bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in death associated with pediatric dental sedation and general anesthesia
Authors: Lee Helen H. , Milgrom Peter , Starks Helene , Burke Wylie
Published: June 2013

Background

Inadequate access to oral health care places children at risk of caries. Disease severity and inability to cooperate often result in treatment with general anesthesia (GA). Sedation is increasingly popular and viewed as lower risk than GA in community settings. Currently, few data are available to quantify pediatric morbidity and mortality related to dental anesthesia.

Objective

Summarize dental anesthesia‐related pediatric deaths described in media reports.

Methods

Review of media reports in the Lexis‐Nexis Academic database and a private foundation website. Settings: Dental offices, ambulatory surgery centers, and hospitals. Patients :US‐based children (≤21 years old) who died subsequently receiving anesthesia for a dental procedure between 1980–2011.

Results

Most deaths occurred among 2–5 year‐olds (n = 21/44), in an office setting (n = 21/44), and with a general/pediatric dentist (n = 25/44) as the anesthesia provider. In this latter group, 17 of 25 deaths were linked with a sedation anesthetic.

Conclusions

This series of media reports likely represent only a fraction of the overall morbidity and mortality related to dental anesthesia. These data may indicate an association between mortality and pediatric dental procedures under sedation, particularly in office settings. However, these relationships are difficult to test in the absence of a database that could provide an estimate of incidence and prevalence of morbidity and mortality. With growing numbers of children receiving anesthesia for dental procedures from providers with variable training, it is imperative to be able to track anesthesia‐related adverse outcomes. Creating a national database of adverse outcomes will enable future research to advance patient safety and quality.
Perioperative respiratory management of pediatric patients with neuromuscular disease
Authors: Blatter Joshua A. , Finder Jonathan D.
Published: June 2013

Patients with neuromuscular disorders undergoing general anesthesia present a special set of respiratory problems for perioperative management. While there are disease‐specific concerns, there are many common themes in the respiratory management of patients with neuromuscular disorders. These problems are discussed in this review. Such common perioperative concerns include upper airway obstruction, chest wall restriction, postoperative hypoventilation, inadequate airway clearance, and chronic lower airway disease. Each of these challenges has an effective management approach, and careful planning can help avoid perioperative respiratory complications.
Overexpression of β‐expansin gene GmEXPB2 improves phosphorus efficiency in soybean
Authors: Zhou Jia , Xie Jianna , Liao Hong , Wang Xiurong
Published: June 2013

Soybean (Glycine max) is an important oil crop in agricultural production, but low phosphorus (P) availability limits soybean growth and production. Expansin is a family of plant cell wall proteins and involved in a variety of physiological processes, including cell division and enlargement, root growth and leaf development. To test the potential effects of expansins on crop production, we have developed soybean transgenic plants overexpressing a soybean β‐expansin gene GmEXPB2, which was significantly induced by phosphate (Pi) starvation. The results indicated that constitutive overexpression of GmEXPB2 promoted leaf expansion, sequentially stimulated root growth and consequently resulted in improved P efficiency in the transgenic plants under P‐limited conditions in hydroponics. In particular, when tested in calcareous (CS) and acid soils (AS), the two GmEXPB2 transgenic soybean lines showed above 25 and 40% increases in plant dry weight and P content, respectively to wild‐type plants in low‐P CS, but not in AS. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which improvement of P efficiency could be achieved through constitutive overexpression of an endogenous EXPB gene in soybean. These findings suggest that genetic modification of root and leaf traits might be a suitable strategy for improving crop production in low‐P soils.
EEG signatures associated with stopping are sensitive to preparation
Authors: Greenhouse Ian , Wessel Jan R.
Published: June 2013

Preparing to stop may “prime” the neural mechanism for stopping and alter brain activity at the time of stopping. Much electroencephalography (EEG) research has studied the N2/P3 complex over frontocentral electrodes during outright stopping. Here, we used differential reward of the stop and go processes in a stop signal task to study the sensitivity of these EEG components to preparation. We found that (a) stopping was faster when it was rewarded; (b) the P3 amplitude was larger for successful versus failed stopping, and this difference was greater when stopping was rewarded over going; (c) the N2 component was observed only on failed stop trials; and (d) there was greater EEG coherence between frontocentral and occipitoparietal electrodes at 12 Hz during the initiation of a go response when stopping was rewarded over going. We propose that frontocentral cortical mechanisms active before and at the time of stopping are sensitive to preparation.
Intracellular Itinerary of Internalised β‐Secretase, BACE1, and Its Potential Impact on β‐Amyloid Peptide Biogenesis
Authors: Chia Pei Zhi Cheryl , Toh Wei Hong , Sharples Robyn , Gasnereau Isabelle , Hill Andrew F. , Gleeson Paul A.
Published: June 2013

