bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Stress in Cystinosis Patients
Authors: Vaisbich Maria Helena , Pache de Faria Guimaraes Luciana , Shimizu Maria Heloisa Mazzola , Seguro Antonio Carlos
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: Nephropathic cystinosis (NC) is a severe systemic disease and cysteamine improves its prognosis. Lysosomal cystine accumulation is the hallmark of cystinosis and is regarded as the primary defect due to mutations in the CTNS gene. However, there is great evidence that cystine accumulation itself is not responsible for all abnormalities observed in NC. Studies have demonstrated altered ATP metabolism, increased apoptosis, and cell oxidation. An increased number of autophagosomes and autophagic vacuoles have been observed in cystinotic fibroblasts and renal epithelial cells, suggesting that altered autophagy plays a role in NC, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, cystinosis patients can be more susceptible to oxidative stress (OS) and it can contribute to the progression of the renal disease. Our goal was to evaluate a marker of OS (serum TBARS) in NC children, and to compare the results with those observed in healthy controls and correlated with renal function parameters. Methods: The study included patients aged under 18 years, with good adherence to the treatment and out of renal replacement therapy. The following parameters were evaluated: serum creatinine, BUN, creatinine clearance estimated by stature and serum TBARS levels. Results: We selected 20 patients aged 8.0 ±3.6 years and observed serum TBARS levels of 4.03 ±1.02 nmol/ml. Serum TBARS levels in the 43 healthy controls, aged 7.4 ±1.1 years, were 1.60 ±0.04 nmol/ml. There was a significant difference between the plasma TBARS levels among the 2 groups (p < 0.0001). We detected no significant correlation between plasma TBARS levels and renal function. Conclusion: An increased level of serum TBARS in patients with NC was observed and this abnormality was not correlated with the renal function status degree. This is the first report that shows increased oxidative stress in serum of NC patients.
Free-living nematodes from a colonisation experiment in the upwelling area of Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Lavareda decraemerae gen. n., sp. n. and emended diagnosis of Cricolaimus Southern, 1914 (Plectida: Rhadinematidae)
Authors: Da Fonsêca-Genevois Verônica , Smol Nic , Bezerra Tânia Nara
Published: September 2011

Lavareda decraemerae gen. n., sp. n. is characterised by a
cheilostom with a sclerotised ring bearing six anterior projections, a
funnel-shaped to tubular stegostom, a large unispiral amphid with wide
groove and males with a single precloacal setiform sensillum and 19 tubular
supplements in a continuous series. The new species is similar to
Cricolaimus coronatus in having the cheilostom
consisting of a cuticularised ring with anterior projections. Re-examination
of C. elongatus revealed clear differences to the new
species, the former showing a bilateral symmetry anteriorly with a lateral
axis: the lips are merged into one large dorsal and one large ventral lip
with elongated inner and outer labial sensilla and the cheilostom has a
cuticularised oblique ring, higher dorsally and ventrally than laterally,
with two anteriorly directed claw-like projections, one mid-dorsal and one
mid-ventral, whereas the new species has a radial symmetry with low lips
with inner and outer labial papillae indistinct and a cheilostom with a
cuticularised ring with six anteriorly directed projections, thereby
justifying the proposal of Lavareda gen. n. to accommodate
the new species from Brazil and L. coronatus comb. n. (=
C. coronatus). An emended diagnosis of
Cricolaimus is given. This is the first record of a
species belonging to the Rhadinematidae colonising an artificial
substrate.
“Predication, Things, and Kinds in Aristotle’s Metaphysics”
Authors: Lewis Frank A.
Published: September 2011

What in Aristotle corresponds, in whole or (more likely) in part, to our contemporary notion of predication? This paper sketches counterparts in Aristotle’s text to our theories of expression and of truth, and on this basis inquires into his treatment of sentences assigning an individual to its kinds. In some recent accounts, the Metaphysics offers a fresh look at such sentences in terms of matter and form, in contrast to the simpler theory on offer in the Categories. I argue that the Metaphysics initiates no change in this regard over the Categories. The point that form is (metaphysically) predicated of matter is a contribution, not to the account of statement predication, but to the analysis of compound material substances. Otherwise put, in our terms Aristotelian form is not - in particular, is not also - a propositional function, but a function from matter to compound material substances.
“Palestine Sits in Sackcloth and Ashes”: Reading Mark Twain’s The Innocents Abroad as a Protestant Holy Land Narrative
Authors: Sherrard Broke
Published: September 2011

Among the vast array of priceless treasures in the collection of Jerusalem’s Armenian Patriarchate is a votive portrait of a local Jerusalem saint, the priest Hanna, a native son of Jerusalem’s Armenian community. The existence of the portrait is all but unknown, despite the fact that its subject has inspired generations of Jerusalem monks to dedicate their lives to the service of the Sts. James. As vicar to Jerusalem’s Patriarch Grigor IV Shirvants‘i (Shght‘ayakir) Hanna was instrumental in reviving the fortunes of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, which, in the early eighteenth century, had suffered a near-total eclipse. Although Hanna died before the age of forty, the many activities of his short career included such major achievements as the renovation of the Armenian sections of the Holy Sepulchre Church and the transformation of the Patriarchate compound into a fully enclosed and self-sufficient enclave.
The Trinity of Non-univocal Persons: Towards a Model of Doctrinal Writing
Authors: Wright William A.
Published: September 2011

