bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Occlusion on the Percutaneous Absorption of Aluminium from Antiperspirant Products
Authors: Mistry T. , Staff K. , Anjum K. , Owen J. D. , Stair J. , Wilkinson S. C. , Moss G. P.
Published: December 2013

Despite the widespread, and generally very safe, use of aluminium-containing antiperspirants there is a paucity of studies examining, in vitro or in vivo, the percutaneous absorption of aluminium and even fewer that examine this phenomena from consumer formulations. Aluminium has been considered to be a neurotoxicant, with suggestions that it may play a role in brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. However, the United Kingdom's Alzhemier's Society currently suggest that, while there might be “circumstantial evidence linking this metal with Alzhemier's disease … no causal relationship has yet been proved”. They further comment that, as evidence for other causes of Alzheimer's disease continues to grow, “a possible link with aluminium seems increasingly unlikely” (Alzheimer's Society, 2013).
Molecular interactions of nanomaterials and organisms: defining biomarkers for toxicity and high-throughput screening using traditional and next-generation sequencing approaches
Authors: Klaper Rebecca , Arndt Devrah , Bozich Jared , Dominguez Gustavo
Published: December 2013

The expression of molecular pathways in an organism provides a clue as to the potential impacts of exposure to nanomaterials.
A comparative study of carbon–platinum hybrid nanostructure architecture for amperometric biosensing
Authors: Vanegas Diana C. , Taguchi Masashige , Chaturvedi Prachee , Burrs Stephanie , Tan Michael , Yamaguchi Hitomi , McLamore Eric S.
Published: December 2013

This facile graph-onto methodology is highly efficient and competes with relatively complex graph-from synthesis of carbon–metal hybrid nanocomposites.
Highly enhanced electrochemiluminescence based on pseudo triple-enzyme cascade catalysis and in situ generation of co-reactant for thrombin detection
Authors: Xiao Lijuan , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo , Wang Haijun , Bai Lijuan
Published: December 2013

In this work, a novel pseudo triple-enzyme cascade catalysis amplification strategy was employed to fabricate a highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor for thrombin (TB) detection.
Enhanced determination of As–phytochelatin complexes in Chlorella vulgaris using focused sonication for extraction of water-soluble species
Authors: Munoz Leonardo Pantoja , Purchase Diane , Jones Huw , Feldmann Jörg , Garelick Hemda
Published: December 2013

Focused sonication was used to extract As-GS/PC complexes from Chlorella vulgaris and the integrity of such complexes was determined by HPLC online with simultaneous HR-ICP-MS and ES-MS/MS detection. C. vulgaris was found to produce intact arsenic phytochelatins and homo-phytochelatins (with Ala and desGly instead of Gly) complexes.
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography for determination of phthalic esters in environmental water samples
Authors: Xue Linke , Zhang Dongxia , Wang Tiane , Wang Xue-Mei , Du Xinzhen
Published: December 2013

The salting-out effect on the EF of phthalic acid esters.
Catalytic asymmetric semipinacol rearrangements
Authors: Wang Shao-Hua , Li Bao-Sheng , Tu Yong-Qiang
Published: December 2013

Recent progressions in catalytic asymmetric semipinacol rearrangements are summarized in this Feature Article.
Synthesis and characterization of 2-(2-benzhydrylnaphthyliminomethyl)pyridylnickel halides: formation of branched polyethylene
Authors: Yue Erlin , Xing Qifeng , Zhang Liping , Shi Qisong , Cao Xiao-Ping , Wang Lin , Redshaw Carl , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: December 2013

The 2-(2-benzhydrylnaphthyliminomethyl)pyridylnickel halide complexes, activated by MAO or MMAO, showed high activities (up to 2.02 × 107 g(PE) mol−1(Ni) h−1) towards ethylene polymerization.
Lignin extraction from biomass with protic ionic liquids
Authors: Achinivu Ezinne C. , Howard Reagan M. , Li Guoqing , Gracz Hanna , Henderson Wesley A.
Published: December 2013

A simple, highly effective method for lignin extraction from biomass is reported using PILs which can easily be distilled/recovered.
The expired breath carbon delta value is a marker for the onset of sepsis in a swine model
Authors: Bütz Daniel E. , Morello Samantha L. , Sand Jordan , Holland G. Neil , Cook Mark E.
Published: December 2013

Approximately 750 000 people develop sepsis each year with more than 215 000 deaths.
Composition-dependent Raman modes of Mo1−xWxS2 monolayer alloys
Authors: Chen Yanfeng , Dumcenco Dumitru O. , Zhu Yiming , Zhang Xin , Mao Nannan , Feng Qingliang , Zhang Mei , Zhang Jin , Tan Ping-Heng , Huang Ying-Sheng , Xie Liming
Published: December 2013

Raman spectroscopy can be used to characterize the composion of two-dimensional Mo1−xWxS2 monolayer alloys (0 ≤ x ≤1).
High performance few-layer GaS photodetector and its unique photo-response in different gas environments
Authors: Yang Shengxue , Li Yan , Wang Xiaozhou , Huo Nengjie , Xia Jian-Bai , Li Shu-Shen , Li Jingbo
Published: December 2013

