bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations and modelling of microphysical variability, aggregation and sedimentation in tropical storm cirrus outflow regions
Authors: Gallagher M. W. , Connolly P. J. , Heymsfield A. , Bower K. N. , Choularton T. W. , Allen G. , Flynn M. J. , Vaughan G. , Hacker J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Aircraft measurements of the microphysics of a tropical convective anvil (at temperatures ~−60 °C) forming above the HECTOR storm have been performed. The observed microphysics has been compared to a bulk and explicit microphysical model of the anvil region including crystal aggregation and sedimentation. It has been found that in flights made using straight and level runs perpendicular to the storm that the number of ice crystals initially decreased with distance from the storm as aggregation took place resulting in larger crystals followed by their loss due to sedimentation. At still greater distances from the storm the number of very small crystals increased. This is attributed to the formation of new ice crystals on aerosol particles as the ice super saturation rose following the depletion of the larger ice particles following aggregation and sedimentation. Comparison with the explicit microphysics model showed that the changes in the shapes of the ice crystal spectra as a function of distance from the storm could be explained by the explicit microphysical model if the aggregation efficiency was set to E~0.02. It is noteworthy that this aggregