bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Fluctuations in Electric Circuits and the Brownian Motion
Authors: Vasziová Gabriela , Tóthová Jana , Glod Lukáš , Lisý Vladimír
Published: June 2011

Thermal Fluctuations in Electric Circuits and the Brownian Motion

In this work we explore the mathematical correspondence between the Langevin equation that describes the motion of a Brownian particle (BP) and the equations for the time evolution of the charge in electric circuits, which are in contact with the thermal bath. The mean quadrate of the fluctuating electric charge in simple circuits and the mean square displacement of the optically trapped BP are governed by the same equations. We solve these equations using an efficient approach that allows us converting the stochastic equations to ordinary differential equations. From the obtained solutions the autocorrelation function of the current and the spectral density of the current fluctuations are found. As distinct from previous works, the inertial and memory effects are taken into account.
Microwave Electromagnetic Filed and Temperature Distribution in a Multilayered Wood-Cement Board
Authors: Franek Jaroslav , Kollár Mojmír , Makovíny Ivan
Published: June 2011

Microwave Electromagnetic Filed and Temperature Distribution in a Multilayered Wood-Cement Board

The aim of this work was theoretical considerations of a multi-layer structure and estimation of some properties of previously designed and prepared modified wood-cement boards. These were enriched by carbon powder as electric admixture to gain a high damping of electromagnetic radiation in microwave frequency region. The dissipated power and temperature assessment based on the heat and electromagnetic wave propagation in case of perpendicular incident radiation are presented. As a practical criteria of the shielding effectiveness —the drop of the temperature measured behind an irradiated multilayered shield was utilized.
Frequency Weighted Discrete-Time Controller Order Reduction Using Bilinear Transformation
Authors: Karimaghaee Paknosh , Noroozi Navid
Published: June 2011

Frequency Weighted Discrete-Time Controller Order Reduction Using Bilinear Transformation

This paper addresses a new method for order reduction of linear time invariant discrete-time controller. This method leads to a new algorithm for controller reduction when a discrete time controller is used to control a continuous time plant. In this algorithm, at first, a full order controller is designed ins-plane. Then, bilinear transformation is applied to map the closed loop system toz-plane. Next, new closed loop controllability and observability grammians are calculated inz-plane. Finally, balanced truncation idea is used to reduce the order of controller. The stability property of the reduced order controller is discussed. To verify the effectiveness of our method, a reduced controller is designed for four discs system.
A Stand-Alone Induction Generator with Improved Stator Flux Oriented Control
Authors: Vukadinović Dinko , Bašić Mateo
Published: June 2011

A Stand-Alone Induction Generator with Improved Stator Flux Oriented Control

This paper presents an improved stator flux oriented (SFO) control system for a stand-alone induction generator. The induction generator supplies a variable resistive dc load. In order to provide an essentially constant terminal voltage, the product of the rotor speed and the stator flux reference should remain constant. However, in this case the control system is not able to function properly at different loads and dc-link voltages. In this paper, we introduce a new algorithm in which this product is constant at certain dc-load and dc-link voltage references. The dependence of the stator flux reference on the dc load and dc voltage reference is mapped using an artificial neural network (ANN). We also present an analysis of the efficiency of the SFO control system, as well as its performance during transients, over a wide range of both dc-link voltage references and loads. The validity of the proposed approach is verified by realistic simulation in a Matlab-Simulink environment.
Unsuccessful Attempt at Reversing Intractable Ventricular Arrhythmia in a Post CABG Patient
Authors: Siraj Masoom , Rahman Md Hamidur , Yasmin Farzana
Published: June 2011

The case of a 58 years old, gentleman is described here who underwent an emergency Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute. Right after the procedure he started developing ventricular arrhythmias. We present here the various challenges that we had to face and the options available to us in the setting of a third world hospital to manage a case of intractable ventricular arrhythmia. The patient underwent revascularization, intra-aortic balloon pump support, pharmacological manipulation, burst pacing with over drive suppression and cardio-version. Yet we were unable to control the fatal ventricular arrhythmia with an unfavorable outcome. Our case stands out from the rest as arrhythmia started after revascularization as opposed to many a case that is treated by revascularization. Ibrahim Card Med J 2011; 1(1):56-58
Differences in Soil Properties and Bacterial Communities between the Rhizosphere and Bulk Soil and among Different Production Areas of the Medicinal Plant Fritillaria thunbergii
Authors: Shi Ji-Yan , Yuan Xiao-Feng , Lin Hui-Rong , Yang Yuan-Qiang , Li Zong-Yuan
Published: June 2011