A few-layer two-terminal photodetector with fast and stable response has been prepared, and it exhibited different responses in various gas environments.
Structure and composition characterization of lead-free (K, Na)NbO3 piezoelectric nanorods synthesized by the molten-salt reaction
Authors: Cheng Li-Qian , Wang Ke , Yu Qi , Li Jing-Feng
Published: December 2013

Composition-controlled (K, Na)NbO3 piezoelectric nanorods were synthesized, and the chemical homogeneity and Raman frequency dependence on alkaline contents were investigated.
A fragment method for systematic improvement of anharmonic adsorbate vibrational frequencies: Acetylene on Cu(001)
Authors: Chulkov Sergey K. , Benoit David M.
Published: December 2013

We suggest a novel method for systematic improvement of anharmonic adsorbate frequencies based on a fragment approach. The calculations are carried out by considering the adsorbed molecule separately and computing an energy correction using high-level ab initio method in addition to a standard calculation of the whole adsorbed system using quantum mechanical techniques with periodic boundary conditions. We demonstrate its reliability for a C2H2 molecule chemisorbed on a Cu(001) surface. We also show that the accuracy of the presented approach with a suitable description of the periodic surface depends mainly on the accuracy of the high-level ab initio method used to describe the adsorbate molecule. Moreover, our technique potentially allows to predict adsorbate vibrational spectra with spectroscopic accuracy.
Parallel multiplex laser feedback interferometry
Authors: Zhang Song , Tan Yidong , Zhang Shulian
Published: December 2013

We present a parallel multiplex laser feedback interferometer based on spatial multiplexing which avoids the signal crosstalk in the former feedback interferometer. The interferometer outputs two close parallel laser beams, whose frequencies are shifted by two acousto-optic modulators by 2Ω simultaneously. A static reference mirror is inserted into one of the optical paths as the reference optical path. The other beam impinges on the target as the measurement optical path. Phase variations of the two feedback laser beams are simultaneously measured through heterodyne demodulation with two different detectors. Their subtraction accurately reflects the target displacement. Under typical room conditions, experimental results show a resolution of 1.6 nm and accuracy of 7.8 nm within the range of 100 μm.
An ion source module for the Beijing Radioactive Ion-beam Facility
Authors: Cui B. , Huang Q. , Tang B. , Ma R. , Chen L. , Ma Y.
Published: December 2013

An ion source module is developed for Beijing Radioactive Ion-beam Facility. The ion source module is designed to meet the requirements of remote handling. The connection and disconnection of the electricity, cooling and vacuum between the module and peripheral units can be executed without on-site manual work. The primary test of the target ion source has been carried out and a Li+ beam has been extracted. Details of the ion source module and its primary test results are described.
Time dependent quantum thermodynamics of a coupled quantum oscillator system in a small thermal environment
Authors: Barnes George L. , Kellman Michael E.
Published: December 2013

Simulations are performed of a small quantum system interacting with a quantum environment. The system consists of various initial states of two harmonic oscillators coupled to give normal modes. The environment is “designed” by its level pattern to have a thermodynamic temperature. A random coupling causes the system and environment to become entangled in the course of time evolution. The approach to a Boltzmann distribution is observed, and effective fitted temperatures close to the designed temperature are obtained. All initial pure states of the system are driven to equilibrium at very similar rates, with quick loss of memory of the initial state. The time evolution of the von Neumann entropy is calculated as a measure of equilibration and of quantum coherence. It is pointed out using spatial density distribution plots that quantum interference is eliminated only with maximal entropy, which corresponds thermally to infinite temperature. Implications of our results for the notion of “classicalizing” behavior in the approach to thermal equilibrium are briefly considered.
Advancements in ion diode and triode design
Authors: Cavenago M.
Published: December 2013

Selfconsistent laminar flow models, which enable to predict the optimal cathode and anode geometry in simple diodes, must be modified to account for the anode aperture and the effect of other electrodes. An equation for charge coupled to arbitrary laminar flows is here first presented and its numerical solutions are obtained with a new method, based on mesh transformations. It is found that a close match to theoretical flows requires an increase of the simple diode voltage v0 by an amount vδ, which, for a typical case designed for zero exit angle condition, are v0 = 0.7465 and vδ = 0.0294 in adimensional units. States “in” and “out” for the anode lens are also shown, where “out” is a new and nonlinear solution for the beam expansion in a drift tube.
Non-Markovian response of ultrafast coherent electronic ring currents in chiral aromatic molecules in a condensed phase
Authors: Mineo H. , Lin S. H. , Fujimura Y. , Xu J. , Xu R. X. , Yan Y. J.
Published: December 2013

