bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approach using the electrical structure and optical properties of aluminium-doped zinc oxide for solar cells
Authors: Zhao Yanfang , Liu Zhixiang , Yang Haiying , Li Tianbo , Yang Ping
Published: November 2016

Aluminium-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is attracting a continuously increasing amount of attention because of its potential as a solar cell material.
Probing acid/base chemistry and adsorption mechanisms of hydrolysable Al(iii) species with a clay system in aqueous solution
Authors: Huang Yanfang , Chai Wencui , Han Guihong , Liu Jiongtian , Wu Hongyang , Su Shengpeng , Cao Yijun
Published: November 2016

The acid/base chemistry of hydrolysable Al(iii) species with a clay (bentonite and kaolin) system was investigated at 35 °C in the expanded solution pH range from 1 to 9.
Binder-free electrodes of NiMoO4/graphene oxide nanosheets: synthesis, characterization and supercapacitive behavior
Authors: Kazemi Sayed Habib , Bahmani Farzaneh , Kazemi Hojjat , Kiani M. A.
Published: November 2016

In the present work we report a facile and efficient hydrothermal method to fabricate a nanocomposite of NiMoO4and graphene nanosheets (NiMoO4/GNS) on a nickel foam (NF) substrate.
A near IR photosensitizer based on self-assembled CdSe quantum dot-aza-BODIPY conjugate coated with poly(ethylene glycol) and folic acid for concurrent fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Yan Yu , Tian Jiangwei , Hu Fengrui , Wang Xiaoyong , Shen Zhen
Published: November 2016

Nanocomposite comprised of CdSe quantum dot-thiophene-substituted aza-BODIPY conjugate coated with FA and PEG has been developed for simultaneous fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy of HeLa cells via Förster resonance energy transfer.
Structural and thermal analysis of a hyper-branched exopolysaccharide produced by submerged fermentation of mushroom mycelium
Authors: Chen L. , Cheng W. N. , Zhang B. B. , Cheung P. C. K.
Published: November 2016

An exopolysaccharide (PTR-EPS1) purified from the culture medium of the mycelial fermentation of Pleurotus tuber-regium had a weight-average molecular mass of 173.6 kDa and a radius of 55.6 nm.
Understanding the significance of O-doped graphene towards biomedical applications
Authors: Maktedar Shrikant S. , Avashthi Gopal , Singh Man
Published: November 2016

The cytotoxicity profile, antimicrobial assay and antioxidant efficacy of O-doped graphene have confirmed its significance as an advanced functional biomaterial for biomedical applications. Extensive structural investigations complemented the activity studies.
On the purported “backbone fluorescence” in protein three-dimensional fluorescence spectra
Authors: Bortolotti Annalisa , Wong Yin How , Korsholm Stine S. , Bahring Noor Hafizan B. , Bobone Sara , Tayyab Saad , van de Weert Marco , Stella Lorenzo
Published: November 2016

A peak in 3D-fluorescence spectra of proteins, often assigned to backbone emission, is shown to be due to aromatic residues.
Improved water barrier and mechanical properties of soy protein isolate films by incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Han Yingying , Wang Lijuan
Published: November 2016

SiO2 nanoparticles with different sizes were prepared under ultrasonic irradiation and incorporated with soy protein isolate (SPI) films.
A new approach designed for improving flame retardancy of intumescent polypropylene via continuous extrusion with supercritical CO2
Authors: Huang Pengke , Pang Yongyan , Zhang Lihua , Wu Fei , Zhang Shuhai , Zheng Wenge
Published: November 2016

scCO2-aided IFR dispersion of PP/IFR composites and their improved flame retardancy.
Effect of a MoO3buffer layer between C8-BTBT and Co(100) single-crystal film
Authors: Zhu Menglong , Lyu Lu , Niu Dongmei , Zhang Hong , Wang Shitan , Gao Yongli
Published: November 2016

The effect of a MoO3buffer layer inserted between 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT) and Co single-crystal film has been investigated using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS).
Inhibition of minority transport for elevating the thermoelectric figure of merit of CuO/BiSbTe nanocomposites at high temperatures
Authors: Li Yuanyue , Liu Guoxia , Qin Xiaoying , Shan Fukai
Published: November 2016

In BiSbTe based composite with 0.2 vol% of CuO nanoinclusions, thermoelectric figure of merit increases monotonically and largest ZT = 1.37 was obtained at 496 K by inhibiting the transport of minorities at introduced asymmetric interface potentials.
Nickel oxide aerogel for high performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Gao Qiuyue , Gao Haibo , Shi Zhenyu , Wu Junwei , Zhi Mingjia , Hong Zhanglian
Published: November 2016

Monolithic NiO aerogels were prepared by a facile citric acid assisted sol–gel method for supercapacitor electrodes.
Electrically conductive hydrogel-based micro-topographies for the development of organized cardiac tissues
Authors: Navaei Ali , Moore Nathan , Sullivan Ryan T. , Truong Danh , Migrino Raymond Q. , Nikkhah Mehdi
Published: November 2016

