bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for sporadic infection withSalmonellaInfantis: a matched case-control study
Authors: BASSAL R. , REISFELD A. , NISSAN I. , AGMON V. , TARAN D. , SCHEMBERG B. , COHEN D. , SHOHAT T.
Published: July 2013

This matched case-control study investigated the risk factors for sporadicSalmonellaInfantis infection in 263 affected children and 263 age-, gender- and neighbourhood-matched controls. Information about exposure to potential risk factors was obtained via telephone interview and evaluated by conditional logistic regression analysis. Age groups ⩽1 year (n = 77) and >1 year (n = 186) were analysed separately. Of those aged ⩽1 year, breastfeeding was a significant protective factor against infection [matched odds ratio (mOR) 0·24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·10–0·59,P < 0·01]. In the older group, consumption of eggs (mOR 1·87, 95% CI 1·00–3·49,P = 0·05) was a significant risk factor and thawing chicken in water (mOR 2·55, 95% CI 0·94–6·91,P = 0·07) was borderline risk factor, while consumption of carrots (mOR 0·46, 95% CI 0·26–0·83,P < 0·01), drinking tap water (mOR 0·44, 95% CI 0·22–0·85,P = 0·02), religious lifestyle (mOR 0·40, 95% CI 0·21–0·74,P < 0·01) and having a high number of children in the household (mOR 0·72, 95% CI 0·58–0·88,P < 0·01) were significant protective factors. Consumers should avoid eating undercooked eggs and food handlers should be educated regarding proper handling and cooking of eggs. Breastfeeding should be strongly encouraged by public health authorities. The public must be educated on stringent hygiene practices, especially proper cooking of eggs to reduce infection rates.
The serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region and brain-derived neurotrophic factor valine to methionine at position 66 polymorphisms and maternal history of depression: Associations with cognitive vulnerability to depression in childhood
Authors: Hayden Elizabeth P. , Olino Thomas M. , Bufferd Sara J. , Miller Anna , Dougherty Lea R. , Sheikh Haroon I. , Singh Shiva M. , Klein Daniel N.
Published: July 2013

Preliminary work indicates that cognitive vulnerability to depression may be associated with variants of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and the valine to methionine at position 66 (val66met) polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene; however, existing reports come from small samples. The present study sought to replicate and extend this research in a sample of 375 community-dwelling children and their parents. Following a negative mood induction, children completed a self-referent encoding task tapping memory for positive and negative self-descriptive traits. Consistent with previous work, we found that children with at least one short variant of the 5-HTTLPR had enhanced memory for negative self-descriptive traits. The BDNF val66met polymorphism had no main effect but was moderated by maternal depression, such that children with a BDNF methionine allele had a heightened memory for negative self-descriptive traits when mothers had experienced depression during children's lifetimes; in contrast, children with a methionine allele had low recall of negative traits when mothers had no depression history. The findings provide further support for the notion that the 5-HTTLPR is associated with cognitive markers of depression vulnerability and that the BDNF methionine allele moderates children's sensitivity to contextual factors.
Maturity and change in personality: Developmental trends of temperament and character in adulthood
Authors: Josefsson Kim , Jokela Markus , Cloninger C. Robert , Hintsanen Mirka , Salo Johanna , Hintsa Taina , Pulkki-Råback Laura , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa
Published: July 2013

We studied the developmental trends of temperament and character in a longitudinal population-based sample of Finnish men and women aged 20–45 years using the Temperament and Character Inventory model of personality. Personality was assessed in 1997, 2001, and 2007 (n= 2,104, 2,095, and 2,056, respectively). Mean-level changes demonstrated qualitatively distinct developmental patterns for character (self-directedness, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence) and temperament (novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, and persistence). Character developed toward greater maturity, although self-transcendence decreased with age. However, self-transcendence was the strongest predictor of overall personality change. Cohort effects indicated lower level of self-transcendence and higher level of self-directedness and cooperativeness in younger birth cohorts. Regarding temperament, novelty seeking decreased and persistence increased slightly with age. Both high novelty seeking and high persistence predicted overall personality change. These findings suggest that temperament and character traits follow different kinds of developmental trajectories.
The distinctive role of romantic relationships in moderating the effects of early caregiving on adult anxious–depressed symptoms over 9 years
Authors: Salvatore Jessica E. , Haydon Katherine C. , Simpson Jeffry A. , Collins W. Andrew
Published: July 2013

This study tests a model of young adult romantic quality as a moderator of the effects of early caregiving on anxious–depressed symptoms over a 9-year period in adulthood. Participants (n= 93) were a subsample from a longitudinal study of risk and adaptation. Quality of early caregiving was measured using observational data collected at five points in the first 4 years of life. Young adult romantic relationship quality was assessed from interviews with participants at age 23. Self-report anxious–depressed symptoms were measured at ages 23, 26, and 32. The results indicated that romantic quality moderated early caregiving to predict symptom levels across this period, with evidence for inoculation, amplification, and compensation effects. A discriminant analysis examining young adult work competence as a moderator provided further evidence for the distinctiveness of romantic relationships in changing the association between early caregiving and adult internalizing symptoms.
Unusual sudden cardiac death from an anomalous left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva
Authors: Bishnoi Ram N. , McMillan Kristen N. , Thompson William R.
Published: July 2013

