bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio for TiO2-based nanotubes and nanowires: modelling of temperature dependence
Authors: Lukyanov Sergey I. , Bandura Andrei V. , Evarestov Robert A.
Published: January 2016

The temperature dependence of the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of a number of TiO2-based four-facetted nanotubes and nanowires are predicted through the calculation of the Helmholtz free energy.
Alkyl bisimidazolium-mediated crosslinked comb-shaped polymers as highly conductive and stable anion exchange membranes
Authors: Rao Anil H. N. , Nam SangYong , Kim Tae-Hyun
Published: January 2016

Crosslinked poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (PES) with pendant alkyl bisimidazolium units, which act as both crosslinkage sites and hydroxide conductors, were developed as anion exchange membranes (AEMs).
Electrochemical sensing of dopamine at the surface of a dopamine grafted graphene oxide/poly(methylene blue) composite modified electrode
Authors: Gorle Demudu Babu , Kulandainathan Manickam Anbu
Published: January 2016

We prepared a reduced graphene oxide/poly(methylene blue) composite on a glassy carbon electrode surface and electrografted dopamine onto the surface for the sensing of dopamine.
Ideal rear contact formed via employing a conjugated polymer for Si/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells
Authors: Sheng Jiang , Wang Dan , Wu Sudong , Yang Xi , Ding Li , Zhu Juye , Fang Junfeng , Gao Pingqi , Ye Jichun
Published: February 2016

PFN is introduced to the Al/n-Si interface to improve the contact quality by reducing the work function of Al electrode, getting an ohmic contact. An excellent photovoltaic efficiency of 13.35% has been achieved in a planar device with a PFN layer.
Fe and Co modified vanadium–titanium steel slag as sorbents for elemental mercury adsorption
Authors: Shi Yingjie , Deng Shuang , Wang Hongmei , Huang Jiayu , Li Yakui , Zhang Fan , Shu Xinqian
Published: January 2016

The cooperation of Fe and Co was beneficial to the Hg0 removal and the main active sites were Co.
Ultra low density of interfacial traps with mixed thermal and plasma enhanced ALD of high-κ gate dielectrics
Authors: Ahadi Kaveh , Cadien Ken
Published: January 2016

Anomalous growth per cycle was observed using in situ ellipsometry during the initial cycles of plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of high-κ dielectrics, while thermal atomic layer deposition of these oxides exhibited linear growth per cycle.
Magnetoliposomes based on manganese ferrite nanoparticles as nanocarriers for antitumor drugs
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Rita O. , Ramos José M. F. , Gomes I. T. , Almeida Bernardo G. , Araújo J. P. , Queiroz Maria João R. P. , Coutinho Paulo J. G. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S.
Published: February 2016

Aqueous and solid magnetoliposomes containing MnFe2O4nanoparticles were prepared and evaluated as nanocarriers for a new antitumor drug.
Ultrafine graphene oxide–CoFe2O4 nanoparticle composite as T1 and T2 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Venkatesha N. , Poojar Pavan , Ashwini R. , Qurishi Yasrib , Geethanath Sairam , Srivastava Chandan
Published: January 2016

Graphene oxide–CoFe2O4 nanoparticle composites were synthesized using a two step synthesis method in which graphene oxide was initially synthesized followed by precipitation of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in a reaction mixture containing graphene oxide.
Facile construction of CuFe2O4/g-C3N4photocatalyst for enhanced visible-light hydrogen evolution
Authors: Cheng Ruolin , Fan Xiangqian , Wang Min , Li Mengli , Tian Jianjian , Zhang Lingxia
Published: January 2016

A new type of CuFe2O4/g-C3N4composite for photocatalytic H2production by water splitting under visible light has been prepared by a facile one-pot calcination approach using urea and a CuFe2O4gel as precursors.
5-Arylpyrimido-[4,5-b]quinoline-diones as new and sustainable corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 1 M HCl: a combined experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Verma Chandrabhan , Olasunkanmi L. O. , Obot I. B. , Ebenso Eno E. , Quraishi M. A.
Published: January 2016

The inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl by four 5-arylpyrimido-[4,5-b]-quinoline-diones has been investigated using weight loss, electrochemical, surface, and quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulation methods.
Self-induced organic guest packed in three-dimensional architecture based on hetero-alkali metallic sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene
Authors: Maheswara Rao Kunda Uma , Yamada Manabu , Katagiri Hiroshi , Hamada Fumio
Published: January 2016

Inclusion behavior of pyridine N-oxide in the cavity of hetero-alkali metallic sulfonatothaicalix[4]arene was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. π–π stacking, S–π interactions and hydrogen bonding were mainly supported this complex.
First-principle study of CO adsorption and oxidation on Sm-doped CeO2(111) surface
Authors: Xie Tao , Wang Xu-Dong , Yao Man , Liu Xiong-Shan , Chen Yong-Gang
Published: February 2016

The surface properties and CO oxidation on Sm doped CeO2(111) have been studied systematically by using the DFT+U method to reveal the influence of Sm on the catalytic performance of CeO2(111).
Sulfonic acid-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for one-pot synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromenes in aqueous medium
Authors: Saikia Mrinal , Saikia Lakshi
Published: January 2016

