bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of a Novel Antibacterial Phenyl Thioketone from the Seagrass, Cymodocea serrulata
Authors: Gnanambal K. Mary Elizabeth , Patterson Jamila , Patterson Edward J. K.
Published: January 2015

A total of 40 extract types of varying polarities from commonly occurring seagrasses were tested for their antibacterial efficiency against 14 clinically isolated human pathogens using agar well diffusion technique. The extracts from acetone of Cymodocea serrulata expressed moderate broad span of activity against a range of gram‐positive and gram‐negative isolates that were at least resistant to five of the commercially available antibiotics at a minimal concentration of 10 µg. The active extracts of C. serrulata that showed maximal inhibitions were purified using column chromatography that afforded six compounds (a–f). Compound f elicited pronounced inhibitions against Escherichia coli with minimal inhibitory concentration values of 1–3 µg concentration using micro‐dilution method. The active compound was identified as phenyl thioketone using various spectral analyses. This is the first investigation that reveals thioketone functionality from this seagrass species possessing antibacterial actions. This study indicates that there are thiocarbonyl groups from marine floral sources too, which could be possibly used for therapeutic purposes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel experimental study on the fabrication and biological characteristics of canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells sheet using vitamin C
Authors: Guo Peng , Zeng Jing‐jing , Zhou Nuo
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to fabricate canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell sheet through the use of vitamin C, to identify the biological characteristics of the resulting cell sheets, and to reveal the potential mechanism of cell‐sheet promotion by vitamin C. This study used vitamin C to induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to proliferate. The resulting cells secreted large amounts of collagen, thereby shortening the construction time of the cell‐sheet layer. In addition to these aims, we identified biological microcharacteristics of the cell sheet through histological observation, transmission electron microscopy, real‐time PCR detection, immunohistochemical detection, and osteogenesis‐induction experiments on the cell sheet. We were able to stably and rapidly construct bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell sheet, effectively harvest it, and transfer the seed cells for tissue engineering. This study indicates that the use of vitamin C for harvesting mesenchymal stem cell sheets from bone marrow may provide an easy and practical approach for bone tissue regeneration. SCANNING 37:42–48, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using Interactive Theater to Create Socioculturally Relevant Community‐Based Intimate Partner Violence Prevention
Authors: Yoshihama Mieko , Tolman Richard M.
Published: January 2015

This article describes the use of interactive theater, audience response assessment, and peer educators to create community‐generated approaches for bystander interventions (i.e., actions taken by people who become aware of controlling, abusive and violent behavior of others) to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and to foster change in community norms. We include a case example of an ongoing university–community partnership, which mobilizes community members to develop and implement socioculturally relevant IPV prevention programs in multiple Asian communities. We used interactive theater at a community event—a walk to raise awareness about IPV in South Asian communities—and examined how the enacted bystander interventions reflect specific community contexts. We detail the challenges and limitations we have encountered in our attempts to implement this approach in collaboration with our community partners.
Efficacy of Ovarian Artery Embolization for Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Campbell Jennifer , Rajan Dheeraj K. , Kachura John R. , Jaskolka Jeffrey , Beecroft J. Robert , Sniderman Kenneth W. , Simons Martin E. , Tan Kong T.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of ovarian artery embolization (OAE) treatment for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.

Methods

A retrospective review of 17 patients who underwent OAE in conjunction with uterine artery embolization in a 6-year period (2006-2012) was performed. Ten patients had previous failed embolization, while 7 had not received any embolization therapy before. Percent uterine volume change, percent dominant fibroid volume change, and percent dominant fibroid infarction were assessed with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Resolution of menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea/pain, and bulk and/or pressure symptoms including urinary frequency were evaluated clinically. Change in menopausal state was also an outcome of interest.

Results

Mean MR imaging follow-up was performed 3 months post-OAE. MR images showed complete infarction in the majority of cases (64.7%; n = 11), with infarction rates of 90%-100% in 3 cases, 1 case with 30%-50% infarction, and 2 cases with 0%-10% infarction. Average uterine size reduction on MR was 32.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.5%-42.2%; P < .001). The average size reduction for the dominant fibroid was 42.4% (95% CI: 27.7%-57.0%; P = .01). The mean time to final follow-up visit was 11 months. At this point complete symptom resolution (menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and bulk-related) was achieved in 82.4% (n = 14) of cases. At the final follow-up 11.8% (n = 2) of cases reported menopause.

Conclusions

We observed OAE to be an effective and safe adjunct to uterine artery embolization when hypertrophic ovarian artery(ies) require intervention. However, incomplete fibroid infarction of 23% remains a concern with a potential for long-term treatment failure. In addition, long-term effect on ovarian function is uncertain.
Donepezil decreases annual rate of hippocampal atrophy in suspected prodromal Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dubois Bruno , Chupin Marie , Hampel Harald , Lista Simone , Cavedo Enrica , Croisile Bernard , Louis Tisserand Guy , Touchon Jacques , Bonafe Alain , Ousset Pierre Jean , Ait Ameur Amir , Rouaud Olivier , Ricolfi Fréderic , Vighetto Alain , Pasquier Florence , Delmaire Christine , Ceccaldi Mathieu , Girard Nadine , Dufouil Carole , Lehericy Stéphane , Tonelli Isabelle , Duveau Françoise , Colliot Olivier , Garnero Line , Sarazin Marie , Dormont Didier ,   “Hippocampus Study Group”
Published: January 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to study the effect of donepezil on the rate of hippocampal atrophy in prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled parallel group design using donepezil (10 mg/day) in subjects with suspected prodromal AD. Subjects underwent two brain magnetic resonance imaging scans (baseline and final visit). The primary efficacy outcome was the annualized percentage change (APC) of total hippocampal volume (left + right) measured by an automated segmentation method.

