bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrological deformation induced by the West African Monsoon: Comparison of GPS, GRACE and loading models
Authors: Nahmani Samuel , Bock Olivier , Bouin Marie‐Noëlle , Santamaría‐Gómez Alvaro , Boy Jean‐Paul , Collilieux Xavier , Métivier Laurent , Panet Isabelle , Genthon Pierre , de Linage Caroline , Wöppelmann Guy
Published: April 2012

Three‐dimensional ground deformation measured with permanent GPS stations in West Africa was used for investigating the hydrological loading deformation associated with Monsoon precipitation. The GPS data were processed within a global network for the 2003–2008 period. Weekly station positions were retrieved with a repeatability (including unmodeled loading effects) of 1–2 mm in the horizontal components and between 2.5 and 6 mm in the vertical component. The annual signal in the vertical component for sites located between 9.6°N and 16.7°N is in the range 10–15 mm. It is consistent at the 3 mm‐level with the annual regional‐scale loading deformations estimated from GRACE satellite products and modeled with a combination of hydrological, atmospheric, and nontidal oceanic models. An additional 6 month transient signal was detected in the vertical component of GPS estimates at most of the West African sites. It takes the form of an oscillation occurring between September and March, and reaching a maximum amplitude of 12–16 mm at Ouagadougou (12.5°N). The analysis of in situ hydro‐geological data revealed a strong coincidence between this transient signal and peak river discharge at three sites located along the Niger River (Timbuktu, Gao, and Niamey). At Ouagadougou, a similar coincidence was found with the seasonal variations of the water table depth. We propose a mechanism to account for this signal that involves a sequence of swelling/shrinking of clays combined with local loading effects associated with flooding of the Niger River.
Kinematic evolution of Andean fold‐thrust structures along the boundary between the Eastern Cordillera and Middle Magdalena Valley basin, Colombia
Authors: Sánchez Javier , Horton Brian K. , Tesón Eliseo , Mora Andrés , Ketcham Richard A. , Stockli Daniel F.
Published: April 2012

Surface and subsurface data support a kinematic reconstruction of Cenozoic fold‐thrust deformation along the Eastern Cordillera‐Magdalena Valley transition in Colombia. The La Salina fault (LSF) marks the boundary between west‐vergent Eastern Cordillera structures and hinterland deposits of the Middle Magdalena Valley basin. Apatite fission track and (U‐Th)/He thermochronological results for the west‐directed LSF reveal initial hanging wall exhumation during middle Eocene–early Oligocene (45–30 Ma) shortening, renewed exhumation in the early middle Miocene (18–12 Ma), and accelerated late Miocene‐Pliocene (12–3 Ma) exhumation. Vitrinite reflectance data suggest maximum burial of 4–6 km, helping constrain Cenozoic basin architecture. Mapping of the LSF reveals hanging wall Cretaceous–Eocene rocks in a broad anticline‐syncline pair with limited faulting and footwall Eocene–Quaternary basin fill in a complex series of tight thrust‐related folds. Limited displacement along the westernmost (frontal) thrust suggests that shortening is largely accommodated by east‐directed thrusting within a broader triangle zone of a passive‐roof duplex (and probable minor strike‐slip deformation). In the preferred kinematic restoration, the most recent phase of shortening to transpressional deformation represents out‐of‐sequence reactivation of the LSF consistent with irregular crosscutting relationships among footwall structures. Earliest exhumation by 45–30 Ma in the Eastern Cordillera fold‐thrust belt is correlated with increased sedimentary lithic fragments and high compositional maturity in sandstones of the adjacent Magdalena Valley basin. Exhumation since ∼15 Ma coincided with decreased compositional maturity and elevated accumulation rates for the Real Group. The compositional provenance shifts are attributed to westward advance of fold‐thrust deformation into the proximal (eastern) segments of the Magdalena Valley basin.
Reference evapotranspiration change and the causes across the Yellow River Basin during 1957–2008 and their spatial and seasonal differences
Authors: Wang Weiguang , Shao Quanxi , Peng Shizhang , Xing Wanqiu , Yang Tao , Luo Yufeng , Yong Bin , Xu Junzeng
Published: April 2012

