bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo quantification of cochlin in glaucomatous DBA/2J mice using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Aljohani Ayman , Carreon Teresia , Gregori Giovanni , Bhattacharya Sanjoy K.
Published: June 2015

The expression of cochlin in the trabecular meshwork (TM) precedes the clinical glaucoma symptoms in DBA/2J mice. The ability to quantify cochlin in the local tissue (TM) offers potential diagnostic and prognostic values. We present two (spectroscopic and magnetomotive) optical coherence tomography (OCT) approaches for in vivo cochlin quantification in a periodic manner. The cochlin-antibody OCT signal remains stable for up to 24 hours as seen at 3.5 hours after injection allowing for repeated quantification in the living mouse eyes.
Intrinsic properties of cupric oxide nanoparticles enable effective filtration of arsenic from water
Authors: McDonald Kyle J. , Reynolds Brandon , Reddy K. J.
Published: June 2015

The contamination of arsenic in human drinking water supplies is a serious global health concern. Despite multiple years of research, sustainable arsenic treatment technologies have yet to be developed. This study demonstrates the intrinsic abilities of cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NP) towards arsenic adsorption and the development of a point-of-use filter for field application. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments were used to examine adsorption, desorption and readsorption of aqueous arsenite and arsenate by CuO-NP. Field experiments were conducted with a point-of-use filter, coupled with real-time arsenic monitoring, to remove arsenic from domestic groundwater samples. The CuO-NP were regenerated by desorbing arsenate via increasing pH above the zero point of charge. Results suggest an effective oxidation of arsenite to arsenate on the surface of CuO-NP. Naturally occurring arsenic was effectively removed by both as-prepared and regenerated CuO-NP in a field demonstration of the point-of-use filter. A sustainable arsenic mitigation model for contaminated water is proposed.
Comment on “Cholesterol solubility limit in lipid membranes probed by small angle neutron scattering and MD simulations” by S. Garg et al., Soft Matter, 2014, 10, 9313
Authors: Epand Richard M. , Bach Diana , Wachtel Ellen
Published: June 2015

As consistently described in the literature, the solubility limit of cholesterol in phospholipid bilayers is defined by its phase separation and crystallization.
UPLC-MS based metabolite profiles of two major bioactive components in herb pair scutellaria–coptis metabolized by intestinal bacteria derived from healthy rats and rats with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Du Le-yue , Qian Da-wei , Shang Er-xin , Jiang Shu , Liu Pei , Guo Jian-ming , Su Shu-lan , Duan Jin-ao , Xu Jun , Zhao Min
Published: June 2015

This study describes the metabolites of two components in scutellaria–coptis metabolized by intestinal bacterial of healthy rats and type 2 diabetic rats.
Orthogonal breaking and forming of dynamic covalent imine and disulfide bonds in aqueous solution
Authors: Bracchi Michael E. , Fulton David A.
Published: June 2015

Orthogonal bond-breaking and forming of dynamic covalent disulfide and imine bonds in aqueous solution is demonstrated.
Mesomorphism and electrochemistry of thienoviologen liquid crystals
Authors: Cospito S. , Beneduci A. , Veltri L. , Salamonczyk M. , Chidichimo G.
Published: June 2015

New π-conjugated ionic liquid crystals with a strong electron-acceptor thienoviologen core are potentially exploitable as electroactive materials in organic electronics.
Synthesis and optical power limiting properties of heteroleptic Mo3S7 clusters
Authors: Recatalá David , Llusar Rosa , Barlow Adam , Wang Genmiao , Samoc Marek , Humphrey Mark G. , Guschin Artem L.
Published: June 2015

A series of mixed-ligand diimine–halide and diimine–dithiolene clusters based on the Mo3S7 core have been synthesized. Their optical limiting behavior was assessed by Z-scan techniques, and compared to that of a dithiolene Mo2O2S2-based cluster.
BSA-directed synthesis of CuS nanoparticles as a biocompatible photothermal agent for tumor ablation in vivo
Authors: Zhang Cai , Fu Yan-Yan , Zhang Xuejun , Yu Chunshui , Zhao Yan , Sun Shao-Kai
Published: June 2015

An albumin-directed CuS photothermal agent with inherent biocompatibility was developed in a facile procedure under mild reaction conditions for tumor ablation in vivo.
Metallosupramolecular Ni2L3 and Ni4L6 complexes of bis-bidentate pyridine-containing ligands: X-ray structures and catalytic proton reduction
Authors: Tsang Chui-Shan , Chen Lingjing , Li Lu-Wei , Yiu Shek-Man , Lau Tai-Chu , Kwong Hoi-Lun
Published: June 2015

The pyridine-containing ligands L1 and L2 react with Ni2+ ions to afford dinuclear triple-stranded helicate and tetrahedral cage supramolecular complexes, respectively; the two architectures exhibit contrasting reactivity towards electro- and photocatalytic proton reduction.
A water-soluble and water-coordinated Mn(ii) complex: synthesis, characterization and phantom MRI image study
Authors: Phukan Bedika , Patel Anant B , Mukherjee Chandan
Published: June 2015

