bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designed multimetallic Pd nanosponges with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for ethylene glycol and glycerol oxidation
Authors: Li Suping , Lai Jianping , Luque Rafael , Xu Guobao
Published: August 2016

We report an effective synthesis of surfactant-free multimetallic Pd nanosponges with tunable compositions using EDTA as the structure-directing reagent and NaBH4 as the reducing reagent.
Microencapsulated cells of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei in biopolymer complex coacervates and their function in a yogurt matrix
Authors: Bosnea L. A. , Moschakis T. , Biliaderis C. G.
Published: August 2016

L. paracasei subsp. paracasei E6 cells were encapsulated by complex coacervation using whey protein isolate (WPI) and gum arabic and introduced in stirred yogurts. The encapsulated cells showed improved survival during product cold storage and on exposure to simulated gastric juice.
Electrochemical depolymerisation of lignin in a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Di Marino Davide , Stöckmann David , Kriescher Stefanie , Stiefel Serafin , Wessling Matthias
Published: August 2016

Lignin is an important renewable resource that could substitute fossil feedstocks. An electrochemical depolymerisation of lignin generating aromatic compounds is possible by using a deep eutectic solvent.
Facile and simultaneous synthesis of graphene quantum dots and reduced graphene oxide for bio-imaging and supercapacitor applications
Authors: Muthurasu A. , Dhandapani P. , Ganesh V.
Published: August 2016

A simple and facile method for the simultaneous preparation of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) having different emission colours, viz., yellow, green and blue, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) utilized respectively for bio-imaging and supercapacitor applications is demonstrated.
Investigating the DMPO-formate spin trapping method for the study of paper iron gall ink corrosion
Authors: Gimat Alice , Kasneryk Valeryia , Dupont Anne-Laurence , Paris Sabrina , Averseng Frédéric , Fournier Jeanine , Massiani Pascale , Rouchon Véronique
Published: August 2016

Reactive oxygen species evidenced in acidic iron gall inks are not hydroxyl radicals and are not linked to paper degradation.
Nondestructive optical visualisation of graphene domains and boundaries
Authors: Wu Xingyi , Zhong Guofang , Robertson John
Published: August 2016

Nondestructive optical visualisation of graphene domains and boundaries with novel star-like ridge structures, dependent on the underlying Cu crystallographic orientations.
Double heteroannulation of S,N-acetals: a facile access to quinolone derivatives
Authors: Janni Manojkumar , Arora Sahil , Peruncheralathan S.
Published: August 2016

A library of 3-aryl-4-quinolones and their benzo-fused heterocycles was synthesized from singleS,N-acetal precursors.
Tetra-porphyrin molecular tweezers: two binding sites linked via a polycyclic scaffold and rotating phenyl diimide core
Authors: Murphy R. B. , Norman R. E. , White J. M. , Perkins M. V. , Johnston M. R.
Published: August 2016

Tetra-porphyrin molecular tweezers linked by rigid polycyclic arms, capable of interannular cooperativity, are synthesised using imide–boronic acid coupling.
A dual solvent evaporation route for preserving carbon nanoparticle fluorescence in silica gel and producing white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Cui Yan , Bu Xinyuan , Zou Haoyang , Xu Xiaowei , Zhou Ding , Liu Huiwen , Zhang Xun , Liu Yi , Sun Hongchen , Jiang Jinlan , Zhang Hao
Published: August 2016

Luminescent carbon nanoparticles (C-NPs), incorporated with silica gelviaa dual solvent evaporation route, are used as the color conversion layer on a InGaN UV-blue emitting chip to produce white-light-emitting diodes.
Correlation between stress relaxation dynamics and thermochemistry for covalent adaptive networks polymers
Authors: Kuang Xiao , Liu Guoming , Dong Xia , Wang Dujin
Published: August 2016

A simple scaling relationship between normalized relaxation time and reaction kinetics is established for CANs polymers.
Spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene]-based hole transporting materials for efficient perovskite solar cells with enhanced stability
Authors: Liu Kuan , Yao Yuehan , Wang Jiayu , Zhu Lifeng , Sun Mingli , Ren Baoyi , Xie Linghai , Luo Yanhong , Meng Qingbo , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: August 2016

Spiro[fluorene-9,9′-xanthene]-based hole transporting materials functionalized with four-armed arylamine moieties located at different positions are synthesized for perovskite solar cells.
Removal of metformin hydrochloride by Alternanthera philoxeroides biomass derived porous carbon materials treated with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Huang Xixian , Liu Yunguo , Liu Shaobo , Li Zhongwu , Tan Xiaofei , Ding Yang , Zeng Guangming , Xu Yan , Zeng Wei , Zheng Bohong
Published: August 2016

Hydrogen peroxide modified biochar (mBC) derived fromAlternanthera philoxeroides(AP) biomass was used to investigate the adsorption properties of metformin hydrochloride (MF).
Light-driven removal of rhodamine B over SrTiO3 modified Bi2WO6 composites
Authors: Zhang Li , Tian Wei , Chen Yong , Chen Jing , Teng Hongcheng , Zhou Jiancheng , Shi Jinwen , Sun Yueming
Published: August 2016

Heterostructures are closely related to enhanced photocatalytic function of SrTiO3/Bi2WO6 hybrids.
Antiviral mechanism study of gossypol and its Schiff base derivatives based on reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Authors: Zhang Bin , Li Ling , Liu Yuxiu , Wang Qingmin
Published: August 2016

