bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategy of tailoring the interface between multiwalled carbon nanotube and fluoroelastomer
Authors: Meng Xiaoyu , Liu Xu , Cong Chuanbo , Zhou Qiong
Published: February 2014

To fabricate multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/tetrafluoroethylene‐propylene elastomer (TFEP) nanocomposite, the surface architecture of MWCNTs was tailored based on TFEP molecular structure. Silane coupling agent (SC) and fluorocarbon surfactant (FC) were separately used to improve the interaction and compatibility between MWCNTs and polymer matrix. The CC group of SC can participate in the crosslinking reaction of TFEP, which results in the formation of covalent connection between MWCNTs and matrix. The fluorine atom in FC has better compatibility with tetrafluoroethylene segment of TFEP, which effectively promotes the compatibility between MWCNTs and matrix. The organic modifiers were successfully attached to the surface of MWCNTs, as verified by the results of infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrum. Owing to functionalization of surface, the dispersions of MWCNTs were obviously improved. A comprehensive upgrade of mechanical property was achieved, and the elasticity of fluoroelastomer was not deteriorated. Meanwhile, the resistance to medium ageing performance property presented a significant advantage. The effect of interface tailoring was verified by the superiority of morphology and properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:257–263, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Accuracy of tidal breathing measurement of floright compared to an ultrasonic flowmeter in infants
Authors: Petrus Nicole C.M. , Thamrin Cindy , Fuchs Oliver , Frey Urs
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Monitoring breathing pattern is especially relevant in infants with lung disease. Recently, a vest‐based inductive plethysmograph system (FloRight®) has been developed for tidal breathing measurement in infants. We investigated the accuracy of tidal breathing flow volume loop (TBFVL) measurements in healthy term‐born infants and infants with lung disease by the vest‐based system in comparison to an ultrasonic flowmeter (USFM) with a face mask. We also investigated whether the system discriminates between healthy infants and those with lung disease.

Methods

Floright® measures changes in thoracoabdominal volume during tidal breathing through magnetic field changes generated by current‐carrying conductor coils in an elastic vest. Simultaneous TBFVL measurements by the vest‐based system and the USFM were performed at 44 weeks corrected postmenstrual age during quiet unsedated sleep. TBFVL parameters derived by both techniques and within both groups were compared.

Results

We included 19 healthy infants and 18 infants with lung disease. Tidal volume per body weight derived by the vest‐based system was significantly lower with a mean difference (95% CI) of −1.33 ml/kg (−1.73; −0.92), P < 0.001. Respiratory rate and ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow over total expiratory time (tPTEF/tE) did not differ between the two techniques. Both systems were able to discriminate between healthy infants and those with lung disease using tPTEF/tE.

Conclusion

FloRight® accurately measures time indices and may discriminate between healthy infants and those with lung disease, but demonstrates differences in tidal volume measurements. It may be better suited to monitor breathing pattern than for TBFVL measurements. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:380–388. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is the Fermi‐level pinned on InN grown surfaces?
Authors: Zhao Songrui , Mi Zetian
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we discuss the Fermi‐level pinning issue on InN grown surfaces, in particular the nonpolar m ‐planes. Detailed angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies show that for intrinsic InN nanowires the Fermi‐level on the nonpolar grown surfaces is located 0.1 to 0.2 eV below the conduction band edge, i.e., not pinned in the conduction band. This indicates that the commonly measured Fermi‐level pinning in the conduction band on nonpolar grown surfaces is not an intrinsic property of InN. Furthermore, our studies also suggest that surface states are positioned near the band edge and therefore do not contribute to the Fermi‐level pinning. This is consistent with recent theoretical and experimental studies. In the end, with the absence of the Fermi‐level pinning in the conduction band and surface electron accumulation, the unique electrical and optical properties of intrinsic InN nanowires are discussed, and compared with previously reported InN epilayers and n ‐type InN nanowires. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
True‐blue laser diodes grown by plasma‐assisted MBE on bulk GaN substrates
Authors: Muziol G. , Turski H. , Siekacz M. , Wolny P. , Sawicka M. , Grzanka S. , Perlin P. , Suski T. , Wasilewski Z. R. , Grzegory I. , Porowski S. , Skierbiszewski C.
Published: February 2014

We present nitride based laser diodes (LDs) grown by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy. In this work we investigate influence of epitaxial structure on LDs pa‐rameters. In particular we compare LDs with and without AlGaN cladding layers operating at 430 to 460 nm. We show results of waveguide simulations which explain the increasing threshold current density of longer wavelength LDs. The PAMBE LD with InGaN waveguides and AlGaN bottom cladding has threshold current density of 4.3 kA/cm2 and slope efficiency of 0.56 W/A. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Concrete integral abutment bridges with reinforced concrete piles
Authors: Gama David , Almeida João F.
Published: February 2014

