bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereodynamics and edge-to-face CH–π aromatic interactions in imino compounds containing heterocyclic rings
Authors: González-Rosende M. Eugenia , Castillo Encarna , Jennings W. Brian , Malone John F.
Published: January 2017

Imino models show that 6 and 5-membered heterocyclic rings can engage in attractive edge-to-face interactions with an adjacent phenyl ring.
Antibiofilm activity of Parkia javanica against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a study with fruit extract
Authors: Das Antu , Das Manash C. , Sandhu Padmani , Das Niranjan , Tribedi Prosun , De Utpal C. , Akhter Yusuf , Bhattacharjee Surajit
Published: January 2017

Parkia javanicais a well-known ethno-botanical plant of the north-east region of India.
Resistive switching effects depending on Ni content in Au/NixPt(1−x) nanoparticle devices
Authors: Zhang Yuzhu , Shan Aixian , Cui Yimin , Wang Rongming
Published: January 2017

NixPt(1−x) nanoparticles were synthesized with x ranging from 1 to 0.7 and resistive switching effects depending on Ni contents were found in Au/NixPt(1−x) nanoparticle devices.
A comparative study of manganese–cerium doped metal–organic frameworks prepared via impregnation and in situ methods in the selective catalytic reduction of NO
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Shen Boxiong , Zhang Xiaoqi , Wang Fumei , Chi Guilong , Si Meng
Published: January 2017

Impregnation and in situ doping were applied for the preparation of MnCe loaded MOFs and the behavior of the catalysts in the SCR was investigated.
Photoluminescence and electrical properties of bidirectional ZnO nanowires on Zn foils via a thermal oxidation method
Authors: Wu Zhang-Wei , Tyan Shing-Long , Chen Hsin-Hsien , Huang Jung-Chun-Andrew , Wu Chung-Lin , Lee Chia-Roong , Mo Ting-Shan
Published: January 2017

ZnO nanowires were directly grown on ductile zinc foils through a two-step process. Zn foils were fabricated from a mixture of Zn and ZnO powders; and ZnO NWs were produced using thermal oxidation at temperatures of 300–600 °C.
Al doping effects on LiCrTiO4 as an anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Xiang , Huang Yangyang , Li Yuyu , Sun Shixiong , Liu Yi , Luo Jiahuan , Han Jiantao , Huang Yunhui
Published: January 2017

Al doping in LiCrTiO4 showed apparently enhanced electrochemical performance at high temperature with slightly modification to crystal structure.
Zn–Fe–O@C hollow microspheres as a high performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Jiayue , Su Junming , Liu Siyang , Chen Xiang , Huang Tao , Yu Aishui
Published: January 2017

The uniform carbon coating that elevates electrical conductivity and improve the structural stability of the active materials.
Reducing gas-sensing performance of Ce-doped SnO2 thin films through a cosputtering method
Authors: Liang Yuan-Chang , Lee Chia-Min , Lo Ya-Ju
Published: January 2017

SnO2 thin films doped with various concentrations of Ce were grown by cosputtering Sn and Ce metallic targets in an Ar/O2 mixed atmosphere.
PdCu alloy nanodendrites with tunable composition as highly active electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation
Authors: Xiong Yaling , Ye Wenying , Chen Wenlong , Wu Yiwen , Xu Qingfeng , Yan Yucong , Zhang Hui , Wu Jianbo , Yang Deren
Published: January 2017

PdCu alloy nanodendrites were prepared and exhibited enhanced catalytic properties towards methanol oxidation relative to commercial Pd/C.
Rapid determination of complex oil well cement properties using mathematical models
Authors: Bassioni Ghada , Ali Mohammed Mohammed , Almansoori Ali , Raudaschl-Sieber Gabriele , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: January 2017

Zeta potential of oil well cement class G treated with 0–33 mL of 50 mg mL−1 of R2, D1 and R2 + D1 (1 : 1) with a 1 mL min−1 addition rate.
Enhanced photocatalytic oxygen evolution over Mo-doped Ca2NiWO6 perovskite photocatalyst under visible light irradiation
Authors: Luo Ying , Xue Jiawei , Zhu Xiaodi , Daniel Jose , Gao Xiang , Sun Song , Gao Chen , Bao Jun
Published: January 2017

A series of Mo-doped Ca2NiWO6 (Ca2NiW1−xMoxO6, x = 0–0.05) was synthesized by a solid-state reaction.
Spontaneous onion shape vesicle formation and fusion of comb-like block copolymers studied by dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Liu Ying-Tao , Li Yan-Rong , Wang Xin
Published: January 2017

The formation of an onion shape vesicle.
Thermal oxidative etching method derived graphitic C3N4: highly efficient metal-free catalyst in the selective epoxidation of styrene
Authors: Ren Jia , Liu Xin , Zhang Lu , Liu Qianqian , Gao Ruihua , Dai Wei-Lin
Published: January 2017

A series of g-C3N4nanosheets were synthesized by thermal oxidation with long time heating and etching.
Catalytic synergy effect of MoS2/reduced graphene oxide hybrids for a highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Lee Jung Eun , Jung Jaemin , Ko Taeg Yeoung , Kim Sujin , Kim Seong-Il , Nah Junghyo , Ryu Sunmin , Nam Ki Tae , Lee Min Hyung
Published: January 2017

