bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photo-cured Materials from Vegetable Oils
Authors: Gan Yanchang , Jiang Xuesong
Published: November 2014

Photo-polymerization technology, which exhibits high efficiency and low energy consumption has been widely studied and applied in many areas such as coatings, adhesives, printing inks and so on. This technology is based on high-performance photo-initiators e.g. high quantum yield for radical formation, high reactivity and compatibility toward the monomer, low odor and toxicity, low mobility and good stability. However, the monomers that are used to form photo-cured materials are mainly derived from petroleum products. The petroleum in the Earth will last for fewer than 100 years, hence, in the past few decades, much attention has been paid to feedstocks for polymers based on renewable resources. One of the most stable and renewable resources is vegetable oils. Vegetable oils have already been utilized extensively in coatings, inks, lubricants, resins, agrochemicals and plasticizers. Because of the presences of CC bonds in vegetable oils, they can be easily functionalized with reactive groups such as epoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl and acrylate. These functionalized vegetable oils have been used to prepare polyurethane, elastomers, plastics and pressure-sensitive adhesives. In contrast to feedstocks extracted from petroleum, vegetable oil feedstocks are non-toxic and friendly to the environment. Therefore, in view of the attractive advantages of both photo-curing technologies and vegetable oils, it is worth the energy and money required to research and develop photo-cured materials based on vegetable oils.
Preparation of Bio-polymers from Plant Oils in Green Media
Authors: Liu Zengshe
Published: November 2014

The use of plant oils as starting materials to prepare polymers has attracted renewed attention in recent years to replace or augment traditional petrochemical-based polymers and resins. This is because of concerns for the environment, waste disposal, and depletion of fossil and non-renewable feedstocks. In this chapter we summarized the work in our laboratory on vegetable-oil-based materials. Mainly we focus on the polymerization of soybean oil (SBO), epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), and euphorbia oil (EuO) in carbon dioxide media (subcritical and supercritical conditions) catalyzed by Lewis acids. The molecular structures of SBO, ESO and EuO affected the polymerization. It is shown that epoxidized plant oils are easier to polymerize than SBO. The resulting polymers were characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and solid-state 13C-NMR spectroscopies, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and gel permeation chromatography. Epoxidized soybean oil polymer (RPESO) was converted into HPESO polysoaps through saponification. We show that HPESO polysoaps are effective at lowering the surface tension of water and the interfacial tension of water–hexadecane and that they display minimum values in the range of 20–24 and 12–17 dyn cm−1, respectively at concentration of 200–250 μM.
Towards Green: A Review of Recent Developments in Bio-renewable Epoxy Resins from Vegetable Oils
Authors: Wang Rongpeng , Schuman Thomas
Published: November 2014

Polymers based on vegetable oils (VOs) have the potential to replace or augment traditional, petroleum-based polymers. Epoxidized vegetable oils (EVOs) are a form of epoxy monomer derived from raw VOs. They are widely used as plasticizers and intermediates for polyols of bio-based polyurethane or unsaturated polyesters. A comprehensive review in this chapter covers epoxy thermoset polymers prepared from EVOs and analogous, fatty-acid-derived epoxy monomers resins. The scope, performance, and limitations with respect to utilization of such materials in various applications are highlighted. The utility of EVO monomers is enabled or limited by their reactivity and by the physical properties of their resulting polymers. The effects of the chemical structures of VO-based epoxy, various catalysts, and co-monomers on the properties of thermoset polymers are especially emphasized.
The Potential of Vegetable Oils for Lubricants
Authors: Sharma Brajendra K. , Liu Zengshe , Erhan Sevim Z.
Published: November 2014

Vegetable oils offer significant advantages in terms of resource renewability, bio-degradability, and comparable performance properties to petroleum-based products. Petroleum-based lubricants render an unfavorable impact on the environment. With growing environmental concerns, seed oils are finding their way into lubricants for agricultural, marine, forestry and industrial applications. Their amphiphilic character makes them excellent candidates as lubricants. The wide use of vegetable oils is restricted due to their low thermo-oxidative stability and poor cold-flow behavior. This chapter will discuss the screening of various seed oils, genetically modified oils, and chemically modified oils as basestocks for lubricant formulations; and how oxidative stability and cold-flow properties can be improved with the use of chemical additives. Important lubricant properties, such as oxidative stability, low-temperature-flow properties, friction and wear behavior, and viscosities of these oils will also be discussed. Among these oils, the best ones are high-oleic vegetable oils which, when formulated with chemical additives, provide lubricants exhibiting improved low-temperature properties, and superior oxidative stability and wear properties.
Revealing the halide effect on the kinetics of the aerobic oxidation of Cu(i) to Cu(ii)
Authors: Deng Yi , Zhang Guanghui , Qi Xiaotian , Liu Chao , Miller Jeffrey T. , Kropf A. Jeremy , Bunel Emilio E. , Lan Yu , Lei Aiwen
Published: November 2014