A water-soluble and water-coordinated Mn(ii) complex (1), which was capable of behaving as both T1 and T2 contrast agents, has been synthesized (figure). T1-weighted MR image of the complex (0.5 mM) measured at 1.5 T was found as equally efficient as that of commercially available contrast agent MultiHance® (0.5 M).
The effect of TiO2 nanoflowers as a compact layer for CdS quantum-dot sensitized solar cells with improved performance
Authors: Rao S. Srinivasa , Durga I. Kanaka , Gopi Chandu V. V. M. , Venkata Tulasivarma Chebrolu , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Kim Hee-Je
Published: June 2015

Currently, TiO2 on a fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate is the most commonly used type of photoelectrode in high-efficiency quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs).
Spatial variation and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from the Yangtze Estuary, China
Authors: Wang Ying , Shen Chanchan , Shen Zhenyao , Zhang Di , Crittenden John C.
Published: June 2015

The spatial distributions and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from the Yangtze Estuary were systematically analyzed.
The effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the anti-inflammatory activity of Vitis vinifera L. leaves
Authors: Sangiovanni E. , Di Lorenzo C. , Colombo E. , Colombo F. , Fumagalli M. , Frigerio G. , Restani P. , Dell'Agli M.
Published: June 2015

Vitis vinifera L. water extract from dried leaves maintains its anti-inflammatory activity after in vitro gastric digestion.
Ultrasonic three-dimensional on-chip cell culture for dynamic studies of tumor immune surveillance by natural killer cells
Authors: Christakou Athanasia E. , Ohlin Mathias , Önfelt Björn , Wiklund Martin
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate 3D ultrasound cell culture for the formation of solid liver tumors in a multi-well microplate, and we use this method to simulate the early stages of tumor development under immune natural killer cell attack.
Pseudo nucleotide composition or PseKNC: an effective formulation for analyzing genomic sequences
Authors: Chen Wei , Lin Hao , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: June 2015

With the avalanche of DNA/RNA sequences generated in the post-genomic age, it is urgent to develop automated methods for analyzing the relationship between the sequences and their functions.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed cascade oxidative annulation reactions of aryl imidazolium salts with alkynes involving multiple C–H bond activation
Authors: Ge Qingmei , Li Bin , Song Haibin , Wang Baiquan
Published: June 2015

The cascade oxidative annulation reactions of aryl imidazolium salts with alkynes proceed efficiently in the presence of [Cp*RhCl2]2and Cu(OAc)2·H2O to give substituted imidazo[1,2-a]-quinolinium salts and benzo[ij]imidazo[2,1,5-de]quinolizinium salts.
Macro-RAFT agent mediated dispersion copolymerization: a small amount of solvophilic co-monomer leads to a great change
Authors: Shi Pengfei , Zhou Heng , Gao Chengqiang , Wang Shuang , Sun Pingchuan , Zhang Wangqing
Published: June 2015

The macro-RAFT agent mediated dispersion copolymerization of two monomers is performed, and the block copolymer morphology can be easily tuned.
Polymer-based composites with improved energy density and dielectric constants by monoaxial hot-stretching for organic film capacitor applications
Authors: Huang Xu , Wang Kai , Jia Kun , Liu Xiaobo
Published: June 2015

Randomly oriented multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polyarylene ether nitrile (PEN) composite films were prepared by a solution casting method.
Effect of oxytetracycline on performance and microbial community of an anoxic–aerobic sequencing batch reactor treating mariculture wastewater
Authors: Wang Sen , Gao Mengchun , Wang Zhe , She Zonglian , Jin Chunji , Zhao Yangguo , Guo Liang , Chang Qingbo
Published: June 2015

The DGGE profile illustrates that the microbial communities of activated sludge exhibit obvious variations under OTC stress.
Regioselective synthesis of polygamma (γ) acid
Authors: Doğan Fatih , Temizkan Kevser , Kaya İsmet
Published: June 2015

The oxidative polymerization of 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid was carried out in an aqueous alkaline medium. The polymer showed uncommon multicolored emission behavior in DMSO, emitting blue, green, and yellow light at 405, 480, and 532 nm, respectively.
Synthesis and properties of transparent polyimides derived from trans-1,4-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)cyclohexane dianhydride
Authors: Zhou Yu , Chen Guofei , Zhao Huiwen , Song Liping , Fang Xingzhong
Published: June 2015

A series of transparent polyimides was prepared from trans-1,4-bis(2,3-dicarboxyphenoxy)cyclohexane dianhydride (trans-3,3′-CHDPA) with various aromatic diamines via one-step solution polycondensation.
Improved color rendering index of low band gap semi-transparent polymer solar cells using one-dimensional photonic crystals
Authors: Yu Wenjuan , Shen Liang , Jia Xu , Liu Yan , Guo Wenbin , Ruan Shengping
Published: June 2015

Improved CRI and PCE were achieved by introducing 1DPCs as a wavelength-dependent filter on top of semi-transparent polymer solar cells.
α-Chymotrypsin andl-acylase aided synthesis of 5-hydroxypipecolic acid via Jacobsen's hydrolytic kinetic resolution of epoxy amino acids
Authors: Krishnamurthy Suvratha , Venkataprasad Jalli , Chand Vagvala Tarun , Moriguchi Tetsuji , Tsuge Akihiko
Published: June 2015

