bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR-206 regulates the growth of the teleost tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through the modulation of IGF-1 gene expression
Authors: Yan Biao , Zhao Liuhui , Guo Jintao , Zhao Jinliang 
Published: November 2012

Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22 nt noncoding RNAs that play an important role in regulating muscle development. Our previous study shows that miR-206 is specifically expressed in tilapia skeletal muscle, and exhibits dynamic expression pattern during different developmental stages. Here, we reveal that miR-206 emerges as a crucial regulator of tilapia growth. miR-206 loss of function contributes to the acceleration of tilapia growth. We identify IGF-1 as one of the direct regulatory targets of miR-206. miR-206 can directly regulate IGF-1 expression by targeting its 3’-UTR, and inhibition of miR-206 substantially increases IGF-1 mRNA level in vivo. Thus, miR-206 may be developed as a molecular marker to assist fish breeding. Key words: Nile tilapia, miR-206, growth performance, IGF-1
Amphiphilic Brush-Like Copolymers Involving Hydrophobic Amino Acid- and Oligopeptide-Side Chains for Optical Tumor Imaging In Vivo
Authors: Miki Koji , Nakano Katsuya , Matsuoka Hideki , Yeom Chan Joo , Harada Hiroshi , Hiraoka Masahiro , Ohe Kouichi 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Amphiphilic brush-like copolymers having simple amino acids or oligopeptides and poly(ethylene glycol) as side chains were synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization and further transformations. All of the synthesized copolymers formed spherical self-assemblies in water and their hydrodynamic diameters were 100–250 nm, as measured by dynamic light scattering. Amphiphilic polymers bearing leucine and valine can form stable spherical self-assemblies in water because of the synergistic effects of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. The oligomerization of leucine moieties and capping with the proper length of fatty acyl groups at an N-terminus could significantly affect both the stability and fluorescence intensity of near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye-containing polymeric self-assemblies. All of the self-assemblies consisting of leucine- and oligoleucine-grafted copolymers with a NIRF indocyanine green dye and hydrophilic targeting agents showed low cytotoxicity in cell viability tests. Furthermore, self-assemblies consisting of N-acetylleucine-grafted copolymers with strong fluorescence could visualize a tumor site with high-contrast in vivo, while low contrast images were obtained by utilizing oligoleucine-grafted self-assemblies because of their weak fluorescence. These results indicate that the precise control of both the number of leucine moieties and the length of the fatty acyl groups is important to produce highly functionalized tumor-targeting vehicles delivering a NIRF dye.
Environmentally Friendly Inorganic Red Pigments Based on Bismuth Oxide
Authors: Wendusu  , Masui Toshiyuki , Imanaka Nobuhito 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Novel inorganic red pigments based on bismuth oxide, [(Bi1−xErx)1−yFey]2O3 (0 &lt; x ≤ 0.50, 0 &lt; y ≤ 0.30), were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method, and their color properties were characterized. The color of the sample depended on its composition, with the [(Bi0.72Er0.28)0.80Fe0.20]2O3 pigment having the most vivid red hue. The a* value corresponding to red chromaticity of the [(Bi0.72Er0.28)0.80Fe0.20]2O3 pigment was +30.9, which was greater than that of a commercial Fe2O3 pigment (a* = +28.9). Since these pigments are composed of nontoxic and safe elements, they can be effective alternatives to the conventional Fe2O3 pigment.
