bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault distribution and formation mechanism of a magnetic quiet zone in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Liu H. , Luan X. W. , Guo L. L. , Yue B. J. , Zhang L. , Ran W. M. , Pan J.
Published: July 2016

A magnetic quiet zone (MQZ) is located in the ocean–continent transition zone in the northern South China Sea (SCS), according to ΔT magnetic anomaly data. Features of the gravity and magnetic anomalies in the MQZ are discussed by the multi‐scale wavelet decomposition method. Comprehensive boundary identification and fault analysis by analytic signal and normalized total horizontal derivative methods achieve some good effects in the northern SCS. The inversion results suggest a deep magnetic basement, a shallow Curie isothermal interface and thin magnetic layers. The average depth of the Curie isothermal interface is about 14–28 km in the northern SCS, and the thickness of the magnetic layer is about 6–10 km in the MQZ. The formation mechanism of the MQZ is discussed, and the thinning of the magnetic layer is considered as the origin of the MQZ in the northern SCS. The deep hot mantle materials were upwelled during the extension of the SCS, and the magnetic layer was demagnetized. In addition, the magnetic anomaly caused by thick Mesozoic sediments was very weak, and the NW–SE‐trending faults made the magnetic bodies fragmental. The distribution of major faults is consistent with the fluctuating changes of the Curie isothermal interface, and the faults in the MQZ are the upward intrusion channels of the deep hot materials. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TeamSTEPPS for health care risk managers: Improving teamwork and communication
Authors: Cooke Marcia
Published: July 2016

Background

Ineffective communication among the health care team is a leading cause of errors in the patient care setting. Studies assessing training related to communication and teamwork in the clinical team are prevalent, however, teamwork training at the administrative level is lacking. This includes individuals in leadership positions such as health care risk managers.

Purpose

The purpose was to determine the impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge and attitudes related to communication and teamwork in the health care risk management population.

Methods

The educational intervention was an adaptation of a national teamwork training program and incorporated didactic content as well as video vignettes and small group activities. Measurement of knowledge and attitudes were used to determine the impact of the education program. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed pre‐ and postcourse.

Results

Findings indicate that teamwork education tailored to the needs of the specific audience resulted in knowledge gained and improved attitudes toward the components of teamwork. The attitudes that most significantly improved were related to team structure and situation monitoring. There was no improvement in participants’ attitudes toward leadership, mutual support, and communication.

Conclusion

Team training has been shown to improve safety culture, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. Including risk managers in training on teamwork, communication, and collaboration can serve to foster a common language among clinicians and management. In addition, a measurement related to implementation in the health care setting may yield insight into the impact of training. Qualitative measurement may allow the researcher to delve deeper into how these health care facilities are using team training interventions.
Effects of in vitro fermentation of barley β‐glucan and sugar beet pectin using human fecal inocula on cytokine expression by dendritic cells
Authors: Rösch Christiane , Taverne Nico , Venema Koen , Gruppen Harry , Wells Jerry M. , Schols Henk A.
Published: July 2016

Scope

This study simulates the fermentation process of barley β‐glucan and sugar beet pectin in the human colon and monitors the degradation products formed. Additionally, immune effects of the degradation products were investigated.

Methods and results

Immunostimulatory activity of fermentation digesta was investigated using bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from toll‐like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) knockout mice, which were unresponsive to microbe‐associated molecular patterns. Cytokine responses were elicited to dietary fibers and not to the SCFA and microbiota. The fermentation digesta were analyzed for their SCFA profiles and glycan metabolites over time. During fermentation the amount of insoluble precipitating fibers increased and induced as well as soluble molecules of lower molecular mass greater amounts of cytokines in BMDCs than the parental fiber. Additionally, high amounts of cytokines can be attributed to soluble galactose‐rich beet pectin molecules.

Conclusions

The fermentation of the two fibers led to fiber‐specific amounts of SCFA, glycosidic metabolites, and different immunomodulatory properties. BMDC from TLR2/4 knockout mice did not respond to the digest microbiota and SCFA, making it a useful approach to study temporal effects of fermentation on the immunomodulatory effects of fibers.
Premature physeal closure following 13‐cis‐retinoic acid and prolonged fenretinide administration in neuroblastoma
Authors: Steineck Angela , MacKenzie John D. , Twist Clare J.
Published: July 2016

Retinoid therapy has contributed to improved outcomes in neuroblastoma. Clinical trials of fenretinide report favorable toxicity and disease stabilization in patients with high risk (HR) neuroblastoma. Skeletal effects have been described with other retinoids, but not with fenretinide to date. Two patients with HR, metastatic, refractory neuroblastoma received protracted courses of oral fenretinide for more than 5 years’ duration. Both developed premature long bone physeal closure, causing limb length discrepancies; their neuroblastoma remains in remission. The radiographic and clinical findings reported suggest these skeletal abnormalities may be a consequence of treatment with 13‐cis‐retinoic acid (13cisRA) followed by prolonged oral fenretinide exposure.
Reduced oxygen precipitation in heavily arsenic‐doped Cz‐silicon crystals
Authors: Porrini M. , Haringer S. , Giannattasio A.
Published: July 2016