5-hydroxypipecolic acid synthesis from intramolecular reaction of epoxy amino acids; enantiomers separated by hydrolase and diastereomeric epoxide separated by Jacobsen's hydrolytic kinetic resolution.
Lifestyle-Related Diseases Affect Surgical Outcomes after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Sakaura Hironobu , Miwa Toshitada , Yamashita Tomoya , Kuroda Yusuke , Ohwada Tetsuo
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Objective

Hyperlipidemia (HL) and hypertension (HT) lead to systemic atherosclerosis. Not only atherosclerosis but also bone fragility and/or low bone mineral density result from diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to examine whether these lifestyle-related diseases affected surgical outcomes after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).

Methods

The subjects comprised 122 consecutive patients who underwent single-level PLIF for degenerative lumbar spinal disorders. The clinical results were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before surgery and at 2 years postoperatively. The fusion status was graded as union in situ, collapsed union, or nonunion at 2 years after surgery. The abdominal aorta calcification (AAC) score was assessed using preoperative lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine.

Results

HL did not significantly affect the JOA score recovery rate. On the other hand, HT and CKD (stage 3 to 4) had a significant adverse effect on the recovery rate. The recovery rate was also lower in the DM group than in the non-DM group, but the difference was not significant. The AAC score was negatively correlated with the JOA score recovery rate. The fusion status was not significantly affected by HL, HT, DM, or CKD; however, the AAC score was significantly higher in the collapsed union and nonunion group than in the union in situ group.

Conclusions

At 2 years after PLIF, the presence of HT, CKD, and AAC was associated with significantly worse clinical outcomes, and advanced AAC significantly affected fusion status.
Cervical Scoliosis: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes
Authors: Mesfin Addisu , Bakhsh Wajeeh R. , Chuntarapas Tapanut , Riew K. Daniel
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Objective

Cervical scoliosis is a rare condition that can arise from various etiologies. Few reports on the surgical management of cervical scoliosis exist. Our objective was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes following surgical management of cervical scoliosis.

Methods

We evaluated our cervical spine surgical database for patients with cervical scoliosis (Cobb angle > 10 degrees) from 2005 to 2010. Demographic data including age, gender, diagnoses, and primary versus revision surgery was collected. Surgical data including procedure (anterior versus posterior), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of surgery, length of hospitalization, and complications was recorded. Preoperative and postoperative Cobb angle measurements and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were recorded.

Results

Cervical scoliosis was identified in 18 patients. We excluded 5, leaving 5 men and 8 women with an average age of 50.7 (median 52, range 25 to 65). The average follow-up was 40 months (median 36.5, range 5 to 87). An anterior-only approach was used in 6 cases (average 4 levels fused), 5 cases were posterior-only approach (average 8.7 levels fused), and 2 cases were combined anterior-posterior approach. The EBL was an average of 286 mL (median 150, range 50 to 900), the average surgical time was 266 minutes (median 239, range 136 to 508), and the average hospital stay was 2.7 days (median 2, range 1 to 7). Complications occurred in 7 patients, and 2 developed adjacent segment pathology. The average coronal Cobb angle preoperatively was 35.1 degrees (median 31, range 13 to 63) and corrected was 15.7 degrees (median 10.5, range 2 to 59) postoperatively ( p < 0.005). The average NDI preoperatively was 24.9 (median 26, range 6 to 37) and was reduced to 17.8 (median 18, range 7 to 30) postoperatively ( p < 0.02).

Conclusion

Surgical management of cervical scoliosis can result in deformity correction and improvement in patient outcomes. Higher rates of complications may be encountered.
Factors Associated with Life Expectancy in Patients with Metastatic Spine Disease from Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Goodwin C. Rory , Khattab Mohamed H. , Sankey Eric W. , Elder Benjamin D. , Kosztowski Thomas A. , Sarabia-Estrada Rachel , Bydon Ali , Witham Timothy F. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Sciubba Daniel M.
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Objective

Our objective was to identify preoperative prognostic factors associated with survival in patients with spinal metastasis from lung carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 26 patients diagnosed with lung carcinoma metastatic to the spinal column was performed to determine factors associated with survival. We used 3 months survival as the clinical cutoff for whether surgical intervention should be performed. We analyzed patients who survived less than 3 months compared with those who survived more than 3 months. Demographic, preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors including functional scores were collected for analysis.

Results

The median survival for all patients in our study was 3.5 months. We found a statistically significant difference between the group that survived less than 3 months and the group that survived greater than 3 months in terms of extrathoracic metastasis, visceral metastasis, and average postoperative modified Rankin score.

