bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell Signaling Pathways Related to Pain Receptors in the Degenerated Disk
Authors: Hiyama Akihiko , Sakai Daisuke , Mochida Joji
Published: May 2013

Many of the causes of low back pain are still unknown; sufficient evidence indicates that both degenerative and mechanical change within the intervertebral disk (IVD) is a relevant factor. This article reviews intracellular signaling pathways related to pain receptors in the degenerated IVD. Several reports have demonstrated the number of nerve fibers in the IVD was increased in degenerated disks. In recent years, some groups have reported that an increase in nerve fibers is associated with the presence of inflammatory mediators and/or neurotrophins in the IVD. Cell signaling events, which are regulated by inflammatory mediators and neurotrophins, must be identified to clarify the mechanism underlying low back pain. Major intracellular signaling pathways (nuclear factor kappa β, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and Wnts) potentially play vital roles in mediating the molecular events responsible for the initiation and progression of IVD degeneration. These signaling pathways may represent therapeutic targets for the treatment of IVD degeneration and its associated back pain.
Plasmon excitations in C60 by fast charged particle beams
Authors: Li C. Z. , Mišković Z. L. , Goodman F. O. , Wang Y. N.
Published: May 2013

For an isolated C60 molecule, we study plasmon excitations that are induced by an external, fast moving electron, by using a two-dimensional, spherical, two-fluid hydrodynamic model for the dynamic response of the σ and π electrons in the carbon nanostructure. Second quantization of the linearized hydrodynamic model allows us to discuss how effective is multiple excitation of various plasmon modes. Mean numbers of the excited plasmon modes, differential cross sections, and the total energy loss of the incident electron are calculated by both a quantized model with zero damping and by a semi-classical model with phenomenological damping. Our calculated differential cross sections are compared with experiment.
Two-layer photo-thermal deflection model to study the non-radiative recombination process: Application to Ga0.7In0.3As0.23Sb0.77/GaSb and Al0.3Ga0.7As0.08Sb0.92/GaSb laser structures
Authors: Ilahi S. , Yacoubi N. , Genty F.
Published: May 2013

Photo-thermal deflection technique is used to study the nonradiative recombination process in laser structures Ga0.7In0.3As0.23Sb0.77 and Al0.7Ga0.3As0.08Sb0.92 grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaSb substrate. A two layer theoretical model has been developed, taking into account both thermal and electronic contributions in the photothermal signal; the coincidence between experimental curves giving the normalized amplitude and phase variations versus square root modulation frequency to the corresponding theoretical ones permits to determine non-radiative lifetime, electronic diffusivity, and surface and interface recombination velocities.
Temperature dependence on the structure of Zundel cation and its isotopomers
Authors: Suzuki Kimichi , Tachikawa Masanori , Shiga Motoyuki
Published: May 2013

Temperature dependence on the structural fluctuations of Zundel cation, ${\rm H}_5 {\rm O}_2^ +$H5O2+, and its isotopomers, ${\rm D}_5 {\rm O}_2^ +$D5O2+ and ${\rm T}_5 {\rm O}_2^ +$T5O2+, have been studied using path integral molecular dynamics simulations in which nuclear quantum effect is fully taken into account. It has been found that the fluctuations of hydrogen-oxygen and oxygen-oxygen distances, which are relevant to the hydrogen bonded structure, grow drastically as the temperature increases within the range of investigation between 100 K and 900 K. The fluctuation with respect to the position of non-bonded hydrogen also increases substantially as the temperature increases. The temperature dependence on the fluctuation is greater for ${\rm D}_5 {\rm O}_2^ +$D5O2+ or ${\rm T}_5 {\rm O}_2^ +$T5O2+ than that of ${\rm H}_5 {\rm O}_2^ +$H5O2+, since the zero-point effect of the former is less than the latter.
Analytic energy gradients for the orbital-optimized second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory
Authors: Bozkaya Uğur , Sherrill C. David
Published: May 2013

Analytic energy gradients for the orbital-optimized second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (OMP2) are presented. The OMP2 method is applied to difficult chemical systems, including those where spatial or spin symmetry-breaking instabilities are observed. The performance of the OMP2 method is compared with that of second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) for investigating geometries and vibrational frequencies of the cis-HOOH+, trans-HOOH+, LiO2, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm C}_{3}^{+}$\end{document}C3+, and NO2 molecules. For harmonic vibrational frequencies, the OMP2 method eliminates the singularities arising from the abnormal response contributions observed for MP2 in case of symmetry-breaking problems, and provides significantly improved vibrational frequencies for the above molecules. We also consider the hydrogen transfer reactions between several free radicals, for which MP2 provides poor reaction energies. The OMP2 method again exhibits a considerably better performance than MP2, providing a mean absolute error of 2.3 kcal mol−1, which is more than 5 times lower than that of MP2 (13.2 kcal mol−1). Overall, the OMP2 method seems quite helpful for electronically challenging chemical systems such as symmetry-breaking molecules, hydrogen transfer reactions, or other cases where standard MP2 proves unreliable. For such systems, we recommend using OMP2 instead of MP2 as a more robust method with the same computational scaling.
Thomson spectrometer–microchannel plate assembly calibration for MeV-range positive and negative ions, and neutral atoms
Authors: Prasad R. , Abicht F. , Borghesi M. , Braenzel J. , Nickles P. V. , Priebe G. , Schnürer M. , Ter-Avetisyan S.
Published: May 2013

