bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraordinary magneto-optical Kerr effect via MoS2 monolayer in Au/Py/MoS2 plasmonic cavity
Authors: Baradaran Ghasemi A. H. , Faridi E. , Ansari N. , Mohseni S. M.
Published: October 2016

We demonstrate a multilayer magnetoplasmonic structure fabricated from MoS2 monolayer to significantly increase the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE) with a signal Q-factor more than 600.
Palladium catalyzed hydrogenation of biomass derived halogenated furfurals
Authors: Meller Elad , Sasson Yoel , Aizenshtat Zeev
Published: October 2016

Highly efficient catalytic hydrogenation of halogenated furfurals to 5-methyl furfural over activated carbon supported palladium catalysts is demonstrated.
Transition metal based single chained surfactants: synthesis, aggregation behavior and enhanced photoluminescence properties of fluorescein
Authors: Garg Preeti , Kaur Gurpreet , Chaudhary Ganga Ram
Published: October 2016

Four different transition metal based surfactants were synthesized. The effect of presence of metal as a part of counter ion on the aggregation behaviour of metallosurfactants and on the photophysical properties of fluorescein was explored.
Effect of the temperature on the dissolution of corn straw in ethanol solution
Authors: Zhang Xinghua , Yuan Zhengqiu , Wang Tiejun , Zhang Qi , Ma Longlong
Published: October 2016

Hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin can be separated roughly and converted into sugars, chemicals and fractured lignin by adjusting the dissolution temperature.
Exploring the role of V2O5 in the reactivity of NH4HSO4 with NO on V2O5/TiO2 SCR catalysts
Authors: Qu Ruiyang , Ye Dong , Zheng Chenghang , Gao Xiang , Luo Zhongyang , Ni Mingjiang , Cen Kefa
Published: October 2016

NH4+ in NH4HSO4 is consumed during the reaction with NO, while S-species are stabilized as tridentate SO42− on the catalysts.
Unusual ferromagnetic behaviour of embedded non-functionalized Au nanoparticles in Bi/Au bilayer films
Authors: Prusty Sudakshina , Siva Vantari , Shukla Neeraj , Satpati Biswarup , Senapati K. , Sahoo Pratap K.
Published: October 2016

Observation of ferromagnetic behavior of non-functionalized gold nanoparticles in contrast to the diamagnetic nature of bulk gold synthesized by single step Au ion irradiation.
Synthesis and application of magnetic reduced graphene oxide composites for the removal of bisphenol A in aqueous solution—a mechanistic study
Authors: Wang Penglei , Zhou Xin , Zhang Yagang , Wang Lulu , Zhi Keke , Jiang Yingfang
Published: October 2016

Magnetic reduced graphene oxide composites (MRGO) with different reduction degree for removal of bisphenol A from aqueous solution
Synthesis and material characterization of amorphous and crystalline (α-) Al2O3via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Ponja Sapna D. , Parkin Ivan P. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: October 2016

The facile synthesis of Al2O3in the amorphous and corundum phase on glass and quartz substrates, respectively, is reported.
Phosphotungstic acid supported on aminosilica functionalized perovskite-type LaFeO3nanoparticles: a novel recyclable and excellent visible-light photocatalyst
Authors: Farhadi Saeed , Amini Mostafa M. , Mahmoudi Farzaneh
Published: October 2016

In this research, a novel nanohybrid compound, LaFeO3@SiO2–NH2/PTA has been prepared, in which H3PW12O40(abbreviated as PTA) was successfully anchored onto the surface of 3-aminopropylsilica modified LaFeO3.
Retraction: Effect of ethylene glycol on hydrothermal formation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate whiskers with high aspect ratios
Authors: Zhao Wenpeng , Wu Yumin , Xu Jun , Gao Chuanhui
Published: October 2016

Retraction of ‘Effect of ethylene glycol on hydrothermal formation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate whiskers with high aspect ratios’ by Wenpeng Zhao et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 50544–50548.
Thermal stability of Mg2Si0.4Sn0.6 in inert gases and atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 thin film as a protective coating
Authors: Zhang Libin , Chen Xi , Tang Yinglu , Shi Li , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Goodenough John B. , Zhou Jianshi
Published: October 2016

The structure and thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si0.4Sn0.6 are unstable above 700 K. We demonstrated atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 as a protective coating to address this problem.
Exciting Changes Coming to
LSHSS
! You Are Invited to Participate!
Authors: Gray Shelley
Published: October 2016

Purpose

In this editorial, the Editor of
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools
(
LSHSS
) describes important changes coming to
LSHSS
and all ASHA journals and calls for readers to voice their opinion regarding important topics and formats they would like to see included in future
LSHSS
volumes.
Evaluating the Impact of a Multistrategy Inference Intervention for Middle-Grade Struggling Readers
Authors: Barth Amy E. , Elleman Amy
Published: October 2016

Purpose

We examined the effectiveness of a multistrategy inference intervention designed to increase inference making and reading comprehension for middle-grade struggling readers.

Method

A total of 66 middle-grade struggling readers were randomized to treatment (
n
= 33) and comparison (
n
= 33) conditions. Students in the treatment group received explicit instruction in 4 inference strategies (i.e., clarification using text clues; activating and using prior knowledge; understanding character perspectives and author's purpose; answering inferential questions). In addition, narrative and informational texts were carefully chosen and sequenced to build requisite background knowledge to form inferences. Intervention was delivered in small groups of 3 students for 10 days of instruction.