Results

Two‐hundred and sixteen only subjects were randomized across 28 French expert clinical sites. In the per protocol population (placebo = 92 and donepezil = 82), the donepezil group exhibited a significant reduced rate of hippocampal atrophy (APC = −1.89%) compared with the placebo group (APC = −3.47%), P < .001. There was no significant difference in neuropsychological performance between treatment groups.

Discussion

A 45% reduction of rate of hippocampal atrophy was observed in prodromal AD following 1 year of treatment with donepezil compared with placebo.
An adaptive nonlocal filtering for low-dose CT in both image and projection domains
Authors: Wang Yingmei , Fu Shujun , Li Wanlong , Zhang Caiming
Published: January 2015

An important problem in low-dose CT is the image quality degradation caused by photon starvation. There are a lot of algorithms in sinogram domain or image domain to solve this problem. In view of strong self-similarity contained in the special sinusoid-like strip data in the sinogram space, we propose a novel non-local filtering, whose average weights are related to both the image FBP (filtered backprojection) reconstructed from restored sinogram data and the image directly FBP reconstructed from noisy sinogram data. In the process of sinogram restoration, we apply a non-local method with smoothness parameters adjusted adaptively to the variance of noisy sinogram data, which makes the method much effective for noise reduction in sinogram domain. Simulation experiments show that our proposed method by filtering in both image and projection domains has a better performance in noise reduction and details preservation in reconstructed images.
A 10,300-year-old permafrost core from the active rock glacier Lazaun, southern Ötztal Alps (South Tyrol, northern Italy)
Authors: Krainer Karl , Bressan David , Dietre Benjamin , Haas Jean Nicolas , Hajdas Irka , Lang Kathrin , Mair Volkmar , Nickus Ulrike , Reidl Daniel , Thies Hansjörg , Tonidandel David
Published: January 2015

Two cores were drilled on rock glacier Lazaun in the southern Ötztal Alps (N Italy). The average ice content of core Lazaun I is 43 vol.% and of core Lazaun II is 22 vol.%. Radiocarbon dating of plant macrofossil remains of core Lazaun I yielded ages ranging from 8960 cal yr BP at a depth of ca. 23.5 m to 2240 cal yr BP at a depth of 2.8 m, indicating that the ice near the base is approximately 10,300 yr old. The rock glacier was intact since that time and the ice persisted even during warm periods of the Holocene. An ice-free debris layer between 16.8 and 14.7 m separates the rock glacier into two frozen bodies. Inclinometer measurements indicate that both frozen bodies are active and that deformation occurs within a shear horizon at a depth of 20–25 m at the base of the lower frozen body and to a minor extent at a depth of approximately 14 m at the base of the upper frozen body. The ice-free debris layer in the middle of the Lazaun rock glacier indicates a more than five centennial long drought period, which dates to about 4300–3740 cal yr BP.
Efficacy of maslinic acid and fenbendazole on muscle larvae of Trichinella zimbabwensis in laboratory rats
Authors: Mukaratirwa S. , Gcanga L. , Kamau J.
Published: January 2015

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by nematode species of the genus Trichinella. Anthelmintics targeting the intestinal adults and muscle-dwelling larvae of Trichinella spp. have been tested, with limited success. This study was aimed at determining the efficacy of maslinic acid and fenbendazole on muscle larvae of Trichinella zimbabwensis in laboratory rats. Forty-two Sprague–Dawley rats, with an average weight of 270 g and 180 g for males and females respectively, were infected with T. zimbabwensis larvae. Infected rats were randomly assigned to three groups which were subjected to single treatments with each of maslinic acid, fenbendazole and a combination of both on day 25 post-infection (pi), and three groups which were subjected to double treatments with each of these drugs and a combination on days 25 and 32 pi. The untreated control group received a placebo. In single-treatment groups, the efficacy of each treatment, measured by rate of reduction in muscle larvae, was significant (P< 0.001) for both drugs compared to the untreated control group. There was no apparent synergistic effect on the combination of the two drugs in reducing the muscle larval burden, either in single or double treatments. In all the treatment regimens, the reductions were significant (P< 0.001) when compared to the untreated control and not significant when the single treatments were compared with the double treatments (P>0.05). We conclude that the efficacy of maslinic acid against larval stages of T. zimbabwensis in rats was comparable to that of fenbendazole, with no side-effects observed, making maslinic acid a promising anthelmintic against larval stages of Trichinella species.
Dispersion relation and growth rate of a relativistic electron beam propagating through a Langmuir wave wiggler
Authors: Zirak H. , Jafari S.
Published: January 2015

