bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size Dependence of Universal Conductance Fluctuations in Narrow n+-GaAs Wires
Authors: Ishibashi Koji , Kawai Hiroshi , Gamo Kenji , Namba Susumu , Ishida Shuichi , Murase Kazuo , Aoyagi Yoshinobu , Kawabe Mitsuo
Published: March 2014

The sample size dependence of the aperiodic magnetoconductance fluctuations in narrow doped GaAs wires has been studied. For the wire with larger size than the inelastic scattering length, the magnitude of the fluctuation is proportional to inverse root square of the number of phase coherent subunits due to the self-averaging effect.
Search for Universality of the Density of States of Low-Energy Excitations in Amorphous Metals
Authors: Hofacker M. , Sander W. , Sürgers C. , Löhneysen H. v.
Published: March 2014

In search for a dependence of the density of low-energy excitations (two-level tunneling states, TLS) in amorphous metals on the glass transition temperature Tg or crystallization temperature Tcr, we have performed specific heat measurements on low-Tcr quench-condensed SnxCu1-x (0.54 ≤ x ≤ 0.87) and high-Tcr melt-spun (Mo1-xRux)0.8P0.2 (0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.7). Both systems are superconducting with Tc>3 K which allows an unambiguous determination of the TLS density of states no from the specific heat for T≪Tc. For all investigated samples, no falls in the range 2 ... 6·1041J-1mol-1 whereas Tcr is at least a factor of 10 higher in the Mo-Ru-P system.
Using Superfluid Turbulence to Study Noise-Induced Transitions
Authors: Tough J. T.
Published: March 2014

Superfluid turbulence generated by heat flow in He II provides an important physical system for the study of noise-induced transitions. The turbulence is described by a single amplitude, the vortex line density L(\dotQ), and undergoes a continuous transition from a state TI to the homogeneous state TII as the heat current \dotQ is increased. When noise is added to the heat current the system is described by a probability density with maxima defining the most probable state. At low noise levels these stochastic steady states are identical to the deterministic steady states in the absence of noise. This intuitive result is dramatically changed when the noise amplitude is increased. The probability densities are now bimodal in the vicinity of the TI/TII transition and the stochastic steady states show noise-induced bistability.
Inelastic-Electron-Tunneling Spectroscopy of Derivates of Benzoic Acid and Effects due to Irradiation with 3 MeV Protons at 4.2 K
Authors: Burger J. , Saemann-Ischenko G. , Adrian H.
Published: March 2014

Inelastic-Electron-Tunneling-Spectroscopy was used to investigate in-situ the irradiation damage of benzoic acid and the derivates p-cyanobenzoic acid and p-aminobenzoic acid at 4.2 K with 3 MeV protons. Benzoic acid is one order of magnitude less sensitive to irradiation than the derivates on account of its delocalized Π-electron system. Substituents located at the carbon ring tend to change the distribution of the electrons at the C6-ring leading to an enhanced sensitivity to irradiation. After irradiation, the samples were annealed at 293 K in order to get information about the stability of possibly formed molecular fragments at room temperature.
Spin-Glass Ordering in Ultra-Thin Metal Films
Authors: Vranken Jos , Haesendonck Christiaan van , Bruynseraede Yvan
Published: March 2014

We performed detailed measurements of the temperature dependence of the resistivity in thin films of AgMn and CuCr spin-glasses (cMn≃cCr≃1 at %). In AgMn films, the resistivity caused by the spin-glass order is independent of the film thickness. CuCr films on the other hand, show a gradual transition towards the single-impurity Kondo limit with decreasing film thickness.
Anisotropic Spin Glass Behavior of Mn3+: Fe2TiO5 System
Authors: Srivastava J. K. , Hammann J.
Published: March 2014

A decrease of both the longitudinal and transverse spin freezing temperatures occurs in the uniaxially anisotropic spin glass Fe2TiO5 when 5% of Fe3+ ions are replaced by Mn3+. This is understood on the basis of the mean field theory of anisotropic spin glasses, the increase in bond disorder on Mn3+ doping and the presence of weak, random Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction which couples the longitudinal and transverse irreversibilities.
Spin Glass-like Anomalous Memory in Ferromagnetic MCl2-GIC3 (M: Co, Ni)
Authors: Matsuura Motohiro , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Karaki Yoshitomo , Murakami Youichi
Published: March 2014

Memory phenomena in the ordered state of triangular ferromagnets CoCl2- and NiCl2 graphite intercalation compounds (GIC) are investigated by the measurement of thermoremanent and field induced magnetizations. The results are compared with the theoretically expected one for spin glass. Measurement for a typical spin glass CuMn alloy is undertaken for a comparison. An anomalous memory is revealed in the intermediate state, which shows apparently characteristics of both ordered and disordered states.
Temperature Dependence of the Thermoelectric Powder of Quench Condensed Amorphous AgxSn1-x-Films
Authors: Compans E. , Baumann F.
Published: March 2014

We prepared thin AgxSn1-x-films over the whole concentration range by vapor deposition onto a liquid He cooled substrate. The films grow amorphous for 0.22 < x < 0.7. We measured thermoelectric power and electrical resistivity in situ in the temperature range from 1.5 K to 370 K. At high temperature the thermopower is positive and proportional to temperature, whereas at lower temperatures it is nonlinear, the deviation from linearity being negative. The tin-rich films show the strongest deviation, leading to a pronounced minimum in the thermopower at about 30 K. The temperature dependence of the deviation is clearly that predicted by Kaiser [1] for electron-phonon enhancement. Its sign and magnitude however cannot be explained in terms of energy renormalization. We therefore interpret the deviation as being caused by velocity and relaxation-time renormalization.
Overflow Rates of the Liquid He(II) Depending on Materials of Vessels
Authors: Kitano Yasuyuki , Sasaki Shosuke
Published: March 2014