The O2˙− production rates of gossypol and its Schiff bases show a positive correlation with their anti-TMV activities, and O2˙− is more important than H2O2 at the primary stage of TMV inoculation.
Nucleated nanocomposites of TPU–PDMS blends based on spherical nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Drupitha M. P. , Naskar Kinsuk , Nando Golok B.
Published: August 2016

The present investigation gives a profound insight into the preparation of nucleated nanocomposites of TPU–PDMS blends based on uniquely synthesized PPG-wrapped spherical nanohydroxyapatite (nHap).
Heterogeneous UV-Fenton photodegradation of azocarmine B over [FeEDTA]− intercalated ZnAl-LDH at circumneutral pH
Authors: Tang Xiaoxiao , Liu Yun , Li Sihui
Published: August 2016

Under optimized operating conditions by RSM, the EDTA–Fe–LDH catalyst exhibited high photocatalytic activity, furthermore, the possible reaction mechanisms were proposed.
Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using porous starch-g-poly(acrylic acid) superadsorbents
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Wei Qingyun
Published: August 2016

Porous starch-g-poly(acrylic acid) superadsorbents were prepared, which can be used for effective removal of methylene blue in water.
Re-excitation of localized electrons in SnO2 quantum dots for enhanced water photolysis activity
Authors: Chen Xianqun , Li Liping , Zhang Yuelan , Xu Yangsen , Li Guangshe
Published: August 2016

Trapping and further localization of photo-generated carriers by defects in a photocatalyst are crucial obstacles for enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen generation from water photolysis.
Hydrogen migration in hypoelectronic biicosahedral metallaborane structures
Authors: Attia Amr A. A. , Lupan Alexandru , King R. Bruce
Published: August 2016

Hydrogen migration occurs in the low-energy structures of the hypoelectronic systems CpMB20H17 (M = Fe, Ru, Os, Mo, W) to give structures having one or two M–B biicosahedral edges bridged by hydrogen atoms.
Nontoxic and renewable metal–organic framework based on α-cyclodextrin with efficient drug delivery
Authors: Sha Jing-Quan , Zhong Xiao-Hua , Wu Lian-He , Liu Guo-Dong , Sheng Ning
Published: August 2016

Two new nontoxic α-CD based compounds were synthesized by different method, which contain different left-handed helix and exhibit efficient drug loading capacity and sustained release behaviors.
Cavitation erosion and wear behaviour of a boron cast iron cylinder liner under bio-fuel conditions
Authors: Xu Yufu , Yao Lulu , Zhang Bin , Tang Ka , Li Bao , Hu Xianguo
Published: August 2016

The use of renewable bio-fuel in internal combustion engines is the trend for the near future.
Autofluorescence signatures for classifying lung cells during epithelial mesenchymal transition
Authors: Sarkar Atasi , Barui Ananya , Ghosh Biswajoy , Mukherjee Anirban , Sarkar Ripon , Sengupta Sanghamitra , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy
Published: August 2016

Morphological ​and autofluorescence (blue, green, red) ​patterns in lung normal cells during EMT progression.
Label-free nanoprobe for antibody detection through an antibody catalysed water oxidation pathway
Authors: Guk Kyeonghye , Kim Hyeran , Kim Yujeong , Kang Taejoon , Lim Eun-Kyung , Jung Juyeon
Published: August 2016

We developed a nanoprobe for the label-free detection of antibodies associated with infectious diseases, through a method based on the antibody catalyzed water oxidation pathway (ACWOP).
Facile synthesis of 3D plum candy-like ZnCo2O4 microspheres as a high-performance anode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Fan Binbin , Chen Xiaohua , Hu Aiping , Tang Qunli , Fan Haining , Liu Zheng , Xiao Kuikui
Published: August 2016

We have demonstrated a facile method to prepared 3D plum candy-like ZnCo2O4 microspheres using an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technology.
Ammonia and iron cointercalated iron sulfide (NH3)Fe0.25Fe2S2: hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure, weak ferromagnetism and crossover from a negative to positive magnetoresistance
Authors: Lai Xiaofang , Lin Zhiping , Bu Kejun , Wang Xin , Zhang Hui , Li Dandan , Wang Yingqi , Gu Yuhao , Lin Jianhua , Huang Fuqiang
Published: August 2016

(NH3)Fe0.25Fe2S2is successfully synthesized, which behaves as a ferromagnetic semiconductor and exhibits a novel crossover from a negative to positive magnetoresistance.
Synthesis and characterization of a new magnetic nanocomposite with metalloporphyrin (Co-TPyP) and sulfated tin dioxide (Fe3O4@SnO2/SO42−), and investigation of its photocatalytic effects in the degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Ghafuri Hossein , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Rahimi Rahmatallah , Mohammadiyan Esmaeel
Published: August 2016

To achieve the synthesis of (Fe3O4@SnO2/SO42−), after the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4 (MNP), tin dioxide was supported on the MNP, and it was sulfated using ammonium sulfate.
Confined-space synthesis of hierarchical SnO2nanorods assembled by ultrasmall nanocrystals for energy storage
Authors: Wang Menghu , Ping Hang , Xie Hao , Chen Baoli , Yan Min , Fang Weijian , Fu Zhengyi
Published: August 2016

