bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Control of Sexual Differentiation of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis
Authors: Murray Elaine K. , Hien Annie , de Vries Geert J. , Forger Nancy G. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe principal nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTp) is larger in volume and contains more cells in male than female mice. These sex differences depend on testosterone and arise from a higher rate of cell death during early postnatal life in females. There is a delay of several days between the testosterone surge at birth and sexually dimorphic cell death in the BNSTp, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms may be involved. We tested the hypothesis that chromatin remodeling plays a role in sexual differentiation of the BNSTp by manipulating the balance between histone acetylation and deacetylation using a histone deacetylase inhibitor. In the first experiment, a single injection of valproic acid (VPA) on the day of birth increased acetylation of histone H3 in the brain 24 h later. Next, males, females, and females treated neonatally with testosterone were administered VPA or saline on postnatal d 1 and 2 and killed at 21 d of age. VPA treatment did not influence volume or cell number of the BNSTp in control females but significantly reduced both parameters in males and testosterone-treated females. As a result, the sex differences were eliminated. VPA did not affect volume or cell number in the suprachiasmatic nucleus or the anterodorsal nucleus of the thalamus, which also did not differ between males and females. These findings suggest that a disruption in histone deacetylation may lead to long-term alterations in gene expression that block the masculinizing actions of testosterone in the BNSTp.
Metal-insulator transition and the character of the hole impurity bands in ferromagnetic GaMnAs disordered dilute magnetic semiconductor
Authors: Neves R. da Silva , Silva A. Ferreira da , Kishore R. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe study of ferromagnetic transition of Ga1-xMnxAs dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) is much of interest mainly due to the potential application in spintronic devices. Based on the mean field approach we present the average contribution of the hole spins by considering the holes in an impurity band (IB) and the critical concentration for the metal-insulator transition (MIT) in this semiconductor. In order to calculate the mean configuration of spins of impurities Mn+2 we use a formalism proposed for a spatial disordered system. The results for the metallic densities around the MIT transition are compared to experimental results and other theoretical findings.
The Contribution of Crystallinity to Tissue-level Properties in Modern and Fossilized Bone
Authors: Olesiak Sara E. , Sponheimer Matthew , Eberle Jaelyn J. , Ferguson Virginia L. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTA range of mineral content values and organization of the collagen and mineral phases are possible contributors to the significant variance demonstrated within the nanomechanical behavior of mineralized tissues. A combined approach using nanoindentation, to assess nanomechanical behavior, and X-ray diffraction, for analysis of crystallinity and composition, were used to investigate a range of modern and fossilized bone samples. This work provides new insight into the functional role of organization and composition of the mineral phase within heterogeneous, mineralized materials of biological origin. While the predominant influence on nanomechanical behavior is made by mineral volume fraction, the crystallinity was shown to play a significant role in the nanomechanical behavior of modern and fossilized bone samples. The interplay between material structure and function will ultimately help to elucidate the relative contributions of various factors to nanomechanical behavior and lead to improved development of biomimetic materials.
Three-level hierarchal modeling of gecko toe adhesion
Authors: Chen B. , Wu P. D. , Gao H. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe underlying mechanisms of gecko adhesion have been investigated through modeling of the three-level hierarchical microstructures under gecko's toe [1]. At the bottom of hierarchy, we show that the peeling strength of a spatula pad for attachment can be 10 times larger than that for detachment. At the intermediate level of hierarchy, we show that the 10 times difference in the peeling strength of a spatula pad for attachment and detachment leads to a 100 times difference in adhesion energy at the level of seta. At the top of hierarchy, the attachment of a gecko toe is modeled as a pad under displacement controlled pulling, which yields an adhesive strength more than sufficient for gecko's body weight; On the other hand, the detachment is modeled as a pad under peeling, giving rise to a negligible peel-off force. The present study reveals that the hierarchical microstructures play critical roles in providing gecko with robust attachment and easy detachment.