Difficulties persist in interpreting the “three Persons” in the Trinity. The solution explored here employs a non-univocal or differentiated concept of Personhood. “Personhood” applied to God is itself three-in-one, explicated as the Suprapersonal, the Personal, and the Interpersonal. This novel taxis provides the structure for a dialectical progression through the Trinity that spans several points of dispute in recent trinitarian theology. Yet this taxis is not a proper name for God, but is best understood as a kind of self-canceling “appropriation.” The whole is thus an exercise in an altered mode of writing doctrine, a synthesis of construction and deconstruction.
Group Representation and the System of Representation in the Constituent Assembly and Future Parliaments of Nepal
Authors: Vollan Kåre
Published: September 2011

A broad representation of all people of Nepal have been a main objective of the system of representation, first of the Constituent Assembly and then of the future Parliament, since the first agreements between the Maoists and the Seven Party Alliance was entered into at the end of 2005. The specific rules have been subject of controversies and the implementation of quotas for the Constituent Assembly elections 2008 represented major challenges. The rules as they were formulated did work towards more inclusiveness in 2008, but there were still groups which were left out of the Assembly. This article discusses the representation of groups of people in the Constituent Assembly, and it also suggests new ways of implementing affirmative action which could accommodate more marginalised groups and at the same time represent significant simplification for parties and election administrators. In addition some thought on the future general system of representation is presented.
Plotinus on the Making of Matter Part II: ‘A Corpse Adorned’ (Enn. II 4 [12] 5.18)
Authors: O’Brien Denis
Published: September 2011

Soul springs from Intellect, Intellect springs from the One. But quite how does the sensible world arise? A pair of almost successive treatises (III 9 [13] 3 and III 4 [15] 1) points to the answer. A lower manifestation of soul ‘makes’ or ‘gives birth to’ what is variously described as ‘non-being’, ‘utterly indefinite’ and ‘utterly dark’, before covering what she has made with form, specifically the form of ‘body’, and before ‘entering rejoicing’ into the object that, by its reception of form, has been made ready to receive her and that, as the ‘dwelling place’ of soul, will be none other than the visible cosmos. A pair of earlier, again almost successive treatises, spells out the implication. The matter of the sensible world, covered with at least a minimum of form, is described as a ‘corpse adorned’ (II 4 [12] 5). The same object, but prior to its ‘adornment’, prior therefore to its appearance as a ‘body’ that is a ‘corpse’, and prior to any ‘indwelling’ of soul, is specifically said to be ‘non-being’ and the ‘darkness of matter’ (V 1 [10] 2), a transparent allusion to the product of soul in the two later treatises. The soul’s making of ‘darkness’, so we may infer, is a making of ‘matter’, the final act in the drama by which everything that exists, including the material substrate of the world we see and feel around us, stems ultimately from the One.
Apprehension of Thought in Ennead 4.3.30
Authors: Hutchinson D. M.
Published: September 2011

Plotinus maintains that our intellect is always thinking. This is due to his view that our intellect remains in the intelligible world and shares a natural kinship with the hypostasis Intellect, whose being and activity consists in eternal contemplation of the Forms. Moreover, Plotinus maintains that although our intellect is always thinking we do not always apprehend our thoughts. This is due to his view that “we” descend into the sensible world while our intellect remains in the intelligible world. Furthermore, Plotinus maintains that it is only when logoi unfold the content of our thoughts into the imagination that we apprehend them. This is due to a complex account between, on the one hand, the relationship between intellect and discursive reasoning, and on the other hand, the relationship between discursive reasoning and language. Plotinus tells this story with remarkable brevity in Ennead 4.3.30. In this paper I explain the role the imagination plays in the apprehension of thoughts through a close analysis of this treatise in connection with Ennead 1.4.10.
Macroturbulent Equilibration in a Thermally Forced Primitive Equation System
Authors: Jansen Malte , Ferrari Raffaele
Published: September 2011

A major question for climate studies is to quantify the role of turbulent eddy fluxes in maintaining the observed ocean–atmosphere state. It has been argued that eddy fluxes keep the midlatitude atmosphere in a state that is marginally critical to baroclinic instability, which provides a powerful constraint on the response of the atmosphere to changes in external forcing. No comparable criterion appears to exist for the ocean. This is particularly surprising for the Southern Ocean, a region whose dynamics are very similar to the midlatitude atmosphere, but observations and numerical models suggest that the currents are supercritical.

This paper aims to resolve this apparent contradiction using a combination of theoretical considerations and eddy-resolving numerical simulations. It is shown that both marginally critical and supercritical mean states can be obtained in an idealized diabatically forced (and thus atmosphere-like) Boussinesq system, if the thermal expansion coefficient is varied from large atmosphere-like values to small oceanlike values. The argument is made that the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient dominantly controls the difference in the deformation scale between the two fluids and ultimately renders eddies ineffective in maintaining a marginally critical state in the limit of small thermal expansion coefficients.
Demonstration of a Cut-Cell Representation of 3D Orography for Studies of Atmospheric Flows over Very Steep Hills
Authors: Lock Sarah-Jane , Bitzer Heinz-Werner , Coals Alison , Gadian Alan , Mobbs Stephen
Published: September 2011

Advances in computing are enabling atmospheric models to operate at increasingly fine resolution, giving rise to more variations in the underlying orography being captured by the model grid. Consequently, high-resolution models must overcome the problems associated with traditional terrain-following approaches of spurious winds and instabilities generated in the vicinity of steep and complex terrain.