Results

One-way analysis of covariance models on outcome measures with the respective pretest scores as a covariate revealed significant gains on a proximal measure of Egyptian-content knowledge (
g
= 1.37) and on a standardized measure of reading comprehension—i.e., Wechsler Individual Achievement Test–Third Edition Reading Comprehension (
g
= 0.46).

Conclusion

The moderate effect on a standardized measure of reading comprehension provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of this multistrategy inference intervention in improving reading comprehension of middle-grade struggling readers.
Wireless energy harvesting‐based spectrum leasing with secondary user selection
Authors: Zhai Chao , Liu Ju , Zheng Lina , Wang Xinhua
Published: October 2016

The authors consider the multiuser cognitive radio network, where a primary link coexists with multiple secondary transmitters (STs) which intend to communicate with an access point (AP). All the STs can harvest the radio frequency energy from the AP, while the primary terminals have the continuous power supply. The primary data transmission and the ST energy harvesting can be simultaneously performed to improve both the spectral and the energy efficiencies. The STs that have correctly decoded the primary data are classified as potential relays. Each potential relay will calculate the channel quality between itself and the primary receiver and the best one is selected to relay the primary data using the harvested energy. Thanks to the cooperation from STs, the primary data can be more reliably transmitted and the throughput requirement of primary system can be more easily satisfied in a shorter time, and as a reward all the STs except the selected one can transmit their own data to the AP in the remaining time. To facilitate the primary data cooperation, the energy transfer and the secondary data transmission, the optimal time allocation can be determined through maximising the STs’ throughput while guaranteeing the throughput of primary system.
Parallel structure general repetitive controller for general grid‐connected PWM converters
Authors: Lu Wenzhou , Zhou Keliang , Cheng Ming , Shen Jinfei , Wu Lei
Published: October 2016

This study investigates parallel structure general repetitive control (PSGRC) and its error convergence rate by using exponential function properties. PSGRC offers a general repetitive control solution for power converters to mitigate power harmonics distortions. PSGRC with appropriate settings will lead to various RCs with various error convergence rates at interested harmonic frequencies, e.g. conventional RC, dual‐model RC, and odd harmonics RC. As application examples, PSGRC was applied into general grid‐connected pulse‐width‐modulation (PWM) converter systems. Experimental results show the effectiveness and advantages of PSGRC: three/single‐phase grid‐connected PWM converters can achieve zero‐error current tracking and very fast current error convergence rate upon demand.
Precise current sharing control for multi‐channel LED driver based on switch‐controlled capacitor
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Sun Weihua , Zeng Jun
Published: October 2016

A switch‐controlled capacitor (SCC)‐based driver circuit is proposed for current sharing of multi‐channel light‐emitting diode (LED). The proposed circuit includes a transformer primary side and several secondary sides. Each secondary side as an independent unit includes an SCC module, a resonant inductor and an H‐bridge to power two‐channel LEDs. Two output channels within a capacitor unit achieve current sharing due to charging or discharging balance of SCC module. Since the current in each capacitor unit can be regulated independently, the proposed topology is accommodated with more units. The current sharing among different capacitor units can be realised by the adjustment of SCC module; therefore, the dimming also can be accomplished for multi‐channel LEDs. The operating cycles of SCC module, the working mode and simplified equivalent circuit are analysed in detail. The relations of LED current versus the equivalent capacitance are examined. The performance is evaluated by four‐channel prototype with input voltage of 48 V and rated power of 20 W. The output current is regulated from 180 to 350 mA per LED channel. The experimental results further prove that the proposed topology can effectively achieve current sharing of two LED channels, current sharing of four‐channel LED and independent dimming.
Fe3O4@SiO2‐SO3H nanocomposites: an efficient magnetically separable solid acid catalysts for esterification reaction
Authors: Li Jing , Zhao Hongxiao , Hou Xufeng , Fa Wenjun , Cai Junhui
Published: October 2016

Fe3O4@SiO2‐SO3H nanocomposites were successfully synthesised as the efficient magnetically separable solid acid catalysts for an esterification reaction. The resultant catalysts were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and nitrogen physical adsorption analyses [Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory]. The catalytic activities of as‐prepared Fe3O4@SiO2‐SO3H nanocomposites were also investigated for the esterification of n‐butyl acetate and isoamyl acetate. The acid esterification rate was confirmed by gas chromatography. The results showed that the Fe3O4@SiO2‐SO3H nanocomposites can be as candidate cataysts for the concentrated H2SO4 for the esterification reaction of n‐butyl alcohol or isoamyl alcohol. More importantly, the magnetic catalysts can be easily separated from the reaction system by a magnetic bar and reused at least three recycles without significant degradation of their activities.
Detection of Total Knee Arthroplasties at Airport Security Checkpoints: How Do Updated Security Measures Affect Patients?
Authors: Issa Kimona , Pierce Todd , Gwam Chukwuweieke , Goljan Peter , Festa Anthony , Scillia Anthony , Mont Michael
Published: October 2016

