bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-high relaxivity iron oxide nanoparticles confined in polymer nanospheres for tumor MR imaging
Authors: Lin Ying , Wang Sanxi , Zhang Yajun , Gao Jiangang , Hong Liu , Wang Xin , Wu Wei , Jiang Xiqun
Published: May 2015

An ultra-high relaxivity of MRI contrast agent was fabricated by controlling the clustering of iron oxide nanoparticles confined in a hydrophilic polymer.
Insulating and semiconducting polymeric free-standing nanomembranes with biomedical applications
Authors: Pérez-Madrigal Maria M. , Armelin Elaine , Puiggalí Jordi , Alemán Carlos
Published: May 2015

Free-standing nanomembranes, which are emerging as versatile elements in biomedical applications, are evolving from being composed of insulating (bio)polymers to electroactive conducting polymers.
Imaging of transient surface acoustic waves by full-field photorefractive interferometry
Authors: Xiong Jichuan , Xu Xiaodong , Glorieux Christ , Matsuda Osamu , Cheng Liping
Published: May 2015

A stroboscopic full-field imaging technique based on photorefractive interferometry for the visualization of rapidly changing surface displacement fields by using of a standard charge-coupled device (CCD) camera is presented. The photorefractive buildup of the space charge field during and after probe laser pulses is simulated numerically. The resulting anisotropic diffraction upon the refractive index grating and the interference between the polarization-rotated diffracted reference beam and the transmitted signal beam are modeled theoretically. The method is experimentally demonstrated by full-field imaging of the propagation of photoacoustically generated surface acoustic waves with a temporal resolution of nanoseconds. The surface acoustic wave propagation in a 23 mm × 17 mm area on an aluminum plate was visualized with 520 × 696 pixels of the CCD sensor, yielding a spatial resolution of 33 μm. The short pulse duration (8 ns) of the probe laser yields the capability of imaging SAWs with frequencies up to 60 MHz.
Overlay accuracy on a flexible web with a roll printing process based on a roll-to-roll system
Authors: Chang Jaehyuk , Lee Sunggun , Lee Ki Beom , Lee Seungjun , Cho Young Tae , Seo Jungwoo , Lee Sukwon , Jo Gugrae , Lee Ki-yong , Kong Hyang-Shik , Kwon Sin
Published: May 2015

For high-quality flexible devices from printing processes based on Roll-to-Roll (R2R) systems, overlay alignment during the patterning of each functional layer poses a major challenge. The reason is because flexible substrates have a relatively low stiffness compared with rigid substrates, and they are easily deformed during web handling in the R2R system. To achieve a high overlay accuracy for a flexible substrate, it is important not only to develop web handling modules (such as web guiding, tension control, winding, and unwinding) and a precise printing tool but also to control the synchronization of each unit in the total system. A R2R web handling system and reverse offset printing process were developed in this work, and an overlay between the 1st and 2nd layers of ±5μm on a 500 mm-wide film was achieved at a σ level of 2.4 and 2.8 (x and y directions, respectively) in a continuous R2R printing process. This paper presents the components and mechanisms used in reverse offset printing based on a R2R system and the printing results including positioning accuracy and overlay alignment accuracy.
Heavy Rydberg behaviour in high vibrational levels of some ion-pair states of the halogens and inter-halogens
Authors: Donovan Robert J. , Lawley Kenneth P. , Ridley Trevor
Published: May 2015

We report the identification of heavy Rydberg resonances in the ion-pair spectra of I2, Cl2, ICl, and IBr. Extensive vibrational progressions are analysed in terms of the energy dependence of the quantum defect δ(Eb) rather than as Dunham expansions. This is shown to define the heavy Rydberg region, providing a more revealing fit to the data with fewer coefficients and leads just as easily to numbering data sets separated by gaps in the observed vibrational progressions. Interaction of heavy Rydberg states with electronic Rydberg states at avoided crossings on the inner wall of the ion-pair potential is shown to produce distinctive changes in the energy dependence of δ(Eb), with weak and strong interactions readily distinguished. Heavy Rydberg behaviour is found to extend well below near-dissociation states, down to vibrational levels ∼18 000-20 000 cm−1 below dissociation. The rapid semi-classical calculation of δ(Eb) for heavy Rydberg states is emphasised and shows their absolute magnitude to be essentially the volume of phase space excluded from the vibrational motion by avoiding core-core penetration of the ions.
Hydrogen bond dynamics in bulk alcohols
Authors: Shinokita Keisuke , Cunha Ana V. , Jansen Thomas L. C. , Pshenichnikov Maxim S.
Published: May 2015

