bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Honeycomb-like CuO/ZnO hybrid nanocatalysts prepared from solid waste generated in the organosilane industry
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Hezhi , Ji Yongjun , Zhang Yu , Wang Guangna , Zhu Yongxia , Zhong Ziyi , Hu Xiao , Su Fabing
Published: June 2016

Honeycomb-like CuO/ZnO hybrid nanocatalysts prepared from solid waste in organosilane industry exhibited excellent catalytic properties when re-used for dimethyldichlorosilane synthesis.
Facilely prepared carbon dots and rare earth ion doped hybrid composites for ratio-metric pH sensing and white-light emission
Authors: Zhang Tianxiang , Zhai Yue , Wang He , Zhu Jinyang , Xu Lin , Dong Biao , Song Hongwei
Published: June 2016

A facile method was developed to synthesize fluorescent carbon-dot–Eu3+hybrid composites (CD–Eu–HCs) by one-pot hydrothermal methods.
Effect of HBr formation on mercury oxidation via CaBr2 addition to coal during combustion
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Wenqing , Wu Yinghong , Xiong Jin , Zhu Tingyu , Zhou Xuan , Tong Li
Published: June 2016

Adding CaBr2 to coal to enhance elemental mercury (Hg0) oxidation during combustion has been an effective mercury control technology, but the added CaBr2 may increase levels of noxious Br2 or HBr gases in flue gas.
In situ growth of polyphosphazene nanoparticles on graphene sheets as a highly stable nanocomposite for metal-free lithium anodes
Authors: Zhou Jingyan , Xu Rongfei , Yin Changzhi , Li Zhongtao , Wu Wenting , Wu Mingbo
Published: June 2016

A polyphosphazene/GN nanocomposite was readily synthesized by thermal polymerization of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene with graphene oxide, which exhibits a stable and uniform nanostructure.
Signal amplification biosensor based on DNA for ultrasensitive electrochemical determination of metronidazole
Authors: Zheng Bo , Li Cong , Wang Lei , Li Yaru , Gu Yue , Yan Xiaoyi , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Zhiquan , Zhai Shengyong
Published: June 2016

The biosensor (PDDA-GN/DNA/GCE) showed remarkable signal amplification performance toward the reduction of metronidazole, and was applied to determinate metronidazole in urine and lake water samples with satisfactory results.
Improved tribological and thermal properties of lubricants by graphene based nano-additives
Authors: Zin V. , Barison S. , Agresti F. , Colla L. , Pagura C. , Fabrizio M.
Published: June 2016

Enhancing the tribological performance of lubricants with nanoparticle additives is a recent challenge. Addition of graphene based nanostructures in poly-alkylene glycol lubricant could significantly reduce friction and wear for compressors operating with CO2 refrigerant.
Comparative study of melting points of 3,4-bis(3-nitrofurazan-4-yl)furoxan (DNTF)/1,3,3-trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) eutectic compositions using molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Liu Ning , Zeman Svatopluk , Shu Yuan-jie , Wu Zong-kai , Wang Bo-zhou , Yin Shi-wei
Published: June 2016

The melting points of 3,4-bis(3-nitrofurazan-4-yl)furoxan/1,3,3-trinitroazetidine eutectic compositions are precisely predicted by molecular dynamics simulation with different methods.
Photo-responsive modulation of hybrid peptide assembly, charge transfer complex formation and gelation
Authors: Pramanik Apurba , Paikar Arpita , Maji Krishnendu , Haldar Debasish
Published: June 2016

Light has been used as trigger for modulation of supramolecular assembly of hybrid peptides followed by charge transfer complex formation and organogelation.
Highly luminescent palladium(ii) complexes with sub-millisecond blue to green phosphorescent excited states. Photocatalysis and highly efficient PSF-OLEDs
Authors: Chow Pui-Keong , Cheng Gang , Tong Glenna So Ming , Ma Chensheng , Kwok Wai-Ming , Ang Wai-Hung , Chung Clive Yik-Sham , Yang Chen , Wang Feng , Che Chi-Ming
Published: June 2016

Pd(II) complexes with long-lived emissive excited states found applications in photo-catalysis and PSF-OLEDs.
Mesoporous calcium oxide–silica and magnesium oxide–silica composites for CO2 capture at ambient and elevated temperatures
Authors: Gunathilake Chamila , Jaroniec Mietek
Published: June 2016

Incorporation of basic metal species (oxides) such as magnesium oxide and calcium oxide into porous materials is a logical strategy for enlarging the uptake of acidic greenhouse gases such as CO2.
Enhancement of electrorheological performance of electrorheological elastomers by improving TiO2particles/silicon rubber interface
Authors: Dong Xufeng , Niu Chenguang , Qi Min
Published: June 2016

The TiO2particle/rubber interface has a significant influence on the structure and electrorheological performance of electrorheological elastomers.
Protective actions of des-acylated ghrelin on brain injury and blood–brain barrier disruption after stroke in mice
Authors: Ku Jacqueline M. , Taher Mohammadali , Chin Kai Yee , Barsby Tom , Austin Victoria , Wong Connie H.Y. , Andrews Zane B. , Spencer Sarah J. , Miller Alyson A.
Published: June 2016

