bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting Married in Renaissance England as Presented in the Conduct Literature for Women
Authors: Giza Natalia
Published: June 2019

There were two “career paths” open to Renaissance women in England — entering a monastery or getting married. With the introduction of reformation the first option vanished. Getting married opened varying possibilities. On one hand the contemporary promotion of marriage reinforced the patriarchal system of the society (a man is its head and the woman and children are his subjects). On the other, the idea of a “companionate marriage” allowing husbands and wives a certain degree of equality was formulated for the first time also by sixteenth–century thinkers. The traces of the Renaissance debate on which form of life is more pious and pleasing to God – celibate or married – can also be found in the conduct literature for women, on top of other advice referring to marriage.
Decision making for patients categorised as ‘amber’ in a rural setting
Authors: Ingram Catherine , Rees Nigel , Sujan Mark A
Published: June 2019

Background:

Reducing unnecessary conveyances to hospital can help relieve pressure on emergency departments. Making decisions about conveyance in rural areas is particularly challenging because of the travel distances involved.

Aims:

To explore perceptions of paramedics in a rural setting about how they make decisions regarding conveyance and non-conveyance for patients categorised as ‘amber’ (serious but not life-threatening).

Methods:

Data were collected through interviews with 17 paramedics working in rural areas, which were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Findings:

Paramedics perceive hospitals as places of safety for themselves (psychological safety) and for patients (patient safety). Lower levels of psychological safety (e.g. because of an organisational blame culture) and perceived increased risks to patient safety (e.g. because of a lack of health resources in the community) influence paramedic decision making on conveying patients to hospital.

Conclusion:

Current practice contributes to increasing pressures on emergency departments. Ambulance services should work towards a non-punitive culture of safety where paramedics feel they can make decisions based on their experience and expertise rather than to protect themselves.
Continuing Professional Development: Diabetes and associated diabetic emergencies
Authors: Higginson Ray , Burrows Paul , Jones Bridie
Published: June 2019

Overview

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The chronic complications of diabetes include accelerated development of cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, loss of visual acuity, and limb amputations. However, in the acute situation, diabetes can result in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, both of which have the same cause: insufficient insulin. This article explores the physiology of glucose control, the pathophysiology of diabetes and the role of the paramedic in the prehospital treatment of the diabetic emergencies, diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.
Reflections on the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (England and Wales)
Authors: Duggan Marian
Published: June 2019

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) aims to reduce harm through improving access to background information for people with concerns about a romantic partner’s behaviour. This reduction is predicated on the disclosure recipient taking steps to ensure their safety, either by managing the situation or ending the relationship. As fewer than half of the thousands of annual applications result in disclosures, and no information is held about any subsequent steps taken by applicants or recipients, it is unclear whether or not the DVDS is actually reducing domestic violence. Nonetheless, Scotland and Northern Ireland have implemented their own variations of this policy, as have some Canadian and Australian states.
This policy analysis draws on empirical research into the DVDS in terms of its national and local operation in order to assess the strengths and limitations of its capacity to reduce harm. The analysis outlines how the policy may be difficult to access; deflect – rather than prevent – harm; shift safeguarding responsibilities onto the most vulnerable; and be incorrectly interpreted in terms of outcome. The paper makes recommendations for improvement in order to enhance the policy’s efficacy.
key messagesDomestic violence prevention policies which require active citizenship may be less effective at preventing victimisation.
The monitoring of outcomes following a DVDS application/disclosure is required.
Care needs to be taken to ensure engagement with the DVDS does not put people at a greater risk of harm.
Effect of Aggressive Fluid Therapy on Outcomes after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ghaderi Ramin , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Khoshbaten Manouchehr , Faravan Amir
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND Pancreatitis is a serious complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which may lead to death. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of aggressive fluid therapy on the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis. METHODS In double-blind controlled condition, 240 patients were selected and divided into two groups. The treatment of the intervention group (n = 120) included a dose of 20 mL/kg of ringer lactate infusion within 90 minutes before ERCP and 3 mL/kg/h during ERCP followed by 3 mL/kg/h up to 8 hours. The treatment of the control group (n = 120) included a dose of 1.5 mL/kg of ringer lactate infusion during ERCP up to 8 hours later. Firstly, the patients were evaluated in terms of excessive fluid and serum amylase and pain level, and then they were re-evaluated 2, 8, and 24 hours after ERCP. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 51.57 ± 13.5 years. Most of the patients were female (54.5%). Pancreatitis was developed in 26 patients including 5.83% of the patients in the intervention group and 15.83% of the patients in the control group (p = 0.013). Pancreatic pain was seen in 7.5% of the patients in the intervention group and in 27.5% of the control group (p < 0.005). Hyperamylasemia was seen in 20.83% of the patients in the intervention group and in 35% of the control group (p = 0.014). The mean days of hospital admission was 1.308 ± 0.807 in the intervention group and 1.425 ± 0.876 in the control group (p = 0.275). CONCLUSION Aggressive fluid therapy with ringer lactate solution before ERCP can effectively prevent postERCP pancreatitis, pancreatic pain, and hyperamylasemia.
Enhanced Th17 Responses in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Behfarjam Farinaz , Nasseri-Moghaddam Siavash , Jadali Zohreh
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND T cells are major players in chronic inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, it is not clear which subset of T cells participates in the pathophysiology of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the expression profile of signature transcription factor and cytokines of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in patients with AIH. METHODS A total of 24 patients with AIH and 24 normal subjects were recruited in the study. Comparison of gene expression patterns between the patients and normal subjects was done by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS The results showed that retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors gamma (RORɣt), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and interleukin-22 (IL-22) mRNA expression were increased greatly in the patients group compared with the normal controls group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Deregulated production of Th17-related molecules may be associated with the pathogenesis of AIH.
Electrophysiological Correlates of Key and Harmony Processing in 3-year-old Children
Authors: Corrigall Kathleen A. , Trainor Laurel J.
Published: June 2019

