bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplemental dietaryl-arginine attenuates intestinal mucosal disruption during a coccidial vaccine challenge in broiler chickens
Authors: Tan Jianzhuang , Applegate Todd J. , Liu Shasha , Guo Yuming , Eicher Susan D.
Published: September 2014

The present study investigated the effects of dietary arginine (Arg) supplementation on intestinal structure and functionality in broiler chickens subjected to coccidial challenge. The present study was a randomised complete block design employing a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (n8) with three dietary concentrations of Arg (11·1, 13·3 and 20·2 g/kg) with or without coccidial vaccine challenge (unchallenged and coccidial challenge). On day 14, birds were orally administered with coccidial vaccine or saline. On day 21, birds were killed to obtain jejunal tissue and mucosal samples for histological, gene expression and mucosal immunity measurements. Within 7 d of the challenge, there was a decrease in body-weight gain and feed intake, and an increase in the feed:gain ratio (P< 0·05). Jejunal inflammation was evidenced by villus damage, crypt dilation and goblet cell depletion. Coccidial challenge increased mucosal secretory IgA concentration and inflammatory gene (iNOS,IL-1β,IL-8andMyD88) mRNA expression levels (P< 0·05), as well as reduced jejunalMucin-2,IgAandIL-1RImRNA expression levels (P< 0·05). Increasing Arg concentration (1) increased jejunal villus height (P< 0·05) and linearly increased jejunal crypt depth (P< 0·05); (2) quadratically increased mucosal maltase activity (P< 0·05) and linearly decreased mucosal secretory IgG concentration (P< 0·05) within the coccidiosis-challenged groups; and (3) linearly decreased jejunal Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA expression level (P< 0·05) within the coccidiosis-challenged groups. The mRNA expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 pathway genes (mTORandRPS6KB1) and the anti-apoptosis geneBcl-2quadratically responded to increasing dietary Arg supplementation (P< 0·05). These results indicate that dietary Arg supplementation attenuates intestinal mucosal disruption in coccidiosis-challenged chickens probably through suppressing TLR4 and activating mTOR complex 1 pathways.
Effect of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) supplementation for 12 months on the indices of vitamin K status and bone health in adult patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: O'Connor Eibhlís M. , Grealy Geraldine , McCarthy Jane , Desmond Alan , Craig Orla , Shanahan Fergus , Cashman Kevin D.
Published: September 2014

Although epidemiological findings support a role for vitamin K status in the improvement of bone indices in adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD), this needs to be confirmed in double-blind, randomised controlled trials (RCT) with phylloquinone (vitamin K1). By conducting two RCT, the present study aimed to first establish whether supplementation with 1000 μg of phylloquinone daily near-maximally suppresses the percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in serum (%ucOC; marker of vitamin K status) in adult patients with CD currently in remission as it does in healthy adults and second determine the effect of supplementation with phylloquinone at this dose for 12 months on the indices of bone turnover and bone mass. The initial dose-ranging RCT was conducted in adult patients with CD (n 10 per group) using 0 (placebo), 1000 or 2000 μg of phylloquinone daily for 2 weeks. In the main RCT, the effect of placebo v. 1000 μg vitamin K/d (both co-administered with Ca (500 mg/d) and vitamin D3 (10 μg/d)) for 12 months (n 43 per group) on the biochemical indices of bone turnover (determined by enzyme immunoassay) and bone mass (determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were investigated. At baseline, the mean %ucOC was 47 %, and this was suppressed upon supplementation with 1000 μg of phylloquinone daily ( − 81 %; P< 0·01) and not suppressed further by 2000 μg of phylloquinone daily. Compared with the placebo, supplementation with 1000 μg of phylloquinone daily for 12 months had no significant effect (P>0·1) on bone turnover markers or on the bone mass of the lumbar spine or femur, but modestly increased (P< 0·05) the bone mass of the total radius. Despite near maximal suppression of serum %ucOC, supplementation with 1000 μg of phylloquinone daily (with Ca and vitamin D3) had no effect on the indices of bone health in adult CD patients with likely vitamin K insufficiency.
Effectiveness and persistence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the physiology, nutrient uptake and yield of Crimson seedless grapevine
Authors: NICOLÁS E. , MAESTRE-VALERO J. F. , ALARCÓN J. J. , PEDRERO F. , VICENTE-SÁNCHEZ J. , BERNABÉ A. , GÓMEZ-MONTIEL J. , HERNÁNDEZ J. A. , FERNÁNDEZ F.
Published: September 2014

In the present study, carried out in South-eastern Spain, a commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF;Glomus iranicumvar.tenuihypharumsp.nova) was introduced through drip irrigation to inoculate Crimson grapevines. Their effects on the physiological and nutritional activity were evaluated for 2 years (2011–12). Additionally, during the second year of experimentation, the persistence of mycorrhizae on the grapevine and their effects were innovatively analysed.

The AMF satisfactorily colonized the Crimson grapevine roots, improved the plants water status, induced an improvement in the photosynthetic performance that increased the water use efficiency, promoted the uptake of phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) and led to a mobilization of starch reserves in the apex in winter, which was possibly responsible for enhancing root development. Moreover, inoculated plants had significantly increased yield and improved quality of grapes, which led to early grape maturation. Overall, the persistent effect of AMF during the second year produced similar positive effects, although to a lesser extent, to those obtained in the inoculated treatment.