In this study, a theory of free-electron laser (FEL) with a Langmuir wave wiggler in the presence of an axial magnetic field has been presented. The small wavelength of the plasma wave (in the sub-mm range) allows obtaining higher frequency than conventional wiggler FELs. Electron trajectories have been obtained by solving the equations of motion for a single electron. In addition, a fourth-order Runge–Kutta method has been used to simulate the electron trajectories. Employing a perturbation analysis, the dispersion relation for an electromagnetic and space-charge waves has been derived by solving the momentum transfer, continuity, and wave equations. Numerical calculations show that the growth rate increases with increasing the e-beam energy and e-beam density, while it decreases with increasing the strength of the axial guide magnetic field.
Evaluating missing-letter effects and comprehension in proficient and nonproficient languages
Authors: BOVEE JOANNA C. , RANEY GARY E.
Published: January 2015

This study was conducted to examine whether word recognition and comprehension processes change as a function of language proficiency. Participants were highly proficient in English but at a low proficiency level in Spanish. The participants read texts presented in English and Spanish while reading normally or while performing a letter-detection task and then answered comprehension questions that tested their mental representations of the surface form, text base, and situational model. Overall letter-detection error rates were lower when texts were presented in the nonproficient Spanish language. There was a typical missing-letter effect in English, such that more detection errors were made on function than content words. In Spanish, the missing-letter effect was reversed, with more errors on content than function words. Overall comprehension was substantially better when reading English passages than Spanish passages and best at the situation model level. For the English passages, comprehension was reduced during letter detection compared to normal reading. For the Spanish passages, comprehension was similar for letter detection and normal reading. Question type did not systematically vary as a function of language proficiency or task type. These findings highlight differences in cognitive processes during reading as a function of language proficiency and enhance our understanding of the letter-detection task itself.
The role of temperature in reported chickenpox cases from 2000 to 2011 in Japan
Authors: HARIGANE K. , SUMI A. , MISE K. , KOBAYASHI N.
Published: January 2015

Annual periodicities of reported chickenpox cases have been observed in several countries. Of these, Japan has reported a two-peaked, bimodal annual cycle of reported chickenpox cases. This study investigated the possible underlying association of the bimodal cycle observed in the surveillance data of reported chickenpox cases with the meteorological factors of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. A time-series analysis consisting of the maximum entropy method spectral analysis and the least squares method was applied to the chickenpox data and meteorological data of 47 prefectures in Japan. In all of the power spectral densities for the 47 prefectures, the spectral lines were observed at the frequency positions corresponding to the 1-year and 6-month cycles. The optimum least squares fitting (LSF) curves calculated with the 1-year and 6-month cycles explained the underlying variation of the chickenpox data. The LSF curves reproduced the bimodal and unimodal cycles that were clearly observed in northern and southern Japan, respectively. The data suggest that the second peaks in the bimodal cycles in the reported chickenpox cases in Japan occurred at a temperature of approximately 8·5 °C.
RNA export factor Ddx19 is required for nuclear import of the SRF coactivator MKL1
Authors: Rajakylä Eeva Kaisa , Viita Tiina , Kyheröinen Salla , Huet Guillaume , Treisman Richard , Vartiainen Maria K.
Published: January 2015

Controlled transport of macromolecules between the cytoplasm and nucleus is essential for homeostatic regulation of cellular functions. For instance, gene expression entails coordinated nuclear import of transcriptional regulators to activate transcription and nuclear export of the resulting messenger RNAs for cytoplasmic translation. Here we link these two processes by reporting a novel role for the mRNA export factor Ddx19/Dbp5 in nuclear import of MKL1, the signal-responsive transcriptional activator of SRF. We show that Ddx19 is not a general nuclear import factor, and that its specific effect on MKL1 nuclear import is separate from its role in mRNA export. Both helicase and nuclear pore-binding activities of Ddx19 are dispensable for MKL1 nuclear import, but RNA binding is required. Mechanistically, Ddx19 operates by modulating the conformation of MKL1, which affects its interaction with Importin-β for efficient nuclear import. Thus, Ddx19 participates in mRNA export, translation and nuclear import of a key transcriptional regulator.
Cytoplasmic TAF2–TAF8–TAF10 complex provides evidence for nuclear holo–TFIID assembly from preformed submodules
Authors: Trowitzsch Simon , Viola Cristina , Scheer Elisabeth , Conic Sascha , Chavant Virginie , Fournier Marjorie , Papai Gabor , Ebong Ima-Obong , Schaffitzel Christiane , Zou Juan , Haffke Matthias , Rappsilber Juri , Robinson Carol V. , Schultz Patrick , Tora Laszlo , Berger Imre
Published: January 2015

General transcription factor TFIID is a cornerstone of RNA polymerase II transcription initiation in eukaryotic cells. How human TFIID—a megadalton-sized multiprotein complex composed of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and 13 TBP-associated factors (TAFs)—assembles into a functional transcription factor is poorly understood. Here we describe a heterotrimeric TFIID subcomplex consisting of the TAF2, TAF8 and TAF10 proteins, which assembles in the cytoplasm. Using native mass spectrometry, we define the interactions between the TAFs and uncover a central role for TAF8 in nucleating the complex. X-ray crystallography reveals a non-canonical arrangement of the TAF8–TAF10 histone fold domains. TAF2 binds to multiple motifs within the TAF8 C-terminal region, and these interactions dictate TAF2 incorporation into a core–TFIID complex that exists in the nucleus. Our results provide evidence for a stepwise assembly pathway of nuclear holo–TFIID, regulated by nuclear import of preformed cytoplasmic submodules.
Dark-field X-ray microscopy for multiscale structural characterization
Authors: Simons H. , King A. , Ludwig W. , Detlefs C. , Pantleon W. , Schmidt S. , Stöhr F. , Snigireva I. , Snigirev A. , Poulsen H. F.
Published: January 2015

