bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coherent organization of electronic correlations as a mechanism to enhance and stabilize high-T
C cuprate superconductivity
Authors: Li Haoxiang , Zhou Xiaoqing , Parham Stephen , Reber Theodore J. , Berger Helmuth , Arnold Gerald B. , Dessau Daniel S.
Published: December 2017

Strong diffusive or incoherent electronic correlations are the signature of the strange-metal normal state of the cuprate superconductors, with these correlations considered to be undressed or removed in the superconducting state. A critical question is if these correlations are responsible for the high-temperature superconductivity. Here, utilizing a development in the analysis of angle-resolved photoemission data, we show that the strange-metal correlations don’t simply disappear in the superconducting state, but are instead converted into a strongly renormalized coherent state, with stronger normal state correlations leading to stronger superconducting state renormalization. This conversion begins well above TC at the onset of superconducting fluctuations and it greatly increases the number of states that can pair. Therefore, there is positive feedback––the superconductive pairing creates the conversion that in turn strengthens the pairing. Although such positive feedback should enhance a conventional pairing mechanism, it could potentially also sustain an electronic pairing mechanism.
Diabetes impairs wound healing by Dnmt1-dependent dysregulation of hematopoietic stem cells differentiation towards macrophages
Authors: Yan Jinglian , Tie Guodong , Wang Shouying , Tutto Amanda , DeMarco Natale , Khair Lyne , Fazzio Thomas G. , Messina Louis M.
Published: December 2017

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a 25-fold higher risk of limb loss than non-diabetics due in large part to impaired wound healing. Here, we show that the impaired wound healing phenotype found in T2D mice is recapitulated in lethally irradiated wild type recipients, whose hematopoiesis is reconstituted with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from T2D mice, indicating an HSC-autonomous mechanism. This impaired wound healing phenotype of T2D mice is due to a Nox-2-dependent increase in HSC oxidant stress that decreases microRNA let-7d-3p, which, in turn, directly upregulates Dnmt1, leading to the hypermethylation of Notch1, PU.1, and Klf4. This HSC-autonomous mechanism reduces the number of wound macrophages and skews their polarization towards M1 macrophages. These findings reveal a novel inflammatory mechanism by which a metabolic disorder induces an epigenetic mechanism in HSCs, which predetermines the gene expression of terminally differentiated inflammatory cells that controls their number and function.
Sirt2 facilitates hepatic glucose uptake by deacetylating glucokinase regulatory protein
Authors: Watanabe Hitoshi , Inaba Yuka , Kimura Kumi , Matsumoto Michihiro , Kaneko Shuichi , Kasuga Masato , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

Impaired hepatic glucose uptake (HGU) causes postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Here, we show that diminished hepatic Sirt2 activity impairs HGU in obese diabetic mice. Hepatic Sirt2 overexpression increases HGU in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese diabetic mice and mitigates their impaired glucose tolerance. Hepatic Sirt2 knockdown in non-diabetic mice reduces HGU and causes impaired glucose tolerance. Sirt2 promotes glucose-dependent HGU by deacetylating K126 of glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP). Glucokinase and GKRP glucose-dependent dissociation is necessary for HGU but is inhibited in hepatocytes derived from obese diabetic mice, depleted of Sirt2 or transfected with GKRP acetylation-mimicking mutants. GKRP deacetylation-mimicking mutants dissociate from glucokinase in a glucose concentration-dependent manner in obese diabetic mouse-derived hepatocytes and increase HGU and glucose tolerance in HFD-induced or db/db obese diabetic mice. We demonstrate that Sirt2-dependent GKRP deacetylation improves impaired HGU and suggest that it may be a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes.
Synergetic improvement of mechanical properties and surface activities in γ-irradiated carbon fibers revealed by radial positioning spectroscopy and mechanical model
Authors: Shan Mingjing , Wang Haibo , Xu Zhiwei , Li Nan , Chen Cheng , Shi Jie , Liu Liangsen , Kuang Liyun , Ma Meijun , Zhang Ce
Published: December 2017

The relationship between microstructures, surface activities, and mechanical properties of γ-irradiated carbon fibers has been evaluated quantitatively.
The uptake, retention and clearance of drug-loaded dendrimer nanoparticles in astrocytes – electrophysiological quantification
Authors: Chowdhury Helena H. , Cerqueira Susana R. , Sousa Nuno , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Reis Rui L. , Zorec Robert
Published: December 2017

Endocytosed dendrimer nanoparticles (NPs) are cleared from the astrocytes by an increased rate of transient exocytotic fusion events.
Enhancement of BMP-2-mediated angiogenesis and osteogenesis by 2-N,6-O-sulfated chitosan in bone regeneration
Authors: Pan Yuanzhong , Chen Jie , Yu Yuanman , Dai Kai , Wang Jing , Liu Changsheng
Published: December 2017

Sulfated polysaccharides are attractive semi-synthesized materials that can be used as a mimic of heparan sulfate to modulate the protein activity and other physiological processes.
Assembly of ZnII-coordination polymers constructed from benzothiadiazole functionalized bipyridines and V-shaped dicarboxylic acids: topology variety, photochemical and visible-light-driven photocatalytic properties
Authors: Song Wei-Chao , Liang Ling , Cui Xun-Zhe , Wang Xiu-Guang , Yang En-Cui , Zhao Xiao-Jun
Published: December 2017