The results found in the present study show that this AMF application technique can be recommended for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid areas. Moreover, as a result of the competition with the native mycorrhizae, periodic monitoring of the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization and re-inoculation in order to obtain all the positive effects evidenced in the inoculated treatment is recommended.
Morbidity and mortality associated with subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis): a single-centre experience in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jordan N P , Verma H , Siddiqui A , Morrison G A , D'Cruz D P
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

We aimed to determine the prevalence of symptomatic subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis); we also wanted to characterise the clinical outcomes and surgical interventions required, and the relapse rate in our cohort.

Methods:

We undertook a retrospective clinical review of all granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients with symptomatic subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis attending St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Results:

Symptomatic subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis developed in 16 per cent of granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients attending our clinic. The median age of patients at diagnosis was 44 years (range: 34–81 years); 78 per cent of those presenting with subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis were women and 22 per cent were men. All patients were white; 67 per cent of patients were proteinase 3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive and 67 per cent developed relapsing disease requiring repeated surgical intervention. Subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis relapse was not associated with active systemic vasculitis elsewhere.

Conclusion:

Subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis is an uncommon but significant complication of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Management of subglottic laryngotracheal stenosis requires a multi-disciplinary approach, with both rheumatological and otolaryngological expertise involved, given the relapsing nature of the disease.
How images make world politics: International icons and the case of Abu Ghraib
Authors: HANSEN LENE
Published: September 2014

This article introduces international icons to the field of International Relations. International icons are freestanding images that are widely circulated, recognised, and emotionally responded to. International icons come in the form of foreign policy icons familiar to a specific domestic audience, regional icons, and global icons. Icons do not speak foreign policy in and of themselves rather their meaning is constituted in discourse. Images rise to the status of international icons in part through images that appropriate the icon itself, either in full or through inserting parts of the icon into new images. Appropriations might be used and read as critical interventions into foreign policy debates, but such readings should themselves be subjected to analysis. A three-tier analytical and methodological framework for studying international icons is presented and applied in a case study of the hooded prisoner widely claimed to be emblematic of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal.
Adaptive vector sliding mode fault-tolerant control of the uncertain Stewart platform based on position measurements only
Authors: Meng Qiang , Zhang Tao , He Jing-feng , Song Jing-yan
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the trajectory tracking of a Stewart platform, which is a typical multi-input multi-output nonlinear system, with unmodeled dynamics, parameter uncertainties, friction, and unpredictable actuator faults. An adaptive vector sliding mode fault-tolerant control law is derived to ensure the system is insensitive to uncertainties and drive the state variable errors of the closed-loop system to converge to the origin. Moreover, novel adaptive laws are proposed to update the upper boundary of uncertainty according to the actual system state, which greatly reduces the chattering of sliding mode control. Furthermore, velocity signals are estimated by introducing a simple nonlinear observer, resulting in the proposed controller requiring position measurements only. Finally, numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
ICT AND THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE: ASPECTS OF DOCTOR-PATIENT COMMUNICATION
Authors: Haluza Daniela , Jungwirth David
Published: September 2014

Objectives: The current digital revolution is particularly relevant for interactions of healthcare providers with patients and the community as a whole. The growing public acceptance and distribution of new communication tools such as smart mobile phones provide the prerequisite for information and communication technology (ICT) -assisted healthcare applications. The present study aimed at identifying specifications and perceptions of different interest groups regarding future demands of ICT-supported doctor–patient communication in Austria.

Methods: German-speaking Austrian healthcare experts (n = 73; 74 percent males; mean age, 43.9 years; SD 9.4) representing medical professionals, patient advocates, and administrative personnel participated in a 2-round online Delphi process. Participants evaluated scenario-based benefits and obstacles for possible prospect introduction as well as degree of innovation, desirability, and estimated implementation dates of two medical care-related future set ups.

Results: Panelists expected the future ICT-supported doctor–patient dialogue to especially improve the three factors doctors–patient relationship, patients’ knowledge, and quality of social health care. However, lack of acceptance by doctors, data security, and monetary aspects were considered as the three most relevant barriers for ICT implementation. Furthermore, inter-group comparison regarding desirability of future scenarios showed that medical professionals tended to be more skeptical about health-related technological innovations (p < .001).

Conclusions: The findings of this survey revealed different expectations among interest groups. Thus, we suggest building taskforces and using workshops for establishing a dialogue between stakeholders to positively shape the future of ICT-supported collaboration and communication between doctors and patients.
Hemolymph microbiome of Pacific oysters in response to temperature, temperature stress and infection
Authors: Lokmer Ana , Wegner Karl Mathias
Published: September 2014

