bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-temperature synthesis of diamond films by photoemission-assisted plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Kawata Mayuri , Ojiro Yoshihiro , Ogawa Shuichi , Masuzawa Tomoaki , Okano Ken , Takakuwa Yuji
Published: December 2013

Photoemission-assisted plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PA-PECVD), a process in which photoelectrons emitted from a substrate irradiated with ultraviolet light are utilized as a trigger for DC discharge, was investigated in this study; specifically, the DC discharge characteristics of PA-PECVD were examined for an Si substrate deposited in advance through hot-filament chemical vapor deposition with a nitrogen-doped diamond layer of thickness ∼1 μm. Using a commercially available Xe excimer lamp (hν = 7.2 eV) to illuminate the diamond surface with and without hydrogen termination, the photocurrents were found to be 3.17 × 1012 and 2.11 × 1011 electrons/cm2/s, respectively. The 15-fold increase in photocurrent was ascribed to negative electron affinity (NEA) caused by hydrogen termination on the diamond surfaces. The DC discharge characteristics revealed that a transition bias voltage from a Townsend-to-glow discharge was considerably decreased because of NEA (from 490 to 373 V for H2 gas and from 330 to 200 V for Ar gas), enabling a reduction in electric power consumption needed to synthesize diamond films through PA-PECVD. In fact, the authors have succeeded in growing high-quality diamond films of area 2.0 cm2 at 540 °C with a discharge power of only 1.8 W, plasma voltage of 156.4 V, and discharge current of 11.7 mA under the glow discharge of CH4/H2/Ar mixed gases. In addition to having only negligible amounts of graphite and amorphous carbon, the diamond films exhibit a relatively high diamond growth rate of 0.5 μm/h at temperatures as low as 540 °C, which is attributed to Ar+ ions impinging on the diamond surface, and causing the removal of hydrogen atoms from the surface through sputtering. This process leads to enhanced CHx radical adsorption, because the sample was applied with a negative potential to accelerate photoelectrons in PA-PECVD.
In praise of imperfection
Authors: White Gary D.
Published: December 2013

“I would never teach the Bohr model!” he exclaimed. “I don't believe in teaching things that are just wrong.” He was a respected teacher, and I knew I should listen to what he had to say, but in the end I wasn't convinced that his view was right for me and my classes.

In fact, I do believe in teaching things that are “just wrong”—selectively. For example, I like my introductory physicsstudents to learn the planetary model of Hydrogen, and not only so that we can discuss why it is deficient. It's a great opportunity to “spiral back”1 to Newton's second law, circular motion, conservation of energy, and the origin of electromagnetic radiation—and it does get the ionization energy right if you assume an empirically determined radius for the atom! In addition, knowing specifically when,why, and how a model is wrong is one of the hallmarks that distinguishes science from other endeavors. Furthermore, one might argue that there really are no perfect models (models that successfully incorporate gravitational and quantum effects in one philosophically cohesive whole, for example), so every model is “just wrong” in some sense. Finally, even if there was a “perfect” model of the atom to teach, it does not follow that good pedagogy involves teaching it. Let me explain.
Physics in Literature
Authors: Manos Harry
Published: December 2013

Physics offers a cross-discipline perspective to understanding other subjects. The purpose of this paper is to provide examples of physics in literature that physics and astronomy teachers can use to give students an indication of the relevance of science as depicted in the humanities. It is not possible to cite the thousands of examples available. I have tried to select authors whom students would be reading in high school and in college undergraduate English classes: in particular Joseph Conrad, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Shakespeare, H. G. Wells, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Norman Mailer, and an author currently in vogue, Dan Brown. I am sure many reading this article will come up with their own examples.
Probable hepatic tuberculosis masquerading as Klatskin tumour in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Hanafiah Mohammad , Alhabshi Sharifah Majedah Idrus , Bag Tribeni , Low Soo Fin
Published: December 2013

A 55-year-old immunocompetent woman was presented with features of obstructive jaundice and a clinicoradiological picture suggestive of a hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumour). However, caseating granulomatous lesion associated with miliary nodules were revealed intraoperatively. The lesion responded to standard antituberculous therapy. This unusual presentation highlights the considerable diagnostic challenge in such case.
Pure motor monoparesis: solitary cysticercus granuloma
Authors: Giri Prithvi , Shukla Rakesh , Patil Tushar B , Mehta Vinod
Published: December 2013

Solitary cysticercus granuloma (SCG) is the most common form of neurocysticercosis in India and usually presents with seizures. Pure motor monoparesis (PMM) due to cerebral cysticercus lesions has been rarely reported and it has not been seen with SCG. We describe a young girl with SCG who presented with PMM without any other neurological manifestations. The lesion was located in the Penfield homunculus area of the opposite leg. The patient was treated with steroids and antihelminthic drugs. She responded well to the treatment.
Translating knowledge into dietetic practice: a Functional Foods for Healthy Aging Toolkit
Authors: Duncan Alison M. , Dunn Hilary A. , Stratton Laura M. , Vella Meagan N.
Published: December 2013

The advance of functional foods has evolved because of research linking functional foods to health, a regulatory environment that allows health claims on foods, and consumer demand for health-promoting food products. Among consumers, the rapidly growing older adult segment is poised to benefit from functional foods because of age-related health issues that are linked to food and health. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are recognized as food and nutrition experts and are well positioned to communicate the benefits of functional foods. The Functional Foods for Healthy Aging Toolkit was developed to provide guidance and resource materials to assist RDs in communicating with older adults about functional foods. The toolkit provides background on functional foods, including definitions, regulations, and case studies of functional food product labels. The role of functional foods in Canada’s aging demographic is examined and the relevance to disease risk is discussed. The toolkit is appended with educational resource sheets on common functional food bioactives, including antioxidants, dietary fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, prebiotics, and probiotics. This publicly available toolkit can help RDs and other healthcare professionals in their interactions with older adults to maximize the value and health benefits that dietary inclusion of functional foods can offer.
Behaviour of piles subjected to passive loading due to embankment construction
Authors: Karim M.R. , Lo S.-C.R. , Gnanendran C.T.
Published: December 2013

Behaviour of two embedded piles subjected to passive loading due to construction of an embankment was modelled in this paper. The piles were installed at the berm section of an embankment in a later stage of its construction. The investigation was carried out using a combination of two- and three-dimensional analyses. The analysis results were compared with the field-measured values and they agreed well.
In situ dynamic piezocone penetrometer tests in natural clayey soils — a reappraisal of strain-rate corrections
Authors: Steiner Alois , Kopf Achim J. , L’Heureux Jean-Sebastien , Kreiter Stefan , Stegmann Sylvia , Haflidason Haflidi , Moerz Tobias
Published: December 2013

Cone penetration testing with pore pressure measurement (CPTU) is a cost- and time-efficient way of collecting in situ geotechnical parameters of near-surface marine soils for cable and pipeline tracks, offshore foundations, and geohazard identification. The measured dynamic CPTU parameters (cone penetration resistance, sleeve friction, pore pressure) are higher than the measured static CPTU parameters. This mismatch is caused by the different penetration rates used for dynamic and static CPTU tests (dynamic tests have up to 500 times higher penetration rates than the static tests; i.e., with the commonly used 2 cm/s penetration rate). This study presents comprehensive Calypso piston and gravity core as well as dynamic and static CPTU datasets acquired in the landslide-prone Sørfjorden area (Finneidfjord, northern Norway). The fjord-marine sediments at the study site are characterized as normally consolidated to slightly over consolidated clay-dominated soils with embedded layers of sandy silt to sand. The dynamic CPTU results were corrected to match the nearby static CPTU (i.e., distance less than 10 m) using strain-rate factors (SF) derived from three known correction methods. Based on a statistical test and visual comparison of dynamic and static CPTU profiles, the modified inverse sin-hyperbolic correction method is found to be best suited for the strain-rate correction of dynamic CPTU tests, and results in SF less than 1.35 for the corrected cone penetration resistance and up to 2.4 for the sleeve friction. Our data illustrate a positive correlation between penetration rate and penetration depth, which is governed by the consolidation state of the clays. The good agreement between SF-corrected dynamic CPTU data from 34 deployments (acquired within less than 36 h shiptime) with data obtained from static CPTU and laboratory experiments on sediment cores further demonstrates that the MARUM dynamic CPTU device is a powerful tool for characterizing the properties of surficial seafloor sediments in shallow-water environments.
TREE-LEVEL LONG-DISTANCE CONTRIBUTIONS TO K+→π+ ℓ+ℓ-
Authors: GAO DAO-NENG , YU YI-CONG
Published: December 2013

We study a new contribution, which is a tree-level transition from long-distance dynamics, to K+→π+ℓ+ℓ- (ℓ = e, μ) decays. It is found that this tree-diagram can be calculated unambiguously and would generate the additional contribution to the vector, axial-vector, scalar and pseudoscalar form factor of the decay. Our analysis shows that these form factors are strongly suppressed and this long-distance contribution is well under control.
A DITHERING TECHNIQUE FOR SHA_LESS PIPELINED ADC
Authors: NING NING , DU LING , CHEN HUA , WU SHUANGYI , YU QI , LIU YANG
Published: December 2013

A dithering technique for pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) without sample-and-hold amplifier (SHA) is proposed in this paper. The dither signals are injected to the output of the first stage multiplying digital-to-analog converter (MDAC) and the input of the first stage Sub_ADC simultaneously. The equivalent input voltage of the first stage Sub_ADC is consistent with that of the first stage MDAC with dither. To subtract the dither signal precisely, all of the dither signals are quantified by the ADC itself before normal conversion, and the digital codes representing dither signals are stored. During normal conversion, a dither signal selected randomly is added to the analog input and the corresponding digital code is subtracted from the digital output. The proposed dithering technique is verified by behavior simulation. The simulation results show that the spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) is improved effectively and the degradation of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be minimized.
RATIONAL TIME-FREQUENCY GABOR FRAMES ASSOCIATED WITH PERIODIC SUBSETS OF THE REAL LINE
Authors: GABARDO JEAN-PIERRE , LI YUN-ZHANG
Published: December 2013

For a, b > 0 and g ∈ L2(ℝ), write 𝒢(g, a, b) for the Gabor system: [Formula: see text] Let S be an aℤ-periodic measurable subset of ℝ with positive measure. It is well-known that the projection 𝒢(gχS, a, b) of a frame 𝒢(g, a, b) in L2(ℝ) onto L2(S) is a frame for L2(S). However, when ab > 1 and S ≠ ℝ, 𝒢(g, a, b) cannot be a frame in L2(ℝ) for any g ∈ L2(ℝ), while it is possible that there exists some g such that 𝒢(g, a, b) is a frame for L2(S). So the projections of Gabor frames in L2(ℝ) onto L2(S) cannot cover all Gabor frames in L2(S). This paper considers Gabor systems in L2(S). In order to use the Zak transform, we only consider the case where the product ab is a rational number. With the help of a suitable Zak transform matrix, we characterize Gabor frames for L2(S) of the form 𝒢(g, a, b), and obtain an expression for the canonical dual of a Gabor frame. We also characterize the uniqueness of Gabor duals of type I (respectively, type II).
ON BI-BANACH FRAMES IN BANACH SPACES
Authors: SHARMA SHALU
Published: December 2013

Bi-Banach frames in Banach spaces have been defined and studied. A necessary and sufficient condition under which a Banach space has a Bi-Banach frame has been given. Finally, Pseudo exact retro Banach frames have been defined and studied.
ON SOME CLASSES OF SCHAUDER FRAMES IN BANACH SPACES
Authors: POUMAI KHOLE TIMOTHY
Published: December 2013

Various types of Schauder frames have been defined and studied. A necessary and sufficient condition for each type of Schauder frame is given. Finally, we give some theoretical applications of these types of Schauder frames.
Binary sequences-based approach for construction of evolutionary network
Authors: Mathur Rinku , Adlakha Neeru
Published: December 2013

Evolutionary studies have been of prime importance to life scientists since ancient times. The advancements in technology has made it possible to make available the massive amounts of genomic data. The abundance of genomic data poses new challenges for biologists, computer scientists and mathematicians to develop approaches for discovery of new relationships in data and evolutionary networks. In this work, nucleotide sequences are converted into binary sequences to explore the network among different species. A new approach based on binary sequences has been proposed to reconstruct the accurate phylogenetic network. The algorithm developed is validated by comparing the results with those obtained by already existing method of network construction. A program is also coded in C language on the Intel Core i3 Dell inspiron machine to obtain the evolutionary network. The new approach developed also provides the fast solutions as there is no need of aligning the sequences.
Investigation of the Association between Genetic Polymorphism of Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase and Primary Brain Tumor Incidence
Authors: Aydin Ali , Pinarbasi Hatice , Gurelik Mustafa
Published: December 2013

mEH is a critical biotransformation enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of xenobiotic epoxide substrates into more polar diol metabolites: it is also capable of inactivating a large number of structurally different molecules. Two polymorphisms affecting enzyme activity have been described in the exon 3 and 4 of the mEH gene. The hypothesis of this study is that inherent genetic susceptibility to a primary brain tumor is associated with mEH gene polymorphisms. The polymorphisms of the mEH gene were determined with PCR-RFLP techniques and 255 Turkish individuals. Our results indicate that the frequency of the mEH exon 4 polymorphism (in controls) is significantly higher than that of primary brain tumor patients (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.0–3.4). This report, however, failed to demonstrate a significant association between mEH exon 3 polymorphism and primary brain tumor susceptibility in this population. Analysis of patients by both histological types of primary brain tumor and gene variants showed no association, although analysis of family history of cancer between cases and controls showed a statistically significant association (χ2=7.0, P=0.01). Our results marginally support the hypothesis that genetic susceptibility to brain tumors may be associated with mEPHX gene polymorphisms.
Approach to Management of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura at University of Cincinnati
Authors: Abdel Karim N. , Haider S. , Siegrist C. , Ahmad N. , Zarzour A. , Ying J. , Yasin Z. , Sacher R.
Published: December 2013

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is a rare hematologic emergency, congenital or acquired, characterized by ischemic damage of various organs because of platelet aggregation. It is the common name for adults with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, with or without neurologic or renal abnormalities, and without another etiology; children without renal failure are also described as TTP. Plasma exchange (PE) is the main stay of treatment in combination with steroids and immunosuppressive therapies. The monoclonal antibody against CD20 Rituximab decreases the production of antibodies from B lymphocytes and it is used for antibodies-mediated diseases including TTP. We present our data on retrospective analysis of rituximab in treatment of TTP at University of Cincinnati in a series of 22 patients from 1997 to 2009. Our results showed that PE with immunosuppressive therapy resulted in decreased duration of PE, relapse rate, and increased duration of remission in patients with TTP.
Two-Dimensional Variable Property Conjugate Heat Transfer Simulation of Nanofluids in Microchannels
Authors: Ramiar A. , Ranjbar A. A.
Published: December 2013

Laminar two-dimensional forced convective heat transfer of CuO-water and Al2O3-water nanofluids in a horizontal microchannel has been studied numerically, considering axial conduction effects in both solid and liquid regions and variable thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity. The results show that using nanoparticles with higher thermal conductivities will intensify enhancement of heat transfer characteristics and slightly increases shear stress on the wall. The obtained results show more steep changes in Nusselt number for lower diameters and also higher values of Nusselt number by decreasing the diameter of nanoparticles. Also, by utilizing conduction number as the criterion, it was concluded from the results that adding nanoparticles will intensify the axial conduction effect in the geometry considered.
Central Nervous System Demyelination in a Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 1A Patient
Authors: Koros Christos , Evangelopoulos Maria-Eleftheria , Kilidireas Costas , Andreadou Elisabeth
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Central nervous system involvement, either clinical or subclinical, has been reported mainly in X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT-X) patients.Case Presentation. We present the case of a 31-year-old man with a genetically confirmed history of CMT1A who developed CNS involvement mimicking multiple sclerosis (MS). Clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings suggested an autoimmune CNS demyelination.Discussion. Although the simultaneous existence of CMT1A and MS could be coincidental we postulate that overexpression of PMP22, the target protein in CMT1A, might influence the immunological self-tolerance to CNS proteins via molecular mimicry, leading to a CNS autoimmune demyelinating disorder.
About the Local Stability of the Four Cauchy Equations Restricted on a Bounded Domain and of Their Pexiderized Forms
Authors: Skof Fulvia
Published: December 2013

The Ulam-Hyers stability of functional equations is widely studied from various points of view by many authors. The present paper is concerned with local stability of the four Cauchy equations restricted on a bounded domain. These results can be easily adapted to the corresponding Pexiderized equations.
Da-Homothetic Deformation of K-Contact Manifolds
Authors: Nagaraja H. G. , Premalatha C. R.
Published: December 2013

We study Da-homothetic deformations of K-contact manifolds. We prove that Da-homothetically deformed K-contact manifold is a generalized Sasakian space form if it is conharmonically flat. Further, we find expressions for scalar curvature of Da-homothetically deformed K-contact manifolds.
Misfit in Inconel-Type Superalloy
Authors: Strunz Pavel , Petrenec Martin , Davydov Vadim , Polák Jaroslav , Beran Přemysl
Published: December 2013

An important parameter for the characterization of microstructural changes in nickel base superalloys is the misfit - the relative difference between lattice parameters ofγmatrix andγ′precipitates. The misfit in IN738LC superalloy was examined at POLDI time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffractometer both at room temperature and in situ at elevated temperatures using a high-temperature furnace. A careful out-of-furnace measurement yielded the lattice parameters of bothγandγ′phase at room temperature (aγ=3.58611(10) Å,aγ′=3.58857(17) Å) as well as the misfit (equal to6.9(6)×10-4). The in situ measurement at elevated temperatures provided the temperature dependence of the lattice parameters ofγ(up to 1120°C) andγ′(up to 1000°C). Using these data, the evolution of the misfit with temperature was calculated. The misfit decreases with increasing temperature until it reaches zero value at a temperature around 800°C. Above 800°C, it becomes negative.
Effect of Heaving Movement on Flow Instability in U-Tubes of Marine Steam Generator under Natural Circulation
Authors: Hao Jianli , Chen Wenzhen , Zhang De
Published: December 2013

Under heaving movement conditions, the single phase flow instability in U-tubes is affected by the additional force, which will influence the marine reactor operation. In the present work, one-dimensional thermal-hydraulic model in U-tubes under heaving movement conditions is established, and the critical pressure drop (CPD) and critical mass flow rate (CMFR) which relate to the occurrence of reverse flow in U-tubes are proposed and analyzed. The effects of the heaving period and heaving acceleration amplitude on the flow instability in U-tubes with the different length are discussed. It is shown that (1) the CPD and CMFR are obviously affected by the heaving movement, which means that the reverse flow characteristic in U-tubes will be changed; (2) the fluctuation periods of the CPD and CMFR are the same as the heaving period, but the fluctuation magnitude of them is little affected by the heaving period; (3) the relative changes of CPD and CMFR are the linear function of heaving acceleration amplitude; and (4) the U-tube length has little influence on the relative changes of CPD and CMFR compared with the heaving acceleration amplitude, which means that the heaving movement has little influence on the space distribution of reverse flow in the U-tubes of marine steam generator.
Modelling of Dual-Junction Solar Cells including Tunnel Junction
Authors: Amine Abdelaziz , Mir Yamina , Zazoui Mimoun
Published: December 2013

Monolithically stacked multijunction solar cells based on III–V semiconductors materials are the state-of-art of approach for high efficiency photovoltaic energy conversion, in particular for space applications. The individual subcells of the multi-junction structure are interconnected via tunnel diodes which must be optically transparent and connect the component cells with a minimum electrical resistance. The quality of these diodes determines the output performance of the solar cell. The purpose of this work is to contribute to the investigation of the tunnel electrical resistance of such a multi-junction cell through the analysis of the current-voltage (J-V) characteristics under illumination. Our approach is based on an equivalent circuit model of a diode for each subcell. We examine the effect of tunnel resistance on the performance of a multi-junction cell using minimization of the least squares technique.
Dietary Intake and Plasma Levels of Choline and Betaine in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Hamlin Joanna C. , Pauly Margaret , Melnyk Stepan , Pavliv Oleksandra , Starrett William , Crook Tina A. , James S. Jill
Published: December 2013