Results of a theoretical study on non-Markov response for femtosecond laser-driven coherent ring currents in chiral aromatic molecules embedded in a condensed phase are presented. Coherent ring currents are generated by coherent excitation of a pair of quasi-degenerated π-electronic excited states. The coherent electronic dynamical behaviors are strongly influenced by interactions between the electronic system and phonon bath in a condensed phase. Here, the bath correlation time is not instantaneous but should be taken to be a finite time in ultrashort time-resolved experiments. In such a case, Markov approximation breaks down. A hierarchical master equation approach for an improved semiclassical Drude dissipation model was adopted to examine the non-Markov effects on ultrafast coherent electronic ring currents of (P)-2,2′-biphenol in a condensed phase. Time evolution of the coherent ring current derived in the hierarchical master equation approach was calculated and compared with those in the Drude model in the Markov approximation and in the static limit. The results show how non-Markovian behaviors in quantum beat signals of ring currents depend on the Drude bath damping constant. Effects of temperatures on ultrafast coherent electronic ring currents are also clarified.
Porous medium coffee ring effect and other factors affecting the first crystallisation time of sodium chloride at the surface of a drying porous medium
Authors: Hidri F. , Sghaier N. , Eloukabi H. , Prat M. , Nasrallah S. Ben
Published: December 2013

We study the distribution of ions in a drying porous medium up to the formation of first crystals at the surface. The study is based on comparisons between numerical simulations and experiments with packings of glass beads. The experimental configuration, which is representative of many previous drying experiments, is characterized by the formation of an efflorescence fairy ring at the surface of the porous medium. The preferential formation of crystals at the periphery is explained by the combined effect of higher evaporation fluxes at the surface periphery, as in the classical coffee ring problem, and variations in the porosity near the wall bordering the packing. It is shown that both effects have a great impact on the time marking the occurrence of first crystals, which is referred to as the first crystallization time. The experiments indicate that the first crystallization time increases with a decreasing bead size for a given initial ion concentration. This is explained by the variation with bead size of the characteristic size of the near wall region where a preferential desaturation of the sample occurs as a result of the porosity increase near the wall. The study also reveals a significant salt supersaturation effect. This represents a noticeable fact in relation with salt weathering issues.
Conformation and elasticity of a charged polymer chain bridging two nanoparticles
Authors: Nowicki W. , Nowicka G.
Published: December 2013

A complex composed of a charged flexible polymer chain irreversibly attached with its ends to surfaces of two nanoparticles was investigated using the Metropolis Monte Carlo method on a simple cubic lattice. The simulations were performed in the presence of explicit ions. The bridging chain and the nanoparticles bearing the same and the opposite sign charges were considered. Changes in the free energy of the complex upon its stretching or compression, together with the magnitude of the elastic force, were examined. The relative roles of energetic and entropic effects in determining the properties of the complex were identified. Also, the adsorption of charged monomers on the opposite-sign charged nanoparticles and its influence on the examined quantities was studied. Moreover, a simple semi-analytical approach to the thermodynamics of the polymer bridge was derived.
Crystallization mechanism in melts of short n-alkane chains
Authors: Anwar Muhammad , Turci Francesco , Schilling Tanja
Published: December 2013

We study crystallization in a model system for eicosane (C20) by means of molecular dynamics simulation and identify the microscopic mechanisms of homogeneous crystal nucleation and growth. For the nucleation process, we observe that chains first align and then straighten. Then the local density increases and finally the monomer units become ordered positionally. The subsequent crystal growth process is characterized by a sliding-in motion of the chains. Chains preferably attach to the crystalline cluster with one end and then move along the stems of already crystallized chains towards their final position. This process is cooperative, i.e., neighboring chains tend to get attached in clusters rather than independently.
Communication: The correct interpretation of surface hopping trajectories: How to calculate electronic properties
Authors: Landry Brian R. , Falk Martin J. , Subotnik Joseph E.
Published: December 2013

In a recent paper, we presented a road map for how Tully's fewest switches surface hopping (FSSH) algorithm can be derived, under certain circumstances, from the mixed quantum-classical Liouville equation. In this communication, we now demonstrate how this new interpretation of surface hopping can yield significantly enhanced results for electronic properties in nonadiabatic calculations. Specifically, we calculate diabatic populations for the spin-boson problem using FSSH trajectories. We show that, for some Hamiltonians, without changing the FSSH algorithm at all but rather simply reinterpreting the ensemble of surface hopping trajectories, we recover excellent results and remove any and all ambiguity about the initial condition problem.
Enhancing photoresponse by synergy of gate and illumination in electric double layer field effect transistors fabricated on n-ZnO
Authors: Mondal Shahnewaz , Ram Ghimire Rishi , Raychaudhuri A. K.
Published: December 2013

We report that photoresponse of ZnO in ultraviolet (UV) can be enhanced substantially by simultaneously applying a gate bias in an Electric Double Layer Field Effect Transistor configuration fabricated on ZnO as a channel. The effect arises from synergy between UV illumination and applied gate bias, which leads to a substantial enhancement in the device current. We propose that large carrier density created by the illumination and the gate leads to neutralization of some of the oxygen charged vacancies which in turn reduce potential scattering leading to enhanced field effect mobility. This is verified by gate bias controlled Photo Luminescence experiment.
Measurement of work function difference between Pb/Si(111) and Pb/Ge/Si(111) by high-order Gundlach oscillation
Authors: Huang Hsu-Sheng , Chan Wen-Yuan , Su Wei-Bin , Hoffmann Germar , Chang Chia-Seng
Published: December 2013

