bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic predisposition for glomerulonephritis-induced glomerulosclerosis in rats is linked to chromosome 1
Authors: IJpelaar Daphne H. T. , Schulz Angela , Aben Joris , van der Wal Annemieke , Bruijn Jan A. , Kreutz Reinhold , de Heer Emile
Published: August 2008

Genetic factors influence renal disease progression, and several loci have been linked to the spontaneous development of proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in animal models. However, the role of genetic susceptibility in glomerulonephritis-induced progressive glomerulosclerosis is unknown. In a rat model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, anti-Thy-1 glomerulonephritis (antiThy1GN), Lewis/Maastricht (Lew/Maa) rats exhibit progression to glomerulosclerosis, whereas in genetically related Lewis/Møllegard (Lew/Moll) rats, glomerular lesions are repaired within 3 wk. The genetic factors underlying this strain-related difference are not known. To identify novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) involved in progression or repair in Lewis rats, 145 female backcross rats [F1(Lew/Maa × Lew/Moll) × Lew/Maa] were studied. After induction of antiThy1GN proteinuria, we determined mesangial activation, the percentage of microaneurysms, and the glomerular damage score for each animal; a genome scan using 187 microsatellite markers was performed. QTL mapping revealed a significant QTL for glomerular damage score on chromosome 1 with a logarithm of odds (LOD) score of 3.9. Homozygosity for Lew/Maa DNA in this region was associated with a higher percentage of damaged glomeruli on day 21. Furthermore, suggestive linkage was found for the percentage of glomeruli with microaneurysms on day 3 on chromosome 1, 6, and 11; for mesangial activation on day 7 on chromosome 18, while proteinuria was suggestively linked to chromosome 5 ( day 0), 4 ( day 3), and 6 ( day 7). This study identifies a QTL on rat chromosome 1 that is significantly linked to progressive glomerulosclerosis after acute glomerulonephritis.
Genome-wide linkage scan for contraction velocity characteristics of knee musculature in the Leuven Genes for Muscular Strength Study
Authors: De Mars Gunther , Windelinckx An , Huygens Wim , Peeters Maarten W. , Beunen Gaston P. , Aerssens Jeroen , Vlietinck Robert , Thomis Martine A. I.
Published: August 2008

The torque-velocity relationship is known to be affected by ageing, decreasing its protective role in the prevention of falls. Interindividual variability in this torque-velocity relationship is partly determined by genetic factors (h2: 44–67%). As a first attempt, this genome-wide linkage study aimed to identify chromosomal regions linked to the torque-velocity relationship of the knee flexors and extensors. A selection of 283 informative male siblings (17–36 yr), belonging to 105 families, was used to conduct a genome-wide SNP-based (Illumina Linkage IVb panel) multipoint linkage analysis for the torque-velocity relationship of the knee flexors and extensors. The strongest evidence for linkage was found at 15q23 for the torque-velocity slope of the knee extensors (TVSE). Other interesting linkage regions with LOD scores >2 were found at 7p12.3 [logarithm of the odds ratio (LOD) = 2.03, P = 0.0011] for the torque-velocity ratio of the knee flexors (TVRF), at 2q14.3 (LOD = 2.25, P = 0.0006) for TVSE, and at 4p14 and 18q23 for the torque-velocity ratio of the knee extensors TVRE (LOD = 2.23 and 2.08; P = 0.0007 and 0.001, respectively). We conclude that many small contributing genes are involved in causing variation in the torque-velocity relationship of the knee flexor and extensor muscles. Several earlier reported candidate genes for muscle strength and muscle mass and new candidates are harbored within or in close vicinity of the linkage regions reported in the present study.
Multipotential Neural Precursors Transplanted into the Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Brain Fail to Generate Oligodendrocytes but Contribute to Limit Brain Dysfunction
Authors: Givogri M.I. , Bottai D. , Zhu H.L. , Fasano S. , Lamorte G. , Brambilla R. , Vescovi A. , Wrabetz L. , Bongarzone E.
Published: August 2008

Neural stem cells appear to be best suited for regenerative therapy in neurological diseases. However, the effects of high levels of potentially toxic substances such as sulfatides – which accumulate in metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) – on this regenerative ability are still largely unclear. To start addressing this question, in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to examine the behavior of multipotential neural precursors exposed to abnormally high levels of sulfatides. Following transplantation of dissociated neurospheres into the brain of presymptomatic MLD pups, the majority of donor-derived cells were distributed in a caudal to rostral direction, with higher numbers in the cortex. Most if not all of the donor cells acquired an astroglial phenotype. We found no evidence of oligodendrocyte or neuronal commitment of transplanted cells in long-term-treated MLD mice (e.g. up to 1.5 years of age). This was in line with our in vitro findings of sulfatides blocking oligodendrocyte formation after induction of differentiation in sulfatide-treated epidermal growth factor/fibroblast growth factor responsive neurospheres. Transplanted MLD mice showed an improved arylsulfatase A (ARSA) activity and a significant amelioration of sulfatide metabolism, neurodegeneration and motor-learning/memory deficits. Furthermore, transplanted cells were shown to act as a source of ARSA enzyme that accumulated in endogenous brain cells, indicating the occurrence of enzyme cross-correction between transplanted and host cells. These results provide a first insight into the effect of sulfatides on the stemness properties of neural stem cells and on the effects of the MLD environment on the in vivo expectations of using neural stem cells in cell therapy.
Morphology-Controlled 2D Ordered Microstructure Arrays by Surface Modification of Colloidal Template
Authors: Lee Jian-Hong , Leu Ing-Chi , Chung Yi-Wen , Hon Min-Hsiung
Published: August 2008