As an indicator of atmospheric evaporating capability over a hypothetical reference surface, reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is the most important hydrological and meteorological variable to reflect climate change. This is particularly true for the Yellow River Basin, which faces serious water shortages and is vulnerable to climate change. In this study, the ET0 at 80 sites during 1957–2008 in the Yellow River Basin was calculated using the Penman‐Monteith method with the calibrated Angstrom coefficients. Spatial and seasonal patterns of changes in ET0 as well as the concerned climatic variables are specially focused on using advanced statistical tests and GIS method. The entire Yellow River Basin is characterized by complicated spatial variability in the change of ET0. Significant negative trends are mainly distributed in the southeast corner, northern side, and midwest of the Yellow River Basin, while significant increases of ET0 mainly occur in the middle part and southwest corner of the basin. Still, no coherent spatial patterns in ET0 trends are seen in any season. The dominance of warming trends in temperature and decreasing trends in wind speed and sunshine duration can be found in the basin. Relative humidity presents insignificant or weak trends at many sites but with a mixed spatial structure of positive and negative trends at both annual and seasonal scales. The combined effects of climatic variables to ET0 changes and their spatial and seasonal variability are revealed by further analysis of sensitivity of ET0 to climatic variables and the contribution of climatic variables to ET0 changes over six homogenous regions identified by a rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) clustering method on annual and seasonal scales. The decline of surface wind speed offsets the increasing effect of the temperature increase and is mainly responsible for the ET0 reduction in the west and north of the Loess Plateau. The reduced sunshine duration is the leading factor for ET0 decrease in the middle‐lower Yellow River Plain, especially during the summer time. The increasing mean temperature plays the most important role in the ET0 increase in the source area of the Yellow River Basin. Furthermore, regional actual evapotranspiration and ET0 present complementary behavior, but does not accurately fall in the 1:1 complementary relationship of the Bouchet's hypothesis, especially for the high elevation subregions. In addition, although precipitation changes are the main driving factors for drought variation, increasing ET0 intensified the drought in middle regions.
Accent Modification for Speakers With Indian Accents: Speech Characteristics and an Assessment Framework
Authors: Shah Amee P.
Published: April 2012

In this paper, I present accent-related variations unique to Asian-Indian speakers of English in the United States and identify specific speech and language features that contribute to an “Indian accent.” I present a model to answer some key questions related to assessment of Indian accents and help set a strong foundation for accent modification services.
Linguistic and Sociocultural Diversity Among South Asians
Authors: Faroqi-Shah Yasmeen
Published: April 2012

The aim of this paper is to provide information about the ethnocultural and linguistic characteristics of South Asians, because South Asians are one of the most rapidly growing groups in North America. This paper overviews demographic and immigration history and describes sociocultural characteristics and major languages used by speakers of South Asian origin, including dialectal differences in English. I emphasize that, although there are overarching sociocultural similarities among South Asians in terms of family structure and values, there is also considerable heterogeneity depending on specific subgroups, time since migration, and extent of acculturation. Finally, I present guidelines for clinicians who may make service delivery decisions about their South Asian clients.
Xerostomia
Authors: Lundy Donna , Sullivan Paula
Published: April 2012

Xerostomia, dry mouth, is a common and chronic problem that not only impacts a patient's comfort but can adversely affect swallowing and vocal abilities. There are many potential etiologies for dry mouth, ranging from the most common, side effects of other medications, to side effects from treatments like radiation for other disorders, to symptoms of other autoimmune disorders like Sjogren's disease. This article will highlight evaluation methods for xerostomia along with potential treatments.
Multidisciplinary Care of the Head and Neck Cancer Patient
Authors: Messing Barbara P. , Ryniak Keri , Shellenberger Jaclyn , Hieber Bethany , Ulmer Karen , Gold Dorothy , Harrer Karen , Kim Melissa , Valasek Lisa , Silinonte Jessica
Published: April 2012

When a patient is diagnosed with head and neck cancer, there is a tremendous physical, social, and emotional burden placed on the patient and his or her family. The complex nature of the diagnostic and treatment-planning process, along with the intensity of this life-altering event, requires an integrated, multidisciplinary team approach. Clinicians representing the disciplines of surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, speech-language pathology, nursing, nutrition, social work, and other health professionals must work together to meet the entire spectrum of the patient's needs before, during, and after treatment. The purpose of this article is to share the integrated approach that enables the oncology team of professionals at our center to address the needs of our patients. We will present a clinical pathway that focuses on medical, functional, psychosocial, and nutritional requirements that ensure optimal outcomes.
Seeking to Better Understand Factors That Influence Postlaryngectomy Speech Rehabilitation
Authors: Doyle Philip C.
Published: April 2012

In this article, we seek to re-examine traditional treatment outcomes related to communicative success after total laryngectomy. Specifically, the three most common alaryngeal speech methods are presented in relation to typical speech intelligibility outcomes. Factors that interact with intelligibility highlight how formal measures of intelligibility are necessary, but insufficient, for determining communicative success. A multidimensional context in which the communicative dyad is presented as an additional factor must be considered. In this paper, we outline several clinical examples that highlight the importance of this factor and its implications for rehabilitation.
The Speech-Language Pathologist's Role in Screening for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Hapner Edie R.
Published: April 2012

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)'s Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA, 2004) and Prevention of Communication Disorders (ASHA, 1988) advise speech-language pathologists to engage in activities to educate and prevent diseases and disorders that affect speech and swallowing. However, many speech-language pathologists may be unfamiliar with the use of head and neck cancer screening that can be easily integrated into oral mechanism examinations and perceptual voice evaluations. This paper reviews the problem created by the lack of knowledge and reduced risk perception by the general public and healthcare professionals regarding signs, symptoms, and risks for head and neck cancer. A simple six-step screening tool is included to aid the reader in integrating head and neck cancer screenings into a general oral mechanism and speech/voice evaluation.
Reconciling lattice and continuum models for polymers at interfaces
Authors: Fleer G. J. , Skvortsov A. M.
Published: April 2012

