bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cool and warm molecular gas in M82 with Herschel-SPIRE
Authors: Kamenetzky J. , Glenn J. , Rangwala N. , Maloney P. , Bradford M. , Wilson C. D. , Bendo G. J. , Baes M. , Boselli A. , Cooray A. , Isaak K. G. , Lebouteiller V. , Madden S. , Panuzzo P. , Schirm M. R. P. , Spinoglio L. , Wu R.
Published: March 2015

We present Herschel-SPIRE imaging spectroscopy (194-671 μm) of the bright starburst galaxy M82. We use RADEX and a Bayesian Likelihood Analysis to simultaneously model the temperature, density, column density, and filling factor of both the cool and warm components of molecular gas traced by the entire CO ladder up to J=13-12. The high-J lines observed by SPIRE trace much warmer gas (~500 K) than those observable from the ground. The addition of 13CO (and [C I]) is new and indicates that [C I] may be tracing different gas than 12CO. At such a high temperature, cooling is dominated by molecular hydrogen; we conclude with a discussion on the possible excitation processes in this warm component. Photon-dominated region (PDR) models require significantly higher densities than those indicated by our Bayesian likelihood analysis in order to explain the high-J CO line ratios, though cosmic-ray enhanced PDR models can do a better job reproducing the emission at lower densities. Shocks and turbulent heating are likely required to explain the bright high-J emission.
Strategies for the public communication of eclipses
Authors: Bretones P. S.
Published: March 2015

Eclipses are among the celestial events that draw the attention of the public. This paper discusses strategies for using eclipses as public communication opportunities in the media. It discusses the impact of articles written by the author and analysis of published material for 25 observed eclipses over the last 30 years by mass media in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. On each occasion, a standard article was posted on the Internet and sent to newspapers, radio and TV with information, such as: date, time and local circumstances; type of the eclipse; area of visibility; explanation; diagram of the phenomenon, and the Moon's path through Earth's shadow; eclipses in history; techniques of observation; getting photographs; place and event for public observation. Over the years, direct contact was maintained with the media and jounralists by the press offices of the institutions.
Working with Journalists: Media Access and Why You May Need It
Authors: Fienberg R. T. , Maran S. P.
Published: March 2015

The Washington Charter for Communicating Astronomy with the Public says that “individuals and organizations that conduct astronomical research - especially those receiving public funding for this research - have a responsibility to communicate their results and efforts with the public for the benefit of all.“ Aside from a sense of obligation, though, there are other reasons why astronomers ought to communicate with the broader citizenry. Among them: it is encouraged by the leaders of government funding agencies, it helps further public recognition and support for science in general and for astronomy in particular, and it can enhance one's career prospects.
The Venus Transit, the Mayan Calendar and Astronomy Education in Guanajuato, Mexico
Authors: Bravo-Alfaro H. , Caretta C. A. , Brito E. M. S. , Campos P. , Macias F.
Published: March 2015

In this work we present two aspects of the Astronomy education activities carried out in 2012 by a multidisciplinary group at Universidad de Guanajuato, including specialists in Astronomy, Social Sciences and Environmental Engineering. The first program linked the Venus Transit, occurred in June 2012, with a national campaign of vulgarization of both modern and ancient (Mayan) Astronomy. Professional astronomers all around the country took advantage of the recent myth linked to the end of a large Mayan calendar cycle (13 baktuns, or some 5125 years) happening, after certain authors, in December 2012. In Guanajuato, the Astronomy Department organized live observations of the Venus Transit at two different locations, and complemented with conferences about astronomical events and the fake predictions of disasters linked to the “end“ of the Mayan calendar. This program was very successful not only in Guanajuato but throughout the country, with several thousands of people attending live observations, conferences, expositions, etc.
Astro Talk in Social Media - Indonesia
Authors: Yamani A. , Soegijoko W.
Published: March 2015

Social media is a new trend in communicating and connecting to people. It is also a good choice to build awareness of astronomy as issues spread easily and quickly, creating hot topics. This paper will analyze the trend of astro talk in Indonesia and hope to inspire astronomers to use social media in raising awareness.
One World, One Sky: Outreach in a Multicultural, Multilingual Metropolis
Authors: Reid M.
Published: March 2015

As cities around the world grow more and more diverse, we must take this diversity into account in developing outreach activities and materials. The International Year of Astronomy in 2009 brought a lot of attention to the needs of underserved communities and developing countries, emphasizing the ideal of widespread access to astronomy outreach. Increasingly, however, we find that some of the same challenges facing underserved communities and developing countries are also present in modern metropolises. Conveniently, the linguistic and cultural diversity of our cities is more and more accurately reflected among the astronomy community. The diversity of the astronomical community itself creates opportunities for effective multicultural, multilingual outreach.
Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Centre: Level 3 Service and Future Prospects
Authors: Dubernet M. L. , Rixon G. , Doronin M. , Collaboration VAMDC
Published: March 2015

The Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Centre (VAMDC, http://www.vamdc.eu) is an international Consortium that has created an interoperable e-science infrastructure for the exchange of atomic and molecular data. The VAMDC defines standards for the exchange of atomic and molecular data, develop reference implementation of those standards, deploys registries of internet resources (yellow pages), designs user applications in order to meet the user needs, builds data access layers above databases to provide unified outputs from these databases, cares about asynchronous queries with workflows and connects its infrastructure to the grid. The paper describes the current service deployment of the VAMDC data infrastructure across our registered databases and the key features of the current infrastructure.
Variable Stars and Data-Intensive Astronomy
Authors: Samus Nikolay N. , Antipin Sergey V.
Published: March 2015

Extensive discoveries of variable stars in ground-based photometric surveys and in observations from space missions that provide unprecedented accuracy demonstrate that, till the most recent time, we knew only a tiny fraction of all detectable variable stars of our Galaxy. As a result, our knowledge on stellar variability types, related physical processes, variable-star statistics turn out to be based on an unrepresentative sample and are expected to be radically revised in the near future. The flow of new discoveries results in quite difficult problems for catalogs of variable stars, making it impossible to proceed in their compilation in the traditional way. Regretfully, automatic solutions are still not completely satisfying. Though not able to suggest a perfect way out, we present our vision of the future of variable-star research.
Discover the Cosmos - Bringing Cutting Edge Science to Schools across Europe
Authors: Doran Rosa
Published: March 2015

The fast growing number of science data repositories is opening enormous possibilities to scientists all over the world. The emergence of citizen science projects is engaging in science discovery a large number of citizens globally. Astronomical research is now a possibility to anyone having a computer and some form of data access. This opens a very interesting and strategic possibility to engage large audiences in the making and understanding of science. On another perspective it would be only natural to imagine that soon enough data mining will be an active part of the academic path of university or even secondary schools students. The possibility is very exciting but the road not very promising. Even in the most developed nations, where all schools are equipped with modern ICT facilities the use of such possibilities is still a very rare episode. The Galileo Teacher Training Program GTTP, a legacy of IYA2009, is participating in some of the most emblematic projects funded by the European Commission and targeting modern tools, resources and methodologies for science teaching. One of this projects is Discover the Cosmos which is aiming to target this issue by empowering educators with the necessary skills to embark on this innovative path: teaching science while doing science.
Carbon Star Dust Features: the 21 and 30μm Features
Authors: Volk Kevin
Published: March 2015

Some characteristics of the 21 and 30 μm features observed in carbon star dust shells are briefly discussed.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of the Diffuse Galactic Emission
Authors: Onaka T. , Sakon I. , Ohsawa R. , Mori T. I. , Kaneda H. , Tanaka M. , Okada Y. , Boulanger F. , Joblin C. , Pilleri P.
Published: March 2015

The near-infrared (NIR) spectral range (2–5 μm) contains a number of interesting features for the study of the interstellar medium. In particular, the aromatic and aliphatic components in carbonaceous dust can be investigated most efficiently with the NIR spectroscopy. We analyze NIR spectra of the diffuse Galactic emission taken with the Infrared Camera onboard AKARI and find that the aliphatic to aromatic emission band ratio decreases toward the ionized gas, which suggests processing of the band carriers in the ionized region.
Media and Light Pollution Education for the Public
Authors: Romanowska Julia
Published: March 2015

As the problem of light pollution becomes more and more threatening, there is a need to educate the society about it. Methods of doing it differ in various parts of the world. There are shown examples of methods from developing European countries, in particular Poland.
Dark Skies Rangers - Fighting light pollution and simulating dark skies
Authors: Doran Rosa , Correia Nelson , Guerra Rita , Costa Ana
Published: March 2015

Dark Skies Rangers is an awareness program aimed at students of all ages to stimulate them to make an audit of light pollution in their school/district. The young light pollution fighters evaluate the level of light pollution, how much energy is being wasted, and produce a report to be delivered to the local authorities. They are also advised to promote a light pollution awareness campaign to the local community targeting not only the dark skies but also other implications such as effects in our health, to the flora and fauna, etc.
Citizen Science Programs on Light Pollution Awareness: Where Do We Go with the Data?
Authors: Walker Constance E. , Kyba Christopher C. M.
Published: March 2015

Once data from a citizen-science program on light pollution is verified, what research projects, on-line analytical tools and tutorials should be developed, and what ways can results and acknowledgements be provided to the public? These and other questions are explored.
Astro tourism: Astro Izery project
Authors: Mrozek Tomasz , Kołomański Sylwester , Żakowicz Grzegorz , Kornafel Stanisław , Czarnecki Tomasz L. , Suchan Pavel , Kamiński Zbigniew
Published: March 2015

The Astro Izery project is carried by several institutions from Poland and Czech Republic. Its aim is to educate and inform tourists, who visit the Izery Mountains, about astronomy and light pollution. The project consists of two activities: permanent (sundials, planetary path etc.) and periodic (meetings, workshops). After five years the project is in good health and will gain more elements in next years.
NIXNOX project: Sites in Spain where citizens can enjoy dark starry skies
Authors: Zamorano J. , de Miguel A. Sánchez , Alfaro E. , Martínez-Delgado D. , Ocaña F. , Castaño J. Gómez , Nievas M.
Published: March 2015

