bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Field Simulation of an Antenna Array at Scanning by the SPA Method for Modern Ultrasonic Testing Technologies
Authors: Bolotina Irina O. , Kroening H. Michael , Kvasnikov K.G. , Sednev Dmitriy , Sumtsova Olga V.
Published: September 2014

The results of numerical simulation of an antenna array radiation pattern in impulse mode by the method of sampling phased array signal processing are represented in this paper. The studies of array parameters impact (the number of elements and the distance between them) on its penetrometer characteristics are discussed. It is established that the change of the distance among array elements leads to narrowing of the main lobe of the radiation pattern as well as to shifting of the side lobes nearer to the main one. Meanwhile, the increase in the number of elements in the array leads to narrowing of the main lobe and decreasing of the side lobes level.
Fabrication of WS2-Dispersed Al Composite Material by Compression Shearing Method at Room Temperature
Authors: Nakayama Noboru , Sakagami Shota , Horita Masaomi , Miki Hiroyuki , Takahashi Ayaka , Hashimoto Keizo
Published: September 2014

In this study, WS2-dispersed Al composite material was fabricated by Compression Shearing Method at Room Temperature, using various WS2 content ratios. The mechanical and friction properties of the WS2-dispersed Al composites were measured. As a result, the density measurements showed that the compacted WS2-dispersed aluminum composite had a relative density of 95 to 99%. Tensile strength of WS2-dispersed Al has 200 MPa. The friction coefficient of Al/0.5vol.%WS2 was 0.14, a reduction of 83%, in comparison with the 1.0 friction coefficient of the pure Al matrix material. The addition of WS2 to the matrix systems used reduced the friction coefficient. Therefore, WS2-dispersed Al composite material is useful for maintenance-free material of slide member.
Optimization of Hot Press Forging Parameters in Direct Recycling of Aluminium Chip (AA 6061)
Authors: Lajis Mohd Amri , Khamis S.S. , Yusuf N.K.
Published: September 2014

This study introduces a new approach of direct recycling using the hot press forging process that eliminates the two intermediate processes of cold-compact and pre-heating. This method leads to low energy consumption without intervening the metallurgical processes. In this study, the optimum of machined chips from high speed milling is recycled by hot press forging. The mechanical properties and surface integrity of the different chips were investigated. The performance of recycled aluminium AA 6061 chips in the mechanical and physical properties were compared with the original aluminium billet. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop mathematical model of the effects on pre-compaction cycle, holding time and suitable pressure significant to the process. It is hoped that, utilization of primary metal could be fully utilized by direct recycling technique (hot press forging) introduced in this study and at the same time developing a sustainable manufacturing process technology for future needs.
Formability Improvement Technique for Heated Sheet Metal Forming by Partial Cooling
Authors: Ota Eiichi , Yogo Yasuhiro , Iwata Takamichi , Iwata Noritoshi , Ishida Kenjiro , Takeda Kenichi
Published: September 2014

A forming process for heated sheet metal, such as hot-stamping, has limited use in deformable shapes. Higher temperature areas which have not yet come into contact with dies are more easily deformed; therefore, local deformation occurs at these areas which leads to breakage. To improve the formability of heated sheet metal, a deformation control technique utilizing the temperature dependence of flow stress is proposed. This technique can suppress local deformation by partial cooling around potential cracking areas to harden them before forming. In order to apply this technique to a variety of product shapes, a procedure to determine a suitable initial temperature distribution for deep drawing and biaxial stretching was developed with a coupled thermal structural simulation. In this procedure, finite elements exceeding forming limit strain are highlighted, and an initial temperature distribution is defined with areas of decreased temperature around the elements to increase their resistance to deformation. Subsequently, the partial cooling technique was applied to a deep drawing test with a heated steel sheet. The results of the experiment showed that the proposed technique improved 71% in the forming limit depth compared with results obtained using a uniform initial temperature distribution.
Nickel Selective Etch for Contacts on Ge Based Devices
Authors: Sebaai Farid , Witters Liesbeth , Holsteyns Frank , Yukifumi Yoshida , Mertens Paul W. , De Gendt Stefan
Published: September 2014

of high mobility channels materials like Ge. The introduction of Ge as channel material has already shown significant interests in term of device performance enhancement [1,2]. However, the use of Ge in CMOS integration has raised new challenges in terms of clean or wet etch steps since significant Ge loss occurs when it oxidizes in aqueous media.
Impact of Electrostatic Effects on Wet Etching Phenomenon in Nanoscale Region
Authors: Okuyama Atsushi , Saito Suguru , Hagimoto Yoshiya , Nishi Kenji , Suzuki Ayuta , Toshima Takayuki , Iwamoto Hayato
Published: September 2014

