bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small molecule induced poly(A) single strand to self-structure conformational switching: evidence for the prominent role of H-bonding interactions
Authors: Chatterjee Sabyasachi , Suresh Kumar Gopinatha
Published: March 2017

Evidence for H-bonding interaction between alkaloid and poly(A) for self-structure formation is presented.
New lead(ii) borates in the PbO/PbF2/H3BO3ternary phase diagram: syntheses and structures of β-Pb6B10O21and Pb4B8O16
Authors: Dong Lingyun , Jia Liangliang , Wang Lijun
Published: March 2017

Regulating the B : Pb ratio results in a series of lead(ii) borates or lead borate fluorides.
Development of (quinolinyl)amido-based pincer palladium complexes: a robust and phosphine-free catalyst system for C–H arylation of benzothiazoles
Authors: Pandiri Hanumanprasad , Soni Vineeta , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Punji Benudhar
Published: March 2017

Well-defined (quinolinyl)amido-pincer palladium complexes are developed and employed for the catalytic C–H bond arylation of benzothiazoles with aryl iodides, which can be recycled and reused for several cycles.
Effects of C/N in the substrate on the simultaneous production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and extracellular polymeric substances by Haloferax mediterranei via kinetic model analysis
Authors: Cui You-Wei , Shi Yun-Peng , Gong Xiao-Yu
Published: March 2017

A study of the effect of extracellular carbon source distribution on polyhydroxyalkanoates and extracellular polymeric substances byHaloferax mediterranei viakinetic model analysis.
Roadmap and roadblocks for the band gap tunability of metal halide perovskites
Authors: Unger E. L. , Kegelmann L. , Suchan K. , Sörell D. , Korte L. , Albrecht S.
Published: March 2017

Solar cells based on metal-halide perovskite semiconductors inspire high hopes for efficient low-cost solar energy conversion technology. We here reflect on recent progress and potential limitations of the band gap tunability of these compound semiconductors.
A self-assembled 3D urchin-like Ti0.8Sn0.2O2–rGO hybrid nanostructure as an anode material for high-rate and long cycle life Li-ion batteries
Authors: Dong Yutao , Li Dan , Gao Chengwei , Liu Yushan , Zhang Jianmin
Published: March 2017

Self-assembled 3D urchin-like Ti0.8Sn0.2O2–rGO was fabricated by a one-step hydrothermal process as an anode material for high-rate and long cycle life LIBs.
Ultrahigh yield of hydrogen peroxide on graphite felt cathode modified with electrochemically exfoliated graphene
Authors: Yang Weilu , Zhou Minghua , Cai Jingju , Liang Liang , Ren Gengbo , Jiang Lili
Published: March 2017

The development of an efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) cathode for hydrogen peroxide production represents an important challenge in the field of electrochemical processes and is highly demanded for chemical industries and environmental remediation applications.
Synthesis of an electronically modified carbon nitride from a processable semiconductor, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole oligomer,viaa topotactic-like phase transition
Authors: Savateev Aleksandr , Pronkin Sergey , Epping Jan Dirk , Willinger Marc Georg , Antonietti Markus , Dontsova Dariya
Published: March 2017

An organic semiconducting tetramer is converted by pyrolysis at 550 °C into a carbon nitride semiconductor with improved photocatalytic activity.
Case study on the pathophysiology of Fabry disease: abnormalities of cellular membranes can be reversed by substrate reduction in vitro
Authors: Brogden Graham , Shammas Hadeel , Maalouf Katia , Naim Samara L. , Wetzel Gabi , Amiri Mahdi , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , Das Anibh M. , Naim Hassan Y.
Published: March 2017

It is still not entirely clear how α-galactosidase A (GAA) deficiency translates into clinical symptoms of Fabry disease (FD). The present communication investigates the effects of the mutation N215S in FD on the trafficking and processing of lysosomal GAA and their potential association with alterations in the membrane lipid composition. Abnormalities in lipid rafts (LRs) were observed in fibroblasts isolated from a male patient with FD bearing the mutation N215S. Interestingly, LR analysis revealed that the distribution of cholesterol and flotillin-2 are distinctly altered in the Fabry fibroblasts when compared with that of the wild-type cells. Furthermore, increased levels of glycolipid globotriaosylceramide 3 (Gb3) and sphingomyelin (SM) were observed in non-raft membrane fractions of Fabry cells. Substrate reduction with N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ) in vitro was capable of reversing these abnormalities in this patient. These data led to the hypothesis that alterations of LRs may contribute to the pathophysiology of Morbus Fabry. Furthermore, it may be suggested that substrate reduction therapy with NB-DNJ might be a promising approach for the treatment of GAA deficiency at least for the selected patients.
Multi‐objective stochastic optimal power flow considering voltage stability and demand response with significant wind penetration
Authors: Wafaa Majid Baa , Dessaint Louis‐A
Published: March 2017

In this study, a multi‐objective stochastic optimal power flow (SOPF) problem with the presence of uncertain wind power generations is introduced. In particular, this study has two main contributions. First, it proposes a multi‐objective SOPF which consists of the operating cost, voltage stability and emission effects as the objective functions. The wind uncertainty is formulated as a scenario‐based technique. Demand response program is considered in this study, which is one of the most efficient control ways to reduce the risk of voltage instability after a contingency occurrence or a stressed loading condition. In addition, the proposed approach uses the technique of fuzzification to normalise all objective functions and to find the optimal solution. The second contribution proposes a line voltage stability index (LVSI). The proposed LVSI can detect precisely the voltage collapse in comparison with other LVSIs, especially after the occurrence of a given contingency due to the dynamic elements of the system. The proposed multi‐objective SOPF is also carried out with different existing LVSIs as the objective functions. These approaches are tested and validated by the modified WECC test system, the IEEE 39‐bus.
Directional relaying in presence of STATCOM during single pole tripping
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Jena Premalata
Published: March 2017

Static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), a shunt type flexible AC transmission system device, is used to control the voltage at different locations within a power system by absorbing/injecting reactive power. The dynamic control action associated with the operation of STATCOM in both capacitive and inductive modes is the reason for varying system condition and failure of different relaying schemes. Directional relaying is affected by the reactive current contributed by STATCOM in wide range of inductive to capacitive mode of operation. Further, single pole tripping (SPT) condition during STATCOM operation leads to mal‐function of the directional element due to phase change in sequence components of voltage and current. In this study, directional relaying is addressed for different types of faults in the presence of STATCOM connected at different locations during single phase auto reclosing period. Proposed directional relaying technique is based on the phase angle between positive sequence fault and pre‐fault apparent powers. Performance of the proposed scheme has been investigated for different types of faults for single and double circuit lines during SPT using simulated data of different power networks using PSCAD/EMTDC software. A comparative study is also carried out to verify the performance of the proposed scheme for different STATCOM operating conditions.
Pancreas Divisum in Children and Duodenum-Preserving Resection of the Pancreatic Head
Authors: Snajdauf Jiri , Petru Ondrej , Rygl Michal , Frybova Barbora , Bronsky Jiri , Mixa Vladimir , Keil Radan , Nahlovsky Jiri
Published: March 2017

Introduction A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment alternatives in children with pancreas divisum (PD).

Materials and Methods Patients who underwent treatment for PD between 1999 and 2014 at our department were evaluated for sex, age, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, biochemical markers, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities, and results of treatment during follow-up.

Results Seven patients who underwent treatment of symptomatic PD were included in the study. The median for follow-up period was 8 years (from 26 months to 16 years). Male-to-female ratio was 4:3 and the median age at presentation was 11 years (2–14 years). Presenting symptoms were recurrent episodic epigastric pain. Pancreatitis was documented by elevated amylase or lipase levels. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was the method of diagnosis of PD in all patients. Five patients had complete PD and two had incomplete variants. Three patients improved after ERCP papillotomy. In three patients, papillotomy was unsuccessful but they have only mild episodes of pancreatitis. One patient presented at the age of 4 years with recurrent pancreatitis. She was treated surgically by duodenum-preserving resection of the pancreatic head (DPRPH) because of severe recurrent pancreatitis occurring even after ERCP papillotomy. The patient is 26 months after operation without any reported problems.

Conclusion Patients with symptomatic PD are indicated for ERCP papillotomy attempt. If there is not improvement after ERCP, then recurrent bouts of severe pancreatitis are considered as an indication for surgical procedure. DPRPH is a safe and feasible surgical alternative.
Treatment of Mandibular Angle Fractures with Single Three-Dimensional Locking Miniplates without Maxillomandibular Fixation: How Much Fixation is Required?
Authors: Rastogi Sanjay , Paul Sam , Kukreja Sumedha , Aggarwal Karun , Choudhury Rupshikha , Bhugra Amit , Niranjana Prasad Indra B. , Jawaid Moazzam
Published: March 2017

The aim of this simple nonrandomized and observational study was to evaluate the efficacy of single three-dimensional (3D) plate for the treatment of mandibular angle fractures without maxillomandibular fixation.

A total of 30 patients with noncomminuted fractures of mandibular angle requiring open reduction and internal fixation were included in the study. All the patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using single 3D titanium locking miniplate placed with the help of transbuccal trocar or Synthes 90-degree hand piece and screw driver. 3D locking titanium miniplates used in our study was four-holed, box-shaped plate, and screws with 2 mm diameter and 8 mm length. The following clinical parameters were assessed for each patient at each follow-up visit: pain (visual analog scale: 0–5), swelling (visual analog scale: 0–5), mouth opening, infection, paresthesia, hardware failure (plate fracture), occlusal discrepancies, and mobility between fracture fragments.

A significant decrease in pain level was seen during the follow-up visits. No statistically significant changes were seen in swelling, but mouth opening increased in the subsequent visits. Also better results were seen in terms of fracture stability and occlusion in the postoperative period. Two cases of infection and two cases of hardware failure were noted in sixth postoperative week.

3D plating system is an easy to use alternative to conventional miniplates to treat mandibular angle fractures that uses lesser foreign material, thus reducing the operative time and overall cost of the treatment. Better fracture stability and occlusion was also achieved using the 3D plating system.
Genotyp-Phänotyp-Korrelation bei Patienten mit CRB1-Mutationen
Authors: Papadopoulou Laiou C. , Preising M. , Bolz H. , Lorenz B.
Published: March 2017

Hintergrund Mutationen im CRB1-Gen wurden bei frühkindlicher schwerer Netzhautdegeneration (EOSRD, early-onset severe retinal dystrophy) und Stäbchen-Zapfen-Degeneration des Kindesalters identifiziert. Diese Studie beschreibt das phänotypische Spektrum bei krankheitsverursachenden CRB1-Mutationen in den ersten beiden Lebensdekaden.