Flow dynamics of thin films of normal liquids have been solved by Sasaki and it is also suggested that the overflow rate of the liquid He(II) from vessels strongly related with an interaction energy between He-atoms and surface atoms of the vessels as well as the shape of the vessels. In this paper, experimental facts which qualitatively support the theory are presented. The liquid He(II) in two small glass test tubes in a cryostat shows a clear difference in their top surface levels if the glass surface of one of the tubes is coated by paraffin. The liquid He(II) in a lead vessel has gone away within two hours but the liquid He(II) in a teflon vessel in the same size and in the same condition as above stay for about thirty hours.
Low Temperature Properties of Rare Earth Trifluoromethanesulfonates
Authors: Bellesis G. H. , Simizu Satoru , Friedberg S. A.
Published: March 2014

Hexagonal crystals of rare earth trifluoromethanesulfonate nonahydrates R(CF3SO3)3·9H2O, RTFMS are similar in structure to the rare earth ethylsulfate nonahydrates RES. χ|| and χ⊥ measured between 0.06 and 20K show RTFMS salts with R = Tb, Dy and Ho to be dipolar ferromagnets ordering at 0.24K, 0.111K and 0.224K, respectively, as do the corresponding RES compounds. Like CeES, CeTFMS remains paramagnetic but their Ce3+ level splittings are different. PrTFMS exhibits antiferromagnetic long-range order below TN≈0.31K while PrES shows only short- range one dimensional order. Measurements of Cp for TbTFMS and PrTFMS confirm their phase transitions.
Nonlinearities in Optically Induced Magnetism in Dilute Magnetic Semiconductors
Authors: Warnock J. , Awschalom D. D.
Published: March 2014

Optically induced magnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductors is treated using a model which includes spin exchange band splitting effects. It is found that the induced magnetism is self limiting, thus explaining the nonlinearities observed in recent experiments.
Electron-Phonon Interaction Mechanism of Temperature Induced Ferromagnetism
Authors: Ukon Shuji , Tanaka Chikako , Kawabata Keiko , Kim D. J.
Published: March 2014

Y2Ni7, which is pararragnetic at T=0, becomes ferromagnetic when the temperature is raised to ∼7K; then at ∼60K the system again makes a phase transition to paramagnetic state. We show how it is possible to understand such a behavior of an itinerant electron system if we take into account the effect of the electron-phonon interaction.
Quantum Lattice Gas Model on the Triangular Lattice
Authors: Miyashita Seiji
Published: March 2014

The coexistence of the diagonal long range order and the off-diagonal long range order is discussed for a model with frustrated Interaction on the triangular lattice. Nature of order parameters are compared with those of the classical model.
NMR Study of Successive Phase Transitions in Triangular Lattice Antiferromagnet CsNiCl3
Authors: Maegawa Satoru , Goto Takao , Ajiro Yoshitami
Published: March 2014

Succesive phase transitions (TN1 and(>) TN2) and magnetic properties of a Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the triangular lattice, CsNiCl3, have been studied by NMR of is 133Cs. In the low temperature phase (T<TN2) the 120° structure of Ni moments in the ac-plane was confirmed by angular dependences of NMR spectrums. In the intermediate phase (TN2<T<TN1) the angular dependences of NMR spectrums were not explained by the component disorder model which has been proposed. We propose a new model that sublattice switching occurs in this phase. We have also observed an expansion of the temperature region of the intermediate phase due to the impurity of Co2+.
Nuclear Spin-Lattice Relaxation of 133Cs in CsFeCl3
Authors: Chiba Meiro , Ajiro Yoshitami , Adachi Kimio , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: March 2014

The spin state of Fe2+ ion in CsFeCl3 is known as the singlet ground state presenting the magnetic order at only around the level crossing field, Bx, of 7.5 T and at low temperatures below 2.5 K. In order to study the magnetic fluctuations of Fe2+ spin of this material, the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time, T1, of Cs is measured mainly at 4.2 K, i.e., at the paramagnetic phase, under the applied magnetic field up to 15 T. A drastic decrease of T1 around Bx is observed. We propose a new mechanism of T1 inherent in the level crossing based on the direct flip process between the nuclear spin and the exchange broadened electron spin system.
Mass Enhancement from Nernst-Ettingshausen Measurement on Al below 1K
Authors: Amjadi A. , Bass J.
Published: March 2014

Nernst-Ettingshausen coefficient measurements on Al at 0.21 K are reported for magnetic fields up to 3T. For fields up to 2T, the data are consistent with a simple electron-phonon mass-enhancement factor of 1+λ.
Fractons in Percolation Clusters
Authors: Yakubo Kousuke , Nakayama Tuneyoshi
Published: March 2014

The mode patterns of fractons are obtained for the first time In terms of a novel numerical method. It is found that fractal excitations take the mode patterns peculiar to the percolation clusters and the fracton density of states N(ω) obeys clearly the ω1/3 law as conjectured by Alexander and Orbach. We could not find the notable rapid rise nor the hump In the density of states In the phonon-fracton crossover region.
Thermal Properties of Quasicrystalline and Amorphous Pd–U–Si
Authors: Löhneysen H. v. , Wosnitza J. , Berg R. van den , Compans E. , Poon S. J.
Published: March 2014