A left coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva is a rare congenital coronary anomaly. We report a case of a 5-year-old boy with an anomalous left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva whose presenting sign was cardiac arrest. There is no reported instance of a child <9 years of age without other congenital cardiac defects having died suddenly with this coronary anomaly. The transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated normal origins of the coronary arteries, but on autopsy, an anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva was found.
Emergent Use of Twitter in the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
Authors: Umihara Junko , Nishikitani Mariko
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Social networks play an important role in disaster situations as they have become a new form of social convergence that provides collective information. The effect of social media on people who experienced disaster should be assessed.

Hypothesis

In this study, Twitter communication during the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011 was assessed. The hypothesis of this study was that usage of Twitter had psychological effects on victims of the disaster.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out in cooperation with a major Japanese newspaper three months after the disaster, and 1,144 volunteer participants responded. They were asked about their health, area of residence, property damage they had experienced, information sources they used at the time of the disaster, and their usage of Twitter. Further, the Twitter users were divided into two groups—with and without disaster experience. Their psychological effects relating to feelings of relief, stress or anxiety that they experienced in using Twitter were compared between two groups, and Twitter's psychological risk of disaster experience was estimated as an odds ratio.

Results

Twitter users in this study tended to reside in disaster-affected areas and thought Twitter was a credible information source during the time of the disaster. The psychological effect of Twitter differed based on participants’ disaster experience and gender. Females with disaster experience reported more feelings of relief and stress as a result of using Twitter compared to females who did not experience the disaster. On the other hand, males with disaster experience only reported more stress experiences as a result of using Twitter compared to those without disaster experience.

Conclusion

Twitter users with disaster experience had a higher usage of Twitter than those without disaster experience. Social media might have had a material psychological influence on people who experienced disaster, and the effect differed by gender. Regardless of gender, negative feelings were transmitted easily among people who experienced the disaster. It was anticipated that the application of Twitter in a disaster situation will be expanded further by taking these findings into consideration.

UmiharaJ, NishikitaniM. Emergent use of Twitter in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Prehosp Disaster Med.2013;28(5):1-7.
Experimental and Epidemic Risks: Matters of Science and Judgement
Authors: Bird Sheila M.
Published: July 2013

I wish to caution against undue weight being given to received wisdom and false assumptions of ‘expertise’, particularly in the context of new epidemics. I argue that, in some cases, reliance on received wisdom can lead to poor decision-making in public health terms, whether we are talking about Mad Cow Disease, the likelihood of a novel strain of influenza causing many fatalities, or the best way to reduce overdose deaths soon after release from prison. I shall also stress the importance of well-designed data-acquisition which is, or should be, the forte of statistician-scientists.
Making Sense of Science and Evidence
Authors: Brown Tracey
Published: July 2013

The public has to negotiate competing claims about which products, practices and policies will work. If we expect people to make sense of these, then knowledge about evidence, and an understanding of how it is obtained and reviewed, is vital. However, this public language of science has been neglected. The public is encouraged to admire science and to be entertained and amazed by it. We should be doing more to equip people with insights into evidence and scientific enquiry, and expanding discussion about what we know and how we know it.
The Essence of Morality
Authors: Kenny Anthony
Published: July 2013

There are three elements that are essential to a system of morality: a moral community, moral values, and a moral code. There cannot be a purely private morality any more than a purely private language. The moral life of the community consists of the shared pursuit of non-material values: this is what distinguishes morality from economics. This pursuit is carried out within a framework that excludes certain types of behaviour: it is this that distinguishes morality from aesthetics. Moral laws are created by the moral community in a way similar to the way in which grammar and syntax are created by the linguistic community.
Ethics Evolve
Authors: Lachmann Peter
Published: July 2013

It is argued that patterns of behaviour that distinguish human ‘moral communities’ have evolved culturally and been subject to natural selection. For this to work, these behaviour patterns must be maintained stably over substantial numbers of people and periods of time. Religious prescription – which is essentially equivalent to ethics – has provided this stability.1–3 It follows that ethics must also have evolved and been subject to natural selection.
Genetic Modification and the Public Good
Authors: Potrykus Ingo
Published: July 2013

