bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two States in the Holy Land?: International Recognition and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Authors: Mirilovic Nikola , Siroky David S.
Published: April 2015

How do states decide to extend or withhold international recognition in cases of contested sovereignty? We focus on how religion shapes the incentives of states in making this decision, both at the domestic level through religious institutions and at the international level through religious affinities. States with transnational religious ties to the contested territory are more likely to extend recognition. At the domestic level, states that heavily regulate religion are less likely to extend international recognition. We test these conjectures, and examine others in the literature, with two new data sets on the international recognition of both Palestine and Israel and voting on the United Nations resolution to admit Palestine as a non-member state observer, combined with global data on religious regulation and religious affinities. In cases of contested sovereignty, the results provide support for these two mechanisms through which religion shapes foreign policy decisions about international recognition.
Standard short-term diet ameliorates the lipid profile altered by a fructose-rich diet in rats
Authors: Cambri L. T. , Ghezzi A. C. , Arsa G. , Botezelli J. D. , de Mello M. A. R.
Published: April 2015

Markers of metabolic abnormalities are commonly found in rodents fed a fructose-rich diet. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the administration of a short-term standard diet to rats is able to improve the lipid profile altered by a fructose-rich diet. The male pups, immediately after birth, were divided in three groups according to the diet for 90 days. Standard diet: a standard diet for the whole experimental period; fructose (60% fructose-rich diet): fructose-rich diet during the entire experimental period; fructose/standard (FS): fructose-rich diet from the neonatal period up to 60 days of age and standard diet from 60 to 90 days of age. A fructose-rich diet from the neonatal period to 60 days reduced weight gain (P<0.05), as well as the weight of adipose tissues in all the regions analyzed (epididymal, mesenteric, retroperitoneal and posterior subcutaneous), and it altered the lipid profile (elevation of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol;P<0.05). When a standard diet was administered after the fructose-rich diet, it was able to partially reverse changes to the lipid profile, as total cholesterol levels were significantly different in all the groups (P<0.05), and triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels were similar between the control and FS group. In summary, a fructose-rich diet altered the lipid profile, and a standard diet can partially reverse the changed parameters in short term.
Fire in the Hole: Recreating Volcanic Eruptions with Cannon Blasts
Authors: Zimanowski Bernd , Gudmundsson Magnús Tumi
Published: April 2015

Artificial volcanic plumes, fired from cannons loaded with ash plucked from the slopes of Iceland, may help researchers better monitor disruptive eruptions.
Perturbations of the cerebrovascular matrisome: A convergent mechanism in small vessel disease of the brain?
Authors: Joutel Anne , Haddad Iman , Ratelade Julien , Nelson Mark T
Published: April 2015

The term matrisome refers to the ensemble of proteins constituting the extracellular matrix (ECM) (core matrisome) as well as the proteins associated with the ECM. Every organ has an ECM with a unique composition that not only provides the support and anchorage for cells, but also controls fundamental cellular processes as diverse as differentiation, survival, proliferation, and polarity. The current knowledge of the matrisome of small brain vessels is reviewed with a focus on the basement membrane (BM), a specialized form of ECM located at the interface between endothelial cells, contractile cells (smooth muscle cells and pericytes), and astrocyte endfeet—a very strategic location in the communication pathway between the cerebral microcirculation and astrocytes. We discuss some of the most recent genetic data and relevant findings from experimental models of nonamyloid cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). We propose the concept that perturbations of the cerebrovascular matrisome is a convergent pathologic pathway in monogenic forms of SVD, and is likely relevant to the sporadic disease.
Combined Hydrophobicity and Mechanical Durability through Surface Nanoengineering
Authors: Elliott Paul R. , Stagon Stephen P. , Huang Hanchen , Furrer David U. , Burlatsky Sergei F. , Filburn Thomas P.
Published: April 2015

This paper reports combined hydrophobicity and mechanical durability through the nanoscale engineering of surfaces in the form of nanorod-polymer composites. Specifically, the hydrophobicity derives from nanoscale features of mechanically hard ZnO nanorods and the mechanical durability derives from the composite structure of a hard ZnO nanorod core and soft polymer shell. Experimental characterization correlates the morphology of the nanoengineered surfaces with the combined hydrophobicity and mechanical durability and reveals the responsible mechanisms. Such surfaces may find use in applications, such as boat hulls, that benefit from hydrophobicity and require mechanical durability.
Approaching the alloy limit of thermal conductivity in single-crystalline Si-based thermoelectric nanocomposites: A molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Guo Ruiqiang , Huang Baoling
Published: April 2015

Single-crystalline Si-based nanocomposites have become promising candidates for thermoelectric applications due to their prominent merits. Reducing the thermal conductivity κ without deteriorating the electrical properties is the key to improve their performance. Through non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, we show that κ of single-crystalline Si-based nanocomposites can be reduced to the alloy limit by embedding various nanoinclusions of similar lattice constants but different lattice orientations or space symmetries with respect to the matrix. The surprisingly low κ is mainly due to the large acoustic phonon density of states mismatch caused by the destruction of lattice periodicity at the interfaces between the nanoinclusions and matrix, which leads to the substantial reduction of phonon group velocity and relaxation time, as well as the enhancement of phonon localization. The resulting κ is also temperature-insensitive due to the dominance of boundary scattering. The increase in thermal resistance induced by lattice structure mismatch mainly comes from the nanoinclusions and the channels between them and is caused by the enhanced boundary scattering at the interfaces parallel to the heat flux. Approaching the alloy limit of κ with potentially improved electrical properties by fillers will remarkably improve ZT of single-crystalline Si-based nanocomposites and extend their application.
mTORC1 Maintains the Tumorigenicity of SSEA-4+ High-Grade Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Wu , Ding Meng-Lei , Zhang Jia-Nian , Qiu Jian-Ru , Shen Yu-Hui , Ding Xiao-Yi , Deng Lian-Fu , Zhang Wei-Bin , Zhu Jiang
Published: April 2015