It is well known that lattice and continuum descriptions for polymers at interfaces are, in principle, equivalent. In order to compare the two models quantitatively, one needs a relation between the inverse extrapolation length c as used in continuum theories and the lattice adsorption parameter Δχs (defined with respect to the critical point). So far, this has been done only for ideal chains with zero segment volume in extremely dilute solutions. The relation Δχs(c) is obtained by matching the boundary conditions in the two models. For depletion (positive c and Δχs) the result is very simple: Δχs = ln(1 + c/5). For adsorption (negative c and Δχs) the ideal-chain treatment leads to an unrealistic divergence for strong adsorption: c decreases without bounds and the train volume fraction exceeds unity. This due to the fact that for ideal chains the volume filling cannot be accounted for. We extend the treatment to real chains with finite segment volume at finite concentrations, for both good and theta solvents. For depletion the volume filling is not important and the ideal-chain result Δχs = ln(1 + c/5) is generally valid also for non-ideal chains, at any concentration, chain length, or solvency. Depletion profiles can be accurately described in terms of two length scales: ρ = tanh2[(z + p)/δ], where the depletion thickness (distal length) δ is a known function of chain length and polymer concentration, and the proximal length p is a known function of c (or Δχs) and δ. For strong repulsion p = 1/c (then the proximal length equals the extrapolation length), for weaker repulsion p depends also on chain length and polymer concentration (then p is smaller than 1/c). In very dilute solutions we find quantitative agreement with previous analytical results for ideal chains, for any chain length, down to oligomers. In more concentrated solutions there is excellent agreement with numerical self-consistent depletion profiles, for both weak and strong repulsion, for any chain length, and for any solvency. For adsorption the volume filling dominates. As a result c now reaches a lower limit c ≈ −0.5 (depending slightly on solvency). This limit follows immediately from the condition of a fully occupied train layer. Comparison with numerical SCF calculations corroborates that our analytical result is a good approximation. We suggest some simple methods to determine the interaction parameter (either c or Δχs) from experiments. The relation Δχs(c) provides a quantitative connection between continuum and lattice theories, and enables the use of analytical continuum results to describe the adsorption (and stretching) of lattice chains of any chain length. For example, a fully analytical treatment of mechanical desorption of a polymer chain (including the temperature dependence and the phase transitions) is now feasible.
A polar-drive–ignition design for the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Collins T. J. B. , Marozas J. A. , Anderson K. S. , Betti R. , Craxton R. S. , Delettrez J. A. , Goncharov V. N. , Harding D. R. , Marshall F. J. , McCrory R. L. , Meyerhofer D. D. , McKenty P. W. , Radha P. B. , Shvydky A. , Skupsky S. , Zuegel J. D.
Published: April 2012

Polar drive [Skupsky et al., Phys. Plasmas 11, 2763 (2004)] will enable direct-drive experiments to be conducted on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) [Miller et al., Opt. Eng. 43, 2841 (2004)], while the facility is configured for x-ray drive. A polar-drive ignition design for the NIF has been developed that achieves a gain of 32 in two-dimensional (2-D) simulations, which include single- and multiple-beam nonuniformities and ice and outer-surface roughness. This design requires both single-beam UV polarization smoothing and one-dimensional (1-D) multi-frequency modulator (MFM) single-beam smoothing to achieve the required laser uniformity. The multi-FM smoothing is employed only during the low-intensity portion of the laser pulse, allowing for the use of sufficient smoothing-by-spectral-dispersion bandwidth while maintaining safe laser operations during the high-intensity part of the pulse. This target is robust to all expected sources of perturbations.
Laser plasma accelerators
Authors: Malka V.
Published: April 2012

This review article highlights the tremendous evolution of the research on laser plasma accelerators which has, in record time, led to the production of high quality electron beams at the GeV level, using compact laser systems. I will describe the path we followed to explore different injection schemes and I will present the most significant breakthrough which allowed us to generate stable, high peak current and high quality electron beams, with control of the charge, of the relative energy spread and of the electron energy.
A tapered parallel plate waveguide for frequency up-conversion of terahertz radiation
Authors: Nishida A. , Kashiwazaki H. , Yoshida S. , Higashiguchi T. , Yugami N. , Kodama R.
Published: April 2012

A tapered parallel plate waveguide was developed for frequency up-conversion experiments in the terahertz (THz) region by flash ionization. The element at the plasma-source-wave interaction area determines the conversion efficiency. It causes THz pulses to converge to a narrow plate separation, which is smaller than the wavelength. The waveguide exhibited good performance for transmitting p-polarized THz pulses in a 50 μm separation, making it suitable for flash ionization experiments.
Proposal for tunnel-field-effect-transistor as ultra-sensitive and label-free biosensors
Authors: Sarkar Deblina , Banerjee Kaustav
Published: April 2012