Genetic engineering (GMO-technology) offers great opportunities to contribute to the public good by improving public health, e.g. by improving the micro-nutrient status of poor populations, cost effectively and – therefore – sustainably. The prime example for such a project from the public domain for public good is ‘Golden Rice’ (www.goldenrice.org). There are exclusive public funds involved (from altruistic organizations), no dependence from industry except for in-kind support and help in acquiring free licenses for humanitarian use. There is no financial reward for anyone involved. The only beneficiaries are the poor in developing countries. Theoretically, when considering the arguments of the anti-GMO lobby, this is an ideal application of GMO-technology. However, Golden Rice is considered a Trojan Horse, which must be prevented under all circumstances. The consequence: millions of avoidable blind and dead children. The author considers those who are responsible for this avoidable suffering of many innocent children (and mothers at childbirth) a crime to humanity. There are those who commit this deliberately and those who are participating passively, such as numerous ‘humanitarian organizations’ and ‘decision makers’ in politics and elsewhere. There is a wealth of scientific information and broad consensus that GMO-technology is at least as safe as any other technology involved in any context with our food or our environment. What we experience here is an example of ‘unreason’ and a perfect example in the context of The March of Unreason. Our ‘enlightenment’ and science-based successful European culture is on the verge of being replaced by unreason-based failure and lack of culture.
Controversies in Vaccination
Authors: Prymula Roman
Published: July 2013

Infectious diseases still jeopardize human health and even lives. In spite of the variety of advanced treatment methods, prevention is considered to be the most effective way to fight infections, and vaccination, no doubt, is one of the most effective preventive measures in the history of mankind. The vaccine controversy is based on a dispute over morality, ethics, effectiveness, and/or safety. There is no 100% safe or effective vaccine; however, benefits clearly overweigh risks. Ironically, as the numbers of cases of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases are falling, the controversies relating to vaccine safety are growing. Vaccines are generally victims of their own success. Controversies can afflict the positive acceptance of immunization, decrease the coverage and uptake and finally threaten the health of children and adults.
Long-term effect of dietary fibre intake on glycosylated haemoglobin A1c level and glycaemic control status among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Luxi , Shu Le , Jiang Junyi , Qiu Hua , Zhao Genming , Zhou Yi , Jiang Qingwu , Sun Qiao , Qin Guoyou , Wu Hongyan , Yang Liming , Ruan Xiaonan , Xu Wang Hong
Published: July 2013

Objective

Dietary fibre has been linked to lower levels of glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among diabetes patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term effect of dietary fibre on HbA1c levels among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Design

Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2006 and 2011, with the second one being a repeat survey on a sub-sample from the initial one. In both surveys, an in-person interview was conducted to collect information on demographic characteristics and lifestyles following a similar protocol. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated FFQ. Anthropometric measures and biochemical assays were performed at the interview.

Setting

Communities in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China.

Subjects

Chinese patients (n 934) with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Results

An inverse association was observed between dietary fibre and glycaemic status indicated by HbA1c level in both surveys, although it was significant only in the first survey. Among 497 patients participating in both surveys, dietary fibre intake at the first survey was inversely associated with uncontrolled glycaemic status at the second survey, with adjusted odds ratios across the tertiles of intake being 1·00, 0·72 (95 % CI 0·43, 1·21) and 0·58 (95 % CI 0·34, 0·99; Ptrend = 0·048). The change in fibre intake was slightly associated with glycaemic status, with each increase in tertile scores of intake linked to a 0·138 % (β = −0·138; 95 % CI −0·002, 0·278) decrease in HbA1c value and a 19 % (OR = 0·81; 95 % CI 0·65, 1·02) reduced risk of uncontrolled glycaemic status at the second survey.

Conclusions

Dietary fibre may have a long-term beneficial effect on HbA1c level among Chinese diabetes patients.
Plenary Special Lectures
Authors: Rose Harald , Dik Joris
Published: July 2013

The correction of the aberrations of electron lenses is the long story of many seemingly fruitless efforts to improve the resolution of electron microscopes by compensating for aberrations of round electron lenses over a period of 50 years. The problem started in 1936 when Scherzer demonstrated that the chromatic and spherical aberrations of rotationally symmetric electron lenses are unavoidable. Moreover, the coefficients of these aberrations cannot be made sufficiently small. As a result, the resolution limit of standard electron microscopes equals about one hundred times the wavelength of the electrons, whereas modern light microscopes have reached a resolution limit somewhat smaller than the wavelength. In 1947, Scherzer found an ingenious way for enabling aberration correction. He demonstrated in a famous article that it is in theory possible to eliminate chromatic and spherical aberrations by lifting any one of the constraints of his theorem, either by abandoning rotational symmetry or by introducing time-varying fields, or space charges. Moreover, he proposed a multipole corrector compensating for the spherical aberration of the objective lens.
Grammatical Outcomes of 3- and 6-Year-Old Children Who Are Hard of Hearing
Authors: Koehlinger Keegan M. , Van Horne Amanda J. Owen , Moeller Mary Pat
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Spoken language skills of 3- and 6-year-old children who are hard of hearing (HH) were compared with those of children with normal hearing (NH).

Method

Language skills were measured via mean length of utterance in words (MLUw) and percent correct use of finite verb morphology in obligatory contexts based on spontaneous conversational samples gathered from 185 children (145 HH, 40 NH). Aided speech intelligibility index (SII), better-ear pure-tone average (BE-PTA), maternal education, and age of amplification were used to predict outcomes within the HH group.