Many physical and mechanical properties of crystalline materials depend strongly on their internal structure, which is typically organized into grains and domains on several length scales. Here we present dark-field X-ray microscopy; a non-destructive microscopy technique for the three-dimensional mapping of orientations and stresses on lengths scales from 100 nm to 1 mm within embedded sampling volumes. The technique, which allows ‘zooming’ in and out in both direct and angular space, is demonstrated by an annealing study of plastically deformed aluminium. Facilitating the direct study of the interactions between crystalline elements is a key step towards the formulation and validation of multiscale models that account for the entire heterogeneity of a material. Furthermore, dark-field X-ray microscopy is well suited to applied topics, where the structural evolution of internal nanoscale elements (for example, positioned at interfaces) is crucial to the performance and lifetime of macro-scale devices and components thereof.
A compact 3D-printed interface for coupling open digital microchips with Venturi easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Jie-Bi , Chen Ting-Ru , Chang Chia-Hsien , Cheng Ji-Yen , Chen Yu-Chie , Urban Pawel L.
Published: January 2015

We demonstrate a simple user-friendly interface for integrating digital microfluidics with mass spectrometric detection.
The application of high resolution diffusion NMR for the characterisation and quantification of small molecules in saliva/dentifrice slurries
Authors: Le Gresley Adam , Simpson Emma , Sinclair Alex J. , Williams Neil , Burnett Gary R. , Bradshaw Dave J. , Lucas Robert A.
Published: January 2015

The application of DOSY NMR as a technique for the virtual separation of toothpaste adjuvants in model saliva is reported for the first time.
Enhanced catalytic activity of Au nanoparticles self-assembled on thiophenol functionalized graphene
Authors: Ren Ren , Li Shuwen , Li Jing , Ma Jianxin , Liu Hengzhi , Ma Jiantai
Published: January 2015

A new catalyst containing Au nanoparticles anchored to thiophenol functionalized graphene sheets (Au/TP-GS) was fabricated. The resulting Au/TP-GS exhibited excellent catalytic activity for both the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and the photodegradation of Rhodamine.
Composites of [γ-H2PV2W10O40]3− and [α-SiW12O40]4− supported on Fe2O3 as heterogeneous catalysts for selective oxidation with aqueous hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Wang Ye , Kamata Keigo , Ishimoto Ryo , Ogasawara Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Kosuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: January 2015

The titled heterogeneous catalysts showed high performance for selective oxidation with H2O2.
meso-Salicylaldehyde substituted BODIPY as a chemodosimetric sensor for cyanide anions
Authors: Dvivedi Avanish , Rajakannu Palanisamy , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: January 2015

meso-Salicylaldehyde substituted BODIPY 3 was synthesized by a simple method and used as a chemodosimetric sensor for CN− anions.
Tuning the optical and electrochemical properties of core-substituted naphthalenediimides with styryl imide substituent
Authors: Fernando Roshan , Etheridge Forrest , Muller Evan , Sauvé Geneviève
Published: January 2015

Unusually broad thin-film visible absorption (500–800 nm) for naphthalenediimide molecules was obtained by using the combination of alkylamino core substituents and styryl imide substituents.
Pentacene on Ni(111): room-temperature molecular packing and temperature-activated conversion to graphene
Authors: Dinca L. E. , De Marchi F. , MacLeod J. M. , Lipton-Duffin J. , Gatti R. , Ma D. , Perepichka D. F. , Rosei F.
Published: January 2015

We investigate, by using scanning tunnelling microscopy, the adsorption of pentacene on Ni(111) at room temperature, and the on-surface conversion of these monolayer films to graphene at temperatures as low as 220 °C.
RAFT synthesis of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) amine and preparation of a water-soluble C60-PVP conjugate
Authors: Aroua Safwan , Tiu Elisha Gabrielle V. , Ayer Maxime , Ishikawa Takashi , Yamakoshi Yoko
Published: January 2015

A well-defined C60-PVP conjugate with a sufficient water-solubility was successfully synthesized by RAFT polymerization of NVP and subsequent reaction with a C60 acid anhydride derivative.
Melanin-like polydopa amides – synthesis and application in functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Petran Anca , Mrówczyński Radosław , Filip Claudiu , Turcu Rodica , Liebscher Jürgen
Published: January 2015

Polydopa amides as new polymers synthesized by oxidative polymerization of dopa amides are used as coatings for magnetite nanoparticles.
Determination of malachite green and leucomalachite green based on electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)32+at graphene oxide modified glassy carbon electrodes
Authors: Shao Jiantao , Zhao Yunmeng , Liu Fengyu , Li Wei , Gao Yulong
Published: January 2015

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method for the determination of malachite green (MG) and leucomalachite green (LMG) has been established based on ECL of Ru(bpy)32+at the GO-modified GCE.
The Zn-vacancy related green luminescence and donor–acceptor pair emission in ZnO grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Wang Zilan , Su S. C. , Younas M. , Ling F. C. C. , Anwand W. , Wagner A.
Published: January 2015

A low temperature (10 K) photoluminescence study shows that green luminescence peaking at 2.47 eV and near band edge emission at 3.23 eV from the Zn-vacancy related defect are introduced in undoped ZnO grown by pulsed laser deposition after annealing at 900 °C.
Dehydrogenation, disproportionation and transfer hydrogenation reactions of formic acid catalyzed by molybdenum hydride compounds
Authors: Neary Michelle C. , Parkin Gerard
Published: January 2015