We report on the absolute calibration of a microchannel plate (MCP) detector, used in conjunction with a Thomson parabola spectrometer. The calibration delivers the relation between a registered count numbers in the CCD camera (on which the MCP phosphor screen is imaged) and the number of ions incident on MCP. The particle response of the MCP is evaluated for positive, negative, and neutral particles at energies below 1 MeV. As the response of MCP depends on the energy and the species of the ions, the calibration is fundamental for the correct interpretation of the experimental results. The calibration method and arrangement exploits the unique emission symmetry of a specific source of fast ions and atoms driven by a high power laser.
First-principles study of the interaction of H2O with the GaSb (001) surface
Authors: Bermudez V. M.
Published: May 2013

The adsorption of H2O on the GaSb (001) surface, both clean and with pre-adsorbed H atoms, has been studied computationally using dispersion-corrected density functional theory. The model employed is the α-(4×3) reconstruction consisting of Ga-Sb dimers adsorbed on the Sb-terminated surface, a disordered version of which is believed to constitute the frequently observed Sb-rich (1×3) surface. On the clean surface, molecular adsorption of H2O at a coordinatively unsaturated Ga site is exothermic (ΔE = −0.57 eV), but dissociation of this adsorbed H2O is significantly endothermic (ΔE = +0.45 eV or more). Dissociation can form either a (HO)Ga-Sb(H) site involving a Ga-Sb dimer or a (H)Ga-O(H)-Sb bridge. Other reactions are also energetically feasible, depending on the bond strength of different inequivalent Ga-Sb dimers. The two structures have essentially the same energy, and both can undergo an exothermic reaction with a second H2O. For the (HO)Ga-Sb(H) site, this reaction leads to the breaking of the dimer bond and the adsorption of molecular water, while the (H)Ga-O(H)-Sb bridge transforms to (HO)Ga-O(H)-Sb with the release of H2. On the H-terminated surface, molecular adsorption of H2O can be suppressed and dissociative adsorption enhanced, which means that formation of an OH-terminated surface may be easier when starting with an H-terminated vs. a clean surface. The implications of these results for the growth of oxide/GaSb heterostructures via atomic layer deposition are discussed.
Analysis for the nonlinear electro-optic modulation effect of BaTiO3 crystal thin-film waveguide modulators
Authors: Sun DeGui , Fu Xiuhua , Hall Trevor J. , Jiang Huilin
Published: May 2013

Quadratic-order electro-optic (EO) modulation of BaTiO3 crystal thin-film devices has stimulated increasing research on high-bandwidth modulators and other functions. The quadratic-order EO modulation is created by an outside electric field with respect to the EO coefficient r42 or r51. In this work, the entire changing process of refractive index ellipsoid of BaTiO3 crystal driven by an outside electric field is investigated, and two nonlinear EO modulation processes of quadratic and quartic nonlinearities are found for defining the relationship between drive voltage and interaction length. Theoretical investigation shows the dominations of two nonlinear processes—the quadratic and quartic modulations strongly depend on the birefringence, the electric field intensity applied, and the interaction length. The condition for defining the two effective high-order nonlinear modulation processes is that at 1550 nm wavelength when the absolute birefringence is close to 0.001, the quadratic model is challenged and instead the quartic one is more effective. An absolute birefringence of 0.001 can make the r51 of 250 pm/V meet a half-wave drive voltage of 5 V and an interaction length of 1 mm, which has the same role as 600 pm/V r51 value at an absolute birefringence of 0.007. Such an important finding is also verified by the simulation results of optical output operations of the EO modulator. This work has theoretically explained an incredible phenomenon reported that the dramatically different values of an effective EO coefficient are measured for the same device sample at different experimental conditions: the electric field intensity applied and axis-orientation of crystal.
First principles modeling of zirconium solution in bulk UO2
Authors: Lan Jian-Hui , Wang Lin , Li Shuo , Yuan Li-Yong , Feng Yi-Xiao , Sun Wei , Zhao Yu-Liang , Chai Zhi-Fang , Shi Wei-Qun
Published: May 2013

We modeled the solution behavior of zirconium in uranium dioxide (UO2) by using density functional theory. The Coulomb repulsion of uranium 5f elections was characterized by a spherically averaged Hubbard parameter. Our results indicate that zirconium prefers to locate at U vacancies in UO2 and presents a slight tendency to accumulate in thermodynamics. The solution energies for hcp Zr metal and monoclinic ZrO2 indicates that these two precipitates are insoluble in UO2. In perfect UO2, the band-gap opening is governed by U 5f peaks around the Fermi energy, whereas the solution of zirconium further leads to the band gap splitting owing to the introduction of zirconium 4d peaks especially at high defect concentrations.
The multi-dimensional Hamiltonian structures in the Whitham method
Authors: Maltsev A. Ya.
Published: May 2013

