bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertically aligned biaxially textured molybdenum thin films
Authors: Krishnan Rahul , Riley Michael , Lee Sabrina , Lu Toh-Ming
Published: September 2011

Vertically aligned, biaxially textured molybdenum nanorods were deposited using dc magnetron sputtering with glancing flux incidence (alpha = 85º with respect to the substrate normal) and a two-step substrate-rotation mode. These nanorods were identified with a body-centered cubic crystal structure. The formation of a vertically aligned biaxial texture with a [110] out-of-plane orientation was combined with a [-110] in-plane orientation. The kinetics of the growth process was found to be highly sensitive to an optimum rest time of 35 seconds for the two-step substrate rotation mode. At all other rest times, the nanorods possessed two separate biaxial textures each tilted toward one flux direction. While the in-plane texture for the vertical nanorods maintains maximum flux capture area, inclined Mo nanorods deposited at alpha = 85º without substrate rotation display a [-1-1-4] in-plane texture that does not comply with the maximum flux capture area argument. Finally, an in situ capping film was deposited with normal flux incidence over the biaxially textured vertical nanorods resulting in a thin film over the porous nanorods. This capping film possessed the same biaxial texture as the nanorods and could serve as an effective substrate for the epitaxial growth of other functional materials.
Rod-shaped nanostructures based on superparamagnetic nanocrystals as viscosity sensors in liquid
Authors: Allione Marco , Torre Bruno , Casu Alberto , Falqui Andrea , Piacenza Philomena , Di Corato Riccardo , Pellegrino Teresa , Diaspro Alberto
Published: September 2011

Superparamagnetic nanostructures are becoming increasingly important as tools for biological and medical applications. We report the study of the movement of rod-shaped assemblies of superparamagnetic nanocrystals under the action of a rotating magnetic field. The dynamic was characterized by means of light scattering detection at different frequencies and for different values of the intensity of the applied external field. The possibility to correlate the motion to the viscosity of the medium is used to monitor viscosity changes inside the liquid. We propose this technique as a valuable tool to monitor viscosity at microscale for application in biological studies.
Transport properties of a single layer armchair h-BNC heterostructure
Authors: Qiu Ming , Liew K. M.
Published: September 2011

Based on first-principles approach, the transport properties of single layer armchair h-BNC heterostructures are investigated. The results show that NDR behaviors, whose peak-to-valley ratio reaches ten, and rectifying performance with rectification ratio of up to 21, can be observed while the graphene nanoribbon and BN nanoribbon are contacted with the interface C-B, with a certain element proportion. The analysis on microscopic nature reveals that the electrostatic potential, electronic transmission strength and distributions of molecular states can be tuned by contact atoms and element proportions.
Magnetic properties and microstructure of L1-FePt/AlN perpendicular nanocomposite films
Authors: Feng C. , Zhang E. , Xu C. C. , Li N. , Jiang Y. , Yu G. H. , Li B. H.
Published: September 2011

Based on interfacial manipulation of a MgO (100) substrate and non-magnetic AlN compound, L10-FePt/AlN perpendicular nanocomposite films were designed and prepared. Systematic studies on magnetic properties and microstructure of the films show that the MgO substrate controls crystal orientation of the FePt lattice and induces perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). The AlN compound helps to control the island growth mode and acts as isolators of FePt islands to pin the sites of FePt domains, resulting in manipulation of coercivity and magnetic exchange interaction of the films. Moreover, PMA of the film was optimized by appropriately decreasing film thickness or increasing substrate temperature.
12% efficient CdTe/CdS thin film solar cells deposited by low-temperature close space sublimation
Authors: Schaffner Judith , Motzko Markus , Tueschen Alexander , Swirschuk Andreas , Schimper Hermann-Josef , Klein Andreas , Modes Thomas , Zywitzki Olaf , Jaegermann Wolfram
Published: September 2011

We report 12% efficient CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells prepared by low temperature close space sublimation (CSS). Both semiconductor films, CdS and CdTe, were deposited by high vacuum CSS in superstrate configuration on glass substrates with fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) front contact. The CdTe deposition was carried out at a substrate temperature (Tsub) of ≤340 ∘C, which is much lower than that used in conventional processes (>500 ∘C). The CdTe films were treated with the usual CdCl2 activation process. Different optimal annealing times and temperatures were found for low-temperature cells (Tsub≤ 340 ∘C) compared to high-temperature cells (Tsub = 520 ∘C). The influence of the activation step on the morphology of high-temperature and low-temperature CdTe is determined by XRD, AFM, SEM top views, and SEM cross-sections. Grain growth, strong recrystallization, and a reduction of planar defects during the activation step are observed, especially for low-temperature CdTe. Further, the influence of CdS deposition parameters on the solar cell performance is investigated by using three different sets of parameters with different deposition rates and substrate temperatures for the CdS preparation. Efficiencies about 10.9% with a copper-free back contact and 12.0% with a copper-containing back contact were achieved using the low temperature CdTe process.
An anisotropic magneto resistive sensor with set/reset field
Authors: He D. F. , Shiwa M.
Published: September 2011

