bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic solid-phase extraction of proteins based on hydroxy functional ionic liquid-modified magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Yuzhi , Ding Xueqin , Huang Yanhua , Xu Kaijia
Published: August 2014

Hydroxy functional ionic liquids have been first designed and modified on the surface of silica-coated magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNPs) for the investigation of the extraction performance of proteins.
A Nile Red/BODIPY-based bimodal probe sensitive to changes in the micropolarity and microviscosity of the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Yang Zhigang , He Yanxia , Lee Jae Hong , Chae Weon-Sik , Ren Wen Xiu , Lee Joung Hae , Kang Chulhun , Kim Jong Seung
Published: August 2014

A fluorescent bimodal chemosensor was developed to determine ER viscosity and polarity changes during ER stress caused by tunicamycin.
Capturing a novel metastable polymorph of the anticancer drug gefitinib
Authors: Thorat Shridhar H. , Patwadkar Manjusha V. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Vaidhyanathan R.
Published: August 2014

The anticancer drug gefitinib exhibited conformational polymorphism, revealing 3D isostructurality in the molecular organization, and slight differences in the stacking pattern. The kinetic (red) polymorph undergoes a crystal-to-crystal thermal phase transition to the thermodynamic (blue) form.
A double-QM/MM method for investigating donor–acceptor electron-transfer reactions in solution
Authors: Futera Zdenek , Sodeyama Keitaro , Burda Jaroslav V. , Einaga Yasuaki , Tateyama Yoshitaka
Published: August 2014

A double-QM/MM method can explore the distant-dependent phenomena of outer-sphere electron transfer processes. This method allows easy control of donor–acceptor spin-charge densities within the full-reaction scheme.
Highly stretchable and conductive silver nanowire thin films formed by soldering nanomesh junctions
Authors: Chen Shih-Pin , Liao Ying-Chih
Published: August 2014

Silver nanowire junctions are soldered chemically to form a stretchable conductor with great electrical conductivity in the stretching or twisting process.
Effect of metasilicate matrices on boron purification by Amberlite IRA 743 boron specific resin and isotope analysis by MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Wei Hai-Zhen , Jiang Shao-Yong , Yang Tang-Li , Yang Jing-Hong , Yang Tao , Yan Xiong , Ling Bao-Ping , Liu Qian , Wu He-Pin
Published: August 2014

The selective adsorption of metasilicate species by N-methyl d-glucamine functional groups in Amberlite IRA 743 resin was observed, which is clarified as the formation of sugar-metasilicate complexes and possible physical adsorptions.
Disentangling the effects of nanoscale structural variations on the light emission wavelength of single nano-emitters: InGaN/GaN multiquantum well nano-LEDs for a case study
Authors: Sarau George , Heilmann Martin , Latzel Michael , Christiansen Silke
Published: August 2014

A correlated experimental and theoretical approach to study quantitatively the strain – light emission relationship and surface-related phenomena in individual nano-emitters.
Decoration of size-tunable CuO nanodots on TiO2 nanocrystals for noble metal-free photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Moon Geon Dae , Joo Ji Bong , Lee Ilkeun , Yin Yadong
Published: August 2014

We report a simple yet effective approach for the decoration of the TiO2 nanocrystal surface with size-tunable CuO nanodots for high-performance noble metal-free photocatalytic H2 production.
Hydrothermal synthesis of Pt–Ag alloy nano-octahedra and their enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Fu Geng-Tao , Ma Ru-Guang , Gao Xue-Qing , Chen Yu , Tang Ya-Wen , Lu Tian-Hong , Lee Jong-Min
Published: August 2014

High-quality Pt48Ag52 alloy nano-octahedra are synthesized via one-pot hydrothermal method showing excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability for methanol oxidation reaction.
Graphene oxide hydration and solvation: an in situ neutron reflectivity study
Authors: Vorobiev Alexei , Dennison Andrew , Chernyshov Dmitry , Skrypnychuk Vasyl , Barbero David , Talyzin Alexandr V.
Published: August 2014

Using isotope contrast, neutron reflectivity was applied to evaluate the amounts of water and ethanol intercalated into a graphene oxide membrane from pure and binary vapors and to evaluate the selectivity of the membrane permeation.
The transition-metal-catalyst-free oxidative homocoupling of organomanganese reagents prepared by the insertion of magnesium into organic halides in the presence of MnCl2·2LiCl
Authors: Peng Zhihua , Li Na , Sun Xinyang , Wang Fang , Xu Lanjian , Jiang Cuiyu , Song Linhua , Yan Zi-Feng
Published: August 2014

An oxidative homocoupling of organomanganese reagents was performed in one pot without an additional transition-metal catalyst.
Influence of B-ring modifications on proton affinity, transmembrane anion transport and anti-cancer properties of synthetic prodigiosenes
Authors: Marchal Estelle , Rastogi Soumya , Thompson Alison , Davis Jeffery T.
Published: August 2014

