bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependence of phase configurations, microstructures and magnetic properties of iron-nickel (Fe-Ni) alloy nanoribbons on deoxidization temperature in hydrogen
Authors: Jing Panpan , Liu Mengting , Pu Yongping , Cui Yongfei , Wang Zhuo , Wang Jianbo , Liu Qingfang
Published: November 2016

Iron-nickel (Fe-Ni) alloy nanoribbons were reported for the first time by deoxidizing NiFe2O4 nanoribbons, which were synthesized through a handy route of electrospinning followed by air-annealing at 450 °C, in hydrogen (H2) at different temperatures. It was demonstrated that the phase configurations, microstructures and magnetic properties of the as-deoxidized samples closely depended upon the deoxidization temperature. The spinel NiFe2O4 ferrite of the precursor nanoribbons were firstly deoxidized into the body-centered cubic (bcc) Fe-Ni alloy and then transformed into the face-centered cubic (fcc) Fe-Ni alloy of the deoxidized samples with the temperature increasing. When the deoxidization temperature was in the range of 300 ~ 500 °C, although each sample possessed its respective morphology feature, all of them completely reserved the ribbon-like structures. When it was further increased to 600 °C, the nanoribbons were evolved completely into the fcc Fe-Ni alloy nanochains. Additionally, all samples exhibited typical ferromagnetism. The saturation magnetization (Ms) firstly increased, then decreased, and finally increased with increasing the deoxidization temperature, while the coercivity (Hc) decreased monotonously firstly and then basically stayed unchanged. The largest Ms (~145.7 emu·g−1) and the moderate Hc (~132 Oe) were obtained for the Fe-Ni alloy nanoribbons with a mixed configuration of bcc and fcc phases.
NR4A1 Knockdown Suppresses Seizure Activity by Regulating Surface Expression of NR2B
Authors: Zhang Yanke , Chen Guojun , Gao Baobing , Li Yunlin , Liang Shuli , Wang Xiaofei , Wang Xuefeng , Zhu Binglin
Published: November 2016

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1), a downstream target of CREB that is a key regulator of epileptogenesis, has been implicated in a variety of biological processes and was previously identified as a seizure-associated molecule. However, the relationship between NR4A1 and epileptogenesis remains unclear. Here, we showed that NR4A1 protein was predominantly expressed in neurons and up-regulated in patients with epilepsy as well as pilocarpine-induced mouse epileptic models. NR4A1 knockdown by lentivirus transfection (lenti-shNR4A1) alleviated seizure severity and prolonged onset latency in mouse models. Moreover, reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation of NR4A1 and NR2B demonstrated their interaction. Furthermore, the expression of p-NR2B (Tyr1472) in epileptic mice and the expression of NR2B in the postsynaptic density (PSD) were significantly reduced in the lenti-shNR4A1 group, indicating that NR4A1 knockdown partly decreased surface NR2B by promoting NR2B internalization. These results are the first to indicate that the expression of NR4A1 in epileptic brain tissues may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy.
Rubber Functionalized with Halloysite Loaded with Antioxidants and Antibacterials
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Xue Jiajia
Published: November 2016

Halloysites have been used as inorganic reinforcements in rubber matrices to prepare various kinds of nanocomposites at low cost. The nanocomposites possess improved mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal and other functional properties endowed by the addition of halloysites, broadening the application of the nanocomposites in industrial and biomedical fields. Aging and bacterial colonization are two main problems that affect the long-term usage of rubber. Sustained release of antioxidant and antibacterials are needed to realize a sustained and on-demand antioxidative and antibacterial ability respectively for a rubber system. Loading the halloysites’ lumens with antioxidants or antibacterials and then compounding the loaded tubes into the rubber matrix allows a sustained release of the loaded substances. Various halloysites–rubber composites and those with antioxidants or antibacterials loaded halloysites have been fabricated. The release of antioxidants or antibacterials from the nanocomposites could be tuned by the tube end-stoppers or the clogging of the polymeric matrix. Antioxidant-loaded halloysite doped into rubber enhances the anti-aging properties of the rubber for at least 12 months. The antibacterial-loaded HNTs doped in a rubber matrix represents a promising candidate for both industrial and biomedical devices to prevent bacterial colonization during long-term use.
Toxicological Evaluation of Clay Nanomaterials and Polymer–Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Naumenko Ekaterina A. , Fakhrullin Rawil F.
Published: November 2016

Clay nanoparticles are widely used as additives for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites in industry. The nanoclay dopants effectively attenuate mechanical and functional properties of nanocomposites thus expanding their practical applications. This implies an increased risk of human exposure to nanoclays and\or nanoclay-doped polymer composites. Consequently, the evaluation of the toxicity of nanoclays and nanoclay-doped polymer composites is deemed to be of crucial importance, since the expanding use of nanoclays increases the risk of human exposure. Recent studies report the evaluation of toxicity of various nanoclays employing both in vitro and in vivo models, based on microorganisms, cell cultures, invertebrates and mammals. In this chapter, we overview the toxicity evaluation and biocompatibility studies of clay nanoparticles and nanoclay-doped nanocomposite polymer materials.
Metal oxide semiconductor SERS-active substrates by defect engineering
Authors: Wu Hao , Wang Hua , Li Guanghai
Published: November 2016

