bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NiFe2O4 as an active component of a platinum group metal-free automotive three-way catalyst
Authors: Ueda Kakuya , Ang Cheen Aik , Ito Yoshihiro , Ohyama Junya , Satsuma Atsushi
Published: June 2016

To develop a platinum group metal (PGM)-free automotive three-way catalyst (TWC), we investigated the structure–activity relationship for Fe–Ni oxide catalysts and found NiFe2O4 with a spinel structure is an active component of the three-way catalytic reaction (NO–C3H6–CO–O2).
Kinetics and mechanisms of alcohol dehydration pathways on alumina materials
Authors: Kang Minje , Bhan Aditya
Published: June 2016

Ethanol dehydration on α,γ,η-alumina mechanistically and kinetically described by the same rate expression implicating similar active sites on all alumina materials.
The use of organolithium reagents for the synthesis of 4-aryl-2-phenylpyridines and their corresponding iridium(iii) complexes
Authors: Davidson Ross , Hsu Yu-Ting , Batchelor Thomas , Yufit Dmitry , Beeby Andrew
Published: June 2016

A versatile palladium-free route for the synthesis of 4-aryl-substituted phenylpyridines (ppy), starting fromtert-butyl 4-oxopiperidine-1-carboxylate, to give 4 ligands (L1–4H) is reported. These ligands were coordinated to iridium to give the corresponding Ir(L)2(A) complexes.
CsBi4Te6: a new facile synthetic method and mid-temperature thermoelectric performance
Authors: Lin Hua , Chen Hong , Yu Ju-Song , Zheng Yu-Jun , Liu Peng-Fei , Ali Khan Muhammad , Wu Li-Ming
Published: June 2016

A new facile synthetic method and mid-temperature thermoelectric properties of CsBi4Te6 were reported for the first time.
Isoprene polymerization mediated by vanadium-[ONNO] complexes
Authors: Phuphuak Yupin , Bonnet Fanny , Vendier Laure , Lorber Christian , Zinck Philippe
Published: June 2016

Vanadium complexes with amine-bis(phenolate) [ONNO] ligands catalyze the polymerization of isoprene when activated with AliBu3.
Unusual mode of protein binding by a cytotoxic π-arene ruthenium(ii) piano-stool compound containing an O,S-chelating ligand
Authors: Hildebrandt Jana , Görls Helmar , Häfner Norman , Ferraro Giarita , Dürst Matthias , Runnebaum Ingo B. , Weigand Wolfgang , Merlino Antonello
Published: June 2016

A new π-arene Ru(ii) piano-stool compound, showing significant cytotoxic activityin vitro, was synthesized. The X-ray structure of this compound and that of its complex with RNase A were determined.
Acid-free microwave-assisted hydrothermal extraction of pectin and porous cellulose from mango peel waste – towards a zero waste mango biorefinery
Authors: Matharu Avtar S. , Houghton Joseph A. , Lucas-Torres Covadonga , Moreno Andrés
Published: June 2016

Mango peel comprises roughly 35% of the total fruit weight and represents an important source of acid-free microwave-assisted extractable pectin and residual cellulosic fibres.
Acceptorless dehydrogenation and aerobic oxidation of alcohols with a reusable binuclear rhodium(ii) catalyst in water
Authors: Wang Xuewei , Wang Chao , Liu Yuxuan , Xiao Jianliang
Published: June 2016

A water soluble binuclear rhodium complex catalyses the oxidation of alcohols via both acceptorless dehydrogenation and aerobic oxidation in pure water, which could be recycled up to 19 times with easy work-up.
Development of quantitative radioactive methodologies on paper to determine important lateral-flow immunoassay parameters
Authors: Mosley Garrett L. , Nguyen Phuong , Wu Benjamin M. , Kamei Daniel T.
Published: June 2016

Due to the significant advancements in the lateral-flow immunoassay (LFA), there is a need to develop novel methodologies for determining quantitative parameters associated with this paper-based diagnostic.
A three-dimensional metal grid mesh as a practical alternative to ITO
Authors: Jang Sungwoo , Jung Woo-Bin , Kim Choelgyu , Won Phillip , Lee Sang-Gil , Cho Kyeong Min , Jin Ming Liang , An Cheng Jin , Jeon Hwan-Jin , Ko Seung Hwan , Kim Taek-Soo , Jung Hee-Tae
Published: June 2016

The development of a practical alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) is one of the most important issues in flexible optoelectronics.
Reversible lithium storage in manganese and cobalt 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate metal–organic framework with high capacity
Authors: Li Tian , Li Chao , Hu Xiaoshi , Lou Xiaobing , Hu Huiping , Pan Likun , Chen Qun , Shen Ming , Hu Bingwen
Published: June 2016

MnCo-1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate MOF, synthesized through a simple solvothermal method, shows outstanding electrochemical performance.
Improved mechanical properties and thermal degradation of low-temperature hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber composites with poly(sodium methacrylate) nanowires
Authors: Zhang Jihua , Liu Mingjie , Wang Shutao
Published: June 2016

Complex phase structures including a lot of poly(sodium methacrylate) nanowires improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of LTG-HNBR composites.
Structural, magnetic and theoretical investigations on the magnetocaloric properties of La0.7Sr0.25K0.05MnO3 perovskite
Authors: El Kossi S. , Dhahri J. , Hlil E. K.
Published: June 2016

Temperature dependence of magnetization for the La0.7Sr0.25K0.05MnO3 compound indifferent applied magnetic field shifts.
Functionalized MWCNTs in improving the performance and biocompatibility of potential hemodialysis membranes
Authors: Kaleekkal Noel Jacob , Rana Dipak , Mohan D.
Published: June 2016

Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube incorporated polyetherimide mixed matrix membranes for blood purification application.
The crystallization of MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–ZrO2glass-ceramics with and without the addition of Y2O3– a combined STEM/XANES study
Authors: Seidel Sabrina , Patzig Christian , Höche Thomas , Krause Michael , Ebert Martin , Hu Yongfeng , Zuin Lucia , Gawronski Antje , Rüssel Christian
Published: June 2016

The crystallization of magnesium–aluminosilicate glasses is monitored, described and discussedviaX-ray absorption spectroscopy and analytical transmission electron microscopy.
Green and red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes with ambipolar hosts based on phenothiazine and carbazole moieties: photoelectrical properties, morphology and efficiency
Authors: Bagdžiūnas Gintautas , Grybauskaitė Gintarė , Kostiv Nataliya , Ivaniuk Khrystyna , Volyniuk Dmytro , Lazauskas Algirdas
Published: June 2016

The two low-molar mass compounds based on phenothiazine and carbazole moieties were synthesized and investigated as the ambipolar hosts for the green and red phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes.
Deep insights into the growth pattern of palladium nanocubes with controllable sizes
Authors: Wu Jianzhou , Zhao Jing , Qian Hehe , Yue Lei , Guo Yongsheng , Fang Wenjun
Published: June 2016

In this work, the growth pattern of size controllable Pd nanocubes is studied systematically under a variety of reaction conditions.
Selective palladium-catalyzed carbonylative synthesis of aurones with formic acid as the CO source
Authors: Qi Xinxin , Li Rui , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: June 2016

A general and practical strategy has been developed to prepare aurone derivatives.
Catalytic properties of N-hydroxyphthalimide immobilized on a novel porous organic polymer in the oxidation of toluene by molecular oxygen
Authors: Jian Meng , Jianlan Cui , Dongmei Luo , Meina Xie
Published: June 2016

A novel porous organic polymer pSt was prepared based on silica gel and used for the immobilization of NHPI. The obtained heterogeneous catalyst could adsorb toluene and oxidize it to benzoic acid using a co-catalyst Co(OAc)2 and molecular oxygen.
Correction: IDO as a drug target for cancer immunotherapy: recent developments in IDO inhibitors discovery
Authors: Qian Shan , Zhang Man , Chen Quanlong , He Yanying , Wang Wei , Wang Zhouyu
Published: June 2016

Correction for ‘IDO as a drug target for cancer immunotherapy: recent developments in IDO inhibitors discovery’ by Shan Qian et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 7575–7581.
Understanding the advantage of hexagonal WO3as an efficient photoanode for solar water splitting: a first-principles perspective
Authors: Lee Taehun , Lee Yonghyuk , Jang Woosun , Soon Aloysius
Published: June 2016

Using first-principles density-functional theory calculations, we investigate the advantage of using h-WO3(and its surfaces) over the larger band gap γ-WO3phase for the anode in water splitting. We demonstrate that h-WO3is a good alternative anode material for optimal water splitting efficiencies.
Electrochemical performances and gassing behavior of high surface area titanium niobium oxides
Authors: Buannic Lucienne , Colin Jean-François , Chapuis Marlène , Chakir Mohamed , Patoux Sébastien
Published: June 2016

High surface area TiNb2O7 and Ti2Nb10O29 show improved electrochemical performances, however full cell studies indicate a non-negligible gassing behavior.
Multifunctional optical sensing probes based on organic–inorganic hybrid composites
Authors: Sun Zebin , Cui Guijia , Li Haizhen , Liu Yan , Tian Yaxi , Yan Shiqiang
Published: June 2016

Several hybrid sensing materials, which are prepared by the covalent grafting of organic fluorescent molecules onto inorganic supports, have emerged as a novel and promising class of hybrid sensing probes and have attracted tremendous interest.
Non-doped luminescent material based organic light-emitting devices displaying high brightness under very low driving voltage
Authors: Li Chenglong , Wei Jinbei , Song Xiaoxian , Ye Kaiqi , Zhang Hongyu , Zhang Jingying , Wang Yue
Published: June 2016

Two phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole (PI) derivatives, DPAA-PPI andtBuDPAA-PPI, were synthesized. The non-doped OLEDs with DPAA-PPI andtBuDPAA-PPI as emitters displayed very low driving voltages, high brightness and maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQE) of 5.2% and 4.1%, respectively.
Host-sensitized luminescence properties of KLa5O5(VO4)2:Eu3+ for solid-state lighting applications
Authors: Colmont Marie , Saitzek Sébastien , Katelnikovas Arturas , Kabbour Houria , Olchowka Jacob , Roussel Pascal
Published: June 2016

K1La5−xEuxO5(VO4)2 compounds were prepared by a solid state synthesis route. Their luminescence properties were studied. The non-substituted sample that exhibits blue emission under UV excitation switched to orange/red as soon as a small amount of europium is inserted in the phosphor.
A multifunctional silicon-containing hyperbranched epoxy: controlled synthesis, toughening bismaleimide and fluorescent properties
Authors: Niu Song , Yan Hongxia , Li Song , Tang Cheng , Chen Zhengyan , Zhi Xiaoli , Xu Peilun
Published: June 2016