Using a set/reset magnetic field, an anisotropic magneto resistive (AMR) magnetic field sensing system was developed to reduce the low frequency noise of an AMR sensor. The magnetic field resolution of the AMR sensor was improved by about three times at the frequencies below 30 Hz and a magnetic field resolution of about 150 pT/√Hz was obtained at 1 Hz. For magnetic particle detection using an AMR sensor with set/reset method, the thermal disturbance effect was canceled well and the signal-to-noise ratio was improved by about three times.
Experimental study of the hydrodynamic expansion following a nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharge in air
Authors: Xu Da A. , Lacoste Deanna A. , Rusterholtz Diane L. , Elias Paul-Quentin , Stancu Gabi D. , Laux Christophe O.
Published: September 2011

We report on an experimental study of the hydrodynamic expansion following a nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) discharge in atmospheric pressure air preheated up to 1000 K. Single-shot schlieren images starting from 50 ns after the discharge were recorded to show the shock-wave propagation and the expansion of the heated gas channel. The temporal evolution of the gas temperature behind the shock-front is estimated from the measured shock-wave velocity by using the Rankine-Hugoniot relationships. The results show that a gas temperature increase of up to 1100 K can be observed 50 ns after the nanosecond pulse.
Crystallization mechanisms and recording characteristics of Si/CuSi bilayer for write-once blu-ray disc
Authors: Ou Sin-Liang , Kuo Po-Cheng , Chen Sheng-Chi , Tsai Tsung-Lin , Yeh Chin-Yen , Chang Han-Feng , Lee Chao-Te , Chiang Donyau
Published: September 2011

The crystallization mechanisms of Si/CuSi bilayer and its recording characteristics for write-once blu-ray disc (BD-R) were investigated. It was found that Cu3Si phase appeared during the room temperature sputtered deposition. Then, the Si atoms in CuSi layer segregated and crystallized to cubic Si in Cu3Si nucleation sites as the film was annealed at 270 °C. After heating to 500 °C, the grains size of cubic Si phase grew and the hexagonal Si phase was observed. The dynamic tests show that the Si/CuSi bilayer has great feasibility for 1-4× BD-R with the bottom jitter values below 6.5%.
Preface to Special Topic: Microsystems for manipulation and analysis of living cells
Authors: Revzin Alexander
Published: September 2011

This Preface describes exciting papers contributed to the Special Topic section on manipulation and analysis of cells using microsystems. Brief summaries of each paper are provided and general trends are discussed.
Atomic scale mechanism for the Ge-induced stabilization of the tetragonal, very high-κ, phase of ZrO2
Authors: Boscherini F. , D’Acapito F. , Galata S. F. , Tsoutsou D. , Dimoulas A.
Published: September 2011

Using x-ray absorption fine structure aided by ab initio structural simulations we demonstrate the atomic scale mechanism responsible for the stabilization of the otherwise unstable and very high-κ tetragonal phase of ZrO2 by the incorporation of Ge atoms. In tetragonal ZrO2 the cation has a split first coordination shell formed by eight oxygen atoms. We provide a direct experimental proof that when Ge is incorporated in the oxide, four of the eight O atoms collapse towards Ge giving rise to a local structure strongly reminiscent of that found in quartz-like GeO2, thus stabilizing the tetragonal phase.
Optimization of InAs/AlInAs quantum wells based up-converter for silicon solar cells
Authors: Prodanović Nikola , Radovanović Jelena , Milanović Vitomir , Tomić Stanko
Published: September 2011

We present an optimization procedure for the design of InAs/AlInAs quantum well (QW) based up-converter for silicon solar cells. By utilizing nonlinear optical effects in QW structures, the up-conversion of low energy photons for which the silicon (Si) is transparent, into higher energy photons that can be absorbed by a Si solar cell, is achieved. Due to lack of the III-V material combinations that can provide a large enough conduction band offset to accommodate three bound states required for the optimal operation, we explore the possibilities of using continuum part of the spectrum as the third state. Optimization of the up-converter is performed by maximization of the second order susceptibility derived from the density matrix formalism. Our procedure is based on use of the genetic algorithm global optimization tool, as a “driver” routine for the eight-band k·p Hamiltonian “solver” of the QW electronic structure problem.
Investigation of quantum conductance in semiconductor single-wall carbon nanotubes: Effect of strain and impurity
Authors: Rabiee Golgir H. , Faez R. , Pazoki M. , Karamitaheri H. , Sarvari R.
Published: September 2011

In this paper the effect of strain and impurity on the quantum conductance of semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied by ab-initio calculations. The effect of strain and impurity on the CNT conducting behavior and physical characteristics, like density of states (DOS), band structure, and atomic local density of state (LDOS), is considered and discussed separately and simultaneously. Our results show that the quantum conductance of semiconductor CNTs is increased by compression strain, elongation strain, and replacing nitrogen and boron doping in its structure. The amount of increasing in the conductance depends on the type of strain and impurity. Conductance of CNT can be increased even more in the presence of both strain and impurity, consequently semiconducting CNT can show metallic properties. This can open the study on the possibility of changing the semiconducting/metallic properties of CNTs along its length and the use of semiconductor CNTs in interconnects.
Optically-aligned visible/near-infrared dual-band photodetector materials and devices on GaAs using metamorphic epitaxy
Authors: Swaminathan K. , Grassman T. J. , Yang L.-M. , Gu Q. , Mills M. J. , Ringel S. A.
Published: September 2011

