bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF CURING ADDITIVES ON THE DISPERSION KINETICS OF CARBON BLACK IN RUBBER COMPOUNDS)
Authors: Le H. H. , Ilisch S. , Hamann E. , Keller M. , Radusch H-J.
Published: September 2011

The effect of curing additives on the dispersion kinetics of carbon black (CB) in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds was investigated by means of the method of the online measured electrical conductance. Addition of curing additives such as stearic acid and diphenylguanidine (DPG) accelerates the CB dispersion process significantly. The viscosity of the rubber matrix was not changed after their addition. The addition of stearic acid and DPG may alter the filler–filler interaction that consequently leads to faster dispersion processes. The obtained difference in morphologies of SBR mixtures containing stearic acid and DPG, respectively, are caused by their different infiltration behavior, which may lead to different dispersion mechanisms. Addition of ZnO could not improve the dispersion process of CB because of its limited interaction with CB. Sulfur and N-cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide decelerate the CB dispersion process. The strong effect of the rubber microstructure such as styrene content and molecular weight on the CB dispersion in SBR mixtures without additives was found and discussed by taking into consideration the known dispersion mechanisms. The influence of addition of curing additives on the CB dispersion in low styrene-content SBR mixtures is much more pronounced than that in high styrene-content SBR mixtures.
STRAIN-INDUCED CRYSTALLIZATION OF NATURAL RUBBER: A REVIEW OF X-RAY DIFFRACTION INVESTIGATIONS
Authors: Huneau Bertrand
Published: September 2011

Strain-induced crystallization of natural rubber was discovered in 1925 by the means of x-ray diffraction and has been widely investigated by this technique until today. The studies devoted to the structure of the crystalline phase of natural rubber are first reviewed. This structure is strongly anisotropic and can be related to the exceptionally good strength and fatigue properties of this material. The relationships between strain-induced crystallization of natural rubber and its mechanical response, during static or tension-retraction tests, are also reviewed and discussed; in particular, the hysteresis of the stress-strain curve is mainly explained by strain-induced crystallization. The kinetics of crystallization under both static and cyclic deformation is also discussed, as well as the influence of different factors, depending either on material composition (crosslink density, carbon black fillers) or on external parameters (temperature, strain rate…).
High‐level 46XX/46XY chimerism without clinical effect in a healthy multiparous female
Authors: James Paul A , Rose Katherine , Francis David , Norris Fiona
Published: September 2011

Chimerism, when more than one genetically distinct cell line originating in different zygotes is present in a single individual, is a rare event in humans but has been described more than 50 times in the literature. Nearly all the described cases have been detected due to discordance in the cell lines for the sex chromosomes, resulting in an ovotesticular disorder of sexual development. Recently, sex chromosome discordant chimerism detected prenatally has been reported where no phenotypic abnormality was found postnatally. We now report the finding of high‐level sex chromosome discordant chimerism in a healthy pregnant 46‐year‐old female with two previous healthy daughters. 46XX and 46XY cell lines were detected in blood and from the buccal mucosa and chimerism was confirmed by examination of a panel of microsatellite markers. Normal fertility and the presence of female offspring are unique findings in this case and raises the possibility that chimerism with a normal phenotype may be an underappreciated outcome even in the presence of sex chromosome discordance. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Creatine transporter defect diagnosed by proton NMR spectroscopy in males with intellectual disability
Authors: Mencarelli Maria Antonietta , Tassini Maria , Pollazzon Marzia , Vivi Antonio , Calderisi Marco , Falco Michele , Fichera Marco , Monti Lucia , Buoni Sabrina , Mari Francesca , Engelke Udo , Wevers Ron A. , Hayek Joussef , Renieri Alessandra
Published: September 2011

Creatine deficiency syndrome due to mutations in X‐linked SLC6A8 gene results in nonspecific intellectual disability (ID). Diagnosis cannot be established on clinical grounds and is often based on the assessment of brain creatine levels by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Considering high costs of MRS and necessity of sedation, this technique cannot be used as a first level‐screening test. Likewise, gene test analysis is time consuming and not easily accessible to all laboratories. In this article feasibility of urine analysis (creatine/creatinine (Cr/Crn) ratio) performed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as a first level‐screening test is explored. Before running a systematic selection of cases a preliminary study for further molecular analysis is shown. NMR urine spectra (n = 1,347) of male patients with an ID without a clinically recognizable syndrome were measured. On the basis of abnormal Cr/Crn ratio, three patients with the highest values were selected for molecular analysis. A confirmatory second urine test was positive in two patients and diagnosis was further confirmed by a decreased brain creatine level and by SLC6A8 gene analysis. A de novo mutation was identified in one. Another patient inherited a novel mutation from the mother who also has a mild ID. A repeat urine test was negative in the third patient and accordingly creatine level in the brain and SLC6A8 gene analysis both gave a normal result. We conclude that Cr/Crn ratio measured by NMR for male patients represents a rapid and useful first level screening test preceding molecular analysis. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Madelung deformity in a girl with a novel and de novo mutation in the GNAS gene
Authors: Rump Patrick , Jongbloed Jan D.H. , Sikkema‐Raddatz Birgit , Mundlos Stefan , Klopocki Eva , van der Luijt Rob B.
Published: September 2011

