bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photovoltaic Properties of Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cell with Ultrathin Titanium Oxide Nanosheet as Electron Selective Layer
Authors: Itoh Eiji , Maruyama Yasutake , Fukuda Katsutoshi
Published: March 2013

The contributions of ultrathin titania nanosheet (TN) crystallites were studied in both an inverted bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) cell in indium tin oxide (ITO)/titania nanosheet (TN)/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methylester (PCBM) active layer/MoO3/Ag and a conventional BHJ cell in ITO/MoO3/P3HT:PCBM active layer/TN/Al multilayered photovoltaic devices. The insertion of only one or two layers of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and TN multilayered film prepared by the layer-by-layer deposition technique effectively decreased the leakage current and increased the open circuit voltage (V
OC), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (η). The abnormal S-shaped curves observed in the inverted BHJ cell above V
OC disappeared with the reduction in the work function of the bottom electrode in the inverted cells. The power conversion efficiency was increased nearly twofold, and better photovoltaic performance was observed in the conventional BHJ cells. Although the active layer has a hydrophobic surface, the active layer was fully covered by the insertion of only two or three layers of PDDA/TN multilayered film. The TN layer effectively decreased the leakage current by a factor of 100, and increased the open circuit voltage by 0.25 V probably owing to the complete hole blocking at the P3HT/TN/Al interface.
Development of Plasmon Resonance Sensing Based on Alkylthiol-Coated Triangular Silver Nanoplates on Glass Plates
Authors: Sugawa Kosuke , Tanaka Daido , Ichikawa Tomonori , Takeshima Naoto
Published: March 2013

In this study, we have developed localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) refractive index sensor systems consisting of triangular silver nanoplates (nanoprisms) immobilized on glass plates by electrostatic interactions. The nanoprisms are synthesized by exploiting light-induced morphological changes in silver nanoparticles in aqueous solution. We have demonstrated that silver nanoprisms protected with alkylthiol molecules and supported by glass plates can function as spectrally stable LSPR refractive index sensors even in ethanol solvents. The sensitivity of the nanoprisms was found to increase with decreasing carbon chain length of alkylthiol. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that nanoprisms with higher aspect ratios had higher sensitivities than those with lower aspect ratios.
Effects of Interface Resistance Asymmetry on Local and Non-local Magnetoresistance Structures
Authors: Tanamoto Tetsufumi , Sugiyama Hideyuki , Inokuchi Tomoaki , Ishikawa Mizue , Saito Yoshiaki
Published: March 2013

Spin injection and detection are very sensitive to the interface properties between ferromagnet and semiconductor. Because the interface properties such as a tunneling resistance and a polarization factor can be chosen independently between the injection and detection sides, the magnetic transport properties are considered to depend on the asymmetry of the two interfaces. We theoretically investigate the effect of the asymmetric interfaces of the injection side and the detection side on both the local and non-local magnetoresistance measurements. The results show the magnetoresistance ratio of local measurement structure has its maximum at the symmetric structure, and the effect of the asymmetry is very weak for the non-local measurement structure.
Picosecond Carrier Spin Relaxation in In0.8Ga0.2As/AlAs/AlAs0.56Sb0.44 Coupled Double Quantum Wells
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryo , Gozu Shin-ichiro , Mozume Teruo , Oyanagi Yoshitsugu , Uemura Mitsunori , Tackeuchi Atsushi
Published: March 2013

The carrier spin relaxation of In0.8Ga0.2As/AlAs/AlAs0.56Sb0.44 coupled double quantum wells is investigated by spin-dependent pump and probe reflectance measurements with a high time resolution of 200 fs. The observed fast spin relaxation time of 9 ps at room temperature indicates high potential for applications to high-speed optical devices. A negative temperature dependence of spin relaxation time is observed between 100 K and room temperature. The spin relaxation is found to be governed by the Bir–Aronov–Pikus process between 10 and 100 K and by the D'yakonov–Perel' and Elliott–Yafet processes between 100 K and room temperature.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations for Release of Stuck Carbon Nanotube Cantilever Beam toward Nanorelay Application
Authors: Nagataki Atsuko , Kagota Tatsuya , Arie Takayuki , Akita Seiji
Published: March 2013

We have investigated the release of a stuck carbon nanotube cantilever beam by molecular dynamics simulation toward nanorelay applications. We have demonstrated that the successful release of a nanotube arm from the stuck state at room temperature can be realized by the application of a resonant external vibration to the nanotube cantilever beam. The release of the stuck nanotube cantilever beam was well explained by the thermal activation model with a barrier height of the van der Waals interaction between the nanotube arm and the counter electrode.
Energetics and Electronic Structures of Alkanes Adsorbed on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kamiya Katsumasa , Okada Susumu
Published: March 2013

We report on total-energy electronic-structure calculations based on the density functional theory performed on linear alkanes [C
n
H2n+2 with n = 1 to 8] adsorbed on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). We find that all of the alkanes are bound to the SWCNTs. The binding energy of alkane adsorption onto CNT, ΔE(n), is linearly scaled by the length of the alkane chain n: ΔE(n) = -0.048n - 0.038 in units of eV. The electronic structure of alkane–CNT hybrid systems is qualitatively similar to a simple sum of those of an isolated alkane molecule and a pristine CNT. However, detailed analysis of the electronic structure of the hybrid systems reveals that the adsorption of alkane affects the electronic structure of CNTs, depending on the length of the alkane molecule.
Suppression of Al Memory-Effect on Growing 4H-SiC Epilayers by Hot-Wall Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Ji Shiyang , Kojima Kazutoshi , Ishida Yuuki , Yoshida Sadafumi , Tsuchida Hidekazu , Okumura Hajime
Published: March 2013