Results

On average, the HH group had MLUws that were 0.25–0.5 words shorter than the NH group at both ages, and they produced fewer obligatory verb morphemes. After age, aided SII and age of amplification predicted MLUw. Aided SII and BE-PTA were not interchangeable in this analysis. Age followed by either BE-PTA or aided SII best predicted verb morphology use.

Conclusions

Children who are HH lag behind their peers with NH in grammatical aspects of language. Although some children appear to catch up, more than half of the children who are HH fell below the 25th percentile. Continued monitoring of language outcomes is warranted considering that children who are HH are at increased risk for language learning difficulties.
Learning to Use Assistive Technology for Cognition: A Survivor's Perspective
Authors: Saraceno Carolyn
Published: July 2013

Rehabilitation professionals serving individuals with acquired brain injuries perform myriad tasks related to the complex needs of this population: assessment, treatment, client and family education, coordination of services across levels of care, etc. One aspect of rehabilitation practice that is often overlooked is adopting the perspective of the client—considering what it feels like to be on the receiving end of rehabilitation services. In this article, an individual with cognitive challenges due to an acquired brain injury shares her views on how it felt to be trained to use assistive technology for cognition (ATC) to compensate for cognitive challenges and the effect of this experience on her sense of self.
Perioperative Voice Recovery: An Exercise Physiology Perspective
Authors: Sandage Mary J.
Published: July 2013

Voice professionals have differing views on the amount of voice rest prescribed before and after laryngeal surgery. Current recommendations are largely based on a long-standing belief that voice rest is good for the vocal mechanism, particularly when pathology is present or following surgical interruption of the vocal fold tissue. There is little evidence to support the benefit of extensive voice rest prior to laryngeal surgery, as is often recommended in the performing arts. In fact, preoperative voice therapy has shown benefit for postoperative voice outcome. From a wound-healing perspective, voice conservation immediately following vocal fold surgery contributes to the best vocal function outcome. There is no supportive evidence for postoperative voice rest that extends for weeks into months, as some performing artists have reported following surgery. From the perspective of skeletal muscle cell physiology and what is currently known about skeletal muscle adaptations that occur with training and detraining, a guideline for optimal voice recovery and return to performance may be clearer. The well-intentioned, long-held belief that extensive voice conservation is good for the voice may actually trigger a skeletal muscle detraining cascade that could lengthen return to optimal voice function, particularly in the vocal performing arts.
Perioperative Voice Recovery: Adherence to Treatment, Quality of Life, and Patient Personality
Authors: Friedman Jessica G. , Johnson Jeffrey P. , Novaleski Carolyn K. , Rousseau Bernard
Published: July 2013

Voice rest is often prescribed after the surgical removal of benign vocal fold lesions. Adherence to voice rest recommendations and recovery from phonomicrosurgery present unique challenges to patients and clinicians. The purpose of this article was to summarize what is currently known about adherence to voice rest, the impact of voice rest on patient-reported quality of life, and the potential role of personality in adherence to treatment recommendations.

Voice rest is a form of vocal hygiene treatment that is aimed at improving laryngeal health and function (Thomas & Stemple, 2007). There are primarily two types of voice rest protocols used in the postoperative management of patients. Absolute voice rest involves the complete cessation of voice use for a specified time period. In contrast, relative voice rest involves a significant decrease and/or modification in the habitual pattern of voice use (Thomas & Stemple, 2007; van der Merwe, 2004). Otolaryngologists frequently recommend voice rest following microlaryngoscopic surgery for benign vocal fold lesions (van der Merwe, 2004). Unlike some other forms of voice therapy, voice rest is considered to be a primarily preventative and hygienic approach in the management of dysphonia. The primary rationale for conserving the voice is to substantially reduce the amount of vocal fold vibration to facilitate repair and reduce the risk of postsurgical scarring (Behrman & Sulica, 2003; Ishikawa & Thibeault, 2010).
Shallow donor level associated with hydrogen impurities in undoped BaTiO3
Authors: Ito T. U. , Higemoto W. , Matsuda T. D. , Koda A. , Shimomura K.
Published: July 2013

The influence of hydrogen impurities on the electronic properties of undoped BaTiO3 was studied from a microscopic point of view using the muon spin rotation and relaxation technique. Electron localization around an implanted positive muon, by analogy a hydrogen impurity, was observed below ∼80 K. The effective electron binding energy was estimated to be ∼10−2 eV, indicating that the hydrogen-induced defect forms a shallow donor level. At room temperature, the weakly bound electron is excited into the conduction band and behaves as a free carrier, which causes insulation degradation undesirable for capacitor applications.
Nondestructive characterization of textured a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction solar cell structures with nanometer-scale a-Si:H and In2O3:Sn layers by spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Matsuki Nobuyuki , Fujiwara Hiroyuki
Published: July 2013

