bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controllable preparation and photocatalytic activity of highly ordered ZnO nanoarrays
Authors: Kong Xia , Hu Yawei , Pan Wei
Published: March 2017

Well‐aligned ZnO nanotubular arrays (NTs) and nano rod‐like arrays (NRs) were controllably fabricated on glass substrates through a facile hydrothermal method, and the prepared ZnO nanoarrays could be easily retrieved in the photodegradation of organic pollutants because ZnO is “growing” on the substrates. The morphology of ZnO nanoarrays could be governed by the cooling process and reaction time during the preparation. ZnO NTs tend to be formed by natural cooling, while ZnO NRs are apt to be constructed by sudden cooling. Furthermore, with the proceeding of the reaction, the ZnO nanoarrays display headless‐pyramid configuration gradually. The ZnO nanoarrays prepared at 90 ºC for 4 h show excellent photocatalytic activity. In the presence of the prepared ZnO NTs and NRs, the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) is up to 96.8% and 94.1% after 1 h UV irradiation, respectively. The better photocatalytic performance of ZnO NTs is ascribed to the highly ordered array and large specific surface area which could promote the transfer of photo‐generated electrons and restrain the recombination of electron‐hole pairs. The well‐aligned ZnO nanoarrays in this study could be fabricated on different substrates. Moreover, they could potentially serve as excellent photocatalysts in waste water treatment.
Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using AM extract
Authors: Yang Rong , Sun Wei‐Jie , Qu Xiao , Wang Mao‐Hua
Published: March 2017

In the present study, a simple and eco‐friendly chemical direction for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using leaf extract of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has been used. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the wurtzite hexagonal structure of ZnO nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscopy results suggested that the ZnO nanopowders were approximately spherical in shape and their size were found to be 35–38 nm. The calculated average crystalline size decreases from 38.54 to 11.68 nm when AM extract content increased from 0.5 to 1.5 wt%. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups of both leaf extract and ZnO nanoparticles. The experimental results showed the advantage of addition of the AM extract for controlling particle size.
Template synthesis of porous nanoZnO and its adsorption capability
Authors: Jiao Congda , Tang Fan , Xue Maoquan
Published: March 2017

Porous nanozinc oxide (ZnO) was successfully fabricated by a facile inﬁltration and calcination method with the help of a China rose petal template. The as‐prepared products were studied by X‐ray powder diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X‐ray diffraction results proved that the as‐prepared product was the hexagonal phase of ZnO without any impurity. Both SEM and TEM images showed that the biomorphic structures of ZnO were constructed with many regular nanoparticles with diameter of about 20 nm. The as‐synthesised porous nanoZnO displayed excellent waste water treatment performance with high removal capacities toward methyl orange. This novel biotemplate process provides an economical and environmentally friendly route to obtain advanced assembling biomorphic nanoarchitectures, and will make it possible for their potential application in the field of catalysis and other.
Wettability evolution of different nanostructured cobalt films based on electrodeposition
Authors: Ju Longlong , Xiao Han , Ye Lei , Hu Anmin , Li Ming
Published: March 2017

The wettability evolution of eight different types of nanostructured cobalt films is investigated using galvanostatic electrodeposition. The morphology, which evolves from a plump, pea‐like structure to cone, pyramid, shell, fluffy cone, fluffy shell and flower structures can be controlled by changing the anion type in the electrolyte or the deposition current density. A growth mechanism is proposed based on cathodic anomalous absorption theory, which explains both the influence of the anion type on the surface structure and the current‐dependent morphology evolution. The contact angle and sliding angle of all films are measured, and fractions of water drop contact area with the surrounding air are calculated to illustrate the roughness induced wettability. The hierarchical (nano and micro) structures exhibit eminent superhydrophobicity compared with single dimensional surfaces, indicating this as an effective way to prevent transition from Cassie–Baxter mode to Wenzel mode.
Low‐temperature synthesis of strain sensor based on flexible ZnO nanowire‐cellulose paper composite
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Roy (Kundu) Piyali , Majumder Mousumi , Sau Suman , Chakraborty Ashim Kumar
Published: March 2017

ZnO nanowire was synthesised chemically at low temperature on a flexible three‐dimensional and porous cellulose paper. The morphology and crystallography of the composite was characterised by field emission scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction. Performance of the developed ZnO nanowire‐cellulose paper composite as strain sensor demonstrated good stability, high gauge factor and good repeatability. The results indicate the possible use of this sensitive and robust strain sensor in the fields of biomedical sciences, MEMS devices and structural health monitoring and other fields.
Design of Novel Hydrogen-Bonding Donor Organocatalysts and Their Application to Asymmetric Direct Aldol Reaction
Authors: Miura Tsuyoshi , Akutsu Hiroshi , Nakashima Kosuke , Yanai Hikaru , Kotani Akira , Hirashima Shin-ichi , Yamamoto Tomoyuki , Takahashi Ryuta , Yoshida Akihiro , Koseki Yuji , Hakamata Hideki , Matsumoto Takashi
Published: March 2017