Noise Spectra of Six Gey Bz:H Thermo-sensing Films for Micro-bolometers
Authors: Kosarev Andrey , Cosme Ismael , Torres Alfonso 
Published: June 2009

AbstractNoise spectra in plasma deposited SixGeyBz:H thermo-sensing films for micro-bolometers have been studied. The samples were characterized by SIMS (composition) and conductivity (room temperature conductivity, activation energy) measurements. The noise spectra were measured in the temperature range from T= 300 K to T=400 K and in the frequency range from f=2 Hz to f=2×104 Hz. The noise spectra SI(f) for the samples Si0.11Ge0.88:H and Si0.04Ge0.71B0.23 can be described by SI(f) ˜ f– β with β = 1 and β = 0.4, respectively. For the sample Si0.06Ge0.67B0.26 two slopes were observed: in low frequency region f≤ 103 Hz β1= 0.7 and at higher frequencies f>103 Hz β2= 0.13. Increasing temperature resulted in an increase of noise magnitude and a change of β values. The latter depended on film composition. The correlation observed between noise and conductivity activation energies suggests that noise is due to bulk rather than interface processes. Noise spectrum of the thermo-sensing film Si0.11Ge0.88:H was compared with that for micro-bolometer structure with the same thermo-sensing film. The micro-bolometer structure showed higher noise value in entire frequency range that assumed additional processes inducing noise.
Microstructure and charge carrier transport in phthalocyanine based
Authors: Opitz Andreas , Wagner Julia , Ecker Bernhard , Hörmann Ulrich , Kraus Michael , Bronner Markus , Brütting Wolfgang , Hinderhofer Alexander , Schreiber Frank 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe continuously growing and wide-spread utilization of blends of organic electron and hole conducting materials comprises ambipolar field-effect transistors as well as organic photovoltaic cells. Structural, optical and electrical properties are investigated in blends and neat films of the electron donor material Cu-phthalocyanine (CuPc) together with fullerene C60and Cu-hexadecafluorophthalocyanine (F16CuPc) as electron acceptor materials, respectively. The difference in molecular structure of the spherical C60and the planar molecule CuPc leads to nanophase separation in the blend, causing charge carrier transport which is limited by the successful formation of percolation paths. In contrast, blends of the similar shaped CuPc and F16CuPc molecules entail mixed crystals, as can be clearly seen by X-ray diffraction measurements. We discuss differences of both systems with respect to their microstructure as well as their electrical transport properties.
Three-Dimensional Organic Field-Effect Transistors: Charge Accumulation in their Vertical Semiconductor Channels
Authors: Uno M. , Doi I. , Takimiya K. , Takeya Jun 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThree-dimensional organic field-effect transistors are developed with multiple vertical channels of organic semiconductors to gain high output current and high on-off ratio. High-mobility and air-stable dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene thin films deposited on horizontally elongated vertical sidewalls have realized unprecedented high output current per area of 2.6 A/cm2 with the application of drain voltage -10 V and gate voltage -20 V. The on-off ratio is as high as 2.7×106. Carrier mobility of the organic semiconductor deposited on the vertical sidewalls is typically 0.30 cm2/Vs. The structure is built also on plastic substrates, where still considerable current modulation is preserved with high output current per area of 70 mA/cm2 and with high on-off ratio of 8.7×106. The performance exceeds practical requirements for applications in driving organic light-emitting diodes in active-matrix displays. The technique of gating with electric double layers of ionic liquid is also introduced to the three-dimensional transistor structure.