Industry Structure, Executive Pay, and Short-Termism
Authors: Thanassoulis John 
Published: November 2012

This study outlines a new theory linking industry structure to optimal employment contracts and executive short-termism. Firms hire their executives using optimal contracts derived within a competitive labour market. To motivate effort, firms must use some variable remuneration. Such remuneration introduces a myopia problem: an executive would wish to inflate early expected earnings at some risk to future profits. To manage this short-termism, some bonus pay is deferred. Convergence in size among firms makes the cost of managing the myopia problem grow faster than the cost of managing the effort problem. Eventually, the optimal contract jumps from one deterring myopia to one tolerating myopia. Under some conditions, the industry partitions: the largest firms hire executives on contracts tolerant of myopia; smaller firms ensure myopia is ruled out. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Treatment Effectiveness and Side Effects: A Model of Physician Learning
Authors: Chan Tat , Narasimhan Chakravarthi , Xie Ying 
Published: November 2012

In this paper we study how treatment effectiveness and side effects impact the prescription decision of a risk-averse physician, and how detailing and patient feedback help reduce the physician's uncertainty in these two attributes in the erectile dysfunction category. To separately identify the impacts of effectiveness and side effects, we augment the observed prescription choices with unique data on self-reported reasons for switching in our estimation. Results show that the two new drugs Levitra and Cialis have higher mean effectiveness than the existing drug Viagra, but physicians have large uncertainty regarding the effectiveness for Levitra and side effects for Cialis. Detailing is effective in reducing the uncertainty for effectiveness but much less so for side effects. Based on the results, we investigate the roles of effectiveness and side effects in physicians' prescription choices, and the importance of detailing for new entrants in competing with incumbent drugs.This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
Influence of mesh size and truncation order on reconstruction of impact force on composite elastic beams
Authors: El-Bakari A. , Dkiouak R. , Khamlichi A. , Jacquelin E. , Limam A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Reconstructing impact forces can improve considerably structural health monitoring as the extent of damage can be better made out. In this work an inverse problem formulation to identify the pressure generated by a non punctual impact is investigated. Considering the case of linear elastic layered composite structures, reconstruction of impact pressure is performed through a finite element model of the structure and impulse response functions between the impact zone and sensors placed at known positions. Assuming that the pressure is uniform, reconstruction is carried out by regularized deconvolution based on generalized singular value decomposition. The infl uence of mesh size, modal truncation and time sampling on the reconstructed pressure is discussed.
The experimental study of the hybrid fixation in ACL reconstruction
Authors: Cofaru I. I. , Husi G. , Cofaru N. F. , Roman M. D. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The article is approaching an interesting topic regarding ACL reconstruction using the hamstring tendons (semitendinosus and gracilis) as the graft. The initial graft fixation after ACL reconstruction is mechanical and it must assure the stability of the system until the biologic integration takes place. No fixation system is as strong as the native ACL insertion. Therefore, hibrid fixation like an improvement of simple fixation is a field worth studying. The fixation shown in this article is the Hybrid fixation consisting of direct fixation with interference screw and an extra cortical fixation over a cortical screw.
Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Concrete: Characterization Needs
Authors: Juenger Maria , Provis John L. , Elsen Jan , Matthes Winnie , Hooton R. Doug , Duchesne Josée , Courard Luc , He Huan , Michel Frédéric , Snellings Ruben , Belie Nele De 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTA wide variety of materials are currently used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) for concrete, including natural materials and byproducts from various industries. Historically, natural SCMs, mostly derived from volcanic deposits, were common in concrete. In recent years, the dominant SCMs have been industrial by-products such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and silica fume. There is currently a resurgence of research into historic and natural SCMs, as well as other alternative SCMs for many reasons. The primary benefits of SCM use in improvement of long-term mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability are widely accepted, so local demand for these materials can exceed supply. This paper describes some of the SCMs that are attracting attention in the global research community and the properties and characteristics of these materials that affect their performance. Special attention is paid to the importance and demands of material characterization. Many SCMs do not necessarily lend themselves to characterization methods used in standardized test methods, which sometimes fail to describe the properties that are most important in predicting reactivity.