We describe how modulating the pKaof a family of synthetic prodigiosenes, modified on their B-ring, can control the transmembrane transport of anions.
Highly homogeneous core–sheath polyaniline nanofibers obtained by polymerisation on a wire-shaped template
Authors: Castagna Rossella , Momentè Roberto , Pariani Giorgio , Zerbi Giuseppe , Bianco Andrea , Bertarelli Chiara
Published: August 2014

Homogeneous and defect-free PANI nanofibrous membranes were demonstrated with oxidative polymerization on a Nylon 6 electrospun wire-shaped template.
Gas sensing properties of Cd-doped ZnO nanofibers synthesized by the electrospinning method
Authors: Bai Shouli , Chen Song , Zhao Yangbo , Guo Teng , Luo Ruixian , Li Dianqing , Chen Aifan
Published: August 2014

The response of ZnO nanofibers is significantly enhanced via Cd doping, which can be attributed to the change of defects in ZnO and has been confirmed by PL and XPS analysis.
Graphene nanoflakes as an efficient ionizing matrix for MALDI-MS based lipidomics of cancer cells and cancer stem cells
Authors: Hua Pei-Yang , Manikandan M. , Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Wu Hui-Fen
Published: August 2014

This study demonstrates that graphene nanoflakes can be efficiently used as a successful, interference free matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
Prompt and synergistic antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticle-decorated silica hybrid particles on air filtration
Authors: Ko Young-Seon , Joe Yun Haeng , Seo Mihwa , Lim Kipil , Hwang Jungho , Woo Kyoungja
Published: August 2014

Silver nanoparticle-decorated silica hybrid particles (AgNP@SiO2) bite away bacteria promptly and synergistically upon contact by air filtration.
Tuning memory performances from WORM to flash or DRAM by structural tailoring with different donor moieties
Authors: Zhou Feng , He Jing-Hui , Liu Quan , Gu Pei-Yang , Li Hua , Xu Guo-Qin , Xu Qing-Feng , Lu Jian-Mei
Published: August 2014

Four donor–acceptor organic molecules (HATT, HDTT, HETT and HRTT) consisting of different electron donors (phenol, triphenylamine, benzene and carbazole) and the same electron acceptor (triazole) were used as the active layer in NVM (nonvolatile memory) devices.
Lexical Decay During Online Sentence Processing in Adults With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Poll Gerard H. , Watkins Holly S. , Miller Carol A.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

Decay of memory traces is an important component of many theories of working memory, but there is conflicting evidence on whether the rate of decay differs for individuals with specific language impairment (SLI) as compared to peers with typical language. The authors tested the hypothesis that adults with SLI have a slower decay rate.

Method

Twenty adults with SLI, ages 18–27 years, and 23 age-matched peers identified target words in sentences. Sentences were presented at normal and slow rates. Participants separately judged whether a picture and sentence matched in meaning as a measure of sentence processing efficiency.

Results

After controlling for sentence processing efficiency, the group with SLI was slower to detect words in sentences. Response times for the group with SLI increased less in the slow condition as compared to the group with typical language, resulting in a Group × Presentation Rate interaction.

Conclusions

The Group × Presentation Rate interaction is consistent with a slower lexical decay rate for adults with SLI, but differences in the ability to manage interference could not be ruled out. The findings suggest that decay rate differences may play a role in the working memory limitations found in individuals with SLI.
Evaluation of RF micro‐discharge regimes in performance of evanescent‐mode cavity resonators
Authors: Semnani A. , Peroulis D.
Published: August 2014

RF gas breakdown in small gaps is a primary limiting factor in the power handling of heavily loaded cavity‐based resonators. The effects of different RF micro‐discharge regimes in the performance of these resonators are studied. Specifically, two resonators at 1 and 50 GHz with the same critical gap size of 19 μm which are, respectively, working in the RF boundary and diffusion‐controlled regimes are considered. By combining plasma and electromagnetic simulations, the effects of high power gas breakdown in the performance of these resonators are compared. A sensitivity analysis on the effects of microscopic plasma parameters is also performed.
100 Gbit/s optical wireless communication system link throughput
Authors: Boucouvalas A.C. , Yiannopoulos K. , Ghassemlooy Z.
Published: August 2014

Novel results on the link layer protocol performance of future infrared personal communication links at a line rate of 100 Gbit/s are presented. The discussion aims to demonstrate the shortcomings of the currently standardised half‐duplex mode of communications in the physical layer and details its negative impact on the link layer efficiency. Results of a non‐standardised full‐duplex mode of operation that is however suitable for application in future high capacity infrared links are also presented. The results predict that the migration to this full‐duplex mode can prove advantageous for the link layer performance, as it not only yields a higher efficiency, but also requires significantly smaller frame and window sizes.
Coordinated of multi‐point and bi‐casting joint soft handover scheme for high‐speed rail
Authors: Xia Yingying , Fang Xuming , Luo Wantuan , Liu Miao , Li Shasha , Zhao Yajun
Published: August 2014