Material und Methoden Acht Patienten im Alter von 3 Monaten bis 20 Jahren wurden einer ophthalmologischen Untersuchung mit Prüfung des bestkorrigierten Visus (BCVA), Farbsehprüfung, Funduskopie, optischer Kohärenztomografie (SD-OCT) und Fundusautofluoreszenz (FAF) unterzogen. Die SD-OCTs wurden mit der DIOCTA-Auswertesoftware sowie manuell einer Schichtanalyse unterzogen. In Abhängigkeit von der Kooperationsfähigkeit der Patienten wurden eine Ganzfeldelektroretinografie (ffERG, ISCEV-Standard) sowie eine Goldmann-Perimetrie durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Fünf der Patienten trugen Mutationen, die zu einem Verlust des Genproduktes führten (Spleißmutationen, Nonsense-Mutationen, Leserasterverschiebungen) und zeigten bereits in den ersten Lebensmonaten ein massiv reduziertes Sehvermögen (BCVAmax: 0,04). Der 6. Patient trug eine homozygote Missense-Mutation und zeigte im Alter von 6 Jahren einen BCVAmax von 0,05. Zwei weitere Patienten mit einer hypomorphen Missense-Mutation auf mindestens einem Allel zeigten einen besseren Visuserhalt mit BCVA bis zu 0,5 im Alter von 20 Jahren. Das ffERG lag bei allen Patienten unter der Norm und war bei der Mehrheit nicht mehr ableitbar. Das Gesichtsfeld war stark eingeschränkt. Die Photorezeptorschichten waren im SD-OCT, soweit überhaupt abgrenzbar, deutlich reduziert. Die Schichtdicke der inneren Körnerschicht nahm mit zunehmender Degeneration zu. Die Analyse der A-Scans zwischen Nervenfaserschicht (RNFL) und Bruch-Membran zeigte eine besser erhaltene Netzhautschichtung bei den Patienten mit Missense-Mutationen.

Schlussfolgerung Patienten mit CRB1-Mutationen zeigen in erster Linie einen schweren Phänotyp mit stark reduziertem Sehvermögen von Geburt an. Missense-Mutationen mit einer möglichen Restfunktion des Genprodukts sind mit leichteren Phänotypen assoziiert. Eine schwere und progrediente Gesichtsfeldeinschränkung war allgemein in der 1. Lebensdekade vorhanden. Die reduzierte Abgrenzbarkeit der retinalen Schichtung im SD-OCT deutet auf einen Verlust der strukturellen Integrität aller Netzhautschichten hin.
Multi-gate organic neuron transistors for spatiotemporal information processing
Authors: Qian Chuan , Kong Ling-an , Yang Junliang , Gao Yongli , Sun Jia
Published: March 2017

Due to similar transmission characteristics of biological synaptic activities, neuromorphic behaviors simulated by organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) is of great interest. In this letter, the fabrication and performance of multi-gate poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) OECTs with ion-gel gating are reported. The neuromorphic behaviors, such as dendrite correlated excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), paired pulse facilitation, and modulation, were simulated in the OECTs. These behaviors were observed to depend on the degree of temporal correlation and distance between the in-plane-gate and the channel. More importantly, by using dendritic integration from two different gates, spatiotemporally correlated outputs were also emulated. The spatial orientations of the input pulse are defined, and changing the orientation will result in a change in the EPSC amplitude. Our results provide a way to construct spatiotemporally neural network based on multi-gate OECTs.
Boundedness vs unboundedness of a noise linked to Tsallis q-statistics: The role of the overdamped approximation
Authors: Domingo Dario , d’Onofrio Alberto , Flandoli Franco
Published: March 2017

An apparently ideal way to generate continuous bounded stochastic processes is to consider the stochastically perturbed motion of a point of small mass in an infinite potential well, under overdamped approximation. Here, however, we show that the aforementioned procedure can be fallacious and lead to incorrect results. We indeed provide a counter-example concerning one of the most employed bounded noises, hereafter called Tsallis-Stariolo-Borland (TSB) noise, which admits the well known Tsallis q-statistics as stationary density. In fact, we show that for negative values of the Tsallis parameter q (corresponding to sufficiently large diffusion coefficient of the stochastic force), the motion resulting from the overdamped approximation is unbounded. We then investigate the cause of the failure of Kramers first type approximation, and we formally show that the solutions of the full Newtonian non-approximated model are bounded, following the physical intuition. Finally, we provide a new family of bounded noises extending the TSB noise, the boundedness of whose solutions we formally show.
Multiplex multivariate recurrence network from multi-channel signals for revealing oil-water spatial flow behavior
Authors: Gao Zhong-Ke , Dang Wei-Dong , Yang Yu-Xuan , Cai Qing
Published: March 2017

