bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate confidence limits for stratified clinical trials
Authors: Lloyd Chris J.
Published: April 2013

For stratified 2 × 2 tables, standard approximate confidence limits can perform poorly from a strict frequentist perspective, even for moderate‐sized samples, yet they are routinely used. In this paper, I show how to use importance sampling to compute highly accurate limits in reasonable time. The methodology is very general and simple to implement, and orders of magnitude are faster than existing alternatives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations in the Cellular Immune Compartment of Patients Treated with Third-Party Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Jitschin Regina , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Von Bahr Lena , Völkl Simon , Moll Guido , Ringden Olle , Kiessling Rolf , Linder Stig , Le Blanc Katarina
Published: April 2013

Adoptive transfer of third-party mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has emerged as a promising tool for the treatment of steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Despite numerous in vitro studies and preclinical models, little is known about their effects on the patients' immune system. We assessed immune alterations in the T-cell, B-cell, natural killer cell, dendritic cell, and monocytic compartments of steroid-refractory GVHD patients 30, 90, and 180 days after MSC (n = 6) or placebo (n = 5) infusion, respectively. Infused MSCs were bioactive as suggested by the significant reduction in epithelial cell death, which represents a biomarker for acute GVHD. There were several indications that MSCs shift the patients' immune system toward a more tolerogenic profile. Most importantly, infusion of MSCs was associated with increased levels of regulatory (forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)+ and interleukin (IL)-10+) T-cells, reduced pro-inflammatory IL-17+ T(Th17)-cells, and skewing toward type-2 T-helper cell responses. Furthermore, IL-2, which has been recently shown to exert a positive immune modulating effect in GVHD patients, was higher in the MSC patients at all evaluated time points during 6 months after MSC-infusion. Overall, our findings will contribute to the refinement of monitoring tools, for assessing MSC treatment-efficacy and increase our understanding regarding the MSCs' in vivo effects.
A Bayesian analysis of sensible heat flux estimation: Quantifying uncertainty in meteorological forcing to improve model prediction
Authors: Ershadi Ali , McCabe Matthew F. , Evans Jason P. , Mariethoz Gregoire , Kavetski Dmitri
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Bayesian inference with prior info is well suited for input uncertainty analysis

The land surface temperature has large uncertainties in flux estimation

Scaling of surface temperature is required to capture spatial variability
Automated quantification of budding Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a novel image cytometry method
Authors: Laverty Daniel J , Kury Alexandria L , Kuksin Dmitry , Pirani Alnoor , Flanagan Kevin , Chan Leo Li-Ying
Published: April 2013

The measurements of concentration, viability, and budding percentages of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are performed on a routine basis in the brewing and biofuel industries. Generation of these parameters is of great importance in a manufacturing setting, where they can aid in the estimation of product quality, quantity, and fermentation time of the manufacturing process. Specifically, budding percentages can be used to estimate the reproduction rate of yeast populations, which directly correlates with metabolism of polysaccharides and bioethanol production, and can be monitored to maximize production of bioethanol during fermentation. The traditional method involves manual counting using a hemacytometer, but this is time-consuming and prone to human error. In this study, we developed a novel automated method for the quantification of yeast budding percentages using Cellometer image cytometry. The automated method utilizes a dual-fluorescent nucleic acid dye to specifically stain live cells for imaging analysis of unique morphological characteristics of budding yeast. In addition, cell cycle analysis is performed as an alternative method for budding analysis. We were able to show comparable yeast budding percentages between manual and automated counting, as well as cell cycle analysis. The automated image cytometry method is used to analyze and characterize corn mash samples directly from fermenters during standard fermentation. Since concentration, viability, and budding percentages can be obtained simultaneously, the automated method can be integrated into the fermentation quality assurance protocol, which may improve the quality and efficiency of beer and bioethanol production processes.
Direct numerical simulation of a breaking inertia–gravity wave
Authors: Remmler S. , Fruman M. D. , Hickel S.
Published: April 2013

We have performed fully resolved three-dimensional numerical simulations of a statically unstable monochromatic inertia–gravity wave using the Boussinesq equations on an $f$-plane with constant stratification. The chosen parameters represent a gravity wave with almost vertical direction of propagation and a wavelength of 3 km breaking in the middle atmosphere. We initialized the simulation with a statically unstable gravity wave perturbed by its leading transverse normal mode and the leading instability modes of the time-dependent wave breaking in a two-dimensional space. The wave was simulated for approximately 16 h, which is twice the wave period. After the first breaking triggered by the imposed perturbation, two secondary breaking events are observed. Similarities and differences between the three-dimensional and previous two-dimensional solutions of the problem and effects of domain size and initial perturbations are discussed.
Die Bedeutung der frühen mütterlichen Mind-mindedness für die Entwicklung der Empathiefähigkeit von zweijährigen Kindern
Authors: Licata Maria , Kristen Susanne , Thoermer Claudia , Sodian Beate
Published: April 2013

