bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel solid acid catalyst synthesized from ZnAl2O4 spinel and its application in the esterification of acetic acid and n-butyl alcohol
Authors: Wang An-Qi , Wu Xiu-Ling , Wang Jun-Xia , Pan Hui , Tian Xiao-Yun , Xing Yu-Lin
Published: February 2015

A new spinel-style S2O82−/ZnAl2O4 catalyst with the mesoporous structure exhibited the well catalytic activity and structural stability.
A promising alternative solvent of perovskite to induce rapid crystallization for high-efficiency photovoltaic devices
Authors: Lv Minghang , Dong Xu , Fang Xiang , Lin Bencai , Zhang Shuai , Ding Jianning , Yuan Ningyi
Published: February 2015

The DMAC-based deposition–crystallization method allows control over the dynamics of CH3NH3PbI3 grain growth for the realization of high efficiency devices.
Ceria nanoparticles for the treatment of Parkinson-like diseases induced by chronic manganese intoxication
Authors: Pinna Alessandra , Malfatti Luca , Galleri Grazia , Manetti Roberto , Cossu Sara , Rocchitta Gaia , Migheli Rossana , Serra Pier Andrea , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: February 2015

Ceria nanoparticles with controlled size have been studied as antioxidant agents for the in vitro protection of catecholaminergic cells (PC12) exposed to manganese, which is responsible for an occupational form of Parkinson-like disease.
Synergistically thermodynamic and kinetic tailoring of the hydrogen desorption properties of MgH2 by co-addition of AlH3 and CeF3
Authors: Liu Haizhen , Wu Chen , Zhou He , Chen Tian , Liu Yongan , Wang Xinhua , Dong Zhaohui , Ge Hongwei , Li Shouquan , Yan Mi
Published: February 2015

The hydrogen desorption properties of MgH2 are thermodynamically and kinetically improved by the synergistic addition of AlH3 and CeF3.
Elucidating organ-specific metabolic toxicity chemistry from electrochemiluminescent enzyme/DNA arrays and bioreactor bead-LC-MS/MS
Authors: Wasalathanthri Dhanuka P. , Li Dandan , Song Donghui , Zheng Zhifang , Choudhary Dharamainder , Jansson Ingela , Lu Xiuling , Schenkman John B. , Rusling James F.
Published: February 2015

Combining electrochemiluminescent array and bioreactor bead-LC-MS/MS featuring metabolic enzyme-DNA films provide an efficient, comprehensive approach to simultaneously elucidate metabolic DNA damage chemistries at different human organs for potential new drugs.
Aggregation dynamics of molecular bonds between compliant materials
Authors: Jiang Hongyuan , Qian Jin , Lin Yuan , Ni Yong , He Linghui
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we develop a mechanochemical modeling framework in which the spatial-temporal evolution of receptor–ligand bonds takes place at the interface between two compliant media in the presence of an externally applied tensile load.
Dual template-directed synthesis of SAPO-34 nanosheet assemblies with improved stability in the methanol to olefins reaction
Authors: Wang Chan , Yang Miao , Tian Peng , Xu Shutao , Yang Yue , Wang Dehua , Yuan Yangyang , Liu Zhongmin
Published: February 2015

Hierarchical SAPO-34 catalysts with different morphologies were synthesized by using dual template [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]octadecyldimethylammonium chloride and diethylamine. Because of its optimal porosity and acidity, hierarchical SAPO-34 exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the MTO reaction.
Single-step synthesis of nanostructured γ-alumina with solvent reusability to maximise yield and morphological purity
Authors: Bell T. E. , González-Carballo J. M. , Tooze R. P. , Torrente-Murciano L.
Published: February 2015

The mechanism of the hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured alumina shows that the NaOH : Al molar ratio affects not only the resulting morphology but also the yield. Successful reusability of the reaction medium opens the door to large scale manufacturing.
Structure and function of the silicifying peptide R5
Authors: Senior Laura , Crump Matthew P. , Williams Christopher , Booth Paula J. , Mann Stephen , Perriman Adam W. , Curnow Paul
Published: February 2015

The first detailed description of the structure and function of the silicifying peptide R5.
A 3D electrochemical immunodevice based on a porous Pt-paper electrode and metal ion functionalized flower-like Au nanoparticles
Authors: Li Li , kong Qingkun , Zhang Yan , Dong Chunmeng , Ge Shenguang , Yu Jinghua
Published: February 2015

A 3D microfluidic paper-based electrochemical immunodevice (μ-PEID) for simultaneous sensitive detection of two tumor biomarkers was fabricated.
Histamine-functionalized copolymer micelles as a drug delivery system in 2D and 3D models of breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Lundberg Pontus , Diether Maren , Porsch Christian , Janson Caroline , Lynd Nathaniel A. , Ducani Cosimo , Malkoch Michael , Malmström Eva , Hawker Craig J. , Nyström Andreas M.
Published: February 2015

Histamine functionalized block copolymers were prepared with different ratios of histamine and octyl or benzyl groups using UV-initiated thiol-ene click chemistry.
Highly specific detection of thrombin using an aptamer-based suspension array and the interaction analysis via microscale thermophoresis
Authors: Liu Yanan , Liu Nan , Ma Xinhua , Li Xiaoli , Ma Jia , Li Ya , Zhou Zhijiang , Gao Zhixian
Published: February 2015