The exploration of the spatial dynamical flow behaviors of oil-water flows has attracted increasing interests on account of its challenging complexity and great significance. We first technically design a double-layer distributed-sector conductance sensor and systematically carry out oil-water flow experiments to capture the spatial flow information. Based on the well-established recurrence network theory, we develop a novel multiplex multivariate recurrence network (MMRN) to fully and comprehensively fuse our double-layer multi-channel signals. Then we derive the projection networks from the inferred MMRNs and exploit the average clustering coefficient and the spectral radius to quantitatively characterize the nonlinear recurrent behaviors related to the distinct flow patterns. We find that these two network measures are very sensitive to the change of flow states and the distributions of network measures enable to uncover the spatial dynamical flow behaviors underlying different oil-water flow patterns. Our method paves the way for efficiently analyzing multi-channel signals from multi-layer sensor measurement system.
On the structure and dynamics of water associated with single-supported zwitterionic and anionic membranes
Authors: Miskowiec A. , Buck Z. N. , Hansen F. Y. , Kaiser H. , Taub H. , Tyagi M. , Diallo S. O. , Mamontov E. , Herwig K. W.
Published: March 2017

We have used high-resolution quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) to investigate the dynamics of water molecules (time scale of motion ∼10−11–10−9 s) in proximity to single-supported bilayers of the zwitterionic lipid DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine) and the anionic lipid DMPG (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol) in the temperature range 160–295 K. For both membranes, the temperature dependence of the intensity of neutrons scattered elastically and incoherently from these samples indicates a series of freezing/melting transitions of the membrane-associated water, which have not been observed in previous studies of multilayer membranes. We interpret these successive phase transitions as evidence of different types of water that are common to the two membranes and which are defined by their local environment: bulk-like water located furthest from the membrane and two types of confined water in closer proximity to the lipids. Specifically, we propose a water type termed “confined 2” located within and just above the lipid head groups of the membrane and confined 1 water that lies between the bulk-like and confined 2 water. Confined 1 water is only present at temperatures below the freezing point of bulk-like water. We then go on to determine the temperature dependence of the translational diffusion coefficient of the water associated with single-supported DMPG membranes containing two different amounts of water as we have previously done for DMPC. To our knowledge, there have been no previous studies comparing the dynamics of water in proximity to zwitterionic and anionic membranes. Our analysis of the water dynamics of the DMPG and DMPC membranes supports the classification of water types that we have inferred from their freezing/melting behavior. However, just as we observe large differences in the freezing/melting behavior between these model membranes for the same water type, our measurements demonstrate variation between these membranes in the dynamics of their associated water over a wide temperature range. In particular, there are differences in the diffusive motion of water closest to the lipid head groups. Previously, QENS spectra of the DMPC membranes have revealed the motion of water bound to the lipid head groups. For the DMPG membrane, we have found some evidence of such bound water molecules; but the signal is too weak for a quantitative analysis. However, we observe confined 2 water in the DMPG membrane to undergo slow translational diffusion in the head group region, which was unobserved for DMPC. The weak temperature dependence of its translational diffusion coefficient allows extrapolation to physiological temperatures for comparison with molecular dynamics simulations.
An effective nonlinear susceptibility model for general three-wave mixing in quasi-phase-matching structure
Authors: Hu Chen-Yang , Li Zhi-Yuan
Published: March 2017

We develop an effective nonlinear susceptibility model (ENSM) to solve analytically the general three-wave mixing nonlinear optical interaction problem under the quasi-phase-matching (QPM) scheme. The nonlinear processes including sum-frequency generation, difference-frequency generation and second harmonic generation are discussed in both periodic poled lithium niobate (PPLN) and chirped PPLN (CPPLN) structures. The analytical ENSM results show great consistency with rigorous numerical simulation based on direct solution of the nonlinear coupled-wave equations. This indicates that the ENSM is a brief, convenient, accurate, and efficient theoretical tool to quantitatively evaluate the performance of various three-wave mixing interactions in general QPM structures such as PPLN and CPPLN and to design and optimize the QPM structures for many specific functionalities of nonlinear frequency conversion.
Research Update: Materials design of implantable nanogenerators for biomechanical energy harvesting
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Xudong
Published: March 2017

Implantable nanogenerators are rapidly advanced recently as a promising concept for harvesting biomechanical energy in vivo. This review article presents an overview of the most current progress of implantable piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with a focus on materials selection, engineering, and assembly. The evolution of the PENG materials is discussed from ZnO nanostructures, to high-performance ferroelectric perovskites, to flexible piezoelectric polymer mesostructures. Discussion of TENGs is focused on the materials and surface features of friction layers, encapsulation materials, and device integrations. Challenges faced by this promising technology and possible future research directions are also discussed.
Nanostructured solvation in mixtures of protic ionic liquids and long-chained alcohols
Authors: Montes-Campos Hadrián , Otero-Mato José M. , Méndez-Morales Trinidad , López-Lago Elena , Russina Olga , Cabeza Oscar , Gallego Luis J. , Varela Luis M.
Published: March 2017

