bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of DNA adsorption on mica surfaces using a surface force apparatus
Authors: Kan Yajing , Tan Qiyan , Wu Gensheng , Si Wei , Chen Yunfei
Published: February 2015

We report our studies on the adsorption properties of double-stranded DNA molecules on mica surfaces in a confined environment using a surface force apparatus. Specifically, we studied the influence of cation species and concentrations on DNA adsorption properties. Our results indicated that divalent cations (Mg2+ and Co2+) preferred to form uniform and moderately dense DNA layers on a mica substrate. By measuring the interactions between DNA-coated mica and bare mica in an aqueous solution, obvious adhesion was observed in a cobalt chloride solution, possibly due to the ion-correlation attraction between negatively charged DNA and the mica surface. Furthermore, the interaction differences that were observed with MgCl2 and CoCl2 solutions reveal that the specific adsorption behaviors of DNA molecules on a mica substrate were mediated by these two salts. Our results are helpful to elucidate the dynamics of DNA binding on a solid substrate.
Terahertz in-line digital holography of human hepatocellular carcinoma tissue
Authors: Rong Lu , Latychevskaia Tatiana , Chen Chunhai , Wang Dayong , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Xun , Li Zeyu , Huang Haochong , Wang Yunxin , Zhou Zhou
Published: February 2015

Terahertz waves provide a better contrast in imaging soft biomedical tissues than X-rays and unlike X-rays, they cause no ionisation damage, making them a good option for biomedical imaging. Terahertz absorption imaging has conventionally been used for cancer diagnosis. However, the absorption properties of a cancerous sample are influenced by two opposing factors: an increase in absorption due to a higher degree of hydration and a decrease in absorption due to structural changes. It is therefore difficult to diagnose cancer from an absorption image. Phase imaging can thus be critical for diagnostics. We demonstrate imaging of the absorption and phase-shift distributions of 3.2 mm × 2.3 mm × 30-μm-thick human hepatocellular carcinoma tissue by continuous-wave terahertz digital in-line holography. The acquisition time of a few seconds for a single in-line hologram is much shorter than that of other terahertz diagnostic techniques and future detectors will allow acquisition of meaningful holograms without sample dehydration. The resolution of the reconstructions was enhanced by sub-pixel shifting and extrapolation. Another advantage of this technique is its relaxed minimal sample size limitation. The fibrosis indicated in the phase distribution demonstrates the potential of terahertz holographic imaging to obtain a more objective, early diagnosis of cancer.
Evidence of the hydrogen release mechanism in bulk MgH2
Authors: Nogita Kazuhiro , Tran Xuan Q. , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Tanaka Eishi , McDonald Stuart D. , Gourlay Christopher M. , Yasuda Kazuhiro , Matsumura Syo
Published: February 2015

Hydrogen has the potential to power much of the modern world with only water as a by-product, but storing hydrogen safely and efficiently in solid form such as magnesium hydride remains a major obstacle. A significant challenge has been the difficulty of proving the hydriding/dehydriding mechanisms and, therefore, the mechanisms have long been the subject of debate. Here we use in situ ultra-high voltage transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to directly verify the mechanisms of the hydride decomposition of bulk MgH2 in Mg-Ni alloys. We find that the hydrogen release mechanism from bulk (2 μm) MgH2 particles is based on the growth of multiple pre-existing Mg crystallites within the MgH2 matrix, present due to the difficulty of fully transforming all Mg during a hydrogenation cycle whereas, in thin samples analogous to nano-powders, dehydriding occurs by a ‘shrinking core’ mechanism.
Gate Tunable Relativistic Mass and Berry's phase in Topological Insulator Nanoribbon Field Effect Devices
Authors: Jauregui Luis A. , Pettes Michael T. , Rokhinson Leonid P. , Shi Li , Chen Yong P.
Published: February 2015

Transport due to spin-helical massless Dirac fermion surface state is of paramount importance to realize various new physical phenomena in topological insulators, ranging from quantum anomalous Hall effect to Majorana fermions. However, one of the most important hallmarks of topological surface states, the Dirac linear band dispersion, has been difficult to reveal directly in transport measurements. Here we report experiments on Bi2Te3 nanoribbon ambipolar field effect devices on high-κ SrTiO3 substrates, where we achieve a gate-tuned bulk metal-insulator transition and the topological transport regime with substantial surface state conduction. In this regime, we report two unambiguous transport evidences for gate-tunable Dirac fermions through π Berry's phase in Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations and effective mass proportional to the Fermi momentum, indicating linear energy-momentum dispersion. We also measure a gate-tunable weak anti-localization (WAL) with 2 coherent conduction channels (indicating 2 decoupled surfaces) near the charge neutrality point and a transition to weak localization (indicating a collapse of the Berry's phase) when the Fermi energy approaches the bulk conduction band. The gate-tunable Dirac fermion topological surface states pave the way towards a variety of topological electronic devices.
Role of surface plasmon polaritons and other waves in the radiation of resonant optical dipole antennas
Authors: Jia Hongwei , Liu Haitao , Zhong Ying
Published: February 2015