Infants and children are able to track statistical regularities in perceptual input, which allows them to acquire structural aspects of language and music, such as syntax. However, much more is known about the development of linguistic compared to musical syntax. In the present study, we examined 3.5-year-olds’ implicit knowledge of Western musical pitch structure using electroencephalography (EEG). Event-related potentials (ERPs) were measured while children listened to chord sequences that either 1) followed Western harmony rules, 2) ended on a chord that went outside the key, or 3) ended on an in-key but less expected chord harmonically. Whereas adults tend to show an early right anterior negativity (ERAN) in response to unexpected chords (Koelsch, 2009), 3.5-year-olds in our study showed an immature response that was positive rather than negative in polarity. Our results suggest that very young children exhibit implicit knowledge of the pitch structure of Western music years before they have been shown to demonstrate that knowledge in behavioral tasks.
The Relationship Between Portuguese Children's Use of Singing Voice and Singing Accuracy when Singing with Text and a Neutral Syllable
Authors: Pereira Ana Isabel , Rodrigues Helena
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Portuguese children's use of singing voice and their singing accuracy on the pitches belonging to the Singing Voice Development Measure (SVDM) criterion patterns (Rutkowski, 2015), as well as the influence on singing with a neutral syllable or text on both variables. Children aged 4 to 9 (n = 137) were administered the SVDM individually and three raters evaluated recordings of the children's singing, both for the use of singing voice (i.e., effective use of pitch range and register) and singing accuracy. Prior to data analysis, the validity and reliability of the measure was examined and assured. A significant relationship was found between both variables. Favoring the neutral syllable, significant differences were found in response mode for singing accuracy, but not for use of singing voice, suggesting that the use of neutral syllable in classroom singing activities might be beneficial to improve accuracy. Older children and girls obtained higher scores for the use of singing voice and accuracy. Within a common pitch range, children with higher SVDM scores sang accurately a higher number of pitches, suggesting that expanding children's use of singing voice might also improve singing accuracy.
Vowel Formant Structure Predicts Metric Position in Hip-hop Lyrics
Authors: Ammirante Paolo , Copelli Fran
Published: June 2019

In order to be heard over the low-frequency energy of a loud orchestra, opera singers adjust their vocal tracts to increase high-frequency energy around 3,000 Hz (known as a “singer's formant”). In rap music, rhymes often coincide with the beat and thus may be masked by loud, low-frequency percussion events. How do emcees (i.e., rappers) avoid masking of on-beat rhymes? If emcees exploit formant structure, this may be reflected in the distribution of on- and off-beat vowels. To test this prediction, we used a sample of words from the MCFlow rap lyric corpus (Condit-Schultz, 2016). Frequency of occurrence of on- and off-beat words was compared. Each word contained one of eight vowel nuclei; population estimates of each vowel's first and second formant (F1 and F2) frequencies were obtained from an existing source. A bias was observed: vowels with higher F2, which are less likely to be masked by percussion, were favored for on-beat words. Words with lower F2 vowels, which may be masked, were more likely to deviate from the beat. Bias was most evident among rhyming words but persisted for nonrhyming words. These findings imply that emcees use formant structure to implicitly or explicitly target the intelligibility of salient lyric events.
El discipulado de los laicos para el servicio integral en el mundo: un experimento misiológico evangélico a favor de las personas en situación de desplazamiento en Colombia
Authors: Hays Christopher Michael
Published: June 2019

Este artículo describe el proyecto Fe y Desplazamiento para mostrar cómo una institución evangélica busca movilizar a la Iglesia a responder a los signos de los tiempos, específicamente con respecto al flagelo del desplazamiento forzoso, por medio de propiciar la evangelización integral y el crecimiento en la fe de laicos evangélicos, para que sean cocreadores y cogestores de la misión de la Iglesia. Describe el fundamento teórico del proyecto —una fusión de la misiología integral con la investigación-acción participación (IAP)— y brinda un resumen de la estructura del proyecto, con énfasis en la intervención pedagógico-pastoral que el proyecto ha elaborado. A lo largo del artículo, se indica cómo este acercamiento refleja varias de las prioridades de la Conferencia de Medellín.
Salvación y liberación en el pensamiento teológico de Leonardo Boff
Authors: Ramírez Trillos Osmir
Published: June 2019

