bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear localization of Beclin 1 promotes radiation-induced DNA damage repair independent of autophagy
Authors: Xu Fei , Fang Yixuan , Yan Lili , Xu Lan , Zhang Suping , Cao Yan , Xu Li , Zhang Xiaoying , Xie Jialing , Jiang Gaoyue , Ge Chaorong , An Ni , Zhou Daohong , Yuan Na , Wang Jianrong
Published: March 2017

Beclin 1 is a well-established core mammalian autophagy protein that is embryonically indispensable and has been presumed to suppress oncogenesis via an autophagy-mediated mechanism. Here, we show that Beclin 1 is a prenatal primary cytoplasmic protein but rapidly relocated into the nucleus during postnatal development in mice. Surprisingly, deletion of beclin1 in in vitro human cells did not block an autophagy response, but attenuated the expression of several DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair proteins and formation of repair complexes, and reduced an ability to repair DNA in the cells exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Overexpressing Beclin 1 improved the repair of IR-induced DSB, but did not restore an autophagy response in cells lacking autophagy gene Atg7, suggesting that Beclin 1 may regulate DSB repair independent of autophagy in the cells exposed to IR. Indeed, we found that Beclin 1 could directly interact with DNA topoisomerase IIβ and was recruited to the DSB sites by the interaction. These findings reveal a novel function of Beclin 1 in regulation of DNA damage repair independent of its role in autophagy particularly when the cells are under radiation insult.
Microwave energy assisted synthesis of poly lactic acid via continuous reactive extrusion: modelling of reaction kinetics
Authors: Dubey Satya P. , Abhyankar Hrushikesh A. , Marchante Veronica , Brighton James L. , Bergmann Björn , Trinh Giang , David Chantal
Published: March 2017

The most commonly used batch process to manufacture PLA is ring opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide monomer in a suitable solvent, in the presence of a metallic/bimetallic catalyst (Sn, Zn, and Al) or other organic catalysts.
Binuclear ruthenium complexes inhibit the fibril formation of human islet amyloid polypeptide
Authors: Gong Gehui , Wang Wenji , Du Weihong
Published: March 2017

Binuclear ruthenium complexes reverse the aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide.
Photoluminescence from amino functionalized graphene quantum dots prepared by electrochemical exfoliation method in the presence of ammonium ions
Authors: Hsieh Chien-Te , Tzou Dong-Ying , Hsieh Keng-Yen , Yin Ken-Ming
Published: March 2017

This study elucidates how the nitrogen functionalities affect the UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) emission of N-modified graphene quantum dots (NGQDs).
Solvent-free coupling of aryl halides with pyrroles applying visible-light photocatalysis
Authors: Obst M. , Shaikh R. S. , König B.
Published: March 2017

A novel reactor for solvent-free, visible-light-driven photocatalytic transformations was developed.
Polymorphism in the family of Ln6−xMoO12−δ(Ln = La, Gd–Lu; x = 0, 0.5) oxygen ion- and proton-conducting materials
Authors: Shlyakhtina A. V. , Savvin S. N. , Lyskov N. V. , Kolbanev I. V. , Karyagina O. K. , Chernyak S. A. , Shcherbakova L. G. , Núñez P.
Published: March 2017

Arrhenius plots of the total conductivity in (1 and 3) dry and (2 and 4) wet air of two Yb6MoO12polymorphs: (1 and 2) bixbyite (Ia3̄(206)) Yb6MoO12and (3 and 4) rhombohedral (R3̄) Yb6MoO12; Yb6MoO12rhombohedral (R3̄) → Yb6MoO12bixbyite (Ia3̄(206)) atT∼ 1600 °C.
Kinetics of crystalline nuclei growth in glassy systems
Authors: Mokshin Anatolii V. , Galimzyanov Bulat N.
Published: March 2017

This work reports results for crystalline nuclei growth in glassy systems. The crystal growth laws rescaled onto the waiting times of critically-sized nuclei follow a unified dependence. The scaled crystal growth rate characteristics as functions of reduced temperature follow unified power-law dependencies.
Fundamental insights into interfacial catalysis
Authors: Gong Jinlong , Bao Xinhe
Published: March 2017

Guest editors Jinlong Gong and Xinhe Bao introduce the Fundamental Insights into Interfacial Catalysis issue of Chemical Society Reviews.
Inorganic–organic layer by layer hybrid membranes for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Bucur Claudiu B. , Jones Michael , Kopylov Mykhailo , Spear John , Muldoon John
Published: March 2017

Layer by layer assembly of hybrid inorganic/organic membrane encapsulating the sulfur particle impedes polysulfide dissolution or protecting the lithium metal.
Dopant stability in multifunctional doped TiO2's under environmental UVA exposure
Authors: Chadwick Nicholas P. , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Sotelo-Vazquez Carlos , Bawaked Salem M. , Mokhtar Mohamed , Basahel Sulaiman N. , Obaid Abdullah Y. , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: March 2017

We present a UV irradiation study of three nanomaterials which have been investigated and published by peer review previously, specifically tantalum, tungsten and phosphorus doped TiO2.
Tunable and selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol and cyclopentanone over Pt supported on biomass-derived porous heteroatom doped carbon
Authors: Liu Xiuyun , Zhang Bo , Fei Benhua , Chen Xiufang , Zhang Junyi , Mu Xindong
Published: March 2017

