bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β-BaGa[B4O8(OH)](H2O) and Ba4Ga[B10O18(OH)5](H2O): new barium galloborates featuring unusual [B4O8(OH)]5− and [B10O18(OH)5]11− clusters
Authors: Yang Hui , Hu Chun-Li , Song Jun-Ling , Mao Jiang-Gao
Published: September 2014

Centrosymmetric β-BaGa[B4O8(OH)](H2O) with a layered structure and polar Ba4Ga[B10O18(OH)5](H2O) with a novel 3D framework structure have been reported.
Enhanced reducibility and redox stability of Fe2O3in the presence of CeO2nanoparticles
Authors: Gu Zhenhua , Li Kongzhai , Qing Shan , Zhu Xing , Wei Yonggang , Li Yongtao , Wang Hua
Published: September 2014

An oxygen-storage material with high reducibility and redox stability was obtained by anchoring isolated CeO2nanoparticles on Fe2O3rods after a high-temperature thermal treatment.
Controllable multicolor output, white luminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of high quality NaCeF4:Ln3+ (Ln3+ = Eu3+, Dy3+, Tb3+) nanorods
Authors: Yi Zhigao , Lu Wei , Zeng Tianmei , Qian Chao , Wang Haibo , Rao Ling , Liu Hongrong , Zeng Songjun
Published: September 2014

Tunable multicolor and white emissions of hexagonal phase lanthanides (Ln3+, Ln3+ = Eu3+, Dy3+, Tb3+) doped NaCeF4 nanorods with uniform morphology and monodispersity were synthesized via a hydrothermal method.
Functional hybrids of layered double hydroxides with hemin: synergistic effect for peroxynitrite-scavenging activity
Authors: Qiao Fengmin , Shi Weijie , Dong Jing , Lv Wei , Ai Shiyun
Published: September 2014

The interaction between heme and LDHs results in a synergistic effect, which leads to an efficient ONOO−scavenging ability.
Capillary tube wetting induced by particles: towards armoured bubbles tailoring
Authors: Zoueshtiagh Farzam , Baudoin Michael , Guerrin David
Published: September 2014

We propose a simple method enabling the synthesis of stable cylindrical armoured bubble embedded in a monolayer of partially wettable particles.
Hierarchical organization in liquid crystal-in-liquid crystal emulsions
Authors: Mushenheim Peter C. , Abbott Nicholas L.
Published: September 2014

In emulsions formed from two immiscible liquid crystals, the orientations of the liquid crystals are coupled.
Photochemical synthesis of bimetallic and anisotropic Au-containing nanoparticles using a one-step protocol
Authors: Gonzalez Carlos M. , Martin Benjamin , Betancourt Tania
Published: September 2014

The production of AuAg alloys, AuAg core–shell nanoparticles, and short Au nanorods using ketyl radicals was investigated.
Digital PLL‐based frequency synthesis: effect of loop filter shape on required DCO frequency resolution
Authors: Verheyen K. , Torfs G. , Bauwelinck J.
Published: September 2014

In digital phase‐locked loops (PLLs), the finite resolution of digital representation (quantisation) could pose problems, including jitter peaking and limit‐cycle behaviour; both could ruin the frequency stability of a PLL. The resolution of the digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) in the PLL is limited by the smallest dimension available in a given process technology. Currently, one resorts to exhaustive time‐domain simulations to ensure correct operation of a PLL. Using a behavioural model of a PLL as verification, how to choose the DCO resolution without resorting to time‐domain simulations is investigated. The conditions on signal statistics for correct behaviour are repeated and the analysis to estimate the required resolution is provided. As it turns out, the root‐mean‐square value of the frequency deviation – neglecting quantisation – is the coarsest possible DCO resolution. One can estimate this value accurately by the integration of its power‐spectral density, derived from the well‐known phase‐domain model of a PLL.
Differential‐fed UWB microstrip antenna with improved radiation patterns
Authors: Wang Junhui , Yin Yingzeng
Published: September 2014

A differential‐fed microstrip antenna, which is characterised with an ultra‐wideband (UWB) of 120% (3–12 GHz), improved radiation patterns, stable gains and compact size, is proposed. Two symmetrical trapezoid‐shaped slots and four triangle‐cut corners on the ground are used to improve the impedance matching over the UWB frequency band. To clarify the improved radiation characteristics, the simulated 3D radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are also shown. The measured results show that, in the entire frequency band, the designed antenna exhibits a stable radiation pattern and the gain variation is < 2.5 dB. Furthermore, the polarisation purity is increased compared with the conventional ones, especially in the high‐frequency band.
Compact ultra‐wideband 90° phase shifter using short‐circuited stub and weak coupled line
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Hongli , Liu Yuanan
Published: September 2014

A compact ultra‐wideband 90° phase shifter based on a short‐circuited stub and a weak coupled line (WCL) is proposed. The circuit conﬁguration and derivation of S‐parameters and phase difference are presented. The analysis result indicates that the phase deviation (PD) bandwidth can be extended to 200% by adjusting the coupling coefficient of the WCL. The fabricated phase shifter exhibits a bandwidth of 118% from 0.66 to 2.56 GHz for return loss >10 dB, insertion loss (IL) <0.5 dB and a PD of ±3.9°. Comparison shows that the proposed phase shifter not only has the most compact size with single‐layer structures but also achieves the largest bandwidth and lowest IL. The design features low‐cost, good design portability and convenient installation. Thus it is a good candidate for wideband and ultra‐wideband applications.
1.3 μm InAs/GaAs quantum‐dot laser monolithically grown on Si substrates operating over 100°C
Authors: Chen S.M. , Tang M.C. , Wu J. , Jiang Q. , Dorogan V.G. , Benamara M. , Mazur Y.I. , Salamo G.J. , Seeds A.J. , Liu H.
Published: September 2014