GO content tuning gradually enhanced the HER catalytic performance of the MoS2/rGO hybrids, decreasing the Tafel slope from 82 to 48 mV per decade owing to an increase of catalytically active areas and an electronic transition of MoS2.
Solvent-mediated preparation of a heterometallic [2 × 2] grid via a 1D metal–organic template with extraordinary acid/base-resistance
Authors: Han Yi , Zheng Hao , Li Huijun , Wang Hongli , Wang Shi-Min , Geng Yanling , Wang Lei
Published: January 2017

Here, we have demonstrated that a metal–organic chain can serve as a template to prepare a heterometallic [2 × 2] grid through a solvent-mediated strategy.
One-pot synthesis of a DNA-anchored SERS nanoprobe with simultaneous nanostructural tuning and Raman reporter encoding
Authors: Li Yun , Liu Xiangjiang , Jiang Di , Yu Zhongzhi , Tian Dalin , Lu Chang , Li Mingyu , He Jianjun , Tang Longhua
Published: January 2017

We report a new simple one-pot synthesis method for a DNA-anchored SERS nanoprobe encoded with Raman reporters.
One-step fabrication and characterization of a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silver hybrid nanofiber mat by electrospinning for multifunctional applications
Authors: Yuan Chun-Gang , Guo Shiwei , Song Jian , Huo Can , Li Yukai , Gui Bing , Zhang Xianmei
Published: January 2017

Preparation and application of a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silver hybrid nanofiber mat by electrospinning.
Facile synthesis of amine-functionalized SBA-15-supported bimetallic Au–Pd nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for hydrogen generation from formic acid
Authors: Xu Lixin , Yao Fang , Luo Jili , Wan Chao , Ye Mingfu , Cui Ping , An Yue
Published: January 2017

Superior catalytic activity arises from synergy between Au–Pd and SBA-15-Amine.
Molecular insight into the microstructure and microscopic dynamics of pyridinium ionic liquids with different alkyl chains based on temperature response
Authors: Zhu Guanglai , Kang Xianqu , Zhou Siwen , Tang Xiaoshuan , Sha Maolin , Cui Zhifeng , Xu Xinsheng
Published: January 2017

High temperature is advantageous to the aggregation of the polar regions as well as the nonpolar regions of pyridinium ionic liquids.
Novel UIO-66-NO2@XC-72 nanohybrid as an electrode material for simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid
Authors: Zhang Wanqing , Chen Jun , Li Yuanchao , Yang Wenxiang , Zhang Yadong , Zhang Yuping
Published: January 2017

The UIO-66-NO2@XC-72 sensor exhibited excellent linear responses to AA, DA and UA due to the synergistic effect of UIO-66-NO2 and XC-72, as well as the hydrogen bond effect. The detection ranges were 0.2–3.5 μM for AA, 0.03–2.0 μM for DA and 0.75–22 μM for UA.
Direct regeneration of cathode materials from spent lithium iron phosphate batteries using a solid phase sintering method
Authors: Song X. , Hu T. , Liang C. , Long H. L. , Zhou L. , Song W. , You L. , Wu Z. S. , Liu J. W.
Published: January 2017

A direct regeneration of cathode materials from spent LiFePO4 batteries using a solid phase sintering method has been proposed in this article.
Daldinone derivatives from the mangrove-derived endophytic fungus Annulohypoxylon sp.
Authors: Liu Yang , Stuhldreier Fabian , Kurtán Tibor , Mándi Attila , Arumugam Sathishkumar , Lin Wenhan , Stork Björn , Wesselborg Sebastian , Weber Horst , Henrich Birgit , Daletos Georgios , Proksch Peter
Published: January 2017

Three new benzo[j]fluoranthene metabolites, including an isolation artefact which induces intrinsic apoptosis and blocks autophagy, were isolated fromAnnulohypoxylonsp.
The solvothermal synthesis of γ-AlOOH nanoflakes and their compression behaviors under high pressures
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Zhang Jian , Ma Yanmei , Tian Hui , Wang Yue , Li Yingai , Jiang Lina , Cui Qiliang
Published: January 2017

The compression behaviors of γ-AlOOH nanoflakes were investigated via in situ high pressure synchrotron radiation angle dispersive X-ray diffraction techniques.
Unveiling the interaction of DNA–octadecylamine at the air–water interface by ultraviolet-visible reflection spectroscopy
Authors: Mora-Boza A. , Lopes-Costa T. , Gámez F. , Pedrosa J. M.
Published: January 2017

In this work, ultraviolet-visible reflection spectroscopy is proposed as a technique that, in combination with classical surface pressure–area isotherms, allows to study in situ the adsorption of DNA to octadecylamine monolayers.
Prednisolone adsorption on lung surfactant models: insights on the formation of nanoaggregates, monolayer collapse and prednisolone spreading
Authors: Estrada-López Evelina D. , Murce Erika , Franca Matheus P. P. , Pimentel Andre S.
Published: January 2017

The adsorption of prednisolone on a lung surfactant model was successfully performed using coarse grained molecular dynamics.
Active-site maturation and activity of the copper-radical oxidase GlxA are governed by a tryptophan residue
Authors: Chaplin Amanda K. , Svistunenko Dimitri A. , Hough Michael A. , Wilson Michael T. , Vijgenboom Erik , Worrall Jonathan A.R.
Published: January 2017

