bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy beyond politics? Public opinion, party politics and the French pro-nuclear energy policy
Authors: Brouard Sylvain , Guinaudeau Isabelle
Published: August 2014

At first sight, French nuclear energy policy offers a textbook example of how technical, constitutional and economic restrictions, powerful interest groups and path dependence constrain democratic responsiveness. This paper uses what might seem to be an unlikely case in order to question explanations of policy choices in terms of technocracy, path dependence and interest groups against the background of an under-estimated factor: party and coalition strategies. The original data collected on public attitudes towards nuclear energy and the attention dedicated to this issue in the media, as well as in the parliamentary and electoral arenas, show that the effect of public opinion is conditioned by party incentives to politicise the issue at stake. In other words, parties and coalition-making constraints act as a mediating variable between citizens’ preferences and policy choices. These findings point to the need to integrate this conditional variable into analyses of responsiveness and models of policymaking.
The regional North Indian popular music industry in 2014: from cassette culture to cyberculture
Authors: Manuel Peter
Published: August 2014

This article explores the current state of the regional vernacular popular music industry in North India, assessing the changes that have occurred since around 2000 with the advent of digital technologies, including DVD format, and especially the Internet, cellphones and ‘pen-drives’. It provides a cursory overview of the regional music scene as a whole, and then focuses, as a case study, on a particular genre, namely the languriya songs of the Braj region, south of Delhi. It discusses how commercial music production is adapting, or failing to adapt, to recent technological developments, and it notes the vigorous and persistent flowering of regional music scenes such as that in the Braj region.
Spatiotemporal evolution of a thin plasma foil with Kappa distribution
Authors: Mehdian H. , Kargarian A. , Hajisharifi K.
Published: August 2014

The one-dimensional behavior of a thin plasma foil heated by laser is studied, emphasizing on the fully kinetic effects associated with initial energetic electrons using a relativistic kinetic 1D3V Particle-In-Cell code. For this purpose, the generalized Lorentzian (Kappa) function inclusive the high energy tail is employed for initial electron distribution. The presence of the initially high-energy electrons leads to a different ion energy spectrum than the initially Maxwellian distribution. It is shown for the smaller Kappa parameter k where the high energy tail of the electron distribution function becomes more significant, the electron cooling rate increases. Moreover, the spatiotemporal evolution of electric field is strongly affected by the initial super-thermal electrons.
Children's syntactic-priming magnitude: lexical factors and participant characteristics
Authors: FOLTZ ANOUSCHKA , THIELE KRISTINA , KAHSNITZ DUNJA , STENNEKEN PRISCA
Published: August 2014

This study examines whether lexical repetition, syntactic skills, and working memory (WM) affect children's syntactic-priming behavior, i.e. their tendency to adopt previously encountered syntactic structures. Children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and typically developing (TD) children were primed with prenominal (e.g. the yellow cup) or relative clause (RC; e.g. the cup that is yellow) structures with or without lexical overlap and performed additional tests of productive syntactic skills and WM capacity. Results revealed a reliable syntactic-priming effect without lexical boost in both groups: SLI and TD children produced more RCs following RC primes than following prenominal primes. Grammaticality requirements influenced RC productions in that SLI children produced fewer grammatical RCs than TD children. Of the additional measures, WM positively affected how frequently children produced dispreferred RC structures, but productive syntactic skills had no effect. The results support an implicit-learning account of syntactic priming and emphasize the importance of WM in syntactic priming tasks.
PhD Abstracts
Authors: HUTTON GRAHAM
Published: August 2014

Many students complete PhDs in functional programming each year, but there is currently no common location in which to promote and advertise the resulting work. The Journal of Functional Programming would like to change that!
Dexmedetomidine utilisation and outcomes of children with trisomy 21 undergoing congenital heart disease surgery
Authors: Moffett Brady S. , Mossad Emad B. , Tobias Joseph D. , Cabrera Antonio G.
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The diagnosis of trisomy 21 in children has been associated with failed extubation after CHD surgery. Dexmedetomidine may be a useful agent to improve postoperative outcomes in these patients, such as ventilator time, ICU length of stay, or hospital length of stay. Materials and methods: The Pediatric Health Information System database was queried from January, 2008 to December, 2010 for patients with trisomy 21 who underwent CHD surgery. Patients who received dexmedetomidine were matched to patients who did not by propensity score. The primary outcome was ventilator days charged, and secondary outcomes included ICU and hospital length of stay. Results: A total of 1088 patients (544 matched pairs) met inclusion criteria. Patient characteristics were similar, with the exception of more patients in the dexmedetomidine group undergoing repair of complete atrioventricular canal and fewer undergoing mechanical valve replacement (p<0.01). More patients in the dexmedetomidine group were administered milrinone, epinephrine, vasopressin, benzodiazepines, opiates, and adjunct pain and sedative medications (p<0.01). The dexmedetomidine group had greater time on the ventilator [7 (4.5–11) versus 6 (4–10) days (median, interquartile range) p<0.01] and similar ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and mortality compared with controls. Mixed-effects modelling clustered on institution did not show beneficial effect of dexmedetomidine on ventilator time, ICU stay, or hospital length of stay. Conclusions: The use of dexmedetomidine was not associated with the decreased ventilatory time. Routine use of dexmedetomidine is not warranted in this patient population.
Large Area and Depth-Profiling Dislocation Imaging and Strain Analysis in Si/SiGe/Si Heterostructures
Authors: Chen Xin , Zuo Daniel , Kim Seongwon , Mabon James , Sardela Mauro , Wen Jianguo , Zuo Jian-Min
Published: August 2014