Photocatalytic properties of four benzothiadiazole functionalized coordination polymers have been reported.
Layered double hydroxide decorated with Ag nanodendrites as an enhanced sensing platform for voltammetric determination of pyrazinamide
Authors: Amini Roghayeh , Asadpour-Zeynali Karim
Published: December 2017

A sensitive electrochemical sensor for pyrazinamide was constructed by electrodepositing Ag nanodendrites on the LDH-modified glassy carbon electrode.
Composition-dependent emission linewidth broadening in lead bromide perovskite (APbBr3, A = Cs and CH3NH3) nanoparticles
Authors: Ham Sujin , Chung Heejae , Kim Tae-Woo , Kim Jiwon , Kim Dongho
Published: December 2017

We explore composition-dependent emission linewidth broadening in lead bromide perovskite nanoparticles. The results provide insight into the development of light-emitting diodes with high color purity.
Selective cancer treatment via photodynamic sensitization of hypoxia-responsive drug delivery
Authors: He Hua , Zhu Rongying , Sun Wei , Cai Kaimin , Chen Yongbing , Yin Lichen
Published: December 2017

The precise and selective delivery of chemodrugs into tumors represents a critical requirement for anti-cancer therapy.
Interface engineering of a CeO2–Cu3P nanoarray for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Zao , Du Huitong , Liu Zhiang , Wang Hui , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: December 2017

A CeO2–Cu3P nanoarray supported on nickel foam (CeO2–Cu3P/NF) behaves as an efficient and stable 3D alkaline HER electrocatalyst.
Cost-effective synthesis and solution processing of porous polymer networks through methanesulfonic acid-mediated aldol triple condensation
Authors: Guo Zi-Hao , Wang Chenxu , Zhang Qiang , Che Sai , Zhou Hong-Cai , Fang Lei
Published: December 2017

A highly efficient aldol triple condensation method was developed for scalable synthesis and solution processing of conjugated porous polymer networks.
Electrochemically substituted metal phthalocyanines, e-MPc (M = Co, Ni), as highly active and selective catalysts for CO2reduction
Authors: Cheng Yi , Veder Jean-Pierre , Thomsen Lars , Zhao Shiyong , Saunders Martin , Demichelis Raffaella , Liu Chang , De Marco Roland , Jiang San Ping
Published: December 2017

The Fe center in FePc can be electrochemically substituted by Co and Ni, achieving high activity and stability for CO2reduction.
Auditory Verbal Therapy: A Family-Centered Listening and Spoken Language Intervention for Children With Hearing Loss and Their Families
Authors: Rosenzweig Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2017

There are many ways for children with hearing loss to learn to communicate. Advances in universal newborn hearing screening and hearing technology have enabled many families to elect a listening and spoken language outcome for their children, regardless of degree of hearing loss. Auditory Verbal Therapy is a family-centered approach to developing listening and spoken language for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Professionals certified in Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) provide services under a guiding set of 10 principles, enumerated in this article with their attendant research bases and practical/clinical implications.
Parent-Professional Partnerships: Managing Behavior to Increase Hearing Aid Use
Authors: Preston Elizabeth , Twohig Michael , Muñoz Karen
Published: December 2017

For development of spoken language, children need to consistently use appropriately fitted amplification. There is extensive variability in hearing aid use, particularly with younger children (Muñoz, Preston, & Hicken, 2014; Walker et al., 2013), and parents have reported challenges influencing how much children use their hearing aids including negative behaviors (Muñoz et al., 2015; Muñoz et al., 2016). Audiologists need to incorporate approaches to behavior changes with the families, which is often not a skill we have been trained to focus on. Teaching the parents a few simple steps might drastically reduce problematic actions and increase desired ones. Setting up a plan where the caregiver systematically reinforces what is wanted, ignores what is not wanted, and only punishes what is dangerous is one strategy that can be used. As part of a longitudinal case study, Muñoz et al. (2017) found that with the support of the audiologist, the parent learned how to provide positive reinforcements that motivated her child and increased the amount of time she provided individual attention. When child behavior interferes with hearing aid use, audiologists have an important role in partnering with parents to explore and address the issues in order to provide best practice.
Changes in the cyclotron line energy on short and long timescales in V 0332+53
Authors: Vybornov V. , Doroshenko V. , Staubert R. , Santangelo A.
Published: December 2017

We present the results of the pulse-amplitude-resolved spectroscopy of the accreting pulsar V 0332+53 using the NuSTAR observations of the source in 2015 and 2016. We investigate the dependence of the energy of the cyclotron resonant scattering feature (CRSF) as a function of X-ray luminosity on timescales comparable with the spin period of the pulsar within individual observations, and the behavior on longer timescales within and between the two observed outbursts. We confirm that in both cases the CRSF energy is negatively correlated with flux at luminosities higher than the critical luminosity and is positively correlated at lower luminosities. We also confirm the recently reported gradual decrease in the line energy during the giant outburst in 2015. Using the NuSTAR data, we find that this decrease was consistent with a linear decay throughout most of the outburst, and flattened or even reversed at the end of the 2015 outburst, approximately simultaneously with the transition to the subcritical regime. We also confirm that by the following outburst in 2016 the line energy rebounded to previous values. The observed behavior of the CRSF energy with time is discussed in terms of changes in the geometry of the CRSF forming region caused by changes in the effective magnetospheric radius.
How cores grow by pebble accretion
Authors: Brouwers M. G. , Vazan A. , Ormel C. W.
Published: December 2017

Context. Planet formation by pebble accretion is an alternative to planetesimal-driven core accretion. In this scenario, planets grow by the accretion of cm- to m-sized pebbles instead of km-sized planetesimals. One of the main differences with planetesimal-driven core accretion is the increased thermal ablation experienced by pebbles. This can provide early enrichment to the planet’s envelope, which influences its subsequent evolution and changes the process of core growth.

