bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium content and labelling of processed and ultra-processed food products marketed in Brazil
Authors: Martins Carla Adriano , de Sousa Anete Araújo , Veiros Marcela Boro , González-Chica David Alejandro , Proença Rossana Pacheco da Costa
Published: August 2014

Objective

To analyse the Na content and labelling of processed and ultra-processed food products marketed in Brazil.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A large supermarket in Florianopolis, southern Brazil.

Subjects

Ingredient lists and Na information on nutrition labels of all processed and ultra-processed pre-prepared meals and prepared ingredients, used in lunch or dinner, available for sale in the supermarket.

Results

The study analysed 1416 products, distributed into seven groups and forty-one subgroups. Five products did not have Na information. Most products (58·8 %; 95 % CI 55·4, 62·2 %) had high Na content (>600 mg/100 g). In 78·0 % of the subgroups, variation in Na content was at least twofold between similar products with high and low Na levels, reaching 634-fold difference in the ‘garnishes and others’ subgroup. More than half of the products (52·0 %; 95 % CI 48·2, 55·6 %) had at least one Na-containing food additive. There was no relationship between the appearance of salt on the ingredients list (first to third position on the list) and a product’s Na content (high, medium or low; P=0·08).

Conclusions

Most food products had high Na content, with great variation between similar products, which presents new evidence for reformulation opportunities. There were inconsistencies in Na labelling, such as lack of nutritional information and incomplete ingredient descriptions. The position of salt on the ingredients list did not facilitate the identification of high-Na foods. We therefore recommend a reduction in Na in these products and a review of Brazilian legislation.
Consumer detection and acceptability of reduced-sodium bread
Authors: La Croix Kimberly W , Fiala Steven C , Colonna Ann E , Durham Catherine A , Morrissey Michael T , Drum Danna K , Kohn Melvin A
Published: August 2014

Objective

Bread is the largest contributor of Na to the American diet and excess Na consumption contributes to premature death and disability. We sought to determine the Na level at which consumers could detect a difference between reduced-Na bread and bread with typical Na content, and to determine if consumer sensory acceptability and purchase intent differed between reduced-Na bread and bread with typical Na content.

Design

Difference testing measured ability to detect differences in control bread and reduced-Na bread using two-alternative forced choice testing. Acceptability was measured using a nine-point hedonic scale and purchase intent was measured using a five-point purchase intent scale.

Setting

Difference and acceptability testing were conducted in Portland, OR, USA in January 2013.

Subjects

Eighty-two consumers participated in difference testing and 109 consumers participated in acceptability testing.

Results

Consumers did not detect a difference in saltiness between the control bread and the 10 % reduced-Na bread, but did detect a difference between the control bread and bread reduced in Na content by 20 % and 30 %. Na reductions had no effect on consumer acceptability of sensory characteristics, including overall liking, appearance, aroma, flavour, sweetness, salt level and texture, or purchase intent.

Conclusions

Reducing Na levels by up to 30 % in the sandwich bread tested did not affect consumer liking or purchase intent of the product. These results support national recommendations for small, incremental Na reductions in the food supply over time and assure bread manufacturers that sensory characteristics and consumer purchase intent of their products will be preserved after Na reductions occur.
Stellar statistics along the ecliptic and the impact on the K2 mission concept
Authors: Prša Andrej , Robin Annie , Barclay Thomas
Published: August 2014

K2 is the mission concept for a repurposedKeplermission that uses two reaction wheels to maintain the satellite attitude and provide ~81 days of coverage for ten 105 deg2fields along the ecliptic in the first 2.5 years of operation. We examine stellar populations based on the updated Besançon model of the Galaxy, comment on the general properties for the entire ecliptic plane, and provide stellar occurrence rates in the first six tentative K2 campaigns grouped by spectral type and luminosity class. For each campaign we distinguish between main the sequence stars and giants, and provide their density profile as a function of galactic latitude. We introduce the crowding metric that serves for optimized target selection across the campaigns. For all main sequence stars we compute the expected planetary occurrence rates for three planet sizes: 2–4, 4–8 and 8–32 R⊕with orbital periods up to 50 days. In conjunction with Gaia and the upcoming Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and Plato missions, K2 will become a gold mine for stellar and planetary astrophysics.
Evaluation des Musikalischen Konzentrationstrainings mit Pepe (MusiKo mit Pepe) bei Kindern mit Aufmerksamkeitsproblemen
Authors: Rothmann Kathrin , Hillmer Jana-Mareike , Hosser Daniela
Published: August 2014

Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie überprüft die Wirksamkeit des Musikalischen Konzentrationstrainings mit Pepe (MusiKo mit Pepe) für fünf- bis zehnjährige Kinder mit Aufmerksamkeitsproblemen. Methodik: In einem Prä-Post-Kontrollgruppendesign (N = 108) wurden Veränderungen der Aufmerksamkeitsleistung mittels der Testbatterie zur Aufmerksamkeitsprüfung für Kinder (KiTAP) sowie Veränderungen der kindlichen Lebensqualität mittels des Fragebogens für Kinder (KINDL-R) erfasst. Zusätzlich wurden Fremdbeurteilungsbögen zur Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (FBB-ADHS) sowie zur Störung des Sozialverhaltens (FBB-SSV) des Diagnostik-Systems für psychische Störungen nach ICD-10 und DSM-IV für Kinder und Jugendliche II und der Eltern- und der Lehrerfragebogen über das Verhalten von Kindern und Jugendlichen (CBCL, TRF) eingesetzt. Ergebnisse: Es zeigen sich für die am Training teilnehmenden Kinder im Vergleich zu der Kontrollgruppe über die Zeit signifikante Verbesserungen der Aufmerksamkeitsleistung sowie der Lebensqualität. Darüber hinaus ergibt sich eine signifikante Reduktion der ADHS-Symptomatik im Eltern- und Lehrerurteil sowie eine Verminderung der Internalisierenden Probleme im Elternurteil. Die Behandlungseffektivität ist unabhängig von Alter, Geschlecht, Intelligenz und Migrationshintergrund der teilnehmenden Kinder. Schlussfolgerung: Das musikbasierte Trainingsprogramm MusiKo mit Pepe stellt eine wirkungsvolle Maßnahme zur Behandlung von Aufmerksamkeitsproblemen dar, sollten sich diese Effekte in Replikationsstudien bestätigen.
Effects of a Training Workshop on Suicide Prevention Among Emergency Room Nurses
Authors: Kishi Yasuhiro , Otsuka Kotaro , Akiyama Keiko , Yamada Tomoki , Sakamoto Yumiko , Yanagisawa Yaeko , Morimura Hiroshi , Kawanishi Chiaki , Higashioka Hiroaki , Miyake Yasushi , Thurber Steven
Published: August 2014

Background: Suicide attempts are frequently encountered by emergency department nurses. Such encounters can potentially provide a foundation for secondary suicide prevention. Aims: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of a 7-hr training program for emergency room nursing personnel in Japan. Method: In all, 52 nurses completed the questionnaires before the workshop and 1 month after the workshop. The nurses’ understanding of and willingness to care for suicidal patients positively changed. Results: It is feasible to provide a 7-hr, relatively short, workshop on suicidal prevention aimed at emergency medical staff and to improve attitudes during a follow-up of 1 month. Conclusion: It is uncertain whether the positive attitudes of emergency nurses toward suicide and/or educational interventions could impact the outcomes of these interventions. Further studies are needed to address these important questions in this field.
Energy landscape and dynamics of brain activity during human bistable perception
Authors: Watanabe Takamitsu , Masuda Naoki , Megumi Fukuda , Kanai Ryota , Rees Geraint
Published: August 2014

Individual differences in the structure of parietal and prefrontal cortex predict the stability of bistable visual perception. However, the mechanisms linking such individual differences in brain structures to behaviour remain elusive. Here we demonstrate a systematic relationship between the dynamics of brain activity, cortical structure and behaviour underpinning bistable perception. Using fMRI in humans, we find that the activity dynamics during bistable perception are well described as fluctuating between three spatially distributed energy minimums: visual-area-dominant, frontal-area-dominant and intermediate states. Transitions between these energy minimums predicted behaviour, with participants whose brain activity tend to reflect the visual-area-dominant state exhibiting more stable perception and those whose activity transits to frontal-area-dominant states reporting more frequent perceptual switches. Critically, these brain activity dynamics are correlated with individual differences in grey matter volume of the corresponding brain areas. Thus, individual differences in the large-scale dynamics of brain activity link focal brain structure with bistable perception.
Visualizing domain wall and reverse domain superconductivity
Authors: Iavarone M. , Moore S. A. , Fedor J. , Ciocys S. T. , Karapetrov G. , Pearson J. , Novosad V. , Bader S. D.
Published: August 2014

In magnetically coupled, planar ferromagnet-superconductor (F/S) hybrid structures, magnetic domain walls can be used to spatially confine the superconductivity. In contrast to a superconductor in a uniform applied magnetic field, the nucleation of the superconducting order parameter in F/S structures is governed by the inhomogeneous magnetic field distribution. The interplay between the superconductivity localized at the domain walls and far from the walls leads to effects such as re-entrant superconductivity and reverse domain superconductivity with the critical temperature depending upon the location. Here we use scanning tunnelling spectroscopy to directly image the nucleation of superconductivity at the domain wall in F/S structures realized with Co-Pd multilayers and Pb thin films. Our results demonstrate that such F/S structures are attractive model systems that offer the possibility to control the strength and the location of the superconducting nucleus by applying an external magnetic field, potentially useful to guide vortices for computing application.
More bang for your buck: Super-adiabatic quantum engines
Authors: Campo A. del , Goold J. , Paternostro M.
Published: August 2014

The practical untenability of the quasi-static assumption makes any realistic engine intrinsically irreversible and its operating time finite, thus implying friction effects at short cycle times. An important technological goal is thus the design of maximally efficient engines working at the maximum possible power. We show that, by utilising shortcuts to adiabaticity in a quantum engine cycle, one can engineer a thermodynamic cycle working at finite power and zero friction. Our findings are illustrated using a harmonic oscillator undergoing a quantum Otto cycle.
Body height affects the strength of immune response in young men, but not young women
Authors: Krams Indrikis A. , Skrinda Ilona , Kecko Sanita , Moore Fhionna R. , Krama Tatjana , Kaasik Ants , Meija Laila , Lietuvietis Vilnis , Rantala Markus J.
Published: August 2014