A monolithic, epitaxially-integrated, vertically-aligned, multi-band photodetector architecture has been demonstrated via the successful growth and fabrication of metamorphic back-to-back n-i-p/p-i-n In0.61Ga0.39P/In0.14Ga0.86As visible/near-IR dual-detector devices. The back-to-back diode design enables simultaneous and independent operation of detectors in both bands with low optical cross talk (<−10 dB outside the 690–720 nm range) and complete electrical isolation between the sub-detectors. The high electronic quality of the resultant metamorphic materials was confirmed via deep level transient spectroscopy, which revealed total trap concentrations of 5 × 1012 cm−3 for the In0.14Ga0.86As and 2 × 1014 cm−3 for the In0.61Ga0.39P sub-detectors, enabling low, room temperature reverse bias (−2 V) dark current densities of 4 × 10−8 A cm−2 and 7 × 10−12 A cm−2, respectively. High responsivity and specific detectivity values, at a working bias of −2 V, were measured: 0.41 A/W and 8.6 × 1011 cm Hz1/2/W for the In0.14Ga0.86As sub-detectors (at 980 nm), and 0.30 A/W and 2.0 × 1014 cm Hz1/2/W for the In0.61Ga0.39P sub-detectors (at 680 nm). The successful integration of high-quality lattice-mismatched materials, combined with the excellent sub-detector performances, demonstrate the potential for extending such a multi-band photodetector technology to achieve simultaneous detection of a wide range of wavelength bands with tunable cut-off wavelengths.
Real-time observation of lithium fibers growth inside a nanoscale lithium-ion battery
Authors: Ghassemi Hessam , Au Ming , Chen Ning , Heiden Patricia A. , Yassar Reza S.
Published: September 2011

Formation of lithium dendrite/fibers during charging-discharging cycles not only causes short circuit but is also known as a major safety issue. In this work, an electrochemical cell was constructed inside a transmission electron microscope to observe the real-time nucleation and growth of the lithium fibers inside a nanoscale Li-ion battery. Our results show that during the lithiation process, the lithium ions nucleate at the interface of anode and electrolyte and then grow into fibers. These fibers grew parallel to the direction of the applied electric field. Such observations can assist the nanoscale design of better electrodes and electrolyte materials needed for safe and high power Li-ion batteries.
Fast domain wall dynamics in magnetic nanotubes: Suppression of Walker breakdown and Cherenkov-like spin wave emission
Authors: Yan Ming , Andreas Christian , Kákay Attila , García-Sánchez Felipe , Hertel Riccardo
Published: September 2011

We report on a micromagnetic study on domain wall (DW) propagation in ferromagnetic nanotubes. It is found that DWs in a tubular geometry are much more robust than ones in flat strips. This is explained by topological considerations. Our simulations show that the Walker breakdown of the DW can be completely suppressed. Constant DW velocities above 1000 m/s are achieved by small fields. A different velocity barrier of the DW propagation is encountered, which significantly reduces the DW mobility. This effect occurs as the DW reaches the phase velocity of spin waves (SWs), thereby triggering a Cherenkov-like emission of SWs.
Enhanced stability against bias-stress of metal-oxide thin film transistors deposited at elevated temperatures
Authors: Fakhri M. , Görrn P. , Weimann T. , Hinze P. , Riedl T.
Published: September 2011

Transparent zinc-tin-oxide (ZTO) thin film transistors (TFTs) have been prepared by DC magnetron sputtering. Compared to reference devices with a channel deposited at room temperature and subsequently annealing at 400 °C, a substantially enhanced stability against bias stress is evidenced for devices with in-situ substrate heating during deposition (400 °C). A reduced density of sub-gap defect states in TFT channels prepared with in-situ substrate heating is found. Concomitantly, a reduced sensitivity to the adsorption of ambient gases is evidenced for the in-situ heated devices. This finding is of particular importance for an application as driver electronics for organic light emitting diode displays.
On demand-direct synthesis of Si and Ge nanowires on a single platform by focused laser illumination
Authors: Hwang David J. , Ryu Sang-gil , Kim Eunpa , Grigoropoulos Costas P. , Carraro Carlo
Published: September 2011

Laser irradiation can incur spatially confined and rapid heating that enables precisely controlled nucleation and subsequent growth of nanomaterials. This localization of the laser-driven growth can realize on-demand, direct synthesis of nanowires composed of multiple elements on a single platform. In this study, silicon and germanium nanowires are grown by laser-induced vapor-liquid-solid mechanism in a hetero-array configuration by simply switching the reactant gas precursors as the growth of nanowires is limited within the heat-affected zone induced by the laser. Energy dispersive x-ray and Raman spectroscopies were performed to observe the elemental composition and crystallinity of as-grown nanowires, respectively.
Fast ion acceleration from thin foils irradiated by ultra-high intensity, ultra-high contrast laser pulses
Authors: Prasad R. , Andreev A. A. , Ter-Avetisyan S. , Doria D. , Quinn K. E. , Romagnani L. , Brenner C. M. , Carroll D. C. , Dover N. P. , Neely D. , Foster P. S. , Gallegos P. , Green J. S. , McKenna P. , Najmudin Z. , Palmer C. A. J. , Schreiber J. , Streeter M. J. V. , Tresca O. , Zepf M. , Borghesi M.
Published: September 2011

