bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of fully three‐dimensional high spatial and temporal resolution MR temperature maps for retrospective applications
Authors: Todd Nick , Vyas Urvi , de Bever Josh , Payne Allison , Parker Dennis L.
Published: June 2011

Many areas of MR‐guided thermal therapy research would benefit from temperature maps with high spatial and temporal resolution that cover a large three‐dimensional volume. This article describes an approach to achieve these goals, which is suitable for research applications where retrospective reconstruction of the temperature maps is acceptable. The method acquires undersampled data from a modified three‐dimensional segmented echo‐planar imaging sequence and creates images using a temporally constrained reconstruction algorithm. The three‐dimensional images can be zero‐filled to arbitrarily small voxel spacing in all directions and then converted into temperature maps using the standard proton resonance frequency shift technique. During high intensity focused ultrasound heating experiments, the proposed method was used to obtain temperature maps with 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm × 3.0 mm resolution, 288 mm × 162 mm × 78 mm field of view, and 1.7 s temporal resolution. The approach is validated to demonstrate that it can accurately capture the spatial characteristics and time dynamics of rapidly changing high intensity focused ultrasound‐induced temperature distributions. Example applications from MR‐guided high intensity focused ultrasound research are shown to demonstrate the benefits of the large coverage fully three‐dimensional temperature maps, including characterization of volumetric heating trajectories and near‐ and far‐field heating. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Profiling mass affluent luxury goods consumers in China: A psychographic approach
Authors: Xiao Lu Pierre , Pras Bernard
Published: June 2011

This article focuses on the main group of luxury goods consumers in China, the Chinese elite, who are of critical importance for marketing luxury goods. First, after defining the Chinese elite, we identify the relevant dimensions to segment this mass affluent group: conspicuous/functional, individualist/collectivist, impulsive/rational, and propensity to innovate. Second, we show the emergence of four clusters along these psychographic dimensions but also sociodemographic and geographic characteristics: luxury lovers, luxury followers, luxury intellectuals, and luxury laggards. Third, we present examples of consumers' profiles in each cluster and illustrate these examples with excerpts from in‐depth interviews. Finally, we show how this approach can help managers to identify Chinese elite luxury segments and efficiently target them. We propose segmented or crossover marketing strategies and conclude with recommendations for a better understanding of innovativeness, enhancing brand loyalty, and reducing postpurchase guilt, with respect to these segments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The entry‐mode decision of Chinese outward FDI: Firm resources, industry conditions, and institutional forces
Authors: Cui Lin , Jiang Fuming , Stening Bruce
Published: June 2011

How do Chinese firms make their entry‐mode decision for their outward investments? Based on the three theoretical perspectives that balance the “strategy tripod,” our study conducted empirical tests using survey data collected from outward‐investing Chinese firms. We found that the cost advantage of the investing firm and learning opportunities in the host industry have positive effects on the likelihood of a Chinese firm opting for wholly owned subsidiary against joint‐venture entry mode, while the market attractiveness of the host industry, host‐country restrictions, cultural barriers, and cognitive pressures have negative effects. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bisphenol A and estrone‐induced developmental effects in early chick embryos
Authors: Saito Kenichi , Niijima Azusa , Kamite Eri , Watanabe Mari
Published: June 2011

Endocrine disruptors, especially estrogenic substances, are thought to affect the reproduction and development of animals, including humans. We therefore assessed whether bisphenol A (BPA) or estrone (E1) had any adverse effects on chick embryogenesis. Fertilized eggs of white Leghorns were obtained within 24 h after laying. Embryos were administered 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mM BPA, and administered 10, 100 nM, and 1 μM E1, and incubated for 48 h at 37 ± 0.5°C and >80% relative humidity with one rotation per hour. The embryos were excised, fixed in 70% ethanol and viewed under a stereomicroscope. Their morphological abnormalities and numbers of somites were recorded. There were no significant difference in the average number of somites in embryos administered BPA and controls. Abnormal embryogenesis, however, showed dose‐related increases caused by BPA and E1. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Correlation diagram approach as a tool for interpreting chemistry: an introductory overview
Authors: Hirao Hajime
Published: June 2011

In the frameworks of both molecular orbital (MO) and valence bond (VB) theories, the correlation diagram approach aids understanding of a wide range of chemical phenomena. MO‐based correlation diagrams are based upon one‐electron MOs or electronic configuration functions and have been broadly applied to both thermal and photochemical reactions. VB‐based correlation diagrams utilize VB structures to express diabatic states and are especially powerful in analyzing chemical bonding and chemical reactivity. These approaches help us to understand the electronic behavior of molecules and fill the gap between intricate wave functions and the chemists' viewpoint. This paper provides an introductory overview of the correlation diagram approach, with a greater emphasis placed on VB state correlation diagrams. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2011 1 337–349 DOI: 10.1002/wcms.20

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Rotational barriers in alkanes
Authors: Mo Yirong
Published: June 2011