Abnormalities in folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism have been reported in many children with autism. Because inadequate choline and betaine can negatively affect folate metabolism and in turn downstream methylation and antioxidant capacity, we sought to determine whether dietary intake of choline and betaine in children with autism was adequate to meet nutritional needs based on national recommendations. Three-day food records were analyzed for 288 children with autism (ASDs) who participated in the national Autism Intervention Research Network for Physical Health (AIR-P) Study on Diet and Nutrition in children with autism. Plasma concentrations of choline and betaine were measured in a subgroup of 35 children with ASDs and 32 age-matched control children. The results indicated that 60–93% of children with ASDs were consuming less than the recommended Adequate Intake (AI) for choline. Strong positive correlations were found between dietary intake and plasma concentrations of choline and betaine in autistic children as well as lower plasma concentrations compared to the control group. We conclude that choline and betaine intake is inadequate in a significant subgroup of children with ASDs and is reflected in lower plasma levels. Inadequate intake of choline and betaine may contribute to the metabolic abnormalities observed in many children with autism and warrants attention in nutritional counseling.
Using State Variables to Model the Response of Tumour Cells to Radiation and Heat: A Novel Multi-Hit-Repair Approach
Authors: Scheidegger Stephan , Fuchs Hans U. , Zaugg Kathrin , Bodis Stephan , Füchslin Rudolf M.
Published: December 2013

In order to overcome the limitations of the linear-quadratic model and include synergistic effects of heat and radiation, a novel radiobiological model is proposed. The model is based on a chain of cell populations which are characterized by the number of radiation induced damages (hits). Cells can shift downward along the chain by collecting hits and upward by a repair process. The repair process is governed by a repair probability which depends upon state variables used for a simplistic description of the impact of heat and radiation upon repair proteins. Based on the parameters used, populations up to 4-5 hits are relevant for the calculation of the survival. The model describes intuitively the mathematical behaviour of apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death. Linear-quadratic-linear behaviour of the logarithmic cell survival, fractionation, and (with one exception) the dose rate dependencies are described correctly. The model covers the time gap dependence of the synergistic cell killing due to combined application of heat and radiation, but further validation of the proposed approach based on experimental data is needed. However, the model offers a work bench for testing different biological concepts of damage induction, repair, and statistical approaches for calculating the variables of state.
Prevalence of Malaria from Blood Smears Examination: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study from Metema Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Ferede Getachew , Worku Abiyu , Getaneh Alemtegna , Ahmed Ali , Haile Tarekegn , Abdu Yenus , Tessema Belay , Wondimeneh Yitayih , Alemu Abebe
Published: December 2013

Background. Malaria is a major public health problem in Ethiopia where an estimated 68% of the population lives in malarious areas. Studying its prevalence is necessary to implement effective control measures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine seven-year slide positive rate of malaria. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted at Metema Hospital from September 2006 to August 2012. Seven-year malaria cases data had been collected from laboratory registration book. Results. A total of 55,833 patients were examined for malaria; of these, 9486 (17%) study subjects were positive for malaria. The predominant Plasmodium species detected was P. falciparum (8602) (90.7%) followed by P. vivax (852) (9%). A slide positive rate of malaria within the last seven years (2006–2012) was almost constant with slight fluctuation. The age groups of 5–14 years old were highly affected by malariainfection (1375) (20.1%), followed by 15–29 years old (3986) (18.5%). High slide positive rate of malaria occurred during spring (September–November), followed by summer (June–August). Conclusion. Slide positive rate of malaria was high in study area. Therefore, health planners and administrators should give intensive health education for the community.
Critical Studies on Integrating Land-Use Induced Effects on Climate Regulation Services into Impact Assessment for Human Well-Being
Authors: Li Zhihui , Deng Xiangzheng , Huang Jikun , Zhang Rongrong , Huang Juan
Published: December 2013

It is commonly acknowledged that land use changes (LUC) and climate changes have exerted significant effects on ecosystem services which are essential and vital to human well-being. Among all the services provided by ecosystem, climate regulation services are relatively sensitive to LUC and climate changes. This study aims to comprehensively review studies on the complex effects of LUC and climate changes on climate regulation services and further integrates the effects on climate regulation services into impact assessment for human well-being. In this study, we firstly introduced research efforts in which the drivers of and their corresponding effects on climate regulation services are briefly identified. Then, we explicitly reviewed the researches on the effects of LUC and climate changes on climate regulation services, especially focused on the certain methods and models used to quantify the effects on the major drivers of climate regulation services. After that, the effects of LUC and climate changes on human well-being via climate regulation services were revisited and commented accordingly. Finally, this paper discussed the current research gaps and proposed some research prospects in future studies.
Solution-Processed Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells with Silyl End-Capped Sexithiophene
Authors: Choi Jung Hei , El-Khouly Mohamed E. , Kim Taehee , Kim Youn-Su , Yoon Ung Chan , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Kim Kyungkon
Published: December 2013

