bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guar gum as a novel binder for sulfur composite cathodes in rechargeable lithium batteries
Authors: Li Qinyu , Yang Huijun , Xie Lisheng , Yang Jun , Nuli Yanna , Wang Jiulin
Published: October 2016

In this work, we investigate a novel aqueous binder which promotes S@pPAN composite cathode materials exhibiting excellent cycling performance and favorable high rate capability.
A fluorescent probe for the selective detection of creatinine in aqueous buffer applicable to human blood serum
Authors: Pal Siddhartha , Lohar Somenath , Mukherjee Manjira , Chattopadhyay Pabitra , Dhara Koushik
Published: October 2016

A naphthalimide-based fluorescence light-up probe detects creatinine selectively in PBS buffer of pH 7.2 at 37 °C. It exhibits a ‘turn-on’ response to creatinine over a variety of biologically relevant ions and species and can also detect creatinine in human blood serum.
The role of fast and slow processes in the formation of structure and properties of thermoplastic polyurethanes
Authors: Anokhin D. V. , Gorbunova M. A. , Estrin Ya. I. , Komratova V. V. , Badamshina E. R.
Published: October 2016

A new multi-blocked polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer was synthesized and characterized. A correlation between the supramolecular structure and mechanical properties was found.
The mechanism of an enzymatic reaction-induced SERS transformation for the study of enzyme–molecule interfacial interactions
Authors: Yu Zhi , Chen Lei , Park Yeonju , Cong Qian , Han Xiaoxia , Zhao Bing , Jung Young Mee
Published: October 2016

The vibrational frequencies and spectral intensity of enzyme-conjugated SERS-active reporter molecules (4-MBA) shift and change regularly as a function of the concentration of glucose.
Electrochemical characterization of the pyranose 2-oxidase variant N593C shows a complete loss of the oxidase function with full preservation of substrate (dehydrogenase) activity
Authors: Brugger Dagmar , Sützl Leander , Zahma Kawah , Haltrich Dietmar , Peterbauer Clemens K. , Stoica Leonard
Published: October 2016

Pyranose oxidase (wtPOX) is turned into its equivalent active dehydrogenase by a single AA exchange (N593C-POx).
Temperature dependence of cross-effect dynamic nuclear polarization in rotating solids: advantages of elevated temperatures
Authors: Geiger Michel-Andreas , Orwick-Rydmark Marcella , Märker Katharina , Franks W. Trent , Akhmetzyanov Dmitry , Stöppler Daniel , Zinke Maximilian , Specker Edgar , Nazaré Marc , Diehl Anne , van Rossum Barth-Jan , Aussenac Fabien , Prisner Thomas , Akbey Ümit , Oschkinat Hartmut
Published: October 2016

DNP on proteins at 200 K.
DFT studies on the heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 by oxygen functional groups on graphene
Authors: He Guangzhi , He Hong
Published: October 2016

Conversion of SO2 to SO3 on oxygen-functionalized graphene under ambient conditions.
Structure–behavior study of a family of “hybrid cyanine” dyes which exhibit inverted solvatochromism
Authors: Stock Rafaela I. , de Melo Carlos E. A. , Schramm Adriana D. S. , Nicoleti Celso R. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J. , Heying Renata da S. , Machado Vanderlei G. , Rezende Marcos C.
Published: October 2016

The reverse solvatochromism of twenty “hybrid cyanine” dyes reflects their different responses to some properties of the solvent.
Copper catalysed aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols in an imidazole containing N4 ligand framework
Authors: Jain Rahul , Gibson Tony J. , Mashuta Mark S. , Buchanan Robert M. , Grapperhaus Craig A.
Published: October 2016

The catalytic aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes has been investigated employing a tetradentate copper(ii) complex that incorporates N-methyl imidazole (NMI) as an integral part of an N4-ligand framework.
Is Cu a stable electrode material in hybrid perovskite solar cells for a 30-year lifetime?
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Zheng Xiaopeng , Deng Yehao , Li Tao , Shao Yuchuan , Gruverman Alexei , Shield Jeffrey , Huang Jinsong
Published: October 2016

Here we explored the potential of using copper as the electrode material for long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.
Effects of dietary almond- and olive oil-based docosahexaenoic acid- and vitamin E-enriched beverage supplementation on athletic performance and oxidative stress markers
Authors: Capó X. , Martorell M. , Busquets-Cortés C. , Sureda A. , Riera J. , Drobnic F. , Tur J. A. , Pons A.
Published: October 2016

Functional beverages based on almonds and olive oil and enriched with α-tocopherol and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could be useful in modulating oxidative stress and enhancing physical performance in sportsmen.
Through thick and thin: a microfluidic approach for continuous measurements of biofilm viscosity and the effect of ionic strength
Authors: Paquet-Mercier F. , Parvinzadeh Gashti M. , Bellavance J. , Taghavi S. M. , Greener J.
Published: October 2016

Continuous, non-intrusive measurements of time-varying viscosity ofPseudomonassp. biofilms are made using a microfluidic method that combines video tracking with a semi-empirical viscous flow model.
In situ formation of leak-free polyethylene glycol (PEG) membranes in microfluidic fuel cells
Authors: Ho W. F. , Lim K. M. , Yang K.-L.
Published: October 2016