In this study, we developed conductive microgrooved tissue constructs, leading to the formation of highly packed and uniaxially oriented cardiac cytoarchitecture.
A long cycle-life and high safety Na+/Mg2+ hybrid-ion battery built by using a TiS2 derived titanium sulfide cathode
Authors: Bian Xiaofei , Gao Yu , Fu Qiang , Indris Sylvio , Ju Yanming , Meng Yuan , Du Fei , Bramnik Natalia , Ehrenberg Helmut , Wei Yingjin
Published: November 2016

A hybrid-ion battery was designed using Mg as the anode and TiS2 as the cathode, combined with a Na+/Mg2+ hybrid electrolyte.
Toward high practical capacitance of Ni(OH)2 using highly conductive CoB nanochain supports
Authors: Wang Hui , Yan Jingjing , Wang Rongfang , Li Shunxi , Brett Dan J. L. , Key Julian , Ji Shan
Published: November 2016

Nano-chain amorphous CoB@porous Ni(OH)2 ultrathin sheets is developed, which has high specific capacitance, rate capability and long-term capacity. These particles, through their chain-like core and porous ultrathin sheets, thus afford a promising target structure for supercapacitor materials.
Enhanced adsorption capacity of ultralong hydrogen titanate nanobelts for antibiotics
Authors: Li Wenyao , Wang Jingru , He Guanjie , Yu Li , Noor Nuruzzaman , Sun Yangang , Zhou Xiying , Hu Junqing , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: November 2016

Ultralong hydrogen titanate nanobelts with a hollow structure and high surface area were synthesized to serve as promising materials for effective adsorption of antibiotics from contaminated water.
Perylene diimide isomers containing a simple sp3-core for non-fullerene-based polymer solar cells
Authors: Park Gi Eun , Choi Suna , Lee Dae Hee , Godumala Mallesham , Uddin Mohammad Afsar , Woo Han Young , Cho Min Ju , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: November 2016

In order to investigate the effect of the geometries of perylene diimide (PDI)-based small molecules, five different isomers were synthesized by using a cyclohexane core as a simple sp3-σ core.
Etched current collector-guided creation of wrinkles in steel-mesh-supported V6O13 cathode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Zupeng , Qiu Weitao , Chen Yuxin , Luo Yang , Huang Yongchao , Lei Qiufen , Guo Shoubin , Liu Peng , Balogun Muhammad-Sadeeq , Tong Yexiang
Published: November 2016

Wrinkles were created on the V6O13 cathode surface to attenuate mass-induced impedance and give higher electrode utilization at larger mass of the active material.
Application of a bilayer tubular scaffold based on electrospun poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone)/collagen fibers and yarns for tracheal tissue engineering
Authors: Wu Tong , Zheng Hui , Chen Jianfeng , Wang Yuanfei , Sun Binbin , Morsi Yosry , El-Hamshary Hany , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Chen Chang , Mo Xiumei
Published: November 2016

An electrospun bilayer tubular scaffold based on collagen/P(LLA–CL) was prepared and preprocessing with autologous tracheal cells and vascularization was done for the purpose of tracheal tissue engineering.
Synthesis, structure and luminescence properties of novel NIR luminescent materials Li2ZnGe3O8:xMn2+
Authors: Cheng Jinge , Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Sun Yuansheng , Bai Qiongyu , Li Zhenling , Tian Miaomiao , Wang Chao , Yang Zhiping
Published: November 2016

A series of near-infrared (NIR) emitting Li2ZnGe3O8 (LZG):xMn2+ phosphors were synthesized via a conventional solid state reaction.
Hindlimb spasticity after unilateral motor cortex lesion in rats is reduced by contralateral nerve root transfer
Authors: Zong Haiyang , Ma Fenfen , Zhang Laiyin , Lu Huiping , Gong Jingru , Cai Min , Lin Haodong , Zhu Yizhun , Hou Chunlin
Published: November 2016

Lower extremity spasticity is a common sequela among patients with acquired brain injury. The optimum treatment remains controversial. The aim of our study was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of contralateral nerve root transfer in reducing post stroke spasticity of the affected hindlimb muscles in rats. In our study, we for the first time created a novel animal hindlimb spastic hemiplegia model in rats with photothrombotic lesion of unilateral motor cortex and we established a novel surgical procedure in reducing motor cortex lesion-induced hindlimb spastic hemiplegia in rats. Thirty six rats were randomized into three groups. In group A, rats received sham operation. In group B, rats underwent unilateral hindlimb motor cortex lesion. In group C, rats underwent unilateral hindlimb cortex lesion followed by contralateral L4 ventral root transfer to L5 ventral root of the affected side. Footprint analysis, Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) retrograde tracing of gastrocnemius muscle (GM) motoneurons and immunofluorescent staining of vesicle glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) on CTB-labelled motoneurons were used to assess spasticity of the affected hindlimb. Sixteen weeks postoperatively, toe spread and stride length recovered significantly in group C compared with group B (P<0.001). Hmax (H-wave maximum amplitude)/Mmax (M-wave maximum amplitude) ratio of gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles (PMs) significantly reduced in group C (P<0.01). Average VGLUT1 positive boutons per CTB-labelled motoneurons significantly reduced in group C (P<0.001). We demonstrated for the first time that contralateral L4 ventral root transfer to L5 ventral root of the affected side was effective in relieving unilateral motor cortex lesion-induced hindlimb spasticity in rats. Our data indicated that this could be an alternative treatment for unilateral lower extremity spasticity after brain injury. Therefore, contralateral neurotization may exert a potential therapeutic candidate to improve the function of lower extremity in patients with spastic hemiplegia.
Data‐driven battery degradation model leveraging average degradation function fitting
Authors: Kim K. , Choi Y. , Kim H.
Published: November 2016