Airport security measures continue to be updated with the incorporation of the new body scanners and automatic target recognition software. The purpose of this study was analyze the incidence of: (1) triggering the security alarm; (2) extra security searches; (3) perceived inconvenience; and (4) presence of other surgical hardware in those who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and passed through airport security. A questionnaire was given to 125 consecutive patients with a TKA. Those who passed through airport security after January 2014 were considered for inclusion. A questionnaire was administered that addressed the number of encounters with airport security, metal detector activation, additional screening procedures, and perceived inconvenience. Out of the 125 patients, 53 met inclusion criteria. Out of the 53 patients, 20 (38%) reported that their prosthesis triggered a metal detector. Out of the 20 patients, 8 (40%) who reported triggering of metal detectors also reported the presence of surgical hardware elsewhere in the body. Eighteen of the 53 patients (34%) believed having a TKA was inconvenient for airplane travel. Compared with the historical cohort, alarms were triggered in 70 of 97 patients (p = 0.0001) and 50 of 97 reported inconvenience when traveling (n = 50 of 97 patients; p = 0.04). The incidences of those who underwent TKA triggering alarms and perceiving inconvenience when passing through airport security have decreased from previously published studies. This is most likely due to the recent updates and modifications to screening. As these security measures are modified and implant designs continue to evolve, this is an area of investigation that should continue.
General theory for environmental effects on (vertical) electronic excitation energies
Authors: Schwabe Tobias
Published: October 2016

Almost 70 years ago, the first theoretical model for environmental effects on electronic excitation energies has been derived. Since then, several different interpretations and refined models have been proposed for the perichromic shift of a chromophore due to its surrounding medium. Some of these models are contradictory. Here, the contributing terms are derived within the framework of long-range perturbation theory with the least approximations so far. The derivation is based on a state-specific interpretation of the interaction energies and all terms can be identified with individual properties of either the chromophore or the surroundings, respectively. Further, the much debated contribution due to transition moments coupled to the environment can be verified in the form of a non-resonant excitonic coupling to the dynamic polarizabilities in the environment. These general insights should clarify discussions and interpretations of environmental effects on electronic excitations and should foster the development of new models for the computation of these effects.
Development of array-type atmospheric-pressure RF plasma generator with electric on–off control for high-throughput numerically controlled processes
Authors: Takei H. , Kurio S. , Matsuyama S. , Yamauchi K. , Sano Y.
Published: October 2016

An array-type atmospheric-pressure radio-frequency (RF) plasma generator is proposed for high-precision and high-throughput numerically controlled (NC) processes. We propose the use of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) circuit for direct RF switching to achieve plasma on–off control. We confirmed that this type of circuit works correctly using a MOSFET with a small parasitic capacitance between its source and gate. We examined the design method for the distance between adjacent electrodes, which corresponds to the parasitic capacitance between adjacent electrodes and is very important in the individual on–off control of each electrode. We developed a prototype array-type plasma generator apparatus with 19 electrodes and the same number of MOSFET circuits; we then confirmed that each electrode could control its plasma on–off state individually. We also demonstrated that the thickness uniformity of the surface Si layer of a silicon-on-insulator wafer could be processed to less than 1 nm peak to valley by the NC sacrificial oxidation method using the apparatus.
Perspective: Structure and dynamics of water at surfaces probed by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Jing , Bian Ke , Lin Zeren , Jiang Ying
Published: October 2016

The detailed and precise understanding of water-solid interaction largely relies on the development of atomic-scale experimental techniques, among which scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has proven to be a noteworthy example. In this perspective, we review the recent advances of STM techniques in imaging, spectroscopy, and manipulation of water molecules. We discuss how those newly developed techniques are applied to probe the structure and dynamics of water at solid surfaces with single-molecule and even submolecular resolution, paying particular attention to the ability of accessing the degree of freedom of hydrogen. In the end, we present an outlook on the directions of future STM studies of water-solid interfaces as well as the challenges faced by this field. Some new scanning probe techniques beyond STM are also envisaged.
Role of dynamic heterogeneities in crystal nucleation kinetics in an oxide supercooled liquid
Authors: Gupta Prabhat K. , Cassar Daniel R. , Zanotto Edgar D.
Published: October 2016

The temperature at which the classical critical nucleus size is equal to the average size of the cooperatively rearranging regions (CRR) in a supercooled liquid has been referred to as a “cross-over” temperature. We show, for the first time, using published nucleation rate, viscosity, and thermo-physical data, that the cross-over temperature for the lithium disilicate melt is significantly larger than the temperature of the kinetic spinodal and is equal or close to the temperature corresponding to the maximum in the experimentally observed nucleation rates. We suggest that the abnormal decrease in nucleation rates below the cross-over temperature is most likely because, in this regime, the CRR size controls the critical nucleus size and the nucleation rate. This finding links, for the first time, measured nucleation kinetics to the dynamic heterogeneities in a supercooled liquid.
Non-monotonic dynamics of water in its binary mixture with 1,2-dimethoxy ethane: A combined THz spectroscopic and MD simulation study
Authors: Das Mahanta Debasish , Patra Animesh , Samanta Nirnay , Luong Trung Quan , Mukherjee Biswaroop , Mitra Rajib Kumar
Published: October 2016