MIL-101(Cr)–SO3H was found to be an active heterogeneous catalyst for one-pot synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromenes in aqueous medium.
A silver–copper metallic glass electrocatalyst with high activity and stability comparable to Pt/C for zinc–air batteries
Authors: Wu Xiaoqiang , Chen Fuyi , Zhang Nan , Qaseem Adnan , Johnston Roy L.
Published: January 2016

A silver–copper metallic glass (AgCu-MG) electrocatalyst has been fabricated for rechargeable zinc–air batteries by pulsed laser deposition. The AgCu-MG exceptionally enhances the ORR catalytic activity to a half-wave potential of 0.78 V vs. RHE after 1000 CV treatments in 0.1 M KOH.
Photonic flash-annealing of lead halide perovskite solar cells in 1 ms
Authors: Troughton Joel , Carnie Matthew J. , Davies Matthew L. , Charbonneau Cécile , Jewell Eifion H. , Worsley David A. , Watson Trystan M.
Published: February 2016

An extremely fast annealing technique for mixed-halide perovskite solar cells is presented. A white light pulse is used to crystallise a perovskite precursor in 1.15ms compared to 90 minutes using a conventional hotplate.
Elastic and wearable ring-type supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Lie , Wu Qingqing , Zhang Zhitao , Zhang Ye , Pan Jian , Li Yiming , Zhao Yang , Zhang Lijuan , Cheng Xunliang , Peng Huisheng
Published: January 2016

A new family of elastic and wearable ring-type supercapacitors is developed, which is promising for a variety of wearable applications.
Opposite and complementary: a superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic integrated system for high-flux, high-efficiency and continuous oil/water separation
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Li , Guo Fengyun , Hou Lanlan , Chen Yuee , Liu Jingchong , Wang Nü , Zhao Yong , Jiang Lei
Published: February 2016

A superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic dual-membrane separation system has been designed based on an opposite and complementary combination to achieve a high-flux, high-efficiency, continuous oil/water separation.
New insights into designing high-rate performance cathode materials for sodium ion batteries by enlarging the slab-spacing of the Na-ion diffusion layer
Authors: Li Zheng-Yao , Gao Rui , Zhang Jicheng , Zhang Xiuling , Hu Zhongbo , Liu Xiangfeng
Published: January 2016

We propose new insights into designing high-rate performance cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries through enlarging the interplanar spacing.
Substrate-independent, Schiff base interactions to fabricate lysine-functionalized surfaces with fibrinolytic activity
Authors: Lu Xiao-Wen , Liu Wei , Wu Zhao-Qiang , Xiong Xin-Hong , Liu Qi , Zhan Wen-Jun , Chen Hong
Published: February 2016

We demonstrated a simple, substrate-independent approach for the fabrication of lysine-ligand functionalized surfaces with fibrinolytic activity under physiological conditions.
Non-resonant Raman spectroscopy of individual ZnO nanowires via Au nanorod surface plasmons
Authors: Pescaglini Andrea , Secco Eleonora , Martin Alfonso , Cammi Davide , Ronning Carsten , Cantarero Andrés , Garro Nuria , Iacopino Daniela
Published: January 2016

We present a non-resonant Raman spectroscopy study of individual ZnO nanowires mediated by Au nanorod surface plasmons.
Long-term exposure to diesel engine exhaust affects cytokine expression among occupational population
Authors: Dai Yufei , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Rong , Zhao Xuezheng , Duan Huawei , Niu Yong , Huang Chuanfeng , Meng Tao , Ye Meng , Bin Ping , Shen Meili , Jia Xiaowei , Wang Haisheng , Yu Shanfa , Zheng Yuxin
Published: February 2016

Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust is associated with reduced IL-6 and increased CRP levels.
Research highlights: impacts of microplastics on plankton
Authors: Lin Vivian S.
Published: February 2016

This highlight features three recent publications on exposure of planktonic organisms to microplastics and effects on growth, behavior, and survival.
Controlling the resolution and duration of pulsatile release from injectable magnetic ‘plum-pudding’ nanocomposite hydrogels
Authors: Maitland Danielle , Campbell Scott B. , Chen Jenny , Hoare Todd
Published: January 2016

Injectable hydrogel nanocomposites with entrapped SPIONs, thermosensitive microgels, and model drugs generate heat when an alternating magnetic field is applied, causing the microgels to deswell and create pore space to promote enhanced drug release.
The nature and effects of rhodium and antimony dopants on the electronic structure of TiO2: towards design of Z-scheme photocatalysts
Authors: Glover E. N. K. , Ellington S. G. , Sankar G. , Palgrave R. G.
Published: February 2016

The nature and effects of rhodium and antimony doping in TiO2 have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.
Diode‐switched thermal‐transfer printed antenna on flexible substrate
Authors: Kgwadi M. , Drysdale T.D.
Published: February 2016

