bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colloidal synthesis of iridium-iron nanoparticles for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Fu Luhong , Cai Ping , Cheng Gongzhen , Luo Wei
Published: May 2017

Iridium-iron alloy nanoparticles with an average diameter of 2.4 nm have been synthesized by a colloidal synthetic method. By taking advantage of the synergistic effect between Ir and Fe at the molecular level, the as-synthesized IrFe/C catalyst exhibits OER performance with exceptional overpotentials of 278 and 286 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2in acidic and alkaline condition, respectively.
Sb nanoparticles uniformly dispersed in 1-D N-doped porous carbon as anodes for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Zhou Jie , Zhang Genqiang , Guo Cong , Li Meng , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: May 2017

An Sb/NPC composite with Sb nanoparticles uniformly dispersed in 1-D N-doped porous carbon exhibited enhanced cycle stability in LIBs and NIBs.
Microbubble effect-assisted electrolytic synthesis of hollow carbon spheres from CO2
Authors: Deng Bowen , Mao Xuhui , Xiao Wei , Wang Dihua
Published: May 2017

A microbubble effect associated with the as-formed CO between ultrathin carbon sheets triggered the template-free formation of hollow carbon spheres.
Mitochondria-targeting Au nanoclusters enhance radiosensitivity of cancer cells
Authors: Fang Xu , Wang Yaling , Ma Xiaochuan , Li Yingying , Zhang Zhaolei , Xiao Zhisheng , Liu Lijia , Gao Xueyun , Liu Jian
Published: May 2017

Peptide-templated Au nanoclusters have been developed with features of mitochondria-targeting and high efficacy in tumor cell ablation by the elevated ROS for radiosensitization.
Security threats and protection procedures for optical networks
Authors: Dahan David , Mahlab Uri
Published: May 2017

This study addresses the issues of optical network survivability to attacks in the optical physical layer. The authors comprehensively review and discuss the vulnerability of optical networks towards various types of security threats that could appear in the network optical layer: passive eavesdropping attacks and active optical attacks like in‐band jamming, out‐of‐band crosstalk attacks, amplifier attacks and physical infrastructure attacks. They describe and discuss several protection procedures and monitoring techniques to improve network attack survivability. Numerical simulation performances of some attacks and protection schemes are also provided.
Effect of ECS low‐pass filter timing on grid frequency dynamics of a power network considering wind energy penetration
Authors: Okedu Kenneth E.
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the effect of wind energy penetration on the frequency response of a multi‐machine power network considering different time constants of a low‐pass filter (LPF) in the DC chopper of an energy capacitor system (ECS). The power network is made up of wind farm composed of fixed speed induction generator interconnected to a steam and hydro synchronous power plants. Heavy and light loads were connected in the system. The ECS is connected at the terminal of the wind turbine. The LPF time constant parameter was varied for different cases considering the same wind speed for the wind turbine. Scenarios with and without considering the synergy of a series dynamic braking resistor (SDBR) connected to the stator of the wind turbine and the ECS were investigated. The results obtained were compared to a case where no frequency control was employed in the power network. Simulations were carried out in power system computer aided design and electromagnetic transient including DC. The results show that a higher time constant of the LPF effectively damp the oscillations of the grid variables and restores quickly the system during network disturbance. The SDBR was used to further enhance the performance of the ECS.
Magnetic field in IRC+10216 and other C-rich evolved stars
Authors: Duthu A. , Herpin F. , Wiesemeyer H. , Baudry A. , Lèbre A. , Paubert G.
Published: May 2017

Context. During the transition from the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) to planetary nebulae (PN), the circumstellar geometry and morphology change dramatically. Another characteristic of this transition is the high mass-loss rate, that can be partially explained by radiation pressure and a combination of various factors, such as the stellar pulsation, the dust grain condensation, and opacity in the upper atmosphere. The magnetic field can also be one of the main ingredients that shapes the stellar upper atmosphere and envelope.

Aims. Our main goal is to investigate for the first time the spatial distribution of the magnetic field in the envelope of IRC+10216. More generally we intend to determine the magnetic field strength in the circumstellar envelope (CSE) of C-rich evolved stars, compare this field with previous studies for O-rich stars, and constrain the variation of the magnetic field with r the distance to the star’s centre.

Methods. We use spectropolarimetric observations of the Stokes V parameter, collected with Xpol on the IRAM-30 m radiotelescope, observing the Zeeman effect in seven hyperfine components of the CN J = 1–0 line. We use the Crutcher et al. (1996, ApJ, 456, 217) method to estimate the magnetic field. For the first time, the instrumental contamination is investigated, through dedicated studies of the power patterns in Stokes V and I in detail.

