bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-pot synthesis of 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone surface functionalised SrF2:Eu3+ nanoparticles: trace level detection of water
Authors: Ghosh Debasish , Luwang Meitram Niraj
Published: May 2015

Trace level detection of water by 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone Surface functionalised fluorescent lanthanide (Eu3+) doped SrF2 nanoparticles.
Selective photodegradation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole by a novel imprinted CoFe2O4/MWCNTs photocatalyst
Authors: Lu Ziyang , He Ming , Yang Lili , Ma Zhongfei , Yang Li , Wang Dandan , Yan Yongsheng , Shi Weidong , Liu Yang , Hua Zhoufa
Published: May 2015

Photocatalytic activity of a novel imprinted CoFe2O4/MWCNTs photocatalyst is enhanced by introducing PPy into the surface-imprinted layer, and the novel imprinted CoFe2O4/MWCNTs photocatalyst possesses better selection for the degradation of MBT.
Facile synthesis of microcellular foam catalysts with adjustable hierarchical porous structure, acid–base strength and wettability for biomass energy conversion
Authors: Gao Heping , Pan Jianming , Han Donglai , Zhang Yunlei , Shi Weidong , Zeng Jun , Peng Yinxian , Yan Yongsheng
Published: May 2015

Microcellular foam catalysts with hydrophobic, acid–base, and hierarchical porous properties for conversion of one-pot cellulose to HMF have been synthesized.
Examining charge transport networks in organic bulk heterojunction photovoltaic diodes using 1/f noise spectroscopy
Authors: Kaku K. , Williams A. T. , Mendis B. G. , Groves C.
Published: May 2015

In this article we present 1/f noise spectroscopy measurements relating to charge transport networks in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) space-charge limited diode (SCLD) and organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices.
Improved ternary memory performance of donor–acceptor structured molecules through cyano substitution
Authors: Zhang Qijian , Zhuang Hao , He Jinghui , Xia Shugang , Li Hua , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Lu Jianmei
Published: May 2015

Novelty: the forming of layer by layer stacking and the realization of excellent ternary memory devices through introducing CN groups in the molecular backbone.
FOXO target gene CTDSP2 regulates cell cycle progression through Ras and p21Cip1/Waf1
Authors: Kloet David E.A. , Polderman Paulien E. , Eijkelenboom Astrid , Smits Lydia M. , van Triest Miranda H. , van den Berg Maaike C.W. , Koerkamp Marian J. Groot , van Leenen Dik , Lijnzaad Philip , Holstege Frank C. , Burgering Boudewijn M.T.
Published: May 2015

Activity of FOXO (forkhead box O) transcription factors is inhibited by growth factor–PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)–PKB (protein kinase B)/Akt signalling to control a variety of cellular processes including cell cycle progression. Through comparative analysis of a number of microarray datasets we identified a set of genes commonly regulated by FOXO proteins and PI3K–PKB/Akt, which includes CTDSP2 (C-terminal domain small phosphatase 2). We validated CTDSP2 as a genuine FOXO target gene and show that ectopic CTDSP2 can induce cell cycle arrest. We analysed transcriptional regulation after CTDSP2 expression and identified extensive regulation of genes involved in cell cycle progression, which depends on the phosphatase activity of CTDSP2. The most notably regulated gene is the CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitor p21Cip1/Waf1 and in the present study we show that p21Cip1/Waf1 is partially responsible for the cell cycle arrest through decreasing cyclin–CDK activity. Our data suggest that CTDSP2 induces p21Cip1/Waf1 through increasing the activity of Ras. As has been described previously, Ras induces p21Cip1/Waf1 through p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways and indeed both p53 and MEK inhibition can mitigate the CTDSP2-induced p21Cip1/Waf1 mRNA up-regulation. In support of Ras activation by CTDSP2, depletion of endogenous CTDSP2 results in reduced Ras activity and thus CTDSP2 seems to be part of a larger set of genes regulated by FOXO proteins, which increase growth factor signalling upon FOXO activation.
Fibrinogen-like protein 2 gene silencing inhibits cardiomyocytes apoptosis, improves heart function of streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats and the molecular mechanism involved
Authors: Zhenzhong Zheng , Yafa Yu , Jin Liang
Published: May 2015

Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (Fgl2) is involved in apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammatory response. Diabetes is closely associated with apoptosis, angiogenesis and coagulation. So it allowed us to assume that Fgl2 plays an important role during the process of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). In the present study, we test that the feasibility of Fgl2 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of DCM and its possible molecular mechanism involved. We found that Fgl2 gene silencing inhibits apoptosis and improves heart function of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes rats, the possible mechanism maybe that Fgl2 gene silencing reduces the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)±levels, decreases the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl2), bcl-2-associated X (bax), toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In conclusion, Fgl2 is a potent target to treat DCM.
Comparison of formulas for resonant interactions between energetic electrons and oblique whistler-mode waves
Authors: Li Jinxing , Bortnik Jacob , Xie Lun , Pu Zuyin , Chen Lunjin , Ni Binbin , Tao Xin , Thorne Richard M. , Fu Suiyan , Yao Zhonghua , Guo Ruilong
Published: May 2015