The microminiaturization of semiconductor devices has made it necessary to control the wet etching process on the nanometer order. It is therefore extremely important to understand wet etching reactions in the nanoscale region of solid-liquid interfaces, in order to assist in optimizing process conditions to satisfy the severe demand for semiconductor devices. Simulations performed to analyze the behavior of liquid molecules in the nanoscale region have been reported [1], but there have been few reports of detailed experimental results. We here report detailed experimental results on the wet etching behavior of SiO2 film in the nanoscale region between Si materials.
Backside and Bevel Contamination Removal
Authors: Besson Pascal , Roure Marie Christine , Kachtouli Riadh , Jourdan Marine , Gabette Laurence , Royer Agnes , Loup Virginie
Published: September 2014

challenge. Initiated by copper integration for BEOL interconnects the phenomena expanded with the HK / Metal Gate stack use. Therefore, the backside and bevel cleaning became a key parameter to insure both tools integrity and wafers yield while reducing as more as possible the cross contamination risk. The main parameter to avoid the contamination transfer across all the different clean room equipments is to strictly manage the backside and bevel areas on the wafers. Thus, the use of single side processor tools which achieve the specific treatment of the backside and bevel areas drastically increases. Up to now, diluted-HF mixtures are mainly used in production plants demonstrating a good efficiency to remove contamination on dielectric surfaces. Thus, a very large range of contaminant materials can be addressed with a performance level which has been widely evidenced on BEOL applications as well on more FEOL embedded specific materials (ie: Hf, La, W). Nevertheless, the fundamental mechanism which drives the diluted-HF mixtures efficiency remains only based on a lift-off effect as the contaminant can be caught in the liquid phase after a fixed amount material etching. Most of the time there is no direct solubilisation of the contaminant from the surface. For silicon surface without any dielectric coverage the efficiency of a single diluted HF mixture can be very poor especially towards noble metals contamination. Various on-going developments (ie on MRAM technology or 3D integration or Imagers) in which pure FEOL tools are used on MEOL or BEOL levels required more efficient cleaning towards a larger range of metal contamination on backside and bevel areas.
Process Control Challenges of Wet Etching Large MEMS Si Cavities
Authors: Kashkoush Ismail , Rieker Jennifer , Chen Gim , Nemeth Dennis
Published: September 2014

Anisotropic etching of silicon refers to the directional-dependent etching, usually by alkaline etchants like aqueous KOH, TMAH and other hydroxides like NaOH. With the strong dependence of the etch rate on crystal orientation and on etchant concentration and temperature, a large variety of silicon structures can be fabricated in a highly controllable and reproducible manner. Hence, anisotropic etching of <100> silicon has been a key process in common MEMS based technologies for realizing 3-D structures [1-4]. These structures include V-grooves for transistors, small holes for ink jets and diaphragms for MEMS pressure sensors as shown in Figure 1 [1]. The actual reaction mechanism has not been well understood and comprehensive physical and chemical models for the process have not yet been developed. With increasing numbers of MEMS applications, interest has grown in recent years for process modelling, simulation and software tools useful for the prediction of etched surface profiles [4-6].
Stability of Projection Methods for Incompressible Flows Using High Order Pressure-Velocity Pairs of Same Degree: Continuous and Discontinuous Galerkin Formulations
Authors: Ferrer E. , Moxey D. , Willden R. H. J. , Sherwin S. J.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents limits for stability of projection type schemes when using high order pressure-velocity pairs of same degree. Two high orderh/pvariational methods encompassing continuous and discontinuous Galerkin formulations are used to explain previously observed lower limits on the time step for projection type schemes to be stable [18], when h- or p-refinement strategies are considered. In addition, the analysis included in this work shows that these stability limits do not depend only on the time step but on the product of the latter and the kinematic viscosity, which is of particular importance in the study of high Reynolds number flows. We show that high order methods prove advantageous in stabilising the simulations when small time steps and low kinematic viscosities are used.

Drawing upon this analysis, we demonstrate how the effects of this instability can be reduced in the discontinuous scheme by introducing a stabilisation term into the global system. Finally, we show that these lower limits are compatible with Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) type restrictions, given that a sufficiently high polynomial order or a mall enough mesh spacing is selected.
Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and Motivational Interviewing for PGY-1 Medical Residents
Authors: Agley Jon , Gassman Ruth A. , DeSalle Mallori , Vannerson Julie , Carlson Joan , Crabb David
Published: September 2014

Background

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for alcohol use in primary care—often using motivational interviewing (MI)—is an effective preventive service. Medical residency programs have begun offering training in these areas, but little research has been conducted to examine the impact of SBIRT/MI training length on residents' satisfaction, affect, and behavioral intentions.

Objective

We measured residents' satisfaction with their training in addition to variables shown in previous research to predict medical professionals' intention to perform SBIRT.

Methods

This study focused on 2 SBIRT/MI training structures: a 4- to 6-hour training using didactic, experiential, and interactive methods and a brief 1-hour session explaining the same principles in a noninteractive format. Immediately following each training intervention, participating residents from internal medicine (IM), pediatrics (PEDS), medicine-pediatrics (IM-PEDS), and emergency medicine (EM) programs completed a 22-item instrument derived from established questionnaires; responses to each item were dichotomized, and comparisons were conducted between the training groups using Fisher exact test.