Inactivation of p53 and/or Rb pathways restrains osteoblasts from cell-cycle exit and terminal differentiation, which underpins osteosarcoma formation coupled with dedifferentiation. Recently, the level of p-S6K was shown to independently predict the prognosis for osteosarcomas, while the reason behind this is not understood. Here we show that in certain high-grade osteosarcomas, immature SSEA-4+ tumor cells represent a subset of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) whose pool size is maintained by mTORC1 activity. mTORC1 supports not only SSEA-4+ cell self-renewal through S6K but also the regeneration of SSEA-4+ TICs by SSEA-4− osteosarcoma cell dedifferentiation. Mechanistically, active mTORC1 is required to prevent a likely upregulation of the cell-cycle inhibitor p27 independently of p53 or Rb activation, which otherwise effectively drives the terminal differentiation of SSEA-4− osteosarcoma cells at the expense of dedifferentiation. Thus, mTORC1 is shown to critically regulate the retention of tumorigenicity versus differentiation in discrete differentiation phases in SSEA-4+ TICs and their progeny.
Current rectifying and resistive switching in high density BiFeO3 nanocapacitor arrays on Nb-SrTiO3 substrates
Authors: Zhao Lina , Lu Zengxing , Zhang Fengyuan , Tian Guo , Song Xiao , Li Zhongwen , Huang Kangrong , Zhang Zhang , Qin Minghui , SujuanWu  , Lu Xubing , Zeng Min , Gao Xingsen , Dai Jiyan , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: April 2015

Ultrahigh density well-registered oxide nanocapacitors are very essential for large scale integrated microelectronic devices. We report the fabrication of well-ordered multiferroic BiFeO3nanocapacitor arrays by a combination of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template method. The capacitor cells consist of BiFeO3/SrRuO3(BFO/SRO) heterostructural nanodots on conductive Nb-doped SrTiO3(Nb-STO) substrates with a lateral size of ~60 nm. These capacitors also show reversible polarization domain structures and well-established piezoresponse hysteresis loops. Moreover, apparent current-rectification and resistive switching behaviors were identified in these nanocapacitor cells using conductive-AFM technique, which are attributed to the polarization modulatedp-njunctions. These make it possible to utilize these nanocapacitors in high-density (>100 Gbit/inch2) nonvolatile memories and other oxide nanoelectronic devices.
Small Molecule Ice Recrystallization Inhibitors Enable Freezing of Human Red Blood Cells with Reduced Glycerol Concentrations
Authors: Capicciotti Chantelle J. , Kurach Jayme D. R. , Turner Tracey R. , Mancini Ross S. , Acker Jason P. , Ben Robert N.
Published: April 2015

In North America, red blood cells (RBCs) are cryopreserved in a clinical setting using high glycerol concentrations (40% w/v) with slow cooling rates (~1°C/min) prior to storage at −80°C, while European protocols use reduced glycerol concentrations with rapid freezing rates. After thawing and prior to transfusion, glycerol must be removed to avoid intravascular hemolysis. This is a time consuming process requiring specialized equipment. Small molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRIs) such as β-PMP-Glc and β-pBrPh-Glc have the ability to prevent ice recrystallization, a process that contributes to cellular injury and decreased cell viability after cryopreservation. Herein, we report that addition of 110 mM β-PMP-Glc or 30 mM β-pBrPh-Glc to a 15% glycerol solution increases post-thaw RBC integrity by 30-50% using slow cooling rates and emphasize the potential of small molecule IRIs for the preservation of cells.
Macroscopic and Macromolecular Specificity of Alkylphenol Anesthetics for Neuronal Substrates
Authors: Weiser Brian P. , Hall Michael A. , Weinbren Nathan L. , Woll Kellie A. , Dailey William P. , Eckenhoff Maryellen F. , Eckenhoff Roderic G.
Published: April 2015

We used a photoactive general anesthetic called meta-azi-propofol (AziPm) to test the selectivity and specificity of alkylphenol anesthetic binding in mammalian brain. Photolabeling of rat brain sections with [3H]AziPm revealed widespread but heterogeneous ligand distribution, with [3H]AziPm preferentially binding to synapse-dense areas compared to areas composed largely of cell bodies or myelin. With [3H]AziPm and propofol, we determined that alkylphenol general anesthetics bind selectively and specifically to multiple synaptic protein targets. In contrast, the alkylphenol anesthetics do not bind to specific sites on abundant phospholipids or cholesterol, although [3H]AziPm shows selectivity for photolabeling phosphatidylethanolamines. Together, our experiments suggest that alkylphenol anesthetic substrates are widespread in number and distribution, similar to those of volatile general anesthetics and that multi-target mechanisms likely underlie their pharmacology.
Polymer-Derived Ceramic Functionalized MoS2 Composite Paper as a Stable Lithium-Ion Battery Electrode
Authors: David L. , Bhandavat R. , Barrera U. , Singh G.
Published: April 2015

