bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural evolution of nanoscale metallic glasses during high-pressure torsion: A molecular dynamics analysis
Authors: Feng S. D. , Jiao W. , Jing Q. , Qi L. , Pan S. P. , Li G. , Ma M. Z. , Wang W. H. , Liu R. P.
Published: November 2016

Structural evolution in nanoscale Cu50Zr50metallic glasses during high-pressure torsion is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Results show that the strong cooperation of shear transformations can be realized by high-pressure torsion in nanoscale Cu50Zr50metallic glasses at room temperature. It is further shown that high-pressure torsion could prompt atoms to possess lower five-fold symmetries and higher potential energies, making them more likely to participate in shear transformations. Meanwhile, a higher torsion period leads to a greater degree of forced cooperative flow. And the pronounced forced cooperative flow at room temperature under high-pressure torsion permits the study of the shear transformation, its activation and characteristics, and its relationship to the deformations behaviors. This research not only provides an important platform for probing the atomic-level understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of high-pressure torsion in metallic glasses, but also leads to higher stresses and homogeneous flow near lower temperatures which is impossible previously.
On the behaviour of lung tissue under tension and compression
Authors: Andrikakou Pinelopi , Vickraman Karthik , Arora Hari
Published: November 2016

Lung injuries are common among those who suffer an impact or trauma. The relative severity of injuries up to physical tearing of tissue have been documented in clinical studies. However, the specific details of energy required to cause visible damage to the lung parenchyma are lacking. Furthermore, the limitations of lung tissue under simple mechanical loading are also not well documented. This study aimed to collect mechanical test data from freshly excised lung, obtained from both Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits. Compression and tension tests were conducted at three different strain rates: 0.25, 2.5 and 25 min−1. This study aimed to characterise the quasi-static behaviour of the bulk tissue prior to extending to higher rates. A nonlinear viscoelastic analytical model was applied to the data to describe their behaviour. Results exhibited asymmetry in terms of differences between tension and compression. The rabbit tissue also appeared to exhibit stronger viscous behaviour than the rat tissue. As a narrow strain rate band is explored here, no conclusions are being drawn currently regarding the rate sensitivity of rat tissue. However, this study does highlight both the clear differences between the two tissue types and the important role that composition and microstructure can play in mechanical response.
α-MSH and Foxc2 promote fatty acid oxidation through C/EBPβ negative transcription in mice adipose tissue
Authors: Gan Lu , Liu Zhenjiang , Chen Yizhe , Dan Luo  , Feng Fei , Liu Guannv , Sun Chao
Published: November 2016

Alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and Forkhead box C2 protein (Foxc2) enhance lipolysis in multiple tissues. However, their relationship in adipose fatty acid oxidation (FAO) remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that α-MSH and Foxc2 increased palmitate oxidation to CO2 in white (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). C/EBPβ expression was reduced by α-MSH and Foxc2. FFA level was elevated by α-MSH and pc-Foxc2 treatment along with increased FAO in white and brown adipocytes. The expression of FAO key enzymes, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD) were increased in α-MSH and pc-Foxc2 group. Combination of α-MSH and Foxc2 treatment synergistically promoted FAO through increasing the activity of CPT-1 and phosphorylation of ACC. We found C/EBPβ bind to MC5R and Foxc2 promoter regions and inhibited FAO. cAMP level was increased by α-MSH and Foxc2 individually treated or combined treatment. Furthermore, cAMP/PKA pathway-specific inhibitor (H89) blocked the FAO, despite in α-MSH and Foxc2 both added group. While forskolin, the cAMP agonist, promoted FAO and enhanced the effect of α-MSH and Foxc2. Collectively, α-MSH and Foxc2 mutual promote FAO in WAT and BAT via cAMP/PKA signal pathway. And C/EBPβ as a transcription suppressor inhibits α-MSH and Foxc2 expression and FAO.
Power-law rheology controls aftershock triggering and decay
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Shcherbakov Robert
Published: November 2016

The occurrence of aftershocks is a signature of physical systems exhibiting relaxation phenomena. They are observed in various natural or experimental systems and usually obey several non-trivial empirical laws. Here we consider a cellular automaton realization of a nonlinear viscoelastic slider-block model in order to infer the physical mechanisms of triggering responsible for the occurrence of aftershocks. We show that nonlinear viscoelasticity plays a critical role in the occurrence of aftershocks. The model reproduces several empirical laws describing the statistics of aftershocks. In case of earthquakes, the proposed model suggests that the power-law rheology of the fault gauge, underlying lower crust, and upper mantle controls the decay rate of aftershocks. This is verified by analysing several prominent aftershock sequences for which the rheological properties of the underlying crust and upper mantle were established.
Protective effect of Cl-amidine against CLP-induced lethal septic shock in mice
Authors: Zhao Ting , Pan Baihong , Alam Hasan B. , Liu Baoling , Bronson Roderick T. , Deng Qiufang , Wu Erxi , Li Yongqing
Published: November 2016

