bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Type of Mesh Fixation in Endoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair (TEP) on Long‐term Quality of Life
Authors: Horisberger K. , Jung M. K. , Zingg U. , Schöb O.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal mesh repair (TEP) of inguinal hernia has become well accepted with low recurrence and high patient satisfaction rates. However, inguinal pain has also been reported. Source of this pain has been suggested to be the fixation method, especially the use of tacks. Introduction of fibrin glue and absorbable tacks were suggested to lower chronic pain and inguinal discomfort rates. This study analyses the different methods of fixation.

Patients and Methods

201 patients were analysed. Primary end‐points were patients’ satisfaction, health‐related quality of life, and specific inguinal conditions (e.g. pulling, swelling, troubles at coughing). Secondary endpoints were duration of operation, length of hospital stay, and material costs.

Results

Fibrin glue was used in 101 patients and tacks in 100 patients, in 21 of those absorbable tacks. Patients were fully satisfied with the results in more than 90%, irrespective of the fixation method. Health‐related quality of life along the SF‐12® questionnaire attested no differences. Inguinal pulling occurred significantly more often after fibrin glue (25.7 %) than after tack fixation (11 %; p = 0.026), whereas no differences in the other specific inguinal sensations occurred.

Conclusion

Mesh fixation in TEP can be performed either by tacks or by fibrin glue with similar long‐term results concerning satisfaction, health‐related quality of life, and pain. No advantage of fibrin glue could be found, in fact, a higher percentage of patients had inguinal pulling and burning sensations after the use of fibrin glue. The use of absorbable tacks showed no advantage.
Recognizing internet addiction: Prevalence and relationship to academic achievement in adolescents enrolled in urban and rural Greek high schools
Authors: Stavropoulos Vasilis , Alexandraki Kiriaki , Motti‐Stefanidi Frosso
Published: April 2013

This study aims: a) to estimate the prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents of urban and rural areas in Greece, b) to examine whether the Internet Addiction Test cut‐off point is applicable to them and c) to investigate the phenomenon's association with academic achievement. Participants were 2090 adolescents (mean age 16, 1036 males, 1050 females). Young's (1998) Internet Addiction Test and her Diagnostic Questionnaire were applied. School records' grades were retrieved. A 3.1% prevalence revealed, while boys {F (1, 1642) = 6.207, p < .05}, urban residents {F (1, 1642) = 5.53, p > .05} and academic track high school students {F (1, 1642) = 5.30, p < .05} were at higher risk. An Internet Addiction Test score of 51 points (sample's mean = 27.69, SD = 17.38) was proposed as the optimal cut‐off point combining high sensitivity (98%) and specificity (91%). Finally, findings illustrated the syndrome's relation to worse academic achievement {F (1, 1725) = 0.93, p > .05}.
ING4 inhibits the translation of proto‐oncogene MYC by interacting with AUF1
Authors: Lu Meiling , Pan Chunyang , Zhang Lantian , Ding Chenhong , Chen Fei , Wang Qinwan , Wang Kesheng , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2013

The ING4 tumor suppressor plays a significant role in various cancer‐related cellular processes. AUF1 affects the stability and/or translation of multiple mRNAs via binding to an AU‐rich element in the 3′‐untranslated regions. In this study, we identify AUF1 as a novel and direct binding partner of ING4. mRNP immunoprecipitation assays indicated that ING4, AUF1 and MYC mRNA present in the same mRNP complex. ING4 suppressed MYC protein expression without altering MYC mRNA levels, and abolished the cell proliferation induced by AUF1 in K562 cells. These results suggest that ING4 may regulate MYC translation by its association with AUF1.
X‐box binding protein 1 enhances adipogenic differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells through the downregulation of Wnt10b expression
Authors: Cho Yoon Mi , Kim Dae Hun , Kwak Su-Nam , Jeong Seong-Whan , Kwon Oh-Joo
Published: April 2013

Differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes is controlled by various transcription factors. Recently, the pro‐adipogenic function of XBP1, a transcription factor upregulated by endoplasmic reticulum stress, has been reported. In this study, we demonstrated that XBP1 suppresses the expression of Wnt10b, an anti‐adipogenic Wnt, during the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. The expression pattern of XBP1 was reciprocal to that of Wnt10b during the early stage of adipogenesis. The intracellular protein levels of β‐catenin were negatively regulated by XBP1. Direct binding of XBP1 to the Wnt10b promoter and the subsequent decrease of the β‐catenin signalling pathway represent a novel adipogenic differentiation mechanism.
Tobacco Use Cessation: Attitudes of Dental Fraternity of Moradabad City (India)
Authors: Telgi Ravishankar Lingesha , Telgi Chaitra Ravishankar , Chaudary Sunil , Gupta Varun , Yadav Vipul
Published: April 2013

Background:The issue of tobacco control had almost unanimous support among public health professionals. It is therefore apparent that the dental care system should be involved in tobacco prevention and tobacco cessation.Objective:To assess dental students’ and practicing dentists’ perceptions of tobacco cessation content in curriculum and attitudes concerning their professional responsibility to help users quit tobacco.Methods:The study was conducted with Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) 3rd year students, Interns and practicing dentists of Moradabad city (India). A 17-item questionnaire focused on attitudes of dental fraternity, professional responsibilities, effectiveness and scope of Tobacco Use Cessation (TUC) practice in dental setting.Results:Statically significant difference is seen among responses of dental fraternities, with students having less positive attitudes than practicing dentists (p < 0.001).Conclusion:Attitudes of the participants appear to be positive and encouraging, but they feel unprepared and needed further training in TUC.
Effects of high nutrient intake on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and immune function of neonatal intra-uterine growth-retarded pigs
Authors: Han Fei , Hu Liang , Xuan Yue , Ding Xuemei , Luo Yuheng , Bai Shiping , He Shuying , Zhang Keying , Che Lianqiang
Published: April 2013

