bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fretting properties of biodegradable Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy in air and in Hank’s solution
Authors: Li Wenting , Li Nan , Zheng Yufeng , Yuan Guangyin
Published: November 2016

Fretting is a significant cause for the failure of orthopedic implants. Currently, since magnesium and its alloys have been developed as promising biodegradable implant materials, the fretting behavior of the Mg alloys is of great research significance. In this study, a Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy (hereafter, denoted as JDBM alloy) was selected as experimental material, and its fretting behaviors were evaluated under 5 N, 10 N and 20 N normal loads with a displacement of 200 μm under the frequency of 10 Hz at 37 °C in air and in Hank’s solution, respectively. The results indicated that while the friction coefficient decreased with the increment of the normal load, the wear volume of the alloy increased with the increment of the normal load both in air and in Hank’s solution. Both the friction coefficients and the wear volume of the fretting in Hank’s solution were much lower than those in air environment. The evolution trend of friction coefficients with time had different performance in air environment and the Hank’s solution group. Although oxidation occurred during the fretting tests in Hank’s solution, the damage of JDBM alloy was still reduced due to the lubrication effects of Hank’s solution. Moreover, the addition of Fetal bovine serum (FBS) could act as lubrication and result in the reduction of the fretting damage.
The Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor Veliparib and Radiation Cause Significant Cell Line Dependent Metabolic Changes in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Bhute Vijesh J. , Ma Yan , Bao Xiaoping , Palecek Sean P.
Published: November 2016

Breast tumors are characterized into subtypes based on their surface marker expression, which affects their prognosis and treatment. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown promising results in clinical trials, both as single agents and in combination with other chemotherapeutics, in several subtypes of breast cancer patients. Here, we used NMR-based metabolomics to probe cell line-specific effects of the PARP inhibitor Veliparib and radiation on metabolism in three breast cancer cell lines. Our data reveal several cell line-independent metabolic changes upon PARP inhibition. Pathway enrichment and topology analysis identified that nitrogen metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were enriched after PARP inhibition in all three breast cancer cell lines. Many metabolic changes due to radiation and PARP inhibition were cell line-dependent, highlighting the need to understand how these treatments affect cancer cell response via changes in metabolism. Finally, both PARP inhibition and radiation induced a similar metabolic responses in BRCA-mutant HCC1937 cells, but not in MCF7 and MDAMB231 cells, suggesting that radiation and PARP inhibition share similar interactions with metabolic pathways in BRCA mutant cells. Our study emphasizes the importance of differences in metabolic responses to cancer treatments in different subtypes of cancers.
Biopsy variability of lymphocytic infiltration in breast cancer subtypes and the ImmunoSkew score
Authors: Khan Adnan Mujahid , Yuan Yinyin
Published: November 2016

The number of tumour biopsies required for a good representation of tumours has been controversial. An important factor to consider is intra-tumour heterogeneity, which can vary among cancer types and subtypes. Immune cells in particular often display complex infiltrative patterns, however, there is a lack of quantitative understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of immune cells and how this fundamental biological nature of human tumours influences biopsy variability and treatment resistance. We systematically investigate biopsy variability for the lymphocytic infiltrate in 998 breast tumours using a novel virtual biopsy method. Across all breast cancers, we observe a nonlinear increase in concordance between the biopsy and whole-tumour score of lymphocytic infiltrate with increasing number of biopsies, yet little improvement is gained with more than four biopsies. Interestingly, biopsy variability of lymphocytic infiltrate differs considerably among breast cancer subtypes, with the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) subtype having the highest variability. We subsequently identify a quantitative measure of spatial variability that predicts disease-specific survival in HER2+ subtype independent of standard clinical variables (node status, tumour size and grade). Our study demonstrates how systematic methods provide new insights that can influence future study design based on a quantitative knowledge of tumour heterogeneity.
Rapid corn and soybean mapping in US Corn Belt and neighboring areas
Authors: Zhong Liheng , Yu Le , Li Xuecao , Hu Lina , Gong Peng
Published: November 2016

The goal of this study was to promptly map the extent of corn and soybeans early in the growing season. A classification experiment was conducted for the US Corn Belt and neighboring states, which is the most important production area of corn and soybeans in the world. To improve the timeliness of the classification algorithm, training was completely based on reference data and images from other years, circumventing the need to finish reference data collection in the current season. To account for interannual variability in crop development in the cross-year classification scenario, several innovative strategies were used. A random forest classifier was used in all tests, and MODIS surface reflectance products from the years 2008–2014 were used for training and cross-year validation. It is concluded that the fuzzy classification approach is necessary to achieve satisfactory results with R-squared ~0.9 (compared with the USDA Cropland Data Layer). The year of training data is an important factor, and it is recommended to select a year with similar crop phenology as the mapping year. With this phenology-based and cross-year-training method, in 2015 we mapped the cropping proportion of corn and soybeans around mid-August, when the two crops just reached peak growth.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Functional Characterization of the Polyadenylation Site in Pigs Using RNAseq Data
Authors: Wang Hongyang , Li Rui , Zhou Xiang , Xue Liyao , Xu Xuewen , Liu Bang
Published: November 2016