Hydrogen-bonded liquids play a significant role in numerous chemical and biological phenomena. In the past decade, impressive developments in multidimensional vibrational spectroscopy and combined molecular dynamics–quantum mechanical simulation have established many intriguing features of hydrogen bond dynamics in one of the fundamental solvents in nature, water. The next class of a hydrogen-bonded liquid—alcohols—has attracted much less attention. This is surprising given such important differences between water and alcohols as the imbalance between the number of hydrogen bonds, each molecule can accept (two) and donate (one) and the very presence of the hydrophobic group in alcohols. Here, we use polarization-resolved pump-probe and 2D infrared spectroscopy supported by extensive theoretical modeling to investigate hydrogen bond dynamics in methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol employing the OH stretching mode as a reporter. The sub-ps dynamics in alcohols are similar to those in water as they are determined by similar librational and hydrogen-bond stretch motions. However, lower density of hydrogen bond acceptors and donors in alcohols leads to the appearance of slow diffusion-controlled hydrogen bond exchange dynamics, which are essentially absent in water. We anticipate that the findings herein would have a potential impact on fundamental chemistry and biology as many processes in nature involve the interplay of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.
Existence of a least energy nodal solution for a Schrödinger-Kirchhoff equation with potential vanishing at infinity
Authors: Figueiredo G. M. , Santos Júnior J. R.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we study a class of nonlocal Schrödinger-Kirchhoff problems involving only continuous functions. Using a minimization argument and a quantitative deformation lemma, we find a least energy nodal (or sign-changing) solution to this problem. Moreover, when the problem presents symmetry, we show that it has infinitely many nontrivial solutions.
Complexation behavior of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes: Effect of charge distribution
Authors: Zhao Mingtian , Zhou Jihan , Su Cuicui , Niu Lin , Liang Dehai , Li Baohui
Published: May 2015

Complexation behavior of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes in a solution is investigated using a combination of computer simulations and experiments, focusing on the influence of polyelectrolyte charge distributions along the chains on the structure of the polyelectrolyte complexes. The simulations are performed using Monte Carlo with the replica-exchange algorithm for three model systems where each system is composed of a mixture of two types of oppositely charged model polyelectrolyte chains (EGEG)5/(KGKG)5, (EEGG)5/(KKGG)5, and (EEGG)5/(KGKG)5, in a solution including explicit solvent molecules. Among the three model systems, only the charge distributions along the chains are not identical. Thermodynamic quantities are calculated as a function of temperature (or ionic strength), and the microscopic structures of complexes are examined. It is found that the three systems have different transition temperatures, and form complexes with different sizes, structures, and densities at a given temperature. Complex microscopic structures with an alternating arrangement of one monolayer of E/K monomers and one monolayer of G monomers, with one bilayer of E and K monomers and one bilayer of G monomers, and with a mixture of monolayer and bilayer of E/K monomers in a box shape and a trilayer of G monomers inside the box are obtained for the three mixture systems, respectively. The experiments are carried out for three systems where each is composed of a mixture of two types of oppositely charged peptide chains. Each peptide chain is composed of Lysine (K) and glycine (G) or glutamate (E) and G, in solution, and the chain length and amino acid sequences, and hence the charge distribution, are precisely controlled, and all of them are identical with those for the corresponding model chain. The complexation behavior and complex structures are characterized through laser light scattering and atomic force microscopy measurements. The order of the apparent weight-averaged molar mass and the order of density of complexes observed from the three experimental systems are qualitatively in agreement with those predicted from the simulations.
Delayed feedback induced multirhythmicity in the oscillatory electrodissolution of copper
Authors: Nagy Timea , Verner Erika , Gáspár Vilmos , Kori Hiroshi , Kiss István Z.
Published: May 2015

Occurrence of bi- and trirhythmicities (coexistence of two or three stable limit cycles, respectively, with distinctly different periods) has been studied experimentally by applying delayed feedback control to the copper-phosphoric acid electrochemical system oscillating close to a Hopf bifurcation point under potentiostatic condition. The oscillating electrode potential is delayed by τ and the difference between the present and delayed values is fed back to the circuit potential with a feedback gain K. The experiments were performed by determining the period of current oscillations T as a function of (both increasing and decreasing) τ at several fixed values of K. With small delay times, the period exhibits a sinusoidal type dependence on τ. However, with relatively large delays (typically τ ≫ T) for each feedback gain K, there exists a critical delay τcrit above which birhythmicity emerges. The experiments show that for weak feedback, Kτcrit is approximately constant. At very large delays, the dynamics becomes even more complex, and trirhythmicity could be observed. Results of numerical simulations based on a general kinetic model for metal electrodissolution were consistent with the experimental observations. The experimental and numerical results are also interpreted by using a phase model; the model parameters can be obtained from experimental data measured at small delay times. Analytical solutions to the phase model quantitatively predict the parameter regions for the appearance of birhythmicity in the experiments, and explain the almost constant value of Kτcrit for weak feedback.
Scalability of multi-junction organic solar cells for large area organic solar modules
Authors: Xiao Xin , Lee Kyusang , Forrest Stephen R.
Published: May 2015