Intra-uterine growth-retarded (IUGR) neonates have shown an impairment of postnatal intestinal development and function. We hypothesised that the immune function of IUGR neonates might be affected by increased nutrient intake (NI) during the suckling period. Therefore, we investigated the effects of high NI (HNI) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and immunological response of IUGR and normal-birth weight (NBW) piglets. A total of twelve pairs of IUGR and NBW piglets (7 d old) were randomly assigned to two different nutrient-level formula milk groups. After 21 d of rearing, growth performance, the composition of peripheral leucocytes, serum cytokines and intestinal innate immune-related genes involved in the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4–myeloid differentiation factor 88–NF-κB pathway were determined. The results indicated that IUGR decreased the average daily DM intake (ADMI) and the average daily growth (ADG). However, the ADMI and ADG were increased by HNI, irrespective of body weight. Likewise, serum cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and ileal gene expressions (TLR-4, TLR-9, TRAF-6 and IL-1β) were lower in IUGR piglets, whereas HNI significantly increased blood lymphocyte percentage and serum IL-10 concentrations, but decreased neutrophil percentage, serum IL-1β concentrations and ileal gene expressions (NF-κB and IL-1β). Furthermore, IUGR piglets with HNI exhibited lower serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β than NBW piglets, and these alterations in the immune traits of IUGR piglets receiving HNI were accompanied by decreasing ileal gene expressions of TLR-4, TLR-9, NF-κB and IL-1β that are related to innate immunity. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that increased NI during the suckling period impaired the immune function of neonatal piglets with IUGR.
PIERRE BOULEZ'S ‘SUR INCISES’: REFRACTION, CRYSTALLISATION AND THE ABSENT IDEA(L)
Authors: Coult Tom
Published: April 2013

Sur Incises, first performed in 1998, is the most recent major work by Pierre Boulez, but there has been very little published writing discussing it, although Boulez himself discussed the piece in a lecture released on DVD. Like many of his recent works, Sur Incises reworks existing material – taking the short piano piece Incises and expanding it into a large-scale work for three pianos, three harps and three percussionists. This article examines how the gestures, harmonies and even the instrumentation of the earlier piece are ‘refracted’ – presented in multiple overlaid versions as if a prism had revealed the possibilities inherent in the original material. Sur Incises is discussed with reference to common concerns in Boulez's work since the 1970s – its use of quasi-thematic ‘signals’ to mark structure, its use of luxurious harmonic fields and chord multiplication, its virtuosic toccata material, and its use of the SACHER hexachord.
Munich, Bayerische Staatsoper: Jörg Widmann's Babylon
Authors: Miller Malcolm
Published: April 2013

The world première of Jörg Widmann's new opera Babylon, conducted by Kent Nagano at the Bayerische Staatsoper, on 27 October 2012, was an evening to remember, for both the spectacular production and the musical performances. It began with a poignant announcement from the stage that Widmann had dedicated the performance in gratitude to the memory of his teacher, Hans Werner Henze, who had died that very morning in Dresden at the age of 86. One's thoughts turned to Henze's own wonderful operatic oeuvre, especially The Bassarids, which shared with Babylon an interest in ancient myth and pastiche. Yet curiously, it was a totally different postmodern influence on Widmann that seemed more evident here: that of another mentor, Wolfgang Rihm.
Birmingham, CBSO Centre: Alexander Goehr's ‘To These Dark Steps/The Fathers are Watching’
Authors: Conway Paul
Published: April 2013

A substantial new work by Alexander Goehr, lasting some 37 minutes in performance and scored for tenor solo, children's voices and ensemble, constituted the second half of the opening concert of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group's 25th anniversary season. This world première of the latest BCMG ‘Sound Investment’ commission was conducted by Oliver Knussen, whose discerning advocacy of Goehr's music is deep-rooted and long established.
Excavations at a Multi-period Site at Greenbogs, Aberdeenshire, Scotland and the Four-post Timber Architecture Tradition of Late Neolithic Britain and Ireland
Authors: Noble Gordon , Greig Moira , Millican Kirsty , Anderson Sue , Clarke Ann , Johnson Melanie , McLaren Dawn , Sheridan Alison
Published: April 2013

This report outlines the unexpected discovery of a group of Late Neolithic structures at Greenbogs, Monymusk in Aberdeenshire, along with a series of later prehistoric features in the mid-1990s. Recent radiocarbon dating shows that two four-post timber structures found here date to the period 2890–2490 calbc. These were found in association with a range of other features including an oval structure and diffuse areas of burning. The closest parallels for the four-post structures can be found in a slowly growing body of Late Neolithic timber structures, some being interpreted as roofed dwellings and others as roofed or unroofed monuments. This article places the Greenbogs structures in their wider context, identifies a number of unexcavated parallels in the aerial record and addresses the nature of the four-post structures found across Late Neolithic Britain and Ireland and suggests that four-post structures were a more common element of Late Neolithic architecture than previously identified. A common building type appears to have been shared across large areas of Britain and Ireland in a variety of contexts, from the seemingly mundane to the more ‘charged’, as part of elaborate monument complexes. The later prehistoric features identified at Greenbogs include a concentration of Middle Bronze Age features including graves containing cremated human bones, one with an upright urn, and a number of Iron Age pits and other features.
BAYESIAN HIERARCHICAL META-ANALYSIS MODEL FOR MEDICAL DEVICE EVALUATION: APPLICATION TO INTRACRANIAL STENTS
Authors: Pibouleau Leslie , Chevret Sylvie
Published: April 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to propose a statistical model that takes into account clinical data on earlier versions when evaluating the latest version of an implantable medical device (IMD).

