bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation of a polymer backbone in lipid bilayer membrane-based nanotubes for morphological and microenvironmental stabilization
Authors: Okazaki Yutaka , Jintoku Hirokuni , Takafuji Makoto , Oda Reiko , Ihara Hirotaka
Published: July 2014

We report a novel method for morphological and microenvironmental stabilization of single-walled bilayer nanotubes, which involves construction of a polymer backbone between the monolayers by intercalating a monomer, followed by in situ polymerization.
Ligand slope, density and affinity direct cell polarity and migration on molecular gradient surfaces
Authors: Lee Eun-ju , Chan Eugene W. L. , Luo Wei , Yousaf Muhammad N.
Published: July 2014

A patterned peptide gradient with control of slope and density is created for studies of directed cell polarization and migration.
Preparation and characterization of Pt/Pt:CeO2−xnanorod catalysts for short chain alcohol electrooxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Menéndez Christian L. , Zhou Yunyun , Marin Chris M. , Lawrence Neil J. , Coughlin E. Bryan , Cheung Chin Li , Cabrera Carlos R.
Published: July 2014

Multi-functional anode catalysts composed of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles electrodeposited on 2 wt% Pt decorated ceria (Pt:CeO2−x) nanorod supports were shown to enhance the alkaline electrocatalytic oxidation of short chain alcohols.
Hydrogen evolution inhibition with diethylenetriamine modification of activated carbon for a lead-acid battery
Authors: Hong Bo , Yu Xiaoying , Jiang Liangxing , Xue Haitao , Liu Fangyang , Li Jie , Liu Yexiang
Published: July 2014

A novel idea to inhibit hydrogen evolution of AC application in lead-acid battery has been present in this paper. Nitrogen groups-enriched AC was prepared and who using in UltraBattery can decrease the hydrogen evolution, improve battery's charge acceptance and charge retention ability.
Preparation of lotus-like hierarchical microstructures on zinc substrate and study of its wettability
Authors: Wang Huijie , Yang Zhou , Yu Jing , Wu Yizhi , Shao Weijia , Jiang Tongtong , Xu Xiaoliang
Published: July 2014

The main preparation process of the superhydrophobic surface and its anti-wettability effect.
Investigation on corrosion protection and mechanical performance of minerals substituted hydroxyapatite coating on HELCDEB-treated titanium using pulsed electrodeposition method
Authors: Gopi D. , Karthika A. , Rajeswari D. , Kavitha L. , Pramod R. , Dwivedi Jishnu
Published: July 2014

The present work aims to investigate the effects of mineral (strontium, magnesium and zinc) substituted hydroxyapatite (M-HAP) coating on high-energy low-current DC electron beam (HELCDEB)-treated titanium (Ti).
An efficient ligand free chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of olefinic bonds by palladium nanoparticles in an aqueous reaction medium
Authors: Bagal Dattatraya B. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: July 2014

An efficient ligand free catalytic system was developed for chemoselective 1,4-reduction of various α,β-unsaturated carbonyls by palladium nanoparticles in aqueous reaction medium with excellent chemoselectivity and effective catalyst recyclability.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of hierarchical structure TiO2 hollow spheres with reactive (001) facets for the removal of toxic heavy metal Cr(vi)
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Guozhong , Deng Quan , Wang Huiming , Zhang Yunxia , Ng Dickon H. L. , Zhao Huijun
Published: July 2014

TiO2 hollow spheres composed of reactive (001) facets were synthesized, and their enhanced Cr(vi) removal activity was demonstrated.
Linearization of carbohydrate derived polycyclic frameworks
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Panda Gautam
Published: July 2014

We report an easy access to carbohydrate derived diverse tricyclic skeletons which could be beneficial for exploring polyfunctionalized chiral alicycles.
LiTi2(PO4)3/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Roh Ha-Kyung , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Roh Kwang Chul , Kim Kwang-Bum
Published: July 2014

NASICON-structured LiTi2(PO4)3/rGO nanocomposite was successfully fabricated by in situ synthesis of a Li–Ti–P–O/rGO precursor by microwave-assisted one-pot method followed by calcination heat treatment. Electrodes prepared from the nanocomposites provide excellent cycling performance and rate capability, indicating great potential for their use in LIBs.
A facile, morphology-controlled synthesis of potassium-containing manganese oxide nanostructures for electrochemical supercapacitor application
Authors: Subramanian Navaladian , Viswanathan Balasubramanian , Varadarajan Thirukkallam K.
Published: July 2014

A chemical reduction-based, morphology-controlled synthesis of K-containing manganese oxide nanostructures for electrochemical supercapacitor application.
Click-based porous inorganic–organic hybrid material (PHM) containing cyclophosphazene unit and their application in carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Rekha Pawan , Sahoo Usharani , Mohanty Paritosh
Published: July 2014

A high surface area porous hybrid material was synthesized by one-step click chemistry, which captures 1.83 mmol g−1 CO2 at 273 K.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgel-based thin film actuators for humidity sensing
Authors: Islam Molla R. , Serpe Michael J.
Published: July 2014