A high‐performance 1.3 μm InAs/GaAs quantum‐dot laser directly grown on Si substrates has been achieved by using InAlAs/GaAs strained‐layer superlattice serving as dislocation filter layers (DFLs). The Si‐based laser achieves lasing operation up to 111°C with a threshold current density of 200 A/cm2 and an output power exceeding 100 mW at room temperature.
Aggregation‐tolerant steganography for data‐stream integrity verification
Authors: Soltani Panah A. , van Schyndel R.
Published: September 2014

Data outsourcing can make data‐integrity protection a challenging task, especially when the trustworthiness of a third‐party is unproven. A novel auditing process for integrity verification of data stream, whose storage and handling is outsourced to a third‐party, is explored. For this purpose, the hidden information within this data that provides support for in‐network data aggregation environments, such as sensor networks is masked. This mask is achieved by simultaneous embedding of several shifted watermark patterns into multiple data streams. The nature of this watermark allows it to be aggregated into a single data stream with minimal loss of this information. A great benefit of the proposed scheme is that the embedded watermarks are invariant to linear time‐sequential or cross‐stream aggregation operations, such as summation or averaging. Therefore, multiple data streams can be merged and at the same time, and the existence of each individual watermark within allowable bounds can still be verified. The simulation results show that the embedded watermarks can successfully be recovered with high confidence if proper hiding codes are chosen.
Coaxial‐to‐circular waveguide transition with broadband mode‐free operation
Authors: Bang Jae‐Hoon , Ahn Bierng‐Chearl
Published: September 2014

A simple transition between a circular waveguide and a coaxial cable having mode‐free operation over more than an octave bandwidth is presented. The transition consists of a conical coaxial probe, a rectangular waveguide section and a linearly tapered transformer from the rectangular to circular waveguide. The transition shows a reflection coefficient of < –20 dB, a transmission coefficient of >–0.57 dB and a higher‐order mode level of < −25 dB over a frequency range 1.04–2.53 times the TE11 mode cutoff frequency.
Multi‐task control strategy for grid‐tied inverters based on conservative power theory
Authors: Marafão Fernando Pinhabel , Brandão Danilo Iglesias , Costabeber Alessandro , Paredes Helmo Kelis Morales
Published: September 2014

ln recent years, the concept of decentralising power generation through the deployment of distributed generators (DGs) has been widely accepted and applied, driven by the growing market of renewable energy sources. These DGs are normally equipped with a switching power interface, acting as front end with the grid. This paper proposes a multi‐task control strategy for distributed generation systems that simultaneously allows the DG to inject the available energy, as well as to work as a voltage drop compensator or as an active power filter, mitigating load current disturbances and improving power quality of the grid. The main contribution of the proposed system, with respect to other solutions in the literature, is that the proposed control loops are based on the Conservative Power Theory decompositions. This choice provides decoupled power and current references for the inverter control, offering a very flexible, selective and powerful control strategy for the DG. The paper also discusses the choice of the current waveform for injecting/absorbing active power into/from the grid, and both sinusoidal and resistive references have been compared in terms of damping capability. Finally, simulation and experimental results are provided in order to validate the proposed functionalities of the DG control system.
Conformation-dependent translocation of a star polymer through a nanochannel
Authors: Liu Zhu , Liu Jiannan , Xiao Mengying , Wang Rong , Chen Yeng-Long
Published: September 2014

The translocation process of star polymers through a nanochannel is investigated by dissipative particle dynamics simulations. The translocation process is strongly influenced by the star arm arrangement as the polymer enters the channel, and a scaling relation between the translocation time τ and the total number of beads Ntot is obtained. Qualitative agreements are found with predictions of the nucleation and growth model for linear block co-polymer translocation. In the intermediate stage where the center of the star polymer is at the channel entrance, the translocation time is found to have power law-dependence on the number of arms outside the channel and very weakly dependent on the number of arms in the channel. Increasing the total number of star arms also increases the star translocation time.
Viability of Cladosporium herbarum spores under 157 nm laser and vacuum ultraviolet irradiation, low temperature (10 K) and vacuum
Authors: Sarantopoulou E. , Stefi A. , Kollia Z. , Palles D. , Petrou P. S. , Bourkoula A. , Koukouvinos G. , Velentzas A. D. , Kakabakos S. , Cefalas A. C.
Published: September 2014