β‐Secretase (BACE1) cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) represents the initial step in the formation of the Alzheimer's disease associated amyloidogenic Aβ peptide. Substantive evidence indicates that APP processing by BACE1 is dependent on intracellular sorting of this enzyme. Nonetheless, knowledge of the intracellular trafficking pathway of internalised BACE1 remains in doubt. Here we show that cell surface BACE1 is rapidly internalised by the AP2/clathrin dependent pathway in transfected cells and traffics to early endosomes and Rab11‐positive, juxtanuclear recycling endosomes, with very little transported to the TGN as has been previously suggested. Moreover, BACE1 is predominantly localised to the early and recycling endosome compartments in different cell types, including neuronal cells. In contrast, the majority of internalised wild‐type APP traffics to late endosomes/lysosomes. To explore the relevance of the itinerary of BACE1 on APP processing, we generated a BACE1 chimera containing the cytoplasmic tail of TGN38 (BACE/TGN38), which cycles between the cell surface and TGN in an AP2‐dependent manner. Wild‐type BACE1 is less efficient in Aβ production than the BACE/TGN38 chimera, highlighting the relevance of the itinerary of BACE1 on APP processing. Overall the data suggests that internalised BACE1 and APP diverge at early endosomes and that Aβ biogenesis is regulated in part by the recycling itinerary of BACE1.
Central corneal thickness measurements in normal dogs: a comparison between ultrasound pachymetry and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Alario Anthony F. , Pirie Christopher G.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements obtained from normal canines using a spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography device (SD‐OCT) and an ultrasonic pachymeter.

Animals

Fifteen clinically normal dogs.

Procedures

Dogs were briefly anesthetized with propofol. Central corneal thickness measurements were obtained from both eyes of each animal four times by one operator using aSD‐OCTsystem. TheCCTwas automatically calculated using the pachymetry software generated from eight radial scans, 6 mm in length. Ultrasonic pachymetry was then performed in both eyes of each animal by one operator five times in succession. TheCCTwas recorded for each modality and compared statistically for agreement and bias.

Results

Fifteen dogs (seven castrated male, eight spayed female) with a mean age of 2.3 ± 1.3 years were examined. The meanCCTfor all eyes examined viaSD‐OCTand ultrasonic pachymetry (velocity set at 1636 m/s) was 587.72 ± 32.44 μm and 598.54 ± 32.28 μm, respectively. Ultrasonic pachymetry consistently overestimatedCCTas compared toOCTby a mean value of 10.82 μm (P < 0.0001). No significant difference inCCTwas found based on the age or sex of the animal. There was no significant difference inCCTmeasurements between replicates performed by the same operator for each modality. The coefficient of variation within and between imaging modalities was low (range 0.63–2.5%). The intraclass correlation coefficient comparing methods was 0.92.

Conclusions

Correlation between modalities was excellent; however,ultrasonic pachymetry set at a standard velocity of 1636 m/s overestimatesCCTas compared toOCT.
Approach of using established and new laboratory tests to more comprehensively investigate noninfectious and nonhemolytic transfusion reactions – along with the experience in Japan
Authors: Hirayama F.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Noninfectious and nonhaemolytic transfusion reactions are the most common type of transfusion reactions. Several new tests have been made, helping diagnosis and understanding of their pathogenesis. This manuscript provides a review of the literature on currently available tests in association with the approach in Japan.

Materials & Methods

Primarily by using key words, more than 100 pertinent articles in the Medline database were identified and reviewed.

Results

Numbers of laboratory tests are available including those for plasma protein levels, plasma protein antibodies, leucocyte and platelet antibodies, serum N‐terminal‐pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels, serum tryptase levels and genetic microchimerism. Cross‐match tests, such as basophil activation test and neutrophil activation test, are also available to determine a causal relationship between the reaction and transfusion.

Conclusions

Several tests should help to confirm diagnosis and determine causal relationship between adverse reactions and transfusion and to gain an insight into the mechanism of the reaction in some cases, although some of the recently developed tests have not been completely validated.
APPROACHES TO INSPECTING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE STUDIES
Authors: Lamb Christopher R. , Dale Vicki H.M.
Published: June 2013

There is a need to better understand how to optimally inspect large image datasets. The aim of the present study was to complement experimental studies of visual perception by using an online questionnaire to collect opinions of practicing veterinary radiologists about the approaches they use when inspecting clinical computed X‐ray tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MR) studies, and to test associations between radiologist's approaches and their training, experience, or caseload. Questionnaires were received from 90/454 (20%) American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) Diplomates and 58/156 (37%) European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) Diplomates, providing 139 complete responses for CT studies and 116 for MR. Questionnaire responses differed for the following variables: specialty college, years since Board Certification, CT and MR caseload, and type of practice. ACVR Diplomates more frequently inspected multiple anatomic structures in CT and MR images before moving on to the next image, and ECVDI Diplomates more frequently inspected a specific anatomic structure through a series, then went back and checked another structure. A significant number of radiologists indicated that they initially ignore the history, adopt relatively rigid search patterns with emphasis on viewing images in a predetermined order with minimal deviation, and arrange series of images to facilitate comparisons between images, such as pre‐ and postcontrast images. Radiologists tended to adopt similar approaches for both CT and MR studies. Findings from this study could be used as foci for teaching novices how to approach large imaging studies, and provide guidance for case‐based assessment of trainees.
CLINICAL AND LOW‐FIELD MRI CHARACTERISTICS OF INJECTION SITE SARCOMA IN 19 CATS
Authors: Rousset Nicolas , Holmes Mark A. , Caine Abby , Dobson Jane , Herrtage Michael E.
Published: June 2013