Production of innate and adaptive immune cells from hematopoietic stem cells, and maturation of T lymphocytes are effective immune responses to fight severe microbial infection. In sepsis, this emergency myelopoiesis is damaged, leading to failure of bacterial clearance, and excessive stress-induced steroids cause immature T-lymphocyte apoptosis in thymus. We recently found that Cl-amidine, a peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) inhibitor, improves survival in a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic shock. In the present study we investigated how Cl-amidine promotes survival, focusing on protective effects of Cl-amidine on immune response. We confirmed survival-improving effect of Cl-amidine and are the first to explore the role of Cl-amidine in immune response. CLP caused bone marrow (BM) and thymus atrophy, decreased innate immune cells in BM. CLP increased levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and bacteria load in blood/liver. In primary splenocyte culture, lipopolysaccharide increased TNF-α production. In contrast, Cl-amidine attenuated these CLP and lipopolysaccharide-induced alterations. Moreover, Cl-amidine increased circulating monocytes. Collectively, our results demonstrate Cl-amidine plays protective roles by significantly decreasing BM and thymus atrophy, restoring innate immune cells in BM, increasing blood monocytes and blood/liver bacteria clearance, and attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokine production in a murine model of lethal sepsis.
Descriptive epidemiology of prenatal and perinatal risk factors in a Chinese population with reading disorder
Authors: Liu Lingfei , Wang Jia , Shao Shanshan , Luo Xiu , Kong Rui , Zhang Xiaohui , Song Ranran
Published: November 2016

Several prenatal and perinatal factors have been found to be associated with developmental dyslexia (reading disorder) in alphabetic language. Given the absence of relevant studies of Chinese children, the present study tries to investigate these risk factors. A total of 45,850 students were recruited from grades three to six, from seven cities of Hubei province. Dyslexia in Chinese was diagnosed based on children’s clinical symptoms. The clinical symptoms of children’s reading performance were assessed by Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children (DCCC) and Pupil Rating Scale Revised Screening for Learning Disabilities (PRS) which were completed by parent/guardian and header teacher respectively. Chinese language exam was used to screen children with poor reading capacity. Questionnaires about prenatal and perinatal factors were completed by parent or guardian. Among the 34,748 eligible participants, 1,200 (3.45%) were diagnosed with dyslexia in Chinese. More boys suffered from dyslexia than the girls and the gender ratio was 3:1. Family history of neuropsychiatric diseases, maternal infectious diseases, difficult vaginal delivery, preterm birth, and neonatal asphyxia were found to increase the risk of developmental dyslexia in China. Closer longitudinal developmental monitoring and preventive measures should be taken for high risk children.
Circulating neuregulin 4 levels are inversely associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease in obese adults
Authors: Jiang Jie , Lin Mingzhu , Xu Yanfang , Shao Jin , Li Xuejun , Zhang Huijie , Yang Shuyu
Published: November 2016

Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) has been identified as a new secreted adipokine that may protect against development of obesity and metabolic disorders. However, information is not available regarding the association between circulating Nrg4 and subclinical atherosclerosis in humans. We measured serum Nrg4 in 485 obese adult subjects (aged 40 years or older) who had the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) recruited from the community. Individuals with increased CIMT and carotid plaque had lower levels of circulating Nrg4 than controls (p < 0.05). The risks of increased CIMT and atherosclerotic plaque were significantly decreased by 28% and 31% [OR (95% CI): 0.72 (0.53–0.98) and 0.69 (0.50–0.96), respectively], adjusting for age, sex, current smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI, systolic BP, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-c, HOMA-IR, and body fat. Importantly, individuals in the lowest quartile of serum Nrg4 were 3.70 times (p < 0.001) more likely to have increased CIMT and 2.06 times (p < 0.05) more likely to have atherosclerotic plaque than those in the highest quartile in multivariable logistic regression analyses. These findings suggest that circulating Nrg4 concentrations are inversely associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in obese adults, and indicating that circulating Nrg4 might play a role in identifying patients at high risk for CVD.
Circadian rhythms of European and African-Americans after a large delay of sleep as in jet lag and night work
Authors: Eastman Charmane I. , Tomaka Victoria A. , Crowley Stephanie J.
Published: November 2016

Jet travel and night shift work produce large changes in when people sleep, work and eat; a challenge that was not encountered during most of our evolution. Successful adaptation would require the internal, master, circadian clock to make large phase shifts to reduce the circadian misalignment between circadian rhythms and the times for sleep, work and meals. We compared African-Americans and non-Hispanic European-Americans in how much their circadian clocks shifted after a 9 hour phase delay of the light/dark, sleep/wake and meal schedule, which has similarities to flying west or sleeping in the daytime after night shifts. We also measured their free-running circadian periods using a forced desynchrony protocol with a 5-h day. European-Americans had longer free-running periods and larger phase delays than African-Americans. Correlations (among all subjects, just African-Americans and just European-Americans) showed that longer circadian periods were associated with larger phase delays. Larger phase delays, facilitated by longer circadian periods, reduce jet lag after westward travel and make it easier to work night shifts and sleep during the daytime after night work. On the other hand, a shorter circadian period, which makes one more of a morning-type person, is better for most people given our early-bird dominated society.
Serum neurofilament light protein predicts clinical outcome in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Shahim Pashtun , Gren Magnus , Liman Victor , Andreasson Ulf , Norgren Niklas , Tegner Yelverton , Mattsson Niklas , Andreasen Niels , Öst Martin , Zetterberg Henrik , Nellgård Bengt , Blennow Kaj
Published: November 2016