The radiation of an electric dipole emitter can be drastically enhanced if the emitter is placed in the nano-gap of a metallic dipole antenna. By assuming that only surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are excited on the antenna, we build up an intuitive pure-SPP model that is able to comprehensively predict the electromagnetic features of the antenna radiation, such as the total or radiative emission rate and the far-field radiation pattern. With the model we can distinguish the respective contributions from SPPs and from other surface waves to the antenna radiation. It is found that for antennas with long arms that support higher-order resonances, SPPs provide a dominant contribution to the antenna radiation, while for other cases, the contribution of surface waves other than SPPs should be considered. The model reveals an intuitive picture that the enhancement of the antenna radiation is due to surface waves that are resonantly excited on the two antenna arms and that are further coupled into the nano-gap or scattered into free space. From the model we can derive a phase-matching condition that predicts the antenna resonance and the resultant enhanced radiation. The model is helpful for a physical understanding and intuitive design of antenna devices.
Facile synthesis of novel graphene sponge for high performance capacitive deionization
Authors: Xu Xingtao , Pan Likun , Liu Yong , Lu Ting , Sun Zhuo , Chua Daniel H. C.
Published: February 2015

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an effective desalination technique offering an appropriate route to obtain clean water. In order to obtain excellent CDI performance, a rationally designed structure of electrode materials has been an urgent need for CDI application. In this work, a novel graphene sponge (GS) was proposed as CDI electrode for the first time. The GS was fabricated via directly freeze-drying graphene oxide solution followed by annealing in nitrogen atmosphere. The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of GS were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrosorption performance of GS in NaCl solution was studied and compared with pristine graphene (PG). The results show that due to the unique 3D interconnected porous structure, large accessible surface area and low charge transfer resistance, GS electrode exhibits an ultrahigh electrosorption capacity of 14.9 mg g−1 when the initial NaCl concentration is ~500 mg L−1, which is about 3.2 times of that of PG (4.64 mg g−1) and to our knowledge, it should be the highest value reported for graphene electrodes in similar experimental conditions by now. These results indicate that GS should be a promising candidate for CDI electrode.
Effect of Annealing Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline α-iron: an Atomistic Study
Authors: Tong Xuhang , Zhang Hao , Li D. Y.
Published: February 2015

Claims are often found in the literature that metallic materials can be nanocrystallized by severe plastic deformation (SPD). However, SPD does not generate a well-defined nanocrystalline (NC) material, which can be achieved by subsequent annealing/recovery treatment. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is employed to study the effect of annealing on structure and mechanical properties of cyclic deformed NC α-iron, which simulates SPD-processed α-iron. It is demonstrated that grain boundaries in the deformed NC α-iron evolve to a more equilibrium state during annealing, eliminating or minimizing the residual stress. The annealing treatment increases the system's strength by reducing dislocation emission sources and improves material ductility through strengthening grain boundaries' resistance to intergranular cracks. The results indicate that the annealing treatment is an essential process for obtaining a well-defined NC structure with superior mechanical properties.
Colorimetric sensing of non-ionic and cationic surfactants using a versatile anionic poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) derivative
Authors: Chen Xiaoming
Published: February 2015

A novel anionic water-soluble poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) derivative (WSPProDOT) has been prepared by FeCl3 oxidative polymerization with a subsequent post-polymerization defunctionalization process, and applied as a colorimetric sensor to determine and discriminate non-ionic and cationic surfactants in aqueous solutions.
Supramolecular hydrogels: synthesis, properties and their biomedical applications
Authors: Dong Ruijiao , Pang Yan , Su Yue , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: February 2015

The recent progress in synthesis, properties and biomedical applications of supramolecular hydrogels has been reviewed.
Copper catalysed amidation of aryl halides through chelation assistance
Authors: Kathiravan Subban , Ghosh Shishir , Hogarth Graeme , Nicholls Ian A.
Published: February 2015

Using 8-aminoquinoline-based alkyl and aryl carboxamides, the direct N-arylation was achieved in good yields in the presence of a copper catalyst via chelation-assisted reaction.
Copper catalyzed oxidative coupling reactions for trifluoromethylselenolations – synthesis of R-SeCF3compounds using air stable tetramethylammonium trifluoromethylselenate
Authors: Lefebvre Quentin , Pluta Roman , Rueping Magnus
Published: February 2015

The aerobic, room-temperature coupling of tetramethylammonium trifluoromethylselenate with readily available boronic acids, boronic esters, and terminal alkynes has been developed.
Highly specific enrichment of N-glycoproteome through a nonreductive amination reaction using Fe3O4@SiO2-aniline nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yu Meng , Zhang Cheng , Wang Yali , Di Yi , Wang Changchun , Lu Haojie
Published: February 2015

To highly efficient extract theN-glycoproteome, a novel solid-phase extraction method based on a nonreductive amination reaction was developed.
The first zeolite with a tri-directional extra-large 14-ring pore system derived using a phosphonium-based organic molecule
Authors: Yun Yifeng , Hernández Manuel , Wan Wei , Zou Xiaodong , Jordá Jose L. , Cantín Angel , Rey Fernando , Corma Avelino
Published: February 2015

A new germanosilicate zeolite (denoted as ITQ-53) with extra-large pores has been synthesised using tri-tertbutylmethylphosphonium cation as the organic structure directing agent (OSDA).
Visible light-mediated arylalkylation of allylic alcohols through concomitant 1,2-aryl migration
Authors: Huang Hong-Li , Yan Hang , Yang Chao , Xia Wujiong
Published: February 2015