We investigate the scalability of multi-junction organic photovoltaic cells (OPV) with device areas ranging from 1 mm2 to 1 cm2, as well as 25 cm2 active area solar modules. We find that the series resistance losses in 1 cm2 vs. 1 mm2 OPV cell efficiencies are significantly higher in single junction cells than tandem, triple, and four junction cells due to the lower operating voltage and higher current of the former. Using sub-electrodes to reduce series resistance, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of multi-junction cells is almost independent of area from 1 mm2 to 1 cm2. Twenty-five, 1 cm2 multi-junction cell arrays are integrated in a module and connected in a series-parallel circuit configuration. A yield of 100% with a deviation of PCE from cell to cell of <10% is achieved. The module generates an output power of 162 ± 9 mW under simulated AM1.5G illumination at one sun intensity, corresponding to PCE = 6.5 ± 0.1%, slightly lower than PCE of discrete cells ranging from 6.7% to 7.2%.
Copper dimer interactions on a thermomechanical superfluid 4He fountain
Authors: Popov Evgeny , Eloranta Jussi
Published: May 2015

Laser induced fluorescence imaging and frequency domain excitation spectroscopy of the copper dimer (B1Σg+ ←X1Σu+) in thermomechanical helium fountain at 1.7 K are demonstrated. The dimers penetrate into the fountain provided that their average propagation velocity is ca. 15 m/s. This energy threshold is interpreted in terms of an imperfect fountain liquid-gas interface, which acts as a trap for low velocity dimers. Orsay-Trento density functional theory calculations for superfluid 4He are used to characterize the dynamics of the dimer solvation process into the fountain. The dimers first accelerate towards the fountain surface and once the surface layer is crossed, they penetrate into the liquid and further slow down to Landau critical velocity by creating a vortex ring. Theoretical lineshape calculations support the assignment of the experimentally observed bands to Cu2 solvated in the bulk liquid. The vibronic progressions are decomposed of a zero-phonon line and two types of phonon bands, which correlate with solvent cavity interface compression (t < 200 fs) and expansion (200 < t < 500 fs) driven by the electronic excitation. The presented experimental method allows to perform molecular spectroscopy in bulk superfluid helium where the temperature and pressure can be varied.
Strong visible electroluminescence from silicon nanocrystals embedded in a silicon carbide film
Authors: Huh Chul , Kim Tae-Youb , Ahn Chang-Geun , Kim Bong Kyu
Published: May 2015

We report the strong visible light emission from silicon (Si) nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in a Si carbide (SiC) film. Compared to Si NC light-emitting diode (LED) by employing the Si nitride (SiNx) film as a surrounding matrix, the turn-on voltage of the Si NC LED with the SiC film was significantly decreased by 4 V. This was attributed to a smaller barrier height for injecting the electrons into the Si NCs due to a smaller band gap of SiC film than a SiNx film. The electroluminescence spectra increases with increasing forward voltage, indicating that the electrons are efficiently injected into the Si NCs in the SiC film. The light output power shows a linear increase with increasing forward voltage. The light emission originated from the Si NCs in a SiC film was quite uniform. The power efficiency of the Si NC LED with the SiC film was 1.56 times larger than that of the Si NC LED with the SiNx film. The Si NCs in a SiC film show unique advantages and are a promising candidate for application in optical devices.
Experimental evidence for the formation of CoFe2C phase with colossal magnetocrystalline-anisotropy
Authors: El-Gendy Ahmed A. , Bertino Massimo , Clifford Dustin , Qian Meichun , Khanna Shiv N. , Carpenter Everett E.
Published: May 2015

Attainment of magnetic order in nanoparticles at room temperature is an issue of critical importance for many different technologies. For ordinary ferromagnetic materials, a reduction in size leads to decreased magnetic anisotropy and results in superparamagnetic relaxations. If, instead, anisotropy could be enhanced at reduced particle sizes, then it would be possible to attain stable magnetic order at room temperature. Herein, we provide experimental evidence substantiating the synthesis of a cobalt iron carbide phase (CoFe2C) of nanoparticles. Structural characterization of the CoFe2C carbide phase was performed by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and energy electron spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction was also performed as a complimentary analysis. Magnetic characterization of the carbide phase revealed a blocking temperature, TB, of 790 K for particles with a domain size as small as 5 ± 1 nm. The particles have magnetocrystalline anisotropy of 4.6 ± 2 × 106 J/m3, which is ten times larger than that of Co nanoparticles. Such colossal anisotropy leads to thermally stable long range magnetic order. Moreover, the thermal stability constant is much larger than that of the commonly used FePt nanoparticles. With thermal stability and colossal anisotropy, the CoFe2C nanoparticles have huge potential for enhanced magnetic data storage devices.
Triple-junction thin-film silicon solar cell fabricated on periodically textured substrate with a stabilized efficiency of 13.6%
Authors: Sai Hitoshi , Matsui Takuya , Koida Takashi , Matsubara Koji , Kondo Michio , Sugiyama Shuichiro , Katayama Hirotaka , Takeuchi Yoshiaki , Yoshida Isao
Published: May 2015