GlxA from Streptomyces lividans is a mononuclear copper-radical oxidase and a member of the auxiliary activity family 5 (AA5). Its domain organisation and low sequence homology make it a distinct member of the AA5 family in which the fungal galactose 6-oxidase (Gox) is the best characterised. GlxA is a key cuproenzyme in the copper-dependent morphological development of S. lividans with a function that is linked to the processing of an extracytoplasmic glycan. The catalytic sites in GlxA and Gox contain two distinct one-electron acceptors comprising the copper ion and a 3′-(S-cysteinyl) tyrosine. The latter is formed post-translationally through a covalent bond between a cysteine and a copper-co-ordinating tyrosine ligand and houses a radical. In GlxA and Gox, a second co-ordination sphere tryptophan residue (Trp288 in GlxA) is present, but the orientation of the indole ring differs between the two enzymes, creating a marked difference in the π–π stacking interaction of the benzyl ring with the 3′-(S-cysteinyl) tyrosine. Differences in the spectroscopic and enzymatic activity have been reported between GlxA and Gox with the indole orientation suggested as a reason. Here, we report a series of in vivo and in vitro studies using the W288F and W288A variants of GlxA to assess the role of Trp288 on the morphology, maturation, spectroscopic and enzymatic properties. Our findings point towards a salient role for Trp288 in the kinetics of copper loading and maturation of GlxA, with its presence essential for stabilising the metalloradical site required for coupling catalytic activity and morphological development.
Interaction studies between periplasmic cytochromes provide insights into extracellular electron transfer pathways ofGeobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Fernandes Ana P. , Nunes Tiago C. , Paquete Catarina M. , Salgueiro Carlos A.
Published: January 2017

Geobacter bacteria usually prevail among other microorganisms in soils and sediments where Fe(III) reduction has a central role. This reduction is achieved by extracellular electron transfer (EET), where the electrons are exported from the interior of the cell to the surrounding environment. Periplasmic cytochromes play an important role in establishing an interface between inner and outer membrane electron transfer components. In addition, periplasmic cytochromes, in particular nanowire cytochromes that contain at least 12 haem groups, have been proposed to play a role in electron storage in conditions of an environmental lack of electron acceptors. Up to date, no redox partners have been identified in Geobacter sulfurreducens, and concomitantly, the EET and electron storage mechanisms remain unclear. In this work, NMR chemical shift perturbation measurements were used to probe for an interaction between the most abundant periplasmic cytochrome PpcA and the dodecahaem cytochrome GSU1996, one of the proposed nanowire cytochromes in G. sulfurreducens. The perturbations on the haem methyl signals of GSU1996 and PpcA showed that the proteins form a transient redox complex in an interface that involves haem groups from two different domains located at the C-terminal of GSU1996. Overall, the present study provides for the first time a clear evidence for an interaction between periplasmic cytochromes that might be relevant for the EET and electron storage pathways in G. sulfurreducens.
Functional analysis of the mammalian RNA ligase for IRE1 in the unfolded protein response
Authors: Poothong Juthakorn , Tirasophon Witoon , Kaufman Randal J.
Published: January 2017

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved signalling pathway activated on the accumulation of unfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), termed ER stress. Upon ER stress, HAC1/XBP1 undergoes exon/intron-specific excision by inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) to remove an intron and liberate the 5′ and 3′ exons. In yeast, the 5′ and 3′ HAC1 exons are subsequently ligated by tRNA ligase (Rlg1p), whereas XBP1 ligation in mammalian cells is catalysed by a recently identified ligase, RtcB. In the present study, RNA ligase activity of the human RtcB (hRtcB) involved in the unconventional splicing of XBP1/HAC1 mRNA was explored in an rlg1-100 mutant yeast strain. Distinct from Escherichia coli RtcB and Rlg1p, expression of hRtcB alone inefficiently complemented HAC1/XBP1 splicing and the hRtcB cofactor (archease) was required to promote enzymatic activity of hRtcB to catalyse RNA ligation.
Interactions between microsatellite instability and human gut colonization byEscherichia coliin colorectal cancer
Authors: Gagnière Johan , Bonnin Virginie , Jarrousse Anne-Sophie , Cardamone Emilie , Agus Allison , Uhrhammer Nancy , Sauvanet Pierre , Déchelotte Pierre , Barnich Nicolas , Bonnet Richard , Pezet Denis , Bonnet Mathilde
Published: January 2017

Recent studies suggest that colonization of colonic mucosa by pathogenic Escherichia coli could be involved in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), especially through the production of genotoxins such as colibactin and/or by interfering with the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway that leads to microsatellite instability (MSI). The present study, performed on 88 CRC patients, revealed a significant increase in E. coli colonization in the MSI CRC phenotype. In the same way, E. coli persistence and internalization were increased in vitro in MMR-deficient cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that colibactin-producing E. coli induce inhibition of the mutL homologue 1 (MLH1) MMR proteins, which could lead to genomic instability. However, colibactin-producing E. coli were more frequently identified in microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. The present study suggests differences in the involvement of colibactin-producing E. coli in colorectal carcinogenesis according to the CRC phenotype. Further host–pathogen interactions studies should take into account CRC phenotypes.
Relay selection Algorithm for wireless cooperative networks: a learning‐based approach
Authors: Jadoon Muhammad Awais , Kim Sunghwan
Published: January 2017