We consider the averaging of local field-theoretic Poisson brackets in the multi-dimensional case. As a result, we construct a local Poisson bracket for the regular Whitham system in the multidimensional situation. The procedure is based on the procedure of averaging of local conservation laws and follows the Dubrovin–Novikov scheme of the bracket averaging suggested in one-dimensional case. However, the features of the phase space of modulated parameters in higher dimensions lead to a different natural class of the averaged brackets in comparison with the one-dimensional situation. Here we suggest a direct procedure of construction of the bracket for the Whitham system for d > 1 and discuss the conditions of applicability of the corresponding scheme. At the end, we discuss canonical forms of the averaged Poisson bracket in the multidimensional case.
Dynamical simulation of dipolar Janus colloids: Dynamical properties
Authors: Hagy Matthew C. , Hernandez Rigoberto
Published: May 2013

The dynamical properties of dipolar Janus particles are studied through simulation using our previously-developed detailed pointwise (PW) model and an isotropically coarse-grained (CG) model [M. C. Hagy and R. Hernandez, J. Chem. Phys. 137, 044505 (2012)10.1063/1.4737432]. The CG model is found to have accelerated dynamics relative to the PW model over a range of conditions for which both models have near identical static equilibrium properties. Physically, this suggests dipolar Janus particles have slower transport properties (such as diffusion) in comparison to isotropically attractive particles. Time rescaling and damping with Langevin friction are explored to map the dynamics of the CG model to that of the PW model. Both methods map the diffusion constant successfully and improve the velocity autocorrelation function and the mean squared displacement of the CG model. Neither method improves the distribution of reversible bond durations f(tb) observed in the CG model, which is found to lack the longer duration reversible bonds observed in the PW model. We attribute these differences in f(tb) to changes in the energetics of multiple rearrangement mechanisms. This suggests a need for new methods that map the coarse-grained dynamics of such systems to the true time scale.
An analysis of fluctuations in supercooled TIP4P/2005 water
Authors: Overduin S. D. , Patey G. N.
Published: May 2013

Large-scale, long-time molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate fluctuations in the TIP4P/2005 water model in the supercooled region (240-190 K). Particular attention is focused in the vicinity of a previously reported liquid-liquid critical point [J. L. F. Abascal and C. Vega, J. Chem. Phys. 133, 234502 (2010)]10.1063/1.3506860. Water is viewed as an equimolar binary mixture with “species” defined based on a local tetrahedral order parameter. A Bhatia-Thornton fluctuation analysis is used to show that species concentration fluctuations couple to density fluctuations and completely account for the anomalous increase in the structure factor at small wave number observed under supercooled conditions. Although we find that both concentration and density fluctuations increase with decreasing temperature along the proposed critical isochore, we cannot confirm the existence of a liquid-liquid critical point. Our simulations suggest that the parameters previously reported are not a true liquid-liquid critical point and we find no evidence of two-phase coexistence in its vicinity. It is shown that very long simulations (on the order of 8 μs for 500 molecules) are necessary to obtain well converged density distributions for deeply supercooled water and this is especially important if one is seeking direct evidence of a two-phase region.
Temperature-dependent optical properties of epitaxial CdO thin films determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry and Raman scattering
Authors: Choi S. G. , Gedvilas L. M. , Hwang S. Y. , Kim T. J. , Kim Y. D. , Zúñiga-Pérez J. , Muñoz Sanjosé V.
Published: May 2013

We report temperature-dependent optical properties of epitaxial CdO thin films grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy on sapphire substrates. Dielectric function ε = ε1 + iε2 spectra for CdO were extracted from the multilayer modeling of ellipsometric data, using a set of Tauc-Lorentz oscillators from 0.74 to 6.43 eV in the temperature range between 24 and 650 K. Temperature dependence of the energy for the major optical structures in the ε spectra was analyzed by using Varshni's approximation. Raman scattering (RS) spectroscopy was used to characterize the vibrational properties of CdO from 77 to 500 K. Several RS peaks were observed in the wavenumber range from 100 to 1000 cm−1. Peak positions, accurately determined by a series of Gaussian-Lorentzian mixed line profiles, exhibit a weak linear dependence on temperature.
The effect of dielectric confinement on photoluminescence of In2O3-SiO2 nanocomposite thin films incorporated by nitrogen
Authors: Lyu Yang-Ru , Hsieh Tsung-Eong
Published: May 2013

Nanocomposite thin films containing In2O3 nanoparticles were prepared by the target-attachment sputtering utilizing the InN pellets and allowing the N2 inlet gas flow during the deposition process. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the chemical composition of In2O3 nanoparticles becomes InOxNy and the SiOxNy phase forms in the matrix of nanocomposite layer. Photoluminescence analysis indicated that the dielectric confinement effect induced by the N-incorporation tends to restrain the green emission of nanocomposite layers due to the presence of surface polarization on nanoparticles. Suppression of blue emission was also observed due to the elimination of oxygen vacancies in In2O3 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the N elements might occupy the oxygen lattice sites and generate a new defect level, NO−, to induce the violet emission. Analytical results confirmed the mechanisms of green and blue emissions of the nanocomposite thin films containing In2O3 nanoparticles reported previously.
Quantum state-resolved gas/surface reaction dynamics probed by reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Li , Ueta Hirokazu , Bisson Régis , Beck Rainer D.
Published: May 2013