Ultraviolet photons can damage microorganisms, which rarely survive prolonged irradiation. In addition to the need for intact DNA, cell viability is directly linked to the functionality of the cell wall and membrane. In this work, Cladosporium herbarum spore monolayers exhibit high viability (7%) when exposed to 157 nm laser irradiation (412 kJm−2) or vacuum-ultraviolet irradiation (110–180 nm) under standard pressure and temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. Spore viability can be determined by atomic-force microscopy, nano-indentation, mass, μ-Raman and attenuated reflectance Fourier-transform far-infrared spectroscopies and DNA electrophoresis. Vacuum ultraviolet photons cause molecular damage to the cell wall, but radiation resistance in spores arises from the activation of a photon-triggered signaling reaction, expressed via the exudation of intracellular substances, which, in combination with the low penetration depth of vacuum-ultraviolet photons, shields DNA from radiation. Resistance to phototoxicity under standard conditions was assessed, as was resistance to additional environmental stresses, including exposure in a vacuum, under different rates of change of pressure during pumping time and low (10 K) temperatures. Vacuum conditions were far more destructive to spores than vacuum-ultraviolet irradiation, and UV-B photons were two orders of magnitude more damaging than vacuum-ultraviolet photons. The viability of irradiated spores was also enhanced at 10 K. This work, in addition to contributing to the photonic control of the viability of microorganisms exposed under extreme conditions, including decontamination of biological warfare agents, outlines the basis for identifying bio-signaling in vivo using physical methodologies.
Comparative study of water reactivity with Mo2Oy− and W2Oy− clusters: A combined experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Ray Manisha , Waller Sarah E. , Saha Arjun , Raghavachari Krishnan , Jarrold Caroline Chick
Published: September 2014

A computational investigation of the Mo2Oy− + H2O (y = 4, 5) reactions as well as a photoelectron spectroscopic probe of the deuterated Mo2O6D2− product have been carried out to understand a puzzling question from a previous study: Why is the rate constant determined for the Mo2O5− + H2O/D2O reaction, the terminal reaction in the sequential oxidation of Mo2Oy− by water, higher than the W2O5− + H2O/D2O reaction? This disparity was intriguing because W3Oy− clusters were found to be more reactive toward water than their Mo3Oy− analogs. A comparison of molecular structures reveals that the lowest energy structure of Mo2O5− provides a less hindered water addition site than the W2O5− ground state structure. Several modes of water addition to the most stable molecular and electronic structures of Mo2O4− and Mo2O5− were explored computationally. The various modes are discussed and compared with previous computational studies on W2Oy− + H2O reactions. Calculated free energy reaction profiles show lower barriers for the initial Mo2Oy− + H2O addition, consistent with the higher observed rate constant. The terminal Mo2Oy− sequential oxidation product predicted computationally was verified by the anion photoelectron spectrum of Mo2O6D2−. Based on the computational results, this anion is a trapped dihydroxide intermediate in the Mo2O5− + H2O/D2O → Mo2O6− + H2/D2 reaction.
A comparative study on magnetism in Zn-doped AlN and GaN from first-principles
Authors: Xu Liang , Wang Lingling , Xiao Wenzhi , Xiao Gang , Huang Weiqing
Published: September 2014

First-principles calculations have been used to comparatively investigate electronic and magnetic properties of Zn-doped AlN and GaN. A total magnetic moment of 1.0 μB induced by Zn is found in AlN, but not in GaN. Analyses show that the origin of spontaneous polarization not only depend on the localized atomic orbitals of N and sufficient hole concentration, but also the relative intensity of the covalency of matrix. The relatively stronger covalent character of GaN with respect to AlN impedes forming local magnetic moment in GaN matrix. Our study offers a fresh sight of spontaneous spin polarization in d0 magnetism. The much stronger ferromagnetic coupling in c-plane of AlN means that it is feasible to realize long-range ferromagnetic order via monolayer delta-doping. This can apply to other wide band-gap semiconductors in wurtzite structure.
Decay of a low-pressure oxygen magnetized and unmagnetized plasma
Authors: Levko Dmitry
Published: September 2014

Extraction of negative ions from electronegative plasmas is one of the key issues addressed during the study of these plasmas. One of the widely used methods is the turn off of the electron heating power. This results in the escape of electrons from the plasma and results in the formation of almost pure ion-ion plasma. In the latter case, the plasma sheath collapses, which enables the extraction of negative ions from the plasma. Another method is the application of a large magnetic field to the plasma. If the electrons become magnetized and trapped near the center of discharge chamber, the plasma sheaths near the walls collapse. This also enables the negative ion extraction from the plasma even during the power-on stage. The aim of the present paper is the comparison of these two methods.
Ferroelectric-like response from the surface of SrTiO3 crystals at high temperatures
Authors: Jyotsna Shubhra , Arora Ashima , Sekhon Jagmeet S. , Sheet Goutam
Published: September 2014

Since SrTiO3 has a high dielectric constant, it is used as a substrate for a large number of complex physical systems for electrical characterization. Since SrTiO3 crystals are known to be non-ferroelectric/non-piezoelectric at room temperature and above, SrTiO3 has been believed to be a good choice as a substrate/base material for PFM (Piezoresponse Force Microscopy) on novel systems at room temperature. In this paper, from PFM-like measurement using an atomic force microscope on bare crystals of (110) SrTiO3 we show that ferroelectric and piezoelectric-like response may originate from bare SrTiO3 at remarkably high temperatures up to 420 K. Electrical domain writing and erasing are also possible using a scanning probe tip on the surface of SrTiO3 crystals. This observation indicates that the role of the electrical response of SrTiO3 needs to be revisited in the systems where signature of ferroelectricity/piezoelectricity has been previously observed with SrTiO3 as a substrate/base material.
Narrow linewidth low frequency noise Er-doped fiber ring laser based on femtosecond laser induced random feedback
Authors: Li Yang , Lu Ping , Baset Farhana , Ou Zhonghua , Song Jia , Alshehri Ali , Bhardwaj Vedula Ravi , Bao Xiaoyi
Published: September 2014