The NIXNOX project, sponsored by the Spanish Astronomical Society, is a Pro-Am collaboration with the aim of finding sites with dark skies. All sky data of the night sky brightness is being obtained by amateur astronomers with Sky Quality Meter (SQM) photometers. We are not looking for remote locations because the places should be easily accessible by people with children. Our goal is to motivate citizens to observe the night sky. NIXNOX will provide information to answer the question: where can I go to observe the stars with my family?
Legal protection of the night sky in Andalusia (Western Europe)
Authors: Enríquez David Galadí , Ranea-Palma Ángela
Published: March 2015

Andalusia (Spain) houses several astronomical observatories, among them the main observational facility in continental Europe: Calar Alto Observatory. In recent years, the regional government of Andalusia has been setting up a regulation to protect the natural conditions of darkness at night all over the region. This regulation includes several outstanding features and poses specific rules to protect the influence area of Calar Alto Observatory.
LincRNA-p21 acts as a mediator of ING1b-induced apoptosis
Authors: Tran U M , Rajarajacholan U , Soh J , Kim T-s , Thalappilly S , Sensen C W , Riabowol K
Published: March 2015

ING1b is a tumor suppressor that affects transcription, cell cycle control and apoptosis. ING1b is deregulated in disease, and its activity is closely linked to that of p53. In addition to regulating protein-coding genes, we found that ING1b also influences the expression of large intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs). In particular, lincRNA-p21 was significantly induced after DNA-damage stress or by ING1b overexpression. Furthermore, lincRNA-p21 expression in response to DNA damage was significantly attenuated in cells lacking ING1b. LincRNA-p21 is also a target of p53 and can trigger apoptosis in mouse cell models. We found that this function of lincRNA-p21 is conserved in human cell models. Moreover, ING1b and p53 could function independently to influence lincRNA-p21 expression. However, their effects become more additive under conditions of stress. In particular, ING1b regulates lincRNA-p21 levels by binding to its promoter and is required for induction of lincRNA-p21 by p53. The ability of ING1b to cause apoptosis is also impaired in the absence of lincRNA-p21. Surprisingly, deletion of the ING1b plant homeodomain, which allows it to bind histones and regulate chromatin structure, did not alter regulation of lincRNA-p21. Our findings suggest that ING1b induces lincRNA-p21 expression independently of histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation mark recognition and that lincRNA-p21 functions downstream of ING1b. Thus, regulation at the level of lincRNA-p21 may represent the point at which ING1b and p53 pathways converge to induce apoptosis under specific stress conditions.
DAPK2 regulates oxidative stress in cancer cells by preserving mitochondrial function
Authors: Schlegel C R , Georgiou M L , Misterek M B , Stöcker S , Chater E R , Munro C E , Pardo O E , Seckl M J , Costa-Pereira A P
Published: March 2015

Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) 2 is a serine/threonine kinase that belongs to the DAPK family. Although it shows significant structural differences from DAPK1, the founding member of this protein family, DAPK2 is also thought to be a putative tumour suppressor. Like DAPK1, it has been implicated in programmed cell death, the regulation of autophagy and diverse developmental processes. In contrast to DAPK1, however, few mechanistic studies have been carried out on DAPK2 and the majority of these have made use of tagged DAPK2, which almost invariably leads to overexpression of the protein. As a consequence, physiological roles of this kinase are still poorly understood. Using two genetically distinct cancer cell lines as models, we have identified a new role for DAPK2 in the regulation of mitochondrial integrity. RNA interference-mediated depletion of DAPK2 leads to fundamental metabolic changes, including significantly decreased rate of oxidative phosphorylation in combination with overall destabilised mitochondrial membrane potential. This phenotype is further corroborated by an increase in the production of mitochondrial superoxide anions and increased oxidative stress. This then leads to the activation of classical stress-activated kinases such as ERK, JNK and p38, which is observed on DAPK2 genetic ablation. Interestingly, the generation of oxidative stress is further enhanced on overexpression of a kinase-dead DAPK2 mutant indicating that it is the kinase domain of DAPK2 that is important to maintain mitochondrial integrity and, by inference, for cellular metabolism.
Partial restoration of protein synthesis rates by the small molecule ISRIB prevents neurodegeneration without pancreatic toxicity
Authors: Halliday M , Radford H , Sekine Y , Moreno J , Verity N , le Quesne J , Ortori C A , Barrett D A , Fromont C , Fischer P M , Harding H P , Ron D , Mallucci G R
Published: March 2015

Activation of the PERK branch of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in response to protein misfolding within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) results in the transient repression of protein synthesis, mediated by the phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α). This is part of a wider integrated physiological response to maintain proteostasis in the face of ER stress, the dysregulation of which is increasingly associated with a wide range of diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders. In prion-diseased mice, persistently high levels of eIF2α cause sustained translational repression leading to catastrophic reduction of critical proteins, resulting in synaptic failure and neuronal loss. We previously showed that restoration of global protein synthesis using the PERK inhibitor GSK2606414 was profoundly neuroprotective, preventing clinical disease in prion-infected mice. However, this occured at the cost of toxicity to secretory tissue, where UPR activation is essential to healthy functioning. Here we show that pharmacological modulation of eIF2α-P-mediated translational inhibition can be achieved to produce neuroprotection without pancreatic toxicity. We found that treatment with the small molecule ISRIB, which restores translation downstream of eIF2α, conferred neuroprotection in prion-diseased mice without adverse effects on the pancreas. Critically, ISRIB treatment resulted in only partial restoration of global translation rates, as compared with the complete restoration of protein synthesis seen with GSK2606414. ISRIB likely provides sufficient rates of protein synthesis for neuronal survival, while allowing some residual protective UPR function in secretory tissue. Thus, fine-tuning the extent of UPR inhibition and subsequent translational de-repression uncouples neuroprotective effects from pancreatic toxicity. The data support the pursuit of this approach to develop new treatments for a range of neurodegenerative disorders that are currently incurable.
Why aren’t we doing better in asthma: time for personalised medicine?
Authors: Thomas Mike
Published: March 2015