A facile process is demonstrated for the synthesis of layered SiCN-MoS2 structure via pyrolysis of polysilazane functionalized MoS2 flakes. The layered morphology and polymer to ceramic transformation on MoS2 surfaces was confirmed by use of electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. Tested as thick film electrode in a Li-ion battery half-cell, SiCN-MoS2 showed the classical three-stage reaction with improved cycling stability and capacity retention than neat MoS2. Contribution of conversion reaction of Li/MoS2 system on overall capacity was marginally affected by the presence of SiCN while Li-irreversibility arising from electrolyte decomposition was greatly suppressed. This is understood as one of the reasons for decreased first cycle loss and increased capacity retention. SiCN-MoS2 in the form of self-supporting paper electrode (at 6 mg·cm−2) exhibited even better performance, regaining initial charge capacity of approximately 530 mAh·g−1 when the current density returned to 100 mA·g−1 after continuous cycling at 2400 mA·g−1 (192 mAh·g−1). MoS2 cycled electrode showed mud-cracks and film delamination whereas SiCN-MoS2 electrodes were intact and covered with a uniform solid electrolyte interphase coating. Taken together, our results suggest that molecular level interfacing with precursor–derived SiCN is an effective strategy for suppressing the metal-sulfide/electrolyte degradation reaction at low discharge potentials.
Cell surface-based sensing with metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Jiang Ziwen , Le Ngoc D. B. , Gupta Akash , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: April 2015

Nanoparticles provide versatile platforms for cell-surface sensing for diagnostic and screening applications.
Theoretical studies on tricarbonyl metal derivatives of Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate complexes: electronic structures and nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guan Wei , Ma Tengying , Lin Yan , Yan Likai , Su Zhongmin
Published: April 2015

The β0 value of tricarbonyl metal derivatives of a Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate depends on the tricarbonyl metal M. [Nb2W4O19Ru(CO)3]2− has the largest hyperpolarizability, 12.456 × 10−30 esu, and might become an excellent NLO material.
Phase stability and high conductivity of ScSZ nanofibers: effect of the crystallite size
Authors: Yao Lei , Liu Wei , Ou Gang , Nishijima Hiroki , Pan Wei
Published: April 2015

10 mol% Sc2O3-doped ZrO2 nanofibers exhibit excellent phase stability and an exceptionally high ionic conductivity, which were found to strongly depend on the crystallite size.
Facile one-pot synthesis of multi-yolk–shell Bi@C nanostructures by the nanoscale Kirkendall effect
Authors: Cui C. M. , Guo X. H. , Geng Y. M. , Dang T. T. , Xie G. , Chen S. P. , Zhao F. Q.
Published: April 2015

Novel Bi@C multi-yolk–shell nanostructures with high catalytic activity were produced by the nanoscale Kirkendall effect.
Tetracoordinate silicon complexes of 1,2-bis(indol-2-yl)benzene as blue-emitting dyes in the solid state
Authors: Tanaka Takayuki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2015

1,2-Bis(indol-2-yl)benzene was prepared and found to serve as an effective bidentate ligand to form stable silicon complexes bearing two N–Si bonds.
Exclusive self-aligned β-phase PVDF films with abnormal piezoelectric coefficient prepared via phase inversion
Authors: Soin N. , Boyer D. , Prashanthi K. , Sharma S. , Narasimulu A. A. , Luo J. , Shah T. H. , Siores E. , Thundat T.
Published: April 2015

Exclusive β-phase, piezoelectric PVDF thin films with highd33(−49.6 pm V−1) synthesisedvialow temperature quenching.
[1,1-(η2-dppe)-3-(NC5H5)-closo-1,2-RhSB9H8]: conformational lability and reactivity with H2 upon protonation
Authors: Mateo Ana C. , Calvo Beatriz , Macías Ramón , Artigas María José , Lahoz Fernando J. , Oro Luis A.
Published: April 2015

The {SB9H8(NC5H5)}-to-{Rh(dppe)} linkage is labilized upon protonation leading to a closo ↔ nido tautomerism; non-rigidity and higher Lewis acidity, induced by the proton, make possible the H2 activation on the cationic rhodathiaborane.
Synthesis of ammonia directly from wet air using Sm0.6Ba0.4Fe0.8Cu0.2O3−δ as the catalyst
Authors: Lan Rong , Alkhazmi Khaled A. , Amar Ibrahim A. , Tao Shanwen
Published: April 2015

Ammonia was directly synthesised from wet air at 400 °C at atmospheric pressure. A new perovskite Sm0.6Ba0.4Fe0.8Cu0.2O3−δ was used as the electrocatalyst for electrochemical synthesis of ammonia. Ammonia formation rates of 9.19 × 10−7 mol s−1 m−2 and 1.53 × 10−6 mol s−1 m−2 were obtained at 400 °C when wet air and wet N2 were introduced into a simple single chamber reactor, respectively. The perovskite catalyst is low cost compared to the previously reported Ru/MgO and Pt/C catalysts. This experiment indicates that ammonia can be directly synthesised from wet air, a very promising simple technology for sustainable synthesis of ammonia in the future.
Revealing the binding mode between respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein and benzimidazole-based inhibitors
Authors: Ji Dingjue , Ye Wei , Chen HaiFeng
Published: April 2015

The binding mode between benzimidazole-based inhibitors and RSVF protein was revealed by docking and molecular dynamics simulations.
Cobalt oxide hollow nanoparticles as synthesized by templating a tri-block copolymer micelle with a core–shell–corona structure: a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Dang Nhut Minh , Zhao Wen-Wen , Yusa Shin-ichi , Noguchi Hideyuki , Nakashima Kenichi
Published: April 2015