The search for and exploitation of efficient catalytic systems for selective conversion of furfural into various high value-added chemicals remains a huge challenge for green synthesis in the chemical industry. Here, novel Pt nanoparticles supported on bamboo shoot-derived porous heteroatom doped carbon materials were designed as highly active catalysts for controlled hydrogenation of furfural in aqueous media. The porous heteroatom doped carbon supported Pt catalysts were endowed with a large surface area with a hierarchical porous structure, a high content of nitrogen and oxygen functionalities, a high dispersion of the Pt nanoparticles, good water dispersibility and reaction stability. Benefiting from these features, the novel Pt catalysts displayed a high activity and controlled tunable selectivity for furfural hydrogenation to produce furfuryl alcohol and cyclopentanone in water. The product selectivity could be easily modulated by controlling the carbonization temperature of the porous heteroatom doped carbon support and the reaction conditions (temperature and H2 pressure). Under mild conditions (100 °C, 1 MPa H2), furfuryl alcohol was obtained in water with complete conversion of the furfural and an impressive furfuryl alcohol selectivity of >99% in the presence of Pt/NC-BS-500. A higher reaction temperature, in water, favored rearrangement of the furfural (FFA) with Pt/NC-BS-800 as the catalyst, which resulted in a high cyclopentanone yield of >76% at 150 °C and 3 MPa H2. The surface properties and pore structure of the heteroatom doped carbon support, adjusted using the carbonization temperature, might determine the interactions between the Pt nanoparticles, carbon support and catalytic reactants in water, which in turn could have led to a good selectivity control. The effect of different reaction temperatures and reaction times on the product selectivity was also explored. Combined with exploration of the distribution of the reaction products, a reaction mechanism for furfural reduction has been proposed.
A step forward towards sustainable aerobic alcohol oxidation: new and revised catalysts based on transition metals on solid supports
Authors: Parmeggiani C. , Matassini Camilla , Cardona F.
Published: March 2017

Modern heterogeneous catalysts for aerobic alcohol oxidation: the state of the art.
Is water a suitable solvent for the catalytic amination of alcohols?
Authors: Niemeier Johannes , Engel Rebecca V. , Rose Marcus
Published: March 2017

The catalytic aqueous-phase amination of biogenic alcohols with solid catalysts is reported for future development of renewable amine value-added chains.
N-Doped graphene as a metal-free catalyst for glucose oxidation to succinic acid
Authors: Rizescu Cristina , Podolean Iunia , Albero Josep , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Coman Simona M. , Bucur Cristina , Puche Marta , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: March 2017

N-Containing graphenes have been found to act as catalysts for the selective wet oxidation of glucose to succinic acid.
A highly sensitive graphene woven fabric strain sensor for wearable wireless musical instruments
Authors: Liu Xu , Tang Chen , Du Xiaohan , Xiong Shuai , Xi Siyuan , Liu Yuefeng , Shen Xi , Zheng Qingbin , Wang Zhenyu , Wu Ying , Horner Andrew , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: March 2017

Integrated GWF/PDMS composite sensors with Bluetooth wireless communication and smartphone function as a wireless wearable musical instrument.
Core cross-linked double hydrophilic block copolymer micelles based on multiple hydrogen-bonding interactions
Authors: Chen Jingsi , Yan Bin , Wang Xiaogang , Huang Qingxue , Thundat Thomas , Zeng Hongbo
Published: March 2017

Facile preparation and characterization of core cross-linked micelles via strong multiple hydrogen bonds using well-defined thermo-responsive double hydrophilic block copolymers.
Versatile oligomers and polymers from flavonoids – a new approach to synthesis
Authors: Oliver Susan , Hook James M. , Boyer Cyrille
Published: March 2017

Antioxidant oligomers and polymers have been prepared from two flavonoids, catechin and quercetin, using a new facile technique.
Development of a compact MnO2 filter for removal of SO2 from diesel vehicle emissions
Authors: Liu Xuecheng , Osaka Yugo , Huang Hongyu , Li Jun , He Zhaohong , Yang Xixian , Huhetaoli Huhetaoli , Li Shijie , Kobayashi Noriyuki
Published: March 2017

Increasing concern about sulfur dioxide (SO2) from diesel vehicle exhausts causing detrimental effects on NOx removal catalysts has resulted in the development of dry desulfurization filters for complete removal of SO2.
Cytotoxicity study of polyethylene glycol derivatives
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Li Yongsan , Yang Lei , Wei Yen , Wang Xing , Wang Zhiming , Tao Lei
Published: March 2017

Cytotoxicity of PEG oligomers (with different molecular weights) and PEG based monomers (with different chain end groups) was studied in detail.
Optical band gap tuning by laser induced Bi diffusion into As2Se3film probed by spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Behera Mukta , Behera Sunita , Naik Ramakanta
Published: March 2017

Amorphous chalcogenide semiconducting materials are very sensitive to electromagnetic radiation and are useful for infrared optics and play a pivotal role in modern technology.
Regioselective chitosan end-group activation: the triskelion approach
Authors: Pickenhahn V. D. , Grange M. , De Crescenzo G. , Lavertu M. , Buschmann M. D.
Published: March 2017

Non-reactive chitosan extremities are regioselectively activated with a trivalent linker, called triskelion, allowing subsequent end-group functionalization with any thiol-reactive species.
Rapid, stable and self-powered perovskite detectors via a fast chemical vapor deposition process
Authors: Tong Guoqing , Geng Xiangshun , Yu Yongqiang , Yu Linwei , Xu Jun , Jiang Yang , Sheng Yun , Shi Yi , Chen Kunji
Published: March 2017