Body height and other body attributes of humans may be associated with a diverse range of social outcomes such as attractiveness to potential mates. Despite evidence that each parameter plays a role in mate choice, we have little understanding of the relative role of each and relationships between indices of physical appearance and general health. In this study we tested relationships between immune function and body height of young men and women. In men, we report a non-linear relationship between antibody response to a hepatitis-B vaccine and body height, with a positive relationship up to a height of 185 cm, but an inverse relationship in taller men. We did not find any significant relationship between body height and immune function in women. Our results demonstrate the potential of vaccination research to reveal costly traits that govern evolution of mate choice in humans and the importance of trade-offs among these traits.
Model-based three-way chemometric methods for quantitative analysis of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and optical brightener in real samples using excitation–emission fluorescence data
Authors: Masoum Saeed , Abbasi Saleheh
Published: August 2014

The employed second-order calibration is one of the non-separative methods for simultaneous determination of LABS and OB in a complex matrix.
Two-color emissive probes for click reactions
Authors: Wirtz Marcel , Grüter Andreas , Rebmann Philipp , Dier Tobias , Volmer Dietrich A. , Huch Volker , Jung Gregor
Published: August 2014

CuAAC is visualized using a BODIPY reaction system by the bathochromic shift of the fluorescence wavelength in ensemble and microscopy experiments. Reaction progress is correlated with chromophore elongation fading out disturbing background fluorescence.
Quantum mechanical predictions to elucidate the anisotropic elastic properties of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: ZIF-4 vs. ZIF-zni
Authors: Tan Jin-Chong , Civalleri Bartolomeo , Erba Alessandro , Albanese Elisa
Published: August 2014

We use density functional theory to reveal the detailed elastic properties of two topical ZIF materials comprising the same chemical composition but different crystalline structures. ZIF-4 was found to exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio, representing the first ‘auxetic-ZIF’ to be identified.
Decarboxylation of oleic acid over Pt catalysts supported on small-pore zeolites and hydrotalcite
Authors: Ahmadi M. , Nambo A. , Jasinski J. B. , Ratnasamy P. , Carreon M. A.
Published: August 2014

The catalytic decarboxylation and further conversions of oleic acid to paraffins, branched and aromatic hydrocarbons over Pt supported on small pore zeolites and hydrotalcite are demonstrated.
Heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation over chiral molecule-modified metal particles
Authors: Zhan Ensheng , Chen Chunhui , Li Yong , Shen Wenjie
Published: August 2014

Recent progress in heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation over chiral molecule-modified metal particles has been reviewed.
Controlled synthesis of Pd–NiO@SiO2 mesoporous core–shell nanoparticles and their enhanced catalytic performance for p-chloronitrobenzene hydrogenation with H2
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Tao Kai , Xiong Chunrong , Zhou Shenghu
Published: August 2014

Pd–NiO@SiO2 nanocatalysts illustrated a superior catalytic performance for catalytic p-chloronitrobenzene hydrogenation to PdNi@SiO2 and Pd@SiO2 nanocatalysts.
Structural diversity and magnetic properties of six metal–organic polymers based on semirigid tricarboxylate ligand of 3,5-bi(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzoic acid
Authors: Fan Liming , Fan Weiliu , Song Weikuo , Sun Liming , Zhao Xian , Zhang Xiutang
Published: August 2014

Six new metal–organic complexes with structural diversities constructed from 3,5-bi(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzoic acid and metal ions were synthesized and characterized.
Biosynthesis of the ergot alkaloids
Authors: Jakubczyk Dorota , Cheng Johnathan Z. , O'Connor Sarah E.
Published: August 2014

An update on new developments in the field of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis since 2011 is highlighted.
Large-volume hot spots in gold spiky nanoparticle dimers for high-performance surface-enhanced spectroscopy
Authors: Li Anran , Li Shuzhou
Published: August 2014

Hot spots with both large electric field enhancement and large volumes can be obtained in spiky nanoparticle dimers.
One pot aqueous synthesis of nanoporous Au85Pt15 material with surface bound Pt islands: an efficient methanol tolerant ORR catalyst
Authors: Anandha Ganesh P. , Jeyakumar D.
Published: August 2014

Au85Pt15/C nanoporous material with surface Pt islands synthesized by galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) act as efficient methanol-tolerant ORR catalyst with high figure of merit, mass and specific activities, performing well in full cell studies.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of pyrene-based green fluorescent dyes: butterfly-shaped architectures
Authors: Vanga Devendar Goud , Santra Mithun , Keerthi Ashok , Valiyaveettil Suresh
Published: August 2014

A few pyrene-based fluorescent compounds were synthesized using Pd/Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction.
Chiroptical molecular propellers based on hexakis(phenylethynyl)benzene through the complexation-induced intramolecular transmission of local point chirality
Authors: Katoono Ryo , Kusaka Keiichi , Kawai Shunsuke , Tanaka Yuki , Hanada Keisuke , Nehira Tatsuo , Fujiwara Kenshu , Suzuki Takanori
Published: August 2014

We designed hexakis(phenylethynyl)benzene derivatives with a tertiary amide group on each blade to achieve a helically biased propeller arrangement.
Oxyma-B, an excellent racemization suppressor for peptide synthesis
Authors: Jad Yahya E. , Khattab Sherine N. , de la Torre Beatriz G. , Govender Thavendran , Kruger Hendrik G. , El-Faham Ayman , Albericio Fernando
Published: August 2014

Oxyma-B, a superb additive for the control of optical purity during the synthesis of peptides.
Dynamic uptake and release from poly(methacryloyl hydrazide) microgel particles through reversible hydrazide-aldehyde chemistry
Authors: Ballard Nicholas , Bon Stefan A. F.
Published: August 2014

