bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. cultivated under tropical conditions: isolation of hericenones and demonstration of NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells via MEK/ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways
Authors: Phan Chia-Wei , Lee Guan-Serm , Hong Sok-Lai , Wong Yuin-Teng , Brkljača Robert , Urban Sylvia , Abd Malek Sri Nurestri , Sabaratnam Vikineswary
Published: September 2014

Hericium erinaceus is an edible and medicinal mushroom used traditionally to improve memory.
Syntheses of novel halogen-free Brønsted–Lewis acidic ionic liquid catalysts and their applications for synthesis of methyl caprylate
Authors: Han Xiao-Xiang , Du Huan , Hung Chin-Te , Liu Li-Li , Wu Pei-Hao , Ren Da-Hai , Huang Shing-Jong , Liu Shang-Bin
Published: September 2014

Eco-friendly [HSO3-pmim]+(1/2Zn2+)SO42− ionic liquid catalysts facilitates synergistic Brønsted and Lewis acidity for esterification of n-caprylic acid to methyl caprylate.
Enhancing photosynthetic production of ethylene in genetically engineered Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Zhu Tao , Xie Xiaoman , Li Zhimin , Tan Xiaoming , Lu Xuefeng
Published: September 2014

The enhanced ethylene production (9.7 mL L−1h−1) was achieved by genetic modifications and improved cultivation ofSynechocystissp. PCC 6803.
Band structure engineering of monolayer MoS2by surface ligand functionalization for enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production activity
Authors: Pan Jing , Wang Zilu , Chen Qian , Hu Jingguo , Wang Jinlan
Published: September 2014

This work proposes surface ligand functionalization to tune band edges of monolayer MoS2for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production through water splitting.
Non-linear optical properties of gold quantum clusters. The smaller the better
Authors: Russier-Antoine Isabelle , Bertorelle Franck , Vojkovic Marin , Rayane Driss , Salmon Estelle , Jonin Christian , Dugourd Philippe , Antoine Rodolphe , Brevet Pierre-François
Published: September 2014

We developed a new method for synthesizing atomically monodisperse Au15 nanoclusters stabilized with glutathione molecules, and investigated their nonlinear optical (NLO) properties after two-photon absorption.
Optimized performances of tetrapod-like ZnO nanostructures for a triode structure field emission planar light source
Authors: Chen Yiren , Hu Liqin , Song Hang , Jiang Hong , Li Dabing , Miao Guoqing , Li Zhiming , Sun Xiaojuan , Zhang Zhiwei , Guo Tailiang
Published: September 2014

A high-efficiency triode structure field emission planar light source was fabricated using optimized tetrapod-like ZnO nanostructures as field emitters.
Sulfur-doped porous reduced graphene oxide hollow nanosphere frameworks as metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction and as supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Chen Xi'an , Chen Xiaohua , Xu Xin , Yang Zhi , Liu Zheng , Zhang Lijie , Xu Xiangju , Chen Ying , Huang Shaoming
Published: September 2014

3D S-PGHS frameworks are used as efficient metal-free electrocatalysts for ORR and as high performance supercapacitor electrode materials.
Peptidomimetic inhibitors ofN-myristoyltransferase from human malaria and leishmaniasis parasites
Authors: Olaleye Tayo O. , Brannigan James A. , Roberts Shirley M. , Leatherbarrow Robin J. , Wilkinson Anthony J. , Tate Edward W.
Published: September 2014

Peptidomimetic inhibitors ofN-myristoyltransferase from malaria and leishmaniasis parasites have been designed with nanomolar potency, and reveal the first direct structural evidence for a ternary NMT/CoA/myristoyl peptide product complex.
High-molecular weight star conjugates containing docetaxel with high anti-tumor activity and low systemic toxicity in vivo
Authors: Etrych T. , Strohalm J. , Šírová M. , Tomalová B. , Rossmann P. , Říhová B. , Ulbrich K. , Kovář M.
Published: September 2014

The star polymer-docetaxel conjugates exert a much higher therapeutic activity and yet a lower systemic toxicity than free DTX.
One-pot synthesis of fluorescein based β-aminoglycosylketones and their biological and material applications
Authors: Rajasekar Mani , Das Thangamuthu Mohan
Published: September 2014

Facile one-pot synthesis of fluorescein based β-aminoglycosylketones was carried out using 4,6-O-protected-C-glycoside, fluorescein-monoaldehyde and aromatic amines in the presence of potassium carbonate as a catalyst.
Processability, structural evolution and properties of melt processed biaxially stretched HDPE/MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: Xiang Dong , Harkin-Jones Eileen , Linton David
Published: September 2014

The HDPE/MWCNT nanocomposites show a structural evolution of MWCNT networks from 3D to 2D during biaxial stretching.
Nanosheet arrays of TiO2 synthesized by one step conversion of ZnO nanosheets: boosting of electron transport rate and application in dye solar cells
Authors: Alimirsalari Sara , Tajabadi Fariba , Salehkoutahi S. Mohsen , Ghahary Raheleh , Taghavinia Nima
Published: September 2014

TiO2 replica of ZnO nanosheets were synthesized, showing exceptional e-transport properties in dye solar cells.
Comparison of different probes based on labeled annexin V for detection of apoptosis
Authors: Nazari Mahboobeh , Minai-Tehrani Arash , Emamzadeh Rahman
Published: September 2014

