filler and that the introduction of large phenyl groups to the graphenebasal plane has a positive effect on the dispersion.
Direct Evidence of Anomalous Interfacial Magnetization in Metamagnetic Pd doped FeRh Thin Films
Authors: Bennett S. P. , Ambaye H. , Lee H. , LeClair P. , Mankey G. J. , Lauter V.
Published: March 2015

Palladium doped iron rhodium is a magnetic material of significant interest for it's close to room temperature magnetostructural phase transition from antiferromagnetic (AF) to ferromagnetic (FM) ordering. Here we report on the peculiarities of the magnetization distribution in thin films of FeRh(Pd) probed by Polarized Neutron Reflectometry. Remarkably, we've found thin interfacial regions with strong magnetization that have unique thermomagnetic properties as compared to the rest of the system. These regions exist at the top and bottom interfaces of the films while the central regions behave similarly to the bulk with a clear AF-FM order transition. Further we explore the impact of an additional Pt interlayer introduced in the middle of the FeRh(Pd) film and reveal that it serves to replicate the strong interfacial magnetization found at the top and bottom interfaces. These results are of great value both in understanding the fundamental physics of such an order transition and in considering FeRh(Pd) for magnetic media and spintronics applications.
The significance of serum uric acid level in humans with acute paraquatpoisoning
Authors: Zhang JuanWen , Zhao Ying , Bai YunJuan , Lv GuoCai , Wu JianPing , Chen Yu
Published: March 2015

Hyperuricemia is a strong and independent predictor of all-cause mortalityin cardiovascular disease and has been found to play a role in diseases exacerbatedby oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate whetherserum uric acid (UA) level is an indicator of outcome in patients with acuteparaquat poisoning. A total of 205 subjects who had attempted suicide by oralingestion of paraquat were admitted to the emergency room between January2009 and June 2014. Initial serum UA level and other laboratory parameterswere measured. A total of 66 patients died during the 30 days after admission,corresponding to a 32.2% cumulative incidence of mortality. UA levels werehigher in non-survivors than survivors (P< 0.001) and 30-day mortalityincreased with increasing baseline serum UA level (P< 0.001). Ina prediction analysis for 30-day mortality, the serum UA level had a cut-offconcentration of 284 µmol/L in female patients and 352 µmol/Lin male patients. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysesshowed that white blood cell counts and UA were independent prognostic factors.In conclusion, we showed that serum UA may be an independent predictor of30-day mortality in patients with paraquat poisoning.
Bisphenol-A Affects Male Fertility via Fertility-related Proteins in Spermatozoa
Authors: Rahman Md Saidur , Kwon Woo-Sung , Lee June-Sub , Yoon Sung-Jae , Ryu Buom-Yong , Pang Myung-Geol
Published: March 2015

The xenoestrogen bisphenol-A (BPA) is a widespread environmental contaminant that has been studied for its impact on male fertility in several species of animals and humans. Growing evidence suggests that xenoestrogens can bind to receptors on spermatozoa and thus alter sperm function. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of varying concentrations of BPA (0.0001, 0.01, 1 and 100 μM for 6 h) on sperm function, fertilization, embryonic development and on selected fertility-related proteins in spermatozoa. Our results showed that high concentrations of BPA inhibited sperm motility and motion kinematics by significantly decreasing ATP levels in spermatozoa. High BPA concentrations also increased the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on sperm proteins involved in protein kinase A-dependent regulation and induced a precocious acrosome reaction, which resulted in poor fertilization and compromised embryonic development. In addition, BPA induced the down-regulation of β-actin and up-regulated peroxiredoxin-5, glutathione peroxidase 4, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase. Our results suggest that high concentrations of BPA alter sperm function, fertilization and embryonic development via regulation and/or phosphorylation of fertility-related proteins in spermatozoa. We conclude that BPA-induced changes in fertility-related protein levels in spermatozoa may be provided a potential cue of BPA-mediated disease conditions.
Conformational adaptations of acyclic receptor templated by weakly coordinating anions
Authors: Đilović I. , Užarević K.
Published: March 2015