We demonstrate the combined use of large area depth-profiling dislocation imaging and quantitative composition and strain measurement for a strained Si/SiGe/Si sample based on nondestructive techniques of electron beam-induced current (EBIC) and X-ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping (XRD RSM). Depth and improved spatial resolution is achieved for dislocation imaging in EBIC by using different electron beam energies at a low temperature of ~7 K. Images recorded clearly show dislocations distributed in three regions of the sample: deep dislocation networks concentrated in the “strained” SiGe region, shallow misfit dislocations at the top Si/SiGe interface, and threading dislocations connecting the two regions. Dislocation densities at the top of the sample can be measured directly from the EBIC results. XRD RSM reveals separated peaks, allowing a quantitative measurement of composition and strain corresponding to different layers of different composition ratios. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy cross-section analysis clearly shows the individual composition layers and the dislocation lines in the layers, which supports the EBIC and XRD RSM results.
COHOMOLOGY OF THE PINWHEEL TILING
Authors: FRETTLÖH DIRK , WHITEHEAD BENJAMIN , WHITTAKER MICHAEL F.
Published: August 2014

We provide a computation of the Čech cohomology of the pinwheel tiling using the Anderson–Putnam complex. A border-forcing version of the pinwheel tiling is produced that allows an explicit construction of the complex for the quotient of the continuous hull by the circle. The cohomology of the continuous hull is given using a spectral sequence argument of Barge, Diamond, Hunton and Sadun.
Variation of seed zinc in a local upland rice germplasm from Thailand
Authors: Jaksomsak Pennapa , Yimyam Narit , Dell Bernard , Prom-u-thai Chanakan , Rerkasem Benjavan
Published: August 2014

This study examined variation in seed zinc (Zn) in a local upland rice germplasm that may affect adaptation in a system of slash-and-burn. Individual seed Zn in farmers' seed lots of local upland rice varieties from a slash-and-burn system was evaluated by staining with dithizone (DTZ). Concentration of Zn in the farmers' seed lots and their single-seed descent genotypes grown at Chiang Mai University was determined by chemical analysis. The DTZ staining of individual seeds in most of the farmers' seed lots covered the intensity of standards that ranged from 19 mg Zn/kg (RD21) to 31 (Nam Roo) mg Zn/kg. Zinc content by chemical analysis was closely correlated with the weighted-average staining for each seed lot. Almost all of the single-seed descent genotypes had higher seed Zn than RD21; two-thirds were higher than Nam Roo. The variation within seed lots detected by DTZ staining was confirmed by seed Zn in the single-seed descent genotypes. Evolutionary adaptation to soil with limited Zn, exacerbated by alkalinity of the ash from slash-and-burn, is made possible by variation in seed Zn among individuals growing together in the same field, and benefits the eaters with Zn-enriched seed.
Research on U-shaped tuning stub RFID tag on different objects
Authors: Chen Chien-Hung , Lin Yi-Fang , Chen Hua-Ming
Published: August 2014

A new ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna, which is comprised a U-shaped tuning stub and a dipole radiator for different permittivity surfaces is investigated, fabricated, and measured. For a conjugate match to the NXP G2XM chip impedance of 29–j137 at 915 MHz, a dipole tag antenna with U-shaped stubconnected to dipole arms was designed. Simple size adjustments of the U-shaped tuning stub and dipole radiator of the antenna allow for easy control of the antenna resistance and inductive reactance, from which the chip impedance requirement may be readily satisfied. The read range of the prototype antenna attached on a different permittivity surfaces (εr= 1–4) can reach more than 4.5 m, which has been tested for an RFID reader with 4.0 W of effective isotropic radiated power. The antenna structure consists of two dipole load bars and two loop electrically connected. The design offers more choice of freedom to tune the input impedance of the proposed antenna. Measurement data are presented which are in good agreement with simulation results. The design is suitable for mounting on all kinds of objects. The fabricated tag sensitivity of −3 dBm, read range of 7 m on the x–z and y–z planes, and the measured orientation radiation patterns were obtained in the desired frequency band.
PHI Reserving
Authors: Turner Mark
Published: August 2014

Papers devoted to the subject of reserving for Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) are not exactly numerous. The author could not find one published in the U.K., although there were papers in the U.S.A., Australia and South Africa.

Most U.K. PHI papers have sought to cover the topic in its entirety and therefore do give views on reserving issues. Ironically, this paper in seeking to focus on reserving did, incidentally, find itself wandering over a large part of the PHI actuarial countryside. Perhaps this is unavoidable.

PHI reserving is not just a question of ensuring adequate solvency. The reserving basis we choose can aid or hinder our understanding of the business. After all, the recognition of profits is defined by the reserving basis. If management is going to track profits in order to assist decisions on marketing position, financial strength of the office, etc. then it needs to be concerned that the reserving basis is not distorting the emerging results. An equivalent argument can be put forward in respect of the capital requirements of the business.
Retirement Age and Equalization of Pension Benefits
Authors: Carroll P. S. , Tompkins P. D. G.
Published: August 2014

In the past three decades there have been many efforts at removing discrimination between people on grounds of sex, both in legislation and in practice. It has come to be accepted that, apart from certain excluded areas, men and women should have equal opportunities and equal rights in equivalent circumstances. This ‘principle of equal treatment’ of the sexes means, amongst other things, that there must be equal rewards for the same work.