A highly specific aptamer-based suspension array platform and novel MST technology were respectively employed for thrombin detection and interaction analysis.
An ultrasensitive colorimetric sensor for efficient detection of Hg2+ at physiological pH
Authors: Nanda Kumar D. , Rajeshwari A. , Alex Sruthi Ann , Chandrasekaran N. , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: February 2015

The estimation of Hg2+ in a buffer system (Tris buffer; pH 7.4) has been performed using a novel, enzyme-based, indirect detection method with the aid of non-functionalized AgNPs.
On the existence and characterization of molecular electrides
Authors: Postils Verònica , Garcia-Borràs Marc , Solà Miquel , Luis Josep M. , Matito Eduard
Published: February 2015

Molecular electrides exist and can be designed using some guidelines and a set of computational criteria.
Hierarchical macrotube/mesopore carbon decorated with mono-dispersed Ag nanoparticles as a highly active catalyst
Authors: Ji Tuo , Chen Long , Schmitz Michael , Bao Forrest Sheng , Zhu Jiahua
Published: February 2015

Mono-dispersed Ag nanoparticles supported on hierarchical macrotube/mesopore porous carbon substrate show excellent catalytic activity in nitrophenol reduction reactions.
Improved inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy analysis of trace elements in complex matrices by chemometric resolution
Authors: Li Pao , Cai Wensheng , Shao Xueguang
Published: February 2015

With the help of standard signals, the signals of trace elements in overlapping ICP OES signals can be obtained by a non-negative immune algorithm and used for quantitative analysis.
Phosphine-mediated reaction of 3-methyl allenoate and isatins: a protocol for the synthesis of spirofuran oxindoles
Authors: Jose Anu , Jayakrishnan A. J. , Seetha Lakshmi K. C. , Varughese Sunil , Nair Vijay
Published: February 2015

A facile synthesis of spirofuran oxindoles via phosphine-mediated reaction of 3-alkyl allenoate with isatins is presented.
Photoinduced formation of stable Ag-nanoparticles from a ternary ligand-DNA-Ag+ complex
Authors: Berdnikova Daria V. , Ihmels Heiko , Schönherr Holger , Steuber Marc , Wesner Daniel
Published: February 2015

The irradiation of a ternary complex between an intercalator crown-ether conjugate, double-stranded DNA, and Ag+ ions leads to the formation of stable Ag nanoparticles.
ATRP-based polymers with modular ligation points under thermal and thermomechanical stress
Authors: Altintas Ozcan , Josse Thomas , Abbasi Mahdi , De Winter Julien , Trouillet Vanessa , Gerbaux Pascal , Wilhelm Manfred , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: February 2015

Functional modular ATRP polymers suffer from accelerated ester cleavage due to HBr release as well as the formation of triazolium salts via the reaction of triazole units with bromine terminal chain ends under thermal and thermomechanical insult.
Field-induced dynamic magnetic behaviour of a canted weak ferromagnetic chain material
Authors: Liu Jun-Liang , Huang Guo-Zhang , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: February 2015

A 1-D [MnIII3O] based magnetic chain material amazingly exhibits the coexistence of spin-glass, spin-canting, and metamagnetic behaviours as well as slow relaxation of magnetization under different applied magnetic fields.
One pot cascade synthesis of fused heterocycles from furan-tethered terminal alkynes and aldehydes in the presence of amines and CuBr
Authors: Zhang Yan-Yan , Hao Jian , Shi Min
Published: February 2015

A novel one-pot protocol for the construction of complex heterocycles through furan tethered terminal alkynes, aldehydes, amines and CuBr upon heating has been developed, giving the cycloadducts in moderate to high yields along with moderate to good regioselectivities.
Identification of nitric oxide-releasing derivatives of oleanolic acid as potential anti-colon cancer agents
Authors: Fu Junjie , Zou Yu , Huang Zhangjian , Yan Chang , Zhou Qimeng , Zhang Huibin , Lai Yisheng , Peng Sixun , Zhang Yihua
Published: February 2015

NO-releasing hybrid6regulates colon cancer-related signaling pathways, exhibiting potent anti-colon cancer activityin vitroandin vivo.
Conversion of chitin and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine into a N-containing furan derivative in ionic liquids
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Yi , Kerton Francesca M. , Yan Ning
Published: February 2015

Direct, sustainable formation of a N-containing furan derivative from ocean-based chitin biomass by using green, non-volatile ionic liquid solvent.
Balanced toughening and strengthening of ethylene–propylene rubber toughened isotactic polypropylene using a poly(styrene-b-ethylene–propylene) diblock copolymer
Authors: Chen Feng , Qiu Biwei , Wang Bo , Shangguan Yonggang , Zheng Qiang
Published: February 2015

A new modified polypropylene material with both high toughness and strength was prepared and the synergistic effect was revealed.
Nb and Zr modified MWW zeolites – characterisation and catalytic activity
Authors: Wojtaszek-Gurdak Anna , Ziolek Maria
Published: February 2015

Hydrogen forms of MCM-22 and delaminated MCM-56 zeolites were modified with niobium and zirconium species.
A domino synthetic approach for new, angular pyrazol- and isoxazol-heterocycles using [DBU][Ac] as an effective reaction medium
Authors: Sutariya Tushar R. , Labana Balvantsingh M. , Parmar Bhagyashri D. , Parmar Narsidas J. , Kant Rajni , Gupta Vivek K.
Published: February 2015