Cut-cell representations of orography present atmospheric models with an alternative to terrain-following vertical coordinates. This work explores the capabilities of a cut-cell representation of orography for idealized orographically forced flows. The orographic surface is represented within the model by continuous piecewise bilinear surfaces that intersect the regular Cartesian grid creating cut cells. An approximate finite-volume method for use with advection-form governing equations is implemented to solve flows through the resulting irregularly shaped grid boxes.

Comparison with a benchmark orographic test case for nonhydrostatic flow shows very good results. Further tests demonstrate the cut-cell method for flow around 3D isolated hills and stably resolving flows over very steep orography.
Rise Peter! Kill and Eat: A Response to John Barclay
Authors: Gorringe Tim
Published: September 2011

Simon Fairlie’s investigation of claims about methane emitted by cattle raises fundamental questions about the claim that it is morally irresponsible to eat meat. A theology of farming which draws on Genesis suggests that animals should continue to form part of the human diet, though it rules out some forms of intensive farming.
Thermal, optical and surface/interfacial properties of molten slag systems
Authors: Matsushita T , Watanabe T , Hayashi M , Mukai K
Published: September 2011

In modelling mass and heat transfer steps in metallurgical processes, it is important to have knowledge of the physical properties of slags, the most important among these being the surface and interfacial tensions, thermal diffusivities, optical properties and viscosities. A critical review is presented of work reported in the past two decades relating to the following properties of slag systems: (i) surface/interfacial tensions and related interfacial phenomena; (ii) thermal diffusivities and thermal conductivities; (iii) velocities and coefficients of absorption of ultrasonic waves; (iv) optical properties. A perspective for further work is also provided.
Concise Synthesis of Riccardin C, Macrocyclic Bisbibenzyl Natural Product
Authors: Takiguchi Hiromu , Ohmori Ken , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: September 2011

Riccardin C (1) has been synthesized by exploiting an intramolecular SNAr reaction of α-sulfinylfluorobenzene by an internal phenolate, providing the key 18-membered ring closure in excellent yield.
Rod-shaped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle Formation by Maturation with AOT
Authors: Oshitani Jun , Kataoka Nobuhide , Yoshida Mikio , Gotoh Kuniaki , Imamura Koreyoshi
Published: September 2011

Amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles were synthesized by mixing aqueous solutions of Ca(NO3)2 and (NH4)2HPO4. Then the particles were matured with sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) at various temperatures. Rod-shaped hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles were formed at maturation temperature ≥40 °C. These results indicate that addition of AOT not during the particles synthesis but during the maturation at more equal critical temperature is a key to form the rod-shaped HAp nanoparticles using AOT.
Debating Black Swan: Gender and Horror
Authors: Fisher Mark , Jacobs Amber
Published: September 2011

A debate about Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan: Mark Fisher asserts that the film is a subversive “Irigarayan horror film,” while Amber Jacobs claims that on the contrary it is a masturbatory patriarchal fantasy.
Practice Makes Too Perfect: Fluctuations in Loudness Indicate Spontaneity in Musical Improvisation
Authors: Keller Peter E. , Weber Andreas , Engel Annerose
Published: September 2011

while spontaneity is often a desirable quality in music performance, the objective musical features that characterize genuinely spontaneous performances are unclear. We addressed this issue by recording pianists’ keystroke intensity and timing as they produced improvised jazz solos and rehearsed imitations of these solos. Results indicated that the entropy of keystroke intensity was reliably highest for improvisations. Corresponding effects for timing were less consistent. The effects observed for intensity may reflect irregularities in force control associated with relatively wide variations in the performer’s (un)certainty about upcoming actions during real-time musical invention. Related fluctuations in loudness may provide listeners with cues to musical spontaneity, thereby affecting aesthetic evaluations of performance quality.
Rhythmic Refinements to the nPVI Measure: A Reanalysis of Patel & Daniele (2003a)
Authors: London Justin , Jones Katherine
Published: September 2011

the normalized pairwise variability index (npvi) , originally developed for the analysis of speech prosody, has been shown to be a useful tool in the analysis of the rhythmic variability present in individual melodies and melodic corpuses (Patel & Daniele, 2003a; Huron & Ollen, 2003; Patel, Iverson, & Rosenberg, 2006). Here we suggest a number of rhythmic refinements for the application of the nPVI in musical contexts. These include (a) applying the nPVI metric to higher levels of rhythmic structure, (b) taking metrical structure (duple versus triple) into account, and (c) using alternative codings for surface durations. A reanalysis of the data from Patel & Daniele (2003a) is given as a demonstration of the utility of these refinements for the analysis of musical styles and repertoires; other possible refinements are discussed.
Music-Language Correlations and the “Scotch Snap”
Authors: Temperley Nicholas , Temperley David
Published: September 2011