The major ghrelin forms, acylated ghrelin and des-acylated ghrelin, are novel gastrointestinal hormones. Moreover, emerging evidence indicates that these peptides may have other functions including neuro- and vaso-protection. Here, we investigated whether post-stroke treatment with acylated ghrelin or des-acylated ghrelin could improve functional and histological endpoints of stroke outcome in mice after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo). We found that des-acylated ghrelin (1 mg/kg) improved neurological and functional performance, reduced infarct and swelling, and decreased apoptosis. In addition, it reduced blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in vivo and attenuated the hyper-permeability of mouse cerebral microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD + RO). By contrast, acylated ghrelin (1 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg) had no significant effect on these endpoints of stroke outcome. Next we found that des-acylated ghrelin's vasoprotective actions were associated with increased expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin-5), and decreased cell death. Moreover, it attenuated superoxide production, Nox activity and expression of 3-nitrotyrosine. Collectively, these results demonstrate that post-stroke treatment with des-acylated ghrelin, but not acylated ghrelin, protects against ischaemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury and swelling, and BBB disruption, by reducing oxidative and/or nitrosative damage.
Design and experimental research for a new kind of lung function parameters measurement device
Authors: Guo Zhanshe , Lu Chao , Liang Xiangdang , Song Ke , Cao Le
Published: June 2016

A kind of device based on pressure differential theory is introduced to measure the physiological parameters of people's lungs. This device possesses the advantages of small size, low power consumption and easy handling. It is not only able to overcome the effect of humidity caused by thermal airflow sensor, but also able to conveniently realise the simultaneous measurement of airflow and pressure with high precision. For this purpose, a four‐way tube is designed and fabricated. Detailed theoretical analysis and simulation are used to verify the correctness of the structure. The digital signal processing and complex programmable logic device system is used and corresponding algorithms for the lung function parameters are programmed. Then, the measuring error of system is analysed by the error theory. The accomplished device is calibrated in the National Institute of Metrology of China, and the maximum relative error between the standard and measured results is about 2.84%. Clinical trials indicate that when the vital capacity is 5800, the relative error between the standard system and this device is just 0.6%, which suggests that this device can measure the lung function parameters at a higher level.
Accurate power transformer PD pattern recognition via its model
Authors: Rostaminia Reza , Saniei Mohsen , Vakilian Mehdi , Mortazavi Seyyed Saeedollah , Parvin Vahid
Published: June 2016

In this study, a transformer model is proposed to simulate the behaviour of a real transformer, under presence of different types of defects which contribute to partial discharge (PD) generation, as closely as possible. Five different types of defects (scratch on winding insulation, bubble in oil, moisture in insulation paper, very small free metal particle in transformer tank and fixed sharp metal point on transformer tank) are implemented artificially into these transformer models to investigate the resultant PD current signal magnitude and characteristics. Time‐domain PD current waveforms are recorded on those transformer models which have one type of those defects. The resultant statistical PD current wave shapes and texture features are extracted from these captured PD current signals. The principal component analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the dimension of feature spaces which are required to develop the inputs for the classifier. The principal components obtained through PCA are applied to the support vector machine classifier, as an input. The classification results indicate that the extracted texture features (using grey‐level covariance matrix) preserve the best characteristics for separation of the related patterns of those five defect models, accurately.
Impact of nanomagnets size on switching behaviour of all spin logic devices
Authors: Wang Sen , Cai Li , Qi Kai , Yang Xiaokuo , Feng Chaowen , Cui Huanqing
Published: June 2016

Under different nanomagnets’ size, switching behaviour of all spin logic (ASL) devices constructed with Co and permalloy (Py) nanomagnets are studied by using the coupled spin‐transport/magneto‐dynamics model. The results indicate that ASL devices’ switching delay and energy dissipation can be reduced by decreasing the thickness of nanomagnets. The switching delay and energy dissipation of PyASL are lower than those of CoASL in a smaller thickness of nanomagnet, but they increase much faster than those of CoASL when the nanomagnets (FM) thickness increases. With the dimensional scaling of nanomagnets, the ASL devices’ switching delay and energy dissipation decrease rapidly and the influence of thermal noise become weak. Moreover, under the same nanomagnet volume, ASL devices’ switching delay, energy dissipation, and energy barrier can be reduced by decreasing aspect ratio. These findings can provide guidelines for optimising the ASL devices’ materials and size.
Extracalvarial Composite Infantile Myofibromatosis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ivanov Alexander , Valyi-Nagy Tibor , Nikas Dimitrios
Published: June 2016

Infantile soft tissue tumors of the head are very rare and the majority of them are myofibromas. The authors present the case of a 1-day-old boy with a scalp tumor with several distinct histopathological features including myofibroma, hemangiopericytoma, and fibrosarcoma consistent with the diagnosis of composite infantile myofibromatosis. Genetic testing was negative for trisomy 17, translocation (12; 15), FUS, and ETV6 translocations. Despite the ominous histopathological features, the clinical course was benign. The authors review here available literature concerning current concepts of making the diagnosis of composite infantile myofibromatosis and discuss treatment options.
Die Zukunft der medizinisch-rehabilitativen Versorgung im Kontext der Multimorbidität – Teil II: Strukturelle Voraussetzungen und Anforderungen an das rehabilitative Versorgungssystem
Authors: Seger W. , Cibis W. , Deventer A. , Grotkamp S. , Lübke N. , Schoenle P. , Schmidt-Ohlemann M. , Schubert M.
Published: June 2016

Hintergrund: Multimorbide Versicherte mit 2 und mehr chronischen Krankheiten mit sozialmedizinischer Relevanz, rücken immer mehr in den Vordergrund rehabilitativer Versorgung.

