bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoalloyed Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 Multilayers
Authors: Winkler M. , Koenig Jan D. , Buller S. , Schuermann U. , Kienle L. , Bensch W. , Boettner H.
Published: September 2011

In this work, thin films of Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 were synthesized by the nanoalloying approach: Nanoscale layers of the elements Element nanoscale layers of Bi, Sb and Te are stoichiometrically deposited on a cold substrate using a MBE setup and subjected to an annealing process in which a solid state reaction yielding Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 takes place. Besides the two binary compounds, nanoscale multilayer (ML) stacks of 9 nm Bi2Te3/9 nm Sb2Te3 were created. The electrical transport properties of the binary compounds were determined in dependence of composition. Compound formation was directly observed in temperature-dependent in-situ XRD scans and was found to start at ∼100 °C. The stability of the Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 ML nanostructure against temperature-driven interdiffusion during annealing was examined by SIMS and TEM for an annealing temperature of 150 and 250 °C, respectively. A comparative TEM study of the as grown and annealed state is presented.
First principles study of electronic structures of dopants in Mg2Si
Authors: Xiong K. , Sobhani S. , Gupta R. P. , Wang W. , Gnade B. E. , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: September 2011

We investigate the impact of various dopants (Na, Ag, Cd, Zn, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Ge, and Sn) on the electronic structure of Mg2Si by first principles calculations using a hybrid functional that does not need a band gap correction. We find that for Na and Ge in Mg2Si, the impurity-induced states do not affect the density of states at both edges of the valence band and the conduction band. Ag- and Sn affect slightly the density of states at the valence band edge, while Cd and Zn affect slightly the density of state at the conduction band edge. Al and In could modify significantly the density of states at the conduction band edge. Ga introduces states just at the bottom of the conduction band. Tl introduces states in the band gap. This study provides useful information on optimizing the thermoelectric efficiency of Mg2Si.
Dimensionally reduced heavy atom semiconductors as candidate materials for γ-ray detection: the case of Cs2Hg6S7
Authors: Androulakis Ioannis , Li Hao , Malliakas Christos , Peters John A. , Liu Zhifu , Wessels Bruce W. , Song Jung-Hwan , Jin Hosub , Freeman Arthur J. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: September 2011

We address the issue of decreasing band-gap with increasing atomic number, inherent in semiconducting materials, by introducing a concept we call dimensional reduction. The concept leads to semiconductor compounds containing high atomic number elements and simultaneously exhibiting a large band gap and high mass density suggesting that dimensional reduction can be successfully employed in developing new γ-ray detecting materials. As an example we discuss the compound Cs2Hg6S7 that exhibits a band-gap of 1.65eV and mobility-lifetime products comparable to those of optimized Cd0.9Zn0.1Te.
Synthesis of Fulleride Thin Films with Ultra-low Thermal Conductivity.
Authors: Check Michael H. , Dudis Douglas S. , Ferguson John B. , Gengler Jamie J. , Hu Jianjun , Votaw Zachary S. , Voevodin Andrey A.
Published: September 2011

In the past two decades, there has been growing interests in the design and improvement of thermoelectric (TE) materials and devices largely due to their potential use in technologies such as: 1) the conversion of waste heat to electricity, 2) solid-state refrigeration and heating, 3) biomedical batteries, and 4) power sources for both ground and space-based electronics.1 Recent research has suggested that by using nanotechnology (i.e. nanostructuring / nanoengineering) large advances can be gained in controlling interfaces to hinder thermal transport while allowing electrical movement. Thin film structuring of thermoelectric materials potentially offers several advantages over bulk thermoelectric materials especially for cooling applications. Furthermore, others have advocated that by making thermoelectric materials very small, one can achieve an enhanced ZT (the thermoelectric figure of merit) due to quantum confinement effects.2-5 The structure and physical properties of doped fullerene materials were investigated for use as electrically conducting phonon blocking layers. The synthesis and thermal properties of ZnxC60 thin films are reported. Preliminary results have shown the formation of amorphous fullerides structures with thermal conductivities as low as 0.13 Wm-1K-1. Physical and structural measurements (e.g. Electron Microscopy, Electron Diffraction, and Raman Spectroscopy) will be reported detailing the unique structure-property relationships in these materials.
Characterization of Nanoporous TiO2 Surface Defects by Temperature Dependent Electron Transport Studies on Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Shanmugam Mariyappan , Baroughi Mahdi Farrokh
Published: September 2011

Temperature dependent, dark current-voltage characteristics (I-V-T) of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were used to study the TiO2 surface defects on photovoltaic performance. Three kinds of DSSCs were used for this study. (1) DSSC with no surface treatment, (2) DSSCs with Al2O3 and (3) HfO2 treatments. Activation energy of charge transport, obtained from the I-V-T of the three DSSCs, suggest that Al2O2 and HfO2 surface treatment on the nanoporous TiO2 effectively suppressed the electron capture by the surface states from the conduction band of TiO2 and the consecutive electron transfer to the electrolyte in which the TiO2 is permeated. The reference DSSC showed activation energy of 1.03eV while the DSSCs with Al2O3 and HfO2 surface treatment showed 1.27 and 1.31eV respectively. The higher activation energy, in case of HfO2 surface treatment, suggest that electronically active TiO2 surface states present near to the redox potential of the electrolyte was reduced and hence resulted in improved photovoltaic performance than Al2O3 treated DSSC and the reference DSSC.
Ultra-fast photoluminescence in fused silica surface flaws susceptible to laser damage
Authors: Laurence Ted A. , Bude Jeff D. , Shen Nan
Published: September 2011