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been recommended for staging and surgical planning in cats with injection site sarcomas (ISS). The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe low‐field MRI characteristics of confirmed injection site sarcomas in a group of cats. Low‐field MR images, thoracic radiographs, histopathology findings, and medical records of cats that fulfilled histological criteria of injection site sarcoma were retrieved and reviewed retrospectively. Presence or absence of tumor mineralization and pulmonary metastases were recorded from thoracic radiographs. Characteristics recorded from low‐field MRI studies included tumor number, volume (ellipsoid method), intensity relative to surrounding musculature, homogeneity, regions of signal void (mineralization) or cavitation, degree and pattern of contrast enhancement, tumor margination, presence of a peripheral T2W hyperintense zone, and bone contact. A total of 19 cats met inclusion criteria. Cats with multiple tumors were more likely to have had previous excisional biopsy, and were less likely to undergo definitive surgery. All tumors were hyperintense relative to surrounding musculature on T1W and T2W images. Larger tumors were more likely to exhibit mineralization (P< 0.05). Tumor volume could not predict tumor‐free margins at definitive surgery. The majority of tumors showed moderate to marked heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Infiltrative margins and the presence of a peripheral T2W hyperintense zone were more prevalent following excisional biopsy, while cavitation was more prevalent following incisional biopsy. Findings indicated that low‐field MRI characteristics of injection site sarcoma may vary widely and may be affected by prior incisional or excisional biopsy.
Genetic variation and structure of Solanum elaeagnifolium in Australia analysed by amplified fragment length polymorphism markers
Authors: Zhu X C , Wu H W , Raman H , Lemerle D , Stanton R , Burrows G E
Published: June 2013

Solanum elaeagnifolium is a weed of national significance in Australia. However, the genetic diversity of S. elaeagnifolium is poorly understood. Four amplified fragment length polymorphism primer combinations were utilised to investigate the genetic variation and structure of 187 S. elaeagnifolium individuals collected from 94 locations in Australia. High genetic diversity was found, with an average Jaccard's genetic similarity at 0.26. Individuals were assigned to two genetic clusters or considered as admixed according to their membership coefficient value (q) calculated by Bayesian model‐based genetic structure analysis. This suggested that Australian S. elaeagnifolium may have originated from two distinct gene pools. These results were further supported by principal co‐ordinates analysis. Large spatial groups of individuals assigning to these two gene pools were found in western Victoria and south‐western New South Wales (NSW) and northern NSW, which correlated well with the early records of S. elaeagnifolium in both regions. The high genetic diversity found here could add difficulties to effective control of S. elaeagnifolium across regions.
Three‐dimensional prostate segmentation using level set with shape constraint based on rotational slices for 3D end‐firing TRUS guided biopsy
Authors: Qiu Wu , Yuan Jing , Ukwatta Eranga , Tessier David , Fenster Aaron
Published: June 2013

Purpose:

Prostate segmentation is an important step in the planning and treatment of 3D end‐firing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of prostate segmentation in 3D TRUS images, an improved level set method is incorporated into a rotational‐slice‐based 3D prostate segmentation to decrease the accumulated segmentation errors produced by the slice‐by‐slice segmentation method.

Methods:

A 3D image is first resliced into 2D slices in a rotational manner in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. All slices intersect approximately along the rotational scanning axis and have an equal angular spacing. Six to eight boundary points are selected to initialize a level set function to extract the prostate contour within the first slice. The segmented contour is then propagated to the adjacent slice and is used as the initial contour for segmentation. This process is repeated until all slices are segmented. A modified distance regularization level set method is used to segment the prostate in all resliced 2D slices. In addition, shape‐constraint and local‐region‐based energies are imposed to discourage the evolved level set function to leak in regions with weak edges or without edges. An anchor point based energy is used to promote the level set function to pass through the initial selected boundary points. The algorithm's performance was evaluated using distance‐ and volume‐based metrics (sensitivity (Se), Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), mean absolute surface distance (MAD), maximum absolute surface distance (MAXD), and volume difference) by comparison with expert delineations.

Results:

The validation results using thirty 3D patient images showed that the authors’ method can obtain a DSC of 93.1% ± 1.6%, a sensitivity of 93.0% ± 2.0%, a MAD of 1.18 ± 0.36 mm, a MAXD of 3.44 ± 0.8 mm, and a volume difference of 2.6 ± 1.9 cm3 for the entire prostate. A reproducibility experiment demonstrated that the proposed method yielded low intraobserver and interobserver variability in terms of DSC. The mean segmentation time of the authors’ method for all patient 3D TRUS images was 55 ± 3.5 s, in addition to 30 ± 5 s for initialization.