We report the design and characterization of a new molecular-beam/surface-science apparatus for quantum state-resolved studies of gas/surface reaction dynamics combining optical state-specific reactant preparation in a molecular beam by rapid adiabatic passage with detection of surface-bound reaction products by reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). RAIRS is a non-invasive infrared spectroscopic detection technique that enables online monitoring of the buildup of reaction products on the target surface during reactant deposition by a molecular beam. The product uptake rate obtained by calibrated RAIRS detection yields the coverage dependent state-resolved reaction probability S(θ). Furthermore, the infrared absorption spectra of the adsorbed products obtained by the RAIRS technique provide structural information, which help to identify nascent reaction products, investigate reaction pathways, and determine branching ratios for different pathways of a chemisorption reaction. Measurements of the dissociative chemisorption of methane on Pt(111) with this new apparatus are presented to illustrate the utility of RAIRS detection for highly detailed studies of chemical reactions at the gas/surface interface.
Influence of diamond surface termination on thermal boundary conductance between Al and diamond
Authors: Monachon Christian , Weber Ludger
Published: May 2013

The effect of diamond surface treatment on the Thermal Boundary Conductance (TBC) between Al and diamond is investigated. The treatments consist in either of the following: exposition to a plasma of pure Ar, Ar:H and Ar:O, and HNO3:H2SO4 acid dip for various times. The surface of diamond after treatment is analyzed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, revealing hydrogen termination for the as-received and Ar:H plasma treated samples, pure sp2 termination for Ar treated ones and oxygen (keton-like) termination for the other treatments. At ambient, all the specific treatments improve the TBC between Al and diamond from 23 ± 2 MW m–2 K–1 for the as-received to 65 ± 5, 125 ± 20, 150 ± 20, 180 ± 20 MW m–2 K–1 for the ones treated by Ar:H plasma, acid, pure Ar plasma, and Ar:O plasma with an evaporated Al layer on top, respectively. The effect of these treatments on temperature dependence are also observed and compared with the most common models available in the literature as well as experimental values in the same system. The results obtained show that the values measured for an Ar:O plasma treated diamond with Al sputtered on top stay consistently higher than the values existing in the literature over a temperature range from 78 to 290 K, probably due a lower sample surface roughness. Around ambient, the TBC values measured lay close to or even somewhat above the radiation limit, suggesting that inelastic or electronic processes may influence the transfer of heat at this metal/dielectric interface.
Numerical simulation and experiment on multilayer stagger-split die
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Li Mingzhe , Han Qigang , Yang Yunfei , Wang Bolong , Sui Zhou
Published: May 2013

A novel ultra-high pressure device, multilayer stagger-split die, has been constructed based on the principle of “dividing dies before cracking.” Multilayer stagger-split die includes an encircling ring and multilayer assemblages, and the mating surfaces of the multilayer assemblages are mutually staggered between adjacent layers. In this paper, we investigated the stressing features of this structure through finite element techniques, and the results were compared with those of the belt type die and single split die. The contrast experiments were also carried out to test the bearing pressure performance of multilayer stagger-split die. It is concluded that the stress distributions are reasonable and the materials are utilized effectively for multilayer stagger-split die. And experiments indicate that the multilayer stagger-split die can bear the greatest pressure.
Four dimensional chaos and intermittency in a mesoscopic model of the electroencephalogram
Authors: Dafilis Mathew P. , Frascoli Federico , Cadusch Peter J. , Liley David T. J.
Published: May 2013

The occurrence of so-called four dimensional chaos in dynamical systems represented by coupled, nonlinear, ordinary differential equations is rarely reported in the literature. In this paper, we present evidence that Liley's mesoscopic theory of the electroencephalogram (EEG), which has been used to describe brain activity in a variety of clinically relevant contexts, possesses a chaotic attractor with a Kaplan-Yorke dimension significantly larger than three. This accounts for simple, high order chaos for a physiologically admissible parameter set. Whilst the Lyapunov spectrum of the attractor has only one positive exponent, the contracting dimensions are such that the integer part of the Kaplan-Yorke dimension is three, thus giving rise to four dimensional chaos. A one-parameter bifurcation analysis with respect to the parameter corresponding to extracortical input is conducted, with results indicating that the origin of chaos is due to an inverse period doubling cascade. Hence, in the vicinity of the high order, strange attractor, the model is shown to display intermittent behavior, with random alternations between oscillatory and chaotic regimes. This phenomenon represents a possible dynamical justification of some of the typical features of clinically established EEG traces, which can arise in the case of burst suppression in anesthesia and epileptic encephalopathies in early infancy.
Ionic current devices—Recent progress in the merging of electronic, microfluidic, and biomimetic structures
Authors: Koo Hyung-Jun , Velev Orlin D.
Published: May 2013