A combined experimental (mid- and far-infrared FTIR spectroscopy and THz time domain spectroscopy (TTDS) (0.3-1.6 THz)) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique are used to understand the evolution of the structure and dynamics of water in its binary mixture with 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (DME) over the entire concentration range. The cooperative hydrogen bond dynamics of water obtained from Debye relaxation of TTDS data reveals a non-monotonous behaviour in which the collective dynamics is much faster in the low Xw region (where Xw is the mole fraction of water in the mixture), whereas in Xw ∼ 0.8 region, the dynamics gets slower than that of pure water. The concentration dependence of the reorientation times of water, calculated from the MD simulations, also captures this non-monotonous character. The MD simulation trajectories reveal presence of large amplitude angular jumps, which dominate the orientational relaxation. We rationalize the non-monotonous, concentration dependent orientational dynamics by identifying two different physical mechanisms which operate at high and low water concentration regimes.
Effects of electric field on thermodynamics and ordering of a dipolar liquid
Authors: Johari G. P.
Published: October 2016

We propose that an electric field’s role in changing the structural disorder may be investigated by comparing the field-induced entropy decrease, ΔES, against the pressure-induced and cooling-induced entropy decreases, ΔpS and ΔTS, respectively, for the same increase in the dielectric α-relaxation time, Δτα, or in the viscosity. If these three quantities are found to be the same, the change in the number of microstates, Δln Ω = ΔS/R, would be the same whether there is an electric field-induced dipole vector alignment, or not. The available data [S. Samanta and R. Richert, J. Chem. Phys. 142, 044504 (2015)] show that ΔES ≅ ΔpS, and ΔES ≅ ΔTS. We further argue that in the case of conformational disorder without hydrodynamics, as for a flexible molecule’s orientationally disordered or plastic crystal, ΔTS would be more negative than ΔES for the same increase in Δτα. For cyclo-octanol plastic crystal, whose octyl-ring would lose some of its dielectrically inactive conformational degrees of freedom on cooling, ΔTS is five-times ΔES. Hence the entropy of such crystals may not be related to their τα, an aspect relevant to certain biopolymer crystals. We also mention other effects of E. The findings are relevant to a number of recent studies on the analysis of the effect of electric field on a liquid’s properties. The method can be used to study the role of other entropy-altering variables in liquid crystals and ferromagnetic liquids.
Buoyant miscible displacement flows in vertical pipe
Authors: Amiri A. , Larachi F. , Taghavi S. M.
Published: October 2016

The displacement flow of two miscible Newtonian fluids is investigated experimentally in a vertical pipe of long aspect ratio (δ−1 ≈ 210). The fluids have a small density difference and they have the same viscosity. The heavy displacing fluid is initially placed above the light displaced fluid. The displacement flow is downwards. The experiments cover a wide range of the two dimensionless parameters that largely describe the flow: the modified Reynolds number (0 ≤ Ret⪅800) and the densimetric Froude number (0 ≤ Fr ≤ 24). We report on the stabilizing effect of the imposed flow and uncover the existence of two main flow regimes at long times: a stable displacement flow and an unstable displacement flow. The transition between the two regimes occurs at a critical modified Reynolds number RetCritical, as a function of Fr. We study in depth the stable flow regime: First, a lubrication model combined with a simple initial acceleration formulation delivers a reasonable prediction to the time-dependent penetrating displacing front velocity. Second, we find two sub-regimes for stable displacements, namely, sustained-back-flows and no-sustained-back-flows. The transition between the two sub-regimes is a marginal stationary interface flow state, which is also well predicted by the lubrication model. The unstable regime is associated to instabilities and diffusive features of the flow. In addition, particular patterns such as front detachment phenomenon appear in the unstable flow regime, for which we quantify the regions of existence versus the dimensionless groups.
Effect of molecular length on the electrical conductance across metal-alkanedithiol-Bi2Te3 interfaces
Authors: Cardinal Thomas , Kwan Matthew , Borca-Tasciuc Theodorian , Ramanath Ganpati
Published: October 2016

Controlling electronic transport across metal-thermoelectric interfaces is important for realizing high-efficiency solid-state refrigeration and waste-heat harvesting devices. We report up to 34-fold increase in electrical contact conductivity Σc across Cu-alkanedithiol-Bi2Te3 interfaces. Longer chain dithiols are more effective in curtailing Cu diffusion, telluride formation, and reducing interfacial oxides of Bi and Te, leading to higher Σc. In contrast, Σc is insensitive to the alkanedithiol chain length at Ni-alkanedithiol-Bi2Te3 interfaces due to weak Ni-S bonding. These results indicate that interfacial bonding and phase formation are primary determinants of Σc rather than charge transport through the alkanedithiol molecules. Our findings provide insights for tuning electronic transport across metal-thermoelectric interfaces using an interfacial nanolayer comprising molecules with suitably chosen chemical termini and molecular length.
Comment on “Nonlinear differential algorithm to compute all the zeros of a generic polynomial” [J. Math. Phys. 57, 083508 (2016)]
Authors: Calogero Francesco
Published: October 2016

Recently a simple differential algorithm to compute all the zeros of a generic polynomial was introduced. In this paper an analogous, but finite-difference, algorithm is introduced and discussed. At the end of the paper a minor generalization of the differential algorithm is also mentioned.
Existence of ground state solutions to a generalized quasilinear Schrödinger-Maxwell system
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Li Fuyi , Liang Zhanping
Published: October 2016

