bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cobalt(II)‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling Reaction of Benzamides with Alcohols to Build C‐O Bond
Authors: Liu Sheng‐Kang , Cui Xin‐Feng , Liu Xing‐Xing , Ma Hao‐Jie , Wei Dai‐Dong , Luo Xin‐Liang , Huang Guo‐Sheng
Published: April 2018

A concise and efficient protocol for ortho‐C−H alkoxylation of benzamides was developed via Co(II)‐catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction with alcohols. The reaction employs a Ag2O oxidant, a NaOAc base and alcohols solvent required as the alkoxylation source under N2 atmosphere. The method shows excellent functional group tolerance and highly regioselectivity, which provides a facile pathway for the ortho‐alkoxylation of benzamides.
Simultaneous Enhancement of the Performance and Stability of MnO2 Based Lithium Ion Battery Anodes by Compositing with Fluorine Terminated Functionalized Graphene Oxide
Authors: Ji Seulgi , Ju Ji Young , Kim Seong Ku , Kim Jin Kyu , Song Wooseok , Myung Sung , Lim Jongsun , Kang Yongku , An Ki‐Seok , Choi Sungho , Lee Sun Sook
Published: April 2018

Metal oxide based anodes for lithium ion batteries should theoretically exhibit high specific capacities, but their disappointing experimentally measured capacities and cycle stabilities inhibit their usages in the commercial and industrial level. Here, we propose a simple method to process the MnO2/2,2,3,3,4,4,4‐Heptafluorobutylamine‐functionalized‐graphene‐oxide(HFBA‐fGO) composite anode, in which HFBA‐fGO is composited with the MnO2 based anode to simultaneously enhance the specific capacity to reach the theoretical capacity of MnO2 and improve the cyclic stability significantly. In fact, the MnO2/HFBA‐fGO composite anode exhibits high performance with specific capacity of 1030 mAhg−1 under 100 mAg−1 and stable cyclic performance at least up to 200 cycles of repeated charging and discharging even at a high rate of 1 A g−1. A detailed analysis of the enhanced cyclic stability of the composite anode is performed through the investigation of the electrode‐electrolyte interfaces using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Such results were possible because of the significantly suppressed irreversible formation of the surface passivation layer caused by the fluorine‐rich terminal groups of the HFBA‐fGO, which leads to enhanced cyclic stability. We believe that this method should be effective even for other various metal‐oxide anodes besides MnO2 as well, which certainly broadens the potential use of HFBA‐fGO.
Interfacial Engineering of Hierarchical Transition Metal Oxide Heterostructures for Highly Sensitive Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Zhang Wen , Fan Guozheng , Yi Huan , Jia Gan , Li Zhaosheng , Yuan Chunwei , Bai Yunfei , Fu Degang
Published: April 2018

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a major messenger molecule in cellular signal transduction. Direct detection of H2O2 in complex environments provides the capability to illuminate its various biological functions. With this in mind, a novel electrochemical approach is here proposed by integrating a series of CoO nanostructures on CuO backbone at electrode interfaces. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate successful formation of core–shell CuO–CoO hetero‐nanostructures. Theoretical calculations further confirm energy‐favorable adsorption of H2O2 on surface sites of CuO–CoO heterostructures. Contributing to the efficient electron transfer path and enhanced capture of H2O2 in the unique leaf‐like CuO–CoO hierarchical 3D interface, an optimal biosensor‐based CuO–CoO‐2.5 h electrode exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity (6349 µA m m−1 cm−2), excellent selectivity, and a wide detection range for H2O2, and is capable of monitoring endogenous H2O2 derived from human lung carcinoma cells A549. The synergistic effects for enhanced H2O2 adsorption in integrated CuO–CoO nanostructures and performance of the sensor suggest a potential for exploring pathological and physiological roles of reactive oxygen species like H2O2 in biological systems.
Sb‐Doped SnO2 Nanorods Underlayer Effect to the α‐Fe2O3 Nanorods Sheathed with TiO2 for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Han Hyungkyu , Kment Stepan , Karlicky Frantisek , Wang Lei , Naldoni Alberto , Schmuki Patrik , Zboril Radek
Published: April 2018

Here, a Sb‐doped SnO2 (ATO) nanorod underneath an α‐Fe2O3 nanorod sheathed with TiO2 for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is reported. The experimental results, corroborated with theoretical analysis, demonstrate that the ATO nanorod underlayer effect on the α‐Fe2O3 nanorod sheathed with TiO2 enhances the PEC water splitting performance. The growth of the well‐defined ATO nanorods is reported as a conductive underlayer to improve α‐Fe2O3 PEC water oxidation performance. The α‐Fe2O3 nanorods grown on the ATO nanorods exhibit improved performance for PEC water oxidation compared to α‐Fe2O3 grown on flat fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass. Furthermore, a simple and facile TiCl4 chemical treatment further introduces TiO2 passivation layer formation on the α‐Fe2O3 to reduce surface recombination. As a result, these unique nanostructures show dramatically improved photocurrent density (139% higher than that of the pure hematite nanorods).
Lead‐Free Perovskite Nanowire‐Employed Piezopolymer for Highly Efficient Flexible Nanocomposite Energy Harvester
Authors: Jeong Chang Kyu , Baek Changyeon , Kingon Angus I. , Park Kwi‐Il , Kim Seung‐Hyun
Published: April 2018