Schematic representation of the different probes based on annexin V for the detection of apoptosis.
l-Cysteine-induced chiroptical activity in assemblies of gold nanorods and its use in ultrasensitive detection of copper ions
Authors: Wen Tao , Hou Shuai , Yan Jiao , Zhang Hui , Liu Wenqi , Ji Yinglu , Wu Xiaochun
Published: September 2014

Ultrasensitive detection of Cu2+is achieved based onl-cysteine-induced chiroptical activity in assemblies of gold nanorods.
Electrical and lithium ion dynamics in Li2IrO3 from density functional theory study
Authors: Chen Yongchang , Huo Miao , Song Lijuan , Sun Zhaolin
Published: September 2014

A three-dimensional network for the transport of Li-related point defects in layered Li2IrO3 based on first-principles calculations
Investigations on the membrane interactions of naringin and its complexes with copper and iron: implications for their cytotoxicity
Authors: Selvaraj Stalin , Krishnaswamy Sridharan , Devashya Venkappayya , Sethuraman Swaminathan , Krishnan Uma Maheswari
Published: September 2014

Flavonoid glycosides are a group of polyphenols with different glycoside substituents that possess diverse pharmacological activities albeit with lesser potency than their aglycone counterparts.
Fabrication of biocompatible free-standing nanopatterned films for primary neuronal cultures
Authors: Cesca F. , Limongi T. , Accardo A. , Rocchi A. , Orlando M. , Shalabaeva V. , Di Fabrizio E. , Benfenati F.
Published: September 2014

A novel nanopatterned biocompatible PCL film promotes the growth of primary hippocampal neurons (rendered in blue).
Are engineered nanomaterials superior adsorbents for removal and pre-concentration of heavy metal cations from water?
Authors: Yang Kun , Wei Wei , Qi Long , Wu WenHao , Jing QingFeng , Lin DaoHui
Published: September 2014

We observed that the removal of metal ions with engineered nanomaterials could be largely attributed to precipitation by forming metal hydroxyl precipitates rather than adsorption, implying that ENMs cannot be superior adsorbents.
Chiral tether-mediated stabilization and helix-sense control of complementary metallo-double helices
Authors: Horie Miki , Ousaka Naoki , Taura Daisuke , Yashima Eiji
Published: September 2014

Control of the helical sense and stability enhancement of PtII-linked double helices by interstrand cross-linking using chiral diphosphines and complete homochiral self-sorting is demonstrated.
Iron-containing, high aspect ratio clay as nanoarmor that imparts substantial thermal/flame protection to polyurethane with a single electrostatically-deposited bilayer
Authors: Cain A. A. , Plummer M. G. B. , Murray S. E. , Bolling L. , Regev O. , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: September 2014

Single bilayer polymer/clay nanobrick wall self-assembled thin films, deposited as a continuous coating on open-celled polyurethane foam, cut peak heat release rate in half with only 3.2 wt% addition.
Highly enhanced lithium storage capability of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 by coating with Li2TiO3 for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Deng Haifu , Nie Ping , Luo Haifeng , Zhang Yi , Wang Jie , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: September 2014

A high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode was surface-modified by Li+-conductive Li2TiO3 and an appropriate amount of Li2TiO3 can significantly improve the lithium storage capability.
Fabrication of a simple and sensitive QDs-based electrochemiluminescence immunosensor using a nanostructured composite material for the detection of tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Nie Guangming , Li Chenxi , Zhang Lin , Wang Ling
Published: September 2014

A simple label-free electrochemiluminescence immunosensor was fabricated for detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) based on a nanostructured composite material (PICA–MWNT) with 2-aminoethanethiol modified CdSe nanoclusters as luminescent particles.
Final tension approximation method for determining the maximum sag of a bare overhead conductor
Authors: McCarthy Shaun , Nair Nirmal‐Kumar C.
Published: September 2014

The non‐linear general state‐of‐change equation used to describe tension change phenomenon is solved along with catenary's parabolic expression, to evaluate the maximum sag as per IEEE 605‐2008. The existing solutions for obtaining sag are either through trial‐and‐error techniques or iterative methods. Hence, a direct solution method is proposed, which gives conservative but quick results. The mathematical proof and its approximation validity have been provided. The method has also been verified on two standard test cases. Future extensions of this method to handle other possibilities have also been clearly identified.
Keep it simple: time‐of‐use tariffs in high‐wind scenarios
Authors: Grünewald Philipp , McKenna Eoghan , Thomson Murray
Published: September 2014

Price signals have been suggested to bring about greater demand side flexibility and thus support the integration of variable sources of energy, such as wind. A conflict exists between keeping these signals simple for consumers, while making responses appropriate for increasingly complex supply–demand balancing dynamics in future. This study reviews some of the demand responses observed in time‐of‐use (ToU) tariff trials and assesses their effectiveness in scenarios with higher levels of wind. The authors simulate wholesale real‐time prices for high‐wind scenarios as a benchmark tariff. Simple tariff structures are compared against real‐time prices for the extent to which they can ‘nudge’ demand in the ‘right direction’. They present results which suggest that even in high‐wind scenarios, simple ToU tariffs could have a beneficial effect on overall system costs. The load shifting and reduction behaviour observed under ToU trials could lower energy costs by between 4 and 6% without the need for complex price signals.
Energy storage against interconnection as a balancing mechanism for a 100% renewable UK electricity grid
Authors: Alexander Marcus Joseph , James Patrick , Richardson Neil
Published: September 2014