Organometal halide perovskite materials are outstanding candidates not only for solar cells but also for photo-detection.
Selective turn-on near-infrared fluorescence probe for hypoxic tumor cell imaging
Authors: Jin Chen , Zhang Qiumeng , Lu Wei
Published: March 2017

In this study, we designed a new selective turn on near-infrared fluorescence probe by conjugating (1-methyl-2-nitro-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methanol toDCPOwith ether linkage for hypoxic tumor cell imaging.
Synthesis and anticancer activity of prodigiosenes bearing C-ring esters and amides
Authors: Lund Kate-lyn A. R. , Figliola Carlotta , Kajetanowicz Aleksandra K. , Thompson Alison
Published: March 2017

Ten novel prodigiosenes with anticancer activity.
Alkaline-promoted Ni based ordered mesoporous catalysts with enhanced low-temperature catalytic activity toward CO2 methanation
Authors: Xu Leilei , Wang Fagen , Chen Mindong , Yang Haoming , Nie Dongyang , Qi Lu , Lian Xinbo
Published: March 2017

Mg alkaline-promoted Ni ordered mesoporous catalysts possess enhanced catalytic activities and stabilities toward CO2 methanation due to decreasing CO2 activation energy.
Ag3PO4/CoFe2O4 magnetic nanocomposite: synthesis, characterization and applications in catalytic reduction of nitrophenols and sunlight-assisted photocatalytic degradation of organic dye pollutants
Authors: Abroushan Eslam , Farhadi Saeed , Zabardasti Abedien
Published: March 2017

A novel magnetically recyclable Ag3PO4/CoFe2O4 nanocomposite was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and its photocatalytic/catalytic performance for the degradation of organic dyes or reduction of nitro compounds was investigated.
An easily modified method using FeCl3 to synthesize nanoporous gold with a high surface area
Authors: Shao Kenan , Fang Chun , Yao Yinfang , Zhao Canyun , Yang Zhi , Liu Jianguo , Zou Zhigang
Published: March 2017

Illustration of the dealloying of nanoporous gold using FeCl3.
Inhibitory effects of three bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids on lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation
Authors: Meng Xue-Lian , Zheng Liang-Chao , Liu Jia , Gao Cheng-Cheng , Qiu Ma-Chao , Liu Ying-Ying , Lu Jing , Wang Dan , Chen Chang-Lan
Published: March 2017

Three bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (liensinine, neferine, and isoliensinine) inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation.
Factors affecting p-nitrophenol removal by microscale zero-valent iron coupling with weak magnetic field (WMF)
Authors: Du Juanshan , Che Di , Li Xiaofan , Guo Wanqian , Ren Nanqi
Published: March 2017

The effect of WMF on the kinetics of p-nitrophenol (PNP) removal by six commercial zero-valent iron (ZVI) samples from different origins were studied at pH 4.0.
Correction: Enantiomeric resolution and simulation studies of four enantiomers of 5-bromo-3-ethyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperidine-2,6-dione on a Chiralpak IA column
Authors: Ali Imran , Lone Mohammad Nadeem , Suhail Mohd , AL-Othman Zeid A. , Alwarthan Abdulrahman
Published: March 2017

Correction for ‘Enantiomeric resolution and simulation studies of four enantiomers of 5-bromo-3-ethyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperidine-2,6-dione on a Chiralpak IA column’ by Imran Ali et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 14372–14380.
Ultrahigh stability of high-power nanofibrillar PEDOT supercapacitors
Authors: Acharya Shinjita , Santino Luciano M. , Lu Yang , Anandarajah Hari , Wayne Aly , D'Arcy Julio M.
Published: March 2017

PEDOT nanofibers show unprecedented cycling stability in aqueous supercapacitors, 90% capacitance for 350 000 cycles, and exhibit excellent power and energy density (25 kWkg−1 and 4.3 W h kg−1) at 1 V.
Effective charge-discriminated group separation of metal ions under highly acidic conditions using nanodiamond-pillared graphene oxide membrane
Authors: Wang Lei , Guo Xinghua , Cao Kecheng , Li Bo , Li Yang , Zhang Meicheng , Wen Rui , Li Xing , Li Shoujian , Ma Lijian
Published: March 2017

Precise charge-discriminated group separation of coexisting cations in nitric acid solution was achieved by the as-prepared nanodiamond-pillared graphene oxide membrane.
A dual-functional organic p–n bilayer catalyst comprising a perylene derivative and cobalt phthalocyanine working under illumination and in the dark
Authors: Abe Toshiyuki , Okumura Masato , Kikuchi Yuko , Itoh Takashi , Nagai Keiji
Published: March 2017

An organic p–n bilayer showed dual catalysis (i.e. photocatalysis and dark catalysis) for the oxidation of thiol along with the reduction of H+.
Selective blocking of grain boundary defects in high-flux zeolite membranes by coking
Authors: Korelskiy D. , Ye P. , Nabavi M. S. , Hedlund J.
Published: March 2017