Relay selection in cooperative communication is a crucial task for achieving the spatial diversity since the improper relay selection can decrease the overall capacity of the network. In this study, the authors use a reinforcement learning technique, called as Q‐learning (QL), to solve the relay selection problem. They propose a ‘QL‐based relay selection algorithm’ (QL‐RSA) for wireless cooperative networks that maximises the total capacity of the network. QL‐RSA receives the reward (feedback) in terms of the capacity by learning a multi‐node amplify‐and‐forward cooperative environment with time‐varying Rayleigh fading channels. The advantages of QL‐RSA are that it is less complex, requires less channel feedback information and it is distributed in a multiple‐sources environment as it provides each source a self‐learning capability to find the optimal relay without exchanging information with other source nodes.
Analysis and design of tapered slot antenna with high gain for ultra‐wideband based on optimisation of the metamaterial unit layout
Authors: Sang Lei , Li Xiangxiang , Chen Tao , Lv Guoqiang
Published: January 2017

To further develop the advantages of loading artificial material units, layout rules of unit cells were investigated and presented for the first time in this study. Based on the analysis of transmission characters of metamaterial unit cells, some tapered slot antennas loaded with different unit layouts were designed. The result comparison showed that after the layout optimisation, the operation frequency band with a gain above 10 dB increased by about 13% and the gain increased by 0.4–2.6 dB in the high frequency band. In addition, the sidelobe level of H‐plane also decreased by 0.7–4 dB at different frequency points.
Complex dielectric permittivity extraction based on multilayer thin film microstrip lines
Authors: Norooziarab Majid , Bulja Senad , Cahill Robert , Kopf Rose , Tate Al
Published: January 2017

This study presents an analytical method for the extraction of the complex relative permittivity of multi‐layered dielectric substrates that are used to construct thin film microstrip lines (TFMLs). The proposed approach is based on the analysis of an equivalent parallel plate waveguide filled with a dielectric material whose relative dielectric permittivity is the effective dielectric permittivity of the corresponding TFML. The extraction technique relies only on the knowledge of the complex propagation constant obtained from S‐parameter measurements and is applicable to a wide range of line dimensions and dielectric permittivity values. For experimental verification, several TFMLs were fabricated, and from the measured scattering parameters, the complex dielectric characteristics of each device are extracted. The extracted relative permittivity and loss tangent values are then compared with the dielectric parameters obtained from a numerical technique based on full wave analyses. The accuracy of the proposed analytical method is shown to be approximately 15 and 5% for the fabricated TFMLs with ratios of the microstrip line width (W) to dielectric thickness (H), (W/H) of 4 and 80, respectively.
Qualitätsindikatoren für die Krankenhaushygiene in Internet-Patientenportalen – Analyse der Umsetzungshäufigkeit und Bewertung
der Eignung als Vergleichsparameter aus Krankenhaussicht
Authors: Haking Dennis
Published: January 2017

Zielsetzung Die in Internet-Patientenportalen genutzten Indikatoren für die Hygienequalität deutscher Krankenhäuser werden auf ihren
Umsetzungsgrad und ihre Eignung als Vergleichsparameter untersucht.

Methodik Mithilfe eines Onlinefragebogens wurde eine deutschlandweite Befragung gemäß der Zielsetzung durchgeführt. Die Datenanalyse
erfolgte mithilfe statistischer Analyseverfahren größen-, träger- und berufsgruppenspezifisch.

Ergebnisse Insbesondere rechtlich vorgeschriebene Maßnahmen wie Mitarbeiterschulungen und eine regelmäßig tagende Hygienekommission
werden von nahezu allen Krankenhäusern umgesetzt. Unterschiede gibt es bei den „freiwilligen“ Maßnahmen wie der „Aktion Saubere Hände“.
Diese werden speziell von den kleinen Häusern weniger häufig durchgeführt und auch in ihrer Eignung als Vergleichsparameter schlechter
bewertet. Auffällig ist, dass eine Vielzahl der Maßnahmen durch das Hygienepersonal deutlich besser bewertet wird als durch die
Geschäftsführung.

Schlussfolgerung Eine vollständige Transparenz ist für den Patienten nicht gegeben. Er kann nicht genau erkennen, welche Maßnahmen
gesetzlich vorgegeben und welche freiwillig sind, und kann dementsprechend die Bemühungen der einzelnen Krankenhäuser nicht richtig
einschätzen. Eine Vergleichbarkeit ist nur teilweise gegeben.
Antichlamydial Dimeric Indole Derivatives from Marine Actinomycete Rubrobacter radiotolerans
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Dandan , Huang Lei , Ni Min , Zhao Yu , Fan Huizhou , Bao Xiaofeng
Published: January 2017

Chlamydiae are widely distributed pathogens of human populations, which can lead to serious reproductive and other health problems. In our search for novel antichlamydial metabolites from marine derived-microorganisms, one new (1) and two known (2, 3) dimeric indole derivatives were isolated from the sponge-derived actinomycete Rubrobacter radiotolerans. The chemical structures of these metabolites were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic data as well as CD calculations. All three metabolites suppressed chlamydial growth in a concentration-dependent manner. Among them, compound 1 exhibited the most effective antichlamydial activity with IC50 values of 46.6 ~ 96.4 µM in the production of infectious progeny. Compounds appeared to target the mid-stage of the chlamydial developmental cycle by interfering with reticular body replication, but not directly inactivating the infectious elementary body.
Quantitative Determination of Lactones in Piper methysticum (Kava-Kava) by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
Authors: Murauer Adele , Ganzera Markus
Published: January 2017