The use of reinforced concrete (RC) piles in integral abutment bridges (IABs) has not been widespread due to concerns over pile flexibility and the potential for concrete cracking. This is the reason why the use of steel piles is the preferred solution in the United States. However, in various countries where IABs are still seldom used, RC piles are more readily available and economical. Hence, an understanding of the behaviour of IABs with RC piles can lead to a wider implementation of integral solutions. This paper presents the results of a parametric study conducted to evaluate how both the design variables and the accuracy of the modelling approach influence the potential use of integral solutions with RC piles in prestressed concrete bridges up to 200 m long. Finite element modelling was used and four levels of approximation (LoA) were established for the analyses, ranging from simple linear‐elastic to more complex non‐linear models. The results show that existing concerns over concrete cracking control can be overcome if adequate options in design are used together with the adequate LoAs in structural analysis. Integral solutions with RC piles for bridges up to 200 m long can generally be adopted, although in comparisons with non‐integral designs a significant additional amount of prestressing steel is to be expected. The results also include a set of charts with practical estimates to help designers in their first approach to the preliminary design of an IAB.
Endeavors to Access Molecular Complexity: Strategic Use of Free Radicals in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Yoshimitsu Takehiko
Published: February 2014

Free radicals, which in the past were considered unruly chemical species, have become manageable and indispensable for synthetic organic chemistry. The unique nature of free radicals has allowed practitioners in organic synthesis to design flexible approaches to produce various materials ranging from small molecules to polymers. The present Personal Account describes the author's endeavors to create molecular complexity by the strategic use of free radicals, with an emphasis on the synthesis of bioactive natural products.
Structural insights into conserved l‐arabinose metabolic enzymes reveal the substrate binding site of a thermophilic l‐arabinose isomerase
Authors: Lee Yong-Jik , Lee Sang-Jae , Kim Seong-Bo , Lee Sang Jun , Lee Sung Haeng , Lee Dong-Woo
Published: February 2014

Structural genomics demonstrates that despite low levels of structural similarity of proteins comprising a metabolic pathway, their substrate binding regions are likely to be conserved. Herein based on the 3D‐structures of the α/β‐fold proteins involved in the ara operon, we attempted to predict the substrate binding residues of thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilus l‐arabinose isomerase (GSAI) with no 3D‐structure available. Comparison of the structures of l‐arabinose catabolic enzymes revealed a conserved feature to form the substrate‐binding modules, which can be extended to predict the substrate binding site of GSAI (i.e., D195, E261 and E333). Moreover, these data implicated that proteins in the l‐arabinose metabolic pathway might retain their substrate binding niches as the modular structure through conserved molecular evolution even with totally different structural scaffolds.
Herbals: Their Origin and Evolution
Authors: Arber Agnes
Published: February 2014

Agnes Arber (1879–1960) was a prominent British botanist specialising in plant morphology and the history of botany. In 1946 she became the first female botanist to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. First published in 1912 and issued in an expanded second edition in 1938, this volume traces the history and development of printed herbals between 1470 and 1670. This two-hundred-year period was the most prolific for the publication of herbals, and significantly saw the emergence of botany as a scientific discipline within the study of natural history. Although Arber mentions the medical aspects of the herbal, her analysis remains focused on investigating herbals from a botanical view, with chapters devoted to the evolution of plant descriptions, classifications and illustrations. Her book remains the standard work on this subject. The text of this volume is taken from a 1953 reissue of the 1938 second edition.
A Farmer's Year
Authors: Haggard H. Rider
Published: February 2014

H. Rider Haggard (1856–1925) is best known as the successful writer of adventure stories with exotic backgrounds such as King Solomon's Mines and She. However, he also served on a number of royal commissions, and in managing his wife's Norfolk estate became a recognised expert on agricultural matters. A Farmer's Year is his diary for 1898, recounting the work of the farm, month by month, together with observations on rural life and the state of agriculture in general, which was suffering due to the population drift to the towns and competition from cheaper imported food. His descriptions of country life are beautifully written, with many illustrations: he clearly loves the land and is concerned for its future, but does not ignore the hardship faced by many farmers and their workers. The book is a fascinating mixture of anecdote and natural history, as well as depicting late Victorian agricultural methods.
Wood and Garden
Authors: Jekyll Gertrude
Published: February 2014

Gertrude Jekyll (1843–1932) was one of the most influential garden designers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Skilled as a painter and in many forms of handicrafts, she found her metier in the combination of her artistic skills with considerable botanical knowledge. Having been collecting and breeding plants, including Mediterranean natives, since the 1860s, she began writing for William Robinson's magazine, The Garden, in 1881, and together they are regarded as transforming English horticultural method and design: Jekyll herself received over 400 design commissions in Britain, and her few surviving gardens are treasured today. Like Robinson's, her designs were informal and more natural in style than earlier Victorian fashions. In this, the first of fourteen books, published in 1899, she stresses the importance of being inspired by nature, and sums up her philosophy of gardening: 'planting ground is painting a landscape with living things'.
The Royal Institution
Authors: Jones Bence
Published: February 2014

A graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge, and University College, London, Henry Bence Jones (1814–73) was a distinguished physician and chemist, as well as a chronicler of his colleagues' accomplishments. Well-known and popular in Victorian London, he was a fellow of both the Royal Society and the Royal College of Physicians, and counted Florence Nightingale among his friends. Written during his term as secretary to the Royal Institution, this account of the organisation's foundation and early members reflects his admiration for his professional forebears. Published in 1871, a year after his two-volume biography of Faraday (also reissued in this series), his account covers the lives of Count Rumford, Thomas Young, Humphry Davy and the troubled President Thomas Garnett. Incorporating a substantial appendix containing letters and papers pertaining to the Institution, this history provides a glimpse into the early years of one of Britain's most important and learned scientific organisations.
Appearance and Reality
Authors: Bradley F. H.
Published: February 2014

F. H. Bradley (1846–1924) was the foremost philosopher of the British Idealist school, which came to prominence in the second half of the nineteenth century. Bradley, who was a life fellow of Merton College, Oxford, was influenced by Hegel, and also reacted against utilitarianism. He was recognised during his lifetime as one of the greatest intellectuals of his generation and was the first philosopher to receive the Order of Merit, in 1924. His work is considered to have been important to the formation of analytic philosophy. In metaphysics, he rejected pluralism and realism, and believed that English philosophy needed to deal systematically with first principles. This work, first published in 1893, is divided into two parts: 'Appearance' deals with exposing the contradictions that Bradley believed are hidden in our everyday conceptions of the world; and in 'Reality', he builds his positive account of reality and considers possible objections to it.
GENDER SATURATION IN THE SOUTHERN CAUCASUS: FAMILY COMPOSITION AND SEX-SELECTIVE ABORTION
Authors: GARENNE MICHEL , HOHMANN SOPHIE
Published: February 2014

The study investigates the complex relationships between sex-selective abortion and family composition in two countries of the Southern Caucasus: Armenia and Azerbaijan. Data were drawn from maternity histories recorded in Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs). In both countries, the relationship between the sex ratio of the next birth and the number of girls already born changed from negative to positive after 1992, when sex-selective abortion became prevalent. In Azerbaijan, but not in Armenia, a similar change was noticed for the relationship between the sex ratio of the next birth and the number of boys already born, this time from positive to negative. All changes in slopes were highly statistically significant. These findings indicate that sex-selective abortion was prevalent in both countries, and could work both ways in Azerbaijan. The results are interpreted in terms of ‘gender saturation’, that is a desire of families to better balance the composition of the family when too many children of the same sex are already born, which is consistent with opinion surveys indicating a preference for balanced families.
Volume and Volatility in a Common-Factor Mixture of Distributions Model
Authors: He Xiaojun , Velu Raja
Published: February 2014

This paper develops a multi-asset mixture distribution hypothesis model to investigate commonality in stock returns and trading volume. The model makes two main predictions: First, the factor structures of returns and trading volume are independent although they stem from the same valuation fundamentals and jointly depend on a latent information flow; second, cross-sectional positive volatility-volume relations arise solely from the dynamic features of the information flow. Empirical analyses at the market level support these predictions. Furthermore, the results indicate that removing the information flow significantly reduces the return volatility persistence and the extent of the reduction exhibits a size pattern.
Who saw it coming? The UK’s great financial crisis
Authors: Hindmoor Andrew , McConnell Allan
Published: February 2014

Who foresaw the UK banking crisis? This paper addresses this issue through detailed empirical work on the content of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s speeches, Bank of EnglandFinancial Stability Reports, Financial Service Authority reports and speeches by Bank of England officials, editorials in theTimesandFinancial Times, bank annual reports and financial statements, credit rating reports, share price movements, Parliamentary questions, Treasury select committee reports and the output of academic economists. We find that few people inside or outside government recognised the existence of significant financial vulnerabilities in the financial system in the years prior to the collapse of Northern Rock in September 2007. We use the conceptual lenses of individual, institutional and paradigmatic pathologies to provide explanations for this failure to detect looming crisis conditions. We argue ultimately that regulators and commentators were blinded by faith in market forces and the risk-tempering properties of securitisation.
Breeding to non-breeding population ratio and breeding performance of the globally Endangered Lear’s MacawAnodorhynchus leari: conservation and monitoring implications
Authors: PACÍFICO ERICA C. , BARBOSA EDUARDO A. , FILADELFO THIAGO , OLIVEIRA KLEBER G. , SILVEIRA LUÍS F. , TELLA JOSÉ L.
Published: February 2014

Lear’s MacawAnodorhynchus leariis currently listed as “Endangered” by IUCN. Although it only breeds on cliffs at two protected sites in Bahia State, Brazil, there is no accurate information on population parameters such as the number of breeding pairs and their breeding performance. Between 2009 and 2010, we sought to quantify, for the first time, breeding population size and the main breeding parameters for the species in the two known breeding sites, by quantifying the number of active nests and monitoring 75 breeding attempts. Overall, 80% of the breeding attempts were successful with 1.33 (± 0.86 SD) fledglings/breeding attempt (productivity) and 1.67 (± 0.60 SD) fledglings/successful nest (brood size). Breeding success and productivity were higher in 2010, while brood size did not vary between years and breeding sites. By adding 73 estimated nests to the 41 nests monitored, 228 individuals were estimated to be reproductively active in 2010, representing c.20% of the population (1,125 individuals). Given that the species is confined to a single population, further population increases could provoke overcrowding and negative density-dependent effects if it does not expand geographically. Therefore, long-term population monitoring focusing on the fraction of the population that is actually breeding and its breeding performance, rather than solely on the whole population size, is important for a better understanding of the population dynamics and conservation of this species.
A case of parvovirus B19-induced pure red cell aplasia in a child following heart transplant
Authors: Kelleher Eoin , McMahon Corrina , McMahon Colin J.
Published: February 2014