Methods: We compared the performances of a Bayesian three-level hierarchical meta-analysis model with those of a Bayesian random-effects model through a simulation study. Posterior mean estimates of the success rate for each IMD version were computed as well as the probability that the latest version improved in effectiveness. Models were compared using the Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), the estimated bias and the standard deviation of the mean success rates. Sensitivity analyses to the choice of the priors were performed. These methods were applied to the evaluation of an intracranial stent used to treat wide-necked aneurysms.

Results: When IMD versions did not differ in effectiveness, the best-fitting model was the random-effects model. By contrast, when there was a version effect, the hierarchical model was selected in more than 95 percent of the cases. It provided precise estimations of success rates of each IMD version and allowed detecting an improvement in effectiveness of the latest version, with a low influence of the choice of the priors. No evidence of benefit from the latest version of the intracranial stent was found.

Conclusions: In the setting of IMD assessment, comparison of DIC between the two proposed models appeared useful for detecting version effects. In that case, Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis model may help the decision maker by providing useful information on the latest version of IMD compared with the previous versions.
X-ray diffraction imaging for predictive metrology of crack propagation in 450-mm diameter silicon wafers
Authors: Tanner B.K. , Wittge J. , Vagovič P. , Baumbach T. , Allen D. , McNally P.J. , Bytheway R. , Jacques D. , Fossati M.C. , Bowen D.K. , Garagorri J. , Elizalde M.R. , Danilewsky A.N.
Published: April 2013

The apparatus for X-ray diffraction imaging (XRDI) of 450-mm wafers, is now placed at the ANKA synchrotron radiation source in Karlsruhe, is described in the context of the drive to inspect wafers for plastic deformation or mechanical damage. It is shown that full wafer maps at high resolution can be expected to take a few hours to record. However, we show from experiments on 200-, 300-, and 450-mm wafers that a perimeter-scan on a 450-mm wafer, to pick up edge damage and edge-originated slip sources, can be achieved in just over 10 min. Experiments at the Diamond Light Source, on wafers still in their cassettes, suggest that clean-room conditions may not be necessary for such characterization. We conclude that scaling up of the 300-mm format Jordan Valley tools, together with the existing facility at ANKA, provides satisfactory capability for future XRDI analysis of 450-mm wafers.
Audio Drama and the Imagination
Authors: Fryer Louise , Pring Linda , Freeman Jonathan
Published: April 2013

Presence describes immersion in a mediated environment such that it seems unmediated. For people with visual impairment, audio description replaces missing visual information with a verbal commentary, transforming an audiovisual medium into audio. Media forms are more or less immersive, with audio-only at the bottom of the scale. Anecdotally, however, pictures are said to be better on radio. Sound effects may contribute by triggering vivid mental images. Yet the role of sound effects on presence has been little explored. The aim of this study was to test the influence of sound effects and visual experience on presence. Participants (N = 73) with full, some, or no sight reported presence levels for a scene from an audio drama presented with or without sound effects. Participants with full vision reported higher levels of ecological and spatial presence for dialogue and sound effects than for dialogue alone. For participants with impaired vision, sound effects made no significant difference to presence levels. This was a small, exploratory study. Sound effects increased two dimensions of presence for those with sight. For blind people, words alone provided a rich imaginative experience. This has positive implications for audio description, which necessitates dipping the soundtrack to insert descriptive commentary. It suggests sound effects have a key role in stimulating presence, but this is dependent on the sensory characteristics of the listener.
Effects of Differences in Numeric Ability on the Perception of Adversity Risk to Others and Self
Authors: Callison Coy , Gibson Rhonda , Zillmann Dolf
Published: April 2013

This study used an experimental news report about confrontational robberies by adolescent groups in Mexican resorts that presented statistics with or without personalized cases of victimization. Study participants estimated the risk of harm to victims and the extent of their suffering. They also indicated their own risk and concern for their own safety. The readers’ numeric ability was ascertained thereafter. A trisection of this ability showed that persons of high ability comparatively overestimated others’ risk but underestimated their own; this despite indicating greater concerns for their own safety. These results were not altered by consideration of the readers’ empathic, experiential, and rational traits. The incorporation of personalized cases of victimization in the news report did not appreciably influence risk assessments. The involvement of cases resulting in major bodily injury, however, increased estimates of the incidence of such robberies.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with an increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation in hospitalized patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Targher Giovanni , Mantovani Alessandro , Pichiri Isabella , Rigolon Riccardo , Dauriz Marco , Zoppini Giacomo , Morani Giovanni , Vassanelli Corrado , Bonora Enzo
Published: April 2013

NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and AF (atrial fibrillation) are two pathological conditions that are highly prevalent in developed countries and share multiple risk factors. The relationship between NAFLD and AF in Type 2 diabetes is currently unknown. We studied a hospital-based sample of 702 patients with Type 2 diabetes discharged from our Division of Endocrinology during 2007–2011. The diagnosis of AF was confirmed in affected participants on the basis of ECGs and medical history by experienced cardiologists. NAFLD was defined by ultrasonographic detection of hepatic steatosis in the absence of other liver diseases. Of the 702 hospitalized patients included in the study, 514 (73.2%) of them had NAFLD and 85 (12.1%) had persistent or permanent AF. NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of prevalent AF {OR (odds ratio), 3.04 [95% CI (confidence interval), 1.54–6.02]; P<0.001}. Adjustments for age, sex, systolic BP (blood pressure), HbA1c, (glycated haemoglobin), estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate), total cholesterol, electrocardiographic LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy), COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and prior history of HF (heart failure), VHD (valvular heart disease) or hyperthyroidism did not attenuate the association between NAFLD and AF [adjusted OR, 5.88 (95% CI, 2.72–12.7); P<0.001]. In conclusion, our results show that ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD is strongly associated with an increased prevalence of persistent or permanent AF in patients with Type 2 diabetes, independently of several clinical risk factors for AF. The potential impact of NAFLD on AF deserves particular attention, especially with respect to the implications for screening and surveillance strategies in the growing number of patients with NAFLD.
Inducement by directional fields of rotational and translational phase ordering in polymer liquid-crystals
Authors: AlSunaidi A. , den Otter W. K. , Clarke J. H. R.
Published: April 2013

The effects of aligning fields on models of polymer liquid crystals were simulated using the dissipative particle dynamics method. Exposing a liquid crystal of rod-like particles to a directional field causes a stabilization of the phases with orientational order, shifts the isotropic-nematic and nematic-smectic-A phase transitions to higher temperatures, makes the transitions continuous beyond a critical field strength, and induces weak para-nematic alignment in the zero-field isotropic phase. The interplay of liquid-crystalline ordering, microphase separation, and an alignment field endows the diblock and triblock copolymers studied here with rich phase behavior. The simulations suggest that field-induced orientational ordering can give rise to positional ordering. Reversely, positional ordering resulting from rod-coil demixing may be accompanied by orientational ordering, which is enhanced by external fields. For highly asymmetric rod-coil copolymers, the microphase separation pattern formed by the rigid segments can be altered by an aligning field.
Investigating the molecule-substrate interaction of prototypic tetrapyrrole compounds: Adsorption and self-metalation of porphine on Cu(111)
Authors: Diller K. , Klappenberger F. , Allegretti F. , Papageorgiou A. C. , Fischer S. , Wiengarten A. , Joshi S. , Seufert K. , Écija D. , Auwärter W. , Barth J. V.
Published: April 2013

We report on the adsorption and self-metalation of a prototypic tetrapyrrole compound, the free-base porphine (2H-P), on the Cu(111) surface. Our multitechnique study combines scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) results with near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data whose interpretation is supported by density functional theory calculations. In the first layer in contact with the copper substrate the molecules adsorb coplanar with the surface as shown by angle-resolved NEXAFS measurements. The quenching of the first resonance in the magic angle spectra of both carbon and nitrogen regions indicates a substantial electron transfer from the substrate to the LUMO of the molecule. The stepwise annealing of a bilayer of 2H-P molecules sequentially transforms the XP and NEXAFS signatures of the nitrogen regions into those indicative of the coordinated nitrogen species of the metalated copper porphine (Cu-P), i.e., we observe a temperature-induced self-metalation of the system. Pre- and post-metalation species are clearly discriminable by STM, corroborating the spectroscopic results. Similar to the free-base porphine, the Cu-P adsorbs flat in the first layer without distortion of the macrocycle. Additionally, the electron transfer from the copper surface to the molecule is preserved upon metalation. This behavior contrasts the self-metalation of tetraphenylporphyrin (2H-TPP) on Cu(111), where both the molecular conformation and the interaction with the substrate are strongly affected by the metalation process.
Solvation structures of protons and hydroxide ions in water
Authors: Chen Chen , Huang Congcong , Waluyo Iradwikanari , Nordlund Dennis , Weng Tsu-Chien , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Weiss Thomas , Bergmann Uwe , Pettersson Lars G. M. , Nilsson Anders
Published: April 2013

X-ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS) combined with small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to study aqueous solutions of HCl and NaOH. Hydrated structures of H+ and OH− are not simple mirror images of each other. While both ions have been shown to strengthen local hydrogen bonds in the hydration shell as indicated by XRS, SAXS suggests that H+ and OH− have qualitatively different long-range effects. The SAXS structure factor of HCl (aq) closely resembles that of pure water, while NaOH (aq) behaves similar to NaF (aq). We propose that protons only locally enhance hydrogen bonds while hydroxide ions induce tetrahedrality in the overall hydrogen bond network of water.
Empirically based device modeling of bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics
Authors: Pierre Adrien , Lu Shaofeng , Howard Ian A. , Facchetti Antonio , Arias Ana Claudia
Published: April 2013