Ion acceleration resulting from the interaction of ultra-high intensity (2 × 1020 W/cm2) and ultra-high contrast (∼1010) laser pulses with 0.05–10 μm thick Al foils at normal (0°) and 35° laser incidence is investigated. When decreasing the target thickness from 10 μm down to 0.05 μm, the accelerated ions become less divergent and the ion flux increases, particularly at normal (0°) laser incidence on the target. A laser energy conversion into protons of ∼6.5% is estimated at 35° laser incidence. Experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical estimates and can be a benchmark for further theoretical and computational work.
Copper oxide resistive switching memory for e-textile
Authors: Han Jin-Woo , Meyyappan M.
Published: September 2011

A resistive switching memory suitable for integration into textiles is demonstrated on a copper wire network. Starting from copper wires, a Cu/CuxO/Pt sandwich structure is fabricated. The active oxide film is produced by simple thermal oxidation of Cu in atmospheric ambient. The devices display a resistance switching ratio of 102 between the high and low resistance states. The memory states are reversible and retained over 107 seconds, with the states remaining nondestructive after multiple read operations. The presented device on the wire network can potentially offer a memory for integration into smart textile.
Mechanism of the performance improvement of TiO2-x-based field-effect transistor using SiO2 as gate insulator
Authors: Zhong Ni , Shima Hisashi , Akinaga Hiro
Published: September 2011

RF magnetron sputtered titanium oxide (TiO2-x) thin films were used as active channel layer to fabricate field-effect transistors (FETs). In the as-prepared FETs, poor FET performance was found, with a low on-to-off current ratio of ∼500 and a high sub-threshold slope. It is attributed the existence of Si-O-Ti cross-linking bonding at TiO2-x/SiO2 interface, which was probed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurement. A remark improvement of sub-threshold slope and on-to-off current ratio was observed due to post annealing in vacuum at 300 °C for 30min. By using the electron energy loss spectroscope (EELS) analysis, oxidization of TiO2-x layer closing to SiO2 layer region was found, suggesting that Si-O-Ti cross-linking bonding at TiO2-x/SiO2 interface breaks due to post annealing treatment.
EMU: Evolutionary Map of the Universe
Authors: Norris Ray P. , Hopkins A. M. , Afonso J. , Brown S. , Condon J. J. , Dunne L. , Feain I. , Hollow R. , Jarvis M. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Lenc E. , Middelberg E. , Padovani P. , Prandoni I. , Rudnick L. , Seymour N. , Umana G. , Andernach H. , Alexander D. M. , Appleton P. N. , Bacon D. , Banfield J. , Becker W. , Brown M. J. I. , Ciliegi P. , Jackson C. , Eales S. , Edge A. C. , Gaensler B. M. , Giovannini G. , Hales C. A. , Hancock P. , Huynh M. T. , Ibar E. , Ivison R. J. , Kennicutt R. , Kimball Amy E. , Koekemoer A. M. , Koribalski B. S. , López-Sánchez Á. R. , Mao M. Y. , Murphy T. , Messias H. , Pimbblet K. A. , Raccanelli A. , Randall K. E. , Reiprich T. H. , Roseboom I. G. , Röttgering H. , Saikia D. J. , Sharp R. G. , Slee O. B. , Smail Ian , Thompson M. A. , Urquhart J. S. , Wall J. V. , Zhao G.-B.
Published: September 2011

EMU is a wide-field radio continuum survey planned for the new Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope. The primary goal of EMU is to make a deep (rms ∼ 10 μJy/beam) radio continuum survey of the entire Southern sky at 1.3 GHz, extending as far North as +30° declination, with a resolution of 10 arcsec. EMU is expected to detect and catalogue about 70 million galaxies, including typical star-forming galaxies up to z ∼ 1, powerful starbursts to even greater redshifts, and active galactic nuclei to the edge of the visible Universe. It will undoubtedly discover new classes of object. This paper defines the science goals and parameters of the survey, and describes the development of techniques necessary to maximise the science return from EMU.
Abstracting Psychological Literature, Especially Non‐English, in the 1990s
Authors: Brožek Josef , Hoskovec Jiří
Published: September 2011

The cessation of non‐English materials in Psychological Abstracts in 1988 resulted in a crisis, yet to be resolved, in the international exchange of information. As a long‐term solution we favour founding International Psychological Abstracts, with the responsibility for preparation of the abstracts to be shared by the international psychological community. It is hoped that the compact‐disc versions of the databases will become affordable to institutions around the world. In this communication, in addition to the abstract system of the American Psychological Association, attention will be given to other abstract journals in English as well as in French, German, and Russian.
Russian Nationalism Today: Organizations and Programs
Authors: Dunlop John B.
Published: September 2011

