bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressureless Sintering and Reaction Mechanisms of Ti3SiC2 Ceramics
Authors: Sato Kimitoshi , Mishra Mrinalini , Hirano Hiroto , Hu Chunfeng , Sakka Yoshio
Published: April 2014

Easy sinterable Ti3SiC2 powder was synthesized from a powder mixture with a molar ratio of 1.0 Ti, 0.3 Al, 1.2 Si, and 2.0 TiC by heating at 1200°C in the flowing Ar. Here, the Al powder acts as a deoxidation agent and provides a liquid phase for the reaction. The powder compacts subjected to pressureless sintering at 1300°C in Ar had a relative density up to 99%. The results of chemical analysis and the measured lattice constant suggest that the Al–Si liquid phase was formed at approximately 1200°C and that liquid‐phase sintering was promoted by the 0.1 molar ratio of Al and the 0.2 molar ratio of Si remaining in excess. The three‐point bending strength, fracture toughness, and electrical resistivity of the sintered samples were 380 MPa, 4.1 MPa m1/2, and 0.34μΩm, respectively.
Structure and Photoluminescence of A Blue‐Green‐Emitting Phosphor for Near‐UV White LEDs
Authors: Ling Hongya , Huang Jinping , Hou Binghu , Liu Jie , Yu Xibin
Published: April 2014

A series of phosphors Ca12(0.97−x)Al14O32F2: 0.03Ce3+, xTb3+ have been prepared by a hightemperature solid‐state reaction using boric acid as flux. These oxyfluorides crystallize in cubic structure, space group. Under the near ultraviolet excitation within wavelength range 310–390 nm, Ca12(0.97−x)Al14O32F2: 0.03Ce3+, xTb3+ phosphors exhibit an intense emission covering a broad band of 370–500 nm derived from the 5d→4f transitions of Ce3+ and a characteristic emission at 544 nm of Tb3+. The emission can be tuned from blue to green by altering the relative ratio of Ce3+ to Tb3+ in the composition. The energy‐transfer mechanism from Ce3+ to Tb3+ is investigated based on the site occupancy of the luminescence center in the crystal structure of the Ca12Al14O32F2 host. More importantly, when a certain amount of boric acid is added as flux in the synthesis, the fluorescence intensity of the phosphors increases about 65%. Because of its broad excitation and efficiently tunable blue to green luminescence, the Ca12(0.97−x)Al14O32F2: 0.03Ce3+, xTb3+ phosphors may find promising application as a near UV‐convertible phosphor for white‐light‐emitting diodes.
Nanocrystalline Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramics Synthesized via the “Organosol” Route and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Gao Yanling , Shvartsman Vladimir V. , Gautam Devendraprakash , Winterer Markus , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: April 2014

Dense nanocrystalline barium strontium titanate Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST) ceramics with an average grain size around 40 nm and very small dispersion were obtained by spark plasma sintering at 950°C and 1050°C starting from nonagglomerated nanopowders (~20 nm). The powders were synthesized by a modified “Organosol” process. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric measurements in the temperature range 173–313 K were used to investigate the evolution of crystal structure and the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transformation behavior for the sintered BST ceramics with different grain sizes. The Curie temperature TC decreases, whereas the phase transition becomes diffuse for the particle size decreasing from about 190 to 40 nm with matching XRD and permittivity data. Even the ceramics with an average grain size as small as 40 nm show the transition into the ferroelectric state. The dielectric permittivity ε shows relatively good thermal stability over a wide temperature range. The dielectric losses are smaller than 2%–4% in the frequency range of 100 Hz–1 MHz and temperature interval 160–320 K. A decrease in the dielectric permittivity in nanocrystalline ceramics was observed compared to submicrometer‐sized ceramics.
Glyphosate and Its Degradation Product AMPA Occur Frequently and Widely in U.S. Soils, Surface Water, Groundwater, and Precipitation
Authors: Battaglin W.A. , Meyer M.T. , Kuivila K.M. , Dietze J.E.
Published: April 2014

Glyphosate use in the United States increased from less than 5,000 to more than 80,000 metric tons/yr between 1987 and 2007. Glyphosate is popular due to its ease of use on soybean, cotton, and corn crops that are genetically modified to tolerate it, utility in no‐till farming practices, utility in urban areas, and the perception that it has low toxicity and little mobility in the environment. This compilation is the largest and most comprehensive assessment of the environmental occurrence of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in the United States conducted to date, summarizing the results of 3,732 water and sediment and 1,018 quality assurance samples collected between 2001 and 2010 from 38 states. Results indicate that glyphosate and AMPA are usually detected together, mobile, and occur widely in the environment. Glyphosate was detected without AMPA in only 2.3% of samples, whereas AMPA was detected without glyphosate in 17.9% of samples. Glyphosate and AMPA were detected frequently in soils and sediment, ditches and drains, precipitation, rivers, and streams; and less frequently in lakes, ponds, and wetlands; soil water; and groundwater. Concentrations of glyphosate were below the levels of concern for humans or wildlife; however, pesticides are often detected in mixtures. Ecosystem effects of chronic low‐level exposures to pesticide mixtures are uncertain. The environmental health risk of low‐level detections of glyphosate, AMPA, and associated adjuvants and mixtures remain to be determined.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Endocrine Active Chemicals in Small Streams Indicate Differential Exposure to Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Lee K.E. , Barber L.B. , Schoenfuss H.L.
Published: April 2014