Test particle simulation is a useful method for studying both linear and nonlinear wave-particle interactions in the magnetosphere. The gyro-averaged equations of particle motion for first-order and other cyclotron harmonic resonances with oblique whistler-mode waves were first derived by Bell [J. Geophys. Res. 89, 905 (1984)] and the most recent relativistic form was given by Ginet and Albert [Phys. Fluids B 3, 2994 (1991)], and Bortnik [Ph.D. thesis (Stanford University, 2004), p. 40]. However, recently we found there was a (−1)l−1 term difference between their formulas of perpendicular motion for the lth-order resonance. This article presents the detailed derivation process of the generalized resonance formulas, and suggests a check of the signs for self-consistency, which is independent of the choice of conventions, that is, the energy variation equation resulting from the momentum equations should not contain any wave magnetic components, simply because the magnetic field does not contribute to changes of particle energy. In addition, we show that the wave centripetal force, which was considered small and was neglect in previous studies of nonlinear interactions, has a profound time derivative and can significantly enhance electron phase trapping especially in high frequency waves. This force can also bounce the low pitch angle particles out of the loss cone. We justify both the sign problem and the missing wave centripetal force by demonstrating wave-particle interaction examples, and comparing the gyro-averaged particle motion to the full particle motion under the Lorentz force.
Coherent (photon) vs incoherent (current) detection of multidimensional optical signals from single molecules in open junctions
Authors: Agarwalla Bijay Kumar , Harbola Upendra , Hua Weijie , Zhang Yu , Mukamel Shaul
Published: May 2015

The nonlinear optical response of a current-carrying single molecule coupled to two metal leads and driven by a sequence of impulsive optical pulses with controllable phases and time delays is calculated. Coherent (stimulated, heterodyne) detection of photons and incoherent detection of the optically induced current are compared. Using a diagrammatic Liouville space superoperator formalism, the signals are recast in terms of molecular correlation functions which are then expanded in the many-body molecular states. Two dimensional signals in benzene-1,4-dithiol molecule show cross peaks involving charged states. The correlation between optical and charge current signal is also observed.
Contactless magnetic excitation of acoustic cavitation in liquid metals
Authors: Grants Ilmārs , Gerbeth Gunter , Bojarevičs Andris
Published: May 2015

A steady axial magnetic field is applied to a liquid metal zone heated by induction currents. The resulting alternating Lorentz force causes pressure oscillations that being strong enough lead to cavitation in the molten metal. Amplitude of the pressure oscillations is proportional to the product of the induced currents and the steady axial magnetic field induction. We follow an approach where the acoustic pressure is maximized by the induction currents. The onset of cavitation is identified by the occurrence of sub-harmonics of the drive frequency in sound recorded at the surface of the experimental cell. It is demonstrated that cavitation in a liquid metal may be excited by a superimposed axial magnetic field of a moderate 0.5 T induction.
Stabilization of Pt monolayer catalysts under harsh conditions of fuel cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Yu Shansheng , Qiao Liang , Zheng Weitao , Liu Ping
Published: May 2015

We employed density functional theory to explore the stability of core (M = Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Os, Ir, Au)-shell (Pt) catalysts under harsh conditions, including solutions and reaction intermediates involved in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. A pseudomorphic surface alloy (PSA) with a Pt monolayer (Pt1ML) supported on an M surface, Pt1ML/M(111) or (001), was considered as a model system. Different sets of candidate M cores were identified to achieve a stable Pt1ML shell depending on the conditions. In vacuum conditions, the Pt1ML shell can be stabilized on the most of M cores except Cu, Ag, and Au. The situation varies under various electrochemical conditions. Depending on the solutions and the operating reaction pathways of the ORR, different M should be considered. Pd and Ir are the only core metals studied, being able to keep the PtML shell intact in perchloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and alkaline solutions as well as under the ORR conditions via different pathways. Ru and Os cores should also be paid attention, which only fall during the ORR via the *OOH intermediate. Rh core works well as long as the ORR does not undergo the pathway via *O intermediate. Our results show that PSAs can behave differently from the near surface alloy, Pt1ML/M1ML/Pt(111), highlighting the importance of considering both chemical environments and the atomic structures in rational design of highly stable core-shell nanocatalysts. Finally, the roles that d-band center of a core M played in determining the stability of supported Pt1ML shell were also discussed.
Solution processed lanthanum aluminate gate dielectrics for use in metal oxide-based thin film transistors
Authors: Esro M. , Mazzocco R. , Vourlias G. , Kolosov O. , Krier A. , Milne W. I. , Adamopoulos G.
Published: May 2015

We report on ZnO-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) employing lanthanum aluminate gate dielectrics (LaxAl1−xOy) grown by spray pyrolysis in ambient atmosphere at 440 °C. The structural, electronic, optical, morphological, and electrical properties of the LaxAl1−xOy films and devices as a function of the lanthanum to aluminium atomic ratio were investigated using a wide range of characterization techniques such as UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, impedance spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and field-effect measurements. As-deposited LaAlOy dielectrics exhibit a wide band gap (∼6.18 eV), high dielectric constant (k ∼ 16), low roughness (∼1.9 nm), and very low leakage currents (<3 nA/cm2). TFTs employing solution processed LaAlOy gate dielectrics and ZnO semiconducting channels exhibit excellent electron transport characteristics with hysteresis-free operation, low operation voltages (∼10 V), high on/off current modulation ratio of >106, subthreshold swing of ∼650 mV dec−1, and electron mobility of ∼12 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Continuum model for chiral induced spin selectivity in helical molecules
Authors: Medina Ernesto , González-Arraga Luis A. , Finkelstein-Shapiro Daniel , Berche Bertrand , Mujica Vladimiro
Published: May 2015