The high mobility of high‐speed train brings great challenges to the current wireless communication, especially to the handover. How to reduce the interrupt time and enhance the handover performance is becoming a serious problem for high‐speed rail (HSR). In this study, a coordinated of multi‐point (CoMP) and bi‐casting joint soft handover scheme for HSR is proposed, which is based on long‐term evolution network architecture, and without any change to the existing network and the train. In the scheme, CoMP is used on air interface and bi‐casting is used on S1 interface. With the binding triggering of CoMP and bi‐casting, only one suit of signalling is needed and the system complexity is much simplified. Meanwhile, as much handover related information is stored in corresponding entity during the joining process of CoMP and bi‐casting, the handover process is much simplified and converted into update of serving eNodeB. Compared with traditional handover scheme, it can be seen from theoretical analysis and simulation results that the handover delay is reduced remarkably and the handover performance is improved greatly.
RANdom sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm for enhancing overlapped etched track counting
Authors: Ghergherehchi Mitra , Kim Seung Yeol , Afarideh Hossein , Kim Yoon Sang
Published: August 2014

In this study, a method to enhance the accuracy of overlapped etched track analysis is proposed. Counting tracks by eye is not an easy task and automated tracks counting systems are attractive key for this problem. This method supplements the deficiencies of the conventional track analysis method. A computer programme named KoreaTech Track Measurement System written in C++, which is the authors’ previous method, has been upgraded. In the proposed track analysis method, the track images captured from solid state nuclear track detectors are geometrically analysed and the number of tracks is counted. A damaged etching track shape can be restored on the track image to improve the analysis accuracy. For track restoration, the effective points are differentiated from the damaged track image. The track image is then restored by estimating the radii (small object removal) or their axis (ellipse, circle and non‐circle) using the RANdom sample consensus method. Using the restored track image, the track parameters are obtained from the ellipse and then approximated to the contour of the track image to analyse the track image. Then, the total number of tracks including the overlapped tracks is counted. To verify the proposed track analysis method, experiments using actual etching track images are conducted and the results are discussed.
Traffic incident duration analysis and prediction models based on the survival analysis approach
Authors: Li Ruimin
Published: August 2014

In the traffic incident management process, it is important to predict the potential duration of an incident as accurately as possible. This study presents a model for estimating and predicting different duration stages of traffic incidents occurring on urban expressways, based on the initial information of the Traffic Incident Reporting and Dispatching System of Beijing. The accelerated failure time hazard‐based model is used to develop the estimation and prediction models, as well as considering the unobserved heterogeneity, time‐varying covariate and relationship between consecutive traffic incident duration stages. The developed models show that there are a number of different variables which affect different traffic incident duration stages. The model test results show that the developed model can generally achieve reasonable prediction results, except for with shorter or longer extreme values. The developed model will aid in traffic incident management by providing timely duration prediction based on the initial information, as soon as the traffic control centre receives the traffic incident report.
Robust technique for the polarisability matrix retrieval of bianisotropic scatterers via their reflection and transmission coefficients
Authors: Karamanos Theodosios D. , Dimitriadis Alexandros I. , Kantartzis Nikolaos V.
Published: August 2014

A consistent algorithm for extracting the polarisability matrix of bianisotropic meta‐atoms directly from their reflection and transmission properties is introduced in this study. Considering a two‐dimensional periodic distribution of the scatterer under study, illuminated by properly‐polarised, normally‐incident, plane waves, the point‐dipole approximation is successfully applied in order to analytically compute the scattered field of the array in terms of the particle polarisabilities. Then, simulated or measured S‐parameters can be employed for the inversion of the resulting non‐linear system of equations, leading to the desired dynamic polarisability matrix and, especially, the magneto‐electric coupling term. Finally, the featured technique is applied to an assortment of important structures, frequently utilised for various metamaterial applications and the outcomes are extensively compared with previously existing techniques, thus verifying the merits of the novel approach.
Injection matched approach for wideband tunable electrically small antennas
Authors: Kabiri Yasin , Gardner Peter , Constantinou Costas
Published: August 2014

In this study, an approach for making electrically small antennas is proposed. In this technique, a two port configuration is utilised in which one port is exploited (the secondary port) in order to match the other port (the primary port) to the source. Based on the proposed approach a microstrip patch antenna is designed and fabricated. The simulated and measured results show that utilising the proposed technique allows the patch antenna to resonate at a frequency much lower than its intrinsic resonance frequency. Moreover, not only it considerably improves the bandwidth of operation, but also it allows frequency reconfiguration in a wide range.
Self‐adaptive proactive routing scheme for mobile ad‐hoc networks
Authors: Son Tran The , Le Minh Hoa , Sexton Graham , Aslam Nauman
Published: August 2014

This study introduces a routing model which has the ability to detect the mobile ad‐hoc network (MANET) mobility states and self‐adapt routing metrics accordingly. In this model, nodes rely on theirs mobility indicator to detect whether the network is relatively static or mobile and hence switch the routing metric to either expected transmission count (ETX) or mobility factor (MF), respectively. The proposed model takes advantages of both ETX and MF metrics thus enhancing the overall routing performance for MANET in different mobility states. Packet delivery ratio increases 10% in both static and mobile conditions whereas the number of drop packets reduces half compared with the original optimised link state routing protocol.
Design of mode switching scheme for low‐voltage ride‐through of doubly fed induction generators
Authors: Wei Feng , Vilathgamuwa Don Mahinda , Shing Choi San
Published: August 2014