The cell display based approach synthesizes carbon coated hierarchical nanostructured SnO2, exhibiting good lithium storage properties.
Spontaneous configurational evolution induced by an in situ self-formed p-type CuI interface layer in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yi Yong , Zhu Weidong , Li Faming , Bao Chunxiong , Yu Tao , Kang Lei , Wang Yangrunqian , Zou Zhigang
Published: August 2016

Anin situself-formed p-type CuI interface layer can boost the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by a dozen-fold.
Homochiral oligomers with highly flexible backbones form stable H-bonded duplexes
Authors: Núñez-Villanueva Diego , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: August 2016

Highly flexible oligomers make stable duplexes, when conformational mobility is not significantly restricted in the bound state.
Electrochemical activity of Fe-MIL-100 as a positive electrode for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Sava Gallis Dorina F. , Pratt III Harry D. , Anderson Travis M. , Chapman Karena W.
Published: August 2016

MOFs' feasibility as cathodes for Na-ion batteries is probed, revealing the complex interplay between battery components and overall performance.
Large dielectric constant, high acceptor density, and deep electron traps in perovskite solar cell material CsGeI3
Authors: Ming Wenmei , Shi Hongliang , Du Mao-Hua
Published: August 2016

CsGeI3 may be used as an efficient hole transport material in solar cells although it may not be an excellent solar absorber material due to the deep electron traps induced by iodine vacancies.
Amorphous Co–Mo–S ultrathin films with low-temperature sulfurization as high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Yingjie , Zhang Haichuan , Jiang Ming , Kuang Yun , Wang Hailiang , Sun Xiaoming
Published: August 2016

A self-supported amorphous Co–Mo–S ultrathin film with hierarchical pores formed via low-temperature sulfurization exhibits high performance toward acidic hydrogen evolution.
Porous FeNi oxide nanosheets as advanced electrochemical catalysts for sustained water oxidation
Authors: Long Xia , Ma Zuju , Yu Han , Gao Xiangyun , Pan Xiaoyang , Chen Xuxing , Yang Shihe , Yi Zhiguo
Published: August 2016

FeNi-O porous nanosheets were synthesized and they exhibited advanced OER performance that was investigated experimentally and theoretically.
Measurement of optical properties in organic photovoltaic materials using monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy
Authors: Alexander Jessica A. , Scheltens Frank J. , Drummy Lawrence F. , Durstock Michael F. , Gilchrist James B. , Heutz Sandrine , McComb David W.
Published: August 2016

Spatially resolved mapping of optical properties in organic photovoltaics.
DHDMIQK(KAP): a novel nano-delivery system of dihydroxyl-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid and KPAK towards the thrombus
Authors: Feng Qiqi , Zhao Ming , Gan Taiping , Zhu Haimei , Wang Yaonan , Zhao Shurui , Wang Yuji , Wu Jianhui , Peng Shiqi
Published: August 2016

N-[(S)-6,7-Dihydroxy-1,1-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydroisoquinoline-3-carbonyl]-Lys(Pro-Ala-Lys) was presented as a novel nano-delivery of (S)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,1-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid and Lys-Pro-Ala-Lys towards the thrombus for the first time.
Hydrogels bearing bioengineered mimetic embryonic microenvironments for tumor reversion
Authors: Zhao Yufang , Yan Hongji , Qiao Shupei , Zhang Long , Wang Tianran , Meng Qingyuan , Chen Xiongbiao , Lin Feng-Huei , Guo Kai , Li Chunfeng , Tian Weiming
Published: August 2016

Embryonic microenvironments can reverse the metastatic phenotype of aggressive tumors by inhibiting the Nodal signaling pathway.
Ductile silica/methacrylate hybrids for bone regeneration
Authors: Maçon Anthony L. B. , Li Siwei , Chung Justin J. , Nommeots-Nomm Amy , Solanki Anu K. , Stevens Molly M. , Jones Julian R.
Published: August 2016

Hybrids consisting of co-networks of high cross-linking density polymethacrylate and silica (class II hybrid) were synthesised as a potential new generation of scaffold materials.
Electrochemiluminescent displays based on ion gels: correlation between device performance and choice of electrolyte
Authors: Moon Hong Chul , Lodge Timothy P. , Frisbie C. Daniel
Published: August 2016

A correlation between the performance of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) displays and properties of ECL gels is investigated.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of orthogonal rhodium(iii)–carbon bonded porphyrin–aza-BODIPY conjugates
Authors: Zhou Jinfeng , Gai Lizhi , Mack John , Zhou Zhikuan , Qiu Hailin , Chan Kin Shing , Shen Zhen
Published: August 2016

The facile synthesis of novel orthogonally arranged Rh(iii) porphyrin–aza-BODIPY conjugates is described. The conjugates combine the advantages of the near-IR (NIR) absorption of aza-BODPY dye with the high triplet state of rhodium porphyrins.
Creating a Culturally-Responsive Speech and Language Program in a Tribal Community
Authors: Ross Sarah
Published: August 2016

This article describes the development of a culturally responsive speech and language program for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community (CTGR) of Oregon. The historical context that served as a foundation for the speech and language program is first discussed. Next, a description of what constitutes a culturally-based program is presented. The specific culturally responsive attributes of the CTGR program are then elucidated followed by recommendations for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) desiring to create Tribal speech and language programs. In addition, insights presented in the article can provide guidance, more generally, for SLPs who currently serve Tribal communities through existing programs.
Historical Influences on Health Care and Education in Native American Communities
Authors: Allison-Burbank Joshuaa
Published: August 2016