We fabricated solution-processed organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) using substituted two sexithiophenes, a,w-bis(dimethyl-n-octylsilyl)sexithiophene (DSi-6T) and a,w-dihexylsexithiophene (DH-6T), as electron donors, and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as an electron acceptor. Solution-processed OPVs usingDH-6TandDSi-6Tshowed good photovoltaic properties in spite of their poor solubility. The best performance was observed onDSi-6T : PCBM 1 : 5 (w/w) blend cell with an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.63 V, short circuit current density (Jsc) of 1.34 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) of 55%, and power conversion efficiency of 0.44% under AM 1.5 G illumination. AlthoughDH-6Thas higher hole mobility thanDSi-6T, theDSi-6T : PCBM blend cell showed higher hole mobility thanDH-6T : PCBM cell. Therefore,DSi-6Tcell showed higher device performance thanDH-6Tcell due to its silyl substitutions, which lead to the increase of the solubility. The incorporation of solution-processed TiO2interfacial layer in theDSi-6T : PCBM devices significantly enhances FF due to the reduced charge recombination near active layer/Al interface.
Removal of Eroded Gastric Bands Using a Transgastric SILS Device
Authors: Spitali C. , De Vogelaere K. , Delvaux G.
Published: December 2013

Background. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a popular method for the treatment of morbid obesity. One of the most feared complications is gastric band erosion which occurs with a reported incidence of 0.3 to 14%. Intragastric migrated bands are best managed by endoscopic removal. Recent case studies reported successful endoscopic removal of intragastric migrated bands, but it is not always possible. We report our first experience with a transgastric removal of eroded bands using a Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) device.Methods. A patient who underwent gastric banding in the past (2007) presented with symptoms of epigastric pain and weight gain. Preoperative gastroscopy revealed stomach wall erosion with the gastric band partially (2/3) migrated into the gastric lumen. Attempts to remove the band by endoscopy were not successful. A laparoscopy was performed and multiple adhesions with evidence of inflammation was seen in the upper abdomen around the band. A SILS port was inserted through a 2 cm incision in the left hypochondrium with the internal ring of the port placed into the stomach through a small anterior gastrotomy. The band was cut in the stomach and removed. The anterior gastrotomy was closed. We had a perfect intragastric view of the gastric banding.Results. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. The patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day on a gastric adapted diet.Conclusion. Removal of a gastric band after gastric erosion by SILS is feasible, safe, and effective. This is the first reported case of transgastric removal of eroded bands using an SILS device.
Sparse Cumulants Fitting for Direction-of-Arrival Estimation without Redundancy
Authors: Li Shuang , Jiang Xiaoxiao , Ma Sai , Wang Yingguan
Published: December 2013

A novel direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation method is proposed based on the sparse cumulants fitting without redundancy. Firstly, we derive that some fourth order cumulants of the array output are redundant and therefore are removed to reduce computational complexity. Then, the left cumulants are sparsely represented on an overcomplete basis and the DOAs are resolved by using a software package. Despite introducing a high variance, the proposed method shows several advantages including the ability to detect more sources than sensors, high resolution, and robustness to all kinds of Gaussian noise. Besides, our method does not have to know, a priori, the number of sources. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.
Combined Industrial Wastewater Treatment in Anaerobic Bioreactor Posttreated in Constructed Wetland
Authors: Zeb Bibi Saima , Mahmood Qaisar , Jadoon Saima , Pervez Arshid , Irshad Muhammad , Bilal Muhammad , Bhatti Zulfiqar Ahmad
Published: December 2013