Different halide ligands lead to distinct kinetic features in the aerobic oxidation of Cu(i) to Cu(ii) due to the formation of different Cu–O2 transition states.
Dextransucrase-catalyzed elongation of polysaccharide brushes with immobilized mono-/di-saccharides as acceptors
Authors: Fang Yan , Wu Jian , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: November 2014

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was used to monitor dextransucrase (DSase)-catalyzed polysaccharide elongation on the glucose-/maltose-ended self-assembly monolayer (SAM) surfaces. Kinetic parameters of the enzymatic elongation indicate that maltose is a promising substrate acceptor for DSase.
A new mode to light up an adjacent DNA-scaffolded silver probe pair and its application for specific DNA detection
Authors: Yin Bin-Cheng , Ma Jin-Liang , Le Huynh-Nhu , Wang Shilong , Xu Zengguang , Ye Bang-Ce
Published: November 2014

By fluorescence enhancement of a proximity-dependent DNA-scaffolded silver nanocluster probe pair and exonuclease III-mediated signal amplification, we present a new fluorescence turn-on mode and its application for specific DNA detection.
Imidazolium-based silica microreactors for the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide
Authors: Buaki-Sogo Mireia , Garcia Hermenegildo , Aprile Carmela
Published: November 2014

Imidazolium-based silica microreactors were synthesized through self-organization/polymerization of the amphipathic organic salts that behave as templates for the construction of silica architecture and as catalytic active sites. The organic–inorganic hybrid microreactors displayed excellent catalytic performance in the conversion of CO2.
Catalytic activity of electrospun Ag and Ag/carbon composite fibres in partial methanol oxidation
Authors: Halperin V. , Shter G. E. , Gelman V. , Peselev D. M. , Mann-Lahav M. , Grader G. S.
Published: November 2014

A feasibility of electrospinning in producing of highly active Ag and Ag/carbon fibres based catalysts is demonstrated in methanol partial oxidation process (PMO).
Dietary fucoidan of Acaudina molpadioides and its enzymatically degraded fragments could prevent intestinal mucositis induced by chemotherapy in mice
Authors: Zuo Tao , Li Xuemin , Chang Yaoguang , Duan Gaofei , Yu Long , Zheng Rong , Xue Changhu , Tang Qingjuan
Published: November 2014

Mucositis is a common problem that results from cancer chemotherapy and is a cause of significant morbidity and occasional mortality.
Electrocatalytic upgrading of model lignin monomers with earth abundant metal electrodes
Authors: Lam Chun Ho , Lowe Christy B. , Li Zhenglong , Longe Kelsey N. , Rayburn Jordan T. , Caldwell Michael A. , Houdek Carly E. , Maguire Jack B. , Saffron Christopher M. , Miller Dennis J. , Jackson James E.
Published: November 2014

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of guaiacol for production of chemical and fuel in a divided cell using earth abundant metal electrodes. Specific energies shown below the organics are their higher heating values (HHV).
Rapid modulation of droplet composition with pincer microvalves
Authors: Ochs Christopher J. , Abate Adam R.
Published: November 2014

We present single layer membrane valves capable of precisely modulating droplet composition for applications in synthetic biology and multiplex encoding.
Decorated 6,6′,7,7′-tetrahydro-1H,1′H-2,3′-biindole scaffold as promising candidate for recognition of the CDK2 allosteric site
Authors: Rescifina Antonio , Scala Angela , Sciortino Maria Teresa , Colao Ivana , Siracusano Gabriel , Mazzaglia Antonino , Chiacchio Ugo , Grassi Giovanni
Published: November 2014

Decorated 6,6′,7,7′-tetrahydro-1H,1′H-2,3′-biindoles, such as DPIT, targeting CDK2 seem to be an attractive scaffold for development of useful anticancer drugs.
Surface enhanced anti-Stokes one-photon luminescence from single gold nanorods
Authors: He Yingbo , Xia Keyu , Lu Guowei , Shen Hongming , Cheng Yuqing , Liu Yong-chun , Shi Kebin , Xiao Yun-Feng , Gong Qihuang
Published: November 2014

Anti-Stokes one-photon luminescence from single gold nanorod was determined to be enhanced by surface plasmon resonance and strongly related with the distribution of electrons near the Fermi level.
Differentiating surface and bulk interactions in nanoplasmonic interferometric sensor arrays
Authors: Zeng Beibei , Gao Yongkang , Bartoli Filbert J.
Published: November 2014

A nanoplasmonic interferometric sensor is demonstrated to differentiate the protein surface layer from bulk solution changes at a single spot.
Pectin cross-linked enzyme aggregates (pectin-CLEAs) of glucoamylase
Authors: Talekar Sachin , Nadar Shamraja , Joshi Asavari , Joshi Gandhali
Published: November 2014

CLEAs of glucoamylase were prepared using pectin as non-toxic and macromolecular cross-linker which showed improved thermal stability and good reusability.
Synthetic single and double aza-scorpiand macrocycles acting as inhibitors of the antioxidant enzymes iron superoxide dismutase and trypanothione reductase in Trypanosoma cruzi with promising results in a murine model
Authors: Olmo F. , Clares M. P. , Marín C. , González J. , Inclán M. , Soriano C. , Urbanová K. , Tejero R. , Rosales M. J. , Krauth-Siegel R. L. , Sánchez-Moreno M. , García-España E.
Published: November 2014