Oxygen precipitation in heavily arsenic doped Czochralski silicon is investigated for a wide dopant concentration range (from 3 × 1018 cm–3 to 4 × 1019 cm–3) and it is compared with that observed in lightly doped silicon having similar initial oxygen concentration. A lower density of oxide precipitates after an anneal of 4 h at 800 °C followed by 16 h at 1000 °C is measured in the case of arsenic doped samples, in comparison to lightly doped ones, when the dopant concentration exceeds 1.6 × 1019 cm–3. In addition, no radial bands (rings) of precipitation are observed in arsenic‐doped samples, contrary to lightly doped samples grown at the same V/G (ratio between pull rate V and axial thermal gradient G). These findings are explained by considering the role played by vacancies in the formation of oxygen precipitates and the impact of the arsenic concentration on the total concentration of point defects in silicon. Data obtained by computer simulation of microdefect formation in silicon are also presented in support of this explanation. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the use of hopping conduction for the determination of dopant concentration in compensated silicon
Authors: Fauveau Aurélie , Martel Benoit , Veirman Jordi , Dubois Sébastien , Kaminski‐Cachopo Anne , Ducroquet Frédérique
Published: July 2016

This work explores the possibility to use the mechanism of hopping conduction – and particularly the transition temperature between band and hopping conduction – on low temperature resistivity measurements, for the control of dopants densities in p‐type compensated silicon. This work first establishes a parametric study of the hopping conductivity: the impact of the majority dopant density and of the compensation ratio is investigated. In the range of majority dopant concentration studied (5×1016 cm–3–5×1017 cm–3), a linear relation seems to appear between the majority dopant concentration and the transition temperature, and this, apparently whatever the compensation impurity type or the crystalline structure. It was then shown that both minority and majority dopant densities can be estimated from a single resistivity versus temperature curve. To our knowledge, this work presents the first experimental study of the feasibility of using such mechanisms to collect relevant information on the compensated Si composition. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic and conductive shielding for air‐core pulsed alternators in railgun systems
Authors: Tang Lei , Yu Kexun
Published: July 2016

Magnetic and conductive shielding are the alternative choices for air‐core pulsed alternators (air‐core CPAs) in electromagnetic railgun systems. Because of the absence of ferromagnetic materials in the air‐core alternators, the flux density inside can be 3–5 T. Electromagnetic shielding is needed to protect the surrounding electronic devices and humans from exposure to high oscillating magnetic fields. Electromagnetic shielding changes the distribution of the magnetic field and the corresponding winding inductance, as well as the output performance of the powering the railgun. This paper mainly concentrates on a GW‐scale, four‐phase air‐core CPA‐based railgun system. The magnetic and conductive shielding are adopted correspondingly. The effectiveness of shielding and electric performance are investigated in detail. Using the co‐simulation method, an instructive comparison is made between the magnetic shield and the conductive shield, which is meaningful to the design of the electromagnetic shielding of air‐core CPAs for railgun systems. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Betterment in EDXRF analytical results for compositional characterization of mixed uranium thorium oxide samples with bead specimens compared with pressed pellet specimens
Authors: Dhara Sangita , Sanjay Kumar S. , Misra N. L.
Published: July 2016

A comparative study on the energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analytical results of uranium determinations, in uranium and uranium–thorium mixed oxides, using specimens in the form of fused beads and pressed pellets, has been made. It was observed that in case of fusion bead specimens, the intensity of the analyte lines was approximately 1.6 times of that observed in pellet specimens under identical instrumental conditions. In case of uranium oxide samples, the analytical results with bead specimens were slightly better compared with the pellet specimens. However, in case of the uranium–thorium oxide mixtures, the average precision obtained with bead specimen was significantly better (1%, 1 s) in comparison with that achieved using pellet specimens (7%, 1 s). This difference may be due to the hardness of thorium oxide compared with uranium oxide, which affects the homogeneity of the pellet specimens prepared. In fusion bead method of sample preparation, even highly refractory material like ThO2 forms uniform glass beads. Addition of internal standard further improves the analytical results, with reduction in the percent deviation of energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence results from the expected values to 3% from 7% compared with that obtained using without internal standard. The fusion bead method of sample preparation will be very useful for characterization of sintered (U,Th)O2 pellets, which are highly refractory and difficult to dissolve. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Ventilator-Associated Event Module and Criteria in Critically Ill Children in Greece
Authors: Iosifidis Elias , Chochliourou Elpis , Violaki Asimenia , Chorafa Elisavet , Psachna Stavroula , Roumpou Afroditi , Sdougka Maria , Roilides Emmanuel
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the new adult Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ventilator-associated event (VAE) module in critically ill children and compare with the traditionally used CDC definition for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study of mechanically ventilated children in a pediatric intensive care unit in Greece January 1-December 31, 2011.