Results

Of 80 participating residents, 59 IM, PEDS, and IM-PEDS residents completed the longer training, and 21 EM residents completed the shorter training. All participating residents reported high levels of satisfaction, although EM residents were comparatively less satisfied with their shorter training session.

Conclusions

Both SBIRT/MI training structures were feasible and were accepted by learners, although the 2 groups' perceptions of the training differed. Future research into the underlying causes of these differences may be useful to the application of SBIRT/MI training during residency.
Finance and Development, June 2014
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.
Published: September 2014

This chapter highlights various ways Asia’s growth has affected the world economy. The chapter also shows that if currency trends continue, the Asian economy is expected to be larger than that of the United States and Europe combined. Some Asian countries offer sophisticated financial markets and are centers for technological innovation, while others are largely agricultural. The study shows that the region is home to 700 million poor people, about 65 percent of the world’s poor—a figure that stands in stark relief against Asia’s economic strength and growing prosperity. The chapter also references the inquiry by the managing editor of the Journal of Economic Perspectives into the rich and sometimes tortured relationship between economics and virtue.
Hate Speech or Genocidal Discourse? An Examination of Anti-Roma Sentiment in Contemporary Europe
Authors: Townsend Emma
Published: September 2014

Roma in contemporary Europe are the frequent targets of hate speech and discriminatory state policies. Despite being the largest minority in the European Union with a population of 10-12 million, they are frequently denied a space in European society, and are widely perceived to be unchangeable and inherently ‘other’. As a result, Roma experience substantially inferior life conditions when compared to majority European populations. Despite the many recent European Union initiatives and action plans, such as the Decade of Roma Inclusion (2005-2015), the situation of Roma in contemporary Europe is not improving, and in some cases is actually worsening. This persecution is not a modern phenomenon; Roma have suffered stigmatisation and exclusion throughout their history in Europe. The severity and continuity of the persecution of Roma at the hands of a multitude of European authorities suggests the presence of an underlying motivation or intent that informs both the rhetoric about and treatment of Romani people. This paper will examine if the persecution of Roma in contemporary Europe is guided by a genocidal discourse. To this end, the boundaries between hate speech, genocidal discourse, and incitement to genocide will be scrutinised. It will be argued that both the way the Roma are spoken about and the treatment they receive are informed by a genocidal discourse that has endured relatively unchanged throughout their history in Europe. Roma are not just racially vilified, rather their culture as well as their physical presence in contemporary Europe are widely devalued in both words and in state action. Any improvement in their situation is therefore unlikely while this discourse continues.
Meridionally-tilted ice cloud structures in the tropical Upper Troposphere as seen by CloudSat
Authors: Gong J. , Wu D. L. , Limpasuvan V.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. It remains challenging to quantify global cloud properties and uncertainties associated with their impacts on climate change because of our poor understanding of cloud three-dimensional (3-D) structures from observations and unrealistic/unconsidered characterization of 3-D cloud effects in Global Climate Models (GCMs). In this study we find cloud 3-D effects can cause significant error in cloud ice and radiation measurements if it is not taken into account appropriately. One of the cloud 3-D complexities, the slantwise tilt structure, has not received much attention in research and even little report is given on its global perspective. A novel approach is presented here to analyze the ice cloud water content (IWC) profiles retrieved from CloudSat and a joint radar-lidar product (DARDAR). By integrating IWC along different tilt angles, we find that Upper-Troposphere (UT) ice cloud mass between 11 and 17 km is tilted poleward from active convection centers in the tropics. This systematic tilt in cloud mass structure is expected from the mass conservation principle of the Hadley circulation with the divergent flow of each individual convection/convective system from down below, and its existence is further confirmed from cloud-resolving scale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulations. Thus, additive effects of tilted cloud structures can induce 5–20% variability by nature or an error in satellite cloud/hydrometeor ice retrievals if simply converting it from slant to nadir column. A surprising finding is the equatorward tilt in middle tropospheric (5–11 km) ice clouds, which is also evident in high-resolution model simulations but not in coarse-resolution simulations with cumulus parameterization. The observed cloud tilt structures are intrinsic properties of tropical clouds, producing synoptic distributions around the ITCZ. These findings imply that current interpretations based on over-simplified cloud vertical structures could lead to substantial cloud measurement errors and induce subsequent impact on understanding cloud radiative, dynamical and hydrological properties.
Assessment of the consistency among global microwave land surface emissivity products
Authors: Norouzi H. , Temimi M. , Prigent C. , Turk J. , Khanbilvardi R. , Tian Y. , Furuzawa F. , Masunaga H.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The goal of this work is to inter-compare a number of global land surface emissivity products over various land-cover conditions to assess their consistency. Ultimately, the discrepancies between the studied emissivity products will help interpreting the divergences among numerical weather prediction models in which land emissivity is a key surface boundary parameter. The intercompared retrieved land emissivity products were generated over five-year period (2003–2007) using observations from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer – Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and Windsat. First, all products were reprocessed in the same projection and spatial resolution as they were generated from sensors with various configurations. Then, the mean value and standard deviations of monthly emissivity values were calculated for each product to assess the spatial distribution of the consistencies/inconsistencies among the products across the globe. The emissivity values from four products were also compared to soil moisture estimates and