bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black TiO2 nanobelts/g-C3N4 nanosheets Laminated Heterojunctions with Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Shen Liyan , Xing Zipeng , Zou Jinlong , Li Zhenzi , Wu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuchi , Zhu Qi , Yang Shilin , Zhou Wei
Published: February 2017

Black TiO2 nanobelts/g-C3N4 nanosheets laminated heterojunctions (b-TiO2/g-C3N4) as visible-light-driven photocatalysts are fabricated through a simple hydrothermal-calcination process and an in-situ solid-state chemical reduction approach, followed by the mild thermal treatment (350 °C) in argon atmosphere. The prepared samples are evidently investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 adsorption, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, respectively. The results show that special laminated heterojunctions are formed between black TiO2 nanobelts and g-C3N4 nanosheets, which favor the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Furthermore, the presence of Ti3+ and g-C3N4 greatly enhance the absorption of visible light. The resultant b-TiO2/g-C3N4 materials exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than that of g-C3N4, TiO2, b-TiO2 and TiO2/g-C3N4 for degradation of methyl orange (95%) and hydrogen evolution (555.8 μmol h−1g−1) under visible light irradiation. The apparent reaction rate constant (k) of b-TiO2/g-C3N4 is ~9 times higher than that of pristine TiO2. Therefore, the high-efficient laminated heterojunction composites will have potential applications in fields of environment and energy.
Transcriptome sequencing identifies novel persistent viruses in herbicide resistant wild-grasses
Authors: Sabbadin Federico , Glover Rachel , Stafford Rebecca , Rozado-Aguirre Zuriñe , Boonham Neil , Adams Ian , Mumford Rick , Edwards Robert
Published: February 2017

Herbicide resistance in wild grasses is widespread in the UK, with non-target site resistance (NTSR) to multiple chemistries being particularly problematic in weed control. As a complex trait, NTSR is driven by complex evolutionary pressures and the growing awareness of the role of the phytobiome in plant abiotic stress tolerance, led us to sequence the transcriptomes of herbicide resistant and susceptible populations of black-grass and annual rye-grass for the presence of endophytes. Black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides; Am) populations, displaying no overt disease symptoms, contained three previously undescribed viruses belonging to the Partititiviridae (AMPV1 and AMPV2) and Rhabdoviridae (AMVV1) families. These infections were widespread in UK black-grass populations and evidence was obtained for similar viruses being present in annual rye grass (Lolium rigidum), perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne) and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis). In black-grass, while no direct causative link was established linking viral infection to herbicide resistance, transcriptome sequencing showed a high incidence of infection in the NTSR Peldon population. The widespread infection of these weeds by little characterised and persistent viruses and their potential evolutionary role in enhancing plant stress tolerance mechanisms including NTSR warrants further investigation.
Fungal endophyte-derived Fritillaria unibracteata var. wabuensis: diversity, antioxidant capacities in vitro and relations to phenolic, flavonoid or saponin compounds
Authors: Pan Feng , Su Tian-Jiao , Cai Shi-Mei , Wu Wei
Published: February 2017

Diverse fungal endophytes are rich fungal resources for the production of an enormous quantity of natural products. In the present study, 53 fungal endophytes were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria unibracteata var. wabuensis (FUW). Of these, 49 strains were identified and grouped into 17 different taxa, and priority was conferred to the Fusarium genus. All fungal fermented filtrates displayed antioxidant activities. The DPPH activity, total antioxidant capacities (ABTS), reduction power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total saponin content (TSC) were evaluated using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butyl alcohol and ethanol fractions extracted from five representative fungal cultures. The last three fractions showed more potent antioxidant activity than the first fraction. Significant positive correlations were found between the compositions (TPC, TFC and TSC) and antioxidant capacities (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP). In addition, multifarious natural antioxidant components were identified from the fungal extracts, including gallic acid, rutin, phlorizin, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and 2,6-di-tert-butyl hydroquinone; these were determined preliminarily by TLC-bioautography, HPLC and GC-MS analysis. This study showed abundant fungal resources in FUW. Phenolics, flavonoids and saponins are crucial bioactive constituents in these abundant fungal endophytes and can be viewed as new potential antioxidant resources.
The ATP binding cassette transporter, ABCG1, localizes to cortical actin filaments
Authors: Pandzic Elvis , Gelissen Ingrid C. , Whan Renee , Barter Philip J. , Sviridov Dmitri , Gaus Katharina , Rye Kerry-Anne , Cochran Blake J.
Published: February 2017

The ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) exports cellular cholesterol to high-density lipoproteins (HDL). However, a number of recent studies have suggested ABCG1 is predominantly localised to intracellular membranes. In this study, we found that ABCG1 was organized into two distinct cellular pools: one at the plasma membrane and the other associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The plasma membrane fraction was organized into filamentous structures that were associated with cortical actin filaments. Inhibition of actin polymerization resulted in complete disruption of ABCG1 filaments. Cholesterol loading of the cells increased the formation of the filamentous ABCG1, the proximity of filamentous ABCG1 to actin filaments and the diffusion rate of membrane associated ABCG1. Our findings suggest that the actin cytoskeleton plays a critical role in the plasma membrane localization of ABCG1.
Quantitative global proteome and lysine succinylome analyses provide insights into metabolic regulation and lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer
Authors: Song Yongxi , Wang Jun , Cheng Zhongyi , Gao Peng , Sun Jingxu , Chen Xiaowan , Chen Chen , Wang Yunlong , Wang Zhenning
Published: February 2017