Polyadenylation, a critical step in the production of mature mRNA for translation in most eukaryotes, involves cleavage and poly(A) tail addition at the 3′ end of mRNAs at the polyadenylation site (PAS). Sometimes, one gene can have more than one PAS, which can produce the alternative polyadenylation (APA) phenomenon and affect the stability, localization and translation of the mRNA. In this study, we discovered 28,363 PASs using pig RNAseq data, with 13,033 located in 7,403 genes. Among the genes, 41% were identified to have more than one PAS. PAS distribution analysis indicated that the PAS position was highly variable in genes. Additionally, the analysis of RNAseq data from the liver and testis showed a difference in their PAS number and usage. RT-PCR and qRT-PCR were performed to confirm our findings by detecting the expression of 3′UTR isoforms for five candidate genes. The analysis of RNAseq data under a different androstenone level and salmonella inoculation indicated that the functional usage of PAS might participate in the immune response and may be related to the androstenone level in pigs. This study provides new insights into pig PAS and facilitates further functional research of PAS.
Mycelia as a focal point for horizontal gene transfer among soil bacteria
Authors: Berthold Tom , Centler Florian , Hübschmann Thomas , Remer Rita , Thullner Martin , Harms Hauke , Wick Lukas Y.
Published: November 2016

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a main mechanism of bacterial evolution endowing bacteria with new genetic traits. The transfer of mobile genetic elements such as plasmids (conjugation) requires the close proximity of cells. HGT between genetically distinct bacteria largely depends on cell movement in water films, which are typically discontinuous in natural systems like soil. Using laboratory microcosms, a bacterial reporter system and flow cytometry, we here investigated if and to which degree mycelial networks facilitate contact of and HGT between spatially separated bacteria. Our study shows that the network structures of mycelia promote bacterial HGT by providing continuous liquid films in which bacterial migration and contacts are favoured. This finding was confirmed by individual-based simulations, revealing that the tendency of migrating bacteria to concentrate in the liquid film around hyphae is a key factor for improved HGT along mycelial networks. Given their ubiquity, we propose that hyphae can act as focal point for HGT and genetic adaptation in soil.
The first complete mitochondrial genome of Dacus longicornis (Diptera: Tephritidae) using next-generation sequencing and mitochondrial genome phylogeny of Dacini tribe
Authors: Jiang Fan , Pan Xubin , Li Xuankun , Yu Yanxue , Zhang Junhua , Jiang Hongshan , Dou Liduo , Zhu Shuifang
Published: November 2016

The genus Dacus is one of the most economically important tephritid fruit flies. The first complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Dacus species – D. longicornis was sequenced by next-generation sequencing in order to develop the mitogenome data for this genus. The circular 16,253 bp mitogenome is the typical set and arrangement of 37 genes present in the ancestral insect. The mitogenome data of D. longicornis was compared to all the published homologous sequences of other tephritid species. We discovered the subgenera Bactrocera, Daculus and Tetradacus differed from the subgenus Zeugodacus, the genera Dacus, Ceratitis and Procecidochares in the possession of TA instead of TAA stop codon for COI gene. There is a possibility that the TA stop codon in COI is the synapomorphy in Bactrocera group in the genus Bactrocera comparing with other Tephritidae species. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitogenome data from Tephritidae were inferred by Bayesian and Maximum-likelihood methods, strongly supported the sister relationship between Zeugodacus and Dacus.
Presence of Streptococcus mutans strains harbouring the cnm gene correlates with dental caries status and IgA nephropathy conditions
Authors: Misaki Taro , Naka Shuhei , Hatakeyama Rina , Fukunaga Akiko , Nomura Ryota , Isozaki Taisuke , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: November 2016

Streptococcus mutans is a major pathogen of human dental caries. Strains harbouring the cnm gene, which encodes Cnm, a collagen-binding protein, contribute to the development of several systemic diseases. In this study, we analysed S. mutans strains isolated from the oral cavity of immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy (IgAN) patients to determine potential relationships between cnm and caries status as well as IgAN conditions. Saliva specimens were collected from 109 IgAN patients and the cnm status of isolated S. mutans strains was determined using PCR. In addition, the dental caries status (decayed, missing or filled teeth [DMFT] index) in patients who agreed to dental consultation (n = 49) was evaluated. The DMFT index and urinary protein levels in the cnm-positive group were significantly higher than those in the cnm-negative group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the urinary protein levels in the high DMFT (≥15) group were significantly higher than those in the low DMFT (<15) group (p < 0.05). Our results show that isolation of cnm-positive S. mutans strains from the oral cavity may be associated with urinary protein levels in IgAN patients, especially those with a high dental caries status.
An Aldol Reaction-Based Iridium(III) Chemosensor for the Visualization of Proline in Living Cells
Authors: Liu Jin-Biao , Liu Li-Juan , Dong Zhen-Zhen , Yang Guan-Jun , Leung Chung-Hang , Ma Dik-Lung
Published: November 2016