Legal effect to these concepts was given by the Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, both of which excluded from their ambit provision in respect of death or retirement and statutory instruments then in force (e.g. the Social Security Acts, which enshrine unequal State pensionable ages).

In 1986, Helen Marshall successfully won her case before the European Court, that she should have the right to the same contractual retirement age as her male colleagues. As a result, the Sex Discrimination Act 1986 modified the ‘death or retirement’ exclusions of the 1975 Act to provide that one sex cannot be compulsorily retired before the other but retained the exception that permits one sex to have an earlier normal pension age.
Die Rolle des Genotyps bei der generationsübergreifenden Übertragung belastender Kindheitserlebnisse
Authors: Reichl Corinna , Kaess Michael , Resch Franz , Brunner Romuald
Published: August 2014

Die Prävalenz von Kindesmisshandlung und -missbrauch wird in Deutschland auf etwa 15 % geschätzt. Bisherige Forschungsergebnisse weisen zudem darauf hin, dass etwa ein Drittel der Personen mit belastenden Kindheitserlebnissen später wenig sensitiv auf die Bedürfnisse ihrer eigenen Kinder reagieren oder ein erhöhtes Misshandlungspotential aufweisen. Empirische Studien legen nahe, dass ein Teil der interindividuellen Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Reaktivität auf belastende Kindheitserlebnisse durch Gen-Umwelt-Interaktionen erklärt werden können. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird ein mögliches Zusammenspiel von Genen und Umwelt bei der Übertragung von Misshandlungsverhalten sowie (in)sensitivem Erziehungsverhalten dargestellt, aber auch vor dem Hintergrund der Probleme der aktuellen genetischen Forschung kritisch diskutiert. Hierzu werden ausgewählte Studien zu Gen-Umwelt-Interaktionen dargestellt und relevante Genpolymorphismen identifiziert. Zusammenfassend berichteten bisherige Studien vor allem Interaktionen zwischen negativen Kindheitserlebnissen und Genpolymorphismen der serotonergen und dopaminergen Systeme sowie der Oxytocin- und Vasopressin-Systeme bei der Vorhersage sozialer Verhaltensweisen in Eltern-Kind-Interaktionen. Die Ergebnisse weisen auf eine differentielle Sensitivität gegenüber negativen und positiven Umwelteinflüssen in Abhängigkeit bestimmter Genausprägungen hin. Zukünftige Forschungsarbeiten sollten daher Effekte vermeintlicher Risikogenvarianten der Kinder innerhalb negativer wie auch förderlicher Erziehungsumwelten untersuchen. Nur so kann ein näheres Verständnis zugrundeliegender Mechanismen der transgenerationalen Übertragung von Misshandlungspotential und Erziehungsverhalten erzielt und fälschliche Stigmatisierung vermieden werden.
Down syndrome-associated haematopoiesis abnormalities created by chromosome transfer and genome editing technologies
Authors: Kazuki Yasuhiro , Yakura Yuwna , Abe Satoshi , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Kajitani Naoyo , Kazuki Kanako , Takehara Shoko , Honma Kazuhisa , Suemori Hirofumi , Yamazaki Satoshi , Sakuma Tetsushi , Toki Tsutomu , Shimizu Ritsuko , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Yamamoto Takashi , Oshimura Mitsuo
Published: August 2014

Infants with Down syndrome (DS) are at a high risk of developing transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM). A GATA1 mutation leading to the production of N-terminally truncated GATA1 (GATA1s) in early megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitors is linked to the onset of TAM and cooperated with the effect of trisomy 21 (Ts21). To gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of the progression to TAM in DS patients, we generated human pluripotent stem cells harbouring Ts21 and/or GATA1s by combining microcell-mediated chromosome transfer and genome editing technologies. In vitro haematopoietic differentiation assays showed that the GATA1s mutation blocked erythropoiesis irrespective of an extra chromosome 21, while Ts21 and the GATA1s mutation independently perturbed megakaryopoiesis and the combination of Ts21 and the GATA1s mutation synergistically contributed to an aberrant accumulation of skewed megakaryocytes. Thus, the DS model cells generated by these two technologies are useful in assessing how GATA1s mutation is involved in the onset of TAM in patients with DS.
Advances in Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Petroleum Geosciences
Authors: Liu Keyu , Sherwood Neil , Zhao Mengjun
Published: August 2014

Fluorescence spectroscopy is one of the most sensitive, rapid, versatile, and inexpensive screening techniques in petroleum exploration and production. Some recent developments in instrumentation, software, and analytical procedures have led to the techniques being much more robust and quantitative than was previously possible. Fluorescence spectroscopic techniques may be used to augment or offer an alternative to petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic methods. This chapter provides an overview of recent developments in fluorescence spectroscopy with specific reference to petroleum geoscience and engineering and demonstrates some examples of techniques applicable to petroleum system analysis by providing information relating to petroleum generation, migration, accumulation, and preservation.
A versatile and robust electrochemical flow cell with a boron-doped diamond electrode for simultaneous determination of Zn2+and Pb2+ions in water samples
Authors: Bezerra dos Santos Vagner , Fava Elson Luiz , Pessoa-Neto Osmundo Dantas , Bianchi Silmara Rossana , Faria Ronaldo Censi , Fatibello-Filho Orlando
Published: August 2014