Al memory-effect during the growth of p-type 4H-SiC by hot-wall chemical vapor deposition method was investigated. A technique of suppressing the unintentional Al impurities incorporating into succeeding growth was developed by utilizing “site-competition” growth technology. Lowering C/Si ratio from 1 to 0.4 effectively reduced the level of incorporated Al-impurity almost 3 orders, and a high abrupt Al distribution between Al-doped layer and undoped layer was obtained at a reduction factor about 1/17000 with Al-impurity concentration in the undoped layer decreased to the range of 1015 cm-3. In addition, it is found that, due to low C/Si ratio, the nitrogen impurity concentration increases about one order of magnitude up to the order of 1016 cm-3. Combining with site-competition growth technology, the influences of growth temperature and pressure on Al-impurity concentration were examined.
Effect of Aging on the Optical Properties of Plasma Polymerized 1,1,3,3‐Tetramethoxypropane Thin Films
Authors: Afroze Tamanna , Bhuiyan A. H.
Published: March 2013

Plasma‐polymerized 1,1,3,3‐tetramethoxypropane (PPTMP) thin films of pale brown color were prepared using a capacitively coupled glow discharge reactor. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic investigation revealed that PPTMP thin films might have a certain amount of conjugation. Optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopic measurements on as‐deposited and aged PPTMP thin films. From the optical absorption data, absorption coefficient and direct and indirect energy band gaps were calculated for the as‐deposited unaged and aged PPTMP thin films. The aging effect on the structural and optical properties is also discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21347; View this article online atwileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21347
A Hairpin Electrochemical Aptasensor for Sensitive and Specific Detection of Thrombin Based on Homogenous Target Recognition
Authors: Fu Hu , Ge Chuang , Cheng Wei , Luo Caihui , Zhang Decai , Yan Li , He Yun , Yi Gang
Published: March 2013

An electrochemical aptasensor was developed for sensitive and specific detection of thrombin by combining homogenous recognition strategy and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) amplification. Streptavidin‐alkaline phosphatase was used as reporter molecule. Compared with the traditional hairpin aptasensor monitoring the distance of the redox molecule from the electrode surface, the proposed aptasensor successfully overcome the limitations of distance and improved the stability and high affinity of the aptamer hairpin through homogenous recognition, which enhanced the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensors effectively. Additionally, AuNPs were employed to increase the active area and conductivity of the electrode, thus, improving the sensitivity of the aptasensor. As a result, the designed thrombin detection sensor obtained a lower detection limit of 0.52 pM in buffer and 6.9 pM in blood serum.
β‐Cyclodextrin‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles/Poly(L‐cysteine) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Sensitive Determination of Metronidazole
Authors: Gu Yue , Liu Weilu , Chen Ruixue , Zhang Li , Zhang Zhiquan
Published: March 2013

A simple electrochemical method was developed to determine metronidazole based on β‐cyclodextrin‐functionalized gold nanoparticles/poly(L‐cysteine) modified glassy carbon electrode (β‐CD‐GNPs/poly(L‐cys)/GCE). The electropolymerized film of poly(L‐cys) provides a stable matrix for the fabrication of a sensing interface. β‐CD‐GNPs can form inclusion complexes with metronidazole and act as a modifier with catalytic function. The modified electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards metronidazole. The reaction of metronidazole at the modified electrode was an irreversible process controlled by diffusion. Under optimum experimental conditions, the logarithm of catalytic currents shows a good linear relationship with that of the metronidazole concentration in the range of 0.1–600 µmol/L with a low detection limit of 14 nmol/L. In addition, the modified electrode exhibited satisfactory stability, sensitivity and reproducibility, and could be applied to the determination of metronidazole in an injection solution.
Disposable Horseradish Peroxidase Biosensors for the Selective Determination of Tyramine
Authors: Calvo‐Pérez Ana , Domínguez‐Renedo Olga , Alonso‐Lomillo M Asunción , Arcos‐Martínez M Julia
Published: March 2013

This work reports the development of horseradish peroxidase based biosensors using screen‐printed carbon electrodes for the determination of tyramine (tyr). A novel procedure based on the insertion of the enzyme in the screen‐printing process (SPCHRPEs) has been compared with the cross‐linked immobilization into the carbon working electrode (HRP/SPCEs). Both biosensors were characterized obtaining good capability of detection (2.1±0.2 and 0.2±0.01 µM for SPCHRPEs and HRP/SPCEs, respectively). The reproducibility was 3.4 % and 6.8 % for SPCHRPEs and HRP/SPCEs, respectively. The repeatability was 2.2 % and 7.1 % for SPCHRPEs and HRP/SPCEs, respectively. The specificity towards different biogenic amines was analyzed. The developed biosensors were applied to the determination of tyr content in cheese samples.
Self‐Assembled Monolayers of Cucurbit[6]uril on a Gold Electrode for 4,4′‐Oxydianiline Determination. Analytical Application
Authors: Domínguez C. S. H. , Quintana M. C. , Hernández P.
Published: March 2013