Die vorliegende Längsschnittstudie untersuchte den Zusammenhang zwischen mütterlicher Mind-mindedness ( Meins, 1997 ) im Alter von sieben Monaten und kindlicher Empathiefähigkeit mit 24 Monaten (N = 47). Die mütterliche Mind-mindedness erwies sich insofern als Prädiktor für die kindliche Empathieentwicklung, als eine unangemessene Interpretation der kindlichen mentalen Zustände negativ mit Empathie korrelierte: Je häufiger Mütter die Wünsche ihres Babys missinterpretierten, desto weniger empathisch waren die Kleinkinder. Weitere Varianz konnte durch Geschwisteranzahl und Sprachkompetenz des Kindes aufgeklärt werden. Die mütterliche Mind-mindedness variierte jedoch in Abhängigkeit vom kindlichen Geschlecht: Die Mütter missinterpretierten die mentalen Zustände ihrer Söhne häufiger als jene ihrer Töchter. Zudem stellte sich heraus, dass eine unangemessene Interpretation der mentalen Zustände nur auf die Empathiefähigkeit der Jungen einen negativen Effekt hatte, während sich bei den Mädchen eine angemessene Interpretation förderlich auf das prosoziale Verhalten auswirkte. Die Ergebnisse werden in Bezug auf die Befunde der Forschergruppe um Meins (2001, 2002) diskutiert.
FK506 binding protein 51 positively regulates melanoma stemness and metastatic potential
Authors: Romano S , Staibano S , Greco A , Brunetti A , Nappo G , Ilardi G , Martinelli R , Sorrentino A , Di Pace A , Mascolo M , Bisogni R , Scalvenzi M , Alfano B , Romano M F
Published: April 2013

Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer; there is no cure in advanced stages. Identifying molecular participants in melanoma progression may provide useful diagnostic and therapeutic tools. FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51), an immunophilin with a relevant role in developmental stages, is highly expressed in melanoma and correlates with aggressiveness and therapy resistance. We hypothesized a role for FKBP51 in melanoma invasive behaviour. FKBP51 promoted activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes and improved melanoma cell migration and invasion. In addition, FKBP51 induced some melanoma stem cell (MCSC) genes. Purified MCSCs expressed high EMT genes levels, suggesting that genetic programs of EMT and MCSCs overlap. Immunohistochemistry of samples from patients showed intense FKBP51 nuclear signal and cytoplasmic positivity for the stem cell marker nestin in extravasating melanoma cells and metastatic brains. In addition, FKBP51 targeting by small interfering RNA (siRNA) prevented the massive metastatic substitution of liver and lung in a mouse model of experimental metastasis. The present study provides evidence that the genetic programs of cancer stemness and invasiveness overlap in melanoma, and that FKBP51 plays a pivotal role in sustaining such a program.
Temporal variability in soil microbial communities across land-use types
Authors: Lauber Christian L , Ramirez Kelly S , Aanderud Zach , Lennon Jay , Fierer Noah
Published: April 2013

Although numerous studies have investigated changes in soil microbial communities across space, questions about the temporal variability in these communities and how this variability compares across soils have received far less attention. We collected soils on a monthly basis (May to November) from replicated plots representing three land-use types (conventional and reduced-input row crop agricultural plots and early successional grasslands) maintained at a research site in Michigan, USA. Using barcoded pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we found that the agricultural and early successional land uses harbored unique soil bacterial communities that exhibited distinct temporal patterns. α-Diversity, the numbers of taxa or lineages, was significantly influenced by the sampling month with the temporal variability in α-diversity exceeding the variability between land-use types. In contrast, differences in community composition across land-use types were reasonably constant across the 7-month period, suggesting that the time of sampling is less important when assessing β-diversity patterns. Communities in the agricultural soils were most variable over time and the changes were significantly correlated with soil moisture and temperature. Temporal shifts in bacterial community composition within the successional grassland plots were less predictable and are likely a product of complex interactions between the soil environment and the more diverse plant community. Temporal variability needs to be carefully assessed when comparing microbial diversity across soil types and the temporal patterns in microbial community structure can not necessarily be generalized across land uses, even if those soils are exposed to the same climatic conditions.
Interferometric measurement of angular motion
Authors: Peña Arellano Fabián Erasmo , Panjwani Hasnain , Carbone Ludovico , Speake Clive C.
Published: April 2013

This paper describes the design and realization of a homodyne polarization interferometer for measuring angular motion. The optical layout incorporates carefully designed cat's eye retroreflectors that maximize the measurable range of angular motion and facilitate initial alignment. The retroreflectors are optimized and numerically characterized in terms of defocus and spherical aberrations using Zemax software for optical design. The linearity of the measurement is then calculated in terms of the aberrations. The actual physical interferometer is realized as a compact device with optical components from stock and without relying on adjustable holders. Evaluation of its performance using a commercial autocollimator confirmed a reproducibility within 0.1%, a non-linearity of less than 1 ppm with respect to the autocollimator, an upper limit to its sensitivity of about 5 × 10−11 rad/\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\sqrt{\textrm {Hz}}$\end{document} Hz from audioband down to 100 mHz and an angular measurement range of more than ±1°.
Physical operation and device design of short-channel tunnel field-effect transistors with graded silicon-germanium heterojunctions
Authors: Shih Chun-Hsing , Dang Chien Nguyen
Published: April 2013

Using graded silicon-germanium heterojunctions, the green tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) can be scaled down into sub-10 nm regimes without short-channel effects. This work elucidates numerically the physical operation and device design of extremely short-channel TFETs with graded silicon-germanium heterojunctions for future low-power and high-performance applications. Critical device factors, such as the drain profile and bandgap engineering, were examined to generate favorable characteristics in the on-current, on-off switching, and off-leakage of very short TFETs. A mildly doped drain with a pure Ge source is preferred in designing the graded TFETs to optimize a desirable green transistor for low-power integrated circuits.
Emission lineshapes of the B850 band of light-harvesting 2 (LH2) complex in purple bacteria: A second order time-nonlocal quantum master equation approach
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Jang Seogjoo
Published: April 2013