When the batteries of electrical vehicles are used to provide vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) ancillary service, battery life is shortened due to additional battery usage. To consider battery degradation, cycle life‐based approach with degradation density function (DDF) is popular. However, the previous modelling cannot capture the well‐known fact that battery may severely degrade at both ends of battery, i.e. when full or empty. A novel method of obtaining DDF using the curve fitting over average degradation function is proposed. The proposed method tightly fits the empirical measurements and thus provides a better way of operating V2G considering battery degradation. The results show that the proposed method reduces battery degradation by up to 28.9% while achieving the same revenue.
DOA estimation in the presence of unknown non‐uniform noise with coprime array
Authors: Tian Ye , Shi Hongyin , Xu He
Published: November 2016

The aim is to present a new direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm, which is better suited for dealing with unknown non‐uniform noise, as well as estimating more sources with less sensors. To achieve this goal, three key steps are exploited: a first step is to extend the array aperture by using coprime array and conjugate symmetry strategy, a second step is to avoid phase ambiguity via vector element reorganisation and a third step is to obtain a full‐rank covariance matrix through subvector division, which has the same form with the covariance matrix obtained in uniform Gaussian white noise. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can provide better DOA estimation performance than the compared algorithms.
Decision fusion based on physically relevant features for SAR ATR
Authors: Ding Baiyuan , Wen Gongjian , Ma Conghui , Yang Xiaoliang
Published: November 2016

Multi‐feature decision fusion is a robust way to enhance the performance of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) automatic target recognition (ATR). This study fuses two physically relevant features namely attributed scattering centres and target contour for SAR ATR. The two features provide an intuitive and comprehensive description of targets which can not only promote the ATR performance but also benefit human interpretation. The two features complement each other with weak spatial correlation. Furthermore, both the features can be concisely represented by simple point pattern thus remarkably saving the memory of the feature database. Specific classifiers are designed for the two features whose outputs are fused by the Dempster–Shafer evidence theory to produce the final decision. Experiments based on the moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition database demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
Passive beamforming with coprime arrays
Authors: Di Martino Gerardo , Iodice Antonio
Published: November 2016

Coprime arrays have been recently proposed as effective sparse configurations suitable for radar beamforming and angle‐of‐arrival estimation applications. In this study, a new approach for passive beamforming using coprime arrays is presented. In particular, a new detection strategy is proposed, which outperforms the coprime processors presently available in the literature, both in terms of peak sidelobe ratio and integrated sidelobe ratio, without giving rise to ‘ghost’ targets in presence of multiple interferers. The advantage of the proposed detector is demonstrated through the simulation of appropriate array scanned responses and receiver operating characteristic curves.
Deuterium fractionation of a distant cold dark cloud along the line of sight of W51
Authors: Vastel C. , Mookerjea B. , Pety J. , Gerin M.
Published: November 2016

Herschel/HIFI observations toward the compact HII region W51 has revealed the presence of a cold dense core along its line of sight in a high-velocity stream located just in front of W51. This detection has been made possible through absorption measurements of low-energy transitions of HDO, NH3, and C3 against the bright background emitted by the star-forming region. We present a follow-up study of this core using the high sensitivity and high spectral resolution provided by the IRAM 30m telescope. We report new detections of this core in absorption for DCO+ (2–1, 3–2), H13CO+ (1–0), DNC (3–2), HN13C (1–0), p-H2CO (20,2–10,1, 30,3–20,2), and in emission for o-NH2D. We also report interferometric observation of this last species using the IRAM/NOEMA telescope, revealing the fragmented nature of the source through the detection of two cores, separated by 0.19−0.24 pc, with average sizes of less than 0.16−0.19 pc. From a non-LTE analysis, we are able to estimate the density (~2.5 × 104 cm-3) and temperature (~10 K) of this component, typical of what is found in dark clouds. This component (called W51-core) has the same DCO+/HCO+ ratio (0.02) as TMC-1 and a high DNC/HNC ratio (0.14). Detection of these deuterated species indicates that W51-core is similar to an early-phase low-mass star-forming region, formed from the interaction between the W51 giant molecular cloud and the high-velocity stream in front of it. The W51 complex being at about 5 kpc, these findings lead to what is the first detection of the earliest phase of low-mass star-forming region at such a large distance.
Effectiveness of Low Cut Modified Amplification using Receiver in the Canal Hearing Aid in Individuals with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Prabhu Prashanth , Barman Animesh
Published: November 2016

Introduction The studies on hearing aid benefit in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) shows limited benefit. Low cut modified amplification is found to be effective in few individuals with ANSD. With advancement in technology, receiver in the canal (RIC) hearing aids have proven to be more effective than traditional behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids.

Objective Thus, the present study attempts to determine the effectiveness of low cut modified amplification using RIC and BTE.

Method Twenty participants with ANSD were fitted with BTE and RIC using traditional and low cut modified amplification. We divided them into good and poor performers based on unaided speech identification scores (SIS). We then compared aided SIS and aided benefit across conditions in good and poor performers with ANSD across both conditions using BTE and RIC.