Rotational barriers in alkanes play a fundamental role in the stereochemistry and dynamics of alkanes and others such as proteins. Yet, the proper understanding of their origin which is central to chemical theory remains controversial. Currently, there are two major competing models to interpret the barriers, one is the steric repulsion model and the other is hyperconjugation model. No consensus has been reached. It is thus important to critically examine the quantum mechanical approaches producing conflicting data which lead to these models, as various approximations must be introduced to derive either the steric or hyperconjugative interaction energies in these approaches. The hyperconjugation model is largely based on the popular natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis which can estimate individual interactions between occupied bond orbitals and vicinal unoccupied antibond orbitals. But the concern is that these localized bond orbitals are projected out from a delocalized wavefunction and thus nonoptimal. Alternatively, recent studies with other methods notably the ab initio valence bond theory where localized orbitals are self‐consistently optimized reinstate the conventional steric repulsion model, although the NBO method correctly predicts that there is stronger hyperconjugative interaction in staggered structures than in eclipsed structures. After all, it is the steric effect rather than the hyperconjugation effect that plays a dominating role in rotational barriers in alkanes. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2011 1 164‐171 DOI: 10.1002/wcms.22

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science
Quantum Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Lüchow Arne
Published: June 2011

Simulations of complex systems have seen rapid progress over the last decade not only due to the continuous acceleration of computer resources but also due to improvements of methods and algorithms. Simulations complement experiments and model calculations in the effort to get insight into complex systems such as materials, complex liquids, or complicated molecules. As such, computer simulations are a strongly interdisciplinary field where chemistry meets physics, biology, and material science. Most simulations are based on classical physics because the interaction between atoms or even larger entities can be modeled accurately with classical mechanics for most problems as long as no chemical reactions are involved. If the interaction between atoms in a molecule or between molecules is to be calculated, for instance, to obtain parameters for modeling the interactions in classical simulations, classical physics has to be abandoned because these interactions involve the electron distributions which require a quantum mechanical description. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2011 1 388–402 DOI: 10.1002/wcms.40

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Gn theory
Authors: Curtiss Larry A. , Redfern Paul C. , Raghavachari Krishnan
Published: June 2011

A review of the Gaussian‐n (Gn) methods for accurate calculations of molecular energies is presented. The review includes an overview of the test sets that have been developed for assessing quantum chemical methods. This is followed by a description of the G2, G3, and G4 family of methods along with information on their performance on the test sets. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2011 1 810–825 DOI: 10.1002/wcms.59

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Personality Traits Associated with Genetic Counselor Compassion Fatigue: The Roles of Dispositional Optimism and Locus of Control
Authors: Injeyan Marie C. , Shuman Cheryl , Shugar Andrea , Chitayat David , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Kaiser Amy
Published: June 2011

Compassion fatigue (CMF) arises as a consequence of secondary exposure to distress and can be elevated in some health practitioners. Locus of control and dispositional optimism are aspects of personality known to influence coping style. To investigate whether these personality traits influence CMF risk, we surveyed 355 genetic counselors about their CMF, locus of control orientation, and degree of dispositional optimism. Approximately half of respondents reported they experience CMF; 26.6% had considered leaving their job due to CMF symptoms. Mixed‐method analyses revealed that genetic counselors having an external locus of control and low optimism were at highest risk for CMF. Those at highest risk experienced moderate‐to‐high burnout, low‐to‐moderate compassion satisfaction, and tended to rely on religion/spirituality when coping with stress. CMF risk was not influenced by years in practice, number of genetic counselor colleagues in the workplace, or completion of graduate training in this area. Recommendations for practice and education are outlined.
Experimental neuropathy increases limbic forebrain CRF
Authors: Rouwette T. , Vanelderen P. , de Reus M. , Loohuis N.O. , Giele J. , van Egmond J. , Scheenen W. , Scheffer G.J. , Roubos E. , Vissers K. , Kozicz T.
Published: June 2011

Neuropathic pain is often accompanied by stress, anxiety and depression. Although there is evidence for involvement of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), the detailed neuronal basis of these pain‐related mood alterations is unknown. This study shows that peripheral mononeuropathy was accompanied by changes in limbic forebrain CRF, but did not lead to changes in the functioning of the hypothalamo‐pituitary–adrenal axis and the midbrain Edinger–Westphal centrally projecting (EWcp) neuron population, which play main roles in the organism's response to acute pain. Twenty‐four days after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the rat sciatic nerve, the oval bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTov) contained substantially more Crf mRNA as did the central amygdala (CeA), which, in addition, possessed more CRF. In contrast, Crf mRNA and CRF contents of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were unaffected by CCI. Similarly, EWcp neurons, producing the CRF family member urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and constitutively activated by various stressors including acute pain, did not show an effect of CCI on Ucn1 mRNA or Ucn1. Also, the immediate early gene products cFos and deltaFosB in the EWcp were unaffected by CCI. These results indicate that neuropathic pain does not act via the HPA‐axis or the EWcp, but includes a main role of Crf in the limbic system, which is in clear contrast to stressors like acute and chronic pain, which primarily act on the PVN and the EWcp.
Human papillomavirus genotype distribution among French women with and without cervical abnormalities
Authors: Casalegno Jean‐Sebastien , Benchaib Mehdi , Le Bail Carval Karine , Piaton Eric , Mathevet Patrice , Mekki Yahia
Published: June 2011

Objective

To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and distribution among French women with normal and pathologic cytology findings.