In the past two decades, mechanical energy harvesting technologies have been developed in various ways to support or power small‐scale electronics. Nevertheless, the strategy for enhancing current and charge performance of flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters using a simple and cost‐effective process is still a challenging issue. Herein, a 1D–3D (1‐3) fully piezoelectric nanocomposite is developed using perovskite BaTiO3 (BT) nanowire (NW)‐employed poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) for a high‐performance hybrid nanocomposite generator (hNCG) device. The harvested output of the flexible hNCG reaches up to ≈14 V and ≈4 µA, which is higher than the current levels of even previous piezoceramic film‐based flexible energy harvesters. Finite element analysis method simulations study that the outstanding performance of hNCG devices attributes to not only the piezoelectric synergy of well‐controlled BT NWs and within P(VDF‐TrFE) matrix, but also the effective stress transferability of piezopolymer. As a proof of concept, the flexible hNCG is directly attached to a hand to scavenge energy using a human motion in various biomechanical frequencies for self‐powered wearable patch device applications. This research can pave the way for a new approach to high‐performance wearable and biocompatible self‐sufficient electronics.
Highly Porous Mn3O4 Micro/Nanocuboids with In Situ Coated Carbon as Advanced Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Yao , Yue Ji‐Li , Guo Qiubo , Xia Qiuying , Zhou Chong , Feng Tao , Xu Jing , Xia Hui
Published: April 2018

The electrochemical performance of most transition metal oxides based on the conversion mechanism is greatly restricted by inferior cycling stability, rate capability, high overpotential induced by the serious irreversible reactions, low electrical conductivity, and poor ion diffusivity. To mitigate these problems, highly porous Mn3O4 micro/nanocuboids with in situ formed carbon matrix (denoted as Mn3O4@C micro/nanocuboids) are designed and synthesized via a one‐pot hydrothermal method, in which glucose plays the roles of a reductive agent and a carbon source simultaneously. The carbon content, particle size, and pore structure in the composite can be facilely controlled, resulting in continuous carbon matrix with abundant pores in the cuboids. The as‐fabricated Mn3O4@C micro/nanocuboids exhibit large reversible specific capacity (879 mAh g−1 at the current density of 100 mA g−1) as well as outstanding cycling stability (86% capacity retention after 500 cycles) and rate capability, making it a potential candidate as anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. Moreover, this facile and effective synthetic strategy can be further explored as a universal approach for the synthesis of other hierarchical transition metal oxides and carbon hybrids with subtle structure engineering.
Strongly Coupled Carbon Nanosheets/Molybdenum Carbide Nanocluster Hollow Nanospheres for High‐Performance Aprotic Li–O2 Battery
Authors: Xing Yi , Yang Yong , Chen Renjie , Luo Mingchuan , Chen Nan , Ye Yusheng , Qian Ji , Li Li , Wu Feng , Guo Shaojun
Published: April 2018

A highly efficient oxygen electrode is indispensable for achieving high‐performance aprotic lithium–O2 batteries. Herein, it is demonstrated that strongly coupled carbon nanosheets/molybdenum carbide (α‐MoC1−x) nanocluster hierarchical hybrid hollow spheres (denoted as MoC1−x/HSC) can work well as cathode for boosting the performance of lithium–O2 batteries. The important feature of MoC1−x/HSC is that the α‐MoC1−x nanoclusters, uniformly incorporated into carbon nanosheets, can not only effectively prevent the nanoclusters from agglomeration, but also help enhance the interaction between the nanoclusters and the conductive substrate during the charge and discharge process. As a consequence, the MoC1−x/HSC shows significantly improved electrocatalytic performance in an aprotic Li–O2 battery with greatly reduced charge and discharge overpotentials and long cycle stability. The ex situ scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal that the mechanism for the high‐performance Li–O2 battery using MoC1−x/HSC as cathode is that the incorporated molybdenum carbide nanoclusters can make oxygen reduction on their surfaces easy, and finally form amorphous film‐like Li‐deficient Li2O2 with the ability to decompose at a low potential. To the best of knowledge, the MoC1−x/HSC of this paper is among the best cathode materials for lithium–O2 batteries reported to date.
Clay Nanoparticles Elicit Long‐Term Immune Responses by Forming Biodegradable Depots for Sustained Antigen Stimulation
Authors: Chen Weiyu , Zuo Huali , Li Bei , Duan Chengcheng , Rolfe Barbara , Zhang Bing , Mahony Timothy J. , Xu Zhi Ping
Published: April 2018