Automation of multiple pulse amperometry, anodic stripping and cyclic voltammetry using a thermostatted electrochemical flow cell with distinct flow systems.
Protein-based sensitive, selective and rapid fluorescence detection of picric acid in aqueous media
Authors: Sun Xiangcheng , Ma Xiaoyu , Kumar Challa V. , Lei Yu
Published: August 2014

A novel protein based fluorophore for sensitive, selective and fast detection of picric acid in an aqueous phase due to electron transfer, Förster resonance energy transfer and electrostatic interactions.
An interlaced silver vanadium oxide–graphene hybrid with high structural stability for use in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Qin Jiwen , Lv Wei , Li Zhengjie , Li Baohua , Kang Feiyu , Yang Quan-Hong
Published: August 2014

Graphene as a two-dimensional substrate directs the growth of silver vanadium oxide (SVO) forming a hybrid with an interlaced structure which shows improved cycling stability as the cathode of Li-ion batteries.
The crystal structure and magnetic properties of a Zintl phase EuIrIn4: the first member of the Eu–Ir–In family
Authors: Sarkar Sumanta , Gutmann Matthias J. , Peter Sebastian C.
Published: August 2014

EuIrIn4is the first member of the Eu–Ir–In family to be synthesized by the metal flux method using indium as the active flux. It is the first YNiAl4type variant of RETX4with 9th group transition metals and lanthanides.
Neurological abnormalities in a mercury exposed population among indigenous Wayana in Southeast Suriname
Authors: Peplow Daniel , Augustine Sarah
Published: August 2014

The indigenous Wayana community of Puleowime (Apetina) in Suriname is susceptible to the effects of mercury because they consume large amounts of fish compared to mainstream communities.
Synthesis and protein kinase C (PKC)-C1 domain binding properties of diacyltetrol based anionic lipids
Authors: Mamidi Narsimha , Panda Subhankar , Borah Rituparna , Manna Debasis
Published: August 2014

Protein kinase C-C1 domain binding specificity of the anionic hybrid lipids.
Voronoi polyhedra probing of hydrated OH radical
Authors: Kazmierczak Lukasz , Swiatla-Wojcik Dorota
Published: August 2014

Voronoi polyhedron method is employed to extract the smallest volume shared by ˙OH radical in liquid water at the biologically important temperature (37 °C). The 3D-visualization and the probability distributions of the metric and topological properties of ˙OH solvation cage are provided.
Dual-functionalized calcium carbonate based gene delivery system for efficient gene delivery
Authors: Wang Chao-Qun , Gong Meng-Qing , Wu Jin-Long , Zhuo Ren-Xi , Cheng Si-Xue
Published: August 2014

Dual-functionalized KALA/PS/CaCO3/DNA nanoparticles containing a cell penetrating peptide (KALA) and protamine sulfate (PS) could effectively mediate gene transfection at a low DNA concentration.
Ligand substitution reaction on a platinum(ii) complex with bio-relevant thiols: kinetics, mechanism and bioactivity in aqueous medium
Authors: Samanta Avradeep , Ghosh Goutam Kr. , Mitra Ishani , Mukherjee Subhajit , K Jagadeesh C. Bose , Mukhopadhyay Sudit , Linert Wolfgang , Moi Sankar Ch.
Published: August 2014

Kinetics of the interaction between [Pt(pic)(H2O)2](ClO4)2and selected thiols has been studied in aqueous medium as a function of [complex], [thiol], pH and temperature at constant ionic strength.
Unraveling the caspase-mediated mechanism for phloroglucinol-encapsulated starch biopolymer against the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231
Authors: Kumar Ponnuchamy , Senthamilselvi Singaravelu , Govindaraju Munisamy , Sankar Renu
Published: August 2014

The main objective of the study is to decipher the mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of phloroglucinol-encapsulated starch biopolymer against the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.
One-pot transesterification and esterification of waste cooking oil via ethanolysis using Sr:Zr mixed oxide as solid catalyst
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Ali Amjad
Published: August 2014

Prepared 2Sr:Zr-650 catalyst possesses both acidic and basic sites, hence it was able to catalyze the simultaneous esterification and transesterification of free fatty acid containing vegetable oils.
The activation of N-glycosidic bond cleavage performed by base-excision repair enzyme hOGG1; theoretical study of the role of Lys 249 residue in activation of G, OxoG and FapyG
Authors: Šebera Jakub , Trantírek Lukáš , Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Nencka Radim , Fukal Jiří , Sychrovský Vladimír
Published: August 2014

NLMOs of lone-pair electrons at N9 nitrogen and Fukui indexesf2of N9.
Thermally-labile segmented hyperbranched copolymers: using reversible-covalent chemistry to investigate the mechanism of self-condensing vinyl copolymerization
Authors: Sun Hao , Kabb Christopher P. , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: August 2014

A thermally-reversible inimer was used to confirm the controlled growth of individual branches during self-condensing vinyl atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
A simple and efficient strategy for the synthesis of a chemically tailored g-C3N4 material
Authors: Bai Xiaojuan , Yan Shicheng , Wang Jiajia , Wang Li , Jiang Wenjun , Wu Songling , Sun Changpo , Zhu Yongfa
Published: August 2014