Using high-sensitivity confocal time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) techniques, we found an ultrafast PL (40 ps-5 ns) from impurity-free surface flaws on fused silica. This PL is excited by the single-photon absorption of sub-band gap light. Regions which exhibit this PL are strongly absorptive well below the band gap, as evidenced by a propensity to damage with 3.5 eV nanosecond-scale laser pulses. Very high defect densities are needed to explain the damage thresholds observed. For such high defect densities, significant interactions between defects may strongly affect the temporal characteristics of the emission of electronic excitations. We propose that the distribution in lifetimes observed is not simply due to a large variety of defect states, but due to a variety of energy transfer interactions between defect states.
Atomic Layer Deposition for Improved Stability of Catalysts for the Conversion of Biomass to Chemicals and Fuels
Authors: Wiedmann Monika K. , Pagan-Torres Yomaira J. , Tucker Mark H. , Dumesic James A. , Kuech T. F.
Published: September 2011

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been used to coat SBA-15 and functionalized SBA-15 with various metal oxides. Use of SBA-15 coated with 4-10 ALD cycles of titania, alumina, niobia, or zirconia in the acid-catalyzed dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) resulted in 24-57% conversion, with 0-22% selectivity, at 130 °C with 2 wt % fructose in 4:1 THF:H2O. Propylsulfonic acid functionalized SBA-15 (SBA-15-PrSO3H) had a 25% conversion and 48% selectivity for HMF under the same conditions. SBA-15-PrSO3H was also coated with 2 ALD cycles of titania followed by 8 ALD cycles silica. The deactivation rate constant for SBA-15-PrSO3H was 2.7 x 10-2 h-1 for the dehydration of fructose to HMF in a flow reactor at 130 °C with a feed of 2 wt % fructose in 4:1 THF:H2O. In comparison, the deactivation rate constant for the ALD coated SBA-15-PrSO3H-ALD was 7.9 x 10-3 h-1.
Classical MD Simulation of Hydrogen Absorption in F.C.C. and B.C.C. Nanoparticles
Authors: Ogawa Hiroshi , Viet Bac Phung Thi
Published: September 2011

Hydrogen absorption in metallic nanoparticles was investigated by classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. We used a simple model composed of an isolated f.c.c. or b.c.c. nanoparticle of 1, 1.4, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 nm in diameter and surrounding hydrogen atoms. The simulated particle sizes are which correspond to about 50 to 44000 atoms. In the case of f.c.c. nanoparticles, atomic configuration with five-fold symmetries was observed in both hydrogenfree and hydrogenated particles smaller than 2 nm. The f.c.c. structure was maintained in larger particles than 4 nm with lattice deformation which varies with M-H interaction. The b.c.t. structure was observed in hydrogenated b.c.c. nanoparticles. Number of H atoms absorbed in a nanoparticle varies depending on particle size and M-H interaction: it increases with increasing particle size and M-H bond strength.
Low-Temperature Operating Micro Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Perovskite-type Proton Conductors
Authors: Yugami Hiroo , Kubota Kensuke , Inagaki Yu , Iguchi Fumitada , Tanaka Shuji , Sata Noriko , Esashi Masayoshi
Published: September 2011

Micro-solid oxide fuel cells (Micro-SOFCs) with yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BZY) and strontium and cobalt-doped lanthanum scandate (LSScCo) electrolytes were fabricated for low-temperature operation at 300 °C. The micro-SOFC with a BZY electrolyte could operate at 300 °C with an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.08 V and a maximum power density of 2.8 mW/cm2. The micro-SOFC with a LSScCo electrolyte could operate at 370 °C; its OCV was about 0.8 V, and its maximum power density was 0.6 mW/cm2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the electrolyte resistance in both the micro-SOFCs was lower than 0.1 Ωcm2, and almost all of the resistance was due to anode and cathode reactions. Although the obtained maximum power density was not sufficient for practical applications, improvement of electrodes will make these micro-SOFCs promising candidates for power sources of mobile electronic devices.
Regiões genômicas associadas a características de desempenho e carcaça no cromossomo 5 de linhagens Brasileiras de galinha
Authors: Silva Fernanda Eliza de Jesus , Guido Luiza Nicolosi , Gazaffi Rodrigo , Garcia Antonio Augusto Franco , Ledur Mônica Corrêa , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Rosário Millor Fernandes do
Published: September 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar genotipicamente, e construir o mapa de ligação e mapear locos associados a características quantitativas (QTL) de desempenho e carcaça no cromossomo 5 de linhagens brasileiras galinhas. Utilizou-se uma população F2 CTCT, resultante do acasalamento entre machos da linhagem de postura CC e fêmeas da linhagem de corte TT. Um total de 356 animais foi genotipado com 11 marcadores microssatélites. A caracterização genotípica foi realizada pela estimação dos seguintes parâmetros genotípicos: conteúdo de informação polimórfica (0,45-0,69), heterozigosidades observada (0,48-1,00) e esperada (0,48-0,74), e número de alelos por loco (3-5). Empregou-se o mapeamento por intervalo combinado à modelagem fenotípica por modelo misto, no mapeamento de QTL. O comprimento do mapa de ligação foi de 174,7 cM. Não foram constatadas inversões entre o mapa obtido, o mapa consenso e o genoma. Foram mapeados nove QTL, dos quais sete foram sugestivos ("log of odds", LOD<1,5) e dois significativos ao nível cromossômico (LOD>3,0). Seis destes QTL são inéditos: conversão alimentar e eficiência alimentar dos 35 aos 41 dias de idade (significativo), pesos de cabeça e fígado, e triglicerídeos e triglicerídeos+colesterol. A população CTCT apresenta variabilidade genotípica, o mapa de ligação é similar ao mapa consenso e ao genoma, e novos QTL foram mapeados.
Inteligência emocional no Brasil: um panorama da pesquisa científica
Authors: Gonzaga Alessandra Rodrigues , Monteiro Janine Kieling
Published: September 2011