Russian nationalists in the Soviet Union have, of course, always claimed to speak and act on behalf of the narod, the common folk, but the folk they have had in mind have been largely the inhabitants, and particularly the older inhabitants, of the fast-disappearing traditional Russian village. Aware that this narod has indeed been vanishing, Russian nationalist writers and publicists have stressed that the task at hand is to graft the “ethics and esthetics,” the accumulated wisdom and mores of this traditionalist populace, onto the life of deracinated modern Soviet man. The really existing and largely urbanized Russian narod—factory workers, miners, truck drivers, cashiers, and waitresses—has remained beyond the purview of most nationalists, with the exception of a few like the gifted writer and filmmaker Vasilii Shukshin (d. 1974), who focused upon the plight of a people torn away from its roots.
Raspad—The Political Crises in Post-Soviet Caucasia
Authors: Huttenbach Henry
Published: September 2011

A year ago it was still possible to review events within the regional confines of Transcaucasia. The three republics constituted a logical sub-unit of the Soviet Union. Subsequent events, however, no longer permit such a tidy delineation. A revolution is taking place: the Raspad, or Great Collapse, of which the dissolution of the USSR was but the beginning of a major political reshufflement throughout Eurasia, a continuing process that is still playing itself out in the entire Caucasian region. The demise of the trans-continental Soviet empire has left the three Transcaucasian successor states separated by international borders from the Russian Federation, Iran, and Turkey as well as from one another. Nevertheless, the dynamics of ethnic-fueled fragmentation, which initially helped bring down the power of Moscow, continues to gnaw away in defiance of any artificial frontiers, most of which cut through ethnic communities. Revisionist ethnic activities thrive on either sides of frontiers, especially those shared by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Iran, and the Russian Federation, thereby forcing one to consider the whole of Caucasia as the proper area of evaluation for the crucial year 1991-2. North and south of the mountainous divide, ethnic-driven politics proves all too clearly that the energies of the Raspad are anything but spent.
“After the Putsch”: Prospects for Independent Ukraine
Authors: Marples David R.
Published: September 2011

There has been considerable speculation as to which of the former Soviet republics could become viable economic entities following the Putsch of August 19-21, 1991, and the resultant dissolution of the USSR. The consensus is that after Russia, Ukraine has the best chances of survival as a European state with a highly developed economy. Yet the picture remains a bleak one. Although Ukraine has advanced industry and has been a major source of grain crops (of winter wheat in particular), a declining standard of living had been forecast by its economic experts for the period 1991-1995, even before the August 24 declaration of independence. The following study will show Ukraine's major advantages and weaknesses, and what sort of prospects lie ahead for an independent Ukraine. As with any statements on the future of the former territories of the Soviet Union, they have to be qualified with the phrase “pending future political developments.” For the most part, the assumption is made that relations between Ukraine and its once and future economic partners will be amicable.
The German Minority in Inter-War Yugoslavia
Authors: Mentzel Peter
Published: September 2011

The Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes inherited a considerable number of Germans along with its ex-Habsburg territories when it was established in December 1918. The two most important German communities in inter-war Yugoslavia were the Germans of Slovenia and the Germans of the Vojvodina and Croatia-Slavonia, the so-called Donau Schwaben (Swabians). There were also scattered pockets of ethnic Germans in Bosnia-Hercegovina. The Yugoslavian ethnic Germans (Volksdeutsche), like the other Yugoslavian non-Slav minorities, were objects of discrimination by the Yugoslavian government. The Slovenian German community responded to this hostility by developing a virulent German nationalism which, after 1933, rapidly turned into Nazism. The Swabian community, on the other hand, generally tried to cooperate with the central government in Belgrade. The Swabians remained rather ambivalent toward the rising Nazi movement until the tremendous successes of the Third Reich in 1938 made Nazism irresistibly attractive. In the face of the government's anti-German policies, why did each of these German communities manifest such different attitudes towards the Yugoslav state during the inter-war period? This article will show how several factors of history, demography, and geography combined to produce the different reactions of the two groups.
IV. “Post-1985 Internal Migration: Spatial Patterns and Issues”
Authors: Mitchneck Beth
Published: September 2011

The 1980s witnessed a reversal of internal migration patterns in the Soviet Union as factors associated with ethnicity became one of the predominant influences on the character and volume of population mobility. This is one of the recent trends in Soviet migration highlighted in the presentation by Dr. Beth Mitchneck, a post-doctoral Fellow at the Harriman Institute. Dr. Mitchneck based her analysis on the censuses of 1959, 1970, 1979 and 1989, population registers and both Soviet and western estimates.
Structural adjustment in Africa: reflections on Ghana and Zambia
Authors: Loxley John
Published: September 2011

An analysis of the experience of Ghana and Zambia in operating structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) illustrates well the debate taking place on the appropriateness of these programmes in the context of African economies. Both countries faced major economic crises in the 1980s. While supporters of SAPs see Ghana as the success story of World Bank and IMF policies, Zambia is regarded as a prime example of failure because of non‐adoption of these policies. However, this article shows why in the short run, Ghana could have been expected to perform better than Zambia anyway. It further shows that the Ghana programme is not likely to be replicable by other countries and that even in Ghana, the relative success of the programme may not be sustainable. In analysing Zambia's experience with an IMF/World Bank programme, it is argued that her economic structure made short‐term gains from adjustment impossible and led to the programme's abandonment in favour of a government programme which itself failed to address fully the nature of Zambia's economic crisis. Given the weakness of world commodity markets and the inadequacy of international capital flows to these countries, not only Zambia, but also Ghana is likely to find the future very difficult.
Packaging the primary curriculum: textbooks and the English National Curriculum
Authors: MacLure Maggie , Elliott John
Published: September 2011

Commercial publishers have been quick to respond to the opportunities afforded by the National Curriculum. This paper examines some of the new (or in some cases ‘updated') primary coursebook schemes, and asks what might be the implications for the primary curriculum, should such schemes be widely adopted in schools.