To explore rhizosphere effects, geographical differences and their effects on the bacterial community associated with the geoherb Fritillaria thunbergii, some physicochemical properties of soil samples (3 sampling sites × 2 habitats (rhizosphere and bulk soil)) were measured and the soil bacterial community detected by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Among the three regions, soil pH varied between 4.48 and 7.73 indicating that F. thunbergii could grow both in acid and slightly alkaline soil. As the authentic Dao-di producing area, Ningbo showed the highest soil quality with the highest content of organic matter (OM) (2.46%), phosphatase (268 mg kg−1 24 h−1) and urease activity (1481 mg kg−1 24 h−1). In comparison with the bulk soil, pH, organic carbon content, and phosphatase and urease activities were all lower in the rhizosphere, suggesting that the roots may secrete some unique metabolites in root exudates. Statistical analyses showed that soil properties of Ningbo and Panan in Zhejiang province were more similar to each other than those in Nantong in Jiangsu province. In addition, PCR-DGGE analysis showed that main bacterial population identified in F. thunbergii was proteobacteria (18 bands, 55%), acidobacteria (4, 12%), actinobacteria (4, 12%) and bacterioidetes (6, 18%). Overall, soil properties and microbial communities varied not only between the rhizosphere and bulk soil but also among the three regions. We suggest that the plant, together with the soil properties, cooperatively shape the structure of the rhizosphere bacteria, and that the soil properties have a close relationship with the geoherbalism of F. thunbergii.
Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes Modified with Cobalt Phthalocyanine for Selective Sulfur Detection in Cosmetic Products
Authors: Chen Pei-Yen , Luo Chin-Hsiang , Chen Mei-Chin , Tsai Feng-Jie , Chang Nai-Fang , Shih Ying
Published: June 2011

Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) films were deposited on the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode using a simple drop coating method. The cyclic voltammogram of the resulting CoPc modified screen-printed electrode (CoPc/SPE) prepared under optimum conditions shows a well-behaved redox couple due to the (CoI/CoII) system. The CoPc/SPE surface demonstrates excellent electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of sulfur in a 0.01 mol·L−1 NaOH. A linear calibration curve with the detection limit (DL, S/N = 3) of 0.325 mg·L−1 was achieved by CoPc/SPE coupled with flow injection analysis of the sulfur concentration ranging from 4 to 1120 mg·L−1. The precision of the system response was evaluated (3.60% and 3.52% RSD for 12 repeated injections), in the range of 64 and 480 mg·L−1 sulfur. The applicability of the method was successfully demonstrated in a real sample analysis of sulfur in anti-acne creams, and good recovery was obtained. The CoPc/SPE displayed several advantages in sulfur determination including easy fabrication, high stability, and low cost.
Cord Stem-Cell Transplantation in Ontario: Do We Need a Public Bank?
Authors: Gassas Adam
Published: June 2011

It has been 21 years since the first successful use of umbilical cord blood as a source of donor cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Over those years, cord blood transplantation (CBT) has shown marked success as an effective modality in the treatment of children and adults with hematologic malignancies, marrow failure, immunodeficiency, hemoglobinopathy, and inherited metabolic diseases. Furthermore, transplantation without full human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching is possible and, despite a lower incidence of graft-versus-host disease, graft-versus-leukemia effect is preserved. More than 20,000 cbts have been performed worldwide. Ontario is the most populated province in Canada, and its CBT numbers have increased dramatically in recent years, but most of the umbilical cord blood units are purchased from unrelated international registries. There is no public cord bank in Ontario, but there is a private cord banking option, and notably, Ontario has the largest number of live births in Canada [approximately 40% of all Canadian live births per year occur in Ontario (Statistics Canada, 2007)]. In this brief review, the pros and cons of private and public cord banking and the feasibility of starting an Ontario public cord bank are discussed.
Canadian Recommendations for the Treatment of Recurrent or Progressive Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Easaw Jacob C. , Mason W.P. , Perry J. , Laperrière N. , Eisenstat D.D. , Del Maestro R. , Bélanger K. , Fulton D. , Macdonald D.
Published: June 2011

Recommendation 1: Multidisciplinary Approach: To optimize treatment outcomes, the management of patients with recurrent glioblastoma should be individualized and should involve a multidisciplinary team approach, including neurosurgery, neuropathology, radiation oncology, neuro-oncology, and allied health professions. Recommendation 2: Imaging: The standard imaging modality for assessment of recurrent glioblastoma is Gd-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tumour recurrence should be assessed according to the criteria set out by the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Working Group. The optimal timing and frequency of MRI after chemoradiation and adjunctive therapy have not been established. Recommendation 3: Pseudo-progression: Progression observed by MRI after chemoradiation can be pseudo-progression. Accordingly, treated patients should not be classified as having progressive disease by Gd-enhancing MRI within the first 12 weeks after the end of radiotherapy unless new enhancement is observed outside the radiotherapy field or viable tumour is confirmed by pathology at the time of a required re-operation. Adjuvant temozolomide should be continued and follow-up imaging obtained. Recommendation 4: Repeat Surgery: Surgery can play a role in providing symptom relief and confirming tumour recurrence, pseudo-progression, or radiation necrosis. However, before surgical intervention, it is essential to clearly define treatment goals and the expected impact on prognosis and the patient’s quality of life. In the absence of level 1 evidence, the decision to re-operate should be made according to individual circumstances, in consultation with the multidisciplinary team and the patient. Recommendation 5: Re-irradiation: Re-irradiation is seldom recommended, but can be considered in carefully selected cases of recurrent glioblastoma. Recommendation 6: Systemic Therapy: Clinical trials, when available, should be offered to all eligible patients. In the absence of a trial, systemic therapy, including temozolomide rechallenge or antiangiogenic therapy, may be considered. Combination therapy is still experimental; optimal drug combinations and sequencing have not been established.
Interview with Farid Boudjellal
Authors: McKinney Mark , Boudjellal Farid
Published: June 2011