Aims. We aim to predict core masses and envelope compositions of planets that form by pebble accretion and compare mass deposition of pebbles to planetesimals. Specifically, we calculate the core mass where pebbles completely evaporate and are absorbed before reaching the core, which signifies the end of direct core growth.

Methods. We model the early growth of a protoplanet by calculating the structure of its envelope, taking into account the fate of impacting pebbles or planetesimals. The region where high-Z material can exist in vapor form is determined by the temperature-dependent vapor pressure. We include enrichment effects by locally modifying the mean molecular weight of the envelope.

Results. In the pebble case, three phases of core growth can be identified. In the first phase (Mcore < 0.23–0.39 M⊕), pebbles impact the core without significant ablation. During the second phase (Mcore < 0.5M⊕), ablation becomes increasingly severe. A layer of high-Z vapor starts to form around the core that absorbs a small fraction of the ablated mass. The rest of the material either rains out to the core or instead mixes outwards, slowing core growth. In the third phase (Mcore > 0.5M⊕), the high-Z inner region expands outwards, absorbing an increasing fraction of the ablated material as vapor. Rainout ends before the core mass reaches 0.6 M⊕, terminating direct core growth. In the case of icy H2O pebbles, this happens before 0.1 M⊕.

Conclusions. Our results indicate that pebble accretion can directly form rocky cores up to only 0.6 M⊕, and is unable to form similarly sized icy cores. Subsequent core growth can proceed indirectly when the planet cools, provided it is able to retain its high-Z material.
HADES RV programme with HARPS-N at TNG
Authors: Suárez Mascareño A. , Rebolo R. , González Hernández J. I. , Toledo-Padrón B. , Perger M. , Ribas I. , Affer L. , Micela G. , Damasso M. , Maldonado J. , González-Alvarez E. , Leto G. , Pagano I. , Scandariato G. , Sozzetti A. , Lanza A. F. , Malavolta L. , Claudi R. , Cosentino R. , Desidera S. , Giacobbe P. , Maggio A. , Rainer M. , Esposito M. , Benatti S. , Pedani M. , Morales J. C. , Herrero E. , Lafarga M. , Rosich A. , Pinamonti M.
Published: December 2017

We aim to investigate the presence of signatures of magnetic cycles and rotation on a sample of 71 early M-dwarfs from the HADES RV programme using high-resolution time-series spectroscopy of the Ca II H&K and Hα chromospheric activity indicators, the radial velocity series, the parameters of the cross correlation function and the V -band photometry. We used mainly HARPS-N spectra, acquired over 4 yr, and add HARPS spectra from the public ESO database and ASAS photometry light-curves as support data, extending the baseline of the observations of some stars up to 12 yr. We provide log10(R′HK) measurements for all the stars in the sample, cycle length measurements for 13 stars, rotation periods for 33 stars and we are able to measure the semi-amplitude of the radial velocity signal induced by rotation in 16 stars. We complement our work with previous results and confirm and refine the previously reported relationships between the mean level of chromospheric emission, measured by the log10(R′HK), with the rotation period, and with the measured semi-amplitude of the activity induced radial velocity signal for early M-dwarfs. We searched for a possible relation between the measured rotation periods and the lengths of the magnetic cycle, finding a weak correlation between both quantities. Using previous v sin i measurements we estimated the inclinations of the star’s poles to the line of sight for all the stars in the sample, and estimate the range of masses of the planets GJ 3998 b and c (2.5–4.9 and 6.3–12.5 M⊕), GJ 625 b (2.82 M⊕), GJ 3942 b (7.1–10.0 M⊕) and GJ 15A b (3.1–3.3 M⊕), assuming their orbits are coplanar with the stellar rotation.
Estimated Placental Volume and Gestational Age
Authors: Isakov Kimberly , Emerson John , Campbell Katherine , Galerneau France , Anders Amber , Lee Yoonjoo , Subramanyam Pritha , Roberts Andrea , Kliman Harvey
Published: December 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to validate estimated placental volume (EPV) across a range of gestational ages (GAs).

Study Design Three hundred sixty-six patients from 2009 to 2011 received ultrasound scans between 11 + 0 and 38 + 6 weeks GA to assess EPV. An EPV versus GA best fit curve was generated and compared with published normative curves of EPV versus GA in a different population. A subanalysis was performed to explore the relationship between EPV and birth weight (BW).