Measurements of the specific heat C and the thermopower S of quasicrystalline and amorphous Pd0.588U0.206Si0.206 are reported. While the vibrational contribution to C is nearly identical in both phases, a small difference (30 %) is found in the large linear specific-heat contribution (λ≈ 115–160 mJ/mole U K2) which is attributed to a narrow 5f band. The low-T behavior of S reflects the corresponding large electronic density of states, while at higher T a sign change at very different T possibly indicates scattering from “crystal”-field excitations which is different for both phases due to the different local symmetries.
Specific Heat of Nb3Al Analyzed in the Eliashberg Formalism
Authors: Junod A. , Jorda J.-L. , Muller J.
Published: March 2014

The specific heat of two Nb3Al superconductors with Tc=16.85 and 18.45 K is measured and analyzed in terms of the Eliashberg theory. A model for the phonon density F(ω) is fitted to the normal-state data. The spectral electron-phonon coupling function α2F(ω) on the other hand is fitted to the superconducting-state data using the former density F(ω) and a step function α2(ω). This model fits both the entire deviation function and Tc itself We thus obtain thermodynamically consistent values for λ–µ* (1.50), the DOS (.92 eV-1 at-1 spin-1), ℏωlog (11.6 meV), ℏω̄2 (13.1 meV), Bc (0) (.524 T), 2Δo/kBTc (4.54); the numbers refer to the thermally ordered sample. The overall agreement with tunneling data is generally good; ωlog is about 20 % higher. The correlation between λ and the DOS is confirmed in these samples.
Superfluid Turbulence in He II at Elevated Pressures
Authors: Mimura K. , Luszczynski K.
Published: March 2014

Experiments on thermally driven turbulent counterflow in Hell at elevated pressures (up to -24 bar) were carried out in large-aspect-ratio rectangular channels at 1.385 and 1.600 K. Fast response bolometers were used to record temperature profiles inside the channels. The steady-state results are in good agreement with Schwarz's theory [1]. The experiments also have yielded new data on growth and decay of superfluid turbulence.
Superconducting Properties of Nb3Al Processed by Nb/Al Multilayer Films
Authors: Watanabe Kazuo , Noto Koshichi , Morita Hiroaki , Fujimori Hiroyasu
Published: March 2014

The study for improvement of critical current density Jc using Nb/Al multilayer films was carried out. In order to resolve the role of the two stage heat treatment, which was very effective for powder metallurgy processed Nb3Al wires, samples deposited on quartz substrates were heat-treated under various conditions and examined by X-ray analyses. Superconducting properties were measured and compared with those of powder process. In multilayer films prepared with a nominal layer thickness ratio Nb/Al=3/1 which corresponds to 26.5 at.% Al, a thick Nb layer of 900 Å was needed to show high Jc properties. These results were much different from data reported by Bormann et al. on the 25 at.% Al multilayers.
Superconductivity of VN under Pressure
Authors: Grewe J. , Schilling J. S. , Luo H. L.
Published: March 2014

The study of the pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature Tc of VN has been extended to hydrostatic pressures as high as 35 kbar. Tc is found to increase over the entire pressure range in a nearly linear manner at the rate dTc/dp≃+12 mK/kbar.
Preparation and Superconducting Properties of MoNx Thin Films
Authors: Ohshima Shigetoshi , Satoh Rie , Wakiyama Tokuo
Published: March 2014

Formation process, phase analysis and superconducting properties of MoNx thin films prepared by DC and RF reactive magnetron sputtering were Investigated. The optical emission spectra of N2 plasma were measured by a spectroscope. In N2 plasma of DC and RF magnetron sputtering, excited N2 molecules, N2 ions and excited Mo atoms were observed. The Tc of cubic MoNx films prepared by DC and RF modes was found to range between 8.5 K and below 4.2 K. B1 like MoN films were nonsuperconducting above 4.2 K in contrast to theoretical predictions.
Low Temperature Specific Heat of ZrTe3
Authors: Matsuda Satoshi , Yamaya Kazuhiko , Abe Yutaka , Sambongi Takashi
Published: March 2014

Specific heat of ZrTe3 was measured by the thermal relaxation method in the temperature range from 1.3K to 9K. The lattice contribution to the specific heat deviated from Debye-behavior near 5K, changing from T3 to T2.5. This behavior indicates the effects of lattice anisotropy. From the electronic contribution to the specific heat we estimated an electron density of states at the Fermi level of 0.67 states/(eV.spin.molecule). The specific heat anomaly at the supercon-ducting transition was not a jump, but gradual increase from the normal value. This supports a filamentary nature of the superconductivity in ZrTe3.
LSD Calculation of Electronic Structure of High Tc Superconductor: La–Sr–Cu–O Systems
Authors: Siraishi Kenji , Oshiyama Atsushi , Shima Nobuyuki , Nakayama Takashi , Saito Riichiro , Kamimura Hiroshi
Published: March 2014

Spin-polarized band structures of high Tc La–Sr–Cu–O compounds are first calculated by a self-consistent nonlocal pseudopotential method in the local spin density (LSD) functional formalism where the basis set is expanded in terms of gaussian orbitals. The calculated results show that a spin polarization occurs in this system. The obtained difference of the total numbers of the upper and lower spins in this calculation is 0.4. This result suggests that the electron-electron interactions in the conduction bands are important for high Tc superconductivity, but no so strong compared with the concept of the ordinary Hubbard model.
Effect of Oxygen Vacancies on the Electronic Structure of La2-xMxCuO4-y
Authors: Richert Brent A. , Allen Roland E.
Published: March 2014

