A UV assisted methodology for functional oxide film formation from small molecules

The development of organic electronics has progressed rapidly due to the demand for lower cost, large scale fabrication of devices using inexpensive materials with flexible substrates. The field has seen the discovery of many suitable organic substitutes for traditional electronic component materials, in particular, by polymers and small molecules. One class of materials, metal oxides, have yet to find organic alternatives capable of performing to standards required. In this thesis, a non-toxic, room temperature method for functional oxide film formation from small molecules frequently employed as active layers in devices is explored to fully determine the mechanism by which the metal oxide is formed. Comparison of precursors, ZnPc (zinc phthalocyanine) and ZnTPP (zinc tetraphenylporphyrin), with contrasting morphology when deposited as thin films demonstrates the importance of the oxygen-assisted mechanism and its relation to grain boundaries. It is demonstrated that efficiency of oxide formation may be improved by choice of a crystalline precursor. Heterostructures of ZnPc and PTCDA (3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride), an archetypal organic semiconductor, are used as a model to determine the effect of the UV process for oxide production on underlying organic layers. We show that approximately half the precursor film reacts before the underlying layer is affected. The structures also reveal no effect of molecular orientation on the rate of oxide formation and templated films of ZnPc on PTCDA are correctly indexed for the first time. The use of PTCDA also confirms that inclusion of an oxygen-containing molecule can be employed as a method to increase the rate of film degradation. Finally, nanosphere lithography of ZnPc films is combined with the UV assisted process to form regular arrays of hollow triangular nanostructures or pillars with the aim of creating structures suitable for photonic use.Open Acces

Variable Density Speed Hump

This technical paper relates to a device that reduces the speed of any overspeeding vehicles travelling on a roadway.It is formed by at least one hollow strip of flexible material, made up of several receptacles located in the shell body. Each receptacle is impregnated with a dilatant shear-thickening fluid. The material is placed under compression during impact when the vehicle strikes it and the fluid itself acts as means for controlling the resistance to deformation of the strip.Thus, if the vehicle travels at a low speed the fluid has a low viscosity and the strip is easily deformed, whereas if the speed of the vehicle is high the viscosity of the fluid is high and as a result has great resistance to deformation, thus forming a rigid obstacle to the passage of the vehicle. Drivers must always slow down when driving over the conventional speed bumps to prevent damage to their vehicle. However, the Variable Density Speed Hump is sensitive to the speed of the vehicle.The vehicle needs to slow down only if it is overspeeding

Can portfolio returns exceed market return? An examination of the efficient market hypothesis for the Indian stock market

Abctract. The paper explores the possibility of forming portfolio of stocks that can generate returns higher than the market over a time period. Various principles are used for portfolio formation in the year 2013, and it is examined whether such portfolios have been able to generate excess returns over the next five years. Data has been used for Indian companies which are listed in the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange. Further, our sample consist of companies that have in operation over this period, have earned profits each year, and have consistently paid dividends in each of the years. The period under consideration has seen upswings and downswings, and it is our interest to explore whether our portfolios have been able to generate excess returns. Our results provide interesting insight into portfolio formation and also structuring of mutual funds.Keywords. Portfolio, Price/earnings ratio, PEG ratio, Dividend yield, Net profit margin, Excess returns.JEL. G11, G14, G23, G24

Value creation by Indian companies: A comparative study over two time periods

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to derive economic profit generated by Indian companies over two time periods and see whether there has been any fundamental change in the performance of companies and the sectors within which they belong. We focus on non-finance companies. The purpose is two-fold. First, to get an idea about how Indian companies have fared over the two time periods and whether there has been any structural change. Second, to help companies decide on their next strategic move and allocate funds for the purpose. The study also focusses on the relationship between size and economic profit, where invested capital and market capitalization represents size. The methodology presented in the paper enables us to understand the performance of Indian companies and also the sectors within which they belong.Keywords. Economic profit, Invested capital, Quintile distribution, Market capitalization, Sector.JEL. G11, G14, G32, L25, E22

Room-Temperature Routes Toward the Creation of Zinc Oxide Films from Molecular Precursors

The fabrication of “flexible” electronics on plastic substrates with low melting points requires the development of thin-film deposition techniques that operate at low temperatures. This is easily achieved with vacuum- or solution-processed molecular or polymeric semiconductors, but oxide materials remain a significant challenge. Here, we show that zinc oxide (ZnO) can be prepared using only room-temperature processes, with the molecular thin-film precursor zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), followed by UV-light treatment in vacuum to elicit degradation of the organic components and transformation of the deposited film to the oxide material. The degradation mechanism was assessed by studying the influence of the atmosphere during the reaction: it was particularly sensitive to the oxygen pressure in the chamber and optimal degradation conditions were established as 3 mbar with 40% oxygen in nitrogen. The morphology of the film remained relatively unchanged during the reaction, but a detailed analysis of its composition using both scanning transmission electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry revealed that a 40 nm thick layer containing ZnO results from the 100 nm thick precursor after complete reaction. Our methodology represents a simple route for the fabrication of oxides and multilayer structures that can be easily integrated into current molecular thin-film growth setups, without the need for a high-temperature step

Enhanced activation of an amino-terminally truncated isoform of the voltage-gated proton channel HVCN1 enriched in malignant B cells

The final published version can be found here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1411390111M.C. is the recipient of a Bennett Fellowship from Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research (ref. 12002). M.A.B. is supported by a GlaxoSmithKline Oncology–Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering PhD studentship. This work was supported by National Institutes of Health Grants GM087507 and GM102336 (to T.E.D.)