With the rapid development of high-throughput quantitative proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, the molecular mechanisms of cancers have been comprehensively explored. However, cancer is a multi-dimensional disease with sophisticated regulations, and few studies focus on the crosstalk among multiomics. In order to explore the molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer (GC), particularly in the process of lymph node metastasis (LNM), we investigated dynamic profiling changes as well as crosstalk between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), the proteome, and the lysine succinylome. Our study reports the first qualitative and quantitative profile of lysine succinylation in GC. We identified a novel mechanism through which the TCA cycle and pentose phosphate pathway might be regulated through lysine succinylation in their core enzymes. We then examined the potential of using lysine succinylation as a biomarker for GC and successfully developed a succinylation-dependent antibody for the K569 site in Caldesmon as putative biomarker. Finally, we investigated the relationship between the lysine succinylome and lncRNAs, identifying potential crosstalks between two lncRNAs and one succinylation site. These results expand our understanding of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provide new information for the diagnosis and prognosis of GC.
Proteome and Acetylome Analysis Identifies Novel Pathways and Targets Regulated by Perifosine in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Gu Xiao , Hua Zhongyan , Dong Yudi , Zhan Yue , Zhang Xiaowen , Tian Wei , Liu Zhihui , Thiele Carol J. , Li Zhijie
Published: February 2017

Perifosine, an Akt inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in controlling neuroblastoma tumor growth. However, studies indicate that in addition to the ability to inhibit Akt, other mechanisms contribute to perifosine’s anti-tumor activity. To gain insight into perifosine anti-tumor activity in neuroblastoma we have studied changes in the proteome and acetylome after perifosine treatment in SK-N-AS neuroblastoma cells using SILAC labeling, affinity enrichment, high-resolution and LC-MS/MS analysis. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that, a total of 5,880 proteins and 3,415 lysine acetylation sites were quantified in SK-N-AS cells and 216 differentially expressed proteins and 115 differentially expressed lysine acetylation sites were obtained. These differentially expressed proteins and lysine acetylated proteins were involved in a number of different biological functions, metabolic pathways and pathophysiological processes. This study details the impact of perifosine on proteome and lysine acetylome in SK-N-AS cells and expands our understanding of the mechanisms of perifosine action in neuroblastoma.
Turbulent chimeras in large semiconductor laser arrays
Authors: Shena J. , Hizanidis J. , Kovanis V. , Tsironis G. P.
Published: February 2017

Semiconductor laser arrays have been investigated experimentally and theoretically from the viewpoint of temporal and spatial coherence for the past forty years. In this work, we are focusing on a rather novel complex collective behavior, namely chimera states, where synchronized clusters of emitters coexist with unsynchronized ones. For the first time, we find such states exist in large diode arrays based on quantum well gain media with nearest-neighbor interactions. The crucial parameters are the evanescent coupling strength and the relative optical frequency detuning between the emitters of the array. By employing a recently proposed figure of merit for classifying chimera states, we provide quantitative and qualitative evidence for the observed dynamics. The corresponding chimeras are identified as turbulent according to the irregular temporal behavior of the classification measure.
Terahertz imaging for early screening of diabetic foot syndrome: A proof of concept
Authors: Hernandez-Cardoso G. G. , Rojas-Landeros S. C. , Alfaro-Gomez M. , Hernandez-Serrano A. I. , Salas-Gutierrez I. , Lemus-Bedolla E. , Castillo-Guzman A. R. , Lopez-Lemus H. L. , Castro-Camus E.
Published: February 2017

Most people with diabetes suffer some deterioration of the feet. Diabetic foot syndrome causes ulceration in about 15% of cases and such deterioration leads to amputation in about 2.5% of diabetic patients, diminishing their quality of life and generating extraordinary costs for patients and public health systems. Currently, there is no objective method for the detection of diabetic foot syndrome in its early stages. We propose terahertz imaging as a method for the evaluation of such deterioration. This screening method could aid the prevention and medical treatment of this condition in the future.
A novel indication of platonin, a therapeutic immunomodulating medicine, on neuroprotection against ischemic stroke in mice
Authors: Sheu Joen-Rong , Chen Zhih-Cherng , Jayakumar Thanasekaran , Chou Duen-Suey , Yen Ting-Lin , Lee Hsing-Ni , Pan Szu-Han , Hsia Chih-Hsuan , Yang Chih-Hao , Hsieh Cheng-Ying
Published: February 2017

Thrombosis and stroke are major causes of disability and death worldwide. However, the regular antithrombotic drugs may have unsatisfactory results and side effects. Platonin, a cyanine photosensitizing dye, has been used to treat trauma, ulcers and some acute inflammation. Here, we explored the neuroprotective effects of platonin against middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced ischemic stroke in mice. Platonin(200 μg/kg) substantially reduced cerebral infarct volume, brain edema, neuronal cell death and neurological deficit scores, and improved the MCAO-reduced locomotor activity and rotarod performance. Platonin(5–10 μM) potently inhibited platelet aggregation and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in collagen-activated platelets. The antiaggregation effect did not affect bleeding time but increased occlusion time in platonin(100 and 200 μg/kg)-treated mice. Platonin(2–10 μM) was potent in diminishing collagen- and Fenton reaction-induced ∙OH formation. Platonin(5–10 μM) also suppressed the expression of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1β, and JNK phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. MCAO-induced expression of 3-nitrotyrosine and Iba1 was apparently attenuated in platonin(200 μg/kg)-treated mice. In conclusion, platonin exhibited remarkable neuroprotective properties against MCAO-induced ischemia in a mouse model through its antiaggregation, antiinflammatory and antiradical properties. The observed therapeutic efficacy of platonin may consider being a novel medcine against ischemic stroke.
Raman on a disc: high-quality Raman spectroscopy in an open channel on a centrifugal microfluidic disc
Authors: Martin J. W. , Nieuwoudt M. K. , Vargas M. J. T. , Bodley O. L. C. , Yohendiran T. S. , Oosterbeek R. N. , Williams D. E. , Cather Simpson M.
Published: February 2017