Nanomaterials have been widely tested as new generation vaccine adjuvants, but few evoke efficient immunoreactions. Clay nanoparticles, for example, layered double hydroxide (LDH) and hectorite (HEC) nanoparticles, have shown their potent adjuvanticity in generating effective and durable immune responses. However, the mechanism by which clay nanoadjuvants stimulate the immune system is not well understood. Here, it is demonstrated that LDH and HEC–antigen complexes form loose agglomerates in culture medium/serum. They also form nodules with loose structures in tissue after subcutaneous injection, where they act as a depot for up to 35 d. More importantly, clay nanoparticles actively and continuously recruit immune cells into the depot for up to one month, and stimulate stronger immune responses than FDA‐approved adjuvants, Alum and QuilA. Sustained antigen release is also observed in clay nanoparticle depots, with 50–60% antigen released after 35 d. In contrast, Alum–antigen complexes show minimal antigen release from the depot. Importantly, LDH and HEC are more effective than QuilA and Alum in promoting memory T‐cell proliferation. These findings suggest that both clay nanoadjuvants can serve as active vaccine platforms for sustained and potent immune responses.
A Flexible Caterpillar‐Like Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies with Ultrasmall Nanogaps for Enhanced Dual‐Modal Imaging and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Xia Yuanzhi , Ma Xuehua , Gao Junhua , Chen Guoxin , Li Zihou , Wu Xiaoxia , Yu Zhangsen , Xing Jie , Sun Li , Ruan Huimin , Luo Lijia , Xiang Lingchao , Dong Chen , Ren Wenzhi , Shen Zheyu , Wu Aiguo
Published: April 2018

Gold nanoparticle (AuNP) assemblies (GNAs) have attracted attention since enhanced coupling plasmonic resonance (CPR) emerged in the nanogap between coupling AuNPs. For one dimensional GNAs (1D‐GNAs), most CPR from the nanogaps could be easily activated by electromagnetic waves and generate drastically enhanced CPR because the nanogaps between coupling AuNPs are linearly distributed in the 1D‐GNAs. The reported studies focus on the synthesis of 1D‐GNAs and fundamental exploration of CPR. There are still problems which impede further applications in nanomedicine, such as big size (>500 nm), poor water solubility, and/or poor stability. In this study, a kind of 1D flexible caterpillar‐like GNAs (CL‐GNAs) with ultrasmall nanogaps, good water solubility, and good stability is developed. The CL‐GNAs have a flexible structure that can randomly move to change their morphology, which is rarely reported. Numerous ultrasmall nanogaps (<1 nm) are linearly distributed along the structure of CL‐GNAs and generate enhanced CPR. The toxicity assessments in vitro and vivo respectively demonstrate that CL‐GNAs have a low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. The CL‐GNAs can be used as an efficient photothermal agent for photothermal therapy, a probe for Raman imaging and photothermal imaging.
Nanowire‐Intensified Metal‐Enhanced Fluorescence in Hybrid Polymer‐Plasmonic Electrospun Filaments
Authors: Camposeo Andrea , Jurga Radoslaw , Moffa Maria , Portone Alberto , Cardarelli Francesco , Della Sala Fabio , Ciracì Cristian , Pisignano Dario
Published: April 2018

Hybrid polymer‐plasmonic nanostructures might combine high enhancement of localized fields from metal nanoparticles with light confinement and long‐range transport in subwavelength dielectric structures. Here, the complex behavior of fluorophores coupling to Au nanoparticles within polymer nanowires, which features localized metal‐enhanced fluorescence (MEF) with unique characteristics compared to conventional structures, is reported. The intensification effect when the particle is placed in the organic filaments is remarkably higher with respect to thin films of comparable thickness, thus highlighting a specific, nanowire‐related enhancement of MEF effects. A dependence on the confinement volume in the dielectric nanowire is also indicated, with MEF significantly increasing upon reduction of the wire diameter. These findings are rationalized by finite element simulations, predicting a position‐dependent enhancement of the quantum yield of fluorophores embedded in the fibers. Calculation of the ensemble‐averaged fluorescence enhancement unveils the possibility of strongly enhancing the overall emission intensity for structures with size twice the diameter of the embedded metal particles. These new, hybrid fluorescent systems with localized enhanced emission, and the general nanowire‐enhanced MEF effects associated to them, are highly relevant for developing nanoscale light‐emitting devices with high efficiency and intercoupled through nanofiber networks, highly sensitive optical sensors, and novel laser architectures.
High‐Temperature Particulate Matter Filtration with Resilient Yttria‐Stabilized ZrO2 Nanofiber Sponge
Authors: Wang Haolun , Lin Sen , Yang Shen , Yang Xudong , Song Jianan , Wang Dong , Wang Haiyang , Liu Zhenglian , Li Bo , Fang Minghao , Wang Ning , Wu Hui
Published: April 2018

Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant in many regions, jeopardizing ecosystems and public health. Filtration at pollutant source is one of the most important ways to protect the environment, however, considering the high‐temperature exhaust gas emissions, effective removal of PM and related pollutants from their sources remains a major challenge. In this study, a resilient, heat‐resisting, and high‐efficiency PM filter based on yttria‐stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) nanofiber sponge produced with a scalable solution blow spinning process is reported. The porous 3D sponge composed of YSZ nanofibers is lightweight (density of 20 mg cm−3) and resilient at both room temperature and high temperatures. At room‐temperature conditions, the YSZ nanofiber sponge exhibits 99.4% filtration efficiency for aerosol particles with size in the range of 20–600 nm, associated with a low pressure drop of only 57 Pa under an airflow velocity of 4.8 cm s−1. At a high temperature of 750 °C, the ceramic sponge maintains a high filtration efficiency of 99.97% for PM0.3–2.5 under a high airflow velocity of 10 cm s−1. A practical vehicle exhaust filter to capture particles with filtration efficiency of >98.3% is also assembled. Hence, the YSZ nanofiber sponge has enormous potential to be applied in industry.
Distinguishable Detection of Ultraviolet, Visible, and Infrared Spectrum with High‐Responsivity Perovskite‐Based Flexible Photosensors
Authors: Wu Xiaohan , Zhou Bilei , Zhou Jiachen , Chen Yantao , Chu Yingli , Huang Jia
Published: April 2018