An effective electric current model based on defect engineering is proposed, and by applying this model, α-MoO3, a non-SERS or weak SERS, active substrate, can be transformed into a SERS-active substrate with an enhancement factor as high as 1.8 × 107 and a detection limit of 10−8 M for R6G. This model can be used to predict the SERS performance of other metal oxide semiconductors.
Facile fabrication of polyaniline coated titania nanotube arrays as fiber coatings for solid phase microextraction coupled to high performance liquid chromatography for sensitive determination of UV filters in environmental water samples
Authors: Ma Mingguan , Wang Huiju , Zhang Min , Zhen Qi , Du Xinzhen
Published: November 2016

A novel polyaniline coated titania composite nanotube (TiO2@PANI CNT) array was fabricated on a titanium wire by direct electrochemical oxidation.
Novel ipratropium bromide nanomaterial based screen-printed sensors
Authors: Khaled Elmorsy , Hassan Hassan N. A. , Ahmed Mona A. , El-Attar Rehab O.
Published: November 2016

Screen printing technology offers a simple and reproducible fabrication protocol for large scale production of sensors.
Simultaneous detection of multiple targets involved in the PI3K/AKT pathway for investigating cellular migration and invasion with a multicolor fluorescent nanoprobe
Authors: Luan Mingming , Li Na , Pan Wei , Yang Limin , Yu Zhengze , Tang Bo
Published: November 2016

A fluorescent nanoprobe was developed for assessing cellular migration and invasion by imaging miRNA-221, PTEN mRNA and MMP-9 involved in the PI3K/AKT pathway regulating cellular mobility and invasiveness.
Stabilizing the cubic perovskite phase of CsPbI3 nanocrystals by using an alkyl phosphinic acid
Authors: Wang Chujie , Chesman Anthony S. R. , Jasieniak Jacek J.
Published: November 2016

Phase-stable perovskite CsPbI3 nanocrystals have been prepared by replacing conventionally used oleic acid with a phosphinic acid in their synthesis.
The premolten layer of ice next to a hydrophilic solid surface: correlating adhesion with molecular properties
Authors: Liljeblad Jonathan F. D. , Furó István , Tyrode Eric C.
Published: November 2016

Multiple spectroscopy techniques have been used to correlate macroscopic adhesion to molecular properties of the premolten layer of ice next to silica.
Determination of the thermal, oxidative and photochemical degradation rates of scintillator liquid by fluorescence EEM spectroscopy
Authors: Andrews N. L. P. , Fan J. Z. , Forward R. L. , Chen M. C. , Loock H.-P.
Published: November 2016

Fluorescence EEM spectroscopy accurately quantifies the decomposition of scintillator liquid following exposure to 365 nm light.
Fatigue mechanism of yttrium-doped hafnium oxide ferroelectric thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Huang Fei , Chen Xing , Liang Xiao , Qin Jun , Zhang Yan , Huang Taixing , Wang Zhuo , Peng Bo , Zhou Peiheng , Lu Haipeng , Zhang Li , Deng Longjiang , Liu Ming , Liu Qi , Tian He , Bi Lei
Published: November 2016

We report a systematic study of the fatigue mechanism of yttrium-doped hafnium oxide (HYO) ferroelectric thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition.
Towards an understanding of amyloid-β oligomers: characterization, toxicity mechanisms, and inhibitors
Authors: Lee Shin Jung C. , Nam Eunju , Lee Hyuck Jin , Savelieff Masha G. , Lim Mi Hee
Published: November 2016

This review illustrates the recent understanding of amyloid-β oligomers' characteristics and toxicity-related pathways, along with inhibitors against Aβ aggregation.
Large-scale QM/MM calculations of the CaMn4O5 cluster in the S3 state of the oxygen evolving complex of photosystem II. Comparison between water-inserted and no water-inserted structures
Authors: Shoji Mitsuo , Isobe Hiroshi , Nakajima Takahito , Shigeta Yasuteru , Suga Michihiro , Akita Fusamichi , Shen Jian-Ren , Yamaguchi Kizashi
Published: November 2016

Large-scale QM/MM calculations were performed to elucidate an optimized geometrical structure of a CaMn4O5 cluster with and without water insertion in the S3 state of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PSII). The left (L)-opened structure was found to be stable under the assumption of no hydroxide anion insertion in the S3 state, whereas the right (R)-opened structure became more stable if one water molecule is inserted to the Mn4Ca cluster. The optimized Mna(4)–Mnd(1) distance determined by QM/MM was about 5.0 Å for the S3 structure without an inserted hydroxide anion, but this is elongated by 0.2–0.3 Å after insertion. These computational results are discussed in relation to the possible mechanisms of O–O bond formation in water oxidation by the OEC of PSII.
A laboratory-scale annular continuous flow reactor for UV photochemistry using excimer lamps for discrete wavelength excitation and its use in a wavelength study of a photodecarboxlyative cyclisation
Authors: DeLaney Erica N. , Lee Darren S. , Elliott Luke D. , Jin Jing , Booker-Milburn Kevin I. , Poliakoff Martyn , George Michael W.
Published: November 2016

A novel annular flow reactor for UV photochemistry.
Toolbox study for application of hydrogen peroxide as a versatile, safe and industrially-relevant green oxidant in continuous flow mode
Authors: Martin Benjamin , Sedelmeier Joerg , Bouisseau Anaïs , Fernandez-Rodriguez Patricia , Haber Julien , Kleinbeck Florian , Kamptmann Sonja , Susanne Flavien , Hoehn Pascale , Lanz Marian , Pellegatti Laurent , Venturoni Francesco , Robertson Jeremy , Willis Michael C. , Schenkel Berthold
Published: November 2016