This study considers generation and demand challenges of a 100% renewable UK electricity grid and how this could be addressed with interconnection or energy storage. Hourly demand and electricity generation profiles for a year have been constructed: Business as Usual (BAU) with a yearly demand of 540 TWh and Green Plus (GP) with a demand of 390 TWh, Two further scenarios based on the above have been considered with electrification of heating (ASHP) and electric vehicle transportation (EV). The resultant hourly imbalances have been used to calculate the interconnection and energy storage requirements. This paper discusses the findings of the BAU scenario. The calculated interconnector capacity required was found to be 60 GW and cost £58 billion. Energy storage capacity requirements vary depending on the selected technology. Rated capacity was estimated to be 14 GW with storage capacity of 3 TWh for pumped storage, 11 GW and 2.3 TWh for liquid air, and 65 GW and 13.6 TWh for hydrogen storage, at a cost of £65, £76 and £45 billion respectively. This paper indicates that storing hydrogen in underground caverns would offer the cheapest solution. However, whilst these technological solutions can address generation and demand imbalance in a fully renewable electricity grid, there clearly remain barriers to each technology.
Systematic approaches for designing Rogowski coils
Authors: Hemmati Esmaeil , Shahrtash Seyyed Mohammad
Published: September 2014

Rogowski coil is one of the popular current transducers for measuring currents either in the sinusoidal form or in the form of high‐frequency pulses. In this study, first, the performance of the Rogowski coil is investigated through comprehensive experiments to be formed as a design methodology. Then, the results create a base for proposing two systematic approaches for designing Rogowski coils. The first approach is a knowledge‐based approach and the second one involves a heuristic search method which results in optimum design according to the selected objective function, considering the practical limits in the physical parameters. The proposed design procedures cover Rogowski coils which measure large sinusoidal currents for power system protection purposes and also those for measuring impulsive currents with large as well as low peaks.
Cross‐bonding cable and box model based on pulse reflection measurement
Authors: de Regt Jos J. , Hoogendorp Gerben , Wagenaars Paul , Wouters Peter A.A.F. , Popov Marjan , van der Sluis Lou , Steennis E. Fred
Published: September 2014

Transients from lightning strikes can enter underground cables at overhead line to power cable transitions. Possible overvoltages on these surges at cross‐bonding connections of the cable screens are of major concern. A model is developed for modelling overvoltages from transient signal propagation through a combined cross‐bonding cable and box. This model is applied to the first Dutch 400 kV cable connection. Such model incorporates model parameters whose values depend on design details of the cross‐bonding box. The values for these model parameters are extracted from the measured transmission and reflection signal on steep pulses injected into the actual cross‐bonding box configuration. The model combines transmission line description for the cross‐bonding cables with mainly inductive behaviour of the cross‐bonding box. The obtained results are verified by measurements. The model is applied to investigate overvoltages induced at the cross‐bonding cable and box on 1.2/50 µs impulse voltage injection representing a lightning impulse voltage applied to the core conductor of the cross‐bonding cable. Furthermore, the effectiveness of surge arresters to reduce overvoltages at the cross‐bonding cable screen is demonstrated by simulations with this model in PSCAD.
Validation experiment of a numerically processed millimeter-wave interferometer in a laboratory
Authors: Kogi Y. , Higashi T. , Matsukawa S. , Mase A. , Kohagura J. , Nagayama Y. , Kawahata K. , Kuwahara D. , Yoshikawa M.
Published: September 2014

We propose a new interferometer system for density profile measurements. This system produces multiple measurement chords by a leaky-wave antenna driven by multiple frequency inputs. The proposed system was validated in laboratory evaluation experiments. We confirmed that the interferometer generates a clear image of a Teflon plate as well as the phase shift corresponding to the plate thickness. In another experiment, we confirmed that quasi-optical mirrors can produce multiple measurement chords; however, the finite spot size of the probe beam degrades the sharpness of the resulting image.
One-step patterning of double tone high contrast and high refractive index inorganic spin-on resist
Authors: Zanchetta E. , Della Giustina G. , Brusatin G.
Published: September 2014

A direct one-step and low temperature micro-fabrication process, enabling to realize large area totally inorganic TiO2 micro-patterns from a spin-on resist, is presented. High refractive index structures (up to 2 at 632 nm) without the need for transfer processes have been obtained by mask assisted UV lithography, exploiting photocatalytic titania properties. A distinctive feature not shared by any of the known available resists and boosting the material versatility, is that the system behaves either as a positive or as negative tone resist, depending on the process parameters and on the development chemistry. In order to explain the resist double tone behavior, deep comprehension of the lithographic process parameters optimization and of the resist chemistry and structure evolution during the lithographic process, generally uncommon in literature, is reported. Another striking property of the presented resist is that the negative tone shows a high contrast up to 19, allowing to obtain structures resolution down to 2 μm wide. The presented process and material permit to directly fabricate different titania geometries of great importance for solar cells, photo-catalysis, and photonic crystals applications.
Fluctuation induced conductivity analysis of Mn doped Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3−xMnxO10−δ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.15) superconductors
Authors: Qurat-ul-ain  , Khan Nawazish A.
Published: September 2014