Cobalt oxide hollow nanospheres fabricated by core–shell–corona micelle of poly(styrene-block-methylacrylate-block-ethyleneglycol) in aqueous solution show good electrochemical properties for lithium batteries.
Cationic phosphorus dendrimers and therapy for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wasiak Tomasz , Marcinkowska Monika , Pieszynski Ireneusz , Zablocka Maria , Caminade Anne-Marie , Majoral Jean-Pierre , Klajnert-Maculewicz Barbara
Published: April 2015

Cationic phosphorus dendrimers show a weak antioxidant potential, reduce the level of TNF-alpha and mimic partial noncompetitive inhibitors of AChE.
Solid-state grinding/low-temperature calcining synthesis of carbon coated MnO2 nanorods and their electrochemical capacitive property
Authors: Li Li , Guo Xin , Hao Fei , Zhang Xiaohua , Chen Jinhua
Published: April 2015

Carbon-coated MnO2 nanorods, prepared using a solid-state grinding/low-temperature calcining synthesis method, exhibit excellent capacitive performance and long-term cycling stability.
Synthesis and microstructural characterization of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene-co-vinylidene chloride) copolymers
Authors: Lopez Gérald , Gao Chun , Li Linlin , Wyzgoski Faith J. , Thenappan Alagappan , Rinaldi Peter L. , Ameduri Bruno
Published: April 2015

The synthesis of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene-co-vinylidene chloride) copolymers was revisited and thorough analyses performed by NMR revealed resonance assignments.
Syntheses, structures and magnetism of mixed-valence Mn19 and Mn21 complexes supported by alkylamine-based alkoxo-bridging ligands
Authors: Ida Hiromichi , Shiga Takuya , Newton Graham N. , Oshio Hiroki
Published: April 2015

Two high-nuclearity mixed-valence Mn clusters, Mn19 and Mn21, were synthesised utilizing an alkylamine-based flexible ligand and their magnetic properties investigated.
Carbon coated manganese monoxide octahedron negative-electrode for lithium-ion batteries with enhanced performance
Authors: Cao Huili , Wang Xinzhen , Gu Hongbo , Liu Jiurong , Luan Liqiang , Liu Wei , Wang Yiran , Guo Zhanhu
Published: April 2015

Carbon coated MnO octahedra with narrow size distribution and good dispersity have been fabricated and applied as lithium ion battery anode materials.
High performance N-doped porous activated carbon based on chicken feather for supercapacitors and CO2 capture
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Wang Yong , Li Min , Yang Ru
Published: April 2015

The chicken feather-derived N-doped porous carbons exhibit excellent electrochemical performance and high CO2 uptake.
Theoretical studies on the activation mechanism involving bifunctional tertiary amine–thioureas and isatylidene malononitriles
Authors: Qi Zheng-Hang , Zhang Ye , Ruan Gui-Yu , Zhang Yi , Wang Yong , Wang Xing-Wang
Published: April 2015

DFT studies on the activation mechanism of the Michael addition reactions containing bifunctional tertiary amine–thioureas and isatylidene malononitriles have been performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory.
SiO2-confined silicon/carbon nanofiber composites as an anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Dirican Mahmut , Lu Yao , Fu Kun , Kizil Huseyin , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: April 2015

A nanoscale silica coating of silicon/carbon nanofibers enabled stable solid electrolyte interphase formation on an electrode surface and improved cycling performance.
Rapid oxidative degradation of methylene blue by various metal oxides doped with vanadium
Authors: Amini Mojtaba , Ashrafi Mahdi , Gautam Sanjeev , Chae Keun Hwa
Published: April 2015

The oxidative degradation of methylene blue in the presence of various metal oxides doped with vanadium was studied.
Removal of methyl violet dye by adsorption onto N-benzyltriazole derivatized dextran
Authors: Cho Eunae , Tahir Muhammad Nazir , Kim Hwanhee , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Jung Seunho
Published: April 2015

Methyl violet dye/N-benzyltriazole derivatized dextran interactions.
Multicolor luminescent hybrid assembled materials based on lanthanide-containing polyoxometalates free from energy transfer crosstalk
Authors: Shi Nan , Guan Yan , Zhang Jie , Wan Xinhua
Published: April 2015

Multicolor luminescent hybrid materials of a co-assembly of Ln-POMs, quinine, and block copolymer behave as molecular pixels without energy transfer crosstalk.
Synthesis of high-purity CuO nanoleaves and analysis of their ethanol gas sensing properties
Authors: Cao Yu , Liu Shiyu , Jian Xian , Zhu Gaolong , Yin Liangjun , Zhang Le , Wu Biao , Wei Yufeng , Chen Tong , Gao Yuqi , Tang Hui , Wang Chao , He Weidong , Zhang Wanli
Published: April 2015

High purity CuO nanoleaves synthesized in solution through oriented attachment exhibit good gas sensing behavior with ethanol.
Multi-dressing time delayed fourth- and sixth-order fluorescence processes in Pr3+:YSO
Authors: Li Changbiao , Wang Lele , Yang Chang , Jiang Tao , Imran Metlo , Ahmed Irfan , Xiao Min , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: April 2015

We report the multi-dressing time delayed fluorescence processes in a Pr3+:YSO crystal, which have been investigated both theoretically and experimentally.
Correction: Elevated rate capability of sulfur wrapped with thin rGO layers for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Ahn Wook , Lee Dong Un , Song Hoon Sub , Yeon Sun-Hwa , Kim Kwang-Bum , Chen Zhongwei
Published: April 2015

Correction for ‘Elevated rate capability of sulfur wrapped with thin rGO layers for lithium–sulfur batteries’ by Wook Ahn et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 29370–29374.
Significantly enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit of p-type Mg3Sb2-based Zintl phase compounds via nanostructuring and employing high energy mechanical milling coupled with spark plasma sintering
Authors: Bhardwaj A. , Chauhan N. S. , Misra D. K.
Published: April 2015