METHODS

Assessment of new adult CDC VAE module including 3 definition tiers: ventilator-associated condition (VAC), infection-related VAC, and possible/probable ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAE-VAP); comparison with traditional CDC criteria for clinically defined pneumonia in mechanically ventilated children (PNEU-VAP). We recorded Pediatric Risk of Mortality score at admission (PRISM III), number of ventilator-days, and outcome.

RESULTS

Among 119 patients with mechanical ventilation (median [range] number of ventilator-days, 7 [1–183]), 19 patients experienced VAC. Criteria for VAE-VAP were fulfilled in 12 of 19 patients with VAC (63%). Children with either VAC or VAE-VAP were on ventilation more days than patients without these conditions (16.5 vs 5 d, P=.0006 and 18 vs 5 d, P<.001, respectively), whereas PRISM-III score was similar between them. Mortality was significant higher in patients with new VAE-VAP definition (50%), but not in patients with VAC (31.6%), than the patients without new VAE-VAP (14%, P=.007) or VAC (15%, P=.1), respectively. No significant association was found between PNEU-VAP and death. Incidences of PNEU-VAP and VAE-VAP were similar, but the agreement was poor.

CONCLUSIONS

VAE-VAP and PNEU-VAP found similar prevalence in critically ill children but with poor agreement. However, excess of death was significantly associated only with VAE-VAP.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016:1–5
The climate and vegetation of Turkey
Authors: Akman Y. , Ketenoǧlu O.
Published: July 2016

Synopsis

There are 3 types of climate in Turkey: Mediterranean, Continental and Oceanic. The greatest part of the country, including much of the montane area, comes under the influence of various types of Mediterranean climate; the Continental climate occurs in two distinct areas in N and NE Anatolia; the Oceanic climate prevails in the region bordering the Black Sea. The forest vegetation of Turkey may also be divided into 3 main classes: QUERCETEA ILICIS; QUERCETEA PUBESCENTIS; QUERCO-FAGETEA. The first is confined to a coastal zone of the Mediterranean, the second is throughout the inner Mediterranean area, the last is in the Euxine zone of N Anatolia. Steppe vegetation belongs to the class ASTRAGALOBROMETEA widespread in C Anatolia and the Taurus.
Everyday Environmental Education Experiences: The Role of Content in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Cutter-Mackenzie Amy , Edwards Suzy
Published: July 2016

In recent years discussions surrounding early childhood curriculum has focused on the movement from developmental to sociocultural theory. A further area worthy of investigation involves the role of content in early childhood education, specifically the relationship between content, context and pedagogy. The paper draws on teacher vignettes to consider how environmental education can be represented as a content area in early years education. Issues associated with environmental education as an emerging area of importance in early childhood education are also discussed.
The Adoption of Best-Management Practices by Louisiana Dairy Producers
Authors: Rahelizatovo Noro C. , Gillespie Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2016

This study examines the adoption of best-management practices (BMPs) in terms of the total number of practices implemented up to a certain period, using count data analysis. Poisson and negative binomial regressions were used to examine the likely determinants of producers' decisions to adopt greater numbers of technologies, and the specific case of dairy producers' adoption of BMPs was explored. Our results emphasize the significant effect of producers' awareness of the efforts to control non-point source pollution, information about BMPs, farm size, producer's educational attainment, and risk aversion on the number of BMPs adopted.
A 3D printed device for quantitative enzymatic detection using cell phones
Authors: Comina G. , Suska A. , Filippini D.
Published: July 2016

General enzymatic detection with cell phones using 3D printed fluidics and optics.
An elusive vinyl radical isolated as an appended unit in a five-coordinate Co(iii)–bis(iminobenzosemiquinone) complex formed via ligand-centered C–S bond cleavage
Authors: Sarkar Prasenjit , Tiwari Archana , Sarmah Amrit , Bhandary Subhrajyoti , Roy Ram Kinkar , Mukherjee Chandan
Published: July 2016

An unprecedented stable vinyl radical-containing Co(iii)–bis(iminobenzosemiquinone) complex formed by ligand-centered C–S bond breaking.
Sulfur-centred polyoxoniobate-based 3D organic–inorganic hybrid compound and its magnetic behavior
Authors: Hu Ju-Fang , Han Tian , Chi Ying-Nan , Lin Zheng-Guo , Xu Yan-Qing , Yang Song , Wei Ding , Zheng Yan-Zhen , Hu Chang-Wen
Published: July 2016

A novel sulfur-centered polyanion {SNb8V9.25O45.25} was connected by cobalt-complexes into a 3D hybrid compound showing weak ferromagnetic interaction at low temperature.
Plasmon resonance scattering at perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 coated single gold nanoparticles: evidence for electron transfer
Authors: Xu Duo , Liu Dong , Xie Tao , Cao Yue , Wang Jun-Gang , Ning Zhi-jun , Long Yi-Tao , Tian He
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate the electron transfer between gold nanoparticles and perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 at a single nanoparticle level by plasmon resonance Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy.
Interfacial charge-transfer transitions and reorganization energies in sulfur-bridged TiO2-x-benzenedithiol complexes (x: o, m, p)
Authors: Fujisawa Jun-ichi , Muroga Ryuki , Hanaya Minoru
Published: July 2016