The structural and dynamical properties of bulk mixtures of long-chained primary and secondary alcohols (propanol, butanol, and 2-pentanol) with protic ionic liquids (ethylammonium and butylammonium nitrate) were studied by means of molecular dynamics simulations and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Changes in the structure with the alcohol concentration and with the alkyl chain length of the alcohol moieties were found, showing variations in the radial distribution function and in the number of hydrogen bonds in the bulk liquids. Moreover, the structural behaviour of the studied mixtures is further clarified with the spatial distribution functions. The global picture in the local scale is in good agreement with the nanostructured solvation paradigm [T. Méndez-Morales et al. Phys. Chem. B 118, 761 (2014)], according to which alcohols are accommodated into the hydrogen bonds’ network of the ionic liquid instead of forming clusters in the bulk. Indeed, our study reveals that the alcohol molecules are placed with their polar heads at the interfaces between polar and nonpolar nanodomains in the ionic liquid, with their alkyl chains inside the nonpolar organic nanodomains. The influence of alcohol chain length in the single-particle dynamics of the mixtures is also reported calculating the velocity autocorrelation function and vibrational densities of states of the different species in the ionic liquid-alcohol mixtures, and a weak caging effect for the ethylammonium cations independent of the chain size of the alcohols was found. However, the SAXS data collected for the studied mixtures show an excess of the scattering intensities which indicates that there are also some structural heterogeneities at the nanoscale.
Local bifurcation of electrohydrodynamic waves on a conducting fluid
Authors: Lin Zhi , Zhu Yi , Wang Zhan
Published: March 2017

We are concerned with progressive waves propagating on a two-dimensional conducting fluid when a uniform electric field is applied in the direction perpendicular to the undisturbed free surface. The competing effects of gravity, surface tension, and electrically induced forces are investigated using both analytical and numerical techniques for an inviscid and incompressible fluid flowing irrotationally. We simplify the full Euler equations by expanding and truncating the Dirichlet-Neumann operators in the Hamiltonian formulation of the problem. The numerical results show that when the electric parameter is in a certain range, the bifurcation structure near the minimum of the phase speed is rich with Stokes, solitary, generalized solitary, and dark solitary waves. In addition to symmetric solutions, asymmetric solitary waves featuring a multi-packet structure are found to occur along a branch of asymmetric generalized solitary waves that itself bifurcates from Stokes waves of finite amplitude. The detailed bifurcation diagrams, together with typical wave profiles, are presented.
Compressibility effect on coherent structures, energy transfer, and scaling in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
Authors: Yang Yan , Matthaeus William H. , Shi Yipeng , Wan Minping , Chen Shiyi
Published: March 2017

Compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence, a model often used to study space and astrophysical plasmas, differs from incompressible magnetohydrodynamic and hydrodynamic (HD) turbulence in many ways. Here direct numerical simulations of mechanically forced compressible MHD turbulence are used to study the degree to which some turbulence theories proposed in the incompressible case remain applicable in the compressible one. Several aspects of compressible turbulence are studied: (i) Intermittency in the compressible case is studied by addressing flows driven with varying forcing mechanisms; these display different features, such as compression and coherent structures. The more compressive simulation is characterized by sheet-like current density structures and shocks, which lead to saturated scaling exponents of high order structure functions of density and compressive velocity. (ii) Further investigations employing conditional averages of different energy transfer fluxes reveal that the influence of shocks (or compressions) makes differences in energy cascade and magnetic amplification. (iii) Cascade is also studied by examining the validity of Yaglom-type relations that verify the scale invariant property within the inertial range, where the transfer is relatively free of the effect of pressure dilation.
Geometric structure of pseudo-plane quadratic flows
Authors: Sun Che
Published: March 2017

Quadratic flows have the unique property of uniform strain and are commonly used in turbulence modeling and hydrodynamic analysis. While previous applications focused on two-dimensional homogeneous fluid, this study examines the geometric structure of three-dimensional quadratic flows in stratified fluid by solving a steady-state pseudo-plane flow model. The complete set of exact solutions reveals that steady quadratic flows have an invariant conic type in the non-rotating frame and a non-rotatory vertical structure in the rotating frame. Three baroclinic solutions with vertically non-aligned formulation disprove an earlier conjecture. All elliptic and hyperbolic solutions, except for the inertial ones, exhibit vertical concentricity. The rich geometry of quadratic flows stands in contrast to the depleted geometry of high-degree polynomial flows. A paradox in the steady solutions of shallow-water reduced-gravity models is also explained.
Aligned carbon nanotube/zinc oxide nanowire hybrids as high performance electrodes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Al-Asadi Ahmed S. , Henley Luke Alexander , Wasala Milinda , Muchharla Baleeswaraiah , Perea-Lopez Nestor , Carozo Victor , Lin Zhong , Terrones Mauricio , Mondal Kanchan , Kordas Krisztian , Talapatra Saikat
Published: March 2017