in this study we examine a rhythmic pattern known as the Scotch Snap (SS): a sixteenth-note on the beat followed by a dotted eighth-note. A musical corpus analysis shows that the SS is common in both Scottish and English songs, but virtually nonexistent in German and Italian songs. We explore possible linguistic correlates for this phenomenon. Our reasoning is that languages in which stressed syllables are often short might tend to favor the SS pattern. The traditional distinction between long and short vowels correlates partly with the SS pattern across languages, but not completely. (German allows short stressed vowels, but the SS pattern is not common in German music.) We then examine the duration of stressed syllables in four modern speech corpora: one British English, one German, and two Italian. British English shows a much higher proportion of very short stressed syllables (less than 100 ms) than the other two languages. Four vowels account for a large proportion of very short stressed syllables in British English, and also constitute a large proportion of SS tokens in our English musical corpus. This is the first study known to us that establishes a correlation between speech rhythms in languages and musical rhythms in the songs of those languages.
Guided assembly of nanowires and their integration in microfluidic devices
Authors: Puigmarti-Luis Josep , Kuhn Phillip , Cvetković Benjamin Z. , Schaffhauser Daniel , Rubio-Martínez Marta , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel , Dittrich Petra S.
Published: September 2011

In this contribution, we present an effective strategy for assembling and integrating functional, in situ formed micro- and nanosized structures. Microfluidic platforms are employed to form anisotropic hybrid structures and coordination polymers at the interface of two precursor streams. Microstamps, embedded in the microfluidic device and actuated by pressure, provide a facile and reliable technology for structure trapping, localization and integration.
Binary Data Transmission Performance of Sub-20 nm Indium Antimonide Nanowires
Authors: Guvenc Ali Bilge , Penchev Miroslav , Zhong Jiebin , Ozkan Cengiz , Ozkan Mihrimah
Published: September 2011

We investigated the data transmission performance of indium antimonide (InSb) nanowires (NWs) synthesized on InSb (100) substrate using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) having diameters of 20 nm and below. The results indicate that the data transmission performance of NWs suffer from low mobility values on the order of 10-to-15 cm2V-1s-1 because of the scattering due to their small diameters, crystal defects and oxidation occurs during growth and cooling. The 20 nm NWs can sustain data rates up to 5 mega bits per second (Mbps) without any impedance matching and de-embedding of the parasitic parameters coming from the measurement system with a bit error rate (BER) level of 10-8. The data rate is directly proportional to the diameter of the NWs.
Disposable organic fluorescence biosensor for water pollution monitoring.
Authors: Lefèvre Florent , Yu Luping , Chodavarapu Vamsy , Juneau Philippe , Izquierdo Ricardo
Published: September 2011

We report the first disposable fluorescent biosensor based on algae, with an organic light emitting diode and an organic photodetector (OPD) miniaturized into a microfluidic chip. A DPVBi OLED was used as the excitation source, while a blend of PTB3/PCBM was used for the organic photodetector. The fluorescence biosensor is integrated in a microfluidic chip made from polymeric materials such as (poly)dimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is transparent, biocompatible and can easily be processed by conventional lithography. The complete detector is designed to detect Chlamydomonas reinhardtii green algae fluorescence in the microfluidic chamber. Algal chlorophyll fluorescence is a physiological parameter routinely used to measure the photochemical efficiency of PSII. This measurement is a reliable and non-invasive method to determine the toxicity of pollutants like herbicides and metals.
Investigations into Current Modulation Mechanisms in Low Operating Voltage Organic Thin Film Transistors and Their Relationship to the Materials Employed
Authors: Elkington Daniel , Zhou Xiaojing , Belcher Warwick , Dastoor Paul
Published: September 2011

Systematic studies have been conducted on the electrical characteristics of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). The OTFTs have been characterized at low-operating voltages and deductions have been made regarding the current modulation mechanisms involved. Irreproducibility of transfer characteristics in these devices beyond a certain gate voltage, as well as a slow time-dependant component to drain current at certain gate voltages, indicates electrochemical changes occurring in the device during operation. It is hoped that this work can help to improve the understanding of OTFTs of this type and, in turn, their performance in the future.
Growth of Complex Epitaxial Multi-Component Oxide Thin Films and Heterostructures with Strong Anisotropy
Authors: Endo Kazuhiro , Badica Petre , Nanto Hidehito , Takei Yoshinori , Arisawa Shunichi , Yamasaki Hirofumi , Develos-Bagarinao Katherine , Endo Tamio
Published: September 2011

We briefly review our data on MOCVD growth problems of sandwich stacked heterostructures based on Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and YBa2Cu3O7 high temperature superconductors. Non-superconducting layers were (Ca, Sr)CuO2, (Ca, Ba)CuO2 and Bi4Ti3O12. Structures were with c-axis normal or inclined with about 45° vs. the surface of the substrate. Film-substrate lattice relationship, growth mechanism and the resulting morphology controlling roughness and uniformity, stability domain of the phases and inter diffusion are all important aspects toward significant progress in the field. Our analysis indicates that requirements are more severe for non-c-axis heterostructures, and suggest some ideas for further improvements.
Tuning of Magnetic Properties in Cobalt-Doped Nanocrystalline Bismuth Ferrite
Authors: Albino Gina Montes , Perales-Pérez Oscar , Renteria Boris , Galvez Marco , Guinel Maxime J-F
Published: September 2011