Conclusions:

To address the challenges involved with slice‐based 3D prostate segmentation, a level set based method is proposed in this paper. This method is especially developed for a 3D end‐firing TRUS guided prostate biopsy system. The extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is accurate, robust, and computationally efficient.
The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, Third Edition.
Authors: Mahesh Mahadevappa
Published: June 2013

The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, Third Edition., Bushberg J. T., Seibert J. A., Leidholdt E. M. Jr., Boone J. M., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 2012. 1048 pp. Price: $199.99. ISBN 9780781780575 (hardcover). © 2013 Doody's Review Service. Doody's Review Service
Acoustic contrast sensitivity to transfer function errors in the design of a personal audio system
Authors: Park Jin-Young , Choi Jung-Woo , Kim Yang-Hann
Published: June 2013

An analytic means to evaluate the error sensitivity of a personal audio system is proposed. The personal audio system, which focuses acoustic energy into a zone of interest using multiple loudspeakers, is subject to various errors when implemented. The performance of a personal audio system, defined as an energy ratio between the zone of interest and the rest, is inevitably influenced by errors. Thus the ability to predict performance change at the design stage is crucial when building a robust personal audio system. The dependence of the energy ratio change on various types of errors is formulated.
Using local binary patterns as features for classification of dolphin calls
Authors: Esfahanian M. , Zhuang H. , Erdol N.
Published: June 2013

An image processing technique called Local Binary Patterns (LBP) has been explored for its ability to generate feature vectors for dolphin vocalization classification. The LBP operator eliminates the need for contour tracing, denoising, and other prior processing. In an experimental study of classifying dolphin whistle types, the performance of the LBP operation was compared with that of the popular contour-based Time-Frequency Parameters (TFP) approach. The preliminary experimental results illustrate that the LBP method produces more consistent classifier accuracy of dolphin whistle calls even when the contour shapes are complex and populated with impulsive clicks and anthropogenic harmonics.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Novel Phage MG-B1 Infecting Bacillus weihenstephanensis
Authors: Redondo Rodrigo A. F. , Kupczok Anne , Stift Gertraud , Bollback Jonathan P.
Published: June 2013

Here, we describe a novel virulent bacteriophage that infects
Bacillus weihenstephanensis
, isolated from soil in Austria. It is the first phage to be discovered that infects this species. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of this podovirus.
Genome Sequence of the Banana Pathogen Dickeya zeae Strain MS1, Which Causes Bacterial Soft Rot
Authors: Zhang Jing-Xin , Lin Bi-Run , Shen Hui-Fang , Pu Xiao-Ming
Published: June 2013

We report a draft genome sequence of
Dickeya zeae
strain MS1, which is the causative agent of banana soft rot in China, and we show several of its specific properties compared with those of other
D. zeae
strains. Genome sequencing provides a tool for understanding the genomic determination of the pathogenicity and phylogeny placement of this pathogen.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Microcystis aeruginosa TAIHU98, a Nontoxic Bloom-Forming Strain Isolated from Taihu Lake, China
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhang Wei , Ren Minglei , Song Lirong , Li Tao , Zhao Jindong
Published: June 2013

Microcystis aeruginosa
is a dominant bloom-forming cyanobacterium in many freshwater lakes. This report describes the first whole-genome sequence of the nontoxic strain of
M. aeruginosa
TAIHU98, which was isolated from Taihu Lake in eastern China.
Draft Genome Sequences of Mycoplasma alkalescens, Mycoplasma arginini, and Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Three Species with Equivocal Pathogenic Status for Cattle
Authors: Manso-Silván Lucía , Tardy Florence , Baranowski Eric , Barré Aurélien , Blanchard Alain , Breton Marc , Couture Carole , Citti Christine , Dordet-Frisoni Emilie , Dupuy Virginie , Gaurivaud Patrice , Jacob Daniel , Lemaitre Claire , Nikolski Macha , Nouvel Laurent-Xavier , Poumarat François , Thébault Patricia , Theil Sébastien , Thiaucourt François , Sirand-Pugnet Pascal
Published: June 2013

We report here the draft genome sequences of
Mycoplasma alkalescens
,
Mycoplasma arginini
, and
Mycoplasma bovigenitalium
. These three species are regularly isolated from bovine clinical specimens, although their role in disease is unclear.
Recurrent non-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in Takayasu arteritis: is the cause immunological or mechanical?
Authors: Shuaib Umar Ashfaq , Kate Mahesh , Homik Joanne , Jerrakathil Thomas
Published: June 2013

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is rarely associated with Takayasu's arteritis (TA). The present report describes a 21-year-old woman with recurrent SAH and TA. In addition, she also had recurrent spells of postural weakness in the bilateral lower limb occurring at the same time. Sequential CT of the head and MRI showed bilateral cortical SAH. Vascular imaging with MR angiogram and CT angiogram showed bilateral subclavian arteries and left common carotid artery occlusion with multiple hypertrophied collaterals vessels in the neck. There was no evidence of aneurysms in the intracranial vasculature in the conventional angiogram. The CT angiogram of the aorta showed severe stenosis of the abdominal aorta above the renal arteries. The patient was treated with immunomodulatory therapy and had a favourable outcome without further recurrence at end of 1 year of follow-up. A review of the literature showed 21cases with aneurysmal SAH and three cases non-aneurysmal SAH in patients with TA have been reported. Various factors are responsible for the reorganisation of the intracranial of the arteries in patients with chronic vasculitis in the presence of extracranial stenosis and occlusion, which could possibly explain the SAH in absence of aneurysm in patients with TA.
C1 fracture in a patient with a congenital cleft in the posterior arch: report on a failed conservative treatment
Authors: Hudek Robert , Wanner Guido , Simmen Hans-Peter , Werner Clément M L
Published: June 2013