It might be thought that these commercial textbooks simply complete the job begun by the National Curriculum – i.e. ‘technologizing’ learning by breaking it down into segments and stages. But we suggest that their function, and hence their construction as texts, is rather more complex. The new schemes embrace a number of different educational ideologies, and appeal to a number of different teacher identities. They speak, for instance, to the ‘teacher‐as‐professionaP and to the ‘teacher‐in‐trouble’. They profess both ‘progressive’ and ‘traditional’ values.

Rather than indicating unequivocally a tendency to deskill teachers and disempower pupils, as some educationalists would believe, the new textbooks are rather more plural and multi‐vocal therefore. Their ultimate impact and import will, of course, become clear only when we discover how the new books are used in teachers’ day‐to‐day practice.
A bridge too far? The problems facing GNVQ
Authors: Hodkinson Phil , Mattinson Kevin
Published: September 2011

General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) have been introduced by the British government to complete post‐16 education and training provision. They are intended to be a bridge between Advanced Levels and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), and to provide a vocational education of equivalent status to A levels. Using business as an exemplar, we examine the contextual position of GNVQs, especially in relation to A levels and NVQs. We identify three related problems–status equivalence, links with other qualifications and progression routes. We suggest that, in striving for status equivalence, GNVQ is being pulled closer to A level, and is increasingly distanced from NVQs. Moreover, despite much recent effort, progression from GNVQ to university remains problematic, while little attention has been given to the arguably more significant problems of progression to employment. We conclude that GNVQ is being expected to do an impossible job, and that changes to Advanced Level are also needed if a coherent post‐16 educational provision is to be developed.
The curriculum and current educational thinking in France
Authors: Forquin Jean‐Claude
Published: September 2011

Although curriculum does not constitute in France a domain of study clearly identified and delimited among the field of educational studies, it has always been a matter of debate and forms at present the subject of interesting approaches by some researchers. Three aspects are reviewed in the present article: first, the question of curricula and syllabuses, their development and evolution in a context characterized by the weight of centralism and the importance of encyclopaedic ideals; second, the contribution of some sociological studies focusing on the analysis of educational content and practices; finally, the contribution recently made by some specialists in didactics and the history of education to a reflection about the specificity of school knowledge and culture.
Conservative and liberal challenges to progressivist curricula in Scandinavia
Authors: Svingby Gunilla
Published: September 2011

The post‐war period in the Scandinavian countries has been characterized by successive school reforms administered by social democratic governments following a moderate form of progressivism. A central idea is of equality and of an equal right to quality education. The public schools dominate and the management is top‐down. For a long period of time there have been central national curricula. In recent years the System of public schools has been questioned, as has the ideological basis of the curriculum. Proponents of a new liberal ideology demand more private schools, decentralization and efficiency. New conservative ideas at the same time argue for the restoration of basic forms of knowledge, competition and moral qualities to be mirrored in the new national curricula.
N-Acetylglucosamine-dependent biofilm formation in Pectobacterium atrosepticum is cryptic and activated by elevated c-di-GMP levels
Authors: Pérez-Mendoza Daniel , Coulthurst Sarah J. , Sanjuán Juan , Salmond George P. C.
Published: September 2011

The phytopathogenic bacteriumPectobacterium atrosepticum(Pba) strain SCRI1043 does not exhibit appreciable biofilm formation under standard laboratory conditions. Here we show that a biofilm-forming phenotype in this strain could be activated from a cryptic state by increasing intracellular levels of c-di-GMP, through overexpression of a constitutively active diguanylate cyclase (PleD*) fromCaulobacter crescentus. Randomly obtainedPbatransposon mutants defective in thepgaoperon, involved in synthesis and translocation of poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (PGA), were all impaired in this biofilm formation. The presence of the PGA-degrading enzyme dispersin B in the growth media prevented biofilm formation byPbaoverexpressing PleD*, further supporting the importance of PGA for biofilm formation byPba. Importantly, apgamutant exhibited a reduction in root binding to the host plant under conditions of high intracellular c-di-GMP levels. A modest but consistent increase inpgatranscript levels was associated with high intracellular levels of c-di-GMP. Our results indicate tight control of PGA-dependent biofilm formation by c-di-GMP inPba.
DNA rearrangement has occurred in the carbazole-degradative plasmid pCAR1 and the chromosome of its unsuitable host, Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1
Authors: Shintani Masaki , Matsumoto Takashi , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Yamane Hisakazu , Ohkuma Moriya , Nojiri Hideaki , Top E. M.
Published: September 2011