The emission lineshape of the B850 band in the light harvesting complex 2 of purple bacteria is calculated by extending the approach of 2nd order time-nonlocal quantum master equation [S. Jang and R. J. Silbey, J. Chem. Phys. 118, 9312 (2003)10.1063/1.1569239]. The initial condition for the emission process corresponds to the stationary excited state density where exciton states are entangled with the bath modes in equilibrium. This exciton-bath coupling, which is not diagonal in either site excitation or exciton basis, results in a new inhomogeneous term that is absent in the expression for the absorption lineshape. Careful treatment of all the 2nd order terms are made, and explicit expressions are derived for both full 2nd order lineshape expression and the one based on secular approximation that neglects off-diagonal components in the exciton basis. Numerical results are presented for a few representative cases of disorder and temperature. Comparison of emission line shape with the absorption line shape is also made. It is shown that the inhomogeneous term coming from the entanglement of the system and bath degrees of freedom makes significant contributions to the lineshape. It is also found that the perturbative nature of the theory can result in negative portion of lineshape in some situations, which can be removed significantly by inclusion of the inhomogeneous term and completely by using the secular approximation. Comparison of the emission and absorption lineshapes at different temperatures demonstrates the role of thermal population of different exciton states and exciton-phonon couplings.
Theoretical study of the nuclear spin-molecular rotation coupling for relativistic electrons and non-relativistic nuclei. II. Quantitative results in HX (X=H,F,Cl,Br,I) compounds
Authors: Aucar I. Agustín , Gómez Sergio S. , Melo Juan I. , Giribet Claudia C. , Ruiz de Azúa Martín C.
Published: April 2013

In the present work, numerical results of the nuclear spin-rotation (SR) tensor in the series of compounds HX (X=H,F,Cl,Br,I) within relativistic 4-component expressions obtained by Aucar et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 136, 204119 (2012)10.1063/1.4721627] are presented. The SR tensors of both the H and X nuclei are discussed. Calculations were carried out within the relativistic Linear Response formalism at the Random Phase Approximation with the DIRAC program. For the halogen nucleus X, correlation effects on the non-relativistic values are shown to be of similar magnitude and opposite sign to relativistic effects. For the light H nucleus, by means of the linear response within the elimination of the small component approach it is shown that the whole relativistic effect is given by the spin-orbit operator combined with the Fermi contact operator. Comparison of “best estimate” calculated values with experimental results yield differences smaller than 2%–3% in all cases. The validity of “Flygare's relation” linking the SR tensor and the NMR nuclear magnetic shielding tensor in the present series of compounds is analyzed.
Magnetic properties of Eu-Fe thin films
Authors: Balin Katarzyna , Nowak Anna , Szade Jacek , Wojtyniak Marcin , Wilgocka-Ślęzak Dorota , Ślęzak Michał , Giela Tomasz , Korecki Józef , Celinski Zbigniew
Published: April 2013

We studied the formation of alloys and compounds of the Eu-Fe binary system, in the form of thin films, prepared using molecular beam epitaxy. Diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy investigations revealed mixing of the elements during the annealing at relatively low temperature. Magnetic studies showed ferromagnetic behavior up to 400 K, and strong thermomagnetic effects and exchange bias indicating the presence of an antiferromagnetic phase and superparamagnetic particles. X-ray photoemission microscopy with dichroic contrast confirmed this hypothesis, showing two types of Eu-Fe alloys with various stoichiometries and showing ferromagnetically ordered particles of 100–500 nm in size. Ferromagnetic particles contain divalent Eu atoms, whereas the antiferromagnetic alloy is probably composed of the trivalent Eu atoms detected in the photoelectron spectra.
Prediction of physical properties of water under extremely supercritical conditions: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Sakuma Hiroshi , Ichiki Masahiro , Kawamura Katsuyuki , Fuji-ta Kiyoshi
Published: April 2013

The physical properties of water under a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions are important in fundamental physics, chemistry, and geoscience. Molecular simulations are useful for predicting and understanding the physical properties of water at phases extremely different from ambient conditions. In this study, we developed a new five-site flexible induced point charge model to predict the density, static dielectric constant, and transport properties of water in the extremely supercritical phase at high temperatures and pressures of up to 2000 K and 2000 MPa. The model satisfactorily reproduced the density, radial distribution function, static dielectric constant, reorientation time, and self-diffusion coefficients of water above the critical points. We also developed a database of the static dielectric constant, which is useful for discussing the electrical conductivity of aqueous fluids in the earth's crust and mantle.
Thermal degradation study of (Fe-Co)-(Mg-F) nanogranular tunneling magnetoresistance films by Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Koyama S. , Totsuka J. , Kobayashi N. , Goto T.
Published: April 2013