El artículo aborda la relación intrínseca entre salvación y liberación en el pensamiento del teólogo Leonardo Boff. Todo conocedor de la teología de la liberación sabrá que no es una característica propia de Boff relacionar salvación con liberación, sino que es la característica propia de la teología latinoamericana de la liberación. Nos concentraremos en uno de los mayores exponentes de esta característica teológica latinoamericana. La salvación como tema teológico puede tener infinidades de acercamientos epistemológicos. Por ello, al mirar la salvación desde el contexto de los países latinoamericanos, se producirá una reflexión específica para un auditorio particular, es decir, una salvación que busca la liberación del pobre. La teología y su reflexión sobre lo salvífico no debe quedarse en lo abstracto y especulativo, sino que debe tener un impacto social, chocar con lo político. “Cuando hoy hablamos de liberación significamos con esa expresión toda una tendencia y una encarnación concreta de nuestra fe” (Boff, 1987, p. 387).
Aproximación reflexiva desde el Documento de Medellín. La mirada de la filosofía de la liberación en torno a la opción preferencial por los jóvenes y los pobres
Authors: Fajardo Pascagaza Ernesto , Ballesteros Guerrero Elkin Aleixi
Published: June 2019

El Documento de Medellín, en este artículo, es asumido desde la filosofía de la liberación y su opción preferencial por los jóvenes y los pobres. Para tal efecto, se articula a partir de cuatro variables o ejes de trabajo. En primer lugar, se presenta la contextualización de la II Conferencia General del Episcopado Latinoamericano. En segundo lugar, se hace un ejercicio reflexivo sobre la opción preferencial por los pobres. En tercer lugar, se reflexiona en torno a la misión de la educación como liberadora. Por último, se trabaja el eje sobre la filosofía de la liberación en tanto cercana a la opción preferencial por los pobres.
The TOR Pathway Plays Pleiotropic Roles in Growth and Stress Responses of the Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: So Yee-Seul , Lee Dong-Gi , Idnurm Alexander , Ianiri Giuseppe , Bahn Yong-Sun
Published: June 2019

The target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction system that governs a plethora of eukaryotic biological processes, but its role in Cryptococcus neoformans remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the TOR pathway by functionally characterizing two Tor-like kinases, Tor1 and Tlk1, in C. neoformans. We successfully deleted TLK1, but not TOR1. TLK1 deletion did not result in any evident in vitro phenotypes, suggesting that Tlk1 is dispensable for the growth of C. neoformans. We demonstrated that Tor1, but not Tlk1, is essential and the target of rapamycin by constructing and analyzing conditionally regulated strains and sporulation analysis of heterozygous mutants in the diploid strain background. To further analyze the Tor1 function, we constructed constitutive TOR1 overexpression strains. Tor1 negatively regulated thermotolerance and the DNA damage response, which are two important virulence factors of C. neoformans. TOR1 overexpression reduced Mpk1 phosphorylation, which is required for cell wall integrity and thermoresistance, and Rad53 phosphorylation, which governs the DNA damage response pathway. Tor1 is localized to the cytoplasm, but enriched in the vacuole membrane. Phosphoproteomics and transcriptomics revealed that Tor1 regulates a variety of biological processes, including metabolic processes, cytoskeleton organization, ribosome biogenesis, and stress response. TOR inhibition by rapamycin caused actin depolarization in a Tor1-dependent manner. Finally, screening rapamycin-sensitive and -resistant kinase and transcription factor mutants revealed that the TOR pathway may crosstalk with a number of stress signaling pathways. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that a single Tor1 kinase plays pleiotropic roles in C. neoformans.
Novel Approach to Creation of Biomimetic Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Belenkaya Bronislava , Shepelev Aleksey , Sakharova Valentina
Published: June 2019

In tissue engineering, a successful tissue scaffold is not simply a 3D-micro/nanofibered, highly porous environment that mimics a native extra cellular matrix (ECM). To maintain an ideal medium for cells to grow and proliferate, the biodegradable scaffold should be generally hydrophilic and should serve as a reservoir of cell nutrients, growth factors and other components present in the blood flow. Synthetic biodegradable polymers have found wide applications in micro/nanofibered scaffolding materials because of their proven biocompatibility, availability of established processing techniques, good mechanical properties and controlled, regulated biodegradation time. But, high hydrophobicity of these polymers does not allow to realize a moist environment in the scaffold typical for native ECM and favorable for the cells.

We have recently found that electrospun polymeric blends of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly-d,l-lactide (PDLL) provide mechanically strong micro/nanofibered materials of high hydrophilicity. These materials have a regulated absorption ability of blood or other biological liquids of up to ~8-10 g/g without swelling or changing the shape of the fibers. As demonstrated by spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, strong polymer chains assembly of PDLL-PVP occurs when the corresponding blends are processed into micro/nanofibers by electrospinning or casted into films. The polymer chain assembly is not affected by absorbed liquids. The matrices preserve their liquid absorption ability after drying. Preliminary testing of matrices in humans demonstrated a high efficacy of the scaffolds for wound healing acceleration.
Silica Coated Multifunctional Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Theranostics
Authors: Sotiriou G.A. , Pratsinis S.E.
Published: June 2019