The uptake and release time-profiles of aldehydes from aqueous formulations can be fine tuned using hydrazide functional microgels.
ETD and sequential ETD localize the residues involved in D2-A2A heteromerization
Authors: Muller Ludovic , Jackson Shelley N. , Woods Amina S.
Published: August 2014

ETD2to identify binding site in NCX.
Novel MnO/conjugated microporous polymer derived-porous hard carbon nanocomposite for superior lithium storage
Authors: Zhang Qingtang , Ge Songwang , Wang Xiaomei , Sun Hanxue , Zhu Zhaoqi , Liang Weidong , Li An
Published: August 2014

MnO/porous hard carbon nanocomposite as an anode material exhibits high discharge/charge capability and good cycling performance at 2 C for 300 cycles.
Electronic structure and optical properties of Ag-doped SnO2 nanoribbons
Authors: Huang Bao-Jun , Li Feng , Zhang Chang-Wen , Li Ping , Wang Pei-Ji
Published: August 2014

Structural, electronic and optical properties have been calculated for Tin dioxide nanoribbons (SnO2 NRs) with both zigzag and armchair shaped edges by first principle spin polarized total energy calculation.
Rapid endophytic bacterial detection by enzyme incorporated MALDI MS
Authors: Manikandan Muthu , Hua Pei-Yang , Wu Hui-Fen
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we have attempted the use of MALDI-MS for the detection of bacteria from complex real world samples such as the root nodules of plants.
Templated magnesiothermic synthesis of silicon nanotube bundles and their electrochemical performances in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Liu Miaomiao , Sun Jing , Xu Fangfang
Published: August 2014

Silicon nanotube bundles (Si NBs) have been synthesized on a large scale via a templated magnesiothermic method.
Unparalleled sensitivity of photonic structures in butterfly wings
Authors: Han Zhiwu , Niu Shichao , Yang Meng , Mu Zhengzhi , Li Bo , Zhang Junqiu , Ye Junfeng , Ren Luquan
Published: August 2014

The spectra response characteristics of photonic structures to different surrounding vapors in Morpho menelaus butterfly wings was investigated.
Structural, electrical and optical properties of Mg-doped CuAlO2 films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Zou Y. S. , Wang H. P. , Zhang S. L. , Lou D. , Dong Y. H. , Song X. F. , Zeng H. B.
Published: August 2014

P-type Mg doped CuAlO2 films with high crystallinity are prepared by pulsed laser deposition followed by annealing, and exhibit enhanced conductivity and tunable optical band gaps.
Synthesis, structure, characterization and photophysical properties of copper(i) complexes containing polypyridyl ligands
Authors: Báez-Castro Alberto , Baldenebro-López Jesús , Cruz-Enríquez Adriana , Höpfl Herbert , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel , Valentín Miranda-Soto , Parra-Hake Miguel , Campos-Gaxiola José J.
Published: August 2014

Two novel photoluminescent copper(i) complexes have been successfully synthesized and characterized. Both complexes showed interesting photophysical properties.
Synthesis and thermal properties of modified room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) as a cross linking agent
Authors: Shi Yunhui , Gao Xiaoxiao , Zhang Dian , Liu Yufeng , Huang Guangsu
Published: August 2014

Incompletely condensed tetra-silanol-phenyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (TOPO) was synthesized first and then copolymerized with hydroxy terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HPDMS) as a cross linking agent to prepare room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber (TOPO–PDMS).
Synthesis of 4-substituted imino-4H-benzo[d][1,3] thiazin-2-amines via palladium-catalysed isocyanide insertion in 2-bromophenylthioureas
Authors: Pandey Garima , Bhowmik Subhendu , Batra Sanjay
Published: August 2014

The palladium-catalysed isocyanide insertion in 2-bromophenylthioureas leads to the formation of 4-substituted imino-4H-benzo[d][1,3]thiazin-2-amines via C–S cross coupling reaction of the intermediate imidoylpalladium species.
Solubilization, dispersion and stabilization of magnetic nanoparticles in water and non-aqueous solvents: recent trends
Authors: Kharisov Boris I. , Dias H. V. Rasika , Kharissova Oxana V. , Vázquez Alejandro , Peña Yolanda , Gómez Idalia
Published: August 2014

Solubilization and stabilization techniques for magnetic nanoparticles in water and in non-aqueous solvents are reviewed.
Novel thermosensitive telechelic PEGs with antioxidant activity: synthesis, molecular properties and conformational behaviour
Authors: Sergeeva Olga , Vlasov Petr S. , Domnina Nina S. , Bogomolova Anna , Konarev Petr V. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Walterova Zuzana , Horsky Jiri , Stepanek Petr , Filippov Sergey K.
Published: August 2014

We report on the tailor-made polymer conjugates, which are highly compelling for biomedical applications due to their antioxidant activity and the adjustable thermosensitive properties.
Multi-walled carbon nanotube induced co-continuity of poly(ether ether ketone)/polyimide blends for high performance conductive materials
Authors: Gao Cong , Zhang Shuling , Han Bing , Sun Hejing , Wang Guibin , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: August 2014

A high performance conductive material was prepared based on MWCNT induced co-continuity of PEEK/TPI blends.
Design and construction of a thermotropic liquid crystal material based on high-nuclear transition-metal cluster-containing polyoxometalates
Authors: Wu Hong-Li , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Li Yang-Guang , Wang En-Bo
Published: August 2014