Axonal white matter injury is believed to be a major determinant of adverse outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that measurement of neurofilament light protein (NF-L), a protein found in long white-matter axons, in blood samples, may serve as a suitable biomarker for neuronal damage in TBI patients. To test our hypotheses, we designed a study in two parts: i) we developed an immunoassay based on Single molecule array technology for quantification of NF-L in blood, and ii) in a proof-of-concept study, we tested our newly developed method on serial serum samples from severe TBI (sTBI) patients (n = 72) and controls (n = 35). We also compared the diagnostic and prognostic utility of NF-L with the established blood biomarker S100B. NF-L levels were markedly increased in sTBI patients compared with controls. NF-L at admission yielded an AUC of 0.99 to detect TBI versus controls (AUC 0.96 for S100B), and increased to 1.00 at day 12 (0.65 for S100B). Importantly, initial NF-L levels predicted poor 12-month clinical outcome. In contrast, S100B was not related to outcome. Taken together, our data suggests that measurement of serum NF-L may be useful to assess the severity of neuronal injury following sTBI.
Local delivery of doxorubicin through supramolecular peptide amphiphile nanofiber gels
Authors: Cinar Goksu , Ozdemir Ayse , Hamsici Seren , Gunay Gokhan , Dana Aykutlu , Tekinay Ayse B. , Guler Mustafa O.
Published: November 2016

The localin vivoinjection of a Dox encapsulated PA gel to the tumor site demonstrated the lowest tumor growth rate.
Superfine Ag nanoparticle decorated Zn nanoplates for the active and selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO2to CO
Authors: Yu Qing , Meng Xianguang , Shi Li , Liu Huimin , Ye Jinhua
Published: November 2016

Superfine Ag nanoparticle decorated ultrathin Zn nanoplate electrodes were prepared for the reduction of CO2to CO for the first time.
A precise pointing nanopipette for single-cell imaging via electroosmotic injection
Authors: Lv Jian , Qian Ruo-Can , Hu Yong-Xu , Liu Shao-Chuang , Cao Yue , Zheng Yong-Jie , Long Yi-Tao
Published: November 2016

Schematic illustration of a nanopipette with fluorescent molecules aggregated at the tip which are injected into a single-cell. The nanopipette is backfilled with solution and a Ag/AgCl electrode is inserted, which acts as the working electrode. Another Ag/AgCl electrode is immersed in the bulk solution as the reference electrode.
High-resolution two-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Cousin Samuel F. , Charlier Cyril , Kadeřávek Pavel , Marquardsen Thorsten , Tyburn Jean-Max , Bovier Pierre-Alain , Ulzega Simone , Speck Thomas , Wilhelm Dirk , Engelke Frank , Maas Werner , Sakellariou Dimitrios , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Pelupessy Philippe , Ferrage Fabien
Published: November 2016

Two-field NMR provides correlations of nuclear spins at the most favourable magnetic fields in a single experiment.
The role of metal–support interaction for CO-free hydrogen from low temperature ethanol steam reforming on Rh–Fe catalysts
Authors: Choong Catherine K. S. , Chen Luwei , Du Yonghua , Schreyer Martin , Daniel Ong S. W. , Poh Chee Kok , Hong Liang , Borgna Armando
Published: November 2016

Effect of metal–support interaction on the generation of Rh–FexOy active sites is investigated via various in situ techniques.
New dinuclear ruthenium arene complexes containing thiosemicarbazone ligands: synthesis, structure and cytotoxic studies
Authors: Su Wei , Tang Zhaofeng , Li Peiyuan , Wang Gufeng , Xiao Qi , Li Yuchun , Huang Shan , Gu Yunqiong , Lai Zefeng , Zhang Yuexing
Published: November 2016

Ruthenium arene complexes incorporating TSC in two types of coordination modes are reported. B-type complexes are the first di-nuclear TSC ruthenium arene complexes with a special four-membered chelate ring.
Zirconia based dental ceramics: structure, mechanical properties, biocompatibility and applications
Authors: Gautam Chandkiram , Joyner Jarin , Gautam Amarendra , Rao Jitendra , Vajtai Robert
Published: November 2016

Zirconia (ZrO2) based dental ceramics have been considered to be advantageous materials with adequate mechanical properties for the manufacturing of medical devices.
Arylamino radical complexes of ruthenium and osmium: dual radical counter in a molecule
Authors: Bera Sachinath , Maity Suvendu , Weyhermüller Thomas , Ghosh Prasanta
Published: November 2016

A new family of 1-amido-9,10-anthraquinone, 1-amino-9,10-anthraquinone radical and 1-amido-9,10-anthrasemiquinonate anion radical complexes of ruthenium(ii/iii) and osmium(ii) are reported.
Comparative cradle-to-gate energy assessment of indium phosphide and cadmium selenide quantum dot displays
Authors: Chopra Shauhrat S. , Theis Thomas L.
Published: November 2016

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals (2–10 nm) with tunable band gaps and desirable luminescence properties.
Effect of surfactants, pH and water hardness on the surface properties and agglomeration behavior of engineered TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Loosli Frédéric , Stoll Serge
Published: November 2016

Multiple facets of TiO2 nanoparticle destabilization mechanisms in the presence of surfactant molecules and divalent cations.
Co3O4–C3N4p–n nano-heterojunctions for the simultaneous degradation of a mixture of pollutants under solar irradiation
Authors: Suyana P. , Ganguly Priyanka , Nair Balagopal N. , Mohamed A. Peer , Warrier K. G. K. , Hareesh U. S.
Published: November 2016

Sunlight active Co3O4–C3N4nano-heterojunctions for the effective removal of mixture of tetracycline antibiotic and methylene blue dye.
Direct liquid phase synthesis of ordered L10 FePt colloidal particles with high coercivity using an Au nanoparticle seeding approach
Authors: Tzitzios Vasileios , Basina Georgia , Tzitzios Nikolaos , Alexandrakis Vasileios , Hu Xiaocao , Hadjipanayis George
Published: November 2016