Results. For C-rich evolved stars, we derive a magnetic field strength (B) between 1.6 and 14.2 mG while B is estimated to be 6 mG for the proto-PN (PPN) AFGL618, and an upper value of 8 mG is found for the PN NGC 7027. These results are consistent with a decrease of B as 1/r in the environment of AGB objects, that is, with the presence of a toroidal field. But this is not the case for PPN and PN stars. Our map of IRC+10216 suggests that the magnetic field is not homogeneously strong throughout or aligned with the envelope and that the morphology of the CN emission might have changed with time.
Facile Preparation of Λ-Shaped Building Blocks: Hünlich Base
Derivatization
Authors: Kazem-Rostami Masoud
Published: May 2017

Hünlich’s base modification has resulted in introducing a series of versatile Λ-shaped building blocks presented in this work. The methods are optimized to provide convenient approaches in the quicker production of these new building blocks in low-cost and low-risk.
Antimicrobial Stewardship for Newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: English B. , Schein Rebecca
Published: May 2017

Overuse of antibiotics causing antibiotic resistance, an increase in Clostridium difficile infections, and increased adverse drug reactions is a growing problem. To combat this growing threat, the Centers for Disease Control started a program to improve the appropriate use of antimicrobials that focuses on antimicrobial stewardship. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) medically fragile infants are commonly exposed to antibiotics resulting in a growing interest in applying antimicrobial stewardship principles in this patient population. The lack of treatment guidelines and the relatively narrow spectrum of individual antibiotics used to make the NICU a unique environment requiring a specialized approach to antimicrobial stewardship. This article examines the current antibiotic treatment data for common NICU illnesses including early and late-onset sepsis, pneumonia, and necrotizing enterocolitis, then reviews current recommendations for antimicrobial stewardship.
Can Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulate Psychophysiological Response in Sedentary Men during Vigorous Aerobic Exercise?
Authors: Okano Alexandre , Machado Daniel , Oliveira Neto Leônidas , Farias-Junior Luiz , Agrícola Pedro , Arruda Ademir , Fonteles André , Li Li , Fontes Eduardo , Elsangedy Hassan , Moreira Alexandre
Published: May 2017

This study evaluated whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could change physiological and psychological responses during vigorous exercise with a constant load. 13 sedentary males (23.0±4.2 years; 25.6±4.2 kg/m²) took part in this randomized, crossed-over, sham-controlled, and double-blinded study. Participants underwent 2 sessions with anodal or sham tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) applied before exercise over the left temporal cortex targeting the left insular cortex. The exercise was performed at vigorous intensity (%HRmax 81.68±6.37) for 30 min. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affective responses (pleasure/displeasure) were recorded at every 5 min. Additionally, heart rate variability (HRV) was measured before, immediately after and 60 min after the end of exercise. A 2-way repeated measure ANOVA showed that tDCS improved HRV neither at rest nor after exercise (p>0.15). Similarly, HR, RPE, and affective responses were not enhanced by tDCS during vigorous exercise (p>0.23). The findings of this study suggest that tCDS does not modulate either HRV at rest nor HR, RPE and affective responses during exercise. Transcranial direct current stimulation’s efficiency might depend on the participants’ levels of physical fitness and parameters of stimulation (e. g., duration, intensity, and arrangement of electrodes).
Veränderung der Inanspruchnahme von Krankenkassenleistungen vor und nach einer Vater-Kind-Maßnahme
Authors: Barre Felix , Epping Jelena
Published: May 2017

Einleitung Seit 2002 gibt es in Deutschland stationäre Vorsorge- und Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen für Väter und ihre Kinder (V-K-M) (§§ 24 und 41 SGB V). Zu Gesundheitsstörungen der Väter in V-K-M liegen bisher keine Daten vor. Das Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist es, herauszufinden, ob die Teilnehmer einer V-K-M gesundheitlich belasteter sind als Väter ohne Teilnahme an einer V-K-M und ob die Teilnahme an einer V-K-M zu einer verbesserten Gesundheit beiträgt. Dafür wird die Veränderung der Inanspruchnahme ambulanter GKV-Leistungen untersucht und mit der Inanspruchnahme von Vätern ohne Teilnahme an einer V-K-M verglichen. Grundlage des Forschungsprojekts sind Routinedaten der AOK-Niedersachsen (AOKN).

Methoden Als Outcome-Variablen für die ambulante Inanspruchnahme werden ambulante Diagnosen und Arzneimittel herangezogen, die ein Jahr vor und ein Jahr nach der Maßnahme abgerechnet wurden. Die Untersuchungsgruppe (N=179) umfasst alle Väter, die 2005–2009 an einer V-K-M teilgenommen haben und durchgehend versichert waren. Für diese Väter wurde eine parallelisierte Vergleichsstichprobe gebildet, die nicht an einer V-K-M teilgenommen haben (N=717).

Ergebnisse Die Untersuchung hat ergeben, dass die Teilnehmer der V-K-M vor und nach der Maßnahme mehr Diagnosen und Arzneimittel erhielten als Väter ohne V-K-M. Väter unter 40 Jahren wiesen nach der V-K-M überwiegend eine geringere Zahl Diagnosen und Arzneimittel als vor der Maßnahme auf, bei älteren Teilnehmern zeigte sich überwiegend eine höhere Inanspruchnahme. Die Teilnehmer der V-K-M haben v. a. mehr F-Diagnosen als Väter ohne V-K-M. Im Vergleich der Zeiträume nach der Maßnahme zum Jahr davor ist außerdem der Anstieg der I-Diagnosen und die Zunahme von Herz-Kreislauf-Medikamenten auffallend.

