bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Empiricism
Authors: Meyers Robert G.
Published: February 2013

Understanding Empiricism is an introduction to empiricism and the empiricist tradition in philosophy. The book examines the most important philosophical issues bearing on the subject, while maintaining enough distance from the intricacies of Locke, Berkeley, Hume scholarship to allow readers to gain a clear overview of empiricism without being lost in the details of exegetical disputes concerning particular philosophers. Robert Meyers begins by distinguishing between the epistemological and psychological versions of empiricism, showing how the former is of primary interest to philosophers. Meyers then provides a lucid introduction to the main protagonists in the British empiricist tradition from this perspective before focusing on some central issues such as foundationalism, the notion of the a priori, the challenge of skepticism, and the status of religious belief within empiricism. The ideas of recent philosophers, including Sellars, Goodman and Quine, are considered alongside the earlier criticisms of Leibniz, Mill and Peirce. The discussions are kept at an introductory level throughout in order to help readers locate the principles of empiricism in relation to modern philosophy. Understanding Empiricism introduces current problems in the theory of knowledge as well as offering a concise survey of the history of empiricist ideas. It will be welcome reading for courses on epistemology as well as on the history of philosophy.
A Sceptical Guide to Meaning and Rules
Authors: Kusch Martin
Published: February 2013

Few other recent books in Anglophone philosophy have attracted as much criticism as Saul Kripke's Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language. And yet, Kripke's essay is rightly counted amongst the books that students of philosophy, at least in the Anglo-American world, should read at some point in their education. Enormously influential it has given rise to debates that strike at the very heart of contemporary philosophy of mind and language. In this major new interpretation, Martin Kusch defends Kripke's account against the numerous weighty objections that have been put forward over the past twenty years and argues that none of them is decisive. He shows that many critiques are based on misunderstandings of Kripke's reasoning; that many attacks can be blocked by refining and developing Kripke's position; and that many alternative proposals turn out either to be unworkable or to be disguised variants of the view they are meant to replace. Kusch argues that the apparent simplicity of Kripke's text is deceptive and that a fresh reading gives Kripke's overall argument a new strength. A Sceptical Guide to Meaning and Rules is a challenging and important work that addresses the most fundamental questions of linguistic meaning and mental content. It will be essential reading for philosophers of mind and language.
Understanding German Idealism
Authors: Dudley Will
Published: February 2013

Understanding German Idealism provides an accessible introduction to the philosophical movement that emerged with the publication of Kants monumental Critique of Pure Reason and ended fifty years later with Hegels death. The thinkers of this period and the themes they developed revolutionized almost every area of philosophy and had an impact that continues to be felt across the humanities and social sciences today. Notoriously complex, the central texts of German Idealism have confounded the most capable and patient interpreters for more than 200 years. Understanding German Idealism aims to convey the significance of this philosophical movement while avoiding its obscurity. Readers are given a clear understanding of the problems that motivated Kant, Fichte, Schelling and Hegel and the solutions that they proposed. Dudley outlines the main ideas of transcendental idealism and explores how the later German Idealists attempted to carry out the Kantian project more rigorously than Kant himself, striving to develop a fully self-critical and rational philosophy, in order to determine the meaning and sustain the possibility of a free and rational modern life.
Nietzsche's Genealogy of Morality
Authors: Owen David
Published: February 2013

Combining philosophical acuity, psychological insight and a remarkably powerful prose style, On the Genealogy of Morality is a dazzling and brilliantly incisive attack on European morality. David Owen situates the Genealogy in the context of the development of Nietzsche's philosophy and offers readers a sophisticated and nuanced analysis of this great text. He provides a lucid account of Nietzsches reasons for adopting a genealogical investigation of our moral values as well as a detailed analysis of the Genealogy itself. Highlighting the key features of Nietzsches critique of morality and his call for a re-evaluation of values, Owen shows how the arguments and rhetoric of the Genealogy combine to undermine our modern understanding of moral agency. Rich in insight, Owen's book is a distinctive and significant contribution to our understanding of this landmark work of western philosophy.
Psychiatry and Philosophy of Science
Authors: Cooper Rachel
Published: February 2013

Psychiatry and Philosophy of Science explores conceptual issues in psychiatry from the perspective of analytic philosophy of science. Through an examination of those features of psychiatry that distinguish it from other sciences  for example, its contested subject matter, its particular modes of explanation, its multiple different theoretical frameworks, and its research links with big business  Rachel Cooper explores some of the many conceptual, metaphysical and epistemological issues that arise in psychiatry. She shows how these pose interesting challenges for the philosopher of science while also showing how ideas from the philosophy of science can help to solve conceptual problems within psychiatry. Coopers discussion ranges over such topics as the nature of mental illness, the treatment decisions and diagnostic categories of psychiatry, the case-history as a form of explanation, how psychiatry might be value-laden, the claim that psychiatry is a multi-paradigm science, the distortion of psychiatric research by pharmaceutical industries, as well as engaging with the fundamental question whether the mind is reducible to something at the physical level. Psychiatry and Philosophy of Science demonstrates that cross-disciplinary contact between philosophy of science and psychiatry can be immensely productive for both subjects and it will be required reading for mental health professionals and philosophers alike.
The Minds of the Moderns
Authors: Thomas Janice
Published: February 2013

