bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing interview and trade data in assessing changes in the seahorseHippocampusspp. trade following CITES listing
Authors: Lam Joy T.L. , Koldewey Heather J. , Yasué Maï , Vincent Amanda C.J.
Published: October 2014

Concerns regarding the sustainability of the seahorseHippocampusspp. trade led to their listing on CITES Appendix II in 2002, with implementation in 2004. In 2007 we interviewed wholesale traders of seahorses in Hong Kong, China, seeking indications of the effects of the CITES listing on the seahorse trade. We cross-validated traders’ perspectives with government trade statistics (1998–2007) from Hong Kong and Taiwan. We also compared these data with trade statistics for pipefish, which are related species with similar medicinal uses but are not CITES-listed. Both the interviews and government statistics indicated reduced volumes of seahorses traded through Hong Kong, changes in source countries, and price increases post-implementation. Traders suggested that these changes were largely a result of the CITES listing. However, data indicate that other factors such as shifts in domestic policies and local demand may also have affected the trade. By cross-validating the perspectives of local stakeholders with trade statistics in a wildlife trading hub we were able to explore hypotheses on the local and global impacts of CITES. Such approaches are especially important for CITES-listed species because often there is no single data source that is complete and wholly reliable.
Ajax' Ailment
Authors: Holt Philip
Published: October 2014

Disease, and talk of disease, provide some of the most potent expressions of Sophokles' symbolic imagination. The plague in Oidipous Tyrannos; the blindness of the ‘seer’ Teiresias in the same play; the later blindness of Oidipous in both the Oidipous plays; the fatal sickness of Herakles in the Trachiniai; the incurable wound of Philoktetes — all these sicknesses are used by the playwright to express some important truths about the characters who suffer from them and about these characters' relationships to the world around them. We may add to this catalogue the madness of the title character of the Ajax, for it is often called a nosos in the play, and it serves as one of the play's leading symbols. This paper will examine how that symbol works and what it means. In particular, it will argue that Ajax' delusion that cattle were Greek leaders corresponds to a more general delusion about the nature of the world; and that his recovery from the former delusion early in the play anticipates his recovery from the latter one, which is shown in the much-discussed third monologue (646-692). Sophokles uses the story of Ajax' madness and recovery to underline and develop a larger, more philosophical, story.
The Oppositional Theatre of McGrath and MacLennan in Scotland, 1989–96
Authors: Mackenney Linda
Published: October 2014

In this article, Linda Mackenney explores the four epic plays John McGrath wrote between 1989 and 1996 in the aftermath of his forced resignation from 7:84 Scotland in 1988. These were produced in association with David MacLennan of Wildcat Stage Productions and televised by McGrath's Freeway Films for Channel Four in the 1990s. McGrath died of leukaemia in 2002, and MacLennan died earlier this year after a battle with motor neurone disease; but the work they did together in the 1990s forms a significant part of their legacy. Linda Mackenney was introduced to McGrath's work as a student, when she attended the lectures at the University of Cambridge which were later published as his seminal critical work, A Good Night Out: Popular Theatre: Audience, Class, and Form. She carried out the research for 7:84 Scotland's Clydebuilt Season in 1982, was the creator of the Scottish Theatre Archive at Glasgow University Library, and is the author of The Activities of Popular Dramatists and Drama Groups in Scotland, 1900–1952 (Edwin Mellen Press, 2000). She was a member of the 7:84 Scotland Board of Directors between 1983 and 1988 and is currently completing a study of John McGrath's theatre writings.
On-site teaching with XRF and XRD: training the next generation of analytical X-ray professionals
Authors: Gore Damian B. , Taylor Mark P. , Pritchard R. Gary , Fryirs Kirstie A.
Published: October 2014

There is a growing need for environmental scientists, geoscientists, and analysts skilled in the use of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and X-ray diffractometry. The challenge for educators is how to inspire, teach, and make the next generation of professional X-ray users and analysts ready for employment. In this paper, we present vignettes from teaching applications of X-ray analytical techniques at three scaffolded levels, from senior high school students, undergraduate science students, to postgraduate researchers. At each of these levels the pedagogical complexity increases, from simple data use at high school, to observing how data are generated and being able to constrain analytical uncertainty at the undergraduate level, to generating high-quality data at the postgraduate level. In all cases, transportable equipment is used in on-site analytical programs to inform the experimental design, level of sampling required, and research outcomes.
Quantification of biophysical adaptation benefits from Climate-Smart Agriculture using a Bayesian Belief Network
Authors: de Nijs Patrick J. , Berry Nicholas J. , Wells Geoff J. , Reay Dave S.
Published: October 2014

The need for smallholder farmers to adapt their practices to a changing climate is well recognised, particularly in Africa. The cost of adapting to climate change in Africa is estimated to be $20 to $30 billion per year, but the total amount pledged to finance adaptation falls significantly short of this requirement. The difficulty of assessing and monitoring when adaptation is achieved is one of the key barriers to the disbursement of performance-based adaptation finance. To demonstrate the potential of Bayesian Belief Networks for describing the impacts of specific activities on climate change resilience, we developed a simple model that incorporates climate projections, local environmental data, information from peer-reviewed literature and expert opinion to account for the adaptation benefits derived from Climate-Smart Agriculture activities in Malawi. This novel approach allows assessment of vulnerability to climate change under different land use activities and can be used to identify appropriate adaptation strategies and to quantify biophysical adaptation benefits from activities that are implemented. We suggest that multiple-indicator Bayesian Belief Network approaches can provide insights into adaptation planning for a wide range of applications and, if further explored, could be part of a set of important catalysts for the expansion of adaptation finance.
Thiol-modified gold nanoparticles for the inhibition of Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Gifford Jennifer C. , Bresee Jamee , Carter Carly Jo , Wang Guankui , Melander Roberta J. , Melander Christian , Feldheim Daniel L.
Published: October 2014