Distinguishable detection of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectrum is promising and significant for the super visual system of artificial intelligences. However, it is challenging to provide a photosensor with such broad spectral response ability. In this work, the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectrum is distinguished by developing serial photosensors based on perovskite/carbon nanotube hybrids. Oraganolead halide perovskites (CH3NH3PbX3) possess remarkable optoelectronic properties and tunable optical band gaps by changing the halogens, and integration with single‐walled carbon nanotubes can further improve their photoresponsivities. The CH3NH3PbCl3‐based photosensor shows a responsivity up to 105 A W−1 to ultraviolet and no obvious response to visible light, which is superior to that of most ultraviolet sensors. The CH3NH3PbBr3‐based photosensor exhibits a high responsivity to visible light. Serial devices of the two hybrid photosensors with comparable electric and sensory performances can distinguish the spectrum of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared even with varying light intensities. The photosensors also demonstrate excellent mechanical flexibility and bending stability. By taking full advantages of the oraganolead halide perovskites, this work provides flexible high‐responsivity photosensors specialized for ultraviolet, and gives a simple strategy for distinguishable detection of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectrum based on the serial flexible photosensors.
Human perception of climate change
Authors: Rankoana Sejabaledi A.
Published: April 2018

This study examines how changes in local climate are perceived by members of the indigenous community of Limpopo Province, South Africa, and how such changes affect the community's resources and livelihood systems. Community members were asked to report any changes in climatic conditions that they had observed between 1993 and 2015. Data were collected through focus group discussions and in‐depth interviews with a sample of participants born between 1930 and 1970. The results reveal that variations in temperature and rainfall have led to a perception of changing climatic conditions. These perceptions correlate with meteorological data on temperature and rainfall for Limpopo Province between 1993 and 2015. Changes in temperature and rainfall have a remarkable effect on the community's indigenous livelihood resources, such as subsistence food production, material culture, water and biodiversity.
A 360° view of circular RNAs: From biogenesis to functions
Authors: Wilusz Jeremy E.
Published: April 2018

The first circular RNA (circRNA) was identified more than 40 years ago, but it was only recently appreciated that circRNAs are common outputs of many eukaryotic protein‐coding genes. Some circRNAs accumulate to higher levels than their associated linear mRNAs, especially in the nervous system, and have clear regulatory functions that result in organismal phenotypes. The pre‐mRNA splicing machinery generates circRNAs via backsplicing reactions, which are often facilitated by intronic repeat sequences that base pair to one another and bring the intervening splice sites into close proximity. When spliceosomal components are limiting, circRNAs can become the preferred gene output, and backsplicing reactions are further controlled by exon skipping events and the combinatorial action of RNA binding proteins. This allows circRNAs to be expressed in a tissue‐ and stage‐specific manner. Once generated, circRNAs are highly stable transcripts that often accumulate in the cytoplasm. The functions of most circRNAs remain unknown, but some can regulate the activities of microRNAs or be translated to produce proteins. Circular RNAs can further interface with the immune system as well as control gene expression events in the nucleus, including alternative splicing decisions. Circular RNAs thus represent a large class of RNA molecules that are tightly regulated, and it is becoming increasingly clear that they likely impact many biological processes.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA
Development of a body condition score for the mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax)
Authors: Jayson Stephanie , Harding Luke , Michaels Christopher J. , Tapley Benjamin , Hedley Joanna , Goetz Matthias , Barbon Alberto , Garcia Gerardo , Lopez Javier , Flach Edmund
Published: April 2018

The Critically Endangered mountain chicken frog (Leptodactylus fallax) has undergone drastic population decline due to habitat loss, hunting, invasive species, and chytridiomycosis. In response, several partner institutions initiated a conservation breeding program. It is important to maintain the captive population in good health. Therefore the program partners have recommended establishment of protocols for health examination of the species, including body condition assessment. Visual body condition scoring is a useful means to assess body condition in zoo animals for which regular bodyweight measurements are impractical or associated with capture‐related stress. In this study, the authors developed a visual body condition score for the mountain chicken frog based on an ordinal categorical scale from 1 to 5 (1 = lowest body condition, 5 = highest body condition) using anatomical features that vary with total body energy reserves. Veterinary staff, animal managers, keepers, researchers, and students subsequently used the body condition score to assign scores to 98 mountain chicken frogs (41 male, 57 female) aged between 8 months and 12 years housed in five zoos in the UK and Jersey between February and March 2016. Body condition scores showed moderate (rho = 0.54; males) to strong (rho = 0.6; females) correlation with the scaled mass index, an objective measure of total energy reserves. The majority of pairwise comparisons between scores showed slight to substantial intra‐observer agreement (93.8%) and slight to almost perfect inter‐observer agreement (97.2%). Cases of poor agreement were likely due to limited observer experience working with the species.
Quantum noncommutative ABJM theory: first steps
Authors: Martin Carmelo P. , Trampetic Josip , You Jiangyang
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We introduce ABJM quantum field theory in the noncommutative spacetime by using the component formalism and show that it is

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 6 supersymmetric. For the U(1)
κ
× U(1)−κ
case, we compute all one-loop 1PI two and three point functions in the Landau gauge and show that they are UV finite and have well-defined commutative limits θ