The band structure of La2-xMxCuO4 has been calculated using a semiempirical tight-binding Hamiltonian and the virtual crystal approximation. The results are similar for Ba, Sr, and Ca (as the metal M), and for all small values of x. When oxygen vacancies are introduced on the 01 site (short bond), there is a dramatic effect on the electronic structure for \veck along the ΓΔ line of the Brillouin zone. Vacancies on the 02 site (long bond) are found to have relatively little effect on the electronic structure.
Thermohydrodynamic Description of Adiabatic Flow of He II with a New-Type Mutual Friction Force
Authors: Satoh Takeo , Satoh Toshimi , Ohtsuka Taiichiro , Okuyama Mineo
Published: March 2014

Adiabatic flow of HeII has been studied up to a net mass flow velocity v≃100cm/s through a capillary of i.d. 0.2mm and length 50cm, in a wide temperature range 1.3∼0.8K. In order to reproduce the temperature distribution along the capillary within the framework of two-fluid hydrodynamics, we find a new-type mutual friction force Fsn∝L0(v)·(vs-vn) where the steady state vortex line density L0 is not a function of the relative velocity vs-vn but a function of the net mass flow velocity v, which is almost equal to the superfluid component velocity vs in the temperature range investigated. It is found that L0 shows a very remarkable behavior as a function of v (or vs).
Compact Two-Beam Head with a Hybrid Two-Wavelength Laser Array for Magneto-Optic Recording
Authors: Nakamuka Shigeru , Ojima Masahiro , Nakao Takeshi , Kato Takeshi , Mizuishi Ken'ichi
Published: March 2014

A compact two-beam optical head using a hybrid two-wavelength laser array is demonstrated for real time verification in a magneto-optic disk. The head height is 10mm. This head uses an aspherical plastic focusing lens and new compound polarized beam splitter ( PBS ) detection optics for detecting spot position signals and magneto-optic signals with the same optics making the head more compact.
Magneto-Optic Disk Drive of High Speed Track Accessability
Authors: Ishibashi Hiromichi , Shimizu Ryosuke , Imura Masaharu , Kuwamoto Makoto , Yamamoto Hajime , Tanaka Shin-ichi , Shimamoto Takeshi
Published: March 2014

This paper describes 5 1/4-in. high track-access performance magneto-optic disk drive. The drive employs a split optical system with a swing-arm actuator, the inertia of which is 160 g cm2(equivalent to a linear actuator of 10 g weight). An avarage seek time was estimated less than 35ms in the absence of latency. It is noticeable that both its mechanism and control systems are very simple.
A New Focus Servo Method for Magneto-Optical Disk Systems
Authors: Oka Michio , Fukumoto Atushi , Osato Kiyoshi , Kubota Shigeo
Published: March 2014

The influence of birefringence of a polycarbonate disk upon focus error signals in a magneto-optical disk system is analyzed. We propose a useful focus servo method employing a micro-prism, which is well suited for sampling tracking method.
Fine Seek Technique
Authors: Katsuhara Wataru , Arai Shigeru , Iwamoto Toshitaka
Published: March 2014

We developed a new fine seek technique which uses pulses of fixed height and width to compensate for the beam velocity. The stability of this technique is very high, and the probability that the beam cannot be pulled into a target track is less than 10-4. This technique is performed only by logic, and can be implemented with a low-cost micro-processor. This method permits a stable and high-speed fine seek, whose seek time for 100 tracks is less than 10 ms.
High Speed Write Once Optical Memory using 130 mm Disk for Computer Use
Authors: Ito Osamu , Yoshimoto Kyosuke , Ogawa Masaharu , Yamamoto Tetsu , Ozaki Minoru , Tanaka Kunimaro , Inoue Tohru , Konishi Naoyuki , Matsuo Shigeru , Miyamoto Toshio
Published: March 2014

Fast data retrieval of the optical disk memory can be attributed to fast head accessing along with stable tracking and focusing servos and high speed decoding of error correcting code. To realize fast head access, an access control technique, with accurate position and speed information obtained from the disk surface and state observer, has been developed. A digitized servo circuit achieved a stable pull on the destination track after seek motion. By the above technique, less than 70 msec of the average access time was attained in a “full-height” sized optical disk drive. To realize high speed decoding, an error detection and correction processor with applied Eucl-idian algorithm has been developed. This paper describes the details of technology used to achieve the fast data retrieval.
Photomemory Materials: Present State and Future Prospect in Japan
Authors: Tazuke Shigeo
Published: March 2014

Recent advances in photon-mode image recording media in Japan was reviewed. Three ministries (the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, the Science and Technology Agency, and the Ministry of Education) organized purpose oriented research groups on photoresponsive materials independently and a large part of each research project is more or less relevant to photomemory systems. Outlines of these projects were described and the present state of art was discussed.
A New Single Layer Bubble Mode Optical Memory Using ICO-N Film (In–CH4–O2–N2 Reactive Sputtered Film)
Authors: Takeoka Yoshikatsu , Iida Atsuko , Nagatani Hiroyuki
Published: March 2014

A new single layer babble forming film, In–CH4–O2–N2 reactive sputtered film, has been developed to a write-once recording film for a direct bonding disk such as substrate/recording film/resin adhesive layer/substrate. The 13mW of writing power was needed for obtaining 0.4 contrast ratio reading at 5.6m/sec disk linear velocity with 200nsec pulse width. This writing power is only 2mW higher than that for a resin uncoated, single sided disk.
Kinetics of Laser Mark Formation on Overcoated and Nonovercoated Organic Media
Authors: Gupta Mool C.
Published: March 2014