We demonstrate that Small Molecule Variable Ligand Display expanded around feed ratio parameter space identified gold nanoparticle conjugates that are potent inhibitors of mycobacterium growth, addressing a lack of innovative approaches to treat infections caused by mycobacteria such as TB.
Construction of DNA logic gates utilizing a H+/Ag+ induced i-motif structure
Authors: Shi Yunhua , Sun Hongxia , Xiang Junfeng , Chen Hongbo , Yang Qianfan , Guan Aijiao , Li Qian , Yu Lijia , Tang Yalin
Published: October 2014

Logic gates based on an i-motif structure, which was induced by H+/Ag+ and recognized by a cyanine dye, have been designed.
Control of absorption properties of tetraazaporphyrin group 15 complexes by modification of their axial ligands
Authors: Furuyama Taniyuki , Asai Mitsuo , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: October 2014

The first example of “stimuli-responsive” tetraazaporphyrin (TAP) group 15 complexes has been prepared. Optical properties of TAPs can be switched across the entire UV-vis region.
Stacking disorder in ice I
Authors: Malkin Tamsin L. , Murray Benjamin J. , Salzmann Christoph G. , Molinero Valeria , Pickering Steven J. , Whale Thomas F.
Published: October 2014

Stacking disorder is much more common in ice I than is often assumed.
Hydrogen storage in platinum decorated hydrogen exfoliated graphene sheets by spillover mechanism
Authors: P. Divya , Ramaprabhu S.
Published: October 2014

Hydrogen uptake capacities of platinum decorated hydrogen exfoliated graphene sheets and spillover mechanism are discussed.
Custom designed nanocrystalline Li2MSiO4/reduced graphene oxide (M = Fe, Mn) formulations as high capacity cathodes for rechargeable lithium batteries
Authors: Bhuvaneswari D. , Kalaiselvi N.
Published: October 2014

Nanocrystalline Li2MSiO4 (M = Fe, Mn) particles embedded between rGO sheets exhibit a capacity of 149 mAh g−1 with 89% capacity retention and 210 mAh g−1 with 87% retention respectively by Li2FeSiO4/rGO and Li2MnSiO4/rGO.
Relaxation dynamics of a quantum emitter resonantly coupled to a coherent state of a localized surface plasmon
Authors: Nerkararyan Khachatur V. , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: October 2014

We investigate the relaxation dynamics of a quantum dipole emitter (QDE),e.g., a molecule or quantum dot, located near a metal nanoparticle (MNP) exhibiting a dipolar localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance at the frequency of the QDE radiative transition. A generic three-level QDE, which is pumped with an external laser pulse and thereby brought into an optically active excited state, is considered to be weakly coupled to the resonant LSP described by a coherent state. It is shown that, under the condition of the QDE–MNP characteristic relaxation time being much shorter than that of the QDE in free space but much longer than the LSP lifetime, the QDE relaxation dynamics can be described analytically and feature, in general, non-exponential decay with complicated transient behaviour. The main physical consequence of this relaxation process is that the emission, being largely determined by the MNP, comes out with a substantial delay. It is also shown that energy dissipation in the QDE–MNP system is relatively weak with the probability of the photon emission being ∼0.75, a number which, rather surprisingly, does not explicitly depend on the metal absorption characteristics. A large number of QDE–MNP system parameters in our analytical description open new possibilities for controlling quantum emitter dynamics.
Ultrafast dynamics of nanoplasmonic stopped-light lasing
Authors: Wuestner Sebastian , Pickering Tim , Hamm Joachim M. , Page A. Freddie , Pusch Andreas , Hess Ortwin
Published: October 2014

We study the spatio-temporal dynamics of coherent amplification and lasing in planar gain-enhanced nanoplasmonic structures and show that a singularity in the density of optical states leads to a stopped-light feedback mechanism that allows for cavity-free photonic and surface-plasmon polariton nanolasing. We reveal that in the absence of cavity-induced feedback a phase-locked superposition of a quasi dispersion-free waveguide mode promotes the dynamic formation of a subwavelength lasing mode. Simulations on the basis of a full-time domain Maxwell–Bloch Langevin approach uncover a high spontaneous emission factorβ≈ 0.9 and demonstrate that the stopped-light lasing/spasing mechanism is remarkably robust against interface roughness. Stopped-light surface-plasmon polariton lasing is shown to be stable for gain sections of a width of down to 200 nm but in wider gain structures of the order of 1 μm the dynamics is characterised by spatio-temporally oscillating lasing surface-plasmon polaritons with typical temporal and spatial periods of smaller than 5 fs and smaller than 100 nm. Stopped-light lasing thus provides opportunities for ultrafast nanolasing and the realization of ultra-thin lasing surfaces and offers a new route to ultrafast spasing and cavity-free active quantum plasmonics.
Studies of N9-arenthenyl purines as novel DFG-in and DFG-out dual Src/Abl inhibitors using 3D-QSAR, docking and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Ma Shaojie , Zeng Guohua , Fang Danqing , Wang Juping , Wu Wenjuan , Xie Wenguo , Tan Shepei , Zheng Kangcheng
Published: October 2014