A series of superconducting samples of type Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3−xMnxO10−δ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.15) are prepared by using solid state reaction method. The electrical resistivity ρ(T) was measured as a function of temperature. The effect of doped Mn-atoms on the superconducting carriers has been investigated by carrying out fluctuation induced conductivity analyses of conductivity data of Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3−xMnxO10−δ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.15) superconducting samples by Aslamazov-Larkin and Lawrence-Doniach models. The width of both two dimensional and three dimensional conductivity regimes are enhanced with doping of Mn at Cu site. The doping of Mn at the CuO2 planar sites increases the inter-layer coupling and coherence length ξc along the c-axis. A decrease in Bc0(T), Bc1(T), Jc(0) and increase in the values of κ, λp.d is observed. The value of the order-parameter is suppressed from |ψ|2 = 1 in the neighborhood of spin carrying doped Mn atoms, which is compensated by increased penetration of magnetic field lines, consequently resulting into increased penetration depth λp.d with increased Mn-doping.
Development of the CD Symcap platform to study gas-shell mix in implosions at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Casey D. T. , Smalyuk V. A. , Tipton R. E. , Pino J. E. , Grim G. P. , Remington B. A. , Rowley D. P. , Weber S. V. , Barrios M. , Benedetti L. R. , Bleuel D. L. , Bond E. J. , Bradley D. K. , Caggiano J. A. , Callahan D. A. , Cerjan C. J. , Chen K. C. , Edgell D. H. , Edwards M. J. , Fittinghoff D. , Frenje J. A. , Gatu-Johnson M. , Glebov V. Y. , Glenn S. , Guler N. , Haan S. W. , Hamza A. , Hatarik R. , Herrmann H. W. , Hoover D. , Hsing W. W. , Izumi N. , Kervin P. , Khan S. , Kilkenny J. D. , Kline J. , Knauer J. , Kyrala G. , Landen O. L. , Ma T. , MacPhee A. G. , McNaney J. M. , Mintz M. , Moore A. , Nikroo A. , Pak A. , Parham T. , Petrasso R. , Rinderknecht H. G. , Sayre D. B. , Schneider M. , Stoeffl W. , Tommasini R. , Town R. P. , Widmann K. , Wilson D. C. , Yeamans C. B.
Published: September 2014

Surrogate implosions play an important role at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) for isolating aspects of the complex physical processes associated with fully integrated ignition experiments. The newly developed CD Symcap platform has been designed to study gas-shell mix in indirectly driven, pure T2-gas filled CH-shell implosions equipped with 4 μm thick CD layers. This configuration provides a direct nuclear signature of mix as the DT yield (above a characterized D contamination background) is produced by D from the CD layer in the shell, mixing into the T-gas core. The CD layer can be placed at different locations within the CH shell to probe the depth and extent of mix. CD layers placed flush with the gas-shell interface and recessed up to 8 μm have shown that most of the mix occurs at the inner-shell surface. In addition, time-gated x-ray images of the hotspot show large brightly radiating objects traversing through the hotspot around bang-time, which are likely chunks of CH/CD plastic. This platform is a powerful new capability at the NIF for understanding mix, one of the key performance issues for ignition experiments.
Towards bio-silicon interfaces: Formation of an ultra-thin self-hydrated artificial membrane composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and chitosan deposited in high vacuum from the gas-phase
Authors: Retamal María J. , Cisternas Marcelo A. , Gutierrez-Maldonado Sebastian E. , Perez-Acle Tomas , Seifert Birger , Busch Mark , Huber Patrick , Volkmann Ulrich G.
Published: September 2014

The recent combination of nanoscale developments with biological molecules for biotechnological research has opened a wide field related to the area of biosensors. In the last years, device manufacturing for medical applications adapted the so-called bottom-up approach, from nanostructures to larger devices. Preparation and characterization of artificial biological membranes is a necessary step for the formation of nano-devices or sensors. In this paper, we describe the formation and characterization of a phospholipid bilayer (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, DPPC) on a mattress of a polysaccharide (Chitosan) that keeps the membrane hydrated. The deposition of Chitosan (∼25 Å) and DPPC (∼60 Å) was performed from the gas phase in high vacuum onto a substrate of Si(100) covered with its native oxide layer. The layer thickness was controlled in situ using Very High Resolution Ellipsometry (VHRE). Raman spectroscopy studies show that neither Chitosan nor DPPC molecules decompose during evaporation. With VHRE and Atomic Force Microscopy we have been able to detect phase transitions in the membrane. The presence of the Chitosan interlayer as a water reservoir is essential for both DPPC bilayer formation and stability, favoring the appearance of phase transitions. Our experiments show that the proposed sample preparation from the gas phase is reproducible and provides a natural environment for the DPPC bilayer. In future work, different Chitosan thicknesses should be studied to achieve a complete and homogeneous interlayer.
MoS2 nanotube field effect transistors
Authors: Strojnik M. , Kovic A. , Mrzel A. , Buh J. , Strle J. , Mihailovic D.
Published: September 2014

We report on electric field effects on electron transport in multi-walled MoS2 nanotubes (NTs), fabricated using a two-step synthesis method from Mo6SxI9-x nanowire bundle precursors. Transport properties were measured on 20 single nanotube field effect transistor (FET) devices, and compared with MoS2 layered crystal devices prepared using identical fabrication techniques. The NTs exhibited mobilities of up to 0.014 cm2V−1s−1 and an on/off ratio of up to 60. As such they are comparable with previously reported WS2 nanotube FETs, but materials defects and imperfections apparently limit their performance compared with multilayer MoS2 FETs with similar number of layers.
The mechanisms of electron heating and acceleration during magnetic reconnection
Authors: Dahlin J. T. , Drake J. F. , Swisdak M.
Published: September 2014