Schlussfolgerung Die höhere Inanspruchnahme von GKV-Leistungen bei Teilnehmern der V-K-M im Vergleich zu Nicht-Teilnehmern deutet darauf hin, dass mit den V-K-M eine gesundheitlich belastete Versichertengruppe erreicht wird. Die vergleichsweise hohe Zahl der F-Diagnosen verdeutlicht, dass die Teilnehmer in diesem Indikationsbereich besonders belastet sind. Ein positiver Maßnahmeeffekt zeigt sich bei jüngeren Vätern in einer Reduzierung der Inanspruchnahme, während bei älteren Teilnehmern überwiegend ein Behandlungsbedarf weiterbesteht oder im Kontext der Maßnahme aufgedeckt wird.
Osmotic and diffusio-osmotic flow generation at high solute concentration. I. Mechanical approaches
Authors: Marbach Sophie , Yoshida Hiroaki , Bocquet Lydéric
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we explore various forms of osmotic transport in the regime of high solute concentration. We consider both the osmosis across membranes and diffusio-osmosis at solid interfaces, driven by solute concentration gradients. We follow a mechanical point of view of osmotic transport, which allows us to gain much insight into the local mechanical balance underlying osmosis. We demonstrate in particular how the general expression of the osmotic pressure for mixtures, as obtained classically from the thermodynamic framework, emerges from the mechanical balance controlling non-equilibrium transport under solute gradients. Expressions for the rejection coefficient of osmosis and the diffusio-osmotic mobilities are accordingly obtained. These results generalize existing ones in the dilute solute regime to mixtures with arbitrary concentrations.
Economic assessment of photovoltaic greenhouses in China
Authors: Xue Jinlin
Published: May 2017

Photovoltaic energy has shown a drastic increase in recent years, and photovoltaic greenhouses, as new modes of distributed photovoltaic power generation combined with agricultural greenhouses, can yield a profit from photovoltaic power generation besides agricultural planting income, while easing the pressure on the supply of land resources for the photovoltaic power station and promoting the application of photovoltaic products in agriculture, compared to traditional agricultural greenhouses. Research on economic benefits are not enough in a global manner to promote the application of photovoltaic greenhouses. Therefore, the models of costs and income of photovoltaic greenhouses were established, and an economic assessment was conducted in light of three indicators such as payback period, net present value, and internal rate of return. Then, the effects of photovoltaic installed capacity, proportion of bank loans, unit investment cost of photovoltaic systems, annual time of full power generation of photovoltaic systems, electricity price of photovoltaic power generation, and planting income on the indicators were analyzed to provide a reference for the investment of photovoltaic greenhouses. The results show that photovoltaic greenhouses with large photovoltaic installed capacity occupying a large area of land create great investment costs, which is not available for farmers, even huge enterprises. The installed capacity of photovoltaic greenhouses is not beyond 15 MW preferably in light of the investment costs and land use. It is not cost-effective to invest high-grade glass greenhouses with large photovoltaic capacity. The economic benefit of photovoltaic greenhouses decreases significantly with a big proportion of bank loans. It is crucial to reduce the market price of photovoltaic panels, and it is not economical for the investment of photovoltaic greenhouses with large photovoltaic capacity in an area with a low annual time of full power generation or electricity price. It is a good choice to plant crops with high economic income in photovoltaic greenhouses. It is necessary for a project of photovoltaic greenhouses to take into overall consideration the investment ability, investment scale, investment region, subsidy policy of photovoltaic power generation, and a planting scheme including a planting pattern and planting crops. With a suitable planting pattern and planting species in the area of adequate sunlight, the appropriate scale investment in photovoltaic greenhouses can achieve double wins of crop economy and electricity generation benefits.
Positron Scattering from Molecules: An Experimental Cross Section Compilation for Positron Transport Studies and Benchmarking Theory
Authors: Brunger M. J. , Buckman S. J. , Ratnavelu K.
Published: May 2017

We present a compilation of recommended positron–molecule cross sections for a range of scattering processes including elastic scattering, vibrational excitation, discrete electronic-state excitation, positronium formation, ionization, and also for the grand total cross section. Where possible, in particular for possible application in positron transport simulations for a given molecule, we try and list data for energies in the range 0.1–1000 eV although in practice the actual energy is highly target–molecule and scattering process specific. Aside from being relevant to positron transport studies, through, for example, Monte Carlo simulations, the present compilation should also be germane for benchmarking the validity and accuracy of positron–molecule scattering calculations and, just as importantly, to allow a comparison with corresponding electron scattering results. That latter comparison can shed real light on the projectile–target interactions that underpin the scattering dynamics.
Versatile synchronized real-time MEG hardware controller for large-scale fast data acquisition
Authors: Sun Limin , Han Menglai , Pratt Kevin , Paulson Douglas , Dinh Christoph , Esch Lorenz , Okada Yoshio , Hämäläinen Matti
Published: May 2017