We develop an empirically based optoelectronic model to accurately simulate the photocurrent in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices with novel materials including bulk heterojunction OPV devices based on a new low band gap dithienothiophene-DPP donor polymer, P(TBT-DPP), blended with PC70BM at various donor-acceptor weight ratios and solvent compositions. Our devices exhibit power conversion efficiencies ranging from 1.8% to 4.7% at AM 1.5G. Electron and hole mobilities are determined using space-charge limited current measurements. Bimolecular recombination coefficients are both analytically calculated using slowest-carrier limited Langevin recombination and measured using an electro-optical pump-probe technique. Exciton quenching efficiencies in the donor and acceptor domains are determined from photoluminescence spectroscopy. In addition, dielectric and optical constants are experimentally determined. The photocurrent and its bias-dependence that we simulate using the optoelectronic model we develop, which takes into account these physically measured parameters, shows less than 7% error with respect to the experimental photocurrent (when both experimentally and semi-analytically determined recombination coefficient is used). Free carrier generation and recombination rates of the photocurrent are modeled as a function of the position in the active layer at various applied biases. These results show that while free carrier generation is maximized in the center of the device, free carrier recombination is most dominant near the electrodes even in high performance devices. Such knowledge of carrier activity is essential for the optimization of the active layer by enhancing light trapping and minimizing recombination. Our simulation program is intended to be freely distributed for use in laboratories fabricating OPV devices.
Polarization momentum transfer collision: Faxen-Holtzmark theory and quantum dynamic shielding
Authors: Ki Dae-Han , Jung Young-Dae
Published: April 2013

The influence of the quantum dynamic shielding on the polarization momentum transport collision is investigated by using the Faxen-Holtzmark theory in strongly coupled Coulomb systems. The electron-atom polarization momentum transport cross section is derived as a function of the collision energy, de Broglie wavelength, Debye length, thermal energy, and atomic quantum states. It is found that the dynamic shielding enhances the scattering phase shift as well as the polarization momentum transport cross section. The variation of quantum effect on the momentum transport collision due to the change of thermal energy and de Broglie wavelength is also discussed.
Spin transport parameters in metallic multilayers determined by ferromagnetic resonance measurements of spin-pumping
Authors: Boone C. T. , Nembach Hans T. , Shaw Justin M. , Silva T. J.
Published: April 2013

We measured spin-transport in nonferromagnetic (NM) metallic multilayers from the contribution to damping due to spin pumping from a ferromagnetic Co90Fe10 thin film. The multilayer stack consisted of NM1/NM2/Co90Fe10(2 nm)/NM2/NM3 with varying NM materials and thicknesses. Using conventional theory for one-dimensional diffusive spin transport in metals, we show that the effective damping due to spin pumping can be strongly affected by the spin transport properties of each NM in the multilayer, which permits the use of damping measurements to accurately determine the spin transport properties of the various NM layers in the full five-layer stack. We find that due to its high electrical resistivity, amorphous Ta is a poor spin conductor, in spite of a short spin-diffusion length of 1.0 nm, and that Pt is an excellent spin conductor by virtue of its low electrical resistivity and a spin diffusion length of only 0.5 nm. Spin Hall effect measurements may have underestimated the spin Hall angle in Pt by assuming a much longer spin diffusion length.
Beyond long memory in heart rate variability: An approach based on fractionally integrated autoregressive moving average time series models with conditional heteroscedasticity
Authors: Leite Argentina , Paula Rocha Ana , Eduarda Silva Maria
Published: April 2013

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) series exhibit long memory and time-varying conditional variance. This work considers the Fractionally Integrated AutoRegressive Moving Average (ARFIMA) models with Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (GARCH) errors. ARFIMA-GARCH models may be used to capture and remove long memory and estimate the conditional volatility in 24 h HRV recordings. The ARFIMA-GARCH approach is applied to fifteen long term HRV series available at Physionet, leading to the discrimination among normal individuals, heart failure patients, and patients with atrial fibrillation.
Role of Penning ionization in the enhancement of streamer channel conductivity and Ar(1s5) production in a He-Ar plasma jet
Authors: Sands Brian L. , Huang Shih K. , Speltz Jared W. , Niekamp Matthew A. , Ganguly Biswa N.
Published: April 2013

Plasma jet devices that use a helium gas flow mixed with a small percentage of argon have been shown to operate with a larger discharge current and enhanced production of the Ar(1s5) metastable state, particularly in the discharge afterglow. In this experiment, time-resolved quantitative measurements of He(23S1) and Ar(1s5) metastable species were combined with current and spectrally resolved emission measurements to elucidate the role of Penning ionization in a helium plasma jet with a variable argon admixture. The plasma jet was enclosed in a glass chamber through which a flowing nitrogen background was maintained at 600 Torr. At 3%–5% Ar admixture, we observed a ∼50% increase in the peak circuit current and streamer velocity relative to a pure helium plasma jet for the same applied voltage. The streamer initiation delay also decreased by ∼20%. Penning ionization of ground-state argon was found to be the dominant quenching pathway for He(23S1) up to 2% Ar and was directly correlated with a sharp increase in both the circuit current and afterglow production of Ar(1s5) for Ar admixtures up to 1%, but not necessarily with the streamer velocity, which increased more gradually with Ar concentration. Ar(1s5) was produced in the afterglow through recombination of Ar+ and dissociative recombination of Ar2+ as the local mean electron energy decreased in the plasma channel behind the streamer head. The discharge current and argon metastable enhancement are contingent on the rapid production of He(23S1) near the streamer head, >5×1012 cm−3 in 30 ns under the conditions of this experiment.
Communication: Chemical bonding in carbon dimer isovalent series from the natural orbital functional theory perspective
Authors: Matxain Jon M. , Ruipérez Fernando , Infante Ivan , Lopez Xabier , Ugalde Jesus M. , Merino Gabriel , Piris Mario
Published: April 2013