Methodik: Nach Klärung von Begriffen, Versorgungsfragen und Herausforderungen der Rehabilitation (Teil I) beschreibt eine Projektgruppe des Ärztlichen Sachverständigenrates der Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft für Rehabilitation (BAR) vielfältige Handlungsfelder für die rehabilitative Versorgung von Personen mit Multimorbidität.

Ergebnisse: Der Sachverständigenrat empfiehlt ein Bündel möglicher und notwendiger Maßnahmen Diese reichen in ihrer Vielfalt von der Überprüfung des Formularwesens auf valide Identifizierung der rehabilitativen Bedarfe über eine diesbezügliche Sensibilisierung und Kompetenzerweiterung des involvierten Personals der Sozialleistungsträger und der Rehabilitationseinrichtungen bis hin zu einer Berücksichtigung von Multimorbidität in Leitlinien sowie Klärung noch offener Forschungsfragen.
Entwicklung des Missbrauchs psychotroper Pflanzen und Pilze in Deutschland – Interpretation der Zahlen aus 3 Giftinformationszentren für die Jahre 2007–2013
Authors: Pietsch J. , Scheffel K. , Acquarone D. , Koch I. , Deters M. , Hermanns-Clausen M.
Published: June 2016

Ziel der Studie: Durch eine Fülle von Informationen im Internet sind psychotrope Pflanzen und Pilze von steigender Bedeutung als legale und billige Alternative zu klassischen Rauschdrogen. Da Daten zum Missbrauch biogener Rauschdrogen in Deutschland bisher fehlen, wurden entsprechende Fallberichte von drei deutschen Giftinformationszentren (GIZ) untersucht.

Methodik: Die Daten der durch die GIZ in Berlin, Erfurt und Freiburg zwischen 2007 und 2013 erfassten Missbrauchsverdachtsfälle (MVF) mit ausgewählten biogenen Rauschdrogen wurden retrospektiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse: 602 MVF mit biogenen Rauschdrogen wurden durch die GIZ dokumentiert. Davon entfielen 52% auf die Exposition tropanalkaloidhaltiger Pflanzen (Engelstrompete, Stechapfel, Tollkirsche), 25% auf psilocybinhaltige Pilze und 10% auf Muskatnuss. Am häufigsten wurden Expositionen mit Engelstrompete berichtet. Tropanalkaloidhaltige Pflanzen werden überwiegend von Jugendlichen konsumiert, wohingegen psilocybinhaltige Pilze in der Mehrzahl von jungen Erwachsenen und Muskatnuss mehrheitlich von Schulkindern zu Missbrauchszwecken aufgenommen werden. Nach dem Abusus von Engelstrompete, Stechapfel und Tollkirsche traten in 55% der Fälle mittelschwere und schwere Symptome auf. Durch die GIZ erfolgte in mehr als 90% der MVF mit tropanalkaloidhaltigen Pflanzen und psilocybinhaltigen Pilzen eine Therapieempfehlung zur stationären Behandlung. Mydriasis, Halluzinationen, Tachykardie und Agitiertheit wurden als häufigste Symptome nach der missbräuchlichen Aufnahme biogener Drogen identifiziert.

Schlussfolgerung: Die Daten der 3 GIZ lassen einen Rückschluss zum Missbrauch biogener Drogen in Teilen Deutschlands zu. Der Abusus biogener Drogen zeigt insgesamt eine abnehmende Tendenz, was wahrscheinlich mit dem zunehmenden Aufkommen neuer synthetischer Designerdrogen („Legal Highs“) zusammenhängt. Engelstrompete wurde am häufigsten missbräuchlich aufgenommen, was die Bedeutung einer leichten Verfügbarkeit beim Abusus von Pflanzen und Pilzen unterstreicht. Die steigende Tendenz der missbräuchlichen Exposition von Muskatnuss kann als überraschendes Ergebnis bewertet werden.
Team Boundary Spanning: Strategic Implications for the Implementation and use of Enterprise Social Media
Authors: Van Osch Wietske , Steinfield Charles W
Published: June 2016

Recent team boundary spanning literature has recommended a shift toward assessing the role of virtual tools – such as social media. Simultaneously the proliferation of Enterprise Social Media (ESM) points to the need to theorize and investigate the supra-individual usage of these tools, such as their usefulness for organizational groups. This paper responds to both mandates through a theoretical integration of the team boundary spanning and existing ESM literature. Using data from two studies – one qualitative and one quantitative – this papers addresses two important research questions regarding the empirical relationship between team boundary spanning and ESM for understanding (i) the types of team boundary-spanning activities that group members enact through ESM and (ii) the effects of ESM on extra-team stakeholders' perceptions and reciprocating actions vis-à-vis the team boundary-spanning activities of these group members. The results of this study show that ESM, largely as a function of their visibility affordance, supports a narrow set of representational activities, but offers only limited support for information search and coordination. Furthermore, the findings reveal that ESM activity has a positive effect on extra-team stakeholders' recognition and financial support of the representational ESM posts emanating from the boundary-spanning group. Important implications for theory, strategy, and design are discussed.
Internal Crowdsourcing: Conceptual Framework, Structured Review, and Research Agenda
Authors: Zuchowski Oliver , Posegga Oliver , Schlagwein Daniel , Fischbach Kai
Published: June 2016