Hybrid magnetic/plasmonic nanoparticles possess properties originating from each individual material. Such properties are beneficial for biological applications including bio-imaging, targeted drug delivery, in vivo diagnosis and therapy. Limitations regarding their stability and toxicity, however, challenge their safe use. Here, the one-step flame synthesis of composite SiO2-coated Ag/Fe2O3 nanoparticles is demonstrated. The hermetic SiO2 coating does not influence the morphology, the superparamagnetic properties of the iron oxide particles and the plasmonic optical properties of the silver particles. Therefore, the hybrid SiO2-coated Ag/Fe2O3 nanoparticles exhibit desired properties for their employment in bio-applications.
Elemental Analysis and Current-Voltage Characteristics of LiZnP and LiZnAs Samples for Solid-State Neutron Detectors
Authors: Montag Benjamin W. , Reichenberger Michael A. , Arpin Kevin R. , Nelson Kyle A. , Ugorowski Philip B. , McGregor Douglas S.
Published: June 2019

Research for a reliable solid-form semiconductor neutron detector continues because such a device would have greater efficiency, in a compact form, than present day gas-filled 3He and 10BF3 detectors. The 6Li(n,t)4He reaction yields a total Q value of 4.78 MeV, larger than 10B, and easily identified above background radiations. Hence, devices composed of either natural Li (nominally 7.5% 6Li) or enriched 6Li (usually 95% 6Li) may provide a semiconductor material for compact high efficiency neutron detectors. A sub-branch of the III-V semiconductors, the filled tetrahedral compounds, AIBIICV, known as Nowotny-Juza compounds, are known for their desirable cubic crystal structure, and were originally studied for photonic applications. Equimolar portions of Li, Zn, and P or As were sealed under vacuum (10-6 Torr) in quartz ampoules with a graphite lining, loaded into a compounding furnace, and heated to 560 °C to form the ternary compound, LiZnP or LiZnAs, and further annealed to promote crystallization. The chemical composition of the synthesized starting material was confirmed at Galbraith Laboratories, Inc. by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), which showed the compounds were reacted in equal ratios, 1-1-1, to form ternary compounds. Bulk single crystal samples were grown by a high temperature technique described elsewhere. Samples were cut, polished, and prepared for electrical characterization by depositing a Ti/Au contact onto one side of the one of the samples and using silver epoxy to form the other contact. Current-voltage curves were collected for a sample with silver epoxy for both anode and cathode contact, and for a sample with a Ti-Au anode contact and silver epoxy cathode contact. A much higher resistivity was calculated, 6.6 x 1010 Ω·cm, for the sample with a Ti-Au contact compared the high conductivity seen with the sample using silver epoxy contacts.
The Initial Phase of Photoelectrochemical Anodization of Si in Alkaline Media Investigated by Synchrotron Radiation Photoelectron Spectroscopy (SRPES) and Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM)
Authors: Letilly M. , Skorupska K. , Aggour M. , Kanis M. , Lewerenz H.-J.
Published: June 2019

Anodic oxide formation and chemical and electrochemical etching of n-Si(111) have been investigated in alkaline media. Due to the complexity of the processes, the investigation has been restricted to the initial phase where a transitory anodic photocurrent peak is observed slightly positive from the open circuit potential (ocp). In-system photoelectron spectroscopy, performed at the U 49/2 beamline at Bessy, shows sub-monolayer silicon surface oxidation and remnant H-termination, indicating island-type oxide formation. Scanning probe microscopy shows the formation of macropores with 300-500 nm diameter and an average depth of 5-8 nm. The discussion comprises chemical and electrochemical dissolution mechanisms and routes to development of nanoemitter fuel generating devices.
Supramolecular Self-assembly of Chlorins in an Aerosolized Droplet to Synthesize Biomimetic Antennas
Authors: Shah Vivek B. , Biswas Pratim
Published: June 2019

Natural light harvesting organisms have evolved to harvest sunlight efficiently. Green sulfur bacteria, which contain chlorosomes, can survive in extremely low light conditions mainly because of efficient light absorption and transfer of energy, facilitated by the assembled dye molecules. Due to these reasons, chlorosomes have been used in dye sensitized solar cells to improve the light absorption and performance. The chlorosome absorption spectrum is fixed and their size is dependent on the organism. Various solution-based techniques have been developed for synthesizing mimics by supramolecular self-assembly. However, controlling the size of agglomerates and their subsequent deposition on surfaces to fabricate a device is difficult. In this work, a one-step aerosol-based self-assembly technique has been developed for the first time, to assemble and deposit chlorin (Bacteria chlorophyll mimics) agglomerates. A shift in absorption spectra of 79 nm which is comparable to the natural system was obtained. The analysis shows that kinetics of nucleation play an important role in assembly.
Surface Modification to a-SiC Photocathode Using Ruthenium Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Feng , Matulionis Ilvydas , Gaillard Nicolas , Chang Yuancheng , Hu Jian , Gallon Josh , Madan Arun
Published: June 2019

In this paper we described using ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles for surface modification on our hybrid PV/a-SiC photocathode for hydrogen production by water splitting under sunlight. Ru nanoparticles with size less than 5nm in diameter made the photocathode showed promising results: in an aqueous electrolyte an anodic shift of photocurrent onset potential around 450 mV and an increase in the photocurrent density up to 1.8mA/cm2 from a negligible value. Initial discussion the influence of Ru nanoparticles is presented.
Simulation of a single dopant nanowire transistor
Authors: Asenov Asen , Georgiev Vihar
Published: June 2019

Nowadays the silicon technology is capable of delivering sub-10 nm devices where ‘every atom counts’. Manipulation of atoms with high precision on such a scale, in principle, can lead to technological innovations, such as transistors with extremely short gate length, quantum computing components and optoelectronic devices. One possible strategy to create this next generation of devices is to precisely place individual discrete dopants (such as phosphorous atoms) in a nanoscale transistor.