PEG can be cross-linked inside microfluidic channels to form leak-free membranes, which prevent mixing of incompatible electrolyte solutions while allowing diffusion of certain molecules and ions.
Design, synthesis, anticancer activity and docking studies of theophylline containing 1,2,3-triazoles with variant amide derivatives
Authors: Ruddarraju Radhakrishnam Raju , Murugulla Adharvana Chari , Kotla Ravindar , Tirumalasetty Muni Chandra Babu , Wudayagiri Rajendra , Donthabakthuni Shobha , Maroju Ravichandar
Published: October 2016

A new series of theophylline analogues containing 1,2,3-triazoles with different amide groups (22–41) has been designed and synthesized, and their biological activities have been evaluated as potential anticancer agents.
New phosphorescent platinum(ii) complexes: lamellar mesophase and mechanochromism
Authors: Geng Hao , Luo Kaijun , Zou Guo , Wang Haifeng , Ni Hailiang , Yu Wenhao , Li Quan , Wang Yinghan
Published: October 2016

Several new square planar platinum(ii) complexes based on modified 2-phenylpyridine derivatives as the main ligand and picolinic acid as the auxiliary ligand were synthesized and their photophysical properties, and mechanochromic and liquid crystalline behavior were investigated.
The synthesis of substituted amino[2.2]paracyclophanes
Authors: Jayasundera Krishanthi P. , Kusmus Disraëli N. M. , Deuilhé Lise , Etheridge Leonie , Farrow Zane , Lun David J. , Kaur Gurpreet , Rowlands Gareth J.
Published: October 2016

Amino[2.2]paracyclophanes can be prepared by direct amination of bromo[2.2]paracyclophanes or more generally by a formylation–oxime formation–oxidation–Lossen-like rearrangement sequence.
Monomolecular pyrenol-derivatives as multi-emissive probes for orthogonal reactivities
Authors: Finkler Björn , Riemann Iris , Vester Michael , Grüter Andreas , Stracke Frank , Jung Gregor
Published: October 2016

Photoacids on the basis of pyrenol have been extensively studied in the past 60 years. As their photophysical properties strongly depend on the substituents at the aromatic scaffold, we introduced two reactive moieties with different electronic coefficients thus creating multi-wavelength fluorescent probes. One probe is capable of monitoring two orthogonal transformations by four fluorescence colors, distinguishable even by the naked human eye. Another derivative can act as a three-color sensor for a wide range of different pH values. Both the presented compounds allow for mimicking of fundamental and advanced two-input logic operations due to the multi-wavelength emission. Furthermore, these compounds can process information in a logically reversible way (Feynman gate).
Synthesis of well-defined catechol polymers for surface functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Nurumbetov Gabit , Simula Alexandre , Zhu Chongyu , Li Muxiu , Wilson Paul , Kempe Kristian , Yang Bin , Tao Lei , Haddleton David M.
Published: October 2016

Well-defined fluorescent functional polymers with terminal catechol groups were synthesized by SET-LRP under aqueous conditions for “grafting to” modification of iron oxide nanoparticles.
A practical protocol for the synthesis of bibenzyls via C(sp3)–H activation of methyl arenes under metal-free conditions
Authors: Kumar Promod , Guntreddi Tirumaleswararao , Singh Rahul , Singh Krishna Nand
Published: October 2016

A variety of bibenzyl derivatives have been synthesized with excellent atom economy via C(sp3)–H–C(sp3)–H coupling of readily available methyl arenes using K2S2O8 under metal-free and environmentally benign conditions.
A highly active molybdenum multisulfide electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Li-Fang , Ou Gang , Gu Liu , Peng Zhi-Jian , Wang Lu-Ning , Wu Hui
Published: October 2016

We prepared a molybdenum multisulfide electrocatalyst, which exhibits superior activity in acid media, surpassing most existing molybdenum-sulfide-based catalysts.
Catalytic performance of layered double hydroxide nanosheets toward phenol hydroxylation
Authors: Cui Guoqing , Wang Fei , He Shan , Wei Min
Published: October 2016

CuMgAl-LDH@mSiO2 nanosheets are prepared by delaminating the CuMgAl(NO3)-LDH microcrystals followed by coating a porous layer of SiO2, which show excellent catalytic performance toward phenol hydroxylation.
Synthesis and characterization of omniphobic surfaces with thermal, mechanical and chemical stability
Authors: Lu Yao , He Guanjie , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: October 2016

A thermally, mechanically and chemically durable omniphobic coating was developed to repel water, coffee, red wine and oils.
Concentration gradient generator for H460 lung cancer cell sensitivity to resist the cytotoxic action of curcumin in microenvironmental pH conditions
Authors: Hu Chunfei , Lin Yu-Sheng , Chen Hongmei , Liu Jingjing , Nie Fuqiang
Published: October 2016

We proposed and demonstrated a concentration gradient generator (CGG) to resist H460 lung cancer cells using curcumin in microenvironmental pH conditions.
Synthesis, characterization, and highly acid-resistant properties of crosslinking β-chitosan with polyamines for heavy metal ion adsorption
Authors: Wu Ming-Tsung , Tsai Yen-Ling , Chiu Chih-Wei , Cheng Chih-Chia
Published: October 2016

A novel crosslinking modification of β-chitosan and successfully analyzed its fast adsorption characteristics for different heavy metal ions in highly acidic environments.
Using citric acid stabilizing reagent to improve selective hydride generation-ICP-MS method for determination of Sb species in drinking water
Authors: Li Yatai , Guo Wei , Souders A. Kate , Jin Lanlan , Ke Yuqiu , Guo Qinghai , Hu Shenghong
Published: October 2016