This article focuses on the influence of historical trauma (Brave Heart, Chase, Elkins, & Altschul, 2011) on the health and education of contemporary Native American (NA) communities. It is crucial that educators and health care professionals understand how events in American history have manifested as attempts to forcefully assimilate NAs into mainstream Euro-American culture. These attempts, which included relocation of NA communities onto reservations, enrollment of young NA children in government boarding schools and forcing these children to stop speaking native languages, and delivery of inadequate medical services (Adams, 1997) have resulted in psychological trauma that has negatively impacted multiple generations of NA families (Walker, 1999). These traumas have been found to be related to the high incidence of chronic health conditions and low academic achievement in NA communities (Whitbeck, Adams, Hoyt, & Chen, 2004; also see article by Gillispie, this issue). Understanding historical trauma as it has occurred in NA communities is a first step in our attempt to best serve NAs as speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in health care and educational settings. Knowledge and a deeper awareness of this historical trauma allows professionals to better understand negative attitudes toward formal education and medical service delivery systems that are not responsive to the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of NA people.
Priority‐aware hybrid scheduling for fast, energy‐efficient max function computation in single‐hop networks
Authors: Huang Jiajia , Soong Boon‐Hee
Published: August 2016

In recent years, to efficiently deliver a specific function value is of great importance in sensing and monitoring wireless sensor networks. In this study, a priority‐aware hybrid scheduling scheme is proposed to achieve fast decentralised energy‐efficient max function computation in a single‐hop network. In the authors’ proposed scheme, priority‐aware time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme is used to first schedule the transmission. In contrast to traditional TDMA, where all the nodes in a network take turns to transmit, in the authors’ proposed scheme, the node with the maximum value is given the priority to transmit. However, the problem of collision exists and this still limits the performance of TDMA‐based scheme. Therefore, in order to improve the performance with the influence of collision, code division multiple access (CDMA) is introduced to recover information whenever collision occurs. To solve this, an optimisation problem is formulated to minimise average computation time subjected to the constraints on failure probability. The synergy of CDMA and TDMA contributes to reduction of computation failure probability as well as average computation delay. Moreover, when compared with the traditional round‐robin TDMA transmission, the scheduling rule in the proposed scheme helps to reduce number of transmissions for a single computation. Therefore, a reduction in energy consumption occurs as well. Numerical results show that our algorithm reduces average computation time and energy consumption for one‐shot max function computation, and with the advantage of better scalability.
Observer‐based event‐triggered control co‐design for linear systems
Authors: Tarbouriech Sophie , Seuret Alexandre , Manoel Gomes da Silva João , Sbarbaro Daniel
Published: August 2016

The study deals with an observer‐based event‐triggered control strategy for linear systems using only local (i.e. available) variables. Sufficient conditions based on linear matrix inequalities associated to convex optimisation problems are proposed to ensure the asymptotic stability of the closed loop and the output convergence to a constant reference in both emulation and co‐design contexts. Indeed, the proposed approach allows either to design the event‐triggering rules or co‐design the event‐triggering rule along with the controller gain.
Fault estimation filter design for discrete‐time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems
Authors: Ding Da‐Wei , Du Xin , Xie Xiangpeng , Li Mo
Published: August 2016

This study is concerned with the fault estimation problem of discrete‐time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with low‐frequency faults. A fault estimation filter is designed to solve this problem. To make the estimation error as small as possible in the presence of high‐frequency disturbances, the filter is designed to satisfy two finite‐frequency H∞ performance indices simultaneously. An algorithm is proposed to calculate the parameters of the desired filter. The obtained filter can estimate the faults in low‐frequency domain effectively, e.g. stuck faults. For comparison, a full‐frequency fault estimation method is also given. An example is given to illustrate advantages of the proposed finite‐frequency method.
Comprehensive review on inter‐turn fault indexes in permanent magnet motors
Authors: Faiz Jawad , Nejadi‐Koti Hossein , Valipour Zahra
Published: August 2016

Inter‐turn fault (ITF) of stator winding is a very sensitive and critical fault in permanent magnet motors. If this fault is not diagnosed on‐time, it can quickly expand and generate serious damage and even full damage to the motor. So, realisation of this fault, its impact on the motors and finally its diagnosis methods are essential and has high priorityfor users of the motors. This study presents the trend of the negative impacts of the fault on the performance of the machine. Available indexes for this fault detection are introduced and described in details. By analysing these indexes, their merits and drawbacks, limitations and ambiguous points are extracted. Finally, these indexes are compared and the best and worst indexes are introduced. Moreover, one of the most used index and the simplest one will be simulated in order to show capability of a new current‐based ITF diagnosis index.
Research on the optimal planning of the battery switch station for electric vehicles
Authors: Zhang Yagang , Qi Dingli , Lei Shuang , Wu Ke , Wang Yinding
Published: August 2016