Asymmetric catalytic activities of various organocatalysts bearing double hydrogen-bonding donor units showing different pK
a values were examined for direct aldol reactions of cyclohexanone with aromatic aldehydes. Organocatalyst with motif exhibiting the highest acidity resulted in the corresponding aldol products with the highest enantioselectivity. A good correlation has been observed between the asymmetric catalytic activity for direct aldol reactions and acidities of double hydrogen-bonding donating units.
The Role of ABO Blood Type in Thrombosis Scoring Systems
Authors: Marano Giuseppe , Vaglio Stefania , Catalano Liviana , Pupella Simonetta , Liumbruno Giancarlo , Franchini Massimo
Published: March 2017

In addition to their major role in transfusion medicine, there is increasing evidence that ABO blood group antigens (complex carbohydrate molecules widely expressed on the surface of red blood cells and several other cell types) are implicated in the development of a wide array of pathologic conditions. In particular, intense research has been dedicated over the last 50 years to the study of the association between non-O blood type and the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders. Several pathways have been hypothesized to explain this relationship, the most reasonable implying the influence of the ABO blood group on circulating plasma levels of von Willebrand factor, factor VIII, and several inflammatory cytokines. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of ABO antigens in both venous and arterial thromboses, focusing on their association with clinical scoring systems evaluating thrombotic risk.
At Home Photography-Based Method for Measuring Wrist Range of Motion
Authors: Trehan Samir , Rancy Schneider , Johnsen Parker , Hillstrom Howard , Lee Steve , Wolfe Scott
Published: March 2017

Purpose To determine the reliability of wrist range of motion (WROM) measurements based on digital photographs taken by patients at home compared with traditional measurements done in the office with a goniometer.

Methods Sixty-nine postoperative patients were enrolled in this study at least 3 months postoperatively. Active and passive wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation were recorded by one of the two attending surgeons with a 1-degree resolution goniometer at the last postoperative office visit. Patients were provided an illustrated instruction sheet detailing how to take digital photographic images at home in six wrist positions (active and passive flexion/extension, and radial/ulnar deviation). Wrist position was measured from digital images by both the attending surgeons in a randomized, blinded fashion on two separate occasions greater than 2 weeks apart using the same goniometer. Reliability analysis was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient to assess agreement between clinical and photography-based goniometry, as well as intra- and interobserver agreement.

Results Out of 69 enrolled patients, 30 (43%) patients sent digital images. Of the 180 digital photographs, only 9 (5%) were missing or deemed inadequate for WROM measurements. Agreement between clinical and photography-based measurements was “almost perfect” for passive wrist flexion/extension and “substantial” for active wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation. Inter- and intraobserver agreement for the attending surgeons was “almost perfect” for all measurements.

Discussion This study validates a photography-based goniometry protocol allowing accurate and reliable WROM measurements without direct physician contact. Passive WROM was more accurately measured from photographs than active WROM. This study builds on previous photography-based goniometry literature by validating a protocol in which patients or their families take and submit their own photographs.

Clinical Relevance Patient-performed photography-based goniometry represents an alternative to traditional clinical goniometry that could enable longer-term follow-up, overcome travel-related impediments to office visits, improve convenience, and reduce costs for patients.
Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials with Simple (Tone Burst) and Complex (Speech) Stimuli in Children with Cochlear Implant
Authors: Martins Kelly Vasconcelos , Gil Daniela
Published: March 2017

Introduction The registry of the component P1 of the cortical auditory evoked potential has been widely used to analyze the behavior of auditory pathways in response to cochlear implant stimulation.

Objective To determine the influence of aural rehabilitation in the parameters of latency and amplitude of the P1 cortical auditory evoked potential component elicited by simple auditory stimuli (tone burst) and complex stimuli (speech) in children with cochlear implants.

Method The study included six individuals of both genders aged 5 to 10 years old who have been cochlear implant users for at least 12 months, and who attended auditory rehabilitation with an aural rehabilitation therapy approach. Participants were submitted to research of the cortical auditory evoked potential at the beginning of the study and after 3 months of aural rehabilitation. To elicit the responses, simple stimuli (tone burst) and complex stimuli (speech) were used and presented in free field at 70 dB HL. The results were statistically analyzed, and both evaluations were compared.

Results There was no significant difference between the type of eliciting stimulus of the cortical auditory evoked potential for the latency and the amplitude of P1. There was a statistically significant difference in the P1 latency between the evaluations for both stimuli, with reduction of the latency in the second evaluation after 3 months of auditory rehabilitation. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the amplitude of P1 under the two types of stimuli or in the two evaluations.