Diode‐switching that can be used to introduce frequency agility into antennas produced by thermal transfer printing is demonstrated. The particular example is a triangular Sierpinski fractal pattern with two PIN diodes to switch between operation optimised for the 800 MHz ultra‐high frequency (UHF) band (diodes on) and 2400 MHz ISM band (diodes off). Our measured results show an improvement in S11 in the UHF band from −2 to −28 dB and from −7 to −30 dB at 2400 MHz, when switching the diodes appropriately. The measured bandwidth is 200 (1000) MHz, and the measured directivity is 3.1 dB (5.2 dB) while the measured gain is −5.2 dB (6.7 dB) for the diodes on (off).
Achievable rate and error performance of an amplify and forward multi‐way relay network in the presence of imperfect channel estimation
Authors: Islam Shama Naz
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we investigate the impact of channel estimation error on the achievable common rate and error performance of amplify and forward (AF) multi‐way relay networks (MWRNs). Assuming lattice codes with large dimensions, we provide the analytical expressions for the end‐to‐end SNR at the users and obtain upper bounds on the achievable common rate for an AF MWRN. Moreover, considering binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation as the simplest case of lattice codes, we obtain the average bit error rate (BER) for a user in an AF MWRN. The analysis shows that the average BER is a linearly increasing function and the achievable common rate is a linearly decreasing function of the channel estimation error. On the other hand, the average BER decreases and the achievable common rate increases with increasing correlation between the true and the estimated channel. Also, we observe that the AF protocol is robust against increasing number of users in terms of error performance. We show that when the decoding user has better channel conditions compared to other users, AF relaying gives a better error performance and common rate. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the validity of our analysis.
Optimal sizing of grid integrated hybrid PV‐biomass energy system using artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Singh Shakti , Kaushik Subhash Chandra
Published: January 2016

This study presents an optimal sizing methodology for a stand‐alone and grid connected PV‐biomass hybrid energy system that serves the electricity demand of a typical village. However, this method is scalable and can be used in any test system. A recently developed artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is used to detect out the optimum hybrid system configuration with the least levelised cost of energy while minimising annualised cost of the system. It has been observed from the results that a grid connected hybrid PV‐biomass system is cost effective and reliable choice for rural electrification as compared with stand‐alone hybrid PV‐biomass energy system. It has been emerged from this study that the proposed system offers reliable and affordable electricity in a sustainable way by harnessing locally available natural resources. A brief comparison of results obtained from the ABC algorithm and hybrid optimisation model for electric renewable (HOMER) has been carried out. Moreover, it is also observed from the results that the ABC algorithm provides better results as compared with HOMER.
Geographical multi‐layered energy‐efficient clustering scheme for ad hoc distributed wireless sensor networks
Authors: Siavoshi Saman , Kavian Yousef Seifi , Tarhani Mehdi , Rashvand Habib Falari
Published: February 2016

This study introduces a geographical multi‐layered clustering protocol for ad hoc wireless sensor networks (WSNs), where the size of clusters is variable so that the closer clusters to the base station (BS) have a smaller size than farther ones. Moreover, in each cluster, using some intelligent fuzzy rules and in a decentralised way, a novel sub‐tree strategy is determined. In this way, some parent nodes are chosen that are responsible for collecting and aggregating data from their adjacent ordinary nodes and sending them to its cluster head, directly or via other parent nodes, which substantially decreases intra‐cluster communication energy costs. Furthermore, these two compatible techniques can fairly mitigate the hot spot problem resulting from multi‐hop communication with the BS. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed protocol outperforms two energy‐efficient protocols named DSBCA and LEACH in terms of functional network longevity for both small‐scale and large‐scale sensor networks.
High-mobility BaSnO3 grown by oxide molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Raghavan Santosh , Schumann Timo , Kim Honggyu , Zhang Jack Y. , Cain Tyler A. , Stemmer Susanne
Published: January 2016

High-mobility perovskite BaSnO3 films are of significant interest as new wide bandgap semiconductors for power electronics, transparent conductors, and as high mobility channels for epitaxial integration with functional perovskites. Despite promising results for single crystals, high-mobility BaSnO3 films have been challenging to grow. Here, we demonstrate a modified oxide molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) approach, which supplies pre-oxidized SnOx. This technique addresses issues in the MBE of ternary stannates related to volatile SnO formation and enables growth of epitaxial, stoichiometric BaSnO3. We demonstrate room temperature electron mobilities of 150 cm2 V−1 s−1 in films grown on PrScO3. The results open up a wide range of opportunities for future electronic devices.
A new discretization for the polarizable continuum model within the domain decomposition paradigm
Authors: Stamm Benjamin , Cancès Eric , Lipparini Filippo , Maday Yvon
Published: February 2016

We present a new algorithm to solve the polarizable continuum model equation in a framework compatible with the strategy previously developed by us for the conductor-like screening model based on Schwarz’s domain decomposition method (ddCOSMO). The new discretization is systematically improvable and is fully consistent with ddCOSMO so that it reproduces ddCOSMO results for large dielectric constants.
Nonlinear structures: Cnoidal, soliton, and periodical waves in quantum semiconductor plasma
Authors: Tolba R. E. , El-Bedwehy N. A. , Moslem W. M. , El-Labany S. K. , Yahia M. E.
Published: January 2016