The natural orbital functional theory admits two unique representations in the orbital space. On the one hand, we have the natural orbitals themselves that minimize the energy functional, and which afford for a diagonal one-particle reduced density matrix but not for a diagonal Lagrangian orbital energy multipliers matrix. On the other hand, since it is possible to reverse the situation but only once the energy minimization has been achieved, we have the so-called canonical representation, where the Lagrangian orbital energy multipliers matrix is diagonal but the one-particle reduced density matrix is not. Here it is shown that the former representation, the natural orbital representation, accounts nicely for the quadrupole bond character of the ground states of C2, BN, CB−, and CN+, and for the double bond order character of the isovalent \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$^{1}\Sigma _{g}^{+}$\end{document}Σg+1 state of Si2. Similarly, the canonical orbital representation accounts correctly for the ionization spectra of all these species.
Optimal interface doping at La2/3Sr1/3MnO3/SrTiO3(001) heterojunctions for spintronic applications
Authors: Wang C. , Stojić N. , Binggeli N.
Published: April 2013

We examine, by means of ab initio pseudopotential calculations, La2/3Sr1/3MnO3/SrTiO3 (LSMO/STO) heterojunctions in which one unit layer of La1−xSrxMnO3 (with 0<x<1) is inserted at the interface. The optimal interlayer doping x for a robust interface ferromagnetism is investigated by considering the energy differences between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic alignment of the MnO2-interface layer relative to bulk LSMO. The optimal doping is found to be close to x = 1/3, which corresponds to an abrupt TiO2 (001)-layer termination of STO. This is also the composition which gives the largest p-type Schottky barrier height in our calculations.
Ultrathin dual-band surface plasmonic polariton waveguide and frequency splitter in microwave frequencies
Authors: Gao Xi , Hui Shi Jin , Shen Xiaopeng , Feng Ma Hui , Xiang Jiang Wei , Li Lianming , Jun Cui Tie
Published: April 2013

We present an ultrathin dual-band plasmonic waveguide and frequency splitter experimentally based on designer surface plasmon polaritons (DSPPs) of planar composite periodic gratings. In such planar plasmonic metamaterials, the electromagnetic wave can be tightly confined around an ultrathin metallic grating, and the propagation of DSPPs strongly depends on the dispersion relation determined by the depth of groove. Based on such features, we design and fabricate an ultrathin composite grating to support two DSPP modes, which exhibit low bending loss in the bending surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waveguide. We further propose an ultrathin SPP frequency splitter by adjusting the groove depths of two branches. The experimental results are in good agreement to the numerical simulations.
Acoustic interference suppression of quartz crystal microbalance sensor arrays utilizing phononic crystals
Authors: Chen Yung-Yu , Huang Li-Chung , Wang Wei-Shan , Lin Yu-Ching , Wu Tsung-Tsong , Sun Jia-Hong , Esashi Masayoshi
Published: April 2013

Acoustic interference suppression of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor arrays utilizing phononic crystals is investigated in this paper. A square-lattice phononic crystal structure is designed to have a complete band gap covering the QCM's resonance frequency. The monolithic sensor array consisting of two QCMs separated by phononic crystals is fabricated by micromachining processes. As a result, 12 rows of phononic crystals with band gap boost insertion loss between the two QCMs by 20 dB and also reduce spurious modes. Accordingly, the phononic crystal is verified to be capable of suppressing the acoustic interference between adjacent QCMs in a sensor array.
Noise and finite size effects in multiferroics with strong elastic interactions
Authors: Salje E. K. H. , Ding X. , Zhao Z.
Published: April 2013

The size dependence of yield point assisted ferroelastic switching is dominated by the appearance of a minimum size where the domain switching by external strain is swamped by noise which is determined by internal jamming processes. The lower ferroelastic lateral cut-off size was found in computer simulations to be 200 × 202 unit cells for hard materials and 40 × 42 unit cells for soft materials. The corresponding length scales are 16 nm and 4 nm, respectively. These lengths are greater than the minimum length to sustain a twinned sample (∼1 nm). Elastic interactions modify the switching behavior of multiferroics at larger lengths but do not prevent elastic switching above these noise cut-offs.
Growth of bridging carbon nanofibers in cracks formed by heat-treating iron oxide thin sheets in acetylene gas
Authors: Hikata Takeshi , Okubo Soichiro , Higashi Yugo , Matsuba Teruaki , Utsunomiya Risa , Tsurekawa Sadahiro , Murakami Katsuhisa , Fujita Jun-ichi
Published: April 2013

We produced novel carbonnanofibers (CNFs) by oxidizing high-purity iron foil and then carburizing it in acetylene gas flow. This formed cracks in the heat-treated iron foil with CNFs bridging the two walls of each crack. The CNFs were drawn out from the walls as the crack opened during heat treatment. This will be a new method to grow and arrange carbon nanotubes and nanosheets without using metal nanoparticles or template substrates.
Leptin resistance is a secondary consequence of the obesity in ciliopathy mutant mice
Authors: Berbari Nicolas F. , Pasek Raymond C. , Malarkey Erik B. , Yazdi S. M. Zaki , McNair Andrew D. , Lewis Wesley R. , Nagy Tim R. , Kesterson Robert A. , Yoder Bradley K.
Published: April 2013