Self‐assembled monolayers of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) on a gold electrode have been used for 4,4′‐oxydialine (ODA) analysis. The formation of the supramolecular complex between ODA and CB[6] was used for the molecular selection and the electroanalytical determination of this analyte. In addition to this, all the parameters affecting the modification of the gold electrode and the determination of 4,4′‐oxydianiline were optimized by square wave voltammetry. Upon the electrode modification, pentanethiol was employed to fill up the exposed surface between CB[6] molecules. The calculated detection and determination limits were 0.06 µg mL−1 and 0.19 µg mL−1, respectively, with good accuracy and precision as shown by the calculated values for the relative error and relative standard deviation (Er=0.1 % and RDS=2.9 %; n=10 ). Moreover, the developed methodology was successfully applied to the 4,4′‐oxydialine determination in real wastewaters and shoe‐dyeing samples.
Secondary gigantic jets as possible inducers of sprites
Authors: Lee Li‐Jou , Hsu Rue‐Ron , Su Han‐Tzong , Huang Sung‐Ming , Chou Jung‐Kung , Kuo Cheng‐Ling , Chang Shu‐Chun , Wu Yen‐Jung , Chen Alfred B. , Frey Harald U. , Takahashi Yukihiro , Lee Lou‐Chuang
Published: March 2013

Three multi‐transient luminous events, which were recorded by ISUAL on FORMOSAT‐2 and shared a similar generating sequence, are reported. Each event began with a positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning discharge (CG)‐induced sprite, and a secondary gigantic jet (GJ) followed within ~30–50 ms. Then, 1 ms after the GJ, a new sprite occurred near the GJ without associated impulsive lightning signal. The associated electromagnetic signal for one of the events indicates that the GJ is a negative cloud‐to‐ionosphere discharge carrying a high peak current moment. Cross‐analysis of the spectral, image, and electromagnetic data of these three events indicates that the new sprites are likely induced by the secondary GJs, and the high current moment of the secondary GJs appears to be a crucial factor for the induction of the new sprites. Hence, these secondary GJs may have played a role in inducing sprites as much as the negative CGs do for the occurrence of negative sprites.
Cloning of Skeletal Myosin Heavy Chain Gene Family From Adult Pleopod Muscle and Whole Larvae of Shrimps
Authors: KOYAMA HIROKI , PIYAPATTANAKORN SANIT , WATABE SHUGO
Published: March 2013

The physiological and biological properties of skeletal muscle in crustacea have not been well understood compared with those of vertebrates. The present study focused on myosin, the major protein in skeletal muscle, from shrimps. In our previous study, two full‐length genes encoding myosin heavy chain (MHC), a large subunit of the myosin molecule, were cloned from abdominal fast skeletal muscle of kurumaMarsupenaeus japonicus, black tigerPenaeus monodonand Pacific whitePenaeus vannameishrimps, and named as MHCa and MHCb. In this study, we renamed these as MHC1 and MHC2, respectively, due to the presence of various isoforms newly identified. Partial MHC sequences were identified from pleopod muscle of these shrimps. Two MHCs, named MHC3 and MHC4, were identified from pleopod muscle of kuruma shrimp, whereas two MHCs, named MHC4 and MHC5, were cloned from Pacific white shrimp pleopod. MHC3 was cloned only from black tiger shrimp pleopod. Partial MHC sequences from zoea, mysis, and postlarvae of black tiger and Pacific white shrimps were also determined. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that most MHCs from pleopod muscle and larval MHCs formed clades with MHC1 and MHC2, respectively. These MHCs were considered to be of fast type, since MHC1 and MHC2 are fast‐type MHCs according to our previous study. MHC5 obtained from pleopod muscle of Pacific white shrimp in this study was monophyletic with American lobsterHomarus americanusS2slow tonic MHC previously reported, indicating that MHC5 from Pacific white shrimp is of slow type.J. Exp. Zool. 319A:268–276, 2013. © 2013© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D Concentration Changes After Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Beckman Lauren M. , Earthman Carrie P. , Thomas William , Compher Charlene W. , Muniz Juan , Horst Ronald L. , Ikramuddin Sayeed , Kellogg Todd A. , Sibley Shalamar D.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To describe serum 25(OH)D changes after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and to determine if fat mass (FM) loss and vitamin D intake are associated with changes in serum levels.

Design and Methods:

The relationship between serum 25(OH)D and 1) FM, 2) weight, 3) % excess weight loss (EWL), and 4) BMI was investigated after controlling for potential confounders using a mixed effects linear model in 20 women before and up to 1‐year post‐RYGB. Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) vitamin D concentrations at time of RYGB were also evaluated.

Results

Weight and FM decreased 1‐year after surgery by 45 ± 1 kg and 37 ± 1 kg, respectively while 25(OH)D increased by 10 ± 2 ng mL−1. Weight, FM, BMI, and %EWL changes were associated with 25(OH)D change. VAT had an average 21% more vitamin D per gram than SAT and concentrations were highly correlated.