Farid Boudjellal (b. 1953), a French cartoonist of Algerian and Armenian heritage, outlines his approach to comics. He discusses important inspirations and influences, including cartoonists from France (Gébé), Italy (Hugo Pratt) and the United States (Milton Caniff). He speaks of themes that are important to his work, especially temporality, a multiplicity of characters, dreams and fantasy. Boudjellal also distinguishes his comics from autobiography, a genre that he shuns, and critiques the sociological reductionism often found in the critical reception of his comics. He discusses his artistic techniques, including black-and-white line drawing, watercolor, and interconnected speech balloons. His interview provides an overview of his career and his ongoing projects in comics, which he situates against the general evolution of comics in France from the 1960s up to the present.
DETERMINANTS OF ADR RETURNS BEFORE AND AFTER DOMESTIC STOCK SEASONED EQUITY OFFERINGS: EVIDENCE FROM ASIAN AND LATIN AMERICAN EMERGING MARKETS / DEPOZITORINIŲ PAKVITAVIMŲ PASISKIRSTYMAS: AZIJOS IR LOTYNŲ AMERIKOS RINKOSE
Authors: Lee Chien-Chiang , Chen Mei-Ping , Li Chun-An , Chang Chi-Hung
Published: June 2011

This paper examines the critical determinants of American depository receipt (ADR) returns before and after domestic stock seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) for Asian and Latin American emerging economies during 1990–2007, which has never been probed in related issues. We employ the Time Series Cross Section Regressions and General Method of Moments methods to document that domestic stock returns play a vital role in explaining Latin American ADR returns, while US investor sentiment is crucial in explaining Asian ADR returns. Local investor sentiment is found to be considerably important than domestic stock returns in Asian ADR returns, while Latin American local investor sentiment (US investor sentiment) is more important before (after) domestic stock SEOs. The results do not support the view that ADR-reconciled earnings per share (EPS) and stock EPS provide significant information to explain ADR returns in Latin American and Asian emerging markets both before and after SEOs. Furthermore, international market differences in a specific geography should be considered when diversifying investments and efficiency accounting communication with accounting convergence does not need to be emphasized.

Santrauka

Nagrinėjami pagrindiniai Amerikos depozitoriumo pakvitavimų (ADR) grąžinimai, apimantys 1990–2007 metų laikotarpį. Straipsnio autoriai tai traktuoja kaip iki šiol netirtą reiškinį, nes analizuojamos dvi skirtingos rinkos – Azijos ir Lotynų Amerikos. Pasirinktu periodu šiose rinkose buvo jaučiamas ekonominis pakilimas. Straipsnio autoriai taiko laiko eilutės regresijos ir bendrąjį fiksuoto momento metodą. Tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad yra tam tikrų skirtumųne tik tarp regionų, bet ir tarp atskirų investuotojų bei jų susiformavusių požiūrių į šias rinkas. Pažymima, kad turi būti įvertinami tiek rinkos, tiek geografiniai skirtumai difersifikuojant investicijas.
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY, ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT / EKONOMINIS EFEKTYVUMAS, ENERGIJOS VARTOJIMAS IR SUBALANSUOTA PLĖTRA
Authors: Bojnec Štefan , Papler Drago
Published: June 2011

This paper analyzes structural indicators of economic efficiency and energy intensity consumption as determinants of sustainable economic development for the selected 33 European countries. The correlation, regression and multivariate factor analyses are applied to test the associations between the selected structural variables of energy intensity consumption, economic efficiency, and the main driving forces behind these developments. Economic efficiency is positively associated with expenditures on research and development (R&D) and a greater technological intensity of exports, while at the same time the economic efficiency of R&D expenditures and technological intensity of exports reduce the energy intensity consumption of the economy. The results suggest that management strategies and policies directed towards R&D expenditures, human capital investments, and technologically intensive export oriented products are improving economic efficiency performance and contributing to energy saving sustainable economic development. The technological intensity of products reduces energy consumption, which is related to restructuring of energy intensive industries into more advanced and energy saving ones with higher value added per unit of product, but with lower energy consumption per unit of product.

Santrauka

Autoriai analizuoja struktūrinius ekonominio efektyvumo ir energijos vartojimo intensyvumo, kaip vienų iš pagrindinių subalansuotos plėtros kintamųjų, rodiklius. Tirti buvo pasirinktos 33 Europos valstybės. Autoriai, siekdami pagrįsti iškeltus teiginius, naudojo koreliacinę, regresinę analizę bei daugiakriterinius metodus galimoms ekonominio efektyvumo bei energijos vartojimo laipsnio (ir kitų, ne mažiau svarbių elementų) variacijoms nustatyti. Ekonominis efektyvumas labai dažnai asocijuojasi su tyrimais ir plėtra (R&D), eksportuojamomis aukštosiomis technologijomis. Remdamiesi atliktų tyrimų rezultatais autoriai siūlo nukreipti tiek politinius sprendimus, tiek valdymo strategijas į tyrimų ir plėtros (R&D) veiklas, investicijas į žmogiškuosius išteklius, technologinius sprendimus, nes visa tai galima susieti su subalansuotos plėtros koncepcija.
Plasmon-enhanced second harmonic generation in semiconductor quantum dots close to metal nanoparticles
Authors: Jais Pablo M. , Von Bilderling Catalina , Bragas Andrea V.
Published: June 2011

