Fundamental Groups of Graphs of Cyclic Subgroup Separable and Weakly Potent Groups

We give a characterization of the cyclic subgroup separability and weak potency of the fundamental group of a graph of polycyclic-by-finite groups and free-by-finite groups amalgamating edge subgroups of the form × D,where h has infinite order and D is finite.     

Nonlinear elastic constitutive relations of residually stressed composites with stiff curved fibres

Applied Mathematics and Mechanics - Mechanical models of residually stressed fibre-reinforced solids, which do not resist bending, have been developed in the literature. However, in some residually...     

Periodic oscillation of quantum diffusion in coupled one-dimensional systems

We analytically show that quantum diffusion in the coupled system composed of two identical chains exhibits a well-defined periodic oscillation in both transverse and longitudinal directions with a frequency determined by the interchain hopping strength, no matter whether the chains are periodic or non-periodic. We illustrate the result through numerical work on the coupled periodic chains and the quasiperiodic Aubry-Andre-Harper(AAH) chains with various modulations of onsite potentials supporting extended, critical, and localized states. We further numerically show that quantum diffusion in the coupled chains of different degrees of disorder W exhibits an exponential decay oscillation similar to the behavior of an underdamped harmonic oscillator, with a decay time inversely proportional to the square of W and a slight frequency change proportional to the square of W. Moreover, quantum diffusions in the coupled systems composed of two different chains are numerically studied, including periodic/disordered chains, periodic/AAH chains, and two different AAH chains, which exhibit the same behavior of underdamped periodic oscillation if the onsite potential difference between two chains is smaller than the interchain hoping strength.Existence of this universal periodic oscillation is a result of spectral splitting of the iso-spectra of two chains determined by interchain hopping, independent of system size, boundary condition, and intrachain onsite potentials. Because the oscillation frequency and spreading distance of wavepacket can be tuned separately by interchain hopping and intrachain potentials, the periodic oscillation of quantum diffusion in coupled chains is expected to find applications in control of quantum states and in designing nanoscale quantum devices.     

Copper-catalyzed diversified annulations between α-diketones and alkynyl α-diketones

Copper-catalyzed divergent annulations between α-diketones and alkynyl α-diketones have been achieved, delivering a series of highly functionalized and biologically important cis-hexahydro-2Hcyclopenta[b]furan(HCPF) and 2-hydroxydihydrofuran-3(2H)-one(HDFO) products with high levels of stereoselectivity under identical conditions. The protocol features the use of earth-abundant copper catalyst, mild conditions, shortening synthetic routes in constructing different molecular frameworks, and reduc...     

Reduced formation of peroxide and radical species stabilises iron-based hybrid catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

The incorporation of Pt into an iron-nitrogen-carbon(Fe NC)catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)was recently shown to enhance catalyst stability without Pt directly contributing to the ORR activity.However,the mechanistic origin of this stabilisation remained obscure.It is established herein with rotating ring disc experiments that the side product,H₂O₂,which is known to damage FeNC catalysts,is suppressed by the presence of Pt.The formation of reactive oxygen species is additionally inhibited,independent of intrinsic H₂O₂ formation,as determined by electron paramagnetic resonance.Transmission electron microscopy identifies an oxidised Fe-rich layer covering the Pt particles,thus explaining the inactivity of the latter towards the ORR.These insights develop understanding of Fe NC degradation mechanisms during ORR catalysis,and crucially establish the required properties of a precious metal free protective catalyst to improve Fe NC stability in acidic media.     

Two-dimensional coordination polymer-based nanosensor for sensitive and reliable nucleic acids detection in living cells

A reliable and sensitive strategy which can assess nucleic acid levels in living cells would be essential for fundamental research of biomedical applications. Some nanomaterial-based fluorescence biosensors recently developed for detecting nucleic acids, however, are often with expensive, complicated and timeconsuming preparation process. Here, by using a facile bottom-up synthesis method, a two-dimensional(2 D) coordination polymer(CP) nanosheet, [Cu(tz)](Htz = 1,2,4-triazole), was successfully...     

Simultaneous enhancement of strength and ductility in friction stir processed 2205 duplex stainless steel with a bimodal structure:experiments and crystal plasticity modeling

Achieving excellent strength-ductility synergy is a long-lasting research theme for structural materials.However,attempts to enhance strength usually induce a loss of ductility,i.e.,the strength-ductility trade-off.In the present study,the strength-ductility trade-off in duplex stainless steel(DSS)was overcome by developing a bimodal structure using friction stir processing(FSP).The ultimate tensile strength and elongation were improved by 140%and 109%,respectively,compared with those of the asreceived materials.Plastic deformation and concurrent dynamic recrystallization(DRX)during FSP were responsible for the formation of bimodal structure.Incompatible deformation resulted in the accumulation of dislocations at the phase boundaries,which triggered interpenetrating nucleation between the austenite and ferrite phases during DRX,leading to a bimodal structure.The in situ mechanical responses of the bimodal structure during tensile deformation were investigated by crystal plasticity finite element modeling(CPFEM).The stress field distribution obtained from CPFEM revealed that the simultaneous enhancement of strength and ductility in a bimodal structure could be attributed to the formation of a unique dispersion-strengthened system with the austenite and ferrite phases.It is indicated that the present design of alternating fine austenite and coarse ferrite layers is a promising strategy for optimizing the mechanical properties of DSSs.     

Skyrmion transport driven by pure voltage generated strain gradient

The magnetic skyrmion transport driven by pure voltage-induced strain gradient is proposed and studied via micromagnetic simulation. Through combining the skyrmion with multiferroic heterojunction, a voltage-induced uniaxial strain gradient is adjusted to move skyrmions. In the system, a pair of short-circuited trapezoidal top electrodes can generate the symmetric strain. Due to the symmetry of strain, the magnetic skyrmion can be driven with a linear motion in the middle of the nanostrip without deviation. We calculate the strain distribution generated by the trapezoidal top electrodes pair, and further investigate the influence of the strain intensity as well as the strain gradient on the skyrmion velocity. Our findings provide a stable and low-energy regulation method for skyrmion transport.     

Valence Quark Ratio in the Proton

Beginning with precise data on the ratio of structure functions in deep inelastic scattering（DIS） from ³ He and ³ H, collected on the domain 0.19 ≤ xB≤ 0.83, where xBis the Bjorken scaling variable, we employ a robust method for extrapolating such data to arrive at a model-independent result for the xB= 1 value of the ratio of neutron and proton structure functions. Combining this with information obtained in analyses of DIS from nuclei, corrected for target-structure depen...     

The emerging applications of pillararene architectures in supramolecular catalysis

Over the last decade, numerous research efforts have been devoted to pillar[n]arenes since their debut.The popularity of pillararenes is a reflection of current research trend in supramolecular and macrocyclic chemistry in general. Among the vast applications(such as chemosensors, drug delivery, transmembrance channels, and separation) of pillararenes, their utilization in catalysis is a relatively less explored area.However, soaring attention has been paid by researchers in recent years and thi...