Methods

A genomic DNA microarray assay enabling the detection of 35 different HPV genotypes was used for in vitro diagnosis, as a complement to Papanicolaou screening, to test 785 women who attended the gynecology department of a hospital in Lyon, France.

Results

Pathologic and normal cytology findings were obtained for 260 (33.1%) and 302 (38.5%) of the 785 women, respectively, whereas 223 (28.4%) results were inconclusive. HPV infection and multiple infection were significantly more prevalent (P < 0.001) in the population with pathologic findings (90.0% and 41.9%, respectively) than in the population with normal cytology findings (48.3% and 20.2%, respectively). Overall, the 4 most frequent HPV genotypes were HPV‐16 (14.8%), HPV‐53 (9.0%), HPV‐31 (8.7%), and HPV‐51 (7.5%), whereas HPV‐18 (3.8%), HPV‐6 (2.9%), and HPV‐11 (0.4%) were less common. The HPV genotypes included in the quadrivalent vaccination had a prevalence of 20.6% among all women and 30.4% among those with pathologic findings.

Conclusion

The present data indicate a reduced direct impact of HPV vaccination in the study population owing to a low prevalence of HPV‐18 and a high prevalence of HPV‐53, HPV‐31, and HPV‐51.
Invasive vulvar carcinoma and the question of the surgical margin
Authors: Palaia Innocenza , Bellati Filippo , Calcagno Marco , Musella Angela , Perniola Giorgia , Panici Pierluigi B.
Published: June 2011

Objective

To assess the discrepancy between width of surgical margin measured with the naked eye/ruler by a surgeon before removing an invasive vulvar carcinoma, and width of margin measured under microscope by pathologist after fixation of the resected lesion with formalin. Potential relationships between discrepancy and disease recurrence were also investigated.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted with resected lesions from 86 women who underwent surgery for primary/recurrent invasive vulvar carcinoma. After the surgeon removed the lesions surrounded by 1–2‐cm margins, the pathologist determined margin width at the 4 cardinal points of 86 lesions (for a total of 344 margin assessments), first macroscopically and then under the microscope.

Results

A safety margin of 0.8 cm on microscopic view was achieved in 83% of cases (112 of 135) when the macroscopic measurement was 1 cm, in 91% of cases (58 of 64) when it was 1.5 cm, and 98% of cases (105 of 107) when it was 2 cm.

Conclusion

There was a small discrepancy between the surgeon's intent and the microscopic margin measurement, mostly related to tissue shrinkage. A 1‐cm surgical margin corresponded to a 0.8‐cm margin in microscopic view (the “safe margin”) in most cases.
Availability and distribution of, and geographic access to emergency obstetric care in Zambia
Authors: Gabrysch Sabine , Simushi Virginia , Campbell Oona M.R.
Published: June 2011

Objective

To assess the availability and coverage of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services in Zambia.

Methods

Reported provision of EmOC signal functions in the Zambian Health Facility Census and additional criteria on staffing, opening hours, and referral capacity were used to classify all Zambian health facilities as providing comprehensive EmOC, basic EmOC, or more limited care. Geographic accessibility of EmOC services was estimated by linking health facility data with data from the Zambian population census.

Results

Few Zambian health facilities provided all basic EmOC signal functions and had qualified health professionals available on a 24‐hour basis. Of the 1131 Zambian delivery facilities, 135 (12%) were classified as providing EmOC. Zambia nearly met the UN EmOC density benchmarks nationally, but EmOC facilities and health professionals were unevenly distributed between provinces. Geographic access to EmOC services in rural areas was low; in most provinces, less than 25% of the population lived within 15 km of an EmOC facility.

Conclusion

A national Health Facility Census with geographic information is a valuable tool for assessing service availability and coverage at national and subnational levels. Simultaneously assessing health worker density and geographic access adds crucial information.
The Influence of Dietary Factors in Central Nervous System Plasticity and Injury Recovery
Authors: Gomez‐Pinilla Fernando , Gomez Alexis G.
Published: June 2011

Although feeding is an essential component of life, it is only recently that the actions of foods on brain plasticity and function have been scrutinized. There is evidence that select dietary factors are important modifiers of brain plasticity and can have an impact on central nervous system health and disease. Results of new research indicate that dietary factors exert their effects by affecting molecular events related to the management of energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity. Recent study results show that select dietary factors have mechanisms similar to those of exercise, and that, in some cases, dietary factors can complement the action of exercise. Abundant research findings in animal models of central nervous system injury support the idea that nutrients can be taken in through whole foods and dietary supplements to reduce the consequences of neural damage. Therefore, exercise and dietary management appear as a noninvasive and effective strategy to help counteract neurologic and cognitive disorders.
Biologic and Plastic Effects of Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Paradigms and Their Relevance to Clinical Rehabilitation
Authors: Garcia Alexandra N. , Shah Mansi A. , Dixon C. Edward , Wagner Amy K. , Kline Anthony E.
Published: June 2011