A minimal model is exactly solved for electron spin transport on a helix. Electron transport is assumed to be supported by well oriented pz type orbitals on base molecules forming a staircase of definite chirality. In a tight binding interpretation, the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) opens up an effective πz − πz coupling via interbase px,y − pz hopping, introducing spin coupled transport. The resulting continuum model spectrum shows two Kramers doublet transport channels with a gap proportional to the SOC. Each doubly degenerate channel satisfies time reversal symmetry; nevertheless, a bias chooses a transport direction and thus selects for spin orientation. The model predicts (i) which spin orientation is selected depending on chirality and bias, (ii) changes in spin preference as a function of input Fermi level and (iii) back-scattering suppression protected by the SO gap. We compute the spin current with a definite helicity and find it to be proportional to the torsion of the chiral structure and the non-adiabatic Aharonov-Anandan phase. To describe room temperature transport, we assume that the total transmission is the result of a product of coherent steps.
Towards quantification of vibronic coupling in photosynthetic antenna complexes
Authors: Singh V. P. , Westberg M. , Wang C. , Dahlberg P. D. , Gellen T. , Gardiner A. T. , Cogdell R. J. , Engel G. S.
Published: May 2015

Photosynthetic antenna complexes harvest sunlight and efficiently transport energy to the reaction center where charge separation powers biochemical energy storage. The discovery of existence of long lived quantum coherence during energy transfer has sparked the discussion on the role of quantum coherence on the energy transfer efficiency. Early works assigned observed coherences to electronic states, and theoretical studies showed that electronic coherences could affect energy transfer efficiency—by either enhancing or suppressing transfer. However, the nature of coherences has been fiercely debated as coherences only report the energy gap between the states that generate coherence signals. Recent works have suggested that either the coherences observed in photosynthetic antenna complexes arise from vibrational wave packets on the ground state or, alternatively, coherences arise from mixed electronic and vibrational states. Understanding origin of coherences is important for designing molecules for efficient light harvesting. Here, we give a direct experimental observation from a mutant of LH2, which does not have B800 chromophores, to distinguish between electronic, vibrational, and vibronic coherence. We also present a minimal theoretical model to characterize the coherences both in the two limiting cases of purely vibrational and purely electronic coherence as well as in the intermediate, vibronic regime.
The complex mixed Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin-full-wave approach and its application to the two dimensional mode structure analysis of ion temperature gradient/collisionless trapped electron mode drift waves
Authors: Lu Z. X.
Published: May 2015

The complex mixed Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB)-full-wave approach is applied to the 2D mode structure analysis of ion temperature gradient/collisionless trapped electron mode drift waves in tokamak plasmas. The parallel mode structure is calculated with the full-wave approach, while the radial envelope is calculated with the complex WKB method. The tilting of the global mode structure along radius is demonstrated analytically. The effects of the phase and amplitude variation of the radial envelope on the parallel mode structure are included in terms of a complex radial wave vector in the parallel mode equation. It is shown that the radial equilibrium non-uniformity leads to the asymmetry of the parallel mode structure not only in configuration space but also in spectrum space. The mixed approach provides a practical way to analyze the asymmetric component of the global mode structure due to radial equilibrium non-uniformity.
A fluctuation method to calculate the third order elastic constants in crystalline solids
Authors: Chen Zimu , Qu Jianmin
Published: May 2015

This paper derives exact expressions of the isothermal third order elastic constants (TOE) in crystalline solids in terms of the kinetic and potential energies of the system. These expressions reveal that the TOE constants consist of a Born component and a relaxation component. The Born component is simply the third derivative of the system's potential energy with respect to the deformation, while the relaxation component is related to the non-uniform rearrangements of the atoms when the system is subject to a macroscopic deformation. Further, based on the general expressions derived here, a direct (fluctuation) method of computing the isothermal TOE constants is developed. Numerical examples of using this fluctuation method are given to compute the TOE constants of single crystal iron.
Levi decomposable subalgebras of the symplectic algebra C2
Authors: Douglas Andrew , Repka Joe
Published: May 2015

The semisimple subalgebras of the symplectic algebra C2 are well known. In this article, we classify the Levi decomposable subalgebras of the symplectic algebra C2, up to inner automorphism. By Levi’s theorem, a full classification of the subalgebras of C2 would be complete with a classification of its solvable subalgebras.
Accurate quantum dynamics calculations of vibrational spectrum of dideuteromethane CH2D2
Authors: Yu Hua-Gen
Published: May 2015