This work reports binding modes and adaptability of a versatile polyamine receptor (L) derived from dehydroacetic acid in complexes with spherical (Br−and I−), or multifaceted linear (SCN−) or pyramidal (ClO3−) anions.
Carbon nanosphere adsorbents for removal of arsenate and selenate from water
Authors: Li Man , Wang Chengwei , O'Connell Michael J. , Chan Candace K.
Published: March 2015

Carbon nanospheres prepared using a facile spray pyrolysis method display good adsorption to arsenate and selenate compared to commercial activated carbon, due to the presence of basic surface groups, high surface-to-volume ratio, and suitable microporous structure.
Towards high quality triangular silver nanoprisms: improved synthesis, six-tip based hot spots and ultra-high local surface plasmon resonance sensitivity
Authors: Xue Bin , Wang Dan , Zuo Jing , Kong Xianggui , Zhang Youlin , Liu Xiaomin , Tu Langping , Chang Yulei , Li Cuixia , Wu Fei , Zeng Qinghui , Zhao Haifeng , Zhao Huiying , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2015

High quality triangular silver nanoprisms were obtained through simple one-step plasmon-mediated method.
NHC macrometallocycles of mercury(ii) and silver(i): synthesis, structural studies and recognition of Hg(ii) complex 4 for silver ion
Authors: Liu Qing-Xiang , Wei Qing , Liu Rui , Zhao Xiao-Jun , Zhao Zhi-Xiang
Published: March 2015

Seven NHC macrometallocycles (Hg(ii) and Ag(i)) were prepared, and the recognition of Ag+ using (NHC)2–Hg–I2 (4) as a host was studied.
Superantigenicity analysis of staphylococcal enterotoxins SElK and SElQ in a mouse model
Authors: Kang Hongzhi , Deng Hui , Shen Menglu , He Xianzhi , Xia Yihe , Li Yi , Liang Zhixuan , Wang Hongjun , Huang Jinhai
Published: March 2015

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are superantigenic toxins secreted byStaphylococcus aureusthat is involved in causing food poisoning and human diseases.
A novel method to determine the elastic modulus of extremely soft materials
Authors: Stirling Tamás , Zrínyi Miklós
Published: March 2015

Determination of the elastic moduli of extremely soft materials that may deform under their own weight is a rather difficult experimental task.
Monitoring phases and phase transitions in phosphatidylethanolamine monolayers using active interfacial microrheology
Authors: Ghazvini Saba , Ricke Brandon , Zasadzinski Joseph A. , Dhar Prajnaparamita
Published: March 2015

Active interfacial microrheology is a sensitive tool to detect phase transitions and headgroup order in phospholipid monolayers.
Low temperature operation of a solid-oxide Fe–air rechargeable battery using a La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 oxide ion conductor
Authors: Inoishi A. , Hyodo J. , Kim H. , Sakai T. , Ida S. , Ishihara T.
Published: March 2015

We investigated a catalyst for oxidation of Fe powder using steam and it was applied to a Fe–air rechargeable battery based on the low temperature operating Solid Oxide Fuel Cells technology.
A scalable hybrid separator for a high performance lithium–sulfur battery
Authors: Wang Lina , Liu Jingyuan , Haller Servane , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: March 2015

A hybrid separator composed of a glassy fiber paper and a microporous membrane is effectively integrated into a Li–S battery.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical aptasensing platform based on exciton energy transfer between CdSeTe alloyed quantum dots and SiO2@Au nanocomposites
Authors: Fan Gao-Chao , Zhu Hua , Shen Qingming , Han Li , Zhao Ming , Zhang Jian-Rong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: March 2015

High-efficient exciton energy transfer between CdSeTe alloyed quantum dots and SiO2@Au nanocomposites was realized and applied to construct a universal, enhanced photoelectrochemical aptasensing platform.
Polar and antiferroelectric behaviour of a hybrid crystal – piperazinium perchlorate
Authors: Wojtaś Maciej , Gągor Anna , Czupiński Olaf , Piecha-Bisiorek Anna , Isakov Dmitry , Medycki Wojciech , Jakubas Ryszard
Published: March 2015

The hydrogen bonded chains of [Pip][ClO4] in phases II–V and vs. SHG and pyroelectric current response.
Nanohydration of uracil: emergence of three-dimensional structures and proton-induced charge transfer
Authors: Bacchus-Montabonel Marie-Christine , Calvo Florent
Published: March 2015