We review the recent progress in the emerging area of devices and circuits operating on the basis of ionic currents. These devices operate at the intersection of electrochemistry, electronics, and microfluidics, and their potential applications are inspired by essential biological processes such as neural transmission. Ionic current rectification has been demonstrated in diode-like devices containing electrolyte solutions, hydrogel, or hydrated nanofilms. More complex functions have been realized in ionic current based transistors, solar cells, and switching memory devices. Microfluidic channels and networks—an intrinsic component of the ionic devices—could play the role of wires and circuits in conventional electronics.
Enhanced broadband near-infrared luminescence in Bi-doped glasses by co-doping with Ag
Authors: Xu Beibei , Chen Ping , Zhou Shifeng , Hong Zhanglian , Hao Jianhua , Qiu Jianrong
Published: May 2013

Enhanced broadband near-infrared luminescence has been observed in Bi-doped oxyfluoride glasses excited from UV to near-infrared regions with the addition of AgCl. Enhancement factors depend greatly on excitation wavelength and maximal enhancement factor over three times occurs at the excitation wavelength around 320, 640, and 800 nm. Ag species play dual functions. The mechanism of the enhancement is discussed in depth combing the energy transfer from Ag+, molecular-like, nonplasmonic Ag species, Bi3+ and Bi2+ to near-infrared bismuth active centers, and the redox reaction of Bi species with Ag species. These results offer a valuable way to enhance the near-infrared luminescence efficiency of Bi-doped glasses, and the dual functions of Ag species may also be employed to enhance luminescence of rare-earth and transition metal ions doped materials.
The effect of polarization fatigue process and light illumination on the transport behavior of Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 sandwiched capacitor
Authors: Gao R. L. , Chen Y. S. , Sun J. R. , Zhao Y. G. , Li J. B. , Shen B. G.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, Ag/Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 (BLFO)/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 sandwich structure was grown epitaxially on SrTiO3 substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Short-circuit photocurrent (Ishort) and frequency dependence of the capacitance were investigated. It reveals that this heterostructure exhibits strong photocurrent responses, the orientation of Ishort depends strongly on the polarization orientations, and it varies monotonically from one orientation to the other as the polarization orientation switching gradually from upward (downward) to downward (upward), the Ishort value becomes zero when the film is in zero polarization states. The intensity of the Ishort can be strengthened by several times after thousands of bipolar electric pulses. Moreover, after polarization fatigue process of bipolar electric pulses or under light illumination, the capacitance of this sandwich structure is always bigger than the original state. However, the magnifying ratio of the capacitance after and before polarization fatigue process or under light illumination decrease with increasing the frequency in the C-f curves. These results suggest that polarization induced surface charge combined with migration of oxygen vacancies is the primary driving force for the varying of interfacial barriers and the oxygen vacancies density near the interface, which in turn leads to different orientations and values of Ishort as well as the differential interfacial capacitance. Our results indicate that the photovoltaic response in ferroelectric BLFO thin films could be further explored for solar light photovoltaic and other capacitor devices applications.
Strain-related optical properties of ZnO crystals due to nanoindentation on various surface orientations
Authors: Juday R. , M. Silva E. , Y. Huang J. , G. Caldas P. , Prioli R. , Ponce F. A.
Published: May 2013

Nanoindentations were performed on various crystallographic orientations of single crystal ZnO using a cono-spherical diamond tip with a radius of curvature of 260 nm. The crystal orientations were the (112¯0) a-plane, (101¯0) m-plane, and (0001) c-plane (Zn-face). The optical properties associated with nanoindentation have been investigated by cathodoluminescence. The load-displacement curves show that the c-plane is the most resistive to deformation, followed by the m-plane, and the a-plane. A large number of non-radiative defects are created directly below the indentation, regardless of the crystal orientation. Nanoindentation on the a- and m-plane crystals activates slip along the (0001) basal planes, creating a band of non-radiative defects as well as tensile strain along the basal planes. Compressive strain is observed perpendicularly to the basal planes due to an absence of easy-glide mechanisms in these directions. The nanoindentation on the c-plane crystal results in regions under tensile strain extending away from the indentation along the six-fold a-directions.
Surface stability of epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films on (111)-oriented SrTiO3
Authors: Hallsteinsen I. , Boschker J. E. , Nord M. , Lee S. , Rzchowski M. , Vullum P. E. , Grepstad J. K. , Holmestad R. , Eom C. B. , Tybell T.
Published: May 2013

We report on the stability of the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin film surface when deposited on (111)-oriented SrTiO3. For ultrathin La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films, an initial 3-dimensional morphology is observed, which becomes 2-dimensional with increasing film thickness. For even thicker samples, we show that the surface morphology evolves from 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional and that this observation is consistent with an Asaro-Tiller-Grinfeld instability, which can be controlled by the deposition temperature. This allows for synthesis of films with step-and-terrace surfaces over a wide range of thicknesses. Structural characterization by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy shows that the films are strained to the SrTiO3 substrate and reveals the presence of an elongated out-of-plane lattice parameter at the interface with SrTiO3.
Laser self-induced tunable birefringence of magnetic fluid
Authors: Zu Peng , Chan Chi Chiu , Siang Lew Wen , Jin Yongxing , Fen Liew Hwi , Chang Wong Wei , Dong Xinyong , Zhan Foo Chi
Published: May 2013