We report a high-efficiency triple-junction thin-film silicon solar cell fabricated with the so-called substrate configuration. It was verified whether the design criteria for developing single-junction microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si:H) solar cells are applicable to multijunction solar cells. Furthermore, a notably high short-circuit current density of 32.9 mA/cm2 was achieved in a single-junction μc-Si:H cell fabricated on a periodically textured substrate with a high-mobility front transparent contacting layer. These technologies were also combined into a-Si:H/μc-Si:H/μc-Si:H triple-junction cells, and a world record stabilized efficiency of 13.6% was achieved.
Barrier inhomogeneities and electronic transport of Pt contacts to relatively highly doped n-type 4H-SiC
Authors: Huang Lingqin , Wang Dejun
Published: May 2015

The barrier characteristics of Pt contacts to relatively highly doped (∼1 × 1018 cm−3) 4H-SiC were investigated using current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements in the temperature range of 160–573 K. The barrier height and ideally factor estimated from the I-V characteristics based on the thermionic emission model are abnormally temperature-dependent, which can be explained by assuming the presence of a double Gaussian distribution (GD) of inhomogeneous barrier heights. However, in the low temperature region (160–323 K), the obtained mean barrier height according to GD is lower than the actual mean value from C-V measurement. The values of barrier height determined from the thermionic field emission model are well consistent with those from the C-V measurements, which suggest that the current transport process could be modified by electron tunneling at low temperatures.
Direct observation of the electronic structure in thermoelectric half-Heusler alloys Zr1−x
M
xNiSn (M = Y and Nb)
Authors: Hattori Kengo , Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Yoshida Kento , Inukai Manabu , Nishino Yoichi
Published: May 2015

This study investigates the electronic and local crystal structures of the hole-doped Zr1−xYxNiSn and electron-doped Zr1−xNbxNiSn alloys using synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy (SR-PES) and synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction (SR-XRD) measurements, thereby clarifying the mechanisms underlying the thermoelectric performance of the p- and n-type alloys. SR-XRD analysis reveals an interstitial Ni disorder in the half-Heusler structure and the substitution of the dopant Y and Nb atoms at the Zr site. SR-PES result shows that the variation in the electronic structure of the alloys due to doping can be explained on the basis of the rigid band model. The asymmetric pseudo-gap near the Fermi level, which is rather unexpected from the band structure calculation because of the presence of the interstitial Ni disorder, could possibly be the reason underlying poor thermoelectric performance of p-type half-Heusler ZrNiSn alloys when compared with the n-type counterparts.
Deformation behavior of metallic glass composites reinforced with shape memory nanowires studied via molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Şopu D. , Stoica M. , Eckert J.
Published: May 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the deformation behavior and mechanism of Cu64Zr36 composite structures reinforced with B2 CuZr nanowires are strongly influenced by the martensitic phase transformation and distribution of these crystalline precipitates. When nanowires are distributed in the glassy matrix along the deformation direction, a two-steps stress-induced martensitic phase transformation is observed. Since the martensitic transformation is driven by the elastic energy release, the strain localization behavior in the glassy matrix is strongly affected. Therefore, the composite materials reinforced with a crystalline phase, which shows stress-induced martensitic transformation, represent a route for controlling the properties of glassy materials.
Resistive switching characteristics of Si3N4-based resistive-switching random-access memory cell with tunnel barrier for high density integration and low-power applications
Authors: Kim Sungjun , Jung Sunghun , Kim Min-Hwi , Cho Seongjae , Park Byung-Gook
Published: May 2015

In this letter, a bipolar resistive-switching random-access memory (RRAM) in Ni/Si3N4/SiO2/p+-Si structure and its fabrication process are demonstrated. The proposed device with double-layer dielectrics consisting of Si3N4 layer (5 nm) as a resistive switching and SiO2 (2.5 nm) layer for the tunnel barrier is investigated in comparison with that having a single layer of Si3N4. Double-layer cell shows ultra-low power operation under a compliance current (ICOMP) of 500 nA, which ensures the reset current (IRESET) of sub-1 μA much lower than that of the single-layer cell. Also, large on/off ratio (∼105) has been obtained since the SiO2 layer efficiently suppresses the current in the high-resistance state. Moreover, maximum selectivity in double-layer cell is 122 when 1/2 read bias scheme is applied to the crossbar array. Highly nonlinear I-V characteristics of the double-layer Si3N4-based RRAM cell warrant the realization of selector-free RRAM cell in the crossbar array pursuing higher integration density.
Highly reproducible SERS substrate based on polarization-free Ag nanoparticles decorated SiO2/Si core-shell nanowires array
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ying , Huang Jian-An , Yang Bo , Zhang Xue-Jin , Zhu Yong-Yuan
Published: May 2015