A fast and validated supercritical fluid chromatography method for the quantitative determination of major lactones in Piper methysticum, a plant used against nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness, was developed. The baseline separation of dihydrokavain, demethoxyyangonin, kavain, yangonin, dihydromethysticin, and methysticin was possible in less than 4 min on an Aquity UPC2 BEH 1.7 µm column, in combination with a mobile phase comprising CO2 and methanol with diethylamine. The column temperature had a great impact on the results because only at 70 °C could kavain and yangonin be fully resolved. With correlation coefficients above 0.998, recovery rates between 95.9 and 104.1 % as well as limit of detection values below 1.5 ng on-column, the procedure fulfilled all validation requirements and was well suited for the quantitative analysis of commercial products containing P. methysticum root powder and/or extract. All of them contained the target analytes, however, the absolute content of lactones was quite variable. Accordingly, depending on the product, the total daily intake of lactones varied from 56 to 312 mg. Concerning speed, selectivity, and environmental friendly operation, this supercritical fluid chromatography approach surpasses all previously reported ones.
Identifying two regimes of slip of simple fluids over smooth surfaces with weak and strong wall-fluid interaction energies
Authors: Hu Haibao , Bao Luyao , Priezjev Nikolai V. , Luo Kai
Published: January 2017

The slip behavior of simple fluids over atomically smooth surfaces was investigated in a wide range of wall-fluid interaction (WFI) energies at low shear rates using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The relationship between slip and WFI shows two regimes (the strong-WFI and weak-WFI regimes): as WFI decreases, the slip length increases in the strong-WFI regime and decreases in the weak-WFI regime. The critical value of WFI energy that separates these regimes increases with temperature, but it remains unaffected by the driving force. The mechanism of slip was analyzed by examining the density-weighted average energy barrier (ΔE¯) encountered by fluid atoms in the first fluid layer (FFL) during their hopping between minima of the surface potential. We demonstrated that the relationship between slip and WFI can be rationalized by considering the effect of the fluid density distribution in the FFL on ΔE¯ as a function of the WFI energy. Moreover, the dependence of the slip length on WFI and temperature is well correlated with the exponential factor exp(−ΔE¯/(kBT)), which also determines the critical value of WFI between the strong-WFI and weak-WFI regimes.
High power microwave source for a plasma wakefield experiment
Authors: Shafir G. , Shlapakovski A. , Siman-Tov M. , Bliokh Yu. , Leopold J. G. , Gleizer S. , Gad R. , Rostov V. V. , Krasik Ya. E.
Published: January 2017

The results of the generation of a high-power microwave (∼550 MW, 0.5 ns, ∼9.6 GHz) beam and feasibility of wakefield-excitation with this beam in under-dense plasma are presented. The microwave beam is generated by a backward wave oscillator (BWO) operating in the superradiance regime. The BWO is driven by a high-current electron beam (∼250 keV, ∼1.5 kA, ∼5 ns) propagating through a slow-wave structure in a guiding magnetic field of 2.5 T. The microwave beam is focused at the desired location by a dielectric lens. Experimentally obtained parameters of the microwave beam at its waist are used for numerical simulations, the results of which demonstrate the formation of a bubble in the plasma that has almost 100% electron density modulation and longitudinal and transverse electric fields of several kV/cm.
Spectral irradiance of singly and doubly ionized zinc in low-intensity laser-plasma ultraviolet light sources
Authors: Szilagyi John , Parchamy Homaira , Masnavi Majid , Richardson Martin
Published: January 2017

The absolute spectral irradiances of laser-plasmas produced from planar zinc targets are determined over a wavelength region of 150 to 250 nm. Strong spectral radiation is generated using 60 ns full-width-at-half-maximum, 1.0 μm wavelength laser pulses with incident laser intensities as low as ∼5 × 108 W cm−2. A typical radiation conversion efficiency of ∼2%/2πsr is measured. Numerical calculations using a comprehensive radiation-hydrodynamics model reveal the strong experimental spectra to originate mainly from 3d94s4p-3d94s2, 3d94s4d-3d94s4p, and 3d94p-3d94s, 3d94d-3d94p unresolved-transition arrays in singly and doubly ionized zinc, respectively.
A dislocation-based explanation of quasi-elastic release in shock-loaded aluminum
Authors: Yao Song-Lin , Pei Xiao-Yang , Yu Ji-Dong , Bai Jing-Song , Wu Qiang
Published: January 2017

A novel explanation of the quasi-elastic release phenomenon in shock-compressed aluminum is presented. A dislocation-based model, taking into account dislocation substructures and evolution, is applied to simulate the elastic–plastic response of both single-crystal and polycrystalline aluminum. The calculated results are in good agreement with experimental results from not only the velocity profiles but also the shear strength and dislocation density, which demonstrate the accuracy of our simulations. Simulated results indicate that dislocation immobilization during dynamic deformation results in a smooth increase in the yield stress, which leads to the quasi-elastic release, while the generation of dislocations caused by the plastic release wave results in the appearance of a transition point between the quasi-elastic release and the plastic release in the profile.
An insight of p-type to n-type conductivity conversion in oxygen ion-implanted ultrananocrystalline diamond films by impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Hui , Ye Haitao , Coathup David , Mitrovic Ivona Z. , Weerakkody Ayendra D. , Hu Xiaojun
Published: January 2017