Commercial application of zeolite membranes has been hindered by the challenge of preparing defect-free membranes. We have developed a facile but effective method based on mild coking that is able to selectively block defects in high-permeance zeolite membranes. The developed method also has a high practical value as it can be easily adapted for repairing membranes already mounted in the module.
Ruthenium–nickel–nickel hydroxide nanoparticles for room temperature catalytic hydrogenation
Authors: Zhu Lihua , Shan Shiyao , Petkov Valeri , Hu Weiwei , Kroner Anna , Zheng Jinbao , Yu Changlin , Zhang Nuowei , Li Yunhua , Luque Rafael , Zhong Chuan-Jian , Ye Hengqiang , Yang Zhiqing , Chen Bing H.
Published: March 2017

Ru nanoclusters on Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles supported on carbon (Ru/Ni/Ni(OH)2/C) were successfully prepared and characterized. Ru/Ni/Ni(OH)2/C exhibited an unprecedented catalytic activity for naphthalene hydrogenation at room temperature due to synergetic catalysis.
Anticoagulation Therapy in Children
Authors: Radulescu Vlad
Published: March 2017

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is very uncommon in children and adolescents compared with older adults, though its incidence has significantly increased over the past two decades. Given the rarity of the condition, the data on pediatric VTE lag behind the adult experience and consequently the management of VTE in children is, in large part, modeled on the adult strategies. This approach has certain limitations, given that young children have developmental particularities of the hemostatic system and differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various anticoagulant agents. The most commonly used anticoagulants in children continue to be the heparins and the vitamin K antagonists. Direct intravenous thrombin inhibitors, argatroban, bivalirudin, have very limited pediatric use. The non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant drugs (novel oral anticoagulants) present potential advantages in terms of efficacy, safety, and convenience, though pediatric data are limited to preclinical and small phase I trials. There are several ongoing phase I, II, and III trials for dabigatran rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, the results of which are likely to change the future management of pediatric thromboses.
Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome: A State of the Art Review
Authors: Mastrangelo Mario
Published: March 2017

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe age-dependent epileptic encephalopathy usually with onset between 1 and 8 years of age. Functional neuroimaging studies recently introduced the concept of Lennox–Gastaut as “secondary network epilepsy” resulting from dysfunctions of a complex system involving both cortical and subcortical structures (default-mode network, corticoreticular connections, and thalamus). These dysfunctions are produced by different disorders including hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathies, meningoencephalitis, cortical malformations, neurocutaneous disorders, or tumors. The list of etiologies was expanded to pathogenic copy number variants at whole-genome array comparative genomic hybridization associated with late-onset cases or pathogenic mutations involving genes, such as GABRB3, ALG13, SCN8A, STXBP1, DNM1, FOXG1, or CHD2. Various clinical trials demonstrated the usefulness of different drugs (including rufinamide, clobazam, lamotrigine, topiramate, or felbamate), ketogenic diet, resective surgery, corpus callosotomy, and vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of epileptic manifestations. The outcome of LGS often remains disappointing regarding seizure control or cognitive functioning. The realization of animal models, which are still lacking, and the full comprehension of molecular mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis and cognitive impairment would give a relevant support to further improvements in therapeutic strategies for LGS patients.
Analytical and numerical evaluation of electron-injection detector optimized for SWIR photon detection
Authors: Movassaghi Yashar , Fathipour Vala , Fathipour Morteza , Mohseni Hooman
Published: March 2017

Recent results from our electron-injection detectors as well as other heterojunction phototransistors with gain suggest that these devices are useful in many applications including medical imaging, light detection and ranging, and low-light level imaging. However, there are many parameters to optimize such structures. Earlier, we showed a good agreement between experimental results and our models. In this paper, we provide detailed analytical models for rise time, gain, and dark current that very accurately evaluate key parameters of the device. These show an excellent agreement with detailed three-dimensional numerical simulations. We also explore a figure of merit that is useful for low-light-detection applications. Based on this figure of merit, we examine the ultimate sensitivity of the device. Furthermore, we explore the effects of variations in some of the key parameters in the device design and present an optimum structure for the best figure of merit. Our models suggest ways to improve the existing devices that we have, and may be a guideline for similar phototransistors.
An arbitrary wavelength solver for global gyrokinetic simulations. Application to the study of fine radial structures on microturbulence due to non-adiabatic passing electron dynamics
Authors: Dominski J. , McMillan B. F. , Brunner S. , Merlo G. , Tran T.-M. , Villard L.
Published: March 2017

The influence of the fine layers of the non-adiabatic passing electron response on electrostatic turbulent transport, previously studied systematically in flux tube geometry [Dominski et al., Phys. Plasmas 22, 062303 (2015)], is pursued in global geometry in conditions relevant for the TCV tokamak with a deuterium plasma (mi/me = 3672). The spectral organization of the passing electron turbulent flux and its dependence on the radial profile of the safety factor are revealed. A radially dependent toroidal spectral analysis of the turbulent fluxes led to the key result that the particle and heat diffusivities of passing-electrons are proportional to the local density of low-order mode rational surfaces. To permit this study of the short radial scales associated with the passing electron dynamics, a new field solver valid at an arbitrary wavelength is implemented in ORB5, for the gyrokinetic quasi-neutrality equation. A benchmark is conducted against the global version of the gyrokinetic code GENE, showing very good agreement.
Toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes with nonlinear gyrokinetic and fluid hybrid models
Authors: Cole M. D. J. , Biancalani A. , Bottino A. , Kleiber R. , Könies A. , Mishchenko A.
Published: March 2017