The effect of heat treatment on the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR), and microscopic magnetic state of insulating (Fe-Co)-(Mg-F) granular films were studied. The magnetoresistance (MR) ratio at 10 kOe increases with increasing annealing-temperature and the highest MR ratio of 13.5% was obtained for the film annealed at 195 °C for 60 min (optimum-annealed film). Moreover, the MR ratio vs. field (H) curve of the optimum-annealed film shows a sharper variation around zero fields, in comparison with the curve of as-deposition film. However, the MR ratio decreased by further annealing. The Mössbauer spectrum of the as-deposition film shows a singlet spectrum, which suggests that Fe-Co granules are in superparamagnetic state. The film annealed at 195 °C also shows a singlet spectrum but the line width is fairly broad as compared to that of as-deposition film. The Mössbauer spectra change from singlet to sextet after further annealing. Characteristic feature of the spectra was explained by a simple relaxation model and the diameters (d) deduced from the relaxation times are d = 5.4 nm, 5.7 nm, and 6.0 nm for as-deposition film, optimum-annealed film, and further-annealed film, respectively. It is expected that there exists an approximate Fe-Co granule size suitable for TMR sensor.
Vector magnetic hysteresis modeling of stress annealed galfenol
Authors: Adly A. A. , Davino D. , Giustiniani A. , Visone C.
Published: April 2013

In the past years, utilization of magnetostrictive materials has been increasing in different applications including actuation, sensing, and energy harvesting. Special interest has been recently directed to galfenol (iron-gallium alloy). This paper experimentally investigates the vector hysteresis properties of stress-annealed galfenol as well as to test the capability of recently proposed models to mimic those properties. Details of the measurements, model identification, and experimental testing of the model accuracy are reported in the paper.
The role of charge and ionic radius on fission product segregation to a model UO2 grain boundary
Authors: Hong Minki , Uberuaga Blas P. , Phillpot Simon R. , Andersson David A. , Stanek Christopher R. , Sinnott Susan B.
Published: April 2013

The segregation energies of a range of fission products in UO2 to a Σ5 symmetric tilt grain boundary have been calculated using empirical potentials and their dependency on site, charge, and ionic radius has been determined. Density functional theory calculations provide information about the detailed bonding environment around the segregates. While most of the fission products prefer to reside in sites with large free volume, there are some that form strong bonds with neighboring oxygen ions, and thus prefer sites with high oxygen coordination. This result provides insight into nuclear fuel design to enhance control of fission product retention.
In-plane force fields and elastic properties of graphene
Authors: Kalosakas G. , Lathiotakis N. N. , Galiotis C. , Papagelis K.
Published: April 2013

Bond stretching and angle bending force fields, appropriate to describe in-plane properties of graphene sheets, are derived using first principles' methods. The obtained force fields are fitted by analytical anharmonic potential energy functions, providing efficient means of calculations in molecular mechanics simulations. Using both molecular dynamics simulations and first principles' methods, numerical results regarding the mechanical behavior of graphene monolayers under various loads, like uniaxial tension in different directions or hydrostatic tension, are presented and compared. Graphene's response in shear stress is also investigated using molecular dynamics, where a noticeable asymmetric mechanical behavior is found. Stress-strain curves and elastic constants, such as, Young modulus, Poisson's ratio, bulk modulus, and shear modulus, are calculated. Our results are compared with available experimental estimates, as well as, with corresponding theoretical calculations. Finally, the effects of the anharmonicity of the extracted bond stretching and angle bending potentials on the mechanical properties of graphene are discussed.
Numerically exact, time-dependent study of correlated electron transport in model molecular junctions
Authors: Wang Haobin , Thoss Michael
Published: April 2013

The multilayer multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree theory within second quantization representation of the Fock space is applied to study correlated electron transport in models of single-molecule junctions. Extending previous work, we consider models which include both electron-electron and electronic-vibrational interaction. The results show the influence of the interactions on the transient and the stationary electrical current. The underlying physical mechanisms are analyzed in conjunction with the nonequilibrium electronic population of the molecular bridge.
Symmetry-related criteria for the occurrence of defect states in magnonic superlattices
Authors: Kłos J. W. , Tkachenko V. S.
Published: April 2013

We investigate analytically the occurrence of magnonic defect states in the exchange regime for the system geometry with the defect linking two semi-infinite superlattices at the same symmetry points. The frequency ranges forbidden and allowed to defect states are determined in the low-frequency region. Non-overlapping frequency ranges allowed to either even or odd defect states are found to occur within each forbidden gap in higher frequencies. Our semi-analytical calculations of the dispersion relation based on the solutions obtained in the matching procedure are supported by the computed transmission spectra.
Anisotropic magnetoresistance in epitaxial La0.67(Ca1−xSrx)0.33MnO3 films
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Yang Zhihuan , Yang Huali , Xie Yali , Katlakunta Sadhana , Chen Bin , Zhan Qingfeng , Li Run-Wei
Published: April 2013

We investigated the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effects for La0.67(Ca1−xSrx)0.33MnO3 films epitaxially grown on (001) oriented SrTiO3 substrates. The increase of Sr doping gives rise to the enhancement of the metal-insulator transition temperature, but suppresses the AMR amplitude. The dependence of AMR on the magnetic field orientation for the Sr doping samples shows the coexistence of two-fold and four-fold symmetries, which is changed with varying the temperature. Moreover, the sign of AMR is changed from negative to positive with increasing the temperature. The abnormal AMR behaviors can be understood by different s-d scattering occurring at different temperatures.
Ion irradiation induced enhancement of out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy in ultrathin Co films
Authors: Mazalski P. , Kurant Z. , Maziewski A. , Liedke M. O. , Fassbender J. , Baczewski L. T. , Wawro A.
Published: April 2013