No Brasil, estudos científicos em Inteligência Emocional (IE) são realizados apenas nas últimas duas décadas. O presente artigo é um levantamento bibliográfico a partir da pesquisa de artigos publicados em revistas científicas brasileiras, referenciados nas bases de dados INDEX PSI, LILACS, PEPSIC e SCIELO. Foram encontradas 37 publicações nacionais, sendo 12 artigos teóricos e 25 artigos empíricos. Considerando-se que já existem suficientes estudos para validação da medição de inteligência emocional, a análise conduzida remete à necessidade de mais pesquisas científicas sobre o tema no Brasil, principalmente estudos que visem avaliar a sua aplicação ou correlacionando o tema a outros construtos relevantes, em contextos variados, como educacional, social e clínico.
Femtosecond time-resolved photodissociation dynamics of methyl halide molecules on ultrathin gold films
Authors: Vaida Mihai E , Tchitnga Robert , Bernhardt Thorsten M
Published: September 2011

The photodissociation of small organic molecules, namely methyl iodide, methyl bromide, and methyl chloride, adsorbed on a metal surface was investigated in real time by means of femtosecond-laser pump–probe mass spectrometry. A weakly interacting gold surface was employed as substrate because the intact adsorption of the methyl halide molecules was desired prior to photoexcitation. The gold surface was prepared as an ultrathin film on Mo(100). The molecular adsorption behavior was characterized by coverage dependent temperature programmed desorption spectroscopy. Submonolayer preparations were irradiated with UV light of 266 nm wavelength and the subsequently emerging methyl fragments were probed by photoionization and mass spectrometric detection. A strong dependence of the excitation mechanism and the light-induced dynamics on the type of molecule was observed. Possible photoexcitation mechanisms included direct photoexcitation to the dissociative A-band of the methyl halide molecules as well as the attachment of surface-emitted electrons with transient negative ion formation and subsequent molecular fragmentation. Both reaction pathways were energetically possible in the case of methyl iodide, yet, no methyl fragments were observed. As a likely explanation, the rapid quenching of the excited states prior to fragmentation is proposed. This quenching mechanism could be prevented by modification of the gold surface through pre-adsorption of iodine atoms. In contrast, the A-band of methyl bromide was not energetically directly accessible through 266 nm excitation. Nevertheless, the one-photon-induced dissociation was observed in the case of methyl bromide. This was interpreted as being due to a considerable energetic down-shift of the electronic A-band states of methyl bromide by about 1.5 eV through interaction with the gold substrate. Finally, for methyl chloride no photofragmentation could be detected at all.
INFLUENCE OF CEMENT – SODIUM SILICATE GROUT ADMIXED WITH CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND KAOLINITE ON SAPRIC PEAT / SAPROGENINIŲ DURPIŲ POVEIKIS CEMENTO IR NATRIO SILIKATO SKIEDINIO SU KALCIO CHLORIDU BEI KAOLINITU SAVYBĖMS
Authors: Kazemian Sina , Prasad Arun , Huat Bujang B. K. , Bazaz Jafar Bolouri , Aziz Farah N. A. Abdul , Ali Thamer A. Mohammad
Published: September 2011