Ge films can be grown between the Pb overlayer and Si(111) substrate by the surfactant-mediated epitaxy. We detect the high-order Gundlach oscillation revealed in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to measure the work function difference between Pb/Si(111) and Pb/Ge/Si(111). Owing to different dielectric responses of Si and Ge, the tunneling current on Pb/Si has to be larger than that on Pb/Ge/Si by a factor of 2–3 to establish the same electric field in STM gap on both regions. This condition leads us to obtain a work function difference of 200 meV from observing Gundlach oscillation. It is believed that the method developed in this work can be extended to measure the surface work function difference of bulk conductors as well.
Role of dc space charge field in the optimization of microwave conversion efficiency from a modulated intense relativistic electron beam
Authors: Xiao Renzhen , Chen Changhua , Wu Ping , Song Zhimin , Sun Jun
Published: December 2013

We demonstrate an efficiency of 70% with 5.1 GW microwave power for a diode voltage of 770 kV and a current modulation coefficient of 1.67 in a klystron-like relativistic backward wave oscillator. The device combines the advantages of reducing electron beam radius, adopting dual-cavity extractor, and introducing two pre-modulation cavities. A large dc space charge field is present due to the conversion of considerable potential energy to kinetic energy at the end of beam-wave interaction region. A nonlinear theory is developed to show that the dc space charge field can increase the current modulation coefficient and microwave conversion efficiency significantly.
Scanning tunneling spectroscopy studies of angle-dependent van Hove singularities on twisted graphite surface layer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Luo Hong
Published: December 2013

Slightly misoriented surface graphene layer on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) can result in Moiré patterns (MP). Two van Hove singularity (VHS) peaks in the density of states are observed with scanning tunneling spectroscopy on a series of the MPs with different periods on HOPG surface, flanking the Fermi energy. The energy difference between the two VHS peaks (ΔEVHS) is linearly proportional to the sine of interlayer rotation angle. A similar relation between ΔEVHS and MP periods has recently been reported on twisted graphene layers. Compared to the case of twisted graphene layers, the Fermi velocity of MPs on a HOPG surface is found to be larger, and the interlayer hopping is enhanced.
Role of spin mixing conductance in spin pumping: Enhancement of spin pumping efficiency in Ta/Cu/Py structures
Authors: Deorani Praveen , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: December 2013

From spin pumping measurements in Ta/Py devices for different thicknesses of Ta, we determine the spin Hall angle to be 0.021–0.033 and spin diffusion length to be 8 nm in Ta. We have also studied the effect of changing the properties of non-magnet/ferromagnet interface by adding a Cu interlayer. The experimental results show that the effective spin mixing conductance increases in the presence of Cu interlayer for Ta/Cu/Py devices whereas it decreases in Pt/Cu/Py devices. Our findings allow the tunability of the spin pumping efficiency by adding a thin interlayer at the non-magnet/ferromagnet interface.
Three-dimensional diamond detectors: Charge collection efficiency of graphitic electrodes
Authors: Lagomarsino S. , Bellini M. , Corsi C. , Gorelli F. , Parrini G. , Santoro M. , Sciortino S.
Published: December 2013

Implementation of 3D-architectures in diamond detectors promises to achieve unreached performances in the radiation-harsh environment of future high-energy physics experiments. This work reports on the collection efficiency under β-irradiation of graphitic 3D-electrodes, created by laser pulses in the domains of nanoseconds (ns-made-sensors) and femtoseconds (fs-made-sensors). Full collection is achieved with the fs-made-sensors, while a loss of 25%–30% is found for the ns-made-sensors. The peculiar behaviour of ns-made sensors has been explained by the presence of a nano-structured sp3-carbon layer around the graphitic electrodes, evidenced by micro-Raman imaging, by means of a numerical model of the charge transport near the electrodes.
Effects of corn stover as carbon supplement on an integrated anaerobic digestion and ethanol fermentation process
Authors: Yue Zhengbo , MacLellan James , Liu Yan , Liao Wei
Published: December 2013

An integrated anaerobic digestion (AD) and ethanol fermentation process on a mixed feedstock of dairy manure and corn stover was performed to investigate the influence of corn stover on biogas production, lignocellulose decomposition efficiency, and ethanol production of the digested fiber (AD fiber). Addition of corn stover not only promoted the biogas production but also enhanced ethanol production from AD fiber. A 20% addition of corn stover increased the methane production from a semi-continuous anaerobic co-digestion by 14% compared to the digestion of dairy manure only, and the cellulose utilization efficiency of AD fiber from the co-digestion was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that from manure digestion. The net energy production, including both anaerobic co-digestion and bioethanol production, was increased from 8017 to 9573 kJ kg−1 dry raw feed. The results indicated that anaerobic co-digestion of dairy manure and corn stover can significantly enhance feedstock utilization efficiency and improve the energy balance of the integrated anaerobic digestion and ethanol fermentation process.
Performance and emission parameters optimization of mahua (Madhuca indica) based biodiesel in direct injection diesel engine using response surface methodology
Authors: Dhingra Sunil , Bhushan Gian , Dubey Kashyap Kumar
Published: December 2013