L10 ordered FePt nanoparticles that reveal an enhanced coercive field were synthesized following a liquid phase approach using Au nanoparticles as seeds.
Downsizing the BAD BH3 peptide to small constrained α-helices with improved ligand efficiency
Authors: Shepherd Nicholas E. , Harrison Rosemary S. , Ruiz-Gomez Gloria , Abbenante Giovanni , Mason Jody M. , Fairlie David P.
Published: November 2016

Using macrocycles to meet the challenge of reducing proteins to smaller molecules that maintain affinity and inhibitory potency for Bcl-xL.
Re-healable polyimine thermosets: polymer composition and moisture sensitivity
Authors: Taynton Philip , Zhu Chengpu , Loob Samuel , Shoemaker Richard , Pritchard James , Jin Yinghua , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2016

We report the effect of polymer composition on moisture sensitivity and rehealability of polyimine thermosets.
A novel green cycle for value-added utilization of waste zinc based adsorbent
Authors: Gao Yun , Gao Jie , Qin Zhanbin , Sun Yi , Li Hongjuan , Wang Zhiyan
Published: November 2016

A novel green cycle is proposed for environmentally friendly regeneration and value-added utilization of waste zinc-based adsorbent.
Electronic, optical and vibrational features of BiVO4nanostructures investigated by first-principles calculations
Authors: Ordon K. , Kassiba A. , Makowska-Janusik M.
Published: November 2016

Numerical models based on DFT and semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations were developed for bulk and nano-sized BiVO4semiconducting oxide. Importance of surface reconstruction for electronic and vibrational properties was shown.
meso-Tetrakis[4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl]porphyrinatopalladium(ii) supported on graphene oxide nanosheets (Pd(ii)-TMCPP-GO): synthesis and catalytic activity
Authors: Fareghi-Alamdari Reza , Golestanzadeh Mohsen , Bagheri Omid
Published: November 2016

In this study, meso-tetrakis[4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl]porphynatopalladium(ii) as a macrocyclic palladium complex was covalently grafted to the surface of graphene oxide (Pd-TMCPP-GO). The prepared catalyst was checked in Suzuki reaction.
Reduced graphene oxide uniformly decorated with Co nanoparticles: facile synthesis, magnetic and catalytic properties
Authors: Ji Zhenyuan , Wang Yuqin , Yang Juan , Shen Xiaoping , Yu Qiang , Kong Lirong , Zhou Hu
Published: November 2016

A facile and eco-friendly strategy was developed to deposit highly dispersed tiny Co nanoparticles on RGO sheets, which exhibit excellent magnetic and catalytic properties.
Microstructural micellar transition in bile salt–ionic liquid mixed systems in water: a DLS and SANS study
Authors: Pillai Sadafara A. , Patel Vijay I. , Ray Debes , Parikh Jigisha K. , Aswal Vinod K. , Bahadur Pratap
Published: November 2016

Bile salt assisted morphological changes of ionic liquid micelles.
Excimer formation and dual fluorescence emission of a hydroxyquinoline based macrocyclic tripod: existence of intra and intermolecular π-stacking
Authors: Rohini Rohini , Baral Minati , Kanungo B. K.
Published: November 2016

The excited state reaction of 1,4,7-tris-(5-methylene-8-hydroxyquinoline)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane was studied in solution. The intramolecular-π-stacked tripod shows pH-dependent eximer emission and dual fluorescence due to intermolecular π-stacking.
Photodynamic response of a solution-processed organolead halide photodetector
Authors: Bhatt Vishwa , Pandey Kavita , Gupta Sanjeev. K. , Sonvane Yogesh , Yadav Pankaj , Kumar Manoj
Published: November 2016

CH3NH3PbI3perovskite semiconductors have received intensive attention as a light absorbing material in high performance solar cells and photodetectors.
Reduction of lead dioxide with oxalic acid to prepare lead oxide as the positive electrode material for lead acid batteries
Authors: Liu Wei , Ma Beibei , Li Fajun , Fu Yan , Tai Jian , Zhou Yanqing , Lei Lixu
Published: November 2016

Sponge-like lead oxides prepared from PbO2can discharge a capacity of 115.2 mA h g−1after 50 cycles at 100 mA g−1.
A convenient approach to producing a sensitive MWCNT-based paper sensor
Authors: Dou Xinwei , Wang Jian , Lu Xuan , Zhang Mengmeng , Qin Yujun , Wang Yapei , Zhang Pu , Guo Zhi-Xin
Published: November 2016

Sensitive and recyclable paper chip sensors based on carbon nanotubes and octadecylamine are fabricated through a convenient method.
Green synthesis of Si–GQD nanocomposites as cost-effective catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Roy Prathik , Ravindranath Rini , Periasamy Arun Prakash , Lien Chia-Wen , Liang Chi-Te , Chang Huan-Tsung
Published: November 2016

Pictorial representation of Si–GQD nanocomposites for oxygen reduction reaction.
Design of graphene oxide/gelatin electrospun nanocomposite fibers for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Nagarajan Sakthivel , Pochat-Bohatier Céline , Teyssier Catherine , Balme Sébastien , Miele Philippe , Kalkura Narayana , Cavaillès Vincent , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: November 2016

2D graphene oxide (GO) is used to enhance the mechanical properties of gelatin electrospun fibers. The GO does not show any significant influence on cell viability and cell attachment even though the expression of osteoblast gene is affected.
Highly conductive graphene-bonded polyimide yarns for flexible electronics
Authors: Liu Lianmei , Weng Wei , Dai Xingyu , Liu Ning , Yang Junjie , Liang Yunxia , Ding Xin
Published: November 2016