Sapric peat is extremely soft, unconsolidated and has high organic content. It is most decomposed peat with less fiber content among all peats. This paper investigates the effectiveness of using different ratios of cement–sodium silicate system grout compounds with kaolinite in mechanical property (shear strength) and micro–structural properties (SEM and EDX) of sapric peat samples after 3 and 30 days of curing. The study showed that the kaolinite was effective in increasing the shear strength and reducing the moisture content of the treated peat. Calcium chloride seemed to have different effects on the grouts strength. It caused to increased shear strength of samples until the net charge of the sample changed to zero and then it decreased with further increase in calcium chloride. By increasing sodium silicate (within 3%), cement and soaking time on treated peat, it was observed that they are able to increase the shear strength and density with a corresponding decrease in moisture content, porous microstructure, and the multitude of voids of confection. Santrauka Durpės, susidarančios pūvant, yra ypač minkštos, nevienalytės struktūros, turi daug organikos. Durpių struktūra yra chaotiška, jose mažai fibrų. Šiame darbe nagrinėjamos skirtingų skiedinių (cemento ir natrio silikato su pūvant susidarančiomis durpėmis ir kaolinitu) mechaninės (šlyties stipris) ir mikrostruktūrinės savybės (SEM ir EDX) po 3, 30 ir 90 dienų. Nustatytas tokių durpių ir kitų priedų naudojimo veiksmingumas skiediniuose. Tyrimai parodė, kad kaolinito priedas padidina šlyties stiprį ir sumažina durpių vandens poreikį. Taip pat nustatyta, kad kalcio chloridas gali skirtingai veikti skiedinių stiprį. Įvertinta, kad bandinių šlyties stipris didėja, kai kalcio chlorido kiekis mišinyje artimas nuliui, didinant kalcio chlorido kiekį, stipris mažeja. Atlikus tyrimus pastebėta, kad didinant natrio silikato, cemento kiekį ir ilginant apdorotų durpių įmirkymo laiką, bandinių šlyties stipris ir tankis didėja, mažėja vandens poreikis ir tuštumų skaičius, kinta mikrostruktūros parametrai.
Treatment of Decompensated Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Menachery John , Duseja Ajay
Published: September 2011

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a spectrum ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis can have clinical presentation almost similar to those with decompensated cirrhosis. Scoring with models like Maddrey discriminant function, a model for end-stage liver disease, Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score, and Lille model are helpful in prognosticating patients with ALD. One of the first therapeutic goals in ALD is to induce alcohol withdrawal with psychotherapy or drugs. Most studies have shown that nutritional therapy improves liver function and histology in patients with ALD. The rationale for using glucocorticoids is to block cytotoxic and inflammatory pathways in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Pentoxifylline, a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) suppressor, and infliximab, an anti-TNFαmouse/human chimeric antibody, has been extensively studied in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Liver transplantation remains the definitive therapy for decompensated cirrhosis/alcoholic hepatitis despite the issues of recidivism, poor compliance with postoperative care, and being a self-inflicted disease.
Correlation of black carbon aerosol and carbon monoxide in the high-altitude environment of Mt. Huang in Eastern China
Authors: Pan X. L. , Kanaya Y. , Wang Z. F. , Liu Y. , Pochanart P. , Akimoto H. , Sun Y. L. , Dong H. B. , Li J. , Irie H. , Takigawa M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Understanding the relationship between black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO) will help improve BC emission inventories and the evaluation of global/regional climate forcing effects. In the present work, the BC (PM1) mass concentration and CO mixing ratio were continuously measured at a high-altitude background station on the summit of Mt. Huang (30.16° N, 118.26° E, 1840 m a.s.l.). Annual mean BC mass concentration was 1004.5 ± 895.5 ng m−3 with maxima in spring and autumn, and annual mean CO mixing ratio was 424.1 ± 159.2 ppbv. A large increase of CO was observed in the cold season, implying the contribution from the large-scale domestic coal/biofuel combustion for heating. The BC-CO relationship was found to show different seasonal features but strong positive correlation (R>0.8). In Mt. Huang area, the ΔBC/ΔCO ratio showed unimodal diurnal variations and had a maximum during the day (09:00–17:00 LST) and minimum at night (21:00–04:00 LST) in all seasons, indicating the impact of planetary boundary layer and the intrusion of clean air masses from the high troposphere. Back trajectory cluster analysis showed that the ΔBC/ΔCO ratio of plumes from the Eastern China (Jiangsu, Zhejiang provinces and Shanghai) was 8.8 ± 0.9 ng m−3 ppbv−1. Transportation and industry were deemed as controlling factors of the BC-CO relationship in this region. The ΔBC/ΔCO ratios for air masses from Northern China (Anhui, Henan, Shanxi and Shandong provinces) and southern China (Jiangxi, Fujian and Hunan provinces) were quite similar with mean values of 6.5 ± 0.4 and 6.5 ± 0.2 ng m−3 ppbv−1 respectively. The case studies combined with satellite observations demonstrated that the ΔBC/ΔCO ratio for biomass burning (BB) plumes were 10.3 ± 0.3 and 11.6 ± 0.5ng m−3 ppbv−1, significantly higher than those during non-BB impacted periods. The loss of BC during transport was also investigated on the basis of the ΔBC/ΔCO-RH (relative humidity) relationship along air mass pathways. The results showed that BC particles from Eastern China area was much more easily removed from atmosphere than other inland regions due to the higher RH along transport pathway, implying the importance of chemical compositions and mixing states on BC residence time in the atmosphere.
Simultaneous Phacoemulsification and Graft Refractive Surgery in Penetrating Keratoplasty Eyes
Authors: Feizi Sepehr , Zare Mohammad , Einollahi Bahram
Published: September 2011