With the rapid development of the global economy, the energy crisis and the deterioration of the ecosystem are becoming more serious. In this context, the development of electric vehicles has received the attention of all countries. Research on charging and changing facilities has a very important significance for the future comprehensive promotion of electric vehicles. In this study, the authors first analyse the advantages and disadvantages of different charging electric network modes. Then, they introduce distribution planning requirements of electric vehicles’ changing stations, and propose an optimisation model meeting various requirements when selecting station sites. This model aims to minimise overall construction and transportation costs, and meet the charging demand of drivers. Changing stations’ service types and operating characteristics of the substation act as constraint conditions. Finally, they solve the model based on the improved graph algorithms. It not only calculates the optimisation location of the changing stations, but also obtains the corresponding optimal substation access scheme. The research of this study can significantly guide planning and construction of electric vehicles’ charging and battery switch stations.
Outage probability of WDM free‐space optical systems affected by turbulence‐accentuated interchannel crosstalk
Authors: Mbah Afamefuna M. , Walker John G. , Phillips Andrew J.
Published: August 2016

Massive deployment of free space optical (FSO) communication systems in future optical access networks will use wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology to leverage extended reach and enhanced user capacity. An analytical framework for the estimation of outage probability in a turbulence‐affected WDM FSO system is presented in this study. The authors derive simplified expressions of the probability of outage in the presence of turbulence‐accentuated interchannel crosstalk, and show how design parameters such as the FSO link length, demultiplexer adjacent channel rejection and receiver aperture diameter affect the performance of the system. Numerical results show that the outage probability due to irradiance fluctuation is worsened in WDM FSO systems by the effects of turbulence‐affected interchannel crosstalk signals. Specifically, the average crosstalk power and the degree of irradiance fluctuations on the crosstalk set a limit on the outage probability performance of the system which appears in the form of outage floors.
Antenna placement optimisation for compressed sensing‐based distributed MIMO radar
Authors: Chen Peng , Qi Chenhao , Wu Lenan
Published: August 2016

Since a better localisation performance is achieved by exploiting the spatial diversity in the distributed multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) radar systems, the authors consider the problem of further improving this performance by optimising the antenna placement in this study. In the localisation processes, a novel compressed sensing‐based method is proposed to exploit the target sparsity, where an over‐complete dictionary matrix containing all the possible echo waveforms from the discretised area is first established. In addition, to further improve the localisation performance, a novel iterative method is proposed to minimise the mutual coherence of the dictionary matrix by optimising the antenna placement of both transmitters and receivers. Moreover, the theoretical distribution of the mutual coherence is derived, and an asymptotic performance with increasing the number of antennas is also provided. Simulation results demonstrate the localisation performance improvement for multiple targets by optimising the antenna placement in the distributed MIMO radar.
Synthesis and characterisation of dual plasmonic gold nanostars as high‐performance surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate
Authors: Raghavan Vijay , Fan Hai Ming , McCarthy Eoin K. , Dockery Peter , Wheatley Antony , Keogh Ivan , Olivo Malini
Published: August 2016

Synthesising gold nanoprobes in the near infrared (NIR) region is of particular interest in developing nanosensors due to the minimal light attenuation from biomolecules. Here, the controlled synthesis and tunability of gold nanostars’ two distinct localised surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) at around 700 and 1100 nm is reported. By using UV–Vis–NIR absorption measurements and finite‐difference time‐domain calculations, the induction of the LSPR and the multipolar nature of the resonances have been investigated experimentally and theoretically. Simulation results demonstrate that large electric fields are confined at the tips of the branches, where the LSPR can be induced specifically by controlling the polarisation of the incident electric field. The surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capability of these dual plasmonic gold nanostars (DPGNS) has also been demonstrated using a Raman reporter, diethylthiatricarbocyanine iodide and high SERS enhancement factor (EF) of 2 × 107 is obtained with 785 nm excitation. With ease of synthesis, LSPR at NIR and high SERS EF, DPGNS demonstrated the capability to be an effective SERS substrate and the potential to elicit the highest SERS EF ever reported for gold nanoparticles, with further longer wavelength excitations at and beyond 1064 nm.
Exploring the superfocusing performance of plasmonic lenses formed by coupled nanoslits
Authors: Zhu Yechuan , Yuan Weizheng , Yu Yiting , Wang Ping , Sun Hao
Published: August 2016

A comprehensive investigation on the superfocusing performance of a plasmonic lens formed by coupled metallic nanoslits is carried out. Based on the geometrical optics and the wavefront reconstruction principle, the nanoslit array for a plasmonic lens is optimally designed to achieve the desired phase modulation by considering the influence of the coupling between adjacent aperiodic nanoslits on phase delay and the theory of periodic metallic nanoslits. The designed lens' focusing behaviour is verified by using the finite‐difference time‐domain method. Numerical results demonstrate that the superfocusing performance of a plasmonic lens has a close relationship with the lens size, focal length, working medium and incident wavelength. A larger lens size, a shorter focal length, a higher‐index working medium can contribute to producing a higher‐resolution superfocusing. Moreover, due to the material response, a shorter wavelength is not beneficial for an efficient focusing.
Optical storage behaviour in InAs quantum dots embedded in GaAs quantum well structure
Authors: Lu Haidong , Guo Fangmin , Zhang Bing , Ning Wenguo
Published: August 2016

The optical storage behaviour of InAs quantum dots (QDs) device has been investigated by testing capacitance–voltage (C –V) and current–voltage (I –V) character. Since QDs are embedded in the GaAs quantum well, it can be charged by the spatial separation of electrons and holes. When the device is biased in a storage mode, the optical excitation with the photon energy larger than the energy gap gives rise to a step jump in the responsive current, which is previously stored in the device during the illumination. The holes in the QDs which represent the stored information are storage and deletion by bias. The storage time is on the order of milliseconds as measured by pulsed photovoltage/photocurrent response ratio of the device. The device structure can be used as a photonic memory cell because of long storage time and fast retrieval of photons. Moreover, the memory operation can be carried out by applying a lower voltage.
Front-end antenna system design for the ITER low-field-side reflectometer system using GENRAY ray tracing
Authors: Wang G. , Doyle E. J. , Peebles W. A.
Published: August 2016