Mahua oil ethyl ester was prepared from mahua oil using potassium hydroxide as catalyst by trans-esterification. The important fuel properties of mahua biodiesel blends were compared with those of high speed diesel and biodiesel standards. Variation of brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), Pmax, CO, NOx, hydrocarbons, and smoke opacity across compression ratio, blending ratio and load were studied successfully using response surface methodology based on Central composite rotatable design. The trends similar to general theory of compression ignition engines (CI) were obtained. Optimum performance and emission parameters were determined by considering the significant variables affecting the diesel engine. Significant reduction in emissions at 23% blending ratio were observed as compared to neat diesel at optimum input variables. Hence mahua biodiesel is an environment friendly alternate fuel over diesel and has good scope to run the compression ignition engines.
Velocity saturation in few-layer MoS2 transistor
Authors: Fiori Gianluca , Szafranek Bartholomäus N. , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Neumaier Daniel
Published: December 2013

In this work, we perform an experimental investigation of the saturation velocity in MoS2 transistors. We use a simple analytical formula to reproduce experimental results and to extract the saturation velocity and the critical electric field. Scattering with optical phonons or with remote phonons may represent the main transport-limiting mechanism, leading to saturation velocity comparable to silicon, but much smaller than that obtained in suspended graphene and some III–V semiconductors.
Antiferromagnetic half-metals, gapless half-metals, and spin gapless semiconductors: The D03-type Heusler alloys
Authors: Gao G. Y. , Yao Kai-Lun
Published: December 2013

High-spin-polarization materials are desired for the realization of high-performance spintronic devices. We combine recent experimental and theoretical findings to theoretically design several high-spin-polarization materials in binary D03-type Heusler alloys: gapless (zero-gap) half-metallic ferrimagnets of V3Si and V3Ge, half-metallic antiferromagnets of Mn3Al and Mn3Ga, half-metallic ferrimagnets of Mn3Si and Mn3Ge, and a spin gapless semiconductor of Cr3Al. The high spin polarization, zero net magnetic moment, zero energy gap, and slight disorder compared to the ternary and quaternary Heusler alloys make these binary materials promising candidates for spintronic applications. All results are obtained by the electronic structure calculations from first-principles.
Performance improvement of inverted polymer solar cells by doping Au nanoparticles into TiO2 cathode buffer layer
Authors: Liu Shuang , Meng Fanxu , Xie Wenfa , Zhang Zhihui , Shen Liang , Liu Chunyu , He Yeyuan , Guo Wenbin , Ruan Shengping
Published: December 2013

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were synthesized by a facile method. Then Au NPs with different sizes and weight ratios were blended into the TiO2 cathode buffer layer of the polymer solar cells (PSCs) with a blend of poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the active layer. The light absorption of the devices was enhanced by incorporating Au NPs into the Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells, which support localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The results showed that the short-circuit current density (JSC) was apparently enhanced by doping Au NPs into the buffer layer while maintaining the open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor(FF), leading to an increase in power conversion efficiency.
A method to evaluate the overall performance of the CAS-W1 airfoils for wind turbines
Authors: Li Xingxing , Yang Ke , Bai Jingyan , Xu Jianzhong
Published: December 2013

This paper presents an evaluation method with a performance parameter system of wind turbine airfoils, and then estimates the overall performance of the CAS-W1 airfoils compared with some DU airfoils with available experimental data. The CAS-W1 airfoil family is developed by Institute of Engineering Thermophysics with the XFOIL code. The family includes 11 airfoils, whose relative thickness ranges from 15% to 60%. Four thin airfoils and three thick airfoils have been measured in NF-3 wind tunnel in Northwestern Polytechnical University. Different from previous airfoil performance analysis, the evaluation herein focuses on design point, off-design performance, stalling characteristic, and performance stability. Results show that, compared with DU airfoils, thin CAS-W1 airfoils have favorable design point, good off-design performance, and could keep stable with the variation of surface roughness and Reynolds number; Three inboard airfoils have soft stall performance but ordinary design point and off-design characteristics.
Pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of lignin derived from three agricultural wastes
Authors: Xie Huaqing , Yu Qingbo , Duan Wenjun , Wang Kun , Li Xinhui , Shi Xiaobo
Published: December 2013

With thermogravimetric analyzer, the pyrolysis characteristics of three kinds of lignin from agricultural wastes were studied under three heating rates (10, 20, and 40 K/min). The increase of heating rate could advance the final pyrolysis degree and the pyrolysis reaction rate. In the main pyrolysis region, the lignin samples of corn cob (CC) and peanut shell (PS) showed two peaks of reaction rate curves, yet three peaks for the pine cone (PC) lignin. With the model-free Starink methods, it was found in the previous sections of all the lignin samples, the E values changed widely, and yet in the last sections, the E values were fairly stable. With the model-fitting methods, the kinetic parameters of CC and PS showed a good consistency: both of the lignin pyrolysis processes fitted F1 model for Coats-Redfern method and F1.5 model for Horowitz-Metzger method, and the E values of the two lignin pyrolysis were fairly close; yet, the parameters of the pyrolysis process of the PC lignin obtained were different from these of the other two lignin samples: the model was F2 model for Coats-Redfern method and F3 model for Horowitz-Metzger method. Finally, the E values of the different methods were compared: Starink method > Horowitz-Metzger method > Coats-Redfern method.
Improved efficiency of photoconductive THz emitters by increasing the effective contact length of electrodes
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Surdi Harshad , Nikesh V. V. , Prabhu S. S. , Döhler G. H.
Published: December 2013