Novel Magnetoresistive Structures Using Self-Assembly and Nanowires on Si
Authors: Maqableh Mazin , Huang Xiaobo , Stadler Beth 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAnodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) was grown both as free-standing membranes and as integrated layers on Si as templates for arrays of magnetoresistive nanowires. These structures will be useful for applications such as current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) sensors, magnetic random access memory (MRAM) and microwave oscillator arrays. As the AAO was formed, using a two-step anodization process, columnar nanopores self-assembled inside the oxide to form a close-packed array. The pore diameters could be varied from 10-60nm by changing the anodization conditions. As the diameter of the AAO nanopores decreased, the distance between the nanopores also decreased. The free-standing membranes had pores with lengths of 17um. The pores that were grown directly onto Si with an adhesion layer of Ti were 600nm in length. In addition to growing these latter pores directly onto Si, they were also grown onto Co/Cu/Co thin films that were evaporated onto the Si. Au nanocontacts were electroplated into these nanopores to study point-contact magnetoresistance and microwave response. For the magnetoresistive nanostructures, multilayered Co/Cu nanowires were fabricated via electrochemical deposition. The samples were measured with vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and also using ac and dc magnetotransport systems. The highest magnetoresistance was found in nanowires that had hysteresis loops that were identical as measured in plane and perpendicular to the plane. The highest measured MR (Delta R/R = 11%) of the multilayers was calculated as 33% by subtracting the resistance of the Cu leads on either side of the multilayers from the denominator. Shorter wires are currently under construction to avoid this effect. Spin transfer torque (STT) was also measured in the samples. For 10-60nm diameter nanowires, the change in resistance due to STT was around 6% which represents the full magnetoresistance of the larger wires, but only half that of the smaller nanowires. It is therefore concluded that the 10-nm Co layers do not align antiparallel to parallel as fully at the switching current density of JAP-P = 2.7 × 108 A/cm2 compared to the larger wires which switch at JAP-P = 3.2 × 107 A/cm2. With diameters in the 10-60 nm range and integration with Si, these nanostructures have great potential for future nanosensors, MRAM and microwave oscillator arrays.
Large Area Chemical Bath Deposition of CdS on Cu(InGa)Se2
Authors: Vora Nirav D , Repins Ingrid , Robbins Steve , Mann Johnathan , Castenada Hector , Armstrong Brian 
Published: June 2009

AbstractChemical bath deposition (CBD) is a commonly used method of depositing cadmium sulfide (CdS) films for photovoltaic application. The method is based on decomposition of a sulfur source in an alkaline solution of a cadmium source on the surface of the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) substrate. On the lab scale the CdS film is deposited by submerging a 1” square CIGS substrate in a heated beaker containing the chemical bath. This batch processing method is the one used for record-performing devices. There is an ongoing effort at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to scale-up the CBD process to deposit CdS films on 6” square substrate. Efforts are focused at designing both batch and flow reactors for depositing uniform, device quality CdS films on larger substrates. Batch reactor designs involve reproducing the deposition process in the beaker on a bigger scale with minimal chemical waste, while flow reactors are designed for continuous processing, such as encountered in roll-to-roll manufacturing lines.
Titanium Incorporation to In2S3 Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Asenjo Begoña , Herrero José , Gutiérrez M. Teresa 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPreliminary studies on the properties of undoped and Ti-doped In2S3 thin films grown on soda lime glass by chemical solution deposition under different conditions are presented. Different physical, chemical and morphological properties of the films have been analysed. At the beginning of the deposition of In2S3 films, In2O3 and In(OH)3 deposited by electroless-chemical reaction are dominant. The optical properties observed for Ti-In2S3 films show the partial contribution of the electronic transitions. The study is completed with SEM analysis which shows the influence of the deposition time and the precursor used, in the morphology for incorporation of titanium at the beginning of deposition and X-ray diffraction when is observed the amorphous nature of the films.
Chlorine Doping of Cadmium Sulfide on the Example of CBD CdS
Authors: Jaan Hiie , Quinci Federico , Lughi Vanni , Sergo Valter , Valdna Vello , Mikli Valdek , Kärber Erki , Raadik Taavi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe role of thermal annealing and of CdCl2 as a main source of electrically active but vaporizable chlorine doping in chemical bath deposited CdS thin films is studied. The films were deposited on glass substrates from aqueous solution of either CdCl2, NH4Cl, NH4OH, and thiourea, or CdSO4, (NH4)2SO4, NH4OH, and thiourea. Films deposited in the presence of CdCl2 and annealed in H2 atmosphere at 310 and 420 °C show a resistivity lower than 10 Ω·cm, one order of magnitude less than for identically annealed films deposited in absence of CdCl2. Annealing at 420 °C in closed ampoules, where a counter pressure of CdCl2 builds up, leads to a lower resistivity on the order of 10−1 Ω·cm, confirming the key role of chlorine on the electronic properties. However, further characterization via photoluminescence raises new questions about chlorine-related defects and their role in the mechanisms that govern film resistivity.