Hydrogen peroxide is showcased in a range of oxidations, operating in continuous-flow equipment to deliver practical and risk-minimized procedures.
On-chip integration of organic synthesis and HPLC/MS analysis for monitoring stereoselective transformations at the micro-scale
Authors: Heiland Josef J. , Warias Rico , Lotter Carsten , Mauritz Laura , Fuchs Patrick J. W. , Ohla Stefan , Zeitler Kirsten , Belder Detlev
Published: November 2016

Seamless on-chip integration of a micro reaction unit and an HPLC functionality coupled to MS allows to study stereo selective chemical transformations at the microscale.
Fabrication and supercapacitor behavior of phosphomolybdic acid/polyaniline/titanium nitride core–shell nanowire array
Authors: Lu Lu , Xie Yibing
Published: November 2016

PMo12/PANI/TiN was designed by electrostatic adsorption between the heteropolyanion PMo12O403− and proton-doped PANI.
Synthesis, molecular characterization and self-assembly of (PS-b-PDMS)n type linear (n = 1, 2) and star (n = 3, 4) block copolymers
Authors: Georgopanos Prokopios , Lo Ting-Ya , Ho Rong-Ming , Avgeropoulos Apostolos
Published: November 2016

Well-defined linear (n = 1, 2) and star (n = 3, 4) architecture (PS-b-PDMS)n block copolymers were synthesized by anionic polymerization in combination with chlorosilane chemistry. The self-assembly is significantly influenced by entropy constraints for the star samples due to overcrowding.
Ni3S2 nanosheet-anchored carbon submicron tube arrays as high-performance binder-free anodes for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Xia Xueke , Xie Jian , Zhang Shichao , Pan Bin , Cao Gaoshao , Zhao Xinbing
Published: November 2016

A binder-free Ni-supported Ni3S2/CST array electrode was prepared by a controllable route and exhibits high capacity and a long cycle life.
Coordination frameworks containing compounds as catalysts
Authors: Kumar Girijesh , Das Samar K.
Published: November 2016

This article describes a collection of MOF containing compounds as catalysts in a diverse range of organic transformation reactions.
Designing Ga(iii)-containing hydroxyapatite with antibacterial activity
Authors: Kurtjak Mario , Vukomanović Marija , Krajnc Andraž , Kramer Lovro , Turk Boris , Suvorov Danilo
Published: November 2016

Incorporation of Ga3+ ions into hydroxyapatite under different conditions is studied in detail and its influence on ion-release, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of the resulting Ga(iii)-containing hydroxyapatites is determined.
Theoretical basis for the stabilization of charges by radicals on electrified polymers
Authors: Mazur Tomasz , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: November 2016

Quantum mechanical calculations at various levels of theory indicate that charges (both “+” and “−”) on organic polymers can be stabilized by radicals on nearby polymer chains.
Facile in situ growth of Ni/Co-LDH arrays by hypothermal chemical coprecipitation for all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Li Tie , Li Rui , Luo Hui
Published: November 2016

A facile hypothermal chemical coprecipitation strategy was employed to fabricate binder-free Ni/Co-LDH arrays in situ on various substrates.
Boron phosphide monolayer as a potential anode material for alkali metal-based batteries
Authors: Jiang H. R. , Shyy W. , Liu M. , Wei L. , Wu M. C. , Zhao T. S.
Published: November 2016

In this work, we adopt a first-principles study to evaluate the potential of a boron phosphide (BP) monolayer as an anode material for alkali metal-based (e.g., Li, Na and K) batteries.
A mitochondria-targeted ratiometric fluorescent probe for hypochlorite and its applications in bioimaging
Authors: Shen Shi-Li , Zhao Xuan , Zhang Xiao-Fan , Liu Xuan-Li , Wang Hao , Dai Yi-Ying , Miao Jun-Ying , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: November 2016

A novel ratiometric probe (RCP) for −OCl was developed based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) platform.
Electronic properties and third-order optical nonlinearities in tetragonal chalcopyrite AgInS2, AgInS2/ZnS and cubic spinel AgIn5S8, AgIn5S8/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Cichy Bartłomiej , Wawrzynczyk Dominika , Samoc Marek , Stręk Wiesław
Published: November 2016

Electronic as well as third-order nonlinear optical properties of chalcopyrite AgInS2 and non-stoichiometric spinel AgIn5S8 quantum dots compared with corresponding Zn2+ alloyed compounds are presented in this work.
Neural adaptive output feedback formation control of type (m, s) wheeled mobile robots
Authors: Shojaei Khoshnam
Published: November 2016

This study introduces a general framework for the formation tracking control of all types of wheeled mobile robots (WMRs). On the basis of a coordinate transformation, a second‐order input–output model is developed for the general type (m, s) WMR with the mobility m and the steerability s. Then, a saturated feedback linearising controller in conjunction with a non‐linear velocity observer is proposed in order to leave out the velocity sensors in all agents. In addition, a radial basis function neural network and an adaptive robust compensator are incorporated in the formation controller design to improve the tracking performance in the presence of uncertain non‐linearities and unknown parameters. Semi‐global stability of the closed‐loop formation system is proved using direct Lyapunov method. Moreover, a generalisation of the proposed controller is introduced for the cooperative control of mobile manipulators. Finally, simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed formation control system for two types of WMRs.
Modelling and control of a non‐holonomic pendulum‐driven spherical robot moving on an inclined plane: simulation and experimental results
Authors: Roozegar Mehdi , Mahjoob Mohammad J.
Published: November 2016