Neuroplastic changes, whether induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) or therapeutic interventions, alter neurobehavioral outcome. Here we present several treatment strategies that have been evaluated by using experimental TBI models and discuss potential mechanisms of action (ie, plasticity) and how such changes affect function.
Stem Cell Use in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Guan Xuan , Furth Mark E. , Childers Martin K.
Published: June 2011

Human stem cells derived from bone marrow are currently used in clinical medicine for bone and cartilage repair for injuries such as meniscal tears. New clinical stem cell studies underway include the treatment of patients with spinal cord injuries. Rapid advances in stem cell science are opening new avenues for drug discovery and may lead to new uses of stem cells for other musculoskeletal disorders.
Vitamin K: Fracture Prevention and Beyond
Authors: Falcone Trasey D. , Kim Scott S.W. , Cortazzo Megan H.
Published: June 2011

Morbidity and decreased function related to osteoporosis, fracture, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease are encountered by clinicians daily. Although we have seen vast advancement in treatment and management of these conditions, preventative practice has unfortunately served a lesser role in patient care. Increasing the dietary intake of vitamin K may have substantial utility in the prevention of these disease states. Since the discovery of vitamin K in 1935, its primary role was thought to be involved in the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Recently, its function in other metabolic pathways has emerged, leading to exploration of its significance beyond coagulation. Vitamin K is essential to bone physiology and prevention of atherosclerosis. It is involved in bone remodeling, cell signaling, apoptosis, arterial calcification, and chemotaxis, and it has anti‐inflammatory effects. Conversely, warfarin, a potent vitamin K inhibitor, has demonstrated adverse effects on bone remodeling and atherosclerosis. Natural forms of vitamin K are available in multiple dietary sources, and some structural forms are more readily available for use in metabolic pathways than are others. With regard to supplementation, the specific form of vitamin K is often not disclosed, and the recommended daily value is potentially less than what is physiologically required. On the basis of a review of the literature, it appears advantageous to encourage patients to eat a diet rich in vitamin K; however, the benefit of vitamin K supplementation alone is yet to be thoroughly conveyed.
An annually resolved bristlecone pine carbon isotope chronology for the last millennium
Authors: Bale Roderick J. , Robertson Iain , Salzer Matthew W. , Loader Neil J. , Leavitt Steven W. , Gagen Mary , Harlan Thomas P. , McCarroll Danny
Published: June 2011

We present the first near millennium-length, annually resolved stable isotope record from bristlecone pines (Pinus longaeva, D.K Bailey). The carbon isotope ratios from the cellulose of seven trees from the White Mountains of California, corrected for anthropogenic changes in atmospheric chemistry, are used to reconstruct growing season (June through August) precipitation back to AD 1085. Extremely negative isotope results are strongly correlated with proposed severest El Niño events over the last 500 yr, and similar values in the first half of the millennium are used to reconstruct a further 13 strong El Niño events, concentrated in the 12th Century and the mid 13th and 14th Centuries. Ring-width chronologies from adjacent sites in the White Mountains demonstrate a high degree of decadal covariance with the δ13C series, although there are several periods of notable divergence.
Local Politics in the Chinese Cultural Revolution: Nanjing Under Military Control
Authors: Guoqiang Dong , Walder Andrew G.
Published: June 2011

China's protracted regional conflicts of 1967 and 1968 have long been understood as struggles between conservative and radical forces whose opposed interests were so deeply rooted in existing patterns of power and privilege that they defied the imposition of military control. This study of Nanjing, a key provincial capital that experienced prolonged factional conflict, yields a new explanation: the conflicts were prolonged precisely because they could not be characterized as pitting “conservatives” against “radicals”, making it difficult for central officials, local military forces, or Mao Zedong to decide how to resolve them. Furthermore, Beijing officials, regional military forces, and local civilian cadres were themselves divided against one another, exacerbating and prolonging local conflicts. In competing for approval from central authorities, local factions adopted opportunistic and rapidly shifting political stances designed to portray their opponents as reactionary conservatives—charges that had no basis in fact.
Lampooning the Paper Money Custom in Contemporary China
Authors: Blake C. Fred
Published: June 2011

Over the past millennium and across the length and breadth of China and beyond, people have been burning paper replicas of the material world to send to their deceased family members, ancestors, and myriads of imaginary beings. The paper replicas, which include all types of goods and treasures, mostly old and new forms of money, is commonly referred to as the paper money custom. Studies of the paper money custom have neglected the native opposition to it, especially that of the contemporary intelligentsia, one form of which consists of news reports and human interest stories in the popular press that lampoon the practice of burning paper money. Many stories lampoon the paper money custom by showing how it burlesques traditional virtues such as filial piety. One of the interesting maneuvers in this criticism is how it employs the old and newer kinds of paper monies to shape the response of the readers.
Plato's Attempt to Moralize Shame
Authors: Lyons Dan
Published: June 2011