This study reports on the structural and magnetic characterizations of free-standing bismuth ferrite, BiFeO3, nanoparticles synthesized in polyol medium. Fine tuning of the ferrite magnetic properties was achieved by adding an excess bismuth species or doping with cobalt ions, coupled with thermal annealing. Crystalline Bi1-yCoyFeO3 powders (where ‘y’ ranges from 0.00 to 0.10) were produced after annealing the precursors for one hour at 700οC. The average crystallite size was calculated to be approximately 22 nm. We found that the synthesis under stoichiometric excess of Bi species (up to 10 at.%) promoted a more complete crystallization of the material, i.e., no precursor phases remained. Furthermore, both the saturation magnetization and the coercivity of the synthesized powders were strongly influenced by the concentration of Co. They increased from 0.13 emu/g and 19 Oe to 3.5 emu/g and 1183 Oe for pure BiFeO3 and 10 at.% Co-doped BiFeO3, respectively.
Low Power Reflective Display with Print-Like Color via Novel Electronic Inks
Authors: Zhou Zhang-Lin , Yeo Jong-Souk , Liu Qin , Parent Mary , Yang June , Benson Brad , Combs Gregg , Mabeck Jeff , Lam Sity , Jeon Yoocharn , Henze Dick , Koch Tim
Published: September 2011

Reflective display technologies aim to enable the delivery of dynamic digital content to devices that have the look and feel of ink on paper. We are presenting herein a novel device architecture design and proprietary electrically addressable inks, which enable low power, disruptive, print-like full color reflective display that can exceed the chromaticity represented by the Specifications for Newsprint Advertising Production (SNAP) standard. We are approaching the challenge of generating bright high-quality reflective color images from the perspective of printing by stacking electro-optic layers of subtractive colorants to address every available color at every location. Using in-plane optical effects, our novel media technology provides fast switching between clear and color states. Thin, flexible electronic media based on this technology has been fabricated by imprinting three-dimensional micro-scale structures with a continuous roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing platform. HP’s combination of novel device architecture, proprietary inks, and R2R manufacturing platform enables the required attributes for electronic media such as flexibility, robustness, low power, transparency, print-quality color, and scalability at low cost. The structure property relationship of surfactants has been carried out; their impact on performance of display devices has been studied. These results have been applied to improve the performance of electronic inks. We have demonstrated 3-layer stacked segmented reflective display prototypes, as well as pixelated stacked color reflective display prototypes. The innovations described in this paper are applicable to electronic skins for customizable electronic surfaces and are currently being developed further for electronic paper and signage markets.
Improved Photocatalytic H2 Evolution from Inorganic/Organic Sacrificial Solution over Ni-Doped (CuIn)0.2Zn1.6S2 Photocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Xianghui , Jing Dengwei , Guo Liejin
Published: September 2011

The Ni-doped (CuIn)0.2Zn1.6S2 photocatalysts were prepared via a two-step ultrasonic-hydrothermal method under an environmental-friendly condition. XRD pattern profiles suggested that Ni2+ successfully doped into (CuIn)0.2Zn1.6S2 lattice. UV-Vis spectra indicated that the optical properties of the photocatalysts greatly depended on the amount of Ni doped. SEM images show that the samples were microspheres. The microsphere structures were gradually damaged with the increment of Ni doping amount. The photoactivity of (CuIn)0.2Zn1.6S2 was enhanced when Ni2+ was doped into the crystal structure. The H2 evolution performance over the prepared samples from inorganic/organic sacrificial solution was systematic investigated.
Multiscale Modeling of a Quantum Dot Heterostructure
Authors: Sengupta P. , Lee S. , Steiger S. , Ryu H. , Klimeck G.
Published: September 2011

A multiscale approach was adopted for the calculation of confined states in self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). While results close to experimental data have been obtained with a combination of atomistic strain and tight-binding (TB) electronic structure description for the confined quantum states in the QD, the TB calculation requires substantial computational resources. To alleviate this problem an integrated approach was adopted to compute the energy states from a continuum 8-band k.p Hamiltonian under the influence of an atomistic strain field. Such multiscale simulations yield a roughly six-fold faster simulation. Atomic-resolution strain is added to the k.p Hamiltonian through interpolation onto a coarser continuum grid. Sufficient numerical accuracy is obtained by the multiscale approach. Optical transition wavelengths are within 7% of the corresponding TB results with a proper splitting of p-type sub-bands. The systematically lower emission wavelengths in k.p are attributable to an underestimation of the coupling between the conduction and valence bands.
Hybrid BaTiO3-PVDF Piezoelectric Composites for Vibration Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Corral-Flores Veronica , Bueno-Baqués Dario , Ziolo Ronald F
Published: September 2011

Hybrid piezoelectric composites were obtained by embedding barium titanate (BTO) nanofibers into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix. Green BTO fibers were obtained by electrospinning a precursor polymeric solution under an electric field of 1 kV/cm. A network of non-woven ceramic BTO fibers was obtained after calcination of the green fibers. A PVDF solution was deposited over the ceramic fibers by spin-coating and then subjected to a low temperature heat treatment, to evaporate the solvent and promote the crystallization of the polar beta phase of PVDF.