Ga+ or He+ irradiated MBE grown ultrathin films of sapphire/Pt/Co(dCo)/Pt(dPt) were studied using polar Kerr effect in wide ranges of both cobalt dCo and platinum dPt thicknesses as well as ion fluences F. Two branches of increased magnetic anisotropy and enhanced Kerr rotation angle induced by Ga+ or He+ irradiation are clearly visible in two-dimensional (dCo, LogF) diagrams. Only Ga+ irradiation induces two branches of out-of-plane magnetization state.
Metal-insulator transition induced in CaVO3 thin films
Authors: Gu Man , Laverock Jude , Chen Bo , Smith Kevin E. , Wolf Stuart A. , Lu Jiwei
Published: April 2013

Stoichiometric CaVO3 (CVO) thin films of various thicknesses were grown on single crystal SrTiO3 (STO) (001) substrates using a pulsed electron-beam deposition technique. The CVO films were capped with a 2.5 nm STO layer. We observed a temperature driven metal-insulator transition (MIT) in CVO films with thicknesses below 4 nm that was not observed in either thick CVO films or STO films. The emergence of this MIT can be attributed to the reduction in effective bandwidth due to a crossover from a three-dimensional metal to a two-dimensional insulator. The insulating phase was only induced with a drive current below 0.1 μA. X-ray absorption measurements indicated different electronic structures for thick and very thin films of CVO. Compared with the thick film (∼60 nm), thin films of CVO (2–4 nm) were more two-dimensional with the V charge state closer to V4+.
The transition from amorphous to crystalline in Al/Zr multilayers
Authors: Zhong Qi , Zhang Zhong , Ma Shuang , Qi Runze , Li Jia , Wang Zhanshan , Le Guen Karine , André Jean-Michel , Jonnard Philippe
Published: April 2013

The amorphous-to-crystalline transition in Al(1.0%wtSi)/Zr and Al(Pure)/Zr multilayers grown by direct-current magnetron sputtering system has been characterized over a range of Al layer thicknesses (1.0–5.0 nm) by using a series of complementary measurements including grazing incidence X-ray reflectometry, atomic force microscopy, X–ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Al layer thickness transition exhibits the Si doped in Al could not only disfavor the crystallization of Al but also influence the changing trends of surface roughness and diffraction peak position of phase Al〈111〉. An interesting feature of the presence of Si in Al layer is that Si could influence the transition process in Al(1%wtSi) layer, in which the critical thickness (1.6 nm) of Al(Pure) layer in Al(Pure)/Zr shifts to 1.8 nm of Al(1.0%wtSi) layer in Al(1.0%wtSi)/Zr multilayer. We also found that the Zr-on-Al interlayer is wider than the Al-on-Zr interlayer in both systems, and the Al layers do not have specific crystal orientation in the directions vertical to the layer from selected area electron diffraction patterns below the thickness (3.0 nm) of Al layers. Above the thickness (3.0 nm) of Al layers, the Al layers are highly oriented in Al〈111〉, so that the transformation from asymmetrical to symmetrical interlayers can be observed. Based on the analysis of all measurements, we build up a model with four steps, which could explain the Al layer thickness transition process in terms of a critical thickness for the nucleation of Al(Pure) and Al(1%wtSi) crystallites.
d magnetism and large magnetoelectric effect in BC4N nanoribbons
Authors: Liu Zongmin , Pan Yanfei , Li Zhongyao , Yang Zhongqin
Published: April 2013

Magnetism and magnetoelectric effect of armchair BC4N nanoribbons are explored from density functional theory. 100% spin polarization presents in the N-rich nanoribbons due to sigma-dangling bond states induced by the unpaired N atoms. In the nanoribbons with “paired” B and N atoms, however, striking magnetism is also found to survive, rationalized by a unique zigzag-like pairing pattern. The ribbons can present remarkable edge magnetoelectric effects, for which the edge magnetoelectric coefficient is defined and calculated. The obtained d0 magnetism and the large magnetoelectric effect are helpful to explore possible spintronic applications in BCN systems.
Exchange bias in core-shell iron-iron oxide nanoclusters
Authors: Kaur M. , McCloy J. S. , Qiang Y.
Published: April 2013

An exchange bias study has been performed on core-shell iron-iron oxide (Fe-Fe3O4) nanoclusters (NCs) of sizes 11 nm and 14 nm carrying a different core to shell ratio. NCs show complicated behaviors due to competition between interfacial exchange and Zeeman energy in the presence of magnetic field during cooling. These behaviors are accompanied by the evolution of size-dependent cluster structures in the ferromagnetic-core/ferri- or antiferro-magnetic-shell. Smaller clusters have larger coercive field, exchange bias field, and vertical magnetization shift due to the greater contribution from frozen spins of shell/interfaces and magnetic frustration by the defects and voids present at the interface. These smaller clusters thus also show more dramatic changes with the training effect. Both sizes of clusters display an additional anomaly of the upper part of the hysteresis loop at 10 K under low cooling field (0.1 kOe). This anomaly decreases with number of loop cycles with same field, and disappears with large cooling field (>0.1 kOe). It may be caused by the competition between the magnetization reversal and the magnetostatic interactions.
Tip-based chemical vapor deposition with a scanning nano-heater
Authors: Gaitas Angelo
Published: April 2013