Several nanostructuring methods have been demonstrated to produce a variety of nanostructured materials, and these methods are well recognized as effective paradigms for improving the performance of thermoelectric materials.
In situ synergistic crystallization-induced synthesis of novel Au nanostar-encrusted ZnO mesocrystals with high-quality heterojunctions for high-performance gas sensors
Authors: Zu Lianhai , Qin Yao , Yang Jinhu
Published: April 2015

Novel strawberry-like Au nanostar-encrusted ZnO mesocrystals have been synthesized through a one-pot additive-free strategy with extraordinary sensing performance towards H2S.
Stability of varying two‐dimensional Roesser systems and its application to iterative learning control convergence analysis
Authors: Meng Deyuan , Jia Yingmin , Du Junping
Published: April 2015

This study considers the convergence analysis approach to iterative learning control (ILC) which is achieved based on two‐dimensional (2D) Roesser systems. Stability results are proposed for 2D Roesser systems when they are subject to varying parameters with respect to independent time and iteration axes. It is shown that the convergence analysis of ILC for a class of non‐linear systems can be performed based on the established stability results of varying 2D Roesser systems. Moreover, the presented convergence results of ILC can work with sufficient robustness against iteration‐varying initial state shifts. Illustrative simulations are included to verify the established convergence results of ILC for non‐linear systems.
Finite‐time synchronisation control of complex networks via non‐smooth analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Yu Wenwu , Cao Jinde , Alsaadi Fuad
Published: April 2015

This study is concerned with the finite‐time synchronisation control (FTSC) of complex networks with discontinuous and continuous node dynamics. Two types of controllers (including continuous and discontinuous ones) are designed to ensure synchronisation of networks based on non‐smooth analysis. Many sufficient criteria are given to guarantee FTSC by utilising the famous finite‐time stability theorem. Compared the new obtained results with the previous literatures, the FTSC is discussed firstly when the node dynamics as well as the controllers are both discontinuous. Meanwhile, the upper bound of the settling time for synchronisation can be estimated. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Piecewise‐linear approximations for a non‐linear transmission expansion planning problem
Authors: Camponogara Eduardo , de Almeida Katia Campos , Rubens Hardt
Published: April 2015

This study proposes a new approach to solve the transmission expansion planning (TEP) problem considering that the network is represented by a non‐linear model. Non‐linear constraints are approximated with piecewise‐linear (PWL) functions, which renders TEP a mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) problem. This study presents MILP formulations obtained from the PWL approximation using the incremental, special ordered sets of type 2 (SOS2) and the logarithmic convex combination (Log) model. Three test systems are used to assess the effectiveness of the formulations. The computational analysis encompasses a baseline formulation, which accounts for the costs on line installation and transmission losses, and a variation of this formulation which minimises the operating costs rather than transmission losses. The results obtained by the MILP models are compared with those of a transmission planning model based on the DC representation of the network. The analysis of the results showed that expansion plans obtained from the MILP formulations are feasible, whereas the plans derived from the DC model are infeasible with respect to system constraints.
Logarithmical hopping encoding: a low computational complexity algorithm for image compression
Authors: García Aranda Jose Javier , González Casquete Marina , Cao Cueto Mario , Navarro Salmerón Joaquín , González Vidal Francisco
Published: April 2015

LHE (logarithmical hopping encoding) is a computationally efficient image compression algorithm that exploits the Weber–Fechner law to encode the error between colour component predictions and the actual value of such components. More concretely, for each pixel, luminance and chrominance predictions are calculated as a function of the surrounding pixels and then the error between the predictions and the actual values are logarithmically quantised. The main advantage of LHE is that although it is capable of achieving a low‐bit rate encoding with high quality results in terms of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and image quality metrics with full‐reference (FSIM) and non‐reference (blind/referenceless image spatial quality evaluator), its time complexity is O(n) and its memory complexity is O(1). Furthermore, an enhanced version of the algorithm is proposed, where the output codes provided by the logarithmical quantiser are used in a pre‐processing stage to estimate the perceptual relevance of the image blocks. This allows the algorithm to downsample the blocks with low perceptual relevance, thus improving the compression rate. The performance of LHE is especially remarkable when the bit per pixel rate is low, showing much better quality, in terms of PSNR and FSIM, than JPEG and slightly lower quality than JPEG‐2000 but being more computationally efficient.
LCL‐resonant single‐switch isolated DC–DC converter
Authors: Zeng Jianwu , Qiao Wei , Qu Liyan
Published: April 2015

Isolated converters are desirable in DC–DC power conversion applications where an isolation and/or a large voltage step‐up gain is needed. The existing isolated DC–DC converters either utilise many switches to achieve high efficiency or use few switches which result in low efficiency. This study proposes a new single switch, isolated DC–DC converter with an LCL‐resonant circuit. The proposed isolated DC–DC converter has the advantages of not only using the least number of switches (i.e. one switch), but also achieving zero‐current switching when the switch is turned off. Experimental results are provided to validate the theoretical analysis of the proposed converter. Results show that the proposed converter has lower voltage stress and higher efficiency than the corresponding hard‐switched converter.
Smart guaranteed time‐slot allocation algorithm for industrial wireless sensor networks emergency message transmission
Authors: Chen Qinyin , Hu Yanting , Chen Zhe , Davies John N. , Excell Peter
Published: April 2015

