bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New sedimentological and palynological data from surface Miocene strata in the central Amazonas Basin area
Authors: Soares Emílio Alberto Amaral , Dino Rodolfo , Soares Dominicky Peres , Antonioli Luzia , Silva Marco Antônio Lima da
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT The scarcity of stratigraphic data has hindered the demarcation of the outcropping area of Miocene deposits of the Amazon Basin, represented informally by the Novo Remanso Formation. Moreover, this unit is characterized by a sparse and irregular geographic distribution due to its sedimentological features and rare fossil content. Miocene deposits cropping out in central Amazonas Basin area were described in sedimentological terms and analyzed palynologically. All analyses were undertaken in samples collected at the Uatumã River banks (Itapiranga and São Sebastião do Uatumã cities). Lithostratigraphic data shows that Novo Remanso Formation consists of sandstones, with subordinate conglomerates and pelites, characteristic of a meandering fluvial paleosystem, with fluvial channel, point bar, floodplain and crevasse splay facies. The palynoflora retrieved from five samples consists exclusively of continental-origin palynomorphs dominated by angiosperms species. Trilete spores are well represented, while gymnosperms pollen grains are minor components. The presence of Psilastephanoporites tesseroporus, Syncolporites poricostatus, Jandufouria seamrogiformis and Polypodiaceoisporites potoniei ensure these deposits fits into the Grimsdalea magnaclavata palynozone (Regali et al. 1974a, b), and the Grimsdalea magnaclavata/Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni palynozones of Jaramillo et al. (2011) considered Middle Miocene age. This age is confirmed by the zonation of Jaramillo et al. (2011), based on the LADs of Bombacacidites baumfalki (11.57Ma) and Crototricolpites annemariae (12.91Ma); and the FAD of Psilastephanoporites tesseroporus (14.00Ma). With these new data presented herein, it is possible to assume that the Miocene strata represented by the Novo Remanso Formation covers a larger area in the basin than previously considered, and that it may be extended for about 300 km until the Manacapuru village, indicating a Miocene subsidence phase.
Effects of maternal enflurane exposure on NR2B expression in the hippocampus of their offspring
Authors: Luo Fo-Quan , Liu Jun-Wu , Tang Shu-Xin , Zhao Wei-Lu , Hu Yan , Xu Lin , Li Meng-Yuan
Published: November 2015

This work aims to study the pathogenesis of learning and memory impairment in offspring rats resulting from maternal enflurane anesthesia by focusing on the expression of the N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampus of the offspring. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (C group), 4 h enflurane exposure (E1 group), and 8 h enflurane exposure (E2 group) groups. Eight to ten days after the initiation of pregnancy, rats from the E1 and E2 groups were allowed to inhale 1.7% enflurane in 2 L/min oxygen for 4 h and 8 h, respectively. Rats from the C group were allowed to inhale 2 L/min of oxygen only. The Morris water maze was used to assay the learning and memory function of the offspring on postnatal days 20 and 30. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assays were then used to measure the mRNA levels and protein expression of NR2B, respectively. Relative to offspring rats from the C group, those from the E1 and E2 groups exhibited longer escape latencies, lesser number of crossings over the platform, and less time spent in the target quadrant in the spatial exploration test (P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of NR2B in the hippocampus of offspring rats in the E1 and E2 groups were down-regulated (P < 0.05). No significant differences between the E1 and E2 groups were observed (P > 0.05) in terms of mRNA levels and protein expression of NR2B. The cognitive function of the offspring is impaired when maternal rats are exposed to enflurane during early pregnancy. A possible mechanism of this effect is related to the down-regulation of NR2B expression.
LITOQUÍMICA DOS DIQUES MÁFICOS PARÁ DE MINAS (MG-BRASIL) ASSOCIADOS À UMA PROVÁVEL PLUMA MANTÉLICA ESTATERIANA DE MATO GROSSO-GOIÁS
Authors: Chaves Alexandre de Oliveira
Published: November 2015