A long-lived aldol reaction-based iridium(III) chemosensor [Ir(ppy)2(5-CHOphen)]PF6 (1, where ppy = 2-phenylpyridine and 5-CHOphen = 1,10-phenanthroline-5-carbaldehyde) for proline detection has been synthesized. The iridium(III) complex 1, incorporating an aldehyde group in N^N donor ligand, can take part in aldol reaction with acetone mediated by proline. The transformation of the sp2-hybridized carbonyl group into a sp3-hybridized alcohol group influences the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) state of the iridium(III) complex, resulting in a change in luminescence in response to proline. The interaction of the iridium(III) complex 1 with proline was investigated by 1H NMR, HRMS and emission titration experiments. Upon the addition of proline to a solution of iridium(III) complex 1, a maximum 8-fold luminescence enhancement was observed. The luminescence signal of iridium(III) complex 1 could be recognized in strongly fluorescent media using time-resolved emission spectroscopy (TRES). The detection of proline in living cells was also demonstrated.
Strain dependent differences in glucocorticoid-induced bone loss between C57BL/6J and CD-1 mice
Authors: Ersek Adel , Santo Ana I. Espirito , Vattakuzhi Youridies , George Saumya , Clark Andrew R. , Horwood Nicole J.
Published: November 2016

We have investigated the effect of long-term glucocorticoid (GC) administration on bone turnover in two frequently used mouse strains; C57BL/6J and CD1, in order to assess the influence of their genetic background on GC-induced osteoporosis (GIO). GIO was induced in 12 weeks old female C57BL/6J and CD1 mice by subcutaneous insertion of long-term release prednisolone or placebo pellets. Biomechanical properties as assessed by three point bent testing revealed that femoral elasticity and strength significantly decreased in CD1 mice receiving GC, whereas C57BL/6J mice showed no differences between placebo and prednisolone treatment. Bone turnover assessed by microcomputer tomography revealed that contrary to C57BL/6J mice, prednisolone treated CD1 mice developed osteoporosis. In vitro experiments have underlined that, at a cellular level, C57BL/6J mice osteoclasts and osteoblasts were less responsive to GC treatment and tolerated higher doses than CD1 cells. Whilst administration of long-term release prednisolone pellets provided a robust GIO animal model in 12 weeks old CD1 mice, age matched C57BL/6J mice were not susceptible to the bone changes associated with GIO. This study indicates that for the induction of experimental GIO, the mouse strain choice together with other factors such as age should be carefully evaluated.
Enhancing succinic acid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli by engineering its global transcription factor, catabolite repressor/activator (Cra)
Authors: Zhu Li-Wen , Xia Shi-Tao , Wei Li-Na , Li Hong-Mei , Yuan Zhan-Peng , Tang Ya-Jie
Published: November 2016

This study was initiated to improve E. coli succinate production by engineering the E. coli global transcription factor, Cra (catabolite repressor/activator). Random mutagenesis libraries were generated through error-prone PCR of cra. After re-screening and mutation site integration, the best mutant strain was Tang1541, which provided a final succinate concentration of 79.8 ± 3.1 g/L: i.e., 22.8% greater than that obtained using an empty vector control. The genes and enzymes involved in phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylation and the glyoxylate pathway were activated, either directly or indirectly, through the mutation of Cra. The parameters for interaction of Cra and DNA indicated that the Cra mutant was bound to aceBAK, thereby activating the genes involved in glyoxylate pathway and further improving succinate production even in the presence of its effector fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP). It suggested that some of the negative effect of FBP on Cra might have been counteracted through the enhanced binding affinity of the Cra mutant for FBP or the change of Cra structure. This work provides useful information about understanding the transcriptional regulation of succinate biosynthesis.
Direct evidence for the semipersistent transmission of Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus by a whitefly vector
Authors: Li Jingjing , Liang Xiangzhi , Wang Xueli , Shi Yan , Gu Qinsheng , Kuo Yen-Wen , Falk Bryce W. , Yan Fengming
Published: November 2016

Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) (genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae) is an emerging plant virus, and is now spreading and causing severe economic losses to cucurbit crops in many Asian countries. CCYV is believed to be transmitted specifically by the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in a semipersistent manner. In the present study, we provide direct evidence for the semipersistent transmission of CCYV by Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species of B. tabaci complex. We investigated CCYV transmission characteristics, and immunofluorescently labeled and localized the virus retention site within the vector by laser confocal microscopy. Whiteflies required ≥1 h of acquisition access period (AAP) to successfully acquire CCYV, and the proportion of RT-PCR positive whitefly individuals reached to 100% at 48 h of AAP. CCYV virons could be retained within vectors as long as 12 d, but the proportion of RT-PCR positive whiteflies dropped to 55% by 3 d. Groups of thirty whiteflies given a 24 h of inoculation access period (IAP) to inoculate CCYV on cucumber plants showed a transmission efficiency rate of 72.73%. The retention site of CCYV virons was located in the foregut of virion-fed vectors. These results definitely indicated the semipersistent transmission mode of CCYV by B. tabaci MED.
Continuous and simultaneous measurement of the biophysical properties of blood in a microfluidic environment
Authors: Kang Yang Jun
Published: November 2016

A new measurement method is proposed to quantify blood viscosity, blood viscoelasticity, and RBC aggregation, in a continuous and simultaneous fashion.
The detection of papaya ringspot virus coat protein using an electrochemical immunosensor
Authors: Valekunja Rohini Bhat , Kamakoti Vikramshankar , Peter Anitha , Phadnis Shamprasad , Prasad Shalini , Nagaraj Vinay J.
Published: November 2016