A multifunctional silicon-containing hyperbranched epoxy is explored. The polymer can not only toughen BMI resins, but also emit blue photoluminescence.
Ultrasonic welding of polymer optical fibres onto composite materials
Authors: Shimada S. , Tanaka H. , Hasebe K. , Hayashi N. , Ochi Y. , Matsui T. , Nishizaki I. , Matsumoto Y. , Tanaka Y. , Nakamura H. , Mizuno Y. , Nakamura K.
Published: June 2016

The ultrasonic welding of polymer optical fibres (POFs) onto carbon‐fibre‐reinforced polymers for advanced fibre‐optic sensing is demonstrated. The relationships among the welding time, preload, optical loss, and adhesive force are fully evaluated. A high‐speed camera to monitor changes in the cross section of the POF during the ultrasonic welding is also used.
Efficient March test algorithm for 1T1R cross‐bar with complete fault coverage
Authors: Liu Peng , You Zhiqiang , Kuang Jishun , Hu Zhipeng , Duan Heng , Wang Weizheng
Published: June 2016

As an attractive option of future non‐volatile memories, resistive RAM (RRAM) has attracted more attentions. Among RRAM architectures, one transistor one memristor (1T1R) cross‐bar is the most fledged one. A March C*‐1T1R algorithm is proposed for 1T1R cross‐bar. The pass–fail fault dictionary of the proposed March test algorithm is analysed. Analytical results show that the proposed test algorithm can detect all the modelled faults caused by the parametric variation of memristors, transistors and their interconnecting wires with a little test time overhead compared with previous methods.
Intestinal motility assessment based on Legendre fitting of logarithmic bowel sound spectrum
Authors: Yin Yue , Jiang Hanjun , Yang Wendi , Wang Zhihua
Published: June 2016

A quantitative intestinal motility (IM) assessment method based on a benchmark model using Legendre fitting of bowel sound spectrum is presented. The logarithmic magnitude of bowel sound sets containing IM events is decomposed into Legendre polynomial series to create the benchmark. For a bowel sound data segment under assessment, the relative spectrum fluctuation and correlation with the benchmark model are calculated and quantitative assessment can then be obtained. Experimental results have proven the accuracy of the proposed method.
Compact semi‐lumped dual‐ and tri‐wideband bandpass filters
Authors: Xu Jin , Zhu Yan
Published: June 2016

This study presents a novel design approach of semi‐lumped dual‐wideband bandpass filters (DWB‐BPF) and tri‐wideband‐BPF (TWB‐BPF). One or two pairs of λ/4 uniform‐impedance open stubs first generate the desired transmission zeros (TZs) to divide the lowpass frequency response based on radial stub loaded high‐impedance microstrip line (RSHIML) into a dual‐ or tri‐band lowpass‐bandpass frequency response. Then, a pair of lumped‐element capacitors are series to the input and output ports to suppress the direct current signal, so as to transform the lowpass passband to the bandpass passband. Moreover, the other RSHIML is also introduced not only to produce a TZ located at the lower transition band of the first passband to improve its passband selectivity, but also to enhance the passband flatness. As examples, a semi‐lumped DWB‐BPF and a semi‐lumped TWB‐BPF are designed and fabricated, which exhibit the merits of wide passbands, low insertion loss and compact size.
Tunable optical properties of ternary non‐stoichiometric Cu–In–S nanocrystal emitters
Authors: Feng Guangwei , Feng Jian
Published: June 2016

Low toxic, non‐stoichiometric colloidal copper–indium–sulphur [Cu–In–S (CIS)] ternary quantum dots with different Cu:In molar ratios by a hot‐injection method in octadecene was synthesised. The Cu:In precursor molar ratios were 1/10, 1/20 and 1/40. Varying the fraction of cationic and capping agents, the compositions of CIS nanocrystals were precisely controlled. The photoluminescence (PL) results reveal that, reducing the Cu:In ratio in the CIS is the feasible strategy for bandgap engineering. Tunable PL emissions have been observed. X‐ray powder diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy results indicate that as‐prepared CIS nanocrystals are compositional homogeneity. The single‐crystal nature of CIS nanocrystals improves the relative PL quantum yield up to 12%, which exhibits substantial enhancement comparing with the stoichiometric CuInS2 and CIS‐based semiconductor core QDs. The PL decay curve of CIS has a triexponential feature. The value of τ 1, τ 2 and τ 3 of CIS sample agree well with CuInS2 core QDs. The average PL lifetime of CIS is reduced to 146.9 ns, which can be attributed to the reduction of surface‐related trap states.
Miniaturisation of Zn/Br redox flow battery cell and investigation of electrode materials influence on its characteristics
Authors: Nagai Yoshiki , Komiyama Ryohei , Miyashita Hidetoshi , Lee Sang‐Seok
Published: June 2016

Redox flow battery has been paid attention since it has been considered as a solution for large‐scale energy storage. Among redox flow batteries, this work focuses on zinc (Zn)/bromine (Br) redox flow battery. The cell of Zn/Br redox flow battery as an energy source for a sensor node of wireless sensor network systems was miniaturised. Here, the fabrication and the experimental results for performance characteristics of the miniaturised Zn/Br redox flow battery cell are reported. Moreover, the electrode materials influence on its characteristics utilising four kinds of carbon materials such as activated carbon, hard charcoal, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and activated carbon and CNTs composite was investigated. To investigate performance characteristics, charge‐discharge tests, impedance measurement, specific surface area measurement, and charge and discharge cycling life test were performed. Moreover, the morphology of electrode materials was observed. As a result, it revealed that the activated carbon electrode showed the best coulombic efficiency of 88.6% and the largest specific surface area. Moreover, it was confirmed that the activated carbon and CNTs composite electrode material has the lowest inherent internal resistance and interfacial resistance among the investigated electrode materials. In the cycling life test, the CNTs electrode showed stable capacity retention during ten cycles.
Different emissive states in the bulk and at the surface of methylammonium lead bromide perovskite revealed by two-photon micro-spectroscopy and lifetime measurements
Authors: Karki Khadga Jung , Abdellah Mohamed , Zhang Wei , Pullerits Tõnu
Published: June 2016

