Radioprotectors from pyrodextrins

Cornstarch heated in the range of 230–280°C depolymerized into pyrodextrins characterized by two-component EPR signals of relatively stable free radicals. These thermally generated radicals could serve as efficient scavengers for free radicals generated from pyrodextrins with the 200 Gy dose of γ-radiation. The most efficient traps/scavengers were produced from cornstarch at 250–280°C. IR data indicated incorporation of the OH groups to the pyrodextrins. These groups most probably originated from the OH· radicals formed by the radiolysis of water. EPR spectra provided evidence for trapping free radicals generated by γ-irradiation and for their subsequent annihilation on contact with pyrodextrins. Water affected radical processes occurring in pyrodextrins caused by γ-irradiation.     

Temporal and spatial distribution of tropospheric CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> over China based on satellite observations

Mid-troposphere CO₂ data retrieved by the AIRS (atmospheric infrared sounder) were validated with five ground-based stations and aircraft measurements in the Northern Hemisphere. AIRS CO₂ products show good agreement with ground and aircraft observations. The data had a monthly average accuracy better than 3 ppmv. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution of mid-troposphere CO₂ from January 2003 to December 2008 was analyzed based on this satellite product. The average concentration of atmospheric CO₂ was higher in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere. The yearly average results show a gradual increase from 2003 to 2008. In China, the annual growth rate was about 2 ppmv/a, similar to the United States, Europe, Australia and India, but was slightly lower than Canada and Russia. Mid-troposphere CO₂ concentrations were higher over northern China than over southern areas, due to differences in natural conditions and industrial layout. There were four centers of high CO₂ concentration between 35° and 45°N over China, with low concentrations over Yunnan Province. There was a significant seasonal CO₂ variation with peak concentration in spring and the lowest concentration in autumn.     

Synthesis and photo-responsive behaviors of hollow polyazobenzene micro-spheres

By means of distillation precipitation polymerization, the silica-hybrid particles with polyazobenzene shell (PAzo@SiO₂) micro-spheres were prepared with 6-(4-methoxy-4′-oxy-azobenzene) hexyl methacrylate (Azo-M) as monomer, divinylbenzene (DVB) as cross-linker, and ~250 nm vinylated sol-gel silica particles as template. Hollow polyazobenzene microspheres were further developed after selective removal of the silica cores with HF solution. When the content of DVB related to Azo-M is 20 wt%, the acetonitrile is 200 mL, and the polymerization time is 4.5 h, the hollow PAzo microspheres with about 20 nm shell are successfully fabricated. These hollow PAzo microspheres have excellent reversible photoisomerization, and their first-order rate constant of trans-cis isomerization only decreases 11.8% compared with homopolymer of azobenzene (Homo-PAzo).     

Language clusters based on linguistic complex networks

To investigate the feasibility of using complex networks in the study of linguistic typology, this paper builds and explores 15 lin-guistic complex networks based on the dependency syntactic treebanks of 15 languages. The results show that it is possible to classify human languages by means of the following main parameters of complex networks: (a) average degree of the node, (b) cluster coefficients, (c) average path length, (d) network centralization, (e) diameter, (f) power exponent of degree distribution, and (g) the determination coefficient of power law distributions. The precision of this method is similar to the results achieved by means of modern word order typology. This paper tries to solve two problems of current linguistic typology. First, the language sample of a typological study is not real text; second, typological studies pay too much attention to local language structures in the course of choosing typological parameters. This study performs better in global typological features of language and not only enhances typological methods, but it is also valuable for developing the applications of complex networks in the humanities, social, and life sciences.     

Solidification microstructure and phase constitution of Fe-7.5%Mo-16.5%Si ternary quasiperitectic alloy

Solidification of Fe-7.5%Mo-16.5%Si ternary quasiperitectic alloy is investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and drop tube containerless processing techniques.The primary phase is identified as R (Fe5Mo3Si2) and the quasiperitectic phases are τ1 (Fe5MoSi4) and Fe3Si.With the decrease of droplet diameter, the cooling rate and undercooling of the droplets in-crease rapidly.The experiment result indicates that the solidification microstructure is composed of remnant primary phase, qua-sip...     

Hydrothermal synthesis and photoluminescence behavior of CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanowires with the aid of surfactant PVP

Well-crystalline CeO₂ nanowires were prepared via a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal process. Reaction temperature and reaction time were changed for the determination of optimal synthesis parameters. The as-obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that single crystal CeO₂ nanowires with high yield and good uniformity can be obtained hydrothermally at 180°C for 12 h with the aid of 2.0 g surfactant (polyvinyl pyrrolidone, PVP). The role of PVP was then discussed and a possible growth mechanism was proposed. Moreover, room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra were obtained for these CeO₂ nanowires, which are believed to be related to the abundant defects in these nanostructures.     

Phase field simulation of the 180° domain-switching process in PbTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> single crystal under an antiparallel electric field

The process of 180° domain switching in PbTiO₃ single crystal under an antiparallel electric field was investigated by the three-dimensional phase field simulation, especially the effect of electric field on the type and duration of domain switching. It is found that the polarization reversal of domains takes place under an antiparallel electric field in PbTiO₃ single crystal. The results of the phase field simulation indicate that there is only 90° domain switching under a weak electric field. With the rise of the electric field, 180° domain switching appears. If the electric field is strengthened further, 90° domain switching disappears and the duration of domain switching is shortened.     

Preparation and performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO-modified TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> electrodes

The ZnO-modified TiO₂ electrode was prepared by adding Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O to the TiO₂ colloid during the sol-gel production process, and was used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The open circuit voltage (V _OC) and fill factor (ff) of the cells were improved significantly. The performances of the ZnO-modified TiO₂ electrode such as dark current, transient photocurrent, impedance, absorption spectra, and flat band potential (V _fb) were investigated. It is found that the interface charge recombination impedance increases and V _fb shifts about 200 mV toward the cathodic potential. The effect mechanism of ZnO modification on the performance of DSCs may be that ZnO occupies the surface states of the TiO₂ film.     

Electrodeposition and characterization of thermoelectric Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Se<Subscript>3</Subscript> thin films

Bi₂Se₃ thin films were electrochemically deposited on Ti and indium tin oxide-coated glass substrates, respectively, at room temperature, using Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O and SeO₂ as starting materials in diluted HNO₃ solution. A conventional three-electrode cell was used with a platinum sheet as a counter electrode, and a saturated calomel electrode was used as a reference electrode. The films were annealed in argon atmosphere. The influence of cold isostatic pressing before annealing on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of the films was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the film grown on the indium tin oxide-coated glass substrate is pure rhombohedral Bi₂Se₃, and the film grown on the Ti substrate consists of both rhombohedral and orthorhombic Bi₂Se₃.     

Effect of intermittent aeration on the treatment performance in a submerged membrane bioreactor

In order to improve removal for nitrogen in a pilot-scale submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR), intermittent aeration was conducted, and the effect on the treatment performance under four kinds of operation condition (run 1, continuous aeration; run 2, 60/60 min aeration on/off time; run 3, 60/90 min aeration on/off time; run 4, 60/75 min aeration on/off time) was evaluated. The results showed that depending on the specific on/off of the aeration time ratio, removal efficiency of nitrogen could be improved significantly, and the removal rates of total nitrogen (TN) under different operation conditions were 28.0%, 59.5%, 66.8% and 70.7%, respectively. There were no obvious differences for removal rates for COD_Cr and ammonia among different operation conditions. In general, intermittent aeration could be used as a feasible way to improve treatment performance for nitrogen in the SMBR.