Recently, the development of Src/Abl (c-Src/Bcr–Abl tyrosine kinases) dual inhibitors has attracted considerable attention from the research community for the treatment of malignancies.
Targeting DNA with small molecules: a comparative study of a library of azonia aromatic chromophores
Authors: Suárez Rosa M. , Bosch Pedro , Sucunza David , Cuadro Ana M. , Domingo Alberto , Mendicuti Francisco , Vaquero Juan J.
Published: October 2014

The fluorescence, DNA binding and DNA sequence selectivity properties of a library of azonia aromatic cations have been studied.
Preparation of cycloheptane ring by nucleophilic cyclopropanation of 1,2-diketones with bis(iodozincio)methane
Authors: Haraguchi Ryosuke , Takada Yoshiaki , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: October 2014

The nucleophlic cyclopropanation of hexa-1,5-diene-3,4-diones with bis(iodozincio)methane afforded the Zn alkoxides of cyclohepta-2,7-diene-1,2-diols stereospecifically via Zn alkoxides of cis-dialkenylcyclopropane-1,2-diols.
Direct ring-opening of lactide with amines: application to the organo-catalyzed preparation of amide end-capped PLA and to the removal of residual lactide from PLA samples
Authors: Alba Aurélie , du Boullay Olivier Thillaye , Martin-Vaca Blanca , Bourissou Didier
Published: October 2014

Spontaneous ring-opening of lactide by primary and secondary amines has been applied to the preparation of well-defined amide end-capped PLA and to the removal of unreacted lactide from PLA samples.
Net CO2 emissions from global photovoltaic development
Authors: Kawajiri Kotaro , Gutowski Timothy G. , Gershwin Stanley B.
Published: October 2014

The net CO2 emissions by PV deployment in the world were estimated in the past and future.
Electrospun barium titanate/cobalt ferrite composite fibers with improved magnetoelectric performance
Authors: Baji Avinash , Mai Yiu-Wing , Yimnirun Rattikorn , Unruan Sujitra
Published: October 2014

In this study, we use a versatile sol–gel based electrospinning technique to fabricate nanostructured barium titanate (BaTiO3)/cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) composite fibers and analyze their magnetoelectric response.
Fe-promoted oxidative cyclization of α-benzoylthioformanilides for the synthesis of 2-benzoylbenzothiazoles
Authors: Feng Xian , Wang Qian , Huang Zhi-Bin , Shi Da-Qing
Published: October 2014

This protocol has the advantages of short reaction times, moderate to good yields, convenient manipulation, and high selectivities.
The effect of growth oxygen pressure on the metal–insulator transition of ultrathin Sm0.6Nd0.4NiO3−δepitaxial films
Authors: Huang Haoliang , Luo Zhenlin , Yang Yuanjun , Yang Mengmeng , Wang Haibo , Pan Guoqiang , Lu Yalin , Gao Chen
Published: October 2014

Ultrathin Sm0.6Nd0.4NiO3−δepitaxial films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) onto LaAlO3(LAO) single crystal substrates. TheTMIof the SNNO films remarkably decreases with the decrease of the growth oxygen pressure, while the strain state varied slightly.
Self-assembled monolayers of terminal acetylenes as replacements for thiols in bottom-up tunneling junctions
Authors: Fracasso Davide , Kumar Sumit , Rudolf Petra , Chiechi Ryan C.
Published: October 2014

Why use thiols in Molecular Electronics?
Pretreated multiwalled carbon nanotube adsorbents with amine-grafting for removal of carbon dioxide in confined spaces
Authors: Yang Bin , Hu Huirong , Yu Qingni , Zhang Xingwang , Li Zhongjian , Lei Lecheng
Published: October 2014

Three different methods, including thermal treatment, treatment with HNO3 and O2 oxidation, were used to pretreat multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) before grafting with N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPS).
Electrochemical and Raman spectroscopy identification of morphological and phase transformations in nanostructured TiO2(B)
Authors: Dylla Anthony G. , Stevenson Keith J.
Published: October 2014

A systematic transformation of 2-D TiO2(B) nanosheets into 3-D nanoparticles is studied using Raman and cyclic voltammetry to characterize changes in lithiation mechanism.
High colour rendering index and colour stable hybrid white efficient OLEDs with a double emitting layer structure using a single phosphorescence dopant of heteroleptic platinum complexes
Authors: Poloek Anurach , Lin Chiao-Wen , Chen Chin-Ti , Chen Chao-Tsen
Published: October 2014

Voltage independent CIE and superb CRI of hybrid white OLEDs based on a platinum complex single dopant.
Role of the prostaglandin E2/E-prostanoid 2 receptor signalling pathway in TGFβ-induced mice mesangial cell damage
Authors: Li Na-Na , Xu Yu-Yin , Chen Xiao-Lan , Fan Ya-Ping , Wu Jian-Hua
Published: October 2014