Conclusion

Determining which patients with lung cancer spinal metastases will benefit from surgical intervention is often dictated by the patient's predicted life expectancy. Factors associated with poorer prognosis include age, functional status, visceral metastases, and extrathoracic metastases. Although the prognosis for patients with lung cancer spinal metastases is poor, some patients may experience long-term benefit from surgical intervention.
Extension of the flow-rate-of-strain tensor formulation of plasma rotation theory to non-axisymmetric tokamaks
Authors: Stacey W. M. , Bae C.
Published: June 2015

A systematic formalism for the calculation of rotation in non-axisymmetric tokamaks with 3D magnetic fields is described. The Braginskii Ωτ-ordered viscous stress tensor formalism, generalized to accommodate non-axisymmetric 3D magnetic fields in general toroidal flux surface geometry, and the resulting fluid moment equations provide a systematic formalism for the calculation of toroidal and poloidal rotation and radial ion flow in tokamaks in the presence of various non-axisymmetric “neoclassical toroidal viscosity” mechanisms. The relation among rotation velocities, radial ion particle flux, ion orbit loss, and radial electric field is discussed, and the possibility of controlling these quantities by producing externally controllable toroidal and/or poloidal currents in the edge plasma for this purpose is suggested for future investigation.
An atomic magnetometer with autonomous frequency stabilization and large dynamic range
Authors: Pradhan S. , Mishra S. , Behera R. , Poornima  , Dasgupta K.
Published: June 2015

The operation of a highly sensitive atomic magnetometer using elliptically polarized resonant light is demonstrated. It is based on measurement of zero magnetic field resonance in degenerate two level systems using polarimetric detection. The transmitted light through the polarimeter is used for laser frequency stabilization, whereas reflected light is used for magnetic field measurement. Thus, the experimental geometry allows autonomous frequency stabilization of the laser frequency leading to compact operation of the overall device and has a preliminary sensitivity of <10 pT/Hz1/2 @ 1 Hz. Additionally, the dynamic range of the device is improved by feedback controlling the bias magnetic field without compromising on its sensitivity.
Multiscale model of metal alloy oxidation at grain boundaries
Authors: Sushko Maria L. , Alexandrov Vitaly , Schreiber Daniel K. , Rosso Kevin M. , Bruemmer Stephen M.
Published: June 2015

High temperature intergranular oxidation and corrosion of metal alloys is one of the primary causes of materials degradation in nuclear systems. In order to gain insights into grain boundary oxidation processes, a mesoscale metal alloy oxidation model is established by combining quantum Density Functional Theory (DFT) and mesoscopic Poisson-Nernst-Planck/classical DFT with predictions focused on Ni alloyed with either Cr or Al. Analysis of species and fluxes at steady-state conditions indicates that the oxidation process involves vacancy-mediated transport of Ni and the minor alloying element to the oxidation front and the formation of stable metal oxides. The simulations further demonstrate that the mechanism of oxidation for Ni-5Cr and Ni-4Al is qualitatively different. Intergranular oxidation of Ni-5Cr involves the selective oxidation of the minor element and not matrix Ni, due to slower diffusion of Ni relative to Cr in the alloy and due to the significantly smaller energy gain upon the formation of nickel oxide compared to that of Cr2O3. This essentially one-component oxidation process results in continuous oxide formation and a monotonic Cr vacancy distribution ahead of the oxidation front, peaking at alloy/oxide interface. In contrast, Ni and Al are both oxidized in Ni-4Al forming a mixed spinel NiAl2O4. Different diffusivities of Ni and Al give rise to a complex elemental distribution in the vicinity of the oxidation front. Slower diffusing Ni accumulates in the oxide and metal within 3 nm of the interface, while Al penetrates deeper into the oxide phase. Ni and Al are both depleted from the region 3–10 nm ahead of the oxidation front creating voids. The oxide microstructure is also different. Cr2O3 has a plate-like structure with 1.2–1.7 nm wide pores running along the grain boundary, while NiAl2O4 has 1.5 nm wide pores in the direction parallel to the grain boundary and 0.6 nm pores in the perpendicular direction providing an additional pathway for oxygen diffusion through the oxide. The proposed theoretical methodology provides a framework for modeling metal alloy oxidation processes from first principles and on the experimentally relevant length scales.
Inverse mirror plasma experimental device—A new magnetized linear plasma device with wide operating range
Authors: Bose Sayak , Kaur Manjit , Chattopadhyay P. K. , Ghosh J. , Saxena Y. C.
Published: June 2015

Inverse mirror plasma experimental device has been designed and fabricated for detailed experimental investigation of phase mixing and wave breaking of plasma oscillation/wave. The device produces quiescent magnetized plasma over a wide operating range using multifilamentary source with low filament spacing in cusp geometry along with a flexible transition magnetic field region between the plasma source chamber and the main chamber. Argon plasma has been produced in the device over a wide pressure range from 1.7 × 10−5 mbar to 9 × 10−4 mbar, achieving plasma densities in the range of ∼109 cm−3–1012 cm−3 and temperatures in the range of ∼1.7 eV–5 eV. To fulfill a desired prerequisite of having quiescent plasma (δn/n ≤ 1%) for realizing phase mixing of nonlinear plasma oscillation and other wave experiments, a quiescent magnetized plasma is obtained: typical quiescence, δn/n ∼ 0.5% at 10−4 mbar and Bmain ∼ 1 kG. The potential of the multifilamentary plasma source has been experimentally explored using a flexible transition magnetic field and the usual control features of a filament discharge. Probe measurements reveal that the plasma to be axially and radially uniform, an excellent scenario for wave launching and studying its propagating and phase mixing characteristics.
Spot profile analysis and lifetime mapping in ultrafast electron diffraction: Lattice excitation of self-organized Ge nanostructures on Si(001)
Authors: Frigge T. , Hafke B. , Tinnemann V. , Witte T. , Horn-von Hoegen M.
Published: June 2015

