bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commonly Modern: Rethinking the Modernist-Fundamentalist Controversies
Authors: Lofton Kathryn
Published: March 2014

Let us begin with the problem of binaries. Stark differentiation strengthens the consequences of difference. If you label something “sacred” for example, and suggest its opposite is “profane” the maintenance of that difference becomes quickly outsized because their difference is contingent on their connection. “Sacred things are those things protected and isolated by prohibitions,” Émile Durkheim writes. “Profane things are those things to which such prohibitions apply and which must keep their distance from what is sacred.” There is no profane without the maintenance of the sacred; the sacred is established through its labored separation from the profane. Binaries are not static opposition as much as they are descriptive of a tense purlieu of their differentiation. In the case of the sacred and profane, Durkheim describes that space as religion itself. “Religious beliefs are the representations that express the nature of sacred things and the relations they sustain among themselves or with profane things,” he famously explained in 1912, setting the stage for the modern study of religion as one devoted to the analysis of the perpetuation of that binary.
Editorial
Authors: FAUTLEY MARTIN , MURPHY REGINA
Published: March 2014

Looking back to the editorial in the very first edition of BJME, back in 1984, there are a number of striking resonances which belie the thirty years which have passed since Volume 1, Issue 1. Take this paragraph as an example:

Many problems in music education are the result of the insularity of our practice. In Britain music teachers are often hesitant about sharing their ideas. Then again, the roots of our teaching methods reach back far into the past, so that we tend to function on the basis of precedent; we do things because they have always been done, and only rarely perhaps do we make the effort to reflect upon what is done. Now, perhaps because of economic restraints, we are becoming more aware of the need to justify the place of our subject in the educational curriculum and the need to examine closely the reasoning behind our teaching methods. (Paynter & Swanwick, 1984)

So much remains the same, yet at the same time the music education landscape is entirely different from then! In the UK since that editorial was written we have had, inter alia, new examinations at 16+, a National Curriculum (in a number of very different versions), changes in governance of schools, an entirely different financial scene for schools, the establishment of music hubs, changed relationships for music services with pupils and schools, a diminishing role for Local Authorities, the establishment of new types of schools – Free Schools and Academies, the removal of the requirements for teachers to hold a teaching qualification, and the shifting of teacher training out of universities and into schools. Quite a list! And there is a lot more besides that has not been included. Also important to note is that the BJME is now, and has been for a while, very much, as its strapline says, ‘an international journal’, and so there are interactions and synergies with many other national systems and music education types across the world.
HRTEM study on the ordered phases in Hg3In2Te6 crystals grown by Bridgman method
Authors: Luo Lin , Jie Wanqi , Xu Yadong , He Yihui , Xu Lingyan , Fu Li
Published: March 2014

The formation and evolution of two Hg3In2Te6 phases with ordered vacancies during the disorder–order transformation process was studied.
Collecting meaningful early-time kinetic data in homogeneous catalytic water oxidation with a sacrificial oxidant
Authors: Vickers James W. , Sumliner Jordan M. , Lv Hongjin , Morris Mike , Geletii Yurii V. , Hill Craig L.
Published: March 2014

A continuous flow reactor for simultaneous measurement of critical early-time concentrations of dioxygen and oxidant in catalytic water oxidation reactions.
Structure formation in P3HT/F8TBT blends
Authors: Sepe Alessandro , Rong Zhuxia , Sommer Michael , Vaynzof Yana , Sheng Xiaoyuan , Müller-Buschbaum Peter , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Tan Zhi-Kuang , Yang Le , Friend Richard H. , Steiner Ullrich , Hüttner Sven
Published: March 2014

The structure evolution of all-polymer solar cells based on the blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly[(9,9-dioctyluorene)-2,7-diyl-alt-(4,7-bis(3-hexylthien-5-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)-2′,2′′-diyl] (F8TBT) was investigated.
Long-term culture and functionality of pancreatic islets monitored using microelectrode arrays
Authors: Schönecker Sven , Kraushaar Udo , Düfer Martina , Sahr Anika , Härdtner Carmen , Guenther Elke , Walther Reinhard , Lendeckel Uwe , Barthlen Winfried , Krippeit-Drews Peter , Drews Gisela
Published: March 2014

Extracellular recording of the electrical activity of pancreatic islets permits long-term measurements of beta-cell function and reveals oxidant-induced damage and rescue.
Excimer and exciplex emissions of 1,8-naphthalimides caused by aggregation in extremely polar or nonpolar solvents
Authors: Cho Dae Won , Cho Dae Won
Published: March 2014

1,8-Naphtalimdes showed aggregation induced emission in both extremely polar or nonpolar solvents, which is attributed to the intermolecular-excimer and intramolecular-exciplex formation.
Water-dispersible cationic polyurethanes containing pendant trialkylphosphoniums
Authors: Zhang Musan , Hemp Sean T. , Zhang Mingqiang , Allen Michael H. , Carmean Richard N. , Moore Robert B. , Long Timothy E.
Published: March 2014

Water-dispersible, cationic polyurethanes containing pendant trialkylphosphoniums demonstrated desirable properties in broad applications from thermoplastic elastomers to nucleic acid delivery vectors.
Flattening of a patterned compliant solid by surface stress
Authors: Paretkar Dadhichi , Xu Xuejuan , Hui Chung-Yuen , Jagota Anand
Published: March 2014