Nanometer-scale hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) layers formed on crystalline silicon (c-Si) with pyramid-shaped textures have been characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) using a tilt angle measurement configuration, in an attempt to establish a nondestructive method for the structural characterization of the a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction solar cells. By applying an a-Si:H dielectric function model developed recently, the thickness and SiH2 content of the a-Si:H layer have been determined even on the textured substrates. Furthermore, from the SE analysis incorporating the Drude model, the carrier properties of the In2O3:Sn layers in the textured solar-cell structure have been characterized.
Note: A laser-flash photolysis and laser-induced fluorescence detection technique for measuring total HO2 reactivity in ambient air
Authors: Miyazaki K. , Nakashima Y. , Schoemaecker C. , Fittschen C. , Kajii Y.
Published: July 2013

A novel instrument for measuring total HO2 reactivity in the troposphere was successfully developed using a laser-flash photolysis and laser-induced fluorescence detection technique. Validation and testing were conducted through kinetic measurements of the reaction of HO2 radicals with NO2, and the results were found to be in good agreement with recent recommended values. The limit of detection (LOD) for HO2 loss rate measurement is achieved to be 0.024 s−1 (3σ) with 60 times decay integrations. An observation of ambient air was carried out in a suburb of Tokyo to test the practical use of the developed instrument and un-expected rapid HO2 loss rate has been observed.
Higher-order kinetic expansion of quantum dissipative dynamics: Mapping quantum networks to kinetic networks
Authors: Wu Jianlan , Cao Jianshu
Published: July 2013

We apply a new formalism to derive the higher-order quantum kinetic expansion (QKE) for studying dissipative dynamics in a general quantum network coupled with an arbitrary thermal bath. The dynamics of system population is described by a time-convoluted kinetic equation, where the time-nonlocal rate kernel is systematically expanded of the order of off-diagonal elements of the system Hamiltonian. In the second order, the rate kernel recovers the expression of the noninteracting-blip approximation method. The higher-order corrections in the rate kernel account for the effects of the multi-site quantum coherence and the bath relaxation. In a quantum harmonic bath, the rate kernels of different orders are analytically derived. As demonstrated by four examples, the higher-order QKE can reliably predict quantum dissipative dynamics, comparing well with the hierarchic equation approach. More importantly, the higher-order rate kernels can distinguish and quantify distinct nontrivial quantum coherent effects, such as long-range energy transfer from quantum tunneling and quantum interference arising from the phase accumulation of interactions.
On the electronic structure of the low lying electronic states of vanadium trioxide
Authors: Lee Elizabeth M. Y. , Zhu Xiaolei , Yarkony David R.
Published: July 2013

The electronic structure of transition metal oxides is frequently studied using density functional theory. Nonetheless, the electronic structure of VO3 has been found to be sensitive to the choice of functional. As a consequence, the basic question of whether or not the ground electronic state exhibits a Jahn-Teller distortion has yet to be resolved. Using basis sets of triple zeta quality and multireference configuration interaction wave functions as large as 700 million configuration state functions, we determine that the ground electronic state of VO3 is a 2A2 state in C3v symmetry. The first two excited electronic states are also characterized and found to be the components of a degenerate 2E state, in C3v symmetry, which exhibits a small Jahn-Teller distortion. The Jahn-Teller stabilization energy is only 40 cm−1 and the barrier to pseudo-rotation is 9 cm−1. This 2E state exhibits some unexpected properties. In the vicinity of the minimum energy conical intersection, the local topography appears almost quadratic, rather than linear, in the Jahn-Teller active coordinates. This gives rise to three symmetry-related seams of conical intersections in addition to the symmetry-required seam and results in the suppression of the geometric phase effect. These features, attributable to small linear Jahn-Teller parameters, are usually found in states characterized by e2 (or e3e′) electron configurations rather than the e3 configuration found here. In addition to its Jahn-Teller minimum, the first excited state exhibits a second minimum with a structure significantly distorted from C3v. A conical intersection with Cs symmetry connects the two minima and puts an upper limit of 190 cm−1 on the barrier connecting these minima.
Accurate theoretical study on 18 Λ-S and 50 Ω states of CS in the gas phase: Potential energy curves, spectroscopic parameters, and spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Shi Deheng , Niu Xianghong , Sun Jinfeng , Zhu Zunlue
Published: July 2013

The potential energy curves (PECs) of 50 Ω states generated from the 18 Λ-S states are studied for the first time using the complete active space self-consistent field method, which is followed by the internally contracted multireference configuration interaction approach with the Davidson modification. All the 18 Λ-S states correlate to the first dissociation limit, C(3Pg) + S(3Pg), of CS molecule, of which only the 25Π is repulsive and the A1Π, A′1Σ+, and 23Σ+ possess double wells. The spin-orbit (SO) coupling is accounted for by the state interaction approach with the Breit-Pauli Hamiltonian. Core-valence correlation correction is taken into account with an all-electron cc-pCV5Z basis set. Scalar relativistic correction calculations are made by the third-order Douglas-Kroll Hamiltonian approximation at the level of a cc-pVTZ basis set. All the PECs are extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. The a′3Σ+, e3Σ−, 15Σ+, 15Π, and d3Δ are found to be the inverted Λ-S states with the SO coupling included. The spectroscopic parameters of 17 Λ-S and 41 Ω bound states are evaluated. The comparisons between the present results and available measurements are performed, and excellent agreement has been found. It shows that the spectroscopic results reported here can be expected to be reliable predicted ones.
Development of a compact thermal lithium atom beam source for measurements of electron velocity distribution function anisotropy in electron cyclotron resonance plasmas
Authors: Nishioka T. , Shikama T. , Nagamizo S. , Fujii K. , Zushi H. , Uchida M. , Iwamae A. , Tanaka H. , Maekawa T. , Hasuo M.
Published: July 2013