Unstable burst fractures of the atlas require sufficient immobilisation either with an external device or by surgical fusion. In patients with pre-existing congenital atlantal defects the decision whether to recommend non-operative or operative therapy is difficult. Treatment options are controversially discussed and standardised guidelines are not available. Although most surgeons advise operative fusion or osteosynthesis in atlanto-axial instability, non-operative immobilisation can be successful. We report on a patient with an unstable C1 burst fracture with a congenital posterior cleft in the atlantal arch who was treated with cervical extension and halovest immobilisation. Although callus bridging was initially observed, 9 months after the injury there was no sufficient fracture consolidation and surgical fusion had to be advised. While non-operative treatment may work in patients without congenital defects of the C1 arch, such is not recommended in patients who present with this anomaly.
The Norovirus epidemic…or just a stone? Revising the diagnosis with an abdominal radiograph
Authors: K Wagner Siegfried , Remoundos Dionysios D , Abdulla Muaad
Published: June 2013

During an acute outbreak of Norovirus in the local area, a 77-year-old woman was admitted with a short history of diarrhoea and vomiting. A working diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis complicated by acute renal failure, secondary to dehydration, was made. Despite judicious fluid resuscitation and regular antiemetics, the patient's symptoms persisted with only mild improvement in her renal function. An abdominal radiograph revealed evidence of significant small bowel obstruction and subsequent CT of the abdomen and pelvis identified a 1.5 cm intraluminal density at a transition point raising the suspicion of gallstone ileus. An urgent laparotomy with stone removal was carried out without complications. The patient recovered well postoperatively and was discharged home after 3 days.
The first occurrence of
Chanaresuchus bonapartei
(Archosauriformes, Proterochampsia) of the Middle Triassic of Brazil from the
Santacruzodon
Assemblage Zone, Santa Maria Formation (Paraná Basin)
Authors: Raugust Tiago , Lacerda Marcel , Schultz Cesar Leandro
Published: June 2013

Proterochampsians are basal archosauriforms whose record is restricted to the Middle and Upper Triassic in Argentina and Brazil. They are quadruped forms that present characteristics consistent with a semi-aquatic lifestyle, such as an anteroposteriorly elongated skull that is flattened dorsoventrally with dorsally located orbits. In 2003, specimen UFRGS-PV-0877-T was discovered at the Schoenstadt site, in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul (
Santacruzodon
Assemblage Zone, Santa Maria Formation). This specimen, consisting of disarticulated cranial elements (such as nasals, frontals, parietals, postorbitals, a left squamosal, a left pterygoid and a fragment of a right mandibular ramus that bears teeth) and postcranial elements (such as femora, the left tibia, one vertebral centrum and two rib fragments), is assigned to the ‘proterochampsian’
Chanaresuchus bonapartei
Romer (1971)
. This assignment is based on the shared V-shaped frontal-parietal suture of the new specimen and
Chanaresuchus bonapartei
, which differs from the transversely aligned and zigzagged pattern of
C. ischigualastensis
.
An Unscheduled Journey: From Cosmic Rays into Cosmic X-Rays
Authors: Tanaka Yasuo
Published: June 2013

My research career began with cosmic-ray physics. Invited to the Netherlands, I was engaged in the measurement of cosmic-ray electrons. In parallel, we began balloon observations of the cosmic X-ray background. Coming back to Nagoya, we carried out rocket observations of soft X-rays with a thin polypropylene window. Since moving to the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science (ISAS: later reorganized to the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science), I have been involved in several astronomical satellite programs, in particular X-ray astronomy missions. The main features and major results of those programs are mentioned. Features characteristic of the Japanese space program and the specific roles of ISAS are explained.
Three-Dimensional Dust Radiative Transfer
Authors: Steinacker Jürgen , Baes Maarten , Gordon Karl D.
Published: June 2013

Cosmic dust is present in many astrophysical objects, and recent observations across the electromagnetic spectrum show that the dust distribution is often strongly three-dimensional (3D). Dust grains are effective in absorbing and scattering ultraviolet (UV)/optical radiation, and they re-emit the absorbed energy at infrared wavelengths. Understanding the intrinsic properties of these objects, including the dust itself, therefore requires 3D dust radiative transfer (RT) calculations. Unfortunately, the 3D dust RT problem is nonlocal and nonlinear, which makes it one of the hardest challenges in computational astrophysics. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made in the past decade, with an increasing number of codes capable of dealing with the complete 3D dust RT problem. We discuss the complexity of this problem, the two most successful solution techniques [ray-tracing (RayT) and Monte Carlo (MC)], and the state of the art in modeling observational data using 3D dust RT codes. We end with an outlook on the bright future of this field.
Collective Flow and Viscosity in Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions
Authors: Heinz Ulrich , Snellings Raimond
Published: June 2013

We review collective flow, its anisotropies, and its event-to-event fluctuations in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, as well as the extraction of the specific shear viscosity of quark–gluon plasma from collective flow data collected in heavy-ion collision experiments at RHIC and the LHC. We emphasize the similarities between the Big Bang of our universe and the Little Bangs created in heavy-ion collisions.
Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory and the Real-Time Dynamics of Fermi Superfluids
Authors: Bulgac Aurel
Published: June 2013