We measured the shape change of periodic ridge surface profiles in gelatin organogels resulting from deformation driven by their solid–vapor surface stress.
Novel Li3ClO based glasses with superionic properties for lithium batteries
Authors: Braga M. H. , Ferreira J. A. , Stockhausen V. , Oliveira J. E. , El-Azab A.
Published: March 2014

Glassy electrolytes with superior ionic conductivity at room temperature, wide electrochemical stability window and impressive lifecycle in Li-metal cells were developed.
TiO2-supported copper nanoparticles prepared via ion exchange for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Tian Hao , Zhang Xiao Li , Scott Jason , Ng Charlene , Amal Rose
Published: March 2014

Cu/TiO2 synthesized through ion exchange provides finer, more highly dispersed metallic copper deposits, displaying a ∼44% greater hydrogen generation capacity than WI Cu/TiO2 prepared using wet impregnation. The difference in activity was maintained over repeated reaction cycles.
Flexible polymer solar cells with power conversion efficiency of 8.7%
Authors: Zhao Baofeng , He Zhicai , Cheng Xiaoping , Qin Donghuan , Yun Min , Wang Meijuan , Huang Xiaodong , Wu Jianguo , Wu Hongbin , Cao Yong
Published: March 2014

Here we demonstrate flexible polymer solar cells with a record high power conversion efficiency of 8.7% and a very high specific power of 400 W kg−1, by depositing a physical blend of a conjugated semiconducting polymer and a fullerene derivative on a highly flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate.
Pentacyclic coumarin-based blue emitters – the case of bifunctional nucleophilic behavior of amidines
Authors: Poronik Yevgen M. , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: March 2014

Esters of coumarin-3-carboxylic acids undergo addition to DBU and DBN leading to the formation of a 6-membered ring.
First principles study of photo-oxidation degradation mechanisms in P3HT for organic solar cells
Authors: Sai Na , Leung Kevin , Zádor Judit , Henkelman Graeme
Published: March 2014

We present a theoretical study of degradation mechanisms for photoinduced oxidation in organic polymers in the condensed phase, using poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as an example.
Dimeric phenanthroimidazole for blue electroluminescent materials: the effect of substituted position attached to biphenyl center
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Feng Ying , Li Hui , Gao Zhao , Zhang Xiaojuan , Lu Ping , Chen Ping , Ma Yuguang , Liu Shiyong
Published: March 2014

A more valuable deep emission is realized by tuning the substituted position of biphenyl from para- to meta-coupling.
N-2-Hydroxybenzaldehyde acylhydrazone–Fe(iii) complex: synthesis, crystal structure and its efficient and selective N-methylation
Authors: Li Zhiyou , Wu Lamei , Zhang Tao , Huang Zhengxi , Qiu Guofu , Zhou Zhongqiang , Jin Longfei
Published: March 2014

The n-acylhydrazone–Fe(iii) complexes permit ligand's amide N to be easily methylated and suppress the O-methylation side reactions of phenol.
Band gap expansion, shear inversion phase change behaviour and low-voltage induced crystal oscillation in low-dimensional tin selenide crystals
Authors: Carter Robin , Suyetin Mikhail , Lister Samantha , Dyson M. Adam , Trewhitt Harrison , Goel Sanam , Liu Zheng , Suenaga Kazu , Giusca Cristina , Kashtiban Reza J. , Hutchison John L. , Dore John C. , Bell Gavin R. , Bichoutskaia Elena , Sloan Jeremy
Published: March 2014

Regulated by encapsulating nanotube diameter, SnSe forms ordered 2 × 2 or disordered 3 × 3 ‘phase change’ nanocrystals.
Group 4 metal complexes with new chiral pincer NHC-ligands: synthesis, structure and catalytic activity
Authors: Zhao Ning , Hou Guohua , Deng Xuebin , Zi Guofu , Walter Marc D.
Published: March 2014

Chiral group 4 NHC–metal complexes have been prepared and shown to be active catalysts for the polymerization of rac-lactide.
Complex thermoresponsive behavior of diblock polyacrylamides
Authors: Jia Yong-Guang , Zhu X. X.
Published: March 2014

A phase diagram showing complex thermoresponsive transitions of diblock copolymers from unimers to micellar clusters, micelles and aggregates.
RAFT polymerization of hydroxy-functional methacrylic monomers under heterogeneous conditions: effect of varying the core-forming block
Authors: Ratcliffe L. P. D. , Blanazs A. , Williams C. N. , Brown S. L. , Armes S. P.
Published: March 2014

Do isomeric core-forming blocks afford the same thermo-responsive behavior for diblock copolymer worm gels?
Enhanced electrochemical performances of FeOx–graphene nanocomposites as anode materials for alkaline nickel–iron batteries
Authors: Jiang Wei , Liang Fei , Wang Jianwei , Su Lei , Wu Yaoming , Wang Limin
Published: March 2014

FeOx–graphene composite was prepared through high temperature solid-state method. When evaluated as anode material for nickel–iron battery, the FeOx–graphene nanocomposites demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performance.
Effective oxidation protection of polymer micelles for copper nanoparticles in water
Authors: Lu Hang , Yu Li , Yang Bo , Si Jianing , Du Jianzhong
Published: March 2014