Understanding Electrical Transport and the Large Power Factor Enhancements in Co-Nanostructured PbTe
Authors: Sootsman Joseph R , Jovovic Vladimir , Jaworski Christopher M , Heremans Joseph P , He Jiaqing , Dravid Vinayak P , Kanatzidis Mercouri G 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe previously reported the synthesis of nanostructured composite PbTe with excess Pb and Sb metal inclusions. The electrical conductivity shows an unusual temperature dependence that depends on the inclusion Pb/Sb ratio, resulting in marked enhancements in power factor and ZT at 700 K. Additional investigation of the transport and structure of these materials is reported here. Measurements of the scattering parameter reveals there is little change in electron scattering with respect to pure PbTe. High resolution electron microscopy was used to determine additional information about the nature of the precipitate phases present in the samples. High temperature transmission electron microscopy reveals that the precipitates begin to dissolve at high temperatures and completely disappear at T > 619K. A qualitative explanation of the unusual transport behavior of these materials is presented.
Subwavelength Terahertz Waveguide Using Negative Permeability Metamaterial
Authors: Ishikawa Atsushi , Zhang Shuang , Genov Dentcho A , Bartal Guy , Zhang Xiang 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe propose a novel subwavelength terahertz (THz) waveguide using the magnetic plasmon polariton (MPP) mode guided by a narrow gap in a negative permeability metamaterial. Deep subwavelength wave-guiding (< λ/10) with a modest propagation loss (2.5 dB/λ) and group velocities down to c/21.8 is demonstrated in a straight waveguide, a 90-degree bend, and a splitter. The distinctive dispersions of the guided mode with positive and negative group velocities are explained analytically by considering the dispersive effective optical constants of the metamaterial. The proposed waveguiding system inherently has no cutoff for any core width and height, paving the way toward the deep subwavelength transport of THz waves for integrated THz device applications.
Wood and Paper as Materials for the 21st Century
Authors: Jones Philip , Wegner Theodore H 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWood and paper are ubiquitous in societies around the world and are largely taken for granted as part of traditional industries with no new science to learn. Many of the technologies used in the forest products industry have been gained empirically through experience. The complexities of wood are now yielding to newer tools and we are beginning to see how the mechanical, optical and other physical properties of wood are related to hierarchical structures based on 2 to 10 nm diameter several hundred nm long fibers of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). The liberation of these NCC’s is allowing their re-assembly into remarkably strong structures. Examples will be given of the nature of these building blocks and structures assembled from them. Examples will include nanocomposites as well as very high strength “paper”. Paper is another example of a process whereby nanofibrils are released and then re-assembled with the use of “retention, drainage and formation aides” to make substrates we call paper with remarkable strength to weight performance. Other disciplines call this process “self-assembly” and the “aids” as necessary surfactants and additives to control structure and performance. Glossy magazine papers, for example, have approximately 10 micron thick coatings of white minerals and latex binders which are increasingly of nano dimensions. The coatings are assembled in structures to provide optical barrier performance (opacity) as well as controlled ink interaction with the necessary strength to survive printing and handling. These coatings are frequently similar in structure to seashells and, from this knowledge, progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms at play in achieving higher strength coatings. More recently kaolin clays have been introduced with mean crystal thicknesses in the range 20 to 40 nm instead of the usual 100 to 140 nm. These clays show useful strength performance and represent what may be called pragmatic nanoclays. Novel chemistries based on biomimetic learnings are emerging to displace the conventional starch or latex binders. Examples will be given of protocols for moving toward higher strength systems.