We report a rigorous variational study of the infrared (IR) vibrational spectra of both CH2D2 and 13CH2D2 isotopomers using an exact molecular Hamiltonian. Calculations are carried out using a recently developed multi-layer Lanczos algorithm based on the accurate refined Wang and Carrington potential energy surface of methane and the low-order truncated ab initio dipole moment surface of Yurchenko et al. [J. Mol. Spectrosc. 291, 69 (2013)]. All well converged 357 vibrational energy levels up to 6100 cm−1 of CH2D2 are obtained, together with a comparison to previous calculations and 91 experimental bands available. The calculated frequencies are in excellent agreement with the experimental results and give a root-mean-square error of 0.67 cm−1. In particular, we also compute the transition intensities from the vibrational ground state for both isotopomers. Based on the theoretical results, 20 experimental bands are suggested to be re-assigned. Surprisingly, an anomalous C isotopic effect is discovered in the nν5 modes of CH2D2. The predicted IR spectra provide useful information for understanding those unknown bands.
Microscale flow propulsion through bioinspired and magnetically actuated artificial cilia
Authors: Chen Chia-Yuan , Cheng Ling-Ying , Hsu Chun-Chieh , Mani Karthick
Published: May 2015

Recent advances in microscale flow propulsion through bioinspired artificial cilia provide a promising alternative for lab-on-a-chip applications. However, the ability of actuating artificial cilia to achieve a time-dependent local flow control with high accuracy together with the elegance of full integration into the biocompatible microfluidic platforms remains remote. Driven by this motive, the current work has constructed a series of artificial cilia inside a microchannel to facilitate the time-dependent flow propulsion through artificial cilia actuation with high-speed (>40 Hz) circular beating behavior. The generated flow was quantified using micro-particle image velocimetry and particle tracking with instantaneous net flow velocity of up to 101 μm/s. Induced flow patterns caused by the tilted conical motion of artificial cilia constitutes efficient fluid propulsion at microscale. This flow phenomenon was further measured and illustrated by examining the induced flow behavior across the depth of the microchannel to provide a global view of the underlying flow propulsion mechanism. The presented analytic paradigms and substantial flow evidence present novel insights into the area of flow manipulation at microscale.
Synthesis of metal silicide at metal/silicon oxide interface by electronic excitation
Authors: Lee J.-G. , Nagase T. , Yasuda H. , Mori H.
Published: May 2015

The synthesis of metal silicide at the metal/silicon oxide interface by electronic excitation was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. A platinum silicide, α-Pt2Si, was successfully formed at the platinum/silicon oxide interface under 25–200 keV electron irradiation. This is of interest since any platinum silicide was not formed at the platinum/silicon oxide interface by simple thermal annealing under no-electron-irradiation conditions. From the electron energy dependence of the cross section for the initiation of the silicide formation, it is clarified that the silicide formation under electron irradiation was not due to a knock-on atom-displacement process, but a process induced by electronic excitation. It is suggested that a mechanism related to the Knotek and Feibelman mechanism may play an important role in silicide formation within the solid. Similar silicide formation was also observed at the palladium/silicon oxide and nickel/silicon oxide interfaces, indicating a wide generality of the silicide formation by electronic excitation.
Raman spectra of Cu2BIICIVX4VI magnetic quaternary semiconductor compounds with tetragonal stannite type structure
Authors: Rincón C. , Quintero M. , Power Ch. , Moreno E. , Quintero E. , Henao J. A. , Macías M. A. , Morocoima M.
Published: May 2015

A comparative study of the Raman spectra of Cu2BIICIVS4VI and Cu2BIICIVSe4VI(where B = Mn or Fe) magnetic quaternary semiconductor compounds with stannite-type structure (I4¯2m) has been done. Most of the fourteen Raman lines expected for these materials were observed in the spectra. The two strongest lines observed have been assigned to the IR inactive A11 and A12 stannite modes that originated from the motion of the S or Se anion around the Cu and CIV cations remaining at rest. The shift in the frequency of these two lines of about 150 cm−1 to lower energies observed in Cu2BIICIVSe4VI compounds as compared to those in Cu2BIICIVS4VI ones, can then be explained as due to the anion mass effect. Based on the fact that values of these frequencies depend mainly on anion mass and bond-stretching forces between nearest-neighbor atoms, the vibrational frequencies v¯(A12) and v¯(A12) of both modes for several Cu2BIICIVX4VI stannite compounds (where X = S, Se, or Te) very close to the experimental data reported for these materials were calculated from a simple model that relates these stretching forces to the anion-cation bond-distances.
Light-trapping and antireflective coatings for amorphous Si-based thin film solar cells
Authors: Voroshilov Pavel M. , Simovski Constantin R. , Belov Pavel A. , Shalin Alexander S.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we study the efficiency of several types of all-dielectric, non-resonant, antireflection, and light-trapping coatings for the enhancement of photovoltaic absorption in thin-film silicon solar cells. We compare the enhancement of the photovoltaic absorption offered by a square array of nano-pillar shaped voids in the dielectric covering of the cell with that granted by a flat blooming layer, and a densely packed array of dielectric nanospheres. We optimize these coatings and show that the newly proposed nanostructure allows a significant increase of the photovoltaic absorption. The dependence of antireflection and light-trapping properties on the angle of incidence is numerically investigated, and it is shown that the array of voids keeps optimal also after averaging over the incidence angles.
Vortex dynamics during blade-vortex interactions
Authors: Peng Di , Gregory James W.
Published: May 2015