We report the enhancement of the optical second harmonic signal in non-centrosymmetric semiconductor CdS quantum dots, when they are placed in close contact with isolated silver nanoparticles. The intensity enhancement is about 1000. We also show that the enhancement increases when the incoming laser frequency $\omega$ is tuned toward the spectral position of the silver plasmon at $2\omega$, proving that the silver nanoparticle modifies the nonlinear emission. Received: 8 March 2011, Accepted: 30 May 2011; Edited by: L. Viña; Reviewed by: R. Gordon, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; DOI: 10.4279/PIP.030002Cite as: P. M. Jais, C. von Bilderling, A. V. Bragas, Papers in Physics 3, 030002 (2011)
A proposal for benchmark tests for underactuated or compliant hands
Authors: Kragten G. A. , Meijneke C. , Herder J. L.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. There is a lack of agreement in the literature as to what exactly quantifies the performance of underactuated hands. This paper proposes two benchmark tests to measure the ability of underactuated hands to grasp different objects and the ability to hold the objects when force disturbances apply. The first test determines the smallest and largest cylindrical object which can be successfully grasped in an enveloping grasp or in a pinch grasp. The second test provides the maximal allowable force which can be applied to a grasped object without loosing it. A setup was constructed consisting of standard components. Exemplary tests were applied to the Delft Hand 2. The proposed benchmark tests are representative to quantify the performance of pick and place operations with underactuated hands. The results of the tests can be applied to evaluate, compare, and improve the performance of robotic hands. This paper was presented at the IFToMM/ASME International Workshop on Underactuated Grasping (UG2010), 19 August 2010, Montréal, Canada.
Rainfall infiltration‐derived submarine groundwater discharge from multi‐layered aquifer system terminating at the coastline
Authors: Guo Qiaona , Li Hailong , Zhou Zhifang , Huang Yong
Published: June 2011

This article investigates the quantity of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) from a coastal multi‐layered aquifer system in response to constant rainfall infiltration. The system comprises an unconfined aquifer, a leaky confined aquifer and an aquitard between them and terminates at the coastline. An approximate analytical solution is derived based on the following assumptions: (i) flow is horizontal in the aquifers and vertical in the aquitard, and (ii) flow in the unconfined aquifer is described by nonlinear Boussinesq equation. The analytical solution is compared with numerical solutions of the strictly two‐dimensional nonlinear model to validate the model assumptions used for the analytical solution. The SGD from the leaky confined aquifer increases with the inland rainfall infiltration recharge and the specific leakage of aquitard. The maximum SGD ranges from 1·87 to 10·37 m3 per day per meter of shoreline when rainfall infiltration ranges from 18·2 to 182 mm/year and the specific leakage of aquitard varies from 10−9 to 10−1 l/day. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unusual occurrence of non carotenogenic strains of Dunaliella bardawil and Dunaliella parva in India
Authors: Jayappriyan K. R. , Rajkumar R. , Rengasamy R.
Published: June 2011

Identification of green algal genus Dunaliella by conventional method is hard target since the strains vary morphologically and physiologically with conditions of growth. In this study, a total of nine different isolates of Dunaliella isolated from the salt pans of Tamil Nadu, India, were identified based on their morphology and cultural characteristics. In addition, the isolates were subjected to molecular identification using genus specific and species specific primers which distinguished the discrepancy in the conventional identification. This study evidently reported the first occurrence of non carotenogenic strains (a new variety) of D. bardawil and D. parva in India. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diversity of protease‐producing marine bacteria from sub‐antarctic environments
Authors: Cristóbal Héctor Antonio , López Maria Alejandra , Kothe Erika , Abate Carlos Mauricio
Published: June 2011

From seawater and the intestines of benthonic organisms collected from the Beagle Channel, Argentina, 230 marine bacteria were isolated. Cultivable bacteria were characterized and classified as psychrotolerant, whereas few isolates were psychrophiles. These isolates were capable of producing proteases at 4 and 15 °C under neutral (pH 7.0), alkaline (pH 10.0) and acidic (pH 4.5) conditions on different media, revealing 62, 33 and 22% producers at cold and 84, 47 and 33% producers at low temperatures, respectively. More protease‐producing strains (67%) were detected when isolated from benthic invertebrates as compared to seawater (33%), with protease production under neutral conditions resulting in milk protein hydrolysis halos between 27 and 30 ± 2 mm in diameter. Using sterile 0.22 μm membrane filters, 29 isolates exhibiting extracellular protease activity were detected. These were grouped into six operational taxonomic units by restriction analysis and identified based on 16S rDNA as γ‐proteobacteria of the genera Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, Alteromonas, Aeromonas, and Serratia. Plasmids were found to be harbored by eight strains, mainly within the isolates from benthonic organisms. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Segmenting the market through the determinants of involvement: The case of fair trade
Authors: Bezençon Valéry , Blili Sam
Published: June 2011