Schematic illustration of the tailored process from bulk g-C3N4 to two typical tailored morphologies (CNPSs and CNQDs) by treatment of different NH3/H2O2 volume ratios.
Controllable synthesis of hierarchical ZnSn(OH)6 and Zn2SnO4 hollow nanospheres and their applications as anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Ranran , He Yanyan , Xu Liqiang
Published: August 2014

Hierarchical ZnSn(OH)6 and Zn2SnO4 hollow nanospheres that are composed of nanorods have been conveniently fabricated with high yields, and their excellent electrochemical properties enable them to be promising high-performance anodes for LIBs.
High performance nanosheet-like silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieves: synthesis, 3D EDT structural analysis and MTO catalytic studies
Authors: Sun Qiming , Ma Yanhang , Wang Ning , Li Xu , Xi Dongyang , Xu Jun , Deng Feng , Yoon Kyung Byung , Oleynikov Peter , Terasaki Osamu , Yu Jihong
Published: August 2014

3D EDT technique combined with TEM provides a better understanding of the excellent MTO catalytic performance of nanosheet-like silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieves.
Pyrene-conjugated porphyrins for efficient mesoscopic solar cells: the role of the spacer
Authors: Lu Jianfeng , Liu Shuangshuang , Li Hao , Shen Yan , Xu Jie , Cheng Yibing , Wang Mingkui
Published: August 2014

Pyrene-conjugated porphyrin dyes with various π-spacers between the porphyrin chromophore and carboxylic acid moiety have been designed and synthesized in this study, showing an overall power conversion efficiency of 8.7% under full sunlight (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2) irradiation.
Highly-reactive AgPt nanofern composed of {001}-faceted nanopyramidal spikes for enhanced heterogeneous photocatalysis application
Authors: Umar Akrajas Ali , Rahmi Elvy , Balouch Aamna , Abd Rahman Mohd Yusri , Salleh Muhamad Mat , Oyama Munetaka
Published: August 2014

Synthesis of nanopyramidal spike-composed nanofern of AgPt bimetals rich with {001} high-energy lattice planes on a substrate surface. The system exhibits excellent heterogeneous photocatalytic performance.
Superhydrophobic coating of elastomer on different substrates using a liquid template to construct a biocompatible and antibacterial surface
Authors: Ye Wei , Shi Qiang , Hou Jianwen , Jin Jing , Fan Qunfu , Wong Shing-Chung , Xu Xiaodong , Yin Jinghua
Published: August 2014

Elastomers were cast with a liquid template to create superhydrophobic, biocompatible, antifouling and antibacterial surfaces on virtually any substrate.
Ordered and flexible lanthanide complex thin films showing up-conversion and color-tunable luminescence
Authors: Gao Rui , Zhao Minjun , Guan Yan , Fang Xiaoyu , Li Xiaohong , Yan Dongpeng
Published: August 2014

Ordered transparent thin films based on alternate layer-by-layer assembly of lanthanide complexes and layered double hydroxide nanosheets have been fabricated, which exhibit up-conversion emission and tunable two-color luminescence.
The Effect of Visual Cues on Scoring of Clinical Word-Recognition Tests
Authors: Han Heekyung J. , Schlauch Robert S. , Rao Aparna
Published: August 2014

Purpose

During routine clinical speech assessment, if the person being tested were to write down what he or she heard, it would not always match what the audiologist heard while scoring the listener's vocal responses (Nelson & Chaiklin, 1970). This study demonstrated a method to assess examiner accuracy and whether speechreading cues reduce writedown–talkback errors.

Method

Examiners were divided into 3 categories: normal hearing native speakers of English, normal hearing nonnative speakers of English, and native speakers with hearing loss. Each examiner assessed 4 normal-hearing listeners. Two NU-6 lists were presented to each listener; one was scored without visual cues and one with visual cues. Lists were presented at 50 dB HL in the presence of speech noise at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Results

Results analyzed by percentage of correct phonemes and words revealed fewer writedown–talkback discrepancies for all 3 examiner groups when visual cues were added, with a substantial improvement for examiners with hearing loss.

Conclusion

The finding of errors between talkback versus writedown scoring of lists for all of the examiners, even with visual cues, suggests a need for modification of the clinical word-recognition procedure for applications that potentially affect diagnosis, rehabilitation choices, or financial compensation.
Strategies for Teaching Handwriting to Children with Writing Disabilities
Authors: Andrews Jane E. , Lombardino Linda J.
Published: August 2014

Handwriting abilities have been shown to play an important role in the academic performance of children, especially children who have disorders of written language. Dysgraphia is the most commonly identified neurodevelopmental grapho-motor disorder of handwriting and it often co-occurs with dyslexia. Even in an age where much print is accomplished by keyboarding, legible handwriting continues to be an indispensable skill for a range of academic, vocational, social, and professional activities. In keeping with research that supports the importance of cursive writing, this paper focuses on guidelines for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who evaluate, diagnose, and treat children with disorders of written language accompanied by marked deficits in handwriting.
Supporting Early Literacy Skills through Preschool Writing Instruction in Therapeutic and Classroom Contexts
Authors: Cabell Sonia Q. , Puranik Cynthia S. , Tortorelli Laura S.
Published: August 2014