The impedance spectroscopy measurements were used to investigate the separated contributions of diamond grains and grain boundaries (GBs), giving an insight into p-type to n-type conductivity conversion in O+-implanted ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films. It is found that both diamond grains and GBs promote the conductivity in O+-implanted UNCD films, in which GBs make at least half contribution. The p-type conductivity in O+-implanted samples is a result of H-terminated diamond grains, while n-type conductive samples are closely correlated with O-terminated O+-implanted diamond grains and GBs in the films. The results also suggest that low resistance of GBs is preferable to obtain high mobility n-type conductive UNCD films.
Flexible amorphous metal films with high stability
Authors: Liu M. , Cao C. R. , Lu Y. M. , Wang W. H. , Bai H. Y.
Published: January 2017

We report the formation of amorphous Cu50Zr50 films with a large-area of more than 100 cm2. The films were fabricated by ion beam assisted deposition with a slow deposition rate at moderate temperature. The amorphous films have markedly enhanced thermal stability, excellent flexibility, and high reflectivity with atomic level smoothness. The multifunctional properties of the amorphous films are favorites in the promising applications of smart skin or wearable devices. The method of preparing highly stable amorphous metal films by tuning the deposition rate instead of deposition temperature could pave a way for exploring amorphous metal films with unique properties.
Simulation study on nitrogen vibrational and translational temperature in air breakdown plasma generated by 110 GHz focused microwave pulse
Authors: Yang Wei , Zhou Qianhong , Dong Zhiwei
Published: January 2017

We report a simulation study on nitrogen vibrational and translational temperature in 3 μs pulse 110 GHz microwave air breakdown at pressure from 1 Torr to 100 Torr. The one-dimensional model is based on a self-consistent solution to Helmholtz equation for microwave field, electron density equation, and the average energy equation for electrons, nitrogen vibrational, and translational degrees. The breakdown threshold is calculated from the transmitted microwave profile, and it agrees well with that from experiment. The spatio-temporal characteristics of vibrational and translational temperature are shown, and the peak values at the end of pulse are compared to the results fitted from optical emission spectroscopy. The dependences of vibrational and translational temperature on normalized microwave fields and gas pressure are investigated, and the underlying mechanisms are unveiled.
Two wavelength operation of an acousto-optically tuned quantum cascade laser and direct measurements of quantum cascade laser level lifetimes
Authors: Patel C. Kumar N. , Barron-Jimenez Rodolfo , Dunayevskiy Ilya , Tsvid Gene , Lyakh Arkadiy
Published: January 2017

We report simultaneous two wavelength operation of an acousto-optically tuned quantum cascade laser (QCL). The two wavelengths can be independently tuned as well as independently switched, retaining the submicrosecond switching capability. In addition, we have used the two wavelength operation as a tool for the direct measure of the lifetimes of the lasing states in a practical QCL. The lifetime measurements in an operational QCL are facilitated by our ability to vary the frequency separation between two simultaneously lasing wavelengths. The measured lifetime is 0.6 ps ± 0.2 ps for our quantum cascade laser. The two wavelength operation of QCLs paves the way for time resolved pump/probe studies of infrared phenomena and provides direct insight into the effectiveness of various QCL structure designs.
Size-dependent magnetic properties of branchlike nickel oxide nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Dan , Li Dongsheng , Yang Deren
Published: January 2017

Branchlike nickel oxide nanocrystals with narrow size distribution are obtained by a solution growth method. The size-dependent of magnetic properties of the nickel oxides were investigated. The results of magnetic characterization indicate that the NiO nanocrystals with size below 12.8 nm show very weak ferromagnetic state at room temperature due to the uncompensated spins. Both of the average blocking temperature (Tb) and the irreversible temperature (Tirr) increase with the increase of nanoparticle sizes, while both the remnant magnetization and the coercivity at 300 K increase with the decrease of the particle sizes. Moreover, the disappearance of two-magnon (2M) band and redshift of one-phonon longitudinal (1LO) and two-phonon LO in vibrational properties due to size reduction are observed. Compared to the one with the spherical morphological, it is also found that nano-structured nickel oxides with the branchlike morphology have larger remnant magnetization and the coercivity at 5 K due to their larger surface-to-volume ratio and greater degree of broken symmetry at the surface or the higher proportion of broken bonds.
Low noise terahertz MgB2 hot-electron bolometer mixers with an 11 GHz bandwidth
Authors: Novoselov E. , Cherednichenko S.
Published: January 2017

Terahertz (THz) hot-electron bolometer mixers reach a unique combination of low noise, wide noise bandwidth, and high operation temperature when 6 nm thick superconducting MgB2 films are used. We obtained a noise bandwidth of 11 GHz with a minimum receiver noise temperature of 930 K with a 1.63 THz Local Oscillator (LO), and a 5 K operation temperature. At 15 K and 20 K, the noise temperature is 1100 K and 1600 K, respectively. From 0.69 THz to 1.63 THz, the receiver noise increases by only 12%. Device current-voltage characteristics are identical when pumped with LOs from 0.69 THz up to 2.56 THz, and match well with IVs at elevated temperatures. Therefore, the effect of the THz waves on the mixer is totally thermal, due to absorption in the π conduction band of MgB2.
BaM/YIG nano-composites: A microwave material for C to U band application
Authors: Sharma Vipul , Kumari Sweta , Kuanr Bijoy Kumar
Published: January 2017