The prostaglandin E2 receptor, EP2 (E-prostanoid 2), plays an important role in mice glomerular MCs (mesangial cells) damage induced by TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor-β1); however, the molecular mechanisms for this remain unknown. The present study examined the role of the EP2 signalling pathway in TGFβ1-induced MCs proliferation, ECM (extracellular matrix) accumulation and expression of PGES (prostaglandin E2 synthase). We generated primary mice MCs. Results showed MCs proliferation promoted by TGFβ1 were increased; however, the production of cAMP and PGE2 (prostaglandin E2) was decreased. EP2 deficiency in these MCs augmented FN (fibronectin), Col I (collagen type I), COX2 (cyclooxygenase-2), mPGES-1 (membrane-associated prostaglandin E1), CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) and CyclinD1 expression stimulated by TGFβ1. Silencing of EP2 also strengthened TGFβ1-induced p38MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and CREB1 (cAMP responsive element-binding protein 1) phosphorylation. In contrast, Adenovirus-mediated EP2 overexpression reversed the effects of EP2-siRNA (small interfering RNA). Collectively, the investigation indicates that EP2 may block p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and CREB1 phosphorylation via activation of cAMP production and stimulation of PGE2 through EP2 receptors which prevent TGFβ1-induced MCs damage. Our findings also suggest that pharmacological targeting of EP2 receptors may provide new inroads to antagonize the damage induced by TGFβ1.
Increasing synthesis yield of K‐doped tungsten oxide nanowire using stirred hydrothermal reactor and its near‐infrared reflectance property
Authors: Suwan Mantana , Supothina Sitthisuntorn
Published: October 2014

One‐dimensional nanostructured oxides are typically synthesised by the hydrothermal method in a small pressurised reactor under static conditions that usually results in a low synthesis yield. In this reported work, K‐doped tungsten oxide (K2W4O13) nanowires were synthesised under stirred hydrothermal treatment of hydrous K2W4O13 precursor in the presence of K2SO4 employed as the shape‐directing agent to promote the formation of nanowires. Under static conditions (0 rpm), only 24.6% yield was obtained. The yield was significantly increased with the increase of stirring speed. The yield of 90.3%, almost four times the static condition, was obtained when synthesised under continuous stirring at 500 rpm. The samples synthesised from both the conditions have the same crystal structure, which is K2W4O13. However, the difference in particle morphology was observed; the average diameter of 11.4 ± 0.3 nm and the length up to several hundred micrometres were obtained from the stirred condition, while more irregularities of the nanowires (average diameter of 7.1 ± 1.1 nm and very diverse length) were obtained under static conditions. The more uniformity observed under stirred hydrothermal conditions is attributed to the more uniform crystallisation process attained under the stirring condition. A high near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance of 91.3% suggests its NIR shielding ability.
Modelling non-adiabatic effects in ${\rm H}_3^+$H3+: Solution of the rovibrational Schrödinger equation with motion-dependent masses and mass surfaces
Authors: Mátyus Edit , Szidarovszky Tamás , Császár Attila G.
Published: October 2014

Introducing different rotational and vibrational masses in the nuclear-motion Hamiltonian is a simple phenomenological way to model rovibrational non-adiabaticity. It is shown on the example of the molecular ion ${\rm H}_3^+$H3+, for which a global adiabatic potential energy surface accurate to better than 0.1 cm−1 exists [M. Pavanello, L. Adamowicz, A. Alijah, N. F. Zobov, I. I. Mizus, O. L. Polyansky, J. Tennyson, T. Szidarovszky, A. G. Császár, M. Berg et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 023002 (2012)], that the motion-dependent mass concept yields much more accurate rovibrational energy levels but, unusually, the results are dependent upon the choice of the embedding of the molecule-fixed frame. Correct degeneracies and an improved agreement with experimental data are obtained if an Eckart embedding corresponding to a reference structure of D3h point-group symmetry is employed. The vibrational mass of the proton in ${\rm H}_3^+$H3+ is optimized by minimizing the root-mean-square (rms) deviation between the computed and recent high-accuracy experimental transitions. The best vibrational mass obtained is larger than the nuclear mass of the proton by approximately one third of an electron mass, $m^\mathrm{(v)}_\mathrm{opt,p}=m_\mathrm{nuc,p}+0.31224\ m_\mathrm{e}$m opt ,p(v)=m nuc ,p+0.31224me. This optimized vibrational mass, along with a nuclear rotational mass, reduces the rms deviation of the experimental and computed rovibrational transitions by an order of magnitude. Finally, it is shown that an extension of the algorithm allowing the use of motion-dependent masses can deal with coordinate-dependent mass surfaces in the rovibrational Hamiltonian, as well.
High-speed atomic force microscope based on an astigmatic detection system
Authors: Liao H.-S. , Chen Y.-H. , Ding R.-F. , Huang H.-F. , Wang W.-M. , Hwu E.-T. , Huang K.-Y. , Chang C.-S. , Hwang I.-S.
Published: October 2014