Although primary cilia are well established as important sensory and signaling structures, their function in most tissues remains unknown. Obesity is a feature associated with some syndromes of cilia dysfunction, such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) and Alström syndrome, as well as in several cilia mutant mouse models. Recent data indicate that obesity in BBS mutant mice is due to defects in leptin receptor trafficking and leptin resistance. Furthermore, induction of cilia loss in leptin-responsive proopiomelanocortin neurons results in obesity, implicating cilia on hypothalamic neurons in regulating feeding behavior. Here, we directly test the importance of the cilium as a mediator of the leptin response. In contrast to the current dogma, a longitudinal study of conditional
Ift88
cilia mutant mice under different states of adiposity indicates that leptin resistance is present only when mutants are obese. Our studies show that caloric restriction leads to an altered anticipatory feeding behavior that temporarily abrogates the anorectic actions of leptin despite normalized circulating leptin levels. Interestingly, preobese
Bb
s
4
mutant mice responded to the anorectic effects of leptin and did not display other phenotypes associated with defective leptin signaling. Furthermore, thermoregulation and activity measurements in cilia mutant mice are inconsistent with phenotypes previously observed in leptin deficient
ob/ob
mice. Collectively, these data indicate that cilia are not directly involved in leptin responses and that a defect in the leptin signaling axis is not the initiating event leading to hyperphagia and obesity associated with cilia dysfunction.
Between Russia and Estonia: narratives of place in a new borderland
Authors: Pfoser Alena
Published: April 2013

The Russian–Estonian border has undergone radical changes in the past two decades – from an integrated borderland between two Soviet republics to a border between nation-states and the new EU external border. Until the present day, it is a discursive battlefield that reflects the difficult relations between Russia and Estonia after the restoration of Estonia's independence. While much research has concentrated on antagonistic projects of identity politics and state-building from a top-down perspective, this paper asks how people living in the borderland make sense of the place they live in and negotiate shifts in the symbolic landscapes. Based on life-story narratives of Russian-speakers, it analyzes different ways of narrating and framing place and argues for a consideration of the plurality and ambivalences of place-making projects on the ground. Furthermore, it argues for a more balanced account of continuity and discontinuity in memory narratives by taking into account how the socialist past continues to be meaningful in the present. As the interviews show, memories of the socialist past are used for constructing belonging in the present both by countering and by reproducing national narratives of boundedness.
THE INFLUENCES OF AMOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTION OF IRRIGATION DURING THE HOT AND DRY SEASON ON EMERGENCE AND SURVIVAL OF SOME DESERT WINTER ANNUAL PLANTS IN THE NEGEV DESERT
Authors: Gutterman Yitzchak , Evenari Michael
Published: April 2013

In a flat loess area in the Negev Desert of Israel, different amounts and distribution of irrigation were given to 48 squares of 0.25 m2 on 1 and 30 August, 1977. At this time evaporation rates were high and the range of temperatures near the soil surface between irrigation and seedling emergence was 15–53 °C. Of the species appearing in winter in the Negev, only 22 emerged, and only 3 appeared in substantial numbers.

Seedlings of species that emerge during winter after about 10 mm of rain did not emerge after the first irrigation in squares receiving 60 mm of water, a few emerged after 90 and 120 mm, and only 57 after 150 mm. After the second irrigation, when evaporation rates and temperatures were lower, in the same squares, 154,334,534, and763 seedlings emerged after receiving90,120,150, and 200 mm, respectively. The highest number of seedlings emerged, but the lowest percentage survived, when the water was divided into equal daily irrigations during the first 9 days.

As the daily water amounts decreased, the number of emerging seedlings also decreased, but the % survival increased. As the daily number of irrigations of 30 or 10 mm increased, the number of emerged seedlings and the % survival increased. However, there were significant differences among the species that emerged.

The amounts and distribution of water evaporation rates and temperatures were found to be the important germination regulators in those plants which also inhabit regions receiving summer rains.
PLASMA MEMBRANE ATPASE ISOLATED FROM GREEN BELL PEPPER FRUIT BY TWO-PHASE PARTITIONING OR SUCROSE DENSITY GRADIENT
Authors: Ronen R. , Lipsker Z. , Sonego L. , Lurie Susan
Published: April 2013

Plasma membrane was isolated from mature green bell pepper fruit by two-phase partitioning or by sucrose density gradient. The yield of plasma membrane was higher from the sucrose density gradient, but the two-phase system was less contaminated by other membranes, particularly those from chloroplasts and mitochondria. In the two-phase partitioned membranes, ATPase activity was stimulated by Triton X-100 by 100% and in sucrose density gradient membranes by 40%. Plasma membranes from two-phase partitioning exhibited simultaneous proton pumping and ATP hydrolysis, while the sucrose density purified membranes did not. Immunoblotting with ATPase antibody showed enrichment of plasma membrane ATPase in both the U3 phase of the two-phase system, and the 34% sucrose fraction of the sucrose gradient. However, the two-phase partitioned membranes were superior to those prepared by sucrose density for investigating functions of the ATPase.
THE EFFECT OF A VERTICILLIUM DAHLIAE PHYTOTOXIN ON GERMINATION OF POTATO POLLEN
Authors: Orenstein J. , Nachmias A. , Colon L.T. , Hoogendorn J.
Published: April 2013