Hexaferrites have become important candidates for a variety of microwave and millimeter wave devices due to their large uniaxial magneto-crystalline anisotropy and high saturation magnetization. The goal of the present investigation is to synthesize Barium hexaferrite/Yttrium Iron Garnet (BaFe12O19/Y3Fe5O12): (BaM/YIG) Nano-Composites (NCs) to be used in broad band microwave frequency range applications, especially as microwave absorber. X-ray diffractometry, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) techniques were used to characterize these NCs. Using a Cu coplanar wave guide and a Vector Network Analyzer, broadband (C to U) microwave absorption were investigated by placing the bulk sample in flip chip mode. Various mathematical models were employed to fit the experimental data to yield intrinsic and extrinsic damping parameters.
Design and analysis of a 3D-flux flux-switching permanent magnet machine with SMC cores and ferrite magnets
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Wang Youhua , Lei Gang , Guo Youguang , Zhu Jianguo
Published: January 2017

Since permanent magnets (PM) are stacked between the adjacent stator teeth and there are no windings or PMs on the rotor, flux-switching permanent magnet machine (FSPMM) owns the merits of good flux concentrating and robust rotor structure. Compared with the traditional PM machines, FSPMM can provide higher torque density and better thermal dissipation ability. Combined with the soft magnetic composite (SMC) material and ferrite magnets, this paper proposes a new 3D-flux FSPMM (3DFFSPMM). The topology and operation principle are introduced. It can be found that the designed new 3DFFSPMM has many merits over than the traditional FSPMM for it can utilize the advantages of SMC material. Moreover, the PM flux of this new motor can be regulated by using the mechanical method. 3D finite element method (FEM) is used to calculate the magnetic field and parameters of the motor, such as flux density, inductance, PM flux linkage and efficiency map. The demagnetization analysis of the ferrite magnet is also addressed to ensure the safety operation of the proposed motor.
Detection and estimation of magnetization induced resonances in unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors
Authors: Prabhu Gaunkar N. , Bulu I. , Song Y. Q. , Mina M. , Jiles D. C.
Published: January 2017

In this work a systematic identification of factors contributing to signal ringing in unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors is conducted. Resonant peaks that originate due to multiple factors such as NMR, electrical, magneto-acoustic, core material response, eddy currents and other factors were observed. The peaks caused by the measurement system or electrical resonances and induced magnet vibrations are further analyzed. They appear in every measurement and are considered as interference to signals received from the magnetic core. Forming a distinction between different peaks is essential in identifying the primary contribution to the captured resonant signal. The measurements for the magnetic core indicate that the magnetization induced resonant peaks of the core have relatively higher amplitudes and shorter decay times at low frequencies.
Influence of fire regime and other habitat factors on a eucalypt forest bird community in south-eastern Australia in the 1980s
Authors: Smith Peter , Smith Judy
Published: January 2017

We investigated bird habitat relationships in extensive eucalypt forest in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, in 1986–87, assessing the importance of fire regime variables compared with other habitat variables. Our study sites encompassed a wide range of postfire ages, fire frequencies and fire severity, but we found no major bird community differences corresponding to differences in fire regime. The more common forest bird species appeared well adapted to fire regime variation in the 1980s. Tree canopy height was a far greater influence, with more species and more birds in taller forests (interpreted as a result of higher soil fertility leading to higher productivity of bird foods and greater structural complexity in taller forests). Other trends were fewer birds where there was a rainforest understorey under the eucalypts (reflecting the general scarcity of rainforest birds in the Blue Mountains), and more birds where nectar-rich flowers were more abundant (reflecting the abundance of nectarivorous birds in the Blue Mountains, especially over winter). The climate has changed since the 1980s and fires threaten to become much more severe, extensive and frequent. How these changes will impact on forest birds, and what management responses are required, is a critical area for further study.
What’s happening to our universities?
Authors: Martin Ben R.
Published: January 2017

In recent decades, many universities have been moving in the direction of a more hierarchical and centralised structure, with top-down planning and reduced local autonomy for departments. Yet, the management literature over this period has stressed the numerous benefits of flatter organisational structures, decentralisation and local autonomy for sections or departments. What might explain this paradox? And why have academics remained strangely quiet about this, meekly accepting their fate? This proposition paper critically examines the dangers of centralised top-down management, increasingly bureaucratic procedures, teaching to a prescribed formula, and research driven by assessment and performance targets, illustrating these with a number of specific examples. It discusses a number of possible forces driving these worrying developments, and concludes by asking whether academics may be in danger of suffering the fate of the boiled frog.
A chronicle of PA journals
Authors: Hooker Roderick S.
Published: January 2017

At its semicentennial mark, the PA profession appears to be flourishing. Over the past 50 years, a number of journals have emerged to highlight the development of the profession and offer observations on it. The Physician Associate Journal, launched in 1970, was the first foray into PA reporting. Following this small effort, a dozen journals or newspapers came into print, lasted for a while, and then were replaced or died. Of journals that survived to the present, four are in English and one in Dutch. Three of the five journals are association-based, and four produce clinical articles; publication is monthly, quarterly, or semiannually. Two journals produce original health services research or studies on the PA education process and have citable track records. Readership of all journals is growing, and collectively these periodicals produce a body of scholarly work that clarifies the PA as a healthcare professional growing on a world stage. This article describes the journalistic history of one aspect of PA development.
Effect of Freeze-Dried Allograft Bone With Human Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Containing a Collagen-Binding Domain From Clostridium histolyticum Collagenase on Bone Formation After Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion Surgery in Rats
Authors: Inoue Gen , Uchida Kentaro , Matsushita Osamu , Fujimaki Hisako , Saito Wataru , Miyagi Masayuki , Sekiguchi Hiroyuki , Nishi Nozomu , Ohtori Seiji , Yogoro Mizuki , Takaso Masashi
Published: January 2017

Study Design.