Synthetic scorpiand-like azamacrocycles selectively inhibit SOD and TR enzymes of Trypanosoma cruzi in mice causing death of the parasites and increasing the mouse survival rate after infection and treatment.
Catalytic hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenol over a series of Pd–Cu/γ-Al2O3 bimetallic catalysts
Authors: Fang Deren , Li Wanjun , Zhao Jinbo , Liu Shang , Ma Xuanxuan , Xu Jinguang , Xia Chuanhai
Published: November 2014

A moderate amount of Cu addition to the Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst will increase the catalytic activity of hydrodechlorination of chlorophenols.
Liquid crystals based on silver carbene complexes derived from dimeric bis(imidazolium) bromide salts
Authors: Pană Amalia , Iliş Monica , Micutz Marin , Dumitraşcu Florea , Pasuk Iuliana , Cîrcu Viorel
Published: November 2014

Liquid crystalline bis(imidazolium) salts with different mesogenic groups (cyanobiphenyl or cholesteryl) and their silver carbene complexes with Br− anion with blue emission have been designed and studied.
Engineered elastomeric bio-nanocomposites from linseed oil/organoclay tailored for vibration damping
Authors: Das Rakesh , Kumar Rajesh , Banerjee Sovan Lal , Kundu P. P.
Published: November 2014

This study deals with the preparation and characterization of elastomeric nanocomposites from renewable resources for vibration damping applications.
Entropy driven chain effects on ligation chemistry
Authors: Pahnke Kai , Brandt Josef , Gryn'ova Ganna , Lindner Peter , Schweins Ralf , Schmidt Friedrich Georg , Lederer Albena , Coote Michelle L. , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: November 2014

Entropic chain effects on dynamic bonding reactions are shown to enable the tuning of reaction equilibria not only by changing the mass of the reactants, but also by merely altering the building block side chain structure and thus the intrinsic stiffness. The findings enable a step change for the design of on-demand bonding systems and reversible ligation chemistry in general.
Macrocycles: lessons from the distant past, recent developments, and future directions
Authors: Yudin Andrei K.
Published: November 2014

A noticeable increase in molecular complexity of drug targets has created an unmet need in the therapeutic agents that are larger than traditional small molecules.
Tailoring mixed ionic–electronic conduction in H2 permeable membranes based on the system Nd5.5W1−xMoxO11.25−δ
Authors: Escolástico Sonia , Somacescu Simona , Serra José M.
Published: November 2014

Nd5.5W1−xMoxO11.25−δ-based membranes yielded significant H2 permeation flows and the best compound is the Nd5.5W0.5Mo0.5O11.25−δ membrane. The material was also stable at high temperatures under H2S containing atmospheres.
ITO-free highly bendable and efficient organic solar cells with Ag nanomesh/ZnO hybrid electrodes
Authors: Song Myungkwan , Kim Han-Jung , Kim Chang Su , Jeong Jun-Ho , Cho Changsoon , Lee Jung-Yong , Jin Sung-Ho , Choi Dae-Geun , Kim Dong-Ho
Published: November 2014

High efficiency and bendable organic solar cells were fabricated using Ag nanomesh/ZnO hybrid transparent electrodes.
Fabrication of a SERS based aptasensor for detection of ricin B toxin
Authors: Zengin Adem , Tamer Ugur , Caykara Tuncer
Published: November 2014

Poly(N-acryoyl-l-valine, AVAL) brushes were grafted onto a silicon substrateviaRAFT polymerization, and then ricin B aptamer was covalently conjugated to the poly(AVAL) brushes to recognize and detect ricin B toxinviaSERS-based sandwich assay.
Novel nanosynthesis of In2O3and its application as a resistive gas sensor for sevoflurane anesthetic
Authors: Karmaoui M. , Leonardi S. G. , Tobaldi D. M. , Donato N. , Pullar R. C. , Seabra M. P. , Labrincha J. A. , Neri G.
Published: November 2014

A novel non-aqueous sol–gel route for synthesizing pure In2O3nanoparticles using indium acetylacetonate andn-butylamine under solvothermal conditions is herein proposed.
Andreev-spectroscopy study of unconventional superconductivity in MgB2:(La,Sr)MnO3 nanocomposite
Authors: Krivoruchko V. N. , D'yachenko A. I. , Tarenkov V. Yu.
Published: November 2014