Some new, angular pyrazol- and isoxazol-heterocycles have been synthesized by the reaction of pyrazolone/isoxazolone with typical ketone-based substrates—O-alkenyloxy/alkynyloxy-acetophenones.
Synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4/polyamine hybrid microsphere using O/W/O Pickering emulsion droplet as the polymerization micro-reactor
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang Xuan , Shao Linlin , Cui Zhenggang , Nie Tingting
Published: February 2015

An O/W/O emulsion containing Fe3O4NPs and PEI was obtained using SM-CaCO3NPs as the stabilizer. In a droplet-to-droplet reaction mode, a magnetic polyamine microsphere was achieved by crosslinking PEI in the emulsion droplet with glutaraldehyde.
A highly conductive, non-flammable polymer–nanoparticle hybrid electrolyte
Authors: Agrawal Akanksha , Choudhury Snehashis , Archer Lynden A.
Published: February 2015

Bi-dispersed hybrid nanoparticle electrolytes exhibit high ionic conductivity and reduced activation energy, enabling electrolytes with high particle loading.
Ultrahigh molecular weight, lignosulfonate-based polymers: preparation, self-assembly behaviours and dispersion property in coal–water slurry
Authors: Hong Nanlong , Li Yuan , Zeng Weimei , Zhang Mengke , Peng Xinwen , Qiu Xueqing
Published: February 2015

Hollow and quasi-solid nanospheres were readily prepared using ALSs which exhibited better dispersion properties than NSF in coal–water slurry.
Nano-caged shikimate as a multi-site cross-linker of collagen for biomedical applications
Authors: Srivatsan Kunnavakkam Vinjimur , Duraipandy Natarajan , Lakra Rachita , K Sandhiya , Ramamurthy Usha , Korrapati Purna Sai , Kiran Manikantan Syamala
Published: February 2015

Shikimic acid caged silver nanoparticles as multi-site cross-linkers of collagen for tissue engineering applications.
A high-performance three-dimensional Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide/graphene electrode for water oxidation
Authors: Yu Xiaowen , Zhang Miao , Yuan Wenjing , Shi Gaoquan
Published: February 2015

Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide nanoplates loaded on a three-dimensional electrochemically reduced graphene oxide electrode for efficient water oxidation, exhibiting higher activity, kinetics, and stability than those of the IrO2catalyst.
Lipid bilayers: clusters, domains and phases
Authors: Ackerman David G. , Feigenson Gerald W.
Published: February 2015

In the present chapter we discuss the complex mixing behaviour of plasma membrane lipids. To do so, we first introduce the plasma membrane and membrane mixtures often used to model its complexity. We then discuss the nature of lipid phase behaviour in bilayers and the distinction between these phases and other manifestations of non-random mixing found in one-phase mixtures, such as clusters, micelles and microemulsions. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of Gibbs phase diagrams to the study of increasingly complex model membrane systems, with a focus on phase coexistence, morphology and their implications for the cell plasma membrane.
Cholesterol trafficking and distribution
Authors: Iaea David B. , Maxfield Frederick R.
Published: February 2015

Sterols are a critical component of cell membranes of eukaryotes. In mammalian cells there is approximately a six-fold range in the cholesterol content in various organelles. The cholesterol content of membranes plays an important role in organizing membranes for signal transduction and protein trafficking as well as in modulating the physiochemical properties of membranes. Cholesterol trafficking among organelles is highly dynamic and is mediated by both vesicular and non-vesicular processes. Several proteins have been proposed to mediate inter-organelle trafficking of cholesterol. However, several aspects of the mechanisms involved in regulating trafficking and distribution of cholesterol remain to be elucidated. In the present chapter, we discuss the cellular mechanisms involved in cholesterol distribution and the trafficking processes involved in maintaining sterol homoeostasis.
Nanodomains in biological membranes
Authors: Ma Yuanqing , Hinde Elizabeth , Gaus Katharina
Published: February 2015

Lipid rafts are defined as cholesterol- and sphingomyelin-enriched membrane domains in the plasma membrane of cells that are highly dynamic and cannot be resolved with conventional light microscopy. Membrane proteins that are embedded in the phospholipid matrix can be grouped into raft and non-raft proteins based on their association with detergent-resistant membranes in biochemical assays. Selective lipid–protein interactions not only produce heterogeneity in the membrane, but also cause the spatial compartmentalization of membrane reactions. It has been proposed that lipid rafts function as platforms during cell signalling transduction processes such as T-cell activation (see Chapter 13 (pages 165–175)). It has been proposed that raft association co-localizes specific signalling proteins that may yield the formation of the observed signalling microclusters at the immunological synapses. However, because of the nanometre size and high dynamics of lipid rafts, direct observations have been technically challenging, leading to an ongoing discussion of the lipid raft model and its alternatives. Recent developments in fluorescence imaging techniques have provided new opportunities to investigate the organization of cell membranes with unprecedented spatial resolution. In this chapter, we describe the concept of the lipid raft and alternative models and how new imaging technologies have advanced these concepts.
Restoring synaptic vesicles during compensatory endocytosis
Authors: Gauthier-Kemper Anne , Kahms Martin , Klingauf Jürgen
Published: February 2015