Versatile controllers for accurate, fast, and real-time synchronized acquisition of large-scale data are useful in many areas of science, engineering, and technology. Here, we describe the development of a controller software based on a technique called queued state machine for controlling the data acquisition (DAQ) hardware, continuously acquiring a large amount of data synchronized across a large number of channels (>400) at a fast rate (up to 20 kHz/channel) in real time, and interfacing with applications for real-time data analysis and display of electrophysiological data. This DAQ controller was developed specifically for a 384-channel pediatric whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) system, but its architecture is useful for wide applications. This controller running in a LabVIEW environment interfaces with microprocessors in the MEG sensor electronics to control their real-time operation. It also interfaces with a real-time MEG analysis software via transmission control protocol/internet protocol, to control the synchronous acquisition and transfer of the data in real time from >400 channels to acquisition and analysis workstations. The successful implementation of this controller for an MEG system with a large number of channels demonstrates the feasibility of employing the present architecture in several other applications.
Estimating thermodynamic expectations and free energies in expanded ensemble simulations: Systematic variance reduction through conditioning
Authors: Athènes Manuel , Terrier Pierre
Published: May 2017

Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are primarily used for sampling from a given probability distribution and estimating multi-dimensional integrals based on the information contained in the generated samples. Whenever it is possible, more accurate estimates are obtained by combining Monte Carlo integration and integration by numerical quadrature along particular coordinates. We show that this variance reduction technique, referred to as conditioning in probability theory, can be advantageously implemented in expanded ensemble simulations. These simulations aim at estimating thermodynamic expectations as a function of an external parameter that is sampled like an additional coordinate. Conditioning therein entails integrating along the external coordinate by numerical quadrature. We prove variance reduction with respect to alternative standard estimators and demonstrate the practical efficiency of the technique by estimating free energies and characterizing a structural phase transition between two solid phases.
On electrode pinning and charge blocking layers in organic solar cells
Authors: Magen Osnat , Tessler Nir
Published: May 2017

We use device modelling for studying the losses introduced by metallic electrodes in organic solar cells' device structure. We first discuss the inclusion of pinning at the integer charge transfer state in device models, with and without using the image charge potential. In the presence of disorder, the space charge introduced due to the image potential enhances the pinning by more than 0.2 eV. The explicit introduction of the image potential creates band-gap narrowing at the contact, thus affecting both dark leakage current and photo conversion efficiency. We find that there are two regimes in which the contacts may limit the performance. For low (moderate) barriers, the contacts introduce minority carrier recombination at the contacts that adds to the bulk recombination channels. Only for high barriers, the contacts directly limit the open circuit voltage and impose a value that is equal to the contact's energy difference. Examining the device structures with blocking layers, we find that these are mainly useful for the low to moderate contacts' barriers and that for the high barrier case, the enhancement of open circuit voltage may be accompanied by the introduction of serial resistance or S shape.
Giant room temperature magnetoelectric response in strain controlled nanocomposites
Authors: Rafique Mohsin , Herklotz Andreas , Dörr Kathrin , Manzoor Sadia
Published: May 2017

We report giant magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature in a self-assembled nanocomposite of BiFeO3-CoFe2O4 (BFO-CFO) grown on a BaTiO3 (BTO) crystal. The nanocomposite consisting of CFO nanopillars embedded in a BFO matrix exhibits weak perpendicular magnetic anisotropy due to a small out-of-plane compression (∼0.3%) of the magnetostrictive (CFO) phase, enabling magnetization rotation under moderate in-plane compression. Temperature dependent magnetization measurements demonstrate strong magnetoelastic coupling between the BaTiO3 substrate and the nanocomposite film, which has been exploited to produce a large magnetoelectric response in the sample. The reorientation of ferroelectric domains in the BTO crystal upon the application of an electric field (E) alters the strain state of the nanocomposite film, thus enabling control of its magnetic anisotropy. The strain mediated magnetoelectric coupling coefficient α=μodM/dE  calculated from remnant magnetization at room temperature is 2.6 × 10−7 s m−1 and 1.5 × 10−7 s m−1 for the out-of-plane and in-plane orientations, respectively.
Calculation of Hamilton energy and control of dynamical systems with different types of attractors
Authors: Ma Jun , Wu Fuqiang , Jin Wuyin , Zhou Ping , Hayat Tasawar
Published: May 2017

Strange attractors can be observed in chaotic and hyperchaotic systems. Most of the dynamical systems hold a finite number of attractors, while some chaotic systems can be controlled to present an infinite number of attractors by generating infinite equilibria. Chaos can also be triggered in some dynamical systems that can present hidden attractors, and the attractors in these dynamical systems find no equilibria and the basin of attraction is not connected with any equilibrium (the equilibria position meets certain restriction function). In this paper, Hamilton energy is calculated on the chaotic systems with different types of attractors, and energy modulation is used to control the chaos in these systems. The potential mechanism could be that negative feedback in energy can suppress the phase space and oscillating behaviors, and thus, the chaotic, periodical oscillators can be controlled. It could be effective to control other chaotic, hyperchaotic and even periodical oscillating systems as well.
Frequency and phase synchronization in large groups: Low dimensional description of synchronized clapping, firefly flashing, and cricket chirping
Authors: Ott Edward , Antonsen Thomas M.
Published: May 2017