In this paper, a class of generalized quasilinear Schrödinger-Maxwell systems is considered. Via the mountain pass theorem, we conclude the existence of positive ground state solutions when the potential may vanish at infinity and the nonlinear term has a quasicritical growth. During this process, we use the Coulomb energy studied by Ruiz [Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 198(1), 349–368 (2010)] and establish a convergency theorem to overcome the lack of compactness caused by the potential which may vanish at infinity.
Study of field-induced chain conformation transformation in poly(L-lactic acid) based piezoelectric film by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Du Xinyu , Zhao Chunlin , Zhang Jinxi , Ren Kailiang
Published: October 2016

In this investigation, the chain conformation transformation of the piezoelectric polymer of a poly(L-Lactic Acid) (PLLA) film was analyzed under an electric field for the first time using infrared spectroscopy. It is revealed that the piezoelectric shear mode coefficient d14 (∼10 pC/N) of a stretched α form PLLA film mainly comes from the rotation of C  O dipoles inside the polymer main chain. The reorientation of the dipoles causes the deformation of the crystal structure, which corresponds to a shear mode strain macroscopically in the PLLA film along a 45° direction to the polymer length. The back-bone of the molecular chain keeps its own conformation of a 103 helix under an external field up to 100 MV/m.
Size-effect in layered ferrielectric CuInP2S6
Authors: Chyasnavichyus Marius , Susner Michael A. , Ievlev Anton V. , Eliseev Eugene A. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Balke Nina , Morozovska Anna N. , McGuire Michael A. , Maksymovych Petro
Published: October 2016

We report on polarization switching properties of thin flakes of van der Waals ferrielectric CuInP2S6. We observe mesoscale polarization domains, ferroelectric switching, and the Curie temperature above 299 K down to a thickness of ∼50 nm. However, the electromechanical response is progressively suppressed below 50 nm, and vanishes at room temperature at a thickness of ∼10 nm. Though larger than a single layer, 10 nm is still a very small value compared to the expectations for an intrinsic ferroelectric semiconductor. We therefore propose a model for a doped surface layer that screens spontaneous polarization in this material. The charges in the screening layer may also participate in secondary chemical reactions, which may explain domain pinning observed in thermal cycling of the flakes above the Curie temperature. At the same time, ferroelectric switching is intertwined with ionic diffusion, resulting in erratic and damaging switching at room temperature. Owing to much stronger temperature dependence of ionic diffusion, the two phenomena can be decoupled allowing more reliable switching to be obtained at low temperatures.
Effects of post-deposition vacuum annealing on film characteristics of p-type Cu2O and its impact on thin film transistor characteristics
Authors: Han Sanggil , Niang Kham M. , Rughoobur Girish , Flewitt Andrew J.
Published: October 2016

Annealing of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) thin films in vacuum without phase conversion for subsequent inclusion as the channel layer in p-type thin film transistors (TFTs) has been demonstrated. This is based on a systematic study of vacuum annealing effects on the sputtered p-type Cu2O as well as the performance of TFTs on the basis of the crystallographic, optical, and electrical characteristics. It was previously believed that high-temperature annealing of Cu2O thin films would lead to phase conversion. In this work, it was observed that an increase in vacuum annealing temperature leads to an improvement in film crystallinity and a reduction in band tail states based on the X-ray diffraction patterns and a reduction in the Urbach tail, respectively. This gave rise to a considerable increase in the Hall mobility from 0.14 cm2/V·s of an as-deposited film to 28 cm2/V·s. It was also observed that intrinsic carrier density reduces significantly from 1.8 × 1016 to 1.7 × 1013 cm−3 as annealing temperature increases. It was found that the TFT performance enhanced significantly, resulting from the improvement in the film quality of the Cu2O active layer: enhancement in the field-effect mobility and the on/off current ratio, and a reduction in the off-state current. Finally, the bottom-gate staggered p-type TFTs using Cu2O annealed at 700 °C showed a field-effect mobility of ∼0.9 cm2/V·s and an on/off current ratio of ∼3.4 × 102.
Improvement of thermal stability of insulation paper cellulose by modified polysiloxane grafting
Authors: Zhang Song , Tang Chao , Xie Jingyu , Zhou Qu
Published: October 2016

We present a method for improving the thermal stability of insulation paper cellulose. A polysiloxane was grafted to the hydroxyl group connected to the C6 atom in the cellulose chain. The effects of the mass fraction of polysiloxane on the mechanical properties and glass-transition temperatures of model cellulose samples modified by polysiloxane grafting were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that for four models, with polysiloxane mass fractions of 0%, 3.3%, 6.5%, and 12.2%, the best chain performance was achieved using a mass fraction of 6.5%. The glass-transition temperature of the modified cellulose with a 6.5% mass fraction of polysiloxane was 48 K higher than that of unmodified cellulose, which shows that modification improved the thermal stability of the cellulose.
Nonlinear structures in a pair (electron, positron)-ion dense plasmas
Authors: Messekher Abderrahim , Mebrouk K. , Ait Gougam L. , Tribeche M.
Published: October 2016