Copper nanoparticles are often susceptible to rapid oxidation in water. We report a water-dispersible and long-term stable copper nanoparticle protected by a block copolymer micelle that can effectively inhibit the access of oxygen to the copper inside its hydrophobic core, providing a sufficient diffusion barrier against oxidation in water.
Optimal design for a high performance H-JLTFET using HfO2 as a gate dielectric for ultra low power applications
Authors: Asthana Pranav Kumar , Ghosh Bahniman , Mukund Rahi Shiromani Bal , Goswami Yogesh
Published: March 2014

In this paper we have proposed an optimal design for a hetero-junctionless tunnel field effect transistor using HfO2 as a gate dielectric.
Hybrid electrolyte Li-air rechargeable batteries based on nitrogen- and phosphorus-doped graphene nanosheets
Authors: Yoo Eunjoo , Zhou Haoshen
Published: March 2014

Nitrogen doped GNSs (N-doped GNSs) and phosphorus doped GNSs (P-doped GNSs) are examined as cathode electrodes for hybrid electrolyte Li-air batteries under basic conditions.
De novo assembly of a mesoporous beta zeolite with intracrystalline channels and its catalytic performance for biodiesel production
Authors: Zhang Qiangqiang , Ming Weixing , Ma Jinghong , Zhang Jilong , Wang Peng , Li Ruifeng
Published: March 2014

A mesoporous beta zeolite was hydrothermally prepared directly by silanizing silica without any mesoporous template via the bond-blocking principle.
A simple approach for superior performance of lithium/sulphur batteries modified with a gel polymer electrolyte
Authors: Zhang Sheng S. , Tran Dat T.
Published: March 2014

Using a poly(ethylene oxide)–sulphur composite coated separator in situ generates a gel polymer electrolyte lithium/sulphur battery with superior performance in both safety and capacity.
Robust vehicle tracking algorithm for nighttime videos captured by fixed cameras in highly reflective environments
Authors: Hajimolahoseini Habib , Amirfattahi Rassoul , Soltanian‐Zadeh Hamid
Published: March 2014

In this study, the problem of vehicle detection, tracking and speed estimation in the nighttime traffic surveillance videos captured in highly reflective environments is considered. In this case, a robust algorithm is proposed which uses vehicle headlights as their prominent features. The proposed algorithm consists of three main stages. In the first stage, bright objects are segmented by thresholding the grey‐scale image. An effective algorithm is then applied to distinguish between vehicles lights and lights reflected on the road and on the vehicles bodies. In the second stage, the segmented bright objects are tracked using their spatial characteristics and their shapes and then, their speeds are estimated. To correct the camera perspective effect and reduce computational complexity, a projective transformation is used. In the third stage, the lights of each vehicle are grouped and paired using their positions and speeds. Motorbikes are also identified among the unpaired lights in this stage. Finally, the proposed real‐time system is implemented in C and applied to videos captured by traffic surveillance cameras in some highways in Iran. Experimental results reveal that accuracy of the algorithm proposed for vehicle detection is more than 98%.
A comprehensive study of electric propulsion system for vehicular application
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Jain Shailendra
Published: March 2014

Electrification of vehicular systems, partial or complete, has emerged as an attractive and sustainable alternative for futuristic transportation systems. This so-called electric vehicular technology (EVT) has engaged auto-manufacturers and researchers to primarily focus on fuel economy, driving range, performance, and costs. These parameters are influenced by the design and performance of electric propulsion system (EPS) for vehicular application and its suitable integration with various electrical and mechanical apparatus. This paper primarily presents a comprehensive study of EPS. To present the study in synthesis, a survey of important constituents of EPS is first carried out with techno-economic perspectives. Contemporary configurations of conventional and electrified vehicles are then discussed along with their respective advantages and limitations. EPS is considered to be the heart of EVT, and, therefore, components of a standard EPS are discussed and comparative analyses are carried out in terms of present trends, ongoing technological advancements and future challenges. In addition, power flow control and management algorithms for EVT are also briefed.
Magnetic and high frequency properties of nanogranular CoFe-yttrium-doped zirconia films
Authors: Hao Guijie , Zhang Dainan , Tang Xiaoli , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: March 2014

Soft magnetic nanogranular FeCo-Yttrium-doped Zirconia thin films were fabricated using RF magnetron sputtering at different sputtering power. It was found that film electrical resistivity (ρ) decreased steeply with the increase of sputtering power, while both saturation magnetization (4πMs) and natural ferromagnetic resonant frequency (ƒr) increased with the sputtering power ascending from 100 W to 200 W, but decreased when sputtering power exceeded 200 W. X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the films were nanocrystalline/amorphous composites. A saturation magnetization as high as 15.4 kGs and a ferromagnetic resonance frequency above 3 GHz were obtained.
Flow-induced demixing of polymer-colloid mixtures in microfluidic channels
Authors: Nikoubashman Arash , Mahynski Nathan A. , Pirayandeh Amir H. , Panagiotopoulos Athanassios Z.
Published: March 2014