SiO2/Si core-shell nanowires array coated with gap-rich silver nanoparticles were demonstrated as a highly reproducible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. SERS detection of a relative standard deviation of 8% for 10−4 M R6G with a spot size of ∼2 μm and 900 spots over an area of 150 × 150 μm2 was reported. The high reproducibility is ascribed to the polarization-independent electrical field distribution among three-dimensional nanowire structure with an optimized thickness of SiO2 shell layer.
Reducing optical and resistive losses in graded silicon-germanium buffer layers for silicon based tandem cells using step-cell design
Authors: Polyzoeva Evelina , Abdul Hadi Sabina , Nayfeh Ammar , Hoyt Judy L.
Published: May 2015

Si solar cells with a SiGe graded buffer on top are fabricated as the initial step in GaAsP/Si tandem cell fabrication. Using this structure, the impact of the SiGe buffer layer on the Si solar cells is characterized. To mitigate the impact of the narrow-bandgap SiGe on the electrical and optical characteristics of the Si sub-cell, a portion of the underlying Si is exposed using a step-cell design. The step-cell design is demonstrated to increase the Jsc of the SiGe/Si stack from 5 to 20 mA/cm2. The layout of the top mesa is shown to have an impact on the device characteristics with the finger design giving better results than the rectangular mesa with respect to fill factor and series resistance. In addition, utilizing the step-cell design increases overall spectral response of the bottom cell, with significant improvements in the short wavelength range.
Structural and electronic properties of InN nanowire network grown by vapor-liquid-solid method
Authors: Barick B. K. , Rodríguez-Fernández Carlos , Cantarero Andres , Dhar S.
Published: May 2015

Growth of InN nanowires have been carried out on quartz substrates at different temperatures by vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) technique using different thicknesses of Au catalyst layer. It has been found that a narrow window of Au layer thickness and growth temperature leads to multi-nucleation, in which each site acts as the origin of several nanowires. In this multi-nucleation regime, several tens of micrometer long wires with diameter as small as 20 nm are found to grow along [112̄0] direction (a-plane) to form a dense network. Structural and electronic properties of these wires are studied. As grown nanowires show degenerate n-type behavior. Furthermore, x-ray photoemission study reveals an accumulation of electrons on the surface of these nanowires. Interestingly, the wire network shows persistence of photoconductivity for several hours after switching off the photoexcitation.
“Zero-transfer” production of large-scale, flexible nanostructured film at water surface for surface enhancement Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Weihai , Zhan Haoran , Cheng Fansheng , Tang Changyu , Mei Jun , Hui David , Liu Yu , Zhou Qing , Lau Woon Ming
Published: May 2015

Reduced complexity in production of large-scale, flexible surface enhancement Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active substrate has been implemented at the water surface, when polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) solution having lower density than the water meets with self-assembled polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (NPs). Through tuning its flowability, the PDMS solution could effectively wet PS NPs, wherein the PS NPs can be embedded in the PDMS during the curing process. This technical innovation saves ill-posed transfer steps as present in traditional operations which may cause damaged nanostructures, and it could be beneficial for preparing a large scale, high quality, and flexible SERS active substrate. Field tests demonstrated that the Raman signal enhancement factor could reach up to the order of ∼107 with decent repeatability less than 10%.
Novel insights into the Citrus sinensis nonhost response suggest photosynthesis decline, abiotic stress networks and secondary metabolism modifications
Authors: Daurelio Lucas D. , Tondo M. Laura , Romero M. Soledad , Merelo Paz , Cortadi Adriana A. , Talón Manuel , Tadeo Francisco R. , Orellano Elena G.
Published: May 2015

Plants are constantly exposed to stress factors. Biotic stress is produced by living organisms such as pathogens, whereas abiotic stress by unfavourable environmental conditions. In Citrus species, one of the most important fruit crops in the world, these stresses generate serious limitations in productivity. Through biochemical and transcriptomic assays, we had previously characterised the Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck nonhost response to Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Doidge), in contrast to Asiatic citrus canker infection caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Hasse). A hypersensitive response (HR) including changes in the expression of several transcription factors was reported. Here, a new exhaustive analysis of the Citrus sinensis transcriptomes previously obtained was performed, allowing us to detect the over-representation of photosynthesis, abiotic stress and secondary metabolism processes during the nonhost HR. The broad downregulation of photosynthesis-related genes was correlated with an altered photosynthesis physiology. The high number of heat shock proteins and genes related to abiotic stress, including aquaporins, suggests that stresses crosstalk. Additionally, the secondary metabolism exhibited lignin and carotenoid biosynthesis modifications and expression changes in the cell rescue GSTs. In conclusion, novel features of the Citrus nonhost HR, an important part of the plants’ defence against disease that has yet to be fully exploited in plant breeding programs, are presented.
CARBON, HELIUM, AND PROTON KINETIC TEMPERATURES IN A CYGNUS LOOP SHOCK WAVE
Authors: Raymond John C. , Edgar Richard J. , Ghavamian Parviz , Blair William P.
Published: May 2015