Unconventional high-temperature superconductivity in MgB2:La0:65Sr0:35MnO3 (MgB:LSMO) nanocomposite has been found recently [V. N. Krivoruchko and V. Yu. Tarenkov, Phys. Rev. B 86, 10502 (2012)]. In this report, the symmetry of the nanocomposite superconducting order parameter and plausible pairing mechanisms have been studied by the point-contact Andreev-reflection (PCAR) spectroscopy. To clarify the experimental results obtained, we consider a model of a ferromagnetic superconductor, which assumes a coexistence of itinerant ferromagnetism and mixed-parity superconductivity. The Balian–Werthamer state, with quasiparticle gap topology of the same form as that of the ordinary s- wave state, fits the experimental data reasonably well. Utilizing the extended Eliashberg formalizm, we calculated the contribution of MgB2 in the total composite's conductivity and estimated the magnitude of the electron–phonon effects originated from MgB2 in I–V characteristics of the composite at above-gap energies. It was found that distinctive features observed in the PC spectra of the MgB:LSMO samples and conventionally attributed to the electron–phonon interaction cannot be related to the MgB2 phonons. It is argued that the detected singularities may be a manifestation of the electron-spectrum renormalizations due to strong magnetoelastic (magnon–phonon) interaction in LSMO.
Mechanisms of normal reflection at metal interfaces studied by Andreev-reflection spectroscopy
Authors: Gloos K. , Tuuli E.
Published: November 2014

Andreev-reflection spectroscopy of elemental superconductors in contact with nonmagnetic normal metals reveals that the strength of normal-reflection varies only slightly. This observation imposes strong constrictions on the three possible normal-reflection mechanisms: tunneling through a dielectric barrier, reflection due to the different electronic properties of the two electrodes, and diffusive transport caused by elastic scattering in the contact region. We discuss in detail the role played by Fermi-surface mismatch, represented by the different Fermi velocities on both sides of the contact interface. We find that it is at least not the dominant mechanism and possibly completely absent in the Andreev-reflection process.
B-spline algebraic diagrammatic construction: Application to photoionization cross-sections and high-order harmonic generation
Authors: Ruberti M. , Averbukh V. , Decleva P.
Published: November 2014

We present the first implementation of the ab initio many-body Green's function method, algebraic diagrammatic construction (ADC), in the B-spline single-electron basis. B-spline versions of the first order [ADC(1)] and second order [ADC(2)] schemes for the polarization propagator are developed and applied to the ab initio calculation of static (photoionization cross-sections) and dynamic (high-order harmonic generation spectra) quantities. We show that the cross-section features that pose a challenge for the Gaussian basis calculations, such as Cooper minima and high-energy tails, are found to be reproduced by the B-spline ADC in a very good agreement with the experiment. We also present the first dynamic B-spline ADC results, showing that the effect of the Cooper minimum on the high-order harmonic generation spectrum of Ar is correctly predicted by the time-dependent ADC calculation in the B-spline basis. The present development paves the way for the application of the B-spline ADC to both energy- and time-resolved theoretical studies of many-electron phenomena in atoms, molecules, and clusters.
Towards numerically accurate many-body perturbation theory: Short-range correlation effects
Authors: Gulans Andris
Published: November 2014

The example of the uniform electron gas is used for showing that the short-range electron correlation is difficult to handle numerically, while it noticeably contributes to the self-energy. Nonetheless, in condensed-matter applications studied with advanced methods, such as the GW and random-phase approximations, it is common to neglect contributions due to high-momentum (large q) transfers. Then, the short-range correlation is poorly described, which leads to inaccurate correlation energies and quasiparticle spectra. To circumvent this problem, an accurate extrapolation scheme is proposed. It is based on an analytical derivation for the uniform electron gas presented in this paper, and it provides an explanation why accurate GW quasiparticle spectra are easy to obtain for some compounds and very difficult for others.
Communication: Slow relaxation, spatial mobility gradients, and vitrification in confined films
Authors: Mirigian Stephen , Schweizer Kenneth S.
Published: November 2014

Two decades of experimental research indicate that spatial confinement of glass-forming molecular and polymeric liquids results in major changes of their slow dynamics beginning at large confinement distances. A fundamental understanding remains elusive given the generic complexity of activated relaxation in supercooled liquids and the major complications of geometric confinement, interfacial effects, and spatial inhomogeneity. We construct a predictive, quantitative, force-level theory of relaxation in free-standing films for the central question of the nature of the spatial mobility gradient. The key new idea is that vapor interfaces speed up barrier hopping in two distinct, but coupled, ways by reducing near surface local caging constraints and spatially long range collective elastic distortion. Effective vitrification temperatures, dynamic length scales, and mobile layer thicknesses naturally follow. Our results provide a unified basis for central observations of dynamic and pseudo-thermodynamic measurements.
Resistive states in wide superconducting films induced by dc and ac currents (Review Article)
Authors: Zolochevskii I. V.
Published: November 2014

This review is devoted to the studies of the resistive state in wide superconducting films induced by dc and ac currents in the absence of an external magnetic field. It is found experimentally that the current-voltage characteristics and their parameters are well described by the Aslamazov–Lempitskii theory of the resistive vortex state, which has long been lacking an adequate evidence to support it. There is experimental evidence that the vortex mechanism of resistivity is absent for currents exceeding the maximum current at which the resistive vortex state exists in wide films. The non-vortex nature of phase slip lines (PSL) in wide films is proved experimentally. It is shown that the phase-slip lines arise in a wide superconducting film subjected to an external microwave irradiation with the power exceeding some critical value. The resistance of these phase-slip lines depends on irradiation frequency. Results obtained in studies of PSL in wide films are similar to those obtained for the phase-slip centers in narrow channels. This suggests the identical nature of the phase-slip processes in these two phenomena. It is established that the current-carrying resistive state of a wide film arises due to two different mechanisms that occur one after the other: the penetration into the film and transverse motion of the Pearl vortices induced by the magnetic field of the transport current and the emergence of the phase-slip lines of the superconducting order parameter.
Communication: MULTIMODE calculations of low-lying vibrational states of NO3 using an adiabatic potential energy surface
Authors: Homayoon Zahra , Bowman Joel M.
Published: November 2014