Tunnel field-effect-transistor (TFET) based biosensor is proposed, and it is shown that they can surpass by several orders, the performance of those based on conventional FET (CFET) and hence, can potentially revolutionize the biosensing applications. Analytical formula is derived for the sensitivity and response time to provide physical insights in terms of material bandgap and operation regime of the TFET biosensor for achieving optimal results. At the same time, rigorous numerical simulations have been performed in order to obtain accurate values of sensitivity for both biomolecule and pH sensing operations. The time dependent response of the biosensors has also been discussed through analytical and numerical solutions. It is shown that while the CFET biosensors suffer from fundamental limitations on the maximum sensitivity and minimum detection time achievable, TFET biosensors, with their fundamentally different current injection mechanism in the form of band-to-band tunneling, can overcome such limitations and lead to over four orders of magnitude higher sensitivity and over an order of magnitude lower response time.
Thermal behavior of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-3-phosphoglycerocholine bi- and multi-layers, deposited with physical vapor deposition under ellipsometric growth control
Authors: H. Carmen González , Volkmann Ulrich G. , Retamal Maria J. , Cisternas Marcelo , Sarabia Mauricio A. , López Karina A.
Published: April 2012

1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-3-phosphoglycerocholine membranes were deposited onto a silicon substrate (Si/SiO2) using physical vapor deposition with in situ ellipsometric thickness control. Along several heating cycles it was possible to identify well-defined boundaries for gel, ripple, liquid crystalline, and fluid-disordered phases. Particularly, the second order transition between gel and ripple phase was clearly identified in the range of ∼28-34 °C using Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy and imaging ellipsometry (IE) were used to observe and characterize the ripple phase undulations of period λ = 20.8 nm and average height h = 19.95 nm along the temperature interval of ∼34 to 40 °C. Clusters/agglomerations heights of more than twice the membrane thickness were observed with IE, induced by heating cycles.
Theoretical and numerical studies of wave-packet propagation in tokamak plasmas
Authors: Lu Z. X. , Zonca F. , Cardinali A.
Published: April 2012

Theoretical and numerical studies of wave-packet propagation are presented to analyze the time varying 2D mode structures of electrostatic fluctuations in tokamak plasmas, using general flux coordinates. Instead of solving the 2D wave equations directly, the solution of the initial value problem is used to obtain the 2D mode structure, following the propagation of wave-packets generated by a source and reconstructing the time varying field. As application, the 2D WKB method is applied to investigate the shaping effects (elongation and triangularity) of tokamak geometry on the lower hybrid wave propagation and absorption. Meanwhile, the mode structure decomposition (MSD) method is used to handle the boundary conditions and simplify the 2D problem to two nested 1D problems. The MSD method is related to that discussed earlier by Zonca and Chen [Phys. Fluids B 5, 3668 (1993)] and reduces to the well-known “ballooning formalism” [J. W. Connor et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 40, 396 (1978)], when spatial scale separation applies. This method is used to investigate the time varying 2D electrostatic ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode structure with a mixed WKB-full-wave technique. The time varying field pattern is reconstructed, and the time asymptotic structure of the wave-packet propagation gives the 2D eigenmode and the corresponding eigenvalue. As a general approach to investigate 2D mode structures in tokamak plasmas, our method also applies for electromagnetic waves with general source/sink terms either by an internal/external antenna or a nonlinear wave interaction with zonal structures.
Upgrading the sensitivity of spectroscopy gas analysis with application of supersonic molecular beams
Authors: Vaks V. , Domracheva E. , Sobakinskaya E. , Chernyaeva M.
Published: April 2012

We propose an approach to increase a sensitivity of microwave and THz spectroscopy, that involves application of supersonic molecular beams. The key advantage offered by such an approach is that a gas temperature can be decreased along with an increase in the gas density, which results in a much greater number of molecules interacting with radiation and, hence, in a higher absorption coefficient. This effect has been demonstrated experimentally on supersonic CO and NO beams, using a phase manipulation microwave spectrometer. The absorption coefficient was found to be three orders of magnitude higher than the value of gas absorption coefficient in a standard 1-m long cell at room temperature.
Implementation of high-resolution time-to-digital converter in 8-bit microcontrollers
Authors: Bengtsson Lars E.
Published: April 2012

This paper will demonstrate how a time-to-digital converter (TDC) with sub-nanosecond resolution can be implemented into an 8-bit microcontroller using so called “direct” methods. This means that a TDC is created using only five bidirectional digital input–output-pins of a microcontroller and a few passive components (two resistors, a capacitor, and a diode). We will demonstrate how a TDC for the range 1–10 μs is implemented with 0.17 ns resolution. This work will also show how to linearize the output by combining look-up tables and interpolation.
Effect of charge asymmetry and charge screening on structure of superlattices formed by oppositely charged colloidal particles
Authors: Pavaskar Ganeshprasad , Sharma Siddharth , Punnathanam Sudeep N.
Published: April 2012