μν
→ 0, corresponding exactly to the 1PI functions of the ordinary ABJM field theory. This result also holds for all one-loop functions which are UV finite by power counting. It seems that the noncommutative quantum ABJM field theory is free from the noncommutative IR instabilities.
Seasonal changes of mercury speciation in the coastal sediments
Authors: Bełdowski Jacek , Szubska Marta , Bełdowska Magdalena , Jankowska Katarzyna , Kotlarska Ewa , Graca Bożena
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Mercury speciation in sediments is linked to environmental conditions and processes. Domination of particular mercury species depends on its source, displays considerable seasonal behavior, and may be further modified due to oxygen levels, icing conditions, or the input of fresh organic matter. The purpose of this study was to examine the coastal area of the Gulf of Gdańsk in terms of mercury contamination and the influence of seasonal environmental changes on its speciation.

Materials and methods

In three highly dynamic coastal sites, mercury speciation in sediments was studied in relation to other environmental parameters (redox conditions, organic matter concentration, bacteria abundance, etc.). Sediment and water samples were collected monthly during a 3-year study. Sequential extraction of sediments was used for identification of four inorganic mercury species: dissolved, bound with fulvic and humic acids, mercury sulfide, and residual fraction. Cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS) was used for extracts and liquid sample analysis. Total mercury in sediments was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Changes in salinity were analyzed by measurements of chloride and sulfate ion concentrations using ion chromatography. Bacteria number and biomass were measured by direct counting using epifluorescence microscopy.

Results and discussion

Seasonal changes in mercury speciation were observed at all sites and attributed to different processes. Labile mercury fraction contribution varied from 0 to 80%. The speciation patterns varied locally as the stations selected for the study are diversified in terms of anthropogenic impact, water dynamics, and output from land. Mercury concentrations at all stations fluctuated during phytoplankton blooms, icing of marine waters, precipitation, or increased surface runoff from the land. In this local scale, the global climate changes are visible already as environmental conditions in studied area changed in comparison to elder research.

Conclusions

Obtained results suggest that although mercury emissions to the environment have decreased in recent years, local weather conditions, which may be intensified by climate change, seriously affect the bioavailability of past mercury deposits in coastal sediments.
Macroscopic laser–plasma interaction under strong non-local transport conditions for coupled matter and radiation
Authors: Nikl J. , Holec M. , Zeman M. , Kuchařík M. , Limpouch J. , Weber S.
Published: April 2018

Reliable simulations of laser–target interaction on the macroscopic scale are burdened by the fact that the energy transport is very often non-local. This means that the mean-free-path of the transported species is larger than the local gradient scale lengths and transport can be no longer considered diffusive. Kinetic simulations are not a feasible option due to tremendous computational demands, limited validity of the collisional operators and inaccurate treatment of thermal radiation. This is the point where hydrodynamic codes with non-local radiation and electron heat transport based on first principles emerge. The simulation code PETE (Plasma Euler and Transport Equations) combines both of them with a laser absorption method based on the Helmholtz equation and a radiation diffusion scheme presented in this article. In the case of modelling ablation processes it can be observed that both, thermal and radiative, transport processes are strongly non-local for laser intensities of 1013 W/cm2 and above. In this paper simulations for various laser intensities and different ablator materials are presented, where the non-local and diffusive treatments of radiation transport are compared. Significant discrepancies are observed, supporting importance of non-local transport for inertial confinement fusion related studies as well as for pre-pulse generated plasma in ultra-high intensity laser–target interaction.
Australian Algae Aid Understanding of Ecosystem Resilience
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: April 2018

Wildfires may have driven a critical ecosystem transition in Tasmania’s Lake Vera more than 800 years ago.
Reductive transformation of V(iii) precursors into vanadium(ii) oxide nanowires
Authors: Ojelere Olusola , Graf David , Ludwig Tim , Vogt Nicholas , Klein Axel , Mathur Sanjay
Published: April 2018

This work shows the controlled reductive transformation of tailored V(iii) precursors into metastable vanadium(ii) oxide nanowires.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of chitin pretreated by bacterial fermentation to obtain pure N-acetyl-d-glucosamine
Authors: Zhang Alei , Wei Guoguang , Mo Xiaofang , Zhou Ning , Chen Kequan , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: April 2018

In this study, we propose a novel biological fermentation method to process chitin powder utilizing the bacteria Chitinolyticbacter meiyuanensis SYBC-H1.
A CB[5] analogue based supramolecular polymer with AIE behaviors
Authors: Wu Yufan , Hua Haojie , Wang Qiaochun
Published: April 2018

An emissive supramolecular polymer was constructed by the self-assembly between a TPE quaternary ammonium salt and a cucurbit[5]uril analogue.
Detection and discrimination of Zn2+ and Hg2+ using a single molecular fluorescent probe
Authors: Gharami Saswati , Aich Krishnendu , Patra Lakshman , Mondal Tapan K.
Published: April 2018

A new fluorescent probe (SAPH) has been introduced which shows specific sensing towards Zn2+ and Hg2+ at two different wavelength maxima at physiological pH.
Color-tunable AIE-active conjugated polymer nanoparticles as drug carriers for self-indicating cancer therapy via intramolecular FRET mechanism
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Wang Cheng , Fang Yayun , Yuan Hong , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang
Published: April 2018