A common observation is that large groups of oscillatory biological units often have the ability to synchronize. A paradigmatic model of such behavior is provided by the Kuramoto model, which achieves synchronization through coupling of the phase dynamics of individual oscillators, while each oscillator maintains a different constant inherent natural frequency. Here we consider the biologically likely possibility that the oscillatory units may be capable of enhancing their synchronization ability by adaptive frequency dynamics. We propose a simple augmentation of the Kuramoto model which does this. We also show that, by the use of a previously developed technique [Ott and Antonsen, Chaos 18, 037113 (2008)], it is possible to reduce the resulting dynamics to a lower dimensional system for the macroscopic evolution of the oscillator ensemble. By employing this reduction, we investigate the dynamics of our system, finding a characteristic hysteretic behavior and enhancement of the quality of the achieved synchronization.
Dynamics of ultra-thin polystyrene with and without a (artificial) dead layer studied by resonance enhanced dynamic light scattering
Authors: Vianna S. D. B. , Lin F. Y. , Plum M. A. , Duran H. , Steffen W.
Published: May 2017

Using non-invasive, marker-free resonance enhanced dynamic light scattering, the dynamics of capillary waves on ultrathin polystyrene films’ coupling to the viscoelastic and mechanical properties have been studied. The dynamics of ultrathin polymer films is still debated. In particular the question of what influence either the solid substrate and/or the fluid-gas interface has on the dynamics and the mechanical properties of films of glass forming liquids as polymers is in the focus of the present research. As a consequence, e.g., viscosity close to interfaces and thus the average viscosity of very thin films are prone to change. This study is focused on atactic, non-entangled polystyrene thin films on the gold surface. A slow dynamic mode was observed with Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann temperature dependence, slowing down with decreasing film thickness. We tentatively attribute this relaxation mode to overdamped capillary waves because of its temperature dependence and the dispersion with a wave vector which was found. No signs of a more mobile layer at the air/polymer interface or of a “dead layer” at the solid/polymer interface were found. Therefore we investigated the influence of an artificially created dead layer on the capillary wave dynamics by introducing covalently bound polystyrene polymer brushes as anchors. The dynamics was slowed down to a degree more than expected from theoretical work on the increase of density close to the solid liquid interface—instead of a “dead layer” of 2 nm, the interaction seems to extend more than 10 nm into the polymer.
Partial hydrodynamic representation of quantum molecular dynamics
Authors: Gu Bing , Franco Ignacio
Published: May 2017

A hybrid method is proposed to propagate system-bath quantum dynamics that use both basis functions and coupled quantum trajectories. In it, the bath is represented with an ensemble of Bohmian trajectories while the system degrees of freedom are accounted through reduced density matrices. By retaining the Hilbert space structure for the system, the method is able to capture interference processes that are challenging to describe in Bohmian dynamics due to singularities that these processes introduce in the quantum potential. By adopting quantum trajectories to represent the bath, the method beats the exponential scaling of the computational cost with the bath size. This combination makes the method suitable for large-scale ground and excited state fully quantum molecular dynamics simulations. Equations of motion for the quantum trajectories and reduced density matrices are derived from the Schrödinger equation and a computational algorithm to solve these equations is proposed. Through computations in two-dimensional model systems, the method is shown to offer an accurate description of subsystem observables and of quantum decoherence, which is difficult to obtain when the quantum nature of the bath is ignored. The scaling of the method is demonstrated using a model with 21 degrees of freedom. The limit of independent trajectories is recovered when the mass of bath degrees of freedom is much larger than the one of the system, in agreement with mixed quantum-classical descriptions.
Influence of metal choice on (010) β-Ga2O3 Schottky diode properties
Authors: Farzana Esmat , Zhang Zeng , Paul Pran K. , Arehart Aaron R. , Ringel Steven A.
Published: May 2017

A systematic study of Schottky barriers fabricated on (010) β-Ga2O3 substrates is reported. Schottky barrier heights (SBHs) and current transport modes were analyzed using a combination of current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V) and internal photoemission (IPE) measurements for Pd, Ni, Pt and Au Schottky diodes. Diodes fabricated for each metal choice displayed nearly ideal I-V characteristics with room temperature ideality factors ranging from 1.03 to 1.09, reverse leakage currents below detection limits and thermionic emission as the dominant current transport mode for Ni, Pt and Pd. The SBH values varied depending on the metal choice, ranging from 1.27 V for Pd and 1.54 V for Ni to 1.58 V for Pt and 1.71 V for Au, as determined using IPE measurements. Close agreement was observed between these IPE-determined SBH values and the barrier height values from I-V and C-V measurements for the Ni, Pd and Pt Schottky barriers. In contrast, for Au, a lack of general agreement was seen between the SBH measurement methods, the trends of which appear to be consistent with the presence of an inhomogeneous barrier that implies a more complex interface for the Au Schottky barrier. The dependence of the SBH on metal work function suggests that metal-(010) β-Ga2O3 interfaces are not fully pinned, and this assertion was supported by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy measurements made on this sample set.
Structural analysis of amorphous carbon films by spectroscopic ellipsometry, RBS/ERDA, and NEXAFS
Authors: Zhou XiaoLong , Suzuki Tsuneo , Nakajima Hideki , Komatsu Keiji , Kanda Kazuhiro , Ito Haruhiko , Saitoh Hidetoshi
Published: May 2017