In this paper, we describe a convenient approach for fabricating two-dimensional, ordered TiO2 bowl-like structure and inverted-bowl-like structure patterns consisting of submicrometer arrays on a self-assembled monolayer film, for the first time using a surface-modified
polystyrene colloidal monolayer as the template. Typically, the well-ordered two-dimensional TiO2 bowl-like structures were obtained by liquid phase deposition within the interstitial voids in assemblies of polystyrene spheres followed by the dissolution of the polystyrene template
with dichloromethane. Otherwise, through a simple wet treatment by immersing in the sulfuric acid at 50 °C, the surface characteristics of polystyrene were turned from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The ordered inverted-bowl-like structures could be prepared on this treated surface. We believe
that this method could be extendable to colloidal template with smaller dimensions, and to periodic arrays made of other materials.
DNA-Templated Gold Nanoparticles Formation
Authors: Sun Lanlan , Song Yonghai , Wang Li , Sun Yujing , Guo Cunlan , Liu Zhelin , Li Zhuang
Published: August 2008

The interaction between HAuCl4 and DNA has enabled creation of DNA-templated gold nanoparticles without formation of large nanoparticles. It was found that spheral DNA-HAuCl4 hybrid of 8.7nm in diameter, flower-like DNA-HAuCl4 hybrid, nanoparticles chains
and nanoparticles network of DNA-HAuCl4 hybrid could be obtained by varying the reaction conditions, including DNA concentration and reaction temperature. The intermediate product was investigated by shortening the reaction time of DNA and HAuCl4, and the obtained nanoparticles
preserved a small DNA segment, which indicated that the reaction between DNA and HAuCl4 had a process. The addition of reduction reagent resulted in DNA-templated gold nanoparticles and nanoflowers, respectively. UV-vis absorption spectra were used to characterize the DNA-HAuCl4
hybrid and the gold nanostructures templated on DNA, and XPS spectra were used to compare the composition of DNA-Au(III) complex and gold nanoparticles. AFM and TEM results revealed that the spheral gold nanoparticles of about 11 nm in size and flower-like gold nanoparticles were formed after
the addition of NaBH4.
Sensor Array Made with Nanostructured Films to Detect a Phenothiazine Compound
Authors: Aoki P. H. B. , Caetano W. , Volpati D. , Riul A. , Constantino C. J. L.
Published: August 2008

The detection of trace amounts of phenothiazines with fast, direct methods is important for medical applications and the pharmaceutical industry. In this paper we explore the concept of an electronic tongue to detect methylene blue (MB), with a sensor array comprising 6 units. These
units were a bare Pt electrode, and Pt electrodes coated with 1-layer LB films of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG), a 5-layer LB film of stearic acid, and 10 nm PVD films of bis benzimidazo perylene (AzoPTCD) and iron phthalocyanine (FePc).
The electrical response obtained with impedance spectroscopy varied with the sensing unit, in spite of the small film thickness, thus indicating good cross-sensitivity. Upon treating the capacitance data at 1 kHz with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the sensor array was capable of distinguishing
MB solutions from ultrapure water down to 1 nM. This unprecedented high sensitivity was probably due to strong interactions between MB and DPPC and DPPG, as the sensing units of these phospholipids gave the most important contributions to the PCA plots. Such strong interaction was not manifested
in the surface pressure–area isotherms of co-spread monolayers of MB and DPPC or DPPG, which emphasizes the high sensitivity of the electrical measurements in ultrathin films in contact with liquids, now widely exploited in electronic tongues.
Electrical and Mechanical Switching in a Realistic [2]Rotaxane Device Model
Authors: Kim Yong-Hoon
Published: August 2008

Improving the efficiency of our first-principles calculation approach to the charge transport properties of nanoscale junctions, we consider an electronic device model based on the full rotaxane molecular structure including stoppers. We demonstrate that the conformational switching
of molecules from the ground-state to the metastable-state conformation can be activated and the corresponding electrical switching from the OFF to the ON state can be observed in the rotaxane-based solid-state tunnel junctions.
Fluorescence Enhancement of Ruthenium Complex on Silver Using Different Chain Length Carboxylic Acid Terminated Thiols: Distance and Metal Concentration Study
Authors: Chaudhari Nitin K. , Kim Minsik , Kim Hwan Kyu , Choi Seong-Ho , Yoon Kuk Ro , Lee Kwang-Sup , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: August 2008

The fluorescence enhancement of ruthenium complex (Ru(bpy)2+3) was studied on silver surface deposited by simple Tollens mirror reaction. The plasmon effects on spacer distance, silver concentration, and deposition methods were examined. Silver nanoparticles prepared
were coated with different chain length carboxylic acid-terminated thiols as spacers. This leads to development of distance between Ag and Ru dye being varied from 4 to 23 Å. Effect of different silver deposition methods on the emission spectra was also studied using metal evaporator
deposition method. The results show that Ag concentration, Ag film roughness, and specific distance between metal and dye should be tuned for a maximum increase in fluorescence.
Organic Sensitizers Containing Julolidine Moiety for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Choi Jin Joo , Kang Man Ku , Kang Yongku , Lee Changjin
Published: August 2008