A photocatalytic process for selective arylalkylation of allylic alcoholsviaunique 1,2-aryl migration with α-bromo diethyl malonate has been developed.
Real time detection of live microbes using a highly sensitive bioluminescent nitroreductase probe
Authors: Wong Roger H. F. , Kwong Thomas , Yau Kwok-Hei , Au-Yeung Ho Yu
Published: February 2015

A highly sensitive bioluminescence-based nitroreductase probe for live microbial detection has been reported.
Self-assembly of triangular metallomacrocycles using unsymmetrical bisterpyridine ligands: isomer differentiation via TWIM mass spectrometry
Authors: Liang Yen-Peng , He Yun-Jui , Lee Yin-Hsuan , Chan Yi-Tsu
Published: February 2015

A mixture of isomeric metallotriangles, assembled from unsymmetrical bisterpyridine ligands and ZnII ions, was successfully differentiated with MS2 TWIM MS.
A single atom change “switches-on” the solar-to-energy conversion efficiency of Zn-porphyrin based dye sensitized solar cells to 10.5%
Authors: Cabau Lydia , Vijay Kumar Challuri , Moncho Antonio , Clifford John N. , López Núria , Palomares Emilio
Published: February 2015

In this work we report how crucial is the correct design of the porphyrin sensitizers in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs).
Formation of manganese phosphate and manganese carbonate during long-term sorption of Mn2+by viable Shewanella putrefaciens: effects of contact time and temperature
Authors: Chubar Natalia , Avramut Cristina , Visser Tom
Published: February 2015

Mn2+sorption by Mn-reducing bacteriumShewanella putrefaciensover 30 days.
Industrial applications of molecular recognition technology to separations of platinum group metals and selective removal of metal impurities from process streams
Authors: Izatt Reed M. , Izatt Steven R. , Izatt Neil E. , Krakowiak Krzysztof E. , Bruening Ronald L. , Navarro Luis
Published: February 2015

Selective precious and specialty metal separations and recovery using molecular recognition processes are described for commercial mining and recycling operations.
Synthesis and evaluation of amide, sulfonamide and urea – benzisoxazole derivatives as potential atypical antipsychotics
Authors: Chen Yin , Lan Yu , Cao Xudong , Xu Xiangqing , Zhang Juecheng , Yu Minquan , Liu Xin , Liu Bi-Feng , Zhang Guisen
Published: February 2015

A series of amide derivatives of benzisoxazole has been synthesized and the target compounds evaluated for atypical antipsychotic activity in vitro and vivo.
An efficient Au(i) catalyst for double hydroarylation of alkynes with heteroarenes
Authors: Luo Cuicui , Yang Hongwei , Mao Rongfang , Lu Chunxu , Cheng Guangbin
Published: February 2015

Double hydroarylation of alkynes with heteroarenes under mild conditions catalyzed by Au(i) are now reported.
Fabrication of TiO2 hollow nanocrystals through the nanoscale Kirkendall effect for lithium-ion batteries and photocatalysis
Authors: Liang Jicai , Han Xiangbo , Li Yi , Ye Kaiqi , Hou Changmin , Yu Kaifeng
Published: February 2015

Herein, we report a simple nanoscale Kirkendall effect method to synthesize TiO2 hollow nanocrystals. The fabrication process is cheap, convenient and scalable, while the produced TiO2 hollow nanocrystals exhibit excellent electrochemical and photochemical properties.
A novel 2-cyanobenzothiazole-based 18F prosthetic group for conjugation to 1,2-aminothiol-bearing targeting vectors
Authors: Inkster James A. H. , Colin Didier J. , Seimbille Yann
Published: February 2015

[18F]FPyPEGCBT is a new 18F labelling agent which contains a 2-substituted pyridine for incorporation of [18F]F− and a 2-cyanobenzothiazole moiety for chemo-selective conjugation to 1,2-aminothiol-bearing biomolecules.
Synthesis, kinetics, and characterization of bio-based thermosets obtained through polymerization of a 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid-based bis(2-oxazoline) with sebacic acid
Authors: Wilsens Carolus H. R. M. , Wullems Nino J. M. , Gubbels Erik , Yao Yefen , Rastogi Sanjay , Noordover Bart A. J.
Published: February 2015

Renewable 2,5-bis(4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)furan based poly(ester amide)s with enhanced curing kinetics were studied in terms of chemistry and thermal properties.
Dual-stimuli sensitive keratin graft PHPMA as physiological trigger responsive drug carriers
Authors: Li Qinmei , Yang Saina , Zhu Lijun , Kang Hongliang , Qu Xiaozhong , Liu Ruigang , Huang Yong
Published: February 2015

Keratin graft PHPMA copolymers were successfully synthesized and can be used as drug carriers with physiological stimuli responsive properties.
Synthetic application of gold nanoparticles and auric chloride for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles
Authors: Kumar Satyanand , Kumar Arvind , Agarwal Alka , Awasthi Satish Kumar
Published: February 2015

An effective one-pot, convenient gold catalyzed synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles has been discussed.
Self-assembly of large-scale P3HT patterns by confined evaporation in the capillary tube
Authors: Sun Yingjuan , Xiao Guihua , Lin Yuan , Su Zhaohui , Wang Qian
Published: February 2015

Large-scale P3HT stripe patterns based on a controlled evaporation self-assembly method in a capillary tube have been fabricated.
Study of the properties of luminescent poly[1-(2-propynyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide] oligomers prepared using a Mo(CO)6/phenol catalyst
Authors: Mitra Kheyanath , Singh Shikha , Ray Biswajit
Published: February 2015