Cyclopentadienyl molybdenum hydride compounds are catalysts for dehydrogenation, disproportionation and transfer hydrogenation reactions of formic acid, in which the latter provides a means to reduce aldehydes and ketones.
Enhancement of photovoltaic performance of TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells by doping Ca3La3(1−x)Eu3x(BO3)5
Authors: Dai W. B. , Lei Y. F. , Li P. , Xu L. F.
Published: January 2015

A series of Ca3La3(1−x)Eu3x(BO3)5 (CLBO:3xEu3+) phosphors were prepared by the Pechini-type sol–gel technique.
Synthesis of a conjugated porous Co(ii) porphyrinylene–ethynylene framework through alkyne metathesis and its catalytic activity study
Authors: Lu Guolong , Yang Haishen , Zhu Youlong , Huggins Tyler , Ren Zhiyong Jason , Liu Zhenning , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2015

We present the development of a conjugated porous Co(ii) porphyrinylene–ethynylene framework as an efficient oxygen reduction catalyst through alkyne metathesis polymerization.
Bifunctional TiO2 underlayer for α-Fe2O3 nanorod based photoelectrochemical cells: enhanced interface and Ti4+ doping
Authors: Annamalai Alagappan , Shinde Pravin S. , Subramanian Arunprabaharan , Kim Jae Young , Kim Jin Hyun , Choi Sun Hee , Lee Jae Sung , Jang Jum Suk
Published: January 2015

TiO2 underlayer effectively suppresses the charge recombination at FTO/α-Fe2O3 interface and also acts as a source of Ti4+ dopants when sintered at high temperature (800 °C).
Thermodynamic complexity of carbon capture in alkylamine-functionalized metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Wu D. , McDonald T. M. , Quan Z. , Ushakov S. V. , Zhang P. , Long J. R. , Navrotsky A.
Published: January 2015

The CO2 adsorption enthalpy on an alkylamine-appended MOF, mmen-Mg2(dobpdc), was directly identified by adsorption calorimetry at 298, 323 and 348 K. The data suggest three adsorption events as function of coverage: two types of strong chemisorption and one weak physisorption. A multistage reaction mechanism was proposed.
Electrochemical performance of rod-like Sb–C composite as anodes for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries
Authors: Fan Long , Zhang Jingjing , Cui Jianhua , Zhu Yongchun , Liang Jianwen , Wang Lili , Qian Yitai
Published: January 2015

Owing to its continuous carbon matrix and porous structure, rod-like Sb–C composite exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in Li-ion and Na-ion batteries.
Melamine–terephthalaldehyde–lithium complex: a porous organic network based single ion electrolyte for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Rohan Rupesh , Pareek Kapil , Cai Weiwei , Zhang Yunfeng , Xu Guodong , Chen Zhongxin , Gao Zhiqiang , Dan Zhao , Cheng Hansong
Published: January 2015

Melamine based porous organic frameworks as a single ion conducting electrolyte for lithium ion batteries.
Effect of spray-drying and cryo-milling on the CO2absorption performance of C60cross-linked polyethyleneimine
Authors: Andreoli Enrico , Barron Andrew R.
Published: January 2015

The wet CO2capture performance of PEI-C60can be improved >2.5× upon spray-drying or cryo-milling.
Phase-controlled synthesis of polymorphic MnO2 structures for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Yin Bosi , Zhang Siwen , Jiang He , Qu Fengyu , Wu Xiang
Published: January 2015

MnO2 with α-, β- and δ-type structures were controllably synthesized. The electrochemical properties of the supercapacitors based on different types of MnO2 electrodes were investigated in detail.
Perfluorocarbon nanodroplets stabilized by fluorinated surfactants: characterization and potentiality as theranostic agents
Authors: Astafyeva K. , Somaglino L. , Desgranges S. , Berti R. , Patinote C. , Langevin D. , Lazeyras F. , Salomir R. , Polidori A. , Contino-Pépin C. , Urbach W. , Taulier N.
Published: January 2015

We aim to produce emulsions that can act as contrast agents and drug carriers for cancer imaging and therapy.
Understanding the binding of inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases by molecular docking, quantum mechanical calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and a MMGBSA/MMBappl study
Authors: Singh Tanya , Adekoya Olayiwola Adedotun , Jayaram B.
Published: January 2015

A computationally tractable pathway which helped in understanding the binding of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors against an important class of MMPs is presented in this article.
A model-free temperature-dependent conformational study of n-pentane in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Burnell E. Elliott , Weber Adrian C. J. , Dong Ronald Y. , Meerts W. Leo , de Lange Cornelis A.
Published: January 2015