The heating of electrons in collisionless magnetic reconnection is explored in particle-in-cell simulations with non-zero guide fields so that electrons remain magnetized. In this regime, electric fields parallel to B accelerate particles directly, while those perpendicular to B do so through gradient-B and curvature drifts. The curvature drift drives parallel heating through Fermi reflection, while the gradient B drift changes the perpendicular energy through betatron acceleration. We present simulations in which we evaluate each of these mechanisms in space and time in order to quantify their role in electron heating. For a case with a small guide field (20% of the magnitude of the reconnecting component), the curvature drift is the dominant source of electron heating. However, for a larger guide field (equal to the magnitude of the reconnecting component) electron acceleration by the curvature drift is comparable to that of the parallel electric field. In both cases, the heating by the gradient B drift is negligible in magnitude. It produces net cooling because the conservation of the magnetic moment and the drop of B during reconnection produce a decrease in the perpendicular electron energy. Heating by the curvature drift dominates in the outflow exhausts where bent field lines expand to relax their tension and is therefore distributed over a large area. In contrast, the parallel electric field is localized near X-lines. This suggests that acceleration by parallel electric fields may play a smaller role in large systems where the X-line occupies a vanishing fraction of the system. The curvature drift and the parallel electric field dominate the dynamics and drive parallel heating. A consequence is that the electron energy spectrum becomes extremely anisotropic at late time, which has important implications for quantifying the limits of electron acceleration due to synchrotron emission. An upper limit on electron energy gain that is substantially higher than earlier estimates is obtained by balancing reconnection drive with radiative loss.
A hemispherical Langmuir probe array detector for angular resolved measurements on droplet-based laser-produced plasmas
Authors: Gambino Nadia , Brandstätter Markus , Rollinger Bob , Abhari Reza
Published: September 2014

In this work, a new diagnostic tool for laser-produced plasmas (LPPs) is presented. The detector is based on a multiple array of six motorized Langmuir probes. It allows to measure the dynamics of a LPP in terms of charged particles detection with particular attention to droplet-based LPP sources for EUV lithography. The system design permits to temporally resolve the angular and radial plasma charge distribution and to obtain a hemispherical mapping of the ions and electrons around the droplet plasma. The understanding of these dynamics is fundamental to improve the debris mitigation techniques for droplet-based LPP sources. The device has been developed, built, and employed at the Laboratory for Energy Conversion, ETH Zürich. The experimental results have been obtained on the droplet-based LPP source ALPS II. For the first time, 2D mappings of the ion kinetic energy distribution around the droplet plasma have been obtained with an array of multiple Langmuir probes. These measurements show an anisotropic expansion of the ions in terms of kinetic energy and amount of ion charge around the droplet target. First estimations of the plasma density and electron temperature were also obtained from the analysis of the probe current signals.
Raman spectra of R2O3 (R—rare earth) sesquioxides with C-type bixbyite crystal structure: A comparative study
Authors: Abrashev M. V. , Todorov N. D. , Geshev J.
Published: September 2014

Raman spectra of R2O3 (R—Sc, Er, Y, Ho, Gd, Eu, and Sm) powders with C-type bixbyite crystal structure are measured. With the help of these data and ones, previously published for other oxides from the same structural family, general dependencies of the frequencies of the Raman peaks on the cubic crystal unit cell parameter are constructed. Using these dependencies and knowing the symmetry of the peaks for one of the oxides, determined from previous single-crystal measurements, it is possible to find out the symmetry of the peaks from the spectra of all compounds. It was found that the frequency of the six lowest frequency peaks scales with the square root of the mass of the rare earth showing that mainly R ions take part in these vibrations. These results agree with performed here lattice dynamical calculations. The anomalous softening of the frequency of some peaks in the spectra of Eu2O3 is discussed.
A microfluidic shear device that accommodates parallel high and low stress zones within the same culturing chamber
Authors: Zhang X. , Huk D. J. , Wang Q. , Lincoln J. , Zhao Y.
Published: September 2014

Fluid shear stress (FSS) plays a critical role in regulating endothelium function and maintaining vascular homeostasis. Current microfluidic devices for studying FSS effects on cells either separate high shear stress zone and low shear stress zone into different culturing chambers, or arranging the zones serially along the flow direction, which complicates subsequent data interpretation. In this paper, we report a diamond shaped microfluidic shear device where the high shear stress zone and the low shear stress zone are arranged in parallel within one culturing chamber. Since the zones with different shear stress magnitudes are aligned normal to the flow direction, the cells in one stress group are not substantially affected by the flow-induced cytokine/chemokine releases by cells in the other group. Cell loading experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells show that the device is able to reveal stress magnitude-dependent and loading duration-dependent cell responses. The co-existence of shear stress zones with varied magnitudes within the same culturing chamber not only ensures that all the cells are subject to the identical culturing conditions, but also allows the resemblance of the differential shear stress pattern in natural arterial conditions. The device is expected to provide a new solution for studying the effects of heterogeneous hemodynamic patterns in the onset and progression of various vascular diseases.
Bent crystal spectrometer for both frequency and wavenumber resolved x-ray scattering at a seeded free-electron laser
Authors: Zastrau Ulf , Fletcher Luke B. , Förster Eckhart , Galtier Eric Ch. , Gamboa Eliseo , Glenzer Siegfried H. , Heimann Philipp , Marschner Heike , Nagler Bob , Schropp Andreas , Wehrhan Ortrud , Lee Hae Ja
Published: September 2014