In this article, the authors outline how writing during the preschool years is connected with the development of literacy and briefly discuss research on early writing development in children with language impairments. Next, the authors describe ways in which early writing can be assessed and facilitated both in therapeutic contexts and early childhood classrooms, including the collaborative role speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can play in providing early writing support for preschoolers.
Dyslexia: Why Is This Diagnosis so Challenging?
Authors: Lombardino Linda J. , Gauger Laurie M.
Published: August 2014

Dyslexia, the most commonly identified learning disability, frequently goes unidentified in school age children, especially when children perform adequately on high stakes tests. The purpose of this paper is to aid speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in diagnosing children who have dyslexia. We address profiles of behavioral strengths and weaknesses that are characteristic of these children and we present sample evaluation profiles of a few children with dyslexia that we have tested over the past decade.
Histogram of dense subgraphs for image representation
Authors: Dammak Mouna , Mejdoub Mahmoud , Ben Amar Chokri
Published: August 2014

Modelling spatial information of local features is known to improve performance in image categorisation. Compared with simple pairwise features and visual phrases, graphs can capture the structural organisation of local features more adequately. Besides, a dense regular grid can guarantee a more reliable representation than the interest points and give better results for image classification. In this study, the authors introduced a bag of dense local graphs approach that combines the performance of bag of visual words expressing the image classification process with the representational power of graphs. The images were represented with dense local graphs built upon dense scale‐invariant feature transform descriptors. The graph‐based substructure pattern mining algorithm was applied on the local graphs to discover the frequent local subgraphs, producing a bag of subgraphs representation. The results were reported from experiments conducted on four challenging benchmarks. The findings show that the proposed subgraph histogram improves the categorisation accuracy.
Average local ionization energy generalized to correlated wavefunctions
Authors: Ryabinkin Ilya G. , Staroverov Viktor N.
Published: August 2014

The average local ionization energy function introduced by Politzer and co-workers [Can. J. Chem. 68, 1440 (1990)] as a descriptor of chemical reactivity has a limited utility because it is defined only for one-determinantal self-consistent-field methods such as the Hartree–Fock theory and the Kohn–Sham density-functional scheme. We reinterpret the negative of the average local ionization energy as the average total energy of an electron at a given point and, by rewriting this quantity in terms of reduced density matrices, arrive at its natural generalization to correlated wavefunctions. The generalized average local electron energy turns out to be the diagonal part of the coordinate representation of the generalized Fock operator divided by the electron density; it reduces to the original definition in terms of canonical orbitals and their eigenvalues for one-determinantal wavefunctions. The discussion is illustrated with calculations on selected atoms and molecules at various levels of theory.
Interaction of multiple biomimetic antimicrobial polymers with model bacterial membranes
Authors: Baul Upayan , Kuroda Kenichi , Vemparala Satyavani
Published: August 2014

Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, interaction of multiple synthetic random copolymers based on methacrylates on prototypical bacterial membranes is investigated. The simulations show that the cationic polymers form a micellar aggregate in water phase and the aggregate, when interacting with the bacterial membrane, induces clustering of oppositely charged anionic lipid molecules to form clusters and enhances ordering of lipid chains. The model bacterial membrane, consequently, develops lateral inhomogeneity in membrane thickness profile compared to polymer-free system. The individual polymers in the aggregate are released into the bacterial membrane in a phased manner and the simulations suggest that the most probable location of the partitioned polymers is near the 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) clusters. The partitioned polymers preferentially adopt facially amphiphilic conformations at lipid-water interface, despite lacking intrinsic secondary structures such as α-helix or β-sheet found in naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides.
Bandgap calculations and trends of organometal halide perovskites
Authors: Castelli Ivano E. , García-Lastra Juan María , Thygesen Kristian S. , Jacobsen Karsten W.
Published: August 2014

Energy production from the Sun requires a stable efficient light absorber. Promising candidates in this respect are organometal perovskites (ABX3), which have been intensely investigated during the last years. Here, we have performed electronic structure calculations of 240 perovskites composed of Cs, CH3NH3, and HC(NH2)2 as A-cation, Sn and Pb as B-ion, and a combination of Cl, Br, and I as anions. The calculated gaps span over a region from 0.5 to 5.0 eV. In addition, the trends over bandgaps have been investigated: the bandgap increases with an increase of the electronegativities of the constituent species, while it reduces with an increase of the lattice constants of the system.
A simple model of axisymmetric turbulent boundary layers along long thin circular cylinders
Authors: Jordan Stephen A.
Published: August 2014

Useful empirical and semi-empirical models of the turbulent boundary layer (TBL) and skin friction evolution along planar geometries are not applicable for axisymmetric thin cylinder flows. Their dissimilarity is readily detectable once the TBL thickness exceeds the cylinder radius (a). Although several recent empirically based axisymmetric models recognize this fact, their acceptable fidelity is either restrictive or deficient for general applicability. Herein, we correct this deficit by building a simple model for the specific canonical class of axisymmetric turbulent flows along long thin cylinders with a zero streamwise pressure gradient. Streamwise growth of the TBL thickness (δ/a), integral scales [displacement (δ*/a) and momentum thicknesses (θ/a)] and skin friction coefficient (Cf) can be estimated along the cylinder length via the respective axial mean velocity profile in wall units. This profile is given by Spalding's formula with algebraic expressions for the two input parameters (κ, κβ) that cover all turbulent Reynolds numbers. The necessary database for empirically tuning Spalding's parameters entails both experimental measurements and new numerical computations. Our present-day understanding of the axisymmetric TBL is replicated by the simple model where δ/a, δ*/a, and θ/a grow slower than the planar-type flow with Cf comparatively elevating once δ/a > O(1). These differences manifest themselves in the radial impact imposed by the thin cylinder transverse curvature. Interestingly, the axial-based Reynolds numbers Rea ≈ 7500 and a+ ≈ 350 at δ/a ≈ 21 mark earliest signs of a homogeneous streamwise state (constant Cf) near the cylinder wall. Owning a simple model of axisymmetric turbulent flows along thin cylinders eliminates expensive and timely experiments and/or computations. Its practicality targets both the Naval and oceanographic communities.
Resource cost results for one-way entanglement distillation and state merging of compound and arbitrarily varying quantum sources
Authors: Boche H. , Janßen G.
Published: August 2014