Microbiota provide their hosts with a range of beneficial services, including defense from external pathogens. However, host-associated microbial communities themselves can act as a source of opportunistic pathogens depending on the environment. Marine poikilotherms and their microbiota are strongly influenced by temperature, but experimental studies exploring how temperature affects the interactions between both parties are rare. To assess the effects of temperature, temperature stress and infection on diversity, composition and dynamics of the hemolymph microbiota of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), we conducted an experiment in a fully-crossed, three-factorial design, in which the temperature acclimated oysters (8 or 22 °C) were exposed to temperature stress and to experimental challenge with a virulent Vibrio sp. strain. We monitored oyster survival and repeatedly collected hemolymph of dead and alive animals to determine the microbiome composition by 16s rRNA gene amplicon pyrosequencing. We found that the microbial dynamics and composition of communities in healthy animals (including infection survivors) were significantly affected by temperature and temperature stress, but not by infection. The response was mediated by changes in the incidence and abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and accompanied by little change at higher taxonomic levels, indicating dynamic stability of the hemolymph microbiome. Dead and moribund oysters, on the contrary, displayed signs of community structure disruption, characterized by very low diversity and proliferation of few OTUs. We can therefore link short-term responses of host-associated microbial communities to abiotic and biotic factors and assess the potential feedback between microbiota dynamics and host survival during disease.
The contribution of frequency-specific activity to hierarchical information processing in the human auditory cortex
Authors: Fontolan L. , Morillon B. , Liegeois-Chauvel C. , Giraud Anne-Lise
Published: September 2014

The fact that feed-forward and top-down propagation of sensory information use distinct frequency bands is an appealing assumption for which evidence remains scarce. Here we obtain human depth recordings from two auditory cortical regions in both hemispheres, while subjects listen to sentences, and show that information travels in each direction using separate frequency channels. Bottom-up and top-down propagation dominates in γ- and δ–β (<40 Hz) bands, respectively. The predominance of low frequencies for top-down information transfer is confirmed by cross-regional frequency coupling, which indicates that the power of γ-activity in A1 is modulated by the phase of δ–β activity sampled from association auditory cortex (AAC). This cross-regional coupling effect is absent in the opposite direction. Finally, we show that information transfer does not proceed continuously but by time windows where bottom-up or top-down processing alternatively dominates. These findings suggest that the brain uses both frequency- and time-division multiplexing to optimize directional information transfer.
Significant change of spin transport property in Cu/Nb bilayer due to superconducting transition
Authors: Ohnishi Kohei , Ono Yuma , Nomura Tatsuya , Kimura Takashi
Published: September 2014

The combination between the spin-dependent and super-conducting (SC) transports is expected to provide intriguing properties such as crossed Andreev reflection and spin-triplet superconductivity. This may be able to open a new avenue in the field of spintronics, namely superconducting spintronics because a superconductor itself has great potential for future nanoelectronic applications. To observe such SC spin transports, the suppression of the extrinsic effects originating from the heating and Oersted field due to the electric current is a crucial role. Pure spin current without accompanying the charge current is known as a powerful mean for preventing such extrinsic effects. However, non-negligible heat flow is found to exist even in a conventional pure spin current device based on laterally-configured spin valve because of the heating around the spin injector. Here, we develop a nanopillar-based lateral spin valve, which significantly reduces the heat generation, on a superconducting Nb film. By using this ideal platform, we found that the spin absorption is strongly suppressed by the SC transition of Nb. This demonstration is the clear evidence that the super-conducting Nb is an insulator for the pure spin current.
Luminescent materials of zeolite functionalized with lanthanides
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Huanrong
Published: September 2014

Luminescent materials based on the functionalization of zeolite with lanthanide constitute an intense research topic since they combine the attractive properties of zeolite and unique optical properties of Ln3+ ions. This review highlights the utilization of zeolite as luminescent materials showing tunable luminescence performance, well-organized structures and useful host–guest interactions.
Bottom-up approach to engineer two covalent porphyrinic frameworks as effective catalysts for selective oxidation
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Jiang Pingping , Wang Ying , Zhang Jian , Zhang Pingbo
Published: September 2014

Two kinds of novel functional covalent organic frameworks were assembled with the porphyrin building block and terephthalaldehyde or squaric acid via bottom-up approach.
Semiconductor-based photocatalysts and photoelectrochemical cells for solar fuel generation: a review
Authors: Li Jiangtian , Wu Nianqiang
Published: September 2014

This perspective article describes the barrier, progress and future direction of research on the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical solar fuel generation.
Photoinduced hydrogen evolution by a pentapyridine cobalt complex: elucidating some mechanistic aspects
Authors: Deponti Elisa , Luisa Alessandra , Natali Mirco , Iengo Elisabetta , Scandola Franco
Published: September 2014

The ability of a new pentapyridine cobalt(ii) complex to power photochemical hydrogen evolution from water is investigated in detail.
Introductory Lecture: Mechanochemistry, a versatile synthesis strategy for new materials
Authors: Jones William , Eddleston Mark D.
Published: September 2014

Mechanochemistry deals with reactions induced by the input of mechanical energy – for example by impacts within a vibratory ball mill. The technique has a long history with significant contributions from Ostwald, Carey Lea and, notably, Faraday. Mechanochemistry has subsequently seen application in a variety of areas of materials science including mechanical alloying in metallurgy, the synthesis of complex organic molecules and, more recently, the discovery and development of new solid forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This paper overviews the broad areas of application of mechanochemistry, some key features which make it a particularly attractive approach to materials synthesis and some mechanistic aspects highlighted within the literature. A significant part, however, will focus on recent applications in the area of pharmaceuticals and its important role in exploring the rich variety of solid forms available for small, drug-like, molecules.
Digestion of microencapsulated oil powders: in vitro lipolysis and in vivo absorption from a food matrix
Authors: Augustin Mary Ann , Sanguansri Luz , Rusli Jenny Kartika , Shen Zhiping , Cheng Li Jiang , Keogh Jennifer , Clifton Peter
Published: September 2014