The kinetics of laser mark formation on overcoated and nonovercoated organic media were studied by measuring the reflectance variation during mark formation time. The results of the effect of laser power, pulse duration, and film thickness on mark formation kinetics are presented.
Effect of Tl and Metallic Element Addition to In–Se Based Phase-change Optical Recording Film
Authors: Nishida Tetsuya , Terao Motoyasu , Nakazawa Masatoshi
Published: March 2014

The mechanism of fast crystallization of In-Se phase-change optical recording films by Tl addition is studied determining atomic arrangement by XPS and using crystallization kinetics of a written amorphous state. Thallium ions in the In-Se-Tl film found to be monovalent, so they cut atomic bonds. The minimum crystallization time by an laser-beam irradiation is shorten to 0.2µs by the Tl addition. The Tl addition increases both the activation energy and frequency factor for crystallization. Cobalt addition to the In-Se-Tl film not only stabilizes amorphous state but also makes erasing faster. The minimum crystallization time is further shorten to 0.06 µs. The retention time of written dot's amorphous state is estimated to be 100 years at 150°C. More than 2500 times of single-beam overwrite is achieved using In-Se-Tl-Co disk. Carrier to noise ratio of a 2.5MHz signal is 54dB at 1800rpm.
Management of Natural Gas Storage Assets
Authors: Wang Derek
Published: March 2014

The operations of the natural gas storage are constrained by inventory‐dependent storing and delivering capacity, and the firm chooses when and how much gas to store or release, so as to maximize the expected discounted profit. This article provides a basic introduction of the objective, formulation, heuristic, and advanced policies for natural gas storage management.
Sociocultural Issues in Adult Financial Education
Authors: Forté Karin Sprow
Published: March 2014

This chapter introduces the volume and discusses the importance of considering sociocultural factors, such as race, gender, socioeconomic class, language, and age, in the financial education of adults.
Financial Literacy: A Critical Adult Education Appraisal
Authors: English Leona M.
Published: March 2014

This chapter critically examines financial literacy education, asking what its assumptions are and what adult educators need to ask of its curriculum, its bases, and the people being taught to be financially literate.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Harvesting Vibration Energy in Full Space and as Self‐Powered Acceleration Sensor
Authors: Zhang Hulin , Yang Ya , Su Yuanjie , Chen Jun , Adams Katherine , Lee Sangmin , Hu Chenguo , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2014

A spherical three‐dimensional triboelectric nanogenerator (3D‐TENG) with a single electrode is designed, consisting of an outer transparent shell and an inner polyfluoroalkoxy (PFA) ball. Based on the coupling of triboelectric effect and electrostatic effect, the rationally developed 3D‐TENG can effectively scavenge ambient vibration energy in full space by working at a hybridization of both the contact‐separation mode and the sliding mode, resulting in the electron transfer between the Al electrode and the ground. By systematically investigating the output performance of the device vibrating under different frequencies and along different directions, the TENG can deliver a maximal output voltage of 57 V, a maximal output current of 2.3 μA, and a corresponding output power of 128 μW on a load of 100 MΩ, which can be used to directly drive tens of green light‐emitting diodes. Moreover, the TENG is utilized to design the self‐powered acceleration sensor with detection sensitivity of 15.56 V g‐1. This work opens up many potential applications of single‐electrode based TENGs for ambient vibration energy harvesting techniques in full space and the self‐powered vibration sensor systems.
Improved Exciton Dissociation at Semiconducting Polymer:ZnO Donor:Acceptor Interfaces via Nitrogen Doping of ZnO
Authors: Musselman Kevin P. , Albert‐Seifried Sebastian , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Sadhanala Aditya , Muñoz‐Rojas David , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. , Friend Richard H.
Published: March 2014

Exciton dissociation at the zinc oxide/poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (ZnO/P3HT) interface as a function of nitrogen doping of the zinc oxide, which decreases the electron concentration from approximately 1019 cm−3 to 1017 cm−3, is reported. Exciton dissociation and device photocurrent are strongly improved with nitrogen doping. This improved dissociation of excitons in the conjugated polymer is found to result from enhanced light‐induced de‐trapping of electrons from the surface of the nitrogen‐doped ZnO. The ability to improve the surface properties of ZnO by introducing a simple nitrogen dopant has general applicability.
Yunis–varon syndrome: Further delineation of cardiovascular and endocrine outcome
Authors: Varghese P. , Collins N. , Warner G. , Leitch J. , Ho E. , Crock P.
Published: March 2014

Yunis–Varon syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition initially characterized by specific skeletal and ectodermal abnormalities, and a poor prognosis, due to neurological and cardiovascular involvement. We describe the cardiovascular and endocrine complications in a 26‐year‐old man who had been reported previously, adding dilated cardiomyopathy to the clinical features consistent with Yunis–Varon syndrome. Short stature, successfully treated with growth hormone, and hypertension secondary to bilateral renal artery stenosis expand the phenotype. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weak effects of habitat type on susceptibility to invasive freshwater species: an Italian case study
Authors: Boggero Angela , Basset Alberto , Austoni Martina , Barbone Enrico , Bartolozzi Luca , Bertani Isabella , Campanaro Alessandro , Cattaneo Antonella , Cianferoni Fabio , Corriero Giuseppe , Dörr Ambrosius Martin , Elia A. Concetta , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Kamburska Lyudmila , La Porta Gianandrea , Lauceri Sara , Ludovisi Alessandro , Gaino Elda , Goretti Enzo , Lorenzoni Massimo , Manca Marina , Marchetto Aldo , Morabito Giuseppe , Marzano Francesco Nonnis , Oggioni Alessandro , Pierri Cataldo , Riccardi Nicoletta , Rossetti Giampaolo , Ungaro Nicola , Volta Pietro , Zaupa Silvia , Fontaneto Diego
Published: March 2014

Introduction of alien species is one of the major threats to aquatic biota and knowledge of the major correlates of their occurrence is pivotal in planning reliable conservation strategies.