Novel open-channel centrifugal microfluidic disc design affords measurement of high quality Raman spectra of milk for detecting adulterants at point-of-collection.
Extraction optimization of sixteen cephalosporins in milk by filtered solid phase extraction and ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Fan Xiaojing , Liu Yan , Du Zhenxia , Feng Yuechao , Jia Li , Zhang Jinghua
Published: February 2017

A method employing a type of filtered solid phase extraction based on the PRiME hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) was developed for extracting cephalosporin compounds from milk samples.
Diverse macroscopic helical motions of microribbons driven by electrons
Authors: Peng Cheng , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Yibin , Zhou Zichao , Che Yanke , Zhao Jincai
Published: February 2017

Diverse macroscopic helical motions of microribbons driven by electrons arise from the combination of diagonal in-plane and vertical non-bonded distortions.
Dual role of Cu2O nanocubes as templates and networking catalysts for hollow and microporous Fe-porphyrin networks
Authors: Kang Daye , Ko Ju Hong , Choi Jaewon , Cho Kyoungil , Lee Sang Moon , Kim Hae Jin , Ko Yoon-Joo , Park Kang Hyun , Son Seung Uk
Published: February 2017

Cu2O nanocubes acted not only as networking catalysts but also as shape controlling templates for the synthesis of hollow and microporous Fe porphyrin networks.
pH-regulated antimony oxychloride nanoparticle formation on titanium oxide nanostructures: a photocatalytically active heterojunction
Authors: Buchholcz Balázs , Haspel Henrik , Boldizsár Tamás , Kukovecz Ákos , Kónya Zoltán
Published: February 2017

Improving the catalytic activity of heterogeneous photocatalysts has become a hot topic recently.
Mesoscopic behaviour of multi-layered graphene: the meaning of supercapacitance revisited
Authors: Gutierrez Fabiana A. , Bedatty Fernandes Flavio C. , Rivas Gustavo A. , Bueno Paulo R.
Published: February 2017

The double layer capacitive phenomena is just a particular case of a more general quantum mechanical approach, wherein the electrochemical capacitance is central hence governing the super-capacitance phenomenology in general.
A review of high temperature co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2to produce sustainable fuels using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs): advanced materials and technology
Authors: Zheng Yun , Wang Jianchen , Yu Bo , Zhang Wenqiang , Chen Jing , Qiao Jinli , Zhang Jiujun
Published: February 2017

High-temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are advanced electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices with high conversion/energy efficiencies.
Modulation of the CO2 fixation in dinickel azacryptands
Authors: Möller F. , Castañeda-Losada L. , Junqueira J. R. C. , Miller R. G. , Reback M. L. , Mallick B. , van Gastel M. , Apfel U.-P.
Published: February 2017

Different linker molecules within the dinickel azacryptand moiety show strong influence towards their CO2 coordination behaviour.
Co(iii) complexes of (1,3-selenazol-2-yl)hydrazones and their sulphur analogues
Authors: Filipović Nenad R. , Elshaflu Hana , Grubišić Sonja , Jovanović Ljiljana S. , Rodić Marko , Novaković Irena , Malešević Aleksandar , Djordjević Ivana S. , Li Haidong , Šojić Nešo , Marinković Aleksandar , Todorović Tamara R.
Published: February 2017

Se-based complexes showed potent biological activity and lower toxicity in comparison to their sulphur analogues.
A low filtration resistance three-dimensional composite membrane fabricated via free surface electrospinning for effective PM2.5 capture
Authors: Gao Hanchao , Yang Yuqiong , Akampumuza Obed , Hou Jue , Zhang Hongnan , Qin Xiaohong
Published: February 2017

A low-resistance nanofibrous composite membrane composed of ternary structures was fabricated via one-step multi-jet free surface electrospinning for effective PM2.5 capture.
Particulate photocatalyst sheets for Z-scheme water splitting: advantages over powder suspension and photoelectrochemical systems and future challenges
Authors: Wang Qian , Hisatomi Takashi , Katayama Masao , Takata Tsuyoshi , Minegishi Tsutomu , Kudo Akihiko , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: February 2017