Purpose. To report outcomes of graft refractive surgery (GRS) along with clear-cornea phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) eyes. Methods. Fourteen eyes of 13 patients who had received PKP underwent simultaneous GRS (relaxing incisions with or without counter-quadrant compression sutures) and clear-cornea phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. To calculate IOL power, preoperative keratometry readings and the SRK-T formula were used. Results. Mean patient age and follow-up period were
years and months, respectively. A significant increase was observed in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (from logMAR to logMAR, ). There was a significant decrease in vector keratometric astigmatism by 6.22 D (). Spherical equivalent refraction was reduced from  D to  D () which did not significantly differ from the target refraction ( D, ). No complications developed and all the grafts remained clear at the final examination. Conclusion. Simultaneous phacoemulsification and GRS is a safe and effective method to address post-PKP astigmatism and lens opacity. IOL power can be calculated from preoperative keratometry readings with an acceptable accuracy. However, patients should be informed about the possibility of high refractive errors postoperatively.
The Microwave‐to‐Flow Paradigm: Translating High‐Temperature Batch Microwave Chemistry to Scalable Continuous‐Flow Processes
Authors: Glasnov Toma N. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: September 2011

The popularity of dedicated microwave reactors in many academic and industrial laboratories has produced a plethora of synthetic protocols that are based on this enabling technology. In the majority of examples, transformations that require several hours when performed using conventional heating under reflux conditions reach completion in a few minutes or even seconds in sealed‐vessel, autoclave‐type, microwave reactors. However, one severe drawback of microwave chemistry is the difficulty in scaling this technology to a production‐scale level. This Concept article demonstrates that this limitation can be overcome by translating batch microwave chemistry to scalable continuous‐flow processes. For this purpose, conventionally heated micro‐ or mesofluidic flow devices fitted with a back‐pressure regulator are employed, in which the high temperatures and pressures attainable in a sealed‐vessel microwave chemistry batch experiment can be mimicked.
Development of γ‐aminobutyric acid‐, glycine‐, and glutamate‐immunopositive boutons on rat jaw‐opening motoneurons
Authors: Paik Sang Kyoo , Kwak Woo Kyung , Bae Jin Young , Na Yeon Kyung , Park Soo Young , Yi Hyun Won , Ahn Dong Kuk , Ottersen Ole Petter , Yoshida Atsushi , Bae Yong Chul
Published: September 2011

Inhibitory and excitatory synaptic inputs onto trigeminal motoneurons play an important role in coordinating jaw movements. Previously, we reported that the phenotype of the inhibitory boutons apposing the somata of jaw‐closing (JC) motoneurons changes from γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐positive (GABA+) to predominantly glycine‐positive (Gly+) during development. In the present study, we investigated the development of inhibitory and excitatory boutons apposing antagonistic jaw‐opening (JO) motoneurons (anterior digastric motoneurons) at postnatal day 2 (P2), P11, and P31 in the rat. JO motoneurons were retrogradely labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Postembedding immunogold staining with antisera against GABA, Gly, and glutamate (Glut) was performed and followed by quantitative ultrastructural analysis. The size of both small and large JO motoneurons increased during development. The number of excitatory (Glut+) and inhibitory (GABA+, Gly+, and GABA+/Gly+) boutons per JO motoneuron increased significantly from P2 to P11 and then remained unchanged until P31. The time course of inhibitory synapse formation differed between JO and JC motoneurons, whereas that of excitatory synapse formation was similar between the two neuronal populations. The fraction of GABA+ boutons decreased by 86% and the fraction of GABA+/Gly+ boutons increased by 200% from P11 to P31, suggesting a switch from GABA+ to GABA+/Gly+ phenotype. The fraction of Gly+ boutons remained unchanged. These results indicate that inhibitory synapses onto somata of JO motoneurons exhibit a developmental pattern distinct from that of synapses onto JC motoneurons, which may reflect distinctive maturation of oral motor system. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1212–1226, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of computer monitor brightness on visual (subjective) carotid plaque characterization
Authors: Kakkos Stavros K. , Nicolaides Andrew N. , Geroulakos George , Griffin Maura B. , Tegos Thomas J.
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

Visual carotid plaque classification on duplex imaging is moderately reproducible, and, although the literature is controversial, research to analyze and overcome this problem remains scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of computer screen brightness on the intraobserver variation of visual plaque classification.

Methods.

One hundred asymptomatic noncalcified carotid plaques causing carotid stenosis >40% on duplex scanning, in 84 patients, were transferred to a personal computer, normalized, and classified into four groups of increasing echogenicity (types 1–4) at 50% and 100% of maximum monitor brightness settings. Baseline intraobserver variability of visual plaque classification at maximum brightness was also assessed.

Results.

Baseline intraobserver variability was moderate (Cohen's Kappa value 0.59, p < 0.001). Reduction in monitor brightness caused a systemic shift in echogenicity, with 51% of the type 2–4 plaques being classified as more echolucent. Likewise, Cohen's Kappa value decreased to 0.37, indicating poor agreement between the two classification rounds.

Conclusion.

Reduction in computer screen brightness deteriorates the intraobserver variation of visual plaque classification. This finding could explain some of the discrepancy in reproducibility results reported and should be taken into account when using visual characterization methods. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011;
Combination Self‐Assembly of β‐Sheet Peptides and Carbon Nanotubes: Functionalizing Carbon Nanotubes with Bioactive β‐Sheet Block Copolypeptides
Authors: Jeong Woo‐jin , Lim Yong‐beom
Published: September 2011

Understanding the self‐assembly behavior of β‐sheet peptides is important, not only in constructing bioactive peptide nanostructures, but also in inhibiting uncontrollable protein aggregation in protein‐misfolding diseases. Here, the first systematic investigation of combination self‐assembly between β‐sheet block copolypeptides and CNTs is presented, demonstrating the presence of several different association modes during the combination self‐assembly process. Bioactive β‐sheet block copolypeptides can self‐assemble by themselves, or can be used to functionalize CNT hybrids depending on the situation. This behavior may be important both for fabricating bioactive peptide/CNT hybrids and for controlling/inhibiting protein‐misfolding diseases.