Conclusion A decrease in latency of the P1 component elicited by both simple and complex stimuli was observed within a three-month interval in children with cochlear implant undergoing aural rehabilitation.
Effects of Concentric and Eccentric Training on the Stiffness and Blood Circulation of the Patellar Tendon
Authors: Kubo Keitaro , Yata Hideaki
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) training on stiffness and blood circulation of the tendon, and clarify whether relative changes in tendon stiffness are related to those in tendon blood circulation. 17 subjects were assigned to training (n=9) and control (n=8) groups. Training group completed 12 weeks of unilateral training program for knee extensors. They performed 5 sets of CON or ECC at 80% of 1RM with 10 repetitions. Before and after training, cross-sectional area, stiffness, hysteresis, blood volume, and oxygen saturation of the patellar tendon were measured. Oxygen saturation significantly increased with CON and ECC. Stiffness significantly increased with CON but not with ECC. Other measured variables did not change after training. Furthermore, the relative change in tendon stiffness did not correlate with that in blood volume or oxygen saturation. In control group, measured variables did not change after training. These results suggest that tendon stiffness increased after CON but not after ECC; however no significant differences in the changes observed in size and blood circulation of the tendon were found between 2 protocols. Furthermore, changes in tendon stiffness were not related to those in tendon blood circulation.
Partners of Humans: A Realistic Assessment of the Role of Robots in the Foreseeable Future
Authors: Aleksander Igor
Published: March 2017

As robots are generally thought to perform human-like tasks, they depend on the successes of information technology in the area of artificial intelligence to succeed in such pursuits. But robots, through their anthropomorphic character and their weighty presence in science fiction, attract the attention of the press and the media in a way that, at times, blurs the distinction between the actual state of the art and exaggerated claims. This makes it hard to assess the true functional positioning of robots, how this is likely to move forward and whether the outcome of progress could be detrimental to human society. The aim of this paper is to review the actual level of competence that is being achieved in robotics research laboratories and a plausible impact that this is likely to have on human control over life and jobs. The key thesis here is that cognition in machines and even an artificial form of consciousness lead to operations in a set of tasks (the ‘algorithmic’ category) which is different from that available to truly cognitive and conscious human beings (the ‘life-need’ category): that is, in the paper it is argued that a major category error (Ryle in The concept of mind, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1949) looms in predictions of serious threats to humanity. As far as a threat to jobs goes, it is argued that early attention to education and re-skilling of humans in the workplace can lead to an effective symbiosis between people and robots.
A simple derivation of the exact quasiparticle theory and its extension to arbitrary initial excited eigenstates
Authors: Ohno Kaoru , Ono Shota , Isobe Tomoharu
Published: March 2017

The quasiparticle (QP) energies, which are minus of the energies required by removing or produced by adding one electron from/to the system, corresponding to the photoemission or inverse photoemission (PE/IPE) spectra, are determined together with the QP wave functions, which are not orthonormal and even not linearly independent but somewhat similar to the normal spin orbitals in the theory of the configuration interaction, by self-consistently solving the QP equation coupled with the equation for the self-energy. The electron density, kinetic, and all interaction energies can be calculated using the QP wave functions. We prove in a simple way that the PE/IPE spectroscopy and therefore this QP theory can be applied to an arbitrary initial excited eigenstate. In this proof, we show that the energy-dependence of the self-energy is not an essential difficulty, and the QP picture holds exactly if there is no relaxation mechanism in the system. The validity of the present theory for some initial excited eigenstates is tested using the one-shot GW approximation for several atoms and molecules.
Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations and electronic correlations in the layered organic metal κ-(BETS)2 Mn[N(CN)2]3
Authors: Kartsovnik M. V. , Zverev V. N. , Biberacher W. , Simonov S. V. , Sheikin I. , Kushch N. D. , Yagubskii E. B.
Published: March 2017

We present magnetoresistance studies of the quasi-two-dimensional organic conductor κ-(BETS)2Mn[N(CN)2]3, where BETS stands for bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselenafulvalene. Under a moderate pressure of 1.4 kbar, required for stabilizing the metallic ground state, Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations, associated with a classical and a magnetic-breakdown cyclotron orbits on the cylindrical Fermi surface, have been found at fields above 10 T. The effective cyclotron masses evaluated from the temperature dependence of the oscillation amplitudes reveal strong renormalization due to many-body interactions. The analysis of the relative strength of the oscillations corresponding to the different orbits and of its dependence on magnetic field suggests an enhanced role of electron-electron interactions on flat parts of the Fermi surface.
On the nature of ionic liquid gating of Nd2−xCexCuO4 thin films
Authors: Atesci Hasan , Coneri Francesco , Leeuwenhoek Maarten , Hilgenkamp Hans , van Ruitenbeek Jan M.
Published: March 2017

Recently, ionic liquid gating has been used to modulate the charge carrier properties of metal oxides. The mechanism behind it, however, is still a matter of debate. In this paper, we report experiments on doped and undoped Nd2CuO4. We find major resistance drops of the bilayer coupled to observations of the presence of a considerable Faradeic component in the gate current and of the appearance of charge transfer peaks in the cyclic voltammetry data. This leads us to propose a mechanism of gating based on irreversible electrochemical reactions, likely due to trace amounts of contaminations present in the ionic liquid. This work is therefore in line with previous reports confirming the presence of irreversible electrochemistry in ionic liquid gated electron- doped cuprates.
Ejection-ionization of molecules from free standing graphene
Authors: Verkhoturov Stanislav V. , Czerwinski Bartlomiej , Verkhoturov Dmitriy S. , Geng Sheng , Delcorte Arnaud , Schweikert Emile A.
Published: March 2017