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-based immunosensors have enormous potential as a simple, rapid, economical, and field-deployable tool for plant pathogen detection.
Synthesis by free radical polymerization and properties of BN-polystyrene and BN-poly(vinylbiphenyl)
Authors: Wan Wen-Ming , Baggett Andrew W. , Cheng Fei , Lin Huina , Liu Shih-Yuan , Jäkle Frieder
Published: November 2016

Free radical polymerization of B-vinyl- and B-styryl-functionalized azaborinine monomers gives organic–inorganic hybrid polymers with distinctly different materials properties compared to the corresponding carbonaceous polystyrene derivatives.
From an equilibrium based MOF adsorbent to a kinetic selective carbon molecular sieve for paraffin/iso-paraffin separation
Authors: Li Baiyan , Belmabkhout Youssef , Zhang Yiming , Bhatt Prashant M. , He Hongming , Zhang Daliang , Han Yu , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Perman Jason A. , Ma Shengqian
Published: November 2016

For the first time, a carbon molecular sieve was obtainedviacarbonization of a metal–organic framework, exhibiting excellent performance in paraffin/iso-paraffin separation.
Skutterudite with graphene-modified grain-boundary complexion enhances zT enabling high-efficiency thermoelectric device
Authors: Zong Peng-an , Hanus Riley , Dylla Maxwell , Tang Yunshan , Liao Jingcheng , Zhang Qihao , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Chen Lidong
Published: November 2016

Wrapping grain boundaries with rGO enhances zT by increasing thermal boundary resistance, Rκ, with minimal effect on the electronic transport.
A highly-robust solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC): simultaneous greenhouse gas treatment and clean energy generation
Authors: Li T. , Rabuni M. F. , Kleiminger L. , Wang B. , Kelsall G. H. , Hartley U. W. , Li K.
Published: November 2016

A novel micro-structured, highly-robust SOFC that can convert greenhouse gas into clean electrical energy has been developed.
Recent advancements in the discovery of protein–protein interaction inhibitors of replication protein A
Authors: Patrone James D. , Waterson Alex G. , Fesik Stephen W.
Published: November 2016

This review summarizes recent work directed toward the discovery of selective inhibitors of the protein–protein interactions between RPA and proteins involved in the initiation of DNA damage response pathways.
Can Cr(iii) substitute for Al(iii) in the structure of boehmite?
Authors: Chatterjee Sayandev , Conroy Michele A. , Smith Frances N. , Jung Hee-Joon , Wang Zheming , Peterson Reid A. , Huq Ashfia , Burtt David G. , Ilton Eugene S. , Buck Edgar C.
Published: November 2016

Cr(iii) is observed to prefer (near-)surface sites in boehmite, as opposed to the bulk.
Unprecedented copper(ii) mediated in situ formation of gem-diol binuclear complexes: a combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Patel Ram N. , Singh Yogendra Pratap , Singh Yogendra , Butcher R. J. , Zeller Matthias
Published: November 2016

The two alkoxo bridged complexes [Cu2(L1)2(HL2)2(H2O)](NO3)2·2H2O1and [Cu2(L1)2(HL2)2](NO3)2·H2O2have been synthesized by metal assisted hydrolysis with two Schiff bases, where L1is 2-benzoylpyridine and HL2is phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methanediol.
One-step fabrication of high quantum yield sulfur- and nitrogen-doped carbon dots for sensitive and selective detection of Cr(vi)
Authors: Wang Saihua , Niu Hongyun , He Sijing , Cai Yaqi
Published: November 2016

Easily synthesized high quantum yield sulfur- and nitrogen-doped carbon dots can serve as a very efficient fluorescent sensor for the detection of Cr(vi).
Electrochemical properties of silver nanoparticle-supported reduced graphene oxide in nitric oxide oxidation and detection
Authors: Ikhsan Nurul Izrini , Rameshkumar Perumal , Huang Nay Ming
Published: November 2016

Influence of different concentrations of ascorbic acid in the formation of rGO–Ag nanocomposites using an in situ synthesis method, and the electrocatalytic oxidation and in situ detection of NO were studied.
On the influence of carbide coating on the thermal conductivity and flexural strength of X (X = SiC, TiC) coated graphite/Al composites
Authors: Wang Chen , Bai Hua , Xue Chen , Tong Xingsheng , Zhu Yingbin , Jiang Nan
Published: November 2016

Compared with the raw GF/Al composite, a SiC coating increases the thermal properties and flexural strength, with a thermal conductivity of 707 (m K)−1 when the GF volume fraction is 70%. A TiC coating enhances the flexural strength giving a maximum of 102 MPa.
Triblock and pentablock copolymerizations of ε-caprolactone withl-lactide catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene
Authors: Bai Junhua , Wu Ni , Wang Yan , Li Qianru , Wang Xiaoqi , Zhang Lifang
Published: November 2016

B-12-C-4imY exhibit the characteristics of a “living” ROP and highly active for the ROP of LLA and ε-CL. Copolymers prepared possess predictable molecular weights, narrow polydispersities, and high end-group fidelity.
Bimodal supramolecular functionalization of carbon nanotubes triggered by covalent bond formation
Authors: Leret Sofía , Pouillon Yann , Casado Santiago , Navío Cristina , Rubio Ángel , Pérez Emilio M.
Published: November 2016