Graphene-bonded PI yarns were achieved by a large-scale dip-reduction process with alkali treatment. The composite yarns have high conductivity, good durability and can effectively serve as a conductor wire and the electrodes of the supercapacitor.
Preparation and model of high-performance shape-memory polyurethane with hydroxylated perylene bisimide
Authors: Xu Xu , Li Yuqi , Xiong Zhongqiang , Yang Jin , Pan Lulu , Wu Yunyun , Wei Chun , Lu Shaorong
Published: November 2016

3,4,9,10-Perylene tetracarboxylic anhydride (PTCDA) was reacted with tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl aminomethane (THAM) to form the corresponding hydroxylated perylene bisimide (PBI).
Responsive hetero-organelle partition conferred fluorogenic sensing of mitochondrial depolarization
Authors: Xue Zhongwei , Zhao Hu , Liu Jian , Han Jiahuai , Han Shoufa
Published: November 2016

A hetero-organelle partition and lysosome activable sensor was developed for fluorogenic detection of mitochondrial depolarization in autophagy and cell death.
Effective strategies for stabilizing sulfur for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Ogoke Ogechi , Wu Gang , Wang Xianliang , Casimir Anix , Ma Lu , Wu Tianpin , Lu Jun
Published: November 2016

This review focuses on recent developments in the last three years of various sulfur integration methods in lithium-sulfur batteries.
Facile assembly of nanosheet array-like CuMgAl-layered double hydroxide/rGO nanohybrids for highly efficient reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Dou Liguang , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2016

3D-Architectured nanosheet array-like CuMgAl-LDH/rGO hybrids assembled via a green aqueous-phase coprecipitation strategy exhibit excellent reduction activity for 4-nitrophenol due to in situ created ultrafine Cu2O particles in the reaction.
Preparation of monolithic catalysts using 3D printed templates for oxidative coupling of methane
Authors: Michorczyk P. , Hędrzak E. , Węgrzyniak A.
Published: November 2016

We report the rational design and successful preparation of monolithic catalysts with the assistance of 3D printed templates for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM).
A robust and refillable magnetic sponge capsule for remotely triggered drug release
Authors: Shi Jingru , Zhang Hongbin , Jackson John , Shademani Ali , Chiao Mu
Published: November 2016

A refillable sponge capsule was fabricated for controlled drug release with prolonged period triggered by external magnetic stimuli.
Evaluation of the toxicity and pathogenicity of biocontrol agents in murine models, chicken embryos and dermal irritation in rabbits
Authors: Iris Betsabee Ocampo-Suarez , José Luis Sanchez-Salas , Juan Arturo Ragazzo-Sánchez , Montserrat Calderón-Santoyo
Published: November 2016

Biological control has emerged as an alternative to the use of crop fungicides in fields and postharvest.
Resource allocation for multichannel device‐to‐device communications underlaying QoS‐protected cellular networks
Authors: Qian Yingjing , Zhang Tao , He Dajiang
Published: November 2016

Being fascinated by the small‐area radiation, the operators with strong capability of resource planning tend to superpose the device‐to‐device (D2D) communications upon licensed frequency bands for effectively excavating wireless resources. However, this inevitably causes mutual interference in such a hybrid network. A solution to address the interference issue is to appropriately choose reusing resources for D2D communications combined with power control, while ensuring the quality of service (QoS) of prioritised cellular users. The authors formulate the resource sharing strategy as a joint channel selection and power control optimisation under general sum power/QoS constraints. An alternating optimising method is proposed to deal with such a non‐convex problem. The performance of proposed resource sharing algorithm is illustrated by simulation results.
Neuro‐observer based online finite‐horizon optimal control for uncertain non‐linear continuous‐time systems
Authors: Huang Yuzhu
Published: November 2016

In this study, within framework of adaptive dynamic programming (ADP), a neuro‐observer based online optimal control solution is developed for the finite‐horizon optimal control problem of uncertain non‐linear continuous‐time systems. First, a neuro‐observer is designed to estimate system states from the uncertain system without knowledge of system drift dynamics. Then based on the observed states, an online finite‐horizon optimal control scheme is proposed by a single critic network to approximate the solution of the time‐varying Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation and obtain the optimal control. In the design, a novel observer–critic architecture is presented for implementing the control scheme by using two neural networks (NNs): an observer NN is used to learn the uncertain system dynamics and a critic NN is employed not only to approximate the solution of time‐varying HJB equation, but also to ensure the terminal constraint is satisfied. Besides, an additional adjusting term is introduced by Lyapunov theory in critic NN weight tuning algorithm, which relaxes the requirement for an initial stabilising control. Moreover, uniform ultimate bounded stability of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed via Lyapunov's direct method. Finally, simulation results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Reliable control for bilateral teleoperation systems with actuator faults using fuzzy disturbance observer
Authors: Li Jian‐Ning , Li Lin‐Sheng
Published: November 2016

In this study, the synchronisation problem of bilateral teleoperation systems with time‐delay and actuator faults is considered. First, the error dynamic system with actuator faults is modelled as a time‐delay system with disturbance, and a fuzzy disturbance observer (FDO) is designed to estimate the unknown non‐linear disturbance. Moreover, an FDO‐based robust controller is provided for the master robot and a reliable controller is designed for the slave robot, respectively. Next, a sufficient condition is given to ensure the tracking error; the disturbance observation error and the parameter error are uniformly ultimate bounded. Finally, a numerical example is shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Detection of secondary arc extinction for adaptive single phase auto‐reclosing based on local voltage behaviour
Authors: Jamali Sadegh , Ghaderi Baayeh Arman
Published: November 2016