A mode switching doubly fed induction generator (MSDFIG) scheme is proposed for the purpose of achieving low‐voltage ride‐through for wind turbines. The MSDFIG operates as a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) under normal condition but upon the detection of a low‐voltage incident, the generator is to smoothly transfer to operate under the induction generator mode through the switching in of a set of stator‐side crowbar. The MSDFIG automatically reverts back to the DFIG mode when network voltage recovers. A new strategy on the control of the crowbar resistance is included. Analysis shows that the proposed MSDFIG scheme can ride through the complete low‐voltage and voltage recovery stages. Effectiveness of the scheme is demonstrated through simulation and experiment studies.
High dielectric material dependence of carbon nanotube field effect transistor considering non‐ballistic conduction
Authors: Rouf Nirjhor Tahmidur , Deep Ashfaqul Haq , Hassan Rusafa Binte , Khan Sabbir Ahmed , Hasan Mahmudul , Mominuzzaman Sharif Mohammad
Published: August 2014

As a result of this reported research, a simulation model to analyse the behaviour of carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFETs) under non‐ballistic conditions is explained and the effect of gate dielectric on the performance of CNTFETs has been explored in detail. For the first time, a thorough study of the combined non‐ballistic effect on the performance of CNTFETs has been conducted and the output of the device has been analysed. It has been observed that a gate material with a high dielectric constant leads to higher on‐state current and higher on and off state current ratio. In addition, the transconductance, total capacitance, charging energy, subthreshold swing (S), drain‐induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and gain with respect to the dielectric constant have been observed and analysed. Transconductance and total capacitance increases by a significant amount, while charging energy and S decrease as the dielectric value increases. The DIBL and gain vary slightly as a higher value dielectric material is used as a gate. Furthermore, the results of this study have been plotted against previously reported ballistic outputs to provide a better perception of the deviation from ideal behaviour. At the same time, the outcomes of this analysis have been compared against some reported experimental values.
Interactions between silver nanoparticles and polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers
Authors: Chou H. L. , Wu C. M. , Lin F. D. , Rick J.
Published: August 2014

The interaction of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) nanofibers with silver (Ag) nanoparticles (mean diameter 8nm) has been modeled using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The physical adsorption of PVA through the hydroxyl group, to the Ag, and its corresponding molecular orientation was compared with experimental results obtained from surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies of the same material. A good agreement was found between the computational model of the vibrational spectrum of the adsorbate and the experimentally observed SERS. In general, aliphatic capping molecules are used to passivate the surface of Ag55 nanocrystals (55 = atomic number of Ag). In this study, a DFT simulation was employed to show binding energies and electron contour map analyses of Ag55 with PVA. Here we show that the PVA interacts with the Ag nanoparticle's surface, through the OH group, thereby contributing significantly to the increase in SERS activity.
Hyperlens-array-implemented optical microscopy
Authors: Iwanaga Masanobu
Published: August 2014

Limit of resolution of conventional optical microscopes has never reached below 100 nm under visible light illumination. We show that numerically designed high-transmittance hyperlens array (HLA) is implemented in an optical microscope and works in practice for achieving one-shot-recording optical images of in-situ placed objects with sub 50 nm resolution in lateral direction. Direct resolution test employing well-defined nanopatterns proves that the HLA-implemented imaging is super-resolution optical microscopy, which works even under nW/mm2 visible illumination for objects. The HLA implementation makes the resolution of conventional microscopes one-scale higher, leading to the 1/10 illumination wavelength range, that is, mesoscopic range.
The design and construction of a high-resolution velocity-map imaging apparatus for photoelectron spectroscopy studies of size-selected clusters
Authors: León Iker , Yang Zheng , Liu Hong-Tao , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: August 2014

A new velocity-map imaging apparatus equipped with a laser-vaporization supersonic cluster source and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer is described for high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy studies of size-selected cluster anions. Vibrationally cold anion clusters are produced using a laser-vaporization supersonic cluster source, size-selected by a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, and then focused co-linearly into the interaction zone of the high-resolution velocity-map imaging (VMI) system. The multilens VMI system is optimized via systematic simulations and can reach a resolution of 1.2 cm−1 (FWHM) for near threshold electrons while maintaining photoelectron kinetic energy resolutions (ΔKE/KE) of ∼0.53% for higher energy electrons. The new VMI lens has superior focusing power over a large energy range, yielding highly circular images with distortions no larger than 1.0025 between the long and short radii. The detailed design, simulation, construction, testing, and performance of the high-resolution VMI apparatus are presented.
Pitching-motion-activated flapping foil near solid walls for power extraction: A numerical investigation
Authors: Wu J. , Qiu Y. L. , Shu C. , Zhao N.
Published: August 2014