Results The results of the study showed that the aided performance improved with low cut modified amplification in both BTE and RIC hearing aids. The improvement noticed with low-cut modified fitting with RIC was significant in more than BTE, especially in good performers with ANSD.

Conclusion The improved clarity and naturalness of sound with RIC may have led to better aided scores and better acceptance of the hearing aid. Thus, low-cut modified amplification, preferably with RIC, needs to be attempted in fitting individuals with ANSD, especially in those with good unaided SIS in quiet.
Total Knee Arthroplasty: What to Expect? A Survey of the Members of the Dutch Knee Society on Long-Term Recovery after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: van der Steen Marieke , Janssen Rob , Reijman Max , Tolk Jaap
Published: November 2016

The rate of satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is consistently reported around 80%, leaving one in five patients unsatisfied to some extent. Fulfillment of expectations is reported as the strongest predictor of treatment satisfaction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate what Dutch orthopedic surgeons assume are realistic expectations for recovery 1 year after TKA. We invited the members of the Dutch Knee Society (DKS) to fill out a web-based questionnaire. For expectation measurement, the validated Dutch version of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee replacement expectations survey was used. A total of 150 invitations were successfully sent; 84 orthopedic surgeons responded (56%). The overall HSS knee replacement expectation score was 66.0 (standard deviation, 14.0) on a 0 to 100 scale. Most improvement was predicted for the items “pain relief” and “walking short distances.” Expectations related to patients' ability to kneel or squat after TKA were scored poorly. To the opinion of the members of the DKS, after TKA improvement can be expected in domains of pain, function, activities, and psychological wellbeing. Return to normal is not likely to occur, especially in demanding physical activities.
Large-area field-ionization detector for the study of Rydberg atoms
Authors: Jones A. C. L. , Piñeiro A. M. , Roeder E. E. , Rutbeck-Goldman H. J. , Tom H. W. K. , Mills A. P.
Published: November 2016

We describe here the development and characterization of a micro-channel plate (MCP) based detector designed for the efficient collection and detection of Rydberg positronium (Ps) atoms for use in a time-of-flight apparatus. The designed detector collects Rydberg atoms over a large area (∼4 times greater than the active area of the MCP), ionizing incident atoms and then collecting and focusing the freed positrons onto the MCP. Here we discuss the function, design, and optimization of the device. The detector has an efficiency for Rydberg Ps that is two times larger than that of the γ-ray scintillation detector based scheme it has been designed to replace, with half the background signal. In principle, detectors of the type described here could be readily employed for the detection of any Rydberg atom species, provided a sufficient field can be applied to achieve an ionization rate of ≥108/s. In such cases, the best time resolution would be achieved by collecting ionized electrons rather than the positive ions.
A unified theoretical framework for mapping models for the multi-state Hamiltonian
Authors: Liu Jian
Published: November 2016

We propose a new unified theoretical framework to construct equivalent representations of the multi-state Hamiltonian operator and present several approaches for the mapping onto the Cartesian phase space. After mapping an F-dimensional Hamiltonian onto an F+1 dimensional space, creation and annihilation operators are defined such that the F+1 dimensional space is complete for any combined excitation. Commutation and anti-commutation relations are then naturally derived, which show that the underlying degrees of freedom are neither bosons nor fermions. This sets the scene for developing equivalent expressions of the Hamiltonian operator in quantum mechanics and their classical/semiclassical counterparts. Six mapping models are presented as examples. The framework also offers a novel way to derive such as the well-known Meyer-Miller model.
Electrostatic streaming instability modes in complex viscoelastic quantum plasmas
Authors: Karmakar P. K. , Goutam H. P.
Published: November 2016

A generalized quantum hydrodynamic model is procedurally developed to investigate the electrostatic streaming instability modes in viscoelastic quantum electron-ion-dust plasma. Compositionally, inertialess electrons are anticipated to be degenerate quantum particles owing to their large de Broglie wavelengths. In contrast, inertial ions and dust particulates are treated in the same classical framework of linear viscoelastic fluids (non-Newtonian). It considers a dimensionality-dependent Bohmian quantum correction prefactor, γ = [(D − 2)/3D], in electron quantum dynamics, with D symbolizing the problem dimensionality. Applying a regular Fourier-formulaic plane-wave analysis around the quasi-neutral hydrodynamic equilibrium, two distinct instabilities are explored to exist. They stem in ion-streaming (relative to electrons and dust) and dust-streaming (relative to electrons and ions). Their stability is numerically illustrated in judicious parametric windows in both the hydrodynamic and kinetic regimes. The non-trivial influential roles by the relative streams, viscoelasticities, and correction prefactor are analyzed. It is seen that γ acts as a stabilizer for the ion-stream case only. The findings alongside new entailments, as special cases of realistic interest, corroborate well with the earlier predictions in plasma situations. Applicability of the analysis relevant in cosmic and astronomical environments of compact dwarf stars is concisely indicated.
A n-vector model for charge transport in molecular semiconductors
Authors: Jackson Nicholas E. , Kohlstedt Kevin L. , Chen Lin X. , Ratner Mark A.
Published: November 2016