Alkylphenolic chemicals (APCs) and hormones were measured six times from February through October 2007 in three Minnesota streams receiving wastewater to identify spatial and temporal patterns in concentrations and in estrogen equivalency. Fish were collected once during the study to evaluate endpoints indicative of endocrine disruption. The most commonly detected APCs were 4‐tert‐octylphenol and 4‐nonylphenol and the most commonly detected hormones were estrone and androstenedione. Chemical concentrations were greatest for nonylphenol ethoxycarboxylates (NPECs) (5,000‐140,000 ng/l), followed by 4‐nonlylphenol and 4‐nonylphenolethoxylates (50‐880 ng/l), 4‐tert‐octylphenol and 4‐tert‐octylphenolethoxylates with concentrations as great as 130 ng/l, and hormones (0.1‐54 ng/l). Patterns in chemicals and estrogen equivalency indicated that wastewater effluent is a pathway of APCs and hormones to downstream locations in this study. However, upstream contributions can be equally or more important indicating alternative sources. This study indicates that aquatic organisms experience both spatially and temporally variable exposures in the number of compounds, total concentrations, and estrogenicity. This variability was evident in fish collected from the three rivers as no clear upstream to downstream pattern of endocrine disruption endpoints emerged.
Pregnancy outcomes after emergent laparoscopic surgery for acute adnexal disorders at less than 10 weeks of gestation
Authors: Takeda Akihiro , Hayashi Shotaro , Imoto Sanae , Sugiyama Chisato , Nakamura Hiromi
Published: April 2014

Aim

To report our experience with pregnancy outcomes after emergent laparoscopic surgery for acute adnexal disorders at less than 10 weeks of gestation when surgical intervention could be more invasive to intrauterine pregnancy.

Methods

Gasless multiport laparoscopic surgery or transumbilical laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery was performed with securing of the surgical view by the abdominal wall‐lift method. Intraoperative autologous blood salvage and donation was performed in cases associated with significant hemoperitoneum.

Results

Six cases of ovarian bleeding with ruptured corpus luteal cyst, three cases of adnexal torsion with corpus luteal cyst, and one case each of ruptured heterotopic ampullary pregnancy and heterotopic tubal stump isthmic pregnancy after salpingectomy were managed. For ruptured corpus luteal cyst, hemostasis was achieved by removal of hematoma followed by suturing. For adnexal torsion, detorsion with cyst aspiration was performed in two cases and detorsion alone was performed in one case. For ruptured heterotopic ampullary pregnancy, unilateral salpingectomy was performed. For ruptured heterotopic tubal stump isthmic pregnancy after salpingectomy, removal of the expelled villous tissue followed by hemostatic coagulation was performed. In five cases associated with massive hemoperitoneum, intraoperative autologous blood salvage and donation were performed to avoid homologous blood transfusion. After surgery, seven live births were achieved, while two cases of biochemical pregnancy loss and a case of complete miscarriage were noted.

Conclusion

Although miscarriage could be a significant concern in the perioperative period, gasless laparoscopic surgery appeared to be feasible for management of acute adnexal disorders at less than 10 weeks of gestation.
Metabolic regulation of stem cell function
Authors: Burgess R. J. , Agathocleous M. , Morrison S. J.
Published: April 2014

Stem cell function is regulated by intrinsic mechanisms, such as transcriptional and epigenetic regulators, as well as extrinsic mechanisms, such as short‐range signals from the niche and long‐range humoral signals. Interactions between these regulatory mechanisms and cellular metabolism are just beginning to be identified. In multiple systems, differentiation is accompanied by changes in glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and the levels of reactive oxygen species. Indeed, metabolic pathways regulate proliferation and differentiation by regulating energy production and the generation of substrates for biosynthetic pathways. Some metabolic pathways appear to function differently in stem cells as compared with restricted progenitors and differentiated cells. They also appear to influence stem cell function by regulating signal transduction, epigenetic marks and oxidative stress. Studies to date illustrate the importance of metabolism in the regulation of stem cell function and suggest complex cross‐regulation likely exists between metabolism and other stem cell regulatory mechanisms.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, t-TUCB, protects against myocardial ischaemic injury in rats
Authors: Shrestha Ayush , Krishnamurthy Praveen T , Thomas Pooja , Hammock Bruce D , Hwang Sung H
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To determine the protective role of a soluble epoxide hydrolase(sEH) inhibitor, trans-4-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-ureido] cyclohexyloxy} benzoic acid (t-TUCB), in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in vivo.

Methods

Cardioprotective activity of t-TUCB was studied against ISO-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in male Wistar rats. Cardioprotection was assessed by measuring elecrocardiographic (EKG), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) levels, cardiac calcium and antioxidant levels, and also by measuring infarct size in the cardiac tissue.