The use of IT-enabled crowdsourcing with employees in enterprises has increased substantially in recent years. This phenomenon, which we refer to as ‘internal crowdsourcing’, is distinct both from external crowdsourcing with end users and from hierarchy-based work with employees. A literature stream has emerged that corresponds with the increased relevance of internal crowdsourcing in practice. The purpose of this review paper of internal crowdsourcing is to provide conceptual development, synthesise the literature, and provide a research agenda. In the review reported in this paper, we systematically analysed and critically reviewed the literature in this domain published thus far (74 papers). We found useful findings and insights into a new and relevant IT-enabled phenomenon. At the same time, we also found conflicting definitions and conceptualisation, as well as research efforts that are not well integrated. The paper supports future research on internal crowdsourcing by providing improved conceptualisation, consolidating insights, and identifying important areas for future research.
Is the bulk mode conversion important in high density helicon plasma?
Authors: Isayama Shogo , Hada Tohru , Shinohara Shunjiro , Tanikawa Takao
Published: June 2016

In a high-density helicon plasma production process, a contribution of Trivelpiece-Gould (TG) wave for surface power deposition is widely accepted. The TG wave can be excited either due to an abrupt density gradient near the plasma edge (surface conversion) or due to linear mode conversion from the helicon wave in a density gradient in the bulk region (bulk mode conversion). By numerically solving the boundary value problem of linear coupling between the helicon and the TG waves in a background with density gradient, we show that the efficiency of the bulk mode conversion strongly depends on the dissipation included in the plasma, and the bulk mode conversion is important when the dissipation is small. Also, by performing FDTD simulation, we show the time evolution of energy flux associated with the helicon and the TG waves.
Linear and nonlinear coupling of electromagnetic and electrostatic fluctuations with one dimensional trapping of electrons using product bi (r,q) distribution
Authors: Aziz Tahir , Masood W. , Qureshi M. N. S. , Shah H. A. , Yoon P. H.
Published: June 2016

In the present paper, we have investigated the ramifications of adiabatic trapping of electrons using a bi product (r,q) distribution function on obliquely propagating Alfven waves in a low β plasma. In this regard, we have analyzed the linear and nonlinear dispersion characteristics of finite amplitude coupled kinetic Alfven-acoustic solitary waves using the two-potential theory and employing Sagdeev potential approach. We have deliberated upon the results of the present inquest and highlighted its importance by citing works that have reported the simultaneous presence of electromagnetic pulses and flat-topped distribution of electrons.
Reactivity from excited state 4FeO+ + CO sampled through reaction of ground state 4FeCO+ + N2O
Authors: Ard Shaun G. , Shuman Nicholas S. , Martinez Oscar , Brown Steven A. , Sawyer Jordan C. , Viggiano Albert A.
Published: June 2016

The kinetics of the FeCO+ + N2O reaction have been studied at thermal energies (300–600 K) using a variable temperature selected ion flow tube apparatus. Rate constants and product branching fractions are reported. The reaction is modestly inefficient, proceeding with a rate constant of 6.2 × 10−11 cm3 s−1 at 300 K, with a small negative temperature dependence, declining to 4.4 × 10−11 cm3 s−1 at 600 K. Both Fe+ and FeO+ products are observed, with a constant branching ratio of approximately 40:60 at all temperatures. Calculation of the stationary points along the reaction coordinate shows that only the ground state quartet surface is initially sampled resulting in N2 elimination; a submerged barrier along this portion of the surface dictates the magnitude and temperature dependence of the total rate constant. The product branching fractions are determined by the behavior of the remaining 4OFeCO+ fragment, and this behavior is compared to that found in the reaction of FeO+ + CO, which initially forms 6OFeCO+. Thermodynamic and kinetic arguments are used to show that the spin-forbidden surface crossing in this region is efficient, proceeding with an average rate constant of greater than 1012 s−1.
A portable high power microwave source with permanent magnets
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Jun , Li Zhi-qiang , Yang Jian-Hua
Published: June 2016

A high power microwave source with permanent magnets is proposed in this paper. The source has the length 330 mm, maximum diameter 350 mm, and total weight 50 kg, including 25 kg of permanent magnets. 1 GW of microwave power with Gaussian radiation pattern and 24% of microwave power generation efficiency in a pulse duration of 75 ns are obtained in the experiment. Operating frequency of the source is 2.32 GHz. Such a small size, light weight, and highly stable in operation source will be used in portable repetitive high power microwave generation systems.
Axisymmetric electrostatic magnetohydrodynamic oscillations in tokamaks with general cross-sections and toroidal flow
Authors: Chu M. S. , Guo Wenfeng
Published: June 2016