The problem of nonlinear quantum positron-acoustic waves (QPAW's) is addressed in a dense astrophysical plasma. The latter is composed of four different species. Using the quantum hydrodynamic model and carrying out a weakly nonlinear analysis, Korteweg-de Vries (K-dV) and generalized K-dV equations are derived. The influence of quantum effects on solitary structures as well as double-layers is then examined. Due to quantum effects, the QPA soliton experiences a compression while the double-layers enlarge. Our results may aid to interpret and understand the QPAWs that may occur in dense plasmas.
Simulation and assessment of ion kinetic effects in a direct-drive capsule implosion experiment
Authors: Le A. , Kwan T. J. T. , Schmitt M. J. , Herrmann H. W. , Batha S. H.
Published: October 2016

The first simulations employing a kinetic treatment of both fuel and shell ions to model inertial confinement fusion experiments are presented, including results showing the importance of kinetic physics processes in altering fusion burn. A pair of direct drive capsule implosions performed at the OMEGA facility with two different gas fills of deuterium, tritium, and helium-3 are analyzed. During implosion shock convergence, highly non-Maxwellian ion velocity distributions and separations in the density and temperature amongst the ion species are observed. Diffusion of fuel into the capsule shell is identified as a principal process that degrades fusion burn performance.
Quasi-monoenergetic positron beam generation from ultra-intense laser-matter interactions
Authors: Nakamura Tatsufumi , Hayakawa Takehito
Published: October 2016

In ultra-intense laser-matter interactions in which the radiation reaction effect plays an important role, γ-rays are effectively generated that are intense, collimated, and of short duration. These γ-rays propagate through the target, which results in the electron-positron pair creation caused by the interaction of the γ-rays with the nuclear electric fields. The positron beam thus generated has several unique features; it is quasi-monoenergetic in nature with a peak energy of hundreds of MeV, well collimated, and of ultra-short duration. Based on the numerical simulations, the dependences of the number and monochromaticity of the positrons on the laser and target parameters are explored, which leads to the proposal of a new type of the laser-driven positron source.
Note: Velocity map imaging the scattering plane of gas surface collisions
Authors: Hadden D. J. , Messider T. M. , Leng J. G. , Greaves S. J.
Published: October 2016

The ability of gas-surface dynamics studies to resolve the velocity distribution of the scattered species in the 2D scattering plane has been limited by technical capabilities and only a few different approaches have been explored in recent years. In comparison, gas-phase scattering studies have been transformed by the near ubiquitous use of velocity map imaging. We describe an innovative means of introducing a dielectric surface within the electric field of a typical velocity map imaging experiment. The retention of optimum velocity mapping conditions was validated by measurements of iodomethane-d3 photodissociation and SIMION calculations. To demonstrate the system’s capabilities, the velocity distributions of ammonia molecules scattered from a polytetrafluoroethylene surface have been measured for multiple product rotational states.
VIS-NIR-SWIR multicolor avalanche photodetector originating from quantum-confined Stark effect in Si/β-FeSi2/Si structure
Authors: Shevlyagin A. V. , Goroshko D. L. , Chusovitin E. A. , Galkin N. G.
Published: October 2016

A Si n-i-p avalanche photodetector with embedded β-FeSi2 nanocrystals was developed. The device showed an ultrabroadband photoresponse from the visible (400 nm) to short-wavelength infrared (1800 nm) ranges. Specific detectivity at zero bias conditions reaches 2 × 109 cmHz1/2/W at 1300 nm and 2 × 108 cmHz1/2/W above 1400 nm at room temperature. Observed quantum-confined Stark effect together with avalanche multiplication resulted in a simultaneous two orders of magnitude increase in the photoresponse and spectral sensitivity expanding to 1800 nm when the device is operated in avalanche mode. The application fields of the proposed photodetector potentially include integrated Si photonics and multicolor photodetection; the quantum-confined Stark effect gives grounds for the development of fast-operated electro-optical modulators.
Oxygen vacancy-induced red light emission from flexible inorganic micropatterned p-CuO/n-ZnO heterojunction light-emitting diode
Authors: Biswas Pranab , Baek Sung-Doo , Lee Sang Hoon , Kim Jong-Woo , Park Ji-Hyeon , Lee Su Jeong , Lee Tae Il , Myoung Jae-Min
Published: October 2016

Fully inorganic flexible light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were demonstrated by using CuO nanorods (NRs) and ZnO NRs as the hole and electron transport materials, respectively. The heterojunctions were fabricated inside 5 μm square patterns in order to achieve better flexibility. The current-voltage characteristic of the heterojunction revealed a typical p-n diode nature with an on-off ratio of 8.6 × 102 at 4 V, a turn-on voltage of 2.8 V, and a stable current flow at different voltage stress. The electroluminescence spectra from the LED at different forward bias exhibited eminent peak at around 710 nm corresponding to red light, which was in accordance with the deep-level emission of photoluminescence spectra of ZnO NRs. The Zn 2p and O 1s narrow-scan X-ray photoelectron spectra revealed that the deep levels are related to oxygen vacancies. The devices showed significant stability during bending test and continued to emit light beyond 1000 cycles of dynamic bending at a radius of curvature of 5 mm.
Synthetic hybrid Co2FeGe/Ge(Mn) superlattice for spintronics applications
Authors: Feng Wuwei , Tuan Duong Anh , Odkhuu Dorj , Tsogbadrakh Namsrai , Bao Zhidi , Zhao Xiaoxue , Van Quang Nguyen , Cho Sunglae
Published: October 2016