Stepwise hydration of uracil proceeds three dimensionally above three molecules and qualitatively changes the response to proton damage.
Gold nanoparticle array formation on dimpled Ta templates using pulsed laser-induced thin film dewetting
Authors: El-Sayed Hany A. , Horwood Corie A. , Owusu-Ansah Ebenezer , Shi Yujun J. , Birss Viola I.
Published: March 2015

Au nanoparticle array formed on a dimpled Ta template using laser-induced thin film dewetting.
Meso enyne substituted BODIPYs: synthesis, structure and properties
Authors: Dhokale Bhausaheb , Jadhav Thaksen , Mobin Shaikh M. , Misra Rajneesh
Published: March 2015

We report the synthesis of meso enyne substituted BODIPYs by the reaction of 8-chloro BODIPY with terminal alkynes under Sonogashira coupling conditions, and by Pd–Cu catalyzed hydroalkynylation reaction of terminal alkynes, across the –CC– bond of meso alkynylated BODIPYs.
The effect of steam on the catalytic fast pyrolysis of cellulose
Authors: Yang H. , Coolman R. J. , Karanjkar P. , Wang H. , Xu Z. , Chen H. , Moutziaris T. J. , Huber G. W.
Published: March 2015

Highlights separate effects steam has on products of catalytic fast pyrolysis through irreversible catalyst changes and participation in reaction chemistry.
Comparative proteomic analysis of two distinct stem-cell populations from human amniotic fluid
Authors: Romani Rita , Fallarino Francesca , Pirisinu Irene , Calvitti Mario , Caselli Anna , Fiaschi Tania , Gamberi Tania , Matino Davide , Talesa Vincenzo N. , Donti Emilio , Puccetti Paolo , Modesti Alessandra , Magherini Francesca
Published: March 2015

Characterization of two types of stem cells isolated from human amniotic fluid.
Precision printing and optical modeling of ultrathin SWCNT/C60 heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Guillot Sarah L. , Mistry Kevin S. , Avery Azure D. , Richard Jonah , Dowgiallo Anne-Marie , Ndione Paul F. , van de Lagemaat Jao , Reese Matthew O. , Blackburn Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2015

Here, we establish routes towards rational performance improvements and scalable fabrication processes for ultra-thin SWCNT-based solar cells.
First-time electrical characterization of nanotubular ZrO2 films for micro-solid oxide fuel cell applications
Authors: Buyukaksoy Aligul , Fürstenhaupt Tobias , Birss Viola I.
Published: March 2015

In this work, anodically grown ZrO2 nanotubes (NTs) are examined for the first time for use in micro solid oxide fuel cell (μ-SOFC) applications.
Graphene/polyaniline woven fabric composite films as flexible supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zang Xiaobei , Li Xiao , Zhu Miao , Li Xinming , Zhen Zhen , He Yijia , Wang Kunlin , Wei Jinquan , Kang Feiyu , Zhu Hongwei
Published: March 2015

We report the design and preparation of highly flexible and adaptable supercapacitor electrodes based on graphene woven fabric films coated with polyaniline.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed annulation of cyclic β-enamino esters with enals: access to functionalized indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidines
Authors: Hu Shihe , Wang Bingyang , Zhang Yu , Tang Weifang , Fang Mengyuan , Lu Tao , Du Ding
Published: March 2015

A novel synthetic approach to functionalized indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidines is developed via an N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed annulation of cyclic β-enamino esters with enals.
Synthesis, luminescence and electrochemical properties of luminescent dinuclear mixed-valence gold complexes with alkynyl bridges
Authors: Hung Ling-Ling , Lam Wai Han , Wong Keith Man-Chung , Cheng Eddie Chung-Chin , Zhu Nianyong , Yam Vivian Wing-Wah
Published: March 2015

A series of luminescent dinuclear mixed-valence gold alkynyl complexes was synthesized. Their photophysical properties can be tuned by varying the nature of the alkynyl bridges, as supported by computational studies.
A disposable paper-based electrochemiluminescence device for ultrasensitive monitoring of CEA based on Ru(bpy)32+@Au nanocages
Authors: Gao Chaomin , Su Min , Wang Yanhu , Ge Shenguang , Yu Jinghua
Published: March 2015