This study deals with mathematical modelling and motion control of a pendulum‐driven spherical robot (PDSR) moving on an inclined plane. Firstly, the model of a PDSR on an inclined plane is developed using a Lagrangian formulation. Afterwards, a PID controller is tuned to stabilise the robot on the inclined plane. A heuristic fuzzy controller and a PID controller are also designed to move the robot upward or downward the inclined plane and approach the target point. A switched control, i.e. a combination of the designed controllers, is finally suggested to control the motion of the robot on the inclined plane. Simulations are conducted to investigate and compare the performance of the proposed controllers. Experiments are also conducted for different cases to validate the simulations and also evaluate the control strategies via image processing.
Power scheduling for Kalman filtering over lossy wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Gang , Sun Jian
Published: November 2016

With the goal of monitoring physical processes, a wireless sensor network (WSN) is often deployed along with a fusion center to estimate the state of general linear stochastic systems. As WSNs comprise a large number of low‐cost, battery‐driven sensor nodes with limited transmission bandwidth, conservation of transmission resources (power and bandwidth) is of paramount importance. In this context, the present study considers power scheduling for Kalman filtering (KF) using scalar messages exchanged over wireless sensor links, where random measurement packet drops are possible. Each sensor node sequentially decides whether a high or low transmission power is needed to communicate its scalar observations based on a rule that promotes power scheduling with minimal impact on the state estimator's mean‐squared error. Assuming approximately Gaussian state predictors, the minimum mean‐squared error optimal power schedule is developed for KF that also accounts for dropped data packets. Leveraging statistical convergence characteristics of the estimation error covariance matrix, both sufficient and necessary conditions are established that guarantee the stability of the resultant KF estimator.
Seamless exploitation of cell‐phone antennas for near‐field WPT by a frequency‐diplexing approach
Authors: Del Prete Massimo , Berra Francesco , Costanzo Alessandra , Masotti Diego
Published: November 2016

This paper introduces a novel solution for portable devices to exploit their existing communication antennas for bi‐directional near‐field wireless re‐charging, without compromising their far‐field properties. To demonstrate the concept, the radio‐frequencies (RF) 900/1800 MHz and 433 MHz are adopted for the far‐field communication and for the near‐field wireless recharging, respectively. First, a pair of faced, dual‐band, printed monopoles is characterized as a two‐port network over the bands of interest at several distances. Then, each antenna is fed by a frequency‐selective three‐port network, designed to simultaneously ensure data communication at the higher frequencies and wireless re‐charging at the lower one. In this way, the combined far‐field and near‐field operations of the resulting four‐port network can be optimized. A proof‐of‐concept prototype has been characterized, showing ports isolation higher than 20 dB and RF‐to‐RF power transfer efficiency between 15% and 40% for variable faced antennas distance. When a rectifier is connected to the receiving power port, the measured RF‐to‐dc link efficiency varies between 9% and 20%, with portable devices located 1 and 2 centimeters apart, and the transmitted power is 10 dBm. The simultaneous high frequency communication is verified with slightly reduced performance.
Neutral‐point voltage deviation control for three‐level inverter‐based shunt active power filter with fuzzy‐based dwell time allocation
Authors: Hoon Yap , Radzi Mohd Amran Mohd , Hassan Mohd Khair , Mailah Nashiren Farzilah
Published: November 2016

Three‐level inverters have emerged as the main alternative to replace the use of standard two‐level inverters in current harmonics mitigation. Neutral‐point diode clamped (NPC) inverter is the most attractive candidate due to its robustness. However, the inherent neutral‐point voltage deviation problems have always been the most troublesome features of NPC inverter. Hence, voltage balancing of DC‐link capacitors is highly essential, where it is usually achieved through proper switching control. Space vector pulsewidth modulation is the most desirable switching scheme, where the voltage balancing control is mostly accomplished by decently allocating the dwell time for all the switching states. In this study, a fuzzy logic controller is incorporated to systematically control the dwell time allocation for all the switching states based on the instantaneous voltage of splitting DC‐link capacitors. The proposed method is called the fuzzy‐based dwell time allocation algorithm. To validate effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed algorithm, simulation work in MATLAB‐Simulink and experimental implementation utilising TMS320F28335 digital signal processor (DSP) are performed. Both simulation and experimental results are presented, confirming effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in reducing the inherent voltage deviation problems of NPC inverter to a minimum level.
MOPSO‐based optimal control of shunt active power filter using a variable structure fuzzy logic sliding mode controller for hybrid (FC‐PV‐Wind‐Battery) energy utilisation scheme
Authors: Elgammal Adel A.A. , El‐naggar Mohammed F.
Published: November 2016