Sulfur-bridging atoms strongly induce interfacial charge-transfer absorption and reduce the reorganization energy in the electron-injected excited state.
AB-stacked square-like bilayer ice in graphene nanocapillaries
Authors: Zhu YinBo , Wang FengChao , Bai Jaeil , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Wu HengAn
Published: July 2016

Water, when constrained between two graphene sheets and under ultrahigh pressure, can manifest dramatic differences from its bulk counterparts such as the van der Waals pressure induced water-to-ice transformation, known as the metastability limit of two-dimensional (2D) liquid.
The physical origins of transit time measurements for rapid, single cell mechanotyping
Authors: Nyberg Kendra D. , Scott Michael B. , Bruce Samuel L. , Gopinath Ajay B. , Bikos Dimitri , Mason Thomas G. , Kim Jin Woong , Choi Hong Sung , Rowat Amy C.
Published: July 2016

Major physical contributors to cell transit times through microfluidic constrictions are identified with the goal of facilitating more precise mechanotyping.
Understanding the mechanism of non-enzymatic glycation inhibition by cinnamic acid: an in vitro interaction and molecular modelling study
Authors: Qais Faizan Abul , Alam Md. Maroof , Naseem Imrana , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: July 2016

Under hyperglycaemic conditions non-enzymatic glycation of proteins gives rise to advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
Highly efficient nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbon supported Ni nanoparticles for the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Kotbagi Trupti V. , Gurav Hanmant R. , Nagpure Atul S. , Chilukuri Satyanarayana V. , Bakker Martin G.
Published: July 2016

Nickel nanoparticles supported on nitrogen doped hierarchically porous carbon (Ni/CN) are found to be highly efficient and reusable catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural to furfuryl alcohol (FA).
An economic and environment friendly solution for the rural households' energy crisis in Egypt
Authors: Diab Fahd , Ali Salwa
Published: July 2016

The demand for electrical energy increased drastically due to the exponential growth of the world population. In the last decade, owing to environmental issues and decay of non-renewable energy resources, the development of power generation from hydrokinetic energy has grown considerably. Many individuals and companies are considering hydrokinetic power as the better solution to the prevailing energy crisis. However, there is a paucity of published literature that sheds light on the economic and environmental sides of hydrokinetic turbines (HKTs) in hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES). The prime objective of this study is to provide an economic and environmental assessment of using the HKT in combination with other renewable energy resources for cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable electrical energy supply for the rural households in Naga Hammadi, Egypt, where adequate water resources are available from the Nile River. The HKT is simulated together with photovoltaic (PV), diesel generator (DG), and battery (B) power using the well-known Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables software to optimize the HRES. The net present cost (NPC) of the optimum HRES is $12.7 million with minimal cost of energy of $0.158/kWh. The optimum system is capable of saving approximately $9.7 million during the project lifetime (25 years) in the form of NPC as compared to the diesel generator system. In addition, the system is capable of saving 28.971 × 106 l of fuel at the cost of $5.11 million during the project lifetime. Finally, it is concluded that the hybrid PV/HKT/DG/B is the more economic and environment friendly system as compared to other system configurations especially the diesel generator system, because it is able to reduce 76.29 × 106 kg of the amount of CO2 emissions during the project lifetime.
Design of multichord Hα detector arrays for the U-3M torsatron and identification of rotating plasma perturbations
Authors: Dreval M. B. , Shapoval A. M. , Ozherelyev F. I. , Makhov M. M.
Published: July 2016

An Hα camera has been designed and installed in the U-3M torsatron for spatially and temporally resolved measurements. This device provides fast measurements of the emission brightness profile in the noisy environment of the radio frequency (RF) heated plasma. Unusual topology of diagnostics and the data acquisition system are applied. All the system components, including digitizers, are assembled in a single unit. It allows the suppression of a low-frequency electromagnetic interference by eliminating the ground loops. And the suppression of RF noises is achieved by eliminating the signal interface cables and digital interface cables in the design. The Wi-Fi interface is used to prevent a ground loop in the data transfer stage. The achieved sensitivity of our diagnostics is high enough for measuring the Hα emission from the low-density (ne ≈ (1-2)⋅1010 cm−3) plasma with a temporal resolution of about 20 μs in the noisy environment. Different types of Hα emission fluctuations within the frequency range of 1-5 kHz and poloidal mode numbers m = 0 and m = 5 have been observed in U-3M. A simple technique of the line-of-sight data analysis, based on the U-3M magnetic surface asymmetry, is proposed and used for the spatial localization of the rotating mode and for the determination of mode numbers and its poloidal rotation direction using a single Hα array.
A table-top monochromator for tunable femtosecond XUV pulses generated in a semi-infinite gas cell: Experiment and simulations
Authors: von Conta A. , Huppert M. , Wörner H. J.
Published: July 2016