This study presents a non‐communication based algorithm for detection of secondary arc extinction for adaptive single phase auto‐reclosing of transmission lines. The algorithm is based on the behaviour pattern of the faulted phase voltage magnitude (VM) measured at the near end of the line. A prediction function is used to calculate the present VM few milliseconds in advance of its actual measurement. The difference between the actual and calculated values of the faulted phase VM is used as a criterion for detection of secondary arc extinction. A new method is proposed to analyse the arc extinction criterion which does not need a predefined threshold level. The algorithm uses low sampling frequency and is simple and fast. The algorithm can be applied on all transmission line configurations (transposed or untransposed) with different levels of reactive power compensation. The algorithm has been validated using the electromagnetic transient program software tool for simulation studies under many operational and fault cases. The presented test results for 465 cases verify the algorithm performance, which is not affected by the pre‐fault line loading, the circuit breaker opening angle, arc type and fault location.
A 1,5-Bifunctional Organomagnesium Reagent for the Synthesis of Disubstituted Anthracenes and Anthrones
Authors: Link Achim , Fischer Christian , Sparr Christof
Published: November 2016

The preparation of a 1,5-bifunctional organomagnesium alkoxide reagent by a deprotonation–magnesiation sequence is described. This reagent reacts with carboxylic acid esters to incorporate the carboxyl carbon atom of the ester into the newly formed ring. The magnesium bisalkoxide resulting from this double nucleophilic attack is subsequently transformed in situ into halogenated disubstituted anthracenes, monosubstituted anthracenes, anthrones, or 9-substituted dihydroanthracene-cis-diols by variation of the acidic workup procedures.
The Regulatory, Technology and Market ‘Dark Arts Trilogy’ of High Frequency Trading: A Research Agenda
Authors: Currie Wendy L. , Seddon Jonathan J. M.
Published: November 2016

Computerization has transformed financial markets with high frequency trading displacing human activity with proprietary algorithms to lower latency, reduce intermediary costs, enhance liquidity and increase transaction speed. Following the “Flash Crash” of 2010 which saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunge 1000 points within minutes, high frequency trading has come under the radar of multi-jurisdictional regulators. Combining a review of the extant literature on high frequency trading with empirical data from interviews with financial traders, computer experts and regulators, we develop concepts of regulatory adaptation, technology asymmetry and market ambiguity to illustrate the ‘dark art’ of high frequency trading. Findings show high frequency trading is a multi-faceted, complex and secretive practice. It is implicated in market events, but correlation does not imply causation, as isolating causal mechanisms from interconnected automated financial trading is highly challenging for regulators who seek to monitor algorithmic trading across multiple jurisdictions. This article provides information systems researchers with a set of conceptual tools for analysing high frequency trading.
Invited Article: All-optical multichannel logic based on coherent perfect absorption in a plasmonic metamaterial
Authors: Papaioannou Maria , Plum Eric , Valente João , Rogers Edward T. F. , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: November 2016

The exponential growth of telecommunications bandwidth will require next generation optical networks, where multiple spatial information channels will be transmitted in parallel. To realise the full potential of parallel optical data channels, fast and scalable multichannel solutions for processing of optical data are of paramount importance. Established solutions based on the nonlinear wave interaction in photorefractive materials are slow. Here we experimentally demonstrate all-optical logical operations between pairs of simulated spatially multiplexed information channels using the coherent interaction of light with light on a plasmonic metamaterial. The approach is suitable for fiber implementation and—in principle—operates with diffraction-limited spatial resolution, 100 THz bandwidth, and arbitrarily low intensities, thus promising ultrafast, low-power solutions for all-optical parallel data processing.
Multicomponent adsorption in mesoporous flexible materials with flat-histogram Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Mahynski Nathan A. , Shen Vincent K.
Published: November 2016

We demonstrate an extensible flat-histogram Monte Carlo simulation methodology for studying the adsorption of multicomponent fluids in flexible porous solids. This methodology allows us to easily obtain the complete free energy landscape for the confined fluid-solid system in equilibrium with a bulk fluid of any arbitrary composition. We use this approach to study the adsorption of a prototypical coarse-grained binary fluid in “Hookean” solids, where the free energy of the solid may be described as a simple spring. However, our approach is fully extensible to solids with arbitrarily complex free energy profiles. We demonstrate that by tuning the fluid-solid interaction ranges, the inhomogeneous fluid structure inside the pore can give rise to enhanced selective capture of a larger species through cooperative adsorption with a smaller one. The maximum enhancement in selectivity is observed at low to intermediate pressures and is especially pronounced when the larger species is very dilute in the bulk. This suggest a mechanism by which the selective capture of a minor component from a bulk fluid may be enhanced.
Asymmetric plasmon structures on ZnO: Ga for high sensitivity in the infrared range
Authors: Matsui Hiroaki , Ikehata Akifumi , Tabata Hitoshi
Published: November 2016

This paper presents surface plasmons (SPs) on ZnO: Ga layers using an asymmetric insulator-metal-insulator (IMI) geometry. The water-ZnO: Ga-cytop tri-layers comprising IMI structures showed narrower surface plasmon resonance spectra than insulator-metal structures with water-ZnO: Ga single layers. Measurements of bulk sensitivities based on refractive index changes revealed extended evanescent fields on the ZnO: Ga layer surfaces when using reduced layer thicknesses. Consequently, the asymmetric IMI geometry on ZnO: Ga provides enhanced sensitivity in the infrared range. This result is further discussed from theoretical analyses of SP field distributions. This IMI geometry provides structural concepts to assist with developments in the area of oxide-based sensing applications.
Extrinsic size effect of pyroelectric response of ferroelectric films
Authors: Eliseev Eugene A. , Morozovsky Nicholas V. , Yelisieiev Mykola Ye. , Morozovska Anna N.
Published: November 2016