We propose and demonstrate a narrow linewidth, low frequency noise Er-doped fiber ring laser with resonant feedback in a femtosecond laser induced random medium of deep refractive index modulation in three dimensions. Eight concatenated single-mode fiber segments about 1 cm long, each carry a total of 8 × 500 randomly spaced laser-written-planes. Numerous low-finesse spectral filters are formed to significantly suppress sub-cavity modes, ensuring single-mode operation within a wavelength-locking range. The linewidth of the laser is 2.1 kHz with 58 dB side-mode-suppression-ratio. The frequency noise is ∼1 Hz/Hz1/2 above 1 kHz, and the frequency jitter is ∼1.8 × 10−12 over 100 s.
Why we should not select the faster embryo: lessons from mice and cattle
Authors: Gutierrez-Adan Alfonso , White Carlee R. , Van Soom Ann , Mann Mellissa R. W.
Published: September 2014

Many studies have shown that in vitro culture can negatively impact preimplantation development. This necessitates some selection criteria for identifying the best-suited embryos for transfer. That said, embryo selection after in vitro culture remains a subjective process in most mammalian species, including cows, mice and humans. General consensus in the field is that embryos that develop in a timely manner have the highest developmental competence and viability after transfer. Herein lies the key question: what is a timely manner? With emerging data in bovine and mouse supporting increased developmental competency in embryos with moderate rates of development, it is time to question whether the fastest developing embryos are the best embryos for transfer in the human clinic. This is especially relevant to epigenetic gene regulation, including genomic imprinting, where faster developing embryos exhibit loss of imprinted methylation, as well as to sex selection bias, where faster developmental rates of male embryos may lead to biased embryo transfer and, in turn, biased sex ratios. In this review, we explore evidence surrounding the question of developmental timing as it relates to bovine embryo quality, mouse embryo quality and genomic imprint maintenance, and embryo sex.
High-resolution observations of combustion in heterogeneous surface fuels
Authors: Loudermilk E. Louise , Achtemeier Gary L. , O'Brien Joseph J. , Hiers J. Kevin , Hornsby Benjamin S.
Published: September 2014

In ecosystems with frequent surface fires, fire and fuel heterogeneity at relevant scales have been largely ignored. This could be because complete burns give an impression of homogeneity, or due to the difficulty in capturing fine-scale variation in fuel characteristics and fire behaviour. Fire movement between patches of fuel can have implications for modelling fire spread and understanding ecological effects. We collected high resolution (0.8×0.8-cm pixels) visual and thermal imaging data during fire passage over 4×4-m plots of mixed fuel beds consisting of pine litter and grass during two prescribed burns within the longleaf pine forests of Eglin Air Force Base, FL in February 2011. Fuel types were identified by passing multi-spectral digital images through a colour recognition algorithm in ‘Rabbit Rules,’ an experimental coupled fire-atmosphere fire spread model. Image fuel types were validated against field fuel types. Relationships between fuel characteristics and fire behaviour measurements at multiple resolutions (0.8×0.8cm to 33×33cm) were analysed using a regression tree approach. There were strong relationships between fire behaviour and fuels, especially at the 33×33-cm scale (R2=0.40–0.69), where image-to-image overlap error was reduced and fuels were well characterised. Distinct signatures were found for individual and coupled fuel types for determining fire behaviour, illustrating the importance of understanding fire-fuel heterogeneity at fine-scales. Simulating fire spread at this fine-scale may be critical for understanding fire effects, such as understorey plant community assembly.
Absence of SUN-domain protein Slp1 blocks karyogamy and switches meiotic recombination and synapsis from homologs to sister chromatids
Authors: Vasnier Christelle , de Muyt Arnaud , Zhang Liangran , Tessé Sophie , Kleckner Nancy E. , Zickler Denise , Espagne Eric
Published: September 2014

Significance

Meiosis is the specialized cellular program that generates gametes for sexual reproduction. In the fungus Sordaria macrospora karyogamy is required to produce the diploid cell that enters the meiotic program. In absence of the mid-Sad1p, UNC-84–domain sun like protein 1, karyogamy does not occur. Meiosis nonetheless proceeds efficiently in the two haploid nuclei, but with the entire program of interhomolog events now occurring instead between sister chromatids, including spatially patterned recombination and synaptonemal complex formation. As a result, significant levels of gametes are still formed. In contrast, other cases of meiosis in haploid genome complements exhibit inefficient or aberrant chromosomal programs. We thus propose that Sordaria can sense the absence of karyogamy so as to trigger an appropriately regular response.
A review on plasma-assisted VLS synthesis of silicon nanowires and radial junction solar cells
Authors: Misra Soumyadeep , Yu Linwei , Chen Wanghua , Foldyna Martin , Cabarrocas Pere Roca i
Published: September 2014