The structural analysis of amorphous carbon films is not only the premise of their unique properties applied in the industrial fields but also the indispensable element on their classification. In this letter, we refurbished the classification of amorphous carbon films based on the optical constants in terms of the refractive index (n) and the extinction coefficient (k). In the selected photon energy range, we defined the maximum of n (En-max) and k at a value more than 10−4 (Ek) to explore the relationship between different classification schemes for amorphous carbon films deposited by different techniques. We found that Ek and En-max of the deposited amorphous carbon films have an exponential relationship with the hydrogen contents. Thus, the spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis can also be used as one of the effective methods for the structural evaluation of the amorphous carbon films.
Spin relaxation in Si nanoclusters embedded in free-standing SiGe nanocolumns
Authors: Stepina N. P. , Zinovieva A. F. , Dvurechenskii A. V. , Noda Shuichi , Molla Md. Zaman , Samukawa Seiji
Published: May 2017

Separated nanocolumns (NCs) with embedded Si nanoclusters were prepared using the top-down technique that combines a bio-template and the defect-free neutral beam etching of Si0.75Ge0.25/Si/Si0.75Ge0.25 double-quantum-well layers. The electron spin resonance (ESR) was studied in the dark and under illumination for the structures with different lateral sizes of NCs. For the structure with a NC diameter in the range of 20–25 nm, the ESR signal is characterized by the isotropic line width. The spatial separation of nanoclusters results in the suppression of the Dyakonov-Perel mechanism of spin relaxation. A decrease in the NC diameter down to 13–14 nm leads to electron localization under the bottom of NCs, making the orientation dependence of the ESR line width anisotropic. Illumination results in the increase in spin lifetimes in both the types of NC structures, relocating the electrons to the center of NCs in the narrow NC structure, and making electron localization stronger in the thick NCs.
Frequency dependence of the coercive field of 0.71Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.29PbTiO3 single crystal from 0.01 Hz to 5 MHz
Authors: Chen Zhaojiang , Zhang Yang , Li Shiyang , Lu Xuan-Ming , Cao Wenwu
Published: May 2017

The frequency dependence of the coercive field Ec in [001]c poled 0.71Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.29PbTiO3 single crystals was investigated as a function of frequency f from 0.01 Hz to 5 MHz. Ec was found to be proportional to fβ as predicted by the Ishibashi and Orihara model, but our results showed two frequency regimes separated at around 1.0 MHz with different β values. This change of switching kinetics may be due to the presence of slower relaxation times for non–180° domain switching and heterogeneous nucleation of polar nanoregions, whose contribution to polarization reversal is frozen out beyond 1.0 MHz, leading to a larger β.
Changes in allele frequencies of avirulence genes in the blackleg fungus, Leptosphaeria maculans, over two decades in Australia
Authors: Van de Wouw Angela P. , Howlett Barbara J. , Idnurm Alexander
Published: May 2017

Cultivation of canola (oilseed rape, rapeseed; Brassica napus) in many parts of the world relies on the use of cultivars carrying resistance genes that recognise avirulence products of the major canola pathogen, Leptosphaeria maculans. However, widespread cultivation of plants with such resistance provides the potential for evolution of the pathogen population to overcome resistance by altering the proportion of avirulence v. virulence alleles. In this study, the frequencies of avirulence genes were measured for 2091 Australian isolates dating from the late 1980s to present. Frequencies of avirulence genes changed over time. Analysis of isolates from the Eyre Peninsula, where canola is intensively cultivated, indicated that changes in allele frequencies at the AvrLm1, AvrLm4 and AvrLm6 loci could be correlated with the widespread planting of cultivars carrying specific resistance genes. These data show that determining avirulence allele frequencies in L. maculans populations provides power to anticipate which cultivars will be most successful in future growing seasons.
Translation and folding of single proteins in real time
Authors: Wruck Florian , Katranidis Alexandros , Nierhaus Knud H. , Büldt Georg , Hegner Martin
Published: May 2017

Significance

How proteins fold natively with efficient fidelity while being synthesized remains largely unexplored. Understanding protein synthesis on a single-molecule level is of particular interest to the life sciences and relevant for various diseases. Although protein synthesis and folding are well-studied subjects, cotranslational folding has been proven difficult to observe. Using optical tweezers, we measured the mechanics of synthesis and simultaneous folding in real time. We found that cotranslational folding occurs at predictable locations, exerting forces on the nascent polypeptide. Furthermore, we show that transient pauses and gradual slowing of translation occur in particular locations along the protein sequence, facilitating native secondary-structure formation. Thus, the rate of synthesis is inherently coupled to cotranslational folding, assuring reliable and fast native folding.
Stem cell migration and mechanotransduction on linear stiffness gradient hydrogels
Authors: Hadden William J. , Young Jennifer L. , Holle Andrew W. , McFetridge Meg L. , Kim Du Yong , Wijesinghe Philip , Taylor-Weiner Hermes , Wen Jessica H. , Lee Andrew R. , Bieback Karen , Vo Ba-Ngu , Sampson David D. , Kennedy Brendan F. , Spatz Joachim P. , Engler Adam J. , Choi Yu Suk
Published: May 2017