We describe a case of an 11-year-old boy who underwent orthotopic heart transplant for dilated cardiomyopathy. He developed a normocytic, normochromic anaemia with a low reticulocyte count 1 month after transplant. A bone marrow biopsy was performed, which showed a mildly hypocellular bone marrow with few red blood cell precursors with giant pro-erythroblasts indicative of a pure red cell aplasia. Parvovirus B19 polymerase chain reaction in the blood was positive 2 months after transplant. Intravenous immunoglobulin administration resulted in a resolution of the anaemia over several months. Unexplained pure red cell aplasia in immunosuppressed patients should alert one to the possibility of parvovirus B19 infection.
Types of habitat in the Universe
Authors: Cockell Charles S.
Published: February 2014

From a biological point of view, all environments in the Universe can be categorized into one of three types: uninhabitable, uninhabited habitat or inhabited habitat. This paper describes and defines different habitat types in the Universe with a special focus on environments not usually encountered on the Earth, but which might be common on other planetary bodies. They include uninhabited habitats, subtypes of which are sterile habitats and organic-free habitats. Examples of the different types of environments are provided with reference to the Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland. These habitat types are used to identify testable hypotheses on the abundance of different habitats and the distribution of life in the Universe.
Diffuse Interstellar Bands: Past and Present
Authors: Snow T. P.
Published: February 2014

The diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) have come to the fore as an important mystery. This paper presents the history of DIB discovery and research; their importance; a summary of their properties; constraints on proposed identifications; a survey of DIB papers (including graduate student's theses); and a web site that lists DIBs paper from 1922 to 2011 (to be extended to the present).
New Infrared Diffuse Interstellar Bands in the Galactic Center and Elsewhere
Authors: Geballe T. R.
Published: February 2014

This paper updates the recent discovery of over a dozen new diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs), first in H-band spectra of stars in the Galactic center (GC) and toward stars in the Cygnus OB2 Association. The H-band DIBs, which currently number 15, are the longest wavelength DIBs reported to date and are the first found on sightlines toward the Galactic center. K-band (2.0-2.5 μm) spectra of the GC stars do not reveal additional DIBs. Comparison of the velocity profile of the strongest of the new DIBs in the sightline toward GCS3-2 (in the GC) with that toward Cygnus OB2 No. 9 and also with the broad velocity profiles of H3+ lines toward GCS3-2 confirm that a significant fraction of the diffuse material producing the DIB absorptions on sightlines to the GC is located within the central few hundred parsecs of the Galaxy.
Spatial Correlations of Selected DIBs to the CH and CH+ Molecules
Authors: Weselak T. , Krełowski J.
Published: February 2014

The analysis of radial velocities in the spectra of HD 151932 and HD 152233, performed for the optical lines of interstellar CH and CH+ molecules on one hand, and for the diffuse bands 4964 and 6196 Å on the other hand, suggests that the carrier of the former DIB is spatially related to CH, while the carrier of the latter - to CH+. A further analysis, based on the sample of 106 reddened OB stars, partly confirms this suggestion, showing that the CH column density correlates indeed much better with the equivalent width of the 4964 DIB than with that of the 6196 DIB.
Diffuse Interstellar Bands: How are they related to known Gas-Phase Constituents of the ISM?
Authors: Welty D. E.
Published: February 2014

In this brief review of recent work relating the DIBs to other gas-phase constituents of the ISM, we explore correlations between DIB equivalent widths and the column densities of various atomic and molecular species, drawn from a large database constructed for that purpose. The tightness and slopes of the correlations can provide information on how the DIBs might be related to those species (physically, chemically, spatially) and on various properties of the DIB carriers. Deviations from the mean relationships can reveal dependences of DIB strengths on other parameters, regional variations in DIB behavior, and individual sight lines where unusual environmental conditions affect the DIBs. Variations in DIB profiles (e.g., wings, substructure) and relative strengths may be related to differences in physical conditions inferred from atomic and/or molecular absorption lines.
The Infrared Emission Bands
Authors: Peeters E.
Published: February 2014

Up to 10% of the total power output of star-forming galaxies is emitted in the infrared emission features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6 and 11.2 μm. Here, I will review the spectral characteristics of these IR emission bands, their dependence on the local environment, the implications for the physical and chemical characteristics of the carriers, and their applicability as a diagnostic tool.
Detection of the Buckminsterfullerene Cation (C60+) in Space
Authors: Berné O. , Mulas G. , Joblin C.
Published: February 2014