We employ extensive computer simulations to study the flow behavior of spherical, nanoscale colloids in a viscoelastic solvent under Poiseuille flow. The systems are confined in a slit-like microfluidic channel, and viscoelasticity is introduced explicitly through the inclusion of polymer chains on the same length scale as the dispersed solute particles. We systematically study the effects of flow strength and polymer concentration, and identify a regime in which the colloids migrate to the centerline of the microchannel, expelling the polymer chains to the sides. This behavior was recently identified in experiments, but a detailed understanding of the underlying physics was lacking. To this end, we provide a detailed analysis of this phenomenon and discuss ways to maximize its effectiveness. The focusing mechanism can be exploited to separate and capture particles at the sub-micrometer scale using simple microfluidic devices, which is a crucial task for many biomedical applications, such as cell counting and genomic mapping.
From square-well to Janus: Improved algorithm for integral equation theory and comparison with thermodynamic perturbation theory within the Kern-Frenkel model
Authors: Giacometti Achille , Gögelein Christoph , Lado Fred , Sciortino Francesco , Ferrari Silvano , Pastore Giorgio
Published: March 2014

Building upon past work on the phase diagram of Janus fluids [F. Sciortino, A. Giacometti, and G. Pastore, Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 237801 (2009)], we perform a detailed study of integral equation theory of the Kern-Frenkel potential with coverage that is tuned from the isotropic square-well fluid to the Janus limit. An improved algorithm for the reference hypernetted-chain (RHNC) equation for this problem is implemented that significantly extends the range of applicability of RHNC. Results for both structure and thermodynamics are presented and compared with numerical simulations. Unlike previous attempts, this algorithm is shown to be stable down to the Janus limit, thus paving the way for analyzing the frustration mechanism characteristic of the gas-liquid transition in the Janus system. The results are also compared with Barker-Henderson thermodynamic perturbation theory on the same model. We then discuss the pros and cons of both approaches within a unified treatment. On balance, RHNC integral equation theory, even with an isotropic hard-sphere reference system, is found to be a good compromise between accuracy of the results, computational effort, and uniform quality to tackle self-assembly processes in patchy colloids of complex nature. Further improvement in RHNC however clearly requires an anisotropic reference bridge function.
In situ observation and measurement of composites subjected to extremely high temperature
Authors: Fang Xufei , Yu Helong , Zhang Guobing , Su Hengqiang , Tang Hongxiang , Feng Xue
Published: March 2014

In this work, we develop an instrument to study the ablation and oxidation process of materials such as C/SiC (carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites) and ultra-high temperature ceramic in extremely high temperature environment. The instrument is integrated with high speed cameras with filtering lens, infrared thermometers and water vapor generator for image capture, temperature measurement, and humid atmosphere, respectively. The ablation process and thermal shock as well as the temperature on both sides of the specimen can be in situ monitored. The results show clearly the dynamic ablation and liquid oxide flowing. In addition, we develop an algorithm for the post-processing of the captured images to obtain the deformation of the specimens, in order to better understand the behavior of the specimen subjected to high temperature.
A compact and versatile microfluidic probe for local processing of tissue sections and biological specimens
Authors: Cors J. F. , Lovchik R. D. , Delamarche E. , Kaigala G. V.
Published: March 2014

The microfluidic probe (MFP) is a non-contact, scanning microfluidic technology for local (bio)chemical processing of surfaces based on hydrodynamically confining nanoliter volumes of liquids over tens of micrometers. We present here a compact MFP (cMFP) that can be used on a standard inverted microscope and assist in the local processing of tissue sections and biological specimens. The cMFP has a footprint of 175 × 100 × 140 mm3 and can scan an area of 45 × 45 mm2 on a surface with an accuracy of ±15 μm. The cMFP is compatible with standard surfaces used in life science laboratories such as microscope slides and Petri dishes. For ease of use, we developed self-aligned mounted MFP heads with standardized “chip-to-world” and “chip-to-platform” interfaces. Switching the processing liquid in the flow confinement is performed within 90 s using a selector valve with a dead-volume of approximately 5 μl. We further implemented height-compensation that allows a cMFP head to follow non-planar surfaces common in tissue and cellular ensembles. This was shown by patterning different macroscopic copper-coated topographies with height differences up to 750 μm. To illustrate the applicability to tissue processing, 5 μm thick M000921 BRAF V600E+ melanoma cell blocks were stained with hematoxylin to create contours, lines, spots, gradients of the chemicals, and multiple spots over larger areas. The local staining was performed in an interactive manner using a joystick and a scripting module. The compactness, user-friendliness, and functionality of the cMFP will enable it to be adapted as a standard tool in research, development and diagnostic laboratories, particularly for the interaction with tissues and cells.
Physical mechanisms of nonlinear conductivity: A model analysis
Authors: Heuer Andreas , Lühning Lars
Published: March 2014

Nonlinear effects are omnipresent in thin films of ion conducting materials showing up as a significant increase of the conductivity. For a disordered hopping model general physical mechanisms are identified giving rise to the occurrence of positive or negative nonlinear effects, respectively. Analytical results are obtained in the limit of high but finite dimensions. They are compared with the numerical results for 3D up to 6D systems. A very good agreement can be found, in particular for higher dimensions. The results can also be used to rationalize previous numerical simulations. The implications for the interpretation of nonlinear conductivity experiments on inorganic ion conductors are discussed.
Influence of substrate miscut angle on surface morphology and luminescence properties of AlGaN
Authors: Kusch Gunnar , Li Haoning , Edwards Paul R. , Bruckbauer Jochen , Sadler Thomas C. , Parbrook Peter J. , Martin Robert W.
Published: March 2014