Colloidal suspensions made up of oppositely charged particles have been shown to self-assemble into substitutionally ordered superlattices. For a given colloidal suspension, the structure of the superlattice formed from self-assembly depends on its composition, charges on the particles, and charge screening. In this study we have computed the pressure-composition phase diagrams of colloidal suspensions made up of binary mixtures of equal sized and oppositely charged particles interacting via hard core Yukawa potential for varying values of charge screening and charge asymmetry. The systems are studied under conditions where the thermal energy is equal or greater in magnitude to the contact energy of the particles and the Debye screening length is smaller than the size of the particles. Our studies show that charge asymmetry has a significant effect on the ability of colloidal suspensions to form substitutionally ordered superlattices. Slight deviations of the charges from the stoichiometric ratio are found to drastically reduce the thermodynamic stability of substitutionally ordered superlattices. These studies also show that for equal-sized particles, there is an optimum amount of charge screening that favors the formation of substitutionally ordered superlattices.
A low phase noise microwave source for atomic spin squeezing experiments in 87Rb
Authors: Chen Zilong , Bohnet Justin G. , Weiner Joshua M. , Thompson James K.
Published: April 2012

We describe and characterize a simple, low cost, low phase noise microwave source that operates near 6.800 GHz for agile, coherent manipulation of ensembles of 87Rb. Low phase noise is achieved by directly multiplying a low phase noise 100 MHz crystal to 6.8 GHz using a nonlinear transmission line and filtering the output with custom band-pass filters. The fixed frequency signal is single sideband modulated with a direct digital synthesis frequency source to provide the desired phase, amplitude, and frequency control. Before modulation, the source has a single sideband phase noise near −140 dBc/Hz in the range of 10 kHz–1 MHz offset from the carrier frequency and −130 dBc/Hz after modulation. The resulting source is estimated to contribute added spin-noise variance 16 dB below the quantum projection noise level during quantum nondemolition measurements of the clock transition in an ensemble 7 × 105 87Rb atoms.
Stark spectrum simulation for X2Y4 molecules: Application to the ν12 band of ethylene in a high-silica zeolite
Authors: Sanzharov Maxim , Rotger Maud , Loëte Michel , Boudon Vincent , Zvereva-Loëte Natalia , Ballandras Anthony , Weber Guy
Published: April 2012

The influence of an electric field of silicalite-1-zeolite on the FTIR vibrational absorption spectrum of ethylene has been simulated and compared to experimental spectra. The presence of silicalite-1 produces a global shift and a change of the structure of vibrational bands. To explain the global shift of the ν12 band (CH2 scissor mode) and therefore to estimate an effective average field produced by silicalite-1, Stark calculations were performed. These calculations were based on a tensorial formalism implemented in the D2hTDS-ST package [M. Sanzharov, M. Rotger, C. Wenger, M. Loëte, V. Boudon, and A. Rouzée, J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transf. 112, 41 (2011)]10.1016/j.jqsrt.2010.08.023. The value of the field obtained using tensorial formalism (8–11 GV/m) is compared with values obtained using ab initio calculations. A theory of the molecular alignment in the electric field using tensorial formalism is also developed to model the interaction of ethylene in contact with a zeolite environment.
Electrostatic force between two conducting spheres at constant potential difference
Authors: Lekner John
Published: April 2012

Simple analytic results are given for the electrostatic force between two conducting spheres held at a fixed potential difference, in the important case of close approach. The force between the spheres varies inversely with the separation in this limit, due to logarithmic terms in the energy. At large separations the force varies as the inverse square of the distance, as expected. It is attractive at all ranges.
Effect of monensin inclusion in supplements for cattle consuming low quality tropical forage
Authors: McLennan S. R. , Callaghan M. J. , Swain A. J. , Kidd J. F.
Published: April 2012

A pen feeding study was carried out over 70 days to determine the effects of monensin (M) inclusion in two commercial supplements designed to provide different planes of nutrition to recently weaned steers. Thirty Bos indicus crossbred steers (191.4 ± s.d. 7.1 kg) were individually fed a low quality pangola grass hay (57 g crude protein/kg DM; 497 g/kg DM digestibility) ad libitum (Control) with either a urea/molasses-based supplement of Rumevite Maxi-graze 60 Block (B), fed at 100 g/day, or grain-based Rumevite Weaner Pellets (WP), fed at 7.5 g/kg liveweight (W).day, both with and without M, viz. B, B+M, WP and WP+M, respectively. There were no significant interactions between supplement type and M inclusion for any measurement. Growth rates (main effects) averaged 0.17, 0.35 and 0.58 kg/day for the Control, B and WP supplements, respectively, with all means different (P < 0.05), while the response (P < 0.05) to M across supplement type was 0.11 kg/day. Hay DM intake was similar for the Control and B treatments (18.6 and 19.6 g/kg W.day) but was reduced (P < 0.05) with the WP supplement (16.8 g/kg W.day) while corresponding total DM intakes increased from 18.6 to 20.0 to 23.5 g/kg W.day (all differences P < 0.05), respectively. Monensin inclusion in the supplements did not affect supplement, hay or total DM intake. Inclusion of M in supplements for grazing weaners in northern Australia may increase survival rates although the effect of M with cattle at liveweight maintenance or below requires further investigation.
Applying home-range and landscape-use data to design effective feral-cat control programs
Authors: Bengsen Andrew J. , Butler John A. , Masters Pip
Published: April 2012