Citric acid as the stabilizing reagent to improve the selectivity of HG-ICP-MS for the direct speciation of Sb in drinking water.
Electrically conductive nanofibrous scaffolds based on poly(ethylene glycol)s-modified polyaniline and poly(ε-caprolactone) for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Hatamzadeh Maryam , Najafi-Moghadam Peyman , Beygi-Khosrowshahi Younes , Massoumi Bakhshali , Jaymand Mehdi
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to design and development of electrically conductive nanofibrous scaffolds composed of PEGs-b-(PANI)4 and PCL for tissue engineering applications.
Adsorption isotherms and mechanisms of Cu(ii) sorption onto TEMPO-mediated oxidized cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Liu Peng , Garrido Beatriz , Oksman Kristiina , Mathew Aji P.
Published: October 2016

Sorption isotherm of Cu(ii) on TOCNF driven by electrostatic interactions resulting in fast kinetics and monolayer sorption.
Efficient synthesis of novel 1,2,3-triazole-linked quinoxaline scaffold via copper-catalyzed click reactions
Authors: Keivanloo Ali , Bakherad Mohammad , Abbasi Fateme , Besharati-Seidani Tayebeh , Amin Amir Hossein
Published: October 2016

New 1,2,3-triazoles-linked quinoxaline, were prepared by the reaction of 2-chloro-3-(prop-2-ynyloxy)quinoxaline or 2,3-bis(prop-2-ynyloxy)quinoxaline with aromatic azides via copper-catalyzed click reactions in the presence of the Schiff base ligands.
2D MoS2/graphene composites with excellent full Ku band microwave absorption
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Zhang Wenling , Ji Xuqiang , Zhang Baoqin , Yu Mingxun , Zhang Wei , Liu Jingquan
Published: October 2016

2D MoS2/graphene composites were proved to be promising full Ku band MA materials due to their superb high dielectric loss.
Influence of template content on selective synthesis of SAPO-18, SAPO-18/34 intergrowth and SAPO-34 molecular sieves used for methanol-to-olefins process
Authors: Wang Ya , Chen Sheng-Li , Jiang Yong-Jie , Cao Ying-Qian , Chen Fen , Chang Wei-Ke , Gao Yu-Li
Published: October 2016

The synthesized products were switched from SAPO-5/18, to SAPO-18, SAPO-18/34, and finally to SAPO-34 with the increasing of TEAOH amount.
Photoelectric efficiency enhancement of a polycrystalline silicon solar cell coated with an EVA film containing Eu3+ complex by addition of modified SiO2
Authors: Dong Jin , Lin Baoping
Published: October 2016

Modified SiO2 was doped into an EVA film containing a Eu3+ complex and the results show that the fluorescence of the EVA composite film increased, which helped to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell.
Controlled fabrication of polymeric Janus nanoparticles and their solution behaviors
Authors: Zhang Wei , He Jinxin , Dong Xia
Published: October 2016

Well-defined Janus particles with tunable Janus balances are achieved, and the influences of Janus balance have been discussed in detail.
Effective adsorption of phosphate from aqueous solution by La-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Liu Hua , Guo Weilin , Liu Zhonghua , Li Xianghui , Wang Ruiqin
Published: October 2016

In this study, lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks (La-MOFs) were prepared by a hydrothermal method and employed for the adsorption of phosphate from water.
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulating horseradish peroxidase (HRP): synthesis, characterization and carrier for the generation of free radicals for potential applications in cancer therapy
Authors: Gupta Nikesh , Gupta Chetna , Sharma Sandeep , Rathi Brijesh , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Bohidar H. B.
Published: October 2016

We report synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulating HRP. The average diameter of the particles was around 20 nm. HRP has been used to convert IAA to a toxic oxidized product and its toxic effect has been seen on cancerous cell lines.
Activation and characterization of a cryptic gene cluster reveals a cyclization cascade for polycyclic tetramate macrolactams
Authors: Saha Subhasish , Zhang Wenjun , Zhang Guangtao , Zhu Yiguang , Chen Yuchan , Liu Wei , Yuan Chengshan , Zhang Qingbo , Zhang Haibo , Zhang Liping , Zhang Weimin , Zhang Changsheng
Published: October 2016

We report the activation of a PTM gene cluster in marine-derived Streptomyces pactum, leading to the discovery of six new PTMs, the pactamides A-F.
Hollow α-Fe2O3 nanofibres for solar water oxidation: improving the photoelectrochemical performance by formation of α-Fe2O3/ITO-composite photoanodes
Authors: Einert M. , Ostermann R. , Weller T. , Zellmer S. , Garnweitner G. , Smarsly B. M. , Marschall R.
Published: October 2016

Dense and hollow α-Fe2O3 nanofibre photoanodes and core–shell-like α-Fe2O3/indium-tin oxide (ITO) nanocomposite photoanodes were directly prepared via electrospinning.
Recycling of PE glove waste as highly valuable products for efficient separation of oil-based contaminants from water
Authors: Zhang Qingdong , Cao Yingze , Liu Na , Zhang Weifeng , Chen Yuning , Lin Xin , Wei Yen , Feng Lin , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2016

PE glove waste is recycled into a highly valuable product for efficient separation of oil-based contaminants from water.
Multifunctional coating based on EPC-specific peptide and phospholipid polymers for potential applications in cardiovascular implants fate
Authors: Chen Huiqing , Zhao Yuancong , Xiong Kaiqin , Li Jingan , Chen Jiang , Yang Ping , Huang Nan
Published: October 2016