Os diques máficos do Enxame Pará de Minas-MG (1,72 Ga) apresentam-se majoritariamente como diabásios faneríticos e às vezes como corpos porfiríticos, com fenocristais de plagioclásio. São litoquimicamente caracterizados como basaltos de alto-titânio, na sua maioria subalcalinos, sendo alguns alcalinos. Guardam anomalias negativas de európio e estrôncio associadas ao fracionamento do plagioclásio, bem como anomalias negativas de nióbio e razão inicial 87Sr/86Sr elevada aparentemente relacionadas a possíveis processos de contaminação crustal. Destaca-se sua assinatura de fonte enriquecida em elementos incompatíveis tipo OIB (oceanic island basalts). Tais características químicas, em associação aos registros de fluxo magmático subhorizontal dos diques e aos processos Estaterianos contemporâneos de rifteamento, sedimentação e magmatismo bimodal (ácido e básico) anorogênico, remetem à atividade de uma pluma mantélica no centro-sudeste do Brasil ao final do Paleoproterozóico.Palavras-chave: Diques máficos, OIB, pluma mantélica, Estateriano, Brasil. Abstract: LITHOCHEMISTRY OF THE PARÁ DE MINAS MAFIC DYKES RELATED TO A PROBABLE STATHERIAN MANTLE PLUME OF MATO GROSSO-GOIÁS (BRAZIL). Mafic dykes of the Pará de Minas Swarm-MG (1.72 Ga) are essentially phaneritic dolerites and eventually porphiritic, with plagioclase phenocrysts. The lithochemistry of the dykes shows they are high-Ti subalkaline basalts, but high-Ti alkaline bodies are sometimes also found. All of them keep Eu and Sr negative anomalies related to plagioclase fractionation. Nb negative anomalies and high 87Sr/86Sr initial ratio associated to probable crustal contamination processes can also be verified. They show OIB-like (oceanic island basalts) enriched source signature. Such chemical features in association with their subhorizontal magmatic flow and Statherian contemporary processes of rifting, sedimentation, anorogenic bimodal acid and basic magmatism, refer to the mantle plume activity in the central and southeast Brazil at Late Paleoproterozoic.Keywords: Mafic dykes, OIB, mantle plume, Statherian, Brazil.
Combustibles forestales superficiales y riesgo de incendio en dos estadios de sucesión secundaria y bosques primarios en el Parque Nacional Palo Verde, Costa Rica
Authors: Rojas-Chaves Pedro Andrey , Vílchez-Alvarado Braulio , Moya-Roque Róger , Sasa-Marín Mahmood
Published: November 2015

Se cuantificó el combustible forestal superficial de los árboles en pie y del mantillo orgánico. También, se caracterizó la composición florística, en tres tratamientos de estadios sucesionales, de 10-25 años (29,88 ha) mayor a 30 años (22,75 ha) y bosque primario (38,36 ha). Se estableció un diseño de muestreo de parcelas temporales simple aleatorio estratificado con siete repeticiones por tratamiento (15 x 50 m), con sub muestreo de parcelas de 0,9 m2 para la cuantificación del material superficial del suelo. Las muestras de mantillo fueron llevadas al laboratorio del Centro de Investigación en Integración Bosque Industria (CIIBI) del Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica en Cartago. Se realizaron pruebas de consumo del combustible. Se determinó el índice de peligrosidad de combustibles superficiales (IPCS). En los tres sitios se identificó un total de 567 individuos, distribuidos en 57 especies pertenecientes a 28 familias. Cinco familias fueron representadas por solamente un individuo. Diez especies estuvieron presentes en los tres estadios sucesionales. La mayor cantidad de especies se encontraron en el bosque primario (37), mientras que el bosque mayor a 30 años presentó el mayor número de familias (20). El bosque primario presentó la mayor cantidad de combustible disponible en los árboles con un valor de 254,67 Mg ha-1. Para el bosque secundario maduro (> 30 años) se estimó una biomasa promedio de 196,27 Mg ha-1. Los valores más bajos (71,31 Mg ha-1) correspondieron al bosque de 10-25 años. Los combustibles acumulados en el mantillo fueron mayores para el bosque primario (14,06 Mg ha-1), seguido por el bosque mayor a 30 años (11,87 Mg ha-1), y por último el bosque de 10-25 años (7,75 Mg ha-1). Se encontró que la cantidad de combustibles tiende a ser mayor en los sitios más viejos. Se obtuvo un valor promedio del IPCS de 754,32, según el criterio de clasificación descrito por Galiana (2009) y modificado por Parra (2013), los tres estadios de sucesión se ubicaron en la categoría de peligrosidad media-baja.
La “antracnosis” (Colletotrichum spp.) en viveros forestales
Authors: Arguedas-Gamboa Marcela , Cots-Ibiza Jaume
Published: November 2015

Se describen las características de la enfermedad denominada “antracnosis” (Colletotrichum spp.), como hospederos, síntomas, ciclo de vida y manejo, con énfasis en viveros forestales. En Costa Rica se ha  reportado en plántulas de las especies Acacia mangium, Araucaria sp., Astronium graveolens, Dypterix panamensis, Ceiba pentandra, Dalbergia retusa, Eryobotria japonica, Erythrina poeppigiana, Eucalyptus cinerea, Eucalyptus deglupta, Gliricidia sepium, Hymenaea courbaril, Inga edulis, Samanea saman, Terminalia catappa, Trichilia havanensis y Vochysia guatemalensis.
Using the Delphi Method for Selecting Effective Rehabilitation Practices for Case Study Research: Methods, Challenges, and Solutions and Implications forFuture Research
Authors: Fleming Allison R. , Boeltzig-Brown Heike , Foley Susan M.
Published: November 2015

Purpose: We describe a modified Delphi method used to select effective state vocational rehabilitation agency practices to prioritize rehabilitation services for individuals with most significant disabilities within the context of Order of Selection, an area where there is little known and published. Specifically, we describe how we applied the Delphi method to case study selection, the methods challenges we faced, and how we addressed those issues. Implications for future research are also discussed.

Method: We used a structured nomination process to identify potential practices. An expe.rt panel (N = 12) provided input on the development of indicators of effective rehabilitation practices and rated the nominated practices.