I'd like to trace here a great rhetorical-philosophical project which runs through the writings of Plato – his attempt to moralize norms of honor and glory, his attempt to harness the powerful feelings of shame and glory to the ineffectual norms of justice.
The Śāradātilakatantra on yoga: A new edition and translation of chapter 25
Authors: Bühnemann Gudrun
Published: June 2011

This article provides a new edition and translation of chapter 25 of the Śāradātilaka(tantra), a compendium on mantraśāstra composed, probably in the twelfth century, by Lakṣmaṇadeśika. The chapter itself presents a type of yoga that combines elements we normally associate with different yoga systems. In particular, we find elements associated with systems usually labelled as haṭhayoga, and elements of mantra practice as well. The chapter also contains references to the methodical knowledge of the rise or predominance of the gross elements (bhūtodaya, also known as svarodaya) and its connection with the six rites of magic. The significance of chapter 25 lies in the fact that it provides us insight into the teachings on yoga in a comparatively early text.
“Stung by a bee, you fear a fly”: Areal and universal aspects of Lahu proverbial wisdom
Authors: Matisoff James A.
Published: June 2011

qhɔ-qhô ί-kâʔ cɔ̀, Lâhō tɔ̂-mɔ̂cɔ̀.

The mountains have [springs of] water; the Lahu have proverbs. (#1012)

Proverbs are a particularly interesting type of sentential formulaic expression. This paper analyses a rich corpus of proverbs in Lahu, a language of the Central Loloish branch of Tibeto-Burman, in terms of both their syntactic structure and their semantic content. Overwhelmingly bipartite in form, these proverbs reflect cultural and moral preoccupations of the Lahu people, and are sometimes expressed in similes and metaphors that are quite obscure to the outsider. They make implicit or explicit analogies between phenomena in the outside world and aspects of the behaviour of human beings. They often use earthy, scatological imagery, which tends to be bowdlerized in Chinese translation. Many of them bear a resemblance to the cryptic Chinese folk similes known as xiēhòuyû 歇后语. The proverbs cited are compared to similar ones in other languages, revealing the universal aspects of folk wisdom. Most Lahu proverbs seem to be original creations, although some look like literal equivalents of Western or Chinese sayings. A full-scale comparative study of Sino-Tibetan proverbs would shed light on possible paths of transmission, whether via missionaries or Chinese or Indian influence.
Competing Notions of Regionalism in South Korean Politics
Authors: HUNDT DAVID , KIM JAECHUN
Published: June 2011

In the past decade, ASEAN has been the primary driver of East Asian regionalism, and Korea has been an active supporter of ASEAN plus Three. Korea has explored the idea of an East Asian Community, and has been relatively open to notions of Asia–Pacific regionalism. The ROK has involved itself comparatively heavily in regional projects as both an initiator and a participant, but its notion of ‘region’ has oscillated between more and less inclusive forms of regionalism. This article examines how competing conceptions of region have influenced Korea's pursuit of regional initiatives. By revisiting historical understandings of Korea's regional identity, we explore the normative bases and material interests which motivate Korean regional initiatives, and assess the impact of its proposals.
The Awkwardness of Australian Engagement with Asia: The Dilemmas of Australian Idea of Regionalism
Authors: HE BAOGANG
Published: June 2011

Australia has experienced difficulties engaging with Asia-Pacific regional integration. Despite Australian attempts to punch above its weight in regional forums and to be a regional leader, it is still not regarded as a full member or as quite fitting into the region. It is an ‘awkward partner’ in the Asian context, and has experienced the ‘liminality’ of being neither here nor there. The former Rudd government's proposal for an ‘Asia Pacific Community’ (APC) by the year 2020 was a substantive initiative in Australia's ongoing engagement with Asia. It has, however, attracted a high level of criticism both at home and abroad. The main critical analysis of the proposal has focused on institutional building or architecture, or its relationship with existing regional institutions, but overlooks a host of often fraught questions about culture, norms, identities, and international power relations. The APC concept needs to be scrutinized in terms of these questions with a critical eye. This paper examines the cultural, cognitive, and normative dimensions of Rudd's proposal. It analyses four dilemmas or awkward problems that the APC faces.
Using the Rating Scale Model to Examine the Psychometric Properties of the Self-Efficacy Scale for Driver Competence
Authors: Sundström Anna
Published: June 2011

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a self-report scale for assessing perceived driver competence, labeled the Self-Efficacy Scale for Driver Competence (SSDC), using item response theory analyses. Two samples of Swedish driving-license examinees (n = 795; n = 714) completed two versions of the SSDC that were parallel in content. Prior work, using classical test theory analyses, has provided support for the validity and reliability of scores from the SSDC. This study investigated the measurement precision, item hierarchy, and differential functioning for males and females of the items in the SSDC as well as how the rating scale functions. The results confirmed the previous findings; that the SSDC demonstrates sound psychometric properties. In addition, the findings showed that measurement precision could be increased by adding items that tap higher self-efficacy levels. Moreover, the rating scale can be improved by reducing the number of categories or by providing each category with a label.
Testing the Psychometric Properties of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) in Chile
Authors: Fernández Ana Maria , Dufey Michele , Kramp Uwe
Published: June 2011