Conclusions

Although weight loss may lead to increased serum 25(OH)D after RYGB, low levels remain a concern in some patients 1‐year postsurgery. Additional research is needed to clarify the relationship between adipose storage of vitamin D and serum 25(OH)D in obesity, and how that relationship might change after surgery. This could lead to improved clinical management of vitamin D in this ever‐growing clinical population.
Treatment with a SOD mimetic reduces visceral adiposity, adipocyte death, and adipose tissue inflammation in high fat‐fed mice
Authors: Pires Karla M. , Ilkun Olesya , Valente Marina , Boudina Sihem
Published: March 2013

Objective

Obesity is associated with enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in adipose tissue. However, a causal role for ROS in adipose tissue expansion after high fat feeding is not established. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the cell permeable superoxide dismutase mimetic and peroxynitrite scavenger Mn(III)tetrakis(4‐benzoic acid)porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP) on adipose tissue expansion and remodeling in response to high fat diet (HFD) in mice.

Design and Methods

Male C57BL/6j mice were fed normal chow or high fat diet (HFD) and treated with saline or MnTBAP for 5 weeks. The effects of MnTBAP on body weights, whole body energy expenditure, adipose tissue morphology, and gene expression were determined.

Results

MnTBAP attenuated weight gain and adiposity through a reduction in adipocyte hypertrophy, adipogenesis, and fatty acid uptake in epididymal (eWAT) but not in inguinal (iWAT) white adipose tissue. Furthermore, MnTBAP reduced adipocyte death and inflammation in eWAT and diminished circulating levels of free fatty acids and leptin. Despite these improvements, the development of systemic insulin resistance and diabetes after HFD was not prevented with MnTBAP treatment.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data suggest a causal role for ROS in the development of diet‐induced visceral adiposity but not in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Use of in situ solid-phase adsorption in microbial natural product fermentation development
Authors: Phillips Thomas , Chase Matthew , Wagner Stephanie , Renzi Chris , Powell Marcella , DeAngelo Joseph , Michels Peter
Published: March 2013

It has been half a century since investigators first began experimenting with adding ion exchange resins during the fermentation of microbial natural products. With the development of nonionic polymeric adsorbents in the 1970s, the application of in situ product adsorption in bioprocessing has grown slowly, but steadily. To date, in situ product adsorption strategies have been used in biotransformations, plant cell culture, the production of biofuels, and selected bulk chemicals, such as butanol and lactic acid, as well as in more traditional natural product fermentation within the pharmaceutical industry. Apart from the operational gains in efficiency from the integration of fermentation and primary recovery, the addition of adsorbents during fermentation has repeatedly demonstrated the capacity to significantly increase titers by sequestering the product and preventing or mitigating degradation, feedback inhibition and/or cytotoxic effects. Adoption of in situ product adsorption has been particularly valuable in the early stages of natural product-based drug discovery programs, where quickly and cost-effectively generating multigram quantities of a lead compound can be challenging when using a wild-type strain and fermentation conditions that have not been optimized. While much of the literature involving in situ adsorption describes its application early in the drug development process, this does not imply that the potential for scale-up is limited. To date, commercial-scale processes utilizing in situ product adsorption have reached batch sizes of at least 30,000 l. Here we present examples where in situ product adsorption has been used to improve product titers or alter the ratios among biosynthetically related natural products, examine some of the relevant variables to consider, and discuss the mechanisms by which in situ adsorption may impact the biosynthesis of microbial natural products.
-FUNCTIONS OF ELLIPTIC CURVES AND BINARY RECURRENCES
Authors: LUCA FLORIAN , OYONO ROGER , YALCINER AYNUR
Published: March 2013

Let $L(s, E)= {\mathop{\sum }\nolimits}_{n\geq 1} {a}_{n} {n}^{- s} $ be the $L$-series corresponding to an elliptic curve $E$ defined over $ \mathbb{Q} $ and $\mathbf{u} = \mathop{\{ {u}_{m} \} }\nolimits_{m\geq 0} $ be a nondegenerate binary recurrence sequence. We prove that if ${ \mathcal{M} }_{E} $ is the set of $n$ such that ${a}_{n} \not = 0$ and ${ \mathcal{N} }_{E} $ is the subset of $n\in { \mathcal{M} }_{E} $ such that $\vert {a}_{n} \vert = \vert {u}_{m} \vert $ holds with some integer $m\geq 0$, then ${ \mathcal{N} }_{E} $ is of density $0$ as a subset of ${ \mathcal{M} }_{E} $.
A GENERATING FUNCTION OF THE SQUARES OF LEGENDRE POLYNOMIALS
Authors: ZUDILIN WADIM
Published: March 2013

We relate a one-parametric generating function for the squares of Legendre polynomials to an arithmetic hypergeometric series whose parametrisation by a level 7 modular function was recently given by Cooper. By using this modular parametrisation we resolve a subfamily of identities involving$1/ \pi $which was experimentally observed by Sun.
Autosomal inheritance of alphamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, resistance in Anopheles stephensi – Liston, a malaria mosquito
Authors: Prasad T.P.N. Hari , Shetty N.J.
Published: March 2013