Incorporation of nanostructures is a recent trend in the photovoltaic community, aimed at improving light absorption and consequently cell efficiency. In this regard, semiconductor nanowires provide an attractive research platform for a new generation of cost-effective and efficient solar cells. Thanks to their unique geometry, silicon nanowires enhance light trapping and anti-reflection effects by means of multiple scattering between individual nanowires, and by coupling the light into confined eigenmodes over a broad range of the solar spectrum. Moreover, radial junction solar cells built around nanowires decouple the light absorption and carrier collection directions, which allows for a higher internal field and better carrier collection. Thus, arrays of radial junction solar cells bring advantages of high efficiency with reduced material amount. This is particularly attractive for devices based on hydrogenated amorphous and microcrystalline silicon thin films. In this paper, after reviewing different approaches to fabricate silicon nanowires, we focus on nanowires grown using the plasma-assisted vapour–liquid–solid method because of the simplicity and compatibility with current silicon thin-film technology. Their application to a-Si : H based radial junction solar cells has already resulted in ∼8% of stable devices with an absorber layer thickness of only 100 nm. Moreover, current challenges and perspectives such as the use of a microcrystalline silicon absorber are also reviewed.
Minimizing the impact of surface potentials in axial InxGa1−xN/GaN nanowire heterostructures by reducing their diameter
Authors: Marquardt O , Geelhaar L , Brandt O
Published: September 2014

We study the influence of the diameter of axial In
x
Ga1−x
N/GaN nanowire heterostructures on the electron and hole confinement in the In
x
Ga1−x
N quantum disk using an eight-band
k
 · 
p
model. Elastic relaxation as well as polarization and surface potentials are fully taken into account. Our calculations indicate that a reduction of the nanowire diameter diminishes the influence of the surface potential and thus leads to a significantly increased spatial overlap of electron and hole wave functions. The results suggest that a reduction of the nanowire diameter below 40 nm can significantly improve the internal quantum efficiency of nanowire-based light emitters.
Passive polarization agile antenna based on the electromagnetically induced transparency-like effect
Authors: Zhu Lei , Meng Fan-Yi , Wu Qun , Dong Liang , Chen Wan , Fu Jia-Hui
Published: September 2014

We propose a design method for a passive polarization agile antenna based on the electromagnetically induced transparency-like (EIT-like) effect. Benefiting from strong dispersion properties governed by EIT-like effects, the proposed structure can endow electromagnetic waves transmitted through it with quite different polarization states at very close frequencies. The experimental measurement was conducted to demonstrate agile polarization controls by placing a designed EIT-like waveplate in front of a standard microwave horn antenna. Results show that the polarization state of radiated waves by the horn antenna with a waveplate can be easily transformed among linear, circular and elliptical polarizations through fine-tuning the operating frequency, which is extremely important for certain special applications, e.g. electronic countermeasures. Our scheme could also be utilized at higher operating frequencies by the simply scaling principle.
Nonstationary holographic currents in neutron-irradiated SiC crystal
Authors: Bryushinin M A , Kulikov V V , Mokhov E N , Mokrushina E V , Petrov A A , Sokolov I A
Published: September 2014

We report the excitation of nonstationary holographic currents in semi-insulating 6H-SiC crystal preliminarily irradiated by reactor neutrons. The currents are studied for the cases of zero and non-zero external electric fields. The dependences of the signal amplitude versus the frequency of phase modulation, light intensity, spatial frequency and amplitude of the external ac field are measured. The frequency transfer functions of the effect demonstrate unusual behaviour, namely, there are two frequency-independent regions in the diffusion regime of signal excitation and low-frequency maximum in the experiments with the applied ac field. These peculiarities are explained in the frames of a two-level model of semiconductor. Photoconductivity, diffusion length of electrons, thermal excitation rate and ionization cross section for shallow traps are estimated for the wavelength λ = 532 nm.
Electrical spin extraction and giant positive junction magnetoresistance in a Fe3O4/MgO/n-Si magnetic diode like heterostructure
Authors: Panda J , Banerjee P , Nath T K
Published: September 2014

We have demonstrated here the electrical spin extraction and origin of giant positive junction magnetoresistance (JMR) in our Fe3O4/MgO/n-Si (0 0 1) heterostucture. The heterostructure has been fabricated using pulsed laser deposition technique. The electrical transport properties of this heterostructure have been investigated in the temperature range 10–300 K. The current–voltage characteristics of the heterojunction with and without an applied 6 T magnetic field shows very good rectifying magnetic diode like behaviour throughout the temperature range. The magnetic field dependent JMR behaviour of our heterostucture has been measured in the same temperature range. The heterostructure shows a giant positive JMR at 10 K (∼2279%) that gradually decreases at higher temperatures. The temperature dependent spin polarization, spin diffusion length and spin life time have been estimated for our heterostructure showing a maximum at 60 K (∼0.77, 470 nm and 127 ps, respectively). The origin of the JMR has been best explained by standard spin injection/extraction and spin accumulation theory in n-Si. The JMR value for our heterostructure saturates at a much lower external magnetic field as compared to reported other heterostructures, thus making it a better choice for magnetic diodes in spintronics.
A unified model for the permittivity and thermal conductivity of epoxy based composites
Authors: Tsekmes I A , Kochetov R , Morshuis P H F , Smit J J
Published: September 2014