Towards a Bacteria-Based Agent to Make Concrete Self-Healing
Authors: Mors Renee M. , Jonkers Henk M. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTA bacteria-based healing agent for concrete is currently under development in the Microlab of TU Delft. The agent consists of organic mineral precursor compound and bacteria in a protective reservoir. Cracks in the concrete matrix may be sealed and blocked by calcium carbonate based crystals, formed by bacterial conversion of mineral precursor compound. Given the solubility of the agent components, healing agent material may be prematurely released during the wet mixing stage, potentially influencing cement hydration and functionality of other concrete additions. Several materials have been selected as potential mineral precursor compound, being organic salts and a carbohydrate. Tests on standard mortar specimens show that strength development is not compromised when calcium lactate is added to the standard mixture. Calcium lactate was added to the mortar mixture either pure or in combination with a superplasticizer, either based on sulfonated naphthalene or modified polycarboxylate ether, to determine possible interferential effects.
Chloride Diffusion in Blended Cement Concrete Made with Quartzite Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Zega Claudio J. , Villagrán-Zaccardi Yury A. , Di Maio Ángel A. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTUsing waste materials as aggregate for new concrete production is a growing tendency, because of several environmental problems. Recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) obtained from crushing waste concrete has lower density and greater absorption than natural aggregate, because of the higher porosity of the mortar attached to the RCA particles. Compressive strength level achieved in recycled concrete may be similar to that of conventional concrete. On the other hand, durable performance of recycled concrete is variable, and diverse evidence can be found in literature for different durability issues. In this paper, chloride ingress in conventional and recycled concrete, made with quartzite aggregate and blended Portland cement is evaluated when immersed in NaCl solution. Two strength levels (21 and 35 MPa) and two contents of RCA (25 and 75%), as substitute of natural quartzite aggregate, were considered. The chloride diffusion coefficient and the relationship between water-soluble chloride and bound chloride are analyzed.
Estimation of the Crystallinity of P-type Hydrogenated Nanocrystalline Cubic Silicon Carbide by Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Hamashita Daisuke , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi , Konagai Makoto 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTP-type hydrogenated nanocrystalline cubic silicon carbide is a promising material for the emitter of n-type crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cell due to its lower light absorption and wider bandgap of 2.2 eV. The electrical properties of hydrogenated nanocrystalline cubic silicon carbide can be influenced by its crystallinity. In this study, we propose the use of conductive atomic force microscopy (Conductive-AFM) to evaluate the crystalline volume fraction (fc) of p-nc-3C-SiC:H thin films (20∼30 nm) as a new method instead of Raman scattering spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopic ellipsometry.
To Bias or Not to Bias? An “How-To” Guide for Spectral Response Measurements of Thin Film Multi-Junction Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Pravettoni Mauro 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTCurrent-matching between junctions in a multi-junction photovoltaic device is fundamental for its performance prediction: the measurement of the spectral response of each junction provides a valuable information to optimize the device performance. Various aspects make spectral response measurements of such devices particularly challenging. In this work these aspects are analysed theoretically and guidelines to avoid their impact in the experimental practice are given.
Gas Phase Electrodeposition: A Programmable Localized Deposition Method for Rapid Combinatorial Investigation of Nanostuctured Devices and 3D Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Lin En-Chiang , Fang Jun , Jacobs Heiko O. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThis article applies a recently discovered gas phase nanocluster electrodeposition process to the formation and combinatorial improvement of 3D bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells. The gas phase deposition process used here is a single reactor system that forms charged nanoclusters (gold, silver, tungsten, and platinum) at atmospheric pressure. The clusters deposit onto selected surface areas with sub 100 nm lateral resolution using a programmable concept similar to liquid phase electrodeposition such that biased electrodes turn ON or OFF deposition in selected areas. Continued deposition of the nanoparticles results in a tower array with different lengths and density on a single substrate which is used as contacts to the active organic layer of 3D bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells. Applying a combinatorial approach identifies in a massively parallel way electrode designs and topologies that improve light scattering, absorption, and minority carrier extraction. We report photovoltaic cells with higher and denser nanocluster tower arrays that improve the power conversion efficiency of bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells by approximately 47.7%.