Anopheles stephensi – Liston (Culicidae: Diptera) is an important urban malarial vector in the Indian sub-continent, accounting for about 15% of the total annual malaria incidence. Chemical control represents a key strategy in the management of this insect vector. However, owing to erratic and continuous application of insecticides, resistance has become a common phenomenon among them and their control has become an uphill task. The genetics of alphamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid resistance was studied to determine its mode of inheritance. The late third instar larvae were selectively inbred for 27 and ten generations to synthesize homozygous resistant (R) and susceptible (S) stocks, respectively, to the diagnostic dose of 0.12 mg l−1. The log-dosage probit mortality relationships and degree of dominance (D) were calculated. Resistance was observed in both sexes, the dosage-mortality (d-m) line of F1 was towards the resistant parent and the ‘D’ value was found to be 0.8 indicating alphamethrin resistant (amr) gene to be autosomal and incompletely dominant. The d-m lines of F2/backcross exhibited a clear plateau of mortality across a range of doses indicating monogenic resistance. The null hypothesis for monogenic resistance was tested from mortality data of backcross progeny compared with theoretical expectations using the χ2 test and was found to be non-significant. Understanding genetics of insecticide resistance is significant in prediction and management of resistant insects. The amr genes can be used as genetic marker in A. stephensi, which can be used in several applications in conducting basic and applied genetic research.
Complications of long-term ventilation tubes
Authors: Mohammed H , Martinez-Devesa P
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To demonstrate that ventilation tubes can remain in situ much longer than expected, and that the materials used in the manufacturing of these tubes can degrade and cause complications. Long-term follow up and replacement of the tube is recommended.

Method:

Case report and review of the literature concerning the use of long-term ventilation tubes.

Results:

In the case reported, the ventilation tube was in place for 19 years, which resulted in chronic ear discharge. When it was removed, it was noted that the tube itself had degraded and had caused a chronic inflammatory reaction.

Conclusion:

We recommend that the long-term use of ventilation tubes is followed up and that the tube is replaced before material degradation takes place.
The emergence of productive speech and language in Spanish-learning paediatric cochlear implant users
Authors: MORENO-TORRES IGNACIO
Published: March 2013

It has been proposed that cochlear implant users may develop robust categorical perception skills, but that they show limited precision in perception. This article explores if a parallel contrast is observable in production, and if, despite acquiring typical linguistic representations, their early words are inconsistent. The participants were eight Spanish-learning deaf children implanted before their second birthday. Two studies examined the transition from babbling to words, and the one-word period. Study 1 found that the participants used the same sound types in babbling and in words, indicating that production is guided by stored motor patterns. No clear evidence of inconsistent production was observed. Study 2 found that in the one-word period CI users develop typical prosodic representations, but that their productions are highly unstable. Results are discussed in terms of the role of auditory feedback for the development of productive language skills.
Estimating the number of injecting drug users in Scotland's HCV-diagnosed population using capture–recapture methods
Authors: McDONALD S. A. , HUTCHINSON S. J. , SCHNIER C. , McLEOD A. , GOLDBERG D. J.
Published: March 2013

In countries maintaining national hepatitis C virus (HCV) surveillance systems, a substantial proportion of individuals report no risk factors for infection. Our goal was to estimate the proportion of diagnosed HCV antibody-positive persons in Scotland (1991–2010) who probably acquired infection through injecting drug use (IDU), by combining data on IDU risk from four linked data sources using log-linear capture–recapture methods. Of 25 521 HCV-diagnosed individuals, 14 836 (58%) reported IDU risk with their HCV diagnosis. Log-linear modelling estimated a further 2484 HCV-diagnosed individuals with IDU risk, giving an estimated prevalence of 83. Stratified analyses indicated variation across birth cohort, with estimated prevalence as low as 49% in persons born before 1960 and greater than 90% for those born since 1960. These findings provide public-health professionals with a more complete profile of Scotland's HCV-infected population in terms of transmission route, which is essential for targeting educational, prevention and treatment interventions.
Ab initio studies of atomic properties and experimental behavior of element 119 and its lighter homologs
Authors: Borschevsky A. , Pershina V. , Eliav E. , Kaldor U.
Published: March 2013

Static dipole polarizabilities of element 119 and its singly charged cation are calculated, along with those of its lighter homologs, Cs and Fr. Relativity is treated within the 4-component Dirac-Coulomb formalism and electron correlation is included by the single reference coupled cluster approach with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations (CCSD(T)). Very good agreement with available experimental values is obtained for Cs, lending credence to the predictions for Fr and element 119. The atomic properties in group-1 are largely determined by the valence ns orbital, which experiences relativistic stabilization and contraction in the heavier elements. As a result, element 119 is predicted to have a relatively low polarizability (169.7 a.u.), comparable to that of Na. The adsorption enthalpy of element 119 on Teflon, which is important for possible future experimental studies of this element, is estimated as 17.6 kJ/mol, the lowest among the atoms considered here.
Defect energy levels in La and Hf germanates on Ge
Authors: Li H. , Lin L. , Robertson J.
Published: March 2013

We have calculated the energy levels of oxygen vacancies in LaGeOx and HfGeOx using a density functional method which does not need a band gap correction. The defect energy levels are aligned to the band gap of Ge by the calculated band offsets. The defect configurations have more complex bonding than those of simple binary oxides. The defect levels of metal germanates lie deeper in the band gap than the equivalent binary metal oxides, so that there should be less charge trapping in the germanates. The defect levels of HfGeOx are found to be deeper and the defect orbitals are more localized than those in HfSiOx.
Comparison of anistropic interface magnetoresistance in Co/Pt and Co/Pd multilayers
Authors: Lee Jung-Chuan , Hsieh Chih-Hsun , Chang Che-Chun , Huang Leng-Wei , Lin Lu-Kuei , Lee Shang-Fan
Published: March 2013