This paper presents investigation on application of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in wind power generation systems and highlights an important issue associated with the deadline for the delivery of messages among nodes based on the IEEE 802.15.4E standard. Owing to the limits of standard and the power system application requirements, this research proposes a smart guaranteed time slot (S‐GTS) allocation algorithm which is based on the urgent/important matrix. This proposed algorithm promotes the utilisation of contention free period in a superframe. Besides, over seven GTSs can be allocated in a superframe, there are only seven GTSs that can be used in the standard. In addition, this study proves the value of BO and SO upper bound is 6 for the WSN application in power systems. Moreover, the network delay of S‐GTS performs better than the 16‐time‐slot mechanism and i‐GAME mechanism.
Social sensing‐based duty cycle management for monitoring rare events in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Misra Sudip , Mishra Satyadeep , Khatua Manas
Published: April 2015

This paper introduces a social sensing‐based dynamic duty cycle management scheme, namely probabilistic duty cycle in sensor medium access control (PDC‐SMAC) protocol, for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The objective of PDC‐SMAC is to minimise energy consumption in monitoring ‘rare events’ by reducing the period of ‘ineffective sensing’. Ineffective sensing is defined as event monitoring or sensing, even if there is no event to monitor or sense. Existing schemes suffer from unnecessary energy consumption because of ineffective sensing. For example, the period and frequency of occurrence of an event in military applications is unpredictable, and sometimes the delay between two consecutive occurrences is very large. We exploit the social sensing behaviour of social networks for avoiding ineffective sensing by managing the duty cycle of a node in a sensor network. PDC‐SMAC minimises the energy consumption of a WSN as the event monitoring overhead is accounted for by the social network. Simulation results show that PDC‐SMAC consumes 37% less energy in an ideal environment and 15% less energy on overall performances as compared with the benchmark considered for comparison. It minimises message delivery latency by 27 − 60% for different packet generation intervals and by 47% for different event occurrence rates, compared with the benchmark.
Defect‐tolerance analysis of fundamental quantum‐dot cellular automata devices
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Lv Hongjun , Liu Shuai , Xiang Yunlong , Xie Guangjun
Published: April 2015

Quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is a burgeoning technology at the nano‐scale range, with the potential for lower power consumption, smaller size and faster speed than conventional complementary metal–oxide semiconductor‐based technology. Because of its ultra‐density integration and its inherent physical properties, fault‐tolerance is an important property to consider in the research and manufacture of QCA. In this paper, one type of defect, in which displacement and misalignment occur coinstantaneously, is investigated in detail on rudimentary QCA devices (majority voter (MV), inverter, wire) with QCADesigner. Another MV with rotated cells is also proposed, and it is more robust than the original one. Simulation results present the defect‐tolerance of these devices, that is, the maximum precise region the defective cell can be moved moreover, with correct logical function. These conclusions have a meaningful guiding significance for QCA physical implementation and fault‐tolerance research.
Propriétés et rôles biologiques des protéines TET au cours du développement et de l’hématopoïèse
Authors: Mahfoudhi Emna , Secardin Lise , Scourzic Laurianne , Bernard Olivier , Vainchenker William , Plo Isabelle
Published: April 2015

La méthylation de l’ADN est associée à de nombreux processus biologiques et concerne la méthylation de la cytosine en position 5 (5-mC). Un mécanisme actif de déméthylation, jusqu’alors discuté, a été mis en évidence en 2009 à la suite de la découverte des protéines TET (ten-eleven-translocation). Ces protéines sont des enzymes capables d’hydroxyler la 5-mC en 5-hydroxyméthylcytosine. Simultanément, d’autres études ont montré la fréquence et le rôle des mutations acquises de TET2 dans les hémopathies et leur pathogenèse. Depuis, ces protéines ont été impliquées dans de très nombreux processus, ouvrant un nouveau domaine de recherche. Dans cette revue, nous discuterons les fonctions enzymatique et biologique de ces protéines, ainsi que leurs rôles, notamment au cours de l’hématopoïèse et du développement.
Le génome intime… et en trois dimensions
Authors: Umlauf David
Published: April 2015

Au cours de la dernière décennie, les différentes techniques dites de capture de la conformation des chromosomes (3C) ont accéléré notre compréhension de l’architecture nucléaire des cellules eucaryotes. Couplées aux technologies de séquençage à haut débit et aux traitements bio-informatiques, elles ont révélé différents niveaux d’organisation du génome à une échelle sans précédent. Il est maintenant possible d’appliquer ces techniques à l’étude d’une cellule unique, afin de déterminer les propriétés de repliement des chromosomes et de comprendre comment ces derniers interagissent les uns avec les autres. Ces résultats vont au-delà de ce qui était connu et démontrent la puissance des approches de type 3C.
On the thermal stability of physical vapor deposited oxide-hardened nanocrystalline gold thin films
Authors: Argibay N. , Mogonye J. E. , Michael J. R. , Goeke R. S. , Kotula P. G. , Scharf T. W. , Dugger M. T. , Prasad S. V.
Published: April 2015