Taking Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume in turn, Janice Thomas presents an authoritative and critical assessment of each of these canonical thinkers views of the notion of mind. The book examines each philosophers position on five key topics: the metaphysical character of minds and mental states; the nature and scope of introspection and self-knowledge; the nature of consciousness; the problem of mental causation and the nature of representation and intentionality. The exposition and examination of their positions is informed by present-day debates in the philosophy of mind and the philosophy of psychology so that readers get a clear sense of the importance of these philosophers ideas, many of which continue to define our current notions of the mental. Again and again, philosophers return to the great early modern rationalist and empiricist philosophers for instruction and inspiration. Their views on the philosophy of mind are no exception and as Thomas shows they have much to offer contemporary debates.
The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism
Authors: Ellis Brian
Published: February 2013

In The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism, Brian Ellis develops the metaphysics of scientific realism to the point where it begins to take on the characteristics of a first philosophy, that is, as a theory about the nature of reality that can reasonably adjudicate on theories in other fields of enquiry in which assumptions are made about the basic nature of the world. As most people understand it, scientific realism is not yet such a theory. Nevertheless, Ellis shows that the original arguments that led to scientific realism may be deployed more widely than they were originally to fill out a more complete picture of what there is. Ellis shows that realistic theories of quantum mechanics, time, causality and human freedom  all problematic areas for the acceptance of scientific realism  can be developed satisfactorily. In particular, Ellis shows how moral theory can be recast to fit within this comprehensive metaphysical framework by developing a radical moral theory that conceives morals to be social ideals and which has implications for key ethical concepts such as moral responsibility, moral powers, moral rights and moral obligations. The Metaphysics of Scientific Realism is a bold and original development of the scientific characterization of reality by one of the worlds leading metaphysicians of science. It marks a significant contribution not only to philosophy of science and metaphysics but also to the search for a first philosophy.
God
Authors: Wood Jay W.
Published: February 2013

Are there adequate reasons to think that God exists? And, if God exists, what is God like? Jay Wood examines these two foundational questions about God, which have exercised philosophers since antiquity. The first part of the book addresses epistemological concerns, focusing on arguments for and against the claim that theism is rationally justifiable. Metaphysical questions about Gods nature, in particular Gods knowledge and power, constitute the second part of the book. Both questions are shown to be related since, if the concept of a God perfect in wisdom, power and goodness is incoherent, it cannot be reasonable to believe that God exists. Wood offers readers a clear and incisive assessment of the core philosophical arguments for the existence of God that will equip the reader with the necessary understanding to tackle more specialized and complex questions in the philosophy of religion.
Moralism
Authors: Taylor Craig
Published: February 2013

Moralism involves the distortion of moral thought, the distortion of reflection and judgement. It is a vice, and one to which many  from the philosopher to the media pundit to the politician  are highly susceptible. This book examines the nature of moralism in specific moral judgements and the ways in which moral philosophy and theories about morality can themselves become skewed by this vice. The book ranges across the problem of the demands of morality; the conflict between moral and other values; the contrast between the practice of moral philosophy and other modes of moral thought or reflection; moralism in the media; and moralism in the public discussion of literature and art. This highly original and provocative work will be of interest to students of philosophy, psychology, theology and media, and to anyone who takes a serious interest in contemporary morality.
Art's Emotions
Authors: Freeman Damien
Published: February 2013

Despite the very obvious differences between looking at Manets Woman with a Parrot and listening to Elgars Cello Concerto, both experiences provoke similar questions in the thoughtful aesthete: why does the painting seem to express reverie and the music, nostalgia? Why do we find these experiences rewarding in similar ways? Damien Freeman develops a new theory of emotion that is suitable for resolving key questions in aesthetics. He then reviews and evaluates three existing approaches to artistic expression, and proposes a new approach to the emotional experience of art that draws on the strengths of the existing approaches. Finally, he seeks to establish the ethical significance of this emotional experience of art for human flourishing. Freeman challenges the reader not only to consider how art engages with emotion, but how we should connect up our answers to questions concerning the nature and value of the experiences offered by works of art.
Equation of state, refractive index and polarizability of compressed water to 7 GPa and 673 K
Authors: Sanchez-Valle Carmen , Mantegazzi Davide , Bass Jay D. , Reusser Eric
Published: February 2013

The equation of state (EoS), refractive index n, and polarizability α of water have been determined up to 673 K and 7 GPa from acoustic velocity measurements conducted in a resistively heated diamond anvil cell using Brillouin scattering spectroscopy. Measured acoustic velocities compare favorably with previous experimental studies but they are lower than velocities calculated from the extrapolation of the IAPWS95 equation of state above 3 GPa at 673 K and deviations increase up to 6% at 7 GPa. Densities calculated from the velocity data were used to propose an empirical EoS suitable in the 0.6–7 GPa and 293–673 K range with a total estimated uncertainty of 0.5% or less. The density model and thermodynamic properties derived from the experimental EoS have been compared to several EoS proposed in the literature. The IAPWS95 EoS provides good agreement, although underestimates density by up to 1.2% at 7 GPa and 673 K and the thermodynamic properties deviate greatly (10%-20%) outside the estimated uncertainties above 4 GPa. The refractive index n of liquid water increases linearly with density and do not depend intrinsically on temperature. The polarizability decreases with pressure by less than 4% within the investigated P-T range, suggesting strong intermolecular interactions in H2O that are consistent with the prevalence of the hydrogen bond network in the fluid. The results will allow the refinement of interaction potentials that consider polarization effects for a better understanding of solvent-solvent and ion-solvent interactions in aqueous fluids at high pressure and temperature conditions.
Going beyond the frozen core approximation: Development of coordinate-dependent pseudopotentials and application to ${\rm Na}_2^+$ Na 2+
Authors: Kahros Argyris , Schwartz Benjamin J.
Published: February 2013