A monostatic antenna array arrangement has been designed for the microwave front-end of the ITER low-field-side reflectometer (LFSR) system. This paper presents details of the antenna coupling coefficient analyses performed using GENRAY, a 3-D ray tracing code, to evaluate the plasma height accommodation capability of such an antenna array design. Utilizing modeled data for the plasma equilibrium and profiles for the ITER baseline and half-field scenarios, a design study was performed for measurement locations varying from the plasma edge to inside the top of the pedestal. A front-end antenna configuration is recommended for the ITER LFSR system based on the results of this coupling analysis.
Resonance energy transfer: The unified theory via vector spherical harmonics
Authors: Grinter Roger , Jones Garth A.
Published: August 2016

In this work, we derive the well-established expression for the quantum amplitude associated with the resonance energy transfer (RET) process between a pair of molecules that are beyond wavefunction overlap. The novelty of this work is that the field of the mediating photon is described in terms of a spherical wave rather than a plane wave. The angular components of the field are constructed in terms of vector spherical harmonics while Hankel functions are used to define the radial component. This approach alleviates the problem of having to select physically correct solution from non-physical solutions, which seems to be inherent in plane wave derivations. The spherical coordinate system allows one to easily decompose the photon’s fields into longitudinal and transverse components and offers a natural way to analyse near-, intermediate-, and far-zone RET within the context of the relative orientation of the transition dipole moments for the two molecules.
On the formation of equilibrium gels via a macroscopic bond limitation
Authors: Lindquist B. A. , Jadrich R. B. , Milliron D. J. , Truskett T. M.
Published: August 2016

Restricting the number of attractive physical “bonds” that can form between particles in a fluid suppresses the usual demixing phase transition to very low particle concentrations, allowing for the formation of open, percolated, and homogeneous states, aptly called equilibrium or “empty” gels. Most demonstrations of this concept have directly limited the microscopic particle valence via anisotropic (patchy) attractions; however, an alternative macroscopic valence limitation would be desirable for greater experimental tunability and responsiveness. One possibility, explored in this paper, is to employ primary particles with attractions mediated via a secondary species of linking particles. In such a system, the linker-to-primary particle ratio serves as a macroscopic control parameter for the average microscopic valence. We show that the phase behavior of such a system predicted by Wertheim’s first order perturbation theory is consistent with equilibrium gel formation: the primary particle concentrations corresponding to the two-phase demixing transition are significantly suppressed at both low and high linker-to-primary particle ratios. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations validate these theoretical predictions but also reveal the presence of loops of bonded particles, which are neglected in the theory. Such loops cause densification and inhibit percolation, and hence the range of viable empty gel state conditions is somewhat reduced relative to the Wertheim theory predictions.
d + id and d wave topological superconductors and new mechanisms for bulk boundary correspondence
Authors: Chern Tong
Published: August 2016

We investigate two dimensional(2D) chiral dx2−y2 ± idxy topological superconductors and three dimensional(3D) d wave topological superconductors, through concrete models. We demonstrate that these two kinds of topological superconductors are the simplest cases of more general 2D class C topological superconductors and 3D class CI topological superconductors, respectively. We then give general methods to systematically build models for all 2D class C and 3D class CI topological superconductors. Our theoretical constructions may be a critical step to experimentally realize these exotic topologically superconducting phases. The chiral edge modes or gapless surface states of our 2D or 3D models are studied in details. In all the situations, we find novel mechanisms for bulk boundary correspondence.
Lead free CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite thin-film with p-type semiconducting nature and metal-like conductivity
Authors: Iefanova Anastasiia , Adhikari Nirmal , Dubey Ashish , Khatiwada Devendra , Qiao Qiquan
Published: August 2016

Lead free CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite thin film was prepared by low temperature solution processing and characterized using current sensing atomic force microscopy (CS-AFM). Analysis of electrical, optical, and optoelectrical properties reveals unique p-type semiconducting nature and metal like conductivity of this material. CH3NH3SnI3 film also showed a strong absorption in visible and near infrared spectrum with absorption onset of 1.3 eV. X-ray Diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a structure of this compound and uniform film formation. The morphology, film uniformity, light harvesting and electrical properties strongly depend on preparation method and precursor solution. CH3NH3SnI3 films prepared based on dimethylformamide (DMF) showed higher crystallinity and light harvesting capability compared to the film based on combination of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). Local photocurrent mapping analysis showed that CH3NH3SnI3 can be used as an active layer and have a potential to fabricate lead free photovoltaic devices.
Production responses of reproducing ewes to a by-product-based diet inoculated with the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57
Authors: Le Oanh T. , Schofield Benjamin , Dart Peter J. , Callaghan Matthew J. , Lisle Allan T. , Ouwerkerk Diane , Klieve Athol V. , McNeill David M.
Published: August 2016