In this paper, two novel AIE-active conjugated polymers were synthesized by Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling polymerization reaction.
Core–shell structural PANI-derived carbon@Co–Ni LDH electrode for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Cao Junming , Li La , Xi Yunlong , Li Junzhi , Pan Xuexue , Chen Duo , Han Wei
Published: April 2018

Carbon/metal nanocomposites have been considered promising electrode materials for application in supercapacitors owing to their combination of good electrical conductivity, excellent cycle stabilities of the electronic double layer capacitor (EDLC) and high specific capacitance of the pseudocapacitor.
Using core–shell interlinked polymer@C–iodine hollow spheres to synergistically depress polyiodide shuttle and boost kinetics for iodine-based batteries
Authors: Zhang Guoming , Wang Huifeng , Zhang Sen , Deng Chao
Published: April 2018

Polymer@C–iodine hollow spheres with core–shell interlinked structures synergistically promote the kinetics and thermics of iodine-based electrochemical systems.
Synthesis of porous carbon from cotton using an Mg(OH)2 template for form-stabilized phase change materials with high encapsulation capacity, transition enthalpy and reliability
Authors: Atinafu Dimberu G. , Dong Wenjun , Wang Chen , Wang Ge
Published: April 2018

A novel porous carbon with a certain degree of graphitization obtained from commercially available cotton via a template method is designed for shape-stabilized PCM synthesis with high thermal energy storage performance.
Low cost sponge based piezocapacitive sensors using a single step leavening agent mediated autolysis process
Authors: Parameswaran Chithra , Gupta Dipti
Published: April 2018

A single step, low cost, large area and shape scalable method of obtaining elastomer sponge is achieved through leavening agent autolysis with exceptional sensitivity tunability for real time sensing applications.
A carbon dot-encapsulated UiO-type metal organic framework as a multifunctional fluorescent sensor for temperature, metal ion and pH detection
Authors: Yao Chuanxu , Xu Yan , Xia Zhiguo
Published: April 2018

Carbon dot encapsulated UiO-66 composites have been fabricated and designed as multifunctional fluorescent sensors for temperature, pH, and Fe3+ detection.
0.1°C accuracy ICO temperature sensor with segmentation algorithm
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Pengfei , Hu Yuanbin , Wang Zhaochi , Wei Yi , Li Chengze , Wu Kejun , Ning Ning
Published: April 2018

A real‐time temperature detection circuit with 0.1°C accuracy is presented. The temperature sensor is composed by a current controlled oscillator (ICO). Its oscillating frequency is proportional to the temperature but independent with the power supply. The frequency change will be digitised by a counter and thus realise the temperature detection. The detection accuracy is limited by the linearity of ICO. In order to improve temperature detection accuracy, a temperature segmentation algorithm is proposed. The temperature sensor is implemented with 0.18 μm CMOS technology and the core area is 0.023 mm2. The power consumption of the proposed sensor is 0.3 mW with 1.8 V supply. Experimental results show that this sensor can detect the temperature from −40 to 125°C with 0.1°C accuracy and the detection error is within ±0.8°C.
RCS measurement at terahertz waves for cylinders with different surface roughness
Authors: Song Yan , Li Yanpeng , Pang Shuang , Zhao Shanshan , Wang Hongqiang
Published: April 2018

The radar cross‐section (RCS) measurements for cylinders with different surface roughness have performed in the terahertz bands. The terahertz radar system has 220 and 440 GHz carrier frequencies. It is a solid‐state system whose base band signal is generated by a phasor network analyser. The original recorded data are calibrated by the results of the smooth surface cylinder. These calibrated RCS results are compared with calculated results. The experiments suggested that targets with the rough surface will provide complicated scattering in terahertz. The results of this experiment can prove that the surface roughness of the target has a certain impact on RCS measurement results in the terahertz band.
Filtering power divider with harmonic suppression based on LTCC broadside coupling
Authors: Wu Di‐Si , Li Yuan Chun , Xue Quan
Published: April 2018

A low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) filtering power divider with harmonic suppression is presented. It is composed of three resonators and one resistor. By using 3D technology, the two output resonators are symmetrically coupled to the input resonator to obtain the power splitting response. Each splitting path is composed of two resonators to achieve the filtering response. The resistor for isolation is located on the top layer and connected to the two output ports by vertical strips on the side walls. The broadside couplings between resonators produce required passband and stopband. A compact filtering power divider with the core size of 0.122λg × 0.1λg × 0.059λg is implemented. Good filtering, power splitting and isolation performance are achieved. What is more, the second harmonic is successfully rejected below 20 dB without any extra circuit.
Robust protection scheme against cyber‐physical attacks in power systems
Authors: Di Giorgio Alessandro , Pietrabissa Antonio , Delli Priscoli Francesco , Isidori Alberto
Published: April 2018