We present a cylindrically curved GaAs x-ray spectrometer with energy resolution ΔE/E = 1.1 × 10−4 and wave-number resolution of Δk/k = 3 × 10−3, allowing plasmon scattering at the resolution limits of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) x-ray free-electron laser. It spans scattering wavenumbers of 3.6 to 5.2/Å in 100 separate bins, with only 0.34% wavenumber blurring. The dispersion of 0.418 eV/13.5 μm agrees with predictions within 1.3%. The reflection homogeneity over the entire wavenumber range was measured and used to normalize the amplitude of scattering spectra. The proposed spectrometer is superior to a mosaic highly annealed pyrolytic graphite spectrometer when the energy resolution needs to be comparable to the LCLS seeded bandwidth of 1 eV and a significant range of wavenumbers must be covered in one exposure.
Vertical gate-all-around junctionless nanowire transistors with asymmetric diameters and underlap lengths
Authors: Yoon Jun-Sik , Rim Taiuk , Kim Jungsik , Meyyappan Meyya , Baek Chang-Ki , Jeong Yoon-Ha
Published: September 2014

Vertical gate-all-around (GAA) junctionless nanowire transistors (JNTs) with different diameters and underlap lengths are investigated using three-dimensional device simulations. The source-side diameter determines the on-current and drain-induced barrier lowering characteristics, whereas the drain-side diameter controls the band-to-band tunneling current during off-state conditions. The JNTs with short drain-side underlap lengths decrease the source/drain series resistance but increase the off-current values, especially due to large band-gap narrowing effects at the drain extension region. Proper device design of vertical GAA JNTs considering the device structure and underlap is needed to improve both on/off and short channel characteristics.
The dynamic behavior of thin-film ionic transition metal complex-based light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Meier Sebastian B. , Hartmann David , Winnacker Albrecht , Sarfert Wiebke
Published: September 2014

Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) have received increasing attention during recent years due to their simple architecture, based on solely air-stabile materials, and ease of manufacture in ambient atmosphere, using solution-based technologies. The LEC's active layer offers semiconducting, luminescent as well as ionic functionality resulting in device physical processes fundamentally different as compared with organic light-emitting diodes. During operation, electrical double layers (EDLs) form at the electrode interfaces as a consequence of ion accumulation and electrochemical doping sets in leading to the in situ development of a light-emitting p-i-n junction. In this paper, we comment on the use of impedance spectroscopy in combination with complex nonlinear squares fitting to derive key information about the latter events in thin-film ionic transition metal complex-based light-emitting electrochemical cells based on the model compound bis-2-phenylpyridine 6-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine iridium(III) hexafluoridophosphate ([Ir(ppy)2(pbpy)][PF6]). At operating voltages below the bandgap potential of the ionic complex used, we obtain the dielectric constant of the active layer, the conductivity of mobile ions, the transference numbers of electrons and ions, and the thickness of the EDLs, whereas the transient thickness of the p-i-n junction is determined at voltages above the bandgap potential. Most importantly, we find that charge transport is dominated by the ions when carrier injection from the electrodes is prohibited, that ion movement is limited by the presence of transverse internal interfaces and that the width of the intrinsic region constitutes almost 60% of the total active layer thickness in steady state at a low operating voltage.
Enhanced electrocaloric effect in lead-free BaTi1−xSnxO3 ceramics near room temperature
Authors: Luo Zhengdong , Zhang Dawei , Liu Yang , Zhou Di , Yao Yonggang , Liu Chenqi , Dkhil Brahim , Ren Xiaobing , Lou Xiaojie
Published: September 2014

The electrocaloric effect in lead-free BaTi1−xSnxO3 (BTSn, x = 0.08, 0.105, and 0.14) ferroelectric ceramics was studied by using an indirect method. It was found that the largest electrocaloric response could be achieved in BTSn with x = xQP = 0.105 near room temperature with an adiabatic temperature change ΔT of 0.61 K and an electrocaloric strength ΔT/ΔE of 0.31 K mm kV−1, under a modest electric field ΔE of 20 kV cm−1, which is comparable with the best values reported in lead-free materials. These enhanced values are attributed to the multiphase (four phases) coexistence at x = xQP corresponding to the quasi-quadruple point composition.
Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Melting Points of Trans-1,4,5,8-tetranitro-1,4,5,8-tetraazadacalin (TNAD) with Some Propellants
Authors: Li Xiao-hong , Ju Xue-hai
Published: September 2014

Molecular dynamic simulation was employed to predict the melting points Tm of TNAD/HMX, TNAD/RDX, TNAD/DINA, and TNAD/DNP systems (tans-1,4,5,8-tetranitro-1,4,5,8-tetraazadacalin (TNAD), dinitropiperazine (DNP), cyclotetramethylenete-tranitroamine (HMX), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), and N -nitrodihydroxyethy-laminedinitrate (DINA)). Tm was determined from the inflexion point on the curve of mean specific volume vs. temperature. The result shows that the Tm values of TNAD/HMX, TNAD/RDX, and TNAD/DINA systems are 500, 536, and 488 K, respectively. The TNAD/DNP system has no obvious Tm value, which shows the system is insoluble. Using Tm, the solubility of the four systems was analyzed. The radial distribution functions of the four systems were analyzed and the main intermolecular forces between TNAD and other energetic components are short-range interactions. The better the solubility is, the stronger the intermolecular interaction is. In addition, the force field energy at different temperature was also analyzed to predict Tm of the four systems.
Effect of Surfactant-Induced Modifications on CuCoMn Catalysts for Higher Alcohol Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Zhao-xia , Bi Pei-yan , Jiang Pei-wen , Li Quan-xin
Published: September 2014