Vortex dynamics during parallel blade-vortex interactions (BVIs) were investigated in a subsonic wind tunnel using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Vortices were generated by applying a rapid pitch-up motion to an airfoil through a pneumatic system, and the subsequent interactions with a downstream, unloaded target airfoil were studied. The blade-vortex interactions may be classified into three categories in terms of vortex behavior: close interaction, very close interaction, and collision. For each type of interaction, the vortex trajectory and strength variation were obtained from phase-averaged PIV data. The PIV results revealed the mechanisms of vortex decay and the effects of several key parameters on vortex dynamics, including separation distance (h/c), Reynolds number, and vortex sense. Generally, BVI has two main stages: interaction between vortex and leading edge (vortex-LE interaction) and interaction between vortex and boundary layer (vortex-BL interaction). Vortex-LE interaction, with its small separation distance, is dominated by inviscid decay of vortex strength due to pressure gradients near the leading edge. Therefore, the decay rate is determined by separation distance and vortex strength, but it is relatively insensitive to Reynolds number. Vortex-LE interaction will become a viscous-type interaction if there is enough separation distance. Vortex-BL interaction is inherently dominated by viscous effects, so the decay rate is dependent on Reynolds number. Vortex sense also has great impact on vortex-BL interaction because it changes the velocity field and shear stress near the surface.
Effects of aluminum on epitaxial graphene grown on C-face SiC
Authors: Xia Chao , Johansson Leif I. , Niu Yuran , Hultman Lars , Virojanadara Chariya
Published: May 2015

The effects of Al layers deposited on graphene grown on C-face SiC substrates are investigated before and after subsequent annealing using low energy electron diffraction (LEED), photoelectron spectroscopy, and angle resolved photoemission. As-deposited layers appear inert. Annealing at a temperature of about 400 °C initiates migration of Al through the graphene into the graphene/SiC interface. Further annealing at temperatures from 500 °C to 700 °C induces formation of an ordered compound, producing a two domain √7× √7R19° LEED pattern and significant changes in the core level spectra that suggest formation of an Al-Si-C compound. Decomposition of this compound starts after annealing at 800 °C, and at 1000 °C, Al is no longer possible to detect at the surface. On Si-face graphene, deposited Al layers did not form such an Al-Si-C compound, and Al was still detectable after annealing above 1000 °C.
Rigorous numerical study of strong microwave photon-magnon coupling in all-dielectric magnetic multilayers
Authors: Maksymov Ivan S. , Hutomo Jessica , Nam Donghee , Kostylev Mikhail
Published: May 2015

We demonstrate theoretically a ∼350-fold local enhancement of the intensity of the in-plane microwave magnetic field in multilayered structures made from a magneto-insulating yttrium iron garnet (YIG) layer sandwiched between two non-magnetic layers with a high dielectric constant matching that of YIG. The enhancement is predicted for the excitation regime when the microwave magnetic field is induced inside the multilayer by the transducer of a stripline Broadband Ferromagnetic Resonance (BFMR) setup. By means of a rigorous numerical solution of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation consistently with the Maxwell's equations, we investigate the magnetisation dynamics in the multilayer. We reveal a strong photon-magnon coupling, which manifests itself as anti-crossing of the ferromagnetic resonance magnon mode supported by the YIG layer and the electromagnetic resonance mode supported by the whole multilayered structure. The frequency of the magnon mode depends on the external static magnetic field, which in our case is applied tangentially to the multilayer in the direction perpendicular to the microwave magnetic field induced by the stripline of the BFMR setup. The frequency of the electromagnetic mode is independent of the static magnetic field. Consequently, the predicted photon-magnon coupling is sensitive to the applied magnetic field and thus can be used in magnetically tuneable metamaterials based on simultaneously negative permittivity and permeability achievable thanks to the YIG layer. We also suggest that the predicted photon-magnon coupling may find applications in microwave quantum information systems.
A confocal microscope position sensor for micron-scale target alignment in ultra-intense laser-matter experiments
Authors: Willis Christopher , Poole Patrick L. , Akli Kramer U. , Schumacher Douglass W. , Freeman Richard R.
Published: May 2015

A diagnostic tool for precise alignment of targets in laser-matter interactions based on confocal microscopy is presented. This device permits precision alignment of targets within the Rayleigh range of tight focusing geometries for a wide variety of target surface morphologies. This confocal high-intensity positioner achieves micron-scale target alignment by selectively accepting light reflected from a narrow range of target focal planes. Additionally, the design of the device is such that its footprint and sensitivity can be tuned for the desired chamber and experiment. The device has been demonstrated to position targets repeatably within the Rayleigh range of the Scarlet laser system at The Ohio State University, where use of the device has provided a marked increase in ion yield and maximum energy.
The effect of copper on the sub-bandgap density of states of CdTe solar cells
Authors: Warren Charles W. , Li Jiaojiao , Wolden Colin A. , Meysing Daniel M. , Barnes Teresa M. , Miller D. Westley , Heath Jennifer T. , Lonergan Mark C.
Published: May 2015

Two optical sub-bandgap transitions in CdTe thin-film solar cells have been identified using detailed transient photocapacitance and transient photocurrent spectroscopy measurements. A broad response centered at EV + 0.9 eV directly correlates with the quantity of Cu present in the absorber layer, while a second response at EV + 1.2 eV does not depend on Cu or Zn and may be an intrinsic defect. These results demonstrate the influence of Cu on the sub-bandgap density of states of CdTe, and they are critical to understanding, modeling, and improving its optoelectronic properties.
Ba2TeO as an optoelectronic material: First-principles study
Authors: Sun Jifeng , Shi Hongliang , Du Mao-Hua , Siegrist Theo , Singh David J.
Published: May 2015