satellite-based vegetation index to assess their sensitivities to the changes in land surface conditions. Results show that systematic differences among products exist and variation of emissivities at each product has similar frequency dependency at any land cover type. Monthly means of emissivity values from AMSR-E in the vertical and horizontal polarizations seem to be systematically lower across various land cover condition which may be attributed to the 1.30 a.m./p.m. overpass time of the sensor and possibly a residual skin temperature effect in the product. The standard deviation of the analysed products was the lowest (less than 0.01) in rain forest regions for all products and the highest in northern latitudes, above 0.04 for AMSR-E and SSM/I and around 0.03 for WindSat. Despite differences in absolute emissivity estimates, all products were similarly sensitive to changes in soil moisture and vegetation. The correlation between the emissivity polarization differences and NDVI values showed similar spatial distribution across the products with values close to the unit except over densely vegetated and desert areas.
Spatial climate dynamics in the Iberian Peninsula since 15 000 Yr BP
Authors: Tarroso P. , Carrión J. , Dorado-Valiño M. , Queiroz P. , Santos L. , Valdeolmillos-Rodríguez A. , Célio Alves P. , Brito J. C. , Cheddadi R.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The evolution of the climate in the Iberian Peninsula since the last glacial maximum is associated with distributional shifts of multiple species. We rely on this dynamic relationship between past climate and biodiversity patterns to quantify climate change using fossil pollen records widespread throughout the Iberian Peninsula and modern spatial distribution of plant taxa and climate. We have reconstructed spatial layers (1 ka interval) of January minimum temperature, July maximum temperature and minimum annual precipitation using a method based on probability density functions and covering the time period between 15 and 3 ka. A functional principal component analysis was used in order to summarise the spatial evolution of climate. Using a clustering method we have identified areas that share similar climate evolutions during the studied time period. The spatial reconstructions show a highly dynamic pattern in accordance with the main climatic trends. The four cluster areas we found exhibit different climate evolution over the studied period. The clustering scheme and patterns of change between millenia are coherent with the existence of multiple refugial areas in the Iberian Peninsula.
Calculations of the integral invariant coordinates I and L* in the magnetosphere and mapping of the regions where I is conserved
Authors: Konstantinidis K. , Sarris T.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The integral invariant coordinate I and Roederer's L or L* are proxies for the second and third adiabatic invariants respectively, that characterize charged particle motion in a magnetic field. Their usefulness lies in the fact that they are expressed in more instructive ways than their counterparts: I is equivalent to the path length of the particle motion between two mirror points, whereas L*, although dimensionless, is roughly equivalent to the distance from the center of the Earth to the equatorial point of a given field line, in units of Earth radii, in the simplified case of a dipole magnetic field. However, care should be taken when calculating the above invariants, as the assumption of their adiabaticity is not valid everywhere in the Earth's magnetosphere. This is not clearly stated in state-of-the-art models that are widely used for the calculation of these invariants. In this paper, we compare the values of I and L* as calculated using LANLstar, an artificial neural network developed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, SPENVIS, a space environment related online tool, IRBEM, a source code library dedicated to radiation belt modelling, and a 3-D particle tracing code that was developed for this purpose. We then attempt to quantify the variations between the calculations of I and L* of those models. The deviation between the results given by the models depends on particle starting position geocentric distance, pitch angle and magnetospheric conditions. Using the 3-D tracer we attempt to map the areas in the Earth's magnetosphere where I and L* can be assumed to be conserved by monitoring the constancy of I for energetic proton propagating forwards and backwards in time. These areas are found to be centered on the noon area and their size also depends on particle starting position geocentric distance, pitch angle and magnetospheric conditions.
Optimization of experimental designs and model parameters exemplified by sedimentation in salt marshes
Authors: Reimer J. , Schürch M. , Slawig T.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The weighted least squares estimator for model parameters was presented together with its asymptotic properties. A popular approach to optimize experimental designs called local optimal experimental designs was described together with a lesser known approach which takes into account a potential nonlinearity of the model parameters. These two approaches were combined with two different methods to solve their underlying discrete optimization problem. All presented methods were implemented in an open source MATLAB toolbox called the Optimal Experimental Design Toolbox whose structure and handling was described. In numerical experiments, the model parameters and experimental design were optimized using this toolbox. Two models for sediment concentration in seawater of different complexity served as application example. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches were compared, and an evaluation of the approaches was performed.
Facial Feature Tracking Using Efficient Particle Filter and Active Appearance Model
Authors: Cho Durkhyun , Lee Sanghoon , Suh Il Hong
Published: September 2014

For natural human-robot interaction, the location and shape of facial features in a real environment must be identified. One robust method to track facial features is by using a particle filter and the active appearance model. However, the processing speed of this method is too slow for utilization in practice. In order to improve the efficiency of the method, we propose two ideas: (1) changing the number of particles situationally, and (2) switching the prediction model depending upon the degree of the importance of each particle using a combination strategy and a clustering strategy. Experimental results show that the proposed method is about four times faster than the conventional method using a particle filter and the active appearance model, without any loss of performance.
Probability Explorations in a Multicultural Context
Authors: Naresh Nirmala , Harper Suzanne R. , Keiser Jane M. , Krumpe Norm
Published: September 2014