Alfvén eigenmodes may be important in driving fast particle transport in magnetic confinement fusion devices, with potentially deleterious results. To explain and predict this behaviour, numerical simulations are necessary. In order to predict transport, modes must be simulated through to their nonlinear saturated state. In this work, the first simulations of non-linear wave-particle interaction between an energetic particle population and a Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmode are performed in which fluctuations responding self-consistently to modification of the fast particle profile are calculated with gyrokinetic treatment of all plasma species. Results from two such gyrokinetic codes are compared with new results from non-perturbative and perturbative fluid-gyrokinetic hybrid codes. There is a power-law relationship between the saturated magnetic perturbation amplitude, δB∕B0, and the linear mode growth rate, γL. All models show a transition from a higher to a lower exponent regime with increasing γL. Measured values of the higher exponent from different codes fall in a range between 1.45 and 1.79, while the lower exponent falls in a range between 0.47 and 0.79. There is a consistent difference of 1.0 between the higher and lower exponents independent of the model. The absolute level of saturated δB∕B0 is determined by the damping rate. In the fluid-gyrokinetic hybrid codes, an ad-hoc damping is applied, while in the gyrokinetic case the measured damping is consistent with the estimated rate of physical electron Landau damping.
Surface optical phonon propagation in defect modulated nanowires
Authors: Venkatesan Sriram , Mancabelli Tobia , Krogstrup Peter , Hartschuh Achim , Dehm Gerhard , Scheu Christina
Published: March 2017

Planar defects, such as stacking faults and twins, are the most common defects in III–V semiconductor nanowires. Here we report on the effect of surface perturbation caused by twin planes on surface optical (SO) phonon modes. Self-catalyzed GaAs nanowires with varying planar defect density were grown by molecular beam epitaxy and investigated by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SO phonon peaks have been detected, and the corresponding spatial period along the nanowire axis were measured to be 1.47 μm (±0.47 μm) and 446 nm (±35 nm) for wires with twin densities of about 0.6 (±0.2) and 2.2 (±0.18) per micron. For the wires with extremely high density of twins, no SO phonon peaks were detected. TEM analysis of the wires reveal that the average distance between the defects are in good agreement with the SO phonon spatial period determined by Raman spectroscopy.
The dielectric properties of gaseous cryogen mixtures of He, H2, Ne, and N2 in a temperature range of 50–80 K at pressures up to 2.0 MPa
Authors: Park Chanyeop , Graber Lukas , Pamidi Sastry
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the dielectric properties of various mixtures of potential gaseous cryogens containing helium (He), hydrogen (H2), neon (Ne), and nitrogen (N2) under extended temperature and pressure ranges for high-temperature superconducting applications. We present the results of the Boltzmann analysis on a variety of binary and ternary gas mixtures in terms of the electron energy distribution function and the coefficients that represent the electron kinetic process, including the density-reduced ionization coefficient (α/N), the density-reduced attachment coefficient (η/N), the density-reduced effective ionization coefficient ((α−η)/N), and the density-reduced critical electric field ((E/N)cr). The study provides insights into the important characteristics and correlations that lead to the enhanced dielectric strength of gas mixtures and predicts further enhancements in the dielectric strengths of He-H2 mixtures by introducing the ternary mixtures of He-H2-N2. The study results recommend the potential ternary gas mixtures suitable for various cryogenic operating conditions and aid in the development of superconducting applications incorporating gaseous cryogens.
Energy exchange in the systems with non-uniform thermal sources
Authors: Vaulina Olga S.
Published: March 2017

Processes of an energy exchange in the systems of interacting grains with non-uniform spatial distribution of thermal sources and/or any other sources of stochastic kinetic energy are considered. For the first time, the theoretical model for the analysis of energy balance in dissipative systems is proposed. On the basis of this model, the analytical relations for the redistribution of “kinetic temperature” between the charged grains are found. The obtained relations were tested by numerical simulations of the problem for Yukawa systems.
On the correspondence between classical geometric phase of gyro-motion and quantum Berry phase
Authors: Zhu Hongxuan , Qin Hong
Published: March 2017

We show that the geometric phase of the gyro-motion of a classical charged particle in a uniform time-dependent magnetic field described by Newton's equation can be derived from a coherent Berry phase for the coherent states of the Schrödinger equation or the Dirac equation. This correspondence is established by constructing coherent states for a particle using the energy eigenstates on the Landau levels and proving that the coherent states can maintain their status of coherent states during the slow varying of the magnetic field. It is discovered that the orbital Berry phases of the eigenstates interfere coherently to produce an observable effect (which we termed “coherent Berry phase”), which is exactly the geometric phase of the classical gyro-motion. This technique works for the particles with and without spin. For particles with spin, on each of the eigenstates that make up the coherent states, the Berry phase consists of two parts that can be identified as those due to the orbital and the spin motion. It is the orbital Berry phases that interfere coherently to produce a coherent Berry phase corresponding to the classical geometric phase of the gyro-motion. The spin Berry phases of the eigenstates, on the other hand, remain to be quantum phase factors for the coherent states and have no classical counterpart.
Ion parallel closures
Authors: Ji Jeong-Young , Lee Hankyu Q. , Held Eric D.
Published: March 2017