A numerical investigation on the power extraction of a pitching-motion-activated flapping foil near solid walls is performed by using an immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method in this study. The flapping motions of the foil include a forced pitching component and an induced plunging component. The foil is placed either near a solid wall or between two parallel plane walls. Compared to previous work on the flapping foil for power extraction, the effect of the walls is first considered in this work. At a Reynolds number of 1100 and with the position of the foil pitching axis at third chord, the influences of the mechanical parameters (such as damping coefficient and spring constant) of the foil, the amplitude and frequency of the pitching motion and the clearance between the foil pitching axis and the wall on the power extraction performance of the flapping foil are systematically evaluated. Compared to the situation of free stream, the power extraction performance of the foil near the wall is improved. For given amplitude and frequency, as the clearance decreases the net power extraction efficiency improves. Moreover, as the foil is placed near one wall, there is a transverse shift to the plunging motion that consequently weakens the improvement of net power extraction efficiency. In contrast, the shift can be significantly eliminated as the foil is placed between two walls, which can further improve the net power extraction efficiency. In addition, it is found that the efficiency improvement is essentially from the increased power extraction, which is due to the generation of high lift force.
Multiscale liquid drop impact on wettable and textured surfaces
Authors: Zhang Rui , Farokhirad Samaneh , Lee Taehun , Koplik Joel
Published: August 2014

The impact of microscopic liquid drops on solids with a variety of surface characteristics is studied using numerical simulations. The focus is on relatively low impact velocities leading to bouncing or spreading drops, and the effects of wettability. Molecular dynamics and lattice Boltzmann simulation methods are used for nanometer-sized and continuum drops, respectively, and the results of the two methods are compared in terms of scaled variables. We consider surfaces which are flat, curved or pillared, with either homogeneous interactions or cross-shaped patterns of wettability. In most situations we observe similar drop behavior at both length scales; the two methods agree best at low impact velocities on wettable surfaces while discrepancies are most pronounced for strongly hydrophobic surfaces and for higher velocities.
Velocity Interferometer blanking due to preheating in a double pulse planar experiment
Authors: Laffite S. , Baton S. D. , Combis P. , Clerouin J. , Koenig M. , Recoules V. , Rousseaux C. , Videau L.
Published: August 2014

Optical diagnostics, such as VISAR (Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector) or SOP (Streaked Optical Pyrometry), have become essential in shock timing experiments. Their high precision allows for accurate measurements of shock velocities, chronometry, and brightness temperature. However, in some instances, these measurements can be compromised. In planar shock coalescence experiments recently performed at the LULI facility [Baton et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 195002 (2012)], VISAR signal loss was observed. In these experiments, a strong shock launched by a high-intensity spike catches up with a previously shock launched by an earlier, low-intensity beam. The disappearance of the VISAR signal is attributed to a preheating of the coronal plasma by x-rays generated by the high intensity spike. The signal does not disappear if the high-intensity spike starts after VISAR probe beam begins to reflect off of the first shock. The VISAR diagnostic, modeled using an assessment of the optical index in quartz, compares favorably to experimental results. This provides evidence that x-ray preheating can cause blanking of the VISAR signal in quartz.
Overstability of acoustic waves in strongly magnetized anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic shear flows
Authors: Uchava E. S. , Shergelashvili B. M. , Tevzadze A. G. , Poedts S.
Published: August 2014

We present a linear stability analysis of the perturbation modes in anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows with velocity shear and strong magnetic field. Collisionless or weakly collisional plasma is described within the 16-momentum MHD fluid closure model that takes into account not only the effect of pressure anisotropy but also the effect of anisotropic heat fluxes. In this model, the low frequency acoustic wave is revealed into a standard acoustic mode and higher frequency fast thermo-acoustic and lower frequency slow thermo-acoustic waves. It is shown that thermo-acoustic waves become unstable and grow exponentially when the heat flux parameter exceeds some critical value. It seems that velocity shear makes thermo-acoustic waves overstable even at subcritical heat flux parameters. Thus, when the effect of heat fluxes is not profound acoustic waves will grow due to the velocity shear, while at supercritical heat fluxes the flow reveals compressible thermal instability. Anisotropic thermal instability should be also important in astrophysical environments, where it will limit the maximal value of magnetic field that a low density ionized anisotropic flow can sustain.
Laser shock ignition of porous silicon based nano-energetic films
Authors: Plummer A. , Kuznetsov V. A. , Gascooke J. , Shapter J. , Voelcker N. H.
Published: August 2014

Nanoporous silicon films on a silicon wafer were loaded with sodium perchlorate and initiated using illumination with infrared laser pulses to cause laser thermal ignition and laser-generated shock waves. Using Photon Doppler Velocimetry, it was determined that these waves are weak stress waves with a threshold intensity of 131 MPa in the silicon substrate. Shock generation was achieved through confinement of a plasma, generated upon irradiation of an absorptive paint layer held against the substrate side of the wafer. These stress waves were below the threshold required for sample fracturing. Exploiting either the laser thermal or laser-generated shock mechanisms of ignition may permit use of pSi energetic materials in applications otherwise precluded due to their environmental sensitivity.
Scale-invariant entropy-based theory for dynamic ordering
Authors: Mahulikar Shripad P. , Kumari Priti
Published: August 2014