We study the effect of a surface modification at the interface between metallic electrodes and semiconducting substrate in Semi-Insulating GaAs (SI-GaAs) based photoconductive emitters (PCE) on the emission of Tera-Hertz (THz) radiation. We partially etch out a 500 nm thick layer of SI-GaAs in grating like pattern with various periods before the contact deposition. By depositing the electrodes on the patterned surface, the electrodes follow the contour of the grating period. This increases the effective contact length of the electrodes per unit area of the active regions on the PCE. The maxima of the electric field amplitude of the THz pulses emitted from the patterned surface are enhanced by up to more than a factor 2 as compared to an un-patterned surface. We attribute this increase to the increase of the effective contact length of the electrode due to surface patterning.
Fibre–Microsphere Membranes with Continuous BMP-2 Gradients with Potential Applications in Interface-tissue Engineering
Authors: Tang Gongwen , Zhao Yunhui , Yuan Xiaoyan
Published: December 2013

Functional gradient scaffolds play an important role in interface-tissue engineering, because of the gradual transition of both physical and chemical properties in interface tissues such as bone–cartilage, bone–ligament, and bone–tendon. In this study, a poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) fibre–microsphere membrane with continuous-gradient bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) distribution was developed by a combined technique of electrospinning and electrospraying. The fibre–microsphere membrane had a ‘sandwich’ structure, in which the electrosprayed poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres loaded with BMP-2 showed a gradient distribution in amount between two pieces of electrospun fibrous membranes. Proliferation of preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on the fibre–microsphere membrane for 21 days demonstrated a bioactivity response to the released amount of BMP-2 in a gradient mode. The study suggested that the technique of electrospinning combined with electrospraying is an effective way to prepare functional gradient membranes with potential applications in bone–interface tissue regeneration.
Graft Copolymers with Polyamide Backbones via Combination of Passerini Multicomponent Polymerization and Controlled Chain-growth Polymerization
Authors: Deng Xin-Xing , Cui Yang , Wang Yao-Zong , Du Fu-Sheng , Li Zi-Chen
Published: December 2013

We report a facile ‘grafting from’ approach to graft copolymers with polyamide backbones and controlled vinyl polymer or polyester side chains. Two polyamides with in situ-formed pendant bromide or hydroxyl groups were obtained by Passerini-based multicomponent polymerization. They were used respectively to initiate the atom-transfer radical polymerization of vinyl monomers or the ring-opening polymerization of lactones to generate two new types of graft copolymers. One of the important features of the method is that the pendant initiators are generated in situ from non-branching monomers, and they are linked to the polymer backbone by ester bonds. Therefore, the vinyl polymer side chains could be detached from the backbones, and their structures could thus be fully characterized. Moreover, multicomponent polymerization and atom-transfer radical polymerization can even be carried out in a one-pot manner.
Synthesis of a Novel Polyaniline Glycopolymer and its Lectin Binding Studies
Authors: Wilcox Christopher , Jin Jianyong , Charville Hayley , Swift Simon , To Teresa , Kilmartin Paul A. , Evans Clive W. , Cooney Ralph , Brimble Margaret
Published: December 2013

We report the multistep synthesis and polymerisation of a novel aniline derivative with a pendant α-d-mannose substituent. The α-D-mannose functionality was successfully introduced before polymerisation via copper-catalysed azide alkyne click chemistry and the resulting monomer was polymerised using general oxidative polymerisation conditions, producing a water soluble mannosylated polyaniline. The polymer was characterised by several techniques and compared with standard polyaniline. The selective binding of the polymer to Concanavalin A (ConA) was successfully demonstrated by the precipitation of polymer–ConA aggregates. Potential applications of these novel polyaniline glycopolymers could include the development of electroactive biomaterials with the ability to bind mannose receptors, or as sensors for proteins or microbes.
100 COMPARISON OF PREGNANCY RATES OF FRESH IN VITRO-PRODUCED BOS INDICUS EMBRYOS PRODUCED IN THE SAME LABORATORY BUT COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED IN PANAMA OR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Authors: Nasser L. F. , Feliú S. C. , Rodríguez E. , Mojica K. , Oliveira E. G. , Basso A. C. , Pontes J. H. F. , Nagele A. , Rabel R. A. C. , Wheeler M. B.
Published: December 2013