After decades of improvement, asthma outcomes have stalled. Mortality, hospitalisations, exacerbations and symptom control remain sub-optimal. In controlled trials, most patients gain high levels of control, but in ‘real-life’ routine clinical practice most patients do not. Avoidable factors are found in most asthma deaths and hospital admissions. This perspective paper considers and contextualises the factors underlying poor asthma outcomes, and it suggests approaches that could improve the situation. Factors discussed include severe, therapy-resistant disease and the role of new and upcoming pharmacological therapies in improving outcomes. These are likely to be beneficial when targeted on patients with severe disease and discrete phenotypic characteristics, identified through biomarkers. However, for the majority of patients treated in the community, they are unlikely to be used widely, and better use of current therapy classes will be more important. Non-adherence with regular inhaled corticosteroid treatment and over-use of rescue bronchodilators are common, and many patients have poor inhaler technique. Self-management is frequently poor, particularly in those with psychosocial disadvantages and co-morbidities. Communication between clinicians and patients is sometimes poor, with failure to detect avoidable poor control and non-adherence, and failure to provide the necessary information and education to support efficient self-management. Strategies for improving monitoring and clinician–patient interactions to allow personalised treatment are considered. These strategies have the potential to allow individual patient needs to be recognised and efficient targeting of the variety of effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that we possess, which has the potential to improve both individual and population outcomes.
Super low threshold plasmonic WGM lasing from an individual ZnO hexagonal microrod on an Au substrate for plasmon lasers
Authors: Dong H. M. , Yang Y. H. , Yang G. W.
Published: March 2015

We demonstrate an individual ZnO hexagonal microrod on the surface of an Au substrate which can become new sources for manufacturing miniature ZnO plasmon lasers by surface plasmon polariton coupling to whispering-gallery modes (WGMs). We also demonstrate that the rough surface of Au substrates can acquire a more satisfied enhancement of ZnO emission if the surface geometry of Au substrates is appropriate. Furthermore, we achieve high Q factor and super low threshold plasmonic WGM lasing from an individual ZnO hexagonal microrod on the surface of the Au substrate, in which Q factor can reach 5790 and threshold is 0.45 KW/cm2 which is the lowest value reported to date for ZnO nanostructures lasing, at least 10 times smaller than that of ZnO at the nanometer. Electron transfer mechanisms are proposed to understand the physical origin of quenching and enhancement of ZnO emission on the surface of Au substrates. These investigations show that this novel coupling mode holds a great potential of ZnO hexagonal micro- and nanorods for data storage, bio-sensing, optical communications as well as all-optic integrated circuits.
An efficient strategy for producing a stable, replaceable, highly efficient transgene expression system in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Long Dingpei , Lu Weijian , Zhang Yuli , Bi Lihui , Xiang Zhonghuai , Zhao Aichun
Published: March 2015

We developed an efficient strategy that combines a method for the post-integration elimination of all transposon sequences, a site-specific recombination system and an optimized fibroin H-chain expression system to produce a stable, replaceable, highly efficient transgene expression system in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) that overcomes the disadvantages of random insertion and post-integration instability of transposons. Here, we generated four different transgenic silkworm strains and of one the transgenic strains, designated TS1-RgG2, with up to 16% (w/w) of the target protein in the cocoons, was selected. The subsequent elimination of all the transposon sequences from TS1-RgG2 was completed by the heat-shock-induced expression of the transposase in vivo. The resulting transgenic silkworm strain was designated TS3-g2 and contained only the attP-flanked optimized fibroin H-chain expression cassette in its genome. A phiC31/att-system-based recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) method could be used to integrate other genes of interest into the same genome locus between the attP sites in TS3-g2. Controlling for position effects with phiC31-mediated RMCE will also allow the optimization of exogenous protein expression and fine gene function analyses in the silkworm. The strategy developed here is also applicable to other lepidopteran insects, to improve the ecological safety of transgenic strains in biocontrol programs.
Local structure and dynamics of lithium garnet ionic conductors: tetragonal and cubic Li7La3Zr2O7
Authors: Klenk Matthew , Lai Wei
Published: March 2015

To better understand the ionic conduction in lithium garnet oxides, we employed molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the local structure and dynamics of a model material Li7La3Zr2O12 and origin of its tetragonal to cubic phase transition.
Understanding chemical expansion in perovskite-structured oxides
Authors: Marrocchelli Dario , Perry Nicola H. , Bishop Sean R.
Published: March 2015

Chemical expansion in perovskite materials was studied by using density functional theory, molecular dynamics and empirical models.
Dissociative dynamics of O2 on Ag(110)
Authors: Lončarić Ivor , Alducin M. , Juaristi J. I.
Published: March 2015