Ultrafast high energy electron diffraction in reflection geometry is employed to study the structural dynamics of self-organized Germanium hut-, dome-, and relaxed clusters on Si(001) upon femtosecond laser excitation. Utilizing the difference in size and strain state the response of hut- and dome clusters can be distinguished by a transient spot profile analysis. Surface diffraction from {105}-type facets provide exclusive information on hut clusters. A pixel-by-pixel analysis of the dynamics of the entire diffraction pattern gives time constants of 40, 160, and 390 ps, which are assigned to the cooling time constants for hut-, dome-, and relaxed clusters.
Flow characterization of electroconvective micromixer with a nanoporous polymer membrane in-situ fabricated using a laser polymerization technique
Authors: Hwang Sangbeom , Song Simon
Published: June 2015

Electroconvection is known to cause strong convective mixing in a microchannel near a nanoporous membrane or a nanochannel in contact with an electrolyte solution due to the external electric field. This study addresses micromixer behavior subject to electroconvection occurring near a nanoporous membrane in-situ fabricated by a laser polymerization technique on a microfluidic chip. We found that the micromixer behavior can be categorized into three regimes. Briefly, the weak electroconvection regime is characterized by weak mixing performance at a low applied voltage and KCl concentration, whereas the strong electroconvection regime has a high mixing performance when the applied voltage and KCl concentration are moderately high. Finally, the incomplete electroconvection regime has an incomplete electric double-layer overlap in the nanopores of the membrane when the electrolyte concentration is very high. The mixing index reached 0.92 in the strong electroconvection regime. The detailed fabrication methods for the micromixer and characterization results are discussed in this paper.
Ultrashort pulse chirp measurement via transverse second-harmonic generation in strontium barium niobate crystal
Authors: Trull J. , Sola I. , Wang B. , Parra A. , Krolikowski W. , Sheng Y. , Vilaseca R. , Cojocaru C.
Published: June 2015

Pulse compression in dispersive strontium barium niobate crystal with a random size and distribution of the anti-parallel orientated nonlinear domains is observed via transverse second harmonic generation. The dependence of the transverse width of the second harmonic trace along the propagation direction allows for the determination of the initial chirp and duration of pulses in the femtosecond regime. This technique permits a real-time analysis of the pulse evolution and facilitates fast in-situ correction of pulse chirp acquired in the propagation through an optical system.
Cyclic electric field response of morphotropic Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-BaTiO3 piezoceramics
Authors: Hinterstein M. , Schmitt L. A. , Hoelzel M. , Jo W. , Rödel J. , Kleebe H.-J. , Hoffman M.
Published: June 2015

In this study, the evolution of field induced mechanisms in lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (1−x)Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-xBaTiO3 with x = 0.06 and 0.07 was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, neutron, and X-ray diffraction. Preliminary investigations revealed a strong degradation of macroscopic electromechanical properties within the first 100 bipolar electric cycles. Therefore, this structural investigation focuses on a comparative diffraction study of freshly prepared, poled, and fatigued specimens. Transmission electron microscopy and neutron diffraction of the initial specimens reveal the coexistence of a rhombohedral and a tetragonal phase with space group R3c and P4bm, respectively. In situ electric field X-ray diffraction reveals a pronounced field induced phase transition from a pseudocubic state to a phase composition of significantly distorted phases upon poling with an external electric field of 4 kV/mm. Although the structures of the two compositions are pseudocubic and almost indistinguishable in the unpoled virgin state, the electric field response shows significant differences depending on composition. For both compositions, the application of an electric field results in a field induced phase transition in the direction of the minority phase. Electric cycling has an opposite effect on the phase composition and results in a decreased phase fraction of the minority phase in the fatigued remanent state at 0 kV/mm.
Structure and thermodynamics of core-softened models for alcohols
Authors: Munaò Gianmarco , Urbic Tomaz
Published: June 2015

The phase behavior and the fluid structure of coarse-grain models for alcohols are studied by means of reference interaction site model (RISM) theory and Monte Carlo simulations. Specifically, we model ethanol and 1-propanol as linear rigid chains constituted by three (trimers) and four (tetramers) partially fused spheres, respectively. Thermodynamic properties of these models are examined in the RISM context, by employing closed formulæ for the calculation of free energy and pressure. Gas-liquid coexistence curves for trimers and tetramers are reported and compared with already existing data for a dimer model of methanol. Critical temperatures slightly increase with the number of CH2 groups in the chain, while critical pressures and densities decrease. Such a behavior qualitatively reproduces the trend observed in experiments on methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol and suggests that our coarse-grain models, despite their simplicity, can reproduce the essential features of the phase behavior of such alcohols. The fluid structure of these models is investigated by computing radial distribution function gij(r) and static structure factor Sij(k); the latter shows the presence of a low−k peak at intermediate-high packing fractions and low temperatures, suggesting the presence of aggregates for both trimers and tetramers.
Low-voltage polymer/small-molecule blend organic thin-film transistors and circuits fabricated via spray deposition
Authors: Hunter By Simon , Ward Jeremy W. , Payne Marcia M. , Anthony John E. , Jurchescu Oana D. , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: June 2015