The early Hawaiian game of LuLu can be used to discuss both experimental and theoretical probability.
Solve It: Student Thinking:Tom versus Tom
Authors: Bair Sherry L. , Cady JoAnn
Published: September 2014

“Who has had the better career, Tom Hanks or Tom Cruise?” elicited discussion about students' data choices. The Solve It problem original appeared in the February 2014 issue.
Freshwater Scarcity: A Proportional Representation
Authors: King Alessandra
Published: September 2014

This month's activity explores the issue of the scarcity of freshwater, a natural resource. Activity sheets are included.
L’original de la pétition montagnaise du 8 avril 1847
Authors: Frenette Jacques
Published: September 2014

Dans cette note de recherche, l'auteur revient sur la requête montagnaise du 8 avril 1847, souvent présentée à tort comme étant du 8 mai 1847 ou du mois de janvier 1849, et il indique les raisons qui le font pencher en faveur de cette date de rédaction du 8 avril 1847. L'auteur traite également de ses autres versions, mieux connues des chercheurs, mais qui demeurent incomplètes en ce sens qu'elles ne contiennent pas les signatures des nombreux pétitionnaires. Il élabore aussi sur le contexte dans lequel la pétition fut écrite et transmise aux autorités. Il tente enfin de distinguer, parmi les demandes exprimées, les intentions réelles des Montagnais de celles de leurs missionnaires. En rendant disponible l'original de la pétition montagnaise du 8 avril 1847, l'auteur contribue à l'étude de l'histoire des Innus de la côte nord du Saint-Laurent et de leurs familles.
La presse comme tribune d’un discours d’autorité sur la langue : représentations et idéologies linguistiques dans la presse acadienne, de la fondation du Moniteur acadien aux Conventions nationales
Authors: Boudreau Annette , Urbain Émilie
Published: September 2014

Dans notre contribution, nous nous intéressons au rôle de la presse – institution centrale dans le projet national acadien de la fin duxixesiècle – dans la construction et la diffusion d’un certain discours d’« autorité » sur la langue en Acadie des Maritimes. À partir de certains débats portant sur la langue française, nous étudions les idéologies linguistiques qui sous-tendent ces discours et participent aux entreprises de légitimation ou d’illégitimation des pratiques linguistiques, mais aussi des locuteurs. Nous nous interrogeons notamment sur la façon dont les ressources linguistiques sont construites en Acadie comme des ressources socioculturelles et politiques, en particulier en ce qui concerne les questions de norme linguistique, de statut de la langue et de valorisation ou de stigmatisation des spécificités linguistiques régionales.
Social Influences and Job Satisfaction among Teachers
Authors: Astorias- Espanola Marjorie
Published: September 2014

Education is a process of transferring knowledge to the learners. This transfer of knowledge takes place in the classroom. The teachers are human resources in the academe who deal with different personalities inside the classroom. Aside from doing usual tasks in school, they are also considered as the key implementers of educational trends. The investigation aimed to provide information on the extent of job satisfaction among the teachers of the extramural studies centers of Palawan State University. A descriptive research method was utilized to gather information related to the job satisfaction of the teachers. This method describes the characteristics of people or the community. Results of the study showed that the respondents are satisfied in their work environment in terms of preparation factors, physical working condition, faculty salary, security of tenure, benefits and privileges but undecided in the case "faculty development opportunity". They are satisfied in the written and verbal feedback. In the social influences, the respondents rated "very satisfied" in relationship with peers, supervisor and students. Test of association shows the significant relationship in status and benefits and privileges, a highest degree earned and salary and security of tenure, faculty development opportunity, tenure and written/verbal feedback. This study concluded that social influences is given more weight than work situation in determining job satisfaction, and some form is associated with job satisfaction of the teachers.
Academic Performance as Determinant to Pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers
Authors: Garcia Gary C.
Published: September 2014

Guided by the institution’s vision and mission, the researcher observed the consistency of the students’ performance during and after their studies. It also determined if relationships between examinees’ academic performance and their Licensure Examination for Teachers’ (LET) rating in Professional Education and Field of Specialization are significant. The study used the descriptive design. Respondents were PRC (LET) examinees of Southern Leyte State University – San Juan from 2007-2010. Board ratings were requested from PRC, academic records were asked from the registrar. The researcher used Mean and Percentages in describing the performance, Pearson Product Moment Coefficient Correlation in determining the significant of the relationship between academic and LETrating. A total of 39 out of 58 Examinees in four consecutive years are women. Data imply that women are more dominant than men in the field of education in terms of numbers. The correlation coefficient between examinee’s academic performance and licensure examination rating is very high in the Field of Specialization subjects, weak positive correlation in the Professional Education subjects. However, correlation in examinees academic and Licensure Examination for Teachers rating in general is moderately significant. Academic performance (grade average) of examinees gives no assurance (not a determinant) on passing PRC (LET) examination.
Describing an Excellent University Instructor: Towards Developing a New Paradigm
Authors: Aclao Joel T. , Abasolo Aida G. , Villacora Marc Will L. , Manego Chrissa Faith M.
Published: September 2014