Constructed wetland (CW) with monoculture ofArundo donaxL. was investigated for the posttreatment of anaerobic bioreactor (ABR) treating combined industrial wastewater. Different dilutions of combined industrial wastewater (20, 40, 60, and 80) and original wastewater were fed into the ABR and then posttreated by the laboratory scale CW. The respective removal efficiencies of COD, BOD, TSS, nitrates, and ammonia were 80%, 78–82%, 91.7%, 88–92%, and 100% for original industrial wastewater treated in ABR. ABR was efficient in the removal of Ni, Pb, and Cd with removal efficiencies in the order of Cd (2.7%) > Ni (79%) > Pb (85%). Posttreatment of the ABR treated effluent was carried out in lab scale CW containingA. donaxL. CW was effective in the removal of COD and various heavy metals present in ABR effluents. The posttreatment in CW resulted in reducing the metal concentrations to 1.95 mg/L, 0 mg/L, and 0.004 mg/L for Ni, Pb, and Cd which were within the permissible water quality standards for industrial effluents. The treatment strategy was effective and sustainable for the treatment of combined industrial wastewater.
External Validation of Nomogram Predicting the Probability of Specimen-Confined Disease (pT2-3a, R0N0) in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Mearini Luigi , Gacci Mauro , Saleh Omar , De Nunzio Cosimo , Schiavina Riccardo , Simonato Alchiede , Tubaro Andrea , Carmignani Giorgio , Mirone Vincenzo , Carini Marco , Bini Vittorio , Porena Massimo ,   Members of the Multicenter Italian Report on Radical Prostatectomy: Outcome and Research (MIRROR) Project - Leading Urological No-Profit Foundation for Advanced Research (LUNA) Foundation
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Before radical prostatectomy (RP), a nomogram [Briganti et al., Eur Urol 2012;61:584-592] permits to measure the probability of specimen-confined (SC) disease (pT2-pT3a, node negative with negative margins) in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of our study was to perform an external validation of this nomogram. Materials and Methods: Between 2007 and 2011, 623 patients with high-risk PCa (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >20 ng/ml and/or biopsy Gleason score ≥8 and/or clinical stage T3) underwent RP and pelvic lymph node dissection at tertiary referral centers. Multivariable logistic regression models predicting the presence of SC disease were built in; we then used the area under curve of the receiver operating characteristic analysis to quantify accuracy of the nomogram to predict SC disease. The extent of over- or underestimation was evaluated within calibration plots. Results: 29% (181/623) of men had SC disease at RP. Preoperative PSA, biopsy Gleason score and stage differed significantly (all p < 0.001) between men with SC disease and those without. External validation of the nomogram showed an acceptable accuracy (area under curve: 66.3, 95% CI 62.4-70%) and a perfect calibration plot. Conclusions: The external cohort validates the original nomogram, with perfect calibration characteristics. The adequate although reduced accuracy may reflect the wide spectrum and behavior of the so-called high-risk PCa.
The EFEMP1 Gene: A Frequent Target for Epigenetic Silencing in Multiple Human Pituitary Adenoma Subtypes
Authors: Duong Cuong V. , Yacqub-Usman Kiren , Emes Richard D. , Clayton Richard N. , Farrell William E.
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: In a genome-wide investigation we recently identified the EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 gene, EFEMP1, as hypermethylated in growth hormone-secreting adenoma. Methods: In an independent cohort we determined expression of EFEMP1, CpG island methylation and histone tail modification status. The causal consequences of epigenetic modification were determined through epidrug-induced reversal and enforced EFEMP1 expression in GH3 cells. Results: The majority of adenomas, irrespective of subtype, show reduced EFEMP1 expression. However, epigenetic change, as determined by CpG island methylation, was not invariantly associated with decreased EFEMP1 expression. Conversely, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed enrichment for modifications associated with either active or silenced genes in adenoma that did or did not express EFEMP1 respectively. In AtT-20 and GH3 cells a causal relationship between epigenetic silencing and expression of EFEMP1 was established where co-incubation with the epidrugs zebularine and TSA induced expression of EFEMP1 and concomitant histone tail modifications toward those associated with expressed genes. Enforced expression of EFEMP1 in GH3 cells was without effect on cell proliferation or apoptotic end-points, however inhibition of endogenous matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression was apparent. Primary adenomas did not show this relationship, however a positive correlation was apparent with the MMP7 transcript and perhaps reflects cell or species differences. Conclusions: The protein product of the EFEMP1 gene, fibulin-3, is reported to impact on multiple pathways in a cell-specific context. Subtype-independent loss of EFEMP1 expression in the majority of primary adenomas should prompt more detailed investigation in this tumour type.
The ‘Sparing Phenomenon' of Purpuric Rash over Tattooed Skin
Authors: Pinal-Fernandez Iago , Solans-Laqué Roser
Published: December 2013

Cutaneous complications associated with decorative tattooing are well known. However, the inhibition of a purpuric reaction by a tattoo is a fact that, as far as the authors know, has not been described before, fitting the definition of a ‘sparing phenomenon', the absence of manifesting a particular skin disease in an area previously affected by another condition. From the clinical observation of purpuric lesions apparently inhibited by a tattoo in a 26-year-old patient, we performed an exact binomial test on the observed and expected proportion of purpuric lesions inside (0%, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0-2.6%) and outside (100%, 95% CI 97.4-100%) the tattooed skin, demonstrating a nonrandom distribution respecting the tattooed area (p < 0.001) and identifying the composition of the ink used in the tattoo (color pigment, glycerine, Hamamelis virginiana extract, water and alcohol). Moreover, we reviewed the cases of sparing phenomenon described in the literature. In conclusion this is the first report of a sparing phenomenon of purpuric lesions over tattooed skin.
Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease Associated with Dementia Using Cerebral Perfusion SPECT
Authors: Song In-Uk , Chung Yong-An , Chung Sung-Woo , Jeong Jaeseung
Published: December 2013

Background: Since patterns of cognitive dysfunction in mild Parkinson's disease associated with dementia (PDD) are similar to those in mild Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is difficult to accurately differentiate between these two types of dementia in their early phases using neuropsychological tests. The purpose of the current study was to investigate differences in cerebral perfusion patterns of patients with AD and PDD at the earliest stages using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods: We consecutively recruited 31 patients with mild PDD, 32 patients with mild probable AD and 33 age-matched healthy subjects. All subjects underwent 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime perfusion SPECT and completed general neuropsychological tests. Results: We found that both mild PDD and AD patients showed distinct hypoperfusion in frontal, parietal and temporal regions, compared with healthy subjects. More importantly, hypoperfusion in occipital and cerebellar regions was observed only in mild PDD. Conclusion: The observation of a significant decrease in cerebral perfusion in occipital and cerebellar regions in patients with mild PDD is likely useful to differentiate between PDD and AD at the earliest stages.
Numerical Simulations of Outdoor Heat Stress Index and Heat Disorder Risk in the 23 Wards of Tokyo
Authors: Ohashi Yukitaka , Kikegawa Yukihiro , Ihara Tomohiko , Sugiyama Nanami
Published: December 2013