Microencapsulation provides a vehicle for the incorporation of fats and oils into powders that can be used as dry ingredients in an expanded variety of food products.
Metal and metalloid determination in biodiesel and bioethanol
Authors: Sánchez Raquel , Sánchez Carlos , Lienemann Charles-Philippe , Todolí José-Luis
Published: September 2014

Biofuel quality control involves the determination of metal and metalloid content.
Amphiphilic designer nano-carriers for controlled release: from drug delivery to diagnostics
Authors: Salim Malinda , Minamikawa Hiroyuki , Sugimura Akihiko , Hashim Rauzah
Published: September 2014

Our review highlights lipid liquid crystal nanocarriers, essentially their design considerations and sugar-based materials for specific targeted delivery.
A label-free electrochemistry biosensor based flower-like 3-dimensional ZnO superstructures for detection of DNA arrays
Authors: Fang Linxia , Huang Kejing , Zhang Baoling , Liu Yujie , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: September 2014

A highly sensitive electrochemical DNA sensor was constructed by homogenously distributing Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a flower-like 3D ZnO superstructure–chitosan (CS) matrix.
Mucus barrier-triggered disassembly of siRNA nanocarriers
Authors: Thomsen Troels B. , Li Leon , Howard Kenneth A.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a new mechanism for chitosan-based siRNA nanocarrier interaction and transport across mucus of the gastrointestinal tract. This mechanism suggests disassembly of the nanocarriers and concomitant diffusion of siRNA through the mucus barrier. This is the first example of mucin-triggered decomplexation and transport that provide design guidelines for RNAi-based nanocarrier therapy targeted at mucosal sites.
Chemically exfoliated ReS2nanosheets
Authors: Fujita Takeshi , Ito Yoshikazu , Tan Yongwen , Yamaguchi Hisato , Hojo Daisuke , Hirata Akihiko , Voiry Damien , Chhowalla Manish , Chen Mingwei
Published: September 2014

Chemically exfoliated ReS2nanosheets are demonstrated for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) originating from the superlattice phase.
Two-channel dansyl/tryptophan emitters with a cholic acid bridge as reporters for local hydrophobicity within supramolecular systems based on bile salts
Authors: Gomez-Mendoza M. , Marin M. Luisa , Miranda Miguel A.
Published: September 2014

Simultaneous emission from the Trp and Dns fluorophores of linked dyads in biomimetic media is quenched by iodide anions with rate constants that depend on the local hydrophobicity.
Synthesis and properties of CO2-switchable Dex-g-PAHMA copolymers
Authors: Che Ning , Yang Saina , Kang Hongliang , Liu Ruigang , Li Zhuang , Liu Zhijing , Li Pingping , Qu Xiaozhong , Huang Yong
Published: September 2014

CO2-switchable Dex-g-PAHMA copolymers were synthesized and characterized. The properties of the graft copolymers and the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of DOX-loaded Dex-g-PAHMA copolymer micelles were investigated.
Thermally cleavable imine base/isocyanate adducts and oligomers suitable as initiators for radical homo- and copolymerization
Authors: Polenz I. , Laue A. , Uhrin T. , Rüffer T. , Lang H. , Schmidt F. G. , Spange S.
Published: September 2014

Adducts and oligomers of imines and isocyanates are promising candidates as meta-stable isocyanate blockers and latent telomeric block-copolymer sources.
Preparation and antibacterial activity of copper nanoparticle/halloysite nanotube nanocomposites via reverse atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Ding Xiaoxu , Wang Huixian , Chen Weihang , Liu Jindun , Zhang Yatao
Published: September 2014

Copper nanoparticle supported halloysite nanotubes with a 15 nm lumen and 30 nm external diameterviasurface initiation reverse atom transfer radical polymerization were fabricated and showed good antibacterial activity againstEscherichia coli(E. coli).
From macro to micro: structural biomimetic materials by electrospinning
Authors: Ke Peng , Jiao Xiao-Ning , Ge Xiao-Hui , Xiao Wei-Min , Yu Bin
Published: September 2014

Bionics provides a model for preparation of structural materials.
Formation of nanogap Au–polysilsesquioxane 1D chains for SERS application
Authors: Silambarasan Krishnamoorthy , Narendra Kumar Alam Venugopal , Sivakumar Chinnaiah , Joseph James
Published: September 2014

Synthesis of Au nanochain encapsulated silane peapods using functional polysilsesquioxane as a template, which are useful as SERS substrates was reported.
A co-precipitated Mg–Ti nano-composite with high capacity and rapid hydrogen absorption kinetics at room temperature
Authors: Liu Yana , Zou Jinxin , Zeng Xiaoqin , Ding Wenjiang
Published: September 2014

A Mg–Ti nano-composite was co-precipitated through an adapted Rieke method, which exhibits high capacity and superior absorption kinetics at room temperature (∼6.2 wt% within 2 h).
Nutrients responses of Pleurotus ostreatus to slow frozen storage in the short term
Authors: Jiang Shengjuan , Wang Songhua , Sun Yujun , Ma Yuhan
Published: September 2014