DODA+ was used as a surfactant to react with polyoxoanion [Ni9(OH)3(H2O)6(HPO4)2(PW9O34)3]16−, resulting in an organic–inorganic hybrid complex SEP-1, the first liquid crystal materials based on high-nuclear transition-metal cluster-substituted polyoxoanions.
Synthesis and characterization of lysine-modified SBA-15 and its selective adsorption of scandium from a solution of rare earth elements
Authors: Ma Jiaxian , Wang Zheng , Shi Ying , Li Qing
Published: August 2014

A novel lysine-functionalized mesoporous material was synthesized using a facile two-step post-grafting method, selectively adsorbing scandium from aqueous solution.
Facile synthesis of self-assembled mesoporous CuO nanospheres and hollow Cu2O microspheres with excellent adsorption performance
Authors: Yang Siyuan , Zhang Shengsen , Wang Hongjuan , Yu Hao , Fang Yueping , Peng Feng
Published: August 2014

Self-assembly CuO nanospheres (CuONSs) and hollow Cu2O microspheres (Cu2OMSs) show an excellent adsorption performance for anionic dyes in water.
Selective production of CuSbS2, Cu3SbS3, and Cu3SbS4 nanoparticles using a hot injection protocol
Authors: Ikeda Shigeru , Sogawa Shinji , Tokai Yuji , Septina Wilman , Harada Takashi , Matsumura Michio
Published: August 2014

P-type CuSbS2, Cu3SbS4, and Cu3SbS3 nanoparticles can be synthesized in a solution through the hot-injection method.
Simultaneous co-ordination of three cytosine ligands displaying different binding sites around the copper centres
Authors: Patil Yogesh Prakash , Nethaji Munirathinam
Published: August 2014

The reaction of copper with 1,10-phenanthroline and cytosine forms a novel polymeric structure with two different cytosine binding modes coordinated to copper centers. Also the polymeric complex has mixed coordination geometry around the metal centers.
Y-shaped block copolymer (methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol))2-b-poly(l-glutamic acid): preparation, self-assembly, and use as drug carriers
Authors: Yang Lixin , Hu Xiuli , Wang Weiqi , Liu Shi , Sun Tingting , Huang Yubin , Jing Xiabin , Xie Zhigang
Published: August 2014

The nano polymer drugs based on Y-shaped block copolymer mPEG2-PGA show a great potential on the treatment for solid tumors.
High electrocatalytic activity of W18O49 nanowires for cobalt complex and ferrocenium redox mediators
Authors: Zhou Huawei , Shi Yantao , Dong Qingshun , Wang Liang , Zhang Hong , Ma Tingli
Published: August 2014

Understanding the relationship between the surface of electrocatalysts and the catalytic properties of different redox mediators is beneficial to the rational design of efficient catalysts for use in practical catalytic processes.
One-step synthesis of novel mesoporous three-dimensional GeO2and its lithium storage properties
Authors: Jia Haiping , Kloepsch Richard , He Xin , Badillo Juan Pablo , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias
Published: August 2014

Novel mesoporous three-dimensional GeO2was successfully synthesized by a facile one-step synthesis method followed by mixing with graphene using a spray drying process.
A UV-absorber bismuth(iii)-N-methyldiethanolamine complex as a low-temperature precursor for bismuth-based oxide thin films
Authors: Pérez-Mezcua Dulce , Sirera Rafael , Jiménez Ricardo , Bretos Iñigo , De Dobbelaere Christopher , Hardy An , Van Bael Marlies K. , Calzada M. Lourdes
Published: August 2014

A UV-absorber metal complex between Bi(iii) andN-methyldiethanolamine is synthesized for the low temperature solution preparation of electronic oxide thin films.
Unconventionally shaped chromonic liquid crystals formed by novel silver(i) complexes
Authors: Pucci Daniela , Mendiguchia Barbara Sanz , Tone Caterina Maria , Szerb Elisabeta Ildyko , Ciuchi Federica , Gao Min , Ghedini Mauro , Crispini Alessandra
Published: August 2014

Pre-chromonic organization in the solid crystalline state and true chromonic phases in a water solution of new unconventionally shaped chiral Ag(i) bis chelated bipyridine ionic complexes.
SIRT3 interactions with FOXO3 acetylation, phosphorylation and ubiquitinylation mediate endothelial cell responses to hypoxia
Authors: Tseng Anne H.-H. , Wu Li-Hong , Shieh Shyan-Shu , Wang Danny Ling
Published: August 2014

The endothelial cells (ECs) that line the vascular lumen are exposed to a wide variety of environmental stresses, such as hypoxia. Maladaptation to stress in ECs is a key event in the development of cardiovascular disease. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is an NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase that modulates various proteins to control mitochondrial function and metabolism. We found that hypoxia elicits an increase in SIRT3 mRNA and protein expression in ECs. Under the same hypoxic conditions, the forkhead box class O transcription factor FOXO3 is deacetylated by SIRT3. The SIRT3-mediated deacetylation of FOXO3 further reduces FOXO3 phosphorylation, ubiquitination and degradation, thereby stabilizing FOXO3 proteins. As a result, the level of FOXO3 protein is increased during hypoxia. Moreover, a set of FOXO3-dependent mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes, including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3), Prx5 and thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), are up-regulated in ECs to facilitate ROS detoxification in response to hypoxia. The SIRT3-mediated deacetylation of FOXO3 preserves mitochondrial bioenergetic function and increases cell survival under hypoxic conditions. These results indicate that SIRT3 stabilizes FOXO3 via deacetylation, which enhances the mitochondrial antioxidant defence system to increase the adaptive capacity of ECs during hypoxia. This finding provides a direction for ameliorating the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Perceptual grouping by tensor voting: a comparative survey of recent approaches
Authors: Maggiori Emmanuel , Manterola Hugo Luis , del Fresno Mariana
Published: August 2014