The carbazole-degradative plasmid pCAR1 carries the class II transposon Tn4676, which contains the car and ant genes, essential for conversion of carbazole into anthranilate, and anthranilate into catechol, respectively. In our previous study, DNA rearrangements in pCAR1 were frequently detected in the host Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1 in the presence of carbazole, resulting in the improvement of host survivability. Several Pf0-1 mutants harbouring pCAR1 were isolated, and deletion of DNA in the plasmid ant gene was found. Here, we compared genome sequences of the parent strain Pf0-1L(pCAR1 : : rfp) and one of its mutants, 5EP83, to assess whether other DNA rearrangements occurred in either the plasmid or the host chromosome. We found transposition of Tn4676 into the 5EP83 chromosome. In addition, ISPre1 had transposed into the car gene intergenic region on the pCAR1-derivative plasmid of 5EP83, which inhibited car transcription. As a result of these transpositions, 5EP83 was able to metabolize carbazole due to the Tn4676 on its chromosome, although the car genes on its plasmid were non-functional. We also found that one copy of duplicate carAa genes had been deleted, and that ISPre4 had transposed into both the host chromosome and the plasmid. Our findings suggest that Pf0-1 harbouring pCAR1 is subjected to DNA rearrangements not only on the plasmid but also on its chromosome in the presence of carbazole.
Comprehensive mapping of West Nile virus (WNV)- and Japanese encephalitis virus serocomplex-specific linear B-cell epitopes from WNV non-structural protein 1
Authors: Sun En-Cheng , Zhao Jing , Liu Ni-Hong , Yang Tao , Ma Jian-Nan , Geng Hong-Wei , Wang Ling-Feng , Qin Yong-Li , Bu Zhi-Gao , Yang Yin-Hui , Lunt Ross A. , Wang Lin-Fa , Wu Dong-Lai
Published: September 2011

West Nile virus (WNV) non-structural protein 1 (NS1) elicits protective immune responses during infection of animals. WNV NS1-specific antibody responses can provide the basis for serological diagnostic reagents, so the antigenic sites in NS1 that are targeted by host immune responses need to be identified and the conservation of these sites among the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) serocomplex members also needs to be defined. The present study describes the mapping of linear B-cell epitopes in WNV NS1. We screened eight NS1-specific mAbs and antisera (polyclonal antibodies; pAbs) from mice immunized with recombinant NS1 for reactivity against 35 partially overlapping peptides covering the entire WNV NS1. The screen using mAbs identified four WNV-specific (including Kunjin virus) epitopes, located at aa 21–36, 101–116, 191–206 and 261–276 in WNV NS1. However, using pAbs, only three WNV-specific epitopes were identified, located at positions 101–116, 191–206 and 231–246. Two of these epitopes (aa 21–36 and 261–276) had different reactivity with mAbs and pAbs. The knowledge and reagents generated in this study have potential applications in differential diagnostics and epitope-based marker vaccine development for WNV and viruses of the JEV serocomplex.
Integrating genetic and gene expression evidence into genome-wide association analysis of gene sets
Authors: Xiong Qing , Ancona Nicola , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Mukherjee Sayan , Furey Terrence S.
Published: September 2011

Single variant or single gene analyses generally account for only a small proportion of the phenotypic variation in complex traits. Alternatively, gene set or pathway association analyses are playing an increasingly important role in uncovering genetic architectures of complex traits through the identification of systematic genetic interactions. Two dominant paradigms for gene set analyses are association analyses based on SNP genotypes and those based on gene expression profiles. However, gene–disease association can manifest in many ways, such as alterations of gene expression, genotype, and copy number; thus, an integrative approach combining multiple forms of evidence can more accurately and comprehensively capture pathway associations. We have developed a single statistical framework, Gene Set Association Analysis (GSAA), that simultaneously measures genome-wide patterns of genetic variation and gene expression variation to identify sets of genes enriched for differential expression and/or trait-associated genetic markers. Simulation studies illustrate that joint analyses of genomic data increase the power to detect real associations when compared with gene set methods that use only one genomic data type. The analysis of two human diseases, glioblastoma and Crohn's disease, detected abnormalities in previously identified disease-associated pathways, such as pathways related to PI3K signaling, DNA damage response, and the activation of NFKB. In addition, GSAA predicted novel pathway associations, for example, differential genetic and expression characteristics in genes from the ABC transporter family in glioblastoma and from the HLA system in Crohn's disease. These demonstrate that GSAA can help uncover biological pathways underlying human diseases and complex traits.
Politics, Prisons, and Law Enforcement: An Examination of the Emergence of “Law and Order” Politics in Texas
Authors: Campbell Michael C.
Published: September 2011

This article examines the rise of “law and order” politics in Texas, providing an in-depth archival case study of changes in prison policy in a Southern state during the pivotal period when many U.S. states turned to mass incarceration. It brings attention to the important role an insurgent Republican governor and law enforcement officials played in shaping crime policy. Law enforcement's role is considered within a broader examination of political strategy during a period of intense socioeconomic volatility. The findings suggest that within particular political contexts, especially those with low levels of political participation, law enforcement agents might play a key role in shaping punishment.
Are Judicial Performance Evaluations Fair to Women and Minorities? A Cautionary Tale from Clark County, Nevada
Authors: Gill Rebecca D. , Lazos Sylvia R. , Waters Mallory M.
Published: September 2011