In this submission we fabricated a humidity-responsive polymer-based actuator by layering negatively charged poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylic acid microgels and positively charged poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) on top of a flexible plastic substrate.
Novel heterostructures by stacking layered molybdenum disulfides and nitrides for solar energy conversion
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Yan-Ning , Liu Hao , Liu Li-Min
Published: July 2014

Two-dimensional graphene-like materials have attracted considerable attention for the further development of nanoscale devices.
High stable post-spinel NaMn2O4 cathode of sodium ion battery
Authors: Liu Xizheng , Wang Xi , Iyo Akira , Yu Haijun , Li De , Zhou Haoshen
Published: July 2014

A CaFe2O4-type NaMn2O4 has been synthesized at a pressure of 4.5 Gpa, as the cathode of SIBs. It exhibits a smooth voltage profile, limited polarization and good capacity retention both at room temperature and at a higher temperature. The stable battery performance is due to the high barrier of structure rearrangement and suppressed Jahn–Teller distortions in this post-spinel structure.
Folic acid modified clay/polymer nanocomposites for selective cell adhesion
Authors: Barlas F. B. , Ag Seleci D. , Ozkan M. , Demir B. , Seleci M. , Aydin M. , Tasdelen M. A. , Zareie H. M. , Timur S. , Ozcelik S. , Yagci Y.
Published: July 2014

A promising material, a folic acid modified poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/clay nanocomposite that allows selective cell adhesion and proliferation, was synthesized and characterized as a cell culture and biosensing platform.
Multi-responsive hydrogels derived from the self-assembly of tethered allyl-functionalized racemic oligopeptides
Authors: He Xun , Fan Jingwei , Zhang Fuwu , Li Richen , Pollack Kevin A. , Raymond Jeffery E. , Zou Jiong , Wooley Karen L.
Published: July 2014

A multi-responsive oligopeptide-based hydrogel system with synthetic feasibility and potential for functionalization provided a platform for intelligent bio-functional and bio-responsive materials.
Eu3+-activated CaGa2O4 wide band gap (WBG) material for solar blind UV conversion: fluorescence and photo-conductivity performance
Authors: Rai M. , Singh S. K. , Mishra K. , Shankar R. , Srivastava R. K. , Rai S. B.
Published: July 2014

Schematic representation of energy bands/defect states, energy transfer and emission in Na+, Eu3+:CaGa2O4 usable for solar blind UV converter application.
Dihalogen edge-modification: an effective approach to realize the half-metallicity and metallicity in zigzag silicon carbon nanoribbons
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Hui , Ding Xiuling , Yu Guangtao , Liu Dan , Huang Xuri
Published: July 2014

Dihalogen edge modification can effectively break the magnetic degeneracy of the pristine zSiCNRs and significantly enhance edge stability.
Self-referenced multi-bit thermally assisted magnetic random access memories
Authors: Stainer Q. , Lombard L. , Mackay K. , Lee D. , Bandiera S. , Portemont C. , Creuzet C. , Sousa R. C. , Dieny B.
Published: July 2014

The feasibility of 3-bits per cell storage in self-referenced thermally assisted magnetic random access memories is demonstrated both by macrospin simulations and experiments. The memory dot consists of a storage layer where CoFe/CoFeB magnetization direction is pinned by an IrMn layer using the ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interfacial exchange coupling, separated by an MgO tunnel barrier from a CoFeB sense layer whose magnetization direction is free to rotate. Writing is performed by heating the antiferromagnet above its blocking temperature by sending a current pulse through the magnetic tunnel junction, with the application of an in-plane field during the subsequent cooling phase, thus setting the new storage layer pinning direction. This pinning direction actually carries the information stored in the storage layer. Reading is performed by applying a rotating field, inducing a coherent rotation of the sense layer, and subsequently locating the field angle associated with the minimum measured resistance. This angle corresponds to the parallel magnetic configuration of the magnetic tunnel junction and therefore allows determining the pinning direction established during the write operation. The number of distinguishable pinning angles defines the total number of bits that can be stored in a single dot.
Development of an integrated energetic neutral particle measurement system on experimental advanced full superconducting tokamak
Authors: Zhu Y. B. , Zhang J. Z. , Qi M. Z. , Xia S. B. , Liu D. , Heidbrink W. W. , Wan B. N. , Li J. G.
Published: July 2014

Full function integrated, compact silicon photodiode based solid state neutral particle analyzers (ssNPA) have been developed for energetic particle (EP) relevant studies on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). The ssNPAs will be mostly operated in advanced current mode with a few channels to be operated in conventional pulse-counting mode, aiming to simultaneously achieve individually proved ultra-fast temporal, spatial, and spectral resolution capabilities. The design details together with considerations on EAST specific engineering realities and physics requirements are presented. The system, including a group of single detectors on two vertical ports and two 16-channel arrays on a horizontal port, can provide both active and passive charge exchange measurements. ssNPA detectors, with variable thickness of ultra thin tungsten dominated foils directly deposited on the front surface, are specially fabricated and utilized to achieve about 22 keV energy resolution for deuterium particle detection.
Sound source localization inspired by the ears of the Ormia ochracea
Authors: Kuntzman Michael L. , Hall Neal A.
Published: July 2014