Results: Selection of the practices for case study research was based on the ratings from the expert panel, including quantitative and qualitative feedback. Of the 10 practices considered by the panel, the 7 practices with the highest ratings were included in the sample.

Conclusions: Using the collective expertise of panelists through a modified Delphi process to select the final case study sample was effective for this research. The panel provided an objective, group-level perspective on the merit of the practices as well as the fit with the goals of the case study.
Is There Room for Christ in Asia?
Authors: Mong Ambrose
Published: November 2015

Pieris says the irruption of the Third World implies the irruption of non-Christian religions. The vast majority of the people in Asia are poor and they view their ultimate concern and struggle for liberation in terms of non-Christian symbols and languages. Therefore, our theology must be able to relate to non-Christians, otherwise it will just be a luxury for a small group of Christians. We need a theology of religion that moves beyond Christian orthodoxy toward other religious traditions and cultures. This article attempts to examine Aloysius Pieris's analysis of Asian religiosity, his presentation of Buddhism and Christianity, and his call for engagement in the lives of the poor. Christianity will find a place in Asia, Pieris believes, if it is willing to work together with the other faiths as partners in dialogue and to help to alleviate the suffering and poverty of the masses.
Mysticism in The Brothers Karamazov
Authors: Stoeber Michael
Published: November 2015

The article explores the mystical quality of religious experiences of major characters in Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. It analyzes them as they are presented through the elder Zosima and his brother Markel, as well as Dmitri and Alyosha Karamazov. It also clarifies natural non-religious and diabolical mystical experiences, as they are developed especially through Ivan Karamazov and Pavel Smerdyakov. Although Dostoevsky in his notes and other comments expresses some ambivalence toward mysticism, the article explores the significant role mystical experiences play in his modern revision of Orthodox Christianity.
The Effect of Entry into the European Union on the Slovak Beer Industry and Its Consequences for the Tax Taken from the Excise Duty on Beer
Authors: Válek Ing.
Published: November 2015

The following paper is concerned with the issue of increasing the excise duty on beer and its consequences for consumption of the studied product. The aim is to demonstrate the tax burden in relation to domestic producers and beer consumption in the domestic market. The time period considered is the 16 years from 1999 to 2014. Data on consumption and the evolution of excise duty rates were compared ex post and conclusions were drawn using an analysis of economic indicators. In general, it is the case that, by increasing the rates of the duty, governments expect to see an increase in the income side of the state budget, even though increases in tax lead to reductions in consumption. This is, however, only a short-term effect and, over a longer time frame, such measures have a negative effect not only on consumption, but also on domestic production and on the tax income in the state budget.
Bi-Level Optimization for Available Transfer Capability Evaluation in Deregulated Electricity Market
Authors: Wang Beibei , Fang Xin , Zhao Xiayang , Chen Houhe
Published: November 2015

Available transfer capability (ATC) is the transfer capability remaining in the physical transmission network for further commercial activity over and above already committed uses which needs to be posted in the electricity market to facilitate competition. ATC evaluation is a complicated task including the determination of total transfer capability (TTC) and existing transfer capability (ETC). In the deregulated electricity market, ETC is decided by the independent system operator’s (ISO’s) economic dispatch (ED). TTC can then be obtained by a continuation power flow (CPF) method or by an optimal power flow (OPF) method, based on the given ED solutions as well as the ETC. In this paper, a bi-level optimization framework for the ATC evaluation is proposed in which ATC results can be obtained simultaneously with the ED and ETC results in the deregulated electricity market. In this bi-level optimization model, ATC evaluation is formulated as the upper level problem and the ISO’s ED is the lower level problem. The bi-level model is first converted to a mathematic program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) by recasting the lower level problem as its Karush-Kuhn-Tucher (KKT) optimality condition. Then, the MPEC is transformed into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem, which can be solved with the help of available optimization software. In addition, case studies on PJM 5-bus, IEEE 30-bus, and IEEE 118-bus systems are presented to demonstrate the proposed methodology.
Clusters as Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for Corporate Social Responsibility in SMEs
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández M. Isabel
Published: November 2015

The research question in this chapter is whether clusters are good entrepreneurial ecosystems to enhance social and responsible behavior in SMEs at regional level. We will address institutional efforts in Corporate Social Responsibility carried out in the Autonomous Region of Extremadura in Spain as case study because the regional government, with the aim of promoting business cooperation to enhance competitiveness, decided to develop a clustering policy for SMEs in the region. Additionally, since 2010 the region has developed its own plan for the promotion of responsibility at regional level. To answer the question we have carried out focus groups with representative businesses´ managers belonging to the existing and operative clusters in Extremadura at the moment.
Public Policies and Public Programs with a Regional Impact in Promoting Entrepreneurship
Authors: Pierrakis Yannis
Published: November 2015

This chapter adds to the growing literature from recent years on innovation finance, innovation systems, and regional economic policy. Although the role of business has been seen as critical within the regional innovation system, the role of business financing intermediaries has received considerably less attention despite their recognised role as a central actor of the system. This chapter focuses on an innovation player that seems to have been neglected by scholars to date, namely the venture capital industry. It examines the role of public policies in promoting entrepreneurship through the UK government backed venture capital schemes. It investigates whether and how the public interventions have changed the availability of venture capital at the UK regional level. It also elaborates on the potential implications of the public sectors's domination in venture capital provision in several UK regions.
Innovative Entrepreneurship in Poland within Cooperation of the Universities with Enterprises
Authors: Barcik Agnieszka , Dziwiński Piotr
Published: November 2015