We have developed the theoretical model for calculation of the main characteristics of pyroelectric response of pyroactive multilayer structures, which are the basic elements of the modern pyroelectric detectors of radiation and other transducers. In the framework of the proposed model, the dependences of the pyroelectric response frequency spectra on the ferroelectric film thickness have been investigated. It was found that a pronounced extrinsic size effect is inherent to the pyroelectric response frequency spectra, such as the strong thickness dependence of the response maximal value and its frequency position. The thickness dependences of the frequency position of the maximum pyroelectric response and the optimal thickness of the pyroactive ferroelectric film have been calculated. The frequency spectra of the pyroelectric current and voltage calculated theoretically are in quantitative agreement with the experimental ones for the Al/P(VDF-TrFE)/Ti/Si pyroactive structure. The developed procedure is important for improving the sensitivity of pyroelectric devices. The obtained analytical expressions allow optimizing the performances of pyroactive elements using the existence of the size effect, which depends on the pyroactive ferroelectric film and substrate thicknesses, as well as on the conditions of heat transfer and exchange at the corresponding boundaries of the pyroactive structure.
Effect of atomic size on undercoolability of binary solid solution alloy liquids with Zr, Ti, and Hf using electrostatic levitation
Authors: Jeon S. , Kang D.-H. , Lee Y. H. , Lee S. , Lee G. W.
Published: November 2016

We investigate the relationship between the excess volume and undercoolability of Zr–Ti and Zr–Hf alloy liquids by using electrostatic levitation. Unlike in the case of Zr–Hf alloy liquids in which sizes of the constituent atoms are matched, a remarkable increase of undercoolability and negative excess volumes are observed in Zr–Ti alloy liquids as a function of their compositional ratios. In this work, size mismatch entropies for the liquids were obtained by calculating their hard sphere diameters, number densities, and packing fractions. We also show that the size mismatch entropy, which arises from the differences in atomic sizes of the constituent elements, plays an important role in determining the stabilities of metallic liquids.
A novel multi-channel quadrature Doppler backward scattering reflectometer on the HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Shi Zhongbing , Zhong Wulu , Jiang Min , Yang Zengchen , Zhang Boyu , Shi Peiwan , Chen Wei , Wen Jie , Chen Chengyuan , Fu Bingzhong , Liu Zetian , Ding Xuantong , Yang Qingwei , Duan Xuru
Published: November 2016

A novel 16-channel fixed frequency Doppler backward scattering (DBS) reflectometer system has been developed on the HL-2A tokamak. This system is based on the filter-based feedback loop microwave source (FFLMS) technique, which has lower phase noise and lower power variation compared with present tunable frequency generation and comb frequency array generation techniques [J. C. Hillesheim et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 083507 (2009) and W. A. Peebles et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 81, 10D902 (2010)]. The 16-channel DBS system is comprised of four × four-frequency microwave transmitters and direct quadrature demodulation receivers. The working frequencies are 17-24 GHz and 31-38 GHz with the frequency interval of 1 GHz. They are designed to measure the localized intermediate wave-number (k⊥ρ ∼ 1–2, k⊥ ∼ 2–9 cm−1) density fluctuations and the poloidal rotation velocity profile of turbulence. The details of the system design and laboratory tests are presented. Preliminary results of Doppler spectra measured by the multi-channel DBS reflectometer systems are obtained. The plasma rotation and turbulence distribution during supersonic molecular beam injection are analyzed.
Semi-regular biorthogonal pairs and generalized Riesz bases
Authors: Inoue H.
Published: November 2016

In this paper we introduce general theories of semi-regular biorthogonal pairs, generalized Riesz bases and its physical applications. Here we deal with biorthogonal sequences {ϕn} and {ψn} in a Hilbert space H, with domains D(ϕ)={x∈H;∑k=0∞(x|ϕk)2<∞} and D(ψ)={x∈H;∑k=0∞(x|ψk)2<∞} and linear spans Dϕ ≡ Span{ϕn} and Dψ ≡ Span{ψn}. A biorthogonal pair ({ϕn}, {ψn}) is called regular if both Dϕ and Dψ are dense in H, and it is called semi-regular if either Dϕ and D(ϕ) or Dψ and D(ψ) are dense in H. In a previous paper [H. Inoue, J. Math. Phys. 57, 083511 (2016)], we have shown that if ({ϕn}, {ψn}) is a regular biorthogonal pair then both {ϕn} and {ψn} are generalized Riesz bases defined in the work of Inoue and Takakura [J. Math. Phys. 57, 083505 (2016)]. Here we shall show that the same result holds true if the pair is only semi-regular by using operators Tϕ,e, Te,ϕ, Tψ,e, and Te,ψ defined by an orthonormal basis e in H and a biorthogonal pair ({ϕn}, {ψn}). Furthermore, we shall apply this result to pseudo-bosons in the sense of the papers of Bagarello [J. Math. Phys. 51, 023531 (2010); J. Phys. A 44, 015205 (2011); Phys. Rev. A 88, 032120 (2013); and J. Math. Phys. 54, 063512 (2013)].
Pauli blockade in a few-hole PMOS double quantum dot limited by spin-orbit interaction
Authors: Bohuslavskyi H. , Kotekar-Patil D. , Maurand R. , Corna A. , Barraud S. , Bourdet L. , Hutin L. , Niquet Y.-M. , Jehl X. , De Franceschi S. , Vinet M. , Sanquer M.
Published: November 2016