Results Analysis of EPV versus GA revealed a parabolic curve with the following best fit equation: EPV = (0.372 GA − 0.00364 GA2)3. EPV was weakly correlated with BW, and patients with an EPV in the bottom 50th percentile had 2.42 times the odds of having a newborn with a BW in the bottom 50th percentile (95% confidence interval: 1.27–4.68). Microscopic evaluation of two placentas corresponding to the smallest EPV outliers revealed significant placental pathology.

Conclusion Placental volume increases throughout gestation and follows a predictable parabolic curve, in agreement with the existing literature. Further validation is required, but EPV may have the potential for clinical utility as a screening tool in a variety of settings.
Modeling and experimental study of a linear power generator for road energy harvesting
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Zhang Shaopeng , Yao Tao , Lv Dianli , Zhang Huijuan
Published: December 2017

There are a large number of vehicles running on the road, and the shape of the road surface varies accordingly. Thus, this kinetic energy can be harvested to power electrical equipment along the road, and this energy harvesting technology has good environmental adaptability because it will not be affected by the sun, wind, or other natural environmental factors. A permanent magnet linear generator is designed and tested for road kinetic energy harvesting. The generator is described by a single degree of freedom system model with mass-spring-damping. The system response is analysed on the basis of the system model. The mover's vibration response is modeled over two stages according to the vehicle's wheel load. The power generation process is simulated and calculated according to the aforementioned models. The magnetic force and magnetic field are calculated by use of the finite element method; because of the non-linear magnetic force, the output electromotive force (EMF) is subject to frequency multiplication under conditions of sinusoidal displacement input. A prototype is manufactured and embedded in the road for experimental research purposes. The test result shows that the maximum peak-to-peak value of the output EMF and average power are up to 484.18 V and 255.1 W, respectively, as a car passes over the generator at a speed 20 km/h. Moreover, the time-domain and amplitude-frequency characteristics agree well with those calculated. It is demonstrated that the proposed model is able to describe the road power generator.
Temperature-dependent charge transport mechanisms in carbon sphere/polyaniline composite
Authors: Nieves Cesar A. , Martinez Luis M. , Meléndez Anamaris , Ortiz Margarita , Ramos Idalia , Pinto Nicholas J. , Zimbovskaya Natalya
Published: December 2017

Charge transport in the temperature range 80 K < T < 300 K was studied in a composite of carbon spheres (CS), prepared via hydrothermal carbonization of sucrose, and the conducting polymer polyaniline (PANi). PANi was synthesized via the oxidative polymerization of aniline with ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) in acidic media. The CS/PANi composite was prepared by coating the spheres with a thin polyaniline (PANi) film doped with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in situ during the polymerization process. Temperature dependent conductivity measurements show that three dimensional variable range hopping of electrons between polymeric chains in PANi-filled gaps between CS is the predominant transport mechanism through CS/PANi composites. The high conductivity of the CS/PANi composite makes the material attractive for the fabrication of devices and sensors.
Temperature-dependent transport properties of graphene decorated by alkali metal adatoms (Li, K)
Authors: Woo S. , Hemmatiyan S. , Morrison T. D. , Rathnayaka K. D. D. , Lyuksyutov I. F. , Naugle D. G.
Published: December 2017

We report the electrical transport properties of graphene for dilute alkali metal decoration (n ∼ 2 × 1012 cm−2) at cryogenic temperatures. Upon deposition of K and Li atoms at T = 20 K, graphene devices are doped with electrons, and the charge carrier mobility is decreased. As temperature is increased, the number of electrons donated to the graphene and the number of charged scatterers are reduced, and the mobility of the metal decorated graphene is increased. This differs from the typical temperature-dependent transport in undecorated graphene, where the mobility decreases with increasing temperature. To investigate the kinetic behavior of adatoms on graphene, we estimate the hopping time of the Li and K adatoms on graphene based on the migration barrier in the low concentration regime of the metal adatoms by Density Functional Theory calculations. The calculations reveal that these adatoms are mobile even at cryogenic temperatures and become more mobile with increasing temperature, allowing for cluster formation of adatoms. This indicates that the dominant factor in the electron transport on warming is a cluster formation.
Strain dependence of diffusion in Zr-based bulk amorphous alloy
Authors: Lee A-Young , Song Jae-Kyung , Oh Hye-Ryeong , Kim Hyun-ah , Kim Song-Yi , Kwon Ah-Ram , Park Eun-Soo , Lim Chae-Ho , Eckert Jürgen , Lee Min-Ha
Published: December 2017

We evaluated the effect of strain on the diffusion process of amorphous alloys related to the strain mode in both as-cast and plastically deformed Zr-based bulk amorphous alloy. Experimental investigations of the diffusion process and the elemental distributions in the amorphous alloy were performed by secondary ion mass spectrometry after annealing at 523 K following 30% plastic deformation by multiple cold rolling. Mathematical modeling analyses show an inhomogeneous sequence of the diffusion process by effective strain. The compressive strain near the surface of the deformed amorphous alloy retards ∼13.7% of the diffusion process compared to the as-cast amorphous alloy. The combined experimental and mathematical analyses results reveal that the diffusion process of bulk amorphous alloys can be changed by strain variation and can be adjusted by controlling the effective strain during deformation.
Point defect reduction in MOCVD (Al)GaN by chemical potential control and a comprehensive model of C incorporation in GaN
Authors: Reddy Pramod , Washiyama Shun , Kaess Felix , Kirste Ronny , Mita Seiji , Collazo Ramon , Sitar Zlatko
Published: December 2017