A semi-global, permutationally invariant potential energy surface for NO3 is constructed from a subset of roughly 5000 Multi-State CASPT2 calculations (MS-CAS(17e,13o)PT2/aug-cc-pVTZ) reported by Morokuma and co-workers [H. Xiao, S. Maeda, and K. Morokuma, J. Chem. Theory Comput. 8, 2600 (2012)]. The PES, with empirical adjustments to modify the energies of two fundamentals and a hot-band transition, is used in full-dimensional vibrational self-consistent field/virtual state configuration interaction calculations using the code MULTIMODE. Vibrational energies and assignments are given for the fundamentals and low-lying combination states, including two that have been the focus of some controversy. Energies of a number of overtone and combinations are shown to be in good agreement with experiment and previous calculations using a model vibronic Hamiltonian [C. S. Simmons, T. Ichino, and J. F. Stanton, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 3, 1946 (2012)]. Notably, the fundamental v3 is calculated to be at 1099 cm−1 in accord with the prediction from the vibronic analysis, although roughly 30 cm−1 higher. The state at 1493 cm−1 is assigned as v3 + v4, which is also in agreement with the vibronic analysis and some experiments. Vibrational energies for 15NO3 are also presented and these are also in good agreement with experiment.
Excitation of electrostatic waves in the electron cyclotron frequency range during magnetic reconnection in laboratory overdense plasmas
Authors: Kuwahata A. , Igami H. , Kawamori E. , Kogi Y. , Inomoto M. , Ono Y.
Published: November 2014

We report the observation of electromagnetic radiation at high harmonics of the electron cyclotron frequency that was considered to be converted from electrostatic waves called electron Bernstein waves (EBWs) during magnetic reconnection in laboratory overdense plasmas. The excitation of EBWs was attributed to the thermalization of electrons accelerated by the reconnection electric field around the X-point. The radiative process discussed here is an acceptable explanation for observed radio waves pulsation associated with major flares.
Layer thickness and period as design parameters to tailor pyroelectric properties in ferroelectric superlattices
Authors: Misirlioglu I. B. , Kesim M. T. , Alpay S. P.
Published: November 2014

We theoretically examine the pyroelectric properties of ferroelectric-paraelectric superlattices as a function of layer thickness and configuration using non-linear thermodynamics coupled with electrostatic and electromechanical interactions between layers. We specifically study PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3/SrTiO3 superlattices. The pyroelectric properties of such constructs consisting of relatively thin repeating units are shown to exceed the pyroelectric response of monolithic PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3 films. This is related to periodic internal electric fields generated due to the polarization mismatch between layers that allows tailoring of the shift in the transition temperature. Our results indicate that higher and electric field sensitive pyroresponse can be achieved from layer-by-layer engineered ferroelectric heterostructures.
Hot-carrier solar cells using low-dimensional quantum structures
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Kasamatsu Naofumi , Harada Yukihiro , Kita Takashi
Published: November 2014

We propose a high-conversion-efficiency solar cell (SC) utilizing the hot carrier (HC) population in an intermediate-band (IB) of a quantum dot superlattice (QDSL) structure. The bandgap of the host semiconductor in this device plays an important role as an energy-selective barrier for HCs in the QDSLs. According to theoretical calculation using the detailed balance model with an air mass 1.5 spectrum, the optimum IB energy is determined by a trade-off relation between the number of HCs with energy exceeding the conduction-band edge and the number of photons absorbed by the valence band−IB transition. Utilizing experimental data of HC temperature in InAs/GaAs QDSLs, the maximum conversion efficiency under maximum concentration (45 900 suns) has been demonstrated to increase by 12.6% as compared with that for a single-junction GaAs SC.
Enhanced optical limiting effects in a double-decker bis(phthalocyaninato) rare earth complex using radially polarized beams
Authors: Wu Jia-Lu , Gu Bing , Sheng Ning , Liu Dahui , Cui Yiping
Published: November 2014

Optical limiting (OL) effects can be enhanced by exploiting various limiting mechanisms and by designing nonlinear optical materials. In this work, we present the large enhancement of OL effects by manipulating the polarization distribution of the light field. Theoretically, we develop the Z-scan and nonlinear transmission theories on a two-photon absorber under the excitation of cylindrical vector beams. It is shown that both the sensitivity of Z-scan technique and the OL effect using radially polarized beams have the large enhancement compared with that using linearly polarized beams (LPBs). Experimentally, we investigate the nonlinear absorption properties of a double-decker Pr[Pc(OC8H17)8]2 rare earth complex by performing Z-scan measurements with femtosecond-pulsed radially polarized beams at 800 nm wavelength. The observed two-photon absorption process, which originates from strong intramolecular π–π interaction, is exploited for OL application. The results demonstrate the large enhancement of OL effects using radially polarized beams instead of LPBs.
Collaboration unlocks self-replicating crack patterns
Authors: Chang Sung
Published: November 2014