We describe a correlation between electrical resistivity and grain size for PVD synthesized polycrystalline oxide-hardened metal-matrix thin films in oxide-dilute (<5 vol. % oxide phase) compositions. The correlation is based on the Mayadas-Shatzkes (M-S) electron scattering model, predictive of grain size evolution as a function of composition in the oxide-dilute regime for 2 μm thick Au-ZnO films. We describe a technique to investigate grain boundary (GB) mobility and the thermal stability of GBs based on in situ electrical resistivity measurements during annealing experiments, interpreted using a combination of the M-S model and the Michels et al. model describing solute drag stabilized grain growth kinetics. Using this technique, activation energy and pre-exponential Arrhenius parameter values of Ea = 21.6 kJ/mol and Ao = 2.3 × 10−17 m2/s for Au-1 vol. % ZnO and Ea = 12.7 kJ/mol and Ao = 3.1 × 10−18 m2/s for Au-2 vol. % ZnO were determined. In the oxide-dilute regime, the grain size reduction of the Au matrix yielded a maximum hardness of 2.6 GPa for 5 vol. % ZnO. A combined model including percolation behavior and grain refinement is presented that accurately describes the composition dependent change in electrical resistivity throughout the entire composition range for Au-ZnO thin films. The proposed correlations are supported by microstructural characterization using transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction mapping for grain size determination.
Effects of cobalt substitutions on the magnetoelectric coupling of M-type hexaferrite films
Authors: Izadkhah H. , Zare S. , Somu S. , Vittoria C.
Published: April 2015

We have experimentally investigated the correlation between the magnetoelectric coupling α and Co substitutions in M-type hexaferrite films. Specifically, the following family of M-type hexaferrites materials were investigated Sr2+Cox2+Ti3−0.5x4+Fe83+O192−, where x varied from 1.2 to 3.5. The parameter α was measured for the cases (a) the induced magnetization was perpendicular, α⊥, and (b) parallel, α∥, to the applied electric field. A maximum value of α⊥ = 1.01 × 10−8 sec/m was measured for x = 1.65. This optimum value may be related to the maximum packing density of cobalt ions in octahedral sites and still maintain charge neutrality. Also, α∥ reached a minimum value of 2.51 × 10−10 sec/m for x = 1.9.
Regarding the use and misuse of retinal protonated Schiff base photochemistry as a test case for time-dependent density-functional theory
Authors: Valsson Omar , Filippi Claudia , Casida Mark E.
Published: April 2015

The excited-state relaxation of retinal protonated Schiff bases (PSBs) is an important test case for biological applications of time-dependent (TD) density-functional theory (DFT). While well-known shortcomings of approximate TD-DFT might seem discouraging for application to PSB relaxation, progress continues to be made in the development of new functionals and of criteria allowing problematic excitations to be identified within the framework of TD-DFT itself. Furthermore, experimental and theoretical ab initio advances have recently lead to a revised understanding of retinal PSB photochemistry, calling for a reappraisal of the performance of TD-DFT in describing this prototypical photoactive system. Here, we re-investigate the performance of functionals in (TD-)DFT calculations in light of these new benchmark results, which we extend to larger PSB models. We focus on the ability of the functionals to describe primarily the early skeletal relaxation of the chromophore and investigate how far along the out-of-plane pathways these functionals are able to describe the subsequent rotation around formal single and double bonds. Conventional global hybrid and range-separated hybrid functionals are investigated as the presence of Hartree-Fock exchange reduces problems with charge-transfer excitations as determined by the Peach-Benfield-Helgaker-Tozer Λ criterion and by comparison with multi-reference perturbation theory results. While we confirm that most functionals cannot render the complex photobehavior of the retinal PSB, do we also observe that LC-BLYP gives the best description of the initial part of the photoreaction.
Comment on “Frequency-domain stimulated and spontaneous light emission signals at molecular junctions” [J. Chem. Phys. 141, 074107 (2014)]
Authors: Galperin Michael , Ratner Mark A. , Nitzan Abraham
Published: April 2015

We discuss the derivation of the optical response in molecular junctions presented by U. Harbola et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 141, 074107 (2014)], which questions some terms in the theory of Raman scattering in molecular junctions developed in our earlier publications. We show that the terms considered in our theory represent the correct contribution to calculated Raman scattering and are in fact identical to those considered by Harbola et al. We also indicate drawbacks of the presented approach in treating the quantum transport part of the problem.
Laboratory-based x-ray reflectometer for multilayer characterization in the 15–150 keV energy band
Authors: Windt David L.
Published: April 2015

A laboratory-based X-ray reflectometer has been developed to measure the performance of hard X-ray multilayer coatings at their operational X-ray energies and incidence angles. The instrument uses a sealed-tube X-ray source with a tungsten anode that can operate up to 160 kV to provide usable radiation in the 15–150 keV energy band. Two sets of adjustable tungsten carbide slit assemblies, spaced 4.1 m apart, are used to produce a low-divergence white beam, typically set to 40 μm × 800 μm in size at the sample. Multilayer coatings under test are held flat using a vacuum chuck and are mounted at the center of a high-resolution goniometer used for precise angular positioning of the sample and detector; additionally, motorized linear stages provide both vertical and horizontal adjustments of the sample position relative to the incident beam. A CdTe energy-sensitive detector, located behind a third adjustable slit, is used in conjunction with pulse-shaping electronics and a multi-channel analyzer to capture both the incident and reflected spectra; the absolute reflectance of the coating under test is computed as the ratio of the two spectra. The instrument’s design, construction, and operation are described in detail, and example results are presented obtained with both periodic, narrow-band and depth-graded, wide-band hard X-ray multilayer coatings.
Enhanced tunability of plasmon induced transparency in graphene strips
Authors: Shi Xi , Su Xiaopeng , Yang Yaping
Published: April 2015