A series of surfactant-modified CuCoMn-based catalysts were prepared for higher alcohol synthesis from biomass-based syngas. Three typical surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and pluronic P123 triblock copolymer (EO20PO70EO20), were employed. Compared to surfactant-free CuCoMn catalyst, CO conversion increased from 17.4% to 29.7% over SDS-modified CuCoMn catalyst, and the selectivity of higher alcohols increased from 22.0% to 41.2% over CTAB-modified catalyst. Besides, the proportions of higher alcohols in total alcohols increased over all surfactant-modified catalysts. The catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption, XRD, XPS and IR analysis. The results showed that several more favorable features rendered the CTAB-modified CuCoMn catalyst to be suitable for higher alcohol production, such as the larger pore size, better crystallinity of CuCoMnO4 spinel, moderate surface atomic distribution and lower valence of metallic ions. In addition, it was verified that CTAB addition at the metal precipitation stage was beneficial to higher alcohol synthesis. Surfactant-induced modification provides a promising alternative method for catalyst improvement in synthesis of higher alcohols.
Phase Transition Behaviour of VO2 Nanorods
Authors: Luo Ying , Li Ming , Li Guang-hai
Published: September 2014

The metal-insulator transition (MIT) of VO2(M) nanorods was studied. It was found that there were two MITs in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves of the VO2(M) nanorods, one situated at low temperature from -3 °C to 19 °C and the other was at high temperature of 65–74 °C. The low temperature MIT was always accompanied with VO2(B) nanorods, and the high temperature MIT existed singly only in pure VO2(M) nanorods. The mechanisms of these two MITs were analyzed and discussed.
The Effect of the L'Aquila Earthquake on Labour Market Outcomes
Authors: Di Pietro Giorgio , Mora Toni
Published: September 2014

In this paper we analyse the effects of the L'Aquila earthquake on labour market outcomes for a period of fifteen months after its occurrence. Our estimates are based on a difference-in-differences strategy that compares residents of L'Aquila with residents of a control area before and after the earthquake. Three main results emerge from our empirical analysis: (1) the earthquake led to a modest, but significant, reduction in the probability of participating in the labour force for a period of nine months after the event; (2) while the employment likelihood decreased in the quarter immediately after the earthquake, it increased in the next four quarters; and (3) there is evidence of significant heterogeneous effects by gender and level of education.
Heterometallic Tetranuclear {Mn2IIILn2III}n 1D Coordination Polymers: Employing Sulfonate Ligands as Connecting Groups
Authors: Langley Stuart K. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Murray Keith S.
Published: September 2014

The synthesis and magnetic characterisation of a new series of 1D {Mn2IIILn2III}n (Ln = Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy) coordination polymers are described. The repeating unit consists of a tetranuclear fragment made up of two MnIII and two LnIII ions exhibiting a butterfly/planar-diamond motif. The MnIII ions are situated in the body of the butterfly, with the LnIII ions occupying the outer wing sites. Each tetranuclear unit is linked by two bridging sulfonate ligands resulting in a 1D coordination polymer. Direct current (dc) magnetic measurements reveal the presence of weak magnetic interactions which are quantified for the {Mn2IIIGd2III}n complex, with exchange J values for the MnIII–GdIII and MnIII–MnIII pairwise interactions of 0.04 and 1.69 cm–1, respectively. Alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements reveal an absence of out-of-phase (χM′′) signals at all temperatures and frequencies utilising a 3.5 Oe oscillating ac field and a zero static dc field. Application of a bias dc field (2000 Oe), however, reveals field induced slow relaxation of the magnetisation for the DyIII complex.
Alpha and gamma oscillations characterize feedback and feedforward processing in monkey visual cortex
Authors: van Kerkoerle Timo , Self Matthew W. , Dagnino Bruno , Gariel-Mathis Marie-Alice , Poort Jasper , van der Togt Chris , Roelfsema Pieter R.
Published: September 2014

Significance

One of the main unresolved questions in cognitive neuroscience is how low-level and high-level areas of the visual cortex interact with each other during perception and cognition. We investigated whether cortical oscillations can be used to distinguish feedforward from feedback processing. We studied the propagation of α- and γ-oscillations through the cortical layers and between different visual cortical areas. We induced oscillations in different areas with microstimulation and influenced them using a pharmacological approach. The results of these experiments demonstrate that γ-oscillations propagate in the feedforward direction, whereas α-oscillations propagate in the feedback direction. We conclude that high- and low-frequency oscillations provide markers of feedforward and feedback processing, respectively.
Magnetic structure and interaction in (Sb, Co) co-doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Samanta K , Sardar M , Singh S P , Katiyar R S
Published: September 2014