We present the first data on emission of C60− stimulated by single impacts of 50 keV C602+ on the self-assembled molecular layer of C60 deposited on free standing 2 layer graphene. The yield, Y, of C60− emitted in the transmission direction is 1.7%. To characterize the ejection and ionization of molecules, we have measured the emission of C60− from the surface of bulk C60 (Y = 3.7%) and from a single layer of C60 deposited on bulk pyrolytic graphite (Y = 3.3%). To gain insight into the mechanism(s) of ejection, molecular dynamic simulations were performed. The scenario of the energy deposition and ejection of molecules is different for the case of graphene due to the confined volume of projectile-analyte interaction. In the case of 50 keV C602+ impacts on graphene plus C60, the C atoms of the projectile collide with those of the target. The knocked-on atoms take on a part of the kinetic energy of the projectile atoms. Another part of the kinetic energy is deposited into the rim around the impact site. The ejection of molecules from the rim is a result of collective movement of the molecules and graphene membrane, where the membrane movement provides the impulse for ejection. The efficient emission of the intact molecular ions implies an effective ionization probability of intact C60. The proposed mechanism of ionization involves the tunneling of electrons from the vibrationally exited area around the hole to the ejecta.
Laser controlled charge-transfer reaction at low temperatures
Authors: Petrov Alexander , Makrides Constantinos , Kotochigova Svetlana
Published: March 2017

We study the low-temperature charge transfer reaction between a neutral atom and an ion under the influence of near-resonant laser light. By setting up a multi-channel model with field-dressed states, we demonstrate that the reaction rate coefficient can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude with laser intensities of 106 W/cm2 or larger. In addition, depending on laser frequency, one can induce a significant enhancement or suppression of the charge-exchange rate coefficient. For our intensities, multi-photon processes are not important.
Perspective: Thermal and thermoelectric transport in molecular
junctions
Authors: Cui Longji , Miao Ruijiao , Jiang Chang , Meyhofer Edgar , Reddy Pramod
Published: March 2017

With the advent of molecular electronics, tremendous attention has been paid towards understanding the structure-function relationship of molecular junctions. Understanding how heat is transported, dissipated, and converted into electricity in molecular junctions is of great importance for designing thermally robust molecular circuits and high-performance energy conversion devices. Further, the study of thermal and thermoelectric phenomena in molecular junctions provides novel insights into the limits of applicability of classical laws. Here, we present a review of the computational and experimental progress made in probing thermoelectric effects, thermal conduction, heat dissipation, and local heating/cooling in self-assembled monolayer and single molecule junctions. We also discuss some outstanding challenges and potential future directions.
Relaxation processes of densified silica glass
Authors: Cornet Antoine , Martinez Valérie , de Ligny Dominique , Champagnon Bernard , Martinet Christine
Published: March 2017

Densified SiO2 glasses, obtained from different pressure and temperature routes, have been annealed over a wide range of temperatures far below the glass transition temperature (500 °C-900 °C). Hot and cold compressions were useful to separate the effects of pressure and the compression temperature. In situ micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to follow the structural evolution during the thermal relaxation. A similar glass structure between the non-densified silica and the recovered densified silica after the temperature annealing demonstrates a perfect recovery of the non-densified silica glass structure. While the density decreases monotonically, the structural relaxation takes place through a more complex mechanism, which shows that density is not a sufficient parameter to fully characterize the structure of densified silica glass. The relaxation takes place through a transitory state, consisting in an increase of the network inhomogeneity, shown by an increase in the intensity of the D2 band which is associated with 3 membered rings. The activation energy of these processes is 255 ± 45 kJ/mol for the hot compressed samples. The kinetic is overall faster for the cold compressed samples. In that last case, the relaxation is partially activated by internal stresses release.
Zwitterion functionalized gold nanoclusters for multimodal near infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Shen Danjin , Henry Maxime , Trouillet Vanessa , Comby-Zerbino Clothilde , Bertorelle Franck , Sancey Lucie , Antoine Rodolphe , Coll Jean-Luc , Josserand Véronique , Le Guével Xavier
Published: March 2017

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are an emerging type of theranostic agents combining therapeutic and imaging features with reduced toxicity. Au NCs stabilized by a zwitterion ligand with a fine control of the metal core size and the ligand coverage were synthesized by wet chemistry. Intense fluorescence signal is reported for the highest ligand coverage, whereas photoacoustic signal is stronger for the largest metal core. The best Au NC candidate with an average molecular weight of 17 kDa could be detected with high sensitivity on a 2D-near-infrared imaging instrument (limit of detection (LOD) = 2.3 μM) and by photoacoustic imaging. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate an efficient cell uptake in U87 cell lines, a fast renal clearance (t1/2α = 6.5 ± 1.3 min), and a good correlation between near infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic measurements to follow the early uptake of Au NCs in liver.
Tridiagonalization and the Heun equation
Authors: Grünbaum F. Alberto , Vinet Luc , Zhedanov Alexei
Published: March 2017

It is shown that the tridiagonalization of the hypergeometric operator L yields the generic Heun operator M. The algebra generated by the operators L, M and Z = [L, M] is quadratic and a one-parameter generalization of the Racah algebra. The Racah-Heun orthogonal polynomials are introduced as overlap coefficients between the eigenfunctions of the operators L and M. An interpretation in terms of the Racah problem for su(1,1) and separation of variables in a superintegrable system are discussed.
Phase behaviour of quasicrystal forming systems of core-corona particles
Authors: Pattabhiraman Harini , Dijkstra Marjolein
Published: March 2017