Synthesis and characterization of novel oligomer of 1-(2-propynyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide and study of its anion enhanced luminescent properties have been explored.
Effect of vacancies in monolayer MoS2 on electronic properties of Mo–MoS2 contacts
Authors: Feng Li-ping , Su Jie , Liu Zheng-tang
Published: February 2015

Revealing the influence of intrinsic defects in monolayer MoS2 on the electronic nature of metal–MoS2 contacts is particularly critical for their practical use as nanoelectronic devices.
Hofstadter spectra for d-orbital electrons: a case study on MoS2
Authors: Ho Yen-Hung , Su Wu-Pei , Lin Ming-Fa
Published: February 2015

Hofstadter butterfly of molybdenum disulfide monolayer resulting from multiple hoppings between 4d orbitals and intrinsic spin–orbit coupling.
Magnetic collagen fibers stabilized using functional iron oxide nanoparticles in non-aqueous medium
Authors: Alliraja C. , Rao J. Raghava , Thanikaivelan P.
Published: February 2015

Thermostable magnetic collagen fibers prepared using functional iron oxide nanoparticles in heptane medium provide avenues for applications in environmental protection and leather making.
The simultaneous determination of omethoate and dichlorvos pesticides in grain samples using a palladium and graphene composite modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Prasad M. Siva , Krishnaveni K. , Dhananjayulu M. , Sreenivasulu V. , Sreedhar N. Y.
Published: February 2015

An electrochemical sensor based on a palladium (Pd) and graphene (Gr) composite modified GCE was fabricated, characterised and used for the simultaneous determination of OMT and DCV in grain samples.
An eco-friendly Pictet–Spengler approach to pyrrolo- and indolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines using p-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid as an efficient Brønsted acid catalyst
Authors: Preetam Amreeta , Nath Mahendra
Published: February 2015

Environmentally benign synthesis of pyrrolo- and indolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines has been achieved at 25 °C by usingp-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid as a Brønsted acid catalyst.
Austenitic stainless steel strengthened by the in situ formation of oxide nanoinclusions
Authors: Saeidi Kamran , Kvetková Lenka , Lofaj František , Shen Zhijian
Published: February 2015

Austenitic stainless steel was prepared by laser melting. High resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry confirmed homogeneous dispersion of the in situ formed oxide nanoinclusions with average size less than 50 nm in the steel matrix.
Treatment of energetic material contaminated wastewater using ionic liquids
Authors: Bhosale Vikas K. , Patil Nitin V. , Kulkarni Prashant S.
Published: February 2015

Extraction of energetic materials such as TNT, tetryl and picric acid from contaminated water by using ionic liquids is demonstrated for the treatment of energetic materials from several contaminated sources.
Frontal vitrification of PDMS using air plasma and consequences for surface wrinkling
Authors: Nania Manuela , Matar Omar K. , Cabral João T.
Published: February 2015

We investigate the mechanism and frontal kinetics of glassy film formation on PDMS by plasma oxidation, focusing on the surface wrinkling profiles subsequently induced by uniaxial strain. An unprecedented range of experimental processing variables was considered, allowing us to map and extend the pattern dimensions attainable.
Destabilisation of the hexatic phase in systems of hard disks by quenched disorder due to pinning on a lattice
Authors: Qi Weikai , Dijkstra Marjolein
Published: February 2015

We investigate the effect of quenched disorder on the melting mechanism of two-dimensional hard disks using large-scale event-driven molecular dynamics simulations.
Enhancing the protein resistance of silicone via surface-restructuring PEO–silane amphiphiles with variable PEO length
Authors: Rufin M. A. , Gruetzner J. A. , Hurley M. J. , Hawkins M. L. , Raymond E. S. , Raymond J. E. , Grunlan M. A.
Published: February 2015

PEO–silane amphiphiles blended into silicone exhibit enhanced surface restructuring and protein resistance dependent on PEO length.
Precursor strategies for metallic nano- and micropatterns using soft lithography
Authors: Wisser F. M. , Schumm B. , Mondin G. , Grothe J. , Kaskel S.
Published: February 2015

Soft lithographic methods describe a set of printing methods which are widely used for the preparation of structured surfaces.
Correction: A comparative study of graphene–hydrogel hybrid bionanocomposites for biosensing
Authors: Burrs S. L. , Vanegas D. C. , Rong Y. , Bhargava M. , Mechulan N. , Hendershot P. , Yamaguchi H. , Gomes C. , McLamore E. S.
Published: February 2015

Correction for ‘A comparative study of graphene–hydrogel hybrid bionanocomposites for biosensing’ by S. L. Burrs et al., Analyst, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4an01788a.
Na2B10O17·H2en: a three-dimensional open-framework layered borate co-templated by inorganic cations and organic amines
Authors: Wang Jun-Hua , Wei Qi , Cheng Jian-Wen , He Huan , Yang Bai-Feng , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: February 2015

The simultaneous use of organic amines and inorganic cations as the templates has led to the crystallization of a three-dimensional open-framework layered borate.
Performance of facet-controlled Pd nanocrystals in 2-ethylanthraquinone hydrogenation
Authors: Han You , He Zhiyuan , Wang Suli , Li Wei , Zhang Jinli
Published: February 2015