Mixed quantum/classical (MQC) simulations treat the majority of a system classically and reserve quantum mechanics only for a few degrees of freedom that actively participate in the chemical process(es) of interest. In MQC calculations, the quantum and classical degrees of freedom are coupled together using pseudopotentials. Although most pseudopotentials are developed empirically, there are methods for deriving pseudopotentials using the results of quantum chemistry calculations, which guarantee that the explicitly-treated valence electron wave functions remain orthogonal to the implicitly-treated core electron orbitals. Whether empirical or analytically derived in nature, to date all such pseudopotentials have been subject to the frozen core approximation (FCA) that ignores how changes in the nuclear coordinates alter the core orbitals, which in turn affects the wave function of the valence electrons. In this paper, we present a way to go beyond the FCA by developing pseudopotentials that respond to these changes. In other words, we show how to derive an analytic expression for a pseudopotential that is an explicit function of nuclear coordinates, thus accounting for the polarization effects experienced by atomic cores in different chemical environments. We then use this formalism to develop a coordinate-dependent pseudopotential for the bonding electron of the sodium dimer cation molecule and we show how the analytic representation of this potential can be used in one-electron MQC simulations that provide the accuracy of a fully quantum mechanical Hartree-Fock (HF) calculation at all internuclear separations. We also show that one-electron MQC simulations of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm Na}_2^+$\end{document} Na 2+ using our coordinate-dependent pseudopotential provide a significant advantage in accuracy compared to frozen core potentials with no additional computational expense. This is because use of a frozen core potential produces a charge density for the bonding electron of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm Na}_2^+$\end{document} Na 2+ that is too localized on the molecule, leading to significant overbinding of the valence electron. This means that FCA calculations are subject to inaccuracies of order ∼10% in the calculated bond length and vibrational frequency of the molecule relative to a full HF calculation; these errors are fully corrected by using our coordinate-dependent pseudopotential. Overall, our findings indicate that even for molecules like \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm Na}_2^+$\end{document} Na 2+, which have a simple electronic structure that might be expected to be well-treated within the FCA, the importance of including the effects of the changing core molecular orbitals on the bonding electrons cannot be overlooked.
Nanoscale torsional optomechanics
Authors: Kim P. H. , Doolin C. , Hauer B. D. , MacDonald A. J. R. , Freeman M. R. , Barclay P. E. , Davis J. P.
Published: February 2013

Optomechanical transduction is demonstrated for nanoscale torsional resonators evanescently coupled to optical microdisk whispering gallery mode resonators. The on-chip, integrated devices are measured using a fully fiber-based system, including a tapered and dimpled optical fiber probe. With a thermomechanically calibrated optomechanical noise floor down to 7 fm/Hz, these devices open the door for a wide range of physical measurements involving extremely small torques, as little as 4×10−20N·m.
Theoretical studies of lithium incorporation into α-Sn(100)
Authors: Kaghazchi Payam
Published: February 2013

Using density functional theory, we study the incorporation of Li into Sn(100). The calculations indicate that Li is more stable at interstitial sites between the topmost surface-layers of Sn(100) than at onsurface sites and bulk sites. The barrier of Li diffusion from the surface into the subsurface is very low (0.07 eV). The highest-energy barriers are for the penetration of Li from the outermost subsurface sites into deeper subsurface sites (0.22–0.25 eV). The energy barriers for the Li incorporation into the Sn(100) surface are much lower than into the surfaces of other group IV elements such as Si. Since Sn is a promising candidate to replace the currently-used graphite anodes in Li-ion batteries, the present work can help us to better understand the process of Li insertion and extraction in Sn-based anode materials for future Li-ion batteries.
Spectrally resolved detection of mixed acoustic vibrations by photorefractive interferometry
Authors: Xiong Jichuan , Glorieux Christ
Published: February 2013

A two-wave mixing photorefractive interferometry method in an anisotropic diffraction scheme, intended to selectively detect an acoustic vibration component at a specific frequency of interest in the presence of strong vibrations at other frequencies, is presented and validated by simulations and experiments. The achieved narrow-band detection is of particular interest for applications where weak vibration signals generated by nonlinear acoustic effects are to be detected with high sensitivity and without cross-talk from the large vibration components from which the acoustic nonlinearity is originating.
Kinetics of multiexciton complex in GaAs quantum dots on Si
Authors: Accanto N. , Minari S. , Cavigli L. , Bietti S. , Isella G. , Vinattieri A. , Sanguinetti S. , Gurioli M.
Published: February 2013