The main impetus of entrepreneurship development comes undoubtedly at present from innovation based on knowledge, education as well as research and development activities. In Poland, as in all other countries of the European Union, the development and uptake of innovation is one of the pillars of the knowledge-based economy and an essential element of the socio-economic cohesion policy. Despite the fact that Poland shows in recent years, strong economic performance, it ranks in the statistics among the countries with the lowest innovation in the European Union and the process of transferring innovative solutions from science to enterprise still faces many barriers and limitations. On the other hand the increasing awareness of the importance of science and knowledge is to be observed not only in academic field but in practice too. More often different forms of cooperation between universities and entrepreneurs are undertaken. Based on innovative projects the chapter is intended to analyze and evaluate the development of innovative entrepreneurship in Poland, taking into account the factors shaping it as well as the mechanism of science and business cooperation.
Business Creation Based on Entrepreneurial Potential, Students' Characteristics and Gender
Authors: Rua Orlando Lima
Published: November 2015

The main goal of this article is the joint analysis of the dimensions of the entrepreneurial potential, students' entrepreneurial characteristics and gender of the Portuguese Polytechnic higher education students. For this purpose, we use a quantitative methodological approach, having applied a questionnaire to a sample of students enrolled in the entrepreneurship curricular unit of the School of Accounting and Administration (ISCAP), of the Polytechnic of Porto. Based on data collection from 227 undergraduate students in entrepreneurship from Portugal, the results allow us to conclude that personal desirability and students' entrepreneurial characteristics positively enhances the intention to start a business. On the other hand, perceived difficulties negatively enhances that intention. Finally, we've confirmed that the male students are more associated with intentions to start a business than female gender.
Graph Mining and Its Applications in Studying Community-Based Graph under the Preview of Social Network
Authors: Rao Bapuji , Mitra Anirban
Published: November 2015

One of the fundamental tasks in structured data mining is discovering of frequent sub-structures. These discovered patterns can be used for characterizing structure datasets, classifying and clustering complex structures, building graph indices & performing similarity search in large graph databases. In this chapter, the authors have discussed on use of graph techniques to identify communities and sub-communities and to derive a community structure for social network analysis, information extraction and knowledge management. This chapter contributes towards the graph mining, its application in social network using community based graph. Initial section is related literature and definition of community graph and its usage in social contexts. Detecting common community sub-graph between two community graphs comes under information extraction using graph mining technique. Examples from movie database to village administration were considered here. C++ programming is used and outputs have been included to enhance the reader's interest.
How to Improve Knowledge Exchange by Using Internet Technologies
Authors: Popa Simona , Soto-Acosta Pedro
Published: November 2015

This paper seeks to extend previous studies on the use of Internet technologies and knowledge management by analyzing factors affecting Web knowledge exchange in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More specifically, by drawing on the technology-organization-environment framework, a model to examine how distinct contextual factors influence Web knowledge exchange in SMEs is developed. The hypotheses are tested by using structural equation modelling on a large sample of Spanish SMEs from different industries. Results suggest that IT expertise and commitment-based human resource practices positively affect Web knowledge exchange, with the latter being the strongest factor in our proposed model. In contrast, a negative relationship is found between competition and Web knowledge exchange.
Mapping the Enterprise Social Network (ESN) Spectrum in Knowledge Management and Product Innovations
Authors: Venugopal Aparna , Krishnan T. N.
Published: November 2015

This book chapter unravels the difference brought into traditional knowledge management due to the use of enterprise social networks (ESNs). The advantages and barriers to the use of ESNs in organizations are also explained. The ESN spectrum and the corresponding knowledge management practices and innovation types are clearly delineated in this chapter. There are myriads of human as well as social factors affecting the usage and implementation of ESNs in organizations. This book chapter explores these factors too. Organizations may require special mechanisms to utilize the knowledge shared via ESNs and transform them into innovations. The book chapter suggests a few of these mechanisms. In this book chapter we use the theory of technology acceptance and works testing the theory of media richness to understand the varied uses of ESNs in knowledge management and innovation in organizations.
Orientism Management (OM)
Authors: dall'Acqua Luisa
Published: November 2015

The model of learning/training in the 21st century requires the evaluation of new and better ways to measure what matters, diagnosing strengths and weaknesses, to improve people performance, and to involve multiple stakeholders in the process of designing, conducting and use of knowledge. The thesis is that the orientation, today, is no longer limited only to outline the direction of a professional career, but it concerns “Life designing” over which “Work designing”. This chapter intends to describe a new interpretative paradigm, Orientism, to understand and manage fluid nature of knowledge, but at the same time to seize and manage the unpredictability and risks of the dynamics of knowledge management in relationships complex environment, in a society. Element of news are 5 key factors and criteria to direct and motivate people in choosing process, and following 10 different and key relationships between them. They define areas of management to improve own personal leadership and success. The concept becomes the conceptual base of an Instructional Design Model (PENTHA 2.0).
Learning, Using, and Retaining Deep Domain Expertise
Authors: Hemre Anders
Published: November 2015