In this paper, we report a systematic study of quantum transport simulation of an impact that precisely positioned dopants have on the performance of ultimately scaled gate-all-around silicon nanowire transistors (SNWT) designed for digital circuit applications. Due to strong inhomogeneity of self-consistent electrostatic potential, a full 3-D real-space Non Equilibrium Green’s Function (NEGF) formalism is used. The simulations are carried out for an n-channel NWT with a 2.2 x 2.2 nm2 cross-section and a 6 nm channel length, where locations of precisely arranged dopants in the source drain extensions and in the channel region have been varied. The individual dopants act as localized scatters and, hence, impact of electron transport is directly correlated to the position of the single dopants. As a result, a large variation in the ON-current and modest variation of the subthreshold slope are observed in the ID-VG characteristics when comparing devices with microscopically different discrete dopant configuration. Introducing of channel surface roughness in the Ch Sym 1 wire induces a threshold voltage shift and ON-current variation in the device due to scattering. The variations of the current-voltage characteristics are analyzed with reference to the behaviour of the transmission coefficients. Our calculations provide guidance for a future development of the next generation components with sub-10 nm dimensions for the semiconductor industry.
Conductivity measurement of individual SnS nanoparticles by Peak Force AFM
Authors: Prastani C. , Vetushka A. , Hývl M. , Fejfar A. , Nanu M. , Nanu D. , Schropp R. E. I. , Rath J. K.
Published: June 2019

Peak Force Atomic Force Microscope is a new technique to characterize fragile materials such as nanoparticles with high accuracy with only one measurement. Unlike the tapping mode AFM, Peak Force AFM operates at a frequency below the resonant frequency of the cantilever. This allows for a direct control of the forces and avoids lateral forces that may damage the sample as in contact mode AFM. Furthermore, the performance characteristics of Peak Force AFM are suitable to work also in Tunneling AFM (TUNA) mode, enabling the study of the electrical properties of materials.

In this work SnS nanoparticles capped with tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) have been characterized. By means of Peak Force AFM it is possible to measure simultaneously topography and current maps of nanoparticles, yielding information about the shape, size and the conductivity of even a single nanoparticle. The topography map clearly showed single nanoparticles with a size less than 5 nm and spherical shape. In the conductivity map it is possible to discern the same nanoparticles, the correlation with the topography map is evident. This confirms the conduction (though not calibrated) of SnS nanoparticles. This type of measurements has been repeated many times in order to check the reproducibility of this technique. Moreover, the same nanoparticles have been measured also by Torsional Resonant TUNA AFM in order to compare it with Peak Force AFM. By means of TR-TUNA it was possible to measure the topography of SnS nanoparticles capped with TOPO but not the current. Besides, the resolution of the topography map acquired by TR-TUNA AFM is inferior to Peak Force AFM. From this comparison it has been found that the conductivity of nanoparticles, even if they are capped with TOPO, can be measured by Peak Force AFM, a result that thus far has been difficult to achieve by other types of AFM.
Effects of Operating Conditions on Bimodal Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Chakraborty Ishita , Yablon Dalia G.
Published: June 2019

Bimodal Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a recently developed dynamic AFM technique. Recent work [1] has shown the existence of different regimes of operation in Bimodal AFM depending on the operating conditions. The current work focuses on the effects of different operating parameters while imaging an impact copolymer blend of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene-propylene (E-P) rubber. The higher mode amplitude and phase contrasts reverse at different points between the PP and rubber regions as the free amplitude of the higher eigenmode is increased. The observed contrast reversal suggests that the cantilever kinetic energy and its free air drive input energy play a role in determining the regimes of operation. Understanding the role of cantilever dynamics in determining these operation regimes will help guide a more rational operation of Bimodal AFM.
Synthesis of Iron-containing Nanomaterials by “Greener” Methods and Their Use for Disinfection of Water
Authors: Kharisov Boris I. , Pérez Betsabee Olvera , de Casas Ortiz Edgar G. , Kharissova Oxana V. , Corona María del Rayo Camacho , Jiménez Pérez Victor M. , Dias Rasika
Published: June 2019