Two photon photoluminescence (2PPL) from single crystals of methyl ammonium lead bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3, MAPbBr3) is studied. We observe two components in the 2PPL spectra, which we assign to the photoluminescence (PL) from the carrier recombination at the band edge and the recombination due to self-trapping of excitons. The PL Stokes shift of self-trapped excitons is about 100 meV from the band-gap energy. Our measurements show that about 15% of the total PL from regions about 40 μm deep inside the crystal is due to the emission from self-trapped exciton. This contribution increases to about 20% in the PL from the regions close to the surface. Time resolved measurements of 2PPL show that the PL due to band-edge recombination has a life time of about 8 ns while the PL lifetime of self-trapped excitons is in the order of 100 ns. Quantification of self-trapped excitons in the materials used in photovoltaics is important as such excitons hinder charge separation. As our results also show that an appreciable fraction of photo-generated carriers get trapped, the results are important in rational design of photovoltaics. On the other hand, our results also show that the self-trapped excitons broaden the emission spectrum, which may be useful in designing broadband light emitting devices.
Pseudorandom number generation using chaotic true orbits of the Bernoulli map
Authors: Saito Asaki , Yamaguchi Akihiro
Published: June 2016

We devise a pseudorandom number generator that exactly computes chaotic true orbits of the Bernoulli map on quadratic algebraic integers. Moreover, we describe a way to select the initial points (seeds) for generating multiple pseudorandom binary sequences. This selection method distributes the initial points almost uniformly (equidistantly) in the unit interval, and latter parts of the generated sequences are guaranteed not to coincide. We also demonstrate through statistical testing that the generated sequences possess good randomness properties.
Gas phase structures and charge localization in small aluminum oxide anions: Infrared photodissociation spectroscopy and electronic structure calculations
Authors: Song Xiaowei , Fagiani Matias R. , Gewinner Sandy , Schöllkopf Wieland , Asmis Knut R. , Bischoff Florian A. , Berger Fabian , Sauer Joachim
Published: June 2016

We use cryogenic ion trap vibrational spectroscopy in combination with quantum chemical calculations to study the structure of mono- and dialuminum oxide anions. The infrared photodissociation spectra of D2-tagged AlO1-4− and Al2O3-6− are measured in the region from 400 to 1200 cm−1. Structures are assigned based on a comparison to simulated harmonic and anharmonic IR spectra derived from electronic structure calculations. The monoaluminum anions contain an even number of electrons and exhibit an electronic closed-shell ground state. The Al2O3-6− anions are oxygen-centered radicals. As a result of a delicate balance between localization and delocalization of the unpaired electron, only the BHLYP functional is able to qualitatively describe the observed IR spectra of all species with the exception of AlO3−. Terminal Al–O stretching modes are found between 1140 and 960 cm−1. Superoxo and peroxo stretching modes are found at higher (1120-1010 cm−1) and lower energies (850-570 cm−1), respectively. Four modes in-between 910 and 530 cm−1 represent the IR fingerprint of the common structural motif of dialuminum oxide anions, an asymmetric four-member Al–(O)2–Al ring.
Quantum dynamics of incoherently driven V-type systems: Analytic solutions beyond the secular approximation
Authors: Dodin Amro , Tscherbul Timur V. , Brumer Paul
Published: June 2016

Closed-form analytic solutions to non-secular Bloch-Redfield master equations for quantum dynamics of a V-type system driven by weak coupling to a thermal bath, relevant to light harvesting processes, are obtained and discussed. We focus on noise-induced Fano coherences among the excited states induced by incoherent driving of the V-system initially in the ground state. For suddenly turned-on incoherent driving, the time evolution of the coherences is determined by the damping parameter ζ=12(γ1+γ2)/Δp, where γi are the radiative decay rates of the excited levels i = 1, 2, and Δp=Δ2+(1−p2)γ1γ2 depends on the excited-state level splitting Δ > 0 and the angle between the transition dipole moments in the energy basis. The coherences oscillate as a function of time in the underdamped limit (ζ ≫ 1), approach a long-lived quasi-steady state in the overdamped limit (ζ ≪ 1), and display an intermediate behavior at critical damping (ζ = 1). The sudden incoherent turn-on is shown to generate a mixture of excited eigenstates |e1〉 and |e2〉 and their in-phase coherent superposition |ϕ+〉=1r1+r2(r1|e1〉+r2|e2〉), which is remarkably long-lived in the overdamped limit (where r1 and r2 are the incoherent pumping rates). Formation of this coherent superposition enhances the decay rate from the excited states to the ground state. In the strongly asymmetric V-system where the coupling strengths between the ground state and the excited states differ significantly, additional asymptotic quasistationary coherences are identified, which arise due to slow equilibration of one of the excited states. Finally, we demonstrate that noise-induced Fano coherences are maximized with respect to populations when r1 = r2 and the transition dipole moments are fully aligned.
Thermal quench mitigation and current quench control by injection of mixed species shattered pellets in DIII-D
Authors: Shiraki D. , Commaux N. , Baylor L. R. , Eidietis N. W. , Hollmann E. M. , Lasnier C. J. , Moyer R. A.
Published: June 2016