The anisotropy of the electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) in plasmas can be deduced from the polarization of emissions induced by anisotropic electron-impact excitation. In this paper, we develop a compact thermal lithium atom beam source for spatially resolved measurements of the EVDF anisotropy in electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasmas. The beam system is designed such that the ejected beam has a slab shape, and the beam direction is variable. The divergence and flux of the beam are evaluated by experiments and calculations. The developed beam system is installed in an ECR plasma device with a cusp magnetic field, and the LiI 2s–2p emission (670.8 nm) is observed in low-pressure helium plasma. The two-dimensional distributions of the degree and direction of the polarization in the LiI emission are measured by a polarization imaging system. The evaluated polarization distribution suggests the spatial variation of the EVDF anisotropy.
Resonance Raman overtones reveal vibrational displacements and dynamics of crystalline and amorphous poly(3-hexylthiophene) chains in fullerene blends
Authors: Gao Jian , Grey John K.
Published: July 2013

Resonance Raman spectra of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester blend thin films display progressions of overtone and combination bands (up to two harmonics) involving the dominant symmetric C=C backbone stretching mode of P3HT that encode excited state vibrational displacements and dynamics information. Contributions from both crystalline (aggregated) and amorphous (unaggregated) P3HT domains are resolved and intensities are analyzed using the time-dependent theory of spectroscopy. Raman spectra, excitation profiles, and absorption spectra are simulated with the same parameters using a single electronic state description for each P3HT form. Time-dependent wavepacket overlaps expose vibrational coherence on sub-100 fs timescales, which is usually difficult to extract from conventional ultrafast pump-probe spectra and transients of polymer/fullerene blends. The results demonstrate the potential of simpler CW resonance Raman approaches to uncover excited state geometry changes and early vibrational dynamics from distinct morphological forms in polymer/fullerene blends.
Effects of the dipolar interaction on the equilibrium morphologies of a single supramolecular magnetic filament in bulk
Authors: Sánchez Pedro A. , Cerdà Joan J. , Sintes Tomás , Holm Christian
Published: July 2013

We study the equilibrium morphologies of a single supramolecular magnetic filament in a three-dimensional system as a function of the effective strength of the magnetic dipolar interactions. The study is performed by means of Langevin dynamics simulations with a bead-spring chain model of freely rotating dipoles. We demonstrate the existence of three structural regimes as the value of the dipolar coupling parameter is increased: a coil compaction regime, a coil expansion regime, and a closed chain regime in which the structures tend progressively to an ideal ring configuration. We discuss the governing effects of each regime, the structural transition between open and closed morphologies, and the reasons why we see no multiloop configurations that have been observed in two-dimensional systems under similar conditions.
Numerical integration of the extended variable generalized Langevin equation with a positive Prony representable memory kernel
Authors: Baczewski Andrew D. , Bond Stephen D.
Published: July 2013

Generalized Langevin dynamics (GLD) arise in the modeling of a number of systems, ranging from structured fluids that exhibit a viscoelastic mechanical response, to biological systems, and other media that exhibit anomalous diffusive phenomena. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that include GLD in conjunction with external and/or pairwise forces require the development of numerical integrators that are efficient, stable, and have known convergence properties. In this article, we derive a family of extended variable integrators for the Generalized Langevin equation with a positive Prony series memory kernel. Using stability and error analysis, we identify a superlative choice of parameters and implement the corresponding numerical algorithm in the LAMMPS MD software package. Salient features of the algorithm include exact conservation of the first and second moments of the equilibrium velocity distribution in some important cases, stable behavior in the limit of conventional Langevin dynamics, and the use of a convolution-free formalism that obviates the need for explicit storage of the time history of particle velocities. Capability is demonstrated with respect to accuracy in numerous canonical examples, stability in certain limits, and an exemplary application in which the effect of a harmonic confining potential is mapped onto a memory kernel.
Design of a humidity controlled sample stage for simultaneous conductivity and synchrotron X-ray scattering measurements
Authors: Jackson Andrew , Beers Keith M. , Chen X. Chelsea , Hexemer Alexander , Pople John A. , Kerr John B. , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: July 2013

We report on the design and operation of a novel sample stage, used to simultaneously measure X-ray scattering profiles and conductivity of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) surrounded by humid air as a function of temperature and relative humidity. We present data obtained at the Advanced Light Source and Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. We demonstrate precise humidity control and accurate determination of morphology and conductivity over a wide range of temperatures. The sample stage is used to study structure-property relationships of a semi-crystalline block copolymer PEM, sulfonated polystyrene-block-polyethylene.
Quartic Poisson algebras and quartic associative algebras and realizations as deformed oscillator algebras
Authors: Marquette Ian
Published: July 2013