The influence of substrate miscut on Al0.5Ga0.5 N layers was investigated using cathodoluminescence (CL) hyperspectral imaging and secondary electron imaging in an environmental scanning electron microscope. The samples were also characterized using atomic force microscopy and high resolution X-ray diffraction. It was found that small changes in substrate miscut have a strong influence on the morphology and luminescence properties of the AlGaN layers. Two different types are resolved. For low miscut angle, a crack-free morphology consisting of randomly sized domains is observed, between which there are notable shifts in the AlGaN near band edge emission energy. For high miscut angle, a morphology with step bunches and compositional inhomogeneities along the step bunches, evidenced by an additional CL peak along the step bunches, are observed.
Strong electron correlation in UO2−: A photoelectron spectroscopy and relativistic quantum chemistry study
Authors: Li Wei-Li , Su Jing , Jian Tian , Lopez Gary V. , Hu Han-Shi , Cao Guo-Jin , Li Jun , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: March 2014

The electronic structures of actinide systems are extremely complicated and pose considerable challenges both experimentally and theoretically because of significant electron correlation and relativistic effects. Here we report an investigation of the electronic structure and chemical bonding of uranium dioxides, UO2− and UO2, using photoelectron spectroscopy and relativistic quantum chemistry. The electron affinity of UO2 is measured to be 1.159(20) eV. Intense detachment bands are observed from the UO2− low-lying (7sσg)2(5fϕu)1 orbitals and the more deeply bound O2p-based molecular orbitals which are separated by a large energy gap from the U-based orbitals. Surprisingly, numerous weak photodetachment transitions are observed in the gap region due to extensive two-electron transitions, suggesting strong electron correlations among the (7sσg)2(5fϕu)1 electrons in UO2− and the (7sσg)1(5fϕu)1 electrons in UO2. These observations are interpreted using multi-reference ab initio calculations with inclusion of spin-orbit coupling. The strong electron correlations and spin-orbit couplings generate orders-of-magnitude more detachment transitions from UO2− than expected on the basis of the Koopmans’ theorem. The current experimental data on UO2− provide a long-sought opportunity to arbitrating various relativistic quantum chemistry methods aimed at handling systems with strong electron correlations.
Transport of active ellipsoidal particles in ratchet potentials
Authors: Ai Bao-Quan , Wu Jian-Chun
Published: March 2014

Rectified transport of active ellipsoidal particles is numerically investigated in a two-dimensional asymmetric potential. The out-of-equilibrium condition for the active particle is an intrinsic property, which can break thermodynamical equilibrium and induce the directed transport. It is found that the perfect sphere particle can facilitate the rectification, while the needlelike particle destroys the directed transport. There exist optimized values of the parameters (the self-propelled velocity, the torque acting on the body) at which the average velocity takes its maximal value. For the ellipsoidal particle with not large asymmetric parameter, the average velocity decreases with increasing the rotational diffusion rate, while for the needlelike particle (very large asymmetric parameter), the average velocity is a peaked function of the rotational diffusion rate. By introducing a finite load, particles with different shapes (or different self-propelled velocities) will move to the opposite directions, which is able to separate particles of different shapes (or different self-propelled velocities).
Properties of the Lennard-Jones dimeric fluid in two dimensions: An integral equation study
Authors: Urbic Tomaz , Dias Cristiano L.
Published: March 2014

The thermodynamic and structural properties of the planar soft-sites dumbbell fluid are examined by Monte Carlo simulations and integral equation theory. The dimers are built of two Lennard-Jones segments. Site-site integral equation theory in two dimensions is used to calculate the site-site radial distribution functions for a range of elongations and densities and the results are compared with Monte Carlo simulations. The critical parameters for selected types of dimers were also estimated. We analyze the influence of the bond length on critical point as well as tested correctness of site-site integral equation theory with different closures. The integral equations can be used to predict the phase diagram of dimers whose molecular parameters are known.
Modeling and characterizing anisotropic inclusion orientation in heterogeneous material via directional cluster functions and stochastic microstructure reconstruction
Authors: Jiao Yang , Chawla Nikhilesh
Published: March 2014

We present a framework to model and characterize the microstructure of heterogeneous materials with anisotropic inclusions of secondary phases based on the directional correlation functions of the inclusions. Specifically, we have devised an efficient method to incorporate both directional two-point correlation functions S2 and directional two-point cluster functions C2 that contain non-trivial topological connectedness information into the simulated annealing microstructure reconstruction procedure. Our framework is applied to model an anisotropic aluminum alloy and the accuracy of the reconstructed structural models is assessed by quantitative comparison with the actual microstructure obtained via x-ray tomography. We show that incorporation of directional clustering information via C2 significantly improves the accuracy of the reconstruction. In addition, a set of analytical “basis” correlation functions are introduced to approximate the actual S2 and C2 of the material. With the proper choice of basis functions, the anisotropic microstructure can be represented by a handful of parameters including the effective linear sizes of the iron-rich and silicon-rich inclusions along three orthogonal directions. This provides a general and efficient means for heterogeneous material modeling that enables one to significantly reduce the data set required to characterize the anisotropic microstructure.
Research on ponderomotive driven Vlasov–Poisson system in electron acoustic wave parametric region
Authors: Xiao C. Z. , Liu Z. J. , Huang T. W. , Zheng C. Y. , Qiao B. , He X. T.
Published: March 2014