The parasitoid fly Ormia ochracea has the remarkable ability to locate crickets using audible sound. This ability is, in fact, remarkable as the fly's hearing mechanism spans only 1.5 mm which is 50× smaller than the wavelength of sound emitted by the cricket. The hearing mechanism is, for all practical purposes, a point in space with no significant interaural time or level differences to draw from. It has been discovered that evolution has empowered the fly with a hearing mechanism that utilizes multiple vibration modes to amplify interaural time and level differences. Here, we present a fully integrated, man-made mimic of the Ormia's hearing mechanism capable of replicating the remarkable sound localization ability of the special fly. A silicon-micromachined prototype is presented which uses multiple piezoelectric sensing ports to simultaneously transduce two orthogonal vibration modes of the sensing structure, thereby enabling simultaneous measurement of sound pressure and pressure gradient.
Wrinkling and folding of nanotube-polymer bilayers
Authors: Semler Matthew R. , Harris John M. , Hobbie Erik K.
Published: July 2014

The influence of a polymer capping layer on the deformation of purified single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) networks is analyzed through the wrinkling of compressed SWCNT-polymer bilayers on polydimethylsiloxane. The films exhibit both wrinkling and folding under compression and we extract the elastoplastic response using conventional two-plate buckling schemes. The formation of a diffuse interpenetrating nanotube-polymer interface has a dramatic effect on the nanotube layer modulus for both metallic and semiconducting species. In contrast to the usual percolation exhibited by the pure SWCNT films, the capped films show a crossover from “composite” behavior (the modulus of the SWCNT film is enhanced by the polymer) to “plasticized” behavior (the modulus of the SWCNT film is reduced by the polymer) as the SWCNT film thickness increases. For almost all thicknesses, however, the polymer enhances the yield strain of the nanotube network. Conductivity measurements on identical films suggest that the polymer has a modest effect on charge transport, which we interpret as a strain-induced polymer penetration of interfacial nanotube contacts. We use scaling, Flory-Huggins theory, and independently determined nanotube-nanotube and nanotube-polymer Hamaker constants to model the response.
A replica exchange transition interface sampling method with multiple interface sets for investigating networks of rare events
Authors: Swenson David W. H. , Bolhuis Peter G.
Published: July 2014

The multiple state transition interface sampling (TIS) framework in principle allows the simulation of a large network of complex rare event transitions, but in practice suffers from convergence problems. To improve convergence, we combine multiple state TIS [J. Rogal and P. G. Bolhuis, J. Chem. Phys. 129, 224107 (2008)] with replica exchange TIS [T. S. van Erp, Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 268301 (2007)]. In addition, we introduce multiple interface sets, which allow more than one order parameter to be defined for each state. We illustrate the methodology on a model system of multiple independent dimers, each with two states. For reaction networks with up to 64 microstates, we determine the kinetics in the microcanonical ensemble, and discuss the convergence properties of the sampling scheme. For this model, we find that the kinetics depend on the instantaneous composition of the system. We explain this dependence in terms of the system's potential and kinetic energy.
Evaluation of thickness and strain of thin planar layers of InAs on GaAs(001) using spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Eyink K. G. , Szmulowicz F. , Esposito D. , Grazulis L. , Hill M. , Mahalingam K. , Aronow A. J.
Published: July 2014

We develop a technique for accurately measuring thickness of planar InAs films grown on (001) GaAs by spectroscopic ellipsometry, using bulk optical constants. We observe that the critical point structure for the E1 and E1 + Δ1 transitions extracted from the measured dielectric properties varies with strain in the layer. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the extracted thickness and measures the residual strain based on the dislocation spacing in the film. At small thickness, the E1 critical point is seen to markedly deviate from the dependence predicted by deformation potential theory and appears to be consistent with additional quantum confinement effects.
X-ray continuum emission spectroscopy from hot dense matter at Gbar pressures
Authors: Kraus D. , Döppner T. , Kritcher A. L. , Bachmann B. , Chapman D. A. , Collins G. W. , Glenzer S. H. , Hawreliak J. A. , Landen O. L. , Ma T. , Le Pape S. , Neumayer P. , Swift D. C. , Falcone R. W.
Published: July 2014

We have measured the time-resolved x-ray continuum emission spectrum of ∼30 times compressed polystyrene created at stagnation of spherically convergent shock waves within the Gbar fundamental science campaign at the National Ignition Facility. From an exponential emission slope between 7.7 keV and 8.1 keV photon energy and using an emission model which accounts for reabsorption, we infer an average electron temperature of 375 ± 21 eV, which is in good agreement with HYDRA-1D simulations.
Characterizations of MCP performance in the hard x-ray range (6–25 keV)
Authors: Wu Ming , Moy Ken , Kruschwitz Craig , Rochau Greg
Published: July 2014

MCP detector performance at hard x-ray energies from 6 to 25 keV was recently investigated using NSLS beamline X15A at BNL. Measurements were made with an NSTec Gen-II (H-CA-65) framing camera, based on a Photonis MCP with ∼10 μm in diameter pores, ∼12 μm center-center spacing, an L/D ratio of 46, and a bias angle of 8°. The MCP characterizations were focused on (1) energy and angle dependent sensitivity, (2) energy and angle dependent spatial resolution, (3) energy dependent gain performance, and (4) energy dependent dynamic range. These measurement corroborated simulation results using a Monte Carlo model that included hard x-ray interactions and the subsequent electron cascade in the MCP.
Chirality-related interactions and a mirror symmetry violation in handed nano structures
Authors: Gabuda S. P. , Kozlova S. G.
Published: July 2014