Tensor voting is a computational framework that addresses the problem of perceptual organisation. It was designed to convey human perception principles into a unified framework that can be adapted to extract visually salient elements from possibly noisy or corrupted images. The original formulation featured some concerns that made it difficult or impractical to be applied directly. Therefore, several partial or total theoretical reformulations or augmentations have been proposed. These almost parallel publication were presented in different directions, with different priorities and even in a different notation. Thus, the authors observed the need for a coherent description and comparison of the different proposals. This work, after describing the original approach of tensor voting, reviews and explains a number of high impact theoretical modifications in a self‐contained manner and including possible future directions of work. The authors have selected and organised a number of formulations and unified the way the problem is addressed across the different proposals. The aim of this study is to contribute with a modern comprehensive source of information on the theoretical aspects of tensor voting.
Dispersion of boron nitride nanotubes in non‐aqueous solution
Authors: Zeng Xiao Jun , Liu Wei Liang
Published: August 2014

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were dispersed in an ethyl alcohol solution with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Triton X‐100 (TX100) as dispersants. The influence of the dispersant content on the dispersity of BNNTs was researched. The dispersion system was characterised by means of a UV–vis spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the dispersion effect of TX100 was better than that of PVP. The optimal addition of TX100 and PVP were 3 and 2 wt%, respectively. The precipitation of BNNTs was 8.6 and 12.6% after 48 h, respectively, with PVP and TX100. The disperse mechanism of TX100 and PVP was steric hindrance stabilisation.
A concept to collect neutron and x-ray images on the same line of sight at NIF
Authors: Merrill F. E. , Danly C. R. , Izumi N. , Jedlovec D. , Fittinghoff D. N. , Grim G. P. , Pak A. , Park H.-S. , Volegov P. L. , Wilde C. H.
Published: August 2014

Neutron and x-ray images are collected at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to measure the size and shape of inertial confinement fusion implosions. The x-ray images provide a measure of the size and shape of the hot region of the deuterium-tritium fuel while the neutron images provide a measure of the size and shape of the burning plasma. Although these two types of images are collected simultaneously, they are not collected along the same line of sight (LOS). One 14 MeV neutron image is collected on the NIF equator, and two x-ray images are collected along the polar axis and nearly perpendicular to the neutron imaging line of sight on the equator. Both measurements use pinhole apertures to form the images, but existing x-ray imaging provides time-resolved measurements while the neutron images are time-integrated. Detailed comparisons of the x-ray and neutron images can provide information on the fuel assembly, but these studies have been limited because the implosions are not azimuthally symmetric and the images are collected along different LOS. We have developed a conceptual design of a time-integrated x-ray imaging system that could be added to the existing neutron imaging LOS. This new system would allow these detailed studies, providing important information on the fuel assembly of future implosions. Here we present this conceptual design and the expected performance characteristics.
Optical Kerr effect of liquid and supercooled water: The experimental and data analysis perspective
Authors: Taschin A. , Bartolini P. , Eramo R. , Righini R. , Torre R.
Published: August 2014

The time-resolved optical Kerr effect spectroscopy (OKE) is a powerful experimental tool enabling accurate investigations of the dynamic phenomena in molecular liquids. We introduced innovative experimental and fitting procedures, that enable a safe deconvolution of sample response function from the instrumental function. This is a critical issue in order to measure the dynamics of liquid water. We report OKE data on water measuring intermolecular vibrations and the structural relaxation processes in an extended temperature range, inclusive of the supercooled states. The unpreceded data quality makes possible a solid comparison with few theoretical models: the multi-mode Brownian oscillator model, the Kubo's discrete random jump model, and the schematic mode-coupling model. All these models produce reasonable good fits of the OKE data of stable liquid water, i.e., over the freezing point. The features of water dynamics in the OKE data becomes unambiguous only at lower temperatures, i.e., for water in the metastable supercooled phase. We found that the schematic mode-coupling model provides the more rigorous and complete model for water dynamics, even if its intrinsic hydrodynamic approach does not give a direct access to the molecular information.
Differences between direct current and alternating current capacitance nonlinearities in high-k dielectrics and their relation to hopping conduction
Authors: Khaldi O. , Gonon P. , Vallée C. , Mannequin C. , Kassmi M. , Sylvestre A. , Jomni F.
Published: August 2014