Universities and colleges use different constructs in describing excellent instructor. The study aimed to analyze students’ descriptions of excellent instructors, to report the descriptions as themes, and to develop a new paradigm of an excellent university instructor. The researchers reviewed comments from the 836 Learning Environment Survey results completed by the students coming from the 44 classes of the subject instructors. A total of 22 excellent instructors coming from the different colleges composed the subjects of the study. This qualitative study used thematic analysis to report the emergent themes. The study revealed that students describe excellent university instructors as content expert, facilitator, motivator, and role model. As an output, the study develops a new paradigm of excellent university instructor. However, the constructs of the paradigm need further study for validation.
Copper Catalysts for Selective CC Bond Cleavage of β‐O‐4 Lignin Model Compounds
Authors: Sedai Baburam , Baker R. Tom
Published: September 2014

The reactivity of homogeneous copper catalysts towards the selective CC bond cleavage of both phenolic and non‐phenolic arylglycerol β‐aryl ether lignin model compounds has been explored. Several copper precursors, nitrogen ligands, and solvents were evaluated in order to optimize the catalyst system. Using the optimized catalyst system, copper(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate [Cu(OTf)]/L/TEMPO (L=2,6‐lutidine, TEMPO=2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐1‐yl‐oxyl), aerobic oxidation of the non‐phenolic β‐O‐4 lignin model compound proceeded with good selectivity for CαCβ bond cleavage, affording 3,5‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde as the major product. Aerobic oxidation of the corresponding phenolic β‐O‐4 lignin model proceeded with different selectivity, affording 2,6‐dimethoxybenzoquinone and α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde products resulting from cleavage of the CαCaryl bond. At low catalyst concentrations, however, a change in selectivity was observed as oxidation of the benzylic secondary alcohol predominated with both substrates.

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An Improved Synthesis of Imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridines and Imidazo[4,5‐b]pyrazines by Palladium Catalyzed Amidation using Xantphos in a 1,4‐Dioxane:tert‐Amyl Alcohol Solvent System
Authors: Rosenberg Adam J. , Ahmed Ijaz , Wilson Robert J. , Williams Theresa M. , Kaminsky Lauren , Clark Daniel A.
Published: September 2014

Herein an improved protocol for the synthesis of imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridines and imidazo[4,5‐b]pyrazines using a palladium‐catalyzed amidation that utilizes Xantphos as an ancillary phosphine ligand is reported. The use of a binary solvent system comprised of 1,4‐dioxane and tert‐amyl alcohol was crucial in eliminating unwanted by‐products.

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Evaluation of Palladacycles as a Non‐Rhodium Based Alternative for the Asymmetric Conjugate 1,4‐Addition of Arylboronic Acids to α,β‐Unsaturated Enones
Authors: Wong Jonathan , Gan Kennard , Chen Houguang Jeremy , Pullarkat Sumod A.
Published: September 2014

The asymmetric conjugate 1,4‐addition of arylboronic acids to α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds is an extremely versatile and widely used organic transformation. While the rhodium(I)‐catalysed reaction has been thoroughly explored, the asymmetric palladium‐catalysed protocol is far less developed and understood, particularly with acyclic enones as substrates. Herein, we report the systematic evaluation of a series of metallacycles for this reaction and the conjugate addition of arylboronic acids to a wide range of α,β‐unsaturated enones, catalysed by an easily accessible and robust chiral phosphapalladacycle in high yields and enantioselectivities.

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A Small Molecule Inhibits Protein Disulfide Isomerase and Triggers the Chemosensitization of Cancer Cells
Authors: Eirich Jürgen , Braig Simone , Schyschka Liliana , Servatius Phil , Hoffmann Judith , Hecht Sabrina , Fulda Simone , Zahler Stefan , Antes Iris , Kazmaier Uli , Sieber Stephan A. , Vollmar Angelika M.
Published: September 2014

Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents represents a major challenge in cancer research. One approach to this problem is combination therapy, the application of a toxic chemotherapeutic drug together with a sensitizing compound that addresses the vulnerability of cancer cells to induce apoptosis. Here we report the discovery of a new compound class (T8) that sensitizes various cancer cells towards etoposide treatment at subtoxic concentrations. Proteomic analysis revealed protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) as the target of the T8 class. In‐depth chemical and biological studies such as the synthesis of optimized compounds, molecular docking analyses, cellular imaging, and apoptosis assays confirmed the unique mode of action through reversible PDI inhibition.
Safe Autonomous Agent Formation Operations Via Obstacle Collision Avoidance
Authors: Deghat Mohammad , Shames Iman , Anderson Brian D. O.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we consider the problem of flocking and shape‐orientation control of multi‐agent systems with inter‐agent and obstacle collision avoidance. We first consider the problem of forcing a set of autonomous agents to form a desired formation shape and orientation while avoiding inter‐agent collision and collision with convex obstacles, and following a trajectory known to only one of the agents, namely the leader of the formation. Then we build upon the solution given to this problem and solve the problem of guaranteeing obstacle collision avoidance by changing the size and the orientation of the formation. Changing the size and the orientation of the formation is helpful when the agents want to go through a narrow passage while the existing size or orientation of the formation does not allow this. We also propose collision avoidance algorithms that temporarily change the shape of the formation to avoid collision with stationary or moving nonconvex obstacles. Simulation results are presented to show the performance of the proposed control laws.
Identification of Novel CERT Ligands as Potential Ceramide Trafficking Inhibitors
Authors: Santos Cécile , Rogriguez Frédéric , Garcia Virginie , Moravčíková Daniela , Berkeš Dušan , Daïch Adam , Levade Thierry , Baudoin‐Dehoux Cécile , Ballereau Stéphanie , Génisson Yves
Published: September 2014