The dissociative dynamics of O2 on Ag(110) is studied using classical (CT) and quasiclassical (QCT) trajectory calculations performed on an accurate multidimensional DFT potential energy surface.
An in-depth assessment into simultaneous monitoring of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and low-molecular-weight organic phosphorus (LMWOP) in aquatic environments using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT)
Authors: Mohr Christian Wilhelm , Vogt Rolf David , Røyset Oddvar , Andersen Tom , Parekh Neha Amit
Published: March 2015

In situP fractionation size distribution is altered during uptake by the DGT due to the size and physiochemical properties of the molecular species.
A method for improving the accuracy of calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) using determined plasma temperature by genetic algorithm (GA)
Authors: Dong Juan , Liang Long , Wei Jiao , Tang Hongsheng , Zhang Tianlong , Yang Xiaofeng , Wang Kang , Li Hua
Published: March 2015

An internal reference-external standard with iteration correction (IRESIC) method is proposed to correct for the self-absorption effect and plasma temperature in CF-LIBS based on an internal reference line and one standard sample.
Efficient removal of hexavalent chromium by high surface area Al2O3rods
Authors: Zhang Xiang-Qian , Guo Yue , Li Wen-Cui
Published: March 2015

High surface area Al2O3rods were develped and exhibited high adsorption capacity of 39 mg g−1for hexavalent chromium.
In situ synthesis of ordered mesoporous Co-doped TiO2 and its enhanced photocatalytic activity and selectivity for the reduction of CO2
Authors: Wang Tao , Meng Xianguang , Liu Guigao , Chang Kun , Li Peng , Kang Qing , Liu Lequan , Li Mu , Ouyang Shuxin , Ye Jinhua
Published: March 2015

The photocatalytic selectivity is improved by optimizing the energy-band configurations of Co-doped TiO2 through varying the molar ratio of Co/Ti.
Adsorption and separation of amyloid beta aggregates using ferromagnetic nanoparticles coated with charged polymer brushes
Authors: Bu Tong , Zako Tamotsu , Zeltner Martin , Sörgjerd Karin M. , Schumacher Christoph M. , Hofer Corinne J. , Stark Wendelin J. , Maeda Mizuo
Published: March 2015

Adsorption and separation of toxic Aβ aggregates (fibrils and oligomers) using ferromagnetic nanoparticles functionalized with a cationic polymer (C/Co@polyMAPTAC) was demonstrated.
An N-ethylated barbituric acid end-capped bithiophene as an electron-acceptor material in fullerene-free organic photovoltaics
Authors: Sullivan Paul , Collis Gavin E. , Rochford Luke A. , Arantes Junior Ferreira , Kemppinen Peter , Jones Tim S. , Winzenberg Kevin N.
Published: March 2015

AnN-ethyl barbituric acid bithiophene derivative is demonstrated as an n-type acceptor material for organic photovoltaics, approaching an efficiency of 2.6% and open-circuit voltage of 1.4 V.
Anatomy of screw dislocations in nanoporous SAPO-18 as revealed by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Smith Rachel L. , Lind Anna , Akporiaye Duncan , Attfield Martin P. , Anderson Michael W.
Published: March 2015

The complex crystal-growth mechanism of the industrially important nanoporous catalyst SAPO-18 is investigated by atomic force microscopy.
Role of hydrogen-bonding and its interplay with octahedral tilting in CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Lee Jung-Hoon , Bristowe Nicholas C. , Bristowe Paul D. , Cheetham Anthony K.
Published: March 2015

Computed Kohn–Sham energies as a function of torsion angle for three rotational modes of the methylammonium group in orthorhombic CH3NH3PbI3.
Commercialization of graphene-based technologies: a critical insight
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Zhang Nan , Yang Min-Quan , Meneguzzo Francesco , Xu Yi-Jun , Pagliaro Mario
Published: March 2015

New methods to exfoliate graphite open the route to massive adoption of graphene as the enabler of important technologies, including enhanced electricity storage.
Liquid phase exfoliation and crumpling of inorganic nanosheets
Authors: Bari Rozana , Parviz Dorsa , Khabaz Fardin , Klaassen Christopher D. , Metzler Shane D. , Hansen Matthew J. , Khare Rajesh , Green Micah J.
Published: March 2015

Experiment and simulation demonstrate the polymer-assisted dispersion of inorganic 2D layered nanomaterials such as boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), MoS2 nanosheets, and WS2 nanosheets; spray drying can be used to alter such nanosheets into a crumpled morphology.
An OHD-RIKES and simulation study comparing a benzylmethylimidazolium ionic liquid with an equimolar mixture of dimethylimidazolium and benzene
Authors: Xue Lianjie , Tamas George , Matthews Richard P. , Stone Anthony J. , Hunt Patricia A. , Quitevis Edward L. , Lynden-Bell Ruth M.
Published: March 2015

The Kerr spectra of a mixture of benzene and an ionic liquid are compared to the corresponding benzylated ionic liquid and found to be surprisingly similar.
Solvent-induced synthesis of cobalt(ii) coordination polymers based on a rigid ligand and flexible carboxylic acid ligands: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhang Chuanlei , Ju Zemin , Zheng Hegen
Published: March 2015