Observations of SN 1006 have shown that ions and electrons in the plasma behind fast supernova remnant shock waves are far from equilibrium, with the electron temperature much lower than the proton temperature and ion temperatures approximately proportional to ion mass. In the ∼360 km s−1shock waves of the Cygnus Loop, on the other hand, electron and ion temperatures are roughly equal, and there is evidence that the oxygen kinetic temperature is not far from the proton temperature. In this paper, we report observations of the He ii
λ1640 line and the C iv
λ1550 doublet in a 360 km s−1shock in the Cygnus Loop. While the best-fit kinetic temperatures are somewhat higher than the proton temperature, the temperatures of He and C are consistent with the proton temperature and the upper limits are 0.5 and 0.3 times the mass-proportional temperatures, implying efficient thermal equilibration in this collisionless shock. The equilibration of helium and hydrogen affects the conversion between proton temperatures determined from Hα line profiles and shock speeds, and the efficient equilibration found here reduces the shock speed estimates and the distance estimate to the Cygnus Loop of Medina et al. to about 800 pc.
GC3-biased gene domains in mammalian genomes
Authors: Shen Wenlong , Wang Dong , Ye Bingyu , Shi Minglei , Ma Lei , Zhang Yan , Zhao Zhihu
Published: May 2015

Motivation: Synonymous codon usage bias has been shown to be correlated with many genomic features among different organisms. However, the biological significance of codon bias with respect to gene function and genome organization remains unclear.

Results: Guanine and cytosine content at the third codon position (GC3) could be used as a good indicator of codon bias. Here, we used relative GC3 bias values to compare the strength of GC3 bias of genes in human and mouse. We reported, for the first time, that GC3-rich and GC3-poor gene products might have distinct sub-cellular spatial distributions. Moreover, we extended the view of genomic gene domains and identified conserved GC3 biased gene domains along chromosomes. Our results indicated that similar GC3 biased genes might be co-translated in specific spatial regions to share local translational machineries, and that GC3 could be involved in the organization of genome architecture.

Availability and implementation: Source code is available upon request from the authors.

Contact:  zhaozh@nic.bmi.ac.cn or zany1983@gmail.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Recurrent Kimura Disease of the Inner Canthus With No Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Francis Irimpan L. , Ramalingam Mohan , Ali Nadir A. M. , Telisinghe Pemasari U.
Published: May 2015

The Kimura disease is a benign rare inflammatory condition of the soft tissue, especially of the head and neck region presenting as painless nodule with or without lymphadenopathy. This condition with unknown etiology is seen mainly in Asian males, in their thirties. The authors’ present a 39-year-old man with the Kimura disease in the inner canthus of his OS and no lymphadenopathy. The subcutaneous nodule was excised, and on histopathological study it was confirmed as the Kimura disease. He presented with a larger recurrence after 1 year. It was fixed to the underlying bone. Excision biopsy proved it to be the Kimura disease. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the Kimura disease affecting ocular structures. The Kimura disease, although a rare condition, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the primary and recurrent masses arising from the inner canthus of the eye.
Pediatric Functional Constipation Gastrointestinal Symptom Profile Compared With Healthy Controls
Authors: Varni James W. , Nurko Samuel , Shulman Robert J. , Self Mariella M. , Saps Miguel , Bendo Cristiane B. , Vaughan Dark Chelsea , Pohl John F. ,   Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module Testing Study Consortium
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Patient‐reported outcomes are necessary to evaluate the gastrointestinal symptom profile of patients with functional constipation. Study objectives were to compare the gastrointestinal symptom profile of pediatric patients with functional constipation with matched healthy controls with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Worry Scales and to establish clinical interpretability in functional constipation through identification of minimal important difference (MID) scores. The secondary objective compared the symptom profile of patients with functional constipation with patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods: :

Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Worry Scales were completed in a 9‐site study by 116 pediatric patients with functional constipation and 188 parents. Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales measuring stomach pain, stomach discomfort when eating, food and drink limits, trouble swallowing, heartburn and reflux, nausea and vomiting, gas and bloating, constipation, blood in poop, and diarrhea were administered along with Gastrointestinal Worry Scales. A total of 341 families with healthy children and 43 families with patients with IBS completed the scales.