We prepared organic sensitizers (S1 and S2) containing julolidine moiety as a donor, phenyl or phenylene thiophene units as a conjugation bridge, and cyano acetic acid as an acceptor for dye sensitized solar cells. S1 exhibited two absorption maxima at 441 nm (ε = 26 200)
and 317 nm (ε = 15 500) due to the π–π* transition of the dye molecule. S2 dyes with an additional thiophene unit showed the absorption maximum extended by 18 nm. DSSCs based on S1 dye achieved 2.66% of power conversion efficiency with 8.3 mA cm−2
of short circuit current, 576 mV of open circuit voltage, and 0.56 of fill factor. DSSCs using S2 dye with a longer conjugation attained only 1.48% of power conversion efficiency. The 0.21 V lower driving force for regeneration of the S2 dye compared to the S1 dye is one of the reasons for
low conversion efficiency of the S2 dye.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fe3O4-CdX (X = S, Se) Core–Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Patel Daksha , Chang Yongmin , Kim Tae Jeong , Jung Myung-Hwa , Lee Gang Ho
Published: August 2008

We report a facile one-pot synthesis of Fe3O4-CdX (X = S, Se) core–shell nanoparticles and characterized them with XRD, TEM, squid magnetometer, and UV-visible absorption and PL spectrometers. We observed that the core Fe3O4 nanoparticles
showed a superparamagnetism at room temperature, whereas the shell CdX (X = S, Se) showed blue-shifts from the bulk materials in UV-visible absorption spectra, due to quantum confinement effect. These superparamagnetic and optical properties of the Fe3O4-CdX (X = S, Se)
core–shell nanoparticles can be used for both MR and optical imagings. This dual imaging capability will increase a possibility of an early observation of disease such as cancer.
Characteristics of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance of Nanostructured Au Patterns for Biosensing
Authors: Yu Jeong Seon , Kim Minsik , Kim Sanghoon , Ha Dong Han , Chung Bong Hyun , Chung Sang Jeon , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: August 2008

Periodic arrays of pseudotetrahedal-shaped gold nanoparticles were fabricated using nanosphere lithography (NSL) and examined for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The dependence of the LSPR on particle size of the periodic gold nanostructures was explored for potential application
as a new biosensor. With increasing size and height of the Au nanoparticles, the absorption peak of the LSPR shifts to the longer wavelength and becomes relatively sharper. With thinner metal deposition or finer Au nanostructure, the absorption signal varies more sensitively for the changes
in the Au particle size. The binding affinity study for biotin-streptavidine system on the Au nanopatterns resulted in blue-shifted absorption signal, opening up the possibility of the nanostructured Au pattern as a new LSPR biosensor.
Interfacial Degradation of Biodegradable Polyester Monolayers at the Air/Enzyme-Containing Water Interface
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Lee Jin-Kook , Lee Won Ki
Published: August 2008

The initial enzymatic degradation behavior of Langmuir monolayer films of a series of biodegradable polyesters at a constant surface pressure was investigated at the air/water interface. The initial degradation of polyester monolayers strongly depended on the structural formula of the
polyesters. By the co-polymerization of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) into the poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] backbone, the critical surface pressure at which the degradation occurs was increased and the rate of enzymatic degradation was retarded because of the inactivity of the enzyme and the
hydrophobicity of 3HV. The decrease in the optical purity of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) delayed the time when the degradation occurred at a constant surface pressure. However, the degradation rate after the critical time was accelerated as the optical purity decreased. These results can
be explained by the mutual competition of the preferential degradation of l-lactide units and the density.
High-Efficiency White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Using Blue and Red Phosphorescent Materials with Exciton Blocking Layer
Authors: Park Jung Hyun , Seo Ji Hoon , Seo Ji Hyun , Lee Seok Jae , Koo Ja Ryong , Yoon Seung Soo , Lee Seung Hee , Kim Young Kwan
Published: August 2008

High-efficiency white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) were fabricated with two emissive layers and an exciton blocking layer (EBL) was sandwiched between two phosphorescent dyes, bis(3,5-difluoro-2-(2-pyridyl)phenyl-(2-carboxypyridyl) iridium III (FIrpic) as the blue emission
and iridium(III) bis(5-acetyl-2-phenylpyridinato-N,C2′) acetylacetonate ((acppy)2Ir(acac)) as the red emission. This EBL effectively prevented a triple–triple energy transfer between the two phosphorescent emissive layers with blue and red emission. The white device
showed Commission Internationale De L'Eclairage (CIEx,y) coordinates of (0.33, 0.42) at 22400 cd/m2, a maximum luminance of 27300 cd/m2 at 13.2 V, and a maximum luminous efficiency of 26.9 cd/A.
Effect of Li2O/Al Cathode in Alq3 Based Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Shin Eun Chul , Ahn Hui Chul , Han Wone Keun , Kim Tae Wan , Lee Won Jae , Hong Jin Woong , Chung Dong Hoe , Song Min Jong
Published: August 2008