The structural formations for compounds 1–5 are effected by using different solvents or different carboxylic acid ligands.
High purity microfluidic sorting and analysis of circulating tumor cells: towards routine mutation detection
Authors: Autebert Julien , Coudert Benoit , Champ Jérôme , Saias Laure , Guneri Ezgi Tulukcuoglu , Lebofsky Ronald , Bidard François-Clément , Pierga Jean-Yves , Farace Françoise , Descroix Stéphanie , Malaquin Laurent , Viovy Jean-Louis
Published: March 2015

A new generation of the Ephesia cell capture technology optimized for CTC capture and genetic analysis is presented, characterized in depth and compared with the CellSearch system as a reference.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel peptide MC2 analogues from Momordica charantia as potential anti-diabetic agents
Authors: Yang Baowei , Li Xue , Zhang Chenyu , Yan Sijia , Wei Wei , Wang Xuekun , Deng Xin , Qian Hai , Lin Haiyan , Huang Wenlong
Published: March 2015

The structure–activity relationship of peptide MC2 resulted in the development of compoundIII-3, which exhibited potent anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-oxidative effects.
Well-dispersed magnetic iron oxide nanocrystals on sepiolite nanofibers for arsenic removal
Authors: Tian Na , Tian Xike , Ma Longlong , Yang Chao , Wang Yanxin , Wang Zhenyang , Zhang Lide
Published: March 2015

A novel nanostructure composed of magnetic iron oxide anchored on sepiolites with excellent arsenic adsorption performance has been developed.
Synthesis, self-assembly and characterization of a novel push–pull thiophene-based chromophore on a gold surface
Authors: Malytskyi Volodymyr , Simon Jean-Jacques , Patrone Lionel , Raimundo Jean-Manuel
Published: March 2015

A self-assembled dense monolayer based on a non-charged push–pull chromophore is clearly evidenced by electrochemical, XPS and STM analysis. Associated with good film properties a conducting behavior consistent with the structure of the SAM-organized push–pull is also shown.
Methyl viologen-templated zinc gallophosphate zeolitic material with dual photo-/thermochromism and tuneable photovoltaic activity
Authors: Wu Junbiao , Tao Chunyao , Li Yi , Li Jiyang , Yu Jihong
Published: March 2015

The first zeolitic material templated by MV2+ cations exhibits dual photo-/thermochromism with ultralong-lived charge separation and high thermal stability, as well as tuneable photovoltaic activity.
Electrode initiated proton-coupled electron transfer to promote degradation of a nickel(ii) coordination complex
Authors: McCarthy Brian D. , Donley Carrie L. , Dempsey Jillian L.
Published: March 2015

Electrochemical analysis of a nickel compound that degrades permitted a peek into the decomposition mechanism.
A well-defined, versatile photoinitiator (salen)Co–CO2CH3 for visible light-initiated living/controlled radical polymerization
Authors: Zhao Yaguang , Yu Mengmeng , Zhang Shuailin , Wu Zhenqiang , Liu Yuchu , Peng Chi-How , Fu Xuefeng
Published: March 2015

A well-defined organocobalt salen complex (salen)Co–CO2CH3 is used as a versatile photoinitiator for visible light-initiated living radical polymerization.
Endothelin B receptors targeted by iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with a specific antibody: toward immunoimaging of brain tumors
Authors: Richard S. , Boucher M. , Herbet A. , Lalatonne Y. , Mériaux S. , Boquet D. , Motte L.
Published: March 2015

Vasculature enhancement is observed in mouse brain after intravenous injection of iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with antibody targeting endothelin B receptors over-expressed in glioma.
Voice and Communication for the Transgender/Transsexual Client: Presenting the WPATH Standing Committee on Voice and Communication
Authors: Adler Richard
Published: March 2015

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health is an international organization that has a purpose of providing guidelines for safe, effective, and evidence-based practice for the Transgender/Transsexual client throughout the world in all aspects of care, including medical, psychological, voice, speech, and other services. Newly formed and accepted as an integral part of the organization, the Voice and Communication Committee is comprised of four speech-language pathologists (SLPs) from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This article introduces SLPs to this committee and its important work in providing guidelines for offering voice and communication therapy to all Transgender (TG) clients.
The Sharma-Parthasarathy stochastic two-body problem
Authors: Cresson J. , Pierret F. , Puig B.
Published: March 2015

We study the Sharma-Parthasarathy stochastic two-body problem introduced by Sharma and Parthasarathy in [“Dynamics of a stochastically perturbed two-body problem,” Proc. R. Soc. A 463, 979-1003 (2007)]. In particular, we focus on the preservation of some fundamental features of the classical two-body problem like the Hamiltonian structure and first integrals in the stochastic case. Numerical simulations are performed which illustrate the dynamical behaviour of the osculating elements as the semi-major axis, the eccentricity, and the pericenter. We also derive a stochastic version of Gauss’s equations in the planar case.
Ferromagnetic resonance line width in magnetic films as a function of temperature
Authors: Lebecki Kristof M.
Published: March 2015

Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) experiment is considered for the case of a constant field applied in plane of a thin film. Role of temperature is investigated by replacing the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation by the Landau-Lifshitz-Bloch approach. Two important FMR parameters are evaluated: the resonance field and the line width. Although the resonant field has to be calculated numerically, a well working approximating expression is given. In the case of the line width, an analytical formula is obtained. Both the resonance field and the line width grow exponentially with temperature in the whole temperature range. The magnitude of the FMR line broadening is estimated by checking different conditions (microwave frequency and damping) for permalloy showing that increase of temperature from 0% to 90% of the Curie temperature increases the line width roughly by a factor of two.
Thermal flux limited electron Kapitza conductance in copper-niobium multilayers
Authors: Cheaito Ramez , Hattar Khalid , Gaskins John T. , Yadav Ajay K. , Duda John C. , Beechem Thomas E. , Ihlefeld Jon F. , Piekos Edward S. , Baldwin Jon K. , Misra Amit , Hopkins Patrick E.
Published: March 2015

We study the interplay between the contributions of electron thermal flux and interface scattering to the Kapitza conductance across metal-metal interfaces through measurements of thermal conductivity of copper-niobium multilayers. Thermal conductivities of copper-niobium multilayer films of period thicknesses ranging from 5.4 to 96.2 nm and sample thicknesses ranging from 962 to 2677 nm are measured by time-domain thermoreflectance over a range of temperatures from 78 to 500 K. The Kapitza conductances between the Cu and Nb interfaces in multilayer films are determined from the thermal conductivities using a series resistor model and are in good agreement with the electron diffuse mismatch model. Our results for the thermal boundary conductance between Cu and Nb are compared to literature values for the thermal boundary conductance across Al-Cu and Pd-Ir interfaces, and demonstrate that the interface conductance in metallic systems is dictated by the temperature derivative of the electron energy flux in the metallic layers, rather than electron mean free path or scattering processes at the interface.
Optoelectronic transport properties in amorphous/crystalline silicon solar cell heterojunctions measured by frequency-domain photocarrier radiometry: Multi-parameter measurement reliability and precision studies
Authors: Zhang Y. , Melnikov A. , Mandelis A. , Halliop B. , Kherani N. P. , Zhu R.
Published: March 2015

A theoretical one-dimensional two-layer linear photocarrier radiometry (PCR) model including the presence of effective interface carrier traps was used to evaluate the transport parameters of p-type hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and n-type crystalline silicon (c-Si) passivated by an intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (i-layer) nanolayer. Several crystalline Si heterojunction structures were examined to investigate the influence of the i-layer thickness and the doping concentration of the a-Si:H layer. The experimental data of a series of heterojunction structures with intrinsic thin layers were fitted to PCR theory to gain insight into the transport properties of these devices. The quantitative multi-parameter results were studied with regard to measurement reliability (uniqueness) and precision using two independent computational best-fit programs. The considerable influence on the transport properties of the entire structure of two key parameters that can limit the performance of amorphous thin film solar cells, namely, the doping concentration of the a-Si:H layer and the i-layer thickness was demonstrated. It was shown that PCR can be applied to the non-destructive characterization of a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction solar cells yielding reliable measurements of the key parameters.
Finite element discretization of non-linear diffusion equations with thermal fluctuations
Authors: de la Torre J. A. , Español Pep , Donev Aleksandar
Published: March 2015

We present a finite element discretization of a non-linear diffusion equation used in the field of critical phenomena and, more recently, in the context of dynamic density functional theory. The discretized equation preserves the structure of the continuum equation. Specifically, it conserves the total number of particles and fulfills an H-theorem as the original partial differential equation. The discretization proposed suggests a particular definition of the discrete hydrodynamic variables in microscopic terms. These variables are then used to obtain, with the theory of coarse-graining, their dynamic equations for both averages and fluctuations. The hydrodynamic variables defined in this way lead to microscopically derived hydrodynamic equations that have a natural interpretation in terms of discretization of continuum equations. Also, the theory of coarse-graining allows to discuss the introduction of thermal fluctuations in a physically sensible way. The methodology proposed for the introduction of thermal fluctuations in finite element methods is general and valid for both regular and irregular grids in arbitrary dimensions. We focus here on simulations of the Ginzburg-Landau free energy functional using both regular and irregular 1D grids. Convergence of the numerical results is obtained for the static and dynamic structure factors as the resolution of the grid is increased.
Electrical properties of amorphous and epitaxial Si-rich silicide films composed of W-atom-encapsulated Si clusters
Authors: Okada Naoya , Uchida Noriyuki , Kanayama Toshihiko
Published: March 2015