The phenomenon of laser self-induced tunable birefringence of magnetic fluid is investigated. This phenomenon exists in magnetic fluid, no matter whether it is under an external magnetic field or not. The variation trend of the laser self-induced birefringence with the laser power follows a linear relationship. Besides, dichroism is not observed in accompany with the laser self-induced birefringence.
High strain biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane-based conductive graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite strain sensors
Authors: Lee Curtis , Jug Louis , Meng Ellis
Published: May 2013

High performance strain sensors were achieved featuring simple, low-cost construction involving the screen printing of combinations of multi-walled carbon nanotube and graphene nano-platelet nanocomposites on biocompatible and flexible polymer substrates. Conductivity and thermal coefficients of resistance of different conductive nanocomposite sensor materials were measured. The zero current resistance and gauge factor of printed sensors was characterized. The combination of high strain operation (up to 40%), high gauge factor (GF > 100), and biocompatible construction pave the way for applications such as minimally invasive in vivo strain measurements.
Elastic stability of high coupling ternary single crystals
Authors: Finkel Peter , Murphy Colin J. , Stace Joseph , Bussmann Konrad , Heitmann Adam , Amin Ahmed
Published: May 2013

A sub-hertz harmonic force was used to investigate the elastic response of ternary (1-y-x)Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-yPb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 (PIN-PMN-PT) single crystal with compositions (x = 0.30 and x = 0.33) near the Morphotropic Phase Boundary (MPB) under isothermal and zero-field conditions. The observed instability under mechanical compression is attributable to a ferroelectric rhombohedral FR-ferroelectric orthorhombic FO phase transformation. The associated strain is a function of proximity to MPB and is consistent with the prediction of the classical Devonshire theory. Isothermal resonance-antiresonance frequency sweeps versus temperature revealed a non-vertical MPB with (∂TRT/∂x)<0, where TRT is the rhombohedral-tetragonal transition temperature. These results provide insights into the role of PT content on the stability of PIN-PMN-PT crystals used for electromechanical devices and sound projectors.
ZnO plasmonics for telecommunications
Authors: Look D. C. , Leedy K. D.
Published: May 2013

Plasmonic resonances (λres's) at the telecommunication wavelengths of 1.3 and 1.55 μm can be accurately produced in ZnO layers grown at 200 °C by pulsed laser deposition in pure Ar ambient using a ZnO target with 3 wt. % Ga2O3, and then annealed in air to produce Hall-effect-determined carrier concentrations 8.8 and 6.0 × 1020 cm−3, respectively. Appropriate values of concentration and Hall mobility for a desired λres can be conveniently determined from a “plasmonic resonance phase diagram,” generated from the Drude equation and mobility theory. Values of λres as low as 1 μm can be attained in ZnO.
Horizontal cloaking and vertical reflection by transformation acoustics
Authors: Lee Min Kyung , Kim Yoon Young
Published: May 2013

This investigation shows that if an acoustic metamaterial bounded by an external rectangle and an internal circular cavity is properly engineered by a set of transformation equations that satisfy certain requirements, it can virtually cloak an object against incoming acoustic waves in one direction and make an incoming wave along the orthogonal direction reflected by an object located inside its inner cavity. The specific transformation equations realizing the metamaterial are suggested and an analysis is carried out to investigate the wave phenomena taking place along the cavity boundary.
Low temperature solid state processing of pure P3HT fibers
Authors: Rodrigues Alexandre , Nabankur Deb , Hilliou Loic , Viana Julio , Bucknall David G. , Bernardo Gabriel
Published: May 2013

Fibers of pure poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) of 1 and 2 mm diameter, were produced from solid state processing at temperatures of 200, 150 and 100ºC, i.e. up to more than 100 ºC below the melting point of P3HT (∼240 ºC), using a small device reminiscent with the early stage polymer extrusion machines. The fibers produced by this method are continuous and mechanically robust. WAXS results show that the macromolecular chains of P3HT are preferably oriented along the fiber axis. This study clearly shows, for the first time, that P3HT fibers can be processed without solvents well below the polymer's melting temperature.
A national survey: transporting patients within Australian hospitals.
Authors: Cook Robert , Gardner Glenn , Gardner Anne
Published: May 2013

A telephone survey was conducted to describe current practices and policies of patient transport in Australian hospitals.The survey had a 94% response rate. Results showed considerable variability and ambiguity throughout the samplein both practice and policy. Findings also indicated that criteria used for transport practices were predominantlyshaped by physiological and technological considerations. Factors related to human and financial resources, as well aspsychological and emotional aspects of the patient's condition, received little attention.
Setting priorities for high-cost medications in public hospitals in Australia: should the public be involved?
Authors: Gallego Gisselle , Taylor Susan J. , Brien Jo-anne E.
Published: May 2013