In this paper, three-dimensional models are presented that were developed for both the relative permittivity and the thermal conductivity of composites based on epoxy in an attempt to understand the way in which modified fillers interact with epoxy. Various ceramics were used as fillers, namely magnesium oxide, aluminium nitride, aluminium oxide, hexagonal boron nitride and cubic boron nitride with an average particle size between 22 and 150 nm. The concept of the models is mainly based on two competing mechanisms, i.e., polymer re-organization and water uptake. These were realized in the models by assuming two interfacial layers around the particles, an inner and an outer layer. The former refers to water uptake and the latter demonstrates the influence of the matrix by the presence of surface modified particles and exhibits different properties than both the filler and polymer matrix. The thickness of the inner layer is constant while the outer layer thickness has a dynamic behaviour which strongly depends on the interparticle distance and thus, on the filler content. The same assumptions were made for both models and an accurate fit was achieved between the experimental data and model results.
Review of Particle Physics
Authors: Olive K.A.
Published: September 2014

The Review summarizes much of particle physics and cosmology. Using data from previous editions, plus 3,283 new measurements from 899 papers, we list, evaluate, and average measured properties of gauge bosons and the recently discovered Higgs boson, leptons, quarks, mesons, and baryons. We summarize searches for hypothetical particles such as heavy neutrinos, supersymmetric and technicolor particles, axions, dark photons, etc. All the particle properties and search limits are listed in Summary Tables. We also give numerous tables, figures, formulae, and reviews of topics such as Supersymmetry, Extra Dimensions, Particle Detectors, Probability, and Statistics. Among the 112 reviews are many that are new or heavily revised including those on: Dark Energy, Higgs Boson Physics, Electroweak Model, Neutrino Cross Section Measurements, Monte Carlo Neutrino Generators, Top Quark, Dark Matter, Dynamical Electroweak Symmetry Breaking, Accelerator Physics of Colliders, High-Energy Collider Parameters, Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, Astrophysical Constants and Cosmological Parameters.

All tables, listings, and reviews (and errata) are also available on the Particle Data Group website: http://pdg.lbl.gov.

Contents

 

Abstract, Contributors, Highlights and Table of Contents

Acrobat PDF (4.4 MB)

 

Introduction

Acrobat PDF (595 KB)

 

Particle Physics Summary Tables

Gauge and Higgs bosons

Acrobat PDF (204 KB)

Leptons

Acrobat PDF (167 KB)

Quarks

Acrobat PDF (115 KB)

Mesons

Acrobat PDF (976 KB)

Baryons

Acrobat PDF (384 KB)

Searches (Supersymmetry, Compositeness, etc.)

Acrobat PDF (120 KB)

Tests of conservation laws

Acrobat PDF (383 KB)

 

Reviews, Tables, and Plots

Detailed contents for this section

Acrobat PDF (73 KB)

Constants, Units, Atomic and Nuclear Properties

Acrobat PDF (395 KB)

Standard Model and Related Topics

Acrobat PDF (8.37 MB)

Astrophysics and Cosmology

Acrobat PDF (3.79 MB)

Experimental Methods and Colliders

Acrobat PDF (3.82 MB)

Mathematical Tools of Statistics, Monte Carlo, Group Theory      

Acrobat PDF (1.77 MB)

Kinematics, Cross-Section Formulae, and Plots

Acrobat PDF (3.57 MB)

 

Particle Listings

Illustrative key and abbreviations

Acrobat PDF (325 KB)

Gauge and Higgs bosons

Acrobat PDF (2.38 MB)

Leptons

Acrobat PDF (2.03 MB)

Quarks

Acrobat PDF (1.51 MB)

Mesons: Light unflavored and strange

Acrobat PDF (4.91 MB)

Mesons: Charmed and bottom

Acrobat PDF (9.03 MB)

Mesons: Other

Acrobat PDF (4.03 MB)

Baryons

Acrobat PDF (4.54 MB)

Miscellaneous searches

Acrobat PDF (3.98 MB)

 

Index

Acrobat PDF (276 KB)
Plakophilin 3 mediates Rap1-dependent desmosome assembly and adherens junction maturation
Authors: Todorovic´ Viktor , Koetsier Jennifer L. , Godsel Lisa M. , Green Kathleen J.
Published: September 2014

The pathways driving desmosome and adherens junction assembly are temporally and spatially coordinated, but how they are functionally coupled is poorly understood. Here we show that the Armadillo protein plakophilin 3 (Pkp3) mediates both desmosome assembly and E-cadherin maturation through Rap1 GTPase, thus functioning in a manner distinct from the closely related plakophilin 2 (Pkp2). Whereas Pkp2 and Pkp3 share the ability to mediate the initial phase of desmoplakin (DP) accumulation at sites of cell–cell contact, they play distinct roles in later steps: Pkp3 is required for assembly of a cytoplasmic population of DP-enriched junction precursors, whereas Pkp2 is required for transfer of the precursors to the membrane. Moreover, Pkp3 forms a complex with Rap1 GTPase, promoting its activation and facilitating desmosome assembly. We show further that Pkp3 deficiency causes disruption of an E-cadherin/Rap1 complex required for adherens junction sealing. These findings reveal Pkp3 as a coordinator of desmosome and adherens junction assembly and maturation through its functional association with Rap1.
Search for CP violating signature of intergalactic magnetic helicity in the gamma-ray sky
Authors: Tashiro Hiroyuki , Chen Wenlei , Ferrer Francesc , Vachaspati Tanmay
Published: September 2014