We consider one-way quantum state merging and entanglement distillation under compound and arbitrarily varying source models. Regarding quantum compound sources, where the source is memoryless, but the source state an unknown member of a certain set of density matrices, we continue investigations begun in the work of Bjelaković et al. [“Universal quantum state merging,” J. Math. Phys. 54, 032204 (2013)] and determine the classical as well as entanglement cost of state merging. We further investigate quantum state merging and entanglement distillation protocols for arbitrarily varying quantum sources (AVQS). In the AVQS model, the source state is assumed to vary in an arbitrary manner for each source output due to environmental fluctuations or adversarial manipulation. We determine the one-way entanglement distillation capacity for AVQS, where we invoke the famous robustification and elimination techniques introduced by Ahlswede. Regarding quantum state merging for AVQS we show by example that the robustification and elimination based approach generally leads to suboptimal entanglement as well as classical communication rates.
An interchangeable scanning Hall probe/scanning SQUID microscope
Authors: Tang Chiu-Chun , Lin Hui-Ting , Wu Sing-Lin , Chen Tse-Jun , Wang M. J. , Ling D. C. , Chi C. C. , Chen Jeng-Chung
Published: August 2014

We have constructed a scanning probe microscope for magnetic imaging, which can function as a scanning Hall probe microscope (SHPM) and as a scanning SQUID microscope (SSM). The scanning scheme, applicable to SHPM and SSM, consists of a mechanical positioning (sub) micron-XY stage and a flexible direct contact to the sample without a feedback control system for the Z-axis. With the interchangeable capability of operating two distinct scanning modes, our microscope can incorporate the advantageous functionalities of the SHPM and SSM with large scan range up to millimeter, high spatial resolution (⩽4 μm), and high field sensitivity in a wide range of temperature (4.2 K-300 K) and magnetic field (10−7 T-1 T). To demonstrate the capabilities of the system, we present magnetic images scanned with SHPM and SSM, including a RbFeB magnet and a nickel grid pattern at room temperature, surface magnetic domain structures of a La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 thin film at 77 K, and superconducting vortices in a striped niobium film at 4.2 K.
Molecular response of liquid nitrogen multiply shocked to 40 GPa
Authors: Lacina D. , Gupta Y. M.
Published: August 2014

Liquid nitrogen was subjected to multiple shock compression to examine its response to pressures (15-40 GPa) and temperatures (1800-4000 K) previously unexplored in static and shock compression studies. Raman spectroscopy measurements were used to characterize the molecular bond response and to determine temperatures in the peak state. By extending our analysis to include other Raman spectroscopy measurements, an empirical relation was developed that describes the pressure and temperature dependence of the Raman shift (of the 2330 cm−1 mode) for both shock and static compression. Based on the P-T dependence of the Raman shifts, the liquid nitrogen molecular response is best understood by considering three temperature regimes: below 1500 K, 1500-4000 K, and above 4000 K. For the pressures and temperatures accessed in the present work, liquid nitrogen remains a molecular fluid, and becomes a grey-body emitter at the highest pressures.
Rapid, non-destructive evaluation of ultrathin WSe2 using spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Eichfeld Sarah M. , Eichfeld Chad M. , Lin Yu-Chuan , Hossain Lorraine , Robinson Joshua A.
Published: August 2014

The utilization of tungsten diselenide (WSe2) in electronic and optoelectronic devices depends on the ability to understand and control the process-property relationship during synthesis. We demonstrate that spectroscopic ellipsometry is an excellent technique for accurate, non-destructive determination of ultra-thin (<30 nm) WSe2 properties. The refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) were found to be independent of thickness down to 1.3 nm, and were used to determine film thickness, which was confirmed to be within 9% of values found via atomic force microscopy. Finally, the optical bandgap was found to closely correlate with thickness, ranging from 1.2 to 1.55 eV as the WSe2 is thinned to the equivalent of 2 atomic layers.
Scalable synthesis of layer-controlled WS2 and MoS2 sheets by sulfurization of thin metal films
Authors: Orofeo Carlo M. , Suzuki Satoru , Sekine Yoshiaki , Hibino Hiroki
Published: August 2014