In this study, the summertime outdoor heat stress hazard and heat disorder risks (HDR) were simulated numerically using a mesoscale meteorological model combined with an urban canopy model and a building energy model. Model grid maps including the 23 wards of Tokyo (23 Tokyo), Japan, were produced with a 1-km horizontal resolution for the period of July–September 2010. Model simulations of the daily maximum wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGTmax), which was adopted as a heat stress index, indicated the spatial heterogeneity of the heat stress hazard within 23 Tokyo. The heat stress hazard was greater in the inland western region, particularly for sunny conditions in July and August (based on the monthly mean; the maximum difference exceeded 2°C for both sunny and shaded conditions). This likely occurred as a result of greater spatial heterogeneity in the globe temperature than in the air temperature among model grid cells, with differences in the radiation environment induced by differences in urban geometric parameters. Gridded mapping of HDR simulations proceeded in two steps, using the incidence rate and the absolute number of heat disorder patients (HDP). These simulations were achieved by combining the exponential relationships between the actual WBGTmax and the number of HDP with the daytime grid population. Eventually, the resulting HDR maps incorporated the effects of the spatial heterogeneities of both the outdoor heat stress hazard and the daytime grid population.
Evaluated Crop Evapotranspiration over a Region of Irrigated Orchards with the Improved ACASA–WRF Model
Authors: Falk Matthias , Pyles R. D. , Ustin S. L. , Paw U K. T. , Xu L. , Whiting M. L. , Sanden B. L. , Brown P. H.
Published: December 2013

Among the uncertain consequences of climate change on agriculture are changes in timing and quantity of precipitation together with predicted higher temperatures and changes in length of growing season. The understanding of how these uncertainties will affect water use in semiarid irrigated agricultural regions depends on accurate simulations of the terrestrial water cycle and, especially, evapotranspiration. The authors test the hypothesis that the vertical canopy structure, coupled with horizontal variation in this vertical structure, which is associated with ecosystem type, has a strong impact on landscape evapotranspiration. The practical result of this hypothesis, if true, is validation that coupling the Advanced Canopy–Atmosphere–Soil Algorithm (ACASA) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) models provides a method for increased accuracy of regional evapotranspiration estimates.

ACASA–WRF was used to simulate regional evapotranspiration from irrigated almond orchards over an entire growing season. The ACASA model handles all surface and vegetation interactions within WRF. ACASA is a multilayer soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer model that calculates energy fluxes, including evapotranspiration, within the atmospheric surface layer.

The model output was evaluated against independent evapotranspiration estimates based on eddy covariance. Results indicate the model accurately predicts evapotranspiration at the tower site while producing consistent regional maps of evapotranspiration (900–1100 mm) over a large area (1600 km2) at high spatial resolution (Δx = 0.5 km).

Modeled results were within observational uncertainties for hourly, daily, and seasonal estimates. These results further show the robustness of ACASA’s ability to simulate surface exchange processes accurately in a complex numerical atmospheric forecast model such as WRF.
Objective Drought Classification Using Multiple Land Surface Models
Authors: Mo Kingtse C. , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: December 2013

The current generation of drought monitors uses physically based indices, such as the standardized precipitation index (SPI), total soil moisture (SM) percentiles, and the standardized runoff index (SRI) to monitor precipitation, soil moisture, and runoff deficits, respectively. Because long-term observations of soil moisture and, to a lesser extent, spatially distributed runoff are not generally available, SRI and SMP are more commonly derived from land surface model–derived variables, where the models are forced with observed quantities such as precipitation, surface air temperature, and winds. One example of such a system is the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS). While monitoring systems based on sources like NLDAS are able to detect droughts, they are challenged by classification of drought into, for instance, the D0–D4 categories used by the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), in part because of uncertainties among multiple drought indicators, models, and assimilation systems. An objective scheme for drawing boundaries between the D0–D4 classes used by the USDM is explored here. The approach is based on multiple SPI, SM, and SRI indices, from which an ensemble mean index is formed. The mean index is then remapped to a uniform distribution by using the climatology of the ensemble (percentile) averages. To assess uncertainties in the classification, a concurrence measure is used to show the extent to which the different indices agree. An approach to drought classification that uses both the mean of the ensembles and its concurrence measure is described. The classification scheme gives an idea of drought severity, as well as the representativeness of the ensemble mean index.
Why Education Must Be Multicultural
Authors: Ford Donna Y.
Published: December 2013

The United States is considered the land of immigrants and cultural diversity, and our nation’s ever changing demographics attests to this. Yearly, our nation and schools become more racially and linguistically different. In what ways, we must ask, are schools welcoming and providing for students who come from different cultural backgrounds, especially Black and Hispanic students? The author contends that schools and educators must be culturally responsive; however, misperceptions hinder their appreciation of and respect for multicultural education and, thus, the adoption of culturally responsive practices is infrequent and/or met with reservations. Several (by no means all) misperceptions are share accompanied by counterarguments.