Because of Panama's stricter sanitary status, a specialised protocol was developed with the Department of Agriculture in the Dominican Republic to legalize the exchange of biological materials (oocytes/embryos). This protocol allows the team of specialised technicians, currently working in Born® Animal Biotechnology's Panamanian facility, to operate using the same in vitro bovine embryo production system (IVP, In vitro Brasil®) to service Dominican producers. Because the donors are not located at a specific centre with controlled sanitary management, a special protocol was developed in which blood tests were done to certify that the entirety of the herd at each client's farm was free of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, DBVD, leptospirosis, leucosis, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. As timing during IVP is an essential variable that can have detrimental effects on the final results, precautions were taken to ensure that the oocytes arrived at the Panamanian laboratory facility within 24 h of aspiration. A portable incubator was used to transport oocytes and embryos during the import and export portions of the procedure. A comparison of pregnancy rates based on oocyte source and recipient transfers from September 2012 until May 2013 was analysed with ?2 (Table 1). The number of embryos produced in Panama was significantly higher than in the Dominican Republic, which was likely due to the larger number of donors and oocytes from the Panama herd. However, pregnancy rate was higher in the Dominican Republic likely because of the health status of the Dominican recipients, which were free of the diseases mentioned above. Recipients were the same type and breed and under similar management conditions in both countries. The disease status aspect will be examined with greater numbers of animals in the future. The data suggest that the present IVP and recipient management protocols could serve as a model for other Central American and Caribbean countries under similar management systems.

Table 1.In vitro embryo production and pregnancy rates of Bos indicus embryos transferred in Panama or the Dominican Republic (September 2012 through May 2013)
105 RETAINED FETAL MEMBRANES: INCIDENCE AND EFFECT ON MILK PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN DAIRY COWS
Authors: Sartori R. , Pontes G. C. S. , Monteiro P. L. J. , Nascimento A. B. , Melo L. F. , Wiltbank M. C.
Published: December 2013

The objectives were to describe the incidence of retained fetal membrane (RFM) and its effect on production and reproduction of dairy cows in tropical environments. Holstein and crossbred Holstein × Gyr cows and heifers calving between May 2012 and May 2013 from 4 dairy farms were enrolled in this study. Retained fetal membranes were defined as the non-expelling of placenta within 12 to 24 h after calving. All cows with RFM were treated with 10 mg kg–1 of oxitetracycline IV and drenching containing 100 g of CaCl2, 100 g of KCl, 200 g of Mg(SO4), and 350 mL of propylene glycol in 25 L of water once per day for 3 days. The incidence of RFM was 14.7% (92/624) in multiparous cows and 11.5% (67/583) in primiparous cows (P = 0.003). The incidence of retained placenta was 14.7% (92/624) during the summer and 14.8% (108/731) during the winter (P = 0.99). Conception rates after first postpartum AI were 32.5% (276/850) and 25.8% (34/132) for healthy cows and cows with RFM, respectively (P = 0.12). More cows that did not have RFM were pregnant at 150 DIM than cows with retained placenta (42.3 v. 29.3%; P = 0.003). Based on predicted 305-day milk yield, cows with retained placenta produced less milk than healthy cows (5924.0 ± 158.0 v. 6315.3 ± 61.0 kg, respectively; P = 0.009). The average peak production was 30.8 ± 0.3 and 29.1 ± 0.7 kg for healthy and RFM cows, respectively (P = 0.02). During the first 60 days in milk, the total milk production for RFM and healthy cows was, respectively, 1305.7 ± 37.3 and 1441.2 ± 15.8 L (P = 0.0008). In conclusion, although season did not influence the incidence of RFM in dairy cows, parity had an effect. Moreover, RFM was associated with a decrease in reproductive efficiency and milk production in dairy cows managed in the tropics.
Financial support was received from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) of Brazil.
108 COMPARATIVE EFFICIENCY OF GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN THE INDUCTION OF OVULATION IN SUPEROVULATED ALPACAS
Authors: Vivanco-Mackie H. W. , Ponce Salazar M. D. , M. Gonzales M. , A. Tapia M.
Published: December 2013

Alpacas are induced ovulators, responding to copulation and (or) exogenous application of ovulation-inducing hormones. The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of the injection of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist versus LH in the induction of ovulation and the presence and size of non-ovulated follicles at the time of embryo collection and its relationship to the yield of transferable embryos in superovulated alpacas. Twenty-one adult (3 to 7 years old) female alpacas under extensive grazing at 4300 m elevation in the Peruvian Andes that had been synchronized and treated for superovulation were induced to ovulate 6 days after the application of the superovulatory hormone (1000 IU of eCG, Folligon®, Intervet International BV, Boxmeer, the Netherlands) by mating with fertile males and injection immediately after copulation of either an IM dose of 0.0084 mg of buserelin acetate (Buserelina Zoovet®, Laboratorio Zoovet, Santa Fe, Argentina) to 10 alpacas (T1) or an IM dose of 5-mg Armour standard of LH (Lutropin®, Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, ON, Canada) to 11 alpacas (T2). All alpacas had a second mating 12 h after the first mating and were subjected to ovarian inspection by ultrasonography and previous embryo collection by nonsurgical transcervical embryo flushing 6.5 days after the first mating. On average, the embryo recovery rate for T1 was 34.6% and there were 7.8 ± 3.99 corpora lutea (CL), 2.7 ± 4.08 collected embryos, and 3.6 ± 2.95 total, 0.5 ± 0.85 small (<6 mm), 1.8 ± 1.99 medium (≥6 but ≤14 mm), and 1.3 ± 2.11 large (≥15 mm) non-ovulated follicles. For T2, the embryo recovery rate was 59.4% and there were 6.73 ± 1.49 CL, 4.0 ± 2.57 collected embryos, and 0.64 ± 0.81 total, 0.0 ± 0.0 small, 0.36 ± 0.67 medium, and 0.27 ± 0.47 large non-ovulated follicles. The differences between treatments were nonsignificant (P > 0.05) for all the parameters; however, there was a clear tendency for a better recovery rate, more embryos collected, and lower number of non-ovulated follicles in T2. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the presence of large follicles in the ovaries at the time of embryo collection and the total number of embryos collected was negative (r = –0.26) and highly significant (P ≤ 0.001). The use of LH for ovulation induction of superovulated alpacas seems to be more advisable than the use of GnRH agonist; further comparisons with larger number of observations per treatment are recommended.
This study was financed by the Peruvian Fund for Innovation, Science and Technology (FINCYT).
117 INDUCTION OF OVULATION WITH ESTRADIOL BENZOATE AFFECTS THE PROGRESSION OF VASCULARIZATION IN PREOVULATORY FOLLICLES
Authors: Arashiro E. K. N. , Vieira D. S. , Pfeifer L. F. M. , Siqueira L. G. B. , Camargo L. S. A. , Fernandes C. A. C. , Viana J. H. M.
Published: December 2013