Properties and emerging conditions of various nonlinear acoustic waves in a three dimensional quantum semiconductor plasma are explored. A plasma fluid model characterized by degenerate pressures, exchange correlation, and quantum recoil forces is established and solved. Our analysis approach is based on the reductive perturbation theory for deriving the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation from the fluid model and solving it by using Painlevé analysis to come up with different nonlinear solutions that describe different pulse profiles such as cnoidal, soliton, and periodical pulses. The model is then employed to recognize the possible perturbations in GaN semiconductor.
Photogenerated carriers transport behaviors in L-cysteine capped ZnSe core-shell quantum dots
Authors: Shan Qingsong , Li Kuiying , Xue Zhenjie , Lin Yingying , Yin Hua , Zhu Ruiping
Published: February 2016

The photoexcited carrier transport behavior of zinc selenide (ZnSe) quantum dots (QDs) with core–shell structure is studied because of their unique photoelectronic characteristics. The surface photovoltaic (SPV) properties of self-assembled ZnSe/ZnS/L-Cys core–shell QDs were probed via electric field induced surface photovoltage and transient photovoltage (TPV) measurements supplemented by Fourier transform infrared, laser Raman, absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The ZnSe QDs displayed p-type SPV characteristics with a broader stronger SPV response over the whole ultraviolet-to-near-infrared range compared with those of other core–shell QDs in the same group. The relationship between the SPV phase value of the QDs and external bias was revealed in their SPV phase spectrum. The wide transient photovoltage response region from 3.3 × 10−8 to 2 × 10−3 s was closely related to the long diffusion distance of photoexcited free charge carriers in the interfacial space–charge region of the QDs. The strong SPV response corresponding to the ZnSe core mainly originated from an obvious quantum tunneling effect in the QDs.
Time-dependent Bogomolny-Prasad-Sommerfeld skyrmions
Authors: Ioannidou Theodora , Lukács Árpád
Published: January 2016

An extended version of the Bogomolny-Prasad-Sommerfeld (BPS) Skyrme model that admits time-dependent solutions is discussed. Initially, by introducing a power law at the original potential term of the BPS Skyrme model, the existence, stability, and structure of the corresponding solutions are investigated. Then, the frequency and half-lifes of the radial oscillations of the constructed time-dependent solutions are determined.
The number radial coherent states for the generalized MICZ-Kepler problem
Authors: Salazar-Ramírez M. , Ojeda-Guillén D. , Mota R. D.
Published: February 2016

We study the radial part of the McIntosh-Cisneros-Zwanziger (MICZ)-Kepler problem in an algebraic way by using the 𝔰𝔲(1, 1) Lie algebra. We obtain the energy spectrum and the eigenfunctions of this problem from the 𝔰𝔲(1, 1) theory of unitary representations and the tilting transformation to the stationary Schrödinger equation. We construct the physical Perelomov number coherent states for this problem and compute some expectation values. Also, we obtain the time evolution of these coherent states.
On the mean kinetic energy of the proton in strong hydrogen bonded systems
Authors: Finkelstein Y. , Moreh R. , Shang S. L. , Shchur Ya. , Wang Y. , Liu Z. K.
Published: February 2016

The mean atomic kinetic energies of the proton, Ke(H), and of the deuteron, Ke(D), were calculated in moderate and strongly hydrogen bonded (HB) systems, such as the ferro-electric crystals of the KDP type (XH2PO4, X = K, Cs, Rb, Tl), the DKDP (XD2PO4, X = K, Cs, Rb) type, and the X3H(SO4)2 superprotonic conductors (X = K, Rb). All calculations utilized the simulated partial phonon density of states, deduced from density functional theory based first-principle calculations and from empirical lattice dynamics simulations in which the Coulomb, short range, covalent, and van der Waals interactions were accounted for. The presently calculated Ke(H) values for the two systems were found to be in excellent agreement with published values obtained by deep inelastic neutron scattering measurements carried out using the VESUVIO instrument of the Rutherford Laboratory, UK. The Ke(H) values of the M3H(SO4)2 compounds, in which the hydrogen bonds are centro-symmetric, are much lower than those of the KDP type crystals, in direct consistency with the oxygen-oxygen distance ROO, being a measure of the HB strength.
Stacking fault domains as sources of a-type threading dislocations in III-nitride heterostructures
Authors: Smalc-Koziorowska J. , Bazioti C. , Albrecht M. , Dimitrakopulos G. P.
Published: February 2016

A mechanism for the nucleation of a-type threading dislocation half-loops from basal stacking faults in wurtzite III-nitride heterostructures is presented. Transmission electron microscopy observations, in conjunction with topological and strain analysis, show that there are two possible configurations of closed domains comprising basal stacking faults of I1 type. It is shown that the lattice dislocation may emanate when the sphalerite structural units of the stacking faults in the closed domain are oriented in a parallel manner. The closed domain configurations do not introduce any shift on the basal planes, resulting in zero defect content along the growth direction. The stacking fault domains are hexagonal, with sides along the ⟨101¯0⟩ directions, and the threading dislocation half loops nucleate at the line nodes. The mechanism was found to be operational in multiple III-nitride systems.
Electron energy distribution functions and fractional power transfer in “cold” and excited CO2 discharge and post discharge conditions
Authors: Pietanza L. D. , Colonna G. , D'Ammando G. , Laricchiuta A. , Capitelli M.
Published: January 2016