This study presents a robust defence strategy in reaction to destabilising cyber‐physical attacks launched against linear time invariant systems and its application to power systems. The proposed protection scheme aims at making the dynamics of a selected subsystem decoupled from the dynamics of the subsystem targeted by the attack. The standard decoupling methods are made robust, in spite of poor information about plant parameters and lack of state measurement, with the aid of an extended observer. In this way, it is possible to keep the protected dynamics arbitrarily close to the one of a suitably chosen stable system, so long as the dynamics being targeted by the attack remain within the prescribed bounds. The proposed defence strategy is presented in the context of modern power systems, wherein generators and transmission networks are operated by different players and shown to be effective using the Western System Coordinating Council 9‐bus test power network.
Design of a dual‐beam cavity‐backed patch antenna for future fifth generation wireless networks
Authors: Tan Jingyu , Jiang Wen , Gong Shuxi , Cheng Tong , Ren Junyi , Zhang Kunzhe
Published: April 2018

A dual‐beam cavity‐backed patch antenna is presented for the future millimetre‐wave (mm‐Wave) fifth generation wireless networks. The proposed antenna comprises a substrate integrated waveguide cavity and a symmetrical patch. The antenna exhibits a bandwidth range from 27.8 to 30.9 GHz with the fractional bandwidth of 10.6%. The radiation patterns are dual beam and peak gains are above 8.4 dB across the passband. Two beam directions are at  + 47° and −47° with respect to the broadside direction. It shows a good agreement between the simulated and measured results.
Photovoltaic solar energy in the economic optimisation of energy supply and conversion
Authors: Delgado Danielle , Carvalho Monica , Coelho Junior Luiz Moreira , Abrahão Raphael , Chacartegui Ricardo
Published: April 2018

In the energy supply and conversion system proposed herein, the following energy demands were considered for a hospital: electricity, sanitary hot water, steam, and cooling. A superstructure representing all options of equipment and energy resources was built, with conventional equipment as well as more complex technologies, such as absorption chillers and cogeneration modules. Two renewable energy resources were available: solar photovoltaic energy and biomass (sugarcane bagasse). The solution of a mathematical model based on mixed integer linear programming provided the optimal economic solution, constituted by the configuration of the system (equipment installed) and its operation strategy (how to operate each equipment, throughout one operational year). The objective function considered the minimisation of total annual costs, which encompassed fixed costs (equipment) and variable costs (maintenance and energy costs). A reference system was designed, where only conventional equipment was utilised (no cogeneration, no solar or biomass utilities available). The optimal economic solution included the utilisation of biomass to produce hot water and steam, with an annual cost that was 11% lower than the reference solution. Although the economic optimal solution did not install cogeneration modules, it took advantage of solar and biomass resources to achieve annual minimum cost.
Adaptive multisensor data fusion technique for train localisation and detection of accidental train parting
Authors: Malakar Bidhan , Roy Binoy K.
Published: April 2018

This study proposes a bilinear recursive least square based adaptive multisensor data fusion technique for the precise localisation of railway vehicles and detection of an accidental train parting to be used with the train collision avoidance system (TCAS) in Indian railways. The accurate localisation of railway vehicles during the absence of global positioning system (GPS) is a challenging task for the TCAS. One of the reliable solutions for this task may be the augmentation of GPS with the onboard multisensor system. A bilinear recursive least square adaptive filter is used here to estimate and compensate the position error of the onboard multisensor system. The impact of slack in coupling is considered for the analysis of parting detection. The performance of the proposed technique is compared with the observation error based approach, bounded offset based approach and pseudo‐measurement state constraining technique. The simulation results indicate that the proposed technique is superior in terms of positional accuracy and for the detection of an accidental train parting with a minimum parting distance.
Radar emitter classification based on unidimensional convolutional neural network
Authors: Sun Jun , Xu Guangluan , Ren Wenjuan , Yan Zhiyuan
Published: April 2018

Radar emitter classification (REC) is an essential part of electronic warfare (EW) systems. In REC tasks, after deinterleaving, the intercepted radar signals are classified into specific radar types. With new radar types arising and the electromagnetism environment getting complicated, REC has become a big data problem. Meanwhile, there exist inconsistent features among samples. These two problems can affect the performance of classification. In this work, first, the authors designed a novel encoding method to deal with the inconsistent features. High‐dimension sequences of equal length are generated as new features. Then a deep learning model named unidimensional convolutional neural network (U‐CNN) is proposed to classify the encoded high‐dimension sequences with big data. A large and complex radar emitter's dataset is used to evaluate the performance of the U‐CNN model with the encoding method. Experiments show that the authors' proposal gains an improvement of 2–3% in accuracy compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods, while the time consumed for identifying 45,509 emitters is only 1.95 s using a GPU. Specifically, for 12 indistinguishable radars, the classification accuracy is improved about 15%.
Deceptive jamming for tracked vehicles based on micro‐Doppler signatures
Authors: Shi Xiaoran , Zhou Feng , Bai Xueru , Su Hualin
Published: April 2018

As tracked vehicles play significant roles in a battlefield, effective jamming measures are necessary to protect them from being perceived by a hostile radar. Moving tracked vehicles usually exhibit strong Doppler and micro‐Doppler signatures. Therefore, the jamming signal should include micro‐Doppler modulation generated by metallic caterpillars for successful deceptive jamming. Based on detailed analysis of kinetic characteristics of tracked vehicles, this study proposes a novel deceptive jamming method for tracked vehicles against a continuous‐wave ground surveillance radar. To guarantee the fidelity of the deceptive jamming, this method performs both translational modulation for rigid parts and micro‐Doppler modulation for the caterpillars. Moreover, the translational modulation function is generated partly off‐line to improve the computational efficiency. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach quantitatively, evaluation indices, such as human visual system and wavelets weighted mean square error, are designed. Simulation results are presented to verify the validity of the proposed method.
Effect of surfactant type on buckypaper electrochemical performance
Authors: Farsaei Vahid Nadia , Marvi Mohammad Reza , Naimi‐Jamal Mohammad Reza , Naghib Seyed Morteza , Ghaffarinejad Ali
Published: April 2018