We study the multiexciton properties of GaAs quantum dots self aggregated on Si substrates. Sequential emission of two photons radiative cascade is observed both in continuous wave and in time resolved measurements. Polarization resolved measurements, with high spectral resolution, allow us to attribute the observed photon cascade to positively charged biexciton. Our results highlight the possibility of obtaining systems showing quantum correlations on a Si based device.
Collective charge transport in semiconductor-metal hybrid nanocomposite
Authors: Shuvra Basu Tuhin , Ghosh Siddhartha , Gierlotka Stanislaw , Ray Mallar
Published: February 2013

Collective charge transport through a hybrid nanocomposite made of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in ultra-small Si quantum dot (QD) matrix exhibits unexpected and fascinating characteristics. Metallic inclusion (10 wt. % of Ag NPs) in the Si QD matrix affects six orders of magnitude increase in current. In the semiconductor-metal hybrid, three different charge transport mechanisms—quantum tunneling through insulating barriers, variable range hoping, and simple thermally activated conduction dominate in three different temperature regimes that are influenced by bias voltage. We show that there is a cross-over from one transport mechanism to the other and determine the voltage dependent cross-over temperatures.
Tensile strained GeSn on Si by solid phase epitaxy
Authors: Lieten R. R. , Seo J. W. , Decoster S. , Vantomme A. , Peters S. , Bustillo K. C. , Haller E. E. , Menghini M. , Locquet J.-P.
Published: February 2013

We demonstrate single crystalline GeSn with tensile strain on silicon substrates. Amorphous GeSn layers are obtained by limiting the adatom surface mobility during deposition. Subsequent annealing transforms the amorphous layer into single crystalline GeSn by solid phase epitaxy. Excellent structural quality is demonstrated for layers with up to 6.1% of Sn. The GeSn layers show tensile strain (up to +0.34%), which lowers the difference between direct and indirect band transition and makes this method promising for obtaining direct band gap group IV layers. GeSn with 4.5% Sn shows increased optical absorption compared to Ge and an optical band gap of 0.52 eV.
A Datta-Das transistor and conductance switch based on a zigzag graphene nanoribbon
Authors: Cao Jie , Pui Tang Chi , Xiong Shi-Jie
Published: February 2013

We theoretically investigate the transport properties of a zigzag graphene nanoribbon, where there exists the Rashba spin-orbit coupling only in the central region modulated by a gate voltage. Using the approach of nonequilibrium Green function, we show that when the two electrode regions are ferromagnetic but the central region is nonmagnetic, the device based on graphene has the behavior of the Datta-Das transistor and at the same time a giant magnetoresistance effect can be observed. Inversely, when the central region has a magnetization but the two electrode regions are nonmagnetic, the device can work as a conductance switch, because an energy gap appears in the band structure of the central graphene ribbon under the coaction of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling and the magnetization. In addition, we find that the behavior of the conductance switch of the device is robust when the weak disorder is present in the system.
Optimal width of barrier region in X/γ-ray Schottky diode detectors based on CdTe and CdZnTe
Authors: Kosyachenko L. A. , Aoki T. , Lambropoulos C. P. , Gnatyuk V. A. , Melnychuk S. V. , Sklyarchuk V. M. , Grushko E. V. , Maslyanchuk O. L. , Sklyarchuk O. V.
Published: February 2013

The spectral distribution of quantum detection efficiency of X- and γ-ray Schottky diodes based on semi-insulating CdTe or Cd0.9Zn0.1Te crystals is substantiated and obtained in analytical form. It is shown that the width of the space charge region (SCR) of 6–40 μm at zero bias in CdTe (Cd0.9Zn0.1Te) Schottky diode is optimal for detecting radiation in the photon energy range above 5–10 keV. Based on the Poisson equation, the relationship between the SCR width and the composition of impurities and the degree of their compensation are investigated. It is shown that the presence of deep levels in the bandgap leads to a considerable increase in space charge density and electric field strength near the crystal surface. However, this effect contributes a small error in the determination of the SCR width using the standard formula for the Schottky diode. It is also shown that the concentration of uncompensated impurities in CdTe and Cd0.9Zn0.1Te crystals within the 4 × 1011–1013 cm–3 range is optimal for the detection efficiency of X- and γ-rays in the photon high-energy range. The record-high values of energy resolution have been obtained in the spectra of 241Am, 57Co, 133Ba and 137Cs isotopes measured using CdTe crystals with Schottky diodes because the concentration of uncompensated donors in the CdTe crystals (1–2) × 1012 cm–3 falls on an interval of maximum detection efficiency. In the spectrum of 57Co isotope, the limiting energy resolution has been achieved.
Concise and high-fidelity predictive criteria for maximizing performance and robustness of bistable energy harvesters
Authors: Harne R. L. , Thota M. , Wang K. W.
Published: February 2013