An effect of bilayer cathode Li2O/Al was studied in Alq3 based organic light-emitting diodes with a variation of Li2O layer thickness. The current-luminance-voltage characteristics of ITO/TPD/Alq3/Li2O/Al device were measured at
ambient condition to investigate the effect of Li2O/Al. It was found that when the thickness of Li2O layer is in the range of 0.5∼1 nm, there are improvements in luminance, efficiency, and turn-on voltage of the device. A current density and a luminance are increased
by about 100 times, a turn-on voltage is lowered from 6 V to 3 V, a maximum current efficiency is improved by a factor of 2.3, and a maximum power efficiency is improved by a factor of 3.2 for a device with a use of thin Li2O layer compared to those of the one without the Li2O
layer. These improvements are thought to be due to a lowering of electron-barrier height for electron injection from the cathode to the emissive layer.
Fluorescent Grating Patterns of Photopolymer Film Containing Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether Acrylate
Authors: Oh Hyunjin , Kim Jeonghun , Rameshbabu Krishnamurthy , Do Jaekwon , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: August 2008

Photopolymer films containing photoreactive monomers in the presence of fluorescent polyanthracene were investigated for fluorescent grating pattern formation using a 3D holographic method. A monofunctional acrylate, ethylene glycol phenyl ether acrylate (PA), was used as the core monomer
for the formation of the polymerization induced grating pattern. Photopolymer films were prepared from a mixture of PA and polyanthracene with a binder polymer and a photo radical initiator. The film's thickness was adjusted by the solution's composition to optimize grating pattern efficiency
(>90%). The diffraction efficiency was increased in the presence of polyanthracene. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity was more enhanced after grating formation. A vivid fluorescent gap electrode pattern with fine gratings was patterned, providing a new method for patterning organic
thin films with distinct read-out processes.
Ab-Initio Study of Neutral Indium Diffusion in Uniaxially- and Biaxially-Strained Silicon
Authors: Kim Young-Kyu , Cho Bum-Goo , Park Soon-Yeol , Won Taeyoung
Published: August 2008

In this paper, we present our ab-initio study on energy configurations, minimum energy path (MEP), and migration energy for neutral indium diffusion in a uniaxial and biaxial tensile strained {100} silicon layer. Our ab-initio calculation of the electronic structure allowed
us to figure out transient atomistic configurations during the indium diffusion in strained silicon. We found that the lowest-energy structure (Ins – SiiTd) consists of indium sitting on a substitutional site while stabilizing a silicon self-interstitial
in a nearby tetrahedral position. Our ab-initio calculation implied that the next lowest energy structure is IniTd, the interstitial indium at the tetrahedral position. We employed the nudged elastic band (NEB) method for estimating the MEP between the two structures.
The NEB method allowed us to find that that diffusion pathway of neutral indium is kept unchanged in strained silicon while the migration energy of indium fluctuates in strained silicon.
Free-Standing ZnO Nanorods and Nanowalls by Aqueous Solution Method
Authors: Kim Dae-Hee , Lee Sam-Dong , Kim Kyoung-Kook , Park Gyeong-Su , Lee Ji-Myon , Kim Sang-Woo
Published: August 2008

Large quantity of free-standing ZnO nanorods and nanowalls were synthesized at low temperature of below 100 °C using zinc acetate, zinc nitrate hexahydrate, and hexamethylenetetramine by using a simple aqueous solution method. The general morphology of the grown ZnO nanostructures
which include nanorods and nanowalls was strongly influenced by growth conditions. It was found that the grown ZnO nanorods are of a single-crystalline hexagonal structure and preferred c-axis growth orientation. ZnO nanorods were of better crystallinity than ZnO nanowalls, due to the
higher growth temperature used to grow ZnO nanorods. Strong free exciton emission bands with relatively weak deep level emission were clearly observed from ZnO nanorods and nanowalls, indicating their good optical properties.
Nanocrystalline ZnO Film Layer on Silicon and its Application to Surface Acoustic Wave-Based Streaming
Authors: Lee Dae-Sik , Luo Jikui , Fu Yongqing , Milne William I , Park Nae-Man , Kim Sang Hyeob , Jung Mun Yeon , Maeng Sunglyul
Published: August 2008

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) device consisting of 1∼6 μm-thick ZnO thin films deposited on Si wafer was designed, fabricated, and characterized in this study. Photolithographic protocols for interdigitated transducers (IDTs) and surface modification using fluoroalkylsilane
are employed with the aim of droplet-based microfluidic actuations in bio-microsystems. A ZnO thin film was grown on a 4′ silicon wafer with c-axis orientation, an average roughness of 11.6 nm, and a small grain size of 20 nm. It was found that the resonant frequencies (Rayleigh
and Sezawa modes) of SAW devices move to a lower frequency range as the thickness of the ZnO thin films increases. Through the silane surface modification, a hydrophobic surface with a contact angle of 114° was obtained. Finally, liquid streaming by acoustic wave was demonstrated by observing
the actuation of SiO2 microparticles in a microfluidic drop.
Synthesis and Applications of Crack-Free SiO2 Monolith Containing CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots as Passive Lighting Sources
Authors: Yi Dong Kee
Published: August 2008

A reverse microemulsion technique has been used to synthesize quantum dot nanocomposites within a SiO2 surface coating. With this approach, the unique optical properties of the CdSe/ZnS quantum dots were preserved. CdSe/ZnS/SiO2 nanoparticles were homogeneously
distributed in a tetramethyl orthosilicate ethanol solution and gelation process was initiated within a 10 min, and was left over night at room temperature and dried fully to achieve a solid SiO2 monolith. The resulting monolith was transparent and fluorescent under ultraviolet
(UV) lamp. Moreover the monolith produced was crack-free. Further studies on the photo stability of the monolith were performed using a high power UV LED device. Remarkably, quantum dots in the SiO2 monolith showed better photo stability compared with those dispersed in a polymer
matrix.
Titanium Dioxide Thin Films Deposited by Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition for OLED Passivation
Authors: Kim Woong-Sun , Ko Myoung-Gyun , Kim Tae-Sub , Park Sang-Kyun , Moon Yeon-Keon , Lee Su-Hwan , Park Jae-Gun , Park Jong-Wan
Published: August 2008

Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of titanium dioxide thin films was conducted using Tetrakis dimethylamino titanium (TDMATi) and an oxygen plasma on a polyethersulfon (PES) substrate at a deposition temperature of 90 °C. The effects of the induced plasma power on
passivation properties were investigated according to film thickness. The growth rate of the titanium dioxide film was 0.8 Å/cycle, and the water vapor transmission rate (WTVR) for a 80 nm titanium dioxide film was 0.023 g/m2·day. The passivation performance of the
titanium dioxide film was investigated using an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The coated OLED lifetime was 90 h, 15 times longer than that of an uncoated sample.
Electro-fluorescence Switching of Bis-imidazolium onic Liquids
Authors: Lee W. R. , Kim Y. , Kim J. Y. , Kim T. H. , Ahn K.-D. , Kim E.
Published: August 2008

Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) containing bis-imidazolium salts were explored to control their optical properties of them in an organic device. The neat bis-imidazolium salts showed ionic conductivity of 3.5 × 10−4 S/cm at room-temperature and the electrochemical
window was exhibited within ±2.5 V in a two electrode cell. The bis-imidazolium salts were transparent yellow and showed fluorescence upon excitation with light in the range of 360 to 500 nm. A two electrode organic ionic liquid cell was fabricated using a mixture of PEO200BIm-TFSI
and electroactive molecules to control the emission property of the ionic liquid by electrochemical methods. The first example of the ionic liquid containing electro-fluorescence switch was explored with an electroactive benzyl viologen (BzV) blend of bis-imidazolium ionic liquid.
Synthesis and Control of Physical Properties of Titania Nanoparticles as a Function of Synthetic Parameters
Authors: Khan Romana , Kim Sun Woo , Kim Tae-Jeong
Published: August 2008

TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a two step acid-base catalyzed sol–gel method. The effects of key synthetic parameters, including water/alkoxide ratio, pH, reaction time, and calcination temperature on the physical properties of the final product were investigated.
The current study revealed that the desired properties can be inherited in to TiO2 by controlling the key parameters to the optimized values. It was found that the grain size decreased with an increase in water/alkoxide ratio and reaction time, increased with calcination temperature
while remained unaffected by variation in pH. The longer reaction time not only increases surface area but also anatase phase formation can be accomplished even under high pH. Band-gap was also found to reduce with reaction time >48 h. Change of pH during synthesis to high value resulted
into mesoporous TiO2 with anatase as a sole phase. The TiO2 nanoparticles were also doped by first row transition metals in order to investigate their effects on the photophysical properties. The photoluminescence characteristic of the TiO2 was altered differently
by different doping metals. Doping with first row transition metals reduces the band-gap of TiO2 in the following order: Cr > Mn > Fe ∼ V > Co ∼ Ni > Cu ∼ Zn.
Controlled Growth of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in the Aqueous Microdroplets
Authors: Jeon Bong-Sik , Lee Seung-Jun , Kim Jong-Duk
Published: August 2008

Magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical coprecipitation of ferric and ferrous aqueous solutions via regulation of the microenvironment at ambient conditions. Nanocrystals having an average diameter of 6 to 12 nm were obtained by picoliter droplets, whereas only 9 nm diameter
nanocrystals were prepared by microliter droplets. The size of the nanocrystals was controlled by a precise balance of reactions of hydroxide ions with positive ions at the surface layer and inner layers of the droplets. The crystal structure and average size were analyzed by X-ray diffraction
pattern and transmission electron microscope images. The field dependence and temperature dependence on magnetization measured by a superconducting quantum interference device demonstrate that the as-synthesized particles are superparamagnetic at room temperature and have a size-dependent
magnetic property. The anisotropy constant calculated by the blocking temperature and particle size was found to decrease with increasing particle size.
Enhanced Emission and Two-Photon Absorption Cross-Section by Nanoaggregation of a Cyano-Substituted Stilbene Derivative
Authors: Park Jin Sun , Kim Ran Hee , Cho Nam Sung , Shim Hong-Ku , Lee Kwang-Sup
Published: August 2008

This study reports the synthesis and the investigation of optical behaviors of a stilbene derivative, (Z)-2,3-bis[4-(N-4-(diphenylamino)styryl)phenyl]acrylonitrile (StCN). The nanoaggregates of StCN in 50% water/DMF have exhibit an increased fluorescence intensity and
a blue shift with emission maximum wavelength with respect to StCN in 100% N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution. This fluorescence enhancement can be attributed to the formation of J-aggregates. The cyano group prevents coplanarization of both arms and intermolecular face-to-face
orientation leading to the formation of J-aggregates preventing the solvent relaxation. A strong fluorescence bathochromic solvatochromism is indicative of a large dipole moment in solution. Also, the two-photon absorption cross-section of nanoaggregates has been increased 1.5 times
compared to that in DMF solution at the maximum wavelength.
The Effects of Two Spacers on White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Seo Ji Hoon , Kim Jun Ho , Kim Woo Young , Lee Kum Hee , Yoon Seung Soo , Kim Young Kwan
Published: August 2008