Madelung deformity, a congenital anomaly of the wrist with subluxation of the ulna head, is not a widely recognized feature of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy. Here, we describe a young female with a bilateral Madelung deformity, mild cognitive disability, some dysmorphic facial features, and a type E‐like brachydactyly, in whom we identified a novel and de novo mutation (c.476T>C; p.Val159Ala) in exon 6 of the GNAS gene. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Somatic mosaicism contributes to phenotypic variation in Timothy syndrome
Authors: Etheridge Susan P. , Bowles Neil E. , Arrington Cammon B. , Pilcher Thomas , Rope Alan , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Alders Marielle , Saarel Elizabeth V. , Tavernier Rene , Timothy Katherine W. , Tristani‐Firouzi Martin
Published: September 2011

Timothy syndrome type 1 (TS‐1) is a rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems and has a high incidence of sudden death due to profound QT prolongation and resultant ventricular arrhythmias. All previously described cases of TS‐1 are the result of a missense mutation in exon 8A (p.G406R), an alternatively spliced variant of the L‐type calcium channel gene (Cav1.2, CACNA1C). Most patients reported in the literature represent highly affected individuals who present early in life with severe cardiac and neurological manifestations. Here, we describe somatic mosaicism in TS‐1 patients with less severe manifestations than the typical TS‐1 patient. These findings suggest that the TS prognosis may not be as dismal as previously reported. Moreover, our findings have implications for genetic counseling in that previously described de novo TS mutations may represent cases of parental mosaicism and warrant careful genotyping of parental tissue other than peripheral blood lymphocytes. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
West syndrome associated with mosaic duplication of FOXG1 in a patient with maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 14
Authors: Tohyama Jun , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Hosoki Kana , Nagasaki Keisuke , Akasaka Noriyuki , Ohashi Tsukasa , Kobayashi Yu , Saitoh Shinji
Published: September 2011

FOXG1 on chromosome 14 has recently been suggested as a dosage‐sensitive gene. Duplication of this gene could cause severe epilepsy and developmental delay, including infantile spasms. Here, we report on a female patient diagnosed with maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 14 and West syndrome who carried a small supernumerary marker chromosome. A chromosomal analysis revealed mosaicism of 47,XX, + mar[8]/46,XX[18]. Spectral karyotyping multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis confirmed that the marker chromosome was derived from chromosome 14. A DNA methylation test at MEG3 in 14q32.2 and microsatellite analysis using polymorphic markers on chromosome 14 confirmed that the patient had maternal uniparental disomy 14 as well as a mosaic small marker chromosome of paternal origin containing the proximal long arm of chromosome 14. Microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization analysis conclusively defined the region of the gain of genomic copy numbers at 14q11.2‐q12, encompassing FOXG1. The results of the analyses of our patient provide further evidence that not only duplication but also a small increase in the dosage of FOXG1 could cause infantile spasms. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Did the GJB2 35delG mutation originate in Iran?
Authors: Norouzi Vahideh , Azizi Hiva , Fattahi Zohreh , Esteghamat Fatemehsadat , Bazazzadegan Niloofar , Nishimura Carla , Nikzat Nooshin , Jalalvand Khadijeh , Kahrizi Kimia , Smith Richard. J. H. , Najmabadi Hossein
Published: September 2011

Mutations in GJB2 are a major cause of autosomal recessive non‐syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) in many populations. A single mutation of this gene (35delG) accounts for approximately 70% of GJB2 mutations that are associated with ARNSHL in Caucasians in many European countries and also in Iranian. In this study, we used PCR and restriction digestion to genotype five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that define the genetic background of the 35delG mutation over an interval of 98 Kbp that includes the coding and flanking regions of GJB2. Two microsatellite markers, D13S175 and D13S141, were also analyzed in patients and controls. These data suggest that the 35delG mutation originated in northern Iran. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tracing the sources of water using stable isotopes: first results along the Mangalore–Udupi region, south‐west coast of India
Authors: Lambs L. , Gurumurthy G. P. , Balakrishna K.
Published: September 2011

The Mangalore and Udupi region on the south‐west coast of India is characterized by small west‐flowing rivers (150–250 km in length) originating in the Western Ghats (up to 1940 meters above sea level (m asl)) and joining the Arabian Sea. The area experiences a humid tropical climate with frequent, high‐intensity rainfall (4000 mm annual average). Nevertheless, there is a shortage of water during the peak dry season immediately before the onset of monsoon because of a rapid fall in the groundwater level. From the humid high‐altitude forests to the intense agriculture in the coastal area, there is an urgent need to understand the movement of water between evapotranspiration, rainfall, river systems and the groundwater compartments in order to achieve better water resource management. Demographic pressure on the area with over half a million inhabitants and industrial activity strongly influence this fragile ecosystem. The coastal area is characterized by shallow open wells, which are particularly sensitive to pollution and eutrophication. Stable water isotopes (18O and deuterium) were used for the first time in this region to determine the isotopic characteristics of the different waters. There is a clear seasonal difference in the isotopic ratios and d‐excess values between the summer and winter monsoon periods, with a predominance of lighter isotopes in the latter period. No significant variations in isotopic ratios were observed in relation to altitude because of the possible role of mist formation at high altitude. Greater d‐excess values were observed in the west‐flowing streams than in rivers flowing east on account of the moist westerly oceanic winds and water vapour recycling. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracing sewage water by 15N in a mangrove ecosystem to test its bioremediation ability
Authors: Lambs Luc , Léopold Audrey , Zeller Bernd , Herteman Mélanie , Fromard Francois
Published: September 2011