Injection of large shattered pellets composed of variable quantities of the main ion species (deuterium) and high-Z impurities (neon) in the DIII-D tokamak demonstrates control of thermal quench (TQ) and current quench (CQ) properties in mitigated disruptions. As the pellet composition is varied, TQ radiation fractions increase continuously with the quantity of radiating impurity in the pellet, with a corresponding decrease in divertor heating. Post-TQ plasma resistivities increase as a result of the higher radiation fraction, allowing control of current decay timescales based on the pellet composition. Magnetic reconstructions during the CQ show that control of the current decay rate allows continuous variation of the minimum safety factor during the vertically unstable disruption, reducing the halo current fraction and resulting vessel displacement. Both TQ and CQ characteristics are observed to saturate at relatively low quantities of neon, indicating that effective mitigation of disruption loads by shattered pellet injection (SPI) can be achieved with modest impurity quantities, within injection quantities anticipated for ITER. This mixed species SPI technique provides a possible approach for tuning disruption properties to remain within the limited ranges allowed in the ITER design.
Hubbard physics in the PAW GW approximation
Authors: Booth J. M. , Drumm D. W. , Casey P. S. , Smith J. S. , Russo S. P.
Published: June 2016

It is demonstrated that the signatures of the Hubbard Model in the strongly interacting regime can be simulated by modifying the screening in the limit of zero wavevector in Projector-Augmented Wave GW calculations for systems without significant nesting. This modification, when applied to the Mott insulator CuO, results in the opening of the Mott gap by the splitting of states at the Fermi level into upper and lower Hubbard bands, and exhibits a giant transfer of spectral weight upon electron doping. The method is also employed to clearly illustrate that the M1 and M2 forms of vanadium dioxide are fundamentally different types of insulator. Standard GW calculations are sufficient to open a gap in M1 VO2, which arise from the Peierls pairing filling the valence band, creating homopolar bonds. The valence band wavefunctions are stabilized with respect to the conduction band, reducing polarizability and pushing the conduction band eigenvalues to higher energy. The M2 structure, however, opens a gap from strong on-site interactions; it is a Mott insulator.
Simulation of He+ induced afterpulses in PMTs
Authors: Tudyka Konrad , Adamiec Grzegorz , Bluszcz Andrzej
Published: June 2016

We report on a Monte Carlo simulation study of afterpulses due to trace gases in EMI 9235QA photomultipliers that are widely used in many luminescence detection systems operating in single photon counting mode. The numerical simulation takes into account the nonuniform electric field distribution and processes including elastic scattering: e + He → e + He, excitation: e + He → e + He∗, ionization: e + He → 2e + He+, elastic scattering: He+ + He → He+ + He, charge transfer: He+ + He → Hef + He+ (Hef indicates a fast neutral) and elastic scattering: Hef + He → Hef + He(f). The simulated and the measured time of flight distributions agree well. In addition, the above simulated processes demonstrate mechanisms of the observed series of pulses brought about by a single helium atom ionization.
New longitudinal mode and compression of pair ions in plasma
Authors: Ehsan Zahida , Tsintsadze N. L. , Shah H. A. , Trines R. M. G. M. , Imran Muhammad
Published: June 2016

Positive and negative ions forming the so-called pair plasma differing in sign of their charge but asymmetric in mass and temperature support a new acoustic-like mode. The condition for the excitation of ion sound wave through electron beam induced Cherenkov instability is also investigated. This beam can generate a perturbation in the pair ion plasmas in the presence of electrons when there is number density, temperature, and mass difference in the two species of ions. Basic emphasis is on the focusing of ion sound waves, and we show how, in the area of localization of wave energy, the density of pair particles increases while electrons are pushed away from that region. Further, this localization of wave is dependent on the shape of the pulse. Considering the example of pancake and bullet shaped pulses, we find that only the former leads to compression of pair ions in the supersonic regime of the focusing region. Here, possible existence of regions where pure pair particles can exist may also be speculated which is not only useful from academic point of view but also to mimic the situation of plasma (electron positron asymmetric and symmetric) observed in astrophysical environment.
Star-like superalkali cations featuring planar pentacoordinate carbon
Authors: Guo Jin-Chang , Tian Wen-Juan , Wang Ying-Jin , Zhao Xue-Feng , Wu Yan-Bo , Zhai Hua-Jin , Li Si-Dian
Published: June 2016

Superalkali cations, known to possess low vertical electron affinities (VEAs), high vertical detachment energies, and large highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gaps, are intriguing chemical species. Thermodynamically, such species need to be the global minima in order to serve as the promising targets for experimental realization. In this work, we propose the strategies of polyhalogenation and polyalkalination for designing the superalkali cations. By applying these strategies, the local-minimum planar pentacoordinate carbon (ppC) cluster CBe5 can be modified to form a series of star-like superalkali ppC or quasi-ppC CBe5X5+ (X = F, Cl, Br, Li, Na, K) cations containing a CBe5 moiety. Polyhalogenation and polyalkalination on the CBe5 unit may help eliminate the high reactivity of bare CBe5 molecule by covering the reactive Be atoms with noble halogen anions and alkali cations. Computational exploration of the potential energy surfaces reveals that the star-like ppC or quasi-ppC CBe5X5+ (X = F, Cl, Br, Li, Na, K) clusters are the true global minima of the systems. The predicted VEAs for CBe5X5+ range from 3.01 to 3.71 eV for X = F, Cl, Br and 2.12–2.51 eV for X = Li, Na, K, being below the lower bound of the atomic ionization potential of 3.89 eV in the periodic table. Large HOMO-LUMO energy gaps are also revealed for the species: 10.76–11.07 eV for X = F, Cl, Br and 4.99–6.91 eV for X = Li, Na, K. These designer clusters represent the first series of superalkali cations with a ppC center. Bonding analyses show five Be–X–Be three-center two-electron (3c-2e) σ bonds for the peripheral bonding, whereas the central C atom is associated with one 6c-2e π bond and three 6c-2e σ bonds, rendering (π and σ) double aromaticity. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the CBe5 motif is robust in the clusters. As planar hypercoordination carbon species are often thermodynamically unstable and highly reactive, the superalkali cation characters of these ppC species should be highlighted, which may be suitable for experimental realization.
Detection and characterization of singly deuterated silylene, SiHD, via optical spectroscopy
Authors: Kokkin Damian L. , Ma Tongmei , Steimle Timothy , Sears Trevor J.
Published: June 2016