The potential application of the spore-forming probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 (H57) as a novel probiotic for ruminants was evaluated in reproducing ewes. Performance responses were determined by delivering H57 in a pelleted diet based mainly on palm kernel meal (PKM) and sorghum grain. PKM is an agro-industrial by-product with a reputation for poor palatability and the availability of the starch in sorghum grain can be limited in ruminants. The hypothesis was that H57 improves the feeding value of a relatively low quality concentrate diet. Twenty-four first-parity white Dorper ewes were fed PKM-based pellets manufactured with or without H57 (109 cfu/kg pellet) in late pregnancy. During this phase of late pregnancy, the H57 ewes ate 17% more dry matter (1019 vs 874 g/day, P = 0.03), gained more weight (194 vs 30 g/day, P = 0.008) and retained more nitrogen (6.13 vs 3.34 g/day, P = 0.01), but produced lambs with a similar birthweight (4.1 vs 4.2 kg, P = 0.73). Rumen fluid collected from H57 ewes in late pregnancy had higher pH (7.1 vs 6.8, P = 0.07), acetate : propionate ratio (3.4 vs 2.7, P = 0.04), lower ammonia (69 vs 147 mmol/L, P = 0.001) and total volatile fatty acid concentrations (40 vs 61 mg/L, P = 0.02). The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and fibre were similar between the two groups. The lambs of the H57 ewes grew faster than those of the Control ewes for the first 21 days of lactation (349 vs 272 g/day, P = 0.03), but not thereafter. H57 can improve feed intake and maternal liveweight gain in late pregnancy of first-parity ewes fed a diet based on PKM.
Comparison of ONIX simulation results with experimental data from the BATMAN testbed for the study of negative ion extraction
Authors: Mochalskyy Serhiy , Fantz Ursel , Wünderlich Dirk , Minea Tiberiu
Published: August 2016

The development of negative ion (NI) sources for the ITER neutral beam injector is strongly accompanied by modelling activities. The ONIX (Orsay Negative Ion eXtraction) code simulates the formation and extraction of negative hydrogen ions and co-extracted electrons produced in caesiated sources. In this paper the 3D geometry of the BATMAN extraction system, and the source characteristics such as the extraction and bias potential, and the 3D magnetic field were integrated in the model. Calculations were performed using plasma parameters experimentally obtained on BATMAN. The comparison of the ONIX calculated extracted NI density with the experimental results suggests that predictive calculations of the extraction of NIs are possible. The results show that for an ideal status of the Cs conditioning the extracted hydrogen NI current density could reach ~30 mA cm−2 at 10 kV and ~20 mA cm−2 at 5 kV extraction potential, with an electron/NI current density ratio of about 1, as measured in the experiments under the same plasma and source conditions. The dependency of the extracted NI current on the NI density in the bulk plasma region from both the modeling and the experiment was investigated. The separate distributions composing the NI beam originating from the plasma bulk region and the PG surface are presented for different NI plasma volume densities and NI emission rates from the plasma grid (PG) wall, respectively. The extracted current from the NIs produced at the Cs covered PG surface, initially moving towards the bulk plasma and then being bent towards the extraction surfaces, is lower compared to the extracted NI current from directly extracted surface produced ions.
Experimental investigation of geodesic acoustic modes on JET using Doppler backscattering
Authors: Silva C. , Hillesheim J.C. , Hidalgo C. , Belonohy E. , Delabie E. , Gil L. , Maggi C.F. , Meneses L. , Solano E. , Tsalas M.
Published: August 2016

Geodesic acoustic modes (GAMs) have been investigated in JET ohmic discharges using mainly Doppler backscattering. Characteristics and scaling properties of the GAM are studied. Time and spatial resolved measurements of the perpendicular velocity indicate that GAMs are located in a narrow layer at the edge density gradient region with amplitude corresponding to about 50% of the mean local perpendicular velocity. GAMs on JET appear to be regulated by the turbulence drive rather than by their damping rate. It is also shown that the GAM amplitude is ~20% larger in deuterium than in hydrogen plasmas.
Hydrogen isotope effect on the Dimits shift
Authors: Itoh S.-I. , Itoh K.
Published: August 2016

The hydrogen isotope effect on the Dimits shift in drift wave turbulence (Dimits et al 2000 Phys. Plasmas
7 969) is discussed using the theory of zonal flows, in which the nonlinear damping rate of zonal flows is taken into account. The up-shift of the critical linear growth rate of the drift waves, above which drift wave fluctuations develop, is investigated. The dependence on the mass number of the hydrogen isotope is discussed.
The upgraded JET toroidal Alfvén eigenmode diagnostic system
Authors: Puglia P. , Pires de Sa W. , Blanchard P. , Dorling S. , Dowson S. , Fasoli A. , Figueiredo J. , Galvão R. , Graham M. , Jones G. , Perez von Thun C. , Porkolab M. , Ruchko L. , Testa D. , Woskov P. , Albarracin-Manrique M.A.
Published: August 2016