The proton NMR spectra of n-pentane orientationally ordered in two nematic liquid-crystal solvents are studied over a wide temperature range and analysed using covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy. Since alkanes possess small electrostatic moments, their anisotropic intermolecular interactions are dominated by short-range size-and-shape effects. As we assumed for n-butane, the anisotropic energy parameters of each n-pentane conformer are taken to be proportional to those of ethane and propane, independent of temperature. The observed temperature dependence of the n-pentane dipolar couplings allows a model-free separation between conformer degrees of order and conformer probabilities, which cannot be achieved at a single temperature. In this way for n-pentane 13 anisotropic energy parameters (two for trans trans, tt, five for trans gauche, tg, and three for each of gauche+ gauche+, pp, and gauche+ gauche−, pm), the isotropic trans-gauche energy difference Etg and its temperature coefficient Etg′ are obtained. The value obtained for the extra energy associated with the proximity of the two methyl groups in the gauche+ gauche− conformers (the pentane effect) is sensitive to minute details of other assumptions and is thus fixed in the calculations. Conformer populations are affected by the environment. In particular, anisotropic interactions increase the trans probability in the ordered phase.
Direct measurements of irradiation-induced creep in micropillars of amorphous Cu56Ti38Ag6, Zr52Ni48, Si, and SiO2
Authors: Özerinç Sezer , Kim Hoe Joon , Averback Robert S. , King William P.
Published: January 2015

We report in situ measurements of irradiation-induced creep on amorphous (a-) Cu56Ti38Ag6, Zr52Ni48, Si, and SiO2. Micropillars 1 μm in diameter and 2 μm in height were irradiated with ∼2 MeV heavy ions during uniaxial compression at room temperature. The creep measurements were performed using a custom mechanical testing apparatus utilizing a nanopositioner, a silicon beam transducer, and an interferometric laser displacement sensor. We observed Newtonian flow in all tested materials. For a-Cu56Ti38Ag6, a-Zr52Ni48, a-Si, and Kr+ irradiated a-SiO2 irradiation-induced fluidities were found to be nearly the same, ≈3 GPa−1 dpa−1, whereas for Ne+ irradiated a-SiO2 the fluidity was much higher, 83 GPa−1 dpa−1. A fluidity of 3 GPa−1 dpa−1 can be explained by point-defect mediated plastic flow induced by nuclear collisions. The fluidity of a-SiO2 can also be explained by this model when nuclear stopping dominates the energy loss, but when the electronic stopping exceeds 1 keV/nm, stress relaxation in thermal spikes also contributes to the fluidity.
Sensing of fluid viscoelasticity from piezoelectric actuation of cantilever flexural vibration
Authors: Park Jeongwon , Jeong Seongbin , Kim Seung Joon , Park Junhong
Published: January 2015

An experimental method is proposed to measure the rheological properties of fluids. The effects of fluids on the vibration actuated by piezoelectric patches were analyzed and used in measuring viscoelastic properties. Fluid-structure interactions induced changes in the beam vibration properties and frequency-dependent variations of the complex wavenumber of the beam structure were used in monitoring these changes. To account for the effects of fluid-structure interaction, fluids were modelled as a simple viscoelastic support at one end of the beam. The measured properties were the fluid’s dynamic shear modulus and loss tangent. Using the proposed method, the rheological properties of various non-Newtonian fluids were measured. The frequency range for which reliable viscoelasticity results could be obtained was 10–400 Hz. Viscosity standard fluids were tested to verify the accuracy of the proposed method, and the results agreed well with the manufacturer’s reported values. The simple proposed laboratory setup for measurements was flexible so that the frequency ranges of data acquisition were adjustable by changing the beam’s mechanical properties.
Instrument for spatially resolved simultaneous measurements of forces and currents in particle beams
Authors: Spethmann A. , Trottenberg T. , Kersten H.
Published: January 2015

The article presents a device for spatially resolved and simultaneous measurements of forces and currents in particle beams, especially in beams composed of ions and neutral atoms. The forces are exerted by the impinging beam particles on a plane circular conductive target plate of 20 mm diameter mounted on a pendulum with electromagnetic force compensation. The force measurement in the micronewton range is achieved by electromagnetic compensation by means of static Helmholtz coils and permanent magnets attached to the pendulum. Exemplary measurements are performed in the 1.2 keV beam of a broad beam ion source. The simultaneous measurements of forces and currents onto the same target are compared with each other and with Faraday cup measurements.
Coating thermal diffusivity and effusivity measurement optimization using regression-based sensitivity
Authors: Valdes R. , Bennett T. D.
Published: January 2015

Measurements of thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity are critical to developing a complete description of thermal transport within thermal barrier coating systems. Thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of coatings can be measured nondestructively using the phase of photothermal emission analysis experimental measurement. However, the complexity of the regression analysis required in this measurement makes determining the uncertainties associated with the best-fit values nontrivial. The aim of this paper is to develop a framework to carry out this uncertainty analysis and to minimize the uncertainties in fitted parameters. It is shown that the physical model can be used as an effective tool for identifying and removing data points afflicted by excessive bias error, which can occur in the limits of the observational data. It is revealed that this reduction in the dataset offers a tradeoff between increasing agreement between the data and the model while reducing the uniqueness of fitted parameter values. The current analysis demonstrates that this situation can be treated as an optimization problem, whereby uncertainties in fitted parameters can be minimized.
Temperature dependent behavior of thermal conductivity of sub-5 nm Ir film: Defect-electron scattering quantified by residual thermal resistivity
Authors: Cheng Zhe , Xu Zaoli , Xu Shen , Wang Xinwei
Published: January 2015