We develop a lattice model utilizing coarse-grained molecular sites to study charge transport in molecular semiconducting materials. The model bridges atomistic descriptions and structureless lattice models by mapping molecular structure onto sets of spatial vectors isomorphic with spin vectors in a classical n-vector Heisenberg model. Specifically, this model incorporates molecular topology-dependent orientational and intermolecular coupling preferences, including the direct inclusion of spatially correlated transfer integrals and site energy disorder. This model contains the essential physics required to explicitly simulate the interplay of molecular topology and correlated structural disorder, and their effect on charge transport. As a demonstration of its utility, we apply this model to analyze the effects of long-range orientational correlations, molecular topology, and intermolecular interaction strength on charge motion in bulk molecular semiconductors.
Atomistic formulas for local properties in systems with many-body interactions
Authors: Hardy Robert J.
Published: November 2016

Atomistic formulas are derived for the local densities and fluxes used in the continuum description of energy and momentum transport. Two general methods for the distribution of potential energy among a system’s constituent particles are presented and analyzed. The resulting formulas for the heat flux and stress tensor and the equations for energy and momentum transport are exact consequences of the definitions of the densities and the equations of classical mechanics. The formulas and equations obtained are valid for systems with very general types of many-body interactions.
Self-consistent molecular dynamics calculation of diffusion in higher n-alkanes
Authors: Kondratyuk Nikolay D. , Norman Genri E. , Stegailov Vladimir V.
Published: November 2016

Diffusion is one of the key subjects of molecular modeling and simulation studies. However, there is an unresolved lack of consistency between Einstein-Smoluchowski (E-S) and Green-Kubo (G-K) methods for diffusion coefficient calculations in systems of complex molecules. In this paper, we analyze this problem for the case of liquid n-triacontane. The non-conventional long-time tails of the velocity autocorrelation function (VACF) are found for this system. Temperature dependence of the VACF tail decay exponent is defined. The proper inclusion of the long-time tail contributions to the diffusion coefficient calculation results in the consistency between G-K and E-S methods. Having considered the major factors influencing the precision of the diffusion rate calculations in comparison with experimental data (system size effects and force field parameters), we point to hydrogen nuclear quantum effects as, presumably, the last obstacle to fully consistent n-alkane description.
THz conductivity of semi-insulating and magnetic CoFe2O4 nano-hollow structures through thermally activated polaron
Authors: Rakshit Rupali , Serita Kazunori , Tonouchi Masayoshi , Mandal Kalyan
Published: November 2016

Herein, terahertz (THz) time domain spectroscopy is used to measure the complex conductivity of semi-insulating CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and nano-hollow spheres (NHSs) with different diameters ranging from 100 to 350 nm having a nanocrystalline shell thickness of 19 to 90 nm, respectively. Interestingly, the magnitude of conductivity for CoFe2O4 NPs and NHSs of same average diameter (∼100 nm) for a given frequency of 0.3 THz is found to be 0.33 S/m and 9.08 S/m, respectively, indicating that the hollow structure exhibits greater THz conduction in comparison to its solid counterpart. Moreover, THz conductivity can be tailored by varying the nano-shell thickness of NHSs, and a maximum conductivity of 15.61 S/m is observed at 0.3 THz for NHSs of average diameter 250 nm. A detailed study reveals that thermally activated polaronic hopping plays the key role in determining the electrical transport property of CoFe2O4 nanostructures, which is found to solely depend on their magnitude of THz absorptivity. The non-Drude conductivity of all CoFe2O4 nanostructures is well described by the Polaron model instead of the Drude-Smith model, which is relevant for backscattering of free electrons in a nanostructured material. The Polaron model includes intra-particle and interparticle polaronic conductivities for closely spaced magnetic nanostructures and provides a mean free path of 29 nm for CoFe2O4 NPs of diameter 100 nm, which is comparable with its average crystallite size, indicating the applicability of the developed model for nanomaterials where charge transport is determined by polaronic hopping. Finally, we have demonstrated the morphology and size dependent magnetic measurements of ferrimagnetically aligned CoFe2O4 nanostructures through a vibrating sample magnetometer in the temperature range of 80–250 K, revealing that the disordered surface spin layer of nanostructures significantly controls their magnetism.
Chirality-sensitive nuclear magnetic resonance effects induced by indirect spin-spin coupling
Authors: Garbacz P. , Buckingham A. D.
Published: November 2016

It is predicted that, for two spin-1/2 nuclei coupled by indirect spin-spin coupling in a chiral molecule, chirality-sensitive induced electric polarization can be observed at the frequencies equal to the sum and difference between the spin resonance frequencies. Also, an electric field oscillating at the difference frequency can induce spin coherences which allow the direct discrimination between enantiomers by nuclear magnetic resonance. The dominant contribution to the magnitude of these expected chiral effects is proportional to the permanent electric dipole moment and to the antisymmetric part of the indirect spin-spin coupling tensor of the chiral molecule. Promising compounds for experimental tests of the predictions are derivatives of 1,3-difluorocyclopropene.
Existence and multiplicity of solutions for fourth-order elliptic equations of Kirchhoff type with critical growth in ℝN
Authors: Liang Sihua , Zhang Jihui
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we deal with the existence and multiplicity of solutions for fourth-order elliptic equations of Kirchhoff type with critical nonlinearity: −ε4Δ2u+ε4a+b∫RN∇u2dxΔu+V(x)u=u2**−2u+h(x,u), (t, x) ∈ ℝ × ℝN. By using Lions’ second concentration-compactness principle and concentration-compactness principle at infinity to prove that (PS) condition holds locally and by variational method, we prove that it has at least one solution and for any m ∈ ℕ, it has at least m pairs of solutions.
Large electrostrictive effect in (Ba1-xGd2x/3)Zr0.3Ti0.7O3 relaxor towards moderate field actuator and energy storage applications
Authors: Ghosh S. K. , Saha Sujoy , Sinha T. P. , Rout S. K.
Published: November 2016