Carbon nanotube/metal oxide based hybrids are envisioned as high performance electrochemical energy storage electrodes since these systems can provide improved performances utilizing an electric double layer coupled with fast faradaic pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanisms. In this work, we show that high performance supercapacitor electrodes with a specific capacitance of ∼192 F/g along with a maximum energy density of ∼3.8 W h/kg and a power density of ∼28 kW/kg can be achieved by synthesizing zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) directly on top of aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In comparison to pristine MWCNTs, these constitute a 12-fold of increase in specific capacitance as well as corresponding power and energy density values. These electrodes also possess high cycling stability and were able to retain ∼99% of their specific capacitance value over 2000 charging discharging cycles. These findings indicate potential use of a MWCNT/ZnO NW hybrid material for future electrochemical energy storage applications.
Suppression of space charge in crosslinked polyethylene filled with poly(stearyl methacrylate)-grafted SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Ling , Khani Mohammad M. , Krentz Timothy M. , Huang Yanhui , Zhou Yuanxiang , Benicewicz Brian C. , Nelson J. Keith , Schadler Linda S.
Published: March 2017

Incorporating inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) into polymer matrices provides a promising solution for suppressing space charge effects that can lead to premature failure of electrical insulation used in high voltage direct current engineering. However, realizing homogeneous NP dispersion is a great challenge especially in high-molecular-weight polymers. Here, we address this issue in crosslinked polyethylene by grafting matrix-compatible polymer brushes onto spherical colloidal SiO2 NPs (10–15 nm diameter) to obtain a uniform NP dispersion, thus achieving enhanced space charge suppression, improved DC breakdown strength, and restricted internal field distortion (≤10.6%) over a wide range of external DC fields from −30 kV/mm to −100 kV/mm at room temperature. The NP dispersion state is the key to ensuring an optimized distribution of deep trapping sites. A well-dispersed system provides sufficient charge trapping sites and shows better performance compared to ones with large aggregates. This surface ligand strategy is attractive for future nano-modification of many engineering insulating polymers.
Numerical and experimental investigations of an air bubble rising in a Carreau-Yasuda shear-thinning liquid
Authors: Premlata A. R. , Tripathi Manoj Kumar , Karri Badarinath , Sahu Kirti Chandra
Published: March 2017

The dynamics of an air bubble rising in a quiescent shear-thinning fluid modelled using a simplified Carreau-Yasuda rheological model is investigated numerically and experimentally. For the parameter values considered in the present study, a rising bubble in a shear-thinning fluid exhibits a three-dimensional behaviour. Both path instabilities (zigzagging/spiralling motion) and topological changes are observed for an air bubble rising in a shear-thinning fluid. However, for a Newtonian surrounding fluid, a bubble maintains azimuthal symmetry and rises in a straight path for the same set of parameters. The mechanism of this three-dimensional behaviour is investigated by inspecting the variation of the vertical vorticity component and viscosity. Experiments have also been conducted using a high speed camera to visualise the bubble rise behaviour in both Newtonian and shear-thinning fluids as surrounding media. The shapes and trajectories of the bubble obtained from experiments show a qualitative agreement with those obtained from numerical simulations.
High intensity laser beam propagation through a relativistic warm magnetoplasma
Authors: Rezaei S. , Jafari Milani M. R. , Jafari M. J.
Published: March 2017

In this work, nonlinear aspects of a circularly polarized high intensity Gaussian laser beam propagating in a relativistic warm magnetized plasma are studied, taking into account the relativistic ponderomotive force. The differential equation governing the dimensionless beam width parameter is achieved and numerically solved by introducing the dielectric permittivity of such plasma and using the paraxial ray approximation. The effects of entrance laser intensity and its polarization state, external magnetic field, and electron temperature on the laser spot size evolution are studied. It is found that for both right and left-handed polarization states increasing initial laser intensity deteriorates the self-focusing mechanism while rising electron temperature improves it. It is also observed that enhancing magnetic field leads to faster and stronger self-focusing in the case of right-handed polarization and an attenuation in the self-focusing process in the case of left-handed one. In addition, the spatial distribution of normalized modified electron density as well as laser intensity profiles as a function of plasma length and beam radius is plotted and discussed for three self-focusing, self-trapping, and defocusing regimes.
Influence of gas flow velocity on the transport of chemical species in an atmospheric pressure air plasma discharge
Authors: Hasan M. I. , Walsh J. L.
Published: March 2017

This paper reports on a numerical study of the transport of reactive chemical species generated in an atmospheric-pressure air plasma discharge under the influence of a high velocity flowing gas. Using a 1D air plasma model, it is shown that the reactive species transported downstream of the discharge region can be categorized into three distinct groups based on their spatial distribution: (i) decaying downstream species, (ii) increasing downstream species and (iii) variable density species, where the density is a function of both spatial position and gas flow velocity. It is demonstrated that the gas flow velocity influences the dominant chemical reactions downstream of the discharge region, noticeably altering the composition of several key reactive chemical species transported to a given downstream location. As many emerging applications of atmospheric pressure plasma are driven by the flux of reactive chemical species, this study highlights the importance of gas flow velocity, not only as a means to enhance mass transport but also as a means to manipulate the very nature of the reactive plasma chemistry arriving at a given location.
Comparative study of the pentamodal property of four potential pentamode microstructures
Authors: Huang Yan , Lu Xuegang , Liang Gongying , Xu Zhuo
Published: March 2017