The approach of slow-light efficiency manipulation is theoretically investigated in graphene analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) system, which cannot be realized in conventional quantum regime. In this system, two graphene strips with different Fermi energies placed side by side as radiative elements have been discussed, and the coupling strength between radiative elements and dark elements is tuned by these radiative elements. Our proposed scheme exploits the tuning of coupling strength between the radiative elements and dark elements in contrast with the existing approaches that rely on tuning the damping rates of radiative or dark elements. The transparent window and group delays can be tuned by different coupling strength without changing the geometry of structure. This manipulation can be explained using a temporal coupled-mode theory. Furthermore, the hybridized states in this EIT-like system can be manipulated by tuning the Fermi energy of radiative elements. This kind of controllable electromagnetically induced transparency has many significant potential applications in optoelectronic, photodetectors, tunable sensors, and storage of optical data regimes.
Wigner–Eckart theorem for the non-compact algebra 𝔰𝔩(2, ℝ)
Authors: Sellaroli Giuseppe
Published: April 2015

The Wigner–Eckart theorem is a well known result for tensor operators of 𝔰𝔲(2) and, more generally, any compact Lie algebra. In this paper, the theorem will be generalized to the particular non-compact case of 𝔰𝔩(2, ℝ). In order to do so, recoupling theory between representations that are not necessarily unitary will be studied, namely, between finite-dimensional and infinite-dimensional representations. As an application, the Wigner–Eckart theorem will be used to construct an analogue of the Jordan–Schwinger representation, previously known only for representations in the discrete class, which also covers the continuous class.
On the dynamics of the reentrant spin-glass state of the Fe100−xZrx (x = 9, 10) amorphous alloys
Authors: Ribeiro P. R. T. , Machado F. L. A. , Dahlberg E. Dan
Published: April 2015

Low temperature magnetization (M) and ac susceptibility (χac) data were used to investigate the reentrant spin-glass state in lengths of melt-spun ribbons of Fe100−xZrx (x = 9, 10) amorphous alloys. The temperature range investigated was from 2 to 300 K, while the applied magnetic field H was varied in the range of ±85 kOe. The magnetic properties were found to be strongly influenced by the sample composition despite the fact that the amount of Fe varies by 1 at. %. For instance, the Curie temperature (TC) is reduced from 232.5 K to 213.0 K with decreasing Fe concentration, while M for the lower Fe concentration, measured at the highest applied magnetic field (H = 85 kOe) was nearly double the value for that of the higher; the coercivity in the ferromagnetic regime is reduced by a factor close to five when x is increased from 9 at. % to 10 at. %. The ac susceptibility measured for frequencies f in the range of 10–104 Hz showed a sharp drop in the magnitude of the in-phase contribution (χac′) and a peak at the out-of-phase component (χac″), which shifts to higher temperatures with increasing values of f. The Voguel-Fulcher law applied to the χac″ data yielded an activation energy Ea/kB = 21.3 K (40.1 K), the glassy temperature TG = 15.5 K (38.2 K), and a relaxation time τ0=9.1×10−7 s (8.3×10−7 s), for the sample with x = 10 (x = 9). A plot of χac″ vs χac′ for a broad range of T and f yielded a broad maximum near the glassy temperature TG for both sample concentrations.
Magnetic phase transitions in ferrite nanoparticles characterized by electron spin resonance
Authors: Flores-Arias Yesica , Vázquez-Victorio Gabriela , Ortega-Zempoalteca Raul , Acevedo-Salas Ulises , Ammar Souad , Valenzuela Raul
Published: April 2015

Ferrite magnetic nanoparticles in the composition Zn0.7Ni0.3Fe2O4 were synthesized by the polyol method, with an average size of 8 nm. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements were carried out at a frequency of 9.45 GHz in the 100–500 K temperature range. Obtained results exhibited a characteristic ESR signal in terms of resonance field, Hres, linewidth, ΔH, and peak ratio, R, for each magnetic phase. At low temperatures, the ferrimagnetic phase showed low Hres, broad ΔH, and asymmetric R. At high temperatures, these parameters exhibited opposite values: high Hres, small ΔH, and R ∼ 1. For intermediate temperatures, a different phase was observed, which was identified as a superparamagnetic phase by means of zero-field cooling-field cooling and hysteresis loops measurements. The observed differences were explained in terms of the internal fields and especially due to the cubic anisotropy in the ordered phase.
Nanocrystalline zinc ferrite films studied by magneto-optical spectroscopy
Authors: Lišková-Jakubisová E. , Višňovský Š. , Široký P. , Hrabovský D. , Pištora J. , Sahoo Subasa C. , Prasad Shiva , Venkataramani N. , Bohra Murtaza , Krishnan R.
Published: April 2015

Ferrimagnetic Zn-ferrite (ZnFe2O4) films can be grown with the ferromagnetic resonance linewidth of 40 Oe at 9.5 GHz without going through a high temperature processing. This presents interest for applications. The work deals with laser ablated ZnFe2O4 films deposited at O2 pressure of 0.16 mbar onto fused quartz substrates. The films about 120 nm thick are nanocrystalline and their spontaneous magnetization, 4πMs, depends on the nanograin size, which is controlled by the substrate temperature (Ts). At Ts ≈ 350 °C, where the grain distribution peaks around ∼20–30 nm, the room temperature 4πMs reaches a maximum of ∼2.3 kG. The films were studied by magnetooptical polar Kerr effect (MOKE) spectroscopy at photon energies between 1 and 5 eV. The complementary characteristics were provided by spectral ellipsometry (SE). Both the SE and MOKE spectra confirmed ferrimagnetic ordering. The structural details correspond to those observed in MgFe2O4 and Li0.5Fe2.5O4 spinels. SE experiments confirm the insulator behavior. The films display MOKE amplitudes somewhat reduced with respect to those in Li0.5Fe2.5O4 and MgFe2O4 due to a lower degree of spinel inversion and nanocrystalline structure. The results indicate that the films are free of oxygen vacancies and Fe3+-Fe2+ exchange.