The fair trade market includes several types of actors, ranging from world shops to supermarkets, and from restaurants to clothing stores, involving a heterogeneous clientele. An analysis of fair trade consumers must be sufficiently granular to capture their different expectations, attitudes, and motivations; hence the need to segment the market. Through the concept of involvement, the objective of this research is to analyze and compare by segments the determinants of behavior of fair trade consumers. The research consists of three phases: segment identification, behavioral analysis by segment, and synthesis of the managerial implications. Two out of four hypothesized criteria prove to be effective in segmenting the fair trade market, namely age and distribution channel preference (whereas gender and education are not significant criteria). The analysis shows that the drivers of the involvement in the decision to buy fair trade products vary by segment. Thus, the article concludes with the development of communication axes that can trigger or strengthen the desired behaviors in each segment. It provides fair trade marketers with an efficient communication content that can be used for fair trade advertising, product packaging, branding, or merchandising. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blue InGaN/GaN laser diodes grown on (33$ \bar 3 \bar 1 $) free‐standing GaN substrates
Authors: Hsu Po Shan , Sonoda Junichi , Kelchner Kathryn M. , Tyagi Anurag , Farrell Robert M. , Haeger Daniel A. , Young Erin C. , Romanov Alexey E. , Fujito Kenji , Ohta Hiroaki , DenBaars Steven P. , Speck James S. , Nakamura Shuji
Published: June 2011

We demonstrate the first blue AlInGaN‐based laser diodes (LDs) grown on semipolar (33$ \bar 3 \bar 1 $) free‐standing GaN substrates. Etched facet ridge waveguide LDs were fabricated and tested under pulsed operation. Lasing was achieved at 477.5 nm with a threshold current density of 12.2 kA/cm2. The peak electroluminescence wavelength was shown to blue‐shift from approximately 494 nm to 477 nm upon reaching threshold. Initial experimental data also show the (33$ \bar 3 \bar 1 $) plane to have higher indium incorporation efficiency than the (33$ \bar 3 \bar 1 $) plane, suggesting that (33$ \bar 3 \bar 1 $) GaN substrates may be more suitable for growth and fabrication of long‐wavelength AlInGaN‐based LDs than (33$ \bar 3 \bar 1 $) GaN substrates. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Impact of gallium supersaturation on the growth of N‐polar GaN
Authors: Mita Seiji , Collazo Ramón , Rice Anthony , Tweedie James , Xie Jinqiao , Dalmau Rafael , Sitar Zlatko
Published: June 2011

Experimental results on growth morphology in N‐polar GaN grown by low‐pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (LP‐MOCVD) were analyzed using a thermodynamic supersaturation model for gallium. Smooth N‐polar GaN films with 1 nm RMS roughness were always obtained under extremely low Ga supersaturation in the vapor, although the growth conditions were seemingly different. It was found that increasing H2 partial pressure during the GaN growth played a role in significantly lowering the Ga supersaturation, since H2 is a product in the formation of GaN. The degree of Ga supersaturation was also controlled by adjusting the partial pressure of Ga species in the vapor. The surface‐diffusion theory dealing with step dynamics described by Burton, Cabrera, and Frank (BCF) was also used to relate Ga supersaturation to the observed smooth N‐polar GaN growth. These findings showed that a supersaturation model encompassing all major MOCVD growth parameters can be used to predict the smooth N‐polar GaN growth conditions. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Materials based on maize biopolymers: Effect of flour components on mechanical and thermal behavior
Authors: Ayadi Farouk , Bliard Christophe , Dole Patrice
Published: June 2011

The present study describes the effects of glycerol, relative humidity (RH) and the minor components of corn flour on mechanical and thermal properties of native flour, defatted flour, and starch‐based materials. The kinetic of retrogradation for these different materials were dissimilar. For all samples, strain at break shows a maximum value as a function of RH followed by a decrease, explained by the appearance of water and glycerol clusters. Starch controls the mechanical properties of corn flour‐based material and their variations with temperature and humidity. Lipid and protein have negative effect on mechanical properties of thermoplastic flour toward starch but they did not have a plasticizing effect on the physicochemical behavior of the matrix. Tgs decreased as a result of water content increase.
The End of Patriarchy: Plato and Irigaray on Eros
Authors: Wills Bernard N.
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT: In an article on Plato’s Symposium entitled “Sorcerer Love” Luce Irigaray attempts a retrieval of the teaching of Diotima of Mantinea on Eros. Finding a stark contrast between the two halves of Diotima’s speech in the Symposium she speculates that the doctrine of Eros contained in the first half of the speech may well represent the teaching of the historical Diotima on which the Platonic ‘metaphysics’ of the second half are super-imposed. While finding much to admire in Irigaray’s account, the author suggests that the two halves of the speech can be read as a unity and that Irigaray’s insights can be accommodated within Platonism.
Differential virulence in two congeneric ticks infesting songbird nestlings
Authors: HEYLEN DIETER J. A. , MATTHYSEN ERIK
Published: June 2011