Key findings

 Pretreatment with t-TUCB at 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg orally for a period of 14 days significantly prevented the changes in EKG parameters (QTc interval prolongation, ST height depression, pathological Q waves formation and T-wave inversion), serum cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB and LDH), relative heart weight, myocardial calcium levels, infarct size and the oxidative status in the cardiac tissue (lipid peroxidation, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels) when compared with the untreated control animals (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The sEH inhibitor t-TUCB significantly prevents ISO-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in rats. This study provides a preliminary confirmation of the efficacy of t-TUCB by oral administration in rats.
Cerebral haemodynamics in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Macías‐Rodríguez Ricardo U. , Duarte‐Rojo Andrés , Cantú‐Brito Carlos , Sauerbruch Tilman , Ruiz‐Margáin Astrid , Trebicka Jonel , Green‐Gómez Marina , Díaz Ramírez Jorge B. , Sierra Beltrán Manuel , Uribe‐Esquivel Misael , Torre Aldo
Published: April 2014

Background & Aims

Factors other than elevated levels of ammonia may be implicated in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) pathophysiology, including abnormal cerebral haemodynamics. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) evaluates cerebrovascular structural integrity and reactivity, through pulsatility index (PI) and breath‐holding index (BHI) respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate cerebral haemodynamics by TCD in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, and patients with and without HE.

Methods

We studied 90 subjects by TCD measuring PI and BHI in the middle cerebral artery: 30 with cirrhosis and no HE, 30 with cirrhosis and low‐grade HE and 30 healthy subjects. Critical flicker frequency, psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score and West‐Haven criteria were performed to assess MHE and HE respectively.

Results

Pulsatility index increased in decompensated cirrhotics (Child ≥ 7) when compared with compensated cirrhotics and healthy subjects [median (IQR) 1.07 (0.95–1.21) vs 0.90 (0.83–1.05) vs 0.87 (0.78–0.96); P < 0.001]. A reverse relationship was observed for BHI among the three groups [0.82 (0.45–1.11) vs 1.20 (0.82–1.52) vs 1.28 (1.06–1.68); P < 0.001]. Similar findings were observed in decompensation [model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥14]. Patients with HE showed higher PI and lower BHI [1.05 (1.00–1.16) and 0.89 (0.59–1.15)], when compared with patients without HE [0.96 (0.83–1.13) and 1.00 (0.60–1.53)] or controls [0.87 (0.78–0.96) and 1.28 (1.06–1.68)] (P < 0.001 for PI, and P = 0.007 for BHI). In multivariate regression models, only PI predicted HE, but it was outperformed by MELD‐sodium and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha.

Conclusions

These results indicate that cerebral haemodynamics are altered in patients with cirrhosis, in relation to severity of disease and HE. Findings on impaired PI and BHI suggest that structural vascular damage and loss of vascular autoregulation are implicated in the pathophysiology of HE.
Changes in the acoustic behavior of resident bottlenose dolphins near operating vessels
Authors: Luís Ana Rita , Couchinho Miguel N. , dos Santos Manuel E.
Published: April 2014

Maritime traffic is an issue of major ecological concern, and vessel noise may be an important source of disturbance for coastal cetaceans. In the Sado estuary, Portugal, core habitat areas of a small resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) overlap with routes of intense maritime traffic, which presents an opportunity to assess vocal responses of these dolphins to specific vessel noise sources. Field recordings of dolphin vocalizations were made from April to November 2011, using a calibrated system. Dolphin behavior and group size were recorded, as well as the operating boat condition (no boats or specific boat type) in a 1,000 m radius. Spectral analyses of vocalizations allowed the categorization and quantitative analysis of echolocation click trains and social calls, including whistles. Mean overall call rates decreased significantly in the presence of operating vessels. Creaks (fast click trains) were significantly reduced in the presence of ferry boats. Significant differences were also observed in the whistles' minimum, maximum, and start frequencies. These changes in call emission rates and temporary shifts in whistles characteristics may be a vocal response to the proximity of operating vessels, facilitating communication in this busy, noisy estuary.
Larval ecology and morphology in fossil gastropods
Authors: Nützel Alexander
Published: April 2014

The shell of marine gastropods conserves and reflects early ontogeny, including embryonic and larval stages, to a high degree when compared with other marine invertebrates. Planktotrophic larval development is indicated by a small embryonic shell (size is also related to systematic placement) with little yolk followed by a multiwhorled shell formed by a free‐swimming veliger larva. Basal gastropod clades (e.g. Vetigastropoda) lack planktotrophic larval development. The great majority of Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic ‘derived’ marine gastropods (Neritimorpha, Caenogastropoda and Heterobranchia) with known protoconch had planktotrophic larval development. Dimensions of internal moulds of protoconchs suggest that planktotrophic larval development was largely absent in the Cambrian and evolved at the Cambrian–Ordovician transition, mainly due to increasing benthic predation. The evolution of planktotrophic larval development offered advantages and opportunities such as more effective dispersal, enhanced gene flow between populations and prevention of inbreeding. Early gastropod larval shells were openly coiled and weakly sculptured. During the Mid‐ and Late Palaeozoic, modern tightly coiled larval shells (commonly with strong sculpture) evolved due to increasing predation pressure in the plankton. The presence of numerous Late Palaeozoic and Triassic gastropod species with planktotrophic larval development suggests sufficient primary production although direct evidence for phytoplankton is scarce in this period. Contrary to previous suggestions, it seems unlikely that the end‐Permian mass extinction selected against species with planktotrophic larval development. The molluscan classes with highest species diversity (Gastropoda and Bivalvia) are those which may have planktotrophic larval development. Extremely high diversity in such groups as Caenogastropoda or eulamellibranch bivalves is the result of high phylogenetic activity and is associated with the presence of planktotrophic veliger larvae in many members of these groups, although causality has not been shown yet. A new gastropod species and genus, Anachronistella peterwagneri, is described from the Late Triassic Cassian Formation; it is the first known Triassic gastropod with an openly coiled larval shell.
Analgesic effectiveness of acetaminophen for primary cleft palate repair in young children: a randomized placebo controlled trial
Authors: Nour Chelan , Ratsiu Joanna , Singh Neeta , Mason Linda , Ray Andrea , Martin Mark , Hassanian Mohammad , Uhler Jacob , Applegate Richard L.
Published: April 2014