I describe the time-dependent superfluid local density approximation, which is an adiabatic extension of the density functional theory to superfluid Fermi systems and their real-time dynamics. This new theoretical framework has been used to describe several phenomena in cold atomic gases and nuclear collective motion: excitation of the Higgs modes in strongly interacting Fermi superfluids, generation of quantized vortices, crossing and reconnection of vortices, excitation of the superflow at velocities above the critical velocity, excitation of quantum shock waves and domain walls in the collisions of superfluid atomic clouds, and excitation of collective states in nuclei.
What Can We Learn from Hedonic Models When Housing Markets Are Dominated by Foreclosures?
Authors: Coulson N. Edward , Zabel Jeffrey E.
Published: June 2013

Hedonic property value models have been frequently used to value environmental amenities because markets for these goods usually do not exist. Typically, researchers cite Rosen’s (1974) seminal work, which allows one to interpret functions of the hedonic regression coefficients as the marginal willingness to pay for the environmental good. A key assumption needed for the Rosen result to hold is market equilibrium. Recent years have witnessed extreme circumstances—such as wild swings in housing prices, high levels of mortgage default, and, most significantly, high levels of foreclosure—in which this assumption is unlikely to hold. In this article, we address the issue of how we interpret the coefficient estimates for environmental goods in hedonic property value models when markets are dominated by foreclosures. We then focus on housing market conditions when interpreting the hedonic literature on (airport) noise, Superfund sites, air quality, and flood risk.
Growing Resource Scarcity and Global Farmland Investment
Authors: Byerlee Derek , Deininger Klaus
Published: June 2013

Recent strong commodity prices have led to increased investor interest in farmland. Global analysis indicates that suitable land to bring into cultivation is available but concentrated in a limited number of land-abundant countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. In a much larger number of countries, productivity on currently cultivated land is significantly below potential. Higher returns to farming and relatively cheap land have contributed to a wave of investments into farming, mostly through very large ventures in land-rich countries. If land and other markets work well and a regulatory framework is in place, there are opportunities to generate considerable benefits by providing access to capital, technology, and new markets. However, investments have often been controversial because poor land governance and weak institutional capacity have made many of these ventures economically, socially, or environmentally unsustainable. Strengthening land governance and institutions and increasing public investment to raise smallholder productivity are major priorities for most countries to improve development outcomes from these investments.
Patterning Aspects of SiGe/Ge BFFT Fabrication
Authors: Milenin Alexey , Witters Liesbeth , Demand Marc
Published: June 2013

The sub20-nm wide SiGe bulk FinFET (BFFT) transistor structures have been fabricated by top-down direct patterning of the blanket strain-relaxed buffer (SRB) SiGe layer. The results of both the SiGe FIN patterning and the offset spacer etch stopping on a strained Ge channel are presented in this paper. The SiGe FIN geometry has been adapted starting from 300-nm deep (used for Si BFFT) to a 100-nm shallow but tapered FIN structure by using a newly-developed HBr/Cl2/O2/CH2F2 etch chemistry. Following standard replacement metal gate (RMG) flow, an offset spacer etch has been performed by using the low-bias CH3F/O2-based chemistry applied either with or without a SiCl4 additive. The best spacer-etch selectivity of 20 towards both the SiO2 and the Ge layers has been achieved at 200V bias and 75oC chuck temperature for the recipe selected. The final validation of the process has come from the following step of successful low-thermal-budget epitaxial growth of SiGe in the source-drain region (used for silicidation), which would not happen if there was complete consumption of the 20-nm thick strained Ge channel.
Electron Beam Induced Texture Change of the Anodic Films Formed in the Molten Melt
Authors: Han Seong Ho , Kim Hyoung Chan
Published: June 2013

The anodic films on aluminum, formed in the molten salt, have been shown to consist of two well-defined regions, of differing composition, separated by a boundary lying at a relative depth of 0.80 ± 0.03, measured from the film/electrolyte interface. The material comprising the film was sensitive to electron beam irradiation in the vacuum of the microscope; therefore, it was necessary to characterize further the appearance of the film material substructure observed in the transmission electron microscope. During the exposure of the film, a decrease in the thickness was observed with some zones evidently obliterated by dark material. This may indicate a volume contraction during the creation of the zone structure and/or a compaction of the film material. Any further changes with exposure to the electron beam were slow to proceed and the examination was discontinued at this stage.
Synthesis and Characterization of Modified Nano-TiO2 Films for Corrosion Protection of Stainless Steel
Authors: Zhu Yan-Feng , Zhang Juan , Du Rong-Gui , Qi Hai-Qing , Xu Lu , Gao Ying-Bo , Lin Chang-Jian
Published: June 2013

A TiO2 film and a B-Fe-Ce-modified TiO2 film were prepared on the surface of 316L stainless steel (316L SS) substrates by a sol-gel and dip-coating method. The corrosion resistance of the films and their protective properties for the stainless steel were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization curve measurements. The results showed that the TiO2 film and the B-Fe-Ce-modified TiO2 film were composed of anatase TiO2
nanoparticles with the diameters about 15 nm and 10 nm, respectively. The EIS results suggested that the B-Fe-Ce-TiO2 film could provide more effective corrosion protection for 316L SS in 0.5 M NaCl solution. The potentiodynamic anodic polarization curve of the B-Fe-Ce-TiO2/316L SS electrode in the above solution showed a larger stable passive region and a higher breakdown potential (Eb
) than that of the TiO2/316L SS.
Effects of Tritiated Water on Passivation Behavior of SUS304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Oyaidzu Makoto , Isobe Kanetsugu , Yamanishi Toshihiko
Published: June 2013