In average, the diameter of the ceramic fibers ranged from 105 to 225 nm, presenting ribbon-like shape in some cases. Crystalline phases of BTO and PVDF were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Polarization hysteresis curves revealed a ferroelectric behavior in all samples.
Single crystallization of Ba8AlxSi46-x clathrate by using the flux Czochralski method
Authors: Nakakohara Yusuke , Mugita Naoki , Nagatomo Yuya , Saisho Makoto , Motooka Teruaki , Teranishi Ryo , Munetoh Shinji
Published: September 2011

We have synthesized single crystalline Ba8AlxSix-46 clathrates by using the flux Czochralski (CZ) method with Al-rich melt. The specific electric resistivity, the Seebeck coefficient and the power factor of single crystalline Ba8Al14Si32 were 0.73 mΩcm,70.0μV/K and 6.8×10-4 V2/K2Ωm, respectively. These values are higher than that of single crystalline Ba8Al12Si34 clathrate because of the reduced carrier concentration. It is indicated that Al contents and the carrier concentration of single crystalline Ba8AlxSi46-x can be controlled by using the flux Czochralski method.
Piezoelectric Materials and Devices for Wind Energy Harvesting
Authors: Lake John , Luan Jiyuan , Tanaka Zuki , Liang Bin , Chen Bin
Published: September 2011

We present materials development in fabricating thin film devices for the conversion of wind energy as a sustainable energy source. We demonstrate the feasibility of piezoelectric polymer thin film devices to harvest wind energy in a miniature wind tunnel. Using an example of prototype device based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin film devices, we are able to obtain electrical power from the wind’s energy through the mechanical deformation of PVDF, such as that obtained from the films flapping in the wind. We have obtained a preliminary result of 1 mW power (at 15 mph wind) with a single layer of PVDF of 4 x 2 inches and 50 μm in thickness sandwiched between two thin gold electrode films. Additionally, the fracturing of metallic electrodes over time from the induced strain of this application lead to the significance of examining carbon nanotubes as compliant electrodes offering better mechanical properties while maintaining necessary electrical properties.
Power Generation Efficiency with Extremely Large Z factor Thermoelectric Material
Authors: Yazawa Kazuaki , Shakouri Ali
Published: September 2011

A recently developed generic model of a thermoelectric power generation system suggests a promising future for cost effective and scalable power generation. The model is based on co-optimizing the thermoelectric module together with the heat sink. Using this model, efficiency at maximum output power is calculated. It is shown that this approaches the Curzon-Ahlborn limit at very large Z values which is consistent with thermodynamic systems with irreversible heat engines. However, this happens only when the thermal resistances of the thermoelectric device with hot and cold heat sinks exactly match. For asymmetrical thermal resistances, the efficiency at maximum output power is different. This is consistent with the very recent results for the thermodynamic engines. Finally, we study the impact of lowering the thermal conductivity of the thermoelectric material or increasing its power factor and how these affect the performance of the thermoelectric power generation system.
Photonic Crystal Fiber for Efficient Raman Scattering of Thiol-Capped Quantum Dots in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Mak Jacky S. W. , Farah Abdiaziz A. , Chen Feifan , Helmy Amr S.
Published: September 2011

A novel hollow-core photonic crystal fiber platform was used for the first time to observe clear vibrational modes of the CdTe core, CdS0.7Te0.3 interface, and carboxylate-metal complexes in dilute aqueous CdTe quantum dot (QD) solutions. These modes demonstrate the presence of crystalline cores, defects and surface passivation responsible for photoluminescent efficiency and stability. In addition, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped QDs show higher crystallinity and stability than those capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA) and 1-thioglycerol (TG). This detailed, non-destructive characterization was carried out using Raman spectroscopy for solutions with QD concentration of 2 mg/mL, which is similar to their concentration during synthesis process. This platform can be extended to the in-situ studies of any colloidal nanoparticles and aqueous solutions of relevant biological samples using Raman spectroscopy.
Make Carbon nanotube-polymer composite thin: application to water quality
Authors: Villeneuve C. , Pacchini S. , Dilhan M. , Colin D. , Brouzes A. , Boulanger P. , Plana R.
Published: September 2011

This paper reviews our works about the development of thin composite film based on aligned carbon nanotubes (CNT) forest, embedded in epoxy or PMMA polymer matrix, in order to fabricate membranes dedicated to water purification issue. Indeed, the small internal radius of nanotubes, the smoothness of their inner core and the hydrophobic properties of its interna surface induce remarkable flowing properties for water molecules. In this article, thinnin technology process is investigated to obtain composite film with opened CNT. Different etching techniques as grinding, Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) and isotropic plasma O2ar investigated in term of etching rate and membrane roughness, using AFM and SEM characterizations. Results show CMP process in lapping configuration permits to obtain agreement between high etching rate and membrane roughness. Moreover, to improve water flowing through membrane, O2plasma treatment is used to remove polymer residue spread over CNT. Joint use of lapping and plasma treatment permits to obtain 35μm-thick nanoporous membrane with well-opened protruding nanotubes.
Fabrication of Novel Hollow Micro Needles for Biological Applications
Authors: Sanaee Z. , Mehrvarz S. , Mehran M. , Abdolahad M. , Sohrabi M. , Mohajerzadeh S.
Published: September 2011