Background

Clefting of the lip, palate, or both is a common congenital abnormality. Inadequate treatment for pain in children may result from concerns over opioid‐related adverse effects. Providing adequate pain control with minimal adverse effects remains challenging in children.

Objectives

To assess opioid‐sparing effects of oral or intravenous acetaminophen following primary cleft palate repair in children.

Methods

Prospective randomized controlled trial in 45 healthy children, ages 5 months to 5 years, using standardized general anesthesia and lidocaine infiltration of the operative field. Patients were allocated to groups: intravenous acetaminophen/oral placebo (intravenous), oral acetaminophen/intravenous placebo (oral), or intravenous/oral placebo (control). Groups were compared for differences in opioid administration during the 24‐h study period (morphine equivalents µg·kg−1; 95% confidence interval).

Results

Intravenous acetaminophen decreased opioid requirement after surgery (P = 0.003). Patients in the intravenous group received less opioid (272.9; 202.9–342.8 µg·kg−1) than control patients (454.2; 384.3–524.2 µg·kg−1; P < 0.002). Opioid requirement in oral patients (376.5; 304.1–448.9 µg·kg−1) was intermediate and not significantly different from either intravenous (P = 0.11) or control (P = 0.27). During the ward phase of care, intravenous had better analgesia than control (P = 0.002), and both intravenous and oral group patients received less opioid than control (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Intravenous acetaminophen given to young children undergoing primary cleft palate repair was associated with opioid‐sparing effects compared to placebo. The fewer morphine doses during ward stay in both intravenous and oral may be important clinically in some settings.
Terrorist Suspect Religious Identity and Public Support for Harsh Interrogation and Detention Practices
Authors: Piazza James A.
Published: April 2014

Does the U.S. public's support for the use of harsh interrogation and detention practices against terrorism suspects depend upon the religious identity of the alleged perpetrators? Some scholarly research indicates greater public acceptance for abridging the rights of Muslims after 9/11. This is consistent with literature suggesting that heightened perception of threat decreases popular tolerance for racial, ethnic, and religious outgroups. This study executes a survey experiment and finds respondents to be more permissive of the use of extraordinary detention practices, such as indefinite detention and denying suspects access to legal counsel and civilian criminal courts, against terror suspects identified as Muslims. Furthermore, the study reveals that respondents are significantly less likely to treat domestic, right‐wing terrorist suspects with extraordinary detention, suggesting ingroup leniency.
Should I smile or should I frown? An ERP study on the voluntary control of emotion‐related facial expressions
Authors: Recio Guillermo , Shmuilovich Olga , Sommer Werner
Published: April 2014

We investigated the motor planning and reprogramming of facial expressions of happiness and anger with a response‐priming task. A response signal commanded the production of a validly or invalidly cued facial expression. Electromyogram showed performance costs of inhibiting the falsely prepared expression and reprogramming the correct one in invalid trials. These performance costs were larger in zygomaticus major than corrugator supercilii, indicating better control over the latter. Event‐related potentials indicated no emotion specificity in the initial preparation of anger and happiness in the contingent negative variation. During reprogramming, anger came along with greater allocation of processing resources for the inhibition of the preactivated motor plan (N2), and the updating of a new one (P3). These additional processing resources and the faster control over corrugator may reflect the need for being quick and accurate in displaying threat.
Effects of the Chemical Compositions of Salars de Uyuni and Atacama Brines on Lithium Concentration during Evaporation
Authors: Ogawa Yasumasa , Koibuchi Hiroshi , Suto Koichi , Inoue Chihiro
Published: April 2014