Mangrove forests could be a simple and effective alternative to conventional sewage treatment, particularly for island communities given its low cost and low maintenance. Due to their high adaptation capacity, these plants are able to tolerate and bioremediate the high levels of nutrients and pollutants found in sewage water. This solution could be applied to small tropical islands with high population density such as Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. This paper reports on a trial by stable isotopic 15N tracing of such a bioremediation process on pre‐treated wastewater near the village of Malamani, in the middle of the large coastal mangrove in the bay near Chirongui. The first results show a boost in the mangrove growth, but a longer period of observation is needed to confirm the beneficial effects, and also to clarify the role of the local crab population, whose engineering activities play an important part in the ecosystem. The exact denitrification process is not yet understood, and the mass balance equation also reveals loss of nitrogen‐containing compounds, which needs to be analyzed more closely. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐cut dried blood spot (PCDBS): an alternative to dried blood spot (DBS) technique to overcome hematocrit impact
Authors: Youhnovski Nikolay , Bergeron Annik , Furtado Milton , Garofolo Fabio
Published: September 2011

Quantification of analytes by Dried Blood Spots (DBS) on different paper cards has been extensively reported in the past several years. However, some factors limit the robustness of the precision and accuracy of DBS such as: hematocrit level, blood viscosity, analyte nature, spotting technique and spotting conditions. As such, the paper material used for DBS must meet strict quality control criteria to produce reliable quantification of drugs: uniformity, no chemical leaching and no chromatographic effect. To overcome these variables, especially the hematocrit impact, a modification of the traditional DBS, named Pre‐Cut Dried Blood Spot (PCDBS), is presented. In contrast to the classical DBS technique, the new PCDBS procedure demonstrates no variation in response, within ±3%, independently of the hematocrit level or of the type of card used. The impact of the hematocrit level on the analyte recovery is discussed for both DBS and PCDBS approaches. Moreover, for quantification of naproxen by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS), the PCDBS technique was demonstrated to be as precise (%CV ≤3.1%) and accurate (%nominal between 95.4 and 104.4%) as the classical DBS procedure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retrospective Case—Control Study of the Effects of Long-Term Dosing with Meloxicam on Renal Function in Aged Cats with Degenerative Joint Disease
Authors: Gowan Richard A , Lingard Amy E , Johnston Laura , Stansen Wibke , Brown Scott A , Malik Richard
Published: September 2011

Medical records (2005–2009) of a feline-only practice were searched for cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD) treated using meloxicam. DJD was diagnosed by the presence of at least two of the following: (i) altered mobility (observed by the owner), (ii) abnormal physical findings, (iii) characteristic radiographic changes. The primary study cohort consisted of cats older than 7 years that had received meloxicam for variable intervals in excess of 6 months, and for which complete records were available. These cats were subdivided according to whether detectable chronic kidney disease (CKD) was present (‘renal group’), or not (‘non-renal group’), and, for the ‘renal group’, according to the cat's IRIS category. Serum biochemistry, urinalysis (including urine specific gravity [USG]), body mass and condition score were monitored regularly. Progression of CKD in the ‘renal group’ and ‘non-renal group’ of cats was compared to two groups of age- and IRIS-matched control cats not receiving meloxicam (from the same clinic, over the same time period). The study was thus a case—control design, with two study groups. Thirty-eight cats with DJD receiving long-term meloxicam therapy met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 22 cats had stable CKD at the start of treatment (stage 1, eight cats; stage 2, 13 cats; stage 3, one cat). No cats initially had an elevated urinary protein to creatinine ratio. The remaining 16 cats initially had normal renal analytes and adequately concentrated urine. The median age of the ‘renal’ and ‘non-renal’ meloxicam groups was 15.5 and 13.4 years, respectively. The median treatment duration was 467 days in the ‘renal group’ and 327 days in the ‘non-renal group’. After titration (to the lowest effective dose), the median maintenance dose was 0.02 mg/kg/day in both groups (range 0.015–0.033 mg/kg/day). There was no difference in sequential serum creatinine concentration or USG measurements between the ‘non-renal group’ treated with meloxicam compared to control cats not treated with meloxicam. There was less progression of renal disease in the ‘renal group’ treated with meloxicam compared to the age- and IRIS-matched cats with CKD not given meloxicam. These results suggest that a long-term maintenance dose of 0.02 mg/kg of meloxicam can be safely administered to cats older than 7 years even if they have CKD, provided their overall clinical status is stable. Long-term meloxicam therapy may slow the progression of renal disease in some cats suffering from both CKD and DJD. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Post-Mortem Findings in 54 Cases of Anesthetic Associated Death in Cats from Two Spay—Neuter Programs in New York State
Authors: Gerdin Jodie A , Slater Margaret R , Makolinski Kathleen V , Looney Andrea L , Appel Leslie D , Martin Nicole M , McDonough Sean P
Published: September 2011