High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) enables visualizing dynamic behaviors of biological molecules under physiological conditions at a temporal resolution of 1s or shorter. A small cantilever with a high resonance frequency is crucial in increasing the scan speed. However, detecting mechanical resonances of small cantilevers is technically challenging. In this study, we constructed an atomic force microscope using a digital versatile disc (DVD) pickup head to detect cantilever deflections. In addition, a flexure-guided scanner and a sinusoidal scan method were implemented. In this work, we imaged a grating sample in air by using a regular cantilever and a small cantilever with a resonance frequency of 5.5 MHz. Poor tracking was seen at the scan rate of 50 line/s when a cantilever for regular AFM imaging was used. Using a small cantilever at the scan rate of 100 line/s revealed no significant degradation in the topographic images. The results indicate that a smaller cantilever can achieve a higher scan rate and superior force sensitivity. This work shows the potential for using a DVD pickup head in future HS-AFM technology.
A combined resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization and ab initio study of the first absorption band of 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene, pentafluorobenzene, and hexafluorobenzene
Authors: Ridley Trevor , Rogers David M. , Lawley Kenneth P.
Published: October 2014

The resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectra of jet-cooled penta- and hexafluorobenzene when excited in the region λex = 265–253 nm of the first absorption band and observed only in the CF+ mass channel is dominated by rotational structure in the A←X transition of CF. However, structure in the CF+ channel for λex > 265 nm is not a continuation of this CF spectrum and is assigned to vibrational activity in two low-frequency modes of a distorted excited state of the parent molecule. The vibrational structure is assigned to the lowest ππ* state from a comparison with the equivalent spectrum of 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene. Ab initio calculations at the CIS level of theory of the ππ* state of the penta- and hexafluorobenzene reveal a much more distorted equilibrium geometry (C1 symmetry) than that of 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene. Long progressions observed in the λex > 265 nm REMPI spectra of C6HF5 and C6F6 are assigned to two very low frequency (∼30 and 80 cm−1) modes. The role of the close-lying ππ* and πσ* states in determining the energy redistribution of the initially excited state by internal conversion is discussed. Both the fluorescent yield and the direct production of CF(X) are associated with transfer to the lower-lying πσ* state.
The temperature dependence of vibronic lineshapes: Linear electron-phonon coupling
Authors: Roos Claudia , Köhn Andreas , Gauss Jürgen , Diezemann Gregor
Published: October 2014

We calculate the effect of a linear electron-phonon coupling on vibronic transitions of dye molecules of arbitrary complexity. With the assumption of known vibronic frequencies (for instance from quantum-chemical calculations), we give expressions for the absorption or emission lineshapes in a second-order cumulant expansion. We show that the results coincide with those obtained from generalized Redfield theory if one uses the time-local version of the theory and applies the secular approximation. Furthermore, the theory allows to go beyond the Huang-Rhys approximation and can be used to incorporate Dushinsky effects in the treatment of the temperature dependence of optical spectra. We consider both, a pure electron-phonon coupling independent of the molecular vibrations and a coupling bilinear in the molecular vibrational modes and the phonon coordinates. We discuss the behavior of the vibronic density of states for various models for the spectral density representing the coupling of the vibronic system to the harmonic bath. We recover some of the results that have been derived earlier for the spin-boson model and we show that the behavior of the spectral density at low frequencies determines the dominant features of the spectra. In case of the bilinear coupling between the molecular vibrations and the phonons we give analytical expressions for different spectral densities. The spectra are reminiscent of those obtained from the well known Brownian oscillator model and one finds a zero-phonon line and phonon-side bands located at vibrational frequencies of the dye. The intensity of the phonon-side bands diminishes with increasing vibrational frequencies and with decreasing coupling strength (Huang-Rhys factor). It vanishes completely in the Markovian limit where only a Lorentzian zero-phonon line is observed.
Microwave characterization of magnetically hard and soft ferrite nanoparticles in K-band
Authors: Della Pina C. , Falletta E. , Ferretti A. M. , Ponti A. , Gentili G. G. , Verri V. , Nesti R.
Published: October 2014

Nano-sized magnetic particles show great promise in improving the performance of microwave absorbers with respect to the corresponding bulk materials. In this paper, magnetically hard and soft ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 and Fe3O4) having an average size of 14 and 11 nm were prepared by co-precipitation method and characterized in terms of morphology, structure, and magnetic properties. Their permeability and permittivity were measured by a waveguide technique, embedding each sample in a host medium. Their parameters at microwave frequencies were retrieved by comparing different effective medium equations.
Does chaos assist localization or delocalization?
Authors: Tan Jintao , Lu Gengbiao , Luo Yunrong , Hai Wenhua
Published: October 2014

We aim at a long-standing contradiction between chaos-assisted tunneling and chaos-related localization study quantum transport of a single particle held in an amplitude-modulated and tilted optical lattice. We find some near-resonant regions crossing chaotic and regular regions in the parameter space, and demonstrate that chaos can heighten velocity of delocalization in the chaos-resonance overlapping regions, while chaos may aid localization in the other chaotic regions. The degree of localization enhances with increasing the distance between parameter points and near-resonant regions. The results could be useful for experimentally manipulating chaos-assisted transport of single particles in optical or solid-state lattices.
Visible spectrum photofragmentation of O3−(H2O)n, n ≤ 16
Authors: Lehman Julia H. , Lineberger W. Carl
Published: October 2014