In this paper, a numerical comparative study is presented on the pentamodal property of four potential pentamode microstructures (three based on simple cubic and one on body-centered cubic structures) based on phonon band calculations. The finite-element method is employed to calculate the band structures, and the two essential factors of the ratio of bulk modulus B to shear modulus G and the single-mode band gap (SBG) are analyzed to quantitatively evaluate the pentamodal property. The results show that all four structures possess a higher B/G ratio than traditional materials. One of the simple cubic structures exhibits the incomplete SBG, while the three other structures exhibit complete SBG to decouple the compression and shear waves in all propagation directions. Further parametric analyses are presented investigating the effects of geometrical and material parameters on the pentamodal property of these structures. This study provides guidelines for the future design of novel pentamode microstructures possessing a high B/G ratio and a low-frequency broadband SBG.
Conversion of p to n-type reduced graphene oxide by laser annealing at room temperature and pressure
Authors: Bhaumik Anagh , Narayan Jagdish
Published: March 2017

Physical properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are strongly dependent on the ratio of sp2 to sp3 hybridized carbon atoms and the presence of different functional groups in its structural framework. This research for the very first time illustrates successful wafer scale integration of graphene-related materials by a pulsed laser deposition technique, and controlled conversion of p to n-type 2D rGO by pulsed laser annealing using a nanosecond ArF excimer laser. Reduced graphene oxide is grown onto c-sapphire by employing pulsed laser deposition in a laser MBE chamber and is intrinsically p-type in nature. Subsequent laser annealing converts p into n-type rGO. The XRD, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy indicate the presence of large-area rGO onto c-sapphire having Raman-active vibrational modes: D, G, and 2D. High-resolution SEM and AFM reveal the morphology due to interfacial instability and formation of n-type rGO. Temperature-dependent resistance data of rGO thin films follow the Efros-Shklovskii variable-range-hopping model in the low-temperature region and Arrhenius conduction in the high-temperature regime. The photoluminescence spectra also reveal less intense and broader blue fluorescence spectra, indicating the presence of miniature sized sp2 domains in the vicinity of π* electronic states, which favor the VRH transport phenomena. The XPS results reveal a reduction of the rGO network after laser annealing with the C/O ratio measuring as high as 23% after laser-assisted reduction. The p to n-type conversion is due to the reduction of the rGO framework which also decreases the ratio of the intensity of the D peak to that of the G peak as it is evident from the Raman spectra. This wafer scale integration of rGO with c-sapphire and p to n-type conversion employing a laser annealing technique at room temperature and pressure will be useful for large-area electronic devices and will open a new frontier for further extensive research in graphene-based functionalized 2D materials.
Behavior of copper in membrane-less sediment microbial fuel cell
Authors: Li Xiufen , Mu Shujun , Ren Yueping , Wang Xinhua
Published: March 2017

In membrane-less sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) reactors, copper ions are easily transported to the domains of both the anode and the cathode. Due to the unexpected balance between the biological effect of copper on the anode microbes and its function as electron acceptors at the cathode, the behavior of copper in membrane-less SMFCs became unexpected. The results in this manuscript showed that the copper concentration of  ≤3 mg/l in membrane-less SMFC reactors presented a positive effect on electricity generation, whereas a level of >3 mg/l played inhibitory action. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the copper concentration of  ≤3 mg/l reduced the apparent internal resistance of electrodes via improving the anode biofilm as well as the ohmic resistance of both electrodes. The concentration of copper ions experienced a decrease by up to 85.0%, due to the consumption as electron acceptors at the cathode, utilization/adsorption by biomass, and chemical precipitation.
Periodic orbits of the generalized Friedmann-Robertson-Walker potential in galactic dynamics in a rotating reference frame
Authors: El-Dessoky M. M. , Elmandouh A. A. , Hobiny Aatef
Published: March 2017

In this work, we study analytically the existence of periodic solution for Friedmann- Robertson-Walker Hamiltonian systems in a rotating frame using average theory of first order. The stability of these periodic solutions is investigated. Moreover, the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Hamiltonian systems in a rotating frame is proved to be non-integrable.
Carbon-coated copper nanoparticles prepared by detonation method and their thermocatalysis on ammonium perchlorate
Authors: An Chongwei , Ding Penghui , Ye Baoyun , Geng Xiaoheng , Wang Jingyu
Published: March 2017

Carbon-coated copper nanoparticles (CCNPs) were prepared by initiating a high-density charge pressed with a mixture of microcrystalline wax, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and copper nitrate hydrate (Cu(NO3)2·3H2O) in an explosion vessel filled with nitrogen gas. The detonation products were characterized by transmission electron microcopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microcopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The effects of CCNPs on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were also investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Results indicated that the detonation products were spherical, 25-40 nm in size, and had an apparent core-shell structure. In this structure, the carbon shell was 3-5 nm thick and mainly composed of graphite, C8 (a kind of carbyne), and amorphous carbon. When 5 wt.% CCNPs was mixed with 95 wt.% AP, the high-temperature decomposition peak of AP decreased by 95.97, 96.99, and 96.69 °Cat heating rates of 5, 10, and 20 °C/min, respectively. Moreover, CCNPs decreased the activation energy of AP as calculated through Kissinger’s method by 25%, which indicated outstanding catalysis for the thermal decomposition of AP.
Anatomical and biochemical characterisation of a barrier to radial O2 loss in adventitious roots of two contrasting Hordeum marinum accessions
Authors: Kotula Lukasz , Schreiber Lukas , Colmer Timothy D. , Nakazono Mikio
Published: March 2017