The authors have demonstrated highly efficient white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) by using two emissive materials as a dopant, 1,4-Bis[2-(4′-diphenylaminobiphenyl-4-yl)vinyl]benzene (DABPV-ph) and iridium(III) bis(5-acetyl-2-phenylpyridinato-N,C2′) acetylacetonate
((acppy)2Ir (acac)). In these WOLEDs, 2-methyl-9,10-di(2-naphthyl)anthracene (MADN), and 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole-biphenyl (CBP) were used as a spacer among the three emissive layers. The maximum luminous efficiency of the three devices with no spacer, MADN
and CBP as a spacer were 11.50, 8.32, and 25.70 cd/A at 0.08, 12.7, and 0.01 mA/cm2 and the Commission Internationale De L'Eclairage (CIEx,y) coordinates were (x = 0 21, y = 0.34), (x = 0.21, y = 0.34), and (x = 0.33, y
= 0.33) at 11 V, respectively.
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Polymer Electrolytes Based on Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene) Nanofibers by Electrospinning Method
Authors: Park Sung-Hae , Kim Ji-Un , Lee Seong-Yeop , Lee Won-Ki , Lee Jin-Kook , Kim Mi-Ra
Published: August 2008

The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices using polymer electrolytes based on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers were fabricated and investigated the photovoltaic performances. The electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofibers were prepared by various
parameters such as; polymer concentrations, applied voltages, and tip to collector distances (TCD) by the electrospinning method. The open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current (JSC), fill factor (FF), and overall power conversion efficiency (η)
of DSSC devices using electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofibers were 0.7180–0.7420 V, 9.7200–10.8837 mA/cm2, 0.5610–0.6250, and 4.1700–5.0186%, respectively. When 15 wt% of polymer concentration, 14 kV of applied voltage, and 14 cm of TCD is applied to fabricate the
PVDF-HFP nanofiber, the electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofiber should be the regular diameter of a nanofiber, the power conversion efficiency of the DSSC device reached 5.0186% as the best result.
Sensitivity of the Present-Day Climate to Freshwater Forcing Associated with Antarctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Aiken Christopher M. , England Matthew H.
Published: August 2008

The role played by Southern Hemisphere sea ice in the global climate system is explored using an earth system climate model of intermediate complexity. An ensemble of experiments is analyzed in which freshwater forcing equivalent to a complete 100-yr meltback of Southern Hemisphere sea ice is applied to a model run that simulates the present climate. This freshwater forcing acts to mildy subdue Southern Ocean deep overturning, reducing mean Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) export by 0.5 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) in the ensemble average. The decreased convective overturning cools the surface waters, thereby increasing sea ice volume and thus forming a negative feedback that stabilizes Antarctic sea ice. In contrast, the reduced convective overturn warms subsurface waters in the Southern Ocean, which, combined with the imposed freshening, results in a reduction in the meridional steric height gradient and hence a slowdown of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). The reduction in ACC strength is, however, only modest at 1.5 Sv. These responses are thus of only weak magnitude, and the system recovers to its original state over time scales of decades. An extreme scenario experiment with essentially instantaneous addition of this meltwater load shows similar results, indicating the limited response of the climate system to the freshening implied by Antarctic sea ice melt. An additional experiment in which a much larger freshwater forcing of approximately 0.4 Sv is applied over 100 yr confirms the relatively weak response of the model’s climate state to such forcing, relative to the well-documented climatic effects of freshwater forcing added to the North Atlantic.
Third-Person Effects of Health News
Authors: Ran Wei  , Lo Ven-Hwei , Lu Hung-Yi
Published: August 2008

This study expands third-person effect research to health news coverage. It examines the perceptual and behavioral components of third-person effects. Moderator variables of third-person effects—knowledge and exposure to health news—are also examined. Using data from a survey of public opinion about the coverage of avian flu involving a probability sample of 1,107 college students in Taiwan, findings show that respondents tend to think the influence of avian flu news on others is greater than on themselves. Furthermore, exposure to avian flu news was found to narrow the self—other perceptual gap. Regarding the linkages between the third-person perception of avian news and behavioral responses to the perception, findings show that perceived effects of avian flu news on the self resulted in taking action—seeking information about avian flu and seeking out Tamiflu. However, findings further show that the third-person perception acted like a brake on taking such action.
Mitral Valve Repair for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Calafiore Antonio M. , Iacò Angela L. , Contini Marco , Bivona Antonio , Varone Egidio , Greco Patrizia , Scandura Salvatore
Published: August 2008

Our aim was to evaluate midterm results in patients who underwent mitral valve repair (MVR) for ischermic mitral regurgitation (IMR) in our most recent experience.

From March 2006 to March 2008, 105 patients underwent MVR for IMR. Mean IMR grade was 2.6 ± 1.1, with 46 patients having ≤2/4 and 59 ≥3/4.

Five patients (4.8%) died within first month; Two-year freedom from death any cause was 85.5% ± 3.8, freedom from cardiac death was 88.7% ± 3.4. NYHA Class of the survivors was 1.3 ± 0.6, with 3 patients in NYHA

Class III. Freedom from death any cause and NYHA Class III-IV was 78.6% ± 4.6. IMR grade decreased from 2.6 ± 1.1 to 0.1 ± 0.3 at the discharge and to 0.5 ± 0.3 after a mean of 7 ± 4 months, with no patient with IMR grade 3/4 or 4/4.