Photofragmentation of ozonide solvated in water clusters, O3−(H2O)n, n ≤ 16, has been studied as a function of photon energy as well as the degree of solvation. Using mass selection, the effect of the presence of the solvent molecule on the O3− photodissociation process is assessed one solvent molecule at a time. The O3− acts as a visible light chromophore within the water cluster, namely the O3−(H2O) total photodissociation cross-section exhibits generally the same photon energy dependence as isolated O3− throughout the visible wavelength range studied (430–620 nm). With the addition of a single solvent molecule, new photodissociation pathways are opened, including the production of recombined O3−. As the degree of solvation of the parent anion increases, recombination to O3−-based products accounts for close to 40% of photoproducts by n = 16. The remainder of the photoproducts exist as O−-based; no O2−-based products are observed. Upper bounds on the O3− solvation energy (530 meV) and the O−-OO bond dissociation energy in the cluster (1.06 eV) are derived.
Surface acoustic wave triggering of giant magnetocaloric effect in MnAs/GaAs devices
Authors: Marangolo M. , Karboul-Trojet W. , Prieur J.-Y. , Etgens V. H. , Eddrief M. , Becerra L. , Duquesne J.-Y.
Published: October 2014

We have measured the attenuation of surface acoustic waves travelling through lithographied hybrid structures composed of MnAs thin films epitaxied on piezoelectric GaAs. Around room temperature, MnAs presents a well-known magnetostructural phase transition accompanied by a giant magnetocaloric effect. A large temperature dependent thermoelastic attenuation is found despite the film is much thinner (100 nm) than the wave penetration depth (∼10 μm). This phenomenon is attributed to strain-induced triggering of the MnAs magneto-caloric effect. We find that the frequency (ν) dependence of attenuation is quite unusual, ∼ν1.7, and that the attenuation weakly depends on the film thickness. We show that this behavior is due to the peculiar thermal boundary conditions imposed by magneto-caloric MnAs to the overall device.
Head on collision of multi-solitons in an electron-positron-ion plasma having superthermal electrons
Authors: Roy Kaushik , Chatterjee Prasanta , Roychoudhury Rajkumar
Published: October 2014

The head-on collision and overtaking collision of four solitons in a plasma comprising superthermal electrons, cold ions, and Boltzmann distributed positrons are investigated using the extended Poincare-Lighthill-Kuo (PLK) together with Hirota's method. PLK method yields two separate Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equations where solitons obtained from any KdV equation move along a direction opposite to that of solitons obtained from the other KdV equation, While Hirota's method gives multi-soliton solution for each KdV equation all of which move along the same direction where the fastest moving soliton eventually overtakes the other ones. We have considered here two soliton solutions obtained from Hirota's method. Phase shifts acquired by each soliton due to both head-on collision and overtaking collision are calculated analytically.
Hybrid quantum circuit with implanted erbium ions
Authors: Probst S. , Kukharchyk N. , Rotzinger H. , Tkalčec A. , Wünsch S. , Wieck A. D. , Siegel M. , Ustinov A. V. , Bushev P. A.
Published: October 2014

We report on hybrid circuit quantum electrodynamics experiments with focused ion beam implanted Er3+ ions in Y2SiO5 coupled to an array of superconducting lumped element microwave resonators. The Y2SiO5 crystal is divided into several areas with distinct erbium doping concentrations, each coupled to a separate resonator. The coupling strength is varied from 5 MHz to 18.7 MHz, while the linewidth ranges between 50 MHz and 130 MHz. We confirm the paramagnetic properties of the implanted spin ensemble by evaluating the temperature dependence of the coupling. The efficiency of the implantation process is analyzed and the results are compared to a bulk doped Er:Y2SiO5 sample. We demonstrate the integration of these engineered erbium spin ensembles with superconducting circuits.
A charge transfer complex nematic liquid crystalline gel with high electrical conductivity
Authors: Bhargavi R. , Nair Geetha G. , Krishna Prasad S. , Majumdar R. , Bag Braja G.
Published: October 2014

We describe the rheological, dielectric and elastic properties of a nematic liquid crystal gel created using an anthrylidene derivative of arjunolic acid, a chiral triterpenoid, obtained from the extracts of the wood of Terminalia arjuna. In this novel gel, having the electron-donor and acceptor components as minority constituents, the gelation and strengthening of charge-transfer complex (CTC) formation are seen to be occurring concomitantly. In addition to being mechanically strong with a large storage modulus, the gel with the maximized CTC exhibits Frank bend elastic constant values that approach nanonewton levels. The highlight of the study is the observation of 4–5 orders of magnitude increase in electrical conductivity for this gel, a value that is higher than even in the CT complexes of 2-d ordered columnar structures. A further important advantage of the present system over the columnar complex is that the high conductivity is seen for ac probing also, and owing to the nematic nature can be switched between its anisotropic limits. Some of these features are ascribed to a specific molecular packing architecture, which reduces the trapping of the charge carriers.
Electric field induced cubic to monoclinic phase transition in multiferroic 0.65Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3-0.35PbTiO3 solid solution
Authors: Pandey Rishikesh , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: October 2014