This paper presents an effective concept for hybrid fuel cell‐photovoltaic‐wind‐battery active power filter (FC‐PV‐Wind‐Battery) energy scheme based on the variable structure sliding mode fuzzy logic controller (SMFLC) using the multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation (MOPSO). The parameters of the fuzzy logic control membership functions and the weighting factors of the SMFLC can be tuned by MOPSO in such an approach to optimise the dynamic performance of the shunt active power filter (SAPF) and minimise the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the source current waveform and voltage waveform of the hybrid (FC‐PV‐Wind‐Battery). A group of objective functions was chosen to validate the dynamic performance of the SAPF and the effectiveness of the MOPSO‐SMFLC. These selected fitness functions are: (i) minimising the error of the inverter capacitor DC voltage, (ii) minimising the THD of the output current and voltage of DC and AC sides and (iii) minimising the controller reaching time. A computer simulation study using Simulink/Matlab and experimental laboratory prototype were carried on to asses and compare the dynamic performance of the proposed MOPSO‐SMFLC controller with the conventional proportional–integral–derivative, variable structure SMFLC, the feed‐forward multilayer neural network controller and the variable structure SMFLC based on the single‐objective particle swarm optimisation.
A theoretical and experimental comparison of the ionosphere‐free L1 pseudorange and the ionosphere‐free linear combination pseudorange by dual‐frequency SBAS users
Authors: Jang Jaegyu , So Hyoungmin , Lee Kihoon , Park Jun‐Pyo
Published: November 2016

This study verifies the performance of the ionosphere‐free L1 pseudorange for dual‐frequency space‐based augmentation systems (SBAS) users by both of theoretical analysis and experiments with actual GPS data. Although the dual‐frequency pseudorange from ionosphere‐free linear combinations is commonly used as a standard method, the ionosphere‐free L1 range based on the weighted Hatch filter has advantages in terms of the amplification factor caused by a dual‐frequency combination and filter weights optimised by the least‐squares method. For the experimental analysis, RINEX data were collected from five National Geographic Information Institute reference stations on the Korean peninsula and used to generate an SBAS correction message following international SBAS specifications. The experimental results show that using the proposed method results in a 29% improvement in the range domain compared with the use of a traditional ionosphere‐free linear combination filter. In the position domain, the proposed method shows a horizontal accuracy improvement of 16% after the application of post‐processed SBAS orbit/clock corrections w.r.t. the traditional filter. Finally, this study also demonstrates that the accuracy of dual‐frequency users can surpass than that of single‐frequency SBAS users only if corrections are estimated with ionospheric delay‐free measurements in the master station as well.
Multi‐frame fractional Fourier transform technique for moving target detection with space‐based passive radar
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Santi Fabrizio , Pastina Debora , Lombardo Pierfrancesco
Published: November 2016

This study puts forward a moving target detection technique for space‐based passive radar. The main drawback of satellite transmitters for radar applications is the very low power density on the ground level, which requires long integration times to adequately increase the signal to background ratio. To this aim, in this study a new technique is proposed relying on a hybrid coherent/non‐coherent integration of the received signal in the fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) domain. After the compensation of the range walk by Keystone reformatting, a coherent integration is performed over consecutive short time intervals (frames) such that the coherence of the scattering mechanism within each frame can be assumed. Then, a proper combination of the multiple frames is performed based on the kernel of the FrFT, allowing the reliable detection of low observable targets. The effectiveness of the proposed technique has been proved by simulated analysis considering very low EIRP satellites as opportunity transmitters.
Improvement of reactive power calculation in electric arc furnaces utilising Kalman filter
Authors: Samet Haidar , Gashtasbi Sara , Tashakor Nima , Ghanbari Teymoor
Published: November 2016

Electric arc furnace (EAF) is one of the largest non‐linear loads in power systems. It is highly time‐varying which leads to low‐frequency voltage fluctuations in the system, called flicker. Static VAr compensator (SVC) is always used in EAF plants to compensate the reactive power and reduce voltage fluctuations. The reactive power calculation unit is one of the most important units in SVC control system. Since SVC can only compensate the fundamental component, the calculated reactive power should not be sensitive to other harmonics. On the other hand, since the reactive power changes every half cycle, its calculation should be fast enough to track the changes. Hence, a calculation method with minimum delay and lowest harmonic sensitivity should be utilised to achieve an effective compensation. Among different already proposed methods for calculation of reactive power, differential method has the lowest delay. However, it is very sensitive to harmonics. In this study, Kalman filter is used to extract the fundamental components of voltage and current with a little delay and then they are used as inputs for the differential method. The proposed method is evaluated using some simulation signals and practical records from several EAFs in Mobarekeh steel company in Esfahan – Iran.
One‐pot synthesis of net‐like silica materials with double mesoporous structure
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Deng Qingfang , Zhang Zhuanfang , Li Huanhuan , Jia Lihua
Published: November 2016

A novel net‐like silica material with double mesoporous structure had been synthesised by one‐pot hydrothermal synthesis method. In the synthesis process, pluronic copolymer P123 (EO20PO70EO20) and non‐ionic surfactant OP‐10 were used as templates and potassium fluoride (KF) was chosen as the additive. A study was carried out by small‐angle X‐ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy for the physical properties of the resultant products. It was found that the net‐like silica materials exhibited a unique three‐dimensional morphology with the addition of KF and preserved mesoporous structure. Moreover, the samples had double mesopores of 3.6 and 6.5 nm by the result of the nitrogen adsorption isotherm.
Disorders of Consciousness: Practical Management in an Emergency Room
Authors: Damiani Daniel
Published: November 2016