The need of lead-free high performance ceramics with large electrostrictive effect, minimum hysteresis loss and energy storage ability at room temperature has become indispensable. At room temperature one of the key challenges in ceramic materials is to enhance the electrostrictive and energy storage properties simultaneously. In this regards, lead-free gadolinium modified barium zirconate titanate (Ba1-xGd2x/3)(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 (x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) ceramic was experimentally investigated to gain the competent electromechanical parameters near room temperature. Dielectric measurements exhibit a diffuse type of phase transition of relaxor phenomena and slim hysteresis loop with low remnant polarization and low hysteresis loss were observed. A moderate electric field of 30 kV/cm, recoverable energy and storage efficiency increases with Gd content. Strain-electric field hysteresis curves such as S-E, S-E2, and S-P2 profiles indicate improved electrostrictive characteristic of the ceramics. Results show that a maximum strain S ∼ 0.083% with large electrostrictive coefficient Q11 ∼ 0.054 m4/C2 and M11 ∼ 0.142 × 10−16 m2/V2 were obtained for x = 0.02 based BGdZT composition near relaxor-paraelectric phase boundary. The behavior of electrostrictive effect and energy storage efficiency suggested new possibilities of high precision lead-free ceramic actuator in a moderate field.
Plasmonic switching and bistability at telecom wavelength using the subwavelength nonlinear cavity coupled to a dielectric waveguide: A theoretical approach
Authors: Paul S. , Ray M.
Published: November 2016

Theoretical investigation of optical switching in a plasmonic device comprising a metal-dielectric-metal waveguide perpendicularly coupled to a single nanocavity is reported. The cavity is filled with a third order nonlinear Kerr material whose optical properties are manipulated using a control beam to trigger the switching operation. The performance of the switch is quantitatively evaluated and compared with other switching mechanisms used in a similar plasmonic structure. The comparative study reveals that the efficiency of our plasmonic switch is many folds higher and hence advantageous over absorption switching. The dependence of switching efficiency on material parameters and input intensity of the control illumination is demonstrated in detail. Switching efficiency is calculated using various nonlinear crystals, glasses, liquids, and other materials. Bistability study and consequent determination of the hysteresis loop width provides an idea of required threshold intensity and sensitiveness of the nonlinear plasmonic switch.
The rovibrational nature of cis- and trans-HNNS: A possible nitrogen molecule progenitor
Authors: Fortenberry Ryan C.
Published: November 2016

The HNNS radical has been promoted recently as a viable intermediate in the interstellar creation of the spectroscopically elusive nitrogen molecule. Any confirmation of this pathway or utilizing HNNS as a tracer of N2 depends upon the ability to observe the radical intermediate whether in the laboratory or in the interstellar medium. Established and accurate quantum chemical procedures are employed here to produce spectroscopic constants, fundamental vibrational frequencies, and intensities that can be utilized for any possible detection of HNNS. While trans-HNNS is confirmed here to be 3.0 kcal/mol lower in energy than cis-HNNS, the latter will be more readily observed rotationally due to its significantly larger dipole moment. The N−N bond in cis-HNNS is stronger than in trans-HNNS, and earlier work has suggested that cis-HNNS is more useful in the creation of N2 from NH and NS. Hence, the detection of cis-HNNS may be of greater value anyway. Furthermore, the N−N stretch in either conformer is also exceptionally bright and will occur in the mid-infrared with nearly 30 cm−1 separating the fundamentals of the two conformers. Finally, the low isomerization barrier can be affected significantly upon deuteration also making ND an interesting consideration as a starting material in the interstellar formation of N2.
The inhomogeneous ion temperature anisotropy instabilities of magnetic-field-aligned plasma sheared flow
Authors: Mikhailenko V. V. , Mikhailenko V. S. , Lee Hae June
Published: November 2016

The stability of the magnetic field aligned sheared flow with anisotropic ion temperatures, which have the anisotropic spatial inhomogeneities across the magnetic field and are comparable with or are above the electron temperature, is investigated numerically and analytically. The ion temperatures gradients across the magnetic field affect the instability development only when the inhomogeneous is the ion temperature along the magnetic field irrespective the inhomogeneity of the ion temperature across the magnetic field. In this case, the instability is developed due to the combined effect of the ion Landau damping, velocity shear, ion temperature anisotropy, and anisotropy of the ion temperature gradients. In the case when the ion temperature along the magnetic field is homogeneous, but the ion temperature across the magnetic field is inhomogeneous, the short wavelength instability develops with the wave length less than the thermal ion Larmor radius. This instability excites due to the coupled effect of the ion Landau damping, velocity shear and ion temperature anisotropy.
Insight into electrocaloric cooling power in multilayer capacitors using infra-red camera
Authors: Liu Yang , Strozyk Hervé , Dkhil Brahim , Defay Emmanuel
Published: November 2016