A Boltzmann equation, in the presence of superelastic vibrational and electronic collisions and of electron-electron Coulomb collisions, has been solved in CO2 plasma in discharge and post discharge conditions. Superelastic vibrational collisions play an important role in affecting the electron energy distribution function (eedf) in a wide range of the reduced electric field E/N and of vibrational temperatures characterizing the vibrational modes of CO2. An important result is the dependence of fractional power losses and of the relevant rate coefficients on the vibrational temperatures of the system. Superelastic electronic collisions, on the other hand, are the main processes affecting eedf and related quantities in the post discharge conditions (i.e., E/N = 0). In particular at low vibrational temperatures, the superelastic electronic collisions form an important plateau in the eedf, largely influencing the rate coefficients and the fractional power transfer.
Structure of wave-particle resonances and Alfvén mode saturation
Authors: Wang X. , Briguglio S. , Lauber Ph. , Fusco V. , Zonca F.
Published: January 2016

The dynamics of beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes driven by anisotropic co-passing or counter-passing fast ions, in a low-shear magnetic equilibrium, is investigated by self-consistent hybrid MHD-particle simulations with the XHMGC code. Though the modes exhibit similar structure and frequency in both cases and the linear growth rate is 10% larger for counter-passing ions than for co-passing ions, the nonlinear saturation amplitude is much larger in co-passing case. Moreover, different scalings for the saturation amplitude with increasing growth rates are observed in the two cases. It is shown that these differences are caused by the different radial dependence of resonance frequencies of co-passing and counter-passing fast ions: flat in the former case, steep in the latter case, so that the resonance width is, respectively, larger (in the former case) or smaller (in the latter case) than the mode width.
Motions of dust particles in a complex plasma with an axisymmetric nonuniform magnetic field
Authors: Saitou Yoshifumi
Published: January 2016

We investigate the motions of dust particles in a complex plasma by applying an axisymmetric nonuniform magnetic field, B, introduced with a permanent magnet. The magnetic field changes its direction from upward to downward within the experimental area. The distribution of dust particles is conical in the meridional plane, and its central area is a void. The dust particles are generally stagnant in the vertical direction and distributed in multiple layers. The horizontal plane is separated into two regions where the vertical component of B can and cannot be regarded as zero. The distribution of the dust particles in the horizontal plane is concentric. The dust particles along the inner and outer edges rotate in opposite directions due to the direction of the vertical component of B and generate shear flow at a certain height. The rotation velocities of the particles at the edges are compared with the theory of Kaw et al. [Phys. Plasmas 9, 387 (2002)]. The vortex-like structure is not easy to observe even in the presence of a shear flow because of the influence of the other dust particles as well as the small Reynolds number of the dust fluid.
Secondary pool boiling effects
Authors: Kruse C. , Tsubaki A. , Zuhlke C. , Anderson T. , Alexander D. , Gogos G. , Ndao S.
Published: February 2016

A pool boiling phenomenon referred to as secondary boiling effects is discussed. Based on the experimental trends, a mechanism is proposed that identifies the parameters that lead to this phenomenon. Secondary boiling effects refer to a distinct decrease in the wall superheat temperature near the critical heat flux due to a significant increase in the heat transfer coefficient. Recent pool boiling heat transfer experiments using femtosecond laser processed Inconel, stainless steel, and copper multiscale surfaces consistently displayed secondary boiling effects, which were found to be a result of both temperature drop along the microstructures and nucleation characteristic length scales. The temperature drop is a function of microstructure height and thermal conductivity. An increased microstructure height and a decreased thermal conductivity result in a significant temperature drop along the microstructures. This temperature drop becomes more pronounced at higher heat fluxes and along with the right nucleation characteristic length scales results in a change of the boiling dynamics. Nucleation spreads from the bottom of the microstructure valleys to the top of the microstructures, resulting in a decreased surface superheat with an increasing heat flux. This decrease in the wall superheat at higher heat fluxes is reflected by a “hook back” of the traditional boiling curve and is thus referred to as secondary boiling effects. In addition, a boiling hysteresis during increasing and decreasing heat flux develops due to the secondary boiling effects. This hysteresis further validates the existence of secondary boiling effects.
Secondary electron emission characteristics of oxide electrodes in flat electron emission lamp
Authors: Chiang Chang-Lin , Zeng Hui-Kai , Li Chia-Hung , Li Jung-Yu , Chen Shih-Pu , Lin Yi-Ping , Hsieh Tai-Chiung , Juang Jenh-Yih
Published: January 2016

The present study concerns with the secondary electron emission coefficient, γ, of the cathode materials used in the newly developed flat electron emission lamp (FEEL) devices, which essentially integrates the concept of using cathode for fluorescent lamp and anode for cathode ray tube (CRT) to obtain uniform planar lighting. Three different cathode materials, namely fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), aluminum oxide coated FTO (Al2O3/FTO) and magnesium oxide coated FTO (MgO/FTO) were prepared to investigate how the variations of γ and working gases influence the performance of FEEL devices, especially in lowering the breakdown voltage and pressure of the working gases. The results indicate that the MgO/FTO bilayer cathode exhibited a relatively larger effective secondary electron emission coefficient, resulting in significant reduction of breakdown voltage to about 3kV and allowing the device to be operated at the lower pressure to generate the higher lighting efficiency.
Electroless NiP–MWCNT composite coating for textile industry application
Authors: Selvakumar A. , Perumalraj R. , Jeevananthan P. N. R. , Archana S. , Sudagar J.
Published: February 2016