This paper improves the understanding of changes happening with nutraceuticals in slow freezingPleurotus ostreatusduring short-term storage.
Design and synthesis of a single ion conducting block copolymer electrolyte with multifunctionality for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Lim Corina Anrou , Cai Weiwei , Rohan Rupesh , Xu Guodong , Sun Yubao , Cheng Hansong
Published: September 2014

Block copolymer structure generates pores in the single ion conducting electrolyte, which enhance performance of lithium-ion batteries.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and in silico and in vitro mode-of-action analysis of novel dihydropyrimidones targeting PPAR-γ
Authors: Bharathkumar Hanumantharayappa , Paricharak Shardul , Dinesh K. R. , Siveen Kodappully Sivaraman , Fuchs Julian E. , Rangappa Shobith , Mohan C. D. , Mohandas Nima , Kumar Alan Prem , Sethi Gautam , Bender Andreas , Basappa Basappa , Rangappa K. S.
Published: September 2014

The synthesis and biological evaluation of novel dihydropyrimidones against HCC is described, which affects 600,000 people annually and ranks third in cancer-related mortality worldwide.
Employing exchange reactions involving hypervalent iodine compounds for the direct synthesis of azide-containing linear and branched polymers
Authors: Han Hongzhang , Tsarevsky Nicolay V.
Published: September 2014

Azide-containing polymers were prepared by one-pot polymerizations initiated by azide radicals produced by ligand exchange reactions involving hypervalent iodine(iii) compounds.
Structural design of ruthenium sensitizer compatible with cobalt electrolyte for a dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Li Chia , Wu Shi-Jhang , Wu Chun-Guey
Published: September 2014

Two Ru-based dyes SJW-B18 and CYC-B11H were prepared and their photovoltaic performance was explored. IMPS/IMVS data reveal that the physical insulation of the TiO2 surface with four alkyl groups on SJW-B18 can reduce the charge recombination to improve Voc and efficiency of the device based on cobalt electrolyte.
Layered inorganic–organic hybrid material based on reduced graphene oxide and α-Ni(OH)2 for high performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Bag Sourav , Raj C. Retna
Published: September 2014

New method for the synthesis of a stacked layered rGO/α-Ni(OH)2 hybrid material with superior supercapacitive performance is demonstrated.
Investigation into the effect of Fe-site substitution on the performance of Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δ anodes for SOFCs
Authors: Feng Jie , Yang Guoquan , Dai Ningning , Wang Zhenhua , Sun Wang , Rooney David , Qiao Jinshuo , Sun Kening
Published: September 2014

The unstable temperature for Sr2Fe1.5−xNixMo0.5O6−δ materials in H2 decreases with the increase of Ni content. Egressed Ni particles were detected in samples with a higher Ni content (x > 0.1). Sr2Fe1.4Ni0.1Mo0.5O6−δ shows the highest electronic conductivity of 20.6 S cm−1 at 800 °C.
l-Lysine mediated synthesis of platinum nanocuboids and their electrocatalytic activity towards ammonia oxidation
Authors: Fu Geng-tao , Liu Chang , Wu Rui , Chen Yu , Zhu Xiao-shu , Sun Dong-mei , Tang Ya-wen , Lu Tian-hong
Published: September 2014

Pt-nanocuboids were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method with the assistance of l-lysine, exhibiting enhanced catalytic activity towards ammonia oxidation.
Visualizing the roles of graphene for excellent lithium storage
Authors: Shan Xu-Yi , Zhou Guangmin , Yin Li-Chang , Yu Wan-Jing , Li Feng , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: September 2014

Graphene has been extensively used in hybrid electrodes for its notable improvement of lithium storage properties.
The modulation of metal–insulator transition temperature of vanadium dioxide: a density functional theory study
Authors: Sun Chao , Yan Liuming , Yue Baohua , Liu Huiting , Gao Yanfeng
Published: September 2014

Metal–insulator transition characteristics of transition metal-doped VO2 were associated with the lattice distortion based on ab initio calculations.
Nanoscale CaF2 doped with Eu3+ and Tb3+ through fluorolytic sol–gel synthesis
Authors: Ritter Benjamin , Krahl Thoralf , Rurack Knut , Kemnitz Erhard
Published: September 2014

Easy upscaleable one-pot synthesis method at room temperature for ultra small sized Eu3+- and Tb3+-doped CaF2 nanoparticles.
Atomic layer deposition of zinc oxide onto and into P3HT for hybrid photovoltaics
Authors: Obuchovsky S. , Deckman I. , Moshonov M. , Segal Peretz T. , Ankonina G. , Savenije T. J. , Frey G. L.
Published: September 2014

ALD ZnO precursors diffuse into the disordered regions of a P3HT film yielding the bulk heterojunction morphology for hybrid photovoltaics.
2,6,9,10-Tetra(p-dibutylaminostyryl)anthracene as a multifunctional fluorescent cruciform dye
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Jianfeng , Gao Yangyang , Sun Qikun , Xue Shanfeng , Yang Wenjun
Published: September 2014