Theoretical analysis and corresponding 1D Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations of ponderomotive driven Vlasov–Poisson system in electron acoustic wave (EAW) parametric region are demonstrated. Theoretical analysis identifies that under the resonant condition, a monochromatic EAW can be excited when the wave number of the drive ponderomotive force satisfies 0.26≲kdλD≲0.53. If kdλD≲0.26, nonlinear superposition of harmonic waves can be resonantly excited, called kinetic electrostatic electron nonlinear waves. Numerical simulations have demonstrated these wave excitation and evolution dynamics, in consistence with the theoretical predictions. The physical nature of these two waves is supposed to be interaction of harmonic waves, and their similar phase space properties are also discussed.
Parylene-based active micro space radiator with thermal contact switch
Authors: Ueno Ai , Suzuki Yuji
Published: March 2014

Thermal management is crucial for highly functional spacecrafts exposed to large fluctuations of internal heat dissipation and/or thermal boundary conditions. Since thermal radiation is the only means for heat removal, effective control of radiation is required for advanced space missions. In the present study, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) active radiator using the contact resistance change has been proposed. Unlike previous bulky thermal louvers/shutters, higher fill factor can be accomplished with an array of electrostatically driven micro diaphragms suspended with polymer tethers. With an early prototype developed with parylene MEMS technologies, radiation heat flux enhancement up to 42% has been achieved.
Reassessment of the intrinsic carrier density temperature dependence in crystalline silicon
Authors: Couderc Romain , Amara Mohamed , Lemiti Mustapha
Published: March 2014

The intrinsic carrier density ni of crystalline silicon is an essential parameter for the simulation of electrical and thermal behavior of silicon devices. At 300 K, a value of ni=9.65×109 cm−3 has been determined by extensive experimental studies. However, the temperature dependence of this parameter remains to be verified. In this work, we propose a new expression ni=1.541×1015T1.712exp(−Eg0/(2kT)) thanks to an updated fit of experimental data. Polynomial fits of (mdc*/m0)32 and (mdv*/m0)32 are also proposed to model NC and NV.
Oxygen-concentration effect on p-type CuAlOx resistive switching behaviors and the nature of conducting filaments
Authors: Zhang L. , Xu H. Y. , Wang Z. Q. , Yu H. , Zhao X. N. , Ma J. G. , Liu Y. C.
Published: March 2014

Resistive-switching (RS) memories with good performance and flexibility are demonstrated in p-type amorphous CuAlOx. The nature of conducting filaments (CFs) is studied via the dependence of RS behaviors on the oxygen concentration of CuAlOx. It is observed that with increasing oxygen concentration, (1) both resistance-states and switching-voltages reduce, showing an opposite trend to popular n-type oxide devices; and (2) a transition from non-degenerate to degenerate states occurs in CFs. These observations indicate that the CFs are composed of Cu-vacancy shallow acceptors. The oxygen-concentration dependence of CFs' resistance results from the change of Cu-vacancy content, rather than CFs' size or number.
A nitrogen-hyperdoped silicon material formed by femtosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Dong Xiao , Li Ning , Zhu Zhen , Shao Hezhu , Rong Ximing , Liang Cong , Sun Haibin , Feng Guojin , Zhao Li , Zhuang Jun
Published: March 2014

A supersaturation of nitrogen atoms is found in the surface layer of microstructured silicon after femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation in NF3. The average nitrogen concentration in the uppermost 50 nm is about 0.5 ± 0.2 at. %, several orders of magnitude higher than the solid solubility of nitrogen atoms in silicon. The nitrogen-hyperdoped silicon shows high crystallinity in the doped layer, which is due to the repairing effect of nitrogen on defects in silicon lattices. Nitrogen atoms and vacancies can be combined into thermal stable complexes after fs laser irradiation, which makes the nitrogen-hyperdoped silicon exhibit good thermal stability of optical properties.
The Utilisation of Environmental Knowledge in Land-Use Planning: Drawing Lessons for an Ecosystem Services Approach
Authors: Cowell Richard , Lennon Mick
Published: March 2014

Proponents of ecosystem services approaches to assessment claim that it will ensure the environment is ‘properly valued’ in decision making. Analysts seeking to understand the likelihood of this could usefully reexamine previous attempts to deploy novel assessment processes in land-use planning and how they affect decisions. This paper draws insights from a meta-analysis of three case studies: environmental capital, ecological footprinting, and green infrastructure. Concepts from science and technology studies are used to interpret how credibility for each new assessment process was assembled, and the ways by which the status of knowledge produced becomes negotiable or prescriptive. The influence of these processes on planning decisions is shown to be uneven, and depends on a combination of institutional setting and problem framing, not simply knowledge content. The analysis shows how actively cultivating wide stakeholder buy-in to new assessment approaches may secure wider support, but not necessarily translate into major influence on decisions.
The Global as a Field: Children's Rights Advocacy as a Transnational Practice
Authors: Häkli Jouni , Kallio Kirsi Pauliina
Published: March 2014