We employ an analytical model of a harmonically excited bistable vibration energy harvester to determine criteria governing continuous high-energy orbit (HEO) dynamics that maximize harvesting performance. Derivation of the criteria stems from previously unexplored dynamic relationships predicted by the model indicating critical conditions for HEO; experimental evidence of the phenomenon is provided as validation. The criteria are vastly more concise than existing HEO prediction methodology and can more accurately delineate HEO boundaries. This research addresses an essential need to create effective tools for high performance and robust bistable harvester design.
Structural evolution in bulk metallic glass under high-temperature tension
Authors: Wang X. D. , Lou H. B. , Bednarcik J. , Franz H. , Sheng H. W. , Cao Q. P. , Jiang J. Z.
Published: February 2013

The tensile behavior of a Cu46Zr46Al8 bulk metallic glass (BMG) at elevated temperatures has been studied using in situ x-ray diffraction and molecular dynamics simulation. It is demonstrated that excess open volume is generated during elastic deformation and accumulated enough before plastic flow starts. The open volume almost keeps constant during homogeneous deformation, suggesting that a high content of open volume is a key point for developing BMGs with pronounced tensile plasticity.
Diameter-dependent boron diffusion in silicon nanowire-based transistors
Authors: Schulze Andreas , Florakis Antonios , Hantschel Thomas , Eyben Pierre , Verhulst Anne S. , Rooyackers Rita , Vandooren Anne , Vandervorst W.
Published: February 2013

We analyzed the carrier profile in silicon nanowire-based tunnel-FETs as a function of nanowire diameter using scanning spreading resistance microscopy. The nanowires were etched into an epitaxially grown stack, of which the top layer was in situ boron doped and the top contact was implanted. We revealed a significantly reduced boron diffusion inside narrower nanowires and a nonuniform diffusion depth in wider nanowires. Using process simulations, we attribute the latter to a reduced transient enhanced diffusion close to the nanowire sidewall caused by the recombination of excess interstitials. The shallower profile in narrower nanowires is related to an enhanced interstitial annihilation.
Magnetoimpedance dependence on width in Co66.5Fe3.5Si12.0B18.0 amorphous alloy ribbons
Authors: González-Legarreta L. , Prida V. M. , Hernando B. , Ipatov M. , Zhukova V. , Zhukov A. P. , González J.
Published: February 2013

The magnetoimpedance (MI) response of near-zero magnetostriction Co-based amorphous ribbons with different width ranging from 0.35 mm to 0.90 mm was investigated in the frequency range of 10 MHz–3.5 GHz. It was found that the wider ribbon displays the softer magnetic behavior and larger magnetoimpedance. MI response is characterized by two symmetrical peaks corresponding at the two opposite directions of applied magnetic field. The value of magnetic field at the peaks of MI should be assigned to the anisotropy field. Frequency dependencies of anisotropy field for the range 500–1000 MHz could be understood in the framework of skin penetration effect in the ribbons except to that of lowest width (0.35 mm) where the ferromagnetic resonance phenomenon could be predominant at this frequency range. Ferromagnetic resonance was detected in all samples, and for magnetic fields above 4 kA/m the square of resonance frequency quadratically fits vs. the applied field. Given the saturation magnetization, both the anisotropy field and the Landé factor have been determined.
Confirmation of the monoclinic Cc space group for the ground state phase of Pb(Zr0.525Ti0.475)O3: A combined synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction study
Authors: Singh Solanki Ravindra , Kumar Mishra Sunil , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Yoon Songhak , Baik Sunggi , Shin Namsoo , Pandey Dhananjai
Published: February 2013

The low temperature antiferrodistortive phase transition in a pseudo-tetragonal composition of Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 (PZT) with x = 0.525 is investigated through a combined synchrotron x-ray and neutron powder diffraction study. It is shown that the superlattice peaks cannot be correctly accounted for in the Rietveld refinement using R3c or R3c + Cm structural models, whereas the Cc space group gives excellent fits to the superlattice peaks as well as to the perovskite peaks. This settles at rest the existing controversies about the structure of the ground state phase of PZT in the morphotropic phase boundary region.
Laser emissions from one-dimensional photonic crystal rings on silicon-dioxide
Authors: Lu Tsan-Wen , Tsai Wei-Chi , Wu Tze-Yao , Lee Po-Tsung
Published: February 2013

In this report, we design and utilize one-dimensional photonic crystal ring resonators (1D PhCRRs) to realize InGaAsP/SiO2 hybrid lasers via adhesive bonding technique. Single-mode lasing with low threshold from the dielectric mode is observed. To further design a nanocavity with mode gap effect in 1D PhCRR results in the reduced lasing threshold and increased vertical laser emissions, owing to the reduced dielectric mode volume and the broken rotational symmetry by the nanocavity. Such hybrid lasers based on 1D PhC rings provides good geometric integration ability and new scenario for designing versatile devices in photonic integrated circuits.
Optoelectrofluidic behavior of metal–polymer hybrid colloidal particles
Authors: Han Dongsik , Hwang Hyundoo , Park Je-Kyun
Published: February 2013

Behavior of metal–polymer hybrid colloidal particles in an optoelectrofluidic device has been investigated theoretically and experimentally. In the application of hundreds of kHz ac voltage, a variety of optically induced electrokinetic and electrostatic mechanisms affect the movement of gold-coated polystyrene microspheres. The particles repel from the light pattern, and their mobility increases as the amount of gold increases. We apply this model to develop an optoelectrofluidic immunoassay, in which the corresponding metal–polymer hybrid particles are formed by a reaction of antibody-coated gold nanoparticles, antigens, and antibody-coated polystyrene microspheres.
Enhanced performance in polymer solar cells by the use of a halogenated indium tin oxide anode
Authors: Zheng Shizhao , Wong King Y.
Published: February 2013