The band structure, optical, and defects properties of Ba2TeO are systematically investigated using density functional theory with a view to understanding its potential as an optoelectronic or transparent conducting material. Ba2TeO crystallizes with tetragonal structure (space group P4/nmm) and with a 2.93 eV optical bandgap [Besara et al., J. Solid State Chem. 222, 60 (2015)]. We find relatively modest band masses for both electrons and holes suggesting applications. Optical properties show infrared-red absorption when doped. This could potentially be useful for combining wavelength filtering and transparent conducting functions. Furthermore, our defect calculations show that Ba2TeO is intrinsically p-type conducting under Ba-poor condition. However, the spontaneous formation of the donor defects may constrain the p-type transport properties and would need to be addressed to enable applications.
Influence of hydrogen surface passivation on Sn segregation, aggregation, and distribution in GeSn/Ge(001) materials
Authors: Johll Harman , Samuel Milla , Koo Ruey Yi , Kang Hway Chuan , Yeo Yee-Chia , Tok Eng Soon
Published: May 2015

Plane-wave density functional theory is used to investigate the impact of hydrogen passivation of the p(2×2) reconstructed Ge1−xSnx surface on Sn segregation, aggregation, and distribution. On a clean surface, Sn preferentially segregates to the surface layer, with surface coverages of 25%, 50%, and 100% for total Sn concentrations of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0%, respectively. In contrast, a hydrogen passivated surface increases interlayer migration of Sn to subsurface layers, in particular, to the third layer from the surface, and results in surface coverages of 0%, 0%, and 50% corresponding to Sn concentrations of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0%, respectively. Hydrogen transfer from a Ge-capped surface to the one enriched with increasing Sn surface coverage is also an unfavorable process. The presence of hydrogen therefore reduces the surface energy by passivating the reactive dangling bonds and enhancing Sn interlayer migration to the subsurface layers. For both clean and hydrogenated surfaces, aggregation of Sn at the surface layer is also not favored. We explain these results by considering bond enthalpies and the enthalpies of hydrogenation for various surface reactions. Our results thus point to reduced Sn segregation to the surface in a Ge1−xSnx epitaxial thin film if CVD growth, using hydride precursors in the hydrogen limited growth regime, is used. This would lead to a more abrupt interface and is consistent with recent experimental observation. Hydrogenation is therefore a promising method for controlling and manipulating elemental population of Sn in a Ge1−xSnx epitaxial thin film.
Ion temperature gradient turbulence in helical and axisymmetric RFP plasmas
Authors: Predebon I. , Xanthopoulos P.
Published: May 2015

Turbulence induced by the ion temperature gradient (ITG) is investigated in the helical and axisymmetric plasma states of a reversed field pinch device by means of gyrokinetic calculations. The two magnetic configurations are systematically compared, both linearly and nonlinearly, in order to evaluate the impact of the geometry on the instability and its ensuing transport, as well as on the production of zonal flows. Despite its enhanced confinement, the high-current helical state demonstrates a lower ITG stability threshold compared to the axisymmetric state, and ITG turbulence is expected to become an important contributor to the total heat transport.
Current insecticide treatments used in locust control have less of a short-term impact on Australian arid-zone reptile communities than does temporal variation
Authors: Maute Kimberly , French Kristine , Bull C. Michael , Story Paul , Hose Grant
Published: May 2015

Context
Despite the regular use of pesticides to control locusts, there is a lack of information on the effects of locust-control treatments on reptiles worldwide. Exposure to pesticides poses a significant potential hazard to small reptiles, both from the direct effects of exposure, and indirectly because of their largely insectivorous diet and small home ranges.

Aims
Our study aimed to monitor the effects of two insecticides applied operationally for locust control in Australia. A phenyl pyrazole pesticide, fipronil, and a fungal biopesticide, Metarhizium acridium (Green Guard®), were applied aerially in either a barrier or block treatment in the absence of dense locust populations, and effects on non-target arid-zone reptiles were measured.

Methods
We monitored reptile-abundance and community-composition responses to treatments using a large field-based pitfall-trapping experiment, with replicated control and spraying treatments, which approximated the scale of aerial-based locust-control operations in Australia.

Key results
Neither reptile abundance nor community composition was significantly affected by locust-control treatments. However, both abundance and community composition as detected by pitfall trapping changed over time, in both control and treatment plots, possibly as a result of a decrease in annual rainfall.

Conclusions
The absence of any significant short-term pesticide treatment effects in our study suggests that the two locust-control application methods studied present a relatively insignificant hazard to reptiles at our site, based on a single application. Similar to other areas of Australia, climate and other factors are likely to be stronger drivers of reptile abundance and community structure.