Hindering of inversion transitions and a violation of mirror symmetry of the right- and left-handed configurations of diazabizyclooctane (dabco, N2C6H12) enantiomers has been studied with low-temperature adiabatic calorimetry. The dabco molecules were sandwiched in a high-porous layered structure of a metal organic framework (MOF) compound. We show from the data of low-temperature adiabatic calorimetry and 1H NMR spin relaxation method that hindering of inversion transitions of dabco molecules cannot be associated with the influence of the intracrystalline self-consistent molecular field as a continuously monitoring environment within the quantum Zeno effect. In addition, lack of another manifestation of this effect associated with the collisional suppression of the inversion transitions in MOF samples impregnated by helium has been shown. These results lead to the conclusion that chiral polarization is related to the fundamental effect of parity nonconservation.
Microscopic model for exchange bias from grain-boundary disorder in a ferromagnet/antiferromagnet thin film with a nanocrystalline microstructure
Authors: Cortie D. L. , Biternas A. G. , Chantrell R. W. , Wang X. L. , Klose F.
Published: July 2014

Monte Carlo spin simulations were coupled to a Voronoi microstructure-generator to predict the magnitude and behavior of exchange bias in a ferromagnet/antiferromagnet (AF) thin film bilayer with a nanocrystalline microstructure. Our model accounts for the effects of irregular grain-shapes, finite-sized particles, and the possible presence of local random-fields originating from the antiferromagnet's grain-boundary regions. As the grain-boundary represents a crystal-structure distortion, we model the local effect on the exchange constants in the Gaussian approximation which can cause regions resembling a spin glass confined to an unusual 2D topology. Although an ensemble of completely disconnected AF grains isolated by non-magnetic barriers provides a small exchange bias, the introduction of a spin-glass network at the boundaries causes a four-fold enhancement in the magnitude of the loop-shift. This implies the importance of local grain-boundary behavior in defect-engineered antiferromagnets.
High sensitive formaldehyde graphene gas sensor modified by atomic layer deposition zinc oxide films
Authors: Mu Haichuan , Zhang Zhiqiang , Zhao Xiaojing , Liu Feng , Wang Keke , Xie Haifen
Published: July 2014

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films with various thicknesses were fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition on Chemical Vapor Deposition grown graphene films and their response to formaldehyde has been investigated. It was found that 0.5 nm ZnO films modified graphene sensors showed high response to formaldehyde with the resistance change up to 52% at the concentration of 9 parts-per-million (ppm) at room temperature. Meanwhile, the detection limit could reach 180 parts-per-billion (ppb) and fast response of 36 s was also obtained. The high sensitivity could be attributed to the combining effect from the highly reactive, top mounted ZnO thin films, and high conductive graphene base network. The dependence of ZnO films surface morphology and its sensitivity on the ZnO films thickness was also investigated.
Flying radio frequency undulator
Authors: Kuzikov S. V. , Savilov A. V. , Vikharev A. A.
Published: July 2014

A concept for the room-temperature rf undulator, designed to produce coherent X-ray radiation by means of a relatively low-energy electron beam and pulsed mm-wavelength radiation, is proposed. The “flying” undulator is a high-power short rf pulse co-propagating together with a relativistic electron bunch in a helically corrugated waveguide. The electrons wiggle in the rf field of the −1st spatial harmonic with the phase velocity directed in the opposite direction in respect to the bunch velocity, so that particles can irradiate high-frequency Compton's photons. A high group velocity (close to the speed of light) ensures long cooperative motion of the particles and the co-propagating rf pulse.
Spin and orbital magnetic moments of Fe in the n-type ferromagnetic semiconductor (In,Fe)As
Authors: Kobayashi M. , Anh L. D. , Hai P. N. , Takeda Y. , Sakamoto S. , Kadono T. , Okane T. , Saitoh Y. , Yamagami H. , Harada Y. , Oshima M. , Tanaka M. , Fujimori A.
Published: July 2014

The electronic and magnetic properties of Fe atoms in the ferromagnetic semiconductor (In,Fe)As codoped with Be have been studied by x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the Fe L2,3 edge. The XAS and XMCD spectra showed simple spectral line shapes similar to Fe metal, but the ratio of the orbital and spin magnetic moments (Morb/Mspin) estimated using the XMCD sum rules was significantly larger than that of Fe metal, indicating a significant orbital moment of Fe 3d electrons in (In,Fe)As:Be. The positive value of Morb/Mspin implies that the Fe 3d shell is more than half-filled, which arises from the hybridization of the Fe3+ (d5) state with the charge-transfer d6L¯ states, where L¯ is a ligand hole in the host valence band. The XMCD intensity as a function of magnetic field indicated hysteretic behavior of the superparamagnetic-like component due to discrete ferromagnetic domains.
Semi-empirical device model for Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells
Authors: Gokmen Tayfun , Gunawan Oki , Mitzi David B.
Published: July 2014