Water splitting using semiconductor photocatalysts has been attracting growing interest as a means of solar energy based conversion of water to hydrogen, a clean and renewable fuel. Z-scheme photocatalytic water splitting based on the two-step excitation of an oxygen evolution photocatalyst (OEP) and a hydrogen evolution photocatalyst (HEP) is a promising approach toward the utilisation of visible light. In particular, a photocatalyst sheet system consisting of HEP and OEP particles embedded in a conductive layer has been recently proposed as a new means of obtaining efficient and scalable redox mediator-free Z-scheme solar water splitting. In this paper, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the photocatalyst sheet approach compared to conventional photocatalyst powder suspension and photoelectrochemical systems through an examination of the water splitting activity of Z-scheme systems based on SrTiO3:La,Rh as the HEP and BiVO4:Mo as the OEP. This photocatalyst sheet was found to split pure water much more efficiently than the powder suspension and photoelectrochemical systems, because the underlying metal layer efficiently transfers electrons from the OEP to the HEP. The photocatalyst sheet also outperformed a photoelectrochemical parallel cell during pure water splitting. The effects of H+/OH− concentration overpotentials and of the IR drop are reduced in the case of the photocatalyst sheet compared to photoelectrochemical systems, because the HEP and OEP are situated in close proximity to one another. Therefore, the photocatalyst sheet design is well-suited to efficient large-scale applications. Nevertheless, it is also noted that the photocatalytic activity of these sheets drops markedly with increasing background pressure because of reverse reactions involving molecular oxygen under illumination as well as delays in gas bubble desorption. It is shown that appropriate surface modifications allow the photocatalyst sheet to maintain its water splitting activity at elevated pressure. Accordingly, we conclude that the photocatalyst sheet system is a viable option for the realisation of efficient solar fuel production.
Production of 1,6-hexanediol from tetrahydropyran-2-methanol by dehydration–hydration and hydrogenation
Authors: Burt Samuel P. , Barnett Kevin J. , McClelland Daniel J. , Wolf Patrick , Dumesic James A. , Huber George W. , Hermans Ive
Published: February 2017

In this work we present an alternate method for the conversion of tetrahydropyran-2-methanol (THP2M), a cellulose-derived renewable building block, to 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HDO).
New developments in non-fullerene small molecule acceptors for polymer solar cells
Authors: Liang Ningning , Jiang Wei , Hou Jianhui , Wang Zhaohui
Published: February 2017

This review describes developments of non-fullerene small molecular acceptors in solar cells since 2015, including rylene imide, indacenodithiophene and diketopyrrolopyrrole.
A controlled synthesis method of polystyrene-b-polyisoprene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer via anionic polymerization with trace amounts of THF having potential of a commercial scale
Authors: Li Zheng , Chen Jianding , Su Ling , Zou Bin , Zhan Pengfei , Guan Yong , Zheng Anna
Published: February 2017

A well-defined PS-b-PI-b-PMMA copolymer with rather narrow MWD was synthesized via anionic copolymerization with trace amounts of tetrahydrofuran.
Slowly released carbon source from composite materials system for removing nitrate pollution in groundwater
Authors: Xie Yufeng , Zhang Dejin , Lou Shuai , He Fei , Yin Lu
Published: February 2017

Chemoheterotrophic denitrification technologies using biopolymers as a solid carbon source and biofilm carriers have been widely trialed to remove nitrate from groundwater.
Atomic layer deposition for perovskite solar cells: research status, opportunities and challenges
Authors: Zardetto V. , Williams B. L. , Perrotta A. , Di Giacomo F. , Verheijen M. A. , Andriessen R. , Kessels W. M. M. , Creatore M.
Published: February 2017

This manuscript reviews the application of atomic layer deposition (ALD) for perovskite solar cells exploring also novel opportunities and the challenges that research has to face to deposit ALD layers on perovskite films.
Fabrication of thermo-responsive polymer functionalized reduced graphene oxide@Fe3O4@Au magnetic nanocomposites for enhanced catalytic applications
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Duan Haichao , Lü Jianghua , Lü Changli
Published: February 2017

Thermo-responsive copolymer functionalized RGO@Fe3O4@Au magnetic nanocomposites with high catalytic activity to reduce nitrophenols are fabricated and show excellent recyclability and controllable catalytic performance.
Oxygen-induced doping on reduced PEDOT
Authors: Mitraka E. , Jafari M. J. , Vagin M. , Liu X. , Fahlman M. , Ederth T. , Berggren M. , Jonsson M. P. , Crispin X.
Published: February 2017

Doping of the reduced (undoped) PEDOT by oxygen during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
The role of pre-defined microporosity in catalytic site formation for the oxygen reduction reaction in iron- and nitrogen-doped carbon materials
Authors: Kim Minhyoung , Kim Hee Soo , Yoo Sung Jong , Yoo Won Cheol , Sung Yung-Eun
Published: February 2017

We investigated the carbon support microporosity effect on active site formation for the oxygen reduction reaction in Fe–N–C catalysts.
MnO2 nanoflowers and polyaniline nanoribbons grown on hybrid graphene/Ni 3D scaffolds by in situ electrochemical techniques for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Liqiong , Hao Lihua , Pang Bowen , Wang Guofeng , Zhang Yin , Li Xinheng
Published: February 2017

MnO2 nanoflowers and polyaniline nanoribbons on nickel–graphene foams for supercapacitors provide an energy density of 41.0 W h kg−1 at 787.3 W kg−1.
Hybrid of P3HT and ZnO@GO nanostructured particles for increased NO2 sensing response
Authors: Yang Yuhang , Katz Howard E.
Published: February 2017

Bridging poly(3-hexylthiohene) between particles of zinc oxide–graphene oxide displays unusual electronic sensitivity to NO2 vapor for environmental sensing.
Review – trace determination of potentially toxic elements in (medicinal) plant materials
Authors: Zeiner Michaela , Juranović Cindrić Iva
Published: February 2017