We describe naphthalene diimide–SWNT supramolecular hybrids in which the topology, the degree of functionalization, and the electronic interaction can be controlled.
Making ultrafine and highly-dispersive multimetallic nanoparticles in three-dimensional graphene with supercritical fluid as excellent electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhou Yazhou , Yen Clive H. , Hu Yun Hang , Wang Chongmin , Cheng Xiaonong , Wai Chien M. , Yang Juan , Lin Yuehe
Published: November 2016

A powerful method of supercritical fluid was demonstrated to controllably synthesize porous graphene-based electrocatalysts by depositing ultrafine multimetallic nanoparticles.
Half baud‐rate, low BER PAM‐4 CDR based on SS‐MMSE algorithm
Authors: Liu Peng , Guo Jun , Jiang Yingtao
Published: November 2016

A hardware‐efficient four‐level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM‐4) clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit for high speed serial links is proposed, following a sign‐sign minimum mean square error (SS‐MMSE) algorithm. Using a specially designed continuous‐sampling slope detector and a dual‐stage digital filter, the proposed SS‐MMSE CDR can align the clock phase well with the maximum vertical eye opening, as opposed to the conventional Bang‐Bang CDR which only finds the midpoint of a symbol, yet requiring extra clock phases or running at higher frequency. Simulation results confirm superior performance and implementation efficiency of this proposed SS‐MMSE PAM‐4 CDR over the Bang‐Bang design.
Fixed topology Thévenin equivalent fully detailed model for nonlinear capacitances
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Kangping , Yang Xu , Cheng Shi
Published: November 2016

A datasheet‐based fully detailed model for nonlinear capacitances is proposed to significantly reduce the simulation time on the turn‐on and turn‐off transitions of power electronic circuits. In this model, a nonlinear capacitance is Thévenin equivalent to a voltage source in series with a constant resistance, and the nonlinear part is represented in the voltage source. So, unchangeable admittance matrix is achieved regarding the nonlinear part of capacitances as excitations. Appreciable calculation speedup is gained while good accuracy is maintained.
Preparation and characterisation of Al‐doped ZnO and PVDF composites
Authors: Peihai Ju , Ling Weng , Lizhu Liu , Xiaorui Zhang
Published: November 2016

A single organic composite material having high dielectric constant is difficult to meet the needs of the market. Nowadays, polymer matrix‐based composites have become a promising option that researchers are focusing on. Al‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO) and composites containing ZnO as reinforcement and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as matrix were prepared. The microstructure of composites was analysed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The chemical structures and crystallisation behaviour of the materials were investigated by the means of FT‐IR and X‐ray diffractometer. ZnO, having both rod‐ and sheet‐shaped, was evenly distributed within the PVDF material. Additionally, the dielectric properties and breakdown field strength of composite were tested. As the content of the fillers was kept steady, the dielectric constant of the composite material increased proportionally with the Al content. Thus, a composite containing 10% ZnO with 7% Al displayed a dielectric constant of 18.5 at 100 Hz, twice when compared with the pure ZnO/PVDF composites. This phenomenon was attributed to ZnO semiconductor properties which can significantly improve the conductive nature of the materials.
Electrospun poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibrous composites with enhanced ionic conductivity as flexible solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Zha Jun‐Wei , Huang Na , He Kang‐Qiang , Dang Zhi‐Min , Shi Chang‐Yong , Li Robert KwokYiu
Published: November 2016

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have great potential to address the safety issues of lithium (Li)‐ion batteries when compared with conventional liquid electrolytes, which makes them a promising alternative for next‐generation high‐energy batteries. In this work, poly(ethylene oxide)‐lithium perchlorate (PEO–LiClO4) polymer electrolytes for Li‐ion batteries were prepared using electrospinning. The crystallinity, ionic conductivity as well as mechanical properties were investigated. Ionic conductivities and mechanical properties of PEO–LiClO4 based SPE have been obviously increased by incorporating modified TiO2 nanofibres (TNFs) than TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs), due to that both TNFs and TNPs can decrease the crystalline phase concentration of PEO and increase segmental flexibility of PEO. The SPE with 3 wt% TNFs exhibits the highest conductivity of 5.308 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 20°C and higher tensile strength of 13.8 MPa. These results highlight the potential of utilising the electrospinning method to improve the ionic conductivity of SPEs.
Identification of TBAES rotating diode failure
Authors: Zhang Zan , Liu Weiguo , Peng Jichang , Zhao Dongdong , Meng Tao , Pang Ji , Sun Chenghao
Published: November 2016

This study focuses on the identification of the rotating diode failures of an aircraft wound‐field synchronous starter–generator system. Owing to the difference in topography between the DC field excitation system and the three‐phase brushless asynchronous excitation system (TBAES), the rotating diodes failure identification methods for the DC field excitation system cannot be implemented in TBAES. To solve this problem, this study presents the theoretical analysis of the effects of diode failures on the TBAES rotor current. The theoretical analysis shows that the third and the fundamental components of rotor current could be treated as diode failure features. When a rotating diode operates in open‐circuit conditions, the third harmonic current of the normal phase windings increases, but it does not increase while in the fault phase. Meanwhile, the amplitude of the fundamental current of failure phase reduces. Under short‐circuit conditions, both the third harmonic and the fundamental component of the rotor current of TBAES rotor‐windings increase. On the basis of the theoretical findings, the detection of rotating diode failures is achieved by the harmonic analysis of the estimated rotor currents.
Optimised THz photoconductive devices based on low‐temperature grown III–V compound semiconductors incorporating distributed Bragg reflectors
Authors: Wang Yuekun , Kostakis Ioannis , Saeedkia Daryoosh , Missous Mohamed
Published: November 2016