Research on transnationalism has called into question the much criticized but persistent dichotomy between the nation-state space as an ‘inside’, and the global realm as its constitutive ‘outside’. This paper contributes to the emerging scholarship on transnational elites working at the intersection of the national and the global by assessing practices related to children's rights advocacy. Particular attention is paid to the drafting and the enforcement of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child since the 1980s. On the basis of a Bourdieuan theorization of social fields we argue that some aspects of children's rights advocacy can be understood as reflecting the dynamism of the transnational field of children's rights. In somewhat broader terms the paper proposes that the formative logic of elite-driven globalization is a social and political dynamism related to the rules of competition and collaboration that structure inclusions, exclusions, and awards in transnational fields.
Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for growth traits of Hainan Black goat in southern China
Authors: Zhou Han-Lin , Gu Li-Hong , Sun Yan-Yan , Xu Tie-Shan , Rong Guang
Published: March 2014

Genetic improvement of the growth of Hainan Black goats is a major concern as the breed is an important meat-type goat raised in southern China. To estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for growth traits for this breed, a population of 1354 Hainan Black goats born and maintained at the Hainan Black Goat Breeding Farm from 2007 to 2011 was used. Heritabilities and phenotypic and genetic correlations for bodyweights (BWs) at birth and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months of age (denoted as BW0, BW2, BW4, BW6, BW8, BW10 and BW12, respectively) and average daily weight gains (ADGs) from birth to 2 months, from 2 to 6 months, and from 6 to 12 months (denoted as ADG0–2, ADG2–6 and ADG6–12, respectively) were estimated using an animal model, with and without a permanent maternal environmental effect fitted as a random effect. Litter size, kidding year, birth season and sex, as well as their interactions, were investigated as fixed effects. Likelihood ratio testing indicated that the model with a permanent maternal environmental effect was better than that without a permanent maternal environmental effect for all traits. The direct additive heritability for BW and ADG ranged from 0.17 (ADG6–12) to 0.45 (BW0), indicating that growth traits of Hainan Black goats can be improved by phenotypic selection. Maternal permanent environmental variance was also estimated and varied from 0.08 (BW6) to 0.27 (BW10). The genetic and phenotypic correlations among ADG traits were positive and relatively low. However, the positive and relatively high genetic and phenotypic correlations among BW traits indicated that breeding programs are able to use selection at early ages to improve BW traits.
Characterisation of baroreflex sensitivity of recreational ultra‐endurance athletes
Authors: Foulds Heather J. A. , Cote Anita T. , Phillips Aaron A. , Charlesworth Sarah A. , Bredin Shannon S. D. , Burr Jamie F. , Drury Chipman Taylor , Ngai Shirley , Fougere Renee J. , Ivey Adam C. , Warburton Darren E. R.
Published: March 2014

Altered autonomic function has been identified following ultra‐endurance event participation among elite world‐class athletes. Despite dramatic increases in recreational athlete participation in these ultra‐endurance events, the physiological effects on these athletes are less known. This investigation sought to characterise changes in surrogate measures of autonomic function: heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure variability (BPV) and baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) following ultra‐endurance race participation. Further, we sought to compare baseline measures among ultra‐endurance athletes and recreationally active controls not participating in the ultra‐endurance race. Recreational ultra‐endurance athletes (n = 25, 44.6 ± 8.2 years, 8 females) and recreationally active age, sex and body mass index matched controls (n = 25) were evaluated. Measurements of HRV, BPV and BRS were collected pre‐ and post‐race for recreational ultra‐endurance athletes and at baseline, for recreationally active controls. Post‐race, ultra‐endurance athletes demonstrated significantly greater sympathetic modulation [low frequency (LF) power HRV: 50.3 ± 21.6 normalised units (n.u.) to 65.9 ± 20.4 n.u., p = 0.01] and significantly lower parasympathetic modulation [high frequency (HF) power HRV: 45.0 ± 22.4 n.u. to 23.9 ± 13.1 n.u., p < 0.001] and BRS. Baseline measurements BRS (spectral: 13.96 ± 10.82 ms·mmHg−1 vs. 11.39 ± 5.33 ms·mmHg−1) were similar among recreational ultra‐endurance athletes and recreationally active controls, though recreational ultra‐endurance athletes demonstrated greater parasympathetic modulation of some HRV and BPV measures. Recreational ultra‐endurance athletes experienced increased sympathetic tone and declines in BRS post‐race, similar to previously reported elite world‐class ultra‐endurance athletes, though still within normal population ranges.
Rhodiola: An Ordinary Plant or a Promising Future Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension? A Brief Review
Authors: Kosanovic Djuro , Tian Xia , Pak Oleg , Lai Ying‐Ju , Hsieh Yi‐Ling , Seimetz Michael , Weissmann Norbert , Schermuly Ralph Theo , Dahal Bhola Kumar
Published: March 2014