A novel fracture mechanism sets new limits for thin-film stability.
Making the Moon
Authors: Stevenson David J.
Published: November 2014

It’s likely that our Moon emerged from a giant collision between Earth and a body the size of Mars. But getting that story, or any other, to fully square with the evidence has proven difficult.
Squeezing quantum noise
Authors: Dwyer Sheila
Published: November 2014

You can’t beat the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, but you can engineer systems so that most of the uncertainty is in the variable of your choice. Doing so can improve the precision of delicate measurements.
Improvement of fire danger modelling with geographically weighted logistic model
Authors: Zhang Haijun , Qi Pengcheng , Guo Guangmeng
Published: November 2014

Global models dominate historical documents on fire danger modelling. However, local variations may exist in the relationships between fire presence and fire-influencing factors. In this study, 50 fire danger models (10 global logistic models and 40 geographically weighted logistic models, i.e. local models), were developed to model daily fire danger in Heilongjiang province in north-east China and cross-validation was performed to evaluate the predictive performance of the various developed models. In modelling, multi-temporal spatial sampling and repeated random sub-sampling were applied to obtain 10 groups of training sub-samples and inner testing sub-samples. For each of the 10 groups of training sub-samples, principal component analysis, in which muticollinearity among variables can be removed, was used to create nine principal components that were then employed as covariates to develop one global logistic model and four geographically weighted logistic models. Compared to global models, all local models showed better model fitting, less spatial autocorrelation of residuals and more desirable modelling of fire presence. In particular, not only was local spatial variation in fire–environment relationships accounted for in the adaptive Gaussian geographically weighted logistic models, but spatial autocorrelation of residuals was significantly reduced to acceptable levels, indicating strong inferential performance.
Oakeshott on theory and practice
Authors: Nardin Terry
Published: November 2014

The expression ‘theory and practice’ implies a separation between the two, even when that separation is denied. Political theorists are divided on the question of their relationship, some regretting the abstraction of theory and its consequent irrelevance to practical discourse and action, others insisting that no theory is without practical biases or implications. Oakeshott's contribution has been to suggest that theory and practice – or, more exactly, the activities those words identify, theorizing, and doing – are conceptually distinct. Much can be learned about the vocation of political theorist, in contrast to that of the citizen or politician, by distinguishing theory and theorizing from practice and doing. Whether political theorizing emerges as an autonomous activity only when it is distinguished from political activity and whether this autonomy should be cultivated or rejected are questions that invite continued debate.
Multistep phosphorylation systems: tunable components of biological signaling circuits
Authors: Valk Evin , Venta Rainis , Örd Mihkel , Faustova Ilona , Kõivomägi Mardo , Loog Mart
Published: November 2014

Multisite phosphorylation of proteins is a powerful signal processing mechanism that plays crucial roles in cell division and differentiation as well as in disease. We recently demonstrated a novel phenomenon in cell cycle regulation by showing that cyclin-dependent kinase–dependent multisite phosphorylation of a crucial substrate is performed sequentially in the N-to-C terminal direction along the disordered protein. The process is controlled by key parameters, including the distance between phosphorylation sites, the distribution of serines and threonines in sites, and the position of docking motifs. According to our model, linear patterns of phosphorylation along disordered protein segments determine the signal-response function of a multisite phosphorylation switch. Here we discuss the general advantages and engineering principles of multisite phosphorylation networks as processors of kinase signals. We also address the idea of using the mechanistic logic of linear multisite phosphorylation networks to design circuits for synthetic biology applications.
Nuclear physics (of the cell, not the atom)
Authors: Pederson Thoru , Marko John F.
Published: November 2014

The nucleus is physically distinct from the cytoplasm in ways that suggest new ideas and approaches for interrogating the operation of this organelle. Chemical bond formation and breakage underlie the lives of cells, but as this special issue of Molecular Biology of the Cell attests, the nonchemical aspects of cell nuclei present a new frontier to biologists and biophysicists.
In Vivo Delivery of RCAS Virus to Mice
Authors: Ahronian Leanne G. , Lewis Brian C.
Published: November 2014

Injection of RCAS viruses is highly customizable to the desired target tissue. RCAS viruses can be delivered into mice in vivo by injection of virus-producing cells or by injection of concentrated virus. When cells are injected, they persist for several days, continuously producing virus. Typically the decision of whether to inject virus-producing cells or concentrated virus is determined by the volume that can be reliably injected into a given tissue and the age of the animal when the virus delivery is performed. This general protocol describes the intraperitoneal injection of RCAS-expressing cells into mice and discusses the circumstances in which the injection of concentrated virus is preferred.
Generalization of the Fedorova–Schmidt method for determining particle size distributions
Authors: Ciccariello Salvino
Published: November 2014