2,6,9,10-tetra(p-dibutylaminostyryl)anthracene exhibited semi-disjointed frontier molecular orbital and multifunctional optical properties, including aggregation-enhanced emission, enhanced two-photon absorption activity, fluorescence response selectively to TM ions, and piezochromic luminescence. These are rarely found in cruciform configuration dyes.
Molecular and structural transmembrane determinants critical for embedding claudin-5 into tight junctions reveal a distinct four-helix bundle arrangement
Authors: Rossa Jan , Protze Jonas , Kern Christian , Piontek Anna , Günzel Dorothee , Krause Gerd , Piontek Jörg
Published: September 2014

The mechanism of TJ (tight junction) assembly and the structure of TJ strand-forming Cldns (claudins) are unclear. To identify determinants of assembly of blood–brain barrier-related Cldn3 and Cldn5, chimaeric mutants were analysed by cellular reconstitution of TJ strands and live-cell imaging. On the basis of the rescue of mutants deficient for strand formation, we identified Cldn5 residues (Cys128, Ala132, Ile142, Ala163, Ile166 and Leu174) involved in Cldn folding and assembly. Experimental results were combined with structural bioinformatics approaches. Initially the experimentally validated previous model of the ECL2 (extracellular loop 2) of Cldn5 was extended to the flanking transmembrane segments (TM3/TM4). A coiled-coil interface probably caused by alternating small and large residues is supported by concomitant knob-into-hole interactions including Cldn5-specific residues identified in the present paper. To address arrangement of the TMs in a four-helix bundle, data from evolutionary sequence couplings and comparative modelling of intramolecular interfaces in the transmembrane region of Cldns led to a complete Cldn5 model. Our suggested Cldn subtype-specific intramolecular interfaces that are formed by conserved coiled-coil motifs and non-conserved residues in distinct TM positions were confirmed by the recently released crystal structure of Cldn15. The identified molecular and structural determinants essentially contribute to assembly of Cldns into TJ strands.
Quasi‐optimal grouping for broadcast systems with hierarchical modulation
Authors: Méric H. , Piquer J.M. , Lacan J.
Published: September 2014

Recently, the present authors proposed to combine time sharing with hierarchical modulation to increase the transmission rate of broadcast systems. The proposal involves grouping the receivers in pairs in order to transmit with hierarchical modulation. Several grouping strategies were introduced but the optimal matching remained an open question. In this reported work, it is shown that the optimal grouping is the solution of an assignment problem, for which efficient algorithms exist such as the Hungarian method. Based on this algorithm, the performance of the optimal grouping in terms of spectrum efficiency for a digital video broadcasting – satellite – second generation (DVB‐S2) system is studied.
Design of FIR second‐degree differentiator for frequency estimation
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Kavanagh Richard
Published: September 2014

Finite‐impulse‐response (FIR) lowpass second‐degree differentiators (with coefficients that are based on an optimal design approach) are presented. By minimising the filter variance, the differentiator rejects noise above the cut‐off frequency, with steep roll‐off in the transition‐band, and showing close‐to‐ideal magnitude response accuracy in the passband. The proposed FIR differentiators are used to estimate the principal frequency of a non‐ideal power system, based on a variant of Sarkar and Sengupta's algorithm. Use of an FIR filter, rather than an infinite‐impulse‐response (IIR) filter, for fundamental frequency estimation is shown to improve the accuracy of frequency estimation.
On the modulation and signalling design for a transform domain communication system
Authors: Lin Rui , Bi Guoan , Liu Xin , Guan Yong Liang
Published: September 2014

Transform domain communication system (TDCS) has been proposed to establish a communication link with a low probability of interception by synthesising an adaptive waveform containing energy only in the unused frequency bands. However, this communication system suffers from a low spectral efficiency. To improve its spectral efficiency, a unified modulation framework for a TDCS is proposed in this study to embrace the previously reported modulation schemes under one framework. The resulting spectral efficiency is higher compared to these previous schemes. Also, to combat the slow channel fading, a TDCS system using two transmit antennas and one receive antenna with the proposed modulation scheme is presented. Simulation results show that the multiple‐antenna system improves the performance dramatically compared to the single antenna system under the slow fading environment.
Online identification of protection element failure using wide area measurements
Authors: Kundu Pratim , Pradhan Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2014

Fault in a power system is cleared by a protection scheme which comprises of different components such as relay, circuit breaker and accessories. Collective action of all elements in a protection scheme is necessary to correctly identify and isolate a fault selectively. Failure of any element in such a protection arrangement may lead to unwanted line trip risking further outages in the network. This work proposes a wide area measurement system (WAMS) data‐based technique for online identification of failure of protection element for a transmission line. Synchronised voltage–current phasors along with relay decision and circuit breaker status signals are used to calculate indices which identify the failed component. The proposed method is tested for 39‐bus New‐England system and found to be accurate.
Joint estimation of direction of departure and direction of arrival for multiple‐input multiple‐output radar based on improved joint ESPRIT method
Authors: Oh Daegun , Li Ying‐chun , Khodjaev Jasurbek , Chong Jong‐Wha , Lee Jong‐Hun
Published: September 2014