We present a new design of a time-preserving extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) monochromator using a semi-infinite gas cell as a source. The performance of this beamline in the photon-energy range of 20 eV–42 eV has been characterized. We have measured the order-dependent XUV pulse durations as well as the flux and the spectral contrast. XUV pulse durations of ≤40 fs using 32 fs, 800 nm driving pulses were measured on the target. The spectral contrast was better than 100 over the entire energy range. A simple model based on the strong-field approximation is presented to estimate different contributions to the measured XUV pulse duration. On-axis phase-matching calculations are used to rationalize the variation of the photon flux with pressure and intensity.
Preliminary consideration of CFETR ITER-like case diagnostic system
Authors: Li G. S. , Yang Y. , Wang Y. M. , Ming T. F. , Han X. , Liu S. C. , Wang E. H. , Liu Y. K. , Yang W. J. , Li G. Q. , Hu Q. S. , Gao X.
Published: July 2016

Chinese Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is a new superconducting tokamak device being designed in China, which aims at bridging the gap between ITER and DEMO, where DEMO is a tokamak demonstration fusion reactor. Two diagnostic cases, ITER-like case and towards DEMO case, have been considered for CFETR early and later operating phases, respectively. In this paper, some preliminary consideration of ITER-like case will be presented. Based on ITER diagnostic system, three versions of increased complexity and coverage of the ITER-like case diagnostic system have been developed with different goals and functions. Version A aims only machine protection and basic control. Both of version B and version C are mainly for machine protection, basic and advanced control, but version C has an increased level of redundancy necessary for improved measurements capability. The performance of these versions and needed R&D work are outlined.
Theory of multiple quantum dot formation in strained-layer heteroepitaxy
Authors: Du Lin , Maroudas Dimitrios
Published: July 2016

We develop a theory for the experimentally observed formation of multiple quantum dots (QDs) in strained-layer heteroepitaxy based on surface morphological stability analysis of a coherently strained epitaxial thin film on a crystalline substrate. Using a fully nonlinear model of surface morphological evolution that accounts for a wetting potential contribution to the epitaxial film's free energy as well as surface diffusional anisotropy, we demonstrate the formation of multiple QD patterns in self-consistent dynamical simulations of the evolution of the epitaxial film surface perturbed from its planar state. The simulation predictions are supported by weakly nonlinear analysis of the epitaxial film surface morphological stability. We find that, in addition to the Stranski-Krastanow instability, long-wavelength perturbations from the planar film surface morphology can trigger a nonlinear instability, resulting in the splitting of a single QD into multiple QDs of smaller sizes, and predict the critical wavelength of the film surface perturbation for the onset of the nonlinear tip-splitting instability. The theory provides a fundamental interpretation for the observations of “QD pairs” or “double QDs” and other multiple QDs reported in experimental studies of epitaxial growth of semiconductor strained layers and sets the stage for precise engineering of tunable-size nanoscale surface features in strained-layer heteroepitaxy by exploiting film surface nonlinear, pattern forming phenomena.
Measurement of angularly dependent spectra of betatron gamma-rays from a laser plasma accelerator with quadrant-sectored range filters
Authors: Jeon Jong Ho , Nakajima Kazuhisa , Kim Hyung Taek , Rhee Yong Joo , Pathak Vishwa Bandhu , Cho Myung Hoon , Shin Jung Hun , Yoo Byung Ju , Jo Sung Ha , Shin Kang Woo , Hojbota Calin , Bae Lee Jin , Jung Jaehyung , Cho Min Sang , Sung Jae Hee , Lee Seong Ku , Cho Byoung Ick , Choi Il Woo , Nam Chang Hee
Published: July 2016

Measurement of angularly dependent spectra of betatron gamma-rays radiated by GeV electron beams from laser wakefield accelerators (LWFAs) are presented. The angle-resolved spectrum of betatron radiation was deconvolved from the position dependent data measured for a single laser shot with a broadband gamma-ray spectrometer comprising four-quadrant sectored range filters and an unfolding algorithm, based on the Monte Carlo code GEANT4. The unfolded gamma-ray spectra in the photon energy range of 0.1–10 MeV revealed an approximately isotropic angular dependence of the peak photon energy and photon energy-integrated fluence. As expected by the analysis of betatron radiation from LWFAs, the results indicate that unpolarized gamma-rays are emitted by electrons undergoing betatron motion in isotropically distributed orbit planes.
Design of novel dual-port tapered waveguide plasma apparatus by numerical analysis
Authors: Zhang D. , Zhou R. , Yang X. Q. , Wu S. Y.
Published: July 2016