In-Situ Raman Characterization of SOFC Anodes
Authors: Maher Robert C. , Offer Gregory , Brandon Nigel P. , Cohen Lesley F. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have many advantages when compared to other fuel cell technologies, particularly for distributed stationary applications. As a consequence they are becoming ever more economically competitive with incumbent energy solutions. However, as with all technologies, improvements in durability, efficiency and cost is required before they become feasible alternatives. Such improvements are enabled through improved understanding of the critical material interactions occurring during operation. Raman spectroscopy is a noninvasive and non-destructive optical characterization tool which is ideally suited to the study of these critical chemical processes occurring within operational SOFCs. In this paper we will discuss advantages of using Raman characterization for understanding these important chemical processes occurring within SOFCs. We will present the specific examples of the type of measurement possible and discuss the direction of future research.
Development of a Silver Based Stable Current Collector for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes
Authors: Sarikaya Ayhan , Petrovsky Vladimir , Dogan Fatih 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTLong term stability has been a crucial issue for the future applications of the solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Current collectors for the cathodes have been among the most vulnerable components of the SOFCs due to their operation in oxidizing atmospheres at relatively high temperatures. Ag and Ag based LSM (lanthanum-strontium manganite) composites were studied to develop highly stable and low-cost current collectors compatible with other fuel cell components. In this study, no degradation was observed in the electrical conductivity and the porous microstructure of the Ag-LSM composite current collectors after 600 hours of operation at 800oC in air.
Layer Transfer and Simultaneous Activation of Phosphorus Atoms in Silicon Films by Near-Infrared Semiconductor Diode Laser Irradiation
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshitaka , Sakaike Kohei , Nakamura Shogo , Ikeda Mitsuhisa , Ohta Akio , Higashi Seiichiro 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTLayer transfer and simultaneous activation of phosphorus atoms in Si films induced by semiconductor diode laser (SDL) irradiation have been investigated. Phosphorus-doped a-Si films supported by columns on a starting substrate (quartz) and a counter substrate (glass) were closely contacted face-to-face, and an 812 nm light from a SDL was irradiated to the a-Si films from the backside of the starting substrate. After SDL irradiation, 20μm wide and 1000μm long Si films were transferred to the counter substrate and were crystallized simultaneously. From optical microscope images, it was confirmed that the original form was completely maintained after the film transfer. The electrical conductivity of transferred Si film was as high as 708 S/cm. Hall measurement of the films revealed very high electron concentration of 9.5×1020 cm-3, which indicated efficient doping is achieved by the laser transfer technique.
Highly Transparent AZO/Ag/AZO Multilayer Front Contact for n-i-p Silicon Thin-Film Solar Cells
Authors: Theuring Martin , Vehse Martin , Noureddine Ibrahim , von Maydell Karsten , Agert Carsten 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTOxide-metal-oxide structures are an alternative to single material transparent electrical contacts. Among other advantages, these multilayer systems provide good conductivity and transmittance, even when fabricated at room temperature. Low temperature processing is a requirement for silicon thin-film solar cells on various flexible substrates. The design and fabrication of oxide-metal-oxide structures based on ZnO:Al and Ag are investigated in this work. Further the integration of an optimized multilayer electrode into an amorphous silicon solar cell in substrate configuration was performed. Measurement results and possible loss mechanisms are discussed.
Development of Low-Temperature Ambipolar a-SiGe:H Thin-Film Transistors Technology
Authors: Dominguez Miguel A. , Rosales Pedro , Torres Alfonso , Moreno Mario 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTWe present the fabrication and characterization of low-temperature ambipolar thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon-germanium (a-SiGe:H) as active layer. Inverted staggered a-SiGe:H TFTs were fabricated on Corning glass. Spin-on glass silicon dioxide was used as gate dielectric to improve the quality of the dielectric-semiconductor interface. For positive gate bias the transfer characteristic showed n-type TFT behavior, while for negative gate bias p-type behavior was observed. The n-type region exhibits subthreshold slope of 0.45 V/decade while the p-type region shows a subthreshold slope of 0.49 V/decade.