Dynamically Ordered self-organized dissipative structure exists in various forms and at different scales. This investigation first introduces the concept of an isolated embedding system, which embeds an open system, e.g., dissipative structure and its mass and/or energy exchange with its surroundings. Thereafter, scale-invariant theoretical analysis is presented using thermodynamic principles for Order creation, existence, and destruction. The sustainability criterion for Order existence based on its structured mass and/or energy interactions with the surroundings is mathematically defined. This criterion forms the basis for the interrelationship of physical parameters during sustained existence of dynamic Order. It is shown that the sufficient condition for dynamic Order existence is approached if its sustainability criterion is met, i.e., its destruction path is blocked. This scale-invariant approach has the potential to unify the physical understanding of universal dynamic ordering based on entropy considerations.
Photonic confinement in laterally structured metal-organic microcavities
Authors: Mischok Andreas , Brückner Robert , Sudzius Markas , Reinhardt Christoph , Lyssenko Vadim G. , Fröb Hartmut , Leo Karl
Published: August 2014

We investigate the formation of optical modes in organic microcavities with an incorporated perforated silver layer. The metal leads to a formation of Tamm-plasmon-polaritons and thus separates the sample into metal-free or metal-containing areas, supporting different resonances. This mode splitting is exploited to confine photons in elliptic holes and triangular cuts, forming distinctive standing wave patterns showing the strong lateral confinement. A comparison with a Maxwell-Bloch based rate equation model clearly shows the nonlinear transition into the lasing regime. The concentration of the electric field density and inhibition of lateral loss channels in turn decreases the lasing threshold by up to one order of magnitude, to 0.1 nJ. By spectroscopic investigation of such a triangular wedge, we observe the transition from the unperturbed cavity state to a strongly confined complex transversal mode. Such a structured silver layer can be utilized in future for charge carrier injection in an electrically driven organic solid state laser.
Low temperature plasma biomedicine: A tutorial review
Authors: Graves David B.
Published: August 2014

Gas discharge plasmas formed at atmospheric pressure and near room temperature have recently been shown to be potentially useful for surface and wound sterilization, antisepsis, bleeding cessation, wound healing, and cancer treatment, among other biomedical applications. This tutorial review summarizes the field, stressing the likely role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species created in these plasmas as the biologically and therapeutically active agents. Reactive species, including radicals and non-radical compounds, are generated naturally within the body and are now understood to be essential for normal biological functions. These species are known to be active agents in existing therapies for wound healing, infection control, and cancer treatment. But they are also observed at elevated levels in persons with many diseases and are associated with aging. The physical and chemical complexity of plasma medical devices and their associated biochemical effects makes the development of safe, effective plasma medical devices and procedures a challenge, but encouragingly rapid progress has been reported around the world in the last several years.
Reduced thermal resistance in AlGaN/GaN multi-mesa-channel high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Asubar Joel T. , Yatabe Zenji , Hashizume Tamotsu
Published: August 2014

Dramatic reduction of thermal resistance was achieved in AlGaN/GaN Multi-Mesa-Channel (MMC) high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on sapphire substrates. Compared with the conventional planar device, the MMC HEMT exhibits much less negative slope of the ID-VDS curves at high VDS regime, indicating less self-heating. Using a method proposed by Menozzi and co-workers, we obtained a thermal resistance of 4.8 K-mm/W at ambient temperature of ∼350 K and power dissipation of ∼9 W/mm. This value compares well to 4.1 K-mm/W, which is the thermal resistance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on expensive single crystal diamond substrates and the lowest reported value in literature.
Semi-shunt field emission in electronic devices
Authors: Karpov V. G. , Shvydka Diana
Published: August 2014

We introduce a concept of semi-shunts representing needle shaped metallic protrusions shorter than the distance between a device electrodes. Due to the lightening rod type of field enhancement, they induce strong electron emission. We consider the corresponding signature effects in photovoltaic applications; they are: low open circuit voltages and exponentially strong random device leakiness. Comparing the proposed theory with our data for CdTe based solar cells, we conclude that stress can stimulate semi-shunts' growth making them shunting failure precursors. In the meantime, controllable semi-shunts can play a positive role mitigating the back field effects in photovoltaics.
Generation of electron beams from a laser wakefield acceleration in pure neon gas
Authors: Li Song , Hafz Nasr A. M. , Mirzaie Mohammad , Elsied Ahmed M. M. , Ge Xulei , Liu Feng , Sokollik Thomas , Tao Mengze , Chen Liming , Chen Min , Sheng Zhengming , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2014

We report on the generation of quasimonoenergetic electron beams by the laser wakefield acceleration of 17–50 TW, 30 fs laser pulses in pure neon gas jet. The generated beams have energies in the range 40–120 MeV and up to ∼430 pC of charge. At a relatively high density, we observed multiple electron beamlets which has been interpreted by simulations to be the result of breakup of the laser pulse into multiple filaments in the plasma. Each filament drives its own wakefield and generates its own electron beamlet.
Thermal conduction in lattice–matched superlattices of InGaAs/InAlAs
Authors: Sood Aditya , Rowlette Jeremy A. , Caneau Catherine G. , Bozorg-Grayeli Elah , Asheghi Mehdi , Goodson Kenneth E.
Published: August 2014