In the early 90's, C60+was proposed as the carrier of two diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) at 9577 and 9632 Å, but a firm identification still awaits gas-phase spectroscopic data. Neutral C60, on the other hand, was recently detected through its infrared emission bands in the interstellar medium and evolved stars. In this contribution, we present the detection of C60+through its infrared vibrational bands in the NGC 7023 nebula, based on spectroscopic observations with theSpitzerspace telescope, quantum chemistry calculation, and laboratory data from the literature. This detection supports the idea that C60+could be a DIB carrier, and provides robust evidence that fullerenes exist in the gas-phase in the interstellar medium. Modeling efforts to design specific observations, combined with new gas-phase data, will be essential to confirm this proposal. A definitive attribution of the 9577 and 9632 Å DIBs to C60+would represent a significant step forward in the field.
Unidentified Species in Envelopes around Carbon Stars
Authors: Jiang B. W. , Li A. , Zhang K. , Liu J. M. , Gao J. , Mishra A.
Published: February 2014

The infrared (IR) spectra of many evolved carbon-rich stars exhibit two prominent dust emission features peaking around 21μm and 30μm, with the former exclusively seen in proto-planetary nebulae (PPNe), while the latter seen in a much wider range of objects, including AGB stars, PPNe and planetary nebulae (PNe). The 30μm feature is seen in all the 21μm sources, but no correlation is found between these two features. Over a dozen carrier candidates have been proposed for the 21μm feature, but none of them has been widely accepted and the nature of the 21μm feature remains a mystery. The carrier of the 30μm feature also remains unidentified. MgS dust, once widely accepted as a valid carrier, was ruled out because of the sulfur budget problem. In this work we examine nano-sized FeO dust as a carrier for the 21μm feature. We calculate the IR emission spectrum of FeO nanodust which undergoes single-photon heating in PPNe. It is found that the 21μm feature emitted by FeO nanodust is too broad to explain the observed feature. For the 30μm feature, we argue that graphite could be a viable carrier. Graphite, provided its d.c. conductivity σd.c. exceeds ~100ohm−1cm−1, exhibits a pronounced band at 30μm.
Two GeV-TeV Supernova Remnants without Associated Neutral and Molecular Clouds
Authors: Tian W. , Leahy D. , Zhu H. , Su H.
Published: February 2014

TeV gamma ray emissions have been detected at the directions of supernova remnants (SNRs) W51C and Tycho SNR. We analyze the Hi absorption spectra towards W51C, Tycho SNR and their nearby compact sources. We conclude that W51C is at a distance of about 4.3 kpc and Tycho SNR has a distance of 2.5 ~ 3.0 kpc. Our study detects high-velocity Hi clouds which coincide with star formation region W51B, but finds that the clouds are behind W51B which argues against previous claims that W51C has shocked the high velocity Hi clouds. We argue that Tycho SNR is naked Ia SNR (lack of evidence of interacting with adjacent neutral and molecular cloud). This gives two examples that the very high gamma ray emission from SNRs does not likely originate from SNR-cloud interaction.
Laboratory Electronic Spectra of Carbon Chains and Rings
Authors: Zack L. N. , Maier J. P.
Published: February 2014

Carriers of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) cannot be definitively identified without laboratory spectra. Several techniques, including matrix isolation, cavity ringdown spectroscopy, resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization, and ion trapping, have been used to measure the electronic spectra of carbon chains and their derivatives. The gas-phase laboratory spectra could then be compared to the astronomical data of known DIBs. The choice of molecules studied in the gas phase depends on the presence of strong electronic transitions at optical wavelengths, the lifetimes of excited electronic states, and chemical feasibility in diffuse astrophysical environments. Collisional-radiative rate models have also be used in conjunction with laboratory spectra to predict absorption profiles under interstellar conditions.
Laboratory Studies on the Role of PAHs as DIB Carriers
Authors: Huisken F. , Rouillé G. , Steglich M. , Carpentier Y. , Jäger C. , Henning Th.
Published: February 2014

The electronic spectroscopy of various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules has been studied in the laboratory at low temperatures using both molecular beam and matrix isolation spectroscopy techniques. While molecular beam spectra can be readily compared to astronomical observations, the band positions measured in Ne and Ar matrices are extrapolated to obtain rather good estimates for the same transitions in the gas phase. Absolute absorption cross sections are determined for gas-phase and matrix spectra by comparing them with calibrated solution spectra. All laboratory results are analyzed and discussed in view of the role that PAHs can play as carriers of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). Our studies suggest that regular neutral PAHs are not responsible for any of the known strong DIBs.
Developments of Optical Spectrometers as Approaches to Diffuse Interstellar Bands
Authors: Araki M. , Uchida S. , Kondo N. , Matsushita Y. , Abe K. , Ito K. , Tsukiyama K.
Published: February 2014

A discharge-emission spectrometer and a cavity ringdown spectrometer have been developed to aid in the solution to the diffuse interstellar band (DIB) problem. A hollow cathode was used to generate molecular ions in a discharge because it has been suggested that molecular ions are probable DIB candidates. The discharge was produced by a pulsed voltage of 1300–1500 V. A wide wavelength range of optical emission from the discharge was examined by a HORIBA Jobin Yvon iHR320 monochromator. The dispersed discharge emission was detected by a photomultiplier and was recorded via a lock-in amplifier. The 2B3u–X2B2g electronic transition of the butatriene cation H2CCCCH2+ was observed in the discharge emission of 2-butyne H3CCCCH3. The frequency of the electronic transition was measured to be 20381 cm−1, and a comparison study was made with known DIB spectra.