The psychometric properties of Davis’ (1980) Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) in Chile were assessed. The IRI was applied to a sample of 435 college students. Appropriate internal consistencies and test-retest stability resulted. The instrument’s validity was evidenced by the interrelations among the scales, in addition to its correlations in the predicted direction to other related psychological constructs, and sex differences emerged in three of its dimensions. A confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the theoretical structure of the IRI in Chile, and the suitability of both the four-factor model and a second order factor that integrates three of the dimensions . The implications and comparison of the results with other adaptations of the IRI are discussed.
Molecular mechanisms of cardiomyocyte aging
Authors: Sheydina Anna , Riordon Daniel R. , Boheler Kenneth R.
Published: June 2011

Western societies are rapidly aging, and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. In fact, age and cardiovascular diseases are positively correlated, and disease syndromes affecting the heart reach epidemic proportions in the very old. Genetic variations and molecular adaptations are the primary contributors to the onset of cardiovascular disease; however, molecular links between age and heart syndromes are complex and involve much more than the passage of time. Changes in CM (cardiomyocyte) structure and function occur with age and precede anatomical and functional changes in the heart. Concomitant with or preceding some of these cellular changes are alterations in gene expression often linked to signalling cascades that may lead to a loss of CMs or reduced function. An understanding of the intrinsic molecular mechanisms underlying these cascading events has been instrumental in forming our current understanding of how CMs adapt with age. In the present review, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying CM aging and how these changes may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
A Lie algebraic condition for exponential stability of discrete hybrid systems and application to hybrid synchronization
Authors: Zhao Shouwei
Published: June 2011

A Lie algebraic condition for global exponential stability of linear discrete switched impulsive systems is presented in this paper. By considering a Lie algebra generated by all subsystem matrices and impulsive matrices, when not all of these matrices are Schur stable, we derive new criteria for global exponential stability of linear discrete switched impulsive systems. Moreover, simple sufficient conditions in terms of Lie algebra are established for the synchronization of nonlinear discrete systems using a hybrid switching and impulsive control. As an application, discrete chaotic system’s synchronization is investigated by the proposed method.
Particle-in-cell simulations for virtual cathode oscillator including foil ablation effects
Authors: Singh Gursharn , Chaturvedi S.
Published: June 2011

We have performed two- and three-dimensional, relativistic, electromagnetic, particle-in-cell simulations of an axially extracted virtual cathode oscillator (vircator). The simulations include, for the first time, self-consistent dynamics of the anode foil under the influence of the intense electron beam. This yields the variation of microwave output power as a function of time, including the role of anode ablation and anode–cathode gap closure. These simulations have been done using locally developed particle-in-cell (PIC) codes. The codes have been validated using two vircator designs available from the literature. The simulations reported in the present paper take account of foil ablation due to the intense electron flux, the resulting plasma expansion and shorting of the anode–cathode gap. The variation in anode transparency due to plasma formation is automatically taken into account. We find that damage is generally higher near the axis. Also, at all radial positions, there is little damage in the early stages, followed by a period of rapid erosion, followed in turn by low damage rates. A physical explanation has been given for these trends. As a result of gap closure due to plasma formation from the foil, the output microwave power initially increases, reaches a near-flat-top and then decreases steadily, reaching a minimum around 230 ns. This is consistent with a typical plasma expansion velocity of ∼2 cm/μs reported in the literature. We also find a significant variation in the dominant output frequency, from 6.3 to 7.6 GHz. This variation is small as long as the plasma density is small, up to ∼40 ns. As the AK gap starts filling with plasma, there is a steady increase in this frequency.
Dynamics and pattern formation in large systems of spatially-coupled oscillators with finite response times
Authors: Lee Wai Shing , Restrepo Juan G. , Ott Edward , Antonsen Thomas M.
Published: June 2011

We consider systems of many spatially distributed phase oscillators that interact with their neighbors. Each oscillator is allowed to have a different natural frequency, as well as a different response time to the signals it receives from other oscillators in its neighborhood. Using the ansatz of Ott and Antonsen [Chaos 18, 037113 (2008)] and adopting a strategy similar to that employed in the recent work of Laing [Physica D 238, 1569 (2009)], we reduce the microscopic dynamics of these systems to a macroscopic partial-differential-equation description. Using this macroscopic formulation, we numerically find that finite oscillator response time leads to interesting spatiotemporal dynamical behaviors including propagating fronts, spots, target patterns, chimerae, spiral waves, etc., and we study interactions and evolutionary behaviors of these spatiotemporal patterns.
Boundary-equilibrium bifurcations in piecewise-smooth slow-fast systems
Authors: Kowalczyk P. , Glendinning P.
Published: June 2011