Aim. To explore healthcare decision makers’ perceptions about public involvement in setting priorities for high-cost medications (HCMs) in public hospitals in Australia. Methods. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 decision-makers (executive directors of hospitals, area health service managers, directors of hospital pharmacy departments and senior medical doctors) in a Sydney Area Health Service. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, thematically content analysed and coded. Results. The majority of participants perceived that the ‘rationing debate’ needs to happen in Australia. The community at large should be encouraged to understand that healthcare resources are limited and choices need to be made. The perspectives of the public, according to participants, were considered diverse (tax payers, patients, consumers). Owing to the complexities of the healthcare system, their involvement of the public in decision-making regarding access to HCMs in public hospitals was considered limited. For participants, the role of the public was likely to be at the macro level, deciding how much they were prepared to spend on healthcare. Conclusion. The role of the public in setting priorities for HCMs in public hospitals was perceived by these healthcare decision makers as limited. However since rationing is unavoidable, there should be an explicit debate about the principles and issues concerned. What is known about the topic? Recognition of the importance of engaging the public in healthcare decision making is increasing. However, there is only limited understanding of the role of citizens in current priority setting mechanisms for allocating scarce resources to high-cost technologies such as medications at the public hospital level. What does this paper add? This study describes how involving the public in setting priorities for HCMs can present specific challenges from the perspective of decision makers working in the public hospital system. What are the implications for practitioners? In a time when public awareness is increasing about medical advances the challenge is to find ways of informing and involving the public in the debate about the distribution of healthcare resources. The results from this study will be useful for policy makers working on ways to improve the legitimacy of decisions at the institutional level.
'Nowhere to room … nobody told them': logistical and cultural impediments to Aboriginal peoples' participation in cancer treatment
Authors: Shahid Shaouli , Finn Lizzie , Bessarab Dawn , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: May 2013

Background. Cancer mortality among Indigenous Australians is higher compared to the non-Indigenous population and attributed to poor access to cancer detection, screening, treatment and support services. A large proportion of Indigenous Australians live in rural and remote areas which makes access to cancer treatment services more challenging. Factors, such as transport, accommodation, poor socio-economic status and cultural appropriateness of services also negatively affect health service access and, in turn, lead to poor cancer outcomes. Design, setting and participants. Qualitative research with 30 in-depth interviews was conducted with Aboriginal people affected by cancer from across WA, using a variety of recruitment approaches. Results. The infrastructure around the whole-of-treatment experience affected the decision-making and experiences of Aboriginal patients, particularly affecting rural residents. Issues raised included transport and accommodation problems, travel and service expenses, displacement from family, concerns about the hospital environment and lack of appropriate support persons. These factors are compounded by a range of disadvantages already experienced by Aboriginal Australians and are vital factors affecting treatment decision-making and access. Conclusion. To improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal people, logistical, infrastructure and cultural safety issues must be addressed. One way of ensuring this could be by dedicated support to better coordinate cancer diagnostic and treatment services with primary healthcare services. What is known about the topic? Cancer is a major cause of death among Indigenous Australians who are generally diagnosed later with their disease, have poorer continuity of care and lower uptake and completion of cancer treatment. For cancer diagnosis at an equivalent stage of cancer, Aboriginal people have poorer outcomes. What does this paper add? This study documents Aboriginal perspectives on basic infrastructure and logistical problems which impede their accessing hospital-based cancer treatments: transport, accommodation, preparation for the experience of hospital and cancer treatment, service affordability and the certainty of support services. What are the implications for practitioners? There are difficulties for practitioners in addressing the geographic, socioeconomic and cultural differences that Aboriginal people face in accessing cancer treatment. System level changes to ensure cultural safety, social support and better coordination with primary healthcare are essential to improve outcomes of Aboriginal people with cancer.
Development of a multi-source feedback tool for consultant anaesthetist performance
Authors: Noonan Craig L. F. , Monagle John , Castanelli Damian
Published: May 2013

The process of development, and implementation, of a multi-source feedback tool for consultant anaesthetists is described. Rater groups included the anaesthetist-in-charge, anaesthetic assistants, anaesthetic trainees and, for some, the nurse-in-charge of the floor. Multiple items were developed to rate consultant behaviour, especially non-technical aspects of behaviour, and used across some or all of the rater groups. Response rates for items and by rater groups are discussed. The collated information formed part of the annual staff appraisal process conducted by the director. The information is useful for the director and the process is well-accepted by the staff.
Lifetime reproductive success in a population of female red kangaroos Macropus rufus in the sheep rangelands of western New South Wales: Environmental effects and population dynamics
Authors: Bilton AD , Croft DB
Published: May 2013