We present a device model for the hydrazine processed kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cell with a world record efficiency of ∼12.6%. Detailed comparison of the simulation results, performed using wxAMPS software, to the measured device parameters shows that our model captures the vast majority of experimental observations, including VOC, JSC, FF, and efficiency under normal operating conditions, and temperature vs. VOC, sun intensity vs. VOC, and quantum efficiency. Moreover, our model is consistent with material properties derived from various techniques. Interestingly, this model does not have any interface defects/states, suggesting that all the experimentally observed features can be accounted for by the bulk properties of CZTSSe. An electrical (mobility) gap that is smaller than the optical gap is critical to fit the VOC data. These findings point to the importance of tail states in CZTSSe solar cells.
Behavior of microwave-heated silicon carbide particles at frequencies of 2.0–13.5 GHz
Authors: Sugawara H. , Kashimura K. , Hayashi M. , Ishihara S. , Mitani T. , Shinohara N.
Published: July 2014

Silicon carbide is a key material in microwave (MW) processing and is used widely as a thermal insulator and catalytic agent. In this study, we experimentally investigated the temperature dependence of the MW-absorption properties of SiC particles at frequencies of 2.0–13.5 GHz. We heated SiC particles of different sizes using MW radiation. The heating behaviors of the particles were then compared with their MW-absorption properties. The heating behavior of the particles was dependent on their radii; this result was in keeping with theoretical predictions. Furthermore, the β-SiC particles exhibited anomalous behaviors when subjected to microwave heating at temperatures of 1100 °C and higher. These behaviors were attributable to the transformation of β-SiC into the α-phase. The underlying mechanism for this transformation is discussed on the basis of the results of X-ray diffraction analysis.
Resistive switching in ultra-thin La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrRuO3 superlattices
Authors: Jammalamadaka S. Narayana , Vanacken Johan , Moshchalkov V. V.
Published: July 2014

Superlattices may play an important role in next generation electronic and spintronic devices if the key-challenge of the reading and writing data can be solved. This challenge emerges from the coupling of low dimensional individual layers with macroscopic world. Here, we report the study of the resistive switching characteristics of a hybrid structure made out of a superlattice with ultrathin layers of two ferromagnetic metallic oxides, La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) and SrRuO3 (SRO). Bipolar resistive switching memory effects are measured on these LSMO/SRO superlattices, and the observed switching is explainable by ohmic and space charge-limited conduction laws. It is evident from the endurance characteristics that the on/off memory window of the cell is greater than 14, which indicates that this cell can reliably distinguish the stored information between high and low resistance states. The findings may pave a way to the construction of devices based on nonvolatile resistive memory effects.
Inverse procedure for simultaneous evaluation of viscosity and density of Newtonian liquids from dispersion curves of Love waves
Authors: Kiełczyński P. , Szalewski M. , Balcerzak A.
Published: July 2014

Simultaneous determination of the viscosity and density of liquids is of great importance in the monitoring of technological processes in the chemical, petroleum, and pharmaceutical industry, as well as in geophysics. In this paper, the authors present the application of Love waves for simultaneous inverse determination of the viscosity and density of liquids. The inversion procedure is based on measurements of the dispersion curves of phase velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic Love waves. The direct problem of the Love wave propagation in a layered waveguide covered by a viscous liquid was formulated and solved. Love waves propagate in an elastic layered waveguide covered on its surface with a viscous (Newtonian) liquid. The inverse problem is formulated as an optimization problem with appropriately constructed objective function that depends on the material properties of an elastic waveguide of the Love wave, material parameters of a liquid (i.e., viscosity and density), and the experimental data. The results of numerical calculations show that Love waves can be efficiently applied to determine simultaneously the physical properties of liquids (i.e., viscosity and density). Sensors based on this method can be very attractive for industrial applications to monitor on-line the parameters (density and viscosity) of process liquid during the course of technological processes, e.g., in polymer industry.
Non-contact, non-destructive, quantitative probing of interfacial trap sites for charge carrier transport at semiconductor-insulator boundary
Authors: Choi Wookjin , Miyakai Tomoyo , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Saeki Akinori , Yokoyama Masaaki , Seki Shu
Published: July 2014

The density of traps at semiconductor–insulator interfaces was successfully estimated using microwave dielectric loss spectroscopy with model thin-film organic field-effect transistors. The non-contact, non-destructive analysis technique is referred to as field-induced time-resolved microwave conductivity (FI-TRMC) at interfaces. Kinetic traces of FI-TRMC transients clearly distinguished the mobile charge carriers at the interfaces from the immobile charges trapped at defects, allowing both the mobility of charge carriers and the number density of trap sites to be determined at the semiconductor-insulator interfaces. The number density of defects at the interface between evaporated pentacene on a poly(methylmethacrylate) insulating layer was determined to be 1012 cm−2, and the hole mobility was up to 6.5 cm2 V−1 s−1 after filling the defects with trapped carriers. The FI-TRMC at interfaces technique has the potential to provide rapid screening for the assessment of interfacial electronic states in a variety of semiconductor devices.
Microfluidic culture platform for studying neuronal response to mild to very mild axonal stretch injury
Authors: Yap Yiing C. , Dickson Tracey C. , King Anna E. , Breadmore Michael C. , Guijt Rosanne M.
Published: July 2014