Ion parallel closures are obtained for arbitrary atomic weights and charge numbers. For arbitrary collisionality, the heat flow and viscosity are expressed as kernel-weighted integrals of the temperature and flow-velocity gradients. Simple, fitted kernel functions are obtained from the 1600 parallel moment solution and the asymptotic behavior in the collisionless limit. The fitted kernel parameters are tabulated for various temperature ratios of ions to electrons. The closures can be used conveniently without solving the kinetic equation or higher order moment equations in closing ion fluid equations.
Importance of angular mismatch on anisotropic field-effect mobility in solution-processed organic thin-film transistors
Authors: Kim Do-Kyung , Vincent Premkumar , Kwon Jin-Hyuk , Kim Young-Rae , Kang Shin-Won , Bae Jin-Hyuk
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate the influence of angular mismatch on the field-effect mobility in solution-processed organic thin-film transistors based on the study of anisotropic organic semiconductor (OSC) layer characteristics. The mobility alteration caused by angular mismatch was significantly affected by the molecular alignment and crystallinity characteristics. In particular, the sensitivity of mobility increased with angular mismatch. This tendency was more pronounced as the molecular alignment and crystallinity were enhanced. These results clearly show the dependence of the anisotropic mobility properties, which were induced by angular mismatch, on the OSC film characteristics.
Controlling plasmon modes and damping in buckled two-dimensional material open systems
Authors: Iurov Andrii , Gumbs Godfrey , Huang Danhong , Zhemchuzhna Liubov
Published: March 2017

Full ranges of both hybrid plasmon-mode dispersions and their damping are studied systematically by our recently developed mean-field theory in open systems involving a conducting substrate and a two-dimensional (2D) material with a buckled honeycomb lattice, such as silicene, germanene, and a group IV dichalcogenide as well. In this hybrid system, the single plasmon mode for a free-standing 2D layer is split into one acoustic-like and one optical-like mode, leading to a dramatic change in the damping of plasmon modes. In comparison with gapped graphene, critical features associated with plasmon modes and damping in silicene and molybdenum disulfide are found with various spin-orbit and lattice asymmetry energy bandgaps, doping types and levels, and coupling strengths between 2D materials and the conducting substrate. The obtained damping dependence on both spin and valley degrees of freedom is expected to facilitate measuring the open-system dielectric property and the spin-orbit coupling strength of individual 2D materials. The unique linear dispersion of the acoustic-like plasmon mode introduces additional damping from the intraband particle-hole modes, which is absent for a free-standing 2D material layer, and the use of molybdenum disulfide with a large bandgap simultaneously suppresses the strong damping from the interband particle-hole modes.
High efficiency optical coupling in long wavelength quantum cascade infrared detector via quasi-one-dimensional grating plasmonic micro-cavity
Authors: Li L. , Xiong D. Y. , Tang Z. , Wen J. , Li N. , Chen P. P. , Zhu Z. Q.
Published: March 2017

A combination of quasi-one-dimensional grating and plasmonic micro-cavity is proposed as a normal-illuminated optical coupler for a long wavelength quantum cascade infrared detector. A finite difference time-domain method is used to numerically simulate the reflection spectra and the field distributions of the optical coupler. The average |Ez|2 in the active layer reaches 4.1 (V/m)2 under the 13.5 μm infrared normal illumination with a strength of 1 (V/m)2. A mixed state of localized surface plasmon and surface plasmonic polariton is observed. The results confirm that the quasi-one-dimensional grating plasmonic micro-cavity structure could generate more plasma excitation source, and as a consequence, a high optical coupling efficiency of 410% in the active region is obtained. Moreover, an excellent polarization-discriminating performance is observed.
Generalized Sagdeev approach to nonlinear plasma excitations
Authors: Akbari-Moghanjoughi M.
Published: March 2017

In this work, we extend the Sagdeev pseudopotential approach by introducing the generalized potential, which is used for the investigation of nonlinear periodic, solitary, as well as double layer excitations in plasmas. Particularly in the framework of the generalized potential, the nonlinear excitations are investigated based on their total Sagdeev pseudoenergy. In this framework, conventional solitons are categorized as species with zero Sagdeev energy. A new type of positive energy solitons with subsonic Mach numbers is found. It is remarked that positive energy solitons do not obey the standard behavior of KdV solitons. Different types of nonlinear excitations are characterized in terms of their Sagdeev energy, and the parametric regions in which they exist are studied in detail. The nonlinear periodic waves are found to be either negative or positive energy type, characteristics of which are found to be quite different. A small amplitude theory of Sagdeev cnoidal waves is developed, which can be used to investigate the low energy waves with Mach numbers close to the critical one. Using the new concept of Sagdeev energy, we study different properties of large amplitude positive and negative energy nonlinear periodic waves in a plasma with arbitrary degree of electron degeneracy ranging from dilute classical up to the completely degenerate plasmas.
Formation of high-speed electron jets as the evidence for magnetic reconnection in laser-produced plasma
Authors: Huang Kai , Huang Can , Dong Quanli , Lu Quanming , Lu San , Sheng Zhengming , Wang Shui , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2017