A theoretical framework that provides a quantitative relationship between point defect formation energies and growth process parameters is presented. It enables systematic point defect reduction by chemical potential control in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of III-nitrides. Experimental corroboration is provided by a case study of C incorporation in GaN. The theoretical model is shown to be successful in providing quantitative predictions of CN defect incorporation in GaN as a function of growth parameters and provides valuable insights into boundary phases and other impurity chemical reactions. The metal supersaturation is found to be the primary factor in determining the chemical potential of III/N and consequently incorporation or formation of point defects which involves exchange of III or N atoms with the reservoir. The framework is general and may be extended to other defect systems in (Al)GaN. The utility of equilibrium formalism typically employed in density functional theory in predicting defect incorporation in non-equilibrium and high temperature MOCVD growth is confirmed. Furthermore, the proposed theoretical framework may be used to determine optimal growth conditions to achieve minimum compensation within any given constraints such as growth rate, crystal quality, and other practical system limitations.
On the controlled isotropic shrinkage induced fine-tuning of photo-luminescence in terbium ions embedded silica inverse opal films
Authors: Shrivastava Vishnu Prasad , Kumar Jitendra , Sivakumar Sri
Published: December 2017

Tb3+ embedded silica inverse opal structures with different photonic stop bands have been fabricated by annealing the SiO2-polystyrene spheres (diameter 390 nm) opal template at 320-650 oC. The PSB tuning realized in the wavelength range 498 – 600 nm is shown to depend on annealing temperature and impending isotropic shrinkage of silica matrix. The impact of wide PSB shift on four Tb3+ ion emission bands (blue, green, yellow, and red at 486, 545, 580, and 620 nm, respectively) corresponding to 5D4→7Fj (j = 6,5,4,3) transitions have been investigated. The effect amounts to significant suppression of emission bands at 586, 545 and 486 nm in inverse opals, obtained by annealing opal template at 350, 400, and 650 oC, respectively. Further, luminescence lifetime of Tb3+ ion 5D4 state increases with shrinkage induced in inverse opal progressively and get enhanced up to 2.3 times vis-à-vis reference silica. The changes in refractive index caused by thermal annealing of opal template is found to be responsible for the observed improvement in 5D4 state lifetime.
Manipulating photon coherence to enhance the security of distributed phase reference quantum key distribution
Authors: Roberts George L. , Lucamarini Marco , Dynes James F. , Savory Seb J. , Yuan Zhiliang , Shields Andrew J.
Published: December 2017

Distributed-phase-reference (DPR) systems were introduced as a method of decreasing the complexity of quantum key distribution systems for practical use. However, their information-theoretic security has only been proven when the added requirement of block-wise phase randomisation is met. Realisation of this with a conventional approach would result in a cumbersome transmitter, removing any practical advantage held by DPR systems. Here, we solve this problem using a light source that allows the coherence between pulses to be controlled on a pulse-by-pulse basis without the need for additional bulky components. The system is modulator-free, does not require a complex receiver, and features an excellent stability without an active stabilisation mechanism. We achieve megabit per second key rates that are almost three times higher than those obtained with the standard Bennet-Brassard 1984 protocol.
How solid surface free energy determines coalescence-induced nanodroplet jumping: A molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Sheng Qiang , Sun Jie , Wang Wen , Wang Hua Sheng , Bailey Colin G.
Published: December 2017

Molecular dynamics simulation is performed to investigate how solid surface free energy determines the coalescence-induced jumping of nanodroplet on superhydrophobic surfaces. The nanodroplet-jumping is found highly sensitive to the solid surface free energy represented by the fluid-solid bonding strength parameter β. The coalesced-nanodroplet fails to jump off the surface when β is 0.15 (contact angle being 145°) while succeeds to jump off the surface when β is 0.05 (contact angle being 175°). We find that a small proportion (ca. 2%–4%) of the surface free energy released in both cases is eventually converted to kinetic energy in the jumping direction, which is in the same order as the conversion efficiency previously predicted for microdroplets. A lower solid surface free energy decreases viscous and interfacial dissipation and hence increases the kinetic energy converted and eventually leads to sufficient kinetic energy in the jumping direction for nanodroplet to jump up. Our results also address the importance of the liquid-solid interaction in the coalescence-induced jumping of nanodroplets and the determination of the minimum size of jumping nanodroplets.
Quenching of light flickering in synthetic guanine crystals in aqueous solutions under strong static magnetic fields
Authors: Mootha A. , Takanezawa Y. , Iwasaka M.
Published: December 2017