Microwave plasma apparatus is often of particular interest due to their superiority of low cost, electrode contamination free, and suitability for industrial production. However, there exist problems of unstable plasma and low electron density in conventional waveguide apparatus based on single port, due to low strength and non-uniformity of microwave field. This study proposes a novel dual-port tapered waveguide plasma apparatus based on power-combining technique, to improve the strength and uniformity of microwave field for the applications of plasma. A 3D model of microwave-induced plasma (field frequency 2.45 GHz) in argon at atmospheric pressure is presented. On the condition that the total input power is 500 W, simulations indicate that coherent power-combining will maximize the electric-field strength to 3.32 × 105 V/m and improve the uniformity of distributed microwave field, which raised 36.7% and 47.2%, respectively, compared to conventional waveguide apparatus of single port. To study the optimum conditions for industrial application, a 2D argon fluid model based on above structure is presented. It demonstrates that relatively uniform and high-density plasma is obtained at an argon flow rate of 200 ml/min. The contrastive result of electric-field distribution, electron density, and gas temperature is also valid and clearly proves the superiority of coherent power-combining to conventional technique in flow field.
Note: A pure-sampling quantum Monte Carlo algorithm with independent Metropolis
Authors: Vrbik Jan , Ospadov Egor , Rothstein Stuart M.
Published: July 2016

Recently, Ospadov and Rothstein published a pure-sampling quantum Monte Carlo algorithm (PSQMC) that features an auxiliary Path Z that connects the midpoints of the current and proposed Paths X and Y, respectively. When sufficiently long, Path Z provides statistical independence of Paths X and Y. Under those conditions, the Metropolis decision used in PSQMC is done without any approximation, i.e., not requiring microscopic reversibility and without having to introduce any G(x → x′; τ) factors into its decision function. This is a unique feature that contrasts with all competing reptation algorithms in the literature. An example illustrates that dependence of Paths X and Y has adverse consequences for pure sampling.
Comparative efficiency analysis of GaN-based light-emitting diodes and laser diodes
Authors: Piprek Joachim
Published: July 2016

Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura predicted in 2014 that GaN-based laser diodes are the future of solid state lighting. However, blue GaN-lasers still exhibit less than 40% wall-plug efficiency, while some GaN-based blue light-emitting diodes exceed 80%. This paper investigates non-thermal reasons behind this difference. The inherently poor hole conductivity of the Mg-doped waveguide cladding layer of laser diodes is identified as main reason for their low electrical-to-optical energy conversion efficiency.
Phonon wave interference in graphene and boron nitride superlattice
Authors: Chen Xue-Kun , Xie Zhong-Xiang , Zhou Wu-Xing , Tang Li-Ming , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: July 2016

The thermal transport properties of the graphene and boron nitride superlattice (CBNSL) are investigated via nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results show that a minimum lattice thermal conductivity can be achieved by changing the period length of the superlattice. Additionally, it is found that the period length at the minimum shifts to lower values at higher temperatures, and that the depth of the minimum increases with decreasing temperature. In particular, at 200 K, the thermal conductivities of CBNSLs with certain specific period lengths are nearly equal to the corresponding values at 300 K. A detailed analysis of the phonon spectra shows that this anomalous thermal conductivity behavior is a result of strong phonon wave interference. These observations indicate a promising strategy for manipulation of thermal transport in superlattices.
Effect of nitrogen fertiliser management on soil mineral nitrogen, nitrous oxide losses, yield and nitrogen uptake of wheat growing in waterlogging-prone soils of south-eastern Australia
Authors: Harris Robert H. , Armstrong Roger D. , Wallace Ashley J. , Belyaeva Oxana N.
Published: July 2016

Some of the highest nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions arising from Australian agriculture have been recorded in the high-rainfall zone (>650mm) of south-western Victoria. Understanding the association between nitrogen (N) management, crop N uptake and gaseous losses is needed to reduce N2O losses. Field experiments studied the effect of N-fertiliser management on N2O emissions, crop N uptake and crop productivity at Hamilton and Tarrington in south-western Victoria. Management included five rates of urea-N fertiliser (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200kgN/ha) topdressed at either mid-tillering or first-node growth stages of wheat development; urea-N deep-banded 10cm below the seed at sowing; and urea coated with the nitrification inhibitor DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) was either topdressed or deep-banded. Pre-sowing soil profile chemical properties were determined before static chambers were installed to measure N2O losses, accompanied by wheat dry matter, crop N uptake and grain yield and quality, to measure treatment differences. N2O losses increased significantly (P≤0.10) where urea-N was deep-banded, resulting in a 2–2.5-fold increase in losses, compared with the nil N control. The high N2O losses from deep-banding N appeared to result from winter waterlogging triggering gaseous or drainage losses before wheat reached peak growth and demand for N in spring. Despite the high losses from deep-banding urea-N, grain yields were largely unaffected by N management, except at Hamilton in 2012, where topdressed wheat growing in a soil with large reserves of NO3–-N, and later experiencing post-anthesis water deficit resulted in a negative grain yield response. All sites had high concentrations of soil organic carbon (>2.8%) and the potential for large amounts of N mineralisation throughout the growing season to supplement low N fertiliser recovery. However, topdressed urea-N resulted in significant enrichment of crop tissue (P≤0.004) and associated positive response in grain protein compared with the deep banded and nil N treatments. 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)-coated urea provided no additional benefit to crop yield over conventional urea N. Our study highlighted the importance of synchronising N supply with peak crop N demand to encourage greater synthetic N uptake and mitigation of N2O losses.
Correlative es vs. das in German
Authors: Axel-Tober Katrin , Holler Anke , Krause Helena
Published: July 2016