The results of x-ray diffraction studies on 0.65Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3-0.35PbTiO3 solid solution poled at various electric fields are presented. After poling, significant value of planar electromechanical coupling coefficient (kP) is observed for this composition having cubic structure in unpoled state. The cubic structure of 0.65Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3-0.35PbTiO3 transforms to monoclinic structure with space group Pm for the poling field ≥5 kV/cm. Large c-axis microscopic lattice strain (1.6%) is achieved at 30 kV/cm poling field. The variation of the c-axis strain and unit cell volume with poling field shows a drastic jump similar to that observed for strain versus electric field curve in (1 − x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3) O3-xPbTiO3 and (1 − x)Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3.
High brightness photonic band crystal semiconductor lasers in the passive mode locking regime
Authors: Rosales R. , Kalosha V. P. , Posilović K. , Miah M. J. , Bimberg D. , Pohl J. , Weyers M.
Published: October 2014

High brightness photonic band crystal lasers in the passive mode locking regime are presented. Optical pulses with peak power of 3 W and peak brightness of about 180 MW cm−2 sr−1 are obtained on a 5 GHz device exhibiting 15 ps pulses and a very low beam divergence in both the vertical and horizontal directions.
Photovoltaic effect in an indium-tin-oxide/ZnO/BiFeO3/Pt heterostructure
Authors: Fan Zhen , Yao Kui , Wang John
Published: October 2014

We have studied the photovoltaic effect in a metal/semiconductor/ferroelectric/metal heterostructure of In2O3-SnO2/ZnO/BiFeO3/Pt (ITO/ZnO/BFO/Pt) multilayer thin films. The heterolayered structure shows a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 340 μA/cm2 and an energy conversion efficiency of up to 0.33% under blue monochromatic illumination. The photovoltaic mechanism, specifically in terms of the major generation site of photo-excited electron-hole (e-h) pairs and the driving forces for the separation of e-h pairs, is clarified. The significant increase in photocurrent of the ITO/ZnO/BFO/Pt compared to that of ITO/BFO/Pt is attributed to the abundant e-h pairs generated from ZnO. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the energy band alignment of ITO/ZnO/BFO/Pt, where a Schottky barrier and an n+-n junction are formed at the BFO/Pt and ZnO/BFO interfaces, respectively. Therefore, two built-in fields developed at the two interfaces are constructively responsible for the separation and transport of photo-excited e-h pairs.
Efficiency and stability of a phosphor-conversion white light source using a blue laser diode
Authors: Ledru G. , Catalano C. , Dupuis P. , Zissis G.
Published: October 2014

A white light source using direct phosphor-conversion excited by a blue laser diode is presented. In this preliminary study we have investigated the influence of phosphor’s thickness and operating current of the laser diode over the (x, y) chromaticity coordinates, Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) and Color Rendering Index (CRI). The best values found were 4000 K and 94. A 40 lm/W luminous efficacy was achieved together with a CRI close to 90 for an operating current of 0.8 A. Those values, to the best of our knowledge, were not previously reported in the literature.
Spatial Transformation of Metropolitan Cities
Authors: Wei Fang , Knox Paul L
Published: October 2014

This study investigates the relationships between neighbourhood change and spatial transformation in the North Carolina Piedmont region between 1980 and 2010. The dominant patterns of neighbourhood change, on the one hand, conform to some classical models of metropolitan structure, and, on the other hand, provide new insights on what has been ignored by those models. Trajectories of neighbourhood change reflect both persistent segregation and increasing diversification. A detailed analysis of trajectories of neighbourhood change points to interesting patterns in both central-city and suburban ecological succession and transformation.
Using Toronto to Explore Three Suburban Stereotypes, and Vice Versa
Authors: Harris Richard
Published: October 2014

Urbanists share and reproduce three stereotypes about North American suburbs. First, many invoke a clichéd ideal: the desire to enjoy quiet privacy in a low-density residential environment near the urban fringe. Second, they assume that most suburbs have actually conformed to this ideal. Third, academics and planners alike agree on a stereotypical judgment: suburbs are to be deplored. This synthetic essay argues that residential patterns in postwar Toronto never conformed to these stereotypes: especially since the 1970s it has harboured a competing, more urbane popular ideal; its suburbs have been socially and physically diverse; and, recognizing diversity, local urbanists have made varied judgments. Suburban diversity has become systematized since the 1970s, so that a new local stereotype has emerged: that of the declining inner suburb. Toronto's experience exemplifies that of one of the two main types of North American metro. It challenges stereotypes, while those stereotypes illuminate its particular character. Most generally, while polycentricity and dispersion have shaped its economic geography, the language of zones is still meaningful in interpreting its residential patterns. There may be a larger lesson there.
Strong influence of El Niño Southern Oscillation on flood risk around the world
Authors: Ward Philip J. , Jongman Brenden , Kummu Matti , Dettinger Michael D. , Sperna Weiland Frederiek C. , Winsemius Hessel C.
Published: October 2014

Significance

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects hydrological processes around the globe. However, little is known about its influence on the socioeconomic impacts of flooding (i.e., flood risk). We present, to our knowledge, the first global assessment of ENSO’s influence on flood risk in terms of economic damage and exposed population and gross domestic product. We show that reliable flood risk anomalies exist during ENSO years in basins spanning almost half of Earth’s surface. These results are significant for flood-risk management. Because ENSO can be predicted with lead times of several seasons with some skill, the findings pave the way for developing probabilistic flood-risk projections. These could be used for improved disaster planning, such as temporarily increasing food and medicine stocks by relief agencies.
Light-activated self-propelled colloids
Authors: Palacci J. , Sacanna S. , Kim S.-H. , Yi G.-R. , Pine D. J. , Chaikin P. M.
Published: October 2014