Experiments about the flow-driven magnetic reconnection in high-energy-density laser-produced plasmas have recently been conducted on different platforms of giant laser facilities. In this paper, we perform two-dimensional (2D) particle-in-cell simulations to study the interactions of two colliding laser-produced plasma bubbles with a self-generated toroidal magnetic field. Two cases are investigated: in one case, the two plasma bubbles have an anti-parallel magnetic field (AP-case) in the colliding region, and in the other case, the two interacting parts of the magnetic field are configured parallel to each other (P-case). In both cases, the quadrupole structure of the out-of-plane magnetic field is observed, as well as the Hall electric field and the electron energization in the colliding region. However, only in the AP-case, three well-collimated in-plane electron jets are observed. Two electron jets along the magnetic field at the edge of the plasma bubbles are formed because the electrons are trapped and accelerated by the out-of-plane electric field located between the two colliding bubbles and then move outward along the magnetic field. The high-speed electron jet in the middle of the outflow region is formed as the electrons are reflected and accelerated in the pileup region of the magnetic field, which is moving outward quickly. We demonstrate that besides the annihilation of the magnetic field in the colliding region between the two laser-produced plasma bubbles approaching each other, the three well-collimated electron jets can also be considered as the evidence for the magnetic reconnection.
Tuning the thickness of exfoliated quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 flakes by plasma etching
Authors: Kwon Yongbeom , Lee Geonyeop , Oh Sooyeoun , Kim Jihyun , Pearton Stephen J. , Ren Fan
Published: March 2017

We demonstrated the thinning of exfoliated quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 flakes by using a reactive ion etching technique. Mechanical exfoliation of the bulk β-Ga2O3 by using an adhesive tape was followed by plasma etching to tune its thickness. Since β-Ga2O3 is not a van der Waals material, it is challenging to obtain ultra-thin flakes below a thickness of 100 nm. In this study, an etch rate of approximately 16 nm/min was achieved at a power of 200 W with a flow of 50 sccm of SF6, and under these conditions, thinning of β-Ga2O3 flakes from 300 nm down to ∼60 nm was achieved with smooth morphology. We believe that the reaction between SF6 and Ga2O3 results in oxygen and volatile oxygen fluoride compounds, and non-volatile compounds such as GaFX that can be removed by ion bombardment. The opto-electrical properties were also characterized by fabricating solar-blind photodetectors using the plasma-thinned β-Ga2O3 flakes; these detectors showed fast response and decay with excellent responsivity and selectivity. Our results pave the way for tuning the thickness of two-dimensional materials by using this scalable, industry-compatible dry etching technique.
Bioassay using blocking temperature: Interparticle interactions between biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with biotargets
Authors: Wang C. Y. , Yang T. W. , Shen D. , Chen K. L. , Chen J. M. , Liao S. H. , Chieh J. J. , Yang H. C. , Wang L. M.
Published: March 2017

This paper reports a bioassay of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration achieved via the measurement of blocking temperature (TB). Biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) consisting of anti-alpha-fetoprotein coated onto dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles composed of Fe3O4 were prepared and then conjugated with AFP biotargets. It was found that both the saturation magnetization and value of TB increased with the concentration of the associated AFP. Furthermore, the dependence of TB of the samples on magnetic field agreed with the interparticle interaction model. Thus, this study demonstrated a platform to detect biomarkers by characterizing TB with a sensitivity limit of 20 ppb of AFP. The promising results obtained for this bioassay can be attributed to the interparticle interactions and Néel motions of magnetic moments in the BMNs.
Measurement research on magnetic properties of electrical sheet steel under different temperature, harmonic and dc bias
Authors: Chen Dezhi , Fang Liwei , Kwon Byung-il , Bai Baodong
Published: March 2017

The iron core of large power transformer is mainly composed of electrical sheet steel, which is easily affected by temperature, harmonic, and DC bias. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the magnetic properties of electrical sheet steel under different temperature, harmonic and DC Bias. This paper presents the experiment measurement system for the 30ZH120 electrical steel sheet. The B-H magnetization curve, permeability, and loss curve under different temperature, different harmonic, and different DC bias are given, respectively. The simulation of transformer is carried out by using measuring result under DC bias. The presented research provides a reference for optimizing the design of power transformer.
Optimization study on inductive-resistive circuit for broadband piezoelectric energy harvesters
Authors: Tan Ting , Yan Zhimiao
Published: March 2017

The performance of cantilever-beam piezoelectric energy harvester is usually analyzed with pure resistive circuit. The optimal performance of such a vibration-based energy harvesting system is limited by narrow bandwidth around its modified natural frequency. For broadband piezoelectric energy harvesting, series and parallel inductive-resistive circuits are introduced. The electromechanical coupled distributed parameter models for such systems under harmonic base excitations are decoupled with modified natural frequency and electrical damping to consider the coupling effect. Analytical solutions of the harvested power and tip displacement for the electromechanical decoupled model are confirmed with numerical solutions for the coupled model. The optimal performance of piezoelectric energy harvesting with inductive-resistive circuits is revealed theoretically as constant maximal power at any excitation frequency. This is achieved by the scenarios of matching the modified natural frequency with the excitation frequency and equating the electrical damping to the mechanical damping. The inductance and load resistance should be simultaneously tuned to their optimal values, which may not be applicable for very high electromechanical coupling systems when the excitation frequency is higher than their natural frequencies. With identical optimal performance, the series inductive-resistive circuit is recommended for relatively small load resistance, while the parallel inductive-resistive circuit is suggested for relatively large load resistance. This study provides a simplified optimization method for broadband piezoelectric energy harvesters with inductive-resistive circuits.
Successful chimera production in the Hungarian goose (Anser anser domestica) by intracardiac injection of blastodermal cells in 3-day-old embryos
Authors: Sztán Nikoletta , Lázár Bence , Bodzsár Nóra , Végi Barbara , Liptói Krisztina , Pain Bertrand , Várkonyi Eszter Patakiné
Published: March 2017