Herein, we propose and provide evidence for the experimentally and theoretically promising route of exploring spintronics materials with high performance via a synthetic hybrid of half-metallic ferromagnet and diluted magnetic semiconductor. Crystalline and well-ordered [Co2FeGe/Ge(Mn)]n superlattice, which is free of secondary phase separation, were prepared by the hybridization of end members, Co2FeGe and Ge(Mn), using the molecular beam epitaxy technique. Besides comparable magnetic properties with respect to the Co2FeGe films, the superlattice sample exhibits superior properties in electric conductivity and spin polarization, thus enhancing in favor of the spin injection efficiency. These results demonstrate the high feasibility of spintronics materials with low saturation magnetization, small coercivity, high Curie temperature, and high spin injection efficiency through the proposed route in this work.
A barbell-shaped high-temperature piezoelectric vibration energy harvester based on BiScO3-PbTiO3 ceramic
Authors: Wu Jingen , Chen Xi , Chu Zhaoqiang , Shi Weiliang , Yu Yang , Dong Shuxiang
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we report a barbell-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester (BSPEH) operating in a d33 mode and aiming for mechanical vibration energy harvesting in a high temperature (H-T) circumstance. BSPEH is composed of a ring-shaped multilayer piezo-stack, a tip mass, and an elastic shaft connecting them together. The piezo-stack is made of bismuth scandium lead titanate (BiScO3-PbTiO3) ceramic with a large piezoelectric coefficient of d33 = 450 pC/N and a high Curie temperature point Tc of around 450 °C. Experimental results show that the BSPEH works effectively and steadily in a wide temperature range from room temperature (R-T) till Tc/2. Furthermore, it is found that under a constant mechanical vibration excitation, the power output of the BSPEH at 200 °C is even two times higher than that at R-T. The proposed harvester shows a great potential for applications as a self-power source of wire-less sensor system in H-T circumstance.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of SnSe based composites with carbon black nanoinclusions
Authors: Li J. C. , Li D. , Xu W. , Qin X. Y. , Li Y. Y. , Zhang J.
Published: October 2016

Recently, a single crystalline SnSe and its sodium doped compound are reported to have an ultralow thermal conductivity and a high thermoelectric figure of merit. However, the highest thermoelectric figure of merit for polycrystalline SnSe-based materials is not larger than 1. In this study, we report a high thermoelectric figure of merit 1.21 at 903 K for poly-crystalline SnSe, realized by incorporating a proper proportion of carbon black as nano-inclusions. The exceptional performance arises from the enhanced power factor, coming from an increased electrical conductivity at high temperatures.
On Mott-Schottky analysis interpretation of capacitance measurements in organometal perovskite solar cells
Authors: Almora Osbel , Aranda Clara , Mas-Marzá Elena , Garcia-Belmonte Germà
Published: October 2016

Capacitance response of perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs) can be exploited to infer underlying physical mechanisms, both in the materials bulk and at outer interfaces. Particularly interesting is applying the depletion layer capacitance theory to PSCs, following common procedures used with inorganic and organic photovoltaic devices. Voltage-modulation of the depletion layer width allows extracting relevant parameters as the absorber defect density and built-in potential by means of the Mott-Schottky (MS) analysis. However, the uncritical use of the MS technique may be misleading and yields incorrect outcomes as a consequence of masking effects that accumulation capacitances, commonly observed in PSCs, produce on the measured capacitance value. Rules are provided here to select the measuring frequency that allows extracting depletion layer capacitance, and the voltage range in which it dominates, avoiding accumulation capacitive parasitic contributions. It is noted that the distinction of the depletion capacitance from the accumulation capacitance is only feasible in the case of perovskite layers containing significant defect density (∼1017 cm−3). It is confirmed that MS reproducibility is assured by hysteresis reduction at slow scan rates, and positive bias starting polarization. A complete procedure with specific checking points is provided here for consistent MS measurement and interpretation.
Efficient transport of femtosecond laser-generated fast electrons in a millimeter thick graphite
Authors: Adak Amitava , Singh Prashant Kumar , Lad Amit D. , Chatterjee Gourab , Dalui Malay , Brijesh P. , Robinson A. P. L. , Pasley John , Ravindra Kumar G.
Published: October 2016

We demonstrate efficient transport of fast electrons generated by ∼1018 W/cm2, 30 fs, 800 nm laser pulses through a millimeter thick polycrystalline graphite. Measurements of hot electron spectra at the front side of the graphite target show enhancement in terms of the electron flux and temperature, while the spectra at the rear confirm the ability of the graphite to transport large electron currents over a macroscopic distance of a millimeter. In addition, protons of keV energies are observed at the rear side of such a macroscopically thick target and attributed to the target-normal-sheath-acceleration mechanism.
Extended-gate-type IGZO electric-double-layer TFT immunosensor with high sensitivity and low operation voltage
Authors: Liang Lingyan , Zhang Shengnan , Wu Weihua , Zhu Liqiang , Xiao Hui , Liu Yanghui , Zhang Hongliang , Javaid Kashif , Cao Hongtao
Published: October 2016