Using Monte Carlo simulations and free-energy calculations, we study the phase behaviour of a two-dimensional system of particles interacting with a hard core of diameter σHD and a repulsive square shoulder potential. The interest in this system lies in the formation of quasicrystals of different symmetries at specific square-shoulder widths δ as previously reported by Dotera et al. [Nature 506, 208 (2014)]. However, an insight into other possible periodic phases formed in these systems and the thermodynamic stability of both the periodic and quasicrystal phases is yet to be addressed. Here, we study the phase behaviour and map out the phase diagrams for three different shoulder widths δ=1.27σHD,1.40σHD, and 1.60σHD, where octadecagonal, dodecagonal, and decagonal quasicrystals were previously reported. In addition, we verify the thermodynamic stability of these quasicrystals with respect to their periodic approximants. In general, we find that the system at all three shoulder widths forms hexagonal phases in two distinct density ranges due to the two characteristic length scales in the interaction potential. Further, we find that the dodecagonal and octadecagonal quasicrystals are stable in between two crystal phase regimes. In contrast, the decagonal quasicrystal is not bounded by a low-density crystal phase regime due to the lower density of this quasicrystal. From the free-energy calculations, we find indications that the decagonal and dodecagonal quasicrystals are thermodynamically stable with respect to their approximants, and the octadecagonal quasicrystal is stabilised by a configurational entropy contribution.
Study of hydrogen ECR plasma in a simple mirror magnetic trap heated by 75 GHz pulsed gyrotron radiation
Authors: Skalyga V. A. , Izotov I. V. , Sidorov A. V. , Golubev S. V. , Razin S. V.
Published: March 2017

Plasma of electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) discharge sustained by millimeter wave radiation is widely used for production of ion beams of different kind. The main trend in ECR ion sources development nowadays is an increase of frequency and power of microwave heating. The most advanced systems use gyrotrons in 24–60 GHz frequency range. In previous studies at IAP RAS it was demonstrated that ECR source SMIS 37 (Simple Mirror Ion Source) with 37.5 GHz heating operating in quasigasdynamic regime of plasma confinement is able to produce proton and deuteron beams with ion current density about 700 mA/cm2. As the next step of these investigations plasma properties of the discharge sustained by 75 GHz radiation have been studied. Plasma density and electron temperature were determined using spectroscopic and Langmuir probe techniques. It was demonstrated that plasma density could reach values close to 1014 cm−3 and that is of great interest for further development of high current ion sources for various applications.
Structure and magnetic properties of Mg0.35Cu0.2Zn0.45Fe2O4 ferrite synthesized by co-precipitation method
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Zhi
Published: March 2017

Mg0.35Cu0.2Zn0.45Fe2O4 nanosize particles have been synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The XRD patterns confirmed the single phase spinel structure of the synthesized powder. The average crystallite size of the powder varied from 14 to 55 nm by changing annealing temperature. The activation energy for crystal growth was estimated as about 18.61KJ/mol. With the annealing temperature increasing, saturation magnetization (MS) was successively increased while the coercivity (HC) was first increased, passed through a maximum and then declined. The sintering temperature has significant influence on bulk density, initial permeability and Curie temperature of Mg0.35Cu0.2Zn0.45Fe2O4 ferrite.
Conical third-harmonic generation in a hexagonally poled LiTaO3 crystal
Authors: Fang Xinyuan , Wei Dan , Wang Yongmei , Wang Huijun , Zhang Yong , Hu Xiaopeng , Zhu Shining , Xiao Min
Published: March 2017

We experimentally observed conical third harmonic generation (THG) in a two-dimensional periodically poled LiTaO3 nonlinear photonic crystal. The conical THG was attributed to cascaded quasi-phase matching (QPM) processes assisted by scattering fundamental waves in the nonlinear photonic crystal. The characteristics of the generated conical beam, such as the emit angle and beam size, varied with the fundamental wavelength because it changed the scattering-assisted QPM configuration. Our experimental results demonstrated that scattering light can be effectively involved in a cascade nonlinear optical process through QPM, which provides a possible way to produce short-wavelength conical beams to meet the demands of practical applications.
Influence of cooling rate on structural and magnetic properties of (Fe78Nb8B14)1-xTbx alloys
Authors: Ziółkowski G. , Chrobak A. , Klimontko J. , Chrobak D. , Randrianantoandro N.
Published: March 2017

In the presented work we are focused on the influence of cooling rate on structural and magnetic properties of (Fe78Nb8B14)1-xTbx (x = 0.08, 0.1, 0.12) nanocrystalline bulk alloys. The samples were fabricated using the vacuum suction technique with different cooling rates controlled by different sample diameters (from 0.5 to 1.5 mm). The increased Nb content leads to the formation of specific microstructure and allows obtaining ultra-high coercive alloys just after casting without any additional treatment. The coercivity exceeds 8.6 T at the room temperature in case of optimal chemical and preparation conditions (x = 0.12, d = 0.5 mm) and 5.6 T for x = 0.1. The impact of Tb content as well as the cooling rate on magnetic and structural (XRD, SEM, MFM) properties is widely discussed in the context of reduction of rare earths in the RE-based permanent magnets.
Texture formation mechanism and constitutive equation for anisotropic thermorheological rare-earth permanent magnets
Authors: Zhu Minggang , Li Wei
Published: March 2017