A new model for studying localised axonal stretch injury is presented, using a microfluidic device to selectively culture axons on a thin, flexible poly (dimethylsiloxane) membrane which can be deflected upward to stretch the axons. A very mild (0.5% strain) or mild stretch injury (5% strain) was applied to primary cortical neurons after 7 days growth in vitro. The extent of distal degeneration was quantified using the degenerative index (DI, the ratio of fragmented axon area to total axon area) of axons fixed at 24 h and 72 h post injury (PI), and immunolabelled for the axon specific, microtubule associated protein-tau. At 24 h PI following very mild injuries (0.5%), the majority of the axons remained intact and healthy with no significant difference in DI when compared to the control, but at 72 h PI, the DI increased significantly (DI = 0.11 ± 0.03). Remarkably, dendritic beading in the somal compartment was observed at 24 h PI, indicative of dying back degeneration. When the injury level was increased (5% stretch, mild injury), microtubule fragmentation along the injured axons was observed, with a significant increase in DI at 24 h PI (DI = 0.17 ± 0.02) and 72 h PI (DI = 0.18 ± 0.01), relative to uninjured axons. The responses observed for both mild and very mild injuries are similar to those observed in the in vivo models of traumatic brain injury, suggesting that this model can be used to study neuronal trauma and will provide new insights into the cellular and molecular alterations characterizing the neuronal response to discrete axonal injury.
Spectral analysis of thermal boundary conductance across solid/classical liquid interfaces: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Giri Ashutosh , Hopkins Patrick E.
Published: July 2014

We investigate the fundamental mechanisms driving thermal transport across solid/classical-liquid interfaces via non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. We show that the increase in thermal boundary conductance across strongly bonded solid/liquid interfaces compared to weakly bonded interfaces is due to increased coupling of low-frequency modes when the solid is better wetted by the liquid. Local phonon density of states and spectral temperature calculations confirm this finding. Specifically, we show that highly wetted solids couple low frequency phonon energies more efficiently, where the interface of a poorly wetted solid acts like free surfaces. The spectral temperature calculations provide further evidence of low frequency phonon mode coupling under non equilibrium conditions. These results quantitatively explain the influence of wetting on thermal boundary conductance across solid/liquid interfaces.
Ultrasonographic measurements of kidney fat thickness and Longissimus muscle area in predicting body composition of pregnant goats
Authors: Härter Carla J. , Silva Herymá G. O. , Lima Lisiane D. , Castagnino Douglas S. , Rivera Astrid R. , Neto Oscar Boaventura , Gomes Rafael A. , Canola Júlio C. , Resende Kleber T. , Teixeira Izabelle A. M. A.
Published: July 2014

Non-invasive methods for estimating body composition to monitor nutritional status in goats have been less studied. Therefore, this study estimated the body composition and fat depots of pregnant goats by using indirect measurements, such as bodyweight (BW) and ultrasound measurements of the Longissimus muscle area (LMA) and kidney fat thickness (KFT). Forty-three pregnant goats were slaughtered at 50, 80, 110 and 140 days of gestation to determine the gross energy and fat content in the body, as well as to obtain the mass of renal fat, omental fat and non-carcass fat. After the slaughter, the mass of fat depots was recorded and the whole body of the each animal was ground to take samples for determining gross energy (using a bomb calorimeter) and fat (Soxhlet extraction with ether). Animals were weighed, and ultrasonographic measurements were taken at the time of slaughter. The LMA and KFT measurements were taken between the 12th and 13th rib and after the 13th rib space, respectively, and these measurements were used to estimate total gross energy, body fat content and the renal fat, omental fat and non-carcass fat mass. Multiple regressions were performed using Proc mixed of SAS. No significant correlation was observed between gross energy and body fat composition, the number of fetuses or the days of gestation. LMA and BW were positively related to body fat and gross energy contents. KFT and BW showed a positive correlation with renal fat depots, omental fat content and non-carcass fat mass. The estimated models revealed that the total body fat increased from 15.6% to 20.8% of bodyweight from 50 to 140 days of gestation. This report is the first study using kidney fat thickness as a tool to predict fat depots in goats. LMA, BW and KFT measurements will enable the development of models to aid in the monitoring of the nutritional status of goats during pregnancy.
Mental health and Victorian Aboriginal people: what can data mining tell us?
Authors: Adams Karen , Halacas Chris , Cincotta Marion , Pesich Corina
Published: July 2014