The present study focused on the vibration of micro crystal particles of guanine due to Brownian motion. The organic particle has a refractive index of 1.83 and caused a flickering of light. To test the possibility of using magnetic properties under wet conditions, changes in the frequency of particle vibration by applying magnetic fields were investigated. At first, we found that the exposure at 5 T inhibited the flickering light intensities and the particle vibration slightly decreased. Next, we carried out a high speed camera measurement of the Brownian motion of the particle with a time resolution of 100 flame per second (fps) with and without magnetic field exposures. It was revealed that the vibrational speed of synthetic particles was enhanced at 500 mT. Detailed analyses of the particle vibration by changing the direction of magnetic fields versus the light source revealed that the Brownian motion’s vibrational frequency was entrained under magnetic fields at 500 mT, and an increase in vibration speed to 20Hz was observed. Additional measurements of light scattering fluctuation using photo-detector and analyses on auto-correlation also confirmed this speculation. The studied Brownian vibration may be influenced by the change in mechanical interactions between the vibration particles and surrounding medium. The discovered phenomena can be applied for molecular and biological interactions in future studies.
Structural design and output characteristic analysis of magnetostrictive tactile sensor for robotic applications
Authors: Zheng Wendong , Wang Bowen , Liu Huaping , Li Yunkai , Zhao Ran , Weng Ling , Zhang Changgeng
Published: December 2017

A novel magnetostrictive tactile sensor has been designed according to the transduction mechanism of cilia and Villari effect of iron-gallium alloy. The tactile sensor consists of a Galfenol beam, a pair of permanent magnets, a Hall sensor and a signal processing system. Compared with the conventional tactile sensor, our proposed tactile sensor can not only detect the contact-force, but also sense stiffness of an object. The performance and measurement range of tactile sensor have theoretically been analyzed and experimentally investigated. The results have revealed that the sensibility of tactile sensor for sensing force is up to 22.81mV/N at applied bias magnetic field of 2.56kA/m. Moreover, the sensor can effectively discriminate objects with different stiffness. The sensor is characterized by high sensitivity, good linearity, and quick response. It has the potential of being miniaturized and integrated into the finger of a robotic hand to realize force sensing and object recognition in real-time.
Plasma modification of spoof plasmon propagation along metamaterial-air interfaces
Authors: Lee R. , Wang B. , Cappelli M. A.
Published: December 2017

We report on measurements of the shift in resonance frequency of “spoof” surface plasmon polariton propagation along a 2-D metamaterial slow-wave structure induced by a gaseous plasma near the metamaterial/air interface. A transmission line circuit model for the metamaterial structure interprets the introduction of a plasma as a decrease in unit cell capacitance, causing a shift in the plasmon dispersion to higher frequency. We show through simulations and experiments that the effects of this shift at the resonance frequency and attenuation below and above resonance depend on the plasma density. The shifts recorded experimentally are small owing to the low plasma densities generated near the structure, ∼1011 cm−3, but simulations show that a shift of ∼3% of the resonance frequency can be generated at plasma densities of ∼1012 cm−3.
Texture development and coercivity enhancement in cast alnico 9 magnets
Authors: Zhang Wenyong , Valloppilly Shah , Li Xingzhong , Yue Lanping , Skomski Ralph , Anderson Iver , Kramer Matthew , Tang Wei , Shield Jeff , Sellmyer David J.
Published: December 2017

The effect of Y addition and magnetic field on texture and magnetic properties of arc-melted alnico 9 magnets has been investigated. Small additions of Y (1.5 wt.%) develop a (200) texture for the arc-melted alnico 9 magnet. Such a texture is hard to form in cast samples. To achieve this goal, we set up a high-field annealing system with a maximum operation temperature of 1250 °C. This system enabled annealing in a field of 45 kOe with subsequent draw annealing for the solutionized buttons; we have been able to substantially increase remanence ratio and coercivity, from 0.70 and 1200 Oe for the Y-free alnico 9 to 0.90 and 1400 Oe for the Y-doped alnico 9, respectively. A high energy product of 7.3 MGOe has been achieved for the fully heat-treated Y-doped alnico 9. The enhancement of coercivity is believed to arise from the introduction of magnetocrystalline anisotropy from 80 nm Y2Co17-type grains, which are exchange-coupled to the main-phase alnico rods.
Electric field poling induced self-biased converse magnetoelectric response in PMN-PT/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Ahlawat Anju , Satapathy S. , Deshmukh Pratik , Shirolkar M. M. , Sinha A. K. , Karnal A. K.
Published: December 2017

In this letter, studies on structural transitions and the effect of electric field poling on magnetoelectric (ME) properties in 0.65Pb (Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.35PbTiO3 (PMN-PT)/NiFe2O4 (NFO) nanocomposites are reported. The composite illustrates dramatic changes in the NFO crystal structure across ferroelectric transition temperature [Curie temperature (Tc) ∼ 450 K] of PMN-PT, while pure NFO does not exhibit any structural change in the temperature range (300 K–650 K). Synchrotron based X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the splitting of NFO peaks across the Tc of PMN-PT in the PMN-PT/NFO composite. Consequently, the anomalies are observed in temperature dependent magnetization of the NFO phase at the Tc of PMN-PT, establishing ME coupling in the PMN-PT/NFO composite. Furthermore, the composite exhibits drastic modification in ME coupling under electrically poled and unpoled conditions. A large self-biased ME effect characterized by non-zero ME response at zero Hbias was observed in electrically poled composites, which was not observed in unpoled PMN-PT/NFO. These results propose an alternative mechanism for intrinsic converse ME effects. The maximum magnetoelectric output was doubled after electrical poling. The observed self-biased converse magnetoelectric effect at room temperature provides potential applications in electrically controlled memory devices and magnetic flux control devices.
Insulin aggregation tracked by its intrinsic TRES
Authors: Chung Li Hung C. , Birch David J. S. , Vyshemirsky Vladislav , Ryadnov Maxim G. , Rolinski Olaf J.
Published: December 2017