Significance

Mechanobiology is receiving an increasing amount of focus, but the mechanics of cell-substrate behavior are often neglected in cell biology. As such, novel materials and systems that are simple to build and share in a nonengineering laboratory are sorely needed. We have fabricated gradient hydrogels with continuous linear gradients above and below the durotactic threshold, making it possible to pinpoint optimal stiffness values for a wide range of biological phenomena without the confounding effects of durotaxis. This system has the potential for wide adoption in the cell biology community because of its ease of fabrication, simple material ingredients, and wide gradient possibilities in a single well.
In vivo photolabeling of tumor-infiltrating cells reveals highly regulated egress of T-cell subsets from tumors
Authors: Torcellan Tommaso , Hampton Henry R. , Bailey Jacqueline , Tomura Michio , Brink Robert , Chtanova Tatyana
Published: May 2017

Significance

Understanding the consequences of immune infiltration of solid tumors is vital to continued development of successful immune therapies. However, little is known about the fate of tumor-experienced leukocytes. Here we used in vivo photoconversion to label tumor-infiltrating cells and demonstrated specific egress and dissemination of effector T-cell subsets from tumors. The identity and functions of tumor-egressing cells, and those retained inside tumors, are of great importance to our understanding of tumor immunity because of the crucial role tumor-infiltrating cells play in primary tumors and their potential to provide antitumor immunity at secondary tumor sites and in secondary lymphoid organs. The results of this study will guide strategies that harness T-cell immunity for anticancer therapies.
Highly active catalyst derived from a 3D foam of Fe(PO
3
)
2
/Ni
2
P for extremely efficient water oxidation
Authors: Zhou Haiqing , Yu Fang , Sun Jingying , He Ran , Chen Shuo , Chu Ching-Wu , Ren Zhifeng
Published: May 2017

Significance

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a sluggish reaction with poor catalytic efficiency, which is one of the major bottlenecks in realizing water splitting, CO
2
reduction, and rechargeable metal–air batteries. In particular, the commercial utilization of water electrolyzers requires an exceptional electrocatalyst that has the capacity of delivering ultra-high oxidative current densities above 500 mA/cm
2
at an overpotential below 300 mV with long-term durability. Few catalysts can satisfy such strict criteria. Here we report a promising oxygen-evolving catalyst with superior catalytic performance and long-term durability; to the best of our knowledge, it is one of the most active OER catalysts reported thus far that satisfies the criteria for large-scale commercialization of water–alkali electrolyzers.
The general form of Hamilton’s rule makes no predictions and cannot be tested empirically
Authors: Nowak Martin A. , McAvoy Alex , Allen Benjamin , Wilson Edward O.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Hamilton’s rule is a well-known concept in evolutionary biology. It is usually perceived as a statement that makes predictions about natural selection in situations where interactions occur between genetic relatives. Here, we examine what has been called the “exact and general” formulation of Hamilton’s rule. We show that in this formulation, which is widely endorsed by proponents of inclusive fitness theory, Hamilton’s rule does not make any prediction and cannot be tested empirically. This formulation of Hamilton’s rule is not a consequence of natural selection and not even a statement specifically about biology. We give simple and transparent expressions for the quantities of benefit, cost, and relatedness that appear in Hamilton’s rule, which reveal that these quantities depend on the data that are to be predicted.
Direct observation of structure and dynamics during phase separation of an elastomeric protein
Authors: Reichheld Sean E. , Muiznieks Lisa D. , Keeley Fred W. , Sharpe Simon
Published: May 2017

Significance

An increasing number of proteins have been shown to undergo liquid–liquid phase separation in response to changes in their environment, resulting in formation of a dense protein-rich phase (coacervate), and plays an important role in several systems regulating the growth and development of cells and tissues. Determining the effects of phase separation on protein structure and dynamics is critical for understanding how it modulates protein function. However, structural studies have been limited by the intrinsic disorder and decreased mobility of coacervated proteins. We report direct observation of protein structure and dynamics during the phase transition of an elastomeric protein. Despite large changes in dynamics, coacervation has little effect on protein structure, such that intrinsic disorder is retained.
Spatially restricted dental regeneration drives pufferfish beak development
Authors: Thiery Alexandre P. , Shono Takanori , Kurokawa Daisuke , Britz Ralf , Johanson Zerina , Fraser Gareth J.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Teleost fishes have evolved a wonderful array of diverse dentitions. The highly derived order Tetraodontiformes exhibits the most unique dental forms among teleosts. The novel beak-like dentition of the pufferfish develops through a drastic shift in dental morphology during ontogeny. A simple first-generation tooth set is followed by the repetitive development of multiple elongated jaw-length tooth bands, which fuse together over time to form the characteristic beak. A restriction of the tooth-regenerative process in all but four tooth sites, coupled with the maintenance of lifelong stem cells for perpetual tooth development, is essential for the formation of this unique dentition. In pufferfish, regeneration plays a vital role in producing this novel dental form from highly conserved developmental underpinnings.
Critical roles of DNA demethylation in the activation of ripening-induced genes and inhibition of ripening-repressed genes in tomato fruit
Authors: Lang Zhaobo , Wang Yihai , Tang Kai , Tang Dengguo , Datsenka Tatsiana , Cheng Jingfei , Zhang Yijing , Handa Avtar K. , Zhu Jian-Kang
Published: May 2017