Organic thin-film electronics have long been considered an enticing candidate in achieving high-throughput manufacturing of low-power ubiquitous electronics. However, to achieve this goal, more work is required to reduce operating voltages and develop suitable mass-manufacture techniques. Here, we demonstrate low-voltage spray-cast organic thin-film transistors based on a semiconductor blend of 2,8-difluoro- 5,11-bis (triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene and poly(triarylamine). Both semiconductor and dielectric films are deposited via successive spray deposition in ambient conditions (air with 40%–60% relative humidity) without any special precautions. Despite the simplicity of the deposition method, p-channel transistors with hole mobilities of >1 cm2/Vs are realized at −4 V operation, and unipolar inverters operating at −6 V are demonstrated.
Intrinsic magneto-optical spectra of GaMnAs
Authors: Terada Hiroshi , Ohya Shinobu , Tanaka Masaaki
Published: June 2015

In the spectrum of reflection magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of Ga1−xMnxAs, the E0 peak energy, which is assigned to the band gap of GaMnAs, is higher than the band gap energy of GaAs. In the past, this blue shift was attributed to the Moss-Burstein effect, in which the Fermi level moves toward lower energy in the valence band as the Mn concentration x increases; however, this picture is inconsistent with the impurity-band conduction picture, which has been verified in recent studies. Here, by measuring reflection MCD spectra of Ga1−xMnxAs thin films (x = 1%, 2%, and 8%) with various thicknesses, we derive the off-diagonal element of the dielectric tensor of GaMnAs and obtain the intrinsic MCD spectra of GaMnAs that are free from optical interference. We find that optical interference is significantly strong even in the extremely thin (10–100 nm) GaMnAs films and that the E0 peak of the intrinsic MCD spectra is located close to the band gap energy of GaAs even in highly Mn-doped GaMnAs. This is consistent with the recent understanding of the band structure of GaMnAs; the Fermi level exists in the impurity band in the band gap regardless of x.
Thermodynamic understanding of Sn whisker growth on the Cu surface in Cu(top)-Sn(bottom) bilayer system upon room temperature aging
Authors: Huang Lin , Jian Wei , Lin Bing , Wen Yuren , Gu Lin , Wang Jiangyong
Published: June 2015

Sn whiskers are observed by scanning electron microscope on the Cu surface in Cu(top)-Sn(bottom) bilayer system upon room temperature aging. Only Cu6Sn5 phase appears in the X-ray diffraction patterns and no Sn element is detected in the Cu sublayer by scanning transmission electron microscopy. Based on the interfacial thermodynamics, the intermetallic Cu6Sn5 compound phase may form directly at the Sn grain boundary. Driven by the stress gradient during the formation of Cu6Sn5 compound at Sn grain boundaries, Sn atoms segregate onto the Cu surface and accumulate to form Sn whisker.
High power microwave beam steering based on gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission lines
Authors: Romanchenko I. V. , Rostov V. V. , Gunin A. V. , Konev V. Yu.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate electronically controlled beam steering by high power RF pulses produced by two gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) connected to a one high voltage driver. Each NLTL is capable of producing several ns RF pulses with peak power from 50 to 700 MW (6% standard deviation) at frequencies from 0.5 to 1.7 GHz (1% standard deviation) with 100 Hz repetition rate. Using a helix antenna allows irradiating of RF pulses with almost circular polarization and 350 MW maximum peak power, which corresponds to 350 kV effective potential of radiation. At the installation of two identical channels, we demonstrate the possibility of beam steering within ±15° in the horizontal plane by coherent RF pulses with circular polarization at 1.0 GHz center frequency. Fourfold increase in the power flux density for in-phase irradiation of RF pulses is confirmed by comparison with one-channel operation.
Low-power, ultrafast, and dynamic all-optical tunable plasmonic analog to electromagnetically induced transparency in two resonators side-coupled with a waveguide system
Authors: Wang Boyun , Wang Tao , Li Xiaoming , Han Xu , Zhu Youjiang
Published: June 2015