Context Effective feral-cat (Felis silvestris catus) management requires a sound understanding of the ways cats use their environment. Key characteristics of landscape use by cats vary widely among different regions and different conditions. Aims The present study aimed to describe the most important characteristics of landscape use by feral cats on a large, human-populated island, and to use this information to guide the development of feral-cat management programs. Methods We used GPS tracking collars to record the movements of 13 feral cats at two sites on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, for between 20 and 106 days. We described home-range extents by using local convex hulls, and derived management suggestions from examination of home-range and movement data. Key results Median feral-cat home range was 5.11 km2, and this did not differ between sexes or sites. Cats at a fragmented pastoral site tended to favour woody vegetation over open paddocks, but habitat preferences were less clear at a bushland site. Cats that preferentially used treelines at the pastoral site were almost twice as likely to be recorded close to a tree-line junction as expected. Conclusions Control programs for feral cats on Kangaroo Island should deploy control devices at a density no less than 1.7 devices km–2. Spatial coverage should be as large as practicable or repeated frequently. Infrequent programs covering small areas can be expected only to provide short-term reductions in cat abundance. Implications The information gained from the present study will contribute to the development of strategic sustained management plans for feral cats on Kangaroo Island. The principles from which we inferred management guidelines are applicable to other regions and species.
In situ droplet surface tension and viscosity measurements in gas metal arc welding
Authors: Bachmann B , Siewert E , Schein J
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we present an adaptation of a drop oscillation technique that enables in situ measurements of thermophysical properties of an industrial pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process. Surface tension, viscosity, density and temperature were derived expanding the portfolio of existing methods and previously published measurements of surface tension in pulsed GMAW. Natural oscillations of pure liquid iron droplets are recorded during the material transfer with a high-speed camera. Frame rates up to 30 000 fps were utilized to visualize iron droplet oscillations which were in the low kHz range. Image processing algorithms were employed for edge contour extraction of the droplets and to derive parameters such as oscillation frequencies and damping rates along different dimensions of the droplet. Accurate surface tension measurements were achieved incorporating the effect of temperature on density. These are compared with a second method that has been developed to accurately determine the mass of droplets produced during the GMAW process which enables precise surface tension measurements with accuracies up to 1% and permits the study of thermophysical properties also for metals whose density highly depends on temperature. Thermophysical properties of pure liquid iron droplets formed by a wire with 1.2 mm diameter were investigated in a pulsed GMAW process with a base current of 100 A and a pulse current of 600 A. Surface tension and viscosity of a sample droplet were 1.83 ± 0.02 N m−1 and 2.9 ± 0.3 mPa s, respectively. The corresponding droplet temperature and density are 2040 ± 50 K and 6830 ± 50 kg m−3, respectively.
Impairment of activities of daily living and incident heart failure in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Bowling C. Barrett , Fonarow Gregg C. , Patel Kanan , Zhang Yan , Feller Margaret A. , Sui Xuemei , Blair Steven N. , Alagiakrishnan Kannayiram , Aban Inmaculada B. , Love Thomas E. , Allman Richard M. , Ahmed Ali
Published: April 2012

Aims

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks that are necessary for independent community living. These tasks often require intact physical and cognitive function, the impairment of which may adversely affect health in older adults. In the current study, we examined the association between IADL impairment and incident heart failure (HF) in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods and results

Of the 5795 community‐dwelling adults, aged ≥65 years, in the Cardiovascular Health Study, 5511 had data on baseline IADL and were free of prevalent HF. Of these, 1333 (24%) had baseline IADL impairment, defined as self‐reported difficulty with one or more of the following tasks: using the telephone, preparing food, performing light and heavy housework, managing finances, and shopping. Propensity scores for IADL impairment, estimated for each of the 5511 participants, were used to assemble a cohort of 1038 pairs of participants with and without IADL impairment who were balanced on 42 baseline characteristics. Centrally adjudicated incident HF occurred in 26% and 21% of matched participants with and without IADL impairment, respectively, during >12 years of follow‐up [matched hazard ratio (HR) 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.59; P = 0.002]. Unadjusted and multivariable‐adjusted HRs for incident HF before matching were 1.77 (95% CI 1.56–2.01; P < 0.001) and 1.33 (95% CI 1.15–1.54; P < 0.001), respectively. IADL impairment was also associated with all‐cause mortality (matched HR 1.19; 95% CI 1.06–1.34; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Among community‐dwelling older adults free of baseline HF, IADL impairment is a strong and independent predictor of incident HF and mortality.
Naturally occurring substitutions of conserved residues in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 variants of different clades are involved in PG9 and PG16 resistance to neutralization
Authors: Thenin Suzie , Roch Emmanuelle , Samleerat Tanawan , Moreau Thierry , Chaillon Antoine , Moreau Alain , Barin Francis , Braibant Martine
Published: April 2012