Time-resolved emission spectra (TRES) have been used to detect conformational changes of intrinsic tyrosines within bovine insulin at a physiological pH. The approach offers the ability to detect the initial stages of insulin aggregation at the molecular level. The data analysis has revealed the existence of at least three fluorescent species undergoing dielectric relaxation and significant spectral changes due to insulin aggregation. The results indicate the suitability of the intrinsic TRES approach for insulin studies and for monitoring its stability during storage and aggregation in insulin delivery devices.
Note: Design and capability verification of fillet triangle flexible support
Authors: Wang Tao , San Xiao-Gang , Gao Shi-Jie , Wang Jing , Ni Ying-Xue , Sang Zhi-Xin
Published: December 2017

By increasing the section thickness of a triangular flexible hinge, this study focuses on optimal selection of parameters of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support. Based on Castigliano’s second theorem, the flexibility expression of the fillet triangle flexible hinge was derived. Then, the case design is performed, and the comparison of three types of flexible hinges with this type of flexible hinge was carried out. The finite element models of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support were built, and then the simulation results of performance parameters were calculated. Finally, the experiment platform was established to validate analysis results. The maximum error is less than 8%, which verifies the accuracy of the simulation process and equations derived; also the fundamental frequency fits the requirements of the system. The fillet triangle flexible hinge is proved to have the advantages of high precision and low flexibility.
Minor loop dependence of the magnetic forces and stiffness in a PM-HTS levitation system
Authors: Yang Yong , Li Chengshan
Published: December 2017

Based upon the method of current vector potential and the critical state model of Bean, the vertical and lateral forces with different sizes of minor loop are simulated in two typical cooling conditions when a rectangular permanent magnet (PM) above a cylindrical high temperature superconductor (HTS) moves vertically and horizontally. The different values of average magnetic stiffness are calculated by various sizes of minor loop changing from 0.1 to 2 mm. The magnetic stiffness with zero traverse is obtained by using the method of linear extrapolation. The simulation results show that the extreme values of forces decrease with increasing size of minor loop. The magnetic hysteresis of the force curves also becomes small as the size of minor loop increases. This means that the vertical and lateral forces are significantly influenced by the size of minor loop because the forces intensely depend on the moving history of the PM. The vertical stiffness at every vertical position when the PM vertically descends to 1 mm is larger than that as the PM vertically ascents to 30 mm. When the PM moves laterally, the lateral stiffness during the PM passing through any horizontal position in the first time almost equal to the value during the PM passing through the same position in the second time in zero-field cooling (ZFC), however, the lateral stiffness in field cooling (FC) and the cross stiffness in ZFC and FC are significantly affected by the moving history of the PM.
Strain-assisted optomechanical coupling of polariton condensate spin to a micromechanical resonator
Authors: Be'er O. , Ohadi H. , del Valle-Inclan Redondo Y. , Ramsay A. J. , Tsintzos S. I. , Hatzopoulos Z. , Savvidis P. G. , Baumberg J. J.
Published: December 2017

We report spin and intensity coupling of an exciton-polariton condensate to the mechanical vibrations of a circular membrane microcavity. We optically drive the microcavity resonator at the lowest mechanical resonance frequency while creating an optically trapped spin-polarized polariton condensate in different locations on the microcavity and observe spin and intensity oscillations of the condensate at the vibration frequency of the resonator. Spin oscillations are induced by vibrational strain driving, whilst the modulation of the optical trap due to the displacement of the membrane causes intensity oscillations in the condensate emission. Our results demonstrate spin-phonon coupling in a macroscopically coherent condensate.
Synthesis and targeting of gold-coated 177Lu-containing lanthanide phosphate nanoparticles—A potential theranostic agent for pulmonary metastatic disease
Authors: Sobol Nicholas , Sutherlin Logan , Cedrowska Edyta , Schorp Joshua , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Cristina , Sossi Vesna , Lattimer Jimmy , Miller Douglas C , Pevsner Paul , Robertson J. David
Published: December 2017

Targeted radiotherapies maximize cytotoxicity to cancer cells. In this work, we describe the synthesis, characterization, and biodistribution of antibody conjugated gold-coated lanthanide phosphate nanoparticles containing 177Lu. [177Lu]Lu0.5Gd0.5(PO4)@Au@PEG800@Ab nanoparticles combine the radiation resistance of crystalline lanthanide phosphate for stability, the magnetic properties of gadolinium for facile separations, and a gold coating that can be readily functionalized for the attachment of targeting moieties. In contrast to current targeted radiotherapeutic pharmaceuticals, the nanoparticle-antibody conjugate can target and deliver multiple beta radiations to a single biologically relevant receptor. Up to 95% of the injected dose was delivered to the lungs using the monoclonal antibody mAb-201b to target the nanoparticles to thrombomodulin receptors. The 208 keV gamma ray from 177Lu decay (11%) can be used for SPECT imaging of the radiotherapeutic agent, while the moderate energy beta emitted in the decay can be highly effective in treating metastatic disease.
Study of the design and efficiency of single stage EHD thrusters at the sub-atmospheric pressure of 1.3 kPa
Authors: Granados Victor H. , Pinheiro Mario J. , Sá Paulo A.
Published: December 2017