This study reports work on optimised THz photoconductive antenna switches based on low‐temperature grown materials incorporating distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs). These materials were characterised electrically using Hall effect, mid‐infrared reflectivity measurements and fabricated antennas tested under pulsed excitation in a time‐domain spectroscopy system. It is shown that the inclusion of DBR results in enhanced THz peak signals by more than twice across the entire operating frequency range. In addition, the devices exhibit significant improvements in the relative THz power, responsivity and optical to electrical efficiency compared with the reference ones.
Determination of the alumina membrane geometrical parameters using its optical spectra
Authors: Matyushkin Lev B. , Muratova Ekaterina N. , Panov Mikhail F.
Published: November 2016

The transmission spectra for the porous alumina membranes prepared by electrochemical etching were investigated in a broad wavelength range from 0.2 to 12 μm. It is shown that the spectrum of the membrane maybe divided into regions enabling characterisation of average pore size and size distribution, the membrane thickness, and the presence of residual etching agent anions.
Effects of chirality on single‐file water permeability and diffusivity through single wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Binesh Alireza R. , Kamali Reza
Published: November 2016

In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of single‐file water permeation through carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes have been performed and for a better understanding of the relationship between water transport performance of these biomimetic membranes and chirality of CNTs, the key parameters such as osmotic and diffusive permeability constants and diffusion coefficients are investigated. For this purpose, CNTs with approximately same diameters and different chirality from armchair to zigzag are used to perform 40 nanosecond MD simulations of these membranes. The resulting permeability and diffusivity characteristics of single‐file CNT membranes showed that water permeability constant and diffusion coefficient increase by changing in the chirality of CNTs from armchair to zigzag, with approximately similar size in diameter. Finally, the presented results provide useful insights into the design of CNT water transporters with best performance.
Preparation of multi‐tip arrays on flexible substrates for large‐scale microfabrication
Authors: Chen Jialiang , Liu Jiantao , Yu Bingjun , Chen Lei , Jin Chenning , Qian Linmao
Published: November 2016

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) provides an important way for micro/nanofabrication. Compared with single‐tip mode, parallel multi‐tip mode enables an effective way for microfabrication with large scale and high efficiency by SPM. During the preparation of multi‐tip array, the height difference between different tips is quite difficult to be eliminated. In the present work multi‐tip arrays were prepared on different flexible rubber substrates with good bonding strength. Finite element analysis was carried out based on a hyperelastic constitutive model for selecting a suitable rubber substrate for producing the multi‐tip array, and the initial shear modulus C10 should be from 0.5 to 17. A series of comparative fabrication experiments were conducted by different multi‐tip arrays. The multi‐tip array with flexible substrates fulfilling the prediction model can compensate obviously the height difference resulting from microsphere size, and the flexible substrate with a lower C10 in this range is better for the scratching fabrication. Using the multi‐tip array, large‐scale surface patterning can be fabricated with low cost and easy operation. This work can promote the wide application of SPM and development of the surface texture engineering.
Zygomatic Intraosseous Hemangioma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Powers David B. , Fisher Elda , Erdmann Detlev
Published: November 2016

Intraosseous hemangiomas are uncommon intrabony lesions, representing approximately 0.5 to 1% of all intraosseous tumors. Their description varies from “benign vasoformative neoplasms” to true hamartomatous proliferations of endothelial cells forming a vascular network with intermixed fibrous connective tissue stroma. These commonly present as a firm, painless swelling. Intraosseous hemangiomas present more commonly in females than in males and most likely occur in the fourth decade of life. The most common etiology of intraosseous hemangioma is believed to be prior trauma to the area. They have a tendency to bleed briskly upon removal or biopsy, making preoperative detection of the vascular nature of the lesion of significant importance. There are four variants: (1) capillary type, (2) cavernous type, (3) mixed variant, and (4) scirrhous type. Generally most common in the vertebral skeleton, they can also present in the calvarium and facial bones. In the head, the most common site is the parietal bone, followed by the mandible, and then malar and zygomatic regions. Intraosseous hemangiomas of the zygoma are rare entities with the first case reported in 1950 by Schoenfield. In this article, we review 49 case reports of intraosseous hemangioma of the zygoma, and also present a new case treated with excision followed by polyether-ether ketone implant placement for primary reconstruction.
Bone Allograft: An Option for Total Mandibular Reconstruction
Authors: Motlagh Masoud Fallahi , Bayat Mohamad , Naji Siamak
Published: November 2016

Total mandibular reconstruction is one of the most challenging modalities in maxillofacial surgery. In this article, we try to introduce a method of total mandible reconstruction. We report a 25-year-old male patient with complete involvement of the mandible by Langerhans cell tumor. The patient underwent total mandibulectomy and reconstruction with bone allograft harvested from a donor who had died the day before. The patient has good functional and aesthetic results in a long time. It seems that bone allograft can be a good alternative to other methods in total mandibular reconstruction.
Linear stability of buoyant convective flow in a vertical channel with internal heat sources and a transverse magnetic field
Authors: Hudoba A. , Molokov S.
Published: November 2016