Magnetotactic Bacteria – a Natural Architecture Leading from Structure to Possible Applications
Authors: Zhang Kui Yu , Zhu Kai Ling , Xiao Tian , Wu Long Fei 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMagnetotactic bacteria are aquatic micro-organisms which have the specific capacity to navigate along the lines of the earth’s magnetic field. This property is related to the formation of chains of magnetic crystals calledmagnetosomes. All magnetotactic bacteria synthesize nano-sized intracellular magnetosomes that are surrounded by ultra-thin bio-membranes. The magnetosome chains serve as compass for navigation of the magnetotactic bacteria, and the cell flagella are considered as the mechanism for propelling the bacteria forward. This presentation describes various functions of the architectured structure of magnetotactic bacteria as well as their possible applications in biotechnology.
Fabrication of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuator with Palladium Electrodes and Evaluation of its Bending Response
Authors: Kobayashi Takuma , Kuribayashi Takeshi , Omiya Masaki 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe built up the way of fabricating IPMC actuator with palladium electrodes and we found that it showed large bending response than Au-plated IPMC actuator. An ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) consisting of a thin perfuorinated ionomer membrane, electrodes plated on both faces, undergoes large bending motion when a small electric field is applied across its thickness in a hydrated state. The characteristics of IPMC are ease of miniaturization, low density, and mechanical flexibility. Therefore, it is considered to have a wide range of applications from MEMS sensor to artificial muscle. However, there are problems on IPMC. First, its mechanical and electric characteristics have not been clarified because of the complex mechanism of the deformation. Second, it is high-priced because most of IPMC actuators use gold or platinum as electrodes. In order for IPMC actuator to be widely put to practical use, we should solve these problems. Hence, this research focuses on fabrication of IPMC actuator with palladium electrode, which is cheaper than gold or platinum, and evaluation of its mechanical properties such as its tip displacement. We fabricated IPMC consisting of a thin Nafion® membrane, which is the film with fluorocarbon back-bones and mobile cations, sandwiched between two thin palladium plates. The surface resistivity was 2.88±0.18Ω/sq., so it could be said to be enough small. Then, we observed its cross section by using FE-SEM. As a result, palladium plates were evenly coated and its thickness was about 30μm. Also, we carried out an actuation test for two kinds of IPMCs: one was fabricated by using Nafion®117 (thickness 183μm), the other was by Nafion®115 (thickness 127μm). In this test, the relationship between voltage (0˜4V) across its thickness and tip displacement for the cantilevered strip of the IPMC was measured. Then we found that IPMCs showed large bending motion under a low electric field. When Nafion®117 sample was subjected to voltage of 1.5V, the ratio of the tip displacement to the sample length was 0.35, which was lager bending than Au-plated IPMC actuator, whose ratio of the tip displacement to the sample length was 0.12 [1]. When Nafion®115 sample was applied to 1.5V, the ratio of the tip displacement to the sample length was 0.22. Then, we found that Nafion®117 bended in a larger way than Nafion®115. Reference [1]Sia Nemat-Nesser and Yongxian Wu,”Comparative experimental study of ionic polymer-metal composites with different backbone ionomers and in various cation forms”, Journal of Applied Physics,93,5255 (2003)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Galapagos Sea Lions (Zalophus wollebaeki)
Authors: Alava Juan J. , Ikonomou Michael G. , Ross Peter S. , Costa Daniel , Salazar Sandie , Aurioles-Gamboa David , Gobas Frank A.P.C. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were measured in muscle-blubber biopsy samples from 21 Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) pups that were live captured in the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) using gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. Only traces of PBDEs were detected in one male pup, whereas PCDDs and PCDFs were not detected in any sample. The total concentration of PCBs (σPCB) in the pups averaged 104 μg/kg lipid (range, 49–384 μg/kg). No statistically significant differences in σPCB were observed among the four study sites in the Galapagos Islands. Concentrations of PCB congeners in Galapagos sea lion pups were dominated by low-molecular-weight congeners. These results suggest that global transport is the main source for PCBs in Galapagos sea lions. The σPCB levels were below immunotoxic and endocrine-disruption thresholds in pinnipeds, suggesting a limited risk of adverse health effects. The present study indicates that Galapagos sea lions can serve as a useful sentinel of pollutants with a long-range transport capacity and that Galapagos Islands are not exempt from the threats of global pollutants despite its remote locale.