To understand whether specific freshwater habitats are more likely to be invaded than others, a dataset on the occurrence of 1604 species in 54 taxonomic groups from 181 sites across the Italian peninsula was gathered.

The EUNIS habitat classification was used, selecting for the study's seven habitat types at the second EUNIS level, including lentic (EUNIS C1; 64 sites), lotic (EUNIS C2; 99 sites) and highly artificial (EUNIS J5; 18 sites) habitats.

The aim of the study was to test whether the overall number of alien species and the proportion of alien species for each taxonomic group differed between habitat types and could be explained by environmental, human‐mediated, or climatic factors.

Using generalized linear mixed effect models to account for potential confounding factors, only average air temperature of the site was a significant positive predictor of the occurrence of alien species, regardless of habitat type, species richness, and other climatic variables.

A direct effect of temperature could be excluded given the origin of alien species, mostly from colder areas than Italy. Thus, an indirect effect could be hypothesized at the Italian latitudes, with warmer areas potentially more likely to be visited by tourists than colder areas. If this hypothesis is confirmed, the results of the analyses call for a compromise between the maintenance of recreational activities in the wild and the preservation of a natural environment to prevent the arrival and spread of alien species. On the other hand, no further recommendations can be implemented regarding habitat susceptibility to alien species.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the initial acidification step on biogas production and composition
Authors: Dirnena Ilze , Dimanta Ilze , Gruduls Arturs , Kleperis Janis , Elferts Didzis , Nikolajeva Vizma
Published: March 2014

Laboratory‐scale experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of initial acidification of feedstock consisting of different components on biogas production and composition. Feedstock containing different agricultural wastes, biomass, and microorganisms was collected from five full‐scale biogas plants. Two continuously stirred tank reactors were used. The fermentation temperature was 37 °C. The pH value was adjusted to 6.0 in the first reactor at the beginning of the experiment, and an initial pH value of 7.0 was implemented after 48 H. The second reactor was used as a control reactor with a constant pH of 7.0. The experiment lasted a total of 7 days. In the reactors, the gas phase was dominated by CH4, CO2, and N2. The results showed that acidification increased biogas and carbon dioxide production in five cases, increased methane production and reduced nitrogen production in four cases, and reduced methane content in biogas in four of five cases. Only feedstock composed of 74% of different manures and 26% of plant material reduced the production of methane and increased the production of nitrogen after acidification. Other feedstock contained 47% to 96% plant material. An initial pH value of 6 could be recommended for mesophilic single‐phase methanogenesis with a prevalence of plant material.
Lignin pyrolysis for profitable lignocellulosic biorefineries
Authors: De Wild Paul J. , Huijgen Wouter J. J. , Gosselink Richard J.A.
Published: March 2014

Bio‐based industries (pulp and paper and biorefineries) produce > 50 Mt/yr of lignin that results from fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass. Lignin is world's second biopolymer and a major potential source for production of performance materials and aromatic chemicals. Lignin valorization is a key‐issue for enhanced profitability of sustainable bio‐based industries. Despite a myriad of potential applications for lignin and decades of research, its heterogeneity and recalcitrance still preclude commercial value‐added applications. Most lignin is utilized for heat and power. Unconventional solutions are needed to better exploit lignin's potential. Organosolv lignins are especially suitable as feedstock for high‐value chemicals. At ECN, a lignin biorefinery approach (LIBRA) has been developed, involving a dedicated lignin pyrolysis protocol that is robust, continuous, and capable of processing different lignins. Typical product yields are 20% gas, 35% char, and 45% oil. The oil contains approximately 45% oligomeric phenolic substances, 23% monomeric phenols, and 33% water. The future perspective is scale‐up of the process to produce larger lignin pyrolysis oil samples for separation, purification, and industrial application tests. Presently, small lignin pyrolysis oil samples are investigated as feedstock for extracting high‐value chemicals, as a substitute for phenol in several applications, and as a feedstock for hydrotreating. The biochar is tested as growth enhancer and as substitute for carbon‐black in rubber. Regarding the large lignin side streams from (future) bio‐based industries, the LIBRA pyrolysis technology has ample potential to increase the profitability of lignocellulosic biorefineries provided that for both the liquid product and the solid char value‐added applications are developed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Extensions of object oriented data analysis
Authors: Quintero Freddy Omar López , Porcu Emilio
Published: March 2014

This is a discussion of the following paper: ‘Overview of object oriented data analysis’ by J. Steve Marron and Andrés M. Alonso.
Omar al‐Hammami: A Case Study in Radicalization
Authors: Mastors Elena , Siers Rhea
Published: March 2014