Since plant materials may contain high amounts of harmful metals, it is important to ensure the safe use of herbs by determining the current metal levels in herbs and their parts used for medical applications.
Hard carbon anodes of sodium-ion batteries: undervalued rate capability
Authors: Li Zhifei , Jian Zelang , Wang Xingfeng , Rodríguez-Pérez Ismael A. , Bommier Clement , Ji Xiulei
Published: February 2017

The intrinsic high rate capability of hard carbon anodes in sodium-ion batteries is revealed by a three-electrode cell.
Neutral iodotriazole foldamers as tetradentate halogen bonding anion receptors
Authors: Borissov Arseni , Lim Jason Y. C. , Brown Asha , Christensen Kirsten E. , Thompson Amber L. , Smith Martin D. , Beer Paul D.
Published: February 2017

A tetradentate halogen bond donor foldamer receptor framework is shown to exhibit enhanced anion recognition and chiral discrimination properties.
An unexpected pathway for hydrodesulfurization of gazole over a CoMoS active phase supported on a mesoporous TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Naboulsi I. , Felipe Linares Aponte C. , Lebeau B. , Brunet S. , Michelin L. , Bonne M. , Blin J. L.
Published: February 2017

Isomerization and dismutation pathways are identified as the main routes for the hydrodesulfurization of 4,6-dimethylbenzothiophene over a MoS2@mesoporous TiO2 catalyst.
Selenium makes the difference: protonation of [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics with diselenolato ligands
Authors: Abul-Futouh Hassan , El-khateeb Mohammad , Görls Helmar , Asali Khalil Jamil , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: February 2017

The synthetic models of the active site of an [FeFe]-hydrogenase containing a Sn atom in the bridgehead of the diselenato ligand, namely [Fe2(CO)6{μ-(SeCH2Se)SnMe2}],3and [Fe2(CO)6{μ-(SeCH2)2SnMe2}],4have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods.
Intergenerational responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to cerium oxide nanoparticles exposure
Authors: Rico Cyren M. , Johnson Mark G. , Marcus Matthew A. , Andersen Christian P.
Published: February 2017

The carry-over effects of nanoceria highlight the importance of intergenerational exposure as tool for assessing long-term implications of engineered nanomaterials.
The reactions of α-amino acids and α-amino acid esters with high valent transition metal halides: synthesis of coordination complexes, activation processes and stabilization of α-ammonium acylchloride cations
Authors: Biancalana Lorenzo , Bortoluzzi Marco , Ferretti Eleonora , Hayatifar Mohammad , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Zacchini Stefano
Published: February 2017

We describe the synthesis of rare coordination compounds of early transition metals with α-amino acids and α-amino acid esters, the unusual C–C dimerization ofl-proline, and the stabilization of reactive α-ammonium acylchloride cations.
A portable magnetic field of >3 T generated by the flux jump assisted, pulsed field magnetization of bulk superconductors
Authors: Zhou Difan , Ainslie Mark D. , Shi Yunhua , Dennis Anthony R. , Huang Kaiyuan , Hull John R. , Cardwell David A. , Durrell John H.
Published: February 2017

A trapped magnetic field of greater than 3 T has been achieved in a single grain GdBa2Cu3O7-δ (GdBaCuO) bulk superconductor of diameter 30 mm by employing pulsed field magnetization. The magnet system is portable and operates at temperatures between 50 K and 60 K. Flux jump behaviour was observed consistently during magnetization when the applied pulsed field, Ba, exceeded a critical value (e.g., 3.78 T at 60 K). A sharp dBa/dt is essential to this phenomenon. This flux jump behaviour enables the magnetic flux to penetrate fully to the centre of the bulk superconductor, resulting in full magnetization of the sample without requiring an applied field as large as that predicted by the Bean model. We show that this flux jump behaviour can occur over a wide range of fields and temperatures, and that it can be exploited in a practical quasi-permanent magnet system.
Exact statistical results for binary mixing and reaction in variable density turbulence
Authors: Ristorcelli J. R.
Published: February 2017

We report a number of rigorous statistical results on binary active scalar mixing in variable density turbulence. The study is motivated by mixing between pure fluids with very different densities and whose density intensity is of order unity. Our primary focus is the derivation of exact mathematical results for mixing in variable density turbulence and we do point out the potential fields of application of the results. A binary one step reaction is invoked to derive a metric to asses the state of mixing. The mean reaction rate in variable density turbulent mixing can be expressed, in closed form, using the first order Favre mean variables and the Reynolds averaged density variance, ⟨ρ2⟩. We show that the normalized density variance, ⟨ρ2⟩, reflects the reduction of the reaction due to mixing and is a mix metric. The result is mathematically rigorous. The result is the variable density analog, the normalized mass fraction variance ⟨c2⟩ used in constant density turbulent mixing. As a consequence, we demonstrate that use of the analogous normalized Favre variance of the mass fraction, c″⁣2∼, as a mix metric is not theoretically justified in variable density turbulence. We additionally derive expressions relating various second order moments of the mass fraction, specific volume, and density fields. The central role of the density specific volume covariance ⟨ρv⟩ is highlighted; it is a key quantity with considerable dynamical significance linking various second order statistics. For laboratory experiments, we have developed exact relations between the Reynolds scalar variance ⟨c2⟩ its Favre analog c″⁣2∼, and various second moments including ⟨ρv⟩. For moment closure models that evolve ⟨ρv⟩ and not ⟨ρ2⟩, we provide a novel expression for ⟨ρ2⟩ in terms of a rational function of ⟨ρv⟩ that avoids recourse to Taylor series methods (which do not converge for large density differences). We have derived analytic results relating several other second and third order moments and see coupling between odd and even order moments demonstrating a natural and inherent skewness in the mixing in variable density turbulence. The analytic results have applications in the areas of isothermal material mixing, isobaric thermal mixing, and simple chemical reaction (in progress variable formulation).
Extracting third order optical nonlinearities of Mn(III)-Phthalocyanine chloride using high repetition rate femtosecond pulses
Authors: Makhal Krishnandu , Mathur Paresh , Maurya Sidharth , Goswami Debabrata
Published: February 2017