Surface biofunctional modification of cardiovascular implantsviathe conjugation of biomolecules to prevent thrombosis and restenosis formation and to accelerate endothelialization has attracted considerable research interest.
The DnaE polymerase from Deinococcus radiodurans features RecA-dependent DNA polymerase activity
Authors: Randi Lorenzo , Perrone Alessandro , Maturi Mirko , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , Camerani Michela , Hochkoeppler Alejandro
Published: October 2016

We report in the present study on the catalytic properties of the Deinococcus radiodurans DNA polymerase III α subunit (αDr). The αDr enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, both in soluble form and as inclusion bodies. When purified from soluble protein extracts, αDr was found to be tightly associated with E. coli RNA polymerase, from which αDr could not be dissociated. On the contrary, when refolded from inclusion bodies, αDr was devoid of E. coli RNA polymerase and was purified to homogeneity. When assayed with different DNA substrates, αDr featured slower DNA extension rates when compared with the corresponding enzyme from E. coli (E. coli DNA Pol III, αEc), unless under high ionic strength conditions or in the presence of manganese. Further assays were performed using a ssDNA and a dsDNA, whose recombination yields a DNA substrate. Surprisingly, αDr was found to be incapable of recombination-dependent DNA polymerase activity, whereas αEc was competent in this action. However, in the presence of the RecA recombinase, αDr was able to efficiently extend the DNA substrate produced by recombination. Upon comparing the rates of RecA-dependent and RecA-independent DNA polymerase activities, we detected a significant activation of αDr by the recombinase. Conversely, the activity of αEc was found maximal under non-recombination conditions. Overall, our observations indicate a sharp contrast between the catalytic actions of αDr and αEc, with αDr more performing under recombination conditions, and αEc preferring DNA substrates whose extension does not require recombination events.
Influence of haem environment on the catalytic properties of the tetrathionate reductase TsdA from Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Kurth Julia M. , Butt Julea N. , Kelly David J. , Dahl Christiane
Published: October 2016

Bifunctional dihaem cytochrome c thiosulfate dehydrogenases/tetrathionate reductases (TsdA) exhibit different catalytic properties depending on the source organism. In the human food-borne intestinal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni, TsdA functions as a tetrathionate reductase enabling respiration with tetrathionate as an alternative electron acceptor. In the present study, evidence is provided that Cys138 and Met255 serve as the sixth ligands of Haem 1 and Haem 2 respectively, in the oxidized CjTsdA wt protein. Replacement of Cys138 resulted in a virtually inactive enzyme, confirming Haem 1 as the active site haem. Significantly, TsdA variants carrying amino acid exchanges in the vicinity of the electron-transferring Haem 2 (Met255, Asn254 and Lys252) exhibited markedly altered catalytic properties of the enzyme, showing these residues play a key role in the physiological function of TsdA. The growth phenotypes and tetrathionate reductase activities of a series of ΔtsdA/*tsdA complementation strains constructed in the original host C. jejuni 81116, showed that in vivo, the TsdA variants exhibited the same catalytic properties as the pure, recombinantly produced enzymes. However, variants that catalysed tetrathionate reduction more effectively than the wild-type enzyme did not allow better growth.
Polynomial sparse adaptive algorithm
Authors: Maheshwari J. , George N.V.
Published: October 2016

Sparse learning algorithms for system identification differ from their non‐sparse counterparts in their improved ability in quickly identifying the zero coefficients in a sparse system. This improvement has been achieved using the principle of zero attraction, whereby the near zero coefficients of the model are forced to zero. In order to further improve the zero attraction capability of sparse adaptive algorithms, an attempt has been made to design a polynomial sparse adaptive algorithm. The enhanced modelling ability of the proposed scheme is evident from the simulation results. The proposed method has also been successfully applied in modelling an acoustic feedback path in a behind the ear digital hearing aid.
Energy storage and harvesting in BaTiO3/epoxy nanodielectrics
Authors: Manika Georgia C. , Psarras Georgios C.
Published: October 2016

Composite nanodielectrics consisted of an epoxy resin and barium titanate nanoparticles were developed and characterised. Electrical measurements were performed via broadband dielectric spectroscopy. Dielectric results reveal the presence of three relaxation processes, which are attributed to (a) glass to rubber transition of the polymer matrix (α‐mode), (b) re‐arrangement of polar side groups (β‐mode) and (c) interfacial polarisation between system's constituents. The ability of the examined nanodielectrics to store and harvest energy was also examined in dc conditions. Applied dc voltage varied in the range of 10–240 V. Experimental data indicate that increasing the applied dc field results to higher values of the stored and harvested energies. The energy efficiency was also investigated in all specimens. The filler content enhances the coefficient of energy efficiency (neff) up to 58.2% for the 7 phr BaTiO3 nanocomposite at 200 V and 10 s charging/discharging time.
Design and tuning of wind power plant voltage controller with embedded application of wind turbines and STATCOMs
Authors: Petersen Lennart , Kryezi Fitim , Iov Florin
Published: October 2016