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Spray pyrolysed In2S3 thin films: A potential electron selective layer for large area inverted bulk‐heterojunction polymer solar cells
Authors: Menon M. R. Rajesh , Maheshkumar M. V. , Sreekumar K. , Kartha C. Sudha , Vijayakumar K. P.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we report the results of investigations on the potential of spray pyrolysis technique in depositing electron selective layer over larger area for the fabrication of inverted bulk‐heterojunction polymer solar cells. The electron selective layer (In2S3) was deposited using spray pyrolysis technique and the linear heterojunction device thus fabricated exhibited good uniformity in photovoltaic properties throughout the area of the device. An MEH‐PPV:PCBM inverted bulk‐heterojunction device with In2S3 electron selective layer (active area of 3.25 × 3.25 cm2) was also fabricated and tested under indoor and outdoor conditions. From the indoor measurements employing a tungsten halogen lamp (50 mW/cm2 illumination), an open‐circuit voltage of 0.41 V and a short‐circuit current of 5.6 mA were obtained. On the other hand, the outdoor measurements under direct sunlight (74 mW/cm2) yielded an open‐circuit voltage of 0.46 V and a short‐circuit current of 9.37 mA.
An Expedition to Quality: A Review
Authors: Sharma Jyoti
Published: September 2011

Quality has a long and complex history. The concept of quality developed with population growth and the subsequent increase in industrial activity. From visual inspection to Total Quality Management and beyond, quality has progressed from infancy to adulthood. Each era has its distinctive contribution to quality improvement. It has taken many years and the inestimable effort of quality gurus to present quality as a holistic approach equipped with scientific tools. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clusterwise p* models for social network analysis
Authors: Steinley Douglas , Brusco Michael J. , Wasserman Stanley
Published: September 2011

Clusterwise p* models are developed to detect differentially functioning network models as a function of the subset of observations being considered. These models allow the identification of subgroups (i.e., clusters) of individuals who are ‘structurally’ different from each other. These clusters are different from those produced by standard blockmodeling of social interactions in that the goal is not necessarily to find dense subregions of the network; rather, the focus is finding subregions that are functionally different in terms of graph structure. Furthermore, the clusterwise p* approach allows for local estimation of network regions, avoiding some of the common degeneracy problems that are rampant in p* (e.g., exponential random graph) models. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 487–496, 2011
Electroactive Microwell Arrays for Highly Efficient Single‐Cell Trapping and Analysis
Authors: Kim Soo Hyeon , Yamamoto Takatoki , Fourmy Dominique , Fujii Teruo
Published: September 2011

We present a novel method, implemented in the form of a microfluidic device, for arraying and analyzing large populations of single cells. The device contains a large array of electroactive microwells where manipulation and analysis of large population of cells are carried out. On the device, single cells can be actively trapped in the microwells by dielectrophoresis (DEP) and then lysed by electroporation (EP) for subsequent analysis of the confined cell lysates. The DEP force in the selected dimensions of the microwells could achieve efficient trapping in nearly all the microwells (95%) in less than three minutes. Moreover, the positions of the cells in the microwells are maintained even when unstable flow of liquid is applied. This makes it possible to exchange the DEP buffer to a solution that will be subsequently used for stimulating or analyzing the trapped cells. After closing the microwells, EP is conducted to lyse the trapped cells by applying short electric pulses. Tight enclosure is critical to prevent dilution, diffusion and cross contamination of the cell lysates. We demonstrated the feasibility of our approach with an enzymatic assay measuring the intracellular‐galactosidase activity. The use of this method should greatly help analysis of large populations of cells at the single‐cell level. Furthermore, the method offers rapidity in the trapping and analysis of multiple cell types in physiological conditions that will be important to ensure the relevance of single cell analyses.
From Nanoscale Liquid Spheres to Anisotropic Crystalline Particles of Tin: Decomposition of Decamethylstannocene in Organic Solvents
Authors: Dreyer Axel , Ennen Inga , Koop Thomas , Hütten Andreas , Jutzi Peter
Published: September 2011

Routes are presented for synthesizing nano‐ and mesostructured β‐tin particles in the form of monocrystalline spheres, cubes, and bars, as well as polycrystalline rods and needles, by the decomposition of decamethylstannocene in organic solvents under various conditions. The formation of the observed shapes is based on the presence of liquidlike and of partly crystalline droplets. These particle stages allow structure‐determining processes such as entire coalescence, oriented superficial coalescence or superficial induced crystallization. Entire coalescence and oriented superficial coalescence take place in the absence of surfactants; the superficially induced crystallization occurs in the presence of ionic additives. The observed tin morphologies depend on the competition between droplet growth and crystallization behavior. The different tin particles are investigated by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Smart Sanctions Revisited
Authors: Gordon Joy
Published: September 2011