Anesthetic-associated death (AAD) in cats is infrequent, but occurs far more frequently than in people. Post-mortem investigations of AAD in cats are uncommon, and results only sporadically published. Here we report the findings in 54 cases of AAD in cats. Significant gross and/or microscopic pre-existing disease, including pulmonary, cardiac, and systemic disease, was detected in 33% of cases. Pulmonary disease was most frequently diagnosed (24% of cases), and included cases of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection (9% of cases). Heart disease, including two cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, was less frequent (11% of cases). Four percent died from surgical complications. No significant gross or microscopic disease was detected in 63% of cases. Additional studies are needed to determine if these findings are representative of AAD in cats in other geographic areas or with access to veterinary care. This study demonstrates that post-mortem investigation of AADs is an important and worthwhile endeavor.
Excitonic parameters of GaN studied by time-of-flight spectroscopy
Authors: Shubina T. V. , Toropov A. A. , Pozina G. , Bergman J. P. , Glazov M. M. , Gippius N. A. , Disseix P. , Leymarie J. , Gil B. , Monemar B.
Published: September 2011

We refine excitonic parameters of bulk GaN by means of time-of-flight spectroscopy of light pulses propagating through crystals. The influence of elastic photon scattering is excluded by using the multiple reflections of the pulses from crystal boundaries. The shapes of these reflexes in the time-energy plane depict the variation of the group velocity induced by excitonic resonances. Modeling of the shapes, as well as optical spectra, shows that a homogeneous width of the order of 10 μeV characterizes the exciton-polariton resonances within the crystal. The oscillator strength of A and B exciton-polaritons is determined as 0.0022 and 0.0016, respectively.
Stationary states of a nonlinear Schrödinger lattice with a harmonic trap
Authors: Achilleos V. , Theocharis G. , Kevrekidis P. G. , Karachalios N. I. , Diakonos F. K. , Frantzeskakis D. J.
Published: September 2011

We study a discrete nonlinear Schrödinger lattice with a parabolic trapping potential. The model, describing, e.g., an array of repulsive Bose-Einstein condensate droplets confined in the wells of an optical lattice, is analytically and numerically investigated. Starting from the linear limit of the problem, we use global bifurcation theory to rigorously prove that – in the discrete regime – all linear states lead to nonlinear generalizations thereof, which assume the form of a chain of discrete dark solitons (as the density increases). The stability of the ensuing nonlinear states is studied and it is found that the ground state is stable, while the excited states feature a chain of stability/instability bands. We illustrate the mechanisms under which discreteness destabilizes the dark-soliton configurations, which become stable only in the continuum regime. Continuation from the anti-continuum limit is also considered, and a rich bifurcation structure is revealed.
Characterization of the potential minimum of the F ′u
+(1D2) ion-pair state of Cl2 using (1 + 2′) optical-optical double resonance excitation and mass-resolved ion detection
Authors: Ridley Trevor , Donovan Robert J. , Lawley Kenneth P.
Published: September 2011

Vibrational levels of the F′0u+(1D2), $F0_u^{\,\,\,+}$F0u+(3P0), and D0u+(3P2) ion-pair states of 35Cl2 and 35Cl37Cl in the range 62 500–67 600 cm−1 have been observed using (1 + 2′) optical-optical double resonance excitation with mass-resolved ion detection. The strong F′0u+(1D2)/$F0_u^{\,\,\,+}$F0u+(3P0) coupling has been modelled by a coupled two-state calculation. An optimized fit of the experimental data used an F′0u+(1D2) state potential with a Te of 65 177 cm−1 and an Re of ≈2.636 Å with a coupling constant of ≈430 cm−1. The calculation assigns the first observed members of the F′0u+(1D2) state progression of 35Cl2 and 35Cl37Cl at 64 998 and 65 094 cm−1, respectively, as transitions to v = 0.
The vibrational density of states of a disordered gel model
Authors: Rovigatti Lorenzo , Kob Walter , Sciortino Francesco
Published: September 2011

We investigate the vibrational density of states (vDOS) in harmonic approximation of a binary mixture of colloidal patchy particles with two and three patches for different relative compositions x2. At low temperature, this system forms a thermo-reversible gel, i.e., a fully bonded network of chains of two-patches particles, in which the branching points are provided by three-patches particles. For all the compositions, we find in the vDOS a pronounced peak at low frequency whose height grows on increasing the fraction of two-functional particles or equivalently with the average length of the chains. To identify the various spectral features, we compare the vDOS of the whole system with the one of small representative structures of the network and with the vDOS of a long linear chain of two-patches particles and we find that these structures are indeed able to rationalize the various peaks in the vDOS of the full system. At large x2 the vDOSs of the gel and of the long chain show remarkable similarities. Analyzing the dispersion relations and the spectrum of the linear chain we show that the excess of low frequency modes, the analog of the boson peak in glassy disordered systems, arises from the strong coupling between rotations and translations.
Electrical time resolved metrology of dust particles growing in low pressure cold plasmas
Authors: Wattieaux Gaëtan , Mezeghrane Abdelaziz , Boufendi Laïfa
Published: September 2011