Virulence is part of the proximate base to the understanding of host–parasite interactions, and therefore it is crucial to interpret parasite-induced damage as an outcome of co-evolution between parasite and host. We experimentally investigated the impact of 2 congeneric ticks with contrasting transmission modes and host specificity, on the health of songbird nestlings (Parus major). The nidicolousIxodes arboricolalives in tree holes where it obtains blood from adult birds and their nestlings, hence is prone to vertical transmission. All developmental stages of the field-dwellingIxodes ricinusfeed on different host taxa, hence are prone to horizontal transmission. Within each nest we infested 3 nestlings with varying loads ofI. ricinusand 3 withIxodes arboricola. Ixodes arboricolahad no negative effects on nestling health (haematocrit, inflammation, body size, body condition). Body size was positively associated with the number of feedingI. arboricolaadults. In contrast,I. ricinusinfestations by nymphs and adult ticks led to haematocrit reductions. Furthermore,I. arboricolawas a more prudent feeder, with longer feeding durations for smaller bloodmeals. Although the negative effects on nestling health were limited, our results are in line with current theories, stating that virulence increases with horizontal transmission, reduced dependence on individual hosts and reduced relatedness among co-exploiting ticks.
Synergy advances parasite taxonomy and systematics: an example from elasmobranch tapeworms
Authors: CAIRA JANINE N.
Published: June 2011

The synergism facilitated by a series of recent developments has conspired to catalyze rapid advancements in the taxonomy and systematics of elasmobranch tapeworms. These developments are: (1) increased interest in global biodiversity; (2) globalization-facilitated communication; (3) enhanced microscopic and digital technologies; (4) availability of web-based taxonomic resources; (5) ease of use and low cost of molecular techniques and (6) the impressive repertoire of available phylogenetic methods. As a consequence, an estimation of global elasmobranch tapeworm diversity is now within our grasp, as is a basic understanding of the effort and resources required to complete the discovery and description of this fauna globally. The generation of robust hypotheses of the phylogenetic relationships for most elasmobranch-parasitizing cestode orders is also well underway. An international community of cestodologists has emerged and through their sharing of knowledge and specimens is making great strides towards expanding knowledge of the cestode fauna of vertebrates worldwide. It is important that these efforts continue to move forward in a collaborative fashion, integrating morphological and molecular data, but also fully engaging elasmobranch taxonomists and systematists. It is equally important that efforts to characterize and describe global biodiversity are not derailed by such seductive, but ultimately unrewarding impracticable initiatives as molecular taxonomy. Integrated taxonomy is certainly not for the feint of heart, but those with the courage to pursue this strategy will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the biologically relevant context required for effective species recognition well into the future.
FROMC*-ALGEBRA EXTENSIONS TO COMPACT QUANTUM METRIC SPACES, QUANTUM SU(2), PODLEŚ SPHERES AND OTHER EXAMPLES
Authors: CHAKRABORTY PARTHA SARATHI
Published: June 2011

We construct compact quantum metric spaces starting from aC*-algebra extension with a positive splitting. As special cases, we discuss Toeplitz algebras, quantum SU(2) and Podleś spheres.
The GATS: a legal perspective on crossroads of conflicting interests
Authors: MUNIN NELLIE
Published: June 2011

The GATS was concluded among countries with conflicting interests. Although all its parties were interested in this agreement as an instrument for the enhancement of global trade in services, due balance between this interest and other interests, such as the special status of developing countries and of the sovereign right of Members for domestic regulation, formed a pre-condition for countries' adherence to it. Consequently, these interests were explicitly recognized in the agreement. Nevertheless, analyzing two recent GATS/GATT cases, US–Gambling and China–Publications and AV Products, the article suggests that the WTO adjudicating bodies might be keener to legally assist a complaining developing Member than respondents which are developing Members. It further suggests that in these cases the interests of international trade liberalization seem to prevail over domestic policy goals. The article further analyzes the current and future possible adverse implications of this approach on GATS development as the only multilateral instrument for the enhancement of international trade in services.
Transcriptional response of the photoheterotrophic marine bacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae to changing light regimes
Authors: Tomasch Jürgen , Gohl Regina , Bunk Boyke , Diez Maria Suarez , Wagner-Döbler Irene
Published: June 2011

Bacterial aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis (AAP) is an important mechanism of energy generation in aquatic habitats, accounting for up to 5% of the surface ocean's photosynthetic electron transport. We used Dinoroseobacter shibae, a representative of the globally abundant marine Roseobacter clade, as a model organism to study the transcriptional response of a photoheterotrophic bacterium to changing light regimes. Continuous cultivation of D. shibae in a chemostat in combination with time series microarray analysis was used in order to identify gene-regulatory patterns after switching from dark to light and vice versa. The change from heterotrophic growth in the dark to photoheterotrophic growth in the light was accompanied by a strong but transient activation of a broad stress response to the formation of singlet oxygen, an immediate downregulation of photosynthesis-related genes, fine-tuning of the expression of ETC components, as well as upregulation of the transcriptional and translational apparatus. Furthermore, our data suggest that D. shibae might use the 3-hydroxypropionate cycle for CO2 fixation. Analysis of the transcriptome dynamics after switching from light to dark showed relatively small changes and a delayed activation of photosynthesis gene expression, indicating that, except for light other signals must be involved in their regulation. Providing the first analysis of AAP on the level of transcriptome dynamics, our data allow the formulation of testable hypotheses on the cellular processes affected by AAP and the mechanisms involved in light- and stress-related gene regulation.
Spin-related magnetoresistance oscillations in the inversion layer on bulk p-Hg1−xCdxTe
Authors: Shang L. Y. , Lin T. , Zhou W. Z. , Wei L. M. , Wei Y. F. , Sun Y. H. , Guo S. L. , Yang P. X. , Chu J. H.
Published: June 2011