Lowering of the level of consciousness is a very common presentation at the emergency room, often without any history that helps finding an etiology. This emergency requires quick empirical measures to reduce neuronal mortality, with additional protection against sequelae. According to the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines, there are current emergency neurological support protocols, such as the Emergency Neurological Life Support (ENLS) created by the Neurocritical Care Society. The present paper shows how to approach unconscious patients, highlighting possible etiologies and proposed treatments.
Exploring connections between statistical mechanics and Green’s functions for realistic systems: Temperature dependent electronic entropy and internal energy from a self-consistent second-order Green’s function
Authors: Welden Alicia Rae , Rusakov Alexander A. , Zgid Dominika
Published: November 2016

Including finite-temperature effects from the electronic degrees of freedom in electronic structure calculations of semiconductors and metals is desired; however, in practice it remains exceedingly difficult when using zero-temperature methods, since these methods require an explicit evaluation of multiple excited states in order to account for any finite-temperature effects. Using a Matsubara Green’s function formalism remains a viable alternative, since in this formalism it is easier to include thermal effects and to connect the dynamic quantities such as the self-energy with static thermodynamic quantities such as the Helmholtz energy, entropy, and internal energy. However, despite the promising properties of this formalism, little is known about the multiple solutions of the non-linear equations present in the self-consistent Matsubara formalism and only a few cases involving a full Coulomb Hamiltonian were investigated in the past. Here, to shed some light onto the iterative nature of the Green’s function solutions, we self-consistently evaluate the thermodynamic quantities for a one-dimensional (1D) hydrogen solid at various interatomic separations and temperatures using the self-energy approximated to second-order (GF2). At many points in the phase diagram of this system, multiple phases such as a metal and an insulator exist, and we are able to determine the most stable phase from the analysis of Helmholtz energies. Additionally, we show the evolution of the spectrum of 1D boron nitride to demonstrate that GF2 is capable of qualitatively describing the temperature effects influencing the size of the band gap.
InAs/GaSb-on-insulator single channel complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors on Si structure
Authors: Yokoyama Masafumi , Yokoyama Haruki , Takenaka Mitsuru , Takagi Shinichi
Published: November 2016

We demonstrate a single channel III–V complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) transistors by ultrathin body InAs/GaSb-on-insulator (-OI) channels on Si. The ultrathin InAs layers with the quantum confinement and tight gate-control of the identical InAs/GaSb-OI channel can realize III–V CMOS operation. The quantum well InAs/GaSb-OI on Si structures with the proper thickness of the InAs and GaSb layers can allow us to operate both n-channel and p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (n-MOSFETs and p-MOSFETs) with high channel mobilities in an identical InAs/GaSb-OI transistor. The InAs thickness needs to be ≲2.5 nm for CMOS operation in the single channel InAs/GaSb-OI structure.
New classes of exact solutions to the Grad-Shafranov equation with arbitrary flow using Lie-point symmetries
Authors: Kuiroukidis Ap. , Throumoulopoulos G. N.
Published: November 2016

Extending previous work [R. L. White and R. D. Hazeltine, Phys. Plasmas 16, 123101 (2009)] to the case of a generalized Grad-Shafranov equation (GGSE) with incompressible flow of arbitrary direction, we obtain new classes of exact solutions on the basis of Lie-point symmetries. This is done by using a previously found exact generalized Solovév solution to the GGSE. The new solutions containing five free parameters describe D-shaped toroidal configurations with plasma flow non-parallel to the magnetic field. In addition, the full symmetry group is obtained and new group-invariant solutions to the GGSE are presented.
Effect of halo on high power laser pulse wake in underdense plasma
Authors: Pathak Naveen , Zhidkov Alexei , Masuda Shinichi , Hosokai Tomonao , Kodama Ryosuke
Published: November 2016

Strong disturbance in the wake of the laser pulses propagating in underdense plasma and consequent unstable electron acceleration by the wakefield can be provoked by pulse's halo, which always exists as a result of an imperfect optical focusing. When the power in the halo part exceeds a critical level for the self-focusing, it evolves in the plasma as an independent mode, which later gets coupled with the propagation of the central Gaussian spot of the pulse resulting in a novel instability. Here, this instability is investigated numerically via fully relativistic 3D particle-in-cell simulations and is shown to be partially suppressed by using plasma channels for pulse guiding.
Multi-frequency acoustic metasurface for extraordinary reflection and sound focusing
Authors: Zhu Yi-Fan , Fan Xu-Dong , Liang Bin , Yang Jing , Yang Jun , Yin Lei-lei , Cheng Jian-Chun
Published: November 2016

We theoretically and numerically present the design of multi-frequency acoustic metasurfaces (MFAMs) with simple structure that can work not only at fundamental frequency, but also at their harmonic frequencies, which breaks the single frequency limitation in conventional resonance-based acoustic metasurfaces. The phase matched condition for achromatic manipulation is discussed. We demonstrate achromatic extraordinary reflection and sound focusing at 1700Hz, 3400Hz, and 5100Hz, that is, they have the same reflection direction and the same focusing position. This significant feature may pave the way to new type of acoustic metasurface, and will also extend acoustic metasurface applications to strongly nonlinear source cases.
Geometric phase and topology of elastic oscillations and vibrations in model systems: Harmonic oscillator and superlattice
Authors: Deymier P. A. , Runge K. , Vasseur J. O.
Published: November 2016