In the CNS (central nervous system), nerve cells communicate by transmitting signals from one to the next across chemical synapses. Electrical signals trigger controlled secretion of neurotransmitter by exocytosis of SV (synaptic vesicles) at the presynaptic site. Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft, activate receptor channels in the receiving neuron at the postsynaptic site, and thereby elicit a new electrical signal. Repetitive stimulation should result in fast depletion of fusion-competent SVs, given their limited number in the presynaptic bouton. Therefore, to support repeated rounds of release, a fast trafficking cycle is required that couples exocytosis and compensatory endocytosis. During this exo-endocytic cycle, a defined stoichiometry of SV proteins has to be preserved, that is, membrane proteins have to be sorted precisely. However, how this sorting is accomplished on a molecular level is poorly understood. In the present chapter we review recent findings regarding the molecular composition of SVs and the mechanisms that sort SV proteins during compensatory endocytosis. We identify self-assembly of SV components and individual cargo recognition by sorting adaptors as major mechanisms for maintenance of the SV protein complement.
Language Exposure in Bilingual Toddlers: Performance on Nonword Repetition and Lexical Tasks
Authors: Brandeker Myrto , Thordardottir Elin
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The amount of language exposure is correlated with bilingual lexical development, but findings are mixed on how exposure relates to nonword repetition (NWR), a complex skill involving both short-term processing and long-term vocabulary knowledge. We extend previous work to a younger age group by investigating the role of exposure on NWR versus vocabulary, along with the effect of item construction and scoring.

Method

Sixty typically developing children (ages 2;5–3;6[years;months]) were assessed for NWR and receptive and expressive vocabulary. Participants ranged in amount of previous exposure to English and French from 0% to 100% and were tested in both languages if able to participate, even with very limited exposure (28 completed testing in both languages, 11 completed testing in English only, 21 completed testing in French only).

Results

Correlational analyses showed moderate to strong associations between the amount of exposure and vocabulary in that language, whereas the relationship of exposure with NWR was weak or nonsignificant, depending on scoring method. NWR correlated with vocabulary in English only. Performance on NWR was affected by nonword length but unaffected by wordlikeness.

Conclusions

NWR and vocabulary were differently related to language exposure. The underlying mechanisms of NWR at this age appeared mainly reliant on short-term processes, in contrast to long-term vocabulary knowledge.
Intentional and Reactive Inhibition During Spoken-Word Stroop Task Performance in People With Aphasia
Authors: Pompon Rebecca Hunting , McNeil Malcolm R. , Spencer Kristie A. , Kendall Diane L.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The integrity of selective attention in people with aphasia (PWA) is currently unknown. Selective attention is essential for everyday communication, and inhibition is an important part of selective attention. This study explored components of inhibition—both intentional and reactive inhibition—during spoken-word production in PWA and in controls who were neurologically healthy (HC). Intentional inhibition is the ability to suppress a response to interference, and reactive inhibition is the delayed reactivation of a previously suppressed item.

Method

Nineteen PWA and 20 age- and education-matched HC participated in a Stroop spoken-word production task. This task allowed the examination of intentional and reactive inhibition by evoking and comparing interference, facilitation, and negative priming effects in different contexts.

Results

Although both groups demonstrated intentional inhibition, PWA demonstrated significantly more interference effects. PWA demonstrated no significant facilitation effects. HC demonstrated significant reverse facilitation effects. Neither group showed significant evidence of reactive inhibition, though both groups showed similar individual variability.

Conclusions

These results underscore the challenge interference presents for PWA during spoken-word production, indicating diminished intentional inhibition. Although reactive inhibition was not different between PWA and HC, PWA showed difficulty integrating and adapting to contextual information during language tasks.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Voice Therapy Protocols
Authors: Kapsner-Smith Mara R. , Hunter Eric J. , Kirkham Kimberly , Cox Karin , Titze Ingo R.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Although there is a long history of use of semi-occluded vocal tract gestures in voice therapy, including phonation through thin tubes or straws, the efficacy of phonation through tubes has not been established. This study compares results from a therapy program on the basis of phonation through a flow-resistant tube (FRT) with Vocal Function Exercises (VFE), an established set of exercises that utilize oral semi-occlusions.

Method

Twenty subjects (16 women, 4 men) with dysphonia and/or vocal fatigue were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment conditions: (a) immediate FRT therapy, (b) immediate VFE therapy, (c) delayed FRT therapy, or (d) delayed VFE therapy. Subjects receiving delayed therapy served as a no-treatment control group.

Results

Voice Handicap Index (Jacobson et al., 1997) scores showed significant improvement for both treatment groups relative to the no-treatment group. Comparison of the effect sizes suggests FRT therapy is noninferior to VFE in terms of reduction in Voice Handicap Index scores. Significant reductions in Roughness on the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (Kempster, Gerratt, Verdolini Abbott, Barkmeier-Kraemer, & Hillman, 2009) were found for the FRT subjects, with no other significant voice quality findings.

