Synthesis of a Novel Family of Polysilsesquioxanes Having Oligothiophenes with Well-Defined Structures

Our recent results on the synthesis and properties of a novel family of polysilsesquioxanes having oligothiophenes were reviewed. The polymers anchored on SiO2 or ITO substrates showed excellent mechanical hardness due to the formation of a three-dimensional siloxane network structure and chemical linkage between polymer and the surface of metal-oxide substrates. Optical, electrochemical, and electrical properties of polymers were also investigated

Validation of the Japanese version of the Dutch Boredom Scale

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to validate the Japanese version of the Dutch Boredom Scale (DUBS-J), a new boredom scale that comprehensively assesses employees' emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to low-stimulus work situations. METHODS: The translated and back-translated DUBS was administered via an internet survey to 1358 Japanese employees from various occupations. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate factorial validity. In order to evaluate discriminant validity with other work-related, well-being constructs, CFA was conducted, and the square root of average variance extracted (AVE) for the DUBS-J and the square of the inter-construct correlations were compared. Construct validity was evaluated based on the correlation coefficients between boredom at work on the one hand and potential antecedents and consequences on the other hand. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the expected one-factor model. CFA and AVE supported the discriminant validity of DUBS-J with work engagement, workaholism, and job satisfaction. Construct validity was generally supported by expected correlations of boredom at work with possible antecedents and consequences. Internal consistency was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient = .88, and the results of principal component analysis (PCA). Test-retest reliability was confirmed with intraclass correlation coefficients = .62. CONCLUSION: The current study confirmed that DUBS-J is an adequate measure of boredom at work that can be used in the Japanese context

A passively Q-switched compact Er:Lu2O3 ceramics laser at 2.8 μm with a graphene saturable absorber

We have demonstrated a passively Q-switched Er:Lu2O3 ceramics laser using a monolayer graphene saturable absorber (SA). Stable pulsed operation with watt-level average power was achieved by a compact linear cavity without focusing on the SA. This is the first demonstration of a passively Q-switched mid-IR Er:Lu2O3 laser using a graphene SA. A maximum pulse energy of 9.4 μJ and a peak power of 33 W were achieved with a 247 ns pulse duration. To our knowledge, this is the shortest pulse duration, highest pulse energy, and highest peak power obtained with a graphene SA in the 3 μm wavelength region

Power scalable 30-W mid-infrared fluoride fiber amplifier

A fluoride-fiber-based master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) for 30-W class continuous-wave (cw) operation at 2.8-μm wavelength has been demonstrated. To overcome the low durability of ZBLAN fibers, various novel technologies for using fluoride glass with a ZBLAN-fiber-based side-pump combiner have been adopted in the system. A maximum cw output power of 33 W and stable operation under 23-W output have been demonstrated. We suggest that such fiber MOPA systems will open up advanced fluoride fiber technology for next-generation high-power mid-IR lasers

RETRACTED: The Chromatin-Remodeling Complex WINAC Targets a Nuclear Receptor to Promoters and Is Impaired in Williams Syndrome

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy).This article has been retracted at the request of the Authors.Our paper reported that a chromatin-remodeling complex, WINAC, recruited the unliganded vitamin D receptor to promoters in cooperation with the transcription factor implicated in Williams syndrome, WSTF. The findings provided insights into the coordination between chromatin remodelers and sequence-specific transcription factors and pointed to a role of chromatin remodeling defects in Williams syndrome. We recently identified errors affecting several figure panels where original data were processed inappropriately such that the figure panels do not accurately report the original data. We believe that the most responsible course of action is to retract the paper. We sincerely apologize to the scientific community for any inconvenience that this might cause. The first author, H.K., declined to sign the retraction notice