New product development is a knowledge intensive undertaking. It involves creative exploration, skilled task execution and complex problem solving. For such activities to be effective, relevant domain expertise is required. Knowledge and expertise are not the same. Expertise is not the expert's knowledge, but the superior ability to put acquired knowledge and experience to work in a professional domain. Knowledge can be transferred, but expertise has to be learned. Organizations need to be aware of the difference when making deliberate efforts to maximize the operational value of their knowledge and expertise. This chapter explains the nature of domain expertise, how it is acquired and its crucial role in new product development.
Engineered Nanocomposites for Additive Manufacturing of Microwave Electronics
Authors: Castro Juan , Rojas Eduardo , Weller Thomas , Wang Jing
Published: November 2015

Four types of high-permittivity and low-loss composite substrates based on a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer host matrix, and Cyclo-Olefin Polymer (COP) reinforced by Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3 and MgCaTiO2 micro-fillers, with volume loading concentration up to 49%, have been prepared and characterized up to 20 GHz using cavity resonators. The high-k ceramic powders were sintered at temperatures up to 1500°C to further enhance the dielectric properties. The 49% loaded PDMS-Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3 composites with 1340°C sintered fillers have shown a relative permittivity ɛr of ~23.51 and loss tangent tanδd < 0.047 at frequencies up to 20 GHz. Meanwhile the 39% loaded PDMS-Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3 composites with 1340°C sintered fillers have shown a relative permittivity ɛr of ~15.02 and loss tangent tanδd < 0.042 at frequencies up to 16 GHz. On the other hand, the 37% loaded PDMS-MgCaTiO2 composites with 1100°C sintered fillers have exhibited relative permittivity ɛr of ~12.19 and loss tangent tanδd < 0.021 at frequencies up to 20 GHz. The 49% loaded PDMS-MgCaTiO2 composite specimen has exhibited a measured ɛr of 16.33 and loss tangent tanδd < 0.021 between 0.4 GHz and 20 GHz. In addition, thin-sheet specimens made of 25% COP- MgCaTiO2 prepared by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) have exhibited a relative permittivity ɛr of ~3.74 and loss tangent tanδd < 0.0022 up to 17GHz, while 25% COP-Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3 have exhibited relative permittivity ɛr of ~4.92 and loss tangent tanδd < 0.0115, at frequencies up to 17 GHz. As a demonstration of device prototype, a 19.6 GHz microstrip patch antenna was 3D printed by employing a molded PDMS-MgCaTiO2 composite substrate and micro-dispensed silver ink (CB028) to form the conductive layer, which has achieved 20 dB return loss and about 10% bandwidth. Evidently these newly developed polymer-ceramic composites are well suited for applications up to the K-band and are amenable to be adopted by 3D printing technologies.
A High Performance Power Package for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors Using Novel Wire Bondless Power Interconnections
Authors: Stabach Jennifer , Cole Zach , O'Neal Chad B. , McPherson Brice , Shaw Robert , Passmore Brandon
Published: November 2015

Silicon carbide (SiC) wide bandgap semiconductor power device technologies offer improved electrical and thermal performance over silicon in high performance power electronic applications, such as hybrid or fully electric vehicles, aerospace, solar inverters, and advanced military systems. However, current packaging limitations make it difficult to operate these devices to their full potential. One such limitation includes die interconnections, which are traditionally made using large diameter aluminum wire bonds.

This discussion introduces an innovative wire bondless interconnect technique for power packaging called PowerStep. This approach includes a precision etched metal tab with raised regions matching the size and location of device terminals and trenches to accommodate critical features on devices such as passivated surfaces. The tab offers a low profile, low inductance, low resistance, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and mechanically rugged interconnection solution. PowerStep has been implemented to facilitate a single-step interconnection method for a 600 to 1700 V SiC electronics package, replacing wire bonds which are connected one at a time. In addition, a key element of this package is the absence of a baseplate, resulting in lower weight, volume, and cost, as well as reduced manufacturing complexity. The electrical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of PowerStep interconnections are analyzed and compared to conventional aluminum wire bonds to demonstrate the advantages of wire bondless interconnections coupled with wide bandgap devices. The low parasitics and junction-to-case thermal resistance of the package combined with PowerStep interconnects capture the high performance of SiC for power applications.
Control of 3D IC process steps by optical metrologies
Authors: Fresquet G. , Le Cunff D. , Raymond Th. , de Vries D. K.
Published: November 2015

This paper evaluates various optical metrology techniques for in-line control of the uniformity of 3D stacked structures.

Advanced packaging technologies are rapidly evolving and 3D architectures require very well controlled process steps. Optical metrology techniques are now used for TSV but also for interconnect processing. In engineering mode, at the process implementation step, these techniques must be evaluated and then used to get uniform and repeatable processes.