During Li recovery from salar brines, Li concentration is typically increased to about 60,000 mg L−1 by evaporation. We investigated the concentration changes of Li, Na, K, Mg, Cl, SO4, and B during evaporation of both natural Uyuni and artificial Atacama brines. The Uyuni brine exhibited a maximum Li concentration of 6810 mg L−1 at 31 days of evaporation, at which point the majority of the Na and K in the brine was removed. The Li concentration decreased with further evaporation due to precipitation as Li2SO4, such that the level at the 56 day mark was approximately 4130 mg L−1. In contrast, the artificial Atacama brine showed no pronounced Li precipitation, even after 54 days, at which point the Li concentration was 21,800 mg L−1. The initial concentrations of Na and K in the Atacama brine were higher than those in the Uyuni brine, and the Atacama solution still retained K after 54 days of evaporation. The order of precipitation of cation species during the evaporation of both brines was: Na, followed by K, Mg, and Li. Thus, Li precipitation in the Atacama brine might be prevented due to the more favored precipitations of Na and K, such that significant Li removal did not occur in this brine.
Geochemistry, U–Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotope Studies of the Daheishan Porphyry Mo Deposit in Heilongjiang Province, NE China
Authors: Hu Xinlu , Yao Shuzhen , He Mouchun , Ding Zhenju , Cui Yubao , Shen Jun , Chen Bin , Zhu Bopeng
Published: April 2014

The Daheishan porphyry Mo deposit was recently discovered in the northern segment of the Great Xing'an Range, NE China. Three main types of granitoids are identified in this deposit: granodiorite, fine‐grained granite, and porphyritic granite. The orebodies are dominantly hosted within the granodiorite and in the contact zone between the granodiorite and tuff or hornfels, while no mineralization has been found in the fine‐grained granite or the porphyritic granite. We present in situ LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb dates for the granodiorite, fine‐grained granite, and porphyritic granite, which yielded 146.9 ± 1.1 Ma (2σ), 146.6 ± 1.7 Ma (2σ), and 149.7 ± 4.2 Ma (2σ), respectively. Their εHf(t) values range from 3.9 to 12.2, associated with young crustal model ages (TDM2) ranging from 524 Ma to 849 Ma, indicating that their parental magmas may have been generated by partial melting of the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian crustal components. The formation of the Daheishan deposit was genetically related to the subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate.
Re–Os andU–Pb Geochronology of theDawanMo–Zn–FeDeposit inNorthernTaihangMountains,China
Authors: Song Yang , Ding Hai‐Yang , Qu Xiao‐Ming , Wang Rui‐Jiang , Zhou Wei , Wang Shu‐Zhi
Published: April 2014

The DawanMo–Zn–Fe deposit located in theNorthernTaihangMountains in the middle of theNorthChinaCraton (NCC) contains largeMo‐dominant deposits. The mineralization of theDawanMo–Zn–Fe deposit is associated with theMesozoicWanganzhen granitoid complex and is mainly hosted withinArchean metamorphic rocks andProterozoic–Paleozoic dolomites. Rhyolite porphyry and quartz monzonite both occur in the ore field and potassic alteration, strong silicic–phyllic alteration, and propylitic alteration occur from the center of the rhyolite porphyry outward. TheMo mineralization is spacially related to silicic and potassic alteration. TheFe orebody is mainly found in serpentinized skarn in the external contact zone between the quartz monzonite and dolomite. Six samples of molybdenite were collected forRe–Os dating. Results show that theRe–Os model ages range from 136.2 Ma to 138.1 Ma with an isochron age of 138 ± 2 Ma (MSWD= 1.2). U–Pb zircon ages determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry yield crystallization ages of 141.2 ± 0.7 (MSWD= 0.38) and 130.7 ± 0.6 Ma (MSWD= 0.73) for the rhyolite porphyry and quartz monzonite, respectively. The ore‐bearing rhyolite porphyry shows higherK2O/Na2Oratios, ranging from 58.0 to 68.7 (wt%), than those of quartz monzonite. All of the rock samples are classified in the shoshonitic series and characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements; depletion inMg,Fe,Ta,Ni,P,andY; enrichment in light rare earth elements with high (La/Yb)nratios. Geochronology results indicate that skarn‐typeFe mineralization associated with quartz monzonite (130.7 ± 0.6 Ma) formed eight million years later thanMo andZn mineralization (138 ± 2 Ma) in theDawan deposit. FromRe concentrations in molybdenite and previously presentedPb andSisotope data, we conclude that the ore‐forming material of the deposit was derived from a crust‐mantle mixed source. The porphyry‐skarn typeCu–Mo–Zn mineralization around the Wanganzhen complex is related to the primary magmatic activity, and the skarn‐typeFe mineralization is formed at the late period magmatism. The DawanMo–Zn–Fe porphyry‐skarn ores are related to the magmatism that was associated with lithospheric thinning in theNCC.
Minimum Wage and Capital Taxes
Authors: Chao Chi‐Chur , Yu Eden Siu Hung
Published: April 2014

Using a general equilibrium model, this paper examines the employment and welfare effects of minimum wages coupled with capital taxes in a small open economy. The individual and joint optimal policies for a minimum wage and capital taxes are derived and explained. Specifically, policy reform to introduce a minimum wage while lowering the capital tax can be justified for some economies, notably, Hong Kong.
Imposed Efficiency of Treaty Ports: Japanese Industrialization and Western Imperialist Institutions
Authors: Nakabayashi Masaki
Published: April 2014