The study investigates the mechanism and constitutive equations describing oriented texture formation in anisotropic thermorheological rare-earth permanent magnets. The thermorheological process cannot be considered as creep, since the related phenomena are not suitably explained by the diffusion creep model. A mathematical model describing the relationship between the rheological deformation rate and texture orientation was established, and a theoretical expression was obtained for the orientation factor of thermorheological magnets. In addition, nanocrystalline Nd-Fe-B magnets were fabricated, with intrinsic coercivity Hcj=760.1 kA/m, remanence Br=1.469 T, and maximum energy product (BH)max=427.1 kJ/m3.
Ab initio molecular dynamics study of temperature and pressure-dependent infrared dielectric functions of liquid methanol
Authors: Wang C. C. , Tan J. Y. , Liu L. H.
Published: March 2017

The temperature and pressure-dependent dielectric functions of liquids are of great importance to the thermal radiation transfer and the diagnosis and control of fuel combustion. In this work, we apply the state-of-the-art ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) method to calculate the infrared dielectric functions of liquid methanol at 183–573 K and 0.1–160 MPa in the spectral range 10−4000 cm−1, and study the temperature and pressure effects on the dielectric functions. The AIMD approach is validated by the Infrared Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (IR-VASE) experimental measurements at 298 K and 0.1 MPa, and the proposed IR-VASE method is verified by comparison with paper data of distilled water. The results of the AIMD approach agrees well with the experimental values of IR-VASE. The experimental and theoretical analyses indicate that the temperature and pressure exert a noticeable influence on the infrared dielectric functions of liquid methanol. As temperature increases, the average molecular dipole moment decreases. The amplitudes of dominant absorption peaks reduce to almost one half as temperature increases from 183 to 333 K at 0.1 MPa and from 273 to 573 K at 160 MPa. The absorption peaks below 1500 cm–1 show a redshift, while those centered around 3200 cm–1 show a blueshift. Moreover, larger average dipole moments are observed as pressure increases. The amplitudes of dominant absorption peaks increase to almost two times as pressure increases from 1 to 160 MPa at 373 K.
Nurse perceptions of safety climate in Australian acute hospitals: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Soh Sze-Ee , Morello Renata , Rifat Sheral , Brand Caroline , Barker Anna
Published: March 2017

Objectives
The aim of the present study was to explore nurse perceptions of safety climate in acute Australian hospitals.

Methods
Participants included 420 nurses who have worked on 24 acute wards from six Australian hospitals. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) Short Form was used to quantify nurse perceptions of safety climate and benchmarked against international data. Generalised linear mixed models were used to explore factors that may influence safety climate.

Results
On average, 53.5% of nurses held positive attitudes towards job satisfaction followed by teamwork climate (50.5%). There was variability in SAQ domain scores across hospitals. The safety climate and perceptions of hospital management domains also varied across wards within a hospital. Nurses who had worked longer at a hospital were more likely to have poorer perceptions of hospital management (β = –5.2; P = 0.014). Overall, nurse perceptions of safety climate appeared higher than international data.

Conclusions
The perceptions of nurses working in acute Victorian and New South Wales hospitals varied between hospitals as well as across wards within each hospital. This highlights the importance of surveying all hospital wards and examining the results at the ward level when implementing strategies to improve patient safety and the culture of safety in organisations.

What is known about the topic?
Prior studies in American nursing samples have shown that hospitals with higher levels of safety climate have a lower relative incidence of preventable patient complications and adverse events. Developing a culture of safety in hospitals may be useful in targeting efforts to improve patient safety.

What does this paper add?
This paper has shown that the perceptions of safety climate among nurses working in acute Australian hospitals varied between hospitals and across wards within a hospital. Only half the nurses also reported positive attitudes towards job satisfaction and teamwork climate.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Programs or strategies that aim to enhance teamwork performance and skills may be beneficial to improving the culture of safety in hospitals. Wards may also have their own safety ‘subculture’ that is distinct from the overall hospital safety culture. This highlights the importance of tailoring and targeting quality improvement initiatives at the ward level.
Effect of moisture deficit on four perennial ryegrass cultivars
Authors: Tozer K. N. , Crush J. R. , Greenfield R. M. , Cameron C. A.
Published: March 2017