Light-activated self-propelled colloids are synthesized and their active motion is studied using optical microscopy. We propose a versatile route using different photoactive materials, and demonstrate a multiwavelength activation and propulsion. Thanks to the photoelectrochemical properties of two semiconductor materials (α-Fe
2
O
3
and TiO
2
), a light with an energy higher than the bandgap triggers the reaction of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and produces a chemical cloud around the particle. It induces a phoretic attraction with neighbouring colloids as well as an osmotic self-propulsion of the particle on the substrate. We use these mechanisms to form colloidal cargos as well as self-propelled particles where the light-activated component is embedded into a dielectric sphere. The particles are self-propelled along a direction otherwise randomized by thermal fluctuations, and exhibit a persistent random walk. For sufficient surface density, the particles spontaneously form ‘living crystals’ which are mobile, break apart and reform. Steering the particle with an external magnetic field, we show that the formation of the dense phase results from the collisions heads-on of the particles. This effect is intrinsically non-equilibrium and a novel principle of organization for systems without detailed balance. Engineering families of particles self-propelled by different wavelength demonstrate a good understanding of both the physics and the chemistry behind the system and points to a general route for designing new families of self-propelled particles.
Induced Variations in Brassinosteroid Genes Define Barley Height and Sturdiness, and Expand the Green Revolution Genetic Toolkit
Authors: Dockter Christoph , Gruszka Damian , Braumann Ilka , Druka Arnis , Druka Ilze , Franckowiak Jerome , Gough Simon P. , Janeczko Anna , Kurowska Marzena , Lundqvist Joakim , Lundqvist Udda , Marzec Marek , Matyszczak Izabela , Müller André H. , Oklestkova Jana , Schulz Burkhard , Zakhrabekova Shakhira , Hansson Mats
Published: October 2014

Reduced plant height and culm robustness are quantitative characteristics important for assuring cereal crop yield and quality under adverse weather conditions. A very limited number of short-culm mutant alleles were introduced into commercial crop cultivars during the Green Revolution. We identified phenotypic traits, including sturdy culm, specific for deficiencies in brassinosteroid biosynthesis and signaling in semidwarf mutants of barley (Hordeum vulgare). This set of characteristic traits was explored to perform a phenotypic screen of near-isogenic short-culm mutant lines from the brachytic, breviaristatum, dense spike, erectoides, semibrachytic, semidwarf, and slender dwarf mutant groups. In silico mapping of brassinosteroid-related genes in the barley genome in combination with sequencing of barley mutant lines assigned more than 20 historic mutants to three brassinosteroid-biosynthesis genes (BRASSINOSTEROID-6-OXIDASE, CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC DWARF, and DIMINUTO) and one brassinosteroid-signaling gene (BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1 [HvBRI1]). Analyses of F2 and M2 populations, allelic crosses, and modeling of nonsynonymous amino acid exchanges in protein crystal structures gave a further understanding of the control of barley plant architecture and sturdiness by brassinosteroid-related genes. Alternatives to the widely used but highly temperature-sensitive uzu1.a allele of HvBRI1 represent potential genetic building blocks for breeding strategies with sturdy and climate-tolerant barley cultivars.
Training community nurses on supporting families with children who have developmental difficulties: lessons from the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia
Authors: McConkey Roy , Macdonald Sue , Sinclair Marlene , Veljkovik Igor
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– In the former Yugoslavian republics, community nursing services are not well developed to support families with infants who have developmental problems. The purpose of this paper is to design an in-service training package for nurses on supporting families of children with developmental disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual framework evolved to guide the design and content of the training package which was further consulted on with local partners. A cascade model of training was adopted, based largely on experiential learning. A nine-session training package (around 20 hours in all) was devised and a Training for Trainers workshop held to prepare them to use the package in their locality. The in-service training of nurses is ongoing during 2014-2015.

Findings

– Key findings are presented in relation to perceived training needs; the key features of the Training Framework; the content and teaching methods used and the outcomes of the Training for Trainers workshop. Ongoing evaluations will assess the impact of the training on community nurses and on families.

Originality/value

– This study provides a conceptual model for the provision of effective in-service training on developmental disabilities for community personnel throughout the region and internationally.
Avoiding delays in diagnosis: the importance of proactive liaison and education of staff in the general hospital
Authors: Walder Anna , Green Robert , Soni Sujata
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the difficulties patients with intellectual disabilities face when they present to a general hospital with ambiguous symptoms and highlights the importance of adequate training for general staff in caring for people with learning disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors describe the pathway of a person with a learning disability and mental health problems from A&E, through a general hospital, to discharge and the problems encountered in terms of diagnostic clarity and subsequent treatment.

Findings

– Delay in recognising a psychiatric cause for his symptoms and wrongly attributing his symptoms to his learning disability may have led to a protracted admission and invasive tests.

Originality/value

– Education of healthcare professionals and proactive liaison work can help improve outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities when they are admitted to generic services.