Methods of “green” synthesis of nanoparticles of elemental iron (zero-valent iron, NZVI), its oxides and hydroxides using natural products are reviewed. In particular, the use of biological agents such as extracts of various plants, tea, soya, table sugar and glucose, as reductants and as capping agents is shown. The techniques involved are simple, environmentally friendly and generally one-pot processes. Water disinfection using iron nanomaterials against viruses and bacteria is also examined.
Advances in sustainable fluorine-free CSD YBa2Cu3O7 thin films
Authors: Vermeir Pieter , Feys Jonas , Pollefeyt Glenn , Verslyppe Bram , De Brabandere Asha , Verbeken Kim , Bäcker Michael , Lommens Petra , Schaubroeck Joseph , De Buysser Klaartje , Van Driessche Isabel
Published: June 2019

Chemical solution deposition techniques are a very competitive low cost method to achieve coated conductors. Recently, fluorine-free CSD methods have made a great progress for the preparation of YBCO thin films and became a sustainable alternative for the well-known trifluoroacetate CSD approach. By elucidating the reaction mechanism behind this new approach, finally giving an answer to the question why it is possible to fabricate YBCO films without TFA, different processing routes were discovered giving rise to high superconducting YBCO films (>1MA.cm-2). Each route has it's own benefits. One specific route offers the opportunity to tune the crystallographic orientation. By changing one process parameter, a shift from complete c-axis to complete a-axis orientation is observed. This can be very useful for e.g. Josephson Junctions.

We particularly investigated the fundamental reaction mechanism of each reaction route, with the focus on the corresponding barium compound. Although good superconducting properties are obtained, still one major drawback limits industrial implementation: thickness. It is observed that a critical thickness of ∼500 nm eliminates the superconducting properties. Therefore, this paper gives a summary of all progress made regarding to fluorine-free water-based CSD YBCO thin films with emphasis on the possibility to control the crystallization rate.
Silicon Carbide Radiation Detectors: Progress, Limitations and Future Directions
Authors: Ruddy Frank H.
Published: June 2019

Silicon carbide has long been a promising material for semiconductor applications in high-temperature environments. Although silicon carbide radiation detectors were demonstrated more than a half century ago, the unavailability of high-quality materials and device manufacturing techniques hindered further development until about twenty years ago. In the late twentieth century, the development of advanced SiC crystal growth and epitaxial chemical vapor deposition methods spurred rapid development of silicon carbide charged particle, X-ray and neutron detectors. The history and status of silicon carbide radiation detectors as well as the influence of materials and device packaging limitations on future detector development will be discussed. Specific silicon carbide materials development needs will be identified.
High Resolution X-Ray Imaging with Thin SrI2-Scintillator Screens
Authors: Alaribe Leonard , Fauler Alex , Cecilia Angelica , Santos Rolo Tomy Dos , Fiederle Michael , Burger Arnold
Published: June 2019

Much has been reported on the excellent performance of the Eu2+ activated SrI2-scintillator in spectroscopic applications, like the high light yield (97 660 ph/MeV) and good energy resolution (2.7% FWHM at 662 keV). The exploitation of these properties for other application fields is limited by the hygroscopic nature of the SrI2. Single crystal scintillating screens exhibit high spatial resolution, this combined with the high density, high effective atomic number, and the high light yield of the SrI2 could be used for high resolution X-ray imaging.

Some of the questions we tried to answer in this work are the following: owing to the excellent performance of the SrI2-scintillator in spectroscopic applications, how would it perform in X-ray imaging applications. X-ray images are described based on their (spatial) resolution and contrast, how would they look like when recorded using the SrI2-scintillator detector.

First a packaging technique was developed that protected the hygroscopic screens during the measurements. Our results show a high resolution of the images obtained with thin SrI2-scintillator screens both in 2D radiography and 3D tomography measurements. With these results, we think that the SrI2-scinitillator is not only a candidate for spectroscopic applications, but also for high resolution X-ray imaging purposes.
Linear Polarization Rotation Study of the Microwave-Induced Magnetoresistance Oscillations in the GaAs/AlGaAs System
Authors: Ramanayaka A. N. , Ye Tianyu , Liu H-C. , Mani R. G. , Wegscheider W.
Published: June 2019

Microwave-induced zero-resistance states appear when the associated B-1-periodic magnetoresistance oscillations grow in amplitude and become comparable to the dark resistance of the two-dimensional electron system (2DES). Existing theories have made differing predictions regarding the influence of the microwave polarization in this phenomenon. We have investigated the effect of rotating, in-situ, the polarization of linearly polarized microwaves relative to long-axis of Hall bars. The results indicate that the amplitude of the magnetoresistance oscillations is remarkably responsive to the relative orientation between the linearly polarized microwave electric field and the current-axis in the specimen. At low microwave power, P, experiments indicate a strong sinusoidal variation in the diagonal resistance Rxx vs. θ at the oscillatory extrema of the microwave-induced magnetoresistance oscillations. Interestingly, the phase shift θ0 for maximal oscillatory Rxx response under photoexcitation is a strong function of the magnetic field, the extremum in question, and the magnetic field orientation.
Exciton Gas versus Electron Hole Liquid in the Double Quantum Wells
Authors: Babichenko Vladimir S. , Polishchuk Ilya Ya.
Published: June 2019