The effects of tritium on the self-passivation behavior of SUS304 stainless steel were studied to elucidate the mechanism of passivation inhibitory effect by tritium. As the experiments, the changes of open circuit potential over time were measured in 1 N H2SO4 solution with changing dissolved oxygen concentration and tritium concentration. It was found that there would be two types of tritium effects in passivation: one is inhibit or prolonging the start passivation, and the other is deceleration of the completion of passivity. From the experimental results, it was supposed that elution of trivalent chromium, one of the principal components of passive film, as hexavalent chromium due to further oxidation by highly oxidative radiolysis products would be the key reaction to inhibit the passivation.
Electrochemical Analysis for the Realization of Low Temperature Processed ZnO Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Bryant Daniel Thomas James , Carnie Matthew , Watson Trystan M. , Worsley David A.
Published: June 2013

Nanoparticulate ZnO Dye Sensitised Solar Cells fabricated at 150°Cshowed similar performance to cells fabricated at 450°C. EIS was usedto show that the cells showed a reduction in surface defects and anincrease in crystallinity as the temperature was increased and theamount of sintering was greater. This trend was backed up by datafrom dye desorption, IPCE and transient measurements. While this hadan impact on the Voc and a more pronounced effect on the Jsc theoverall conversion efficiency was only marginally affected. A lowersintering temperature would lead to a significant cost and energysaving if the cells were to be manufactured on a large scale and is apositive step towards the industrialisation of dye-sensitized solar cells.
Photovoltaic Properties in Al-doped ZnO/non-doped Zn1-XMgXO/Cu2O Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Minami Tadatsugu , Nishi Yuki , Miyata Toshihiro , Abe Shinya
Published: June 2013

The influence of Mg content (Mg/(Mg+Zn) atomic ratio) on the obtainable photovoltaic properties in Al-doped ZnO (AZO)/non-doped Zn1-XMgXO/Cu2O heterojunction solar cells using p-type Cu2O sheets prepared by thermally oxidizing Cu sheets was investigated. n-type Zn1-XMgXO thin films were prepared with various Mg contents on non-intentionally heated Cu2O sheets using a pulsed laser deposition. It was found that the obtained open circuit voltage increased gradually as the Mg content was increased up to approximately 0.18. The optimal Mg content in the n-Zn1-XMgXO thin-film layer that would be suitable for achieving the highest efficiency was determined to be approximately 0.09. The obtained short circuit current density, fill factor and conversion efficiency increased gradually as the O2 gas pressure during the depositions was increased, reaching maximum values at a pressure of approximately 1 Pa, and then their values decreased as the pressure was increased further. In contrast, the open circuit voltage increased monotonically from 0.62 to 0.85 V as the O2 gas pressure was increased from vacuum (below 4×10-4 Pa) to 1.6 Pa. The highest efficiency of 4.31%, measured under AM1.5G (100 mW/cm2) solar illumination, was obtained in an AZO/Zn0.91Mg0.09O/Cu2O heterojunction solar cell fabricated with an n-Zn0.91Mg0.09O thin-film layer prepared with a thickness of 50 nm at an O2 gas pressure of 0.9 Pa.
Improving the Efficiency of Polymer:Fullerene Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells by Varying the Material Concentration in the Photoactive Layer
Authors: Samson Matthew , Latimer Kevin , Boland Pat , Foe Kurniawan , Namkoong Gon , Baumgart Helmut , Abdel-Fattah Tarek M , Jeong Muk Seok
Published: June 2013

Planar structure organic solar cells (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/Al) were studied to determine the optimal concentration of polymer and fullerene in the photoactive layer blend. The bulk heterojunction of these devices consisted of the electron donating polymer poly-3(hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), and the electron accepting fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM). Four unique photoactive layer solutions were prepared by dissolving various amounts of the organics in 2 mL chlorobenzene, while keeping the weight ratio of P3HT:PC61BM at 1:0.8. The fabricated solar cells were characterized electrically to determine power conversion efficiency, fill factor, and current density. Subsequent characterization techniques including atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry were performed on P3HT:PC61BM films to determine surface roughness, optical absorption, and extinction coefficient. Through this systematic study, it was determined that an appropriate selection of P3HT:PC61BM concentration allows for significant increases in the overall device performance of organic solar cells.
Characterisation of the Deposition of n-octanohydroxamate on Copper Surfaces
Authors: Parker Gretel K. , Holt Stephen A. , Hope Gregory A.
Published: June 2013

The interaction of the flotation reagent, n-octanohydroxamate, with a copper electrode was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, contact angles, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, neutron reflectometry and X-ray reflectometry. The data demonstrated that hydroxamate did not undergo underpotential chemisorption. A hydrophobic non-passivating multilayer of copper n-octanohydroximate formed in the CuII stability region that was more stable than the oxide formed in the absence of hydroxamate. In the CuI and Cu0 stability regions the interface contained more than 50% water and the hydroxamate moiety was present in the keto tautomeric form.
Influence of Glycine as Additive on Cobalt Electrodeposition
Authors: Critelli Renan Armando Judica , Sumodjo Paulo Teng An
Published: June 2013