The frequency spectrum and mode structure of axisymmetric electrostatic oscillations [the zonal flow (ZF), sound waves (SW), geodesic acoustic modes (GAM), and electrostatic mean flows (EMF)] in tokamaks with general cross-sections and toroidal flows are studied analytically using the electrostatic approximation for magnetohydrodynamic modes. These modes constitute the “electrostatic continua.” Starting from the energy principle for a tokamak plasma with toroidal rotation, we showed that these modes are completely stable. The ZF, the SW, and the EMF could all be viewed as special cases of the general GAM. The Euler equations for the general GAM are obtained and are solved analytically for both the low and high range of Mach numbers. The solution consists of the usual countable infinite set of eigen-modes with discrete eigen-frequencies, and two modes with lower frequencies. The countable infinite set is identified with the regular GAM. The lower frequency mode, which is also divergence free as the plasma rotation tends to zero, is identified as the ZF. The other lower (zero) frequency mode is a pure geodesic E×B flow and not divergence free is identified as the EMF. The frequency of the EMF is shown to be exactly 0 independent of plasma cross-section or its flow Mach number. We also show that in general, sound waves with no geodesic components are (almost) completely lost in tokamaks with a general cross-sectional shape. The exception is the special case of strict up-down symmetry. In this case, half of the GAMs would have no geodesic displacements. They are identified as the SW. Present day tokamaks, although not strictly up-down symmetric, usually are only slightly up-down asymmetric. They are expected to share the property with the up-down symmetric tokamak in that half of the GAMs would be more sound wave-like, i.e., have much weaker coupling to the geodesic components than the other half of non-sound-wave-like modes with stronger coupling to the geodesic displacements. Based on the general notion that the geodesic component of the GAM is more effective in tearing up the eddies in the electrostatic turbulence, it is important to preferentially excite the GAMs that are non-sound-wave like to maximize the efficiency on turbulence suppression through external means. Finally, approximate formulae for the frequencies of the EMF, ZF, SW, and the GAM for a large aspect ratio circular tokamak rotating at low Mach numbers are also provided.
The order of three lowest-energy states of the six-electron harmonium at small force constant
Authors: Strasburger Krzysztof
Published: June 2016

The order of low-energy states of six-electron harmonium is uncertain in the case of strong correlation, which is not a desired situation for the model system being considered for future testing of approximate methods of quantum chemistry. The computational study of these states has been carried out at the frequency parameter ω = 0.01, using the variational method with the basis of symmetry-projected, explicitly correlated Gaussian (ECG) lobe functions. It has revealed that the six-electron harmonium at this confinement strength is an octahedral Wigner molecule, whose order of states is different than in the strong confinement regime and does not agree with the earlier predictions. The results obtained for ω = 0.5 and 10 are consistent with the findings based on the Hund’s rules for the s2p4 electron configuration. Substantial part of the computations has been carried out on the graphical processing units and the efficiency of these devices in calculation of the integrals over ECG functions has been compared with traditional processors.
Molecular dynamics simulation of electric-field-induced self-assembly of diblock copolymers
Authors: Zhang Qiuzhi , Xu Rui , Kan Di , He Xuehao
Published: June 2016

The self-assembly of block copolymers under an external electric field was studied with a coarse-grained polarizable model that hybridizes the conventional polymeric coarse-grained model and Drude oscillator. The polarizability of the coarse-grained polymeric segment was reflected by the Drude oscillator. Applying this model, the alignment of the lamellar phase of the block copolymer melt under an external electric field was observed and the dynamic coupling information between chain polarization and interface orientation induced by the external electric field was obtained. It is demonstrated that the alignment of the lamellar structure along the electric field direction results from the polarizability difference of the polymer components. Finally, the transitions of phase structures of the block copolymer under an external electric field, from spherical phase to cylindrical phase, from gyroid structure to cylindrical phase, and from gyroid structure to lamellae phase were simulated. The specific evolution pathways were shown.
Achieving the Holevo bound via a bisection decoding protocol
Authors: Rosati Matteo , Giovannetti Vittorio
Published: June 2016

We present a new decoding protocol to realize transmission of classical information through a quantum channel at asymptotically maximum capacity, achieving the Holevo bound and thus the optimal communication rate. At variance with previous proposals, our scheme recovers the message bit by bit, making use of a series of “yes-no” measurements, organized in bisection fashion, thus determining which codeword was sent in log2 N steps, N being the number of codewords.
Long-working-distance microscopic imaging in a turbid medium by use of an ultrafast optical Kerr gate
Authors: Ren Yuhu , Tan Wenjiang , Zheng Yipeng , Liu Xiaojing , Tong Junyi
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate a long-working-distance microscopic imaging of hidden objects in a turbid medium by use of an ultrafast optical Kerr gate (OKG). The results show that the working distance and the spatial resolution of the long-working-distance microscopic imaging system have been increased simultaneously compared with those of the conventional 4f OKG imaging systems. A compound lens consisting of a long-focus achromatic doublet and a microscope objective is used to increase the long working distance and ensure the sufficient spatial resolution. The microscopic OKG imaging system with a working distance of 245 mm and a maximal spatial resolution of approximately 7 μm has been performed.
Intense tera-hertz laser driven proton acceleration in plasmas
Authors: Sharma A. , Tibai Z. , Hebling J.
Published: June 2016

We investigate the acceleration of a proton beam driven by intense tera-hertz (THz) laser field from a near critical density hydrogen plasma. Two-dimension-in-space and three-dimension-in-velocity particle-in-cell simulation results show that a relatively long wavelength and an intense THz laser can be employed for proton acceleration to high energies from near critical density plasmas. We adopt here the electromagnetic field in a long wavelength (0.33 THz) regime in contrast to the optical and/or near infrared wavelength regime, which offers distinct advantages due to their long wavelength (λ=350 μm), such as the λ2 scaling of the electron ponderomotive energy. Simulation study delineates the evolution of THz laser field in a near critical plasma reflecting the enhancement in the electric field of laser, which can be of high relevance for staged or post ion acceleration.
Spectroscopic studies of the physical origin of environmental aging effects on doped graphene
Authors: Chang J.-K. , Hsu C.-C. , Liu S.-Y. , Wu C.-I. , Gharib M. , Yeh N.-C.
Published: June 2016