Implications
Monitoring over an area that approximates the scale of the current locust-control operations is an important step in understanding the possible effects of current pesticide exposure on reptile populations and will inform insecticide risk assessments in Australia. However, important information on the immediate response of individuals to insecticide application and long-term effects of exposure are missing. The preliminary research reported in the present paper should be complemented by future investigations on long-term and sublethal impacts of pesticide exposure on Australian native reptiles and the possible benefits provided to reptiles by the resource pulses represented in untreated high-density locust populations.
Integration of plastids with their hosts: Lessons learned from dinoflagellates
Authors: Dorrell Richard G. , Howe Christopher J.
Published: May 2015

After their endosymbiotic acquisition, plastids become intimately connected with the biology of their host. For example, genes essential for plastid function may be relocated from the genomes of plastids to the host nucleus, and pathways may evolve within the host to support the plastid. In this review, we consider the different degrees of integration observed in dinoflagellates and their associated plastids, which have been acquired through multiple different endosymbiotic events. Most dinoflagellate species possess plastids that contain the pigment peridinin and show extreme reduction and integration with the host biology. In some species, these plastids have been replaced through serial endosymbiosis with plastids derived from a different phylogenetic derivation, of which some have become intimately connected with the biology of the host whereas others have not. We discuss in particular the evolution of the fucoxanthin-containing dinoflagellates, which have adapted pathways retained from the ancestral peridinin plastid symbiosis for transcript processing in their current, serially acquired plastids. Finally, we consider why such a diversity of different degrees of integration between host and plastid is observed in different dinoflagellates and how dinoflagellates may thus inform our broader understanding of plastid evolution and function.
Measuring the signal-to-noise ratio of a neuron
Authors: Czanner Gabriela , Sarma Sridevi V. , Ba Demba , Eden Uri T. , Wu Wei , Eskandar Emad , Lim Hubert H. , Temereanca Simona , Suzuki Wendy A. , Brown Emery N.
Published: May 2015

Significance

Neurons represent both signal and noise in binary electrical discharges termed action potentials. Hence, the standard signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) definition of signal amplitude squared and divided by the noise variance does not apply. We show that the SNR estimates a ratio of expected prediction errors. Using point process generalized linear models, we extend the standard definition to one appropriate for single neurons. In analyses of four neural systems, we show that single neuron SNRs range from −29 dB to −3 dB and that spiking history is often a more informative predictor of spiking propensity than the signal or stimulus activating the neuron. By generalizing the standard SNR metric, we make explicit the well-known fact that individual neurons are highly noisy information transmitters.
Bleaching, productivity and debonding of prefixoids
Authors: Norde Muriel , Van Goethem Kristel
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present a contrastive survey of a morpheme originally meaning ‘giant’ in German and Swedish. In both languages, this morpheme has developed into a prefixoid with simile or intensifying meaning. More recently, these prefixoids have been shown to occur as free morphemes as well, and it is the purpose of this paper to explore whether a quantitative analysis of synchronic corpus data can be used to determine whether the free forms are spelling variants, or whether they are truly new constructions that are the result of debonding. Drawing data from the COW corpus of contemporary web text, we compare bound and free forms on the levels of R1 collocations, semantic bleaching, and productivity. Our analysis suggests that the German prefixoid has undergone debonding, whereas the Swedish free forms are mere spelling variants.
Effect ofRhizobiumsp. BARIRGm901 inoculation on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and yield of soybean (Glycine max) genotypes in gray terrace soil
Authors: Alam Faridul , Bhuiyan MAH , Alam Sadia Sabrina , Waghmode Tatoba R , Kim Pil Joo , Lee Yong Bok
Published: May 2015

Soybean plants require high amounts of nitrogen, which are mainly obtained from biological nitrogen fixation. A field experiment was conducted by soybean (Glycine max) genotypes, growing two varieties (Shohag and BARI Soybean6) and two advanced lines (MTD10 and BGM02026) of soybean with or without Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 inoculation. Soybean plants of all genotypes inoculated with Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 produced greater nodule numbers, nodule weight, shoot and root biomass, and plant height than non-inoculated plants. Similarly, inoculated plants showed enhanced activity of nitrogenase (NA) enzyme, contributing to higher nitrogen fixation and assimilation, compared to non-inoculated soybean plants in both years. Plants inoculated with Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 also showed higher pod, stover, and seed yield than non-inoculated plants. Therefore, Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 established an effective symbiotic relationship with a range of soybean genotypes and thus increased the nodulation, growth, and yield of soybean grown in gray terrace soils in Bangladesh.
Amenability and covariant injectivity of locally compact quantum groups
Authors: Crann Jason , Neufang Matthias
Published: May 2015

As is well known, the equivalence between amenability of a locally compact groupGGand injectivity of its von Neumann algebraL(G)\mathcal {L}(G)does not hold in general beyond inner amenable groups. In this paper, we show that the equivalence persists for all locally compact groups ifL(G)\mathcal {L}(G)is considered as aT(L2(G))\mathcal {T}(L_2(G))-module with respect to a natural action. In fact, we prove an appropriate version of this result for every locally compact quantum group.
Cdc6 degradation requires phosphodegron created by GSK-3 and Cdk1 for SCFCdc4recognition inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Al-Zain Amr , Schroeder Lea , Sheglov Alina , Ikui Amy E.
Published: May 2015