The Pd (100) facet is more active than Pd (111) in CO hydrogenation but less active in saturation of aromatic rings.
Supramolecular assembly of a methyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril and its potential applications in selective sorption
Authors: Zhao Wenxuan , Wang Chuanzeng , Zhang Yunqian , Xue Saifeng , Zhu Qianjiang , Tao Zhu
Published: February 2015

Assembly of a methyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril derived from 3α-methyl-glycoluril (HMeQ[6]) has been studied. We have demonstrated potential applications of this system based on the selective sorption of volatile alcohols in the polar channels, especially methanol.
Sulfonated Schiff base dinuclear and polymeric copper(ii) complexes: crystal structures, magnetic properties and catalytic application in Henry reaction
Authors: Hazra Susanta , Karmakar Anirban , Guedes da Silva Maria de Fátima C. , Dlháň L'ubor , Boča Roman , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: February 2015

Aqueous medium syntheses and nitroaldol catalytic studies of three pseudohalide bridged copper(ii) complexes characterized by single crystal X-ray structure analysis and variable temperature magnetic studies are reported.
CO2-induced reversible morphology transition from giant worms to polymersomes assembled from a block-random segmented copolymer
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Hanbin , Mu Meng , Yin Hongyao , Feng Yujun
Published: February 2015

Reversible morphology transition between giant worms and polymersomes self-assembled from a block-random segmented copolymer is reported.
Iron carbide and nitride via a flexible route: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Xiaobai , Wang Wei , Lei Xiang , Yang Hua
Published: February 2015

Fe4N and Fe3C have been controllably synthesized by adjusting the molar ratio of hexamethylenetetramine to ferric chloride hexahydrate.
Exploration of a library of triazolothiadiazole and triazolothiadiazine compounds as a highly potent and selective family of cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitors: design, synthesis, X-ray diffraction analysis and molecular docking studies
Authors: Khan Imtiaz , Bakht Syeda Mahwish , Ibrar Aliya , Abbas Saba , Hameed Shahid , White Jonathan M. , Rana Usman Ali , Zaib Sumera , Shahid Mohammad , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: February 2015

There is a high demand for the collection of small organic molecules (especially N-heterocycles) with diversity and complexity in the process of drug discovery.
Synthesis and structure of free-standing germanium quantum dots and their application in live cell imaging
Authors: Karatutlu Ali , Song Mingying , Wheeler Ann P. , Ersoy Osman , Little William R. , Zhang Yuanpeng , Puech Pascal , Boi Filippo S. , Luklinska Zofia , Sapelkin Andrei V.
Published: February 2015

Colloidally synthesized free-standing Ge qdots with a unique core–shell structure were demonstrated to be a viable bio-imaging probe.
Copper vanadates/polyaniline composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Shaoyan , Peng Shengjie , Hu Ruisheng , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: February 2015

Constructed by a simple dip-and-dry process, Cu5(VO4)2(OH)4·H2O/PANI and Cu5V2O10/PANI core–shell nanocomposites exhibit excellent electrochemical performance as the anode materials in lithium-ion batteries.
Cyclodextrin modified microgels as “nanoreactor” for the generation of Au nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Jia He , Schmitz Dominik , Ott Andreas , Pich Andrij , Lu Yan
Published: February 2015

α-Cyclodextrin modified poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels have been applied as “nanoreactors” for the generation of AuNPs with enhanced catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Vertical and lateral morphology effects on solar cell performance for a thiophene–quinoxaline copolymer:PC70BM blend
Authors: Hansson Rickard , Ericsson Leif K. E. , Holmes Natalie P. , Rysz Jakub , Opitz Andreas , Campoy-Quiles Mariano , Wang Ergang , Barr Matthew G. , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Zhou Xiaojing , Dastoor Paul , Moons Ellen
Published: February 2015

Microscopy and spectroscopy correlate efficiency enhancement of TQ1:PC70BM solar cells with changes in morphology through optimized solution formulation.
Preparation and characterization of a novel pH-sensitive Salecan-g-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel for controlled release of doxorubicin
Authors: Hu Xinyu , Wei Wei , Qi Xiaoliang , Yu Hao , Feng Liandong , Li Junjian , Wang Shiming , Zhang Jianfa , Dong Wei
Published: February 2015

The pH-sensitive swelling behaviour and DOX release of Salecan-g-PAA hydrogels are discussed.
Band gap modulation of Janus graphene nanosheets by interlayer hydrogen bonding and the external electric field: a computational study
Authors: Li Feng , Li Yafei
Published: February 2015

The electronic properties of hydrofluorinated graphene nanosheets can be efficiently modified by interlayer C–H⋯F–C hydrogen bonding.
Rapid production of a bulk of porous mesh reduced graphene oxide films using a naked flame
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Zou Xuefeng , Zhao Jinfeng
Published: February 2015

A simple, rapid, and non-polluting method to produce porous mesh reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films using a naked flame.
Cashmere-derived keratin for device manufacturing on the micro- and nanoscale
Authors: Marelli Benedetto , Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Published: February 2015

Cashmere-derived keratin is extracted in water solution and then processed using a slow drying technique to obtain flexible, transparent, conformable optical elements.
The Sb2O3 redox route to obtain copper nanoparticles in glasses with plasmonic properties
Authors: Franco Douglas F. , Sant'Ana Antonio C. , De Oliveira Luiz F. C. , Silva Mauricio A. P.
Published: February 2015