In this preliminary effort, a moving nano-heater directs a chemical vapor deposition reaction (nano-CVD) demonstrating a tip-based nanofabrication (TBN) method. Localized nano-CVD of copper (Cu) and copper oxide (CuO) on a silicon (Si) and silicon oxide (SiO2) substrate from gasses, namely sublimated copper acetylacetonate (Cu(acac)2), argon (Ar), and oxygen (O2), is demonstrated. This technique is applicable to other materials.
Fast current-driven switching of magnetic vortex states in permalloy microrings
Authors: Bowden S. R. , Gibson U. J.
Published: April 2013

We report on the use of current pulses as short as 70 ns to control the chirality of microscale vortex magnetic rings. D-shaped permalloy rings were deposited on oxidized silicon and a central via was etched through the oxide to the wafer below. Current was supplied through an evaporated gold contact overlying the narrow control portion of the D-ring and grounded through the via. Magnetization states were read out optically using the longitudinal magneto-optic Kerr effect and an antireflection coating that breaks the symmetry of the vortex magnetization signal. Sub-nanojoule switching energies are dominated by resistive losses in the leads.
Microbial community structure of anaerobic sludge for hydrogen production under different acid pretreatment conditions
Authors: Wan Jingjing , Ning Yanyan , Shi Xianyang , Jin Dawei , Li Shouqin , Chen Yongchun
Published: April 2013

The effect of different pretreatment methods on anaerobic H2 production from a sucrose-rich synthetic wastewater was investigated in this work. The substrate utilization, formation of aqueous products, H2 production and microbial diversity in anaerobic sludge all markedly depended on these pretreatment methods. The highest H2 production according to the values for the maximum H2 production rate of 27.57 ml h−1, specific H2 production rate of 2.962 ml g-VSS h−1, and H2 yield of 1.617 mol H2 mol glucose−1 was observed in the H2 production by the sludge pretreated with butyrate (pH = 2). Correspondingly, the main microbial communities were Clostridium sp. HPB-16, Clostridium sp. HPB-46, Clostridium sp. HPB-2, Clostridium sp. HPB-4, Oxalobacteraceae bacterium QD1, uncultured bacterium clone HPR93, uncultured Olsenella sp. clone J27, and uncultured bacterium clone SR_FBR_E5. This result demonstrates that acid pretreatment such as butyrate could be also as an effective method to enrich H2-producing bacteria from anaerobic sludge for large-scale biological H2 production.
Carrier formation dynamics of a small-molecular organic photovoltaic
Authors: Akaba Takahiro , Yonezawa Kouhei , Kamioka Hayato , Yasuda Takeshi , Han Liyuan , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: April 2013

We investigated carrier formation dynamics in a small-molecular bulk heterojunction solar cell, 2,5-di-(2-ethylhexyl)-3,6-bis-(5″-n-hexy-[2,2′,5′,2″]terthiophen-5-yl)-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrolo-1,4-dione/[6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester, with low bandgap (Egap≈1.5 eV). The photoinduced absorption (PIA) spectra of the blend film were decomposed into three PIAs, i.e., those due to donor exciton (D*), acceptor exciton (A*), and mobile carrier (D+). The analysis revealed carrier conversion from D* with a conversion time of ∼1.3 ps.
Manipulation of field enhancement using tapered nanobumps with circular polarization
Authors: Khoo E. H. , Ahmed I. , Li E. P.
Published: April 2013

Tapered nanobumps are placed on the circumference of optical vortex to manipulate the field amplitude using circular polarized light. Tapered nanobump produces stronger field enhancement due to higher charge density at the tapered end. The geometrical parameters of the tapered nanobumps are optimized to achieve highest field enhancement. The electric field is enhanced or diminished by illuminating with left or right circular polarized lightwave. Additional nanobumps are added to provide field enhancement at different parts of the vortex. This setup can be used to control the position of nanoparticles for analysis, and is useful for sensing and catalysis applications.
New threats to endangered Cook’s scurvy grass (Lepidium oleraceum; Brassicaceae): introduced crop viruses and the extent of their spread
Authors: Van Vianen Josh C. C. M. , Houliston Gary J. , Fletcher John D. , Heenan Peter B. , Chapman Hazel M.
Published: April 2013

To date, most research conducted on plant viruses has centred on agricultural systems where viruses greatly reduce economic output. Introduced viruses are globally common and there is a lack of knowledge around how they might affect natural populations. Although it has been suggested that infectious disease may have played an underestimated role in past species extinctions, there is little empirical evidence. Cook’s scurvy grass (Lepidium oleraceum Sparrm. ex G.Forst; Brassicaceae) is a threatened coastal plant endemic to New Zealand. Following the discovery of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) in some glasshouse cultivated specimens, we surveyed wild extant Lepidium populations on the Otago coast for TuMV while screening for two other common crop viruses. We show that TuMV is almost ubiquitous among remaining wild L. oleraceum populations on the South Island’s east coast and report the first record of L. oleraceum as a host for both Cauliflower mosaic virus and Turnip yellows virus. The high incidence of virus infection throughout the study populations may make this system one of the first examples of introduced viruses affecting the conservation of a threatened plant species.
NeuroD1 regulates survival and migration of neuroendocrine lung carcinomas via signaling molecules TrkB and NCAM
Authors: Osborne Jihan K. , Larsen Jill E. , Shields Misty D. , Gonzales Joshua X. , Shames David S. , Sato Mitsuo , Kulkarni Ashwinikumar , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Girard Luc , Minna John D. , Cobb Melanie H.
Published: April 2013