Capacitance nonlinearities were studied in atomic layer deposited HfO2 films using two types of signals: a pure ac voltage of large magnitude (ac nonlinearities) and a small ac voltage superimposed to a large dc voltage (dc nonlinearities). In theory, ac and dc nonlinearities should be of the same order of magnitude. However, in practice, ac nonlinearities are found to be an order of magnitude higher than dc nonlinearities. Besides capacitance nonlinearities, hopping conduction is studied using low-frequency impedance measurements and is discussed through the correlated barrier hopping model. The link between hopping and nonlinearity is established. The ac nonlinearities are ascribed to the polarization of isolated defect pairs, while dc nonlinearities are attributed to electrode polarization which originates from defect percolation paths. Both the ac and dc capacitance nonlinearities display an exponential variation with voltage, which results from field-induced lowering of the hopping barrier energy.
Uncertainty analysis for common Seebeck and electrical resistivity measurement systems
Authors: Mackey Jon , Dynys Frederick , Sehirlioglu Alp
Published: August 2014

This work establishes the level of uncertainty for electrical measurements commonly made on thermoelectric samples. The analysis targets measurement systems based on the four probe method. Sources of uncertainty for both electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient were identified and evaluated. Included are reasonable estimates on the magnitude of each source, and cumulative propagation of error. Uncertainty for the Seebeck coefficient includes the cold-finger effect which has been quantified with thermal finite element analysis. The cold-finger effect, which is a result of parasitic heat transfer down the thermocouple probes, leads to an asymmetric over-estimation of the Seebeck coefficient. A silicon germanium thermoelectric sample has been characterized to provide an understanding of the total measurement uncertainty. The electrical resistivity was determined to contain uncertainty of ±7.0% across any measurement temperature. The Seebeck coefficient of the system is +1.0%/−13.1% at high temperature and ±1.0% near room temperature. The power factor has a combined uncertainty of +7.3%/−27.0% at high temperature and ±7.5% near room temperature. These ranges are calculated to be typical values for a general four probe Seebeck and resistivity measurement configuration.
Time dependent wettability of graphite upon ambient exposure: The role of water adsorption
Authors: Amadei Carlo A. , Lai Chia-Yun , Heskes Daan , Chiesa Matteo
Published: August 2014

We report the temporal evolution of the wettability of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) exposed to environmental conditions. Macroscopic wettability is investigated by static and dynamic contact angles (SCA and DCA) obtaining values comparable to the ones presented in the literature. SCA increases from ∼68° to ∼90° during the first hour of exposure after cleaving, whereas DCA is characterized by longer-scale (24 h) time evolution. We interpret these results in light of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which indicates that the evolution of the HOPG wettability is due to adsorption of molecules from the surrounding atmosphere. This hypothesis is further confirmed by nanoscopic observations obtained by atomic force microscope (AFM)-based force spectroscopy, which monitor the evolution of surface properties with a spatial resolution superior to macroscopic experiments. Moreover, we observe that the results of macro- and nanoscale measurements evolve in similar fashion with time and we propose a quantitative correlation between SCA and AFM measurements. Our results suggest that the cause of the transition in the wettability of HOPG is due to the adsorption of hydrocarbon contaminations and water molecules from the environment. This is corroborated by annealing the HOPG is vacuum conditions at 150°, allowing the desorption of molecules on the surface, and thus re-establishing the initial macro and nano surface properties. Our findings can be used in the interpretation of the wettability of more complicated systems derived from HOPG (i.e., graphene).
Independence of the effective dielectric constant of an electrolytic solution on the ionic distribution in the linear Poisson-Nernst-Planck model
Authors: Alexe-Ionescu A. L. , Barbero G. , Lelidis I.
Published: August 2014

We consider the influence of the spatial dependence of the ions distribution on the effective dielectric constant of an electrolytic solution. We show that in the linear version of the Poisson-Nernst-Planck model, the effective dielectric constant of the solution has to be considered independent of any ionic distribution induced by the external field. This result follows from the fact that, in the linear approximation of the Poisson-Nernst-Planck model, the redistribution of the ions in the solvent due to the external field gives rise to a variation of the dielectric constant that is of the first order in the effective potential, and therefore it has to be neglected in the Poisson's equation that relates the actual electric potential across the electrolytic cell to the bulk density of ions. The analysis is performed in the case where the electrodes are perfectly blocking and the adsorption at the electrodes is negligible, and in the absence of any ion dissociation-recombination effect.
Optical phonon behavior of columbite MgNb2O6 single crystals
Authors: Xu Dapeng , Liu Wenqiang , Zhou Qiang , Cui Tian , Yuan Hongming , Wang Wenquan , Liu Ying , Shi Zhan , Li Liang
Published: August 2014

To explore potential applications, MgNb2O6 single crystal grown previously by optical floating zone method was used as a prototype for optical phonon behavior investigation. Polarized Raman spectra obtained in adequate parallel and crossed polarization were presented. All the obtained Raman modes were identified for the MgNb2O6, in good agreement with previous theory analysis. The selection rules of Raman for the columbite group were validated. Additionally, in-site temperature-dependent Raman spectra of MgNb2O6 were also investigated in the range from 83 to 803 K. The strong four Ag phonon modes all exhibits red shift with the temperature increasing. But thermal expansion of spectra is sectional linear with inflection points at about 373 K. And the absolute value of dω/dT at high temperature is higher than the one at lower temperature.
Oxygen diffusion pathways in brownmillerite SrCoO2.5: Influence of structure and chemical potential
Authors: Mitra Chandrima , Meyer Tricia , Lee Ho Nyung , Reboredo Fernando A.
Published: August 2014