Use of a halogenated, surface-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) anode was found to enhance the photovoltaic performance of a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cell using poly[N-9′-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) by as much as 29% but produced no enhancement in a BHJ device using poly(3-hexylthiophene). The position of the positive polaronic state of the polymer was found to be crucial to the enhancement. A power conversion efficiency of 6.27% for a PCDTBT-based BHJ device was achieved by using a chlorinated ITO anode without the needs of using any modifying interlayer or optical spacer at the cathode.
Size-dependence of Raman scattering from graphene quantum dots: Interplay between shape and thickness
Authors: Kim Sung , Hee Shin Dong , Oh Kim Chang , Seok Kang Soo , Sin Joo Soong , Choi Suk-Ho , Won Hwang Sung , Sone Cheolsoo
Published: February 2013

Raman-scattering behaviors have been studied in graphene quantum dots (GQDs) by varying their average size (d) from 5 to 35 nm. The peak frequencies of D and 2D bands are almost irrespective of d, and the intensity of the D band is larger than that of the G band over almost full range of d. These results suggest that GQDs are defective, possibly resulting from the dominant contributions from the edge states at the periphery of GQDs. The G band shows a maximum peak frequency at d = ∼17 nm, whilst the full-width half maximum of the G band and the peak-intensity ratio of the D to G bands are minimized at d = ∼17 nm. Since the average thickness of GQDs (t) is proportional to d, t can act as a factor affecting the d-dependent Raman-scattering behaviors, but they cannot be explained solely by the t variation. We propose that the abrupt changes in the Raman-scattering behaviors of GQDs at d = ∼17 nm originate from size-dependent edge-state variation of GQDs at d = ∼17 nm as d increases.
Optically excited multi-band conduction in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures
Authors: Guduru V. K. , Granados del Aguila A. , Wenderich S. , Kruize M. K. , McCollam A. , Christianen P. C. M. , Zeitler U. , Brinkman A. , Rijnders G. , Hilgenkamp H. , Maan J. C.
Published: February 2013

The low-temperature resistance of a conducting LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface with a 10 nm LaAlO3 film decreases by more than 50% after illumination with light of energy higher than the SrTiO3 band-gap. We explain our observations by optical excitation of an additional high mobility electron channel, which is spatially separated from the photo-excited holes. After illumination, we measure a strongly non-linear Hall resistance which is governed by the concentration and mobility of the photo-excited carriers. This can be explained within a two-carrier model where illumination creates a high mobility electron channel in addition to a low mobility electron channel which exists before illumination.
Helicobacter pylori
γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and vacuolating cytotoxin promote gastric persistence and immune tolerance
Authors: Oertli Mathias , Noben Manuel , Engler Daniela B. , Semper Raphaela P. , Reuter Sebastian , Maxeiner Joachim , Gerhard Markus , Taube Christian , Müller Anne
Published: February 2013

Infection with the gastric bacterial pathogen
Helicobacter pylori
is typically contracted in early childhood and often persists for decades. The immunomodulatory properties of
H. pylori
that allow it to colonize humans persistently are believed to also account for
H. pylori
’s protective effects against allergic and chronic inflammatory diseases.
H. pylori
infection efficiently reprograms dendritic cells (DCs) toward a tolerogenic phenotype and induces regulatory T cells (Tregs) with highly suppressive activity in models of allergen-induced asthma. We show here that two
H. pylori
virulence determinants, the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase GGT and the vacuolating cytotoxin VacA, contribute critically and nonredundantly to
H. pylori
’s tolerizing effects on murine DCs in vitro and in vivo. The tolerance-promoting effects of both factors are independent of their described suppressive activity on T cells. Isogenic
H. pylori
mutants lacking either GGT or VacA are incapable of preventing LPS-induced DC maturation and fail to drive DC tolerization as assessed by induction of Treg properties in cocultured naive T cells. The Δ
ggt
and Δ
vacA
mutants colonize mice at significantly reduced levels, induce stronger T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 17 (Th17) responses, and/or trigger more severe gastric pathology. Both factors promote the efficient induction of Tregs in vivo, and VacA is required to prevent allergen-induced asthma. The defects of the Δ
ggt
mutant in vitro and in vivo are phenocopied by pharmacological inhibition of the transpeptidase activity of GGT in all readouts. In conclusion, our results reveal the molecular players and mechanistic basis for
H. pylori
-induced immunomodulation, promoting persistent infection and conferring protection against allergic asthma.
Folding of a heterogeneous β-hairpin peptide from temperature-jump 2D IR spectroscopy
Authors: Jones Kevin C. , Peng Chunte Sam , Tokmakoff Andrei
Published: February 2013