Small-cell lung cancer and other aggressive neuroendocrine cancers are often associated with early dissemination and frequent metastases. We demonstrate that neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1) is a regulatory hub securing cross talk among survival and migratory-inducing signaling pathways in neuroendocrine lung carcinomas. We find that NeuroD1 promotes tumor cell survival and metastasis in aggressive neuroendocrine lung tumors through regulation of the receptor tyrosine kinase tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB). Like TrkB, the prometastatic signaling molecule neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a downstream target of NeuroD1, whose impaired expression mirrors loss of NeuroD1. TrkB and NCAM may be therapeutic targets for aggressive neuroendocrine cancers that express NeuroD1.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Adjacent Segment Disease
Authors: O’Neill Kevin R. , Wilson Robert J. , Burns Katharine M. , Mioton Lauren M. , Wright Brian T. , Adogwa Owoicho , McGirt Matthew J. , Devin Clinton J.
Published: April 2013

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Objective:

Determine clinical outcomes and cost utility of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of adjacent segment disease (ASD).

Summary of Background Data:

The incidence of symptomatic ASD after ACDF has been estimated to occur in up to 26% of patients. Commonly, these patients will undergo an additional ACDF procedure. However, there are currently no studies available that adequately describe the clinical outcomes or cost utility of performing ACDF for ASD.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 40 patients undergoing ACDF for ASD was performed. Baseline and 2-year neck and arm pain (NRS-NP, NRS-AP), neck disability index (NDI), physical and mental quality of life (SF-12 PCS & MCS), and Zung depression score (ZDS) were assessed. Two-year total neck-related medical resource utilization, amount of missed work, and health-state values were determined. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated from EQ-5D assessments with US valuation. Comprehensive costs (indirect, direct, and total cost) and the value (cost-per-QALY gained) of performing ACDF for ASD were assessed.

Results:

Performing ACDF to treat ASD resulted in significant improvements (P<0.05) in NRS-NP, NRS-AP, NDI, SF-12 PCS, and ZDS outcome measures. Patient-reported health states also significantly improved, with a mean cumulative 2-year gain of 0.54 QALYs. The mean 2-year cost of surgery was $32,616 (direct cost: $25,391; indirect cost: $7225). ACDF for the treatment of ASD was associated with a mean 2-year cost per QALY gained of $60,526.

Conclusions:

Performing ACDF for ASD resulted in significant improvements in patient pain, disability, and quality of life. Further, the mean 2-year cost-per-QALY was determined to be $60,526, which suggests surgical intervention to be cost effective. This study is the first to provide evidence that performing an ACDF for ASD is both clinically and cost effective.
Long-term Results of Surgical Treatment for Symptomatic Anterior Cervical Osteophytes
Authors: Vodičar Miha , Košak Robert , Vengust Rok
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

Presentation of a case series (10 patients) with surgical treatment of symptomatic anterior cervical osteophytes, a review of the latest literature and discussion of surgical methods.

Objective:

To present our results of the surgical treatment and compare them with the existing literature. On the basis of the gathered data, we aim to propose an optimal choice of surgical treatment.

Summary of Background Data:

Anterior cervical osteophytes rarely cause symptoms that require surgical treatment, which disables bigger cohort analysis. Surgery always includes anterior osteophyte resection. Some authors propose instrumented anterior fusion after osteophyte resection as the first choice of surgery in order to prevent regrowth of osteophytes, whereas others support resection without fusion because of beneficial long-term results.

Methods:

Diagnostics included plain radiography, contrast esophagography, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment consisted of left lateral cervicotomy and osteophytectomy. We performed a systematic review of the literature from 2006.

Results:

Average age at surgery was 69.5 years (63–77 y), average follow-up 61.9 months (15–117 mo). Twenty-five osteophytes were resected, with average size of 12.7 mm (4–22 mm) preoperatively and 5.12 mm (0–12 mm) at final follow-up. Average functional outcome swallowing scale score before surgery was 3.3 (2–5) and 1.2 (0–5) at final follow-up. Only 1 patient had reoccurrence of symptoms because of osseous etiology.

Conclusions:

Symptomatic ventral cervical osteophytes can be successfully treated by surgery. In the majority of patients, osteophytes do not regrow significantly in the long term, precluding the need for prophylactic instrumented fusion after osteophyte resection.
ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR6 Acts as a Central Regulator of Leaf Growth under Water-Limiting Conditions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Dubois Marieke , Skirycz Aleksandra , Claeys Hannes , Maleux Katrien , Dhondt Stijn , De Bodt Stefanie , Vanden Bossche Robin , De Milde Liesbeth , Yoshizumi Takeshi , Matsui Minami , Inzé Dirk
Published: April 2013