The resolution of the discharge-emission spectrometer is insufficient to make precise comparisons between laboratory frequencies and astronomically observed DIB spectra. We therefore developed the cavity ringdown spectrometer using the same hollow cathode. The high sensitivity of this spectrometer was confirmed by the observation of the forbidden band of O2.
The 4051 Å Comet Band of 13C3
Authors: Haddad M.A. , Zhao D. , Linnartz H. , Ubachs W.
Published: February 2014

The tricarbon C3 molecule has been detected in a number of translucent interstellar clouds via its $A^1\Pi_{u}-X^1\Sigma_{g}^{+}$ (000-000) electronic ‘comet’ band around 4051 Å. So far, it is the largest molecule unambiguously identified in the diffuse interstellar medium. In this work, rotationally resolved laboratory spectra are presented for the corresponding transition of the 13C3 isotopologue. The spectra are recorded in direct absorption using cavity ring-down spectroscopy in combination with a supersonic plasma jet. A rotational analysis yields accurate spectroscopic parameters. In contrast to 12C3, no significant perturbations are found for (e− or f-parity) levels up to J' = 18 in the A1Π upper electronic state.
Observational Constraints for Modeling Diffuse Molecular Clouds
Authors: Federman S. R.
Published: February 2014

Ground-based and space-borne observations of diffuse molecular clouds suggest a number of areas where further improvements to modeling efforts is warranted. I will highlight those that have the widest applicability. The range in CO fractionation caused by selective isotope photodissociation, in particular the large 12C16O/13C16O ratios observed toward stars in Ophiuchus, is not reproduced well by current models. Our ongoing laboratory measurements of oscillator strengths and predissociation rates for Rydberg transitions in CO isotopologues may help clarify the situtation. The CH+ abundance continues to draw attention. Small scale structure seen toward ζ Per may provide additional constraints on the possible synthesis routes. The connection between results from optical transitions and those from radio and sub-millimeter wave transitions requires further effort. A study of OH+ and OH toward background stars reveals that these species favor different environments. This brings to focus the need to model each cloud along the line of sight separately, and to allow the physical conditions to vary within an individual cloud, in order to gain further insight into the chemistry. Now that an extensive set of data on molecular excitation is available, the models should seek to reproduce these data to place further constraints on the modeling results.
The Stability of Cosmic Fullerenes and Fullerenic Aggregates
Authors: Micelotta E. R. , Cami J. , Peeters E. , Zettergren H. , Schmidt H. T. , Cederquist H. , Jones A. P. , Tielens A. G. G. M.
Published: February 2014

Establishing the stability of cosmic fullerenes and fullerenic aggregates is extremely relevant for a variety of reasons. For instance, the emission features of C60 and C70 fall in the same spectral region as the Un-identified InfraRed (UIR) bands, which they could contribute to. To be able to contribute to the UIR emission, however, fullerenes must be able to survive long enough against the destruction mechanisms operating in the interstellar medium. In this study we focus on the effects of collisional processing, i.e., the bombardment by energetic ions and electrons. A recent experimental/theoretical study has shown that ion collisions with C60 clusters result in the dissociation of the cluster with the simultaneous formation of covalent fullerene dimers, which could play a role as DIBs carriers. We present here our first results about the collisional processing of C60 molecules and clusters by H, He and C ions in interstellar shocks. We have adapted the models that have previously been developed to successfully treat the collisional processing of PAHs in space. The nature of the interaction and the similarities between PAHs and fullerenes make this approach appropriate. In addition, our study shows that the formation of covalent dimers following ion collisions with C60 clusters is compatible with the astrophysical conditions under consideration.
Theoretical Investigation of PAHs: Implications to Diffuse Interstellar Bands
Authors: Pathak A. , Buragohain M. , Hammonds M. , Sarre P. J.
Published: February 2014

About a thousand optical absorption features on the interstellar extinction curve popularly known as the Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIBs) have been observed. The numbers are increasing every year, thanks to the improvement in telescope and spectroscopic technology. Ultra-high resolution spectroscopic observations and emission features corresponding to some of the DIBs suggest that, some if not all, of these features are due to large molecules. The strength of DIBs depend on the amount of reddening which is directly proportional to the amount of material present between the background star and the observer. Since, the strengths of the DIBs are not strongly correlated with each other, there must be several carriers. Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) calculations are useful in narrowing down molecular systems that may be further investigated in the laboratory.