Ultrasensitive detection of CEA based on Ag nanospheres modified paper working electrode platform and Ru(bpy)32+@Au nanocages signal amplification.
Purification of yellow phosphorus tail gas for the removal of PH3 on the spot with flower-shaped CuO/AC
Authors: Ren Zhandong , Quan Shanshan , Zhu Yuchan , Chen Liang , Deng Wenxing , Zhang Biao
Published: March 2015

The morphology of CuO adsorbent plays an important role in phosphine adsorption for purifying yellow phosphorus tail gas.
Ag-modified AgI–TiO2 as an excellent and durable catalyst for catalytic oxidation of elemental mercury
Authors: Zhao Songjian , Qu Zan , Yan Naiqiang , Li Zhen , Zhu Wenfei , pan Jie , Xu Jianfang , Li Mengdan
Published: March 2015

Iodine acted as an accelerant for Hg0 oxidation, and chlorine further converted the intermediate to the HgCl2 final product.
Effects of thermal rippling on the frictional properties of free-standing graphene
Authors: Smolyanitsky A.
Published: March 2015

A unique case of dynamically corrugated surfaces is presented for the first time, attributed to the effect of significant thermally excited flexural waves in atomically thin layers on kinetic friction.
The photovoltaic properties of novel narrow band gap Cu2SnS3 films prepared by a spray pyrolysis method
Authors: Jia Zhen , Chen Qinmiao , Chen Jin , Wang Tingting , Li Zhenqing , Dou Xiaoming
Published: March 2015

The ternary compound Cu2SnS3 (CTS) was fabricated by a spray pyrolysis method.
Enhanced removal of manganese in organic-rich surface water by combined sodium hypochlorite and potassium permanganate during drinking water treatment
Authors: Yu Wenzheng , Campos Luiza , Shi Tong , Li Guibai , Graham Nigel
Published: March 2015

Combination of KMnO4and NaClO is beneficial and synergistic for removing Mn2+in water with high concentration of organic matter.
The system Ce–Zn–Si for <33.3 at.% Ce: phase relations, crystal structures and physical properties
Authors: Failamani Fainan , Grytsiv Andriy , Podloucky Raimund , Michor Herwig , Bauer Ernst , Brož Pavel , Giester Gerald , Rogl Peter
Published: March 2015

The phase relations, mechanism of phase formation, crystal structures, physical properties of novel compounds in the Ce–Zn–Si system were investigated.
Efficient strategy for construction of 6-carbamoylfulvene-6-carboxylate skeletons via [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 1-cyanocyclopropane 1-ester with β-nitrostyrenes
Authors: Tan Chen , Ye Weijian , Yao Juan , Liu Juanjuan , Xue Shuwen , Li Yang , Wang Cunde
Published: March 2015

An efficient and straightforward the preparation of 6-carbamoylfulvene-6-carboxylates via a cycloaddition reaction between 1-cyanocyclopropane 1-ester and β-nitrostyrenes.
Synthesis of norbornane bisether antibiotics via silver-mediated alkylation
Authors: Hickey Shane M. , Ashton Trent D. , White Jonathan M. , Li Jian , Nation Roger L. , Yu Heidi Y. , Elliott Alysha G. , Butler Mark S. , Huang Johnny X. , Cooper Matthew A. , Pfeffer Frederick M.
Published: March 2015

Structurally amphiphilic norbornane bisether diguanidines show activity against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species.
Surface indentation and fluid intake generated by the polymer matrix of Bacillus subtilis biofilms
Authors: Zhang W. , Dai W. , Tsai Shi-Ming , Zehnder S. M. , Sarntinoranont M. , Angelini T. E.
Published: March 2015

Bacillus subtilisbiofilm force generation is measured. The elastic stress stored in the biofilm's deformed substrate is orders of magnitude larger than the drag stress of pulling fluid into the biofilm, and depends on polymer matrix production. These results reveal that long-term biofouling and colony expansion may depend on the hydraulic permeability and elasticity of colonized surfaces.
In situ growth of CuS and Cu1.8S nanosheet arrays as efficient counter electrodes for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ye Meidan , Wen Xiaoru , Zhang Nan , Guo Wenxi , Liu Xiangyang , Lin Changjian
Published: March 2015