By studying the temperature-dependent behavior (300 K down to 43 K) of electron thermal conductivity (κ) in a 3.2 nm-thin Ir film, we quantify the extremely confined defect-electron scatterings and isolate the intrinsic phonon-electron scattering that is shared by the bulk Ir. At low temperatures below 50 K, κ of the film has almost two orders of magnitude reduction from that of bulk Ir. The film has ∂κ/∂T > 0, while the bulk Ir has ∂κ/∂T < 0. We introduce a unified thermal resistivity (Θ = T/κ) to interpret these completely different κ ∼ T relations. It is found that the film and the bulk Ir share a very similar Θ ∼ T trend, while they have a different residual part (Θ0) at 0 K limit: Θ0 ∼ 0 for the bulk Ir, and Θ0 = 5.5 m·K2/W for the film. The Ir film and the bulk Ir have very close ∂Θ/∂T (75–290 K): 6.33 × 10−3 m K/W for the film and 7.62 × 10−3 m K/W for the bulk Ir. This strongly confirms the similar phonon-electron scattering in them. Therefore, the residual thermal resistivity provides an unprecedented way to quantitatively evaluating defect-electron scattering (Θ0) in heat conduction. Moreover, the interfacial thermal conductance across the grain boundaries is found larger than that of Al/Cu interface, and its value is proportional to temperature, largely due to the electron's specific heat. A unified interfacial thermal conductance is also defined and firmly proves this relation. Additionally, the electron reflection coefficient is found to be large (88%) and almost temperature independent.
Coherent phonon modes of crystalline and amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films: A fingerprint of structure and bonding
Authors: Shalini A. , Liu Y. , Katmis F. , Braun W. , Srivastava G. P. , Hicken R. J.
Published: January 2015

Femtosecond optical pump-probe measurements have been made upon epitaxial, polycrystalline, and amorphous thin films of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). A dominant coherent optical phonon mode of 3.4 THz frequency is observed in time-resolved anisotropic reflectance (AR) measurements of epitaxial films, and is inferred to have 3-dimensional T2-like character based upon the dependence of its amplitude and phase on pump and probe polarization. In contrast, the polycrystalline and amorphous phases exhibit a comparatively weak mode of about 4.5 THz frequency in both reflectivity (R) and AR measurements. Raman microscope measurements confirm the presence of the modes observed in pump-probe measurements, and reveal additional modes. While the Raman spectra are qualitatively similar for all three phases of GST, the mode frequencies are found to be different within experimental error, ranging from 3.2 to 3.6 THz and 4.3 to 4.7 THz, indicating that the detailed crystallographic structure has a significant effect upon the phonon frequency. While the lower frequency (3.6 THz) mode of amorphous GST is most likely associated with GeTe4 tetrahedra, modes in epitaxial (3.4 THz) and polycrystalline (3.2 THz) GST could be associated with either GeTe6 octahedra or Sb-Te bonds within defective octahedra. The more polarizable Sb-Te bonds are the most likely origin of the higher frequency (4.3–4.7 THz) mode, although the influence of Te-Te bonds cannot be excluded. The effect of high pump fluence, which leads to irreversible structural changes, has been explored. New modes with frequency of 3.5/3.6 THz in polycrystalline/amorphous GST may be associated with Sb2Te3 or GeTe4 tetrahedra, while a 4.2 THz mode observed in epitaxial GST may be related to segregation of Sb.
Predictions of the near edge transport shortfall in DIII-D L-mode plasmas using the trapped gyro-Landau-fluid model
Authors: Kinsey J. E. , Staebler G. M. , Candy J. , Petty C. C. , Rhodes T. L. , Waltz R. E.
Published: January 2015

Previous studies of DIII-D L-mode plasmas have shown that a transport shortfall exists in that our current models of turbulent transport can significantly underestimate the energy transport in the near edge region. In this paper, the Trapped Gyro-Landau-Fluid (TGLF) drift wave transport model is used to simulate the near edge transport in a DIII-D L-mode experiment designed to explore the impact of varying the safety factor on the shortfall. We find that the shortfall systematically increases with increasing safety factor and is more pronounced for the electrons than for the ions. Within the shortfall dataset, a single high current case has been found where no transport shortfall is predicted. Reduced neutral beam injection power has been identified as the key parameter separating this discharge from other discharges exhibiting a shortfall. Further analysis shows that the energy transport in the L-mode near edge region is not stiff according to TGLF. Unlike the H-mode core region, the predicted temperature profiles are relatively more responsive to changes in auxiliary heating power. In testing the fidelity of TGLF for the near edge region, we find that a recalibration of the collision model is warranted. A recalibration improves agreement between TGLF and nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations performed using the GYRO code with electron-ion collisions. The recalibration only slightly impacts the predicted shortfall.
Heat loads to divertor nearby components from secondary radiation evolved during plasma instabilities
Authors: Sizyuk V. , Hassanein A.
Published: January 2015

A fundamental issue in tokamak operation related to power exhaust during plasma instabilities is the understanding of heat and particle transport from the core plasma into the scrape-off layer and to plasma-facing materials. During abnormal and disruptive operation in tokamaks, radiation transport processes play a critical role in divertor/edge-generated plasma dynamics and are very important in determining overall lifetimes of the divertor and nearby components. This is equivalent to or greater than the effect of the direct impact of escaped core plasma on the divertor plate. We have developed and implemented comprehensive enhanced physical and numerical models in the upgraded HEIGHTS package for simulating detailed photon and particle transport in the evolved edge plasma during various instabilities. The paper describes details of a newly developed 3D Monte Carlo radiation transport model, including optimization methods of generated plasma opacities in the full range of expected photon spectra. Response of the ITER divertor's nearby surfaces due to radiation from the divertor-developed plasma was simulated by using actual full 3D reactor design and magnetic configurations. We analyzed in detail the radiation emission spectra and compared the emission of both carbon and tungsten as divertor plate materials. The integrated 3D simulation predicted unexpectedly high damage risk to the open stainless steel legs of the dome structure in the current ITER design from the intense radiation during a disruption on the tungsten divertor plate.
Size-dependent work function and single electron memory behavior of pentacene non-volatile memory with embedded sub-nanometer platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Zheng Haisheng , Zhou Yang , Gangopadhyay Shubhra
Published: January 2015