The magnetic behaviour of (Co, Sb) co-doped ZnO thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition is investigated. The irreversibility (ZFC–FC bifurcation) in low field (H = 100 Oe) magnetization and small hysteresis below 300 K are similar in samples with or without Sb co-doping. Both the phenomena originate from the presence of blocked supermoments in the samples. Incorporation of Sb only increases the saturation magnetization and coercivity. The quantitative increase in moment due to Sb co-doping suggests a transfer of electrons from Co ions to Sb-related acceptor complexes. This is supported by a decrease in the number of electronic transitions from Co d electrons to the conduction band seen in optical transmission spectroscopy when Sb is added. The high field susceptibility data show the existence of supermoments with antiferromagnetic interaction between them. We find that the value of the effective antiferromagnetic molecular field constant decreases with increasing Co concentration, revealing that the supermoments are bound magnetic polarons around intrinsic donors, rather than coming from Co precipitates. True ferromagnetism (overlapping polarons) can emerge either with larger intrinsic donors, or with acceptors with shallower levels, than those created by Sb co-doping. Our results suggest that Sb-related acceptor states may be unstable towards accepting electrons from deep d levels of Co ions.
Risk assessment of cartilaginous fish populations
Authors: Cortés Enric , Brooks Elizabeth N. , Shertzer Kyle W.
Published: September 2014

We review three broad categories of risk assessment methodology used for cartilaginous fish: productivity-susceptibility analysis (PSA), demographic methods, and quantitative stock assessments. PSA is generally a semi-quantitative approach useful as an exploratory or triage tool that can be used to prioritize research, group species with similar vulnerability or risk, and provide qualitative management advice. Demographic methods are typically used in the conservation arena and provide quantitative population metrics that are used to quantify extinction risk and identify vulnerable life stages. Stock assessments provide quantitative estimates of population status and the associated risk of exceeding biological reference points, such as maximum sustainable yield. We then describe six types of uncertainty (process, observation, model, estimation, implementation, and institutional) that affect the risk assessment process, identify which of the three risk assessment methods can accommodate each type of uncertainty, and provide examples mostly for sharks drawn from our experience in the United States. We also review the spectrum of stock assessment methods used mainly for sharks in the United States, and present a case study where multiple methods were applied to the same species (dusky shark, Carcharinus obscurus) to illustrate differing degrees of model complexity and type of uncertainty considered. Finally, we address the common and problematic case of data-poor bycatch species. Our main recommendation for future work is to use Management Strategy Evaluation or similar simulation approaches to explore the effect of different sources of uncertainty, identify the most critical data to satisfy predetermined management objectives, and develop harvest control rules for cartilaginous fish. We also propose to assess the performance of data-poor and -rich methods through stepwise model construction.
Where has all the recruitment research gone, long time
passing?
Authors: Rice Jake , Browman Howard I.
Published: September 2014

For most of the past 100 years, research into recruitment processes—as pioneered by Johan Hjort—has been a consistent focus of research in fisheries science. This was reflected not only in the literature but in the organizational structures and research strategies of national and international fisheries research and management institutions. Over the past decade or so, we perceived that recruitment research is fading, if not into obscurity then at least into a more marginal place in fisheries and marine research. In this paper, we assess if our perception is real by quantifying trends in scientific publications and in the work activities within ICES during specific periods extending back to the 1920s. Our analysis documents a decline in research on recruitment processes. We put forward three possible hypotheses to explain this decline: 1. All the key research questions about recruitment have been answered; 2. The volume of research on recruitment processes has declined because the answers are no longer relevant; 3. Recruitment research has been co-opted by more trendy, possibly ephemeral, and research topics. There is little evidence to support the first two of these hypotheses and we consider the third to be the most plausible. Finally, we conclude that this new terminology/repackaging of recruitment research does not bring with it new and fresh thinking and, therefore, comes at a cost that should be carefully considered.
Other Respiratory Viruses Are Important Contributors to Adult Respiratory Hospitalizations and Mortality Even During Peak Weeks of the Influenza Season
Authors: Gilca Rodica , Amini Rachid , Douville-Fradet Monique , Charest Hugues , Dubuque Josée , Boulianne Nicole , Skowronski Danuta M. , De Serres Gaston
Published: September 2014

Background.  During peak weeks of seasonal influenza epidemics, severe respiratory infections without laboratory confirmation are typically attributed to influenza.

Methods.  In this prospective study, specimens and demographic and clinical data were collected from adults admitted with respiratory symptoms to 4 hospitals during the 8–10 peak weeks of 2 influenza seasons. Specimens were systematically tested for influenza and 13 other respiratory viruses (ORVs) by using the Luminex RVP FAST assay.

Results.  At least 1 respiratory virus was ide.jpegied in 46% (21% influenza, 25% noninfluenza; 2% coinfection) of the 286 enrolled patients in 2011–2012 and in 62% (46% influenza, 16% noninfluenza; 3% coinfection) of the 396 enrolled patients in 2012–2013. Among patients aged ≥75 years, twice as many ORVs (32%) as influenza viruses (14%) were detected in 2011–2012. During both seasons, the most frequently detected ORVs were enteroviruses/rhinoviruses (7%), respiratory syncytial virus (6%), human metapneumovirus (5%), coronaviruses (4%), and parainfluenza viruses (2%). Disease severity was similar for influenza and ORVs during both seasons.

Conclusions.  Although ORV contribution relative to influenza varies by age and season, during the peak weeks of certain influenza seasons, ORVs may be a more frequent cause of elderly hospitalization than influenza.