An intrinsic feature of a pre‐modern society is in its fragmentary markets. Fragmentary markets are more likely to fail in the coordination of resource allocation. However, if a concentrated market is exogenously formed and the market could provide the only price to local markets, the market can work as a pivot of coordination for development. Treaty port markets imposed on nineteenth‐century Japan worked as the pivot and ignited Japan's industrialization. We examine the silk‐reeling industry, which was the major export industry and which led to Japanese industrialization, and the role of treaty ports in its development.
Border Trade and Regional Integration
Authors: Ge Ying , He Yin , Jiang Yeheng , Yin Xiaopeng
Published: April 2014

Although it is an important building block of regional integration, very little research has investigated border trade between neighboring countries. This paper fills this gap by examining the patterns and determinants of China's border trade with its neighboring countries. First, a disaggregated, firm‐product level trade data is used to provide a detailed overview of border trade growth and dynamics. The paper shows that trade liberalization has significantly encouraged new firms to enter the export market, and new private firms account for the majority of the expansion in border exports and the shift toward more sophisticated products. Second, a gravity model is used to investigate the determinants of border trade. The results suggest that multilateral and regional integration, market size and institutional quality play important roles in promoting border trade.
Occupational Choice and Income Inequalities under Regional Integration
Authors: Yang Xi
Published: April 2014

In a setting with occupational choice and trade between two asymmetric regions, this paper explores the impact of market size and economic integration on both regional inequality and local income inequality within each region. It is shown that market access in a region affects income inequality measures, working through the cutoff productivity for entrepreneurship. Compared with the smaller region, selection into entrepreneurship is more likely for individuals in the larger region with better firm market access whereas the local income inequality is higher. Both regional inequality and regional disparities in the local income inequality measures exhibit an inverted U‐shaped pattern when the regional integration level increases.
Analyzing Bilateral Trade Barriers under Global Trade Context: A Gravity Model Adjusted Trade Intensity Index Approach
Authors: Chen Bo , Li Yao
Published: April 2014

There are two strands of approaches gauging bilateral trade barriers: the gravity models and the trade intensity index. This paper integrates these two approaches by developing a new trade intensity index. This so called “gravity model adjusted trade intensity” (GMATI) index can reflect the short run trade barriers while controlling for the long run ones under global trade context. Based on 182 countries' export data during 1988–2005, we first estimate the expected bilateral trade level using a gravity model with comparative advantage effects. Then we apply the GMATI index for China. While the conventional trade intensity index shows that China trades less than its expected level, our GMATI index nevertheless suggests the opposite in most cases. It indicates that after considering the effect of country characteristics such as distance, economic size and comparative advantage, China's world trade face less trade barriers than the world average level.
Foreign Aid, Illegal Immigration, and Host Country Welfare
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Subhayu , Chambers Dustin , Munemo Jonathan
Published: April 2014

This paper analyzes the effect of foreign aid on illegal immigration and host country welfare using a general equilibrium model. It shows that foreign aid may worsen the recipient nation's terms of trade. Furthermore, it may also raise illegal immigration, if the terms of trade effect on immigration flows dominates the other effects identified in our analysis. Empirical analysis of the effect of foreign aid on illegal immigration to the USA broadly supports the predictions of our theoretical model. Foreign aid worsens the recipient's terms of trade. While the terms of trade effect tends to reduce illegal immigration, countervailing effects are found to dominate. The paper contributes to the related literature by establishing that there are unintended consequences of foreign aid and, while some of them are reminiscent of the classical transfer problem, others are new and arise as a result of endogenous illegal immigration flows.
Royale with Cheese: Globalization, Tourism, and the Variety of Goods
Authors: Cole Matthew T. , Davies Ronald B.
Published: April 2014

The key result of the so‐called “New Trade Theory” is that countries gain from falling trade costs by an increase in the number of varieties available to consumers. Though the number of varieties in a given country rises, many models predict that global variety decreases as imported varieties drive out local varieties. This is potentially worrisome when consumers care about non‐exported foreign varieties as a result of tourism (especially when foreign varieties are highly desired). Since lowering trade costs induces additional firms to export and drives out some non‐exported varieties, these modifications result in welfare losses not accounted for in the existing literature. Nevertheless, improvements in non‐tourism consumption outweigh any such losses.
MMCTest—A Safe Algorithm for Implementing Multiple Monte Carlo Tests
Authors: Gandy Axel , Hahn Georg
Published: April 2014

Consider testing multiple hypotheses using tests that can only be evaluated by simulation, such as permutation tests or bootstrap tests. This article introduces MMCTest, a sequential algorithm that gives, with arbitrarily high probability, the same classification as a specific multiple testing procedure applied to ideal p‐values. The method can be used with a class of multiple testing procedures that include the Benjamini and Hochberg false discovery rate procedure and the Bonferroni correction controlling the familywise error rate. One of the key features of the algorithm is that it stops sampling for all the hypotheses that can already be decided as being rejected or non‐rejected. MMCTest can be interrupted at any stage and then returns three sets of hypotheses: the rejected, the non‐rejected and the undecided hypotheses. A simulation study motivated by actual biological data shows that MMCTest is usable in practice and that, despite the additional guarantee, it can be computationally more efficient than other methods.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Corruption
Authors: Jancsics David
Published: April 2014