Ovarian changes in blood supply have been related to follicle growth and ovulation in cattle. The aim of the present study was to characterise the vascularization pattern of the preovulatory follicle in cows induced to ovulate with a timed AI (TAI) protocol using oestradiol benzoate. Follicular wave was synchronized in 18 crossbred cows (Holstein × Gir) with the following protocol: Day 0 (D0), insertion of an intravaginal device of progesterone (1 g, P4) and IM injection of oestradiol benzoate (2 mg, EB); D9, intravaginal P4 device was removed and all the animals received IM injections of cloprostenol (0.53 mg) and eCG (300 IU); D10, animals were randomly allocate into 2 groups, which received 1 mL of saline (control group) or 1 mg of EB (EB group). The vascularization of the largest follicle present in the ovaries was evaluated by colour Doppler ultrasonography immediately before treatment (0 h–0 h) and every 6 h thereafter, up to 84 h or until ovulation was detected. The colour Doppler signals present in the follicular wall were subjectively scored on a 1-to-5 scale (1: no or very few blood flow; 5: intense blood flow detected in most of the follicular wall). The colour Doppler evaluations were performed retrospectively using videos recorded at each examination. The interval from treatment to ovulation was compared by Wilcoxon test. Differences in the vascularization score were compared considering the effects of treatment and time using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). As expected, in cows treated with EB, ovulations tended to occur earlier (48.0 ± 4.5 h v. 54.0 ± 7.1 h; P = 0.055) and were more synchronous (42–54 h, CV of 9.4% v. 42–66 h, CV of 13.3%) than in the control group. In both groups, follicular vascularization score progressively increased (P < 0.001) until ovulation. However, the vascularization score was lower (P < 0.05) in the EB group than in the control group during the 48-h period before ovulation (overall mean of 2.5 ± 0.7 and 3.0 ± 0.6, respectively); consequently, follicles of cows treated with EB ovulated with a lower vascularization score than did those in the control group (3.6 ± 0.5 v. 4.0 ± 0.5, respectively). Four cows (2 of each group) did not ovulate; follicle vascularization score in these cows remained below 2 during all the evaluation period. In conclusion, although an increase in blood flow is required for ovulation, EB-induced ovulations will occur and are associated with a reduced follicle vascularization. This difference may be related to the smaller interval from treatment to ovulation.
Embrapa, CNPq, and Fapemig (CVZ PPM 0067/11) are acknowledged.
12 INTRAUTERINE CHITOSAN INJECTION ADVANCES THE OESTROUS RETURN DATE AFTER DELIVERY IN JAPANESE BLACK COWS
Authors: Aoyama T. , Nokubo T. , Funahashi H.
Published: December 2013

Shortened parturition interval is very profitable for beef cattle production. Chitosan is made by treating shrimp and other crustacean shells with alkali sodium hydroxide, a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1–4)-linked D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and has been utilised as an antibacterial agent. Intrauterine injection of chitosan, as an antibacterial agent, is expected to stimulate immune functions and to improve uterine recovery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether intrauterine chitosan injection shortened oestrous return after parturition in Japanese black cows. Chitosan powder was dissolved in water (5 g L–1), sterilized, and stored in a freezer at –20°C until use. At 30 days after delivery, chitosan solution was injected (50 mL/head) into the uterine body from the vagina via the cervix of cows. Heat detection was performed daily with a pedometer wirelessly connected to a computer. When heat-specific increased steps and standing heat were observed, we considered the cow to be in heat. In total, 9 cows were injected chitosan from December 2012 to June 2013, and those data were compared by ANOVA with control data collected from 42 cows from December 2011 and November 2012. Mean durations when oestrus was first returned after parturition shortened significantly in the chitosan-injected group (45.3 ± 4.9 days) than in controls (62.4 ± 2.7 days). Six females that showed oestrus after treatment with chitosan became pregnant following AI at the oestrus or the next cycle, and three others were waiting to be checked for pregnancy after AI. These preliminary data indicate that chitosan injection after parturition may shorten the oestrous return and improves reproductive efficiency. However, a large number of observations are necessary to reach further conclusions.