Third order nonlinearities of Mn(III)-Phthalocyanine chloride in dimethyl-sulphoxide under 50 fs pulses, operating at 94 MHz, by eliminating cumulative thermal effects have been investigated and reported by us. Modifications were done in data acquisition during Z-scan experiment, which included recording of time evolution waveform traces in an oscilloscope and not collection of Z versus transmission and utilization of a chopper of a suitable duty cycle. Time evolution traces were further processed analytically through MatLab® programming, which yielded Z-scan traces similar to what was obtained with single shot 50 fs pulse. We observed reverse saturable absorption at 800 nm owing to excited state absorption. We show that the nonlinear refractive index (γ) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) are over estimated almost 100 times, when MHz pulses are used compared to a situation, where thermo-optical nonlinearities are accounted. Illumination and dark periods are carefully set in a way, so that the sample is able to completely recover its initial temperature before arrival of the next pulse. Magnitudes of γ and β were found to be −(6.5–4.9) × 10−16 m2/W and (5.4–6.2) × 10−10 m/W under the MHz condition, whereas they were −(0.18−2.2) × 10−18 m2/W and (9.5–15) × 10−12 m/W under the thermally managed condition, respectively. To reveal the associated fast nonlinearity, femtosecond transient absorption experiment was performed, which inferred excited state absorption and ground state bleaching across the 450–780 nm region. Dynamics associated with these processes are reported along with fluorescence lifetime obtained through the TCSPC technique. Structure optimization using TDDFT calculations and HOMO-LUMO gaps with orbital pictures are also shown.
Effect of Fe-Ru doping in the electronic and thermoelectric properties of new filled skutterudite Ba(Fe,Ru)4As12
Authors: Shankar A. , Sandeep  , Rai D. P. , Thapa R. K. , Mandal P. K.
Published: February 2017

We have performed the density functional theory based calculation to study the electronic and thermoelectric properties of BaFe4−xRuxAs12 (x = 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) within the framework of the full potential-linearized augmented plane wave method. The composite alloys are found to be stable in their optimized crystal structures and their lattice constants are in close agreement with the corresponding experimental reports. The structural stability and mechanical properties are also studied using their elastic constants. The hardness of these materials increases with increasing concentration of Ru, which also donates the covalent nature of inter-atomic bonding of BaRu4As12. The analysis of energy bands and density of states reflects the semi-metallic nature of BaFe4As12 and BaRu4As12, whereas other doped materials show metallic character. The electronic structure calculation suggests the high Seebeck coefficient with the efficient thermoelectric application of these materials. The thermal transport investigation also supports the result obtained from the electronic structure calculation. The thermoelectric efficiency defined by the figure of merit (ZT) of pure BaFe4As12 (ZT = 0.004) and BaRu4As12 (ZT = 0.005) has been enhanced to 0.357 with 75% Ru doping. The spin-polarized calculation shows a significant effect on their energy band structure, giving magnetic behavior of the sample materials. The analysis of their magnetic profile suggests the ferromagnetic nature of these materials, except BaRu4As12, which shows a paramagnetic ground state.
On the nonlinear dynamics of breathers waves in electronegative plasmas with Maxwellian negative ions
Authors: El-Tantawy S. A. , Wazwaz A. M. , Ali Shan S.
Published: February 2017

Theoretical investigations depending on the observation data are carried out for the nonlinear amplitude modulation of ion-acoustic waves propagating in an unmagnetized plasma composed of Maxwellian electrons and light negative ions in addition to mobile cold positive ions. The basic set of fluid equations is reduced to a nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) for describing the modulational instability process. The regions of the stable and unstable wavepackets have been confined precisely for various regimes. Moreover, the criteria for the existence of the breathers have been obtained. Analytical solutions of the NLSE in the forms of Akhmediev breathers, Kuznetsov-Ma (KM) solitons, and rogue waves are obtained. The characteristics of the profile of Akhmediev breathers, KM solitons, and freak waves are examined depending on the relevant physical parameters of the observed data.
Ionic liquid ultrathin films at the surface of Cu(100) and Au(111)
Authors: Biedron Aleksandra B. , Garfunkel Eric L. , Castner Edward W. , Rangan Sylvie
Published: February 2017