Corruption has become one of the most popular topics in the social scientific disciplines. However, there is a lack of interdisciplinary communication about corruption. Models developed by different academic disciplines are often isolated from each other. The purpose of this paper is to review several major approaches to corruption and draw them closer to each other. Most studies of corruption fall into three major categories: (i) rational‐actor models where corruption is viewed as resulting from cost/benefit analysis of individual actors; (ii) structural models that focus on external forces that determine corruption; and (iii) relational models that emphasize social interactions and networks among corrupt actors. Focusing on actors' behavior and the social context, this article explains corruption concepts taken from sociology, economics, organization studies, political science, social anthropology, and social psychology.
Enhancement of the Optical Efficiency in Organic and Non-Organic Photovoltaic Cells With Inclusion of Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Muñoz Ivan I. , Guzmán Amador M. , Diaz Andres J.
Published: April 2014

The enhancement of the optical efficiency in both, organic and non-organics photovoltaic cells, with inclusion of metallic nanoparticles that induces surface plasmon resonant effects, is determined and studied by computational simulations. The Maxwell equations are solved in the frequency domain using a Finite Element Methods (FEM) based computational program. The absorption of the active layer is directly obtained and weighted by the corresponding solar spectrum. Then, the photovoltaic cell optical efficiency is ultimately determined.

This investigation demonstrated that for photovoltaic cells without nanoparticles, there exist three optimal configurations: an organic glass/PEDOT:PSS/CuPc:PTCBI/Ag cell; and non-organic glass/ ITO/CuInSe2/Ag and glass//ITO/CdTe/Ag cells. The numerical simulations show that optimal efficiency depends on the cell material and positioning of the nanoparticle within the cell. For an organic cell, the optimal efficiency was obtained with silver nanoparticles positioned at the bottom of the active layer (position 3); whereas, for non-organic cells, the optical efficiency was obtained with aluminum nanoparticles positioned between the glass and TCO layers (position 1).

From the three dimensional simulations, it was determined that silver nanoparticles with a diameter of 80nm within a cubic cell of period 230nm positioned in position 3 of the active layer of CuPc:PTCBI of an organic photovoltaic cell allow the augmentation of the efficiency such that a similar efficiency can be obtained with a cell of the same material but without nanoparticles and an active layer thickness 94% higher than with nanoparticles. For aluminum nanoparticles with a diameter of 30 nm in a cubic cell of period 40nm positioned in position 1 of the active layer de CuInSe2 of a non-organic photovoltaic cell, the efficiency is augmented to such a value that this value can be obtained with a non-organic photovoltaic cell with no nanoparticles and a an active layer thickness 137% higher than with nanoparticles.
Compressor Performance Verification: Measuring Tolerances and Guaranteed Power Consumption
Authors: Ferioli Marco
Published: April 2014

When evaluating the power consumption of a compressor on a test bed, it is important to evaluate the inaccuracies caused by instruments measuring tolerances.

Compressor vendors need to estimate such tolerances when announcing power guarantee figures, while customers need to verify if the machine meets such performance guarantees or not. A method is proposed to assess the resulting uncertainty of the total power consumption of a centrifugal compressor, based on the instruments measuring tolerances for inter-stage pressures, inter-stage temperatures and mass flow.

The calculations are based on a Monte Carlo type simulation which generates random sets of inlet/outlet pressures and temperatures for the different compressor stages.

Such numbers are generated in order to lie within the range of the expected value ± instrument tolerances. The same technique is used for the mass flow.

A numerical example is given, in order to show how single instruments tolerances are cumulated; results may indicate which instrument to select (or discard) in order to obtain reasonable tolerances on the calculated power consumption.
Frequency Dependent Nonlinear Iterative Learning Control With Application to a Wafer Stage
Authors: Yu Dongdong , Zhu Yu , Yang Kaiming , Li Xin , Jiang Yi
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the control design of a wafer stage setup, catering for the increasing demand for ultra-precision positioning and high throughput devices in line with further miniaturization of the LCD, semiconductor and electronic parts. The developed wafer stage employs a dual stroke principle: a short stroke for fine positioning and a long stroke for coarse positioning. The short stroke is a stage of six-degree-of-freedom with integrated magnetic bearing to counteract the gravity, while the long stroke is a planar motion stage consisting of a integrated three-axis drive motor, which can move along the surface of the Halbach permanent magnet array without generating friction due to being elevated with air bearings. To achieve precision tracking control with zero settling time under high acceleration/velocity motion, iterative learning control has been regarded as an effective means. Linear iterative learning control techniques attenuate the recurring disturbances and amplify the nonrecurring, suffering from a fixed trade-off between convergence rate and noise amplification. In this paper, a frequency dependent amplitude-based nonlinear iterative learning control is proposed. Within a frequency range of interest, the learning gain is continuously updated to improve the control performance of the planar motion stage. Based on the frequency contents of error signal, for error-levels beyond a predefined threshold, additional learning gain will be effectively used to diminish the low-frequency tracking error. Below the threshold, the original low-gain value is maintained to avoid high-frequency noise amplification. Performance assessment on the developed wafer stage setup shows that the proposed nonlinear iterative learning strategy can realize a remarkable performance which includes nanometer positioning and tracking over large travel ranges, and provides a more desirable means to deal with the convergence rate and noise amplification.
Sliding Mode Control in Ziegler’s Pendulum With Tracking Force: Novel Modeling Considerations
Authors: Sarshari Ehsan , Vasegh Nastaran , Khaghani Mehran , Dousti Saeid
Published: April 2014