We fabricate Co/Pt and Co/Pd multilayers and measure magnetoresistance. Our data show clear anisotropic interface magnetoresistance (AIMR) effect, in which the resistance variation shows a different sign from Co films when external magnetic saturation fields are rotated from in-plane transverse to perpendicular direction of the film plane. The AIMR percentages increase with decreasing Co thickness for both multilayers when the Co thickness is larger than 2.5 nm. However, the AIMR decreases in Co/Pt for thinner Co but still increases in Co/Pd, thus, showing inverse dependence to Co thickness.
Charge carriers' trapping states in pentacene films studied by modulated photocurrent
Authors: Gorgolis S. , Giannopoulou A. , Kounavis P.
Published: March 2013

The modulated photocurrent (MPC) technique is employed to study the charge carriers' trapping states of pentacene films. The characteristics of the experimental MPC spectra were found to be compatible with trapping-detrapping process of holes in gap states in which their occupancy can be modified by the bias illumination. A demarcation energy level separating empty from partially occupied traps was deduced from the MPC spectra, which can be used to monitor bias-light induced changes in the quasi Fermi level. An exponential trap distribution from structural disorder and a deep metastable gaussian trap distribution from adsorbed environmental impurities were extracted by means of the MPC spectroscopy. An attempt to escape frequency of the order of 1010s−1 was deduced for the gap sates. The derived trap distributions agree with those found before by means of other techniques. The present results indicate that the MPC technique can be used as a valuable tool for pentacene films characterization since it can be also applied to field effect samples.
Exotic absorption peaks of acoustic waves in one-dimensional layered phononic crystal
Authors: Zhao Degang , Xu Hongmei , Yi Lin
Published: March 2013

In this article, we demonstrate the existence of exotic absorption peaks when acoustic wave propagates through a one-dimensional layered phononic crystal (PC) at frequencies within the band gap into a material of large acoustic impedance mismatch. By analyzing the displacement field distribution, it indicates that the absorption peaks are due to the excitation of the resonant interface states at boundary between the last layer of the PC and emergent material. The number of period and the thickness of last layer of the PC play the decisive role in determining the magnitude and frequency of absorption peaks. And the absorptivity can be nearly unity with a reasonable design of the structure. Specifically, these absorption peaks would almost disappear when the incident direction of acoustic waves is reversed. This property can be employed to design an acoustic wave unidirectional absorption device.
Epitaxial graphene on step bunching of a 6H-SiC(0001) substrate: Aromatic ring pattern and Van Hove singularities
Authors: Ridene M. , Wassmann T. , Pallecchi E. , Rodary G. , Girard J. C. , Ouerghi A.
Published: March 2013

We report on scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) investigations of graphene grown on a 6H-SiC(0001) substrate. Our STM images of a graphene layer on a step bunching of the SiC feature a (√3 × √3)R30° pattern of aromatic rings and well developed, sharp Van Hove singularities in the corresponding STS spectra. High-resolution STM images show that the flake is discontinuous at the step edge. Simulations based on density functional theory indicate that the graphene edge is terminated armchair.
Thermal stability of metal Ohmic contacts in indium gallium zinc oxide transistors using a graphene barrier layer
Authors: Eun Lee Jeong , Sharma Bhupendra K. , Lee Seoung-Ki , Jeon Haseok , Hee Hong Byung , Lee Hoo-Jeong , Ahn Jong-Hyun
Published: March 2013

The excellent impermeability of graphene was exploited to produce stable ohmic contact at the interface between Al metal and a semiconducting indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) layer after high-temperature annealing. Thin film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated with and without a graphene interlayer between the Al metal and the IGZO channel region. Metal contact at the interface prepared without a graphene interlayer showed serious instabilities in the IGZO TFT under thermal annealing; however, the insertion of a graphene interlayer between the IGZO channel and the Al metal offered good stability under repeated high-temperature annealing cycles and maintained ohmic contact.
Enhanced photocurrent in single-walled carbon nanotubes by exciton interactions
Authors: Konabe Satoru , Okada Susumu
Published: March 2013

We theoretically investigate the photocurrent generation efficiency of single-walled carbon nanotubes by considering the interplay between exciton many-body effects. We calculate the photocurrent by solving rate equations that incorporate the influences of the two competing processes, multiple exciton generation (MEG) and the Auger recombination (AR) processes. We find that MEG substantially enhances photocurrent generation in spite of the competing AR process. Our calculation shows that the generation efficiency is up to 150% higher than that without MEG.
Direct and indirect intraband optical absorption due to carrier transitions from discrete levels to continuum states in quantum dot system
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Wang Tao , Yan Wei , Dong Chuanbo , Tang Jian
Published: March 2013

Within the framework of perturbation theory, a model is presented to calculate the direct and indirect intraband optical absorption cross-section due to carrier transitions from the quantum dot (QD) level to the continuum states. The results indicate that the phonon-assisted transition process dominates the total intraband optical transition process for large photon energies, and that the amplitude of the absorption cross-section for the indirect process is temperature dependent, while it is dependent upon the QD size for the direct process. Our theoretical model may prove useful for improving the performance of optoelectronic devices based on QD lasers or amplifiers.
Hobbes, Desire, and the Democratization of Rhetoric
Authors: O'Gorman Ned
Published: March 2013