We have investigated spin-related oscillatory magnetoresistances of the two-dimensional electron gas in the inversion layer on bulk p-Hg1−xCdxTe at low temperatures. The oscillatory magnetoresistances are found to display beating pattern at low magnetic fields and to exhibit spin-splitting structure at high magnetic fields. We attribute the beating pattern to zero-field spin splitting due to spin-orbit coupling by analyzing fast-Fourier-transform results and Hall resistance. By modulating the oscillatory magnetoresistances we investigate the influence of spin-orbit coupling, Zeeman splitting, and the second populated subband on the appearance of beating patterns and the spin-splitting structure in oscillatory magnetoresistances. The strong spin-orbit coupling and the large effective g factor are demonstrated to be the significant parameters in controlling the appearance of spin-related oscillatory magnetoresistance in the inversion layer on bulk p-Hg1−xCdxTe. A good agreement between magnetoresistance data and theory suggests a spin-orbit coupling parameter α = 2.8 × 10−11 eV•m and the effective g factor g* = −44.0. The spin-orbit coupling effect presented in the inversion layer on bulk p-Hg1−xCdxTe provides a potential candidate for spintronic devices.
In-situ study of growth of carbon nanotube forests on conductive CoSi2 support
Authors: Bayer B. C. , Zhang C. , Blume R. , Yan F. , Fouquet M. , Wirth C. T. , Weatherup R. S. , Lin L. , Baehtz C. , Oliver R. A. , Knop-Gericke A. , Schlögl R. , Hofmann S. , Robertson J.
Published: June 2011

The growth of high density vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests on conductive CoSi2 substrate layers is characterized by in situ x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. We use in situ silicidation to transform as loaded, low conductivity CoSi supports to highly conductive CoSi2 during nanotube growth. These cobalt silicide films are found to be stable against oxidation and carbide formation during growth and act as an excellent metallic support for growth of aligned nanotubes, resembling the growth on the insulating Fe/Al2O3 benchmark system. The good catalytic activity is attributed to interfacial reactions of the Fe catalyst particles with the underlying CoSi2 support. We obtain ohmic conduction from the support layer to the carbon nanotube forest.
Controlled vapor deposition approach to generating substrate surface energy/chemistry gradients
Authors: Albert Julie N. L. , Kim Joey D. , Stafford Christopher M. , Epps Thomas H.
Published: June 2011

Substrate surface energy/chemistry gradients provide a means for high-throughput exploration of the surface interactions that are important in many chemical and biological processes. We describe the implementation of a controlled vapor deposition approach to surface modification that enables the facile production of substrate surface energy/chemistry gradients while maintaining versatility in both the gradient profile and the surface chemistry. In our system, gradient formation relies on the cross-deposition of functionalized chlorosilanes onto the substrate surface via vaporization of the deposition materials from liquid reservoirs under dynamic vacuum. The effects of liquid reservoir size (reservoir surface area), reservoir position relative to the substrate, vacuum application, and volatility of the deposition materials are examined in detail and demonstrate the level of gradient tunability afforded by this vapor deposition approach.
Direct observation of antiferromagnetically oriented spin vortex states in magnetic multilayer elements
Authors: Wintz S. , Strache T. , Körner M. , Fritzsche M. , Markó D. , Mönch I. , Mattheis R. , Raabe J. , Quitmann C. , McCord J. , Erbe A. , Fassbender J.
Published: June 2011

We report on the coupling of spin vortices in magnetic multilayer elements. The magnetization distribution in thin film disks consisting of two ferromagnetic layers separated by a nonmagnetic spacer is imaged layer-resolved by using x-ray microscopy. We directly observe two fundamentally different vortex coupling states, namely antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic orientation of the flux directions. It is found that these states are predetermined for systems that involve a sufficiently strong interlayer exchange coupling, whereas for the case of a purely dipolar interaction both states are transformable into each other.
Cascaded third harmonic generation in lithium niobate nanowaveguides
Authors: Solntsev Alexander S. , Sukhorukov Andrey A. , Neshev Dragomir N. , Iliew Rumen , Geiss Reinhard , Pertsch Thomas , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: June 2011

We predict highly efficient third harmonic generation through simultaneous phase-matching of second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation in lithium niobate nanowaveguides, enabled due to strong modal dispersion. We demonstrate that the waveguide size which corresponds to phase-matching is also optimal for highest mode confinement and therefore for strongly enhanced conversion efficiency.
A physical model for bipolar oxide-based resistive switching memory based on ion-transport-recombination effect
Authors: Gao Bin , Kang Jinfeng , Liu Lifeng , Liu Xiaoyan , Yu Bin
Published: June 2011

A physical model based on ion-transport-recombination effect is proposed to quantify the RESET behavior of bipolar metal-oxide-based resistive random access memory devices. In the model, RESET process is attributed to the recombination of mobile oxygen ions with low-electron-occupied oxygen vacancies, which causes the rupture of conductive filaments consisted of oxygen vacancies. Ion transport equations are introduced to quantitatively investigate the switching characteristics such as RESET speed and endurance. The proposed model was verified by the fabricated ZnO-based devices.
Spontaneous metastasis in mouse models of testicular germ‐cell tumours
Authors: Zechel J. L. , MacLennan G. T. , Heaney J. D. , Nadeau J. H.
Published: June 2011