Among the 3D TSV Via middle process flow, the temporary bonding, wafer thinning and TSV reveal are key 3D process steps to get a uniform backside copper nail signature. High aspect ratio TSV are etched in Front End of the line and deep reactive ion etching systems generates radial non uniformities signatures. The wafer backside processing challenge consists in compensating this issue among the entire wafer surface.

In this paper, all these process steps were characterized in order to quantify their specific intra-wafer dispersion signature .of the related key parameters. Cross correlation between the various intra-wafer process step signatures was then analyzed to verify the data set consistency and several process parameters analyzed to get a simple model. This model was then used to get a very uniform copper nail signature.

For small diameter TSV and corresponding copper nails, a comparison has been done between full field OCT and confocal chromatic techniques.
Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risk stratification in patients with atrial fibrillation. Part I: the thromboembolic risk
Authors: Abrignani Maurizio Giuseppe , Colivicchi Furio
Published: November 2015

Atrial fibrillation, whose prevalence is in constant increase, is associated to a noticeably greater thrombo-embolic risk. Various associated factors, such as older age, arterial hypertension, heart failure, previous cerebrovascular events (stroke and transient ischemic attacks), diabetes mellitus, female sex and vascular diseases determine a further increase of the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Robust evidence exists on the efficacy of traditional anticoagulant oral therapy in the prevention of thrombo-embolic risk in these patients, but fears and concerns of hemorrhagic events for the physicians and the logistic difficulties related to the periodic International Normalized Ratio evaluation for the patients are at the basis of a noticeable under-utilization of the therapy with vitamin K antagonists in the real world. Stratification of the thrombo-embolic risk has thus particular importance; for this scope we may use now score systems as CHA2DS2 and, above all, CHA2DS2-Vasc, that allows the identification of truly low risk patients, which do not require an antithrombotic treatment. Novel oral anticoagulants, lastly, will help physicians in order to obtain a better management of trombo-embolic risk in atrial fibrillation.
New perspectives in cardiovascular risk reduction: focus on HDL
Authors: Paolillo Stefania , Della Ratta Giuseppe Luca , Vitagliano Alice , Cirillo Annapaola , Lardino Elisabetta , Formisano Tiziana , Fabiani Irma , Pellegrino Angela Maria , Riello Pietro , Perrone Filardi Pasquale
Published: November 2015

Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, mostly contributing to hospitalizations and health care costs. Dyslipidemias represent one of the major cardiovascular risk factor and its management, throughout life-style modifications and pharmacological interventions, has shown to reduce cardiac events. The risk of adverse cardiovascular events is related not only to elevated LDL blood levels, but also to decreased HDL concentrations, that exhibit protective effects in the development of atherosclerotic process. Aim of this review is to summarize current evidences about defensing effects of such lipoproteins and to show the most recent pharmacological strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk through the increase of their circulating levels.
Preface
Authors: Tiainen Milla , Kontturi Katve-Kaisa , Hongisto Ilona
Published: November 2015

This preface to the special section Movement, Aesthetics, Ontology: Generating New Materialisms in Arts and Humanities introduces the articles and provides the context for their inclusion. It shows how across the social sciences and humanities, new materialism and neomaterialism are increasingly being used as labels for analytical approaches that seek to reclaim the indispensable and transforming involvement of materialities in everything from political economy to everyday life and the constitution of gender, race and sexuality.
Water Management Policy in California: The Status Quo of Command-And-Control
Authors: Oh Christina , Tinggaard Svendsen Gert
Published: November 2015

Using Olson’s 1965 logic of collective action and group theory, we argue that the “small group” of the “iron triangle” is able to collectively act to push for command-and-control regulations in Californian water policy. There are individual rent-seeking incentives in the small group because the politicians do not want to impose tax, and they would like to have short-term development and economic growth during their term in order to gain a positive reputation from the public or to get re-elected. The developers would like more work and prestige and the water bureaucrats have little incentive to limit development and alienate politicians. However, by focusing on command-and-control (CAC), the citizens may end up paying more to fund these projects. CAC is easier to hide than environmental taxes which are more explicitly shown to citizens. Thus, the ignorant majority is exploited by the knowledgeable minority. Thus, the small group of the iron triangle defends the status quo at the expense of the citizens and the public interest at large.
Urinary Incontinence in Juvenile Female Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers: Hospital Prevalence and Anatomic Urogenital Anomalies
Authors: Callard Jason , McLoughlin Mary A. , Byron Julie K. , Chew Dennis J.
Published: November 2015

Urinary incontinence in juvenile female dogs is often associated with urogenital anatomic anomalies. Study objectives include: (1) determine hospital prevalence of urinary incontinence in juvenile female soft-coated wheaten terriers (SCWTs) compared to other affected dogs; (2) characterize anatomic anomalies affecting urinary incontinent juvenile female SCWTs utilizing uroendoscopy; and (3) compare incidence of ectopic ureters, paramesonephric remnants, and short urethras in juvenile female urinary incontinent SCWTs to other juvenile female dogs with urinary incontinence. We hypothesize juvenile SCWTs have an increased prevalence of urinary incontinence and an increased incidence of ectopic ureters, paramesonephric remnants, and short urethras compared to non-SCWTs with urinary incontinence within our hospital population. Medical records of female dogs 6 mo of age and younger with clinical signs of urinary incontinence and video uroendoscopic evaluation presenting to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center from January 2000 to December 2011 were reviewed. Twelve juvenile SCWTs and 107 juvenile non-SCWTs met the inclusion criteria. Juvenile SCWTs were found to have an increased hospital prevalence of urinary incontinence compared to other affected breeds. Observed anomalies in SCWTs include: ectopic ureters, shortened urethras, paramesonephric remnants, and bifid vaginas. This information will help guide veterinarians in recognizing a breed-related disorder of the lower urogenital tract in SCWTs.
Nutritional Considerations for Dogs and Cats with Liver Disease
Authors: Norton Rebecca D. , Lenox Catherine E. , Manino Paul , Vulgamott James C.
Published: November 2015