Targeted sanctions—often referred to as “smart sanctions”—began in large measure as a response to the UN Security Council sanctions imposed on Iraq in 1990 and 1991, after its invasion of Kuwait. By 1991 it was clear that the sanctions on Iraq, initially welcomed by antiwar activists as a peaceful alternative to military action, were different from any sanctions seen before. Combined with the destruction from the bombing campaign of the Gulf War, they were devastating to the Iraq economy and infrastructure, resulting in widespread malnutrition, epidemics of water-borne diseases, and the collapse of every system necessary to ensure human well-being in a modern society. As the sanctions seemed to have no end in sight, there was considerable “sanctions fatigue” within the United Nations, as well as a growing body of literature that questioned whether sanctions were effective at obtaining compliance by the target state, even when there was considerable impact on its economy.

In the wake of these concerns, there were efforts in many venues to design sanctions that would not have the humanitarian impact of broad trade sanctions, and that would also be more effective by putting direct pressure on individual national policy-makers. These targeted sanctions included arms embargoes, financial sanctions on the assets of individuals and companies, travel restrictions on the leaders of a sanctioned state, and trade sanctions on particular goods. Many viewed targeted sanctions as an especially promising tool for foreign policy and international governance, and many still see targeted sanctions as a natural and obvious solution to a broad array of difficult situations. But there are considerable difficulties with each type of targeted sanction, with regard to implementation, humanitarian impact, and, in some cases, due process rights. Some of these difficulties may be resolved as these measures continue to be refined. Others are rooted in fundamental conflicts between competing interests or intractable logistical challenges.
Citizenship in an Unequal World
Authors: Echeverri-Gent John
Published: September 2011

We inhabit a thoroughly globalized world. People are increasingly and visibly connected by a “World Wide Web,” by a world market, and by universalist discourses of human rights and democracy. At the same time, full citizenship in a political community—and the rights conferred by such citizenship—is an exclusive status that remains, remarkably, tied to accidents of birth and historical circumstance. And what one has a right to—gainful employment, education, health care, political voice, mere presence—is largely a function of whether one has the precious status of citizenship or is, alternatively, regarded as an alien. Ayelet Shachar's The Birthright Lottery: Citizenship and Global Inequality is a compelling account of the moral arbitrariness of this state of affairs. A study in “normative political theory,” it is a work of political science that incorporates legal theory, moral philosophy, political economy, and public policy. The author tackles issues of increasing global political importance—global disparities of wealth; unequal access to clear air, water, and a secure place to live; and the increasingly contentious politics of immigration and immigrant rights.

So it seems fitting to invite a range of political science scholars who work on these topics to comment on the book. The basic editorial charge of this symposium is thus straightforward: How do you assess Shachar's arguments and the attention she focuses on the phenomenon of “birthright lottery”? How does this argument bear upon the topics and approaches that characterize your own scholarship? And how do these topics and approaches shed light on the book and its arguments? While the focus of the symposium is this provocative book, the discussion of it should also be regarded as an opportunity to address the question of whether or not the bases of citizenship need to be fundamentally reconceived, and in what ways political science can and should contribute to such a rethinking.—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
Citizenship in an Unequal World
Authors: Givens Terri E.
Published: September 2011

We inhabit a thoroughly globalized world. People are increasingly and visibly connected by a “World Wide Web,” by a world market, and by universalist discourses of human rights and democracy. At the same time, full citizenship in a political community—and the rights conferred by such citizenship—is an exclusive status that remains, remarkably, tied to accidents of birth and historical circumstance. And what one has a right to—gainful employment, education, health care, political voice, mere presence—is largely a function of whether one has the precious status of citizenship or is, alternatively, regarded as analien.Ayelet Shachar'sThe Birthright Lottery: Citizenship and Global Inequalityis a compelling account of the moral arbitrariness of this state of affairs. A study in “normative political theory,” it is a work of political science that incorporates legal theory, moral philosophy, political economy, and public policy. The author tackles issues of increasing global political importance—global disparities of wealth; unequal access to clear air, water, and a secure place to live; and the increasingly contentious politics of immigration and immigrant rights.

So it seems fitting to invite a range of political science scholars who work on these topics to comment on the book. The basic editorial charge of this symposium is thus straightforward: How do you assess Shachar's arguments and the attention she focuses on the phenomenon of “birthright lottery”? How does this argument bear upon the topics and approaches that characterize your own scholarship? And how do these topics and approaches shed light on the book and its arguments? While the focus of the symposium is this provocative book, the discussion of it should also be regarded as an opportunity to address the question of whether or not the bases of citizenship need to be fundamentally reconceived, and in what ways political science can and should contribute to such a rethinking.—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
Making sense of human rights in the context of European Union health-care policy: individualist and communitarian views
Authors: da Costa Leite Borges Danielle
Published: September 2011

This article discusses the European Union health-care policy from a human rights law point of view. It departs from the analysis of international and European human rights documents in order to identify core elements and principles associated with the right to access health-care services. These elements and principles are then used to distinguish between individualist and communitarian views of health-care rights and to argue that a human rights approach to the right to access health-care services promotes a communitarian view of this right whereas European Union health-care policy has been promoting an individualist view of this right.
Great debate: how clinicians make their views heard in health reform
Authors: Blackwell Scott , Gibson Kim , Combs Shane , Davidson Rowan , Drummond Carolyn , Olsson Helen , O'Neill Barbara
Published: September 2011