This article presents a case study on the radicalization of Omar al‐Hammami, aka Abu Mansoor al‐Amriki, an American who joined al‐Shabaab, a Somali terrorist group. There are a limited number of in‐depth case studies that help to inform the fragmented discussions in the literature about the radicalization process of Islamic terrorists. Hammami received quite a bit of attention from the government and media due to his “homegrown” status, as well as his prolific use of social media to inform the world of his views and exploits. Hammami did not fully commit to the group, his sense of self‐importance taking precedent over the norms of the group. He left al‐Shabaab, was publicly critical of the group, and was ultimately killed by them. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tolerogenic dendritic cells suppress murine corneal allograft rejection by modulating CD28/CTLA‐4 expression on regulatory T cells
Authors: Yan Feng , Cai Li , Hui Yannian , chen Suihua , Meng Hao , Huang Zhenping
Published: March 2014

Anterior chamber‐associated immune deviation (ACAID) is initiated when dendritic cells (DCs) capture intraocular antigen and induce regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen. We investigated whether DCs could be used as an immunotherapy to prevent murine corneal allograft rejection by inducing Tregs. Bone marrow‐derived DCs (BMDCs) were differentiated with transforming growth factor‐β2 (TGF‐β2) in the presence of donor‐derived allopeptide in vitro (TGFβ2‐DCs), and adoptively transferred to BALB/c mice. Three days later a corneal allograft transplant was carried out. Graft rejection, as well as the number and the phenotype of splenic Tregs, were determined after transplant. CD86, CD80, CD40 were present, and MHC class II expression were significantly reduced on TGFβ2‐DCs compared to BMDCs not exposed to TGF‐β2. TGFβ2‐DCs increased the number of splenic Tregs (CD4+CD25+) in recipient mice prior to transplant by modulating CD28/CTLA‐4 expression. These induced Tregs suppressed proliferation of CD4+CD25− T cells ex vivo. TGFβ2‐DCs delayed corneal allograft rejection and TGFβ2‐DC recipient mice had significantly more splenic Tregs expressing Foxp3 and CTLA‐4, but fewer CD28+ Tregs. Expression of GITR, CD69, and CD45RB were similar in TGFβ2‐DC and control mice. Therefore, the phenotype of TGFβ2‐DCs suggests they are tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs). In vivo, these cells increased the number and function of Tregs by modulating CD28/CTLA‐4 expression. The suppressor Tregs induced by TGFβ2‐DCs may be involved in the induction of ACAID, which helps to suppress corneal allograft rejection. Our results provide proof of principle for the use of tolDCs as immunotherapy during transplant.
Cytoprotection of methionine on hyperthermia‐induced damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Mu Tian , Kong Guang‐Huan , Han Zhao‐Yu , Li Hui‐Xia
Published: March 2014

The protective effects of methionine against hyperthermia‐induced damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) were studied. We have investigated the effects of methionine on proliferation, antioxidant activity, and apoptosis of the mammary epithelial cells of dairy cow after heat treatment. The structure of BMEC membrane was damaged by hyperthermia. Methionine (30 and 60 mg/L) efficiently increased cell viability and attenuated morphological damages in hyperthermia‐treated BMEC. It significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase leakage and malondialdehyde formation, whereas superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly. It also increased cell survival and decreased early apoptosis. Methionine therefore is cytoprotective on hyperthermia‐induced damage in BMEC by increasing intracellular antioxidant levels and decreasing lipid peroxidation.
Overexpression of Prox‐1 gene in omental adipose tissue and adipocytes compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue and adipocytes in healthy patients
Authors: Procino Alfredo
Published: March 2014

Adipogenesis is the biological process that controls the development of adipocytes, and is one of the most well studied models of cellular differentiation. In the last decade the study of regulation of human adipogenesis was useful to understand this process, in order to reduce disease such as obesity and diabetes. Prox1 is a transcription factor related to Drosophila Prospero homeobox gene, that plays a major role in the development of central nervous system, liver and pancreas. Prox1 is one of the genes that control the embryonic development and differentiation of the lymphatic system. In this study we decided to analyze the gene expression of Prox‐1 in fragments of human adipose tissue (subcutaneous and omental) and in human adipocytes isolated from omental and subcutaneous tissue. Our results show Prox‐1 is always expressed in adipose tissue and overexpressed in omental adipocytes compared with subcutaneous adipocytes. These preliminary observations confirm a strong correlation of blood vessel development and adipogenesis.
Absorption of Carbon Dioxide from Flue Gas using Blended Amine Solutions
Authors: Zhu Bohong , Liu Qingcai , Zhou Qiang , Yang Jian , Ding Jian , Wen Juan
Published: March 2014

Employing systematic experiments and comparing the CO2 absorption amount, absorption rate and CO2 loading of various amines and their mixtures, the optimal formula of blended amine solution is investigated. The results demonstrate the absorption characteristics of diethylenetriamine are the best, followed by monoethanolamine and methyldiethanolamine, while diethanolamine has no competitive advantage, neither in terms of the absorption amount and rate nor loading of CO2. The amine concentration has a significant influence on CO2 absorption, followed by formula and ratio, while the temperature and pressure affect little. The optimal formula of blended amine solution with the highest rate constant and activation energy of CO2 absorption was determined.
Synthesis of a Porous Nano‐CaO/MgO‐Based CO2 Adsorbent
Authors: Lan Peiqiang , Wu Sufang
Published: March 2014

A porous nano‐CaO/MgO‐based adsorbent was prepared using MgO as a support in order to increase the sorption capacity and durability. The magnesium sol prepared by reacting MgO slurry with citric acid was added to nano‐CaCO3 slurry and the mixture was calcinated to obtain the nano‐CaO/MgO‐based adsorbent. The influence of MgO content on the structure and sorption performance of the resulting adsorbent was studied in detail. The pore radius and specific surface area of the adsorbent increased with higher MgO content. The adsorbent exhibited superior sorption performance during calcium looping and maintained a good durability at the calcination temperature, thus being an interesting candidate for future work.
The Individual Therapy Process Questionnaire: Development and Validation of a Revised Measure to Evaluate General Change Mechanisms in Psychotherapy
Authors: Mander Johannes
Published: March 2014