Effect of DBD plasma on human cells in presence of osmolytes and denaturant
Authors: Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Attri Pankaj , Choi Eun-Ha , Kaushik Neha 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTNon thermal plasma is emerging as a novel tool for the treatment of living tissues for biological and medical purpose. In this study we described the effect of DBD (dielectric barrier discharge) plasma on both cancer and normal cell line in presence of osmolytes. Osmolytes having unique protective metabolic roles and also found in animal body, they are acting as antioxidants, providing redox balance, detoxifying sulfide, protect macromolecules, enhance protein folding and regulate cell volume. Based on these interesting properties of osmolytes, non thermal plasma in presence of osmolytes appears to provide a new outlook. Results of this study reveals that osmolytes in presence of plasma act as protecting agent for normal cells however, not to cancer cells in the presence of plasma. The main goal of this study is to protect normal cells from the toxic effect of DBD plasma.
Study of Atmospheric Microplasma for Plasma-Life Science
Authors: Shimizu Kazuo , Tatematsu Shigeki , Fukunaga Hodaka , Blajan Marius 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTAtmospheric microplasma has been intensively studied for various application fields, since this technology has features shown here: generated around only 1 kV under atmospheric pressure,discharge gap of only 10 to 100mm,dielectric barrier discharge. Low discharge voltage atmospheric plasma processis an economical and effective solution forvarious applications such as indoor air control including sterilization, odor removal, surface treatment, and would be suitable for plasma-life science field such as medical application.In thispaper, the basic study for plasma-life science will be presented. One life science application of microplasma is “sterilization”. The sterilization process was carried out with active species generated between themicroplasmaelectrodes.The active species were observed by emission spectrometry. The spectra showed the existence of active species, and the microplasma had typical characteristics of non-thermal plasma. Sterilization of E. coli was confirmed after microplasma treatment with Ar gas. The bacteria shape was changed after the microplasma process. The other application is “Surface treatment” by long life active species of materials which used for the medical field. The targets are glass, polymer film and others could be also possible.The process is known as remote microplasma sterilization method. Microplasma generated by both air and Ar are effective for sterilization. Observation by the SEM images shows the E. coli had a shrunked shape after the microplasma treatment.The contact angle of a water droplet on the polymer surface was measured to estimate its hydrophilicity. The relation between the contact angle and treatment time was investigated. Contact angle decreased from 75.6° to 45.6° after 10 s of treatment.
A Novel Method for Low-Resistivity Metal-Interconnection by Using Metallic Functional Liquids and Catalytically Generated Hydrogen Atoms
Authors: Kieu Nguyen T. T. , Ohdaira Keisuke , Shimoda Tatsuya , Matsumura Hideki 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTA novel method to make low-resistivity metal lines in assembled silicon (Si) integrated circuit (IC) chips or other semiconductor chips with high-speed and low-cost is demonstrated. In the method, functional silver (Ag)-liquid (Ag-ink) which contains Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in organic solution is used to draw metal-lines in trenches formed on a plastic substrate by imprint technology. Surface energy of trenches is modified by exposing the substrate to ultra-violet (UV) light with the purpose of concentrating the functional Ag-ink into trenches by capillary effect in order to connect with electrodes of Si chips. The resistivity of such metal-lines can be lowered to 4×10-6 Ωcm by exposing the Ag metal-lines to hydrogen (H) atoms generated by catalytic cracking reaction with a heated tungsten catalyzer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) proves that H atoms can remove organic compounds surrounding Ag NPs, resulting in the low-temperature sintering of NPs as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The method is promising for low-cost fabricating of IC cards or other electronic devices utilizing assemble of many semiconductor chips.