This study addresses a detailed design and tuning of a wind power plant voltage control with reactive power contribution of wind turbines and static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs). First, small‐signal models of a single wind turbine and STATCOM are derived by using the state‐space approach. A complete phasor model of the entire wind power plant is constructed, being appropriate for voltage control assessment. An exemplary wind power plant located in the United Kingdom and the corresponding grid code requirements are used as a base case. The final design and tuning process of the voltage controller results in a guidance, proposed for this particular control architecture. It provides qualitative outcomes regarding the parametrisation of each individual control loop and how to adjust the voltage controller depending on different grid stiffnesses of the wind power plant connection. The performance of the voltage controller is analysed by means of a real‐time digital simulation system. The impact of discretising the controller being initially developed in continuous‐time domain is shown by various study cases.
Infrared spectra of two isomers of protonated carbonyl sulfide (HOCS+ and HSCO+) and t-HOCS in solid para-hydrogen
Authors: Tsuge Masashi , Lee Yuan-Pern
Published: October 2016

We report infrared (IR) spectra of HOCS+, HSCO+, t-HOCS, and other species produced on electron bombardment of a mixture of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) and para-hydrogen (p-H2) during deposition at 3.2 K. After maintenance of the matrix in darkness for 15 h, the intensities of absorption features of HOCS+ at 2945.9 (ν1), 1875.3 (ν2), and 1041.9 (ν3) cm−1 and those of HSCO+ at 2506.9 (ν1) and 2074.2 (ν2) cm−1 decreased through neutralization with trapped electrons. Lines observed at 3563.4, 1394.8, and 1199.0 cm−1, which decreased slightly in intensity after maintenance in darkness and were nearly depleted after irradiation at 373 nm, are assigned to a t-HOCS radical. The corresponding spectra of their 13C- and D-isotopologues were observed. The IR spectra of HSCO+ and t-HOCS and those of modes ν2 and ν3 of HOCS+ are new. The assignments were made according to the expected chemical behavior and a comparison of experimental and calculated wavenumbers and 13C- and D-isotopic shifts. The wavenumber of the OH stretching mode (2945.9 cm−1) of HOCS+ in solid p-H2 is significantly red-shifted from that (3435.16 cm−1) reported for gaseous HOCS+; this shift is attributed to partial sharing of a proton between OCS and H2. The corresponding p-H2 induced shift is small in HSCO+ because of a much weaker interaction between HSCO+ and H2.
Does the emulsification procedure influence freezing and thawing of aqueous droplets?
Authors: Hauptmann Astrid , Handle Karl F. , Baloh Philipp , Grothe Hinrich , Loerting Thomas
Published: October 2016

Here we investigate the freezing and thawing properties of aqueous solutions in oil emulsions, with a particular focus on investigating the influence of the oil and surfactant and the stirring time of the emulsion. Specifically, we employ optical cryomicroscopy in combination with differential scanning calorimetry to study the phase behavior of emulsified 25 wt. % ammonium sulfate droplets in the temperature range down to 93 K. We conclude that the nucleation temperature does not vary with oil-surfactant combination, that is, homogeneous nucleation is probed. However, incomplete emulsification and non-unimodal size distribution of dispersed droplets very often result in heterogeneous nucleation. This in turn affects the distribution of freeze-concentrated solution and the concentration of the solid ice/ammonium sulfate mixture and, thus, the phase behavior at sub-freezing temperatures. For instance, the formation of letovicite at 183 K critically depends on whether the droplets have frozen heterogeneously or homogeneously. Hence, the emulsification technique can be a very strong technique, but it must be ensured that emulsification is complete, i.e., a unimodal size distribution of droplets near 15 μm has been reached. Furthermore, phase separation within the matrix itself or uptake of water from the air may impede the experiments.
A categorical equivalence between generalized holonomy maps on a connected manifold and principal connections on bundles over that manifold
Authors: Rosenstock Sarita , Weatherall James Owen
Published: October 2016

A classic result in the foundations of Yang-Mills theory, due to Barrett [Int. J. Theor. Phys. 30, 1171–1215 (1991)], establishes that given a “generalized” holonomy map from the space of piece-wise smooth, closed curves based at some point of a manifold to a Lie group, there exists a principal bundle with that group as structure group and a principal connection on that bundle such that the holonomy map corresponds to the holonomies of that connection. Barrett also provided one sense in which this “recovery theorem” yields a unique bundle, up to isomorphism. Here we show that something stronger is true: with an appropriate definition of isomorphism between generalized holonomy maps, there is an equivalence of categories between the category whose objects are generalized holonomy maps on a smooth, connected manifold and whose arrows are holonomy isomorphisms, and the category whose objects are principal connections on principal bundles over a smooth, connected manifold. This result clarifies, and somewhat improves upon, the sense of “unique recovery” in Barrett’s theorems; it also makes precise a sense in which there is no loss of structure involved in moving from a principal bundle formulation of Yang-Mills theory to a holonomy, or “loop,” formulation.
Charge-transfer interatomic potential for investigation of the thermal-oxidation growth process of silicon
Authors: Takamoto So , Kumagai Tomohisa , Yamasaki Takahiro , Ohno Takahisa , Kaneta Chioko , Hatano Asuka , Izumi Satoshi
Published: October 2016