NiP–multiwall carbon nanotube composite coatings were deposited on a textile component at ∼14 µm thickness through electroless plating route. The composites were prepared by depositing four different concentrations of multiwall carbon nanotube (i.e. 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L–1) in an electroless bath over four NiP substrates. The NiP–multiwall carbon nanotube composite coating was observed to have a remarkably lower surface roughness and higher micro-hardness – by about 50% in both cases – in comparison with the NiP electroless plated substrate without the incorporation of multiwall carbon nanotube. In addition to that, there was a 14% reduction in yarn to metal friction between the investigated cases. This particular enhancement was adduced to the addition of surfactant to the electrolytic bath. The superior homogeneity in the distribution of multiwall carbon nanotube in the nickel matrix and the formation of the Ni–C bond were also identified to drive the multiwall carbon nanotube towards much improved properties.
Ginger hexane extract suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Ito Suguru , Ohmi Akihiro , Sakamiya Akiyo , Yano Takeo , Okumura Katsuzumi , Nishimura Norihiro , Kagontani Kazuhiro
Published: February 2016

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease caused by decreased bone density. Compounds with anti-osteoclastic activity, such as bisphosphonates, may help in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Herein, we determined the inhibitory effects of ginger hexane extract (GHE) on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that GHE (1) suppressed osteoclast differentiation and the formation of actin rings; (2) inhibited the expression of Nfatc1, a master transcriptional factor for osteoclast differentiation, in a dose-dependent manner (10–20 μg/mL); and (3) inhibited other osteoclastogenesis-related genes, such as Oscar, Dc-stamp, Trap, and Mmp9. These findings suggest that GHE may be used to prevent and treat osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation.
Numerical modelling of gas metal arc joining of aluminium alloy and galvanised steels in lap joint configuration
Authors: Das A. , Shome M. , Goecke S.-F. , De A.
Published: February 2016

Advanced pulsed current gas metal arc based processes are increasingly attempted for the joining of aluminium alloys and galvanised steel sheets. The bead profile and the thickness of the interfacial Fe–Al intermetallic (IMC) layer significantly influence the failure strength of these joints. Although several experimental studies have examined the nature and extent of the IMC phases and consequent joint strength, quantitative efforts to estimate bead profile and the IMC layer thickness as function of process conditions and resulting heat input are scarce. We present here for the first time a coupled theoretical and experimental study to estimate the bead profile and Fe–Al IMC layer thickness for joining of galvannealed steel and aluminium alloy sheets in a typical lap joint configuration. The computed values of bead profile and IMC layer thicknesses are validated with the corresponding experimental results.
Retiring the Central Executive
Authors: Logie Robert H.
Published: January 2016

Reasoning, problem solving, comprehension, learning and retrieval, inhibition, switching, updating, or multitasking are often referred to as higher cognition, thought to require control processes or the use of a central executive. However, the concept of an executive controller begs the question of what is controlling the controller and so on, leading to an infinite hierarchy of executives or “homunculi”. In what is now a QJEP citation classic, Baddeley [Baddeley, A. D. (1996). Exploring the central executive. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 49A, 5–28] referred to the concept of a central executive in cognition as a “conceptual ragbag” that acted as a placeholder umbrella term for aspects of cognition that are complex, were poorly understood at the time, and most likely involve several different cognitive functions working in concert. He suggested that with systematic empirical research, advances in understanding might progress sufficiently to allow the executive concept to be “sacked”. This article offers an overview of the 1996 article and of some subsequent systematic research and argues that after two decades of research, there is sufficient advance in understanding to suggest that executive control might arise from the interaction among multiple different functions in cognition that use different, but overlapping, brain networks. The article concludes that the central executive concept might now be offered a dignified retirement.
Measuring Perceived Ceiling Height in a Visual Comparison Task
Authors: von Castell Christoph , Hecht Heiko , Oberfeld Daniel
Published: January 2016

When judging interior space, a dark ceiling is judged to be lower than a light ceiling. The method of metric judgments (e.g., on a centimetre scale) that has typically been used in such tasks may reflect a genuine perceptual effect or it may reflect a cognitively mediated impression. We employed a height-matching method in which perceived ceiling height had to be matched with an adjustable pillar, thus obtaining psychometric functions that allowed for an estimation of the point of subjective equality (PSE) and the difference limen (DL). The height-matching method developed in this paper allows for a direct visual match and does not require metric judgment. It has the added advantage of providing superior precision. Experiment 1 used ceiling heights between 2.90 m and 3.00 m. The PSE proved sensitive to slight changes in perceived ceiling height. The DL was about 3% of the physical ceiling height. Experiment 2 found similar results for lower (2.30 m to 2.50 m) and higher (3.30 m to 3.50 m) ceilings. In Experiment 3, we additionally varied ceiling lightness (light grey vs. dark grey). The height matches showed that the light ceiling appeared significantly higher than the darker ceiling. We therefore attribute the influence of ceiling lightness on perceived ceiling height to a direct perceptual rather than a cognitive effect.
Unexplained Exertional Dyspnea Caused by Low Ventricular Filling Pressures: Results from Clinical Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Authors: Oldham William M. , Lewis Gregory D. , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Waxman Aaron B. , Systrom David M.
Published: February 2016