An experimental study.

Objective.

To evaluate the effectiveness of freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) fused with the polycystic kidney disease domain (PKD) and the collagen-binding domain (CBD) of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase, for the acceleration of lumbar posterolateral fusion in rats.

Summary of Background Data.

Reports indicate bFGF is an effective growth factor with osteogenic potential for promoting bone regeneration, although its efficiency decreases rapidly following its diffusion in body fluid from the host site. We developed a bFGF fusion protein containing the PKD and the CBD of C histolyticum collagenase (bFGF-PKD-CBD), which markedly enhanced bone formation at a relatively low concentration when applied to the surface of rat femurs in a previous study. The potential of this novel protein to accelerate bone fusion in a rat model of lumbar posterolateral fusion has yet to be investigated.

Methods.

Bilateral L4-L5 posterolateral fusions were performed, using 150 mg of FDBA powder per side. A total of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200 to 250 g/each were divided into two groups of 10 rats: FDBA was incubated with either phosphate-buffered saline (control group) or 0.58 nmol bFGF-PKD-CBD (bFGF-PKD-CBD group) before fusion surgery. The effect of bFGF-PKD-CBD was estimated using radiographs, microcomputed tomography, and histology (hematoxylin-eosin and von Kossa staining).

Results.

Both grafted bone volume in the posterolateral lesion and the volume of new bone formation on the surface of laminae and spinal processes were significantly higher in the bFGF-PKD-CBD group than in the control group. Histologically, new bone formation and surrounding chondrocytes and fibroblasts were prominent in the bFGF-PKD-CBD group.

Conclusion.

FDBA infused with bFGF-PKD-CBD may be a promising material for accelerating spinal fusion, and the FDBA-based delivery system for localizing bFGF-PKD-CBD may offer novel therapeutic approaches to augment spinal fusion.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Treatment of Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery Complications
Authors: Yañez Arauz Juan M.
Published: January 2017

Percutaneous foot surgery is a surgical method of treating various bone and soft-tissue disorders of the foot. In hallux valgus pathology, it is called minimal incision surgery, and is another method to treat this disorder. As in all surgical techniques, there are complications in minimal incision hallux valgus surgery. In general, in percutaneous surgery, there have been reports of recurrence on the hallux valgus deformity or development of the opposite deformity (hallux varus), malunion, nonunion, head metatarsal necrosis, clawed hallux, and transfer keratotic lesions that cause pain, thermal injuries, and other complications. We describe some of the most frequent complications in minimally invasive surgery of the hallux valgus, and how to correct it.

Level of Evidence:Diagnostic Level 5. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Lesser Metatarsal Complications After MIS Surgery
Authors: Khazen Gabriel , Wagner Pablo , Wagner Emilio
Published: January 2017

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lesser metatarsals is performed through percutaneous incisions, with minimal scar formation. Nevertheless, MIS can have significant complications that may result in poor outcomes, forefoot pain, and metatarsalgia requiring further complex open revision surgery. These complications occur after inappropriate or poor surgical technique, lack of surgeon’s experience, and poor patient selection. The most frequent complication is metatarsalgia that occurs secondary to metatarsal malunion or nonunion. MIS is a technique that has to be carefully chosen for specific morbidities and performed only under experienced hands.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 5. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Racial and Ethnic Variation in Pediatric Cardiac Extracorporeal Life Support Survival
Authors: Chan Titus , Di Gennaro Jane , Farris Reid W. D. , Radman Monique , McMullan David Michael
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

Previous studies have suggested an association between nonwhite race and poor outcomes in small subsets of cardiac surgery patients who require extracorporeal life support. This study aims to examine the association of race/ethnicity with mortality in pediatric patients who receive extracorporeal life support for cardiac support.

Design:

Retrospective analysis of registry data.

Setting:

Prospectively collected multi-institutional registry data.

Subjects:

Data from all North American pediatric patients in the Extracorporeal Life Support International Registry who received extracorporeal life support for cardiac support between 1998 and 2012 were analyzed. Multivariate regression models were constructed to examine the association between race/ethnicity and hospital mortality, adjusting for demographics, diagnosis, pre-extracorporeal life support care, extracorporeal life support variables, and extracorporeal life support-related complications.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Of 7,106 patients undergoing cardiac extracorporeal life support, the majority of patients were of white race (56.9%) with black race (16.7%), Hispanic ethnicity (15.8%), and Asian race (2.8%) comprising the other major race/ethnic groups. The mortality rate was 53.9% (n = 3,831). After adjusting for covariates, multivariate analysis identified black race (relative risk = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.16) and Hispanic ethnicity (relative risk = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02–1.14) as independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusions:

Black race and Hispanic ethnicity are independently associated with mortality in children who require cardiac extracorporeal life support.