The many-body correlation effects in the spatially separated electron and hole layers in the coupled quantum wells (CQW) are investigated. A special case of the many-component electron-hole system is considered, ν>>1 being the number of the components. Keeping the main diagrams in the parameter 1/ν allows us to justify the selection of the RPA diagrams. The ground state of the system is found to be the electron-hole liquid with the energy smaller than the dense exciton gas phase. The possible connection is discussed between the results obtained and the experiments in which the inhomogeneous state in the CQW is found.
Emission and X ray diffraction in AlGaAs/ InGaAs Quantum wells with embedded InAs Quantum dots
Authors: Tamayo R. Cisneros , Moreno I.J. Gerrero , Hernandez A. Vivas , Espinola J.L. Casas , Shcherbyna L.
Published: June 2019

The photoluminescence (PL), its temperature dependence and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been studied in MBE grown GaAs/AlGaAs/InGaAs/AlGaAs /GaAs quantum wells (QWs) with InAs quantum dots embedded in the center of InGaAs layer in the freshly prepared states and after the thermal treatments during 2 hours at 640 or 710 °C. The structures contained two buffer (Al0.3Ga0.7As/In0.15Ga0.85As) and two capping (In0.15Ga0.85As / Al0.3Ga0.7As) layers. The temperature dependences of PL peak positions have been analyzed in the temperature range 10-500K with the aim to investigate the QD composition and its variation at thermal annealing. The experimental parameters of the temperature variation of PL peak position in the InAs QDs have been compared with the known one for the bulk InAs crystals and the QD composition variation due to Ga/Al/In inter diffusion at thermal treatments has been detected. XRD have been studied with the aim to estimate the capping/buffer layer compositions in the different QW layers in freshly prepared state and after the thermal annealing. The obtained emission and XRD data and their dependences on the thermal treatment have been analyzed and discussed.
EPR and emission study of silicon suboxide nanopillars
Authors: Bratus’ V. , Indutnyi I. , Shepeliavyi P. , Torchynska T.
Published: June 2019

The results of correlated electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and photoluminescence (PL) study of obliquely deposited porous SiOxfilms after step-by-step 15 min annealing within 105 min in vacuum at 950°C are presented. The low intensity symmetrical and featureless EPR line with a g-value g=2.0044 and a linewidth of 0.77 mT has been detected in as-sputtered films and attributed to dangling bonds (DB) of silicon atoms in amorphous SiOxdomains withx=0.8. Successive annealing results in decreasing this line and the appearance of an intense EPR line with g=2.0025, linewidth of 0.11 mT and a hyperfine doublet with 1.6 mT splitting. According to the parameters this spectrum has been attributed to theEXcenter, a hole delocalized over four non-bridging oxygen atoms grouped around a Si vacancy in SiO2. The impact of chemical treatment before annealing and duration of anneals on the defect system, and a correlation of the PL intensity with decreasing of theDBEPR signal are discussed.
New Paramagnetic Center and High Conductivity in a-Si1-xRux:H Thin Films
Authors: He Jian , Li Wei , Xu Rui , Guo An-ran , Wang Yin , Jiang Ya-dong
Published: June 2019

In this work, the metallic element Ru is introduced into a-Si:H. The structural and electrical properties of the films doped with Ru have been investigated. Raman spectra reveal that the addition of Ru disarranges further the intrinsically disordered amorphous network and generates more coordinated defects. Meanwhile, a new paramagnetic signal, associated with the holes localized in valence band tail, has been observed. Moreover, the conductivity increases by about nine orders of magnitude with the increase of doping concentration, and the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) results show that this material may have a potential application in the infrared detectors.
Memory effect in nanostructured Si-rich hafnia films
Authors: Khomenkova L. , Portier X. , Gourbilleau F. , A.Slaoui
Published: June 2019

Microstructral and charge-trap properties of single Hf-silicate dielectric films are presented versus annealing treatment. The as-grown films were found to be homogeneous and amorphous. It is shown that annealing treatment results in the formation of alternated Hf-rich and Si-rich layers. The mechanism responsible for this phenomenon is found to be surface directed spinodal decomposition. The increase of annealing temperature up to 1000-1100°C resulted in the crystallization of Hf-rich phase. The stability of its tetragonal phase caused an enhancement of film permittivity was observed. The evolution of charge trapping properties of the films results in the memory effect which nature was discussed.
Light-Emitting and Structural Properties of Si-rich HfO2 Thin Films Fabricated by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Khomenkov D. , An Y.-T. , Portier X. , Labbe C. , Gourbilleau F. , Khomenkova L.
Published: June 2019

Structural, optical and luminescent properties of Si-rich HfO2 films fabricated by RF magnetron sputtering were investigated versus annealing treatment. Pronounced phase separation process occurred at 950-1100°C and resulted in the formation of hafnia and silica phases, as well as pure silicon clusters. An intense light emission of annealed samples in visible spectral range was obtained under broad band excitation. It was ascribed to exciton recombination inside silicon clusters as well as host defects. To confirm the formation of Si clusters, the structures were co-doped with Er3+ ions and effective light emission at 1.54µm was obtained under non-resonant excitation due to energy transfer from Si clusters towards Er3+ ions. The interaction of Si clusters, host defects and Er3+ ions under is discussed.
Photoluminescence Variation With Temperature in ZnO:Ag Nanorods obtained by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Velázquez Lozada E. , Mera Luna S. , Castañeda L.
Published: June 2019