Compact multilayer capacitors (MLCs) have attracted strong interest as the most promising elements for the design of electrocaloric prototypes. Recent theoretical simulations have predicted that MLCs could permit a sustained cooling power. However, direct experimental evidence is still lacking. Here, we use an infra-red camera to characterize the cooling power of commercial MLCs by combining both spatially and temporally resolved measurements. We also compare the experimental data with theoretical models in order to highlight the routes for developing and optimizing the future MLC-based devices as well as the measurement conditions and modeling tools.
Calcium impurity as a source of non-radiative recombination in (In,Ga)N layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Young E. C. , Grandjean N. , Mates T. E. , Speck J. S.
Published: November 2016

Ca as an unintentional impurity has been investigated in III-nitride layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). It is found that Ca originates from the substrate surface, even if careful cleaning and rinsing procedures are applied. The initial Ca surface coverage is ∼1012 cm−2, which is consistent with previous reports on GaAs and silicon wafers. At the onset of growth, the Ca species segregates at the growth front while incorporating at low levels. The incorporation rate is strongly temperature dependent. It is about 0.03% at 820 °C and increases by two orders of magnitude when the temperature is reduced to 600 °C, which is the typical growth temperature for InGaN alloy. Consequently, [Ca] is as high as 1018 cm−3 in InGaN/GaN quantum well structures. Such a huge concentration might be detrimental for the efficiency of light emitting diodes (LEDs) if one considers that Ca is potentially a source of Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) defects. We thus developed a specific growth strategy to reduce [Ca] in the MBE grown LEDs, which consisted of burying Ca in a low temperature InGaN/GaN superlattice (SL) before the growth of the active region. Finally, two LED samples with and without an SL were fabricated. An increase in the output power by one order of magnitude was achieved when Ca was reduced in the LED active region, providing evidence for the role of Ca in the SRH recombination.
Communication: Multipole approximations of distant pair energies in local correlation methods with pair natural orbitals
Authors: Werner Hans-Joachim
Published: November 2016

The accuracy of multipole approximations for distant pair energies in local second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (LMP2) as introduced by Hetzer et al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 290, 143 (1998)] is investigated for three chemical reactions involving molecules with up to 92 atoms. Various iterative and non-iterative approaches are compared, using different energy thresholds for distant pair selection. It is demonstrated that the simple non-iterative dipole-dipole approximation, which has been used in several recent pair natural orbitals (PNO)-LMP2 and PNO-LCCSD (local coupled-cluster with singles and doubles) methods, may underestimate the distant pair energies by up to 50% and can lead to significant errors in relative energies, unless very tight thresholds are used. The accuracy can be much improved by including higher multipole orders and by optimizing the distant pair amplitudes iteratively along with all other amplitudes. A new approach is presented in which very small special PNO domains for distant pairs are used in the iterative approach. This reduces the number of distant pair amplitudes by 3 orders of magnitude and keeps the additional computational effort for the iterative optimization of distant pair amplitudes minimal.
Asymmetric propagation using enhanced self-demodulation in a chirped phononic crystal
Authors: Cebrecos A. , Jiménez N. , Romero-García V. , Picó R. , Sánchez-Morcillo V. J. , García-Raffi L. M.
Published: November 2016

Asymmetric propagation of acoustic waves is theoretically reported in a chirped phononic crystal made of the combination of two different nonlinear solids. The dispersion of the system is spatially dependent and allows the rainbow trapping inside the structure. Nonlinearity is used to activate the self-demodulation effect, which is enhanced due to the particular dispersion characteristics of the system. The performed numerical study reveals an efficient generation of the demodulated wave, up to 15% in terms of the pressure amplitude, as well as strong attenuation for undesired frequency components above the cut-off frequency. The obtained energy rectification ratio is in the order of 104 for the whole range of amplitudes employed in this work, indicating the robustness of the asymmetry and non-reciprocity of the proposed device for a wide operational range.
Active control of electromagnetically induced transparency with dual dark mode excitation pathways using MEMS based tri-atomic metamolecules
Authors: Pitchappa Prakash , Manjappa Manukumara , Ho Chong Pei , Singh Ranjan , Singh Navab , Lee Chengkuo
Published: November 2016

We report experimental results of the active switching of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) analogue by controlling the dark mode excitation pathways in a microelectromechanical system based tri-atomic metamolecule, operating in the terahertz spectral region. The tri-atomic metamolecule consists of two bright cut wire resonators (CWRs) on either side of the dark split ring resonators (SRRs). Each of the CWRs can independently excite the dark inductive-capacitive resonance mode of the SRRs through inductive coupling, and this allows for the dual pathways of dark mode excitation. The CWRs are made movable along the out-of-plane direction and electrically isolated to achieve selective reconfiguration. Hence, by controlling the physical position of these CWRs, the excitation pathways can be actively reconfigured. This enables the strong excitation of EIT analogue at 0.65 THz, only when one of the pathways is made accessible. Moreover, the transparency peak is completely modulated when both pathways are made either inaccessible or equally accessible. The proposed approach of realizing independent control of constituent resonators in a multi-resonator coupled system, enables the realization of efficient slow light devices and tunable high-Q resonators in terahertz spectral region.
Retinoic acid signaling determines the fate of uterine stroma in the mouse Müllerian duct
Authors: Nakajima Tadaaki , Iguchi Taisen , Sato Tomomi
Published: November 2016