The goals of nutritional management of liver disease in the dog and cat are directed at treating the clinical manifestations as opposed to treating the underlying cause. Specifically, the clinician strives to avoid overwhelming the remaining metabolic capacities of the damaged liver while providing sufficient nutrients for regeneration. A brief overview of liver diseases and associated clinical signs encountered in the dog and cat and a review of specific nutrients are discussed as well as amounts and sources of nutrients recommended to meet nutritional goals in the diseased liver.
Analysis of the Clinical and Histopathological Patterns of 100 Consecutive Cases of Primary Cutaneous Melanoma and Correlation with Staging
Authors: Nam Kyung Wook , Bae Yong Chan , Bae Seong Hwan , Song Kyung Ho , Kim Hoon Soo , Choi Young Jin
Published: November 2015

Background This study analyzed 100 consecutive patients with primary cutaneous melanoma over the course of 13 years to determine whether epidemiological differences correspond to different stages of the disease. We also investigated whether epidemiological characteristics affected the survival rate. Our results were compared with those of selected descriptive studies of melanoma in other East Asian populations, in order to determine whether cutaneous melanoma patterns are similar in East Asian populations.

Methods The patients' medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and we analyzed the relationship of epidemiological characteristics to staging and survival rate. Additionally, papers from Hong Kong and Japan describing these phenomena in East Asian populations were subjected to a statistical comparison.

Results The ratio of males to females was 1:1.8, and the foot was the most frequent tumor site (49%). Acral lentiginous melanoma occurred most frequently (55%). Nodular melanoma was associated with a higher stage. Stage III-IV tumors with Clark levels of IV-V were significantly associated with a low survival rate. A statistical analysis of comparable papers reported in Hong Kong and Japan showed similar results with regard to age, tumor location, and histopathological subtypes.

Conclusions This study provides the first full epidemiological description of 100 consecutive cases of primary cutaneous melanoma in Korea, with results similar to those observed in other East Asian populations. Corresponding to previous findings, nodular melanoma tended to occur at a higher stage than other types, and tumors with high Clark levels and high stages showed a lower survival rate.
Transcranial Doppler Sonography in Pediatric Neurocritical Care
Authors: LaRovere Kerri L. , O'Brien Nicole F.
Published: November 2015

Transcranial Doppler sonography is a noninvasive, real‐time physiologic monitor that can detect altered cerebral hemodynamics during catastrophic brain injury. Recent data suggest that transcranial Doppler sonography may provide important information about cerebrovascular hemodynamics in children with traumatic brain injury, intracranial hypertension, vasospasm, stroke, cerebrovascular disorders, central nervous system infections, and brain death. Information derived from transcranial Doppler sonography in these disorders may elucidate underlying pathophysiologic characteristics, predict outcomes, monitor responses to treatment, and prompt a change in management. We review emerging applications for transcranial Doppler sonography in the pediatric intensive care unit with case illustrations from our own experience.
Constraints on the global marine iron cycle from a simple inverse model
Authors: Frants Marina , Holzer Mark , DeVries Timothy , Matear Richard
Published: November 2015

A simple model of the global marine iron cycle is used to constrain the sources, sinks, and biological cycling of iron. The iron model is embedded in a data‐assimilated steady state circulation, with biological cycling driven by a prescribed, data‐constrained phosphate cycle. Biogeochemical parameters are determined by minimizing a suitably weighted quadratic mismatch with available dissolved iron (dFe) observations, including GEOTRACES transects. Because the effective iron sources and sinks overlap, current dFe observations cannot constrain sources and sinks independently. We therefore determine a family of optimal solutions for a range of the aeolian source strength σA from 0.3 to 6.1 Gmol/yr. We find that the dFe observations constrain the maximum Fe:P uptake ratio R0 to be proportional to σA, with a range that spans most available measurements. Thus, with either R0 or σA specified, a unique solution is determined. Global inventories of total and free iron are well constrained at (7.4 ± 0.2) × 1011 and (1.39 ± 0.05) × 1010 mol Fe, respectively. The dFe distributions are very similar across the family of solutions, with iron limitation in the known high‐nutrient low‐chlorophyll regions. Hydrothermal source strength ranges from 0.57 to 0.73 Gmol/yr and does not vary systematically with σA suggesting that the hydrothermal and aeolian parts of the iron cycle are largely decoupled. The hydrothermal dFe anomaly in the euphotic zone is ∼10% and concentrated in subpolar regions of iron limitation. Enhanced ligand concentrations in old waters and in hydrothermal plumes are necessary to capture key features of the dFe observations.
Hydration and diffusion processes shape microbial community organization and function in model soil aggregates
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali , Or Dani
Published: November 2015