The feasibility of selecting potato tolerance, in the pollen stage, toVerticilliumwilt was evaluated using a phytotoxicVerticillium dahliaeprotein-lipopolysaccharide complex which was isolated from culture filtrates of a fungal isolate pathogenic to potato. The toxin, at concentrations of 10 mg/ml and above, significantly reduced both germination and tube growth in vitro of pollen from the disease-susceptible potato genotypes, Promesse andSolanum phurejaIvP35, but not from the tolerant genotypes, Alpha and WA-85-4-5. Vital staining showed that inhibition of germination was not due to pollen death. Although toxin-sensitivity of pollen mirrored that of excised potato leaves or cultured roots, cell suspensions, and plantlets, reduction in germination occurred only at toxin concentrations 100-fold higher than that required to cause damage to vegetative potato tissue. The results suggested that this bioassay may be useful for selection in pollen before pollination.
ASSOCIATION OF SALSOLA INERMIS AND SCORPION BURROWS IN LEACHED SOILS IN THE JUDEAN DESERT, ISRAEL
Authors: Danin Avinoam
Published: April 2013

Salsola inermisis a summer annual xerohalophyte confined to somewhat salty Ioessial soils and to soils disturbed by human activity in deserts of the Middle East. It was found growing on slopes with leached upper soil layers and salty layers at depth, in association with scorpion burrows. It is assumed that the disturbance caused by piles of seedless soil disposed of by the scorpions assists the establishment ofS. inermisand probably eases its competition with the nonhalophytes typically growing on the slopes.
FLORAL DEVELOPMENT OF EREMURUS ALTAICUS (LILIACEAE)
Authors: Kamenetsky Rina , Akhmetova Madina
Published: April 2013

Morphogenesis of the monocarpic shoot and fiorai development of Eremurus altaicas (Pall.) Stev. from Kazakhstan was examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The lifespan of the monocarpic shoot is about 18 months. Differentiation of the inflorescence starts in June and proceeds in the acropetal direction until the end of the following February. Each flower arises in the axil of a flower bract. Differentiation of stamens and perianth lobes occurs first from common primordia, followed by the formation of the gynoecium. One of the perianth lobes develops first opposite the floral bract in whose axil the flower is located. Cultivation of the Eremurus species for winter cut flower production could be achieved by delaying flowering so that it occurs during the following winter, instead of during May/June.
EFFECTS OF Mg2+ AND Co2+ ON CELL DIVISION AND NUCLEOLAR CYCLE DURING MITOSIS IN ROOT TIP CELLS OF ALLIUM CEPA
Authors: Liu Donghua , Jiang Wusheng , Tong Shuming , Zhai Lin
Published: April 2013

Effects of Mg2+ and Co2+ on cell division and the nucleolar cycle during mitosis in root tip cells of Allium cepa were studied. The concentrations used of magnesium sulphate and cobaltous nitrate were in the range of 10−7–10−1M. The results showed that both Mg and Co can, at higher concentration, have a toxic effect on cell division comprising c-mitosis and lagging chromosomes, anaphase bridges, and chromosome stickiness. Excessive Mg and Co can also induce some silver-stained particles similar to nucleoli, which are scattered around the chromosome or in the cytoplasm during metaphase and anaphase. The possible mechanism behind this phenomenon is briefly discussed.
A REASSESSMENT OF THE BROMUS MADRITENSIS COMPLEX (POACEAE): A MULTIVARIATE APPROACH
Authors: Sales F.
Published: April 2013

The morphological variation in the Mediterranean/SW Asia complex ofBromus madritensisL.,B. madritensisL. subsp.kunkeliiH. Scholz,B. rubensL.,B. haussknechtiiBoiss., andB.flabellatusBoiss. is analyzed by computer and the data discussed. The conclusion is that the entire range of variation falls in one species with two subspecies:B. madritensisL. subsp.madritensisandB. madritensisL. subsp.rubens(L.) Husnot.
THE RESPONSE OF PLANTS TO SALINITY: FROM TURGOR ADJUSTMENTS TO GENOME MODIFICATION
Authors: Lerner Henri R. , Amzallag G.Nissim , Friedman Yael , Goloubinoff Pierre
Published: April 2013

The parameters affected by salinity in salt-sensitive plants are reviewed. Turgor is the potential energy which powers extension growth, but is not a parameter which controls the growth process. Cell expansion is affected by phytohormones, and salinity modifies the phytohormonal balance of the plant; one of the major effects of salinity on growth results from a modification of the phytohormonal balance. Exposure to salt of certain plant genotypes, under appropriate conditions, results in an increase in salt resistance, which has been termed adaptation. The capacity to adapt is limited to a precise period of development. The process of adaptation is accelerated by abscisic acid and inhibited by cytokinin. It is a genetic character which is not a property of all genotypes. Adaptation is transmitted to the next generation, which suggests that it involves a modification of the genome. In plants, genome organization and expression are modified during development and under various types of environmental conditions. These changes in DNA are generally transitory, but under defined conditions they can be permanent and hence heritable. Changes in salt tolerance have been reported in the literature in the past but not recognized as adaptation because the authors were not aware of the phenomenon.