This study presents an improved joint estimation method of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT) algorithm for low‐complexity simultaneous estimation of direction of departure (DOD) and direction of arrival (DOA) in a multiple‐input–multiple‐output radar system. The proposed algorithm is based on a data matrix and estimates DOD and DOA without a pairing operation. The computational complexity of the proposed joint ESPRIT algorithm is derived to be less than that of conventional two dimension multiple signal classification (2D‐MUSIC) and reduced dimension multiple signal classification. The authors’ simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves performance very close to that of 2D‐MUSIC and better performance than that of the ESPRIT algorithm.
Determination of hydrogen peroxide using a biosensor based on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles and horseradish peroxidase with graphene–chitosan composite
Authors: Qu Jianying , Dong Ying , Wang Yong , Lou Tongfang , Du Xueping
Published: September 2014

A novel hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) biosensor was constructed based on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and horseradish peroxidase with graphene–chitosan composite material as a matrix. Fe3O4MNPs were synthesised by chemical co‐precipitation with sodium citrate as surfactant. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were applied for the characterisation of the obtained Fe3O4MNPs. The conductivity of different composite films was researched by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the electrocatalytic properties of the H2O2 biosensor were studied by cyclic voltammetry. Under optimal conditions, experimental results indicated that the biosensor could electrocatalyse the reduction of H2O2; the reduction peak current had a good linear relationship with the concentration of H2O2 from 2.49 × 10−5 to 1.67 × 10−3 mol/l (R = 0.9990). The detection limit was 3.05 × 10−6 mol/l (S/N = 3). This novel biosensor showed good sensitivity, stability and repeatability for H2O2 detection.
Excitation of magnetostatic spin waves in anisotropic ferromagnetic films, magnetized in arbitrary direction
Authors: Kuzovlev Yu. E. , Mezin N. I. , Medvedev Yu. V.
Published: September 2014

Exact analytical expressions for propagator of small-amplitude linear magnetostatic waves in ferromagnetic thin film between two antennae and their corresponding mutual impedance are obtained by solving the linearized torque equation of spin dynamics (Landau–Lifshitz equation) in magnetostatic approximation. This is done for the case of arbitrary orientation of uniform static magnetization of the film and full account for arbitrary magnetic anisotropy. The result also contains full description of the magnetostatic spin-wave spectrum.
Review of modern instrumentation for magnetic measurements at high pressure and low temperature
Authors: Wang X. , Kamenev K. V.
Published: September 2014

High-pressure magnetic susceptibility experiments can provide insights into the changes in magnetic behavior and electric properties which can accompany extreme compressions of material. Instrumentation plays an important role in the experimental work in this field since 1990s. Here we present a comprehensive review of the high-pressure instrumentation development for magnetic measurement from the engineering perspective in the last 20 years. Suitable nonmagnetic materials for high pressure cell are introduced initially. Then we focus on the existing cells developed for magnetic property measurement system (MPMS®) SQUID magnetometer from Quantum Design (USA). Two categories of high pressure cells for this system are discussed in detail respectively. Some high pressure cells with built-in magnetic measurement system are also reviewed.
Exciton density pattern formation in laser irradiated quantum wells under electrodes of various shapes
Authors: Tomylko V. V. , Goliney I. Yu. , Chernyuk A. A. , Sugakov V. I.
Published: September 2014

(Submitted December 18, 2013)

The condensation of indirect excitons in double quantum wells is studied in an electric field created by electrodes of different shapes. The finite value of the exciton lifetime, the pumping and nonuniformity of the electric field under the electrode are taken into account. It is shown that islands of exciton condensed phase emerge under electrodes when the pumping exceeds a certain threshold value. They appear first under the rim where the potential energy of excitons has a dip. Calculations predict a complicated evolution of the exciton density distribution: from the gaseous phase at low laser intensities to the condensed phase in the whole area under the electrode at larger intensities. Therefore, the configurations of the exciton condensed phase may be manipulated by choosing the setups with conductive electrodes of different shapes via forming specific potentials of the electrical field and controlled by the level of the laser irradiation.
Reference Correlation of the Viscosity of Benzene from the Triple Point to 675 K and up to 300 MPa
Authors: Avgeri S. , Assael M. J. , Huber M. L. , Perkins R. A.
Published: September 2014

This paper contains new, representative reference equations for the viscosity of benzene. The equations are based in part upon a body of experimental data that has been critically assessed for internal consistency and for agreement with theory whenever possible. The correlation is valid from the triple point (278.647 K) to 675 K, and at pressures up to 300 MPa, with the exception of temperatures lower than 350 K where the pressure is restricted to 200 MPa. For the liquid phase, at temperatures from 288 to 373 K at pressures up to 80 MPa, we estimate the uncertainty (at a 95% confidence level) to be 1.8%, increasing to 3.4% at 200 MPa, and 5% at pressures up to the correlation maximum. For the liquid at temperatures from 373 to 523 K, the uncertainty is 2.7% at pressures from saturation to 50 MPa, rising to 3.6% at 300 MPa. For temperatures above 523 K, we estimate the uncertainty in the liquid phase to be 5%. The uncertainty for the low-density fluid phase at temperatures from 305 to 640 K and pressures to 0.3 MPa is estimated to be 0.2%.
Superconductive quantum interference magnetometer with high sensitivity achieved by an induced resonance
Authors: Vettoliere A. , Granata C.
Published: September 2014