We theoretically and numerically investigate a low-power, ultrafast, and dynamic all-optical tunable plasmonic analog to electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in two nanodisk resonators side-coupled to a metal-insulator-metal plasmonic waveguide system. The optical Kerr effect is enhanced by the slow light effect of the plasmonic EIT-like effect and the plasmonic waveguide based on graphene-Ag composite material structures with giant effective Kerr nonlinear coefficient. The optical Kerr effect modulation method is applied to improve tuning rate with response time of subpicoseconds or even femtoseconds. With dynamically tuning the propagation phase of the plasmonic waveguide, π-phase shift of the transmission spectrum in the plasmonic EIT-like system is achieved under excitation of a pump light with an intensity as low as 5.85 MW/cm2. The group delay is controlled between 0.09 and 0.4 ps. All observed schemes are analyzed rigorously through finite-difference time-domain simulations and coupled-mode formalism. Results show a new direction toward the low power consumption and ultrafast responses of integration plasmonic photonic devices and all-optical dynamical storage of light devices in optical communication and quantum information processing.
Integrated three-dimensional photonic nanostructures for achieving near-unity solar absorption and superhydrophobicity
Authors: Kuang Ping , Hsieh Mei-Li , Lin Shawn-Yu
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we proposed and realized 3D photonic nanostructures consisting of ultra-thin graded index antireflective coatings (ARCs) and woodpile photonic crystals. The use of the integrated ARC and photonic crystal structure can achieve broadband, broad-angle near unity solar absorption. The amorphous silicon based photonic nanostructure experimentally shows an average absorption of ∼95% for λ = 400–620 nm over a wide angular acceptance of θ = 0°–60°. Theoretical studies show that a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) based structure can achieve an average absorption of >95% for λ = 400–870 nm. Furthermore, the use of the slanted SiO2 nanorod ARC surface layer by glancing angle deposition exhibits Cassie-Baxter state wetting, and superhydrophobic surface is obtained with highest water contact angle θCB ∼ 153°. These properties are fundamentally important for achieving maximum solar absorption and surface self-cleaning in thin film solar cell applications.
Parasite control in pasture-grazed dairy cattle: are we at the edge of a precipice?
Authors: Sutherland I. A. , Bullen S. L.
Published: June 2015

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites are one of the most production-limiting infections of pasture-based dairy cattle in Australasia. Intensification of dairy production systems in both countries has meant that farmers have come to rely heavily on anthelmintic drenches to control GIN parasitism. However, anthelmintic resistance is now widespread in New Zealand, particularly to the market-leading macrocyclic-lactones. Less work has been conducted on anthelmintic resistance in Australia but preliminary results of a study currently underway suggests that there are high levels of resistance on Victorian dairy farms. The identification and mitigation of risk factors for the development of resistance is crucial for long-term sustainability of control. These include the use of drenches with variable efficacy – particularly pour-on and injectable formulations. New Zealand studies suggest that this may be as a result of active not reaching parasites within the gut lumen as effectively as oral formulations. Also, the raising of young stock as monocultures is a risk factor for the development of resistance as it significantly reduces the numbers of unselected (and presumably susceptible) parasites on pasture. These risks can be mitigated: using effective drenches removes more resistant parasites. This often means the use of combination products containing more than one anthelmintic class. Combination products are more effective in the face of existing resistance, and can slow the development of resistance. Also, ensuring an adequate level of unselected parasites on pasture for ingestion by young stock will delay the development of resistance. While there are differences between dairying systems, both countries are likely to benefit from more active and collaborative research efforts to improving parasite control practices on dairy farms in their respective countries.
Indole-3-carbinol and 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Hybrids: Synthesis and Study of Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Microbial Activity
Authors: Gokhale Nikhila , Panathur Naveen , Dalimba Udayakumar , Kumsi Manjunatha
Published: June 2015

In the present study, molecular hybrids of indole-3-carbinol and 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiols have been designed and synthesized. The thiol analogues consisted of diversely substituted benzyl and alkyl groups with different electronic properties. The structures of all the newly synthesized scaffolds and target compounds were ascertained using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. All the final compounds were screened in vitro for their anti-proliferative and anti-microbial activity. Three compounds showed excellent anti-proliferative activity with more than 70 % cell growth inhibition against three cancer cell lines, HepG2 (human liver hepatocellular carcinoma), HeLa (human cervix carcinoma), and MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma). In the anti-microbial studies, compounds with electron-withdrawing fluoro or nitro substituent displayed appreciable activity similar to that of standard drugs. Also, the final compounds are non-toxic to non-cancerous Vero cell line.
Ionic imbalance, in addition to molecular crowding, abates cytoskeletal dynamics and vesicle motility during hypertonic stress
Authors: Nunes Paula , Roth Isabelle , Meda Paolo , Féraille Eric , Brown Dennis , Hasler Udo
Published: June 2015

Significance

Maintenance of cell volume and ionic homeostasis are fundamental to cell function. Cells shrink when extracellular osmolality is increased, and although mechanisms controlling cell volume recovery are well documented, the mechanisms underlying changes in membrane trafficking that occur during adaptation to high osmolality are not well understood. Molecular crowding arising from cell shrinkage can alter protein structure and has been proposed to provoke changes in trafficking events. However, cell volume recovery involves a rapid influx of ions, and the effects of ionic imbalance on trafficking dynamics in living cells remain largely unexplored. We found that high levels of chloride and loss of ATP, in addition to molecular crowding, contribute to altered cytoskeletal and vesicular dynamics during hypertonic stress.
Analysing the moral aspect of qard: a shariah perspective
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the moral aspect of qard (loan) from shariah perspective, and attempts to examine whether each interest-free qard is qualified for the Quranic term qard hasan (loan par excellence)? Also, the study attempts to establish the key constituents of qard hasan in the light of the primary sources of shariah, and seeks to define the legal status of the interest-free qard which fails to qualify for the “term” qard hasan.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses both the primary and secondary sources of shariah to examine the desired character of qard hasan. It employs pure qualitative paradigm to analyse and interpret the data.