Vertical CuS and Cu1.8S nanosheet arrays directly grown on conductive substrates were developed via a seed-assisted solvothermal process. Upon QDSSC application, these novel structure-based counter electrodes exhibited superior performance compared to conventional Pt counter electrodes.
Evolutionary de novo design of phenothiazine derivatives for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Venkatraman Vishwesh , Foscato Marco , Jensen Vidar R. , Alsberg Bjørn Kåre
Published: March 2015

Traditional approaches for improving the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have mainly relied on judicious molecular design and device level modifications.
Graphitized hierarchical porous carbon nanospheres: simultaneous activation/graphitization and superior supercapacitance performance
Authors: Chang Binbin , Guo Yanzhen , Li Yanchun , Yin Hang , Zhang Shouren , Yang Baocheng , Dong Xiaoping
Published: March 2015

A novel graphitized porous carbon nanosphere material obtained by a simultaneous activation and graphitization route, which was realized by heating resorcinol–formaldehyde resin nanospheres immersed with ZnCl2and FeCl3in an inert atmosphere, has been reported.
Functionalized graphene/Fe3O4 supported AuPt alloy as a magnetic, stable and recyclable catalyst for a catalytic reduction reaction
Authors: Gu Wenling , Deng Xi , Jia Xiaofang , Li Jing , Wang Erkang
Published: March 2015

A multifunctional nanocatalyst of AuPt@BGNs/Fe3O4 with good magnetic features, excellent dispersion and stability was prepared and successfully applied in the reduction of 4-NP.
Enhancing the photocurrent of perovskite solar cells via modification of the TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3heterojunction interface with amino acid
Authors: Shih Y. C. , Wang L. Y. , Hsieh H. C. , Lin K. F.
Published: March 2015

Novel modification of the TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3interface using glycine as a coupling agent induced higher coverage of perovskite through a two-step solution process.
Sandwich-like porous TiO2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Shuliang , Cao Changyan , Huang Peipei , Peng Li , Sun Yongbin , Wei Fang , Song Weiguo
Published: March 2015

Porous TiO2nanoparticles were deposited on both sides of rGO to form sandwich-like structures, which showed excellent electrochemical properties when used as an anode electrode material for lithium ion batteries.
Chitosan-coated electrospun nanofibers with antibacterial activity
Authors: Croisier Florence , Sibret Pierre , Dupont-Gillain Christine C. , Genet Michel J. , Detrembleur Christophe , Jérôme Christine
Published: March 2015

Charged poly(ε-caprolactone)-based nanofibers electrospun in the presence of a methacrylic random or block copolymer were layer-coated with chitosan providing efficient bactericidal membranes.
Development of tilt, biaxiality and polar order in bent-core liquid crystals derived from 4′-hydroxybiphenyl-3-carboxylic acid
Authors: Güzeller Dilek , Ocak Hale , Bilgin-Eran Belkız , Prehm Marko , Tschierske Carsten
Published: March 2015

A series of six distinct LC phases is formed by competition between emerging tilt, restricted rotation and steric effects.
Acceptors in ZnO
Authors: McCluskey Matthew D. , Corolewski Caleb D. , Lv Jinpeng , Tarun Marianne C. , Teklemichael Samuel T. , Walter Eric D. , Norton M. Grant , Harrison Kale W. , Ha Su
Published: March 2015

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has potential for a range of applications in the area of optoelectronics. The quest for p-type ZnO has focused much attention on acceptors. In this paper, Cu, N, and Li acceptor impurities are discussed. Experimental evidence indicates these point defects have acceptor levels 3.2, 1.4, and 0.8 eV above the valence-band maximum, respectively. The levels are deep because the ZnO valence band is quite low compared to conventional, non-oxide semiconductors. Using MoO2 contacts, the electrical resistivity of ZnO:Li was measured and showed behavior consistent with bulk hole conduction for temperatures above 400 K. A photoluminescence peak in ZnO nanocrystals is attributed to an acceptor, which may involve a Zn vacancy. High field (W-band) electron paramagnetic resonance measurements on the nanocrystals revealed an axial center with g⊥ = 2.0015 and g// = 2.0056, along with an isotropic center at g = 2.0035.
Physics of grain boundaries in polycrystalline photovoltaic semiconductors
Authors: Yan Yanfa , Yin Wan-Jian , Wu Yelong , Shi Tingting , Paudel Naba R. , Li Chen , Poplawsky Jonathan , Wang Zhiwei , Moseley John , Guthrey Harvey , Moutinho Helio , Pennycook Stephen J. , Al-Jassim Mowafak M.
Published: March 2015