Singly deuterated silylene has been detected and characterized in the gas-phase using high-resolution, two-dimensional, optical spectroscopy. Rotationally resolved lines in the 000X̃1A′→Ã1A″ band are assigned to both c-type perpendicular transition and additional parallel, axis-switching induced bands. The extracted rotational constants were combined with those for SiH2 and SiD2 to determine an improved equilibrium bond length, rSiH, and bond angle, θ, of 1.5137 ± 0.0003 Å and 92.04° ± 0.05°, and 1.4853 ± 0.0005 Å and 122.48° ± 0.08° for the X̃1A′0,0,0 and Ã1A″(0,0,0) state respectively. The dispersed fluorescence consists of a long progression in the Ã1A″(0,0,0)→X̃1A′(0,ν2,0) emission which was analyzed to produce vibrational parameters. A strong quantum level dependence of the rotationally resolved radiative decay curves is analyzed.
Wavelength-independent constant period spin-echo modulated small angle neutron scattering
Authors: Sales Morten , Plomp Jeroen , Habicht Klaus , Tremsin Anton , Bouwman Wim , Strobl Markus
Published: June 2016

Spin-Echo Modulated Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SEMSANS) in Time-of-Flight (ToF) mode has been shown to be a promising technique for measuring (very) small angle neutron scattering (SANS) signals and performing quantitative Dark-Field Imaging (DFI), i.e., SANS with 2D spatial resolution. However, the wavelength dependence of the modulation period in the ToF spin-echo mode has so far limited the useful modulation periods to those resolvable with the limited spatial resolution of the detectors available. Here we present our results of an approach to keep the period of the induced modulation constant for the wavelengths utilised in ToF. This is achieved by ramping the magnetic fields in the coils responsible for creating the spatially modulated beam in synchronisation with the neutron pulse, thus keeping the modulation period constant for all wavelengths. Such a setup enables the decoupling of the spatial detector resolution from the resolution of the modulation period by the use of slits or gratings in analogy to the approach in grating-based neutron DFI.
Thermal transport size effects in silicon membranes featuring nanopillars as local resonators
Authors: Honarvar Hossein , Yang Lina , Hussein Mahmoud I.
Published: June 2016

Silicon membranes patterned by nanometer-scale pillars standing on the surface provide a practical platform for thermal conductivity reduction by resonance hybridizations. Using molecular simulations, we investigate the effects of nanopillar size, unit-cell size, and finite-structure size on the net capacity of the local resonators in reducing the thermal conductivity of the base membrane. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity reduction increases as the ratio of the volumetric size of a unit nanopillar to that of the base membrane is increased, and the intensity of this reduction varies with unit-cell size at a rate dependent on the volumetric ratio. Considering sample size, the resonance-induced thermal conductivity drop is shown to increase slightly with the number of unit cells until it would eventually level off.
Ultraviolet electroluminescence from Au-ZnO nanowire Schottky type light-emitting diodes
Authors: Gao Fan , Zhang Dakuan , Wang Jianyu , Sun Huabin , Yin Yao , Sheng Yun , Yan Shancheng , Yan Bo , Sui Chenghua , Zheng Youdou , Shi Yi , Liu Jianlin
Published: June 2016

Ultraviolet electroluminescence from Schottky type LED device is demonstrated. The device prototype is based on Schottky junctions formed between Au and the top ends of ZnO nanowire arrays. Rectifying current-voltage characteristics are observed, and three different charge transport mechanisms are discussed in detail. Excitonic electroluminescence at around 380 nm is detected at high forward bias and the linear relationship between intensity and current suggests a LED device performance. The observation of LED signals from the simple Schottky structure provides a potential supplement to the category of ultraviolet LED devices.
Doping enhanced barrier lowering in graphene-silicon junctions
Authors: Zhang Xintong , Zhang Lining , Chan Mansun
Published: June 2016

Rectifying properties of graphene–semiconductor junctions depend on the Schottky barrier height. We report an enhanced barrier lowering in graphene-Si junction and its essential doping dependence in this paper. The electric field due to ionized charge in n-type Si induces the same type doping in graphene and contributes another Schottky barrier lowering factor on top of the image-force-induced lowering (IFIL). We confirm this graphene-doping-induced lowering (GDIL) based on well reproductions of the measured reverse current of our fabricated graphene-Si junctions by the thermionic emission theory. Excellent matching between the theoretical predictions and the junction data of the doping-concentration dependent barrier lowering serves as another evidence of the GDIL. While both GDIL and IFIL are enhanced with the Si doping, GDIL exceeds IFIL with a threshold doping depending on the as-prepared graphene itself.
Surface degradation of Li1–xNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathodes: Correlating charge transfer impedance with surface phase transformations
Authors: Sallis S. , Pereira N. , Mukherjee P. , Quackenbush N. F. , Faenza N. , Schlueter C. , Lee T.-L. , Yang W. L. , Cosandey F. , Amatucci G. G. , Piper L. F. J.
Published: June 2016