Linear stability of buoyant convective flow of an electrically conducting fluid in a vertical channel owing to internal heat sources has been studied. The flow takes place in a transverse, horizontal magnetic field. The results show that up to four different local minima may be present in the neural stability curve. Up to two of these modes may be the most unstable depending, critically, on the value of the Hartmann number. Over a wide range of moderate to high Hartmann numbers, thermal waves dominate the instability. As the Hartmann number increases, however, this mode is strongly damped. Then the so-called Hartmann mode takes over, which involves the characteristic Hartmann layers at the walls appearing due to modification of the basic velocity profile by the magnetic field. Overall, for liquid metals at high magnetic fields, the basic flow is very stable. Variation of the Prandtl number in a wide range has also been performed as, depending on the type of an electrically conducting fluid (liquid metal or various kinds of electrolytes), the Prandtl number varies over several orders of magnitude. As may be expected, the increase of the Prandtl number lowers the instability threshold for the thermal waves.
Anisotropic contrast optical microscope
Authors: Peev D. , Hofmann T. , Kananizadeh N. , Beeram S. , Rodriguez E. , Wimer S. , Rodenhausen K. B. , Herzinger C. M. , Kasputis T. , Pfaunmiller E. , Nguyen A. , Korlacki R. , Pannier A. , Li Y. , Schubert E. , Hage D. , Schubert M.
Published: November 2016

An optical microscope is described that reveals contrast in the Mueller matrix images of a thin, transparent, or semi-transparent specimen located within an anisotropic object plane (anisotropic filter). The specimen changes the anisotropy of the filter and thereby produces contrast within the Mueller matrix images. Here we use an anisotropic filter composed of a semi-transparent, nanostructured thin film with sub-wavelength thickness placed within the object plane. The sample is illuminated as in common optical microscopy but the light is modulated in its polarization using combinations of linear polarizers and phase plate (compensator) to control and analyze the state of polarization. Direct generalized ellipsometry data analysis approaches permit extraction of fundamental Mueller matrix object plane images dispensing with the need of Fourier expansion methods. Generalized ellipsometry model approaches are used for quantitative image analyses. These images are obtained from sets of multiple images obtained under various polarizer, analyzer, and compensator settings. Up to 16 independent Mueller matrix images can be obtained, while our current setup is limited to 11 images normalized by the unpolarized intensity. We demonstrate the anisotropic contrast optical microscope by measuring lithographically defined micro-patterned anisotropic filters, and we quantify the adsorption of an organic self-assembled monolayer film onto the anisotropic filter. Comparison with an isotropic glass slide demonstrates the image enhancement obtained by our method over microscopy without the use of an anisotropic filter. In our current instrument, we estimate the limit of detection for organic volumetric mass within the object plane of ≈49 fg within ≈7 × 7 μm2 object surface area. Compared to a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation instrumentation, where contemporary limits require a total load of ≈500 pg for detection, the instrumentation demonstrated here improves sensitivity to a total mass required for detection by 4 orders of magnitude. We detail the design and operation principles of the anisotropic contrast optical microscope, and we present further applications to the detection of nanoparticles, to novel approaches for imaging chromatography and to new contrast modalities for observations on living cells.
Insight into the unit cell: Structure of picene thin films on Ag(100) revealed with complementary methods
Authors: Huempfner Tobias , Hafermann Martin , Udhardt Christian , Otto Felix , Forker Roman , Fritz Torsten
Published: November 2016

We study the molecular structure of one monolayer of picene on a Ag(100) surface. Low energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy experiments show that the molecules arrange in a highly ordered manner exhibiting a point-on-line epitaxy with two differently arranged molecules per unit cell. Comparing measured and simulated photoelectron momentum maps allows further conclusions about the composition of the unit cell. The structural basis consists of two parallel molecules; one molecule lies face-on and the other is tilted by ≈45° around its long axis with respect to the surface normal.
Large-N expansion for the time-delay matrix of ballistic chaotic cavities
Authors: Cunden Fabio Deelan , Mezzadri Francesco , Simm Nick , Vivo Pierpaolo
Published: November 2016

We consider the 1/N-expansion of the moments of the proper delay times for a ballistic chaotic cavity supporting N scattering channels. In the random matrix approach, these moments correspond to traces of negative powers of Wishart matrices. For systems with and without broken time reversal symmetry (Dyson indices β = 1 and β = 2), we obtain a recursion relation, which efficiently generates the coefficients of the 1/N-expansion of the moments. The integrality of these coefficients and their possible diagrammatic interpretation is discussed.
Methods of computing Campbell-Hausdorff formula
Authors: Sogo Kiyoshi
Published: November 2016

A new method computing Campbell-Hausdorff formula is proposed by using quantum moment-cumulant relations, which is given by Weyl ordering symmetrization of classical moment-cumulant relations. The method enables one to readily use symbolic language software to compute arbitrary terms in the formula, and explicit expressions up to the 6-th order are obtained by the way of illustration. Further the symmetry Codd(A, B) = Codd(B, A), Ceven(A, B) = − Ceven(B, A) is found and proved. The operator differential method by Knapp is also examined for the comparison.
Propagation length of mid-infrared surface plasmon polaritons on gold: Impact of morphology change by thermal annealing
Authors: Hiramatsu Nobuyoshi , Kusa Fumiya , Imasaka Kotaro , Morichika Ikki , Takegami Akinobu , Ashihara Satoshi
Published: November 2016