Significance

Oviduct, uterus, and vagina are all derived from the Müllerian duct. Epithelial fate of these female reproductive organs in developing mice is determined by factors secreted from the stroma; however, how the preceding stromal differentiation of female reproductive tracts from the Müllerian duct occurs is still unclear. This study showed that retinoic acid (RA) signaling was activated in the proximal Müllerian duct, which develops into oviduct and uterus. Furthermore, RA treatment induced uterine stromal differentiation, whereas inhibition of RA receptor signaling induced vaginal stromal differentiation. Therefore, we concluded that RA establishes a border between the stroma of uterus and vagina.
Disturbance is the key to plant invasions in cold environments
Authors: Lembrechts Jonas J. , Pauchard Aníbal , Lenoir Jonathan , Nuñez Martín A. , Geron Charly , Ven Arne , Bravo-Monasterio Pablo , Teneb Ernesto , Nijs Ivan , Milbau Ann
Published: November 2016

Significance

This work provides a complete experimental answer to the longstanding question of which local factors determine the success (i.e., establishment, growth, and flowering) of common nonnative plant invaders at their coldest physiological limits. Using a multifactorial seed-addition experiment along repeated elevational gradients in two sub(ant)arctic mountain regions, we pinpoint the relative contribution of all main candidate determinants: temperature, disturbance, nutrient addition, and propagule pressure. We warn that climate change and direct human disturbances will together result in increased plant invasion in cold-climate ecosystems in the near future.
Graphene oxide-based efficient and scalable solar desalination under one sun with a confined 2D water path
Authors: Li Xiuqiang , Xu Weichao , Tang Mingyao , Zhou Lin , Zhu Bin , Zhu Shining , Zhu Jia
Published: November 2016

Significance

Direct solar desalination, which produces desalinated water directly using solar energy with minimum carbon footprint, is considered a promising technology to address the global water scarcity. Here, we report a solar desalination device, with efficient two-dimensional water supply and suppressed thermal loss, which can enable an efficient (80% under one-sun illumination) and effective (four orders salinity decrement) solar desalination. The energy transfer efficiency of this foldable graphene oxide film-based device fabricated by a scalable process is independent of water quantity and can be achieved without optical or thermal supporting systems, therefore significantly improving the scalability and feasibility of this technology toward a complementary portable and personalized water solution.
The innate immune receptor Dectin-2 mediates the phagocytosis of cancer cells by Kupffer cells for the suppression of liver metastasis
Authors: Kimura Yoshitaka , Inoue Asuka , Hangai Sho , Saijo Shinobu , Negishi Hideo , Nishio Junko , Yamasaki Sho , Iwakura Yoichiro , Yanai Hideyuki , Taniguchi Tadatsugu
Published: November 2016

Significance

The liver is a common site for metastatic disease, and liver metastasis is strongly correlated with poor prognosis. Therefore, an understanding of how liver metastasis is regulated by the immune system is one of the most important issues in cancer immunology. Liver-resident immune cells may either suppress or promote liver metastasis. In this study, we show that Dectin-2 and macrophage C-type lectin, both of which belong to the C-type lectin family of innate receptors, is expressed on resident liver macrophages known as Kupffer cells and play critical roles in the suppression of liver metastasis by enhancing the cells’ phagocytotic activity against cancer cells. Our study sheds light on the protective role of Kupffer cells in liver metastasis with therapeutic implications.
Language, migration and social wellbeing
Authors: Chowdhury Farzana Y. , Hamid M. Obaidul
Published: November 2016

This article explores language experiences of three Bangladeshi migrant workers with low English proficiency in Australia through narrative inquiry. The narrative of each participant presents insights into the ways in which these migrants navigated through their work and social life, and developed social and communicative strategies to survive in the host country where English is the dominant language. Analyses of the narratives suggest that despite their limited English proficiency, these migrant workers were able to find ways to contribute to the host society and they felt satisfied with their lives in Australia. Although not generalisable, the findings call for taking a critical look at the prevailing assumption that without English language proficiency migrants cannot enjoy a successful life or ensure their social and economic wellbeing in the host society. At the same time, there needs to be a greater recognition of the role of migrants’ first languages in the new society. We also argue that instead of taking a generalised view of ‘success’ and ‘wellbeing’, taking a differentiated view may be warranted and this may require taking into account migrants’ individual circumstances and their desires and expectations in relation to their social origins.
The role of L2 learner goal differences in task-generated oral production
Authors: Ben Maad Mohamed Ridha
Published: November 2016

In light of the growing interest in the cognitive approach to task in second language (L2) research, comparatively little has been done to examine such effect over time and the role of individual differences (IDs). The present study was designed to verify some longitudinal evidence for the role of tasks in L2 production and whether IDs, in the example of goal orientations, may have a bearing on that role. Thirty lower-intermediate level undergraduates performed narrative tasks during a five-month period and some were subsequently interviewed. Analysis of the data suggests that goal orientation and task conditions have a combined effect on speaking performance and development. In view of that, this paper questions the validity of findings disregarding learner variability and argues for the necessity to direct future research focus at how IDs may interact with tasks in different ways to influence L2 production.