Nationally, Aboriginal people experience high levels of psychological distress, primarily due to trauma from colonisation. In Victoria, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) provide many services to support mental health. The aim of the present study was to improve understanding about Victorian Aboriginal people and mental health service patterns. We located four mental health administrative datasets to analyse descriptively, including Practice Health Atlas, Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Service (AODTS), Kids Helpline and Close The Gap Pharmaceutical Scheme data. A large proportion of the local Aboriginal population (70%) were regular ACCHO clients; of these, 21% had a mental health diagnosis and, of these, 23% had a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). There were higher rates of Medicare MHCP completion rates where general practitioners (GPs) had mental health training and the local Area Mental Health Service had a Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer. There was an over-representation of AODTS episodes, and referrals for these episodes were more likely to come through community, corrections and justice services than for non-Aboriginal people. Aboriginal episodes were less likely to have been referred by a GP or police and less likely to have been referrals to community-based or home-based treatment. There was an over-representation of Victorian Aboriginal calls to Kids Helpline, and these were frequently for suicide and self-harm reasons. We recommend primary care mental health programs include quality audits, GP training, non-pharmaceutical options and partnerships. Access to appropriate AODTS is needed, particularly given links to high incarcerations rates. To ensure access to mental health services, improved understanding of mental health service participation and outcomes, including suicide prevention services for young people, is needed.
Dietary propylene glycol and in vitro embryo production after ovum pick-up in heifers with different anti-Müllerian hormone profiles
Authors: Gamarra G. , Ponsart C. , Lacaze S. , Le Guienne B. , Humblot P. , Deloche M.-C. , Monniaux D. , Ponter A. A.
Published: July 2014

Rapid genetic improvement in cattle requires the production of high numbers of embryos of excellent quality. Increasing circulating insulin and/or glucose concentrations improves ovarian follicular growth, which may improve the response to superovulation. The measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) can help predict an animal’s response to superovulation treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether increasing circulating insulin concentrations, through propylene glycol (PG) drenches, could improve in vitro embryo production in oestrus-synchronised superovulated heifers with different AMH profiles. Holstein heifers were grouped according to pre-experimental AMH concentrations as low (L) or high (H). The PG drench increased circulating insulin and glucose concentrations and reduced β-hydroxybutyrate and urea concentrations compared with the control group. AMH was a good predictor of follicle and oocyte numbers at ovum pick-up (OPU), and of oocyte and embryo quality (AMH H > AMH L). PG in the AMH H group increased the number of follicles and blastocyst quality above that in the control group, but did not improve these parameters in the AMH L group. These results indicate that short-term oral PG supplementation modifies an animal’s metabolic milieu and is effective in improving in vitro embryo production, after superovulation–OPU, more markedly in heifers with high rather than low AMH concentrations.
A case of gonococcal necrotising fasciitis
Authors: Kanhutu Kudzai Nzenza , Spelman Denis D. , Weymouth Michael D.
Published: July 2014

This case report details the progress of a patient with severe disseminated gonococcal infection with associated necrotising fasciitis. His admission was punctuated by multiple surgical debridements and a prolonged intensive care stay due to multiple organ failure. An extended course of azithromycin-based antimicrobial therapy achieved a cure and the patient was eventually discharged home after 8 weeks. To our knowledge this is the first such case of histologically and microbiologically confirmed gonococcal necrotising fasciitis.
Effects of coordinated poison-baiting programs on survival and abundance in two red fox populations
Authors: Bengsen Andrew
Published: July 2014

Context
Poison-baiting programs coordinated among neighbouring landholders should provide the most effective and efficient tool for controlling fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations and impacts in mixed agricultural landscapes, but the effects of such programs on fox mortality and abundance have not been well described.

Aims
This study aimed to describe the effects of coordinated fox-control programs conducted by landholders on fox mortality and abundance, and to evaluate the likely impacts of reduced landholder participation rates on the proportion of the fox population exposed to baits.

Methods
The effects of two baiting programs on fox abundance were evaluated using camera-trap surveys and abundance-induced heterogeneity models. The proportion of foxes surviving baiting was estimated by tracking the fate of 19 GPS-collared individuals. The benefits of coordinated baiting were examined using simulated scenarios based on local fox movements and bait distribution patterns.

Key results
Examination of actual and simulated fox home ranges demonstrated that coordinated baiting increases exposure of the target population to baits. However, 69% of foxes captured on properties that later baited were estimated to have survived the baiting period. Camera-trap surveys across baited and unbaited properties showed no detectable decline in average fox abundance after baiting.

Conclusions
Coordinated baiting increases the proportion of the fox population encountering baited properties. However, high fox survival and the absence of detectable declines in abundance after baiting showed that even well coordinated baiting programs can produce suboptimal results if many of the foxes using baited properties fail to locate and ingest lethal baits.

Implications
Baiting programs aiming to reduce the density and impacts of foxes in agricultural landscapes should strive to maximise participation among neighbours. Programs may also benefit from taking steps to improve bait-encounter and consumption rates within properties, for example, by deploying baits at sufficient intensity to provide all foxes with access to at least one bait within their short-term home range. Future research should aim to identify optimal baiting intensities within properties and conditions to maximise bait uptake.
Toll-like receptor 9 signaling acts on multiple elements of the germinal center to enhance antibody responses
Authors: Rookhuizen Derek C. , DeFranco Anthony L.
Published: July 2014

Significance

The antibody response of B lymphocytes proceeds in two phases, a rapid low-affinity response and a slower germinal center (GC) response that is responsible for high-affinity antibody, long-lived antibody-secreting cells, and high-affinity memory B cells. We have examined how immune cell recognition of foreign nucleic acid by Toll-like receptors enhances the GC response and found that it does so by multiple complementary mechanisms. Recognition of foreign nucleic acid by dendritic cells led to increased numbers of helper T cells and GC B cells. In contrast, recognition by the antigen-specific B cells promoted the selection of high-affinity B cells and their differentiation into memory B cells, both of which are central goals for vaccination.
Stationary nanoliter droplet array with a substrate of choice for single adherent/nonadherent cell incubation and analysis
Authors: Shemesh Jonathan , Ben Arye Tom , Avesar Jonathan , Kang Joo H. , Fine Amir , Super Michael , Meller Amit , Ingber Donald E. , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: July 2014