The effect of glycine addition to a Co plating bath on the electrochemistry of Co electrodeposition is discussed based on results from cyclic voltammetry experiments. Analysis of the observed values of current crossover potentials (EC
) for all studied systems shown the behaviors expected from thermodynamic calculations. However, thermodynamic arguments cannot explain the many differences observed in the potentiodynamic E/I profiles for sulfate based glycine-free and glycine-containing baths. Some kinetic parameters (Tafel slopes) were obtained from the CVs run at slow scan rates, and they suggest that Co2+ reduction follows different mechanisms on glycine-free and glycine-containing electrolytic solutions, with the latter also showing dependence on solution pH.
Crystal Orientation of Iron Produced by Electrodeoxidation of Hematite Particles
Authors: Tokushige Manabu , Kongstein Ole Edvard , Haarberg Geir Martin
Published: June 2013

Electrowinning of iron was conducted in a 50 wt% NaOH-H2O electrolyte with suspended Fe2O3 particles at 110ºC and pure α-Fe films were obtained on a disk cathode with a higher current efficiency than 95%. The Fe2O3 particle was directly reduced on the surface of the disk cathode, and the deposited Fe atoms formed cubic particles with a side length of approximately 0.1 μm. The crystal orientation of α-Fe depends on electrolysis conditions, such as current density and Fe2O3 particle content, and the (211) face plane of α-Fe was preferentially orientated. Therefore, a cubic α-Fe particle grows in a columnar formation toward the (211) face direction by spiral dislocation after two-dimensional nucleation. Furthermore, the morphology of the obtained α-Fe film can be controlled by the current density and the transfer rate of the Fe2O3 particles.
Desvenlafaxine succinate ameliorates visceral hypersensitivity but delays solid gastric emptying in rats
Authors: Dai Fei , Lei Yong , Li Shiying , Song Gengqing , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: June 2013

Desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS) is a novel serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DVS on visceral hypersensitivity and solid gastric emptying in a rodent model of gastric hyperalgesia. Twenty-eight gastric hyperalgesia rats and 20 control rats were used. Visceral sensitivity during gastric distention (GD) was assessed by recording of electromyogram (EMG) at pressures of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mmHg. DVS with doses of 1, 10, and 30 mg/kg were administrated by gavage, 5-HT1A antagonist (WAY-100635, 0.3 mg/kg) was given subcutaneously, and 5-HT2A antagonist (ketanserin, 1 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally. The level of norepinephrine in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that 1) visceral hypersensitivity induced by acetic acid was validated. 2) DVS dose-dependently reduced visceral hypersensitivity in the gastric hypersensitivity rats. The EMG (% of baseline value without GD) during GD at 60 and 80 mmHg with DVS at a dose of 30 mg/kg were 119.4 ± 2.3% (vs. saline 150.9 ± 2.7%, P < 0.001) and 128.2 ± 3.2% (vs. saline 171.1 ± 2.4%, P < 0.001). Similar findings were observed at a dose of 10 mg/kg. DVS at a dose of 1 mg/kg reduced visceral hypersensitivity only during GD at 60 mmHg. 3) Neither WAY-100635 nor ketanserin blocked the effect of DVS on visceral sensitivity. 4) DVS at 30 mg/kg significantly increased plasma NE level ( P = 0.012 vs. saline). 5) DVS at 30 mg/kg significantly delayed solid gastric emptying ( P < 0.05 vs. saline). We conclude that DVS reduces visceral sensitivity in a rodent model of visceral hypersensitivity and delays solid gastric emptying. Caution should be made when DVS is used for treating patients.
Short-term variability in respiratory impedance and effect of deep breath in asthmatic and healthy subjects with airway smooth muscle activation and unloading
Authors: Gobbi Alessandro , Pellegrino Riccardo , Gulotta Carlo , Antonelli Andrea , Pompilio Pasquale , Crimi Claudia , Torchio Roberto , Dutto Luca , Parola Paolo , Dellacà Raffaele L. , Brusasco Vito
Published: June 2013

Inspiratory resistance (RINSP) and reactance (XINSP) were measured for 7 min at 5 Hz in 10 subjects with mild asymptomatic asthma and 9 healthy subjects to assess the effects of airway smooth muscle (ASM) activation by methacholine (MCh) and unloading by chest wall strapping (CWS) on the variability of lung function and the effects of deep inspiration (DI). Subjects were studied at control conditions, after MCh, with CWS, and after MCh with CWS. In all experimental conditions XINSP was significantly more negative in subjects with asthma than in healthy subjects, suggesting greater inhomogeneity in the former. However, the variability in both RINSP and XINSP was increased by either ASM activation or CWS, without significant difference between groups. DI significantly reversed MCh-induced changes in RINSP both in subjects with asthma and healthy subjects, but XINSP in the former only. This effect was impaired by CWS more in subjects with asthma than in healthy subjects. The velocity of RINSP and XINSP recovery after DI was faster in subjects with asthma than healthy subjects. In conclusion, these results support the opinion that the short-term variability in respiratory impedance is related to ASM tone or operating length, rather than to the disease. Nevertheless, ASM in individuals with asthma differs from that in healthy individuals in an increased velocity of shortening and a reduced sensitivity to mechanical stress when strain is reduced.