Understanding the relative importance of interface scattering and phonon-phonon interactions on thermal transport in superlattices (SLs) is essential for the simulation of practical devices, such as quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). While several studies have looked at the dependence of the thermal conductivity of SLs on period thickness, few have systematically examined the effect of varying material thickness ratio. Here, we study through-plane thermal conduction in lattice-matched In0.53Ga0.47As/In0.52Al0.48As SLs grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition as a function of SL period thickness (4.2 to 8.4 nm) and layer thickness ratio (1:3 to 3:1). Conductivities are measured using time-domain thermoreflectance and vary between 1.21 and 2.31 W m−1 K−1. By studying the trends of the thermal conductivities for large SL periods, we estimate the bulk conductivities of In0.53Ga0.47As and In0.52Al0.48As to be approximately 5 W m−1 K−1 and 1 W m−1 K−1, respectively, the latter being an order of magnitude lower than theoretical estimates. Furthermore, we find that the Kapitza resistance between alloy layers has an upper bound of ≈0.1 m2 K GW−1, and is negligible compared to the intrinsic alloy resistances, even for 2 nm thick layers. A phonon Boltzmann transport model yields good agreement with the data when the alloy interfaces are modeled using a specular boundary condition, pointing towards the high-quality of interfaces. We discuss the potential impact of these results on the design and operation of high-power QCLs comprised of In1−xGaxAs/In1−yAlyAs SL cores.
Water content criterion for relaxation deformation of Nafion based ionic polymer metal composites doped with alkali cations
Authors: Zhu Zicai , Chang Longfei , Takagi Kentaro , Wang Yanjie , Chen Hualing , Li Dichen
Published: August 2014

Water-based ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMCs) exhibit an anode deformation followed by a back-relaxation deformation under a direct current voltage. The latter is strongly related to the water content. This Letter proposes an evaluation method of the critical water content for relaxation deformation. Based on Nafion-IPMC doped with various alkali cations, continuous deformations are measured under a periodic pulse voltage in air. A transformation of the relaxation deformation is found to exist between two successive pulses. The critical water content is confined between the two pulses and evaluated gravimetrically. Removal of no more than 4 wt. % water or 1.4–2 water molecules per cation from the saturated material can completely eliminate the large relaxation deformation in Nafion-IPMC doped with alkali cations.
A low-temperature processed environment-friendly full-organic carrier collection layer for polymer solar cells
Authors: Shi Ai-Li , Li Yan-Qing , Jiang Xiao-Chen , Ma Zhong-Sheng , Wang Qian-Kun , Guo Zhen-Yu , Zhang Dan-Dan , Lee Shuit-Tong , Tang Jian-Xin
Published: August 2014

We constructed a concept of the full-organic carrier collection layer (CCL) used for polymer solar cells. The CCL is composed of dipyrazino[2,3-f:2′,3′-h]quinoxaline-2,3,6,7,10,11-hexacarbonitrile as hole collection layer (HCL) and chlorine-free solvents (formic acid (FA)) processed 4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Bphen) as electron collection layer, exhibiting good solubility, and environmental protection. The FA based device shows ideal power conversion efficiency (3.75%), which is higher than that of control device (3.6%). Besides, the HCL shows a different mechanism in hole extraction by functioning as a charge recombination zone for electrons injected from anode and holes extracted from the donor materials.
Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Investigation of New Self-Assembled Films Based on Prussian Blue and a Terpyridyl RuII Complex
Authors: Huang Qiu-Ying , Kang Si-Yuan , Lin Hao , Wang Ke-Zhi
Published: August 2014

A new hybrid multilayer film containing Prussian blue (PB) and a bis-terpyridyl RuII complex of RuII(L)2(ClO4)2 (in which L = 4′-(4-(imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), was fabricated though covalently and electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly techniques, and characterised by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and photoelectrochemical techniques. The results demonstrated that the two film-forming components were successfully transferred into the hybrid film, which exhibited three quasi-reversible redox couples centred at 0.06, 0.76, and 1.0 V. The photoelectrochemical studies showed that an 11-layer film exhibited a large cathodic photocurrent density of 7.72 μA cm–2 while irradiated with 100 mW cm–2 polychromatic light (325 < λ < 730 nm) at an applied potential of –0.2 V versus a saturated calomel electrode.
Importance of community engagement in primary health care: the case of Afghan refugees
Authors: Cheng I-Hao , Wahidi Sayed , Vasi Shiva , Samuel Sophia
Published: August 2014

Refugees can experience problems accessing and utilising Australian primary health care services, resulting in suboptimal health outcomes. Little is known about the impact of their pre-migration health care experiences. This paper demonstrates how the Afghan pre-migration experiences of primary health care can affect engagement with Australian primary care services. It considers the implications for Australian primary health care policy, planning and delivery. This paper is based on the international experiences, insights and expert opinions of the authors, and is underpinned by literature on Afghan health-seeking behaviour. Importantly, Afghanistan and Australia have different primary health care strategies. In Afghanistan, health care is predominantly provided through a community-based outreach approach, namely through community health workers residing in the local community. In contrast, the Australian health care system requires client attendance at formal health service facilities. This difference contributes to service access and utilisation problems. Community engagement is essential to bridge the gap between the Afghan community and Australian primary health care services. This can be achieved through the health sector working to strengthen partnerships between Afghan individuals, communities and health services. Enhanced community engagement has the potential to improve the delivery of primary health care to the Afghan community in Australia.
Factors influencing occurrence of a freshwater turtle in an urban landscape: a resilient species?
Authors: Stokeld Danielle , Hamer Andrew J. , van der Ree Rodney , Pettigrove Vincent , Gillespie Graeme
Published: August 2014