Microneedles have applications in drug delivery and biotechnology. We report a novel needle-like hollow cylindrical structure as a base for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNT) to form a cage-like structure. The formation of hollow microneedle structures is feasible on Si-membranes using proper patterning of the masking layer and combined by a deep reactive ion etching. The formation of highly featured structures at micro and nanometric scale is reported. By controlling the etching parameter one is able to achieve three-dimensional as well as highly vertical structures on silicon substrates. The growth of carbon nanotubes on such structures allows the realization of cage-like carbon-based features which could be suitable for gas and liquid transport.
Block Co-polymer on Graphene: Doping of Graphene and a Robust Chemical Sensor
Authors: Guo Shirui , Ghazinejad Maziar , Ozkan Cengiz S. , Ozkan Mihrimah
Published: September 2011

It is essential to control the electronic properties of a graphene field effect transistor (GFET). And the ability to accurately control the intrinsic electrical transport properties and to locally change the carrier density will be significant for graphene devices. We succeeded in achieving and controlling the Dirac point (neutrality point) simply by doping block co-polymer (BCP) covered GFET with CF4 plasma. By exposing polymer covered GFET to CF4 plasma for a short time the electronic transport was altered significantly. The hexagonal structure of BCP produces patterns with nanoscale spacing for heterogeneous patterns which provides a new approach to tune the electron and the hole conductivity simultaneously. Exploitation of fluorine doping provides a general route to control electronic property of any polymer coated GFET. The BCP protected GFET could detect 1mM NaF solution in “dry” condition in 60s. The sensing property demonstrates that BCP protected GFET could be a good candidate for stable and sensitive chemical or biological sensor. Furthermore, the distinct property of two functional groups within BCP facilitates the selective sensing property. These findings pave the way for developing more stable and sensitive sensors under ambient conditions.
Comparisons and analyses on heterostructures consisting of ZnO and different ferroelectric films
Authors: ZHANG Nai-wen , JIA Ze , ZHANG Ming-ming , REN Tian-ling
Published: September 2011

Two different types of ferroelectric/semiconductor heterostructures, made up of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3/ZnO and BiFeO3/ZnO respectively, were fabricated on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) by sol-gel process. Obvious diodelike behavior were observed in BiFeO3/ZnO heterostructures when current-voltage characteristics were measured, while Pb(Zr,Ti)O3/ZnO heterostructures exhibited a symmetrical behavior. It is found that Pb(Zr,Ti)O3/ZnO heterostructures showed a large polarization and the remnant polarization was approximately 15μC/cm2. The remnant polarization performed a modulation on the channel resistance. The different properties of two heterostructures might lead to different applications.
Thermoelectric Power by the Diffusion of Protons in a Nanoporous Structure
Authors: Reznikov Michael A.
Published: September 2011

The work presents the model for the ionic thermoelectric phenomenons, which is based on the consideration of Grotthuss, hopping mechanism for the proton conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient and figure of merit are estimated in good agreement with experimental data.
Probing the metal gate high k interactions by backside XPS and C-AFM
Authors: Celano U. , Conard T. , Hantschel T. , Vandervorst W.
Published: September 2011

The metal gate high k interaction is one of the dominant processes influencing the electrical performance (Vt, charge accumulation,..) of advanced gate stacks. These interactions are influenced by the entire thermal budget and the presence of reactive elements (on top/ within the material gate) such that relevant measurements can only be performed after a full processing cycle and on a complete gate stack.

In such cases the relevant metal gate high k interface is a buried interface located below the metal gate (+ Si cap) and is not accessible for standard characterization methods like x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) due the limited escape depth of the photoelectrons. Moreover the presence of a conductive metal gate prevents the application of techniques such as conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM), to probe the local distribution of the defects, trapping sites and local degradation upon stressing. XPS in combination with layer removal steps like ion beam sputtering will destroy the bonding information and is thus not applicable. Chemical etching of the metal gate stack prior to the XPS measurements requires an extremely precious control of the etching in order to stop 1-2 nm before the high k metal interface.

As an alternative we have developed a backside removal approach, that allows us to investigate using techniques such as XPS and C-AFM, the metal gate high k interface.
Planar Non-Volatile Memory based on Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Kiazadeh A. , Gomes H. L. , Da Costa A. R. , Rocha P. , Chen Q. , Moreira J. A. , De Leeuw D. M. , Meskers S. C. J.
Published: September 2011

Resistive switching properties of silver nanoparticles hosted in an insulating polymer matrix (poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) are reported. Planar devices structures using interdigitated gold electrodes were fabricated. These devices have on/off resistance ratio as high as 103 , retention times reaching to months and good endurance cycles. Temperature-dependent measurements show that the charge transport is weakly thermal activated (73 meV) for both states suggesting that nanoparticles will not aggregate into a metallic filament.
Immobilization of oligonucleotide-functionalized magnetic nanobeads in DNA-coils studied by electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy
Authors: Strömberg Mattias , Akhtar Sultan , Gunnarsson Klas , Russell Camilla , Herthnek David , Svedlindh Peter , Nilsson Mats , Strømme Maria , Leifer Klaus
Published: September 2011

Immobilization of oligonucleotide-functionalized magnetic nanobeads by hybridization in DNA-coils formed by rolling circle amplification has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The TEM results supported earlier made observations that small beads with low oligonucleotide surface coverage preferably immobilize in the interior of the DNA-coils and do not tend to link several DNA-coils together whereas large beads with high surface coverage to a larger extent connect several DNA-coils together to clusters of several DNA-coils with beads. AFM provided direct visualization of the DNA-coils as thread-like objects. DNA-coils with immobilized beads appeared as a collection of beads with thread-like features in their near vicinity.
Effect of the Cross-Linking with Calcium Ions on the Structural and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Alginate Films
Authors: Vidal Urquiza Turner K. , Perales Pérez O. , Gálvez Saldaña M.
Published: September 2011