The electrical parameters of a capacitively coupled radiofrequency (CCRF) discharge change significantly when dust arises in the discharge. This work demonstrates the ability to follow in real time the evolution of the size and of the concentration of dust particles forming in a CCRF discharge from the variation of the electron density and of the self-bias voltage of the active electrode. According to experimental findings, it appears that the variation of this self-bias voltage depends on the surface of the dust particles. This trend is confirmed by an analytical modelling considering the low frequency behaviour of the phenomenon.
On the stochastic nature of resistive switching in Cu doped Ge0.3Se0.7 based memory devices
Authors: Soni R. , Meuffels P. , Staikov G. , Weng R. , Kügeler C. , Petraru A. , Hambe M. , Waser R. , Kohlstedt H.
Published: September 2011

Currently, there is great interest in using solid electrolytes to develop resistive switching based nonvolatile memories (RRAM) and logic devices. Despite recent progress, our understanding of the microscopic origin of the switching process and its stochastic behavior is still limited. In order to understand this behavior, we present a statistical “breakdown” analysis performed on Cu doped Ge0.3Se0.7 based memory devices under elevated temperature and constant voltage stress conditions. Following the approach of electrochemical phase formation, the precursor of the “ON resistance switching” is considered to be nucleation — the emergence of small clusters of atoms carrying the basic properties of the new phase which forms the conducting filament. Within the framework of nucleation theory, the observed fluctuations in the time required for “ON resistance switching” are found to be consistent with the stochastic nature of critical nucleus formation.
Ion-cyclotron instability in current-carrying Lorentzian (kappa) and Maxwellian plasmas with anisotropic temperatures: A comparative study
Authors: Basu B. , Grossbard N. J.
Published: September 2011

Current-driven electrostatic ion-cyclotron instability has so far been studied for Maxwellian plasma with isotropic and anisotropic temperatures. Since satellite-measured particle velocity distributions in space are often better modeled by the generalized Lorentzian (kappa) distributions and since temperature anisotropy is quite common in space plasmas, theoretical analysis of the current-driven, electrostatic ion-cyclotron instability is carried out in this paper for electron-proton plasma with anisotropic temperatures, where the particle parallel velocity distributions are modeled by kappa distributions and the perpendicular velocity distributions are modeled by Maxwellian distributions. Stability properties of the excited ion cyclotron modes and, in particular, their dependence on electron to ion temperature ratio and ion temperature anisotropy are presented in more detail. For comparison, the corresponding results for bi-Maxwellian plasma are also presented. Although the stability properties of the ion cyclotron modes in the two types of plasmas are qualitatively similar, significant quantitative differences can arise depending on the values of κe and κi. The comparative study is based on the numerical solutions of the respective linear dispersion relations. Quasilinear estimates of the resonant ion heating rates due to ion-cyclotron turbulence in the two types of plasma are also presented for comparison.
Evaluation of electrical conductivity and equations of state of non-ideal plasma through microsecond timescale underwater electrical wire explosion
Authors: Sheftman D. , Krasik Ya. E.
Published: September 2011

Experimental and simulation results of underwater electrical Cu, Al, and W wire explosions in the microsecond timescale are presented. It was shown that the electrical conductivity results for Cu and Al agree well with modified Lee-More and quantum molecular dynamic models for temperatures above 10 kK. The equation of state (EOS) values based on SESAME tables for Cu and Al were slightly modified for intermediate temperatures in order to obtain fitting between experimental and simulated exploding wire radial expansion. Also, it was shown that the electrical conductivity results and the EOS evaluation differ significantly from the results obtained in nanosecond timescale experiments. Finally, it was found that underwater electrical W wire explosion is characterized by the appearance of non-uniformities along the z-axis of the wire. This phenomena adds uncertainty to the possibility of applying this type of experiments for evaluation of the electrical conductivity and EOS of W.
Local pressure components and surface tension of spherical interfaces. Thermodynamic versus mechanical definitions. I. A mesoscale modeling of droplets
Authors: Ghoufi Aziz , Malfreyt Patrice
Published: September 2011

We report mesoscale simulations of spherical drops to investigate the surface tension and mechanical properties. The Monte Carlo simulations are performed with the multibody potential commonly used in the many-body dissipative particle dynamics simulations. We establish here the calculation of the local normal and transverse components of the pressure tensor via the perturbation volume within the thermodynamic route. The different profiles of these components are compared to those calculated using the mechanical approach. To complete the mesoscale modeling of drops, we investigate the curvature dependence of the surface tension in order to calculate the Tolman's length, which is found to be negative.
Global ab initio potential energy surfaces for both the ground ($\tilde X{^1}A^{\prime} $X̃1A′) and excited ($\tilde A^1 A^{\prime \prime} $Ã1A′′) electronic states of HNO and vibrational states of the Renner-Teller $\tilde A^1 A^{\prime \prime} $Ã1A′′–$\tilde X{^1}A^{\prime} $X̃1A′system
Authors: Li Anyang , Han Huixian , Xie Daiqian
Published: September 2011