The effect of moisture deficit on herbage production, root growth, tiller density, leaf appearance, percentage dry matter, and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentration and content in the stubble of Epichloë endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass plants (cultivars Aberdart AR1, Bealey NEA2, One50 AR37, Trojan NEA2) was investigated in a glasshouse study. Water was withheld from half the plants for 6 weeks, followed by a 4-week recovery period, when all plants were watered. At the end of the treatment period, there were differences among cultivars in tiller density, moisture content of the herbage, WSC content of stubble, and root mass. However, there was little effect of moisture deficit on these variables or on root depth. At the end of the recovery period, previously moisture-stressed plants had increased leaf appearance by 25%, leafy-herbage mass by 29%, and low molecular-weight WSC content of stubble by 37% compared with well watered plants, but there was a decrease in root mass in some cultivars. There were differences among cultivars in tiller density, the moisture content of the herbage and stubble WSC content. The effects of previous moisture deficit were greatest during the recovery period, and differed among cultivars, for stubble, root and total plant biomass. Results suggested that avoiding overgrazing immediately after drought is just as critical for recovery as is management during a drought, given that the greatest responses to previous moisture deficit were detected during this period.
Effects of aging on characteristics of breast meat from free-range broiler hens at 12 or 70 weeks of age
Authors: Mello J. L. M. , Souza R. A. , Ferrari F. B. , Giampietro-Ganeco A. , Souza P. A. , Borba H.
Published: March 2017

We evaluated the effect of broiler age and aging process on the meat characteristics of breast fillets from female free-range broilers slaughtered at 12 weeks of age (Wk12) and 70 weeks of age (Wk70). We used breast meat from female ISA Label (n = 60) broilers. Ten samples of each broiler age were aged in an incubator (2°C ± 0.5°C) for 3 and 7 days. Ten samples for each broiler age were analysed 4 h post-slaughter (Control group). Compared with breast meat from Wk12, breast meat from Wk70 showed higher shear force (30.52 N vs 27.19; P = 0.0322) and total collagen (4.33 g/kg vs 3.77 g/kg; P = 0.0149), which were reduced during aging to 15.49 N and 3.92 mg/100 g, respectively. The aging process did not affect the lipid oxidation of breast meat from Wk70. After aging for 3 days, breast meat from Wk70 had similar protein and fat contents to those of meat from Wk12 (21.29% and 1.04%, on average, respectively). Breast meat from Wk70 also showed lower concentrations of docosahexaenoic (0.32% vs 0.65%; P < 0.0001) and eicosapentaenoic (0.01% vs 0.12%; P < 0.0001) fatty acids than meat from Wk12. The use of free-range hen meat is beneficial to the industry because of the lower storage and cooking losses, which may influence the final yield, besides its lower polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration, which makes it less vulnerable to rancidification. Aging for at least 3 days at 2°C is satisfactory to promote the tenderisation of meat from free-range broiler hens.
Two New Oxovanadium(IV) Compounds Containing Amino Acid Schiff Base and 1,10-Bathophenanthroline Ligands: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and In Vitro Evaluation of the Anticancer Activities
Authors: Cao Yaping , Liu Hongmei , Yuan Zeli , Wei Gang
Published: March 2017

Two new oxovanadium(iv) compounds containing 1,10-bathophenanthroline (Bphen) and amino Schiff base derivatives [VO(hnd-napha)(Bphen)] (1) and [VO(o-van-met)(Bphen)] (2) were synthesised (where hnd-napha and o-van-met are N-Schiff bases derived from the reaction of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with 3-(1-naphthyl)-l-alanine and o-vanillin with l-methionine, respectively). These compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Both compounds showed low molar conductance values, indicating that they are non-electrolytes. The XRD results showed that the VIV atoms in both compounds existed in the VO3N3 coordination geometry with Schiff base and Bphen ligands. The in vitro anticancer activities of compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated against A549 human lung carcinoma and HepG2 human hepatoma cell lines using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the results revealed that both compounds were cytotoxic with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the range of 8.22 ± 1.0 to 94.89 ± 3.2 μmol L−1. Notably, compound 2 exhibited much better anticancer activity in vitro against A549 cells (8.22 ± 1 μmol L−1) than [VO(acac)2] (24 ± 6 μmol L−1) or any of our previously reported oxovanadium(iv) compounds, making it comparable in activity to cisplatin (3.1 ± 0.5 μmol L−1). These results therefore suggest that compound 2 could be used as a promising lead for the development of anticancer agents for the treatment of lung cancer.
Overcoming catastrophic forgetting in neural networks
Authors: Kirkpatrick James , Pascanu Razvan , Rabinowitz Neil , Veness Joel , Desjardins Guillaume , Rusu Andrei A. , Milan Kieran , Quan John , Ramalho Tiago , Grabska-Barwinska Agnieszka , Hassabis Demis , Clopath Claudia , Kumaran Dharshan , Hadsell Raia
Published: March 2017

