Non‐Covalent Functionalization of Graphene Using Self‐Assembly of Alkane‐Amines

A simple, versatile method for non‐covalent functionalization of graphene based on solution‐phase assembly of alkane‐amine layers is presented. Second‐order Møller–Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory on a cluster model (methylamine on pyrene) yields a binding energy of ≈220 meV for the amine–graphene interaction, which is strong enough to enable formation of a stable aminodecane layer at room temperature. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations on an assembly of 1‐aminodecane molecules indicate that a self‐assembled monolayer can form, with the alkane chains oriented perpendicular to the graphene basal plane. The calculated monolayer height (≈1.7 nm) is in good agreement with atomic force microscopy data acquired for graphene functionalized with 1‐aminodecane, which yield a continuous layer with mean thickness ≈1.7 nm, albeit with some island defects. Raman data also confirm that self‐assembly of alkane‐amines is a non‐covalent process, i.e., it does not perturb the sp² hybridization of the graphene. Passivation and adsorbate n‐doping of graphene field‐effect devices using 1‐aminodecane, as well as high‐density binding of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and seeded atomic layer deposition of inorganic dielectrics using 1,10‐diaminodecane are also reported.     

Thermally Stable Hole‐Transporting Materials Based upon a Fluorene Core

We report a new class of diamine hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) based upon a fluorene core. Using a fluorene core, rather than a biphenyl group, leads to enhanced thermal stability, as evidenced by glass‐transition (T_g) temperatures as high as 161 °C for N,N′‐iminostilbenyl‐4,4′‐fluorene (ISF). The fluorene‐based HTMs have lower ionization potentials (I_p) than their biphenyl analogs, which leads to more efficient injection of holes from the indium tin oxide (ITO) anode, and higher quantum efficiencies. Devices prepared with fluorene‐based HTMs were operated under thermal stress. The failure of an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) under thermal stress has a direct correlation with the thermal stability of the HTM that is in contact with the ITO anode. OLEDs based on ISF are stable to over 140 °C.     

Effects of SiN passivation and high-electric field on AlGaN-GaN HFET degradation

The authors report on the effects of silicon nitride (SiN) surface passivation and high-electric field stress (hot electron stress) on the degradation of undoped AlGaN-GaN power HFETs. Stressed devices demonstrated a decrease in the drain current and maximum transconductance and an increase in the parasitic drain series resistance, gate leakage, and subthreshold current. The unpassivated devices showed more significant degradation than SiN passivated devices. Gate lag phenomenon was observed from unpassivated devices and removed by SiN passivation. However, SiN passivated devices also showed gate lag phenomena after high-electric field stress, which suggests possible changes in surface trap profiles occurred during high-electric field stress test.     

Phase-noise behaviour of frequency dividers implemented with GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors

Near carrier phase-noise performance of GaAs microwave frequency dividers (4 GHz) is investigated. The divide-by-4 circuits are fabricated using heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology. The phase-noise behaviour of the HBT divider chips is correlated with transistor 1/f noise and is insensitive to bias current variations.     

Impurity analysis of heavy metal fluoride glass fibres using selectively excited photoluminescence

A technique based on selectively excited fibre impurity luminescence (SEFIL) has been developed and successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of Pr3+, Nd3+ and Fe3+ in heavy metal fluoride glass optical fibres. With fibre standards, SEFIL provides accurate analysis at impurity levels well below the requirements for long-distance fibre applications.     

Effect of increased milking frequency in early lactation with or without recombinant bovine somatotropin

Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 300) were assigned to 1 of 2 milking frequency treatments at parturition. Cows were either milked 6 times (6×) or 3 times (3×) daily to determine effects on early lactation milk yields and subsequent lactation persistency with or without use of recombinant bST (rbST). Treatments included a control group milked 3× and 3 groups milked 6× for either the first 7, 14, or 21 days in milk (DIM). Those 4 groups of cows all received rbST starting at 63 DIM. The fifth treatment group was also milked 6× for the first 21 DIM but those cows received no rbST during the entire lactation. All cows returned to 3× milking after their respective treatment periods ended. Cows milked 3× tended to produce more milk (43.2 vs. 41.5 and 41.0 ± 1.1 kg/d) during the first 9 wk of lactation compared with cows milked 6× for 7 or 21 DIM, respectively. Group milk yields after wk 9 averaged 38.3 ± 0.7 kg/d and did not differ among various groups assigned to an increased milking frequency in early lactation. Percentages of milk fat (3.8 ± 0.12%) and protein (2.9 ± 0.06%) did not differ among treatments during the first 9 wk after calving. Early lactation milk yield (41.9 ± 1.2 kg/d) did not differ between the 2 groups of cows milked 6× for 21 DIM. However, cows subsequently administered rbST (at 63 DIM) produced more milk (38.8 vs. 34.2 ± 0.9 kg/d) from wk 10 to 44. The number of cows sent to the hospital during the 305-d trial for mastitis (97), digestive disorders (14), respiratory issues (9), lameness (22), or retained placenta (16), were not affected by treatments (χ² = 0.49). Under the conditions of this commercial dairy herd in Arizona, increasing milking frequency to 6 times daily for 7 to 21 d at the start of lactation conditions did not increase milk yield nor improve lactation persistency.     

Seafood Traceability in the United States: Current Trends,System Design,and Potential Applications

Increasing globalization of our food supply combined with recent outbreaks of foodborne disease has heightened concerns over food safety issues around the globe. In response to these growing concerns, both by government and consumers, many nations are looking at food traceability as a means to restore confidence in the food supply and limit damages incurred by the sale and distribution of unsafe products. Traceability, which allows for the tracking of food products through all steps of production, distribution, and sales, can provide information on the nature, origin, and quality of a product; allowing consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions while providing the mechanisms for quick and thorough product recall procedures. Implementing traceablity systems will require improved vertical intergration between entities and the development of standars for the collection and dissemination of traceability data. Fortunately, rapid advances in information technology have made it possible to implement traceability systems within the food industry. This review will explore the current trends toward tracebility in the U.S. seafood industry. Current legislation, both here and abroad, and its effects on the seafood industry will be explored, and the design of a traceability system will be discussed.     

Parallel secretion of digestive enzymes by the in vitro rabbit pancreas

Nonparallel discharge of digestive enzymes by the in vitro rabbit pancreas has been previously reported and this observation has been used to challenge the mass transport theory of enzyme synthesis and secretion by the exocrine pancreas. The current investigation reexamines the pattern of enzyme secretion from the in vitro rabbit pancreas. Secretion of alpha-amylase, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen was studied from the unstimulated gland and from glands stimulated with either methacholine, cholecystokinin-pancreozymin, or the active octapeptide of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin. In all cases, only parallel discharge of alpha-amlyse, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen was noted. These observations are consistent with the mass-transport theory.     

Upper airway obstruction induced by warfarin sodium

I report a patient in whom warfarin sodium induced upper airway obstruction secondary to a spontaneous nontraumatic hemorrhage into the sublingual space. Treatment of this obstructive sublingual space hematoma with conservative medical management is reviewed. I discuss the role of warfarin sodium in coagulation and in the production of this pseudo-Ludwig phenomenon.