A barrier to radial O2 loss (ROL) in roots is an adaptive trait of waterlogging-tolerant plants. Hordeum marinum Huds. is a waterlogging-tolerant species that, in contrast to its waterlogging-sensitive cultivated relatives, forms a tight barrier to ROL in basal root zones. To evaluate the nature of the barrier to ROL in roots, we combined measurements of ROL with histochemical and biochemical studies of two contrasting H. marinum accessions. H21 formed greater aerenchyma (up to 38% of cross-sectional area) and a tight barrier to ROL when grown under deoxygenated stagnant conditions, whereas the barrier was only partially formed in roots of H90 and aerenchyma was up to 26%. A tight barrier to ROL in roots of H21 corresponded with strong suberisation of the exodermis. In agreement with anatomical studies, almost all aliphatic suberin quantities were greater in roots of H21 grown under stagnant conditions compared with roots from aerated controls, and also to those in H90. By contrast to suberin, no differences in root lignification were observed between the two accessions raised in either aerated or stagnant conditions. These findings show that in adventitious roots of H. marinum, suberisation rather than lignification restricts ROL from the basal root zones.
Photochemical activity changes accompanying the embryogenesis of pea (Pisum sativum) with yellow and green cotyledons
Authors: Smolikova Galina , Kreslavski Vladimir , Shiroglazova Olga , Bilova Tatiana , Sharova Elena , Frolov Andrej , Medvedev Sergei
Published: March 2017

The pea seeds are photosynthetically active until the end of the maturation phase, when the embryonic chlorophylls degrade. However, in some cultivars, the underlying mechanisms are compromised, and the mature seeds preserve green colour. The residual chlorophylls can enhance oxidative degradation of reserve biomolecules, and affect thereby the quality, shelf life and nutritive value of seeds. Despite this, the formation, degradation, and physical properties of the seed chlorophylls are still not completely characterised. So here we address the dynamics of seed photochemical activity in the yellow- and green-seeded pea cultivars by the pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometric analysis. The experiments revealed the maximal photochemical activity at the early- and mid-cotyledon stages. Thereby, the active centres of PSII were saturated at the light intensity of 15–20 µmol photons m–2 s–1. Despite of their shielding from the light by the pod wall and seed coat, photochemical reactions can be registered in the seeds with green embryo. Importantly, even at the low light intensities, the photochemical activity in the coats and cotyledons could be detected. The fast transients of the chlorophyll a fluorescence revealed a higher photochemical activity in the coat of yellow-seeded cultivars in comparison to those with the green-seeded ones. However, it declined rapidly in all seeds at the late cotyledon stage, and was accompanied with the decrease of the seed water content. Thus, the termination of photosynthetic activity in seeds is triggered by their dehydration.
Trk receptor signaling and sensory neuron fate are perturbed in human neuropathy caused by
Gars
mutations
Authors: Sleigh James N. , Dawes John M. , West Steven J. , Wei Na , Spaulding Emily L. , Gómez-Martín Adriana , Zhang Qian , Burgess Robert W. , Cader M. Zameel , Talbot Kevin , Yang Xiang-Lei , Bennett David L. , Schiavo Giampietro
Published: March 2017

Significance

The mechanisms triggering motor and sensory nerve dysfunction in the genetically diverse Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) remain unresolved, as does the reason for the lack of sensory pathology observed in distal hereditary motor neuropathies, which can be associated with CMT genes. To unravel the pathways leading to afferent deterioration, we have studied the sensory nervous system of CMT type 2D (CMT2D) mice. Our work demonstrates that the specific cellular identity of sensory nerves is perturbed in mutant mice prenatally, and that this is likely caused by aberrant interaction of mutant CMT2D protein with Trk receptors impacting their prodifferentiation/development signaling. CMT therefore manifests through malfunctioning of the complex interplay between developmental, maturation, and survival programs, which has important implications for therapeutic timing.
ErbB2 regulates autophagic flux to modulate the proteostasis of APP-CTFs in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Bo-Jeng , Her Guor Mour , Hu Ming-Kuan , Chen Yun-Wen , Tung Ying-Tsen , Wu Pei-Yi , Hsu Wen-Ming , Lee Hsinyu , Jin Lee-Way , Hwang Sheng-Ping L. , Chen Rita P.-Y. , Huang Chang-Jen , Liao Yung-Feng
Published: March 2017

Significance

We demonstrate that ErbB2 can regulate autophagic flux through its direct interaction with Beclin-1, which effectively blocks autophagy initiation. Although the expression of ErbB2 becomes dormant during adulthood, it becomes reactivated during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), blocking the autophagy-mediated clearance of amyloid precursor protein (APP) C-terminal fragments (CTFs) [99-residue CTF (C99)]. Consequently, the accumulated APP-C99 can be further processed by γ-secretase, resulting in augmented production of amyloid-β and the APP intracellular domain. The chemical inhibition of ErbB2 by CL-387,785 effectively rescues the cognitive impairment of APP/presenilin-1 (PS1) transgenic AD mice. The present study thus defines a molecular basis by which the aberrant expression of ErbB2 could instigate the pathogenesis of AD. These findings provide the proof-of-principle evidence for rational design of ErbB2-targeted therapeutics for AD.