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic, complex, and progressive disease that eventuates in fatality. Research efforts over the past decades have resulted in therapeutic options that improve quality of life and prolong survival of patients, but they do not offer a cure. We propose a philosophical model that a disturbed balance of yin and yang results in pulmonary vascular remodeling, the hallmark of PH pathology. The model may be useful in exploring the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine and incorporating it into mainstream PH research. In this context, the medicinal plant Rhodiola can be of profound interest owing to its variety of health‐friendly attributes. Rhodiola has been shown to be beneficial in high‐altitude‐related symptoms and acute exacerbation of PH; moreover, improvement of PH has been demonstrated experimentally in chronically hypoxic rats. The beneficial effects of Rhodiola in PH may be attributable to its potential targeting of the signaling pathways, such as endothelin‐1, nitric oxide, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiotensin‐converting enzyme, nuclear factor κ‐B, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin‐6. Alterations in these mediators are implicated in PH pathogenesis, the characteristics of which include chronic pulmonary vasoconstriction, vasoproliferation, and vascular inflammation. Salidroside, one of the compounds extracted from Rhodiola, has been found to provide therapeutic benefits in experimental PH. As the data are limited and the field is in its infancy, further studies including in‐depth analysis of the therapeutic effects on various animal models of PH are desirable. We believe that future PH research should place an adequate and special emphasis on exploring and promoting the potential of traditional Chinese medicine, and to this end, the medicinal plant Rhodiola offers a promising field on which to embark.
MicroRNA Expression Profile of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells and the Effect of Let‐7d in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Wang Lei , Guo Li‐Juan , Liu Jie , Wang Wang , Yuan Jason X.‐J. , Zhao Lan , Wang Jun , Wang Chen
Published: March 2014

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a life‐threatening condition characterized by single or recurrent pulmonary thromboemboli, which promote pulmonary vascular remodeling. MicroRNA (miRNA), is a small, noncoding RNA that is involved in multiple cell processes and functions and may participate in the pathogenesis of CTEPH. Our aims were to identify the miRNA expression signature in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of CTEPH patients and to study the role of let‐7d in CTEPH pathogenesis. The miRNA expression profile was analyzed by microarray in PASMCs of CTEPH and control patients. Differentially expressed miRNAs were selectively validated by stem‐loop quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The role of let‐7d was identified by in silico analysis, and its effect on the proliferation of PASMCs was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Student's unpaired t test, the Fisher exact test, and the χ2 test were used for statistical analysis. Eighteen miRNAs were differentially expressed in PASMCs from CTEPH patients, including 12 upregulated miRNAs and 6 downregulated miRNAs; among the latter, let‐7d decreased 0.58‐fold in CTEPH patients, as validated by qRT‐PCR. It was found that let‐7d could inhibit the proliferation of PASMCs through upregulation of p21. In conclusion, PASMCs in CTEPH patients have an aberrant miRNA profile and reduced let‐7d, which could promote PASMC proliferation and may be involved in the pathogenesis of CTEPH.
Subcellular Mechanisms in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Combinatorial Modalities that Inhibit Anterograde Trafficking and Cause Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Type 2 Mislocalization
Authors: Yang Yang‐Ming , Lane Kirk B. , Sehgal Pravin B.
Published: March 2014

The natural history of familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) typically involves mutations in and/or haploinsuffciency of BMPR2 (gene for bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2) but with low penetrance (10%–15%), delayed onset (in the third or fourth decade), and a gender bias (two‐ to fourfold more prevalent in postpubertal women). Thus, investigators have sought an understanding of “second‐hit” modalities that might affect BMPR2 anterograde trafficking and/or function. Indeed, vascular lung lesions in PAH have been reported to contain enlarged “vacuolated” endothelial and smooth muscle cells with dilated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae, increased ER structural protein reticulon 4 (also called Nogo‐B), and enlarged and fragmented Golgi apparatus. We recently replicated this cellular phenotype in primary human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells and human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in culture by acute knockdown of the estradiol 17β (E2)–responsive proteins signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a (STAT5a) and STAT5b using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). We have now investigated whether functional haploinsufficiences of these molecules, alone or in combination with other modalities, might interfere with anterograde membrane trafficking using (a) the quantitative tsO45VSV‐G‐GFP trafficking assay and (b) assays for cell‐surface localization of Flag‐tagged BMPR2 molecules. The G glycoprotein of the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV‐G) trafficking assay was validated in EA.hy926 endothelial cells by showing that cells exposed to monocrotaline pyrrole displayed reduced anterograde trafficking. Thereafter, the combinatorial knockdowns of STAT5a, STAT5b, BMPR2, and/or endothelial nitric oxide synthase as well as exposure to E2 or 2‐methoxyestradiol were observed to significantly inhibit VSV‐G trafficking. These combinations also led to intracellular trapping of wild‐type Flag‐tagged BMPR2. Overexpression of the PAH disease–derived F14 and KDF mutants of BMPR2, which were trapped in the ER/Golgi, also inhibited VSV‐G trafficking in trans. Moreover, probenecid, a chemical chaperone in clinical use today, partially restored cell‐surface localization of the KDF but not the F14 mutant. These data identify several combinatorial modalities that inhibit VSV‐G anterograde trafficking and cause mislocalization of BMPR2. These modalities merit consideration in defining aspects of the late‐developing and gender‐biased natural history of human PAH.