Monolayer to multilayer ultrathin films of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide have been prepared on Au(111) and Cu(100) surfaces using physical vapor deposition. The ion-surface interactions are studied using a combination of scanning tunnel microscopy, as well as ultraviolet and x-ray photoemission spectroscopies. It is found that the IL does not decompose at the surface of the metals, and that the IL interaction with the Cu(100) surface is much stronger than with the Au(111) surface. As a consequence, STM imaging at room temperature results in more stable imaging at the monolayer coverage on Cu(100) than on Au(111), and work function measurements indicate a large interface dipole upon deposition of a monolayer of IL on Cu. Additional IL depositions on the two surfaces result in two distinct behaviors for the IL core levels: a gradual energy shift of the core levels on Au and a set of two well defined monolayer and multilayer core level components found at fixed energies on Cu, due to the formation of a tightly bound monolayer. Finally, it is proposed that the particularly strong cation-Cu interaction leads to stabilization of the anion and prevents its decomposition at the surface of Cu(100).
Translational diffusion of proteins in nanochannels
Authors: Kannam Sridhar Kumar , Downton Matthew T.
Published: February 2017

Hydrodynamic interactions play an important role in the transport of analytes through nanoscale devices. Of particular note is the role that no-slip boundary conditions have on the drag coefficient of confined particles and molecules. In this work, we use a coarse grained molecular dynamics model to measure the diffusion coefficients of proteins confined within cylindrical nanochannels of similar dimension. Finite-size corrected bulk diffusion coefficients are found to agree with experimental data, while in channels, a good match is found between theoretical expressions based on continuum fluid mechanics and the reduction of the translational diffusion coefficient across a range of protein to channel size ratios. These results demonstrate that it is possible to directly use molecular simulation to make quantitative predictions of the effects of hydrodynamics on diffusion at length scales of order 1 nm.
Tuning of betatron radiation in laser-plasma accelerators via multimodal laser propagation through capillary waveguides
Authors: Curcio A. , Giulietti D. , Petrarca M.
Published: February 2017

The betatron radiation from laser-plasma accelerated electrons in dielectric capillary waveguides is investigated. The multimode laser propagation is responsible for a modulated plasma wakefield structure, which affects the electron transverse dynamics, therefore influencing the betatron radiation spectra. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to tune the energy spectrum of the betatron radiation by controlling the excitation of the capillary modes.
Use of 41Ar production to measure ablator areal density in NIF beryllium implosions
Authors: Wilson D. C. , Cassata W. S. , Sepke S. M. , Velsko C. A. , Huang H. , Yeamans C. B. , Kline J. L. , Yi A. , Simakov A. N. , Haan S. W. , Batha S. H. , Dewald E. L. , Rygg J. R. , Tommasini R. , Xu H. , Kong C. , Bae J. , Rice N.
Published: February 2017

For the first time, 41Ar produced by the (n,ϒ) reaction from 40Ar in the beryllium shell of a DT filled Inertial Confinement Fusion capsule has been measured. Ar is co-deposited with beryllium in the sputter deposition of the capsule shell. Combined with a measurement of the neutron yield, the radioactive 41Ar then quantifies the areal density of beryllium during the DT neutron production. The measured 1.15 ± 0.17 × 10+8 atoms of 41Ar are 2.5 times that from the best post-shot calculation, suggesting that the Ar and Be areal densities are correspondingly higher than those calculated. Possible explanations are that (1) the beryllium shell is compressed more than calculated, (2) beryllium has mixed into the cold DT ice, or more likely (3) less beryllium is ablated than calculated. Since only one DT filled beryllium capsule has been fielded at NIF, these results can be confirmed and expanded in the future.
Electromagnetic electron temperature gradient driven instability in toroidal plasmas
Authors: Zielinski J. , Smolyakov A. I. , Beyer P. , Benkadda S.
Published: February 2017

The fluid theory of a new type of electron temperature gradient instability is proposed. This mode is closely related to the short wavelength Alfvén mode in the regime k⊥2ρi2>1. Contrary to standard electron temperature gradient modes, which are mostly electrostatic, the considered mode is fundamentally electromagnetic and does not exist in the electrostatic limit. The mechanism of instability relies on gradients in both the electron temperature and magnetic field. It is suggested that this instability may be a destabilizing mechanism for collisionless microtearing modes, which are observed in a number of gyrokinetic simulations.
Formation of collisionless shocks in magnetized plasma interaction with kinetic-scale obstacles
Authors: Cruz F. , Alves E. P. , Bamford R. A. , Bingham R. , Fonseca R. A. , Silva L. O.
Published: February 2017

We investigate the formation of collisionless magnetized shocks triggered by the interaction between magnetized plasma flows and miniature-sized (order of plasma kinetic-scales) magnetic obstacles resorting to massively parallel, full particle-in-cell simulations, including the electron kinetics. The critical obstacle size to generate a compressed plasma region ahead of these objects is determined by independently varying the magnitude of the dipolar magnetic moment and the plasma magnetization. We find that the effective size of the obstacle depends on the relative orientation between the dipolar and plasma internal magnetic fields, and we show that this may be critical to form a shock in small-scale structures. We study the microphysics of the magnetopause in different magnetic field configurations in 2D and compare the results with full 3D simulations. Finally, we evaluate the parameter range where such miniature magnetized shocks can be explored in laboratory experiments.
Lattice gas models with long range interactions
Authors: Aristoff David , Zhu Lingjiong
Published: February 2017