The existence of a cosmological magnetic field could be revealed by the effects of non-trivial helicity on large scales. We evaluate a CP (conjugation plus parity) odd statistic, Q, using gamma-ray data obtained from Fermi satellite observations at high galactic latitudes to search for such a signature. Observed values of Q are found to be non-zero; the probability of a similar signal in Monte Carlo simulations is ∼0.2 per cent. Contamination from the Milky Way does not seem to be responsible for the signal since it is present even for data at very high galactic latitudes. Assuming that the signal is indeed due to a helical cosmological magnetic field, our results indicate left-handed magnetic helicity and field strength ∼10−14 G on ∼10 Mpc scales.
Crystallographic Studies with Xenon and Nitrous Oxide Provide Evidence for Protein-dependent Processes in the Mechanisms of General Anesthesia
Authors: Abraini Jacques H. , Marassio Guillaume , David Helene N. , Vallone Beatrice , Prangé Thierry , Colloc’h Nathalie
Published: September 2014

Background:

The mechanisms by which general anesthetics, including xenon and nitrous oxide, act are only beginning to be discovered. However, structural approaches revealed weak but specific protein–gas interactions.

Methods:

To improve knowledge, we performed x-ray crystallography studies under xenon and nitrous oxide pressure in a series of 10 binding sites within four proteins.

Results:

Whatever the pressure, we show (1) hydrophobicity of the gas binding sites has a screening effect on xenon and nitrous oxide binding, with a threshold value of 83% beyond which and below which xenon and nitrous oxide, respectively, binds to their sites preferentially compared to each other; (2) xenon and nitrous oxide occupancies are significantly correlated respectively to the product and the ratio of hydrophobicity by volume, indicating that hydrophobicity and volume are binding parameters that complement and oppose each other’s effects; and (3) the ratio of occupancy of xenon to nitrous oxide is significantly correlated to hydrophobicity of their binding sites.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that xenon and nitrous oxide obey different binding mechanisms, a finding that argues against all unitary hypotheses of narcosis and anesthesia, and indicate that the Meyer–Overton rule of a high correlation between anesthetic potency and solubility in lipids of general anesthetics is often overinterpreted. This study provides evidence that the mechanisms of gas binding to proteins and therefore of general anesthesia should be considered as the result of a fully reversible interaction between a drug ligand and a receptor as this occurs in classical pharmacology.
Interpreting scratch assays using pair density dynamics and approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Johnston Stuart T. , Simpson Matthew J. , McElwain D. L. Sean , Binder Benjamin J. , Ross Joshua V.
Published: September 2014

Quantifying the impact of biochemical compounds on collective cell spreading is an essential element of drug design, with various applications including developing treatments for chronic wounds and cancer. Scratch assays are a technically simple and inexpensive method used to study collective cell spreading; however, most previous interpretations of scratch assays are qualitative and do not provide estimates of the cell diffusivity,
D
, or the cell proliferation rate,
λ
. Estimating
D
and
λ
is important for investigating the efficacy of a potential treatment and provides insight into the mechanism through which the potential treatment acts. While a few methods for estimating
D
and
λ
have been proposed, these previous methods lead to point estimates of
D
and
λ
, and provide no insight into the uncertainty in these estimates. Here, we compare various types of information that can be extracted from images of a scratch assay, and quantify
D
and
λ
using discrete computational simulations and approximate Bayesian computation. We show that it is possible to robustly recover estimates of
D
and
λ
from synthetic data, as well as a new set of experimental data. For the first time, our approach also provides a method to estimate the uncertainty in our estimates of
D
and
λ
. We anticipate that our approach can be generalized to deal with more realistic experimental scenarios in which we are interested in estimating
D
and
λ
, as well as additional relevant parameters such as the strength of cell-to-cell adhesion or the strength of cell-to-substrate adhesion.
Trailing or paradoxical growth of Aspergillus flavus exposed to caspofungin is independent of genotype
Authors: Hadrich Inès , Neji Sourour , Makni Fattouma , Ayadi Ali , Elloumi Moez , Ranque Stéphane
Published: September 2014

There are limited data onin vitrosusceptibility testing of echinocandins againstAspergillusspecies. The objective of this study was to describe the phenotypes ofAspergillus flavusobserved on exposure to caspofunginin vitroand to test whether these phenotypes were associated withA. flavusgenotypes. The caspofungin MICs of 37A. flavusclinical isolates collected from 14 patients with invasive aspergillosis were determined using Etest assays. Caspofungin MICs ranged from 0.012 to 0.064 mg l−1; the modal MIC was 0.023 mg l−1and the MIC50and MIC90were 0.032 and 0.064 mg l−1, respectively. A clear end point was noted in 24 (65 %) isolates, whereas seven (19 %) displayed a trailing effect and six (16 %) showed paradoxical growth when exposed to caspofungin. In theseA. flavusisolates, the absence of a significant population structure or genetic differentiation indicated that trailing or paradoxical growth phenotypes were independent of microsatellite genotype.
The Sea Lamprey Meiotic Map Resolves Ancient Vertebrate Genome Duplications
Authors: Smith Jeramiah
Published: September 2014