This article considers the modern melding of rhetoric and democracy by looking at the approach to rhetoric in the early-modern figure Thomas Hobbes. While other scholars have considered Hobbes's approach to rhetoric in terms of humanistic, Ramistic, and Aristotelian influences, I look at it in light of the psychagogic tradition of rhetoric still active in the Renaissance. Reading Hobbes in light of the psychagogic tradition makes his approach to rhetoric less equivocal or contradictory than is often supposed, even as it helps us see in Hobbes's work a concerted effort to democratize rhetoric. I conclude that the real tension Hobbes presents us with is not found in his approach to rhetoric, which is relatively consistent, but rather in what his work suggests about the tensions of a democratized rhetoric.
Novel Hemi-Staple for the Fusionless Correction of Pediatric Scoliosis
Authors: Driscoll Mark , Aubin Carl-Éric , Moreau Alain , Wakula Yaroslav , Amini Samira , Parent Stefan
Published: March 2013

Study Design:

In vivo porcine model utilized to evaluate the influence of an intravertebral fusionless growth modulating device (hemi-staple) on intervertebral disks and growth plates.

Objective:

To evaluate the radiographic and histologic changes in disks and growth plates with the purpose of measuring influence of the explored hemi-staple.

Summary of Background Data:

Fusionless growth modulation for the early treatment of scoliosis should insure the long-term viability of the intervertebral disk and successfully reduce or arrest local growth. A novel hemi-staple that proved effective in the control of coronal spinal alignment warranted further analyses of its influence on the disk health and growth-plate morphology.

Methods:

A hemi-staple that inhibited local vertebral growth exclusive of the disk was introduced over T5–T8 in 4 immature pigs (16 vertebrae; experimental), whereas 3 underwent surgery without instrumentation (sham) and 2 had no intervention (control). Three-month follow-up before animal euthanasia provided radiographic (disk height and health) and histologic (growth plate morphology, disk health, and type X collagen distribution) analyses.

Results:

No postoperative complications were experienced. Radiographic data returned inverse disk wedging (greater disk height adjacent to device, 2.6±0.7 mm compared with the noninstrumented side, 1.8±0.5 mm) in experimental segments and suggested disk viability. Histologic data confirmed device growth modulation through significant local reduction of growth plate hypertrophic zone (125.64±16.61 μm and 61.16±8.25 μm in noninstrumented and instrumented sections, respectively) and cell height (16.14±1.87 μm and 9.22±1.57 μm in noninstrumented and instrumented sections, respectively). A variability of disk health, dependant of device insertion location, was observed. Type X collagen was consistently identified in experimental growth plates and absent from intervertebral disks.

Conclusions:

Hemi-staples decreased growth plate hypertrophic zone and cell height, and, depending on device insertion site, showed positive signs of disk health sustainability. Spinal growth modulation achieved exclusive of disk compression, as practiced by this method, offers unique advantages over other fusionless techniques. This technique may provide a suitable and attractive alternative for the early treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.
Pegylated Interferon Induced Myasthenia Crisis—A Case Report
Authors: Congeni Jonathan P. , Kirkpatrick Robert B.
Published: March 2013

Interferons (IFNs) have antiviral, antimitogenic, and immunostimulatory effects and are often used in the treatment of viral hepatitis and some neoplasms. Combination pegylated IFN-alpha and ribavirin therapy is currently recommended for the treatment of hepatitis C. Triple therapy, with the addition of a protease inhibitor, such as telaprevir or boceprevir, has recently become a mainstay of therapy for certain genotypes. There have also been reports outlining side effects associated with conventional IFN therapy and its immunostimulatory effects, which may cause autoimmune phenomena, including but not limited to Guillain–Barre syndrome, polymyositis, acute and chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy, and myasthenia gravis. Although a number of cases of interferon-induced myasthenia gravis have been reported, we present a case of interferon-induced myasthenia crisis that developed soon after retreatment of hepatitis C with combination interferon, ribavirin, and telaprevir.
BEVACIZUMAB PRESURGICAL TREATMENT FOR PROLIFERATIVE SICKLE-CELL RETINOPATHY-RELATED RETINAL DETACHMENT
Authors: Moshiri Ala , Ha Nguyen Khoi , Ko Fang S. , Scott Adrienne W.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

To report the use of presurgical intravitreal bevacizumab in the context of proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy with retinal detachment.

Methods:

Intravitreal bevacizumab was injected 3 days before the surgical procedure for traction retinal detachment. Vitrectomy, membrane peeling, endolaser, and SF6 gas tamponade were performed. A 37-year-old African American woman presented with hemoglobin sickle-cell disease and temporal retinal detachment with bullous subretinal fluid extending through the fovea associated with an area of active sea-fan retinal neovascularization with preretinal hemorrhage and retinal traction, with 3 associated retinal breaks.

Results:

The sea-fan neovascularization associated with the traction retinal detachment and the resultant retinal breaks appeared more fibrotic and les vascular than was noted prior to the pre-operative bevacizumab injection. Segmentation and dissection were performed with minimal bleeding, and retinal traction was relieved without difficulty. This was believed to be atypical in the experience of the surgeons. One month postoperatively, vision measured 20/50, and the retina remained attached.