In the last few decades, the role of correlative elements in recursive sentence embedding has received considerable attention. In the theoretical literature on German, it has been argued that the syntax of correlative constructions is not homogeneous and that one has to distinguish between so-called pro-form and placeholder constructions. In this paper, we give empirical evidence for distinguishing between these two uses, by focusing on two correlative lexemes: es and das. Furthermore, we present psycholinguistic and corpus-based support for the differentiation of two verb classes regarding the realizations of correlative elements.
On properties differentiating constructions with inner-sentential pro-forms for clauses
Authors: Frey Werner
Published: July 2016

The paper discusses various syntactic properties of different constructions featuring a dependent clause associated with a pro-form. The paper adopts the thesis of Pütz (19862) and Sudhoff (2003) that the pro-form construction with verbs of the class to which bedauern (‘to regret’) belongs and the pro-form construction with verbs of the class which contains behaupten (‘to claim’) have to be differentiated. With regard to the former it is argued that contrary to standard assumptions, the presence of the pro-form makes a syntactic and a semantic difference. Regarding the construction in which the pro-form has the function of a prepositional object the argumentation is different in that the very same syntax is present independent of whether the pro-form is lexically realised or not, whether the pro-form is unstressed or stressed, or whether it is reduced or not. However, a special interpretation – narrow focus on the dependent clause – arises when the prepositional part of the pro-form is stressed. For the construction with a dependent adverbial clause the presence or absence of a lexically realised pro-form is again crucial. Finally and most importantly, it is demonstrated that a further construction has to be distinguished. It features a psych-verb with an experiencer-object, es and a clausal argument. In this construction, es is not a pro-form for the clausal argument as such but an independent argument which is co-referential with the clause and encodes the causer of the emotion.
A salience-based analysis of the Tunisian Arabic demonstrative hāk as used in oral narratives*
Authors: Khalfaoui Amel
Published: July 2016

This paper reports on a study of the Tunisian Arabic demonstrative hāk, which encodes the cognitive status FAMILIAR, in the sense of the Givenness Hierarchy of Gundel et al. (1993). Although this demonstrative is usually used for at most FAMILIAR, it is frequently used in folk tales for the statuses ACTIVATED and IN FOCUS. I propose that this is a strategy used by the narrator to impose more processing effort on the hearer in order increase the relative salience of the referent of hāk. However, the degree of relative salience to which these entities are promoted is not always the same, and has to do with the centrality of the referent of hāk in the story.
Lateral fricative ḍād in Tihāmat Qaḥtān
Authors: Al-Wer Enam , Al-Qahtani Khairia
Published: July 2016

This article presents the results of a sociolinguistic investigation of the phonemic status of the emphatic lateral fricative [ɮʕ] in the dialects of Tihamat Qaḥtān, Saudi Arabia. The study is based on empirical data, obtained through sociolinguistic interviews, analyzed quantitatively, and correlated with age, gender, locality and linguistic environment. The statistical analysis reveals that (i), while the lateral fricative is used in considerable proportion, it is undergoing change to emphatic interdental [ðʕ]; (ii), many speakers use the lateralized variant in historically *ðʕ items, which suggests that while both sounds are present in the phonemic inventory of these dialects, they are treated as allophones of a single phonological unit; this result also suggests that the lateral variant has social meaning.
On the nuclear intonational phonology of heritage speakers of Spanish
Authors: Rao Rajiv
Published: July 2016

This paper employs the Autosegmental-Metrical model and the Spanish in the Tones and Break Indices framework to examine nuclear (i.e., final) statement and question intonation in ten heritage speakers of Mexican Spanish. The statement results indicate that our heritage speakers show evidence of a reduced inventory of phonological targets used to communicate different pragmatic meanings compared to native speakers. Their nuclear question configurations are quite distinct from, yet equally varied as, those of native speakers. The cumulative results imply that the intonation-pragmatics interface evolves differently in heritage and native speakers, and depends on at least utterance type and intended pragmatic meaning. We argue that on a more general level, exposure to diverse forms of intonational input is at the root of the interspeaker differences observed.
Advances in Spanish heritage language assessment
Authors: Beaudrie Sara M.
Published: July 2016

The growth of Spanish heritage language (SHL) programs in the United States has brought increasing interest among scholars to two key issues for SHL instruction: academic language placement and language assessment (Beaudrie, 2012; Fairclough, 2012). SHL programs have been pressed to find effective ways to both identify and place students in the appropriate course or determine if the student qualifies for the courses offered in the track. At the same time, the particularities of SHL learners have posed unique challenges in the areas of language proficiency assessment and the measurement of student progress. This chapter offers a review of current scholarship in this area of research as well as practical recommendations and ideas for those seeking to strengthen their placement and assessment practices in SHL courses. As way of conclusion, recommendations for future research will be offered.
A general framework and supporting strategies for teaching mixed classes
Authors: Carreira Maria M.
Published: July 2016