The environmental aging effect of doped graphene is investigated as a function of the organic doping species, humidity, and the number of graphene layers adjacent to the dopant by studies of the Raman spectroscopy, x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and electrical transport measurements. It is found that higher humidity and structural defects induce faster degradation in doped graphene. Detailed analysis of the spectroscopic data suggest that the physical origin of the aging effect is associated with the continuing reaction of H2O molecules with the hygroscopic organic dopants, which leads to formation of excess chemical bonds, reduction in the doped graphene carrier density, and proliferation of damages from the graphene grain boundaries. These environmental aging effects are further shown to be significantly mitigated by added graphene layers.
Evolution of shear banding flows in metallic glasses characterized by molecular dynamics
Authors: Yao Li , Luan Yingwei
Published: June 2016

To reveal the evolution of shear banding flows, one-dimensional nanostructure metallic glass composites have been studied with molecular dynamics. The inherent size determines the initial thickness of shear bands, and the subsequent broadening can be restricted to some extent. The vortex-like flows evoke the atomic motion perpendicular to the shear plane, which accelerates the interatomic diffusion. The reduction of local strain rate causes the flow softening for monolithic Cu-Zr glass, but the participation of Cu-atoms in the shear banding flow gradually leads to the shear hardening for the composites.
Solid-solution stability and preferential site-occupancy in (R-R′)2Fe14B compounds
Authors: Colin C. V. , Ito M. , Yano M. , Dempsey N. M. , Suard E. , Givord D.
Published: June 2016

The rare-earth (R) uniaxial anisotropy of R2Fe14B compounds with magnetic R atoms (e.g., Nd or Pr) is at the origin of the exceptional hard magnetic properties achieved in magnets based on these compounds. The uniaxial anisotropy found in Ce2Fe14B is attributed mainly to the magnetism of Fe. Ce is the most abundant R element and there has been much recent effort to fabricate magnets in which Ce is partially substituted for Nd. In the present neutron study of (R1−xCex)2Fe14B (R = La or Nd), Ce is found to enter the R2Fe14B phase over the entire composition range. The crystallographic parameters decrease with increasing Ce content and the Ce atoms preferentially occupy the smaller 4f sites. It is concluded that Ce in these (RR′)2Fe14B compounds essentially maintains the intermediate valence character found in Ce2Fe14B. It is proposed that, in this intermediate valence state, Ce weakly contributes to uniaxial anisotropy, thus making a link with the fact that significant coercivity is preserved in Ce-substituted NdFeB magnets.
Charge dependence of the plasma travel length in atmospheric-pressure plasma
Authors: Yambe Kiyoyuki , Konda Kohmei , Masuda Seiya
Published: June 2016

Plasma plume is generated using a quartz tube, helium gas, and foil electrode by applying AC high voltage under the atmosphere. The plasma plume is released into the atmosphere from inside of the quartz tube and is seen as the continuous movement of the plasma bullet. The travel length of plasma bullet is defined from plasma energy and force due to electric field. The drift velocity of plasma bullet has the upper limit under atmospheric-pressure because the drift velocity is determined from the balance between electric field and resistive force due to collisions between plasma and air. The plasma plume charge depends on the drift velocity. Consequently, in the laminar flow of helium gas flow state, the travel length of the plasma plume logarithmically depends on the plasma plume charge which changes with both the electric field and the resistive force.
High spin polarization and the origin of unique ferromagnetic ground state in CuFeSb
Authors: Sirohi Anshu , Singh Chandan K. , Thakur Gohil S. , Saha Preetha , Gayen Sirshendu , Gaurav Abhishek , Jyotsna Shubhra , Haque Zeba , Gupta L. C. , Kabir Mukul , Ganguli Ashok K. , Sheet Goutam
Published: June 2016

CuFeSb is isostructural to the ferro-pnictide and chalcogenide superconductors and it is one of the few materials in the family that are known to stabilize in a ferromagnetic ground state. Majority of the members of this family are either superconductors or antiferromagnets. Therefore, CuFeSb may be used as an ideal source of spin polarized current in spin-transport devices involving pnictide and the chalcogenide superconductors. However, for that the Fermi surface of CuFeSb needs to be sufficiently spin polarized. In this paper we report direct measurement of transport spin polarization in CuFeSb by spin-resolved Andreev reflection spectroscopy. From a number of measurements using multiple superconducting tips we found that the intrinsic transport spin polarization in CuFeSb is high (∼47%). In order to understand the unique ground state of CuFeSb and the origin of large spin polarization at the Fermi level, we have evaluated the spin-polarized band structure of CuFeSb through first principles calculations. Apart from supporting the observed 47% transport spin polarization, such calculations also indicate that the Sb-Fe-Sb angles and the height of Sb from the Fe plane are strikingly different for CuFeSb than the equivalent parameters in other members of the same family thereby explaining the origin of the unique ground state of CuFeSb.
Field amplified sample stacking of amyloid beta (1-42) oligomers using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Paracha Sadia , Hestekin Christa
Published: June 2016