Results:

A broad profile of gastrointestinal symptoms and worry were reported by patients with functional constipation in comparison with healthy controls (P < 0.001) with large effect sizes (>0.80) across the majority of symptom domains. Patients with IBS manifested a broader symptom profile than functional constipation, with differences for stomach pain, stomach discomfort when eating, and worry about stomachaches, with similar constipation scores.

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients with functional constipation report a broad gastrointestinal symptom profile in comparison with healthy controls and only somewhat fewer symptoms than patients with IBS, highlighting the critical need for more efficacious interventions to achieve healthy functioning.
Acute Gastric Volvulus in a 16-Year-Old Male Adolescent
Authors: Espinola Dimas C. , Nankoe Sharif R. , Eslami Pegeen W.
Published: May 2015

Objective

We described a case of acute mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus in a male adolescent who presented to the pediatric emergency department (ED).

Case

A previously healthy male adolescent presented to the pediatric ED with gradual onset of epigastric pain, emesis, and a soft and nondistended abdomen. After evaluation, management, and resolution of the pain, the patient was discharged home with a primary care follow-up plan. Approximately 5 hours after discharge, the patient returned to the pediatric ED with worsening abdominal pain, the inability to tolerate oral intake, and a firm and distended abdomen. Subsequent evaluation identified an acute mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus. Pediatric surgeons performed an exploratory laparotomy, reduction of the gastric volvulus, and gastropexy, and the patient was discharged after a brief hospitalization.

Conclusions

Acute gastric volvulus can present with symptoms similar to benign abdominal etiologies. Timely diagnosis and intervention are key to improved outcomes for patients.
Causality in information technology business value: a review
Authors: Daulatkar Sonal , Sangle Purnima S.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Through a detailed review of Literature, the purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the state-of-the-art research about the process of information technology business value (ITBV) creation, a less-traversed direction in ITBV research, from the perspective of causality since a lack of causal reasoning may be disastrous for ITBV creation.

Design/methodology/approach

– With the help of eight keywords, ten databases were searched which fetched about 415 articles of which 22 were selected based on their relevance and proved as the base papers for classifying available literature. A further forward and reverse search fetched an additional 34 articles, resulting in a total of 56 articles which were reviewed in detail.

Findings

– The five main categories of literature which emerged are ITBV (General), ITBV benefits, mediating factors and synergy (which use of organization dynamic capability (ODC) as first stream of ITBV research), and IT-enabled organizational transformation (ITOT as second stream). ODC is fairly mature, however, ITOT will benefit from a further research. Research in the ITBV (General) category suggests the development of dynamic models as opposed to the prevalent static models of ITBV creation.

Research limitations/implications

– For the period 1990-2008, only the most important articles were included in the study and hence certain pre-2008 articles’ view might have been overlooked.

Practical implications

– The literature review will give practitioners a perspective to look at specific areas in the context of their organization to develop capabilities which will lead to enhanced ITBV creation.

Originality/value

– This review focusses on ITBV creation and helps move toward building of a dynamic holistic model of ITBV creation by providing only a bird’s eye view is provided of the most important articles from 1990 to 2008 but a comprehensive view of literature from 2008 to mid-2014.
Learning and behaviour: addressing the culture change conundrum: part two
Authors: Coulson-Thomas Colin
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Calls for culture change often result from a desire to change certain behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to summarise some key findings of a five year investigation into quicker and more affordable routes to creating high-performance organisations. It suggests a practical and cost-effective way of quickly changing the behaviour of key work-groups independently of corporate culture which integrates working and learning and simultaneously achieves multiple corporate objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

– A programme of critical success factor, “issue” and other surveys was complemented with a five-year evaluation of more recent case studies to understand early adoptions of performance support and to assess their results and implications. The applications examined were discussed with the relevant technical architect and the results obtained corroborated with commissioner/user performance data and/or documented assessments/reactions.

Findings

– The use of performance support which can integrate learning and working represents an affordable way of changing the behaviour of particular and front-line work-groups independently of corporate culture. Changing a culture defined in terms of deeply held attitudes, values and beliefs is problematic, but required changes of behaviour can often be quickly accomplished using performance support, which can also address particular problems and deliver benefits for multiple stakeholders.

Practical implications

– Many general corporate culture change programmes, HR policies and associated training may be unnecessary and counter-productive if the aim is to quickly change specific behaviours in particular areas. They might also be problematic in organisations that need to embrace a diversity of cultures and encourage a variety of approaches and behaviours across different functions and business units. Performance support which integrates learning and working can be a cost-effective way of changing behaviour, ensuring compliance, enabling people to innovate and remain current and competitive, and delivering multiple objectives without requiring a change of culture or structure.