Findings

– This study finds that in between the qard hasan and qard ribawi, there exists a third category of qard too, which neither qualifies for the former nor does fit under the definition of later.

Originality/value

– The findings presented in this paper illuminate the blurred line of contemporary understanding of qard hasan. The study adds original value to the corpus of contemporary literature on qard; as it collects and enumerates the ten vital conditions of qard hasan, without which, even an interest-free qard holds no virtuous sanctity in the sight of shariah.
Using social welfare concepts to guarantee Islamic banks’ deposits
Authors: Maali Bassam Mohammad , Atmeh Muhannad Ahmad
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of the social welfare concepts of Takaful andTabarru’(donations) as tools to guarantee deposits in the Islamic banking industry, and the effect of such practice on the concept of risk sharing in Islamic finance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study critically analyzes the Mudaraba contract used by Islamic banks to mobilize funds, the use of Profit Equalization Reserves and Investment Risk Reserves, the use of other income smoothing techniques and the insurance of Islamic banks’ by regulatory agencies in some countries based on the Takaful andTabarru’concepts.

Findings

– This paper shows that Islamic banks are increasingly using the concepts of Takaful andTabarru’, which are intended originally for social welfare, as tools to justify the move to more guaranteed-in-substance type of deposits, and hence, more risk shifting rather than risk sharing in the Mudaraba contract. This use, is argued, moves Islamic banking towards more market-oriented, but less Shariaa-compliant in substance.

Research limitations/implications

– This papers examined the behaviour of Islamic financial institutions and Islamic scholars based on the available literature. No empirical analysis was conducted.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the ongoing debate about the substance of Islamic banking transactions and the risk shifting inherent in such transactions. Furthermore, it is the first study that examines the extent of utilizing different social welfare concepts to legalize – from Shariaa perspective – Islamic banking transactions.
Integrating financial inclusion and saving motives into institutional zakat practices
Authors: Pg Md Salleh Ak Md Hasnol Alwee
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify how zakat institutions in Brunei can facilitate financial inclusion into their practices and assist to fulfil the saving motives of zakat recipients, notably upon creating financial products/solutions for the poor and destitute.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using mixed methods approach, structured interviews were conducted with 431 individuals (215 welfare recipients and 216 non-welfare recipients) and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 welfare recipients.

Findings

– This paper highlights the need for bank accounts and credit facilities that meet the needs of welfare recipients, to fulfil their daily needs, as well as saving for children/grandchildren’s education, and for welfare recipients who save.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitation includes non-random sampling.

Practical implications

– The implications of these findings point out how zakat and other social institutions in Islam can adapt to contemporary challenges in personal finance, notably in facilitating financial inclusion and understanding saving motives of recipients.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a perspective and contention for zakat institutions to adapt to contemporary aspects of personal finance, through facilitating financial inclusion and the saving motives of zakat recipients.
How and why medically-trained managers undertake postgraduate management training
Authors: Loh Erwin
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the research question using qualitative research methods: how and why medically trained managers choose to undertake postgraduate management training?

Design/methodology/approach

– This research used two qualitative methods to gather data. Both methods used purposeful sampling to select interviewees with appropriate management expertise, qualifications and experience. The first stage utilised convergent interviews and was exploratory. The five interviewees were managers and academics. The second stage used case research methodology and was confirmatory. The fifteen interviewees were medically qualified chief executives and chief medical officers. In total, 20 in-depth interviews were carried. Rigorous content analysis of data collected showed emergent themes.

Findings

– The first theme that emerged was that doctors move into management positions without first undertaking training. The second theme was that doctors undertake such training in the form of a masters-level degree and/or a specialist fellowship. The third theme was that effective postgraduate management training for doctors requires a combination of theory and practice. The fourth theme was that clinical experience alone does not lead to required management competencies. The fifth theme was that doctors choose to undertake training to gain credibility.

Research limitations/implications

– This research was exploratory and descriptive in nature and limited to analytical rather than statistical generalisation.

Originality/value

– This research has provided insights into the importance of understanding how and why doctors undertake postgraduate management training, and may assist policy makers and training providers in the development of such training for doctors.
Factors affecting information sharing in social networking sites amongst university students
Authors: Kim Junga , Lee Chunsik , Elias Troy
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Drawing upon the knowledge sharing model, the purpose of this paper is to identify personal and environmental antecedents to information sharing on social networking sites (SNSs) and examines the interaction effects between the two factors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected via online survey with college students. Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to test hypotheses and examine research questions.

Findings

– With regard to environmental factors, the more users perceive their audience to be a collection of weak ties, the more likely they are to share information on SNSs, independent of the size of their networks. Personal factors such as information self-efficacy, positive social outcome expectations, and sharing enjoyment feelings were found to be significant predictors of sharing activities. In addition, a significant interaction effect was found such that the effects of social outcome expectations on sharing activities on SNSs are manifested to a greater extent when users perceive their audience as weak ties rather than strong ties.

Originality/value

– This study extends the knowledge sharing model literature by applying it to the SNS context and advances SNS research by taking into consideration both environmental factors and personal factors and their interactions.