Production of oxide glasses containing CuII, CuI and Cu0 nanoparticles by redox process during melting without subsequent thermal treatment.
Optical sensor based on hydrogel films with 2D colloidal arrays attached on both the surfaces: anti-curling performance and enhanced optical diffraction intensity
Authors: Men Dandan , Zhang Honghua , Hang Lifeng , Liu Dilong , Li Xinyang , Cai Weiping , Xiong Qihua , Li Yue
Published: February 2015

An interesting strategy to create free standing hydrogel composite films with colloidal monolayers attached on both the surfaces, which could act as visualizing sensors with high diffraction intensity, is developed.
Reduced efficiency roll-off in all-phosphorescent white organic light-emitting diodes with an external quantum efficiency of over 20%
Authors: Zhu Liping , Wu Zhongbin , Chen Jiangshan , Ma Dongge
Published: February 2015

A rational design of the emission layers to achieve a high efficiency WOLED with reduced roll-off.
Academic Outcomes for School-Aged Children With Severe–Profound Hearing Loss and Early Unilateral and Bilateral Cochlear Implants
Authors: Sarant Julia Z. , Harris David C. , Bennet Lisa A.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

This study sought to (a) determine whether academic outcomes for children who received early cochlear implants (CIs) are age appropriate, (b) determine whether bilateral CI use significantly improves academic outcomes, and (c) identify other factors that are predictive of these outcomes.

Method

Forty-four 8-year-old children with severe–profound hearing loss participated in this study. Their academic development in mathematics, oral language, reading, and written language was assessed using a standardized test of academic achievement.

Results

(a) Across all academic areas, the proportion of children in the average or above-average ranges was lower than expected for children with normal hearing. The strongest area of performance was written language, and the weakest was mathematics. (b) Children using bilateral CIs achieved significantly higher scores for oral language, math, and written language, after controlling for predictive factors, than did children using unilateral CIs. Younger ages at second CI predicted the largest improvements. (c) High levels of parental involvement and greater time spent by children reading significantly predicted academic success, although other factors were identified.

Conclusions

Average academic outcomes for these children were below those of children with normal hearing. Having bilateral CIs at younger ages predicted the best outcomes. Family environment was also important to children's academic performance.
Communicative Development in Bilingually Exposed Chinese Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Reetzke Rachel , Zou Xiaobing , Sheng Li , Katsos Napoleon
Published: February 2015

Purpose

We examined the association of bilingual exposure with structural and pragmatic language development in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Method

The parents of 54 children with ASD exposed to 1 (
n
= 31) or 2 (
n
= 23) Chinese languages completed (a) a questionnaire to evaluate their child's competence in structural language and pragmatic ability in their dominant language (Children's Communication Checklist–Second Edition; Bishop, 2006), and (b) a questionnaire to assess their child's social functioning (Social Responsiveness Scale; Constantino & Gruber, 2005; Wang, Lee, Chen, & Hsu, 2012). In addition, parents completed thorough interviews regarding the linguistic environment of their children (Language Environment Interview; Hambly & Fombonne, 2011).

Results

Multivariate analyses of variance revealed that bilingually exposed children with ASD did not demonstrate significantly different performance on any standard measure relative to their monolingual peers.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that bilingual language exposure is not associated with additional challenges for the development of the dominant language in children with ASD. The lack of negative associations in our sample is not likely to be due to the comparatively early diagnosis and/or intervention that are available in other countries. We discuss implications for decisions regarding the linguistic environment of children with ASD.
Input Variability Facilitates Unguided Subcategory Learning in Adults
Authors: Eidsvåg Sunniva Sørhus , Austad Margit , Plante Elena , Asbjørnsen Arve E.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

This experiment investigated whether input variability would affect initial learning of noun gender subcategories in an unfamiliar, natural language (Russian), as it is known to assist learning of other grammatical forms.

Method

Forty adults (20 men, 20 women) were familiarized with examples of masculine and feminine Russian words. Half of the participants were familiarized with 32 different root words in a high-variability condition. The other half were familiarized with 16 different root words, each repeated twice for a total of 32 presentations in a high-repetition condition. Participants were tested on untrained members of the category to assess generalization. Familiarization and testing was completed 2 additional times.

Results

Only participants in the high-variability group showed evidence of learning after an initial period of familiarization. Participants in the high-repetition group were able to learn after additional input. Both groups benefited when words included 2 cues to gender compared to a single cue.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that the degree of input variability can influence learners' ability to generalize a grammatical subcategory (noun gender) from a natural language. In addition, the presence of multiple cues to linguistic subcategory facilitated learning independent of variability condition.
Improvement of time difference of arrival measurements resolution by using fractional delay filters in a direct sequence‐code division multiple access radionavigation system
Authors: Sadowski Jaroslaw
Published: February 2015

This study presents a method of improving time measurements resolution in a direct sequence‐code division multiple access receiver by using a fine code tracking loop based on fractional delay filtering of a despreading sequence. It briefly describes the structure of a generic digital code tracking loop and the proposed modification which allows to measure time difference of arrival values with the subsample resolution, together with suggestions to reduce computational complexity by storing the set of samples of fractionally‐delayed signals in memory. The proposed solution was tested in a laboratory and in real environment in a radionavigation system built in Gdansk University of Technology.
Automatic ionospheric scintillation detector for global navigation satellite system receivers
Authors: Ratnam Devanaboyina Venkata , Sivavaraprasad Gampala , Lee Jiyun
Published: February 2015