The pronounced capacity fade in Ni-rich layered oxide lithium ion battery cathodes observed when cycling above 4.1 V (versus Li/Li+) is associated with a rise in impedance, which is thought to be due to either bulk structural fatigue or surface reactions with the electrolyte (or combination of both). Here, we examine the surface reactions at electrochemically stressed Li1–xNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 binder-free powder electrodes with a combination of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, spatially resolving electron microscopy, and spatially averaging X-ray spectroscopy techniques. We circumvent issues associated with cycling by holding our electrodes at high states of charge (4.1 V, 4.5 V, and 4.75 V) for extended periods and correlate charge-transfer impedance rises observed at high voltages with surface modifications retained in the discharged state (2.7 V). The surface modifications involve significant cation migration (and disorder) along with Ni and Co reduction, and can occur even in the absence of significant Li2CO3 and LiF. These data provide evidence that surface oxygen loss at the highest levels of Li+ extraction is driving the rise in impedance.
Pressure tuning the lattice and optical response of silver sulfide
Authors: Zhao Zhao , Wei Hua , Mao Wendy L.
Published: June 2016

Binary transition metal chalcogenides have attracted increasing attention for their unique structural and electronic properties. High pressure is a powerful tool for tuning the lattice and electronic structure of transition metal chalcogenides away from their pristine states. In this work, we systematically studied the in situ structural and optical behavior of silver sulfide (Ag2S) under pressure by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy measurements in a diamond anvil cell. Upon compression, Ag2S undergoes structural symmetrization accompanied by a series of structural transitions while the crystallographic inequivalence of the two Ag sites is maintained. Electronically, pressure effectively tunes the ambient semiconducting Ag2S into a metal at ∼22 GPa. Drude model analysis shows that the optical conductivity evolves significantly, reaching the highest value of 100 Ω−1 cm−1 at ∼40 GPa. Our results highlight the structural and electronic tunability of silver chalcogenides as a function of pressure and suggest the potential of Ag2S as a platform for developing optical and opto-electronic applications.
An infinitely-stiff elastic system via a tuned negative-stiffness component stabilized by rotation-produced gyroscopic forces
Authors: Kochmann D. M. , Drugan W. J.
Published: June 2016

An elastic system containing a negative-stiffness element tuned to produce positive-infinite system stiffness, although statically unstable as is any such elastic system if unconstrained, is proved to be stabilized by rotation-produced gyroscopic forces at sufficiently high rotation rates. This is accomplished in possibly the simplest model of a composite structure (or solid) containing a negative-stiffness component that exhibits all these features, facilitating a conceptually and mathematically transparent, completely closed-form analysis.
Room temperature luminescence and ferromagnetism of AlN:Fe
Authors: Li H. , Cai G. M. , Wang W. J.
Published: June 2016

AlN:Fe polycrystalline powders were synthesized by a modified solid state reaction (MSSR) method. Powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results reveal the single phase nature of the doped samples. In the doped AlN samples, Fe is in Fe2+ state. Room temperature ferromagnetic behavior is observed in AlN:Fe samples. Two photoluminescence peaks located at about 592 nm (2.09 eV) and 598 nm (2.07 eV) are observed in AlN:Fe samples. Our results suggest that AlN:Fe is a potential material for applications in spintronics and high power laser devices.
Do wheat breeders have suitable genetic variation to overcome short coleoptiles and poor establishment in the warmer soils of future climates?
Authors: Rebetzke Greg J. , Zheng Bangyou , Chapman Scott C.
Published: June 2016

Increases in air and soil temperatures will impact cereal growth and reduce crop yields. Little is known about how increasing temperatures will impact seedling growth and crop establishment. Climate forecast models predict that by 2060, mean and maximum air temperatures in the Australian wheatbelt will increase by 2−4°C during the March–June sowing period, and particularly at lower latitudes. Concomitant increases in soil temperature will shorten coleoptile length to reduce crop establishment, particularly where deep sowing to access sub-surface moisture. Mean coleoptile length was reduced in commercial wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm with increasing soil temperature (106 mm and 51 mm at 15°C and 31°C, respectively). Coleoptile lengths of modern semidwarf varieties were significantly (P < 0.01) shorter than those of older tall wheats at 15°C (95 mm and 135 mm) and 31°C (46 mm and 70 mm). A 12-parent diallel indicated large additive and small non-maternal genetic effects for coleoptile length at 15°C and 27°C. Large genotype rank changes for coleoptile length across temperatures (rs = 0.37, P < 0.05) contributed to smaller entry-mean heritabilities (0.41–0.67) to reduce confidence in selection for long-coleoptile genotypes across contrasting temperatures. General combining ability effects were strongly correlated across temperatures (rp = 0.81, P < 0.01), indicating the potential of some donors in identification of progeny with consistently longer coleoptiles. Warmer soils in future will contribute to poor establishment and crop failure, particularly with deep-sown semidwarf wheat. Breeding long-coleoptile genotypes with improved performance will require targeted selection at warmer temperatures in populations incorporating novel sources of reduced height and greater coleoptile length.
Water deficit stress tolerance in chickpea is mediated by the contribution of integrative defence systems in different tissues of the plant
Authors: Kaur Davinder , Grewal Satvir K. , Kaur Jagmeet , Singh Sarvjeet , Singh Inderjit
Published: June 2016