Gene and genome duplications serve as an important reservoir of material for the evolution of new biological functions. It is generally accepted that many genes present in vertebrate genomes owe their origin to two whole genome duplications that occurred deep in the ancestry of the vertebrate lineage. However, details regarding the timing and outcome of these duplications are not well resolved. We present high-density meiotic and comparative genomic maps for the sea lamprey, a representative of an ancient lineage that diverged from all other vertebrates approximately 550 million years ago. Linkage analyses yielded a total of 95 linkage groups, similar to the estimated number of germline chromosomes (1N ~ 99), spanning a total of 5,570.25 cM. Comparative mapping data yield strong support for one ancient whole genome duplication but do not strongly support a hypothetical second event. Rather, these comparative maps reveal several evolutionary independent segmental duplications occurring over the last 600+ million years of chordate evolution. This refined history of vertebrate genome duplication should permit more precise investigations into the evolution of vertebrate gene functions.
The Belief in Goal Self‐Competence Scale (BiGSS) – Exploring a new way to support individual goal pursuit and document occupational therapy outcomes in paediatric practice
Authors: Ziviani Jenny , Poulsen Anne A. , Kotaniemi Katja , Law Mary
Published: September 2014

Aim

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is an outcome measure of clients' self perceptions of performance and satisfaction with occupational performance and is widely used in paediatric research. The aim of this study was to explore how a new outcome measure, the Belief in Goal Self‐Competence Scale (BiGSS), was perceived by paediatric occupational therapists to compliment the COPM as a way of documenting client confidence in goal pursuit.

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐one occupational therapists participated in an online survey through paediatric listserv groups and professional networks. Therapists' views about goal setting and the utility of the BiGSS were analysed descriptively and open ended questions were analysed thematically.

Results

Overall, goal setting was viewed as a highly important aspect of therapy (n = 221, 90.7%) although only 22% (n = 52) of respondents indicated using formal goal setting tools. For the subset of respondents who frequently used the COPM (n = 101, 42%) almost all (97.87%) indicated that they would find the BiGSS to be moderately or highly useful to their current practice. Suggestions for improvement of the measure involved wording and formatting.

Conclusion

This study supports existing evidence that goal setting is highly valued by occupational therapists, however, formal tools are not always used. There was preliminary support for a measure such as the BiGSS as a means of documenting children's and families confidence in goal pursuit.
Specific language impairment in language‐minority children from low‐income families
Authors: Engel de Abreu Pascale M. J. , Cruz‐Santos Anabela , Puglisi Marina L.
Published: September 2014

Background

Recent evidence suggests that specific language impairment (SLI) might be secondary to general cognitive processing limitations in the domain of executive functioning. Previous research has focused almost exclusively on monolingual children with SLI and offers little evidence‐based guidance on executive functioning in bilingual children with SLI. Studying bilinguals with SLI is important, especially in the light of increasing evidence that bilingualism can bring advantages in certain domains of executive functioning.

Aims

To determine whether executive functioning represents an area of difficulty for bilingual language‐minority children with SLI and, if so, which specific executive processes are affected.

Methods & Procedures

This cross‐cultural research was conducted with bilingual children from Luxembourg and monolingual children from Portugal who all had Portuguese as their first language. The data from 81 eight‐year‐olds from the following three groups were analysed: (1) 15 Portuguese–Luxembourgish bilinguals from Luxembourg with an SLI diagnosis; (2) 33 typically developing Portuguese–Luxembourgish bilinguals from Luxembourg; and (3) 33 typically developing Portuguese‐speaking monolinguals from Portugal. Groups were matched on first language, ethnicity, chronological age and socioeconomic status, and they did not differ in nonverbal intelligence. Children completed a battery of tests tapping: expressive and receptive vocabulary, syntactic comprehension, verbal and visuospatial working memory, selective attention and interference suppression.

Outcomes & Results

The bilingual SLI group performed equally well compared with their typically developing peers on measures of visuospatial working memory, but had lower scores than both control groups on tasks of verbal working memory. On measures of selective attention and interference suppression, typically developing children who were bilingual outperformed their monolingual counterparts. For selective attention, performance of the bilingual SLI group did not differ significantly from the controls. For interference suppression the bilingual SLI group performed significantly less well than typically developing bilinguals but not monolinguals.

Conclusions & Implications

This research provides further support to the position that SLI is not a language‐specific disorder. The study indicates that although bilingual children with SLI do not demonstrate the same advantages in selective attention and interference suppression as typically developing bilinguals, they do not lag behind typically developing monolinguals in these domains of executive functioning. This finding raises the possibility that bilingualism might represent a protective factor against some of the cognitive limitations that are associated with SLI in monolinguals.
Working-Class Participation, Middle-Class Aspiration? Value, Upward Mobility and Symbolic Indebtedness in Higher Education
Authors: Loveday Vik
Published: September 2014

This paper interrogates the relationship between working-class participation in higher education (HE) in England and social and cultural mobility. It argues that embarking on a university education for working-class people has been construed in governmental discourses as an instrumental means of achieving upward mobility, or of aspiring to ‘become middle class’. Education in this sense is thus not only understood as having the potential to confer value on individuals, as they pursue different ‘forms of capital’, or symbolic ‘mastery’ ( Bourdieu, 1986 ), but as incurring a form of debt to society. In this sense, the university can be understood as a type of ‘creditor’ to whom the working-class participants are symbolically indebted, while the middle classes pass through unencumbered. Through the analysis of empirical research conducted with staff from working-class backgrounds employed on a university Widening Participation project in England, the article examines resistance to dominant educational discourses, which understand working-class culture as ‘deficient’ and working-class participation in HE as an instrumental means of securing upward mobility. Challenging the problematic notion of ‘escape’ implicit in mobility discourses, this paper concludes by positing the alternative concept of ‘fugitivity’, to contest the accepted relationship in HE between creditor and debtor.