The Prevalence and Assessment of ErbB2-Positive Breast Cancer in Asia: A Literature Survey

Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor-related gene ErbB2 occurs in 18% to 25% of patients with breast cancer in Western countries and is associated with a poor prognosis. The prevalence of ErbB2-positive tumors in Asia is unclear, partly because data are limited. The objective of this review was to summarize the reported prevalence of ErbB2-positive tumors from a large sample of Asian patients and to examine ErbB2 assessment methods in Asia. From searches of MEDLINE, local language journals, and local and international conference proceedings as well as locoregional breast cancer experts' recommendations, the authors selected up to 5 studies each from India, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand that reported ErbB2 results based on assessment with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The reported prevalence of ErbB2-positive tumors in 22 studies on 24,671 patients, of whom 14,398 patients were assessed for ErbB2 status, varied widely (range, 6%-65%) as did the assessment methods used. Most studies (n = 21) used IHC to assess ErbB2 status, but definitions for positivity varied. When robust assessment methods were used, the median prevalence was 19% based on strong IHC staining (IHC3+; n = 9812 patients) and 25% based on FISH (n = 681 patients). Data on the prevalence of ErbB2-positive breast cancer in Asia are limited. The current survey indicated that the prevalence in Asia may be similar to that in Western countries; thus, up to 1 in 4 Asian patients with breast cancer potentially could benefit from ErbB2-targeted treatment. A standard, reliable ErbB2 assessment method available to patients across Asia is urgently required. Cancer 2010;116:5348–57. © 2010 American Cancer Society

Patient narratives of orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry: a qualitative study

To explore patient experiences of orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry and adaptation to facial changes post-surgery. Design: Qualitative, cross-sectional. Setting: Two UK sites. Participants: Patients after treatment for non-cleft asymmetry. Methods: Patients were identified using patient databases and clinical notes and approached. Individual interviews and photo elicitation were conducted with fifteen patients (aged 19-40 years). These covered experiences prior to treatment, during treatment and post-surgery. Interviews were transcribed and thematic narrative analysis was undertaken. Results: Participants were largely positive about their orthognathic treatment. The following themes were identified: preoperative (becoming aware, negative impacts of asymmetry, committing to treatment, establishing expectations); pre-surgery orthodontics and inpatient experiences (challenges and coping strategies, preparedness, support and shared experiences); postoperative (surgery as ‘worth it’, positive impacts of treatment, adapting to facial change). Undergoing orthognathic surgery was portrayed as a journey, involving recognisable narratives (treatment unfinished, threat of liminality, treatment as resolution, treatment as transformation). Conclusions: Patient experience of facial asymmetry is associated with feeling ‘abnormal’ and has negative impacts. Undergoing orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry was worthwhile. Having the feeling that something is ‘wrong’ legitimised by clinicians allows patients access to a recognisable treatment narrative (resolution). Orthognathic treatment is also narrated as transformation from ‘normal abnormality’ to being ‘normal’. Nevertheless, challenges associated with treatment can be frustrating, particularly if resolution is hard to envisage. Further psychological input could help to support patients cope with these challenges and the complex process of adapting to facial change

Characterisation of the voltage gated proton channel HVCN1 in B cells

HVCN1 is a voltage-gated proton channel, detected in a proteomic screen profiling membrane proteins of Mantle Cell Lymphoma cells. Subsequent analysis showed that HVCN1 is expressed in naive mature resting B cells, such as cells of Mantle Zones in lymph nodes and circulating peripheral B cells. The role of voltage-proton channels in B cells is unknown and further characterized in this study. HVCN1 co-localizes with the BCR and markers of MIIC vesicles and translocates with the BCR upon internalization of receptor-antigen complexes. Mass spectrometry data confirmed key proteins involved in BCR signalling, such as IgM, CD79B (Igp), CD19 and CD22 were associated with HVCN1 at a resting and stimulated state of the cell, demonstrating HVCN1 functioned in the regulation of B-cell receptor signalling. BCR stimulation has shown to result in the production of ROS, which can regulate B-cell activation, through the oxidation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases. Primary B cells isolated from mice lacking HVCN1 demonstrated weak signalling following cross-linking of the BCR with anti-IgM, which was rescued in the presence of the Sodium Stibogluconate, an inhibitor of the CD22 associated phosphatase SHP-1. The catalytic activity of phosphatases was reduced by ROS and allowed phosphorylation of protein, which was regulated through a negative signalling feedback loop. Lack of HVCN1 dampened the phosphorylation of key signalling molecules SYK and AKT, involved in the activation and proliferation of B cells. Therefore, HVCN1 functions to modulate the balance of ROS production in the cell upon BCR activation, allowing the effective transmission of signalling in the cell