Leaf growth is a complex developmental process that is continuously fine-tuned by the environment. Various abiotic stresses, including mild drought stress, have been shown to inhibit leaf growth in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we identify the redundant Arabidopsis transcription factors ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR5 (ERF5) and ERF6 as master regulators that adapt leaf growth to environmental changes. ERF5 and ERF6 gene expression is induced very rapidly and specifically in actively growing leaves after sudden exposure to osmotic stress that mimics mild drought. Subsequently, enhanced ERF6 expression inhibits cell proliferation and leaf growth by a process involving gibberellin and DELLA signaling. Using an ERF6-inducible overexpression line, we demonstrate that the gibberellin-degrading enzyme GIBBERELLIN 2-OXIDASE6 is transcriptionally induced by ERF6 and that, consequently, DELLA proteins are stabilized. As a result, ERF6 gain-of-function lines are dwarfed and hypersensitive to osmotic stress, while the growth of erf5erf6 loss-of-function mutants is less affected by stress. Besides its role in plant growth under stress, ERF6 also activates the expression of a plethora of osmotic stress-responsive genes, including the well-known stress tolerance genes STZ, MYB51, and WRKY33. Interestingly, activation of the stress tolerance genes by ERF6 occurs independently from the ERF6-mediated growth inhibition. Together, these data fit into a leaf growth regulatory model in which ERF5 and ERF6 form a missing link between the previously observed stress-induced 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid accumulation and DELLA-mediated cell cycle exit and execute a dual role by regulating both stress tolerance and growth inhibition.
Analytical psychology and the ghost of Lamarck: did Jung believe in the inheritance of acquired characteristics?
Authors: Rensma Ritske
Published: April 2013

Whether Jung was a Lamarckian or not has always been a hotly debated topic, both within the post‐Jungian community and amongst scholars with an interest in Jung in the wider academic community. Yet surprisingly few substantial pieces of work have been dedicated to it and, to my mind, no one has yet managed to do justice to all the subtleties involved. The scholars who have claimed that Jung is a Lamarckian have, for the most part, oversimplified the debate by failing to discuss the passages in which Jung appears to be defending himself against Lamarckism; the scholars who have defended Jung against Lamarckism, however, have as a rule not adequately dealt with the question of whether these passages actually get Jung off the hook. This paper will attempt to correct this imbalance by putting forward four key passages spanning Jung's career that all represent conclusive evidence that Jung was indeed a Lamarckian. After discussing these, it will then deal in detail with the passages in which Jung appears to be defending himself against Lamarckism, making the case that they do not represent a defence against Lamarckism at all and have therefore generally been misinterpreted by many scholars.
The contributions of value‐based decision‐making and attentional bias to alcohol‐seeking following devaluation
Authors: Rose Abigail K. , Brown Kyle , Field Matt , Hogarth Lee
Published: April 2013

Aims

To investigate the mediating role of attentional bias for alcohol cues on alcohol‐seeking following devaluation of alcohol.

Design

Between subject.

Setting

Eye‐tracking laboratory at the University of Liverpool.

Participants

Student social drinkers (n = 64).

Measurements

An operant choice task in which participants chose between simultaneously presented alcohol and non‐alcohol drink rewards, while attentional bias for alcohol and non‐alcohol drink cues was inferred from eye movements. Participants then consumed 30 mL of an alcoholic beverage, which was either presented alone (no devaluation: n = 32) or had been adulterated to taste unpleasant (devaluation: n = 32). Choice and attentional bias for the alcohol and non‐alcohol drink pictures were then measured again.

Findings

Alcohol devaluation reduced behavioural choice for alcohol (F = 32.64, P < 0.001) and attentional bias for the alcohol pictures indexed by dwell time (F = 22.68, P < 0.001), initial fixation (F = 7.08, P = 0.01) and final fixation (F = 22.44, P < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that attentional bias partially mediated the effect of devaluation on alcohol choice; however, the proportion of the variance accounted for by attentional bias is low to moderate (∼30%).

Conclusions

Among student social drinkers, attentional bias is only a partial mediator of alcohol choice following devaluation of alcohol. Value‐based decision‐making may be a more important determinant of drinking behaviour among student social drinkers than attentional bias.
Psychological predictors of male smokeless tobacco use initiation and cessation: a 16‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Holman Leela R. , Bricker Jonathan B. , Comstock Bryan A.
Published: April 2013

Aims

To test whether psychological factors predict male smokeless tobacco (SLT) initiation and cessation longitudinally.

Design

Sixteen‐year longitudinal design with 95% retention at year 6 and 82% at year 16.

Setting

Forty Washington State school districts.

Participants

SLT use data were gathered on a cohort of adolescents (91% Caucasian). For SLT initiation, the sample size was 2468. For SLT cessation, sample sizes were 219 (age 20 outcome) and 192 (age 28 outcome).

Measurements

Self‐reported psychological measures of parental disobedience (‘parent non‐compliance’), peer influence (‘friend compliance’), rebelliousness and thrill‐seeking were taken at ages 12 and 18. SLT use was measured at ages 12, 18, 20 and 28 years.

Findings

For SLT initiation, scoring highly on the following psychological factors at age 12 at least doubled the odds of daily SLT use at age 18 (P < 0.001): friend compliance [odds ratio (OR): 2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.78–3.68), rebelliousness (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.46–3.19) and thrill‐seeking (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.45–3.75). For SLT cessation, none of the psychological factors at age 18 predicted SLT cessation at age 20 or 28 (P value range: 0.06–0.84).

Conclusion

Peer influence, rebelliousness, and thrill‐seeking appear to predict smokeless tobacco initiation strongly among male youth in the United States.