Drought induces heavy yield losses in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Besides understanding the physiological and biochemical parameters contributing to drought tolerance, we need to understand the importance of one tissue in combatting drought stress-induced oxidative stress and influencing the antioxidative defence system in other tissues. The study was conducted to examine the influence of drought stress conditions on the antioxidative defence system and physiology in different tissues such as roots, leaves, nodules, pod walls and seeds at various vegetative and reproductive growth stages in two chickpea cultivars differing in rooting behaviour: ICC4958 (deep rooted) and ILC3279 (shallow rooted). The traits contributing to drought tolerance in ICC4958 were increased root area, decreased leaf area index or increase in root area, decreased leaf area; ILC3279 displayed a decrease in root area and an increase in LAI. The adaptation of ICC4958 was also accompanied by biochemical adjustments, like increases in antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, proline and stress-induced proteins). However, increases in antioxidant enzymes, nonenzymatic antioxidants and proteins in ILC3279 were lower than in ICC4958. The lower malondialdehyde content and membrane permeability index in ICC4958 might be responsible for reduced damage under drought stress. Increased H2O2 content in ICC4958 was related to enhanced antioxidative defence, emphasising its role as a signalling molecule under stress. This is the first study conducted on drought stress-induced enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidative defence systems in underground, aboveground vegetative and reproductive tissues in chickpea cultivars differing in rooting behaviour.
An exploratory study into the dynamics of Chinese L2 writing development
Authors: Hou Junping , Verspoor Marjolijn , Loerts Hanneke
Published: June 2016

The present study is inspired by the often heard Chinese university level students’ complaint that they do not improve in English proficiency during their university courses. With a pre-post design, the study explores the potential gains in language development in free response data (writing samples) of three groups of L2 learners: a senior high school group and two university groups of different proficiency levels. Four writing samples, two collected at the beginning and two at the end of the students’ respective courses, were scored holistically on general proficiency and analytically on 47 complexity measures in a computerized tool (Synlex Analyzer). The holistic scores showed some improvement over time for the high school group, but not for the university groups. The analytical measures showed improvements in fairly different aspects of the written language for the three groups, suggesting that at different levels of proficiency different variables may develop. The highest level group actually regressed in almost all syntactic variables, but additional hand coded measures point to a subtle move toward a more academic style of writing with more non-finite constructions. The findings suggest that no single complexity measure is robust for all proficiency levels and that for the highest levels, other metrics tapping into inter-clausal complexity should be added.
The Proto-Tibeto-Burman*gV-nominalizing prefix
Authors: Konnerth Linda
Published: June 2016

Matisoff (2003) reconstructs an “adjectival prefix” *gV-, based on work by Wolfenden (1929). As a result of surveying grammatical descriptions of more than 90 Tibeto-Burman languages, the present study provides evidence to reconstruct Matisoff’s adjectival prefix as a nominalizer whose functional range includes (but is not limited to) the adjectival marking. Evidence for the prefix is found in three major genetic subdivisions. Within Bradley’s (2002) Western branch, Baram (Newaric) has a particularly versatile nominalizerki-~gi-, and Eastern Kiranti languages have *gV-…-pa nominalizing circumfixes. In Bradley’s Eastern branch, rGyalrongic languages have velar prefixes that function as the main nominalizers. Further, in DeLancey’s (2015) Central branch of Trans-Himalayan (Sino-Tibetan), we find reflexes of *gV- in many languages, most notably the versatile nominalizerkV-in Lamkang (Northwest Kuki-Chin). Other languages of the India-Myanmar border with unresolved phylogenetic status within Tibeto-Burman also have reflexes of *gV-, most prominently Karbi and Tangkhul (Konnerth 2012).
The interpretation of metonymy by Japanese learners of English
Authors: Littlemore Jeannette , Arizono Satomi , May Alice
Published: June 2016

Figurative language can present both difficulties and opportunities in cross-linguistic and cross-cultural communication. Previous studies have focused on difficulties in metaphor comprehension by speakers of different languages, but metonymy comprehension is a relatively under-researched area. In this paper, we describe a two-part study exploring metonymy comprehension by Japanese learners of English. In the first part of the study, ten Japanese learners of English were asked to explain the meanings of twenty expressions instantiating a range of metonymy types. Comprehension problems included: the missing of, or misuse of, contextual clues; positive and negative interference from Japanese; ‘underspecification’; and a tendency to interpret metonyms as if they were metaphors. The second part of the study focused on the functions performed by metonymy. Twenty-two Japanese learners of English were asked to interpret a set of twenty metonyms, each of which performed a particular function. Metonyms involving humour and irony appeared to be more difficult to understand than ones serving other functions, such as indirect reference and evaluation.
Methodological triangulation in the study of emotion
Authors: Ogarkova Anna , Soriano Salinas Cristina Maria , Gladkova Anna
Published: June 2016

This paper explores the value of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) in the interdisciplinary study of emotion. The insights provided by a quantitative, corpus-based analysis of anger metaphors in three languages (English, Spanish, Russian) are compared to those obtained from two other methodologies of a more psycholinguistic kind: a feature-rating and a labelling task. The three methodologies are used to test in language several hypotheses on cross-cultural differences in anger experiences derived from earlier findings in emotion psychology. The three methods are found to be complementary and provide convergent evidence that support the hypotheses, with each method contributing additional pertinent data on some of the issues addressed. We discuss the contribution of CMT, its relative importance and specificity, and highlight several methodological and analytical adaptations that CMT studies should undergo for its results to become informative to other disciplines in the study of emotion.