To determine whether low ventricular filling pressures are a clinically relevant etiology of unexplained dyspnea on exertion, a database of 619 consecutive, clinically indicated invasive cardiopulmonary exercise tests (iCPETs) was reviewed to identify patients with low maximum aerobic capacity (o2max) due to inadequate peak cardiac output (Qtmax) with normal biventricular ejection fractions and without pulmonary hypertension (impaired: n = 49, o2max = 53% predicted [interquartile range (IQR): 47%–64%], Qtmax = 72% predicted [62%–76%]). These were compared to patients with a normal exercise response (normal: n = 28, o2max = 86% predicted [84%–97%], Qtmax = 108% predicted [97%–115%]). Before exercise, all patients received up to 2 L of intravenous normal saline to target an upright pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of ≥5 mmHg. Despite this treatment, biventricular filling pressures at peak exercise were lower in the impaired group than in the normal group (right atrial pressure [RAP]: 6 [IQR: 5–8] vs. 9 [7–10] mmHg, P = 0.004; PCWP: 12 [10–16] vs. 17 [14–19] mmHg, P < 0.001), associated with decreased stroke volume (SV) augmentation with exercise (+13 ± 10 [standard deviation (SD)] vs. +18 ± 10 mL/m2, P = 0.014). A review of hemodynamic data from 23 patients with low RAP on an initial iCPET who underwent a second iCPET after saline infusion (2.0 ± 0.5 L) demonstrated that 16 of 23 patients responded with increases in Qtmax ([+24% predicted [IQR: 14%–34%]), o2max (+10% predicted [7%–12%]), and maximum SV (+26% ± 17% [SD]). These data suggest that inadequate ventricular filling related to low venous pressure is a clinically relevant cause of exercise intolerance.
Oral Treprostinil for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Patients Transitioned from Parenteral or Inhaled Prostacyclins: Case Series and Treatment Protocol
Authors: Coons James C. , Miller Taylor , Simon Marc A. , Ishizawar David C. , Mathier Michael A.
Published: January 2016

Oral treprostinil (TRE) is a prostacylin approved for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Few data exist to guide the use of oral TRE as a replacement for parenteral or inhaled prostacyclins. Therefore, the purpose of this report was to describe our experience with oral TRE to transition patients from parenteral or inhaled TRE. We describe a case series of patients admitted for a 4‐day hospital stay to transition from parenteral or inhaled TRE. Appropriate criteria for transition included stable patients with improved symptoms/functional capacity, patients who could not tolerate intravenous prostacyclin due to infection or subcutaneous prostacyclin due to pain, and patient preference for transition. The dosing protocol for transition is described. A total of 9 patients generally representative of a typical PAH demographic and background medical therapy were included. Patients were initiated at either 0.5 or 1 mg 3 times daily and discharged on a median dose of 8 mg 3 times daily. Our protocol resulted in 6 of 9 patients who successfully transitioned at a median follow‐up of 47 weeks. Two patients had to return to their previous prostacyclin therapy based on the presence of clinical worsening and adverse events (n = 1) and adverse events alone (n = 1). Another patient discontinued therapy due to plans for hospice care. Oral TRE may serve an important role in prostacyclin transitions in carefully selected, stable patients who receive background oral therapy for PAH.
Interplay between Solo and keratin filaments is crucial for mechanical force–induced stress fiber reinforcement
Authors: Fujiwara Sachiko , Ohashi Kazumasa , Mashiko Toshiya , Kondo Hiroshi , Mizuno Kensaku
Published: January 2016

Mechanical force–induced cytoskeletal reorganization is essential for cell and tissue remodeling and homeostasis; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain elusive. Solo (ARHGEF40) is a RhoA-targeting guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) involved in cyclical stretch–induced human endothelial cell reorientation and convergent extension cell movement in zebrafish gastrula. In this study, we show that Solo binds to keratin-8/keratin-18 (K8/K18) intermediate filaments through multiple sites. Solo overexpression promotes the formation of thick actin stress fibers and keratin bundles, whereas knockdown of Solo, expression of a GEF-inactive mutant of Solo, or inhibition of ROCK suppresses stress fiber formation and leads to disorganized keratin networks, indicating that the Solo-RhoA-ROCK pathway serves to precisely organize keratin networks, as well as to promote stress fibers. Of importance, knockdown of Solo or K18 or overexpression of GEF-inactive or deletion mutants of Solo suppresses tensile force–induced stress fiber reinforcement. Furthermore, knockdown of Solo or K18 suppresses tensile force-induced RhoA activation. These results strongly suggest that the interplay between Solo and K8/K18 filaments plays a crucial role in tensile force–induced RhoA activation and consequent actin cytoskeletal reinforcement.
Uncommon conditions
Authors: Hocking Graham
Published: January 2016