To design and discover new materials for next-generation energy materials such as solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), a fundamental understanding of their ionic properties and behaviors is essential. The potential applicability of a material for SOFCs is critically determined by the activation energy barrier of oxygen along various diffusion pathways. In this work, we investigate interstitial-oxygen (Oi) diffusion in brownmillerite oxide SrCoO2.5, employing a first-principles approach. Our calculations indicate highly anisotropic ionic diffusion pathways, which result from its anisotropic crystal structure. The one-dimensional-ordered oxygen vacancy channels are found to provide the easiest diffusion pathway with an activation energy barrier height of 0.62 eV. The directions perpendicular to the vacancy channels have higher energy barriers for Oint diffusion. In addition, we have studied migration barriers for oxygen vacancies that could be present as point defects within the material. This in turn could also facilitate the transport of oxygen. Interestingly, for oxygen vacancies, the lowest barrier height was found to occur within the octahedral layer with an energy of 0.82 eV. Our results imply that interstitial migration would be highly one-dimensional in nature. Oxygen vacancy transport, on the other hand, could preferentially occur in the two-dimensional octahedral plane.
Cross-sectional dopant profiling and depletion layer visualization of SiC power double diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor using super-higher-order nonlinear dielectric microscopy
Authors: Chinone N. , Nakamura T. , Cho Y.
Published: August 2014

The dopant distribution and depletion layer in a cross-section of a SiC double diffused MOSFET (DMOSFET) is visualized using super-higher-order scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SHO-SNDM), which is a form of scanning probe microscopy. Analysis of the data acquired by SHO-SNDM clarifies the dopant distribution in great detail, which is otherwise difficult to detect using conventional scanning capacitance microscopy or scanning microwave microscopy. Moreover, the newly developed SHO-SNDM method enables us to distinguish the n-type, p-type, and depletion layer regions very clearly, and they are found to be consistent with the general DMOSFET structure.
Half-metallic magnetism and the search for better spin valves
Authors: Everschor-Sitte Karin , Sitte Matthias , MacDonald Allan H.
Published: August 2014

We use a previously proposed theory for the temperature dependence of tunneling magnetoresistance to shed light on ongoing efforts to optimize spin valves. First, we show that a mechanism in which spin valve performance at finite temperatures is limited by uncorrelated thermal fluctuations of magnetization orientations on opposite sides of a tunnel junction is in good agreement with recent studies of the temperature-dependent magnetoresistance of high quality tunnel junctions with MgO barriers. Using this insight, we propose a simple formula which captures the advantages for spin-valve optimization of using materials with a high spin polarization of Fermi-level tunneling electrons, and of using materials with high ferromagnetic transition temperatures. We conclude that half-metallic ferromagnets can yield better spin-value performance than current elemental transition metal ferromagnet/MgO systems only if their ferromagnetic transition temperatures exceed ∼950 K.
Effects of graphene oxide concentration on optical properties of ZnO/RGO nanocomposites and their application to photocurrent generation
Authors: Azarang Majid , Shuhaimi Ahmad , Yousefi Ramin , Sookhakian M.
Published: August 2014

The effects of different concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) on the structure and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated. The nanocomposites were synthesized via the sol-gel method in a gelatin medium. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the GO sheets were reduced and changed to reduced GO (RGO) during the calcination of the nanocomposites at 400 °C. In addition, the XRD patterns of the NPs indicated a hexagonal (wurtzite) structure for all the products. Microscopic studies showed that the NPs were decorated and dispersed on the RGO sheets very well. However, these studies revealed that the RGO concentration had an effect on the crystal growth process for the ZnO NPs. Furthermore, these studies showed that the NPs could be grown with a single crystal quality in an optimum RGO concentration. According to the XRD results that were obtained from pure ZnO NPs, the calcinations temperature was decreased by the RGO. UV–vis and room temperature photoluminescence studies showed that the optical properties of the ZnO/RGO nanocomposite were affected by the RGO concentration. Finally, the obtained ZnO/RGO nanocomposite was used to generate a photocurrent. Observations showed that the photocurrent intensity of the nanocomposite was significantly increased by increasing the RGO, with an optimum RGO concentration.
Excitation temperature of a solution plasma during nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Saito Genki , Nakasugi Yuki , Akiyama Tomohiro
Published: August 2014

Excitation temperature of a solution plasma was investigated by spectroscopic measurements to control the nanoparticle synthesis. In the experiments, the effects of edge shielding, applied voltage, and electrode material on the plasma were investigated. When the edge of the Ni electrode wire was shielded by a quartz glass tube, the plasma was uniformly generated together with metallic Ni nanoparticles. The emission spectrum of this electrode contained OH, Hα, Hβ, Na, O, and Ni lines. Without an edge-shielded electrode, the continuous infrared radiation emitted at the edge created a high temperature on the electrode surface, producing oxidized coarse particles as a result. The excitation temperature was estimated from the Boltzmann plot. When the voltages were varied at the edge-shielded electrode with low average surface temperature by using different electrolyte concentrations, the excitation temperature of current-concentration spots increased with an increase in the voltage. The size of the Ni nanoparticles decreased at high excitation temperatures. Although the formation of nanoparticles via melting and solidification of the electrode surface has been considered in the past, vaporization of the electrode surface could occur at a high excitation temperature to produce small particles. Moreover, we studied the effects of electrodes of Ti, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Pd, Ag, W, Pt, Au, and various alloys of stainless steel and Cu–Ni alloys. With the exception of Ti, the excitation temperatures ranged from 3500 to 5500 K and the particle size depended on both the excitation temperature and electrode-material properties.