In this paper we study the qualitative dynamics of piecewise-smooth slow-fast systems (singularly perturbed systems) which are everywhere continuous. We consider phase space topology of systems with one-dimensional slow dynamics and one-dimensional fast dynamics. The slow manifold of the reduced system is formed by a piecewise-continuous curve, and the differentiability is lost across the switching surface. In the full system the slow manifold is no longer continuous, and there is an O(ɛ) discontinuity across the switching manifold, but the discontinuity cannot qualitatively alter system dynamics. Revealed phase space topology is used to unfold qualitative dynamics of planar slow-fast systems with an equilibrium point on the switching surface. In this case the local dynamics corresponds to so-called boundary-equilibrium bifurcations, and four qualitative phase portraits are uncovered. Our results are then used to investigate the dynamics of a box model of a thermohaline circulation, and the presence of a boundary-equilibrium bifurcation of a fold type is shown.
The stress dependence of magnetostriction hysteresis in TbDyFe [110] oriented crystal
Authors: Wang Zhibin , Liu Jinghua , Jiang Chengbao , Xu Huibin
Published: June 2011

The magnetostriction curves and minor loops of the TbDyFe [110] oriented crystal are tested under different compressive pre-stress from 0 to 120 MPa. It is observed that the magnetostriction hysteresis first increases from about 33 Oe under 0 MPa, achieves the maximum of about 70 Oe under 30 MPa, and then decreases to about 16 Oe under 120 MPa (near disappearance) with an increase in the compressive pre-stress. By the theoretical simulation, it is found that upon increasing the compressive pre-stress the dominant energy changes from magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy to magnetoelastic energy. This leads to the domain rotation mode changing from irreversibility to reversibility and consequently results in the decrease of magnetostriction hysteresis, which explains the experimental results very well.
Phase selection and transition in Hf-rich hafnia-titania nanolaminates
Authors: Cisneros-Morales Massiel Cristina , Rubin Aita Carolyn
Published: June 2011

Hf-rich hafnia-titania nanolaminate films with five HfO2-TiO2 bilayer architectures (0.64 to 0.94 Hf atom fraction) were sputter deposited on unheated fused silica substrates, annealed post-deposition from 573 to 1273 K, and analyzed by x-ray diffraction to study phase selection and transition. Isochronal annealing for 1 h intervals from 573 to 1173 K produces weak crystallization into monoclinic (m) HfO2 doped with Ti, i.e., m-Hf1-xTixO2. The amount of Ti incorporated into m-HfO2 depends upon both architecture and overall stoichiometry, but in all but the coarsest architecture, exceeds the bulk solubility limit of x = 0.05. Initial annealing at 1273 K produces significant crystallization into a biphasic structure, m-Hf1-xTixO2 and orthorhombic (o) HfTiO4. From bulk phase equilibrium considerations, o-HfTiO4 is expected to crystallize under conditions of interfacial bilayer mixing. However, upon further annealing at 1273 K, o-HfTiO4 proves to be unstable. o-HfTiO4 demixing inevitably occurs independent of architecture and stoichiometry, resulting in final crystallization products after 96 h at 1273 K that are m-Hf1-xTixO2 with x ≈ 0.05 and TiO2 doped with Hf. We suggest that o-HfTiO4 instability arises from a driving force to form domains similar to those found in the low temperature in/commensurate structures of ZrTiO4. A detailed crystallographic group-subgroup analysis of the o (Pbcn) → m (P21/c) transition shows that these domains can be represented by an orientation twin in the latter structure and their creation can be achieved by a single step second-order phase transition.
Peculiarities of the transitions to synchronization in coupled systems with amplitude death
Authors: Astakhov V. , Koblyanskii S. , Shabunin A. , Kapitaniak T.
Published: June 2011

The paper presents the results of the study of the sequences of bifurcation leading to the synchronization and amplitude death in a system of two dissipatively coupled self-sustained oscillators with inertial nonlinearity. Two types of synchronizations tongues have been identified. In one of them phase locking regions exist where the synchronization is achieved by the saddle-node bifurcation and regions where the transition to synchronization leads through Neimark-Sacker bifurcation. In the second type of the tongues there are only phase locking regions. It has been shown that for a weak non-identity of the system parameters, the first type tongues merge together. The transition between the synchronization tongues can occur without bifurcations, i.e., transition between the synchronized regimes with different periods of oscillations can occur gradually.
Scattering analysis of plasmonic nanorod antennas: A novel numerically efficient computational scheme utilizing macro basis functions
Authors: Rashidi Arash , Mosallaei Hossein , Mittra Raj
Published: June 2011

In this paper we introduce a versatile and numerically efficient computational technique to model the problem of scattering from plasmonic nanorod antennas. The key to achieving the numerical efficiency is to utilize macro basis functions (MBFs) that taking into account the physics of the problem to reduce the size of matrix equation we need to solve. Closed form formulations are presented for computing the fields by the transverse and longitudinal MBFs that enable us to generate the required matrix elements rapidly, while ensuring that the matrix is well-conditioned. We show that the transverse and longitudinal components of polarization current and all of the components of the scattered fields can be computed very accurately by employing only a few MBFs, i.e., by solving a relatively small-size matrix equation. The accuracy of our modeling technique has been successfully demonstrated by comparing the simulation results with those derived by using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique, which is considerably more time-consuming than the present approach. Interesting physical phenomena such as surface plasmon modes for polarization currents and resonance behaviors of plasmonic nanorods are illustrated.
Epitaxy, strain, and composition effects on metal-insulator transition characteristics of SmNiO3 thin films
Authors: Aydogdu Gulgun H. , Ha Sieu D. , Viswanath B. , Ramanathan Shriram
Published: June 2011