Ziegler’s pendulum is an appropriate model of a non-conservative dynamic system. By considering gravity effect, new equations of motion are extracted from Newton’s motion laws. The instability of equilibriums is determined by linear stability analysis. Chaotic behavior of the model is shown by numerical simulations. Sliding mode controller is used for eliminating chaos and for stabilizing the equilibriums.
Design and Analysis of Solar Tracking System for Multipurpose Domestic Applications
Authors: Rhushi Prasad P. , Gangavati P. B. , Byregowda H. V. , Badarinarayan K. S.
Published: April 2014

Now-a-days the field of applied mechanical systems opens new horizons for the use of orientation mechanisms. The opportunity to use mechanisms with a “sustainable purpose” leads to new approaches in the development of renewable energy systems design. The evaluation of the existing products shows that the tracking mechanisms for solar energy conversion systems may improve the efficiency of the solar energy conversion systems up to 30% to 50%. Applications of solar energy for domestic and industrial heating purposes have been becoming very popular. However the effectiveness of presently used fixed flat plate collectors, PV panels and parabolic collector are low due to the moving nature of the energy source.

The presents research was carried out in the field of increasing the efficiency of the solar energy received by the solar collectors like PV panels, Flat plate collectors, Cylindrical Parabolic collectors using tracking systems by changing the position of the solar collectors correlated to the sun position for getting maximum radiation use of beam radiation falling on the solar collector. Two main aspects are taken into consideration, one optimizing the interaction between the mechatronic system components by integrating the analog electronic system by using a 555 timer in the mechanical model, and secondly by reducing the cost & time for the design process. The research work was carried out for location in chickballapur district at BGS R&D centre in Karnataka State, India.

The results obtained in work is 24% increase in tracking efficiency of experimental model of flat plate collector, 30% increase in tracking efficiency in working model flat plate collector, 39 % increase in tracking efficiency of cylindrical parabolic collector and 36% increases in tracking efficiency of the Photovoltaic panel is found when compared to the non-tracking systems respectively. This paper presents the results of PV panel collector in detail for increasing the efficiency of the PV panel collector by tracking system with comparison of non-tracking system.
Engaging Underrepresented Undergraduates in Engineering Through a Hands-On Automotive-Themed REU Program
Authors: Guessous Laila , Zou Qian , Sangeorzan Brian , Schall J. David , Barber Gary , Yang Lian X. , Latcha Michael , Alkidas Alex , Wang Xia
Published: April 2014

Since the summer of 2006, the department of Mechanical Engineering at Oakland University (OU) has been organizing a research experience for undergraduates (REU) program that has been successful at recruiting underrepresented undergraduates in engineering — women in particular. Funded in 2006–2009 and in 2010–2013 through the National Science Foundation REU program and the Department of Defense ASSURE program, this summer REU program focuses on automotive and energy-related research projects. The main purpose of this paper is to share our 6-year experience of organizing and running a summer REU program and to report on the outcomes and short/medium-term assessment results of the program. Also included are some recommendations that we would make to further enhance the success of similar REU programs. We believe that this type of information could prove to be of value to other REU program directors and faculty seeking to organize similar programs.
Optimisation of Screw Expanders for Power Recovery From Low Grade Heat Sources
Authors: Read Matthew , Smith Ian K. , Stosic Nikola
Published: April 2014

To obtain the best power output in wet vapour plant used in low grade heat utilisation depends not only on the conflicting requirements of high heat recovery and high working fluid temperatures but also on the dryness fraction of the fluid entering the expander, the screw expander size, rotor profile and speed and built-in volume ratio.

It is shown in this paper how the optimisation methods and associated numerical procedures can be used to obtain the best combination of the often conflicting requirements imposed upon the screw expander in order to achieve its target, the maximum power output for given flow of the heating medium and its inlet and outlet temperatures.

Measurements are performed with an expander in a steam power plant to obtain experimental results to validate performance estimation used in the optimisation process.
Piping Engineering Design Management Scenario in a Top Oil and Gas Company
Authors: Dutta Debarun
Published: April 2014

Piping Engineering Design Management consists of two sides — the Design Product Engineering Side & the Design Process Side. Previous researches in this field have found out many issues or aspects on the Product Side that need to be taken care of in order to build an effective piping engineering design management model. Now although there have been some researches on the Product Side, however, no evidence of research on the Process Side of Piping Engineering Design Management has been found. But since effective management of engineering design is critical to the competitive advantage of any engineering company, I am researching in this arena. During the course of my research, I have carried out a qualitative descriptive case study in a very large oil & gas company’s piping engineering design department. The collected data reveals the existing piping engineering design management approaches & practices that are being used in that company. This paper directly showcases this in-vogue piping engineering design management scenario in a raw form for present &/or future researchers of this field.