Thin-film solar cells based on polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and CdTe photovoltaic semiconductors have reached remarkable laboratory efficiencies. It is surprising that these thin-film polycrystalline solar cells can reach such high efficiencies despite containing a high density of grain boundaries (GBs), which would seem likely to be nonradiative recombination centers for photo-generated carriers. In this paper, we review our atomistic theoretical understanding of the physics of grain boundaries in CIGS and CdTe absorbers. We show that intrinsic GBs with dislocation cores exhibit deep gap states in both CIGS and CdTe. However, in each solar cell device, the GBs can be chemically modified to improve their photovoltaic properties. In CIGS cells, GBs are found to be Cu-rich and contain O impurities. Density-functional theory calculations reveal that such chemical changes within GBs can remove most of the unwanted gap states. In CdTe cells, GBs are found to contain a high concentration of Cl atoms. Cl atoms donate electrons, creating n-type GBs between p-type CdTe grains, forming local p-n-p junctions along GBs. This leads to enhanced current collections. Therefore, chemical modification of GBs allows for high efficiency polycrystalline CIGS and CdTe thin-film solar cells.
Photon assisted long-range tunneling
Authors: Gallego-Marcos Fernando , Sánchez Rafael , Platero Gloria
Published: March 2015

We analyze long-range transport through an ac driven triple quantum dot with a single electron. Resonant transitions between separated and detuned dots are mediated by the exchange of n photons with the time-dependent field. An effective model is proposed in terms of second order (cotunneling) processes which dominate the long-range transport between the edge quantum dots. The ac field renormalizes the inter dot hopping, modifying the level hybridization. It results in a non-trivial behavior of the current with the frequency and amplitude of the external ac field.
Experimental evidence of Xe incorporation in Schottky defects in UO2
Authors: Bès René , Martin Philippe , Vathonne Emerson , Delorme Rémy , Sabathier Catherine , Freyss Michel , Bertolus Marjorie , Glatzel Pieter
Published: March 2015

We report here the direct experimental observation of the preferential xenon incorporation site in uranium dioxide and analyse how its incorporation evolves with the annealing temperature. We show that High Energy Resolution Fluorescence Detection X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure in combination with first-principles calculations enable a precise determination of the Xe incorporation site. Our finding provides important insight for the understanding and modeling of noble gases behavior in nuclear oxide fuel.
Molecular dynamics simulations of shock compressed heterogeneous materials. II. The graphite/diamond transition case for astrophysics applications
Authors: Pineau N. , Soulard L. , Colombet L. , Carrard T. , Pellé A. , Gillet Ph. , Clérouin J.
Published: March 2015

We present a series of molecular dynamics simulations of the shock compression of copper matrices containing a single graphite inclusion: these model systems can be related to some specific carbon-rich rocks which, after a meteoritic impact, are found to contain small fractions of nanodiamonds embedded in graphite in the vicinity of high impedance minerals. We show that the graphite to diamond transformation occurs readily for nanometer-sized graphite inclusions, via a shock accumulation process, provided the pressure threshold of the bulk graphite/diamond transition is overcome, independently of the shape or size of the inclusion. Although high diamond yields (∼80%) are found after a few picoseconds in all cases, the transition is non-isotropic and depends substantially on the relative orientation of the graphite stack with respect to the shock propagation, leading to distinct nucleation processes and size-distributions of the diamond grains. A substantial regraphitization process occurs upon release and only inclusions with favorable orientations likely lead to the preservation of a fraction of this diamond phase. These results agree qualitatively well with the recent experimental observations of meteoritic impact samples.
Magnetic field enhancement of generation-recombination and shot noise in organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Djidjou T. K. , Chen Ying , Basel Tek , Shinar J. , Rogachev A.
Published: March 2015