We provide a time- and structure-resolved characterization of the folding of the heterogeneous β-hairpin peptide Tryptophan Zipper 2 (Trpzip2) using 2D IR spectroscopy. The amide I′ vibrations of three Trpzip2 isotopologues are used as a local probe of the midstrand contacts, β-turn, and overall β-sheet content. Our experiments distinguish between a folded state with a type I′ β-turn and a misfolded state with a bulged turn, providing evidence for distinct conformations of the peptide backbone. Transient 2D IR spectroscopy at 45 °C following a laser temperature jump tracks the nanosecond and microsecond kinetics of unfolding and the exchange between conformers. Hydrogen bonds to the peptide backbone are loosened rapidly compared with the 5-ns temperature jump. Subsequently, all relaxation kinetics are characterized by an observed 1.2 ± 0.2-μs exponential. Our time-dependent 2D IR spectra are explained in terms of folding of either native or nonnative contacts from a common compact disordered state. Conversion from the disordered state to the folded state is consistent with a zip-out folding mechanism.
Aerosol growth in Titan’s ionosphere
Authors: Lavvas Panayotis , Yelle Roger V. , Koskinen Tommi , Bazin Axel , Vuitton Véronique , Vigren Erik , Galand Marina , Wellbrock Anne , Coates Andrew J. , Wahlund Jan-Erik , Crary Frank J. , Snowden Darci
Published: February 2013

Photochemically produced aerosols are common among the atmospheres of our solar system and beyond. Observations and models have shown that photochemical aerosols have direct consequences on atmospheric properties as well as important astrobiological ramifications, but the mechanisms involved in their formation remain unclear. Here we show that the formation of aerosols in Titan’s upper atmosphere is directly related to ion processes, and we provide a complete interpretation of observed mass spectra by the Cassini instruments from small to large masses. Because all planetary atmospheres possess ionospheres, we anticipate that the mechanisms identified here will be efficient in other environments as well, modulated by the chemical complexity of each atmosphere.
Arginine ADP-ribosylation mechanism based on structural snapshots of iota-toxin and actin complex
Authors: Tsurumura Toshiharu , Tsumori Yayoi , Qiu Hao , Oda Masataka , Sakurai Jun , Nagahama Masahiro , Tsuge Hideaki
Published: February 2013

Clostridium perfringens
iota-toxin (Ia) mono-ADP ribosylates Arg177 of actin, leading to cytoskeletal disorganization and cell death. To fully understand the reaction mechanism of arginine-specific mono-ADP ribosyl transferase, the structure of the toxin-substrate protein complex must be characterized. Recently, we solved the crystal structure of Ia in complex with actin and the nonhydrolyzable NAD
+
analog βTAD (thiazole-4-carboxamide adenine dinucleotide); however, the structures of the NAD
+
-bound form (NAD
+
-Ia-actin) and the ADP ribosylated form [Ia-ADP ribosylated (ADPR)-actin] remain unclear. Accidentally, we found that ethylene glycol as cryo-protectant inhibits ADP ribosylation and crystallized the NAD
+
-Ia-actin complex. Here we report high-resolution structures of NAD
+
-Ia-actin and Ia-ADPR-actin obtained by soaking apo-Ia-actin crystal with NAD
+
under different conditions. The structures of NAD
+
-Ia-actin and Ia-ADPR-actin represent the pre- and postreaction states, respectively. By assigning the βTAD-Ia-actin structure to the transition state, the strain-alleviation model of ADP ribosylation, which we proposed previously, is experimentally confirmed and improved. Moreover, this reaction mechanism appears to be applicable not only to Ia but also to other ADP ribosyltransferases.
Homologous involvement of striatum and prefrontal cortex in rodent and human water maze learning
Authors: Woolley Daniel G. , Laeremans Annelies , Gantois Ilse , Mantini Dante , Vermaercke Ben , Op de Beeck Hans P. , Swinnen Stephan P. , Wenderoth Nicole , Arckens Lutgarde , D'Hooge Rudi
Published: February 2013

The multiple memory systems hypothesis posits that dorsal striatum and hippocampus are central nodes in independent memory systems, supporting response-based and place-based learning, respectively. Although our understanding of the function of hippocampus within this framework is relatively well established, the contribution of dorsal striatum is less clear. This in part seems to be due to the heterogeneous nature of dorsal striatum, which receives extensive topographically organized projections from higher cortical areas. Here we quantified neural activity in the intact brain while mice and humans acquired analogous versions of the Morris water maze. We found that dorsomedial striatum and medial prefrontal cortex support the initial acquisition of what is typically considered a hippocampus-dependent spatial learning task. We suggest that the circuit involving dorsomedial striatum and medial prefrontal cortex identified here plays a more task-independent role in early learning than currently thought. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum serve fundamentally different roles during place learning. The remarkably high degree of anatomical overlap in brain function between mouse and human observed in our study emphasizes the extent of convergence achievable with a well-matched multilevel approach.
Rice zinc finger protein DST enhances grain production through controlling
Gn1a/OsCKX2
expression
Authors: Li Shuyu , Zhao Bingran , Yuan Dingyang , Duan Meijuan , Qian Qian , Tang Li , Wang Bao , Liu Xiaoqiang , Zhang Jie , Wang Jun , Sun Jiaqiang , Liu Zhao , Feng Yu-Qi , Yuan Longping , Li Chuanyou
Published: February 2013