The global potential energy surfaces for both the ground ($\tilde X{^1}A^{\prime} $X̃1A′) and excited ($\tilde A^1 A^{\prime \prime} $Ã1A′′) electronic states of the HNO molecule have been constructed by three-dimensional cubic spline interpolation of more than 17 000 ab initio points, which have been calculated at the internal contracted multi-reference configuration interaction level with the Davidson correction using an augmented correlation-consistent polarized valence quadruple zeta basis set. The low-lying vibrational energy levels for the two electronic states of HNO have also been calculated on our potential energy surfaces including the diagonal Renner-Teller terms. The calculated results have shown a good agreement with the experimental vibrational frequencies of HNO and its isotopomers.
Doping and cluster formation in diamond
Authors: Schwingenschlögl U. , Chroneos A. , Schuster C. , Grimes R. W.
Published: September 2011

Introducing a cluster formation model, we provide a rational fundamental viewpoint for the difficulty to achieve n-type doped diamond. We argue that codoping is the way forward to form appropriately doped shallow regions in diamond and other forms of carbon such as graphene. The electronegativities of the codopants are an important design criterion for the donor atom to efficiently donate its electron. We propose that the nearest neighbour codopants should be of a considerably higher electronegativity compared to the donor atom. Codoping strategies should focus on phosphorous for which there are a number of appropriate codopants.
Impact of forward bias injection on minority carrier transport in p-type ZnO nanowires
Authors: Schwarz C. , Flitsiyan E. , Chernyak L. , Casian V. , Schneck R. , Dashevsky Z. , Chu S. , Liu J. L.
Published: September 2011

Minority carrier diffusion length in p-type Sb-doped ZnO nanowires was measured as a function of temperature and forward bias injection duration. The minority carrier diffusion length displays a thermally activated length increase with the energy of 144 ± 5 meV. The forward bias injection exhibits an increase in diffusion length with the activation energy of 217 ± 20 meV, indicating the possible involvement of a SbZn-2VZn acceptor complex.
Formation of Coulomb crystal in presence of attractive overlapping Debye sphere potential
Authors: Baruah Swati , Das Nilakshi
Published: September 2011

The role of attractive overlapping Debye sphere (ODS) potential on dust crystal formation has been investigated by using molecular dynamics code. A comparative study on plasma crystal formation has been made between Yukawa and coupled Yukawa-ODS potential by calculating pair-correlation function, for different values of Coulomb coupling parameter Γ and screening parameter κ. From our study, it is seen that the attractive ODS potential becomes dominant beyond a critical radius than that of the Yukawa potential. This leads to the fact that the effect due to combined Yukawa-ODS potential depends more sensitively on κ. From the comparison of the results for Yukawa and ODS potential with experimental results, it is observed that a close agreement is obtained for attractive ODS potential.
Remote actuation of a mechanical resonator
Authors: Hatanaka D. , Mahboob I. , Yamaguchi H.
Published: September 2011

A micron-sized mechanical resonator is placed inside a coil operating at radio frequencies (RFs). The mechanical response is highly sensitive to continuous RF irradiation with the observation of both resonance frequency and quality factor shifts. If the RF amplitude is modulated at the natural mechanical frequency, it can drive the mechanical oscillator to resonance with an actuation efficiency of 4.0 μm/V. This remote actuation method is a promising technique to access performance and functionality beyond conventional actuation schemes.
Growth of a crystalline and ultrathin MgO film on Fe(001)
Authors: Dugerjav Otgonbayar , Kim Hidong , Seo Jae M.
Published: September 2011

The narrow temperature-window for obtaining a crystalline MgO film on Fe(001) has been found using in-situ STM. When Mg was deposited on Fe(001) at RT, post-oxidized at 300 °C, and additionally annealed at 400 °C, an ultrathin and crystalline MgO film was formed. It has been concluded that, in order to grow a high-quality and crystalline MgO film on Fe(001), it requires two steps, i.e., Mg film formation on the substrate at RT and subsequent annealing at the proper substrate temperature under O2 exposure for Mg atoms to be oxidized and crystallized at their deposited sites without being agglomerated.
Microwave absorption properties of NiCoFe2O4-graphite embedded poly(o-phenetidine) nanocomposites
Authors: Ohlan Anil , Singh Kuldeep , Gandhi Namita , Chandra Amita , Dhawan S. K.
Published: September 2011

Poly(o-phenetidine) nanocomposites (PNG) with NiCoFe2O4 and exfoliated graphite have been synthesized via in-situ emulsion polymerization. Systematic investigations reveal that the NiCoFe2O4 nanoparticles (30-40 nm) in the poly(o-phenetidine) matrix have phenomenal effect in determining the electrical, magnetic, and the microwave absorption properties of the nanocomposites. Shielding effectiveness due to absorption (SEA) value of 32 dB (>99.9%) has been achieved for PNG composite for its use as broadband microwave absorbing material. The microwave absorption of these composites can be attributed to dielectric loss from graphite and poly(o-phenetidine) matrix, and magnetic loss from NiCoFe2O4 nanoparticles.
Structural and magnetic properties of Cr-doped Ni–Mn–In metamagnetic shape memory alloys
Authors: Sánchez-Alarcos V , Recarte V , Pérez-Landazábal J I , Chapelon J R , Rodríguez-Velamazán J A
Published: September 2011