We have studied the effect of magnetic field on noise in series of 2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene-based organic light emitting diodes with dominant hole injection, dominant electron injection, and balanced electron and hole injection. The noise spectra of the balanced devices revealed the generation-recombination (g-r) noise term, which we associated with bimolecular electron-hole recombination. The presence of the g-r noise term is correlated with the strong organic magnetoresistance (up to 25%) observed in the balanced devices. The noise spectra also have the shot noise contribution with the Fano factor 0.25–0.4. We found that time constant of the g-r term decreases and the magnitude of shot noise increases when magnetic field is applied. This behavior can be consistently explained within the polaron-polaron model of organic magnetoresistance. We have not found any evidence that the magnetoresistance in studied devices is affected by traps.
Fabrication of MnAl thin films with perpendicular anisotropy on Si substrates
Authors: Huang Efrem Y. , Kryder Mark H.
Published: March 2015

For the first time, perpendicularly magnetized L10-ordered MnAl thin films were demonstrated using a MgO seed layer on Si substrates, which is critical to making spintronic devices. Fabrication conditions were selected by systematically varying sputtering parameters (film thickness, DC sputtering power, in situ substrate temperature, and post-annealing temperature) and investigating structural and magnetic properties. Strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with coercivity Hc of 8 kOe, Ku of over 6.5 × 106 erg/cm3, saturation magnetization Ms of 300 emu/cm3, and out-of-plane squareness Mr/Ms of 0.8 were achieved. These MnAl film properties were obtained via DC magnetron sputtering at 530 °C, followed by 350 °C annealing under a 4 kOe magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the film plane.
Efficient Near-Infrared Quantum Cutting in Tm3+/Yb3+ Codoped LiYF4 Single Crystals for Solar Photovoltaic
Authors: Fu Li , Xia Hai-ping , Dong Yan-ming , Li Shan-shan , Gu Xue-mei , Zhang Jian-li , Wang Dong-jie , Jiang Hao-chuan , Chen Bao-jiu
Published: March 2015

Downconversion (DC) with emission of two near-infrared photons about 1000 nm for each blue photon absorbed was obtained in thulium (Tm3+) and ytterbium (Yb3+) codoped yttrium lithium fluoride (LiYF4) single crystals grown by an improved Bridgman method. The luminescent properties of the crystals were measured through photoluminescence excitation, emission spectra and decay curves. Luminescence between 960 and 1050 nm from Yb3+: 2F5/2→2F7/2 transition, which was originated from the DC from Tm3+ ions to Yb3+ ions, was observed under the excitation of blue photon at 465 nm. Moreover, the energy transfer processes were studied based on the Inokuti-Hirayama model, and the results indicated that the energy transfer from Tm3+ to Yb3+ was an electric dipole-dipole interaction. The maximum quantum cutting efficiency approached up to 167.5% in LiYF4 single crystal codoped with 0.49mol% Tm3+ and 5.99mol% Yb3+. Application of this crystal has prospects for increasing the energy efficiency of crystalline Si solar cells by photon doubling of the high energy part of the solar spectrum.
Aromatic Compounds Production from Sorbitol by Aqueous Catalytic Reforming
Authors: Tan Jin , Wang Tie-jun , Long Jin-xing , Zhang Qi , Ma Long-long , Xu Ying , Chen Guan-yi
Published: March 2015

The rules on regulating aromatic compounds production was investigated by aqueous catalytic reforming of sorbitol. It was found that aromatics, ketones, furans, organic acids were main compounds in organic phase. The obvious effect of metal content showed that the highest carbon selectivity of aromatics was 34.36% when 3wt% Ni content was loaded on HZSM-5 zeolite modified by MCM-41. However, it was decreased only to 4.82% when Ni content was improved to 20wt%. Meanwhile, different reaction parameters also displayed important impacts on carbon selectivity. It was improved with the increase of temperature, while it was decreased as liquid hourly space velocity and hydrogen pressure was increased. The results showed that appropriate higher temperature, longer contact time and lower hydrogen pressure were in favor of aromatics information, which suggested a feasible process to solve energy crisis.