In this work, buckypapers (BPs) were synthesised by different types of non‐ionic surfactants. The prepared BPs were characterised by different methods. Using of non‐ionic and also non‐toxic surfactant, Tween 20, made the surface possible to immobilise the biological molecules on the surface for measuring the electrochemical properties changes. Moreover, this surface showed better electrochemical behaviour, higher conductivity, and better charge transfer kinetics than BP which was synthesised by conventional Triton X100. To our knowledge, this is the first research on the effect of surfactant type on the BP synthesis and characteristics.
Photophysical performances and morphology of phosphorescent electrospun fibres fabricated from iridium complex/PMMA blends
Authors: Liang Aihui , Cao Tian , Yang Xiulan , Chen Yi , Wang Han , Wang Zhiping , Liu Dewang , Luo Ming
Published: April 2018

Yellow phosphorescent electrospun (ES) fibres were successfully fabricated from a binary blend of iridium complex/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by a single spinneret, whose diameters range from 350 to 1300 nm. Owing to the geometrical confinement of the electrospinning process, the aggregation of iridium complex Y1 in the ES fibres is much smaller than that in the spin‐coated films. Moreover, the photoluminescence quantum efficiency of the ES fibres is much higher than that of the spin‐coated films. The lifetimes of ES fibres become shorter and the diameters of ES fibres become larger with increasing the ratio of Y1 in Y1/PMMA blend from 1 to 10%. In the scanning electron microscope images, the surface structure on the Y1/PMMA blend fibres was smooth and non‐porous, which probably because the high boiling point solvent of N,N‐dimethylformamide was used in the electrospinning process. The present work demonstrates that phosphorescent ES fibres can be prepared from the binary blend of iridium complexes/PMMA, which could be used in wearable organic light‐emitting diodes.
Fog collection on a conical copper wire: effect of fog flow velocity and surface morphology
Authors: Xing Haiting , Cheng Jiang , Zhou Cailong , Zheng Yanfen , Wang Gang , Wen Xiufang , Pi Pihui , Xu Shouping
Published: April 2018

The conical copper wires (CCWs) were subjected to alkali assistant oxidation or electrochemical deposition to form superhydrophilic wettability of ∼4° with needle‐like or leaf‐like morphology, respectively. The superhydrophobic CCWs with water contact angles of ∼156° were further constructed by modification with 1‐dodecanethiol. The CCWs were used to study the effect of fog flow velocity and surface morphology on fog collection. With the fog flow velocity increased, the dominant factor for fog collection changed from fog capture to droplet motion. The surfaces with needle‐like morphology displayed better fog capture ability while the surfaces with leaf‐like morphology were more prone to driving droplet motion.
Synthesis of monodisperse α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles by a salt microemulsion method
Authors: Song Li , Dong Yan , Shao Qiyue , Jiang Jianqing
Published: April 2018

Alpha alumina nanocrystals that are highly dispersible and have a high specific surface area play an important role in the field of catalytic supports and others. As the phase‐transformation temperature of α‐Al2O3 is 1000°C, it is extremely difficult to fabricate monodisperse nanoparticles. Here, the study reports a new method, referred as the salt microemulsion method, for the fabrication of monodisperse α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles, and the particle size could be tuned between 3 and 8 nm. The particles precipitated by demulsifying the microemulsion were analysed by transmission electron microscopy. The precipitated particles are found to be inclusions, with the Al2O3 precursor nanoparticles are dispersed and isolated by the K2SO4 nanoparticles. As the melting point of K2SO4 is 1065°C, the Al2O3 precursor nanoparticles are separated by the solid K2SO4 over the entire high‐temperature phase‐transition process. As a result, agglomeration and sintering of the α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles are prevented, leading to monodisperse α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles.
Melanin in human vestibular organs
Authors: Palma Silvia , Boldrini Paola , Nucci Raul , Fano Rita Adriana , Cenacchi Giovanna , Martini Alessandro
Published: April 2018

Objective:

Melanin is a pigment widely found in animals and plants. It has long been observed in the inner ear, but its function there is not even now entirely clear. The protective role of melanin against damage caused by ageing, ototoxicity and noise is still a matter of debate.

Methods:

The current study discusses ultrastructural findings in the vestibular organs removed via the translabyrinthine approach for the resection of a schwannoma of the 8th cranial nerve. Our aim was to shed more light on the role of melanocytes in the inner ear, analyzing their features in human subjects.

Results:

Melanin granules were present in all of the cases studied: in some samples they appeared scattered in the cytoplasm, whereas in others they accumulated in the reserve area. There was no correlation between the presence of pigment and schwannoma dimensions other than a greater frequency of accumulation in the reserve areas in the melanocytes of patients with small tumours.

Conclusions:

Our findings and literature data confirm that melanocytes are an integral part of the endolymph production system and appear essential for balance and hearing functions, having a protective effect. Thanks to its semiconducting properties, melanin could be involved in absorbing the mechanical energy arising from sensory stimulation.