A highly compartmentalized enzymatic network regulates the pro‐apoptotic and proliferative effects of sphingolipids. Over‐conversion of ceramide (Cer) correlates with insensitivity to apoptosis signaling (in response to chemotherapy) and to drug resistance of cancer cells. De novo sphingomyelin biosynthesis relies on non‐vesicular ceramide trafficking by the CERT (CERamide Transfer) protein. Therefore, blocking CERT transfer, thus leading to increased intracellular ceramide availability, represents a potential anticancer strategy. Our study is based on the implementation of an in vitro binding assay, supported by in silico molecular docking. It constitutes the first attempt to explore at the molecular level for the identification of novel CERT ligands. This approach is the first step toward in silico design and optimization of CERT inhibitor candidates, potentially relevant as innovative ceramide‐transfer‐targeting therapeutic agents.
Excimer laser atherectomy to overcome intraprocedural obstacles in chronic total occlusion percutaneous intervention: Case examples
Authors: Sapontis James , Grantham J. Aaron , Marso Steven P.
Published: September 2014

Technical advances and the development of the Hybrid algorithm have been associated with higher success rates in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO‐PCI). Nevertheless, there are still intraprocedural obstacles that result in failure or prolonged procedure time. The Excimer coronary laser (EL) has been repurposed in CTO‐PCI to overcome such obstacles. This case series illustrates the use of the EL in four technically complex scenarios including the balloon resistant lesion, the impenetrable proximal cap, device resistance in stent restenosis, and difficulty with device tracking in the subintima. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recognition of N‐Alkyl and N‐Aryl Acetamides by N‐Alkyl Ammonium Resorcinarene Chlorides
Authors: Beyeh N. Kodiah , Ala‐Korpi Altti , Cetina Mario , Valkonen Arto , Rissanen Kari
Published: September 2014

N‐Alkyl ammonium resorcinarene chlorides are stabilized by an intricate array of intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonds that leads to cavitand‐like structures. Depending on the upper‐rim substituents, self‐inclusion was observed in solution and in the solid state. The self‐inclusion can be disrupted at higher temperatures, whereas in the presence of small guests the self‐included dimers spontaneously reorganize to 1:1 host–guest complexes. These host compounds show an interesting ability to bind a series of N‐alkyl acetamide guests through intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the carbonyl oxygen (CO) atoms and the amide (NH) groups of the guests, the chloride anions (Cl−) and ammonium (NH2+) cations of the hosts, and also through CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions between the hosts and guests. The self‐included and host–guest complexes were studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR titration, and mass spectrometry.
Synthesis and Helical Structures of Poly(ω‐alkynamide)s Having Chiral Side Chains: Effect of Solvent on Their Screw‐Sense Inversion
Authors: Suzuki Yuji , Miyagi Yu , Shiotsuki Masashi , Inai Yoshihito , Masuda Toshio , Sanda Fumio
Published: September 2014

New ω‐alkynamides, (S)‐HCCCH2CONHCH2CH(CH3)CH2CH3 (1) and (S)‐HCCCH2CH2CONHCH(CH3)CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 (2) were synthesized and polymerized with a rhodium catalyst in CHCl3 to obtain cis‐stereoregular poly(ω‐alkynamide)s (poly(1) and poly(2)). Polarimetric, CD, and IR spectroscopic studies revealed that in solution the polymers adopted predominantly one‐handed helical structures stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the pendent amide groups. This behavior was similar to that of the corresponding poly(N‐alkynylamide) counterparts (poly(3) and poly(4)) reported previously, whereas the helical senses were opposite to each other. The helical structures of the poly(ω‐alkynamide)s were stable upon heating similar to those of the poly(N‐alkynylamide)s, but the solvent response was completely different. An increase in MeOH content in CHCl3/MeOH resulted in inversion of the predominant screw‐sense for poly(1) and poly(2). Conversely, poly(3) was transformed into a random coil, and poly(4) maintained the predominant screw‐sense irrespective of MeOH content. The solvent dependence of predominant screw‐sense for poly(1) and poly(2) was reasonably explained by molecular orbital studies using the conductor‐like screening model (COSMO).
Alkene Isomerisation Catalysed by a Ruthenium PNN Pincer Complex
Authors: Perdriau Sébastien , Chang Mu‐Chieh , Otten Edwin , Heeres Hero J. , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: September 2014