There is a dearth of measures specifically designed to assess empirically validated mechanisms of therapeutic change. To fill in this research gap, the aim of the current study was to develop a measure that covers a large variety of empirically validated mechanisms of change with corresponding versions for the patient and therapist. To develop an instrument that is based on several important change process frameworks, we combined two established change mechanisms instruments: the Scale for the Multiperspective Assessment of General Change Mechanisms in Psychotherapy (SACiP) and the Scale of the Therapeutic Alliance—Revised (STA‐R). In our study, 457 psychosomatic inpatients completed the SACiP and the STA‐R and diverse outcome measures in early, middle and late stages of psychotherapy. Data analyses were conducted using factor analyses and multilevel modelling. The psychometric properties of the resulting Individual Therapy Process Questionnaire were generally good to excellent, as demonstrated by (a) exploratory factor analyses on both patient and therapist ratings, (b) CFA on later measuring times, (c) high internal consistencies and (d) significant outcome predictive effects. The parallel forms of the ITPQ deliver opportunities to compare the patient and therapist perspectives for a broader range of facets of change mechanisms than was hitherto possible. Consequently, the measure can be applied in future research to more specifically analyse different change mechanism profiles in session‐to‐session development and outcome prediction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

This article describes the development of an instrument that measures general mechanisms of change in psychotherapy from both the patient and therapist perspectives.

Post‐session item ratings from both the patient and therapist can be used as feedback to optimize therapeutic processes.

We provide a detailed discussion of measures developed to evaluate therapeutic change mechanisms.
Experimental Analysis of SOFC Fuelled by Ammonia
Authors: Cinti G. , Desideri U. , Penchini D. , Discepoli G.
Published: March 2014

In this study, ammonia is presented as a feasible fuel for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Ammonia has several interesting features as fuel due to low‐production cost, high‐energy density and, focusing on fuel cells and hydrogen application, ammonia is an excellent H2 carrier thanks to high value of volumetric and gravimetric densities. The paper reports experimental test performed to evaluate the feasibility of NH3 directly fed to a 50 cm2 single cell SOFC. A test plan was developed to compare pure ammonia with an equivalent mix of ammonia, nitrogen, and hydrogen and the study of temperature and voltage values strongly indicates that a two stage oxidation of ammonia can be predicted and a previous cracking reaction occurs in the cell due to the nickel catalytic contribution. The study of temperatures and of heat flows show how the cell is cooled down to lower temperature because of heat adsorbed by the reaction and by flow mix entering the anode. The study shows also how for operative temperatures below 800 °C the cracking reaction takes place in the cell active area. Efficiency test demonstrates that the cell can operate at 300 mW cm–2 and 30% efficiency based on ammonia LHV.
Multiple overpressure systems and their relationship with hydrocarbon accumulation in the Qikou Depression of the Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Du Xue‐Bin , Xie Xi‐Nong , Lu Yong‐Chao , Zhang Liang , Peng Wei , Li Yun‐Peng
Published: March 2014

Pressure measurements using drill stem tests and estimates from log data calculation indicate that three vertically stacked regional pressure compartments exist in the Qikou Depression of Bohai Bay Basin, N. China. The compartments comprise hydrostatic, upper weak, and lower overpressure systems. Laterally, overpressure (pressure coefficient > 1.2) occurs in the deeper areas and weakens gradually from the centre to the margin of the depression. The accumulation of oil and gas exhibits the interesting characteristics of oil‐bearing layers above gas‐bearing layers in the Qikou Depression. The pattern can be accounted for by the evolution of overpressure system, the maturity process of the source rock and the main fault activity. In the late Dongying Formation (Ed, 30 Ma), the lower overpressure system began to form shape, and the hydrocarbon sources generated a large volume of oil. However, because there was no migration pathway, the oil only accumulated in the original strata. In the late Guantao Formation (Ng, 12 Ma), the gas was generated, the upper overpressure system formed gradually, and the activity of the main fault gradually increased. Then, the overpressure pushed the early gathered oil to flow from the lower overpressure system into the upper overpressure system. Afterwards, the activity of the main fault decreased again and remains weak until now. Thus, later generated natural gas cannot keep migrating along the main fault and can only accumulate in the lower overpressure system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early results of robotic assisted nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tsang Raymond K. , To Victor S. , Ho Ambrose C. , Ho Wai‐kuen , Chan Jimmy Y. , Wei William I.
Published: March 2014

Background

Minimally invasive nasopharyngectomy with the da Vinci surgical robot has been shown to be a feasible operation for salvage of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The current case series presents the early results of robotic nasopharyngectomy.

Methods

We conducted a prospective series of patients who underwent robotic nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a single institution.

Results

Twelve patients underwent robotic nasopharyngectomy. The median operating time was 225 minutes. Median follow‐up time was 23.8 months. Nine patients had clear resection margins, 2 patients had close margins, and 1 patient had positive margin. Two patients developed local recurrence and 1 patient had distant metastasis. Two patients in the cohort died of unrelated causes. The 2‐year local control rate was 86%. The 2‐year overall survival and disease‐free survival was 83% and 61%, respectively.

Conclusion

Early results of robotic nasopharyngectomy showed a high local control rate. The operating time was comparable to open surgery and morbidities were low. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 788–793, 2015