The observations of the unidentified infrared (UIR) bands point towards the widespread presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules. Though, not a single PAH has been discovered in interstellar space, these are the largest molecules suspected to be present. PAHs are stable towards energetic environment prevailing under interstellar conditions rendering these molecules to be good candidates as DIB carriers. We report TDDFT calculations to predict electronic transitions of neutral, protonated-deuteronated and PAHs with five member rings with various sites of protonation and deuteronation. Compared to their neutral forms, these charged isoelectronic forms of PAHs are predicted to have active transitions in the visible region, which means they are suitable candidates as carriers for some of the DIBs and laboratory studies are warranted for these systems.
Dynamics of Synthesis of Large Carbon Structures in the Interstellar Medium
Authors: Patra N. , Sadeghpour H. R.
Published: February 2014

We investigate the nucleation of carbon and hydrogen atoms in the gas phase to form large carbon chains, clusters and cages by reactive molecular dynamics simulations. We study how temperature, particle density, presence of hydrogen, and carbon inflow affect the nucleation of molecular moieties with different characteristics.
Can Fullerene Analogues be the Carriers of the Diffuse Interstellar Bands?
Authors: Cami J.
Published: February 2014

Fullerenes and their derivatives are amongst the most stable carbonaceous species known and have therefore been proposed as ideal candidates to carry some of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). Evidence for these species in space first came from a few DIBs that have been tentatively identified with electronic transitions of C60+; in recent years, infrared observations have furthermore revealed fullerenes in a variety of circumstellar and interstellar environments. With the presence of the fullerene family in space established, we review what is known about cosmic fullerenes and their derivatives and what role they could play as potential DIB carriers.
The Promise of Recent and Future Observatories and Instruments
Authors: Kaper L
Published: February 2014

The identification of the carrier(s) of diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) is one of the oldest mysteries in stellar spectroscopy. With the advent of 8-10m-class telescopes substantial progress has been made in measuring the properties of DIBs in the optical and near-infrared wavelength domain, not only in the Galaxy, but also in different environments encountered in Local Group galaxies and beyond. Still, the DIB carriers have remained unidentified. The coming decade will witness the development of extremely large telescopes (GMT, TMT and E-ELT) and their instrumentation. In this overview I will highlight the current instrumentation plan of these future observatories, emphasizing their potential role in solving the enigma of the DIBs.
Diffuse Interstellar Bands: The Way Forward
Authors: Tielens A. G. G. M.
Published: February 2014

Rather than a summary of the conference, I present here an overview of the status of the field and our progress over the last two decades from the points of view of astronomy, molecular physics, spectroscopy, and astrochemistry. While at first sight, progress may seem slow, actually, we have made an important stride forward. We have recognized now that the problem is very complex and identifying the carriers of the Diffuse Interstellar Bands will require a concerted effort of astronomers, molecular physicists, spectroscopists, and astrochemists. While this is a daunting prospect, we have identified the tools that we need to make this happen.
Does Bold Emphasis Facilitate the Process of Visual-Word Recognition?
Authors: Macaya María , Perea Manuel
Published: February 2014

The study of the effects of typographical factors on lexical access has been rather neglected in the literature on visual-word recognition. Indeed, current computational models of visual-word recognition employ an unrefined letter feature level in their coding schemes. In a letter recognition experiment, Pelli, Burns, Farell, and Moore-Page (2006), letters in Bookman boldface produced more efficiency (i.e., a higher ratio of thresholds of an ideal observer versus a human observer) than the letters in Bookman regular under visual noise. Here we examined whether the effect of bold emphasis can be generalized to a common visual-word recognition task (lexical decision: “is the item a word?”) under standard viewing conditions. Each stimulus was presented either with or without bold emphasis (e.g., actor vs. actor). To help determine the locus of the effect of bold emphasis, word-frequency (low vs. high) was also manipulated. Results revealed that responses to words in boldface were faster than the responses to the words without emphasis –this advantage was restricted to low-frequency words. Thus, typographical features play a non-negligible role during visual-word recognition and, hence, the letter feature level of current models of visual-word recognition should be amended.
Psychological Inflexibility Mediates the Effects of Self-Efficacy and Anxiety Sensitivity on Worry
Authors: Ruiz Francisco J.
Published: February 2014

Recent research has found low levels of general self-efficacy (GSE: beliefs about the ability to appropriately handle a wide range of stressors) and high levels of anxiety sensitivity (AS: fear of the negative consequences of experiencing anxiety) to be relevant predictors of pathological worry. This study examined the role of psychological inflexibility (PI: the dominance of private experiences over chosen values and contingencies in guiding action), the central component of the acceptance and commitment therapy model of psychopathology, in the effect of GSE and AS on worry. A total of 132 nonclinical participants completed questionnaires assessing the constructs of interest. Partial correlations and regression analyses showed that both GSE and AS were independent predictors of pathological worry after controlling for each other. However, mediation analyses revealed that psychological inflexibility completely mediated the independent effects of both GSE and AS on pathological worry. Theoretical and treatment implications of the results are discussed.
Service Climate as a Mediator of Organizational Empowerment in Customer-Service Employees
Authors: Mendoza-Sierra Maria Isabel , Orgambídez-Ramos Alejandro , Carrasco-González Ana María , León-Jariego José Carlos
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of the service climate between organizational empowerment (i.e., dynamic structural framework, control of workplace decisions, fluidity in information sharing) and service quality (functional and relational). 428 contact employees from 46 hotels participated in the survey. Correlations demonstrated that dynamic structural framework, control decisions, and fluidity in information sharing are related to both functional and relational service quality. Regression analyses and Sobel tests revealed that service climate totally mediated the relationship between all three dimensions of organizational empowerment and relational service quality. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Beliefs about Children’s Adjustment in Same-Sex Families: Spanish and Chilean University Students
Authors: Frias-Navarro Dolores , Monterde-i-Bort Hector , Barrientos-Delgado Jaime , Badenes-Ribera Laura , Cardenas-Castro Manuel
Published: February 2014