Originality/value

– Summarises the main findings of an investigation that has identified deficiencies of contemporary responses to a requirement to change certain behaviours that involve seeking to change a corporate culture and questions their practicality, desirability, time-scale and affordability. It presents an evidence-based alternative approach that is more affordable and can more quickly deliver changes of behaviour required and ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, policies and codes.
Supervisor support in transfer of training: looking back at past research
Authors: Ghosh Piyali , Chauhan Ragini , Rai Alka
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Of the various factors directly or indirectly influencing transfer of training, supervisor support as a work environment variable is found to have diverse relationships with transfer, further complicated with the perspective of time. The purpose of this paper is to bring together findings from past research to have a better insight on the impact of supervisor support on training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative approach has been adopted to review existing research on the selected constructs.

Findings

– Literature reveals divergent influences of supervisor support on transfer: some researchers have established a direct-indirect relationship, some opine a positive-negative relationship and few show mixed results. Usually the relation is found to be indirect when trainee characteristics have been used as mediators. The authors may infer that the influence of supervisor support on transfer is contextual and nothing can be said affirmatively on their relation.

Practical implications

– Supervisors can harness trainee characteristics by enhancing their motivation to learn and motivation to transfer. They can familiarize trainees with the programme, discuss how to apply newly learnt skills to jobs, set goals and provide timely feedback. Trainers should train supervisors about how to support trainees before, during and after training. Overall, organizations must structure the role of supervisors in a way that would ensure maximized training transfer and effective management of a training programme.

Originality/value

– This study provides a better understanding of the association between supervisor support and training transfer, taking into consideration all dimensions, namely positive or negative, direct or indirect and even mixed.
Safety coaching: a literature review of coaching in high hazard industries
Authors: Passmore Jonathan , Krauesslar Victoria , Avery Rachel
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to critically review the research literature on safety coaching, with a particularly focus towards work in safety critical environments such as oil and gas, manufacturing and driving.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review was undertaken of existing research, specifically in high-hazard industries, to assess whether safety coaching could be applied in the offshore oil and gas industry.

Findings

– The paper suggests that coaching may offer some potential in helping support learning, behaviour change and is consistent with feedback and development approaches used in behavioural-based safety.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research would be needed to test the value of coaching to this new environment.

Practical implications

– The paper informs practice on the development of coach training for safety coaching offshore.

Originality/value

– The paper offers a new understanding of the potential of safety coaching in a new area of practice.
A financial decision support framework for the appraisal of renewable energy infrastructures in developing economies
Authors: Kozlovski Eugene , Bawah Umar
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to report on an integrated techno-economic framework for the performance analysis of energy production based on the renewable energy resources (RERs). Whilst the majority of existing studies have focussed on technical aspects of RER modelling, the proposed framework incorporates financial assessment into the process of appraising the alternatives of hydropower, wind energy and solar energy infrastructures. An approach to the optimal choice of RER deployment for a specific developing region is formulated and applied to Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

– A model comprising technical and economic parameters was developed for analysing the investment rankings of different RERs and comparing them to that of conventional energy sources such as the natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) electric plant. The analysis also included the carbon cost and power generation capacity. The total life cycle costing and levelised cost of energy generated from each resource were modelled for three corporate ownership structures: a public utility that is not tax-liable (no-tax case); organisational power generation for internal use, ultimately concerned with its after-tax costs (after-tax case); and an independent power producer for the market, with before-tax revenues covering all costs (before-tax case).

Findings

– Using the empirical data from Ghana together with the proposed framework, it is shown that when carbon incentives are provided, the hydroelectric and wind conversion infrastructures can effectively compete with the conventional NGCC in this country, whilst with no carbon credit, NGCC still appears to be the most viable option.

Practical implications

– Policy-related recommendations on carbon incentives and preferential power purchase prices, which are critical for widespread RER deployment, can be directly derived from this research.

Originality/value

– The study represents a comprehensive decision-making tool that can be used in regulatory and investment analysis on the expansion of RER systems in the developing countries.
Customer perceived service quality, satisfaction and loyalty in Indian private healthcare
Authors: Kondasani Rama Koteswara Rao , Panda Rajeev Kumar
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse how perceived service quality and customer satisfaction lead to loyalty towards healthcare service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 475 hospital patients participated in a questionnaire survey in five Indian private hospitals. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, regression and correlation statistics were employed to analyse customer perceived service quality and how it leads to loyalty towards service providers.

Finding

– Results indicate that the service seeker-service provider relationship, quality of facilities and the interaction with supporting staff have a positive effect on customer perception.

Practical implications

– Findings help healthcare managers to formulate effective strategies to ensure a better quality of services to the customers. This study helps healthcare managers to build customer loyalty towards healthcare services, thereby attracting and gaining more customers.

Originality/value

– This paper will help healthcare managers and service providers to analyse customer perceptions and their loyalty towards Indian private healthcare services.