The [Ru(CO)H(PNN)] pincer complex based on a dearomatised PNN ligand (PNN: 2‐di‐tert‐butylphosphinomethyl‐6‐diethylaminomethylpyridine) was examined for its ability to isomerise alkenes. The isomerisation reaction proceeded under mild conditions after activation of the complex with alcohols. Variable‐temperature (VT) NMR experiments to investigate the role of the alcohol in the mechanism lend credence to the hypothesis that the first step involves the formation of a rearomatised alkoxide complex. In this complex, the hemilabile diethylamino side‐arm can dissociate, allowing alkene binding cis to the hydride, enabling insertion of the alkene into the metal–hydride bond, whereas in the parent complex only trans binding is possible. During this study, a new uncommon Ru0 coordination complex was also characterised. The scope of the alkene isomerisation reaction was examined.
A General Diversified Synthesis of Carbazoles and the First Synthesis of Karapinchamine A
Authors: Qiu Youai , Zhou Jing , Fu Chunling , Ma Shengming
Published: September 2014

[IPrAuCl]/AgSbF6‐catalyzed cyclization of the readily available 4‐benzoxyl‐1‐(indol‐2‐yl)‐2‐alkynols occurred smoothly in 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE) in the presence of 4 Å MS to form a series of differently polysubstituted 2‐oxygenated carbazole derivatives efficiently. Based on mechanistic study, a possible mechanism involving 1,3‐migration of a benzoate group to form the allene, Au+‐mediated cyclization–elimination to form a gold–carbene intermediate, and subsequent highly selective 1,2‐migration has been proposed for the formation of carbazoles. Highly selective 1,2‐migration referring to the two substituents R3 and R4 (R4=H, alkyl, and aryl group) was observed: (1) In the presence of both H and alkyl groups, 1,2‐hydrogen migration is exclusive; (2) in the presence of a methyl group (R3), propyl, isopropyl, 4‐methylphenyl, and 4‐chlorophenyl groups (R4) migrate exclusively. Finally, the first total synthesis of the recently isolated naturally occurring carbazole alkaloid karapinchamine A in 5.2 g scale has been realized in 6 steps from commercially available chemicals without need for any protection–deprotection.
Quantization error in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Cadiz Rodrigo F. , Muñoz Camila , Tejos Cristian , Andia Marcelo E. , Uribe Sergio , Irarrazaval Pablo
Published: September 2014

Due to the special nature of the acquisition domain, the quantization process of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data presents challenges that are not present in other medical imaging techniques. In this article, we demonstrate that the quantization error in MRI cannot be assumed to be a random variable with uniform distribution across the entire acquisition domain. Furthermore, the introduced error is not statistically independent of the input signal. On the contrary, we show that this error is correlated with the object that is being scanned, producing perceptually unpleasant artifacts in the image domain. Although the quantization error is not generally a critical issue in two‐dimensional (2D) MRI acquisition, it could be in the case of 3D acquisitions and in noise estimation measurements. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 43A: 79–89, 2014.
Insight into the Mechanisms of the Multicomponent Ugi and Ugi–Smiles Reactions by ESI‐MS(/MS)
Authors: Iacobucci Claudio , Reale Samantha , Gal Jean‐François , De Angelis Francesco
Published: September 2014

The mechanisms of the Ugi and Ugi–Smiles reactions were investigated by using finely selected reaction conditions that allowed all of the intermediates to be “fish‐out” and characterized by ESI‐MS/MS. New insight into the Ugi and Ugi–Smiles reaction mechanisms is provided without using charge‐tagged reagents. Characterization of the isomeric species of the Mumm rearrangement in the gas phase was performed by using MS/MS.
Alternating current electrokinetics enhanced in situ capacitive immunoassay
Authors: Li Shanshan , Ren Yukun , Cui Haochen , Yuan Quan , Wu Jie , Eda Shigetoshi , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: September 2014

A rapid in situ capacitive immunoassay is presented herein. Conventional immunoassay typically relies on diffusion for transport of analytes in many cases causing long detection time and lack of sensitivity. By integrating alternating current electrokinetics (ACEK) and impedance sensing, this work provides a rapid in situ capacitive affinity biosensing. ACEK induces both fluid flow and particle motion, conveying target molecules toward electrodes immobilized with probes, resulting in rapid enrichment of target molecules and a capacitance change at the ‘‘electrode‐fluid’’ interface. The benefit of ACEK enhanced immunoassay was demonstrated using the antigen and antibody from Johne's disease (JD) as an example. To clarify the importance of DEP and ACET effects for binding reaction, two different electrode pattern designs for capacitive immunoassay are studied. The asymmetric array and symmetric electrodes exhibit very similar response at lower electric field due to DEP effects, while asymmetric array has remarkable higher response at high‐electric field because the convection becomes more important at high field. The disease positive and negative serum samples are distinguished in few minutes.