Because voters rely on judicial performance evaluations when casting their ballots, policymakers should work diligently to compile valid, reliable, and unbiased information about our sitting judges. Although some claim that judicial performance evaluations are fair, the systematic research needed to establish such a proposition has not been done. By the use of attorney judicial performance survey data from Clark County, Nevada, this analysis shows that objective measures of judicial performance cannot explain away differences in scores based on race and sex. Minority judges and female judges score consistently and significantly lower than do their white and male counterparts, all other things being equal. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that judicial performance evaluation surveys may carry with them unexamined and unconscious gender/race biases. Future research must compare judicial performance evaluation structure, content, and execution across states in order to identify those evaluation mechanisms least susceptible to unconscious gender and race bias.
An Aboriginal Australian Genome Reveals Separate Human Dispersals into Asia
Authors: Rasmussen Morten , Guo Xiaosen , Wang Yong , Lohmueller Kirk E. , Rasmussen Simon , Albrechtsen Anders , Skotte Line , Lindgreen Stinus , Metspalu Mait , Jombart Thibaut , Kivisild Toomas , Zhai Weiwei , Eriksson Anders , Manica Andrea , Orlando Ludovic , De La Vega Francisco M. , Tridico Silvana , Metspalu Ene , Nielsen Kasper , Ávila-Arcos María C. , Moreno-Mayar J. Víctor , Muller Craig , Dortch Joe , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Lund Ole , Wesolowska Agata , Karmin Monika , Weinert Lucy A. , Wang Bo , Li Jun , Tai Shuaishuai , Xiao Fei , Hanihara Tsunehiko , van Driem George , Jha Aashish R. , Ricaut François-Xavier , de Knijff Peter , Migliano Andrea B , Gallego Romero Irene , Kristiansen Karsten , Lambert David M. , Brunak Søren , Forster Peter , Brinkmann Bernd , Nehlich Olaf , Bunce Michael , Richards Michael , Gupta Ramneek , Bustamante Carlos D. , Krogh Anders , Foley Robert A. , Lahr Marta M. , Balloux Francois , Sicheritz-Pontén Thomas , Villems Richard , Nielsen Rasmus , Wang Jun , Willerslev Eske
Published: September 2011

Whole-genome data indicate that early modern humans expanded into Australia 62,000 to 75,000 years ago.
Injury surveillance during the 2010 IRB Women's Rugby World Cup
Authors: Taylor Aileen E , Fuller Colin W , Molloy Michael G
Published: September 2011

Objective

To assess and evaluate injuries sustained during the 2010 Women's Rugby World Cup.

Design

Prospective, cohort.

Participants

285 women rugby players.

Results

Incidence of match injury was 35.5/1000 player-hours; mean severity was 55.0 days and median severity 9 days. Only one training injury was reported. Knee-ligament injuries were the most common (15%) and resulted in most days lost (43%). The tackle was the cause of most injuries.

Conclusions

The risk of injury in international rugby is significantly lower for women than for men. Further research is required to assess knee-ligament injuries in women's rugby.
The effect of different doses of aerobic exercise training on endothelial function in postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure: results from the DREW study
Authors: Swift Damon L , Earnest Conrad P , Blair Steven N , Church Timothy S
Published: September 2011

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of three different doses of aerobic exercise training (corresponding to approximately 50%, 100% and 150% of the National Institutes of Health consensus guidelines) on endothelial function in sedentary obese postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure. Aerobic exercise training improves endothelial function in individuals with cardiovascular risk; however, it is unknown whether these adaptations occur in a dose-dependent manner.

Methods

Obese postmenopausal women (n=155) with elevated blood pressure (systolic blood pressure between 120 and 159.0 mm Hg) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 4, 8 or 12 kilocalories per kilogram of energy expenditure per week (kcal/kg/week) or a non-exercise control group for 6 months. Endothelial function was assessed via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline and post-intervention.

Results

After exercise training, there was a similar improvement (1.02–1.5%) in FMD in all three exercise groups (p<0.05) compared with control (–0.5%). Change in FMD after exercise training was significantly correlated with FMD at baseline (r= –0.35, p<0.001). Post hoc analyses found a significant improvement in FMD in exercisers (all exercise groups combined) with endothelial dysfunction (FMD < 5.5%) at baseline (1.8%, 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.38; p<0.001) compared with exercisers with normal endothelial function (FMD ≥ 5.5%) (–1.2%; 95% CI: –1.17 to 0.69; p=0.60).

Conclusions

Aerobic exercise training was associated with improved FMD in postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure. In addition, exercise training may be more efficacious in improving endothelial function in postmenopausal women with endothelial dysfunction than individuals with normal endothelial function at baseline.
Using health status to measure NHS performance: another step into the dark for the health reform in England
Authors: Valderas J M , Fitzpatrick R , Roland M
Published: September 2011

The National Health Service in England is moving away from targets based on processes of care and focusing on patient outcomes. This vision is operationalised in the recently published NHS Outcomes Framework, which includes the generalised use of Patient Reported Outcomes (health status and quality of life) as measures of population health at the provider level. This is the first time that such a bold initiative is attempted in the UK and it is not without risks. In this article we elaborate on our experience on the use of Patient Reported Outcomes and identify challenges and likely implications of this approach and suggest less disruptive alternatives.