Conclusion:

Further study is necessary to clarify the role of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor in the treatment of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy associated retinal detachment.
INTRAVITREOUS RANIBIZUMAB FOR PERSISTENT MACULAR EDEMA IN RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION UNRESPONSIVE TO BEVACIZUMAB
Authors: De Niro Jennifer E. , Fu Arthur D. , Johnson Robert N. , McDonald H. Richard , Jumper J. Michael , Cunningham Emmett , Lujan Brandon J.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

To report successful treatment of persistent retinal edema associated with retinal vascular occlusion with ranibizumab after initial failure with bevacizumab intravitreal injections.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab for retinal vascular occlusion was undertaken. Clinical features of patients who were switched to monthly ranibizumab because of persistent and/or worsening retinal edema despite multiple (six or more) monthly intravitreal bevacizumab injections were selected for review. The type of retinal vascular occlusion, age of the patient, visual acuity at each visit, number of intravitreal bevacizumab injections, optical coherence tomography findings at each visit, fluorescein angiography, and number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections with optical coherence tomography findings at each subsequent visit were recorded.

Results:

Six patients (five women and one man) were identified. Age ranged from 56 years to 74 years. Five had central retinal vein occlusion and one a branch retinal vein occlusion. All were treated with at least 6 sequential intravitreal bevacizumab injections (range, 6–13) before treatment with ranibizumab. All demonstrated an immediate and marked reduction in retinal edema that had not occurred with any of the previous treatments. The average central foveal thickness on optical coherence tomography was 592 µm before ranibizumab injection and 346 µm after the injection. Visual acuity improved in four of the six patients and was stable in the remaining two patients.

Conclusion:

Eyes of patients with persistent macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion despite bevacizumab may experience prompt improvement after initiation of intravitreal ranibizumab injections.
Oral Prucalopride in Children With Functional Constipation
Authors: Winter Harland S. , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Benninga Marc A. , Gilger Mark A. , Kearns Gregory L. , Hyman Paul E. , Vandeplassche Lieve , Ausma Jannie , Hoppenbrouwers Mieke
Published: March 2013

Background and Objectives:

Prucalopride is a selective, high‐affinity 5‐HT4 receptor agonist with gastrointestinal prokinetic activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and tolerability of prucalopride oral solution in children, ages 4 years or older to 12 years or younger, with functional constipation.

Methods:

A single oral dose of 0.03 mg/kg prucalopride was administered to 38 children to characterize prucalopride pharmacokinetics (NCT01674166). Thereafter, 37 children entered an open‐label extension period in which 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg of prucalopride was administered once per day for 8 weeks to investigate efficacy, safety, and tolerability (NCT01670669).

Results:

Mean (standard deviation [SD]) Cmax, tmax, and AUC∞ (area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity) were 3.8 (0.6) ng/mL, 1.8 (0.9) hour, and 65.3 (10.6) ng · h−1 · mL−1, respectively, with limited (16%) variability in Cmax and AUC∞. Mean (SD) t1/2 was 19.0 (3.1) hours. On average, mean (SD) renal clearance (0.25 [0.08] L · h−1 · kg−1) accounted for 54% of the apparent total plasma clearance (0.46 [0.07] L · h−1 · kg−1). The apparent volume of distribution was 12.6 (2.6) L/kg. Prucalopride treatment resulted in a mean bowel movement frequency of 6.8/week, normal stool consistency, and reduced frequency of fecal incontinence. During the 8‐week extension, 70% of study participants had at least 1 adverse event (all but 1 of mild/moderate intensity, 19% considered related to prucalopride). No children discontinued prucalopride because of adverse events.

Conclusions:

The pharmacokinetic profile of a single dose of prucalopride oral solution (0.03 mg · kg−1 · day−1) generally resembled the profile in adults (2‐mg tablet) but reflected lower systemic exposure in children. Prucalopride treatment for 8 weeks demonstrated an apparent favorable efficacy and tolerability profile in children with functional constipation.
Use of a new functional dual coating (FDC) assay to measure low toxin levels in serum and food samples following an outbreak of human botulism
Authors: Jones Russell G. A. , Marks James D.
Published: March 2013

Clostridium
botulinum type A toxin is the most prevalent cause of naturally occurring outbreaks of human botulism in the world. The active dichain neurotoxin molecule is composed of a heavy chain (H-chain) of ~100 kDa with the carboxy-terminal end consisting of a receptor-binding (HC) domain, while the amino-terminal (HN) domain is linked by a critical disulfide bond to a light chain (L-chain) of ~50 kDa. Although the mouse bioassay (MBA) is traditionally used to confirm the presence of toxin in serum or food, its sensitivity is insufficient to detect low toxin levels in approximately 30 to 60 % of botulism patients. A novel FDC (functional dual coating) microtitre plate immuno-biochemical assay, which quantifies botulinum toxicity by measuring the HC domain linked with L-chain endopeptidase activity, was modified to allow human serum (lysed or unlysed) to be tested without interference from the matrix, with toxin detection down to 0.03 mouse LD50 per ml serum or 0.13 pg ml–1 using just 100 µl of clinical samples. The assay was specific for type A toxin and could additionally be applied to whole blood and food samples. Low levels of 1 to 2 mouse LD50 per ml serum of type A toxin were quantified for the first time using the modified FDC assay in two severely intoxicated UK patients who required mechanical ventilation and antitoxin. Toxin levels in recovered food sample extracts were also detected and one MBA-negative sample was found to contain 0.32 LD50 per ml extract. The FDC assay provides a real alternative for public health laboratories to unambiguously confirm all cases of type A botulism and, due to its sensitivity, a promising new tool in toxin pharmacokinetic studies.