The present research discusses the thermal and structural properties of calcium alginate films synthesized by cross linking precursor sodium alginate films with Ca2+ ions. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy analyses evinced the interchange of Na ions with Ca ions. Both techniques revealed a shift of the COO- vibration modes; the symmetrical COO- peak of calcium alginate exhibited a shift towards higher wavenumber (∼14 cm−1) from 1415 cm−1 to 1429 cm−1 in the Raman spectra. TGA and TMA analyses performed under a nitrogen atmosphere revealed that increasing the Ca-molarity and immersion time resulted in an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the strain deformation of the Ca-alginate film. The increase in Tg can be attributed to the Ca-cross-linking that could restrict the molecular response to temperature change whereas the increased strain could be due to the enhanced entrapment of water between the molecular chains of the polymer.
CdSxTe1-x Alloying in CdS/CdTe Solar Cells
Authors: Duenow Joel N. , Dhere Ramesh G. , Moutinho Helio R. , To Bobby , Pankow Joel W. , Kuciauskas Darius , Gessert Timothy A.
Published: September 2011

A CdSxTe1-x layer forms by interdiffusion of CdS and CdTe during the fabrication of thinfilm CdTe photovoltaic (PV) devices. The CdSxTe1-x layer is thought to be important because it relieves strain at the CdS/CdTe interface that would otherwise exist due to the 10% lattice mismatch between these two materials. Our previous work [1] has indicated that the electrical junction is located in this interdiffused CdSxTe1-x region. Further understanding, however, is essential to predict the role of this CdSxTe1-x layer in the operation of CdS/CdTe devices. In this study, CdSxTe1-x alloy films were deposited by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering and coevaporation from CdTe and CdS sources. Both radio-frequency-magnetron-sputtered and coevaporated CdSxTe1-x films of lower S content (x<0.3) have a cubic zincblende (ZB) structure akin to CdTe, whereas those of higher S content have a hexagonal wurtzite (WZ) structure like that of CdS. Films become less preferentially oriented as a result of a CdCl2 heat treatment at ∼400°C for 5 min. Films sputtered in a 1% O2/Ar ambient are amorphous as deposited, but show CdTe ZB, CdS WZ, and CdTe oxide phases after a CdCl2 heat treatment. Films sputtered in O2 partial pressure have a much wider bandgap than expected. This may be explained by nanocrystalline size effects seen previously [2] for sputtered oxygenated CdS (CdS:O) films.
Properties of CuIn1-xGaxSe2 films prepared by the rapid thermal annealing of spray-deposited CuIn1-xGaxS2 and Se
Authors: Slaymaker Laura E. , Hoffman Nathan M. , Ingersoll Matthew A. , Jensen Matthew R. , Olejníček Jiří , Exstrom Christopher L. , Darveau Scott A. , Soukup Rodney J. , Ianno Natale J. , Sarkar Amitabha , Kment Štěpán
Published: September 2011

Many reported CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS) thin films for high-efficiency solar cells have been prepared via a two-stage process that consists of a high-vacuum film deposition step followed by selenization with excess H2Se gas or Se vapor. Removing toxic gas and high-vacuum requirements from this process would greatly simplify it and make it less hazardous. We report the formation of CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0) thin films achieved by rapid thermal annealing of spray-deposited CuIn1-xGaxS2 and Se in the absence of an additional selenium source. To prepare the Se layer, commercial Se powder was dissolved by refluxing in ethylenediamine/2,2-dimethylimidizolidine. After cooling to room temperature, this mixture was combined with 2-propanol and the resulting colloidal Se suspension was sprayed by airbrush onto a heated glass substrate. The resulting film was coated with nanocrystalline CuIn1-xGaxS2 via spray deposition of a toluene-based “nanoink” suspension. The two-layer sample was annealed at 550 oC in an argon atmosphere for 60 minutes to form the final CIGS product. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal that film grains are 200-300 nm in diameter and comparable to sizes of the reactant CuIn1-xGaxS2 nanoparticles. XRD patterns are consistent with the chalcopyrite unit cell and calculated lattice parameters and A1 phonon frequencies change nearly linearly between those for CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2.
Site Selective Magneto-Optical Studies of Eu ions in Gallium Nitride
Authors: Woodward Nathaniel , Nishikawa Atsushi , Fujiwara Yasufumi , Dierolf Volkmar
Published: September 2011

We report site-selective studies of the Zeeman splittings that are observed for magnetic fields up to 6.6T for different Eu incorporation sites in GaN. Utilizing resonant excitation with visible light, we are able to distinguish the site and find for one center (Eu1) a splitting into five components as expected for C3v symmetry. The corresponding g-values are 1.66 and 1.90. The two lines of another center Eu2 each split into two levels corresponding to g-values of 1.9 and 2.84. Most surprisingly a third center, for which only one line is clearly identified, a g-value of 6.16 is found which is larger than can be explained for a 7F2 purely ionic Eu state.