An immunosensor is proposed based on the indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) electric-double-layer thin-film transistor (EDL TFT) with a separating extended gate. The IGZO EDL TFT has a field-effect mobility of 24.5 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an operation voltage less than 1.5 V. The sensors exhibit the linear current response to label-free target immune molecule in the concentrations ranging from 1.6 to 368 × 10−15 g/ml with a detection limit of 1.6 × 10−15 g/ml (0.01 fM) under an ultralow operation voltage of 0.5 V. The IGZO TFT component demonstrates a consecutive assay stability and recyclability due to the unique structure with the separating extended gate. With the excellent electrical properties and the potential for plug-in-card-type multifunctional sensing, extended-gate-type IGZO EDL TFTs can be promising candidates for the development of a label-free biosensor for public health applications.
Magnetic versus non-magnetic pinning of vortices in superconducting films: Role of effective penetration depth
Authors: del Valle J. , Gomez A. , Gonzalez E. M. , Vicent J. L.
Published: October 2016

In order to compare magnetic and non-magnetic pinning, we have nanostructured two superconducting films with the regular arrays of pinning centers: Cu (non-magnetic) dots in one case and Py (magnetic) dots in the other. For low applied magnetic fields, when all the vortices are pinned in the artificial inclusions, the magnetic dots prove to be better pinning centers, as has been generally accepted. Unexpectedly, when the magnetic field is increased and interstitial vortices appear, the results are very different: we show how the stray field generated by the magnetic dots can produce an effective reduction of the penetration length. This results in strong consequences in the transport properties, which, depending on the dot separation, can lead to an enhancement or worsening of the transport characteristics. Therefore, the election of the magnetic or non-magnetic character of the pinning sites for an effective reduction of dissipation will depend on the range of the applied magnetic field.
Fox control and 1080 baiting conundrums: time to prepare for a CRISPR solution
Authors: Kinnear J. E. , Pentland C. , Moore N. , Krebs C. J.
Published: October 2016

For many years, managing rock-wallaby colonies (Petrogale lateralis lateralis) in the Western Australian Wheatbelt seemed to be a matter of routinely exposing foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to toxic baits (sodium fluoroacetate, 1080®) laid around their rocky outcrops. Recent research has revealed that 1080 baitings are no longer a viable management option. Baiting is flawed over the long term because it does not erase the wallabies’ pervasive fear of being depredated by foxes, which can still make their menacing presence felt before succumbing to poison bait. Accordingly, a ‘landscape of fear’ exists on all rock-wallaby sites, creating a ‘virtual boundary’ beyond which they fear to forage. Severe overgrazing occurs, ultimately causing population crashes, leaving behind devastated outcrops greatly diminished in carrying capacity. The fallout from this scenario produces a management conundrum. Rock-wallaby populations are unstable in the absence of fox control, and conversely, they are also unstable under long-term fox control. Management is now left with few options, and the future of the colonies remains open. Other conundrums involving bait interference and mesopredator release are described. An alternative to 1080 baiting is clearly needed. Recent developments in gene engineering (CRISPR technology) offer a solution in the foreseeable future.
Equid milk production: evaluation of Martina Franca jennies and IHDH mares by Wood’s model application
Authors: De Palo P. , Maggiolino A. , Centoducati P. , Calzaretti G. , Milella P. , Tateo A.
Published: October 2016

The present work aims to evaluate milk production aptitude of two equid species: horse and donkey. The trial was conducted on the Italian Heavy Draught breed horse (IHDH) and on the Martina Franca breed donkey. Data were collected from 23 multiparous nursing IHDH mares aged from 6 to 10 years, with an average bodyweight (BW) (mean ± s.d.) of 822.3 ± 61.8 kg and from 28 multiparous nursing donkeys of Martina Franca breed aged from 7 to 12 years, with an average BW (mean ± s.d.) of 389.5 ± 21.2 kg. Milk yield was recorded on 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150, 165 and 180 days in milk (DIM). At each milk yield evaluation day, a milk sample was collected and its composition was analysed. All data were normalised according metabolic weight (MBW) of animals, so to make comparable results of the two considered species. Wood’s lactation model was used to describe milk, fat, protein and lactose yield. Peak lactation was reached on DIM 69 in IHDH horse and on DIM 48 in Martina Franca donkey with a milk production of 10.693 kg/100 kg MBW (R2 = 0.9139) and 5.264 kg/100 kg MBW (R2 = 0.9428), respectively. Persistency index of milk lactation curve was higher in Martina Franca donkey then in IHDH mares (7.0338 vs 6.2672). IHDH mares showed higher fat and protein production. Lactose curves showed a similar trend in both the species although IHDH’s curve was characterised by higher values. Data reported in the present work underline that both breeds considered are characterised by good milk production aptitude. Moreover, high R2 values obtained applying Wood’s model to milk, fat, protein and lactose production, calculated on the metabolic bodyweight basis, are indices of goodness of model fit.
Radial migration: Retinal neurons hold on for the ride
Authors: Kay Jeremy N.
Published: October 2016

Newborn neuron radial migration is a key force shaping the nervous system. In this issue, Icha et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201604095) use zebrafish retinal ganglion cells as a model to investigate the cell biological basis of radial migration and the consequences for retinal histogenesis when migration is impaired.