Oligomeric forms of the amyloid beta (Aβ) protein have been indicated to be an important factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since the oligomeric forms of Aβ can vary in size and conformation, it is vital to understand the early stages of Aβ aggregation in order to improve the care and treatment of patients with AD. This is the first study to determine the effect of field amplified sample stacking (FASS) on the separation of oligomeric forms of Aβ1-42 using capillary electrophoresis (CE) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. UV-CE was able to separate two different species of Aβ1-42 oligomers (<7 mers and 7–22 mers). Although FASS required the use of a higher ionic strength buffer, Aβ1-42 oligomers had the same aggregation behavior as under the non-FASS conditions with only small changes in the amounts of oligomers observed. In general, FASS provided smaller peak widths (>75% average reduction) and increased peak heights (>60% average increase) when compared to non-FASS conditions. UV-CE with FASS also provided higher resolution between the Aβ1-42 oligomers for all aggregation time points studied. In addition, Congo red and Orange G inhibition studies were used to help evaluate the conformation of the observed species. This work demonstrates the ability of UV-CE employing FASS to provide higher resolution between oligomeric forms of Aβ1-42 without significantly altering their aggregation.
Microwave dynamics of high aspect ratio superconducting nanowires studied using self-resonance
Authors: Santavicca Daniel F. , Adams Jesse K. , Grant Lierd E. , McCaughan Adam N. , Berggren Karl K.
Published: June 2016

We study the microwave impedance of extremely high aspect ratio (length/width ≈ 5000) superconducting niobium nitride nanowires. The nanowires are fabricated in a compact meander geometry that is in series with the center conductor of a 50 Ω coplanar waveguide transmission line. The transmission coefficient of the sample is measured up to 20 GHz. At high frequency, a peak in the transmission coefficient is seen. Numerical simulations show that this is a half-wave resonance along the length of the nanowire, where the nanowire acts as a high impedance, slow wave transmission line. This resonance sets the upper frequency limit for these nanowires as inductive elements. Fitting simulations to the measured resonance enables a precise determination of the nanowire's complex sheet impedance at the resonance frequency. The real part is a measure of dissipation, while the imaginary part is dominated by kinetic inductance. We characterize the dependence of the sheet resistance and sheet inductance on both temperature and current and compare the results to recent theoretical predictions for disordered superconductors. These results can aid in the understanding of high frequency devices based on superconducting nanowires. They may also lead to the development of novel superconducting devices such as ultra-compact resonators and slow-wave structures.
Probing electron density across Ar+ irradiation-induced self-organized TiO2−x nanochannels for memory application
Authors: Barman A. , Saini C. P. , Sarkar P. K. , Roy A. , Satpati B. , Kanjilal D. , Ghosh S. K. , Dhar S. , Kanjilal A.
Published: June 2016

The variation of electron density in TiO2−x nanochannels, exhibiting resistive switching phenomenon, produced by Ar+ ion-irradiation at the threshold fluence of 5 × 1016 ions/cm2 is demonstrated by X-ray reflectivity (XRR). The transmission electron microscopy reveals the formation of nanochannels, while the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirms Ti enrichment near the surface due to ion-irradiation, in consistent with the increase in electron density by XRR measurements. Such a variation in Ti concentration indicates the evolution of oxygen vacancies (OVs) along the TiO2−x nanochannels, and thus paves the way to explain the operation and performance of the Pt/TiO2−x/Pt-based memory devices via OV migration.
Determination of magnetic parameters in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 thin films using EMCD
Authors: Li Gen , Song Dongsheng , Li Zhi Peng , Zhu Jing
Published: June 2016

It is well known that the magnetic state of the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) thin-film heterostructure is strongly correlated with the lattice, spin, orbital, and charge states, since these influence the electric and magnetic transport properties even on the unit-cell level. Therefore, understanding the material's magnetic properties on the nanoscale is important for the development of novel applications. The recently developed electron magnetic-circular dichroism (EMCD) technique allows the determination of atomic site-specific magnetic information via the use of transmitted electrons; however, its sensitivity is not high enough to quantitatively acquire magnetic information in many weak magnetism systems. Here, we utilized a dynamical diffraction-effect assisted EMCD technique to quantitatively determine the spin and orbital magnetic moment of LSMO/SrTiO3 thin films on the nanometer scale using a transmission electron microscope. Further, data processing was optimized to enhance the intensity of the EMCD signals for manganese, which have very weak magnetism at room temperature. High signal-to-noise ratio and accurate quantitative magnetic measurement are eventually achieved. Finally, the spin magnetic moments (0.73 ± 0.26 μB) are derived, and we also limited the ratio of the orbital to spin magnetic moment within an interval of (−0.03, 0.01). Our results not only present the nanoscale magnetic parameters of LSMO/SrTiO3, but also demonstrate how the measurement limit of the spin (or orbital) magnetic moment can be achieved, which is via the developed dynamical diffraction effect assisted EMCD technique.
Junction-less poly-Ge FinFET and charge-trap NVM fabricated by laser-enabled low thermal budget processes
Authors: Huang Wen-Hsien , Shieh Jia-Min , Shen Chang-Hong , Huang Tzu-En , Wang Hsing-Hsiang , Yang Chih-Chao , Hsieh Tung-Ying , Hsieh Jin-Long , Yeh Wen-Kuan
Published: June 2016