This article reports the integral transform that determines the particle size distribution of a given sample from the small-angle scattering intensity under the assumption that the particle correlation function is a polynomial of degreeM. The Fedorova–Schmidt solution [Fedorova & Schmidt (1978).J. Appl. Cryst.11, 405–411] corresponds to the caseM= 3. The procedure for obtaining a polynomial approximation to a particle correlation function is discussed in the casesM= 3 and 4 and applied to the cases of polydisperse particles of tetrahedral, octahedral or cubic shape.
Full-field X-ray diffraction microscopy using polymeric compound refractive lenses
Authors: Hilhorst J. , Marschall F. , Tran Thi T. N. , Last A. , Schülli T. U.
Published: November 2014

Diffraction imaging is the science of imaging samples under diffraction conditions. Diffraction imaging techniques are well established in visible light and electron microscopy, and have also been widely employed in X-ray science in the form of X-ray topography. Over the past two decades, interest in X-ray diffraction imaging has taken flight and resulted in a wide variety of methods. This article discusses a new full-field imaging method, which uses polymer compound refractive lenses as a microscope objective to capture a diffracted X-ray beam coming from a large illuminated area on a sample. This produces an image of the diffracting parts of the sample on a camera. It is shown that this technique has added value in the field, owing to its high imaging speed, while being competitive in resolution and level of detail of obtained information. Using a model sample, it is shown that lattice tilts and strain in single crystals can be resolved simultaneously down to 10−3° and Δa/a= 10−5, respectively, with submicrometre resolution over an area of 100 × 100 µm and a total image acquisition time of less than 60 s.
Snake‐like robots “reach” into many types of applications
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review development of the non‐rigid robot alternative to the fixed axis robot designs.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews with the developer of the snake arm style robot and study of various applications employing this robot configuration.

Findings

Rigid robot configuration no longer limits the applications to which robotics can be applied. The flexible snake‐like approach opens doors to applications previously not possible with fixed axis type robots.

Practical implications

Users and integrators will learn how to rapidly apply the snake arm approach in an ever‐growing array of successful applications.

Originality/value

Users and integrators will gain insight into how to solve application needs that previously could not be successfully addressed with rigid axis style robots, opening the door to applications where very flexible reaching is essential.
A problem‐oriented categorisation of FTA‐methods for transport planning
Authors: Schippl Jens , Fleischer Torsten
Published: November 2014

Purpose

As in other socio‐technical fields, future‐oriented technology analysis (FTA) methods are used in transport planning to provide knowledge for decision‐making. Potential effects of policy interventions should be assessed; risk and uncertainties should be reduced; unintended effects should be avoided. A variety of tools and methods of rather different character are applied, none of these methods are able to systematically reproduce a complete system; they all have their specific limits. It is not always clear, however, which method could be used for which purpose. In this paper, a transparent and problem‐oriented categorisation of FTA‐methods is suggested. It aims at supporting an appropriate usage of FTA‐methods in planning processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review carried out in context of the EU funded transport project OPTIC (see www.optic.toi.no) reveals that differentiating between different types of uncertainty is possible. This sets the basis for the problem‐oriented categorisation of FTA methods. Key criteria for the categorisation of methods are their abilities in dealing with different types of missing knowledge.

Findings

Two categories are introduced which are called “structurally open methods” and “structurally closed methods”. It is shown that the openness‐closedness dichotomy is highly important for the type of unintended effects that can be detected with a method.

Originality/value

The paper has a novel approach for structuring FTA techniques that goes beyond the traditional quantitative/qualitative approach. It juxtaposes a problem typology and a typology of methods
Backcasting scenarios for Finland 2050 of low emissions
Authors: Heinonen Sirkka , Lauttamäki Ville
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to present an example on how futures studies methodologies, especially backcasting, can be used to assist public policy formulation. Backcasting is particularly interesting method in this context, since it allows the key characteristics concerning the state of the future to be fixed according to the goals policymakers have set to achieve.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a case study presenting the goals, progression and the results of the backcasting exercise of the Finnish Prime Minister's Office.

Findings

The backcasting methodology, as applied in the exercise presented in this paper, is a useful tool in public policy formulation. It is important to note, however, that in the way the exercise was carried out in this case, it is only possible to view future development through qualitative arguments. The key element for successful application of the method is the choice of expert group that produces the information.

Originality/value

Even though backcasting seems to be very well suited for discussing and designing alternative ways of achieving predetermined policy goals, experiences of using this methodology in the policy context are quite rare in the scientific literature. This paper addresses this deficiency and presents experiences of one such case. These experiences should be of interest to those involved in long‐range strategy planning.
Management of technological innovation
Authors: Chu Daniel , Andreassi Tales
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to contribute to understanding of the process of innovation in the biotechnology companies operating in Brazil. The paper identifies the most critical factors in the innovation process of the enterprises in this sector; the paper then analyses the dynamics of the sector and the contribution of the universities and incubators to the innovation process and also evaluates how these elements affect the management process of the technological innovation within and outside the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was of the qualitative exploratory type and involved seven case studies of biotechnology companies of different sizes, acting in various sectors, having undergone or not an incubation process. For interpretation of the results, content analysis was utilized.