The recently described anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) human mAb PG9 and PG16 are cross-clade broadly neutralizing. Therefore, it can be postulated that the targeted epitope(s) are highly conserved among variants of the entire group M. We analysed the sensitivity to PG9 and PG16 of pseudotyped viruses carrying envelope glycoproteins from the viral quasispecies of three HIV-1 clade CRF01_AE-infected patients. The broad heterogeneity in sensitivity to PG9 and PG16, despite closely genetically related envelope glycoproteins issued from single individuals, allowed us to identify two gp120 cross-clade conserved residues, a lysine at position 168 in the V2 loop and an isoleucine at position 215 in the C2 region, whose substitutions were associated with resistance to PG9 and PG16. By site-directed mutagenesis, we confirmed both in clades B and CRF01_AE that the substitutions K168E and I215M have a major impact on PG9 and PG16 neutralization sensitivity of pseudotyped viruses.
National Level, City Level Auditor Industry Specialization and Analyst Forecast Properties
Authors: Xie Yuan , Zhang Yinqi , Zhou Jian
Published: April 2012

We examine the relation between Big N industry specialist auditors and analyst forecast properties using a national and city level industry specialist framework. Consistent with the assumption that audit quality is positively related to financial reporting quality and predictability of accounting earnings, our results show that firms audited by joint city and national leaders have more accurate analyst forecasts. We also find that firms audited by city level industry leaders, either alone or jointly with national leaders, have lower analyst forecast dispersion. In addition, our results are more pronounced for small firms that suffer from higher information asymmetry. Finally, we find some evidence that firms that switch their auditors to joint or city industry specialist auditors experience a decrease in forecast error. However, we do not find that firms that switch their auditors away from industry specialist auditors experience an increase in forecast error, neither do we find that auditor switch between industry specialist auditors and non‐specialists affects forecast dispersion.
Internal Audit Attributes and External Audit's Reliance on Internal Audit: Implications for Audit Fees
Authors: Mohamed Zulkifflee , Mat Zain Mazlina , Subramaniam Nava , Wan Yusoff Wan Fadzilah
Published: April 2012

This study aims to examine two aspects of internal audit quality, namely internal audit competency and internal audit contribution to financial statement audits. Consistent with the substitution view, this study predicts a negative relationship between the competency aspects of internal audit (the tenure of the existence of internal audit in the organization, internal audit staff expertise in IT and computer skills, training hours, internal audit staff professional certifications in accounting and auditing, and internal audit staff experience in auditing) and audit fees. Second, this study tests whether the contribution of internal auditors to financial statement audit reduces audit fees. The data analysis is based on a cross‐sectional regression model with observations of 73 public‐listed firms in Malaysia, which include publicly available data matched with survey responses from their internal and external auditors. The results of the study suggest that the competency of internal audit, namely the tenure of the existence of internal audit in the organization, training, internal audit staff prior experience in auditing and accounting, and certifications are associated with lower audit fees. Our findings for both aspects of internal audit quality (competency and internal audit contribution) lend support to the substitution view for explaining the links between internal audit quality and audit fees.
Coexpression of CCR6 and CD146 (MCAM) is a marker of effector memory T‐helper 17 cells
Authors: KAMIYAMA Taisuke , WATANABE Hideaki , IIJIMA Masafumi , MIYAZAKI Akira , IWAMOTO Sanju
Published: April 2012

Effector memory T (TEM) cells are a subpopulation of memory T cells that express receptors mediating migration to inflamed tissues and produce various cytokines. Effector memory T‐helper (Th)17 (Th17EM) cells are thought to be essential for inflammation in Th17‐mediated diseases, but have not been studied in detail. To identify superior surface markers to isolate a homogeneous population of Th17EM cells from peripheral blood, CD4+ T cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors based on the expression of CCR7, CCR6 and CD146 using six‐color flow cytometry. After 4 days of culture in the presence of anti‐CD3/28 beads, intracellular cytokines were determined by flow cytometric analysis. To investigate the relevance of Th17EM cells in Th17‐mediated disease, the frequencies of TEM‐cell subsets in psoriasis were quantified using six‐color flow cytometry. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to confirm the interleukin (IL)‐17‐producing capacity of TEM‐cell subsets from the peripheral blood of a patient with psoriasis. CCR6+CD146+ TEM (CD4+CD45RA−CCR7−) cells had a greater capacity to produce IL‐17 than CCR6+CD146− or CCR6−CD146+ TEM cells. Although the percentage of CCR6+CD146+ cells in TEM cells was not significantly different between patients with psoriasis and controls, three of eight patients had a higher percentage of CCR6+CD146+ TEM cells than the mean +5 standard deviations of the controls. Coexpression of CCR6 and CD146 is a useful marker for Th17EM cells. Increasing the number of CCR6+CD146+ Th17EM cells in peripheral blood may facilitate estimation of systemic Th17‐cell activity in Th17‐mediated diseases.
Reference ranges for thromboelastography (TEG®) and traditional coagulation tests in term parturients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia*
Authors: Macafee B. , Campbell J. P. , Ashpole K. , Cox M. , Matthey F. , Acton L. , Yentis S. M.
Published: April 2012