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as exciting 2D materials beyond graphene due to their promising applications in the field of electronics and optoelectronics. Hence, the ability to produce controllable and uniformly thick TMD sheets over a large area is of utmost important for large-scale applications. Here, a facile method of synthesizing large-area, layer-controlled WS2, and MoS2 sheets by sulfurization of their corresponding thin metal films is reported. A metal film, which is deposited by magnetron sputtering method, can be adjusted to produce, with great control, the desired sheet thickness down to a monolayer. Various characterization techniques, such as Raman, photoluminescence, and transmission electron microscopy, were used to evaluate the grown films. The results confirmed some of the exotic properties of TMDs such as the thickness dependent band-gap transition (indirect to direct band gap) and Raman shift. Devices made directly on the as-grown film showed modest mobility, ranging from 0.005 to 0.01 cm2 V−1s−1. Our synthesis method is simple and could also be used to synthesize other TMDs.
Communication: Rigorous quantum dynamics of O + O2 exchange reactions on an ab initio potential energy surface substantiate the negative temperature dependence of rate coefficients
Authors: Li Yaqin , Sun Zhigang , Jiang Bin , Xie Daiqian , Dawes Richard , Guo Hua
Published: August 2014

The kinetics and dynamics of several O + O2 isotope exchange reactions have been investigated on a recently determined accurate global O3 potential energy surface using a time-dependent wave packet method. The agreement between calculated and measured rate coefficients is significantly improved over previous work. More importantly, the experimentally observed negative temperature dependence of the rate coefficients is for the first time rigorously reproduced theoretically. This negative temperature dependence can be attributed to the absence in the new potential energy surface of a submerged “reef” structure, which was present in all previous potential energy surfaces. In addition, contributions of rotational excited states of the diatomic reactant further accentuate the negative temperature dependence.
In situ observation on hydrogenation of Mg-Ni films using environmental transmission electron microscope with aberration correction
Authors: Matsuda Junko , Yoshida Kenta , Sasaki Yukichi , Uchiyama Naoki , Akiba Etsuo
Published: August 2014

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to observe the hydrogenation of Mg-Ni films in a hydrogen atmosphere of 80–100 Pa. An aberration-corrected environmental TEM with a differential pumping system allows us to reveal the Angstrom-scale structure of the films in the initial stage of hydrogenation: first, nucleation and growth of Mg2NiH4 crystals with a lattice spacing of 0.22 nm in an Mg-rich amorphous matrix of the film occurs within 20 s after the start of the high-resolution observation, then crystallization of MgH2 with a smaller spacing of 0.15 nm happens after approximately 1 min. Our in situ TEM method is also applicable to the analysis of other hydrogen-related materials.
Thin film three-dimensional topological insulator metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors: A candidate for sub-10 nm devices
Authors: Akhavan N. D. , Jolley G. , Umana-Membreno G. A. , Antoszewski J. , Faraone L.
Published: August 2014

Three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators (TI) are a new state of quantum matter in which surface states reside in the bulk insulating energy bandgap and are protected by time-reversal symmetry. It is possible to create an energy bandgap as a consequence of the interaction between the conduction band and valence band surface states from the opposite surfaces of a TI thin film, and the width of the bandgap can be controlled by the thin film thickness. The formation of an energy bandgap raises the possibility of thin-film TI-based metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs). In this paper, we explore the performance of MOSFETs based on thin film 3D-TI structures by employing quantum ballistic transport simulations using the effective continuous Hamiltonian with fitting parameters extracted from ab-initio calculations. We demonstrate that thin film transistors based on a 3D-TI structure provide similar electrical characteristics compared to a Si-MOSFET for gate lengths down to 10 nm. Thus, such a device can be a potential candidate to replace Si-based MOSFETs in the sub-10 nm regime.
Room temperature magnetocaloric effect and refrigerant capacitance in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 nanotube arrays
Authors: Kumaresavanji M. , Sousa C. T. , Pires A. , Pereira A. M. , Lopes A. M. L. , Araujo J. P.
Published: August 2014

High aspect ratio La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 nanotube (NT) arrays have been synthesized using nitrates based sol-gel precursor by nanoporous anodized aluminum oxide template assisted method. Their phase purity and microstructures were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of as prepared NTs was investigated by means of field dependence magnetization measurements. Significant magnetic entropy change, −△SM = 1.6 J/kg K, and the refrigerant capacitance, RC = 69 J/kg, were achieved near the transition temperature at 315 K for 5 T. For comparison, a bulk sample was also prepared using the same precursor solution which gives a value of −△SM = 4.2 J/kg K and a RC = 165 J/kg. Though the bulk sample exhibits higher △SM value, the NTs present an expanded temperature dependence of −△SM curves that spread over a broad temperature range and assured to be appropriate for active magnetic refrigeration. The diminutive MCE observed in manganite NTs is explained by the increased influence of surface sites of nanograins which affect the structural phase transition occurred by external magnetic field due to the coupling between magnetism and the lattice in manganese perovskites. Our report paves the way for further investigation in 1D manganite nanostructured materials towards applications in such magnetic refrigeration technology or even on hyperthermia/drug delivery.
Detection of a vortex nucleation position in a circular ferromagnet using asymmetrically configured electrodes
Authors: Cui Xiaomin , Hu Shaojie , Kimura Takashi
Published: August 2014

We demonstrated that the anisotropic magneto-resistance of a ferromagnetic micro-disk measured by the asymmetrically configured electrodes provide the information of the vortex chirality. The large difference of the electrical resistivity between the ferromagnetic disk and the nonmagnetic electrodes creates an inhomogeneous current distribution, allowing us to detect the local domain structure. By focusing on the chirality-dependent magneto-resistance change due to the vortex nucleation, we can clearly detect the vortex nucleation position, leading to the chirality determination. The reliability of the developed detection method has been confirmed by the magneto-resistance measurement with symmetrically configured electrodes.