Conclusions

VFE and FRT therapy may improve voice quality of life in some individuals with dysphonia. FRT therapy was noninferior to VFE in improving voice quality of life in this study.
Sports Concussions (TBI), Imbalance, and Dizziness
Authors: Doettl Steven M.
Published: February 2015

It has been widely accepted that the assessment of balance after concussion plays a large role in determining deficit. Qualitative balance assessments have been an established piece of the post-injury assessment as a clinical behavioral marker of concussion for many years. Recently more specific guidelines outlining the role of balance evaluation in concussion identification and management have been developed as part of concussion management tools. As part of the ongoing development of concussions protocols, quantitative assessment of balance function following concussion has also been identified to have an important role. Frequently imbalance and dizziness reported following concussion is assumed to be associated with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). While imbalance and dizziness are common complaints in PCS, they can also be a sign of additional underlying pathology. In cases of specific dizziness symptoms or limited balance recovery beyond the initial post-concussive period, a quantitative vestibular assessment may also be needed. Electronystagmography and videonystagmography (ENG/VNG), rotary chair testing (RCT), and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) have all been identified as valid assessment tools for vestibular dysfunction following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The assessment of balance and dizziness following sports-related concussions is an integral piece of the puzzle for removal from play, assessment of severity, and management.
Factors Influencing Risk and Recovery from Sport-Related Concussion: Reviewing the Evidence
Authors: Elbin R. J. , Covassin Tracey , Gallion Caitlin , Kontos Anthony P.
Published: February 2015

Identifying factors that influence the risk and recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC) has become an important part of the clinical management of the injury. Consensus statements and clinical anecdotes have suggested several factors (i.e., history of migraine headaches) that may increase risk or lead to a protracted recovery from SRC. In the current paper, we will present evidence supporting primary and secondary risk factors listed in current consensus statements and relevant literature on emerging factors proposed to influence SRC risk and recovery.
Low‐complexity soft‐interference cancellation turbo equalisation for multi‐input–multi‐output systems with multilevel modulations
Authors: Wu Jingxian , Wang Longbao , Xiao Chengshan
Published: February 2015

This study presents a low‐complexity soft‐interference cancellation equaliser (SICE) for the turbo detection of multiple‐input–multiple‐output systems operating in time dispersive channels. The SICE contains three time‐invariant linear filters: a feedforward filter, a causal feedback filter and an anti‐causal feedback filter. The feedforward filter is designed to suppress the intersymbol interference because of channel time dispersion and the multiplexing interference from multiple transmit antennas. The causal (or anti‐causal) feedback filter is developed to remove the residual interference caused by the symbols transmitted before (or after) the symbol under detection. The filters are designed by analysing the statistical properties of soft decisions. The performance of the proposed SICE is verified through both extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart analysis and computer simulations. The EXIT chart analysis shows that, because of the inclusion of the anti‐causal soft decision, the SICE performance approaches the ideal matched filter bound as the iteration progresses. Consequently, the proposed SICE achieves significant performance gains over conventional equalisers.
Optimisation and characterisation of a planar transformer with a high voltage ratio and high output voltage for plasma reactors
Authors: Lefranc Pierre , Odic Emmanuel , Kirkpatrick Mike J.
Published: February 2015

This study presents a new design of a planar transformer for dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). The requirements for such designs are mainly a high voltage ratio, a high voltage value at the secondary side, a specific shape for industrial applications (planar shape in this case), a low volume and a high dv/dt value at the secondary side for capacitive loads. So as to propose an efficient design tool to power electronics designers, the authors propose a virtual prototyping methodology based on an optimisation algorithm and a finite element simulation software. Towards this case study, power electronics designers can use this methodology (bi‐objective optimisation algorithm) to treat new designs and especially for very innovative power converters for DBD reactors. The first objective is to pre‐size the planar transformer (geometrical variables). Virtual solutions are proposed on a Pareto front: the power designer can chose the best one according to specific contexts (cost, shape, volume, efficiency etc.). In a second step, the authors propose experimental results and highlight the voltage probes modelling that must be taken into account in the case of very fast transient waveforms especially for capacitive loads such as DBD reactors.
Reduced converter topology for integrated wind and small‐hydro energy generation system
Authors: Singh Bhim , Bhalla Krishan Kant
Published: February 2015

This study presents a robust and cost‐effective microgrid topology for integrating two commonly available wind and small‐hydro renewable energy sources. The proposed topology has two generators, one of them is self‐excited squirrel cage induction generator driven by a small‐hydro turbine and other one is permanent magnet brushless DC generator driven by a small‐scale wind turbine. The proposed system is integrated using a voltage source converter and a boost converter which are maintaining voltage and frequency, mitigating power quality problems and performing mechanical sensorless maximum power point tracking, respectively. A battery bank is also used to balance the load and supply power mismatch and to ensure the supply for critical loads. The proposed control algorithm is tested and verified on a developed laboratory prototype of the system. Test results verify that voltage and frequency of the system are regulated and the power‐quality‐related issues are also resolved in this microgrid.
Third order dielectric time dependent susceptibilities and the “box model”
Authors: Pick R. M.
Published: February 2015

We present here the calculation of the “time dependent” moduli of the third order, dielectric, susceptibilities measured at the frequency ω of the applied electric field and at the frequency 3ω. The calculation is performed within the frame work of the “box model,” both in the ideal case of a pure third order polarization and in the practical case studied by Samanta and Richert [J. Chem. Phys. 140, 247101 (2014)] where a first order polarization contribution is also detected. We show that, in the two cases, those two modules have a largely different dynamics and that the results can be easily compared with experiments thanks to the data gathered by Samanta and Richert [J. Chem. Phys. 140, 247101 (2014)]. This should provide a new test on the validity of the “box model.”
Experimental and theoretical investigation of the first-order hyperpolarizability of a class of triarylamine derivatives
Authors: Silva Daniel L. , Fonseca Ruben D. , Vivas Marcelo G. , Ishow E. , Canuto Sylvio , Mendonca Cleber R. , De Boni Leonardo
Published: February 2015