Context Species vary broadly in their ability to adapt to urbanisation. Freshwater turtles are vulnerable to the loss and degradation of terrestrial and aquatic habitat in urban environments. There have been few publications investigating impacts of urbanisation on freshwater turtles in Australia. Aims We investigated the effects of urbanisation on the distribution and abundance of the eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) in greater Melbourne. Methods We examined occurrence and relative abundance of C. longicollis at 55 wetlands across an urban–rural gradient in relation to site- and landscape-level factors. Occupancy was modelled using the program PRESENCE, and incorporated landscape and habitat covariates. A negative binomial regression model was used to examine the influence of landscape and habitat factors on relative abundance by using WinBUGS. Key results C. longicollis occupied 85% of the 55 wetlands we surveyed, and we found no evidence that wetland occupancy was influenced by the variables we measured. However, relative abundance was highest at wetlands with low water conductivity and heavy metal pollution, and in wetlands furthest from rivers. Conclusions C. longicollis appears to be resilient to urbanisation and is likely to persist in urban landscapes, possibly because of the creation of new wetlands in Australian cities. However, long-term studies focussed on demographic parameters, or survivorship, may elucidate as yet undetected effects of urbanisation. Although no specific management recommendations may be necessary for C. longicollis in urban areas at this time, this species may be in decline in non-urban areas as a result of climatic changes and wetland drying. Implications Our findings suggest that caution is required before drawing generalised conclusions on the impacts of urbanisation on turtles, as the effects are likely to be species-specific, dependent on specific ecology and life-history requirements. Further studies are required to ascertain these relationships for a wider array of species and over longer time spans.
“What I want you to remember is…”
Authors: Ädel Annelie
Published: August 2014

This article offers some background on notions related to intersubjectivity in applied linguistics, specifically as studied in EAP. The study takes a reflexive approach to metadiscourse, investigating audience orientation in three monologic academic genres: advanced student writing, published academic prose and spoken lectures. Specifically, audience orientation involving second person you is examined from the perspective of the discourse functions in which the word is involved. A randomly selected dataset of 150 examples from each of the three genres was coded for metadiscursive functions, applying Ädel’s (2010) taxonomy. The results showed that the distribution of discourse functions was similar in the three registers; however, the highest frequency of metadiscourse was found in the spoken lectures, not in the written modes.
“God loves you and it gets better”
Authors: McGuirk Siobhan
Published: August 2014

The ‘It Gets Better Project’ (IGBP) is an online anti-homophobic bullying initiative directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. To date, 50,000 user-generated IGBP videos have attracted over 50 million views. In this critical discourse analysis of IGBP videos in the “Faith” category, I note how the projected ideologies therein overlap with and depart from conservative Christian rhetoric in surprising ways. I ask what gets better, for whom, and how that might happen. I then compare messages uploaded by laypeople and spokespeople of religious institutions. I argue that neoliberal assumptions are frequently evident in laypeople’s emphases on individualism, economic success, urban spaces and heteronormative conceptions of time. Spokespeople, conversely, tend to emphasize community-based opposition to homophobia in the here and now. This ideological struggle highlights barriers to “it getting better” in the present but also creates space for politics of redistribution and an unexpected queering of societal norms.
A sociolinguistic exploration of sexual harassment at an institution of higher education in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mlambo Muzi Ransom
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study is to explore some of the main linguistic features that characterize the discourse of sexual harassment of peers at an institution of higher learning in Zimbabwe. One hundred undergraduate female students aged between 19 and 24 were asked to respond to a questionnaire on sexual harassment and describe what they recalled the harassers said to them. The results reveal that the discourse of sexual harassment is characterized by (a) the use of monologic utterances, (b) extensive use of code-mixing and, most importantly, (c) the use of excessively impolite utterances that are couched in hostile jokes.
A lesser globalisation
Authors: Mesthrie Rajend
Published: August 2014

This paper makes a case for the comparative study of Indian English vocabulary in diaspora. Comparing characteristic usage of Indian terms in their new environments reveals socio-cultural niceties that may not always be possible in studies of syntax and phonetics. The domains of food, music, kinship and clothing are particularly rich in showing cultural retentions as well as degrees of change, adaptation and hybridity. The change and adaptation is not only due to ‘host community – diasporic community’ contact dynamics, but to the relative proportions of migrants from different parts of India, their regiono-cultural differences and mutual influences in diaspora. The main examples come from selected food, music, kinship and clothing terms drawn from the Dictionary of South African Indian English (Mesthrie 2010), with some preliminary comparisons with Indian communities elsewhere. Attention is also paid to notions of scale now prominent in the globalisation literature (Blommaert 2010), as certain terms are upscaled or downscaled in a new social environment.