We study microcanonical lattice gas models with long range interactions, including power law interactions. We rigorously obtain a variational principle for the entropy. In a one dimensional example, we find a first order phase transition by proving the entropy is non-differentiable along a certain curve.
Near-edge X-ray refraction fine structure microscopy
Authors: Farmand Maryam , Celestre Richard , Denes Peter , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Marchesini Stefano , Padmore Howard , Tyliszczak Tolek , Warwick Tony , Shi Xiaowen , Lee James , Yu Young-Sang , Cabana Jordi , Joseph John , Krishnan Harinarayan , Perciano Talita , Maia Filipe R. N. C. , Shapiro David A.
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate a method for obtaining increased spatial resolution and specificity in nanoscale chemical composition maps through the use of full refractive reference spectra in soft x-ray spectro-microscopy. Using soft x-ray ptychography, we measure both the absorption and refraction of x-rays through pristine reference materials as a function of photon energy and use these reference spectra as the basis for decomposing spatially resolved spectra from a heterogeneous sample, thereby quantifying the composition at high resolution. While conventional instruments are limited to absorption contrast, our novel refraction based method takes advantage of the strongly energy dependent scattering cross-section and can see nearly five-fold improved spatial resolution on resonance.
A high-order mode extended interaction klystron at 0.34 THz
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Wang Guangqiang , Wang Jianguo , Li Shuang , Zeng Peng , Teng Yan
Published: February 2017

We propose the concept of high-order mode extended interaction klystron (EIK) at the terahertz band. Compared to the conventional fundamental mode EIK, it operates at the TM31-2π mode, and its remarkable advantage is to obtain a large structure and good performance. The proposed EIK consists of five identical cavities with five gaps in each cavity. The method is discussed to suppress the mode competition and self-oscillation in the high-order mode cavity. Particle-in-cell simulation demonstrates that the EIK indeed operates at TM31-2π mode without self-oscillation while other modes are well suppressed. Driven by the electron beam with a voltage of 15 kV and a current of 0.3 A, the saturation gain of 43 dB and the output power of 60 W are achieved at the center frequency of 342.4 GHz. The EIK operating at high-order mode seems a promising approach to generate high power terahertz waves.
Reversible control of magnetization of Fe3O4 by a solid-state film lithium battery
Authors: Wei Guodong , Wei Lin , Wang Dong , Chen Yanxue , Tian Yufeng , Yan Shishen , Mei Liangmo , Jiao Jun
Published: February 2017

The LiCoO2/LISICON/Fe3O4 structured solid-state film lithium battery is designed to realize a reversible control of the magnetization in Fe3O4 film. LISICON (Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5P3O12) is selected to serve as the solid-state electrolyte owing to its excellent Li ion transport property at room temperature. A reversible and non-volatile control of the saturation magnetization of Fe3O4 film between the charged and discharged states was obtained, and the modulation ratio can reach as high as 10%. The redox of Fe ions, caused by the intercalation/deintercalation of lithium ion in Fe3O4 film, is responsible for the observed magnetic variation. The battery consisting entirely of solid films provides a promising strategy to control the magnetic properties electrically, which will be a very hopeful candidate for many practical applications.
Processes and verbs of doing, in the brain
Authors: García Adolfo M. , Ibáñez Agustín
Published: February 2017

Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) has long been characterized by its openness towards contributions from other fields. However, it has remained virtually uninformed by neuroscience. Such a disconnection has become all the more unfortunate since SFL ventured into the cognitive domain (Halliday & Matthiessen 1999). Opening a new avenue of disciplinary interaction for SFL, this paper reviews experimental studies on the neurocognitive basis of processes and verbs of doing, highlighting their manifold implications for the theory. Available data corroborates the SFL assumptions that these processes and verbs are (i) conceptually different from participants and nouns, (ii) functionally distinguishable from other process and verb types, and (iii) non-arbitrarily related to each other. Moreover, the evidence shows that (at least some of) the conceptual distinctions within semantics are naturally grounded in more basic (motor and perceptual) neurocognitive distinctions. This, we propose, calls for an elaboration of the stratified SFL model via the inclusion of a sensorimotor stratum. More generally, the article seeks to foster an empirically sound and theoretically relevant dialogue between SFL and promising approaches within cognitive neuroscience.
Inclusion and foreign language education
Authors: Motschenbacher Heiko
Published: February 2017

Prompted by the increased visibility of inclusive pedagogies, the present article discusses the concept of “inclusion” in relation to foreign language teaching from a linguistic perspective. The foreign language classroom constitutes a special environment that poses specific language-related challenges to inclusive education. In an effort to face these challenges, the present article elaborates how linguistic research and insights can contribute to an implementation of inclusive foreign language education. In terms of theorisation, the narrower and broader senses of educational inclusion are outlined, the notion of “linguistic barrier” is introduced, and various ways in which linguistic exclusion may manifest itself are identified. It is argued that purely cognitivist approaches to second language acquisition are insufficient for achieving higher levels of inclusivity, as they do not cater for the social and contextual aspects that shape practices of exclusion and inclusion. Alternative approaches such as sociocultural theory are shown to be better equipped for this purpose. Various prominent exclusion-related dimensions are discussed with respect to their repercussions in language and linguistic practices, among them exclusion related to learners with special needs, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and non-native language users. Suggestions are made of how to proceed methodologically in linguistic investigations of exclusionary practices, with the aim of creating effective, linguistically based inclusion strategies. It is suggested that typological, discourse analytic and ethnographic linguistic approaches are most promising in this respect. The concluding section recapitulates central aspects that have surfaced in the theoretical and methodological discussion, calls for inclusion-oriented changes in foreign language teaching and highlights conspicuous parallels between the inclusive EFL classroom and English as a lingua franca communication.