This paper reports on the static and dynamic first-order hyperpolarizabilities of a class of push-pull octupolar triarylamine derivatives dissolved in toluene. We have combined hyper-Rayleigh scattering experiment and the coupled perturbed Hartree-Fock method implemented at the Density Functional Theory (DFT) level of theory to determine the static and dynamic (at 1064 nm) first-order hyperpolarizability (βHRS) of nine triarylamine derivatives with distinct electron-withdrawing groups. In four of these derivatives, an azoaromatic unit is inserted and a pronounceable increase of the first-order hyperpolarizability is reported. Based on the theoretical results, the dipolar/octupolar character of the derivatives is determined. By using a polarizable continuum model in combination with the DFT calculations, it was found that although solvated in an aprotic and low dielectric constant solvent, due to solvent-induced polarization and the frequency dispersion effect, the environment substantially affects the first-order hyperpolarizability of all derivatives investigated. This statement is supported due to the solvent effects to be essential for the better agreement between theoretical results and experimental data concerning the dynamic first-order hyperpolarizability of the derivatives. The first-order hyperpolarizability of the derivatives was also modeled using the two- and three-level models, where the relationship between static and dynamic first hyperpolarizabilities is given by a frequency dispersion model. Using this approach, it was verified that the dynamic first hyperpolarizability of the derivatives is satisfactorily reproduced by the two-level model and that, in the case of the derivatives with an azoaromatic unit, the use of a damped few-level model is essential for, considering also the molecular size of such derivatives, a good quantitative agreement between theoretical results and experimental data to be observed.
Optical properties and plasmonic response of silver-gallium nanostructures
Authors: Lereu A. L. , Lemarchand F. , Zerrad M. , Yazdanpanah M. , Passian A.
Published: February 2015

Silver and gallium form an alloy Ag2Ga via a room temperature spontaneous self-assembly that exhibits remarkable mechanical and electrical properties suitable for nanoscale measurements. However, whether photon excitation of plasmons in this emerging nanomaterial is retained or not has not been established. Here, we present a thin film formation of Ag2Ga via a spreading-reactive process of liquid Ga on an Ag film and a characterization of its dielectric function ϵ(E) = ϵ1(E) + iϵ2(E) in the photon energy range 1.42 eV ≤ E < 4.2 eV. It is observed that while the plasmon damping increases, near an energy of 2.25 eV, the real part of ϵ exhibits a crossing with respect to that of Ag. Furthermore, the impact of new plasmon supporting materials is discussed and in order to enable further applications in plasmonics, the possibility of photon excitation of surface plasmons in Ag2Ga is studied.
Dynamic magnetization of ε-Fe2O3 in pulse field: Evidence of surface effect
Authors: Balaev D. A. , Poperechny I. S. , Krasikov A. A. , Shaikhutdinov K. A. , Dubrovskiy A. A. , Popkov S. I. , Balaev A. D. , Yakushkin S. S. , Bukhtiyarova G. A. , Martyanov O. N. , Raikher Yu. L.
Published: February 2015

The magnetization dynamics of ε-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with an average size of about 9 nm is investigated. From comparison of the hysteresis loops obtained in quasi-static conditions and under pulse fields with amplitudes up to 200 kOe and pulse lengths 8–32 ms, it follows that the effective coercivity increases considerably with the variation rate of the imposed magnetic field. A theoretical explanation of this behavior is proposed. The model takes into account the superparamagnetic effects as well as the fact that magnetic anisotropy of the nanoparticles, along with the bulk term, includes a surface contribution. The latter, being of minor importance for the observed magnetic behavior of 25–100 nm particles, becomes essential when the particle size is below 10 nm. From the experimental data, a reference value of the surface anisotropy of nanodisperse ε-Fe2O3 is established, and evidence is presented to the effect that below 300 K this contribution does not significantly depend on temperature.
Order and disorder in irreversible decay processes
Authors: Nichols Jonathan W. , Flynn Shane W. , Green Jason R.
Published: February 2015

Dynamical disorder motivates fluctuating rate coefficients in phenomenological, mass-action rate equations. The reaction order in these rate equations is the fixed exponent controlling the dependence of the rate on the number of species. Here, we clarify the relationship between these notions of (dis)order in irreversible decay, n A → B, n = 1, 2, 3, …, by extending a theoretical measure of fluctuations in the rate coefficient. The measure, Jn−Ln2≥0, is the magnitude of the inequality between Jn, the time-integrated square of the rate coefficient multiplied by the time interval of interest, and Ln2, the square of the time-integrated rate coefficient. Applying the inequality to empirical models for non-exponential relaxation, we demonstrate that it quantifies the cumulative deviation in a rate coefficient from a constant, and so the degree of dynamical disorder. The equality is a bound satisfied by traditional kinetics where a single rate constant is sufficient. For these models, we show how increasing the reaction order can increase or decrease dynamical disorder and how, in either case, the inequality Jn−Ln2≥0 can indicate the ability to deduce the reaction order in dynamically disordered kinetics.
A magnetic micro-manipulator for application of three dimensional forces
Authors: Punyabrahma P. , Jayanth G. R.
Published: February 2015