The main characteristics of toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) have been successfully investigated in JET (Joint European Torus) using the scheme of sweeping-frequency external excitation with tracking of the synchronously-detected resonances. However, due to technical limitations, only modes with low values of the toroidal mode number

n
⩽
7

could be effectively excited and unambiguously identified by the Alfvén Eigenmode Active Diagnostic (AEAD) system. This represents a serious restriction because theoretical models indicate that medium-n Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) are the most prone to be destabilized by energetic particles in ignited plasmas and, therefore, reliable measurement of their damping rates remains a relevant issue to properly access their effect in ignited plasmas. For this reason, a major upgrade of the AEAD system has been carried out aiming at providing a state-of-the-art excitation and real-time detection system for the planned DT campaign in JET. This required the development of a new type of radio frequency amplifier and filter, not commercially available, and also a control system. In this paper, details of the concepts that are relevant to understand the operation of the new system in the next experimental campaigns are presented, as are the results of numerical simulations to model its performance.
Sympathoinhibitory Effect of Radiofrequency Renal Denervation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats With Established Hypertension
Authors: Gao Juan , Kerut Edmund K. , Smart Frank , Katsurada Akemi , Seth Dale , Navar L. Gabriel , Kapusta Daniel R.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation of the renal arteries (RF-ABL) has been shown to decrease blood pressure (BP) in drug-resistant hypertensive patients who receive antihypertensive drug therapy. However, there remain questions regarding how RF-ABL influences BP independent of drug therapy and whether complete renal denervation is necessary to maximally lower BP. To study these questions, we examined the cardiovascular, sympathetic, and renal effects produced by RF-ABL of the proximal renal arteries in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with established hypertension.

METHODS

SHR were instrumented (telemetry) for measurement of systolic/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP). Rats then underwent Sham-ABL or RF-ABL adjacent to the renal ostium and BP was recorded for 8 weeks. Changes in sympathetic activity, 24-hour water/sodium excretion, and levels of urinary angiotensinogen (AGT), plasma renin activity, and kidney renin content (KRC) were measured in SHR.

RESULTS

Compared with Sham-ABL, RF-ABL produced a sustained decrease in BP. At 8 weeks, SBP/DBP was 171±6/115±3 and 183±4/129±3mm Hg for RF-ABL and Sham-ABL SHR, respectively. Correlating with the reduction in BP, RF-ABL significantly decreased the low frequency/total and low frequency/high frequency of BP variability and attenuated the hypotensive response to chlorisondamine. Kidney norepinephrine levels were markedly decreased at 8 weeks in RF-ABL vs. Sham-ABL SHR. There were no group differences in 24-hour sodium/water excretion or urinary AGT excretion rate (6 weeks) or plasma renin activity or KRC (8 weeks). In other studies, concurrent RF-ABL plus surgical denervation initially decreased BP to a greater level than RF-ABL alone, but thereafter the reduction in BP between groups was not different.

CONCLUSIONS

In hypertensive SHR, bilateral RF-ABL of the proximal renal arteries produced a sustained decease in sympathetic activity and BP without changes in sodium/water excretion or activity of the systemic/renal renin–angiotensin system.
The Mediation of Racial Differences in Hypertension by Sleep Characteristics: Chicago Area Sleep Study
Authors: Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J , De Chavez Peter John D , Kershaw Kiarri N , Montag Samantha E , Knutson Kristen L , Kim Kwang-Youn A , Zee Phyllis C , Carnethon Mercedes R
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in hypertension prevalence in the United States are established. Given our understanding of racial and ethnic disparities in sleep characteristics and demonstrated associations between sleep characteristics and hypertension, we tested whether sleep characteristics mediated racial disparities in hypertension.

METHODS

Analyses were performed in the Chicago Area Sleep Study, a population-based cohort study of 154 Blacks, 128 Whites, 103 Hispanics, and 109 Asians without obstructive sleep apnea. Participants underwent 7 days of wrist actigraphy monitoring. Algorithms were used to determine sleep duration and sleep maintenance (the percent of sleep in the sleep period). Hypertension was determined as systolic blood pressure >140mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure >90mm Hg or the use of antihypertensive medications. We estimated sample prevalence ratios for hypertension before and after adjustment for sleep characteristics and also conducted mediation analysis.

RESULTS

The sample prevalence of hypertension was highest in Blacks (36%), followed by Hispanics (14%), Asians (8%), and Whites (5%). The sample prevalence ratio for hypertension for Blacks vs. Whites was 5.52 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.36, 13.23) after adjusting for age, sex, and education. Adjustment for sleep duration had no influence on the effect estimate, but adjustment for sleep maintenance attenuated the sample prevalence ratio to 4.55 (95% CI: 1.91, 11.14). Sleep maintenance mediated 11.4% of the difference in hypertension prevalence between Blacks and Whites in this sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep maintenance mediated a small but significant portion of the disparity in hypertension between Blacks and Whites. Future research should investigate the mechanisms underlying these findings.
BatchQC: interactive software for evaluating sample and batch effects in genomic data
Authors: Manimaran Solaiappan , Selby Heather Marie , Okrah Kwame , Ruberman Claire , Leek Jeffrey T. , Quackenbush John , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Bravo Hector Corrada , Johnson W. Evan
Published: August 2016

Sequencing and microarray samples often are collected or processed in multiple batches or at different times. This often produces technical biases that can lead to incorrect results in the downstream analysis. There are several existing batch adjustment tools for ‘-omics’ data, but they do not indicate a priori whether adjustment needs to be conducted or how correction should be applied. We present a software pipeline, BatchQC, which addresses these issues using interactive visualizations and statistics that evaluate the impact of batch effects in a genomic dataset. BatchQC can also apply existing adjustment tools and allow users to evaluate their benefits interactively. We used the BatchQC pipeline on both simulated and real data to demonstrate the effectiveness of this software toolkit.

Availability and Implementation: BatchQC is available through Bioconductor: http://bioconductor.org/packages/BatchQC and GitHub: https://github.com/mani2012/BatchQC.

Contact:  wej@bu.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.