A fully integrated low noise superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) in a magnetometer configuration is presented. An intrinsic high voltage responsivity as high as 500 μV/Φ0 has been obtained by introducing a resonance in the voltage – magnetic flux characteristic. This resonance is induced by an integrated superconducting coil surrounding the pick-up coil and connected to one end of the SQUID output. The SQUID magnetometer exhibits a spectral density of magnetic field noise as low as 3 fT/Hz1/2. In order to verify the suitability of the magnetometer, measurements of bandwidth and slew rate have been performed and compared with those of the same device without the resonance and with additional positive feedback. Due to their good characteristics such devices can be employed in a large number of applications including biomagnetism.
Virtual dynamic balancing method without trial weights for multi-rotor series shafting based on finite element model analysis
Authors: Bin Guangfu , Li Xuejun , Wu Jigang , Gao Jinji
Published: September 2014

The traditional influence coefficient dynamic balancing method for multi-rotor series shafting, such as turbine-generator sets, gas turbines, compressor trains, and others, usually needs to startup many times using trial weights along the rotor. Based on finite element model analysis for the multi-rotor series shafting, a virtual dynamic balancing methodology which only needs to collect data of vibration response at operating speed without trial weights is developed in this paper. According to shafting structure and operating parameters, the dynamic finite element model was built by using rotor dynamics theory and finite element simulation technology. The shafting dynamic characteristics and weighted influence coefficient matrix can be gotten by exciting virtual unbalance force on the balance place correspondingly. The effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed method have been illustrated by solving a shafting dynamic balancing example with no trial weights requirements. It is believed that the new methods developed in this work will help in reducing the time and cost of the equipment manufacturer or field dynamic balancing procedures.
A fast model for spreading of neutral particles injected locally into hot plasma
Authors: Tokar M. Z.
Published: September 2014

A fast model for calculation of non-stationary 3-D profiles of the density for neutral particles locally released into a hot plasma is elaborated. The approach reduces non-stationary three-dimensional transport equations to a set of one-dimensional ones describing the time evolution of the radial profiles for several parameters characterizing adequately the three-dimensional structure. The method is applied to model the spreading process of carbon atoms released by laser desorption in an experimental device and the local injection of working gas into a fusion reactor. The associated heat loads onto the first wall are assessed.
Structure, phase transitions, 55Mn NMR and magnetoresistive properties of Pr0.6−xNdxSr0.3Mn1.1O3−δ (x = 0−0.6)
Authors: Pashchenko A. V. , Pashchenko V. P. , Prokopenko V. K. , Revenko Yu. F. , Mazur A. S. , Sychova V. Ya. , Burkhoveckiy V. V. , Kisel N. G. , Sil'cheva A. G. , Liedienov N. A.
Published: September 2014

Ceramic samples of Pr0.6−xNdxSr0.3Mn1.1O3−δ (x = 0−0.6) were studied by x-ray diffraction, resistive, magnetic (χac and 55Mn NMR), magnetoresistive and electron microscopy methods. It was shown that with increasing the concentration x, the type of unit cell distortion changes from orthorhombic (x = 0–0.2) to pseudo-cubic (x = 0.4–0.6), and the imperfection of the structure, which contains anion and cation vacancies, is increased. A decrease in the temperatures of metal–semiconductor (Tms) and ferromagnetic–paramagnetic (TC) phase transitions and an increase in the resistivity and activation energy with increasing x was explained by an increase in the concentration of vacancies, which weakens high-frequency electronic double-exchange Mn3+ ↔ Mn4+. It was found that the compositions with a higher content of neodymium exhibit a transition to the antiferromagnetic state at temperatures below 130 K. Two types of magnetoresistive effects were observed. The magnitude of the first effect, which occurs near the phase transition temperatures Tms and TC, increases with concentration x. The magnitude of the second effect, which was observed at low temperatures, exceeds that of the first one. The magnetic phase diagrams which describe strong correlations between the composition, structure defects, phase transitions, and functional characteristics, including magnetoresistive effect, were constructed.
Low-voltage organic field-effect transistors based on novel high-κ organometallic lanthanide complex for gate insulating materials
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Yi , Zhang Yang , Sun Huabin , Song You , Li Yun , Shi Yi , Wang Xizhang , Hu Zheng
Published: September 2014

A novel high-κ organometallic lanthanide complex, Eu(tta)3L (tta=2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate, L = 4,5-pinene bipyridine), is used as gate insulating material to fabricate low-voltage pentacene field-effect transistors (FETs). The optimized gate insulator exhibits the excellent properties such as low leakage current density, low surface roughness, and high dielectric constant. When operated under a low voltage of −5 V, the pentacene FET devices show the attractive electrical performance, e.g. carrier mobility (μFET) of 0.17 cm2 V−1 s−1, threshold voltage (Vth) of −0.9 V, on/off current ratio of 5 × 103, and subthreshold slope (SS) of 1.0 V dec−1, which is much better than that of devices obtained on conventional 300 nm SiO2 substrate (0.13 cm2 V−1 s−1, −7.3 V and 3.1 V dec−1 for μFET, Vth and SS value when operated at −30 V). These results indicate that this kind of high-κ organometallic lanthanide complex becomes a promising candidate as gate insulator for low-voltage organic FETs.