Testicular germ‐cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common cancer in young men; the incidence is increasing worldwide and they have an unusually high rate of metastasis. Despite significant work on TGCTs and their metastases in humans, absence of a mouse model of spontaneous metastasis has greatly limited our understanding of the mechanisms by which metastatic potential is acquired and on their modes of dissemination. We report a new model of spontaneous TGCT metastasis in the 129 family of mice and provide evidence that these are true metastases derived directly from primary testicular cancers rather than independently from ectopic stem cells. These putative metastases (pMETs) occur at similar frequencies among TGCT‐affected males in six genetically distinct TGCT‐susceptible strains and were largely found in anatomical sites that are consistent with patterns of TGCT metastasis in humans. Various lines of evidence support their pluripotency and germ‐cell origin, including presence of multiple endodermal, mesodermal and ectodermal derivatives as well as cells showing OCT4 and SSEA‐1 pluripotency markers. In addition, pMETs were never found in males that did not have a TGCT, suggesting that metastases are derived from primary tumours. Finally, pMETS and primary TGCTs shared several DNA copy number variants suggesting a common cellular and developmental origin. Together, these results provide the first evidence for spontaneous TGCT metastasis in mice and show that these metastases originate from primary TGCTs rather than independently from ectopic stem cells.
Neuropad: evaluation of three cut‐off points of sudomotor dysfunction for early detection of polyneuropathy in recently diagnosed diabetes
Authors: Ziegler D. , Papanas N. , Roden M. ,   for the GDC Study Group
Published: June 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1412–1415 (2011)

Aims  To examine the sensitivity and specificity of three cut‐off points of Neuropad for the diagnosis of distal symmetric polyneuropathy and small‐fibre dysfunction in patients within the first year after diagnosis of diabetes.

Methods  Neuropad results were read at 10, 15 and 20 min and evaluated for diagnostic utility in distal symmetric polyneuropathy confirmed by electrophysiology and small‐fibre dysfunction in 52 patients with Type 1 diabetes and 99 patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Results  The prevalence of distal symmetric polyneuropathy was 15.4% in Type 1 diabetes and 43.4% in Type 2 diabetes, while that of small‐fibre dysfunction was 9.6 and 31.3%, respectively. Sensitivity of Neuropad for the diagnosis of distal symmetric polyneuropathy and small‐fibre dysfunction was highest in Type 1 diabetes for the 10‐min threshold reaching 87.5 and 80.0%, respectively, while it was modestly high in Type 2 diabetes at 65.1 and 67.7%, respectively. Specificity in both diabetes types was modest for the 10‐min threshold (44.7–48.2%). It was highest for the 20‐min threshold (83.8–89.3%) at the cost of poor sensitivity at 12.5–34.9%. Negative predictive values were relatively high for all three cut‐off points in both types of diabetes (64.1–97.1%) at the cost of poor positive predictive values at 12.5–71.4%.

Conclusions  In patients within the first year after diagnosis of diabetes, the 10‐min cut‐off for Neuropad provides a relatively high sensitivity and modest specificity for distal symmetric polyneuropathy and small‐fibre dysfunction, rendering the test more suitable as a screening tool than the 15‐ and 20‐min cut‐offs.
Can We Be Self‐Deceived about What We Believe? Self‐Knowledge, Self‐Deception, and Rational Agency
Authors: Doucet Mathieu
Published: June 2011

Abstract: This paper considers the question of whether it is possible to be mistaken about the content of our first‐order intentional states. For proponents of the rational agency model of self‐knowledge, such failures might seem very difficult to explain. On this model, the authority of self‐knowledge is not based on inference from evidence, but rather originates in our capacity, as rational agents, to shape our beliefs and other intentional states. To believe that one believes that p, on this view, constitutes one's belief that p and so self‐knowledge involves a constitutive relation between first‐ and second‐order beliefs. If this is true, it is hard to see how those second‐order beliefs could ever be false.

I develop two counter‐examples which show that despite the constitutive relation between first‐ and second‐order beliefs in standard cases of self‐knowledge, it is possible to be mistaken, and even self‐deceived, about the content of one's own beliefs. These counter‐examples do not show that the rational agency model is mistaken—rather, they show that the possibility of estrangement from one's own mental life means that, even within the rational agency model, it is possible to have false second‐order beliefs about the content of one's first‐order beliefs. The authority of self‐knowledge does not entail that to believe that one believes that p suffices to make it the case that one believes that p.
Are European Election Campaigns Europeanized? The Case of the Party of European Socialists in 2009
Authors: Hertner Isabelle
Published: June 2011

In the past, European election campaigns have been fought primarily at national level, organized and led by national parties. The European political parties had neither the financial nor the organizational means to lead pan-European election campaigns. The June 2009 elections, however, highlighted a different and potentially significant trend: new EU regulations provided for the direct financing of European political parties, allowing them to campaign directly in the elections. It is argued that these developments could lead to the Europeanization of European elections campaigns. This article applies the concept of Europeanization to the election campaigns of the Party of European Socialists and three of its member parties: the British Labour Party, the French Socialist Party and the German Social Democrats, creating an ideal-type model of Europeanization. It concludes that in the three cases Europeanization is still in its infancy.