The conservation of genetic resources of avian species has become increasingly important over the past decade. The aim of the present study was to develop a genome preservation technique for the Hungarian goose Anser anser domestica. To this end, we developed a novel approach combining the simplicity of isolating a blastodermal cell suspension, which includes forming primordial germ cells (PGCs), with the efficiency of targeting future gonads by injecting these cells into the cardiac vein of the developing host embryo. First, we determined that the migratory period of PGCs in goose embryos was between 69 and 84 h of development. Then, we injected the blastodermal cell suspension into the bloodstream of recipient embryos at this stage of development and monitored donor cell transmission into the genital tract. In all, 249 embryos were injected; three were found to be chimeras in gonadal tissues, whereas only one was a chimera in other tissues. Based on these results, it is concluded that this method is suitable for producing chimeras in the domestic goose. The optimal time of cell injection was found to be between 74 and 76 h. The present study is the first report of the generation of chimeras in the domestic goose using intracardiac transplantation of embryonic cells.
Glutamine protects rabbit spermatozoa against oxidative stress via glutathione synthesis during cryopreservation
Authors: Zhu Zhendong , Fan Xiaoteng , Lv Yinghua , Lin Yan , Wu De , Zeng Wenxian
Published: March 2017

Mammalian spermatozoa are extremely susceptible to high doses of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of glutamine in protecting rabbit spermatozoa against ROS stress during cryopreservation and post-thaw incubation. Freshly ejaculated semen was diluted with Tris–citrate–glucose extender supplemented with glutamine. The addition of 20 mM glutamine significantly improved sperm motility, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity. Meanwhile, 20 mM glutamine addition decreased lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in frozen–thawed spermatozoa. Interestingly, supplementation with 20 mM glutamine led to increases in glutathione content and γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase and glutathione peroxidase activity, with concomitant decreases in ROS levels during cryopreservation and post-thaw incubation. In conclusion, the addition of glutamine to extender solutions protects rabbit spermatozoa from ROS attack by enhancing glutathione synthesis.
Politics, development and the instrumentalisation of (de)centralisation in Sierra Leone
Authors: Conteh Felix Marco
Published: March 2017

The politics of decentralisation reforms in Sierra Leone are unpredictable and instructive. This article, based on fieldwork, analyses party politics within the context of decentralisation, arguing that the imperatives of post-conflict decentralisation are not necessarily embedded in technical considerations, but in processes of political compromise and accommodation. Decentralisation has helped facilitate the re-emergence of the old political order, in that the country’s main political parties have secured a consensus through which they have reconfigured the post-conflict state on their own terms. This study reveals that the narrative of a ‘divide’ within the political class is exaggerated, and illustrates the homogeneity and interconnectedness of its interests. The extent to which the ‘peace’ will be sustained by this compromise is uncertain, but this framing is useful in understanding the political economy in which ‘fragility’ and ‘peace’ co-exist, illuminating the political class’s agency, as well as its ability to ‘unite’ against ‘others’.
Inland Fisheries Habitat Management: Lessons Learned from Wildlife Ecology and a Proposal for Change
Authors: Sass Greg G. , Rypel Andrew L. , Stafford Joshua D.
Published: March 2017

The habitat concept in inland fisheries has been less studied than wildlife ecology. Since 1950, the cumulative number of publications about “freshwater or inland habitat and fisheries management” has been 60%–95% less than those considering “habitat and wildlife management.” The number of publications about “marine, river, and stream habitat and fisheries management” has also generally exceeded those for “lake habitat and fisheries management.” We provide a perspective comparing inland fish and wildlife habitat management systems and highlight lessons from wildlife ecology that could benefit inland fisheries. We reason that wildlife habitat management has become widespread and accepted because humans share habitats with wildlife and positive/negative responses to habitat restorations/loss are directly observable. We recommend that inland fisheries habitat studies and restorations include opportunities for humans to directly observe the ecological benefits of such practices. To support aquatic habitat management efforts, we suggest that dedicated funding solutions be considered to mitigate aquatic habitat loss. In theory, such a system would provide benefits to inland fish populations that parallel those provided to wildlife through state and federal stamps. Although aquatic habitat conservation and restoration may not solve management issues as rapidly, it will promote long-term sustainability and resiliency of diverse inland fish populations.
Estimating Fish Mortality Rates Using Telemetry and Multistate Models
Authors: Hightower Joseph E. , Harris Julianne E.
Published: March 2017

We simulated and evaluated multistate capture–recapture models to estimate mortality rates using telemetry data. Four field designs were considered: (A) fixed receivers to estimate total instantaneous mortality (Z), (B) manual searches to estimate instantaneous fishing (F) and natural (M) mortality, (C) fixed receivers combined with external high-reward tags to estimate F and M, and (D) manual searches combined with external high-reward tags to estimate M and fishing mortality rates associated with harvest (Fh) and catch-and-release death (Fcr) as well as the probability of death due to catch and release (α). Estimates generally appeared to be unbiased for a simulated study with five periods and releases of telemetered fish at the start of periods 1–4. Compared to estimating Z, larger sample sizes are needed to achieve reliable estimates of component rates (F and M). Estimates of component rates were more precise when that source of mortality was directly observed (M in design B, F in design C). The field design using fixed receivers and high-reward tags should be especially useful in practice, because manual searches are not required to estimate F and M. Multistate models are useful for clarifying the connection between field observations and ecological processes. Reliable estimates of mortality rates, coupled with information on behavior, habitat use, and movement, make telemetry a highly valuable tool for improving fisheries management and stock assessment.