This chapter provides a series of vignettes of over 200 rare disorders, including many congenital syndromes. For reasons of space, a full discussion cannot be provided for each, but the most pertinent anaesthetic considerations are described, and a comprehensive list of recent references from the medical literature is provided.
Liver transplantation and resection
Authors: Bellamy Mark
Published: January 2016

This chapter discusses the anaesthetic management of liver transplantation and resection. It begins with a description of the general principles of the anaesthetic management of hepatic surgery, and it covers the surgical procedures of liver transplantation and hepatic resection.
Laser surgery
Authors: Saddler John
Published: January 2016

This chapter discusses the anaesthetic management of laser surgery. It describes the physics behind laser energy and the different types of laser used for different purposes. It then describes the safety measures which should be employed during laser surgery.
Anaesthesia for the elderly
Authors: White Stu , Handel Jeffrey
Published: January 2016

This chapter discusses the anaesthetic management of elderly patients. It begins with an overview of physiological and pharmacological changes of advanced age. It then describes particular anaesthetic management of the elderly patient with a view to optimizing outcome and avoiding post-operative cognitive dysfunction.
Lung cancer
Authors: Dziadziuszko Rafał , Baumann Michael , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Kerr Keith M. , Peters Solange , Zimmermann Stefan
Published: January 2016

This chapter covers lung cancer and includes information on epidemiology, aetiology, molecular biology and pathology. It includes sections on adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), malignant neuroendocrine tumours, large cell carcinomas, sarcomatoid carcinomas, adenosquamous and other mixed tumours, and salivary type carcinomas. It covers small biopsy and cytology sample diagnosis, symptoms, principles of diagnostic imaging and staging, management of early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (surgery, adjuvant postoperative chemotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy), management of locally advanced NSCLC (surgery, radiochemotherapy), and principles of palliative chemotherapy and targeted therapiesfor metastatic NSCLC .andconcept of oligometastatic disease. Small-cell lung cancer as well as other neuroendocrine tumours are discussed.
On the Importance of Hydrodynamic Interactions in the Stepping Kinetics of Kinesin
Authors: Goldtzvik Yonathan , Zhang Zhechun , Thirumalai D.
Published: January 2016

Conventional kinesin walks by a hand-over-hand mechanism on the microtubule (MT) by taking ~ 8nmdiscrete steps, and consumes one ATP molecule per step. The time needed to complete a single step is on the order of twenty microseconds. We show, using simulations of a coarse-grained model of the complex containing the two motor heads, the MT, and the coiled coil that in order to obtain quantitative agreement with experiments for the stepping kinetics hydrodynamic interactions (HI) have to be included. In simulations without hydrodynamic interactions spanning nearly twentyμsnot a single step was completed in hundred trajectories. In sharp contrast, nearly 14% of the steps reached the target binding site within 6μswhen HI were included. Somewhat surprisingly, there are qualitative differences in the diffusion pathways in simulations with and without HI. The extent of movement of the trailing head of kinesin on the MT during the diffusion stage of stepping is considerably greater in simulations with HI than in those without HI. Our results suggest that inclusion of HI is crucial in the accurate description of motility of other motors as well.
Integrative epigenomics, transcriptomics and proteomics of patient chondrocytes reveal genes and pathways involved in osteoarthritis
Authors: Steinberg Julia , Ritchie Graham R. S. , Roumeliotis Theodoros I. , Jayasuriya Raveen L. , Brooks Roger A. , Binch Abbie L. A. , Shah Karan M. , Coyle Rachael , Pardo Mercedes , Le Maitre Christine L. , Ramos Yolande F. M. , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , Meulenbelt Ingrid , McCaskie Andrew W. , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Mark Wilkinson J. , Zeggini Eleftheria
Published: January 2016

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease characterized by cartilage degeneration and joint remodeling. The underlying molecular changes underpinning disease progression are incompletely understood, but can be characterized using recent advances in genomics technologies, as the relevant tissue is readily accessible at joint replacement surgery. Here we investigate genes and pathways that mark OA progression, combining genome-wide DNA methylation, RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics in isolated primary chondrocytes from matched intact and degraded articular cartilage samples across twelve patients with OA undergoing knee replacement surgery.

Results

We identify 49 genes differentially regulated between intact and degraded cartilage at multiple omics levels, 16 of which have not previously been implicated in OA progression. Using independent replication datasets, we replicate statistically significant signals and show that the direction of change is consistent for over 90% of differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated CpG probes. Three genes are differentially regulated across all 3 omics levels:AQP1,COL1A1andCLEC3B, and all three have evidence implicating them in OA through animal or cellular model studies. Integrated pathway analysis implicates the involvement of extracellular matrix degradation, collagen catabolism and angiogenesis in disease progression. All data from these experiments are freely available as a resource for the scientific community.

Conclusions

This work provides a first integrated view of the molecular landscape of human primary chondrocytes and identifies key molecular players in OA progression that replicate across independent datasets, with evidence for translational potential.