A doping-free poly-Ge film as channel material was implemented by CVD-deposited nano-crystalline Ge and visible-light laser crystallization, which behaves as a p-type semiconductor, exhibiting holes concentration of 1.8 × 1018 cm−3 and high crystallinity (Raman FWHM ∼ 4.54 cm−1). The fabricated junctionless 7 nm-poly-Ge FinFET performs at an Ion/Ioff ratio over 105 and drain-induced barrier lowering of 168 mV/V. Moreover, the fast programming speed of 100 μs–1 ms and reliable retention can be obtained from the junctionless poly-Ge nonvolatile-memory. Such junctionless poly-Ge devices with low thermal budget are compatible with the conventional CMOS technology and are favorable for 3D sequential-layer integration and flexible electronics.
Increasing sensitivity and angle-of-view of mid-wave infrared detectors by integration with dielectric microspheres
Authors: Allen Kenneth W. , Abolmaali Farzaneh , Duran Joshua M. , Ariyawansa Gamini , Limberopoulos Nicholaos I. , Urbas Augustine M. , Astratov Vasily N.
Published: June 2016

We observed up to 100 times enhancement of sensitivity of mid-wave infrared photodetectors in the 2–5 μm range by using photonic jets produced by sapphire, polystyrene, and soda-lime glass microspheres with diameters in the 90–300 μm range. By finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for modeling, we gain insight into the role of the microspheres refractive index, size, and alignment with respect to the detector mesa. A combination of enhanced sensitivity with angle-of-view (AOV) up to 20° is demonstrated for individual photodetectors. It is proposed that integration with microspheres can be scaled up for large focal plane arrays, which should provide maximal light collection efficiencies with wide AOVs, a combination of properties highly attractive for imaging applications.
An electrode design for droplet dispensing with accurate volume in electro-wetting-based microfluidics
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Jianfeng , Zhou Jia
Published: June 2016

Electro-wetting-on-dielectric actuation enables droplets, the basic units of digital microfluidics, to be manipulated on a two-dimensional surface, providing a versatile platform for chemical assays or multi-step operations at micro- or nano-scale. In this paper, we carry out characterization experiments to demonstrate an electrode design to improve the reproducibility of on-chip droplet generation with no extra external apparatus. The overall reproducibility for a sequence of droplets dispensed consecutively from a non-refilling reservoir can be limited within ±0.5%. Results from the repetition of 1000 iterations offer the long-term reproducibility in the range of ±1%, indicating its validity in practical applications.
Counter-ion binding and mobility in the presence of hydrophobic polyions – combining molecular dynamics simulations and NMR
Authors: Druchok Maksym , Malikova Natalie , Rollet Anne-Laure , Vlachy Vojko
Published: June 2016

Counter-ion binding and mobility in aqueous solutions of partially hydrophobic ionene oligoions is studied here by a combination of all-atomic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and NMR (19F and 81Br nuclei) measurements. We present results for 12, 12–ionenes in the presence of different halide ions (F−, Cl−, Br− and I−), as well as their mixtures; the latter allowing us to probe counter-ion selectivity of these oligoions. We consolidate both structural and dynamic information, in particular simulated radial distribution functions and average residence times of counter-ions in the vicinity of ionenes and NMR data in the form of counter-ion chemical shift and self-diffusion coefficients. On one hand, previously reported enthalpy of dilution and mixing measurements show a reverse counter-ion sequence for 12, 12–ionenes with respect to their less hydrophobic 3, 3– and 6, 6– analogues. On the other hand, the current MD and NMR data, reflecting the counter-ion binding tendencies to the ionene chain, give evidence for the same ordering as that observed by MD for 3, 3–ionenes. This is not seen as a contradiction and can be rationalized on the basis of increasing chain hydrophobicity, which has different consequences for enthalpy and ion-binding. The latter is reflecting free energy changes and as such includes both enthalpic and entropic contributions.
Perspectives on animal research and its application
Authors: Black J. L.
Published: June 2016

Return on investment from animal research in Australia is about half that from investment in crop research. Return on investment in animal research and its application could be enhanced by improving (1) selection of areas for research, (2) application of existing knowledge and (3) adherence to the scientific method. (1) The flat response curve in outputs to changing inputs around the optimum for most agricultural systems means that research investments must be directed towards new technologies rather than refining existing technologies. New technologies have been responsible for advances in all human endeavours. Many new technologies are derived from curiosity research, but processes can also be adopted to identify specific industry-related research priorities. These processes include statistical analysis of historical data, critical evaluation of factors limiting enterprise productivity and profitability, and application of simulation models. These methods can identify changes in industry practice that would have marked effects on productivity. A thorough review of the literature is needed to determine whether the change could be achieved through adoption of existing knowledge or whether new research is required. (2) Adoption of existing knowledge is frequently poor because of the way it is presented to enterprise managers and the perceived risks from changing practices. A method is described to improve adoption, while controlling the risks associated with higher productivity. The method targets the correct and consistent application of a small number of farm practices, which, if not undertaken precisely, would have a major impact on productivity or sustainability. Application of the method has been highly successful in improving enterprise productivity and profitability. However, these improvements tend to wane over time because of the rigour involved and monotony associated with repeated actions. Sustained improvements in productivity should come in the future as more electronic-based technologies are employed to take essential measurements, interpret the information collected and automatically control systems through real-time processing. (3) Other contributors to a poor return on research investment are lack of strict adherence to the scientific method, inadequate experimental design and insufficient application of statistics.