Female reproductive success and the recruitment of offspring to the next generation are key
components of animal population dynamics. With an annual commercial harvest of between 13
and 22% of the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) population, it is increasingly important that
these processes are understood. We used data on the reproductive success of 33 free-ranging
female M. rufus on Fowlers Gap station in far western New South Wales to determine the
expected lifetime reproductive success (LRS) of females within an unharvested population. We
also designed a model to generate predictions about female LRS incorporating empirical
relationships between a mother?s reproductive success and maternal age, environmental
conditions and the sex and survivorship of a previous reproductive attempt. Results from
observations on female LRS (calculated from annual weaning rates) and those generated by the
model predict that female M. rufus on ?Fowlers Gap? wean, on average, 3.7 young in a lifetime
(ranges 0 - 11 and 0 - 20, respectively); representing only 41% of their maximum reproductive
potential. Manipulation of initial starting conditions allowed the effect of varying
environmental conditions on female LRS to be explored. The condition of the environment
when females commence breeding does not appear to significantly affect their overall lifetime
reproductive output. However, the occurrence of drought does. Females experiencing two
droughts in a lifetime did not live as long and weaned fewer offspring and grandoffspring (from
their daughters) than those females experiencing only one drought in a lifetime. In addition to
the adverse effect of drought on the reproductive success of female M. rufus in this study, we
suggest that, given the relatively high and stable population densities of M. rufus on ?Fowlers
Gap?, other mechanisms (acting primarily on juvenile survival) must exist which limit
population growth.
Genetic effects of kangaroo harvesting.
Authors: Hale PT
Published: May 2013

There is concern that the commercial harvest of kangaroos (Macropus spp.) is affecting species
fitness and evolutionary potential because the harvest selects for larger individuals, particularly
males. This paper reviews the likely effect of selective harvesting on specific traits associated
with fitness, including size, and on adaptive genotypes through generalised loss of gene
diversity. Heritability for traits associated with fitness is low generally. The intensity of
selection imposed by harvesting is low for several reasons: the geographic size of genetic
populations is much larger than the harvest localities, which are therefore not closed but open
with immigration acting to correct any change in allele frequencies through harvesting; the
harvest targets kangaroos above a threshold weight that includes all adult males, not the largest
males specifically; larger, older males may not confer significant fitness benefits on offspring;
fitness traits are inherited through both sexes while males are targeted predominantly;
populations are not at a selective equilibrium because food availability fluctuates, and the fittest
is unlikely to be the largest. Comparisons of harvested and unharvested populations do not
show any loss of gene diversity as a result of harvesting. The likelihood of a long-term genetic
impact of kangaroo harvesting as currently practiced is negligible.
Increasing milk production from forage: production systems and extension service preferences of the northern Australian dairy industry
Authors: Chataway R. G. , Barber D. G. , Callow M. N.
Published: May 2013

Dairy farms in Queensland were stratified by six regions, three levels of enterprise size (0.25–0.69, 0.7–1.39 or >1.4 ML milk/year) and two rainfall zones (<1000 and >1000 mm/year). Thirteen percent of farmers (89 farms) were surveyed using a prepared questionnaire to ascertain the current production systems, forage management practices and preferences for extension services. Herd size, dairy area, milk production per cow, the use of cropping, pit silage, concentrate input and irrigation input all increased (P < 0.05) with larger enterprises. At the same time the stocking rate on high milk volume farms was almost twice that on smaller farms. The drier zone (<1000 mm/year) was associated with lower stocking rate, higher per cow production and a greater emphasis on cropping and feedpad usage (P < 0.05). The importance of enterprise growth through intensification of the existing farm land resource base is indicated through these findings. Apart from ration formulation, processes used to manage cropping land, irrigation and grazing were primarily based on tradition or intuition.
In valuing extension activities, farmers across all enterprise sizes were in general agreement that information products warranted only a small investment. As enterprise size increased, a more individualised and focussed extension service, delivered through targeted discussion groups and personal coaches was favoured.
Factors promoting axon growth in the deer antler
Authors: Nieto-Diaz M. , Pita-Thomas W. , Maza R. M. , Yunta-Gonzalez M. , Lopez-Rodríguez M. J. , Navarro-Ruiz R. , Reigada D. , Fernández-Martos C. , Nieto-Sampedro M.
Published: May 2013

During their annual regeneration, antlers are innervated by trigeminal sensory axons growing at the highest rate recorded for any adult mammal. Previous analyses established the presence in the antler of nerve growth factor and neurotrophin 3 neurotrophins, which may underlie this rapid nerve growth. We are currently exploring the expression of other molecules that may be involved in such growth (axon growth promoters) combining several gene-expression techniques. Preliminary results indicate the expression of different growth promoters in the antler velvet, five of them not previously described in deer. The expression of these molecules as well as others described in the literature suggests that antler velvet promotes axon growth. However, most promoters expressed in the velvet are also present in unmodified deer skin. Thus, it must be asked why axons grow so fast in the antler? To answer that question, we developed a series of in vitro experiments using sensory neurons from adult and embryo rodents. These studies suggested that soluble proteins secreted by the velvet strongly promote neurite outgrowth. Using specific blocking antibodies, we demonstrated that nerve growth factor is partially responsible for these effects although other yet unidentified proteins seem also to be involved. The studies also showed that neither endocrine serum factors nor antler tissue substrate stimulate neurite outgrowth, although deep velvet layers cause neurite outgrowth orientation.