Significance

Deep neural networks are currently the most successful machine-learning technique for solving a variety of tasks, including language translation, image classification, and image generation. One weakness of such models is that, unlike humans, they are unable to learn multiple tasks sequentially. In this work we propose a practical solution to train such models sequentially by protecting the weights important for previous tasks. This approach, inspired by synaptic consolidation in neuroscience, enables state of the art results on multiple reinforcement learning problems experienced sequentially.
Mouse cytomegalovirus M36 and M45 death suppressors cooperate to prevent inflammation resulting from antiviral programmed cell death pathways
Authors: Daley-Bauer Lisa P. , Roback Linda , Crosby Lynsey N. , McCormick A. Louise , Feng Yanjun , Kaiser William J. , Mocarski Edward S.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Caspase-8–mediated apoptotic and receptor-interacting protein (RIP)-dependent necroptotic signaling pathways are recognized host defense mechanisms that act by eliminating virus-infected cells. Cytomegalovirus-encoded inhibitors of apoptosis and necroptosis sustain infection and pathogenesis by preventing specific programmed cell death pathways. In the absence of viral inhibitors, combined apoptotic–necroptotic cell death signaling halts infection, preventing the virus from gaining a foothold in the host. We describe natural cooperation between apoptosis and necroptosis pathways in macrophages and within the host, resulting in robust proinflammatory cytokine responses not observed when infected cells die by either apoptosis or necroptosis alone. Thus, apoptosis combined with necroptosis serves a dual role in limiting herpesvirus persistence in the host.
Multisite aggregation of p53 and implications for drug rescue
Authors: Wang GuoZhen , Fersht Alan R.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Destabilized mutants of the tumor suppressor p53 are inactivated by self-aggregation in a substantial number of tumors and may also coaggregate with and inactivate WT p53 and family members. We found in vitro that self-aggregation proceeded via a network of multiple aggregation-prone sites in p53, and inhibition of an individual site did not inhibit aggregation. Nevertheless, peptides designed to be complementary to various aggregation sequences and inhibit their polymerization can specifically kill cancer cells and be potential anticancer drugs. We found that those peptides can also function by p53-independent routes in cancer cell cultures, implying further therapeutic targets.
Stone CrabMenippespp. Populations on Louisiana's Nearshore Oil and Gas Platforms: Higher Density and Size at Maturity on a Sand Shoal
Authors: Reeves David B. , Munnelly Ryan T. , Chesney Edward J. , Baltz Donald M. , Marx Brian D.
Published: March 2017

Oil and gas platforms are common in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Platforms provide substrate for sessile organisms such as barnacles and oysters that enhance habitat for stone crabsMenippespp. and other fouling‐associated organisms. In recent years, Louisiana's small nearshore platforms (<15 m) have been subjected to a high rate of removal, but little is known about their relative value as artificial reefs. During 2014, we compared stone crab populations at platforms on and off Ship Shoal in order to evaluate habitat conditions in the two areas. We hypothesized that platforms on the shoal would provide higher quality habitat than those in the surrounding area because the shoal supports higher diversity and abundances of benthic organisms. Stone crab populations were characterized by means of visual counts and by removing subsamples for species identification, sexing, and carapace measurements. Of the 378 stone crabs collected, 368 were Gulf stone crabsM. adinaand 10 were Cuban stone crabsM. nodifrons. Stone crabs colonized every platform studied, but densities were higher (mean values: 4.0 crabs/m2on the shoal versus 1.8 crabs/m2off the shoal), and carapace width at 50% maturity (CW50) was 27.1 mm larger for crabs on than off the shoal. Mean carapace width, size‐class distribution, and sex ratio of crabs on and off the shoal were not significantly different. Platforms provided substrate for barnacles, which enhanced the structural complexity of platforms and were observed to be prey for stone crabs. Nevertheless, higher stone crab density and CW50 on the shoal suggested that shoal platforms are better habitat types for stone crabs.

Received February 23, 2016; accepted January 9, 2017 Published online March 15, 2017
Safety of AQUI‐S 20E (10% Eugenol) as a Sedative for Freshwater Fish
Authors: Bowker James D. , Trushenski Jesse T. , Wandelear Niccole , Bowman Molly P.
Published: March 2017

AQUI‐S 20E (10% eugenol) has been shown to be an effective fish sedative for freshwater finfish, but to be approved for use in the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration must be provided with data demonstrating the product is safe to treated animals. Accordingly, we evaluated the safety of AQUI‐S 20E when used to sedate Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Yellow Perch Perca flavescens, and Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus. After identifying the highest effective concentrations likely to be used by fisheries biologists to sedate each species to handleable, replicate groups of fish were exposed to this intended concentration (1×) or a 50% higher eugenol concentration (1.5×) for periods of time adequate to effectively sedate 80% of fish to handleable (ET80) or for predetermined treatment periods exceeding the ET80. These predetermined treatment doses (40 and 60 mg eugenol/L for Rainbow Trout, 80 and 120 mg eugenol/L for Yellow Perch, and 100 and 150 mg eugenol/L for Channel Catfish), treatment periods (2.25–8.75 min for Rainbow Trout, 4.0–10.5 min for Yellow Perch, and 2.5–12.0 min for Channel Catfish; specific treatment periods depending on doses), and ET80 values were used to establish margins of safety for each species. An adequate margin of safety was defined as treatment periods ≥ 3–4 min longer than the 1× ET80 and ≥ 2–3 min longer than 1.5× ET80 after which fish survival was ≥ 95%. Based on survival, there was an adequate margin of safety associated with overexposing fish to AQUI‐S 20E. Given the absence of biologically relevant effects of AQUI‐S 20E exposure on tissue histology, there is no evidence to suggest that the survival‐based margins of safety should be revised to be more conservative. Our results indicate there is an adequate margin of safety associated with the use of AQUI‐S 20E to sedate freshwater fish to handleable.

Received September 27, 2016; accepted December 27, 2016 Published online March 15, 2017