Severe ionosphere scintillations have been known to affect the performance and measurement accuracy of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. The scintillation in signal amplitude and phase reduces the number of available GNSS satellites by causing the loss of lock in GNSS receivers. Hence, the investigation of ionospheric scintillations is imperative for monitoring the activities of the atmosphere, ionosphere and space weather. Scintillations can be modelled as a function of scintillation indices like amplitude scintillation index (S4), phase scintillation index (σØ), C/N and elevation angle with respect to the time. In this study, the GNSS Ionospheric Scintillation and TEC monitor receiver located at the K L University, Vaddeswaram, India, sited in low latitudes, provided the data for the real‐time analysis of ionospheric scintillations. This paper describes an ionospheric scintillation model (RTISM), which determines the automatic threshold for different scintillation signals using the Neyman Pearson detector. The results of the RTISM model include estimation, detection and mitigation of ionospheric scintillations using wavelet analysis, Hilbert–Huang transform and binary hypothesis test. The RTISM model has been tested for major scintillation events observed during the geomagnetic storms that occurred in the maximum solar activity periods of the 24th solar cycle (2013–2014).
Azimuth ambiguity suppression with an improved reconstruction method based on antenna pattern for multichannel synthetic aperture radar systems
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Robert , Deng Yunkai , Xu Wei , Guo Lei , Hou Lili
Published: February 2015

For synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems, antenna array which is distributed in flight direction could increase the equivalent sample frequency in azimuth by a factor of the number of elements of antenna array. With a reconstruction algorithm, the aliased Doppler spectrum could be recovered. However, the degradation of conventional algorithms for reconstructing the Doppler spectrum with special pulse repetition frequency (PRF) shows poor robustness and the out‐of‐band energy which is caused by the side lobes of the antenna pattern deteriorates the azimuth ambiguity to signal ratio of a multichannel SAR. In this study, an improved reconstruction algorithm based on antenna pattern is proposed by generating an ambiguity matrix, which resembles the covariance matrix and could be used to reconstruct in‐band signal and minimise the azimuth ambiguity energy. Aiming at increasing the robustness of the algorithm, the method of diagonal loading is introduced to the approach. Even in the scenario of special PRF, which is close to the singular point, the signal could be successfully reconstructed with the improved approach. Simulation results validate the proposed method.
Around‐the‐corner radar: detection of a human being in non‐line of sight
Authors: Rabaste Olivier , Colin‐Koeniguer Elise , Poullin Dominique , Cheraly Anil , Pétex Jean‐François , Phan Huy‐Khang
Published: February 2015

This study considers the problem of detecting a human being in non‐line of sight (NLOS) in an urban environment via multiple paths. It presents results obtained from real measurements carried out in an underground curved tunnel. The targets considered during the experiment, a sphere and a human being, were positioned in NLOS of the detection device. The different contributions visible in the measured range profiles were analysed and their origins explained. These measurements permit to show that the target contributions can be detected in NLOS, and that several multipaths can be retrieved. Measured ranges for these multipaths proved to be quite close to the theoretical ranges predicted by a simple propagation model.
Dual binary phase‐shift keying tracking method for Galileo E5 AltBOC(15,10) signal and its thermal noise performance
Authors: Zhu Yonghui , Cui Xiaowei , Lu Mingquan
Published: February 2015

Coherent wideband processing for the Galileo E5 AltBOC signal encounters a great challenge because of its modulation complexity, multi‐peaked auto correlation function (ACF) and large bandwidth. In this study, a new tracking method called ‘dual binary phase‐shift keying (BPSK) tracking’ (DBT), which is derived from its reception models and double estimator technique (DET) methodology, is specially designed for the Galileo E5 signal. While this method can achieve the full potential of the Galileo E5 signal in ranging performance, it features a robust wideband processing technique, backward compatibility with conventional BPSK signal tracking, and easy implementation in hardware. More specifically, the DBT method makes use of the coherence of the lower and upper bands of the Galileo E5 signal and decouples sub‐carrier phase and carrier phase through coherently combining correlator outputs of the two bands, and then implements independent tracking for code, sub‐carrier and carrier based on the DET methodology. Furthermore, thermal noise performances of this new method are given and verified by processing both simulated and real Galileo E5 signals.
Solvothermal synthesis of uniform Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanoparticles as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: He Wenxiang , Chen Qingyuan , Zhang Tianren , Gao Yunfang , Cao Jin
Published: February 2015

A uniform precursor of Li3V2(PO4)3 nanoparticles was synthesised by a solvothermal method using ethanolamine lactate as both solvent and carbon sources at ambient pressure. Nanostructured Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode materials could be successfully prepared by subsequent heat treatment. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy observation shows that the as‐synthesised Li3V2(PO4)3/C powders retained the morphology and the particle size of the precursor that was formed during the solvothermal process. The Li3V2(PO4)3 particles are coated with uniform carbon layers with a thickness of about 5 nm. The material presents excellent performance with a high‐rate capacity and cycle stability. It can deliver discharge capacities of 127.9, 117.7, 104.9 and 95.6 mAh g−1 in the potential ranges of 3.0–4.3 V, 164.0, 154.8, 141.0 and 131.1 mAh g−1 between 3.0 and 4.8 V corresponding to 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 C rate after cycles, respectively. The charge transfer impedance increases from 55.55 to 127.31 Ω after 50 cycles at 1.0 C, which is attributed to the refined structure and the uniform carbon film on the surface of the as‐prepared Li3V2(PO4)3/C powders.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces on copper substrates via flow plating technology
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Long , Hu Ke , Song Jinlong , Liu Xin
Published: February 2015

The preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces on hydrophilic metal substrates depends on both surface microstructures and low surface energy. Composite electro‐brush flow plating technology was developed to prepare appropriate microstructures leading to superhydrophilicity on copper surfaces. The effects of plating voltage and plating time on the coating surface structures and hydrophobicity were discussed. The surface morphology and chemical composition were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the prepared surfaces have the appearance of micro–nano hierarchical structures composed of submicron papilla‐like Ni structures and nanoscale Al2O3 particles. After fluoridation, the coating surfaces prepared by proper parameters show superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 162° and a sliding angle of less than 10°. Tests of micro hardness, wear resistance and persistence show that the obtained superhydrophobic n ‐Al2O3/Ni coating surfaces have outstanding mechanical properties and stability. This sample preparation technique has prospective application in the large‐scale and continuous production of superhydrophobic engineering materials.
Self-organisation processes in the carbon arc for nanosynthesis
Authors: Ng J. , Raitses Y.
Published: February 2015

The atmospheric pressure carbon arc in inert gases such as helium is an important method for the production of nanomaterials. It has recently been shown that the formation of the carbon deposit on the cathode from gaseous carbon plays a crucial role in the operation of the arc, reaching the high temperatures necessary for thermionic emission to take place even with low melting point cathodes. Based on observed ablation and deposition rates, we explore the implications of deposit formation on the energy balance at the cathode surface and show how the operation of the arc is self-organised process. Our results suggest that the arc can operate in two different ablation-deposition regimes, one of which has an important contribution from latent heat to the cathode energy balance. This regime is characterised by the enhanced ablation rate, which may be favourable for high yield synthesis of nanomaterials. The second regime has a small and approximately constant ablation rate with a negligible contribution from latent heat.
Characterization of the temperature dependence of the thermoreflectance coefficient for conductive thin films
Authors: Favaloro T. , Bahk J.-H. , Shakouri A.
Published: February 2015

We describe a novel approach for calibration of the thermoreflectance coefficient, ideally suited for measurements in a vacuum thermostat, and present the high temperature thermoreflectance coefficients for several metals commonly encountered in electronic devices: gold, platinum, and aluminum. The effect of passivation on these metals is also examined, and we demonstrate the signal to noise ratio of a thermoreflectance measurement can be improved with informed selection of the dielectric layer thickness. Furthermore, the thermo-optic coefficients of the metals are extracted over a wide temperature range. The results presented here can be utilized in the optimization of experimental configurations for high temperature thermoreflectance imaging.
Airfoil noise reductions through leading edge serrations
Authors: Narayanan S. , Chaitanya P. , Haeri S. , Joseph P. , Kim J. W. , Polacsek C.
Published: February 2015

This paper provides an experimental investigation into the use of leading edge (LE) serrations as a means of reducing the broadband noise generated due to the interaction between the aerofoil’s LE and impinging turbulence. Experiments are performed on a flat plate in an open jet wind tunnel. Grids are used to generate isotropic homogeneous turbulence. The leading edge serrations are in the form of sinusoidal profiles of wavelengths, λ, and amplitudes, 2h. The frequency and amplitude characteristics are studied in detail in order to understand the effect of LE serrations on noise reduction characteristics and are compared with straight edge baseline flat plates. Noise reductions are found to be insignificant at low frequencies but significant in the mid frequency range (500 Hz–8 kHz) for all the cases studied. The flat plate results are also compared to the noise reductions obtained on a serrated NACA-65 aerofoil with the same serration profile. Noise reductions are found to be significantly higher for the flat plates with a maximum noise reduction of around 9 dB compared with about 7 dB for the aerofoil. In general, it is observed that the sound power reduction level (ΔPWL) is sensitive to the amplitude, 2h of the LE serrations but less sensitive to the serration wavelength, λ. Thus, this paper sufficiently demonstrates that the LE amplitude acts as a key parameter for enhancing the noise reduction levels in flat plates and aerofoils.
Extended Lagrangian Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations of the shock-induced chemistry of phenylacetylene
Authors: Cawkwell M. J. , Niklasson Anders M. N. , Dattelbaum Dana M.
Published: February 2015

The initial chemical events that occur during the shock compression of liquid phenylacetylene have been investigated using self-consistent tight binding molecular dynamics simulations. The extended Lagrangian Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics formalism enabled us to compute microcanonical trajectories with precise conservation of the total energy. Our simulations revealed that the first density-increasing step under shock compression arises from the polymerization of phenylacetylene molecules at the acetylene moiety. The application of electronic structure-based molecular dynamics with long-term conservation of the total energy enabled us to identify electronic signatures of reactivity via monitoring changes in the HOMO-LUMO gap, and to capture directly adiabatic shock heating, transient non-equilibrium states, and changes in temperature arising from exothermic chemistry in classical molecular dynamics trajectories.
Steady Euler flows and the Faddeev-Skyrme model with mass term
Authors: Slobodeanu Radu
Published: February 2015

We point out a duality between integrable (in an appropriate sense) steady incompressible Euler flows and the solutions of the strongly coupled Faddeev-Skyrme sigma model with a potential term. We supplement this result with various applications and several explicit classical solutions.