We investigated the electrical properties and derived the energy band structures of amorphous Si-rich W silicide (a-WSin) films and approximately 1-nm-thick crystalline WSin epitaxial films (e-WSin) on Si (100) substrates with composition n = 8–10, both composed of Sin clusters each of which encapsulates a W atom (WSin clusters). The effect of annealing in the temperature range of 300–500 °C was also investigated. The Hall measurements at room temperature revealed that a-WSin is a nearly intrinsic semiconductor, whereas e-WSin is an n-type semiconductor with electron mobility of ∼8 cm2/V s and high sheet electron density of ∼7 × 1012 cm−2. According to the temperature dependence of the electrical properties, a-WSin has a mobility gap of ∼0.1 eV and mid gap states in the region of 1019 cm−3 eV−1 in an optical gap of ∼0.6 eV with considerable band tail states; e-WSin has a donor level of ∼0.1 eV with sheet density in the region of 1012 cm−2 in a band gap of ∼0.3 eV. These semiconducting band structures are primarily attributed to the open band-gap properties of the constituting WSin cluster. In a-WSin, the random network of the clusters generates the band tail states, and the formation of Si dangling bonds results in the generation of mid gap states; in e-WSin, the original cluster structure is highly distorted to accommodate the Si lattice, resulting in the formation of intrinsic defects responsible for the donor level.
Quasi-two-dimensional electron gas at the epitaxial alumina/SrTiO3 interface: Control of oxygen vacancies
Authors: Kormondy Kristy J. , Posadas Agham B. , Ngo Thong Q. , Lu Sirong , Goble Nicholas , Jordan-Sweet Jean , Gao Xuan P. A. , Smith David J. , McCartney Martha R. , Ekerdt John G. , Demkov Alexander A.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we report on the highly conductive layer formed at the crystalline γ-alumina/SrTiO3 interface, which is attributed to oxygen vacancies. We describe the structure of thin γ-alumina layers deposited by molecular beam epitaxy on SrTiO3 (001) at growth temperatures in the range of 400–800 °C, as determined by reflection-high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of the oxygen-deficient layer. Electrical characterization indicates sheet carrier densities of ∼1013 cm−2 at room temperature for the sample deposited at 700 °C, with a maximum electron Hall mobility of 3100 cm2V−1s−1 at 3.2 K and room temperature mobility of 22 cm2V−1s−1. Annealing in oxygen is found to reduce the carrier density and turn a conductive sample into an insulator.
Optimization of permanent magnetic properties in melt spun Co82−xHf12+xB6 (x = 0–4) nanocomposites
Authors: Chang H. W. , Liao M. C. , Shih C. W. , Chang W. C. , Shaw C. C.
Published: March 2015

Magnetic properties of melt spun Co82−xHf12+xB6 ribbons made with various wheel speeds have been studied. The ribbons with x = 0–1 are not easy to crystallize and thus display soft magnetic behavior even at wheel speed of 10 m/s. In contrast, the ribbons with x = 1.5–4 at optimized wheel speed exhibit good permanent magnetic properties of Br = 0.41–0.59 T, iHc = 120–400 kA/m, and (BH)max = 10.6–48.1 kJ/m3. The optimal magnetic properties of Br = 0.59 T, iHc = 384 kA/m, and (BH)max = 48.1 kJ/m3 are achieved for Co80Hf14B6 ribbons at wheel speed of 30 m/s. X-ray diffraction, thermo-magnetic analysis, and transmission electron microscopy results show that good hard magnetic properties of Co82−xHf12+xB6 ribbons (x = 2–4) are originated from the Co11Hf2 phase well coupled with the Co phase. The change of magnetic properties for Co82−xHf12+xB6 ribbons spun at various wheel speeds is correlated to microstructure and phase constitution. The strong exchange-coupling effect between magnetic grains for the ribbons with x = 2–3 at wheel speed = 30 m/s leads to remarkable permanent magnetic properties. The presented results suggest that the optimized Co82−xHf12+xB6 (x = 2–3) ribbons are much suitable than others (x = 0–1.5 and 4) for making rare earth and Pt-free magnets.
Optically isolated, 2 kHz repetition rate, 4 kV solid-state pulse trigger generator
Authors: Barnett D. H. , Parson J. M. , Lynn C. F. , Kelly P. M. , Taylor M. , Calico S. , Scott M. C. , Dickens J. C. , Neuber A. A. , Mankowski J. J.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the design and operation characteristics of a solid-state high voltage pulse generator. Its primary utilization is aimed at triggering a gaseous spark gap with high repeatability. Specifically, the trigger generator is designed to achieve a risetime on the order of 0.1 kV/ns to trigger the first stage, trigatron spark gap of a 10-stage, 500 kV Marx generator. The major design components are comprised of a 60 W constant current DC-DC converter for high voltage charging, a single 4 kV thyristor, a step-up pulse transformer, and magnetic switch for pulse steepening. A risetime of <30 ns and pulse magnitude of 4 kV is achieved matching the simulated performance of the design.
Polarized spin and valley transport across ferromagnetic silicene junctions
Authors: Vargiamidis V. , Vasilopoulos P.
Published: March 2015

We study ballistic transport of Dirac fermions through silicene barriers, of width d, with an exchange field M and metallic gates above them that provide tunable potentials of height U. Away from the Dirac point (DP), the spin- and valley-resolved conductances, as functions of U, exhibit resonances and close to it a pronounced dip that becomes a transport gap when an appropriate electric field Ez is applied. The charge conductance gc of such a junction changes from oscillatory to a monotonically decreasing function of d beyond a critical Ez. This change of gc can be used to realize electric-field-controlled switching. The field M splits each resonance of gc in two spin-resolved peaks. The spin ps and valley pv polarizations of the current near the DP increase with Ez or M and become nearly perfect above certain of their values. We also show that ps and pv can be inverted either by reversing the polarity of U or the direction of M. For two barriers, there is no splitting in gc when the fields M are in opposite directions. Most of these phenomena have no analogs in graphene.