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEMS in Australia and internationally
are faced with the need to implement
significant reforms. These reforms are driven by
the need to balance the delivery of best practice
clinical care with rapidly spiralling cost pressures.
With much of the agenda for reform
driven by managerial, administrative and even
political priorities, clinicians have often felt sidelined
from the reform process. Indeed, there is
some evidence that clinicians have had
decreased enthusiasm for their work in recent
years, coinciding with a greater role of nonmedical
managers and more restrictions on
resources.1 There is a wealth of experience and
intelligence within the clinical workforce that
can contribute to finding solutions to the many
complex issues facing the health system.2 This
experience and intelligence is expressed in
advice on the clinician?s specific areas of expertise
and often within their own environment.
This may work against the clinician having an
effective impact on the reform agenda at the
macro level. In that context, the establishment of
a Clinical Senate in Western Australia to inform
the health reform process by debating major
issues that impact across the system is innovative.
The Clinical Senate requires that Senators
adopt a broad view, set aside their particular
clinical allegiances and debate the issues in the
best interests of the community. The Clinical
Senate is a forum that allows clinicians to influence
statewide-level processes through formally
recognised channels. This article examines the
rationale, processes and operation of the Clinical
Senate in WA as a mechanism for effective
clinician input into health reform.
Increased transsulfuration mediates longevity and dietary restriction in
Drosophila
Authors: Kabil Hadise , Kabil Omer , Banerjee Ruma , Harshman Lawrence G. , Pletcher Scott D.
Published: September 2011

The mechanisms through which dietary restriction enhances health and longevity in diverse species are unclear. The transsulfuration pathway (TSP) is a highly conserved mechanism for metabolizing the sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine. Here we show that
Drosophila
cystathionine β-synthase (dCBS), which catalyzes the rate-determining step in the TSP, is a positive regulator of lifespan in
Drosophila
and that the pathway is required for the effects of diet restriction on animal physiology and lifespan. dCBS activity was up-regulated in flies exposed to reduced nutrient conditions, and ubiquitous or neuron-specific transgenic overexpression of dCBS enhanced longevity in fully fed animals. Inhibition of the TSP abrogated the changes in lifespan, adiposity, and protein content that normally accompany diet restriction. RNAi-mediated knockdown of dCBS also limited lifespan extension by diet. Diet restriction reduced levels of protein translation in
Drosophila
, and we show that this is largely caused by increased metabolic commitment of methionine cycle intermediates to transsulfuration. However, dietary supplementation of methionine restored normal levels of protein synthesis to restricted animals without affecting lifespan, indicating that global reductions in translation alone are not required for diet-restriction longevity. Our results indicate a mechanism by which dietary restriction influences physiology and aging.
A Topos and Its Dissolution: Japan in Some 20th-century Iranian Texts
Authors: Haag-Higuchi Roxane
Published: September 2011

Towards the end of the 19th century, different parts of the Islamic world, occupied with various attempts to cope with the European power play, became aware of a country that seemed to have “made it”: Japan, remote and in self-imposed, almost complete isolation from the Western world for more than 200 years up to 1853, fascinated Muslim viewers. In different aspects, Japan's situation lent itself to comparison. It had been a military confrontation with economic incentives that had forced Japan to come into contact with the West. In the first military confrontation with the American warships sent to force the opening of Japanese ports in 1853, Japan could not withstand the Western threat and thus confirmed the stereotype of the inferior traditional Oriental country retreating in the face of the superior, advanced West.
The Emergence of Scientific Modernity in Iran: Controversies Surrounding Astrology and Modern Astronomy in the Mid-Nineteenth Century
Authors: Arjomand Kamran
Published: September 2011

In a sense, the history of science deals with the creation and development of scientific ideas and theories concerning scientific discoveries or even failures. Its focus is on scientific discovery and its forerunners, and it generally ignores areas where two methodologically divergent and geographically separate scientific traditions clash, especially when no new discoveries have resulted therefrom.

One such area is the clash between modern European and traditional Islamic sciences. For this reason, the introduction of modern science into the Islamic world and its challenge to traditional scholars has not attracted the attention of historians of science either from within or without. Books on the history of science dealing with the Islamic world, and more particularly with Iran, rarely cover the field beyond medieval times, thus showing a tangible research deficit.
The Nomenclature of the Persian Gulf
Authors: Bosworth C. Edmund
Published: September 2011

The earliest historical references to the Persian Gulf appear to stem from the time of the Sumerian rulers of Mesopotamia in the third millennium B.C., when, for instance, the trade with Dilmun (on the western shores of the upper part of the Gulf) of Ur Nanše, King of Lagash (2494–2465 B.C.), is mentioned. The Gulf itself is specifically named in a historical text of Lugal Zagesi, King of Uruk (2340–2316 B.C.), where it is said that “then from the Lower Sea, by the Tigris and Euphrates, as far as the Upper Sea, [the god Enlil] provided him with clear routes”; and, in an inscription of Sargon of Akkad, it is said that Enlil gave him the Upper Sea and the Lower Sea.