MVR for IMR should be performed in patients with moderate-or-more IMR grade or when the MV is excessively dilated, to achieve good midterm results.
The Effects of Confidence in Government and Information on Perceived and Actual Preparedness for Disasters
Authors: Basolo Victoria , Steinberg Laura J. , Burby Raymond J. , Levine Joyce , Cruz Ana Maria , Huang Chihyen
Published: August 2008

This research examines perceived and actual preparedness for two types of natural hazard risks: earthquakes in the Los Angeles County area and hurricanes within the New Orleans metropolitan area. Using data collected from a sample of households in these regions, the influence of individuals' confidence in local government to manage a disaster and exposure to disaster preparedness information sources were tested as explanations for levels of perceived and actual preparedness. Regression analyses show that a high level of confidence in local government to manage a disaster and exposure to more preparedness information sources were associated with a higher level of perceived preparedness. No support for a potential dampening effect of confidence in local government on household preparedness actions was found. The results also reveal only limited support for the impact of information exposure on actual preparedness. The results for actual preparedness vary between the study areas; therefore, we follow the analysis with a discussion of these differences and the implications drawn from the research.
The Nature Relatedness Scale
Authors: Nisbet Elizabeth K. , Zelenski John M. , Murphy Steven A.
Published: August 2008

Disconnection from the natural world may be contributing to our planet's destruction. The authors propose a new construct, Nature Relatedness (NR), and a scale that assesses the affective, cognitive, and experiential aspects of individuals' connection to nature. In Study 1, the authors explored the internal structure of the NR item responses in a sample of 831 participants using factor analysis. They tested the construct validity of NR with respect to an assortment of environmental and personality measures. In Study 2, they employed experience sampling methodology examining if NR people spend more time outdoors, in nature. Across studies, NR correlated with environmental scales, behavior, and frequency of time in nature, supporting the reliability and validity of NR, as well as the contribution of NR (over and above other measures) to environmental concern and behavior. The potential of NR as a useful method for investigating human-nature relationships and the processes underlying environmental concern and behaviors are discussed.
The Political Economy of ``Natural'' Disasters
Authors: Cohen Charles , Werker Eric D.
Published: August 2008

Natural disasters occur in a political space. Although events beyond our control may trigger a disaster, the level of government preparedness and response greatly determines the extent of suffering incurred by the affected population. The authors use a political-economy model of disaster prevention, supported by case studies and preliminary empirics, to explain why some governments prepare well for disasters and others do not. The authors show how the presence of international aid distorts this choice and increases the chance that governments will underinvest. Policy suggestions that may alleviate this problem are discussed.
Public Goods Provision and Sanctioning in Privileged Groups
Authors: Reuben Ernesto , Riedl Arno
Published: August 2008

In public-good provision, privileged groups enjoy the advantage that some of their members find it optimal to supply a positive amount of the public good. However, the inherent asymmetric nature of these groups may make the enforcement of cooperative behavior through informal sanctioning harder to accomplish. In this article, the authors experimentally investigate public-good provision in normal and privileged groups with and without decentralized punishment. The authors find that compared to normal groups, privileged groups are relatively ineffective in using costly sanctions to increase everyone's contributions. Punishment is less targeted toward strong free riders, and they exhibit a weaker increase in contributions after being punished. Thus, the authors show that privileged groups are not as privileged as they initially seem.
In Vitro and Clinical Investigation of the Relationship Between CCR5 Receptor Occupancy and Anti‐HIV Activity of Aplaviroc
Authors: Demarest James F. , Sparks Sara S. , Schell Kathleen , Shibayama Shiro , McDanal Charlene B. , Fang Lei , Adkison Kimberly K. , Shachoy‐Clark Anne , Piscitelli Stephen C.
Published: August 2008

Aplaviroc (GW873140) binds specifically to human cellular CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and demonstrates potent anti‐human immunodeficiency virus activity in vitro in the subnanomolar range. In vitro studies show that aplaviroc selectively inhibits the binding of a particular monoclonal antibody, 45531, to CCR5. Based on this observation, a flow cytometry—based assay was developed to determine percentage CCR5 receptor occupancy (RO). CCR5 receptor occupancy was aplaviroc concentration—dependent and related to anti‐human immunodeficiency virus activity in vitro. In the clinical setting, CCR5 receptor occupancy in peripheral blood was >98% in all subjects within 2 to 3 hours of dosing, which is consistent with the peak plasma concentrations of drug. Longitudinal analysis in the drug washout period revealed the time to 50% CCR5 receptor occupancy averaged >100 hours, in both human immunodeficiency virus—positive and human immunodeficiency virus—negative subjects, substantially longer than the plasma pharmacokinetic half‐life of 3 hours. The duration of CCR5 receptor occupancy appeared to be dose‐dependent and associated with antiviral activity as measured by plasma human immunodeficiency virus RNA nadir following 10 days of multiple dose administration. These data demonstrate that the analysis of CCR5 receptor occupancy, in addition to conventional plasma‐based pharmacokinetic measures, provides an informative tool to assist in evaluating the pharmacodynamic and antiviral effects of cellular CC chemokine receptor antagonists.
Estimating the Value of the Social Services Provided by Faith-Based Organizations in the United States
Authors: Stritt Steven B.
Published: August 2008