We studied the propagation length of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at the gold/air interface in the mid-infrared range. We showed that SPPs propagate for a distance of about or above 10 mm at a wavelength of 10.6 μm, in good agreement with the value predicted from the dielectric constant of polycrystalline gold. We also demonstrated that a simple treatment of thermal annealing led to noticeable elongation of SPP propagation length, accompanied by increased grain size and decreased surface roughness. Quantitative evaluation of SPP propagation length, in correlation with material's morphology, is important in designing plasmonic devices and beneficial for understanding the mechanisms of SPP's losses that underlie electric-field enhancement.
Azimuthal angular dependent hysteresis loops of Fe50Mn50/Ni81Fe19 bilayers grown under a magnetic field
Authors: Choi Hyeok-Cheol , You Chun-Yeol , Kim Ki-Yeon
Published: November 2016

The azimuthal angular dependence of the vectorial hysteresis loops in the Fe50Mn50(AF)/Ni81Fe19(F) bilayer grown under a magnetic field was investigated using a combination of vectorial magneto-optic Kerr effect and model calculation. From a comparison of the experimental and calculation results, it is found that the AF easy axis is not parallel with but rotated by about 20° away from the applied magnetic field during the sample growth. Moreover, the transverse loop at the AF easy axis does not vanish but displays an open full circle (i.e., magnetization changes sign between decreasing and increasing field branches for the full hysteresis measurement). Our model calculation reveals that they are reminiscent of the non-collinear uniaxial and unidirectional anisotropies. Specifically, the angular dependence of the transverse hysteresis is well reproduced with our model calculation taking non-collinear magnetic anisotropies into account. Coercivity determined from the longitudinal loops, on the other hand, is found to be nonzero and comparatively large at all azimuthal angles. This is in stark contrast with previous results regarding FeMn/NiFe bilayers field-cooled after sample growth. Neither domain wall nor incoherent magnetic rotation in the F layer is likely to be responsible for this coercivity discrepancy between theory and experiments. Apart from the uniaxial F and unidirectional AF-F anisotropies, we suggest that the F rotatable anisotropy equivalent of 40% to 60% of the interfacial coupling energy should be taken into account to properly address the coercivity enhancement in the FeMn/NiFe bilayer grown under a magnetic field.
The impact of vaccine success and awareness on epidemic dynamics
Authors: Juang Jonq , Liang Yu-Hao
Published: November 2016

The role of vaccine success is introduced into an epidemic spreading model consisting of three states: susceptible, infectious, and vaccinated. Moreover, the effect of three types, namely, contact, local, and global, of infection awareness and immunization awareness is also taken into consideration. The model generalizes those considered in Pastor-Satorras and Vespignani [Phys. Rev. E 63, 066117 (2001)], Pastor-Satorras and Vespignani [Phys. Rev. E 65, 036104 (2002)], Moreno et al. [Eur. Phys. J. B 26, 521–529 (2002)], Wu et al. [Chaos 22, 013101 (2012)], and Wu et al. [Chaos 24, 023108 (2014)]. Our main results contain the following. First, the epidemic threshold is explicitly obtained. In particular, we show that, for any initial conditions, the epidemic eventually dies out regardless of what other factors are whenever some type of immunization awareness is considered, and vaccination has a perfect success. Moreover, the threshold is independent of the global type of awareness. Second, we compare the effect of contact and local types of awareness on the epidemic thresholds between heterogeneous networks and homogeneous networks. Specifically, we find that the epidemic threshold for the homogeneous network can be lower than that of the heterogeneous network in an intermediate regime for intensity of contact infection awareness while it is higher otherwise. In summary, our results highlight the important and crucial roles of both vaccine success and contact infection awareness on epidemic dynamics.
Radiation flux study of spherical hohlraums at the SGIII prototype facility
Authors: Xie Xufei , Li Zhichao , Li Sanwei , Huang Yunbao , Jing Longfei , Yang Dong , Huo Wenyi , Chen Yaohua , Lan Ke , Guo Liang , Jiang Xiaohua , Hou Lifei , Du Huabing , Liu Yonggang , Zhang Huan , Peng Xiaoshi , Xu Tao , Li Chaoguang , Zhan Xiayu , Wang Feng , Yang Jiamin , Liu Shenye , Jiang Shaoen , Ding Yongkun
Published: November 2016

An octahedral spherical hohlraum is a promising candidate in target design for inertial confinement fusion study, because of its potential superiority in uniform radiation and efficient coupling [Lan et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 010704 (2014)]. Before the experimental investigation for octahedral spherical hohlraum, an energetics experiment is accomplished on the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility by using spherical hohlraums with two cylindrical laser entrance holes. Time evolution of the radiation temperature is obtained with flat response X-ray diode detectors at four different viewing angles with demonstrated repeatability of the measurements. The experimental observations are successfully explained by using a phenomenological model which considers not only the radiation flux contributed from the laser ablated and radiation ablated plasma from hohlraum wall, but also that contributed from the filling plasma inside the hohlraum. This method proves to be a simple but effective way to interpret the time-dependent behaviour of the radiation temperatures at different viewing angles.