A charge-transfer interatomic potential, based on the hybrid-Tersoff potential that incorporates a covalent-ionic mixed-bond nature, was developed to reproduce the growth process of the thermal oxidation of silicon. A fitting process was employed with various reference structures sampled by MD. Actively exploring and learning the wide-range of phase space enabled us to develop a robust interatomic potential. Our interatomic potential reproduced the bulk properties of Si and SiO2 polymorphs well, in addition to the radial distribution function and bond angle distribution of amorphous SiO2. The covalent-ionic mixed-bond nature of the interatomic potential well reproduced the dissociation process of an oxygen molecule on the Si/SiO2 interface. The initial oxidation simulation was performed on the silicon surface. We grew the amorphous SiO2 layer by incorporating the oxygen molecules into the silicon network at the interface. The density of the SiO2 layer and the charge distribution at the interface showed good agreement with the experimental data.
Structure formation in parallel ion flow and density profiles by cross-ferroic turbulent transport in linear magnetized plasma
Authors: Kobayashi T. , Inagaki S. , Kosuga Y. , Sasaki M. , Nagashima Y. , Yamada T. , Arakawa H. , Kasuya N. , Fujisawa A. , Itoh S.-I. , Itoh K.
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we show the direct observation of the parallel flow structure and the parallel Reynolds stress in a linear magnetized plasma, in which a cross-ferroic turbulence system is formed [Inagaki et al., Sci. Rep. 6, 22189 (2016)]. It is shown that the parallel Reynolds stress induced by the density gradient driven drift wave is the source of the parallel flow structure. Moreover, the generated parallel flow shear by the parallel Reynolds stress is found to drive the parallel flow shear driven instability D'Angelo mode, which coexists with the original drift wave. The excited D'Angelo mode induces the inward particle flux, which seems to help in maintaining the peaked density profile.
Development of a polarization-modulation spectroscopy system for the temporally resolved measurement of linear polarization in plasma emission
Authors: Yasui Kenji , Shikama Taiichi , Higashi Takanori , Hasuo Masahiro
Published: October 2016

A system to measure linear polarization in the HeI 21P–31D emission line (667.8 nm) was developed for application to plasma polarization spectroscopy. To verify the system performance, the normalized Stokes parameters were evaluated. A measurement error of less than 1% with a time resolution of 1 ms was achieved for monochromatic light in the state of complete linear polarization.
Effects of dynamic disorder on exciton migration: Quantum diffusion, coherences, and energy transfer
Authors: Dutta Rajesh , Bagchi Biman
Published: October 2016

We study excitation transfer and migration in a one-dimensional lattice characterized by dynamic disorder. The diagonal and off-diagonal energy disorders arise from the coupling of system and bath. We consider both same bath (when baths are spatially correlated) and independent bath (when baths are completely uncorrelated) limits. In the latter case, all diagonal and off-diagonal bath coupling elements fluctuate independently of each other and the dynamics is complicated. We obtain time dependent population distribution by solving Kubo’s quantum stochastic Liouville equation. In the Markovian limit, both energy transfer dynamics and mean square displacement of the exciton behave the similar way in same and independent bath cases. However, these two baths can give rise to a markedly different behavior in the non-Markovian limit. We note that previously only the same bath case has been studied in the non-Markovian limit. The other main results of our study include the following. (i) For an average, non-zero off-diagonal coupling value J, exciton migration remains coherent in same bath case even at long times while it becomes incoherent in independent bath case in the Markovian limit. (ii) Coherent transfer is manifested in an oscillatory behavior of the energy transfer dynamics accompanied by faster-than diffusive spread of the exciton from the original position. (iii) Agreement with available analytical expression of mean squared displacement is good in Markovian limit for independent bath (off-diagonal fluctuation) case but only qualitative in non-Markovian limit for which no complete analytical solution is available. (iv) We observe transition from coherent to incoherent transport in independent bath (diagonal fluctuation) case when the bath is made progressively more Markovian. We present an analytical study that shows coherence to propagate through excited bath states. (v) The correlation time of the bath plays a unique role in dictating the diffusive spread that is not anticipated in a Markovian treatment.
Long-time asymptotic solution structure of Camassa-Holm equation subject to an initial condition with non-zero reflection coefficient of the scattering data
Authors: Chang Chueh-Hsin , Yu Ching-Hao , Sheu Tony Wen-Hann
Published: October 2016

In this article, we numerically revisit the long-time solution behavior of the Camassa-Holm equation ut − uxxt + 2ux + 3uux = 2uxuxx + uuxxx. The finite difference solution of this integrable equation is sought subject to the newly derived initial condition with Delta-function potential. Our underlying strategy of deriving a numerical phase accurate finite difference scheme in time domain is to reduce the numerical dispersion error through minimization of the derived discrepancy between the numerical and exact modified wavenumbers. Additionally, to achieve the goal of conserving Hamiltonians in the completely integrable equation of current interest, a symplecticity-preserving time-stepping scheme is developed. Based on the solutions computed from the temporally symplecticity-preserving and the spatially wavenumber-preserving schemes, the long-time asymptotic CH solution characters can be accurately depicted in distinct regions of the space-time domain featuring with their own quantitatively very different solution behaviors. We also aim to numerically confirm that in the two transition zones their long-time asymptotics can indeed be described in terms of the theoretically derived Painlevé transcendents. Another attempt of this study is to numerically exhibit a close connection between the presently predicted finite-difference solution and the solution of the Painlevé ordinary differential equation of type II in two different transition zones.
Classification of finite dimensional uniserial representations of conformal Galilei algebras
Authors: Cagliero Leandro , Gutiérrez Frez Luis , Szechtman Fernando
Published: October 2016

With the aid of the 6j-symbol, we classify all uniserial modules of 𝔰𝔩(2)⋉𝔥n, where 𝔥n is the Heisenberg Lie algebra of dimension 2n + 1.
Laser-material interaction during atom probe tomography of oxides with embedded metal nanoparticles
Authors: Shinde D. , Arnoldi L. , Devaraj A. , Vella A.
Published: October 2016