To ensure genome integrity, DNA replication takes place only once per cell cycle and is tightly controlled by cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk1). Cdc6p is part of the prereplicative complex, which is essential for DNA replication. Cdc6 is phosphorylated by cyclin-Cdk1 to promote its degradation after origin firing to prevent DNA rereplication. We previously showed that a yeast GSK-3 homologue, Mck1 kinase, promotes Cdc6 degradation in a SCFCdc4-dependent manner, therefore preventing rereplication. Here we present evidence that Mck1 directly phosphorylates a GSK-3 consensus site in the C-terminus of Cdc6. The Mck1-dependent Cdc6 phosphorylation required priming by cyclin/Cdk1 at an adjacent CDK consensus site. The sequential phosphorylation by Mck1 and Clb2/Cdk1 generated a Cdc4 E3 ubiquitin ligase–binding motif to promote Cdc6 degradation during mitosis. We further revealed that Cdc6 degradation triggered by Mck1 kinase was enhanced upon DNA damage caused by the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate and that the resulting degradation was mediated through Cdc4. Thus, Mck1 kinase ensures proper DNA replication, prevents DNA damage, and maintains genome integrity by inhibiting Cdc6.
Marketing Contracts and Crop Insurance
Authors: Du Xiaoxue , Ifft Jennifer , Lu Liang , Zilberman David
Published: May 2015

Contracts between farmers and intermediaries and crop insurers are important means for farmers to mitigate risks in modern U.S. agriculture. In this paper, we investigate the effect of crop insurance enrollment on contract terms and farmers’ participation in marketing contracts. Following Ligon (2003), we set up a mechanism design framework to demonstrate an intermediary's contract design problem, where farmers are assumed to be utility maximizing agents. We depict farmers’ optimal choices of insurance coverage using the specification developed by Babcock (2012). Our model shows that improved terms of crop insurance (lower premiums, higher subsidies) make contracts less appealing to farmers as mechanisms for mitigating risk. Therefore, intermediaries may revise their contract offers so that they are more attractive. However, improvements in contract terms are limited by their cost to the intermediaries and will not lead to expanded participation in contracts.
agplus: a rapid and flexible tool for aggregation plots
Authors: Maehara Kazumitsu , Ohkawa Yasuyuki
Published: May 2015

Summary: Aggregation plots are frequently used to evaluate signal distributions at user-interested points in ChIP-Seq data analysis. agplus, a new and simple command-line tool, enables rapid and flexible generation of text tables tailored for aggregation plots from which users can easily design multiple groups based on user-definitions such as regulatory regions or transcription initiation sites.

Availability and Implementation: This software is implemented in Ruby, supported on Linux and Mac OSX, and freely available at http://github.com/kazumits/agplus

Contact:  yohkawa@epigenetics.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
IL-10-independent regulatory B-cell subsets and mechanisms of action
Authors: Ray Avijit , Wang Luman , Dittel Bonnie N.
Published: May 2015

Although classically B cells are known to play important roles in immune protection via humoral immunity, recently their regulatory mechanisms have been best appreciated in the context of autoimmunity. Several studies have identified different subsets of regulatory B cells that vary not only in their phenotype but also in their mechanism of action. Although the best-studied mechanism of B-cell immune regulation is IL-10 production, other IL-10-independent mechanisms have been proposed. These include maintenance of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells; production of transforming growth factor-β, IL-35, IgM or adenosine or expression of PD-L1 (programmed death 1 ligand 1) or FasL (Fas ligand). Given that B-cell-targeted therapy is being increasingly used in the clinic, a complete understanding of the mechanisms whereby B cells regulate inflammation associated with specific diseases is required for designing safe and effective immunotherapies targeting B cells.
Randomized Comparison of 3 Hemostasis Techniques After Transradial Coronary Intervention
Authors: Cong Xiaoliang , Huang Zhigang , Wu Jia , Wang Jiamei , Wen Feng , Fang Lingling , Fan Min , Liang Chun
Published: May 2015

Background:

The transradial route for coronary intervention has proven to be a safe and feasible method, and several techniques have been shown to be effective in achieving hemostasis.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 3 hemostasis techniques on radial artery outcomes after transradial catheterization.

Methods:

A total of 1650 patients were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 hemostasis techniques after the procedure. The outcome measures were local vascular complications, tolerance to the device, and the time taken to achieve hemostasis.

Results:

Time taken to achieve hemostasis was significantly longer in the pressure dressing (PD) group than in the pneumatic compression device (PCD) group and rotary compression pad device (RCD) group (306 ± 65 vs 263 ± 62 and 237 ± 58 minutes; P < .0001). There were also significant differences between PD, PCD, and RCD groups with respect to the incidence of oozing (8.2% vs 5.1% and 5.1%; P = .047) and discomfort level (1.68 vs 1.43 and 1.40; P < .0001). The incidence of early (24 hours after the procedure) radial artery occlusion was significantly higher in the PD group than in the PCD and RCD groups (15.6% vs 5.8% and 4.5%; P < .0001). Logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictors of radial artery occlusion at 30-day follow-up visit were diabetes (hazard ratio, 2.39), larger radial artery diameter (hazard ratio, 0.52), the use of the PCD (hazard ratio, 0.51, compared with PD) and the RCD (hazard ratio, 0.52, compared with PD), and radial artery patency during compression (hazard ratio, 0.016).

Conclusions:

Hemostasis devices have comparative advantages over the conventional pressure dressing. The presence of radial artery flow during compression represents a strong predictor of radial artery patency during follow-up periods.