Many heritage language (HL) learners study their home language in the context of mixed classes, i.e. classes with second language learners and heritage language learners. Yet, most of the literature on HL teaching has focused on HL classes, to the neglect of mixed classes (Carreira, 2014). Addressing this gap, this paper presents a model of teaching for mixed classes that is premised on the principles of Differentiated Teaching (Tomlinson, 2009, 2003). The discussion considers how critical differences between heritage and second language learners should actually drive teaching and learning in mixed classes. Essential strategies and tools that support this proposal are presented, in particular, flexible grouping strategies, which make it possible to address the needs of both populations of learners and leverage their complimentary strengths.
Understanding identity among Spanish heritage learners
Authors: Parra María Luisa
Published: July 2016

The present chapter presents a general overview of the main advancements in understanding the relationship between the Spanish language and Spanish heritage learners’ identity, and explores the significance of Spanish heritage classes for the students’ identity formation process. Following the conviction that what we teach can only be meaningful if we understand to whom we are teaching, I argue that scholars and educators in the field have come to rely progressively on an interdisciplinary perspective on identity to inform their theoretical frameworks and pedagogical practices. I propose that this interdisciplinary approach has broaded our understanding in four main areas: (a) the importance of the community in shaping Latino ethnolinguistic identity; (b) the impact of the pressures of assimilation to mainstream culture; (c) the significance of so-called “Spanglish” in the construction of Latino identity; and (d) the importance of considering commonalities and individual differences when seeking to define our student body. As more programs for Spanish heritage learners open around the country, I suggest two pedagogical frameworks aligned with the interdisciplinary perspective on identity to support and nurture students’ identity formation in our classrooms: Latino studies and global education. To conclude, I reflect on the road ahead and on the importance of promoting open dialogue between teachers and researchers, while encouraging expert and novice teachers to continue augmenting the resources available to help Spanish heritage learners develop a strong and creative sense of ethnolinguistic identity.
New directions in heritage language pedagogy
Authors: Pereira Kelly Lowther
Published: July 2016

This chapter discusses how community service-learning (CSL) meets specific pedagogical challenges in Spanish heritage language (SHL) education. The integration of community service with academic instruction enhances student academic and civic learning and simultaneously strengthens communities. This chapter presents the multiple ways student CSL experiences can contribute to heritage language (HL) and cultural development, such as fostering positive identities and relationships with local communities, raising awareness of sociolinguistic and sociopolitical issues, developing language skills, career and professional goals, among others. The chapter provides a how-to guide for instructors to successfully design a course that takes advantage of all CSL has to offer to both HL learners and communities.
Synthesis of 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and pseudosymmetry in its crystal structure
Authors: Turgunov Kambarali K. , Zhurakulov Sherzod N. , Englert Ulli , Vinogradova Valentina I. , Tashkhodjaev Bakhodir
Published: July 2016

Natural and synthetic isoquinoline alkaloids display a wide variety of potent biological activities. The title 1-aryl-2-hydroxyethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, C19H23NO4, crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit related by pseudo-translation but differing only slightly in conformation. The pseudosymmetry is also reflected in the diffraction pattern. The subset of reflections corresponding to the smaller cell and average structure are on average twice as intense as those subtending the larger cell. Tentative refinement in the subcell leads to a disordered structural model with satisfactory agreement factors and, after appropriate use of restraints, acceptable molecular geometry but significantly larger and more anisotropic displacement parameters. In the correct unit cell, the independent molecules differ with respect to the orientation of the hydroxyethyl group. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding occurs between the hydroxyphenyl group and the N atom.
A novel position estimation method using accelerometer based error correction
Authors: Chen Chien-Hsing , Chen Ming-Chih
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a novel position estimation method to accurately locate an object. An accelerometer-based error correction method is also developed to correct the positioning error caused by signal drift of a wireless network. Finally, the method is also utilized to locate cows in a farm for monitoring the action of standing heat.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed method adopts the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a wireless sensor network (WSN) to compute the position of an object. The RSSI signal can be submitted from an endpoint device. A complex environment destabilizes the RSSI value, making the position estimation inaccurate. Therefore, a three-axial accelerometer is adopted to correct the position estimation accuracy. Timer and acceleration are two major factors in computing the error correction value to adjust the position estimate.

Findings

– The proposed method is tested on a farm management system for positioning dairy cows accurately. Devices with WSN module and three-axial accelerometer are mounted on the cows to monitor their positions and actions.

Research limitations/implications

– If cows in a crowded farm are close to each other, then the position estimation method is unable to position each cow correctly because too many close objects cause interference in the wireless network.

Practical implications

– Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method improves the position accuracy, and monitor the heat action of the cows effectively.

Originality/value

– No position estimation method has been utilized to locate cows in a farm, especially for monitoring their actions via WSN and accelerometer. The proposed method adopts an accelerometer to efficiently improve the position error caused from the signal drift of WSN.