We illustrate the concept of geometric phase in the case of two prototypical elastic systems, namely the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator and a one-dimensional binary superlattice. We demonstrate formally the relationship between the variation of the geometric phase in the spectral and wave number domains and the parallel transport of a vector field along paths on curved manifolds possessing helicoidal twists which exhibit non-conventional topology.
Low temperature heat capacity of phononic crystal membranes
Authors: Puurtinen T. A. , Maasilta I. J.
Published: November 2016

Phononic crystal (PnC) membranes are a promising solution to improve sensitivity of bolometric sensor devices operating at low temperatures. Previous work has concentrated only on tuning thermal conductance, but significant changes to the heat capacity are also expected due to the modification of the phonon modes. Here, we calculate the area-specific heat capacity for thin (37.5 - 300 nm) silicon and silicon nitride PnC membranes with cylindrical hole patterns of varying period, in the temperature range 1 - 350 mK. We compare the results to two- and three-dimensional Debye models, as the 3D Debye model is known to give an accurate estimate for the low-temperature heat capacity of a bulk sample. We found that thin PnC membranes do not obey the 3D Debye T3 law, nor the 2D T2 law, but have a weaker, approximately linear temperature dependence in the low temperature limit. We also found that depending on the design, the PnC patterning can either enhance or reduce the heat capacity compared to an unpatterned membrane of the same thickness. At temperatures below ∼ 100 mK, reducing the membrane thickness unintuitively increases the heat capacity for all samples studied. These observations can have significance when designing calorimetric detectors, as heat capacity is a critical parameter for the speed and sensitivity of a device.
Ultrafast and ultrasensitive phototransistors based on few-layered HfSe2
Authors: Yin Lei , Xu Kai , Wen Yao , Wang Zhenxing , Huang Yun , Wang Feng , Shifa Tofik Ahmed , Cheng Ruiqing , Ma He , He Jun
Published: November 2016

Two-dimensional layered materials have exhibited great potential in electronic and optoelectronic applications, because of their unique chemical and physical properties. Recently, Hf-based transition metal dichalcogenides are predicted to own high room temperature mobility and are attracting increasing interest. However, only few experimental investigations are reported hitherto. In this paper, we demonstrate ultrafast and ultrasensitive back-gated HfSe2 phototransistors. Au-contacted HfSe2 phototransistors display a high on/off ratio of 106 and modest mobilities in the range of 2.6–6.5 cm2 V−1 s−1. Additionally, the phototransistors based on HfSe2 present prominent optoelectronic performance with a high responsivity of 252 A/W and an ultrafast response time of 7.8 ms, implying the sensitive photoswitching behavior. Moreover, the response time can be modulated by gate voltages. The excellent field effect transistor performance coupled to the sensitive and fast photodetection makes HfSe2 have a broad application prospect for electronic and optoelectronic devices in the future.
Suboptimal fertilisation compromises soil physical properties of a hard-setting sandy loam
Authors: Jensen Johannes Lund , Schjønning Per , Christensen Bent T. , Munkholm Lars Juhl
Published: November 2016

Nutrient management affects not only crop productivity and environmental quality, but also soil physical properties related to soil tilth. Previous studies on soil physical properties have focussed on effects of fertiliser type, whereas the effect of fertiliser rate has been neglected. We examined the impact of no fertilisation (UNF) and different rates of mineral fertiliser (½NPK and 1NPK) and animal manure (1½AM) on an ensemble of soil physical characteristics, with the amount of fertiliser added at level 1 corresponding to the standard rate of plant nutrients for a given crop. Soil was from the Askov long-term field experiment, initiated in 1894 on a hard-setting sandy loam. We assessed clay dispersibility, wet-stability of aggregates, aggregate strength, bulk soil strength and soil pore characteristics. The soils receiving 1NPK and 1½AM had similar soil physical properties, the only differences being a wider range in the optimum water content for tillage and more plant-available water in the soil amended with 1½AM. Suboptimal fertiliser rates (UNF and ½NPK) increased clay dispersibility, soil cohesion and bulk density, and reduced aggregate stability. The physical properties of soils exposed to suboptimal fertilisation indicate that the level of soil organic matter, including active organic binding and bonding materials, has become critically low due to reduced inputs of crop residues. While long-term suboptimal fertilisation compromises soil physical properties, crop-yield-optimised rates of mineral fertilisers and animal manure appear to sustain several soil physical properties equally well.
Cytoskeleton dynamics control the first asymmetric cell division in
Arabidopsis
zygote
Authors: Kimata Yusuke , Higaki Takumi , Kawashima Tomokazu , Kurihara Daisuke , Sato Yoshikatsu , Yamada Tomomi , Hasezawa Seiichiro , Berger Frederic , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Ueda Minako
Published: November 2016

Significance

In animals and plants, the zygote divides unequally, and the daughter cells inherit different developmental fates to form a proper embryo along the body axis. The cytological events leading to zygote polarization have remained unknown in flowering plants. Here, we report that the two essential components of the cytoskeleton, microtubules and actin filaments, are both disorganized on fertilization and then, arranged to form a transverse ring leading directional cell elongation and longitudinal arrays underlying polar nuclear migration, respectively. These results provide insights into the intracellular dynamics of zygote and the specific roles of cytoskeletons on zygote polarization in flowering plants.
Mitochondrial fusion: Reaching the end of mitofusin’s tether
Authors: Formosa Luke E. , Ryan Michael T.
Published: November 2016