Findings

The study indicated that, among the many obstacles to innovation, access to finance is the most critical. Partnerships have been adversely affected due to institutional and regulatory factors, namely a lack of clear laws and rules regarding intellectual property. The companies have sought to compensate by making their internal processes agile, creating flexible organizational structures and an organizational environment favourable to innovation, which is internalized, as a practice, in a tacit manner.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations are associated with the case study methodology: the results presented pertain to the companies studied, and, therefore, cannot be generalized or extended to other companies or areas.

Practical implications

The management process of innovation occurs in an informal and less than systematic manner. The innovation process in Brazilian biotechnology companies benefits from a pro‐active posture adopted by them to manage and learn from adversity.

Originality/value

The paper increases understanding of the innovation process in Brazilian biotechnology companies.
Chile helps Chile: exploring the effects of earthquake Chile 2010
Authors: Emanuel Korstanje Maximiliano
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the present paper is to explore the political discourse present in the show Chile Ayuda a Chile [Chile helps Chile] to support the survivors and victims of the last earthquake hit Chile in 2010. Based on the belief that nationalism plays a vital role in cementing the process of recovery by making survivors believe that they, after all, have a new opportunity to be on feet again.

Design/methodology/approach

– The visual methodology (enrooted in the analysis of content) is the chosen technique to develop five indicators which replicates the nationalist sentiment of Chileans post-disaster context. The archetype of nationalism is activated whenever the community is in danger.

Findings

– As Baudrillard put it, the post-modernity is witness of a much wider nation-state’s declination. Nonetheless, current information presented in this report very well contrasts a thesis of this caliber. Far-away of being experiencing a decrease of Nationalism, we argue that in contexts of emergency and chaos, nationality plays an important role to maintain a firm bondage and prevent social fragmentation. Five indicators are found in the discourse of Chile helps Chile, beautiness, sport, coercion, stratification and materiality.

Research limitations/implications

– The outcome of this research, because of its qualitative nature, does not allows statistical or broader inferences. For this, further investigation is needed.

Originality/value

– Much of disaster-related texts have been influenced by Jean Baudrillard and his thesis of nation state decline. The originality of this research shows the opposite. As a process of resiliency, the national being still plays a crucial role in revitalizing the social tenets of community in context of uncertainness.
Disaster resilience in transportation: Japan earthquake and tsunami 2011
Authors: Nakanishi Hitomi , Black John , Matsuo Kojiro
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the transportation organizational service provision and travel behavioral responses after the March 2011 disaster in North East Japan. This research aims to identify the areas for capacity building in transportation to support resilient built environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study approach was taken to examine the transportation organizational service provision in one of the most devastated communities after the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Data on post-disaster transportation arrangements were collected from local newspapers, desk reviews of reports by transportation operators and the local council, semi-structured interviews with local council and community groups, and a residents’ questionnaire surveying travel behavior. Organizational responses were analyzed by: the pre-disaster phase, the emergency phase, the rebuilding (temporary settlement) phase and the recovery (permanent settlement) phase.

Findings

– Transportation demand changes dramatically in the emergency phase. In the re-building phase, an efficient and effective provision of a transportation service is required. The recovery and pre-disaster phases are critical as these are the time to build capacity for resilience. Practical application of the land use and transportation planning process is recommended in forming a transportation master plan.

Originality/value

– This research is the first attempt to analyze the transportation organizational responses after a disaster in four discrete temporal dimensions. The knowledge provided in the paper is derived from the examination of the transportation responses in a city after a major disaster. The findings are more generally applicable to any built environments that are aiming for resilience.
Intangible assets, international experience and the internationalisation speed of retailers
Authors: Mohr Alexander , Batsakis Georgios
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study draws on the resource- and knowledge based views (RBV/KBV) of the firm to explain the internationalisation speed of retail firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a panel data set of 144 international retailers over a ten-year period and employ feasible generalised least squares analysis in order to assess the effect of intangible assets and international experience on internationalisation speed.

Findings

– The results support direct effects of intangible assets and international experience, while the latter effect is also moderated by firms’ home-region concentration.

Research limitations/implications

– The study investigates the determinants of retailers’ internationalisation speed. While research stresses the positive performance effects of rapid internationalisation, future research should investigate the role of internationalisation speed for the performance of retailers empirically. The findings support the usefulness of adopting a RBV/KBV for explaining internationalisation speed.

Practical implications

– The findings imply that firms need to have particular intangible resources before being able to internationalise rapidly. They also show that decision-makers need to be mindful of the effects of international experience in allowing them to expand overseas both within and outside their home region.

Originality/value

– There has been very little research into the speed with which firms in general and service sector firms in particular expand their operations internationally. Through a theory-based analysis of a newly created panel data set this study provides novel insights into the factors that lead retail firms to internationalise rapidly.