We introduce the most general quartic Poisson algebra generated by a second and a fourth order integral of motion of a 2D superintegrable classical system. We obtain the corresponding quartic (associative) algebra for the quantum analog, extend Daskaloyannis construction obtained in context of quadratic algebras, and also obtain the realizations as deformed oscillator algebras for this quartic algebra. We obtain the Casimir operator and discuss how these realizations allow to obtain the finite-dimensional unitary irreducible representations of quartic algebras and obtain algebraically the degenerate energy spectrum of superintegrable systems. We apply the construction and the formula obtained for the structure function on a superintegrable system related to type I Laguerre exceptional orthogonal polynomials introduced recently.
Field-free orientation by a single-cycle THz pulse: The NaI and IBr molecules
Authors: Zhao Ze-Yu , Han Yong-Chang , Huang Yin , Cong Shu-Lin
Published: July 2013

The field-free orientation induced by a single-cycle terahertz (THz) laser pulse is studied for two “heavy” molecules, NaI and IBr. Two methods are used and compared in the calculations: One is to solve the exact time-dependent Schrödinger equation (ETDSE) considering the full-rovibrational degrees of freedom, and the other is to invoke the rigid-rotor approximation (RRA). Calculations are performed for the central frequency varying from 0.05 to 1.0 THz and for the peak intensity taken to be 5 × 107, 2 × 108, and 5 × 108 W/cm2, respectively. The degree of field-free orientation, ⟨cosθ⟩, is strongly dependent on the central frequency and the peak intensity of the single-cycle THz pulse. The maximum degree of field-free orientation is determined to be 0.84 for NaI and 0.63 for IBr in these given ranges of frequency and intensity. The molecular orientation obtained by the RRA calculations is in good agreement with that obtained by the ETDSE in the given parameter region.
Simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature based on intensity demodulation using matching grating method
Authors: Qi Liang , Zhao Chun-Liu , Kang Juan , Jin Yongxing , Wang Jianfeng , Ye Manping , Jin Shangzhong
Published: July 2013

A solution refractive index (SRI) and temperature simultaneous measurement sensor with intensity-demodulation system based on matching grating method were demonstrated. Long period grating written in a photonic crystal fiber (LPG-PCF), provides temperature stable and wavelength dependent optical intensity transmission. The reflective peaks of two fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), one of which is etched then sensitive to both SRI and temperature, another (FBG2) is only sensitive to temperature, were located in the same linear range of the LPG-PCF's transmission spectrum. An identical FBG with FBG2 was chosen as a matching FBG. When environments (SRI and temperature) change, the wavelength shifts of the FBGs are translated effectively to the reflection intensity changes. By monitoring output lights of unmatching and matching paths, the SRI and temperature were deduced by a signal processing unit. Experimental results show that the simultaneous refractive index and temperature measurement system work well. The proposed sensor system is compact and suitable for in situ applications at lower cost.
Biomolecule detection based on Si single-electron transistors for practical use
Authors: Nakajima Anri , Kudo Takashi , Furuse Sadaharu
Published: July 2013

Experimental and theoretical analyses demonstrated that ultra-sensitive biomolecule detection can be achieved using a Si single-electron transistor (SET). A multi-island channel structure was used to enable room-temperature operation. Coulomb oscillation increases transconductance without increasing channel width, which increases detection sensitivity to a charged target. A biotin-modified SET biosensor was used to detect streptavidin at a dilute concentration. In addition, an antibody-functionalized SET biosensor was used for immunodetection of prostate-specific antigen, demonstrating its suitability for practical use. The feasibility of ultra-sensitive detection of biomolecules for practical use by using a SET biosensor was clearly proven through this systematic study.
Effects of H2 on Ar plasma jet: From filamentary to diffuse discharge mode
Authors: Wu S. , Lu X. , Zou D. , Pan Y.
Published: July 2013

Atmospheric-pressure plasma jets have recently attracted significant interest for its widespread applications in many fields from medicine to nanotechnology, yet the issue of the controlling the stability of Ar plasma jets remains a major challenge. In this paper, when 3% or more H2 is added to working gas Ar, it is found that the Ar plasma transits from filamentary mode to diffuse mode. In addition, the electric characteristics and the dynamics of the plasmas are studied. It is found that the peak current flowing through the ground electrode for the filament mode is about 0.5 A, which is much higher than 0.05 A for the diffuse mode. Furthermore, similar with those reported, 100 shots integrated photographs on dynamic of the diffuse discharge are taken, the photographs reveal that the plasma plume propagation appears like a “plasma bullet.” On the other hand, a single shot photographs of the plasma in the diffuse mode show the “plasma bullet” is actually composed of several interacting streamers. Detailed analysis shows that the slow ionization is responsible for the generation of the filamentary-to-diffuse mode transition.
Wafer bonded distributed feedback laser with sidewall modulated Bragg gratings
Authors: Bondarenko Olesya , Gu Qing , Shane Janelle , Simic Aleksandar , Slutsky Boris , Fainman Yeshaiahu
Published: July 2013