The photoluminescence, its temperature dependences, as well as structural characteristics obtained by the method of Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) have been studied in ZnO:Ag nanorods prepared by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP). PL spectra of ZnO:Ag NRs in the temperature range from 10 K to 300 K are investigated. Three types of PL bands have been revealed: i) the near-band-edge (NBE) emission, ii) defect related emission and iii) IR emission. It is shown that IR emission corresponds to the second-order diffraction of near-band-edge (NBE) emission bands. The study of NBE PL temperature dependences reveals that the acceptor bound exciton (ABE) and its second-order diffraction peak disappeared at the temperature higher than 200 K. The attenuation of the ABE peak intensity is ascribed to the thermal dissociation of ABE with appearing a free exciton (FE). The PL bands, related to the LO phonon replica of FE and its second-order diffraction, dominate in the PL spectra at room temperature that testify on the high quality of ZnO:Ag films prepared by the USP technology.
Efficacy of Tobramycin Conjugated to Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Treating Cystic Fibrosis Infections
Authors: Osiński Marek , Brandt Yekaterina I. , Armijo Leisha M. , Kopciuch Michael , Withers Nathan. J. , Cook Nathaniel C. , Adolphi Natalie L. , Smolyakov Gennady A. , Smyth Hugh D. C.
Published: June 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited childhood-onset life-shortening disease. It is characterized by increased respiratory production, leading to airway obstruction, chronic lung infection and inflammatory reactions. The most common bacteria causing persisting infections in people with CF isPseudomonas aeruginosa. Superparamagnetic Fe3O4iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated to the antibiotic (tobramycin), guided by a gradient of the magnetic field or subjected to an oscillating magnetic field, show promise in improving the drug delivery across the mucus andP. aeruginosabiofilm to the bacteria. The question remains whether tobramycin needs to be released from the NPs after the penetration of the mucus barrier in order to act upon the pathogenic bacteria. We used a zero-length 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) crosslinking agent to couple tobramycin, via its amine groups, to the carboxyl groups on Fe3O4NPs capped with citric acid. The therapeutic efficiency of Fe3O4NPs attached to the drug versus that of the free drug was investigated inP. aeruginosaculture.
Experimental Characterization of frequency-depend electrical parameters of On-Chip Interconnects
Authors: Cortés Hernández Diego M. , Aranda Mónico Linares , Torres Reydezel Torres
Published: June 2019

An exhaustive analysis of the frequency-dependent series resistance associated with the on-chip interconnects is presented. This analysis allows the identification of the regions where the resistance curves present different trending due to variations in the current distribution. Furthermore, it is explained the apparent discrepancy of experimental curves with the well-known square-root-of-frequency models for the resistance considering the skin-effect. Measurement results up to 40 GHz show that models involving terms proportional to the square root of frequency are valid provided that the section of the interconnect where the current is flowing is appropriately represented.
Large-Scale Electronic-Structure Calculations in the Real-Space Scheme: Bilayer Graphene and Silicene
Authors: Uchida Kazuyuki , Guo Zhixin , Iwata Jun-ichi , Oshiyama Atsushi
Published: June 2019

We have developed our original DFT (density-functional theory) calculation code “RSDFT” using real-space schemes. The code is FFT-free, leading to high-performance computing in massively-parallel supercomputers. The code allows us to deal with systems including huge numbers of atoms from first-principles. We have applied our schemes to clarify atomic and electronic structures of two relevant nano-scale systems: twisted bilayer graphene and silicene on Ag substrate.
Effect of Molecular Weight on the Photovoltaic Performance of a Low band gap Copolymer blended with ICBA
Authors: Ibraikulov Olzhas , Bechara Rony , Lévêque Patrick , Leclerc Nicolas , Koishiyev Galymzhan , Heiser Thomas
Published: June 2019

An increase in molecular weight of the polymer generally impedes solubility in common solvents and may influence the polymer optoelectronic properties as well. Indeed, higher molecular weights are expected to increase charge carrier mobilities and therefore give rise to better photovoltaic performances of bulk heterojunction solar cells. In this work, we use copolymers based on 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, thiophene and thieno[3,2-b]thiophene units of various fractions differing in molecular weights almost by a factor of 4 with a fullerene based acceptor material Indene-C60 Bisadduct (IC[60]BA) to elaborate bulk heterojunction solar cells. We investigate the influence of post-deposition annealing temperatures and polymer:fullerene ratios on the final cell performances. We use IC[60]BA as an acceptor to enhance the open circuit voltage due to its high lying LUMO level [1]. Additionally, charge carrier mobilities were probed using bottom contact organic field-effect transistors. As expected, higher molecular weights (as long as homogeneity was maintained) resulted in an increase of the hole field-effect mobility (up to 7x10-3 cm2V-1s-1). Consequently, the power conversion efficiencies of bulk heterojunction solar cells could be improved by increasing the copolymer molecular weight. A power conversion efficiency of 2.4% with an open circuit voltage of 0.82V was reached in a standard device configuration with aluminum as a cathode after post-deposition thermal annealing.