Magnetic manipulation finds diverse applications in actuation, characterization, and manipulation of micro- and nano-scale samples. This paper presents the design and development of a novel magnetic micro-manipulator for application of three-dimensional forces on a magnetic micro-bead. A simple analytical model is proposed to obtain the forces of interaction between the magnetic micro-manipulator and a magnetic micro-bead. Subsequently, guidelines are proposed to perform systematic design and analysis of the micro-manipulator. The designed micro-manipulator is fabricated and evaluated. The manipulator is experimentally demonstrated to possess an electrical bandwidth of about 1 MHz. The ability of the micro-manipulator to apply both in-plane and out-of-plane forces is demonstrated by actuating permanent-magnet micro-beads attached to micro-cantilever beams. The deformations of the micro-cantilevers are also employed to calibrate the dependence of in-plane and out-of-plane forces on the position of the micro-bead relative to the micro-manipulator. The experimentally obtained dependences are found to agree well with theory.
Investigation and quantification of nonlinearity using surrogate data in a glow discharge plasma
Authors: Saha Debajyoti , Shaw Pankaj Kumar , Ghosh Sabuj , Janaki M. S. , Sekar Iyengar A. N.
Published: February 2015

Detection of nonlinearity has been carried out in periodic and aperiodic floating potential fluctuations of DC glow discharge plasma by generating surrogate data using iterative amplitude adjusted Fourier transform method. We introduce “delay vector variance” analysis (DVV) for the first time, which allows reliable detection of nonlinearity and provides some easy to interpret diagram conveying information about the nature of the experimental floating potential fluctuations (FPF). The method of false nearest neighbourhood is deployed on the FPF's to find a good embedding so as to be acquainted with the precise knowledge of m, which is desirable for carrying out DVV analysis. The emergence of nonlinearity with increase in discharge voltage has been ensured by taking into consideration the total energy present in different band of frequencies excited due to nonlinear processes. Rejection of null hypothesis has been verified by performing the rank test method that confirms the presence of nonlinearity quantitatively.
On demand nanoliter-scale microfluidic droplet generation, injection, and mixing using a passive microfluidic device
Authors: Tangen Uwe , Sharma Abhishek , Wagler Patrick , McCaskill John S.
Published: February 2015

We here present and characterize a programmable nanoliter scale droplet-on-demand device that can be used separately or readily integrated into low cost single layer rapid prototyping microfluidic systems for a wide range of user applications. The passive microfluidic device allows external (off-the-shelf) electronically controlled pinch valves to program the delivery of nanoliter scale aqueous droplets from up to 9 different inputs to a central outlet channel. The inputs can be either continuous aqueous fluid streams or microliter scale aqueous plugs embedded in a carrier fluid, in which case the number of effective input solutions that can be employed in an experiment is no longer strongly constrained (100 s–1000 s). Both nanoliter droplet sequencing output and nanoliter-scale droplet mixing are reported with this device. Optimization of the geometry and pressure relationships in the device was achieved in several hardware iterations with the support of open source microfluidic simulation software and equivalent circuit models. The requisite modular control of pressure relationships within the device is accomplished using hydrodynamic barriers and matched resistance channels with three different channel heights, custom parallel reversible microfluidic I/O connections, low dead-volume pinch valves, and a simply adjustable array of external screw valves. Programmable sequences of droplet mixes or chains of droplets can be achieved with the device at low Hz frequencies, limited by device elasticity, and could be further enhanced by valve integration. The chip has already found use in the characterization of droplet bunching during export and the synthesis of a DNA library.
Quantum size effects in layered VX2 (X = S, Se) materials: Manifestation of metal to semimetal or semiconductor transition
Authors: Wasey A. H. M. Abdul , Chakrabarty Soubhik , Das G. P.
Published: February 2015

Most of the two dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) are nonmagnetic in pristine form. However, 2D pristine VX2 (X = S, Se, Te) materials are found to be ferromagnetic. Using spin polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have studied the electronic, magnetic, and surface properties of this class of materials in both trigonal prismatic H- and octahedral T-phase. Our calculations reveal that they exhibit materially different properties in those two polymorphs. Most importantly, detailed investigation of electronic structure explored the quantum size effect in H-phase of these materials thereby leading to metal to semimetal (H-VS2) or semiconductor (H-VSe2) transition when downsizing from bilayer to corresponding monolayer.
Effective anisotropy gradient in pressure graded [Co/Pd] multilayers
Authors: Kirby B. J. , Greene P. K. , Maranville B. B. , Davies J. E. , Liu Kai
Published: February 2015

We have used polarized neutron reflectometry to show that controlled variation of growth pressure during deposition of Co/Pd multilayers can be used to achieve a significant vertical gradient in the effective anisotropy. This gradient is strongly dependent on deposition order (low to high pressure or vice versa), and is accompanied by a corresponding gradient in saturation magnetization. These results demonstrate pressure-grading as an attractively simple technique for tailoring the anisotropy profile of magnetic media.
Performance evaluation of signal dependent noise predictive maximum likelihood detector for two-dimensional magnetic recording read/write channel
Authors: Kawamura S. , Okamoto Y. , Nakamura Y. , Osawa H. , Kanai Y. , Muraoaka H.
Published: February 2015