We demonstrate an optically pumped hybrid III-V/Si distributed feedback laser with a small footprint, using sidewall modulated Bragg gratings for optical feedback. Our approach provides high overlap between lasing mode and gain medium and may enable hybrid lasers with improved efficiency, reduced threshold, and minimal size. We fabricate the structure using plasma-assisted wafer bonding, followed by self-aligned lithography and etching. The latter allows us to avoid alignment errors. This approach is a promising avenue toward ultracompact, energy efficient, and scalable monolithically integrated photonic circuits.
Nonlinear thermal effect on sub-gigahertz ferromagnetic resonance in magnetic tunnel junction
Authors: Miwa S. , Fujii Y. , Kubota H. , Yakushiji K. , Ishibashi S. , Saruya T. , Fukushima A. , Yuasa S. , Suzuki Y.
Published: July 2013

Sub-gigahertz ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) is investigated in a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with small anisotropy fields. Distinct FMR spectra down to 0.36 GHz are obtained by applying an external field that cancels out the anisotropy. A macrospin model simulation reveals that the difficulty in obtaining a smaller frequency excitation is not due to a magnetization inhomogeneity mainly attributed to domain creation but to a nonlinear thermal effect. The results indicate that anisotropy engineering through interfacial magnetic anisotropy together with voltage control will assist in realizing MTJs for low-frequency spin-torque devices.
Boron concentration profiling by high angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy in homoepitaxial δ-doped diamond layers
Authors: Araújo D. , Alegre M. P. , Piñero J. C. , Fiori A. , Bustarret E. , Jomard F.
Published: July 2013

To develop further diamond related devices, the concentration and spatial location of dopants should be controlled down to the nanometer scale. Scanning transmission electron microscopy using the high angle annular dark field mode is shown to be sensitive to boron doping in diamond epilayers. An analytical procedure is described, whereby local boron concentrations above 1020 cm−3 were quantitatively derived down to nanometer resolution from the signal dependence on thickness and boron content. Experimental boron local doping profiles measured on diamond p−/p++/p− multilayers are compared to macroscopic profiles obtained by secondary ion mass spectrometry, avoiding reported artefacts.
Localization of off-stress-induced damage in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors by means of low frequency 1/f noise measurements
Authors: Silvestri Marco , Uren Michael J. , Killat Nicole , Marcon Denis , Kuball Martin
Published: July 2013

The location of the time dependent degradation in OFF-state stressed AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors is studied using low frequency 1/f noise measurements, with additional electroluminescence analysis. The gate bias dependence of the 1/f noise is shown to be a powerful tool to illustrate that in addition to the gate edge breakdown, progressive time-dependent trap generation occurs underneath the gate area, possibly extending in the gate-drain access region due to the electric field peak associated with the gate field plate.
Disorder and the Urbach edge in dilute bismide GaAsBi
Authors: Gogineni Chaturvedi , Riordan Nathaniel A. , Johnson Shane R. , Lu Xianfeng , Tiedje Tom
Published: July 2013

The characteristic emission from tail states below the bandgap of GaAsBi/GaAs quantum wells is studied using photoluminescence spectroscopy over a 10–300 K temperature range and a 0.1–1000 mW pump power range. The tail states exhibit two characteristic energies: A deeper one that is temperature independent at 29 meV and one nearer to bandgap that is temperature dependent, broadening from 17 meV at 10 K–29 meV at room temperature. The tail states are thought to originate from localization of the Bi states and disorder effects due to alloy fluctuations and clustering on the group-V sublattice.
Self-trapped beams crossing tilted channels to induce guided polarization separators
Authors: Fares Luai Al , Devaux Fabrice , Guichardaz Blandine , Chauvet Mathieu
Published: July 2013

Self-trapped beams ability to cross narrow tilted channels is studied. The experiments are performed in photorefractive lithium niobate chips structured with 200 μm wide channels. It reveals that efficient beam self-confinement controlled by the pyroelectric effect can be obtained even when the beam is crossing a channel at large angle of incidence approaching the critical angle. Once formed, self-trapped beams leave place to two perfectly adapted and aligned waveguides on both sides of the channel. This technique with unique self-alignment ability is exploited to demonstrate the fabrication of a guided-wave polarization separator component.
Begonia dye as an efficient anthocyanin sensitizer
Authors: Singh Lakshmi K. , Karlo T. , Pandey A.
Published: July 2013

Dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated by sensitizing with Begonia dye extracted from a new variant of Begonia plant which is found in the Eastern Himalayas. The quality of TiO2 coated substrate was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The extracted dye and the dye-sensitized TiO2 coated substrates were subjected to UV-Vis spectrophotometer, fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies. The presence of anthocyanin in Begonia dye has been confirmed from above studies. Thermal studies of the dye extract reveal that it is stable till 150 °C. The fabricated cells have efficiency in the range 1.73–1.86%, which is the highest known efficiency in anthocyanin based natural dye sensitized solar cell.