Significance

There is a substantial need for single-cell platforms in which each cell is chemically isolated in its own microenvironment and a lack of such platforms that support adherent cells. We present here a method that generates stationary nanoliter droplet arrays on a substrate of choice and supports long-term incubation and interrogation of single cells. We demonstrate the encapsulation of single human dermal fibroblast cells and their substrate attachment, viability, and proliferation, and show they can be retrieved and interfaced to standard cell culturing techniques. We also demonstrate a single-cell metabolic assay and track it over selected groups of indexed traps. The device does not require external equipment or machinery, making it available for point-of-care applications.
Genomics and host specialization of honey bee and bumble bee gut symbionts
Authors: Kwong Waldan K. , Engel Philipp , Koch Hauke , Moran Nancy A.
Published: July 2014

Significance

Gut microbes are increasingly recognized as influential components of animal biology. Genomic, mechanistic, and evolutionary aspects of gut symbiont specialization remain understudied, however, largely due to the complexity of gut communities, especially in vertebrate systems. We show that the simple microbiota of eusocial bees exhibits host specificity and that coresident species in the bee gut possess complementary capabilities for energy metabolism, implying their occupancy in distinct ecological niches. In addition, coresidence in the gut of a host species results in horizontal exchange of genes between unrelated symbionts. Strains in different hosts have diverged, and honey bee symbionts are evolutionarily and functionally distinct from their bumble bee counterparts, indicating that gut symbionts may be critical elements in biological differences among bee species.
Tolerance effect in categorisation with vague predicates
Authors: Huang Minyao
Published: July 2014

Vagueness is understood as the problem of associating imprecise application criteria with ordinary predicates such as ‘bald’ or ‘blue’. It is often construed as due to one’s tolerance to a minute difference in forming a verdict on the application of a vague predicate. This paper reports an experiment conducted to test the effect of tolerance, using as paradigm categorisation tasks performed with respect to transitional series, e.g., a series of tomatoes from red to orange. The findings suggest a negative effect of tolerance on categorisation with vague predicates. The implication of the findings for certain commonly-held assumptions about tolerance is discussed.
sapFinder: an R/Bioconductor package for detection of variant peptides in shotgun proteomics experiments
Authors: Wen Bo , Xu Shaohang , Sheynkman Gloria M. , Feng Qiang , Lin Liang , Wang Quanhui , Xu Xun , Wang Jun , Liu Siqi
Published: July 2014

Summary: Single nucleotide variations (SNVs) located within a reading frame can result in single amino acid polymorphisms (SAPs), leading to alteration of the corresponding amino acid sequence as well as function of a protein. Accurate detection of SAPs is an important issue in proteomic analysis at the experimental and bioinformatic level. Herein, we present sapFinder, an R software package, for detection of the variant peptides based on tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based proteomics data. This package automates the construction of variation-associated databases from public SNV repositories or sample-specific next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and the identification of SAPs through database searching, post-processing and generation of HTML-based report with visualized interface.

Availability and implementation: sapFinder is implemented as a Bioconductor package in R. The package and the vignette can be downloaded at http://bioconductor.org/packages/devel/bioc/html/sapFinder.html and are provided under a GPL-2 license.

Contact:  siqiliu@genomics.cn

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Marine ecosystem acoustics (MEA): quantifying processes in the sea at the spatio-temporal scales on which they occur
Authors: Godø Olav Rune , Handegard Nils Olav , Browman Howard I. , Macaulay Gavin J. , Kaartvedt Stein , Giske Jarl , Ona Egil , Huse Geir , Johnsen Espen
Published: July 2014

Sustainable management of fisheries resources requires quantitative knowledge and understanding of species distribution, abundance, and productivity-determining processes. Conventional sampling by physical capture is inconsistent with the spatial and temporal scales on which many of these processes occur. In contrast, acoustic observations can be obtained on spatial scales from centimetres to ocean basins, and temporal scales from seconds to seasons. The concept of marine ecosystem acoustics (MEA) is founded on the basic capability of acoustics to detect, classify, and quantify organisms and biological and physical heterogeneities in the water column. Acoustics observations integrate operational technologies, platforms, and models and can generate information by taxon at the relevant scales. The gaps between single-species assessment and ecosystem-based management, as well as between fisheries oceanography and ecology, are thereby bridged. The MEA concept combines state-of-the-art acoustic technology with advanced operational capabilities and tailored modelling integrated into a flexible tool for ecosystem research and monitoring. Case studies are presented to illustrate application of the MEA concept in quantification of biophysical coupling, patchiness of organisms, predator–prey interactions, and fish stock recruitment processes. Widespread implementation of MEA will have a large impact on marine monitoring and assessment practices and it is to be hoped that they also promote and facilitate interaction among disciplines within the marine sciences.