SmNiO3 (SNO) thin films were deposited on LaAlO3 (LAO), SrTiO3, SrLaAlO4, Si, and Al2O3 (sapphire) substrates by RF magnetron sputtering and studies were conducted to understand how film structure and composition influence the insulator-metal transition properties. It is observed that the compressive strain induces the insulator to metal transition (MIT), while tensile strain suppresses it. In the case of non-epitaxial films, semiconducting behavior is obtained on sapphire over a broad temperature range, while on heavily-doped Si substrate; an MIT is seen in out-of-plane resistance measurement. In addition, thickness dependence on the resistance behavior and nickel oxidation state has been examined for epitaxial SNO films on LAO substrates. Fine control of the MIT by modifications to the mismatch strain and thickness provides insights to enhance the performance and the functionality of these films for emerging electron devices.
Modulation periodicity dependent structure, stress, and hardness in NbN/W2N nanostructured multilayer films
Authors: Wen M. , Tian H. W. , Hu C. Q. , Zeng Y. , Meng Q. N. , Zhang K. , Zheng W. T. , An T. , Zou G. T.
Published: June 2011

NbN/W2N nano-multilayer films with a modulation periodicity, Λ, ranging from 5.1 to 157.4 nm have been deposited on a Si(100) substrate by reactive magnetron sputtering in Ar/N2 mixtures. The Λ dependent structural and mechanical properties for the resulting NbN/W2N multilayers have been evaluated by means of low-angle x-ray reflectivity, x-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, and nanoindentation measurements. The finding is that for films with Λ ≤ 10.6 nm, fcc NbN layers are coherent with cubic W2N layers, resulting in NbN layers and W2N layers that are in the compressive and tensile states, respectively. In contrast, as Λ is larger than 10.6 nm, a phase transition from W2N to W occurs in the W2N layer, which is a result of the coherent interface strain relaxation. For this case, all layers are in the compressive state, and the coherent interface disappears. The intrinsic compressive stress evolution with Λ can be interpreted in terms of interface stress. The formation of coherent interface at small Λ (≤10.6 nm) is helpful for releasing point defects in layers, leading to a low compressive stress (≤1.1 GPa). The hardness for the obtained multilayer film increases with decreasing Λ, and approaches a maximum value of 43.7 GPa when Λ is 7.4 nm. The maximum strengthen at lower Λ is mainly attributed to coherent interface stresses and the modulus difference between the NbN and W2N layers. The increase in hardness with a decrease in Λ is interpreted by the Lehoczky model.
A theoretical bridge between linear and nonlinear microrheology
Authors: DePuit Ryan J. , Khair Aditya S. , Squires Todd M.
Published: June 2011

Passive microrheology exploits the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to relate thermal fluctuations of a colloidal probe to the near-equilibrium linear response behavior of the material through an assumed generalized Stokes Einstein relation (GSER). Active and nonlinear microrheology, on the other hand, measures the nonlinear response of a strongly driven probe, for which fluctuation-dissipation does not hold. This leaves no clear method for recovering the macroscopic rheological properties from such measurements. Although the two techniques share much in common, there has been little attempt to relate the understanding of one to the other. In passive microrheology, the GSER is generally assumed to hold, without the need for explicit calculation of the microstructural deformation and stress, whereas in nonlinear microrheology, the microstructure must be explicitly determined to obtain the drag force. Here we seek to bridge the gap in understanding between these two techniques, by using a single model system to explicitly explore the gentle-forcing limit, where passive (ω→0) and active (U→0) microrheology are identical. Specifically, we explicitly calculate the microstructural deformations and stresses as a microrheological probe moves within a dilute colloidal suspension. In the gentle-forcing limit, we find the microstructural stresses in the bulk material to be directly proportional to the local strain tensor, independent of the detailed flow, with a prefactor related to the effective shear modulus. A direct consequence is that the probe resistance due to the bulk stresses in passive (linear response) microrheology quantitatively recovers the results of macroscopic oscillatory shear rheology. Direct probe-bath interactions, however, lead to quantitative discrepancies that are unrelated to macroscopic shear rheology. We then examine the microstructural equations for nonlinear microrheology, whose U→0 limit reduces to the ω→0 limit in passive microrheology. Guided by the results from passive microrheology, we show that direct probe-material interactions are unrelated to the macroscopic shear rheology. Moreover, we show that the bulk microstructural deformations (which quantitatively recover macroscopic shear rheology in the linear limit) now obey a governing equation that differs qualitatively from macroscopic rheology, due to the spatially dependent, Lagrangian unsteady mixture of shear and extensional flows. This inherently complicates any quantitative interpretation of nonlinear microrheology.