We report on the hole compact double quantum dots fabricated using a conventional CMOS technology. We provide the evidence of Pauli spin blockade in the few hole regime that is relevant to spin qubit implementations. A current dip is observed around zero magnetic field, in agreement with the expected behavior for the case of strong spin-orbit. We deduce an intradot spin relaxation rate ≈120 kHz for the first holes, an important step towards a robust hole spin-orbit qubit.
Field-angle and DC-bias dependence of spin-torque diode in giant magnetoresistive microstripe
Authors: Li X. , Zhou Y. , Zheng C. , Chan P. H. , Chan M. , Pong Philip W. T.
Published: November 2016

The spin torque diode effect in all metal spintronic devices has been proposed as a microwave detector with a high power limit and resistivity to breakdown. The previous works have revealed the field-angle dependence of the rectified DC voltage (VDC) in the ferromagnetic stripe. The giant magnetoresistive (GMR) microstripe exhibits higher sensitivity compared with the ferromagnetic stripe. However, the influence of the magnetic field direction and bias current in the spin rectification of GMR microstripe is not yet reported. In this work, the angular dependence and bias dependence of resonant frequency (fR) and VDC are investigated. A macrospin model concerning the contribution of magnetic field, shape anisotropy, and unidirectional anisotropy is engaged to interpret the experimental data. fR exhibits a |sin δH| dependence on the in-plane field angle (δH). VDC presents either |sin δH| or |sin2 δH cos δH | relation, depending on the magnitude of Hext. Optimized VDC of 24 μV is achieved under 4 mT magnetic field applied at δH = 170°. Under out-of-plane magnetic field, fR shows a cos 2θH reliance on the polar angle (θH), whereas VDC is sin θH dependent. The Oersted field of the DC bias current (IDC) modifies the effective field, resulting in shifted fR. Enhanced VDC with increasing IDC is attributed to the elevated contribution of spin-transfer torque. Maximum VDC of 35.2 μV is achieved, corresponding to 47% increase compared with the optimized value under zero bias. Higher IDC also results in enlarged damping parameter in the free layer, resulting in increased linewidth in the spin torque diode spectra. This work experimentally and analytically reveals the angular dependence of fR and VDC in the GMR microstripe. The results further demonstrate a highly tunable fR and optimized VDC by bias current without the external magnetic field. GMR microstripe holds promise for application as a high-power, frequency-tunable microwave detector that works under small or zero magnetic field.
Cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge plasma catalytic effect on chemical methods of silver nano-particle production
Authors: Bahrami Zahra , Khani Mohammad Reza , Shokri Babak
Published: November 2016

In this study, cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge plasma was used to study the catalytic effect on chemical methods of silver nano-particles for the first time. In this method, the processing time is short and the temperature of reaction is low. Also, the reactor is very simple, inexpensive, and accessible. In this work, pure AgNO3 as the precursor agent and poly vinyl pyrrolidone as the macromolecular surfactant were dissolved in ethanol as the solvent. UV-Vis and XRD were used to identify the colloidal and powder nano-particles, respectively. Optical emission spectroscopy was also used to identify the active species in plasma. Effects of gas flow rate, voltage, volume of solution, and processing time were also studied. Moreover, TEM and SEM images presented the mean diameter of nano-particle size around 10 to 20 nm. The results have been very promising.
Investigation of coherent modes and their role in intermittent oscillations using empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Shaw Pankaj Kumar , Ghosh Sabuj , Saha Debajyoti , Janaki M. S. , Iyengar A. N. Sekar
Published: November 2016

The paper presents an application of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) for the analysis of intermittent chaotic fluctuations from a glow discharge plasma. Here, the nature of the oscillations changes from an initial relaxation oscillation to a final chaotic oscillatory state via intermittent chaos. The time series data have been decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using EMD. Furthermore, the estimation of the variance of the IMFs and the correlation of these IMFs with the original time series help us to identify the presence of coherent modes in the fluctuations. Through this analysis, we could clearly observe that initially during the relaxation oscillations the system was dominated by one type of coherent mode, whereas in the final chaotic state, it was dominated by another coherent mode. In the intermediate case, i.e., intermittent chaotic state, both the coherent modes are seen to be present. We have also used rescaled range (R/S) statistical method to identify the coherent modes and corroborate with the results obtained using EMD. The Hilbert Huang spectrum of the fluctuations clearly suggests the intermittent change in the frequency with time.
Lloyd Thomas Evans 1927–2015
Authors: King Roderick W.
Published: November 2016

Lloyd Evans, a leading plant scientist, published extensively on the regulation of flowering and on crop production during a lifetime spent in research at CSIRO. His significant achievements included: identification of a gibberellin plant hormone as a flowering regulator in the grass Lolium temulentum; discovery of a synthetic gibberellin growth retardant that blocked endogenous gibberellin synthesis; and discovery in Pharbitis of a novel biological flowering clock with a 12h (semidian) period. In crops, he established the impact on yield of photosynthate production and transport to competing sinks. Two of his books, Crop Evolution: Adaptation and Yield and Feeding the Ten Billion have had a major influence on agricultural research and policy. His ability to define research options led to many years of international advisory work. He was an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), and of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA) (including a term as president).