The goal of this article is to contribute to the advancement and the improvement of the performances of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) propulsion systems for space missions, especially in what concerns the control of the geometries of the electrodes and the employed gas and its efficiency. We use a previously developed self-consistent model to compare and study the performance of these systems using three different working gases (argon, nitrogen, and oxygen) in terms of net thrust production and thrust-to-power efficiency of single-stage EHD thrusters. In order to verify the dependency of those physical parameters on the configuration and orientation of the electrodes, we conduct systematic simulations of three thruster cathode configurations (conical, cylindrical, and funnel-like). In the present study, the working pressure is ≈1.3 kPa (10 Torr), well below the normal atmospheric pressure, and the gas temperature is 300 K. A similar systematic investigation was conducted in a recent paper at a relatively much lower pressure of 0.5 Torr (20 times less) for the same cathode duct geometries and working gases, which permit to compare the performances of the considered thrusters and gases at these two pressures; then and now, the distance between the electrodes is fixed at 28 mm, but in addition to the pressure, other parameters were modified. Thus, the input voltage is fixed at 3 kV, and the resistance of the ballast varies in the range of 500–5000 MΩ. Nitrogen gas performed better than argon for all proposed geometries, doubling the produced thrust while presenting higher T/P ratios in almost all cases. Oxygen presented significantly better performance than nitrogen's and argon's, e.g., funnel like cathode configuration presented a net thrust higher than 0.1 mN, about one order of magnitude higher than nitrogen's.
Creation of disease-inspired biomaterial environments to mimic pathological events in early calcific aortic valve disease
Authors: Porras Ana M. , Westlund Jennifer A. , Evans Austin D. , Masters Kristyn S.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Due to an insufficient understanding of the mechanisms that drive its progression, there is currently no treatment for calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) other than valve replacement. In this report, we describe the generation of engineered environments that mimic features found in early CAVD. By combining these engineered models of valve disease with other exogenous cues present during CAVD, we were able to propose a previously unidentified cascade of pathological events and identify specific extracellular components that are critical in regulating this process. These findings demonstrate the utility of engineered in vitro models to perform systematic, controlled studies of events related to disease progression that may lead to future identification of potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Biphasic functions for the GDNF-Ret signaling pathway in chemosensory neuron development and diversification
Authors: Donnelly Christopher R. , Shah Amol A. , Mistretta Charlotte M. , Bradley Robert M. , Pierchala Brian A.
Published: December 2017

Significance

While knowledge of signaling mechanisms orchestrating the development and diversification of peripheral somatosensory neurons is extensive, our understanding of the mechanisms controlling chemosensory neuron specification remains rudimentary. Lingually projecting sensory neurons of the geniculate ganglion are receptive to the five taste qualities, as well as temperature and tactile stimuli, but the mechanisms responsible for the diversification of the unique subpopulations that respond to one, or several, of these stimuli remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that the GDNF-Ret signaling pathway exerts a unique, dual function in peripheral taste system development and postnatal function. Ret acts embryonically to regulate the expression of the chemosensory master regulator Phox2b, thus inducing chemosensory differentiation, while postnatally acting to specify a molecularly unique subpopulation of lingual mechanoreceptors.
Detection of synchronous brain activity in white matter tracts at rest and under functional loading
Authors: Ding Zhaohua , Huang Yali , Bailey Stephen K. , Gao Yurui , Cutting Laurie E. , Rogers Baxter P. , Newton Allen T. , Gore John C.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Functional MRI has been widely used to assess the functional architecture of the brain based on detecting changes in neural activity in gray matter via blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effects. However, the existence and possible relevance of BOLD signals in white matter remain controversial. We demonstrate that BOLD signals in functional cortical volumes are strongly correlated with signals in specific, segmented white matter tracts in a resting state, and the correlations can be modulated by specific functional loadings. We therefore show that current concepts of functional connectivity based on synchronous BOLD correlations may be extended to include white matter and that changes in neural activity are encoded in BOLD variations throughout the brain.
Dynamics and mechanisms of intracellular calcium waves elicited by tandem bubble-induced jetting flow
Authors: Li Fenfang , Yang Chen , Yuan Fang , Liao Defei , Li Thomas , Guilak Farshid , Zhong Pei
Published: December 2017

Significance

Ultrasound-induced microbubble oscillation can lead to cell injury or mechanotransduction via calcium signaling processes such as intracellular calcium waves (ICWs). However, the mechanisms by which microbubbles stimulate ICWs remain unknown. Using a microfluidic system with highly controlled bubble−cell interaction, we identified two distinct types of ICWs: a fast response correlating with significant membrane poration, and a slow response triggered by calcium influx through stretch-activated ion channels. The fast ICWs, distinguished from those under physiological conditions, are associated with cell injuries. We further elicited ICWs without cell injury by displacing integrin-binding beads on the cell membrane under mild cavitation conditions. This study provides mechanistic insights into ICWs for guiding ultrasound therapy in tissue modification, drug delivery, and cell mechanotransduction.