The effect of the partial substitution of Mn by Cr on the structural and magnetic properties of Ni–Mn–In metamagnetic shape memory alloys is investigated. It is found that a Cr-rich second phase appears for quite low Cr concentrations, pointing out a very low solubility of Cr in Ni–Mn–In. Nevertheless, the martensitic transformation (MT) temperature of the doped alloys can be related to the variation in the electron concentration in the matrix phase, just as it occurs in the ternary Ni–Mn–In system. The effect of magnetic field on the structural transformation has been evaluated on both a ternary and a quaternary alloy. It is shown that the presence of the second phase reduces the magnetically induced shift of the MT and the associated magnetocaloric effect, thus limiting the potential applicability of Ni–Mn–In alloys. The obtained results prevent the addition of high amounts of Cr to Ni–Mn–In.
Theoretical Study on Impact of Single Water Molecule on OH+O3 Reaction
Authors: Long Bo , Zhang Wei-jun , Long Zheng-wen
Published: September 2011

Quantum chemical calculations are performed to study the reactions of OH and ozone without and with water to estimate whether the single water molecule can decrease the energy barrier of the OH radical reaction with ozone. The calculated results demonstrate that the single water molecule can reduce the activated barrier of the naked OH+O3 reaction with the value of about 4.18 kJ/mol. In addition, the transition state theory is carried out to determine whether the single water molecule could enhance the rate constant of the OH+O3 reaction. The computed kinetic data indicate that the rate of the ozone reaction with the formed complexes between OH and water is much slower than that of the OH+O3 reaction, whereas the rate constant of OH reaction with the formed H2O···O3 complex is 2 times greater than that of the naked OH radical with ozone reaction. However, these processes in the atmosphere are not important because the reactions can not compete well with the naked reaction of OH with ozone under atmospheric condition.
First-principles Study on the Electronic Structure of Novel Titanium Yttrium Mixed-metal Nitride Clusterfullerene
Authors: Li Shu-juan , Lei Shu-lai , Huang Jing , Li Qun-xiang
Published: September 2011

We present a first-principles study on the geometric, vibrational and electronic properties of a novel Y-based non-scandium mixed-metal nitride clusterfullerene (TiY2N@C80). Theoretical results indicate that the fundamental electronic properties of TiY2N@C80 are similar to that of TiSc2N@C80, but dramatically different from that of Sc3N@C80 and Y3N@C80 molecules. We find that the magnetism of TiY2N@C80 is quenched by carrier doping. The rotation energy barrier of the TiY2N cluster in C80 cage was obviously increased by exohedral chemical modification with pyrrolidine monoadduct.
XAFS Study of Coordination Structure of Cu(L-His)2 in Solution
Authors: Pan Yan , Zhang Li-yun , Liu Yang-zhong
Published: September 2011

Multiple coordination modes are present in the CuII-histidine complex in solution and the copper coordination environment varies with pH. In this work, we have investigated the coordination geometry of Cu(His)2 complex using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. Copper K-edge XAFS spectra were acquired on aqueous Cu2+ samples with histidine at different pH values. The coordination environments were further confirmed by chemically modified histidine. Results show that the caboxylate groups coordinate at acidic condition, while amino and imidazole nitrogens get coordinated at higher pH. For the coordination geometry of Cu(His)2 in solution at physiological pH, the sixfold coordination is preferentially formed, while the fivefold coordination can co-exist in equilibrium.
Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticles and Photocatalytic H2 Production Activity from Different Sacrificial Reagent Solutions
Authors: Peng Tian-you , Lv Hong-jin , Zeng Peng , Zhang Xiao-hu
Published: September 2011

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via a direct precipitation method followed by a heterogeneous azeotropic distillation and calcination processes, and then characterized by X-ray power diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurement. The effects of Pt-loading amount, calcination temperature, and sacrificial reagents on the photocatalytic H2 evolution efficiency from the present ZnO suspension were investigated. The experimental results indicate that ZnO nanoparticles calcined at 400 °C exhibit the best photoactivity for the H2 production in comparison with the samples calcined at 300 and 500 °C, and the photocatalytic H2 production efficiency from a methanol solution is much higher than that from a triethanolamine solution. It can be ascribed to the oxidization of methanol also contributes to the H2 production during the photochemical reaction process. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism for the H2 production from the present ZnO suspension system containing methanol solution is also discussed in detail.
Carboxydothermus pertinax sp. nov., a thermophilic, hydrogenogenic, Fe(III)-reducing, sulfur-reducing carboxydotrophic bacterium from an acidic hot spring
Authors: Yoneda Yasuko , Yoshida Takashi , Kawaichi Satoshi , Daifuku Takashi , Takabe Keiji , Sako Yoshihiko
Published: September 2011