The constantly changing soil hydration status affects gas and nutrient diffusion through soil pores and thus the functioning of soil microbial communities. The conditions within soil aggregates are of particular interest due to limitations to oxygen diffusion into their core, and the presence of organic carbon often acting as binding agent. We developed a model for microbial life in simulated soil aggregates comprising of 3‐D angular pore network model (APNM) that mimics soil hydraulic and transport properties. Within these APNM, we introduced individual motile (flagellated) microbial cells with different physiological traits that grow, disperse, and respond to local nutrients and oxygen concentrations. The model quantifies the dynamics and spatial extent of anoxic regions that vary with hydration conditions, and their role in shaping microbial community size and activity and the spatial (self) segregation of anaerobes and aerobes. Internal carbon source and opposing diffusion directions of oxygen and carbon within an aggregate were essential to emergence of stable coexistence of aerobic and anaerobic communities (anaerobes become extinct when carbon sources are external). The model illustrates a range of hydration conditions that promote or suppress denitrification or decomposition of organic matter and thus affect soil GHG emissions. Model predictions of CO2 and N2O production rates were in good agreement with limited experimental data. These limited tests support the dynamic modeling approach whereby microbial community size, composition, and spatial arrangement emerge from internal interactions within soil aggregates. The upscaling of the results to a population of aggregates of different sizes embedded in a soil profile is underway.
Weight Loss, Xanthine Oxidase, and Serum Urate Levels: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Obese Patients
Authors: Richette Pascal , Poitou Christine , Manivet Philippe , Denis Jérome , Bouillot Jean‐Luc , Clément Karine , Oppert Jean‐Michel , Bardin Thomas
Published: November 2015

Objective

The mechanisms by which weight loss decreases serum uric acid (SUA) levels are poorly known. We aimed to investigate the role played by xanthine oxidase (XOD), metabolic status, and low‐grade inflammation in decreased SUA levels induced by weight loss in obese patients.

Methods

Data were from a series of consecutive patients with severe obesity involved in a bariatric surgery program. Measurements of body composition and biologic samples were obtained before surgery and 6 months after surgery.

Results

Among the 154 patients (mean ± SD age 41.0 ± 12.3 years, body mass index [BMI] 47.8 ± 7.2 kg/m2, 81% female), the mean ± SD weight loss at 6 months was 31.3 ± 7.8 kg. Reduction in SUA levels was modest (−10%): 4.98 ± 1.21 mg/dl at 6 months versus 5.52 ± 1.33 mg/dl at baseline (P < 0.001). The decrease in SUA levels was greatest (−18%) in hyperuricemic patients (n = 48). In these patients, circulating XOD activity decreased with weight loss (P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed decreased SUA levels associated with decreased triglyceride levels (P = 0.0001) and BMI (P = 0.02) but not XOD activity, adipokine levels (leptin and adiponectin), insulin resistance, or levels of inflammatory variables (interleukin 6, orosomucoid, fibrinogen, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein).

Conclusion

In obese patients, weight loss was associated with a decrease in both SUA levels and XOD activity. Our findings suggest that reduced SUA levels are not mediated by decreased XOD activity or improved insulin resistance but could be partly due to a reduction in triglyceride levels.
Atom Economic Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Bulky β‐Oxo Esters
Authors: Jeschke Janine , Korb Marcus , Rüffer Tobias , Gäbler Christian , Lang Heinrich
Published: November 2015

Ruthenium complexes with the formulae Ru(CO)2(PR3)2(O2CPh)2 [6a–h; R=n‐Bu, p‐MeO‐C6H4, p‐Me‐C6H4, Ph, p‐Cl‐C6H4, m‐Cl‐C6H4, p‐CF3‐C6H4, m,m′‐(CF3)2C6H3] were prepared by treatment of triruthenium dodecacarbonyl [Ru3(CO)12] with the respective phosphine and benzoic acid or by the conversion of Ru(CO)3(PR3)2 (8e–h) with benzoic acid. During the preparation of 8, ruthenium hydride complexes of type Ru(CO)(PR3)3(H)2 (9g, h) could be isolated as side products. The molecular structures of the newly synthesized complexes in the solid state are discussed. Compounds 6a–h were found to be highly effective catalysts in the addition of carboxylic acids to propargylic alcohols to give valuable β‐oxo esters. The catalyst screening revealed a considerably influence of the phosphine′s electronic nature on the resulting activities. The best performances were obtained with complexes 6g and 6h, featuring electron‐withdrawing phosphine ligands. Additionally, catalyst 6g is very active in the conversion of sterically demanding substrates, leading to a broad substrate scope. The catalytic preparation of simple as well as challenging substrates succeeds with catalyst 6g in yields that often exceed those of established literature systems. Furthermore, the reactions can be carried out with catalyst loadings down to 0.1 mol% and reaction temperatures down to 50 °C.

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