The idea of increasing the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) as social service providers has risen to prominence during George W. Bush's presidency. Although the knowledge base on FBO activity has expanded in recent years, a number of factors make it difficult to ascertain the actual value of the services provided by these groups. This Research Note is concerned with reviewing several important studies in the emerging research to establish a comprehensive estimate for the dollar value of the social services provided by FBOs. The analysis in this research note reveals the value of the FBO contribution to be greater than previously recognized.
Social Networks and the International Student Experience
Authors: Montgomery Catherine , McDowell Liz
Published: August 2008

An implicit perception of international students is that they have difficulty in becoming involved in social exchange with other students who do not share their “culture” and language. This picture of a group of students isolated and disadvantaged by their lack of contact with “UK culture” is questioned in this article. Data from a recent research project suggests that international students form a strong international community that supports their learning and provides them with a supportive learning environment. Thus, contrary to perceptions, the strength of this international community challenges the view that international students need to develop social and academic exchange with UK students to get the most from their university experience. The international community of practice described here presents a picture of a more positive and active international student experience, with international students as the providers of support and knowledge within a supportive and purposeful student community.
Making Time for Dissertation Grants
Authors: Hasche Leslie K. , Perron Brian E. , Proctor Enola K.
Published: August 2008

Grant writing is a necessary skill for becoming an independent and successful social work researcher. Since social work dissertation grants are a relatively new trend, students face many challenges in identifying, preparing, and submitting dissertation grants. Lack of resources and experiences, difficulties in protecting time for grant writing, and the uncertainty of success can hinder work on dissertation grants. Thus, this article provides an overview of dissertation grants, including a review of grant mechanisms, suggestions for preparing grants in the context of program milestones, and identifying institutional infrastructure to facilitate submissions. Strategies discussed include how to learn about funding priorities, how to establish timelines to account for grant deadlines, and how to use peer reviews to guide the revision process.
Measuring Depression at the End of Life
Authors: Olden Megan , Rosenfeld Barry , Pessin Hayley , Breitbart William
Published: August 2008

Depression at the end of life is a common mental health issue with serious implications for quality of life and decision making. This study investigated the reliability and validity of one of the most frequently used measures of depression, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) in 422 patients with terminal cancer admitted to a palliative care hospital. The HAM-D demonstrated high reliability and concurrent validity with depression diagnosis, based on Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, non-patient research version (SCID-I/NP Depression Module). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses generated an area under the curve of .91, indicating high sensitivity and specificity. The HAM-D strongly correlated with several measures of distress (e.g., hopelessness, desire for hastened death, and suicidal ideation). Factor analysis generated 4 factors (anxiety, depressed mood, insomnia, and somatic symptoms), accounting for 42% of the variance. Implications for assessing depression in this population are discussed.
Skatepark as Neoliberal Playground
Authors: Howell Ocean
Published: August 2008

More than 2,000 skateboard parks have been built in the United States over the past decade. Although these parks are a response to community demand, many cities have provided these facilities on certain neoliberal conditions. As a review of parks management literature reveals, cities assume no liability for injuries and expect skateboarders to secure private funding; urban managers also expect skateboarders to display character traits of personal responsibility and entrepreneurial-ism. This is in contrast to Progressive Era playgrounds, where cities completely financed playgrounds and took responsibility for personal safety; urban managers also sought to inculcate values of loyalty, which they viewed as necessary in an increasingly bureaucratized society. The comparison highlights how the skatepark can be viewed as an instance in which neoliberal governance practices have reconfigured the citizen—state relationship from one of entitlement to one of contractualism.
The Evolution of the Anti-Washington Consensus Debate: From ‘Post-Washington Consensus’ to ‘After the Washington Consensus’
Authors: Marangos John
Published: August 2008

The term ‘Washington Consensus’, as Williamson the father of the term conceived it, in 1989, was a set of reforms for economic development that he judged ‘Washington’ could agree were required in Latin America. However, the Washington Consensus has been identified as a neoliberal manifesto and as a consequence an anti-Washington Consensus was initiated, as calls were made for the establishment of a different set of policies, such as the ‘Post-Washington Consensus’, ‘Washington Contentious’ and ‘After Neoliberalism’. Lately, even Williamson has come up with a new set of policies, ‘After the Washington Consensus’. The aim of this paper is to investigate the different interpretations and alternatives of this controversial set of policies, and to reveal that the evolution of the debate conceptualizes the evolution of economic thought regarding the required policies for economic development.
Rules for the Rich? Contemporary Trends in Executive Pensions
Authors: Waine Barbara
Published: August 2008

Both the UK and the USA have long-established employer-based welfare systems providing a range of benefits, of which one of the most significant has been the occupational pension. Over recent years, these pensions have come under pressure, which has manifested itself in a change in the form of provision from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC) schemes. However this shift has not been universally applied, as there has been differential treatment within the private sector between senior executives and the rest of the workforce. The aim of this paper is to explore this differential treatment using illustrative material principally from the UK but supplemented with additional material on the USA. The paper is divided into three parts: the first outlines the recent changes to private sector occupational pension provision; the second discusses the pension provision for senior executives (namely, board members); and the final section discusses the broad trends outlined in the first two sections. It also explores explanations of these trends and their implications for changing conceptions of the role of the corporation as a provider of ‘occupational welfare’.