The main purpose of our study is to compare the beliefs of Spanish and Chilean university students about the effects that same-sex parents might have on their children. A total of 491 participants completed the study (208 Spaniards and 283 Chileans). The results indicate a kind of modern and subtle rejection based on hetero-normativity. Furthermore, the results indicated the effects of sex (men have a greater degree of rejection), traditional and sexist opinions linked to a greater rejection of same-sex parents, and the contact variable which inversely correlates with this rejection. The results show that the etiology of homosexual orientation also correlates with rejection of same-sex parents when it is believed that homosexuality is learned or can be changed.
Well-defined molecular uranium(iii) chloride complexes
Authors: La Pierre Henry S. , Heinemann Frank W. , Meyer Karsten
Published: February 2014

The first anhydrous molecular complexes of uranium(iii) chloride, soluble in polar aprotic solvents, are reported, including the structures of the dimeric [UCl3(py)4]2and the trimetallic [UCl(py)4(μ-Cl)3U(py)2(μ-Cl)3UCl2(py)3].
Synthesis, characterization, and biodistribution of multiple 89Zr-labeled pore-expanded mesoporous silica nanoparticles for PET
Authors: Miller Larissa , Winter Gordon , Baur Benjamin , Witulla Barbara , Solbach Christoph , Reske Sven , Lindén Mika
Published: February 2014

Functional nanoparticles are highly interesting imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) due to the possibility of multiple incorporation of positron emitting radionuclides thus increasing the signal strength.
A one-pot synthesis of a highly dispersed palladium/polypyrrole/polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membrane and its recyclable catalysis in hydrogen generation from ammonia borane
Authors: Sun Weining , Lu Xiaofeng , Tong Yan , Lei Junyu , Nie Guangdi , Wang Ce
Published: February 2014

A palladium/polypyrrole/polyacrylonitrile (Pd/PPy/PAN) composite nanofiber membrane was synthesized by a one-pot redox polymerization process between pyrrole monomers and Na2PdCl4 in the presence of electrospun PAN nanofibers.
Flux-solvothermal preparation of dispersible LiLa0.4Nd0.6(PO3)4 microcrystals with regular morphology and superior fluorescence
Authors: Wang Zhongyue , Duan Weikuan , Cui Xiaoxia , Liang Chen , Zheng Ruilin , Wei Wei
Published: February 2014

Dispersible LiLaNd(PO3)4 microcrystals with an average size of 1.5–5 μm and lifetime of 107 μs were prepared via a flux-solvothermal method. They have a transparent dispersion with high Nd3+ ions concentration, long lifetime, low solvent quenching ratio, large emission cross section and high quantum yield.
A targetable acid-responsive micellar system for signal activation based high performance surgical resolution of tumors
Authors: Wu Xuanjun , Tian Yunpeng , Yu Mingzhu , Han Jiahuai , Han Shoufa
Published: February 2014

High-performance illumination of subcutaneous tumor and liver tumor foci at sub-millimeter levels was achieved with lectin-targeted glyco-micelles which become fluorescent upon internalization into tumor lysosomes.
Na0.67Mn1−xMgxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2): a high capacity cathode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Billaud Juliette , Singh Gurpreet , Armstrong A. Robert , Gonzalo Elena , Roddatis Vladimir , Armand Michel , Rojo Teófilo , Bruce Peter G.
Published: February 2014

Earth-abundant Na0.67[Mn1−xMgx]O2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) cathode materials with the P2 structure have been synthesized as positive electrodes for sodium-ion batteries.
Microfluidic immunocapture of circulating pancreatic cells using parallel EpCAM and MUC1 capture: characterization, optimization and downstream analysis
Authors: Thege Fredrik I. , Lannin Timothy B. , Saha Trisha N. , Tsai Shannon , Kochman Michael L. , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Rhim Andrew D. , Kirby Brian J.
Published: February 2014

Optimization of pancreatic CTC immunocapture and phenotyping in a microfluidic device.
Two novel indolo[3,2-b]carbazole derivatives containing dimesitylboron moieties: synthesis, photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties
Authors: Shi Heping , Yuan Jiandong , Wu Xiaohuan , Dong Xiuqing , Fang Li , Miao Yanqin , Wang Hua , Cheng Fangqin
Published: February 2014

The OLED devices fabricated using two novel indolo[3,2-b]carbazole derivatives containing dimesitylboron groups as electroluminescent materials show reasonably good performance.
Fabrication of a graphene nanomesh using a platinum nano-network as a pattern mask
Authors: Jung Insub , Jang Ho Young , Moon Junghyuk , Park Sungho
Published: February 2014

A graphene nanomesh by using a hexagonally ordered Pt nano-network with high-density arrays of periodic nano-holes was synthesized and its field-effect transistor properties are evaluated.