There has been little published work defining ‘normal’ thromboelastography (TEG®) values in healthy parturients, and few large studies defining reference ranges for traditional coagulation tests in this patient group. Our aim was to establish peri‐operative reference ranges for TEG and for standard laboratory coagulation tests in our pregnant population. Fifty healthy term parturients presenting for elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia had blood samples taken pre‐operatively, on arrival in the recovery room and, in a subset of 33 women, 4 h after routine thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin 40 mg. All three samples had TEG analysis, the first and second having standard laboratory coagulation tests in addition. Reference ranges for our pregnant population were established, demonstrating a hypercoagulable state in term parturients and a significant effect of enoxaparin. The standard coagulation reference ranges were within 98% of the local non‐pregnant ranges. These reference ranges provide a useful comparator for peri‐operative TEG and routine coagulation analysis in term parturients.
Population pharmacokinetics of clindamycin orally and intravenously administered in patients with osteomyelitis
Authors: Bouazza Naïm , Pestre Vincent , Jullien Vincent , Curis Emmanuel , Urien Saïk , Salmon Dominique , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc
Published: April 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Clindamycin pharmacokinetics have been studied in adult patients. Rifampicin co‐administration could decrease clindamycin exposure.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This clindamycin population analysis in patients with osteomyelitis provides useful insight into the fate of this drug and shows that clindamycin clearance increases with body weight. Moreover, this study shows a potential effect of combined rifampicin on clindamycin clearance and addresses sub‐therapeutic clindamycin concentrations in heavier patients.

AIMS This study was performed to describe clindamycin, administered either orally or intravenously, concentration−time courses to patients with osteomyelitis, to study the effects of different covariates on clindamycin pharmacokinetics and to simulate an optimized administration scheme.

METHODS Clindamycin concentrations were measured in 50 patients. A total of 122 plasma concentrations were available (58 from oral administration and 64 from i.v. infusion). A population pharmacokinetic model was developed with MONOLIX 4 software.

RESULTS A one compartment model adequately described the data. Clindamycin clearance increased significantly with body weight (BW). The typical population estimates (interindividual variability) for clearance, volume of distribution and absorption rate constant were 16.2 l h−1 (0.39), 70.2 l and 0.92 h−1, respectively. The bioavailability of the oral form was estimated to be 87.6%. According to BW, theoretical doses needed to reach a Cmin of 2 mg l−1 were then calculated.

CONCLUSIONS The current recommendation of 600 mg three times daily seems to be effective up to 75 kg but the dose should be raised to 900 mg three times daily thereafter. These assumptions should be prospectively confirmed.
Modelling soil organic carbon concentration of mineral soils in arable land using legacy soil data
Authors: Suuster E. , Ritz C. , Roostalu H. , Kõlli R. , Astover A.
Published: April 2012

Soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration is an essential factor in biomass production and soil functioning. SOC concentration values are often obtained by prediction but the prediction accuracy depends much on the method used. Currently, there is a lack of evidence in the soil science literature as to the advantages and shortcomings of the different commonly used prediction methods. Therefore, we compared and evaluated the merits of the median approach, analysis of covariance, mixed models and random forests in the context of prediction of SOC concentrations of mineral soils under arable management in the A‐horizon. Three soil properties were used in all of the developed models: soil type, physical clay content (particle size <0.01 mm) and A‐horizon thickness. We found that the mixed model predicted SOC concentrations with the smallest mean squared error (0.05%2), suggesting that a mixed‐model approach is appropriate if the study design has a hierarchical structure as in our scenario. We used the Estonian National Soil Monitoring data on arable lands to predict SOC concentrations of mineral soils. Subsequently, the model with the best prediction accuracy was applied to the Estonian digital soil map for the case study area of Tartu County where the SOC predictions ranged from 0.6 to 4.8%. Our study indicates that predictions using legacy soil maps can be used in national inventories and for up‐scaling estimates of carbon concentrations from county to country scales.
Dendritic cell‐based immunity and vaccination against hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Zhou Yun , Zhang Ying , Yao Zhiqiang , Moorman Jonathan Patrick , Jia Zhansheng
Published: April 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has chronically infected an estimated 170 million people worldwide. There are many impediments to the development of an effective vaccine for HCV infection. Dendritic cells (DC) remain the most important antigen‐presenting cells for host immune responses, and are capable of either inducing productive immunity or maintaining the state of tolerance to self and non‐self antigens. Researchers have recently explored the mechanisms by which DC function is regulated during HCV infection, leading to impaired antiviral T‐cell responses and so to persistent viral infection. Recently, DC‐based vaccines against HCV have been developed. This review summarizes the current understanding of DC function during HCV infection and explores the prospects of DC‐based HCV vaccine. In particular, it describes the biology of DC, the phenotype of DC in HCV‐infected patients, the effect of HCV on DC development and function, the studies on new DC‐based vaccines against HCV infection, and strategies to improve the efficacy of DC‐based vaccines.