We present a low operation voltage pentacene-based non-volatile memory transistor by embedding sub-2 nm size-tunable platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) between the tunneling and blocking dielectric layers. Controllable work function was observed in the embedded Pt NPs through the size-dependent threshold voltage shift. Non-volatile memory transistors containing embedded Pt NPs exhibited significant memory windows in their transfer characteristics, which was attributed to charging and discharging behaviors of electrons and holes by the Pt NPs. Additionally, the memory transistor showed controllable Pt NP size- and density-dependent memory window behavior. While devices with small (0.5 nm) Pt NPs demonstrated strong Coulomb blockade and quantum confinement with electron addition energy as large as 1.993 eV, those made with larger (1.8 nm) Pt NPs allowed for storage of a single charge per NP memory.
Luminescent properties of Eu2+-doped BaGdF5 glass ceramics a potential blue phosphor for ultra-violet light-emitting diode
Authors: Zhang Weihuan , Zhang Yuepin , Ouyang Shaoye , Zhang Zhixiong , Wang Qian , Xia Haiping
Published: January 2015

Eu2+ doped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing BaGdF5 nanocrystals were successfully fabricated by melt-quenching technique under a reductive atmosphere. The structure of the glass and glass ceramics were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The luminescent properties were investigated by transmission, excitation, and emission spectra. The decay time of the Gd3+ ions at 312 nm excited with 275 nm were also investigated. The results of XRD and TEM indicated the existence of BaGdF5 nanocrystals in the transparent glass ceramics. The excitation spectra of Eu2+ doped glass ceramics showed an excellent overlap with the main emission region of an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED). Compared with the as-made glass, the emission of glass ceramics is much stronger by a factor of increasing energy transfer efficiency from Gd3+ to Eu2+ ions, the energy transfer efficiency from Gd3+ to Eu2+ ions was discussed. In addition, the chromaticity coordinates of glass and glass ceramics specimens were also discussed, which indicated that the Eu2+ doped BaGdF5 glass ceramics may be used as a potential blue-emitting phosphor for UV-LED.
Observation of fluctuation-driven particle flux reduction by low-frequency zonal flow in a linear magnetized plasma
Authors: Chen R. , Xie J. L. , Yu C. X. , Liu A. D. , Lan T. , Zhang S. B. , Kong D. F. , Hu G. H. , Li H. , Liu W. D.
Published: January 2015

Low-frequency zonal flow (ZF) has been observed in a linear magnetic plasma device, exhibiting significant intermittency. Using the conditional analysis method, a time-averaged fluctuation-induced particle flux was observed to consistently decrease as ZF increased in amplitude. A dominant fraction of the flux, which is driven by drift-wave harmonics, is reversely modulated by ZF in the time domain. Spectra of the flux, together with each of the related turbulence properties, are estimated subject to two conditions, i.e., when potential fluctuation series represents a strong ZF intermittency or a very weak ZF component. Comparison of frequency-domain results demonstrates that ZF reduces the cross-field particle transport primarily by suppressing the density fluctuation as well as decorrelating density and potential fluctuations.
Hetero-epitaxial BiFeO3/SrTiO3 nanolaminates with higher piezoresponse performance over stoichiometric BiFeO3 films
Authors: Lee Geunhee , Fuentes-Fernandez Erika M. A. , Lian Guoda , Katiyar Ram S. , Auciello Orlando
Published: January 2015

In this research, BiFeO3 (BFO) films are integrated into BFO/SrTiO3 (STO)/BFO nanolaminates (BSB-NLs) featuring nanometer-scale thickness of BFO and STO layers. By introducing the STO layer in between two BFO layers, the leakage current density is reduced by two orders of magnitude with respect to relatively high leakage currents of current single BFO layers, i.e., from 10−5 A/cm2 to 10−7 A/cm2. The BSB-NL also shows very high piezoelectric response, which is ∼5 times higher than that of the pure BFO with the same thickness. The highly strained state of the BFO layers concurrently with the chemical/crystallographic state of the interfaces between the BFO and STO layers contribute to the very high values of piezoresponse and very low leakage current observed in the BSB-NLs.
Focusing and directional beaming effects of airborne sound through a planar lens with zigzag slits
Authors: Tang Kun , Qiu Chunyin , Lu Jiuyang , Ke Manzhu , Liu Zhengyou
Published: January 2015

Based on the Huygens-Fresnel principle, we design a planar lens to efficiently realize the interconversion between the point-like sound source and Gaussian beam in ambient air. The lens is constructed by a planar plate perforated elaborately with a nonuniform array of zigzag slits, where the slit exits act as subwavelength-sized secondary sources carrying desired sound responses. The experiments operated at audible regime agree well with the theoretical predictions. This compact device could be useful in daily life applications, such as for medical and detection purposes.