In this issue, Qi et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201609019) provide structural insights into the mechanisms of mitochondrial outer membrane fusion by investigating the structure of mitofusin 1 (MFN1). This work proposes a new model to explain the important and elusive process of MFN-mediated mitochondrial fusion.
Five‐a‐Day, Fruit and Vegetables Portions, and the Food Environment: The Italian Case
Authors: Bonanno Alessandro , Bimbo Francesco , Castellari Elena , Sckokai Paolo
Published: November 2016

Italy has one of the largest per‐capita consumption rates of fruits and vegetables (FV) among European Union countries. However, the number of adult Italians consuming the recommended daily amounts of FV is declining, especially in regions where the food retail industry’s expansion is lagging. In this article we investigate the effect of the food environment on the likelihood of adult Italians consuming five or more daily portions of FV, and on the probability of consuming more portions of FV. We combine individual‐level data on adult Italians’ lifestyle with regional food retail structure measures. To correct for the endogeneity of the food environment, we use an identification strategy based on aggregate drivers of food stores’ location, and on the regional political climate affecting retail liberalization reforms. The results show that increased access affects positively the probability of consuming the daily‐recommended amounts of FV, as well as the probability of consuming more portions of FV. However, the role of the food environment is less marked for individuals declaring it to experience a hardship to access supermarkets.
Know your organism, know your data†
Authors: Mangel Marc
Published: November 2016

I review my career in marine science chronologically forward from the time that I decided to become a scientist to the present. Among other themes, I illustrate how much of my career was the result of recognizing good opportunities rather than specific plans, the role that search problems have played in my career, and the power of mathematical methods to allow us to find commonalities in systems appears totally different. I discuss in detail my involvement in the International Court of Justice between Australia and Japan concerning special permit whaling in the Antarctic and conclude with my current activities—showing that surprises can happen at any point in a career.
Fish consumption and prostate cancer risk and mortality in a Danish cohort study
Authors: Outzen Malene , Tjønneland Anne , Christensen Jane , Olsen Anja
Published: November 2016

Within the Danish ‘Diet, Cancer and Health’ cohort, we aimed to investigate the association between prediagnostic fish intake (total, lean, fatty) and (a) incidence of total and high-grade prostate cancer and (b) the risk of all-cause and prostate cancer-specific mortality among men with prostate cancer. Among 27 178 men, 1690 prostate cancer cases were identified through 2012. Of these, 1042 had a Gleason score of 7 or above and 498 had a Gleason score of 8 or above at the time of diagnosis; 364 died (n=228 from prostate cancer) during follow-up through 2013. Cox proportional hazard models were used for the statistical analyses. No association between any type of fish intake and risk of total prostate cancer or high-grade prostate cancer (Gleason score≥7 or ≥8) was found. For all-cause mortality, we found no association for any type of fish intake. For prostate cancer-specific mortality, only a higher intake of fatty fish was associated with a higher mortality [per daily 25 g increment in intake (mortality rate ratio=1.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.55;P=0.02)]. In conclusion, no strong association was found between fish consumption and the risk of or mortality from prostate cancer. Only a higher intake of fatty fish was associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality.
Use of Federally Qualified Health Centers and Potentially Preventable Hospital Utilization Among Older Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees
Authors: Wright Brad , Potter Andrew J. , Trivedi Amal N.
Published: November 2016

Using Medicare claims data from 2007 to 2010, we sought to determine whether dual eligibles 65 years and older who utilize federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) have lower rates of ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations and emergency department visits compared with nonusers. We found that FQHC use is associated with increased ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalization rates for whites and other races, but a decrease among blacks. Depending on race, FQHC use is associated with an increase of 24 to 43 ambulatory care-sensitive emergency department visits per thousand persons annually. More research is needed to understand why FQHC use is associated with these outcomes among dual eligibles.
Enzymopenic Congenital Methemoglobinemia in Children of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
Authors: Burtseva Tatiana E. , Ammosova Tatiana N. , Protopopova Natalia N. , Yakovleva Svetlana Y. , Slobodchikova Maya P.
Published: November 2016

Type I congenital methemoglobinemia is an autosomal recessive disorder. A high frequency of congenital methemoglobinemia has been reported among Native Americans inhabiting the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Other rare cases of congenital methemoglobinemia of types I and II have been reported in Japan and other countries. In Russia—namely, in Yakutia—a high frequency of type I congenital methemoglobinemia has been reported. In 2009, the Consultation Polyclinic of the Pediatric Center in Yakutsk city established a registry of children with congenital methemoglobinemia. In total, 43 patients were registered between 2005 and 2009. The median methemoglobin level was 13.5% (ranging between 4.2% and 33.9%) and physical examination revealed cyanosis of the skin and mucus membranes. There were significant positive relationships between percentage of methemoglobin and erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit among male patients, consistent with an upregulation of the hypoxic response. The prevalence per 100,000 children ranged from 12.7 to 47.0 in 3 geographic regions of Yakutia. Further research is needed to clarify the clinical consequences of congenital methemoglobinemia in the children of Yakutia and the reasons for the high variability in the prevalence of the condition.