Two-dimensional magnetic recording is affected by the inter-track interference (ITI) from the adjacent tracks. We investigate the improvement of partial response maximum likelihood (PRML) systems with signal dependent noise predictor (SDNP) in the bit error rate performance. The systems reduce the influence of ITI by two dimensional finite impulse response filter using the waveforms reproduced by triple readers from the adjacent tracks. The results show that the SDNP provides larger improvement to PR(2,6,1)ML system compare with PR1ML system.
Structure determination of the clean (001) surface of strained Si on Si1−xGex
Authors: Shirasawa Tetsuroh , Takeda Sakura Nishino , Takahashi Toshio
Published: February 2015

The surface structure of the strained Si(001) (thickness of 20 nm) on Si1−xGex (x = 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) was studied by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). LEED intensity-energy spectra of the 2 × 1 reconstructed clean surfaces showed a systematic change that indicates the lattice contraction along the [001] direction remains even at the surfaces. The atomic structures were quantitatively determined, and they were compared with the unstrained pristine Si. The differences in the atomic position almost follow the difference in the bulk lattice constant determined by X-ray diffraction measurements. The results indicate that the strain produced at the Si/Si1−xGex interface remains unchanged up to the surface layer.
Suppression of temperature hysteresis in negative thermal expansion compound BiNi1−xFexO3 and zero-thermal expansion composite
Authors: Nabetani K. , Muramatsu Y. , Oka K. , Nakano K. , Hojo H. , Mizumaki M. , Agui A. , Higo Y. , Hayashi N. , Takano M. , Azuma M.
Published: February 2015

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) of BiNi1−xFexO3 is investigated. All x = 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.15 samples shows large NTE with the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE) αL exceeding −150 ppm K−1 induced by charge transfer between Bi5+ and Ni2+ in the controlled temperature range near room temperature. Compared with Bi1−xLnxNiO3 (Ln: rare-earth elements), the thermal hysteresis that causes a problem for practical application is suppressed because random distribution of Fe in the Ni site changes the first order transition to second order-like transition. The CTE of BiNi0.85Fe0.15O3 reaches −187 ppm K−1 and it is demonstrated that 18 vol. % addition of the present compound compensates for the thermal expansion of epoxy resin.
Engineered smart substrate with embedded patterned permalloy thin film for radio frequency applications
Authors: Peng Yujia , Rahman B. M. Farid , Wang Tengxing , Nowrin Chamok , Ali Mohammod , Wang Guoan
Published: February 2015

Multifunctional and frequency-agile devices are promising components that satisfy multiple standards of modern wireless communication system. This paper provides a unique method to develop tunable RF components based on engineered smart substrate where the smart substrate contain patterned Permalloy (Py) thin film on high-resistivity silicon. The permeability of Py can be adjusted by changing the DC current, thus allowing tunable RF circuits and components. Single or multi-layer patterns can be developed. To demonstrate tunability of the smart substrate, a frequency reconfigurable patch antenna was fabricated on Liquid Crystal Polymer substrate and bonded to the proposed smart substrate. The patch antenna was tested, which revealed that the center frequency of operation could be tuned from 2.38 GHz to 2.43 GHz by changing the DC current from 0 mA to 500 mA. Similarly, a transmission line based phase shifter was also fabricated on another smart substrate, which showed that the phase shifter could provide continuous 90° phase shift from 2.35 GHz to 2.15 GHz under different DC current bias conditions.
Nitrogen sharing and water source partitioning co-occur in estuarine wetlands
Authors: Wei Lili , Lockington David A. , Yu Shen , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: February 2015

Plant–plant interactions are particularly complex in multi-resource limited environments. The aim of this study was to assess species interactions in estuarine wetlands where both N and fresh water are limited. We combined stable isotope methods and dissimilarity analyses to compare interspecific interactions in N source use and water source use. Both Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S. T Blake and Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. had a lower leaf δ15N when they were growing together with the N-fixer Casuarina glauca Sieb. ex Spreng. compared with those trees growing in monospecific stands, but their water isotopes, δ18O and δD, were different from C. glauca. Our results indicate that the N-fixer C. glauca shared their N with co-existing neighbours, either indirectly or directly, but that water sources were partitioned among them. Further analyses showed that M. quinquenervia and C. glauca had lower dissimilarity in N source use but higher dissimilarity in water source use than the C. glauca–A. marina pair, implying that the co-existence between M. quinquenervia and C. glauca is relatively stable. Our results suggest that facilitative interaction and resource partitioning can co-occur in estuarine wetlands, and which could be important in maintaining diversity across resource gradients.
Spoken and written narration in Hebrew
Authors: Ravid Dorit , Chen-Djemal Yehudit
Published: February 2015

The study is premised on speech and writing relying on differently coordinated temporal frames of communication, aiming to pinpoint the conceptual and linguistic differences between spoken and written Hebrew narration. This is a case study presenting in-depth psycholinguistic analyses of the oral and written versions of a personal-experience story produced by the same adult narrator in Hebrew, taking into account discursive functions, discourse stance, linguistic expression, and information flow, processing, and cohesion. Findings of parallel spoken and written content units presenting the same narrative information point to the interface of the narrative genre with the spoken and written modalities, together with the mature cognitive, linguistic, and social skills and experience of adulthood. Both spoken and written personal-experience adult narrative versions have a non-personal, non-specific, detached stance, though the written units are more abstract and syntactically complex. Adult narrating skill encompasses both modalities, recruiting different devices for the expression of cohesion.