Significance

DNA methylation is generally considered an epigenetic mark for transcriptional gene silencing. In this work, we generated loss-of-function mutant alleles of
SlDML2
. We characterized the mutant fruits that failed to ripen and discovered that
SlDML2
is required for the demethylation and activation of genes important for fruit ripening, including genes involved in fruit pigment and flavor synthesis, ethylene synthesis and signaling, and cell wall hydrolysis. Unexpectedly, we found that SlDML2-mediated DNA demethylation is also necessary for fruit ripening-induced repression of hundreds of genes involved in photosynthesis and cell wall synthesis and organization. Our study has therefore revealed a broad and critical role of DNA methylation as an activation mark for the expression of many genes in a eukaryotic organism.
Strategies for translating racist discourse about African-Americans into Slovenian
Authors: Trupej Janko
Published: May 2017

This article examines how racist discourse about African-Americans has been translated from English into Slovenian throughout history. Strategies for translating explicitly racist discourse, racial terminology and African American Vernacular English in translations published between 1853 and 2007 are analyzed. The results of the textual comparison are considered in the light of contemporary Slovenian attitudes towards black people and the socio-political situation in the target culture. The results show that the strategies for translating racist discourse in pre-World War II translations differed significantly from those used after a socialist regime was established in Slovenia. Translation strategies were also influenced by the important role that the Slovenian language played in the development of the national identity, by the target readership of the translations, as well as by contemporary relations between the source and target culture. Ideological interventions sometimes considerably affected the interpretive possibilities of a particular literary work.
The ecosystem of translator workstation
Authors: Mo Aiping , Man Deliang
Published: May 2017

In 2007, the Commission of Academic Degrees of the State Council of China approved an education program-Master of Translation and Interpreting (henceforth MTI), and in 2014 there are already 206 higher learning institutions started running such a program, aiming at training postgraduate students to be professional translators with advanced translation competence. Part of this translation competence is the ability to use electronic tools and resources, which has not received adequate scholarly attention in the field of translation studies in China.

The objective of this research is to construct an ideal learning environment for MTI students from the social constructivist perspective by exploring the possibility and benefit of bringing the students out of the traditional classroom teaching into the authentic environment wherein professional translators use electronic tools on a daily basis. This article addresses the following research questions: (1) What constitutes an ideal environment wherein its various components interact to facilitate the student’s learning? (2) In what way does such an environment assist the MTI students to learn to use electronic tools? (3) How can the gap between the student translator and the professional translator be bridged in terms of the skills to use electronic tools in a 2-year training program?

In response to these questions, this article explores the interaction among the various components of the external environment of translator workstation. It proposes an ideal learning environment metaphorically referred to as “the ecosystem of translator workstation”, which aims to enable MTI students to learn to use electronic tools in an environment similar to their future workplace. Such a research has great implications for translator education in present-day China by revealing what is best taught or trained in the workplace rather than the traditional classroom setting.
Dubbing versus subtitling yet again?
Authors: Matamala Anna , Perego Elisa , Bottiroli Sara
Published: May 2017

The dubbing versus subtitling debate has been a recurrent topic in the audiovisual translation literature, but empirical research into the reception of both modes is still lacking. This article presents the results of an experiment that aimed to investigate to what extent comprehension, memory, and enjoyment of a film differ in a dubbed and a subtitled version in a country that traditionally uses dubbing, like Spain. Fifty-one young Spanish adults participated in the study, which measured general comprehension, dialogue recognition, face-name association and visual scene recognition, as well as evaluative measures including film appreciation, self-reported effort related to film viewing, and metacognitive judgments of memory.
Experimental contributions of eye-tracking to the understanding of comprehension processes while hearing and reading code-switches
Authors: Valdés Kroff Jorge R. , Guzzardo Tamargo Rosa E. , Dussias Paola E.
Published: May 2017

Researchers who study code-switching using lab-based approaches face a series of methodological challenges; these include, but are not limited to, using adequate techniques and tasks that allow for processing that reflects real-language usage and selecting stimuli that reflect the participants’ code-switching community norms. We present two illustrative eye-tracking studies that consider these challenges. Study 1 tests whether experience with code-switching leads to differential processing of Spanish determiner-English noun code-switches (e.g., una cookie ‘a cookie’). Study 2 examines auxiliary-verb code-switches involving the progressive structure (e.g., están cooking ‘are cooking’) and perfect structure (e.g., han cooked ‘have cooked’) while participants read either for comprehension or provide grammaticality judgments. The results of both studies highlight the advantages that eye-tracking provides when its use is accompanied by an appropriate bilingual sample, by stimuli that reflect actual bilingual language use, and by secondary tasks that do not invoke metalinguistic processes.