The phytohormone cytokinin (CK) positively regulates the activity and function of the shoot apical meristem (SAM), which is a major parameter determining seed production. The rice (
Oryza sativa
L.)
Gn1a
/
OsCKX2
(
Grain number 1a
/
Cytokinin oxidase 2
) gene, which encodes a cytokinin oxidase, has been identified as a major quantitative trait locus contributing to grain number improvement in rice breeding practice. However, the molecular mechanism of how the expression of
OsCKX2
is regulated in planta remains elusive. Here, we report that the zinc finger transcription factor DROUGHT AND SALT TOLERANCE (DST) directly regulates
OsCKX2
expression in the reproductive meristem. DST-directed expression of
OsCKX2
regulates CK accumulation in the SAM and, therefore, controls the number of the reproductive organs. We identify that
DST

reg1

, a semidominant allele of the
DST
gene, perturbs DST-directed regulation of
OsCKX2
expression and elevates CK levels in the reproductive SAM, leading to increased meristem activity, enhanced panicle branching, and a consequent increase of grain number. Importantly, the
DST

reg1

allele provides an approach to pyramid the
Gn1a
-dependent and
Gn1a
-independent effects on grain production. Our study reveals that, as a unique regulator of reproductive meristem activity, DST may be explored to facilitate the genetic enhancement of grain production in rice and other small grain cereals.
Physical Factors, Personal Characteristics, and Substance Use: Associations with Obesity
Authors: Brook Judith S. , Lee Jung Yeon , Finch Stephen J. , Balka Elinor B. , Brook David W.
Published: February 2013

Background

Because obesity has become a major public health problem, attention to a range of its predictors is needed. This study examined the association of physical factors, personal characteristics, and substance use with obesity in a sample ( N = 815) of African American and Puerto Rican young adults with a mean age of 32.

Methods

Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to assess obesity. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed that protective factors such as physical activity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = .82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .74–.91), healthy diet (AOR = .96, 95% CI = .93–.99), self-control (AOR = .93, 95% CI = .87–.98), and life satisfaction (AOR = .97, 95% CI = .95–.99) were associated with a reduced probability of being obese. Marijuana use was also associated with a decreased probability of obesity (AOR = .89, 95% CI = .80–.99), but was not considered a protective factor. Risk factors such as short sleep duration (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.24–2.33) and depressive mood (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09) were associated with an increased probability of being obese.

Conclusions

For African Americans and Puerto Ricans, programs to treat obesity should focus on increasing sleep, physical activity, and life satisfaction.
Is the SNARC Effect Related to the Level of Mathematics? No Systematic Relationship Observed despite More Power, More Repetitions, and More Direct Assessment of Arithmetic Skill
Authors: Cipora Krzysztof , Nuerk Hans-Christoph
Published: February 2013

The SNARC (spatial–numerical association of response codes) described that larger numbers are responded faster with the right hand and smaller numbers with the left hand. It is held in the literature that arithmetically skilled and nonskilled adults differ in the SNARC. However, the respective data are descriptive, and the decisive tests are nonsignificant. Possible reasons for this nonsignificance could be that in previous studies (a) very small samples were used, (b) there were too few repetitions producing too little power and, consequently, reliabilities that were too small to reach conventional significance levels for the descriptive skill differences in the SNARC, and (c) general mathematical ability was assessed by the field of study of students, while individual arithmetic skills were not examined. Therefore we used a much bigger sample, a lot more repetitions, and direct assessment of arithmetic skills to explore relations between the SNARC effect and arithmetic skills. Nevertheless, a difference in SNARC effect between arithmetically skilled and nonskilled participants was not obtained. Bayesian analysis showed positive evidence of a true null effect, not just a power problem. Hence we conclude that the idea that arithmetically skilled and nonskilled participants generally differ in the SNARC effect is not warranted by our data.
Prologue
Authors: Bang Peter Fibiger , Scheidel Walter
Published: February 2013

This introductory chapter discusses the theme of this book, which is about the history of state formation in ancient North Africa and western Eurasia. The book aims to bridge the disciplinary gap between the study of the ancient Near East and the study of the ancient Mediterranean, exploring various factors that influenced state formation, including ideologies, political power, cooperation, exploitation, and military power. The areas covered in this study include Egypt, the Mesopotamian Empires, and the Anatolian States.
Mesopotamian Empires
Authors: Barjamovic Gojko
Published: February 2013

This chapter examines the history of state formation in ancient Mesopotamia, focusing on the Greater Mesopotamia region. It explains the role of territorially defined urban communities and kinship-based polities or tribes in state formation, and provides examples of large states that arose slowly through a cumulative process of smaller polities coalescing into larger ones. The chapter also considers the dynamic shifts between city-state culture and imperial unification during the proto-historical period, and discusses the periods of political unification and fragmentation in Greater Mesopotamia prior to the Persian conquest.
Hellenistic Empires
Authors: Ma John
Published: February 2013

This chapter, which explores the history of state formation in ancient Greece during the Hellenistic period, describes state power during this period and discusses the narrative, genealogy, and structure of the Hellenistic state. It explains the concepts of basileia and basilikon, and argues that the importance of the Hellenistic empires in the history of the ancient state is linked to several factors. These include the reemergence of a neo-near eastern landscape of kingly polities and the integration of the Greek world of the cities within this world.