A novel anaerobic, Fe(III)-reducing, hydrogenogenic, carboxydotrophic bacterium, designated strain Ug1T, was isolated from a volcanic acidic hot spring in southern Kyushu Island, Japan. Cells of the isolate were rod-shaped (1.0–3.0 µm long) and motile due to peritrichous flagella. Strain Ug1Tgrew chemolithoautotrophically on CO (100 % in the gas phase) with reduction of ferric citrate, amorphous iron (III) oxide, 9,10-anthraquinone 2,6-disulfonate, thiosulfate or elemental sulfur. No carboxydotrophic growth occurred with sulfate, sulfite, nitrate or fumarate as electron acceptor. During growth on CO, H2and CO2were produced. Growth occurred on molecular hydrogen as an energy source and carbon dioxide as a sole carbon source. Growth was observed on various organic compounds under an N2atmosphere with the reduction of ferric iron. The temperature range for carboxydotrophic growth was 50–70 °C, with an optimum at 65 °C. The pH25 °Crange for growth was 4.6–8.6, with an optimum between 6.0 and 6.5. The doubling time under optimum conditions using CO with ferric citrate was 1.5 h. The DNA G+C content was 42.2 mol%. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that this strain belongs to the thermophilic carboxydotrophic bacterial genusCarboxydothermus, with sequence similarities of 94.1–96.6 % to members of this genus. The isolate can be distinguished from other members of the genusCarboxydothermusby its ability to grow with elemental sulfur or thiosulfate coupled to CO oxidation. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and unique physiological features, the isolate represents a novel species of the genusCarboxydothermusfor which the nameCarboxydothermus pertinaxsp. nov. is proposed; the type strain of the novel species is Ug1T( = DSM 23698T = NBRC 107576T).
A Reduced-Function Allele Reveals That EARLY FLOWERING3 Repressive Action on the Circadian Clock Is Modulated by Phytochrome Signals in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kolmos Elsebeth , Herrero Eva , Bujdoso Nora , Millar Andrew J. , Tóth Réka , Gyula Peter , Nagy Ferenc , Davis Seth J.
Published: September 2011

Arabidopsis thaliana EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3) is essential for the generation of circadian rhythms. ELF3 has been proposed to restrict light signals to the oscillator through phytochrome photoreceptors, but that has not been explicitly shown. Furthermore, the genetic action of ELF3 within the clock had remained elusive. Here, we report a functional characterization of ELF3 through the analysis of the elf3-12 allele, which encodes an amino acid replacement in a conserved domain. Circadian oscillations persisted, and unlike elf3 null alleles, elf3-12 resulted in a short circadian period only under ambient light. The period shortening effect of elf3-12 was enhanced by the overexpression of phytochromes phyA and phyB. We found that elf3-12 was only modestly perturbed in resetting of the oscillator and in gating light-regulated gene expression. Furthermore, elf3-12 essentially displayed wild-type development. We identified targets of ELF3 transcriptional repression in the oscillator, highlighting the action at the morning gene PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR9. Taken together, we identified two separable roles for ELF3, one affecting the circadian network and the other affecting light input to the oscillator. This is consistent with a dual function of ELF3 as both an integrator of phytochrome signals and a repressor component of the core oscillator.
Boron-Dependent Degradation ofNIP5;1mRNA for Acclimation to Excess Boron Conditions inArabidopsis
Authors: Tanaka Mayuki , Takano Junpei , Chiba Yukako , Lombardo Fabien , Ogasawara Yuki , Onouchi Hitoshi , Naito Satoshi , Fujiwara Toru
Published: September 2011

Boron (B) is an essential plant micronutrient that is toxic at higher levels. NIP5;1 is a boric acid channel required for B uptake and growth under B deficiency. Accumulation of the NIP5;1 transcript is upregulated under B deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. To elucidate the mechanism of regulation, the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of NIP5;1 was tested for its ability to confer B-dependent regulation using β-glucuronidase and green fluorescent protein as reporters. This analysis showed that the 5′ UTR was involved in NIP5;1 transcript accumulation in response to B conditions. We also found that high-B conditions trigger NIP5;1 mRNA degradation and that the sequence from +182 to +200 bp in the 5′ UTR is required for this mRNA destabilization. In the nip5;1-1 mutant background, a NIP5;1 complementation construct without the 5′ UTR produced high levels of mRNA accumulation, increased B concentrations in tissues, and reduced growth under high-B conditions. These data suggest that the 5′ UTR controls B-dependent NIP5;1 mRNA degradation and that NIP5;1 mRNA degradation is important for plant acclimation to high-B conditions.
Strategic capabilities and their relationship to organisational success and its measures
Authors: Simon Alan , Kumar Vanya , Schoeman Peter , Moffat Pirrie , Power Damien
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the strategic capabilities that are related to success in five disparate Australian industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Five studies were conducted using a generative multi‐stage research approach in order to determine the capabilities that are related to success in the management consulting, advertising and IT industries, legal profession and top 500 listed companies.

Findings

There is a clear commonality of capabilities across all studies. These are quality of service, particularly customer service; good leadership and vision, which encourages innovation and creativity; selection and retention of excellent staff with good technical skills; credibility, integrity and honesty; excellent differentiated product(s) or service(s); and adaptability and flexibility. In general the capabilities were significantly related to the organisational success measures.

Research limitations/implications

The study could be extended to other Australian and international industries.

Originality/value

Organisations that develop and implement resources to be proficient in all these capabilities should achieve increased success measured by a mix of hard and soft performance indicators. Our study is differentiated because the drivers and, indeed the indicators, of success have been proffered by executives themselves (not just the literature), who were located in disparate industries. Their views are deemed important because Australia's economy emerged relatively unscathed from the global financial economy and avoided a recession.