Oxide-supported metal nano-particles are of great interest in catalysis but also in the development of new large-spectrum-absorption materials. The design of such nano materials requires three-dimensional characterization with a high spatial resolution and elemental selectivity. The laser assisted Atom Probe Tomography (La-APT) presents both these capacities if an accurate understanding of laser-material interaction is developed. In this paper, we focus on the fundamental physics of field evaporation as a function of sample geometry, laser power, and DC electric field for Au nanoparticles embedded in MgO. By understanding the laser-material interaction through experiments and a theoretical model of heat diffusion inside the sample after the interaction with laser pulse, we point out the physical origin of the noise and determine the conditions to reduce it by more than one order of magnitude, improving the sensitivity of the La-APT for metal-dielectric composites.
Modeling the near-wake of a vertical-axis cross-flow turbine with 2-D and 3-D RANS
Authors: Bachant Peter , Wosnik Martin
Published: October 2016

The near-wake of a vertical-axis cross-flow turbine was modeled numerically via blade-resolved k–ω shear stress transport (SST) and Spalart–Allmaras Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models in two and three dimensions. The results for each case were compared with the experimental measurements of the turbine shaft power, overall streamwise rotor drag, mean velocity, turbulence kinetic energy, and momentum transport terms in the near-wake at one diameter downstream. It was shown that 2-D simulations overpredict turbine loading and do not resolve mean vertical momentum transport, which plays an important role in the near-wake's momentum balance. The 3-D simulations fared better at predicting performance, with the Spalart–Allmaras model predictions being closest to the experiments. The SST model more accurately predicted the turbulence kinetic energy, while the Spalart–Allmaras model more closely matched the momentum transport terms in the near-wake. These results show the potential of blade-resolved RANS as a design tool and a way to “extrapolate” experimental flow field measurements.
Electron localization due to side-attached molecules on graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Nunez C. D. , Orellana P. A. , Rosales L.
Published: October 2016

In this work, we have studied the electron localization due to a random distribution of side-attached linear organic molecules on graphene nanoribbons. By using the Green's function formalism within a tight binding Hamiltonian approximation and considering an Anderson-like disorder, we have calculated the conductance of the systems and the corresponding localization lengths. Our results show that the localization length strongly depends on the molecular concentration and on the length of the molecules, effects that are robust for different ribbon widths. These results suggest possible applications in molecular detectors or sensors based on graphene nanoribbons.
Enhancement of the transversal magnetic optic Kerr effect: Lock-in vs. hysteresis method
Authors: Hayek Jorge Nicolás , Herreño-Fierro César A. , Patiño Edgar J.
Published: October 2016

The lock-in amplifier is often used to study the enhancement of the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) in the presence of plasmon resonances. In the present work we show that it is possible to investigate such effect replacing the lock-in amplifier by a compensator, filter, and differential amplifier. This allows us to extract the full hysteresis loop in and out of the resonance without the need of a lock-in amplifier. Our results demonstrate these two setups are equivalent to study the enhancement of the transversal MOKE (T-MOKE) in magnetoplasmonic systems.
Finite amplitude nonlinear drift waves in a spatially inhomogeneous degenerate plasma with Landau quantization and electron temperature corrections
Authors: Shaukat Muzzamal I. , Masood W. , Shah H. A. , Iqbal M. J. , Mirza Arshad M.
Published: October 2016

In the present investigation, linear and nonlinear electrostatic drift waves in the presence of trapped electrons with quantizing magnetic field and finite electron temperature effects in dense plasmas have been studied. The linear dispersion relation of the ion drift wave has been derived and it has been found that the Landau quantization and finite temperature effects significantly alter the linear propagation characteristics of the wave under consideration. Employing the Sagdeev potential approach, the formation of finite amplitude drift solitary structures has been investigated in the presence of a quantizing magnetic field for both fully and partially degenerate plasmas. Both compressive and rarefactive drift solitary structures have been obtained for different values of quantizing magnetic field and finite electron temperature effects. The theoretical results obtained have been analyzed numerically for the parameters typically found in white dwarfs.
A microfluidic gas damper for stabilizing gas pressure in portable microfluidic systems
Authors: Zhang Xinjie , Zhu Zhixian , Xiang Nan , Ni Zhonghua
Published: October 2016

Pressure fluctuations, which invariably occur in microfluidic systems, usually result in the unstable fluid delivery in microfluidic channels. In this work, a novel microfluidic gas damper is proposed and applied for providing stable fluid-driving pressures. Then, a pressure-driven flow setup is constructed to investigate the gas damping characteristics of our damper. Since the pressure-driven flow setup functions as a resistor-capacitor low-pass filter, the damper significantly decreases the amplitude of the input pressures via self-regulating its pneumatic resistance. In addition, the gas volume and pressure frequency are found to have direct effects on the pressure fluctuations. The practical application of the gas damper is examined through a portable pressure-driven system, which consists of an air blower, a gas damper, and a centrifuge tube. By periodically pressing the air blower, precise flow rates with low throughput (∼9.64 μl min−1) and high throughput (∼1367.15 μl min−1) are successfully delivered. Future integration of our microfluidic gas damper with miniaturized pressure generators (e.g., peristaltic or pressure-driven micropumps) can fully exploit the potential of the gas damper for low-cost, portable microfluidics where stable pressures or flow rates are required.
Alloy design for intrinsically ductile refractory high-entropy alloys
Authors: Sheikh Saad , Shafeie Samrand , Hu Qiang , Ahlström Johan , Persson Christer , Veselý Jaroslav , Zýka Jiří , Klement Uta , Guo Sheng
Published: October 2016

Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs), comprising group IV (Ti, Zr, Hf), V (V, Nb, Ta), and VI (Cr, Mo, W) refractory elements, can be potentially new generation high-temperature materials. However, most existing RHEAs lack room-temperature ductility, similar to conventional refractory metals and alloys. Here, we propose an alloy design strategy to intrinsically ductilize RHEAs based on the electron theory and more specifically to decrease the number of valence electrons through controlled alloying. A new ductile RHEA, Hf0.5Nb0.5Ta0.5Ti1.5Zr, was developed as a proof of concept, with a fracture stress of close to 1 GPa and an elongation of near 20%. The findings here will shed light on the development of ductile RHEAs for ultrahigh-temperature applications in aerospace and power-generation industries.
Horizontal cells expressing melanopsin x are novel photoreceptors in the avian inner retina
Authors: Morera Luis P. , Díaz Nicolás M. , Guido Mario E.
Published: October 2016

Significance

In the vertebrate retina, three types of photoreceptors—visual photoreceptor cones and rods and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs)—converged through evolution to detect light and regulate image- and nonimage-forming activities. ipRGCs express the photopigment melanopsin (OPN4), encoded by two genes: the
Xenopus
(
Opn4x
) and mammalian (
Opn4m
) orthologs. In the chicken retina, both OPN4 proteins are found in ipRGCs. Opn4x is also present in retinal horizontal cells (HCs) connecting with visual photoreceptors. We show that HCs displaying intrinsic photosensitivity constitute photoreceptors requiring Opn4x expression and retinaldehyde, acting through an invertebrate-like phototransduction cascade and GABA release. These mechanisms may enable HCs to regulate nonvisual tasks with ipRGCs and lateral interactions with visual photoreceptors.
Individual differences in U.S. study abroad students in Barcelona
Authors: Cigliana Kassie A. , Serrano Raquel
Published: October 2016

The present study investigates individual differences in study abroad through a quantitative analysis of U.S. learners of Spanish studying in Barcelona, Spain (n = 54). While many studies have aimed at discussing one or two specific items, the present study combines aspects of attitude, motivation, and language contact with perceived gains in language skill by examining answers from a comprehensive questionnaire designed to accurately gather information on these individual differences. The data reveal that these study abroad students are highly motivated, and correlational analyses establish significant positive relationships between integrative orientations, attitude, language contact and self-reported perceived gains in linguistic skills. The study suggests that a positive attitude towards the target language and integrative motivation can be important factors in influencing how much contact students have with the target language and how much they feel they have improved in a variety of language skills. It also explores the potential effects of learning a language in a bilingual context and calls for further research on this theme.
Linguistic advances and learning strategies in a short-term study abroad experience
Authors: Schwieter John W. , Klassen Gabrielle
Published: October 2016

This study investigates lexical and morpho-syntactic development in comprehension and production among university-level students who participated in a second language (L2) study abroad program. Prior to and at the conclusion of the short-term study abroad experience, English language learners of Spanish participated in a verbal fluency measure along with comprehension and production tasks. The verbal fluency measure revealed rapid lexical gains. However, the comprehension and production tasks showed that the comprehension of grammatical gender agreement was excellent, while the accuracy in the production of morpho-syntactic agreement decreased over the limited time spent abroad. We analyze this counterintuitive trend as a shift in learning strategy: from grammatical accuracy to communicative ease, in line with a theory of U-shaped development in second language learners (e.g., Sharwood Smith & Kellerman, 1989) and previous observations about the study abroad environment (Isabelli-García, 2010). Other analyses of morpho-syntactic accuracy in our production data provide additional support for this argument.
Overseas sojourning as a socioeconomic and cultural development strategy
Authors: Craig Ian Stuart
Published: October 2016

This article analyses the context around overseas sojourning for linguistic and intercultural development at the University of the West Indies, a public university serving the Anglophone Caribbean region. It assesses the affordances and constraints around this activity deriving from a range of geopolitical, sociocultural and institutional forces that bear on how residence abroad for this particular purpose is configured in this particular context. It further identifies a number of factors that currently align in favour of increased valorisation of such experiences as facilitators of socioeconomic and cultural development, such as strategic policy at the regional governance level, diversification of trade partnerships and service provision, or the promotion of experiential learning at the institutional level. The conclusion recommends the establishment of research collaborations with international partners to promote a unique small-states and Caribbean contribution to understandings of the potential socioeconomic and cultural impact of residence abroad for intercultural learning.
Influence of yttrium addition on the corrosion behaviour of as-cast Mg–8Li–3Al–2Zn alloy
Authors: Gu M. , Wei G. , Zhao J. , Liu W. , Wu G.
Published: October 2016

The influence of yttrium on the microstructure and corrosion behaviour of as-cast Mg–8Li–3Al–2Zn–xY alloys was investigated. The results show that Y addition leads to the formation of Al2Y particles and the transformation of α-Mg from the long needle-like to the round-like. The noble Al2Y particles on the grain boundary inhibit the galvanic corrosion between β-Li phase and α-Mg phase, and also weaken the corrosion occurrence inside β-Li phase due to the decrease of the AlLi phase. With Y addition, the corrosion resistance is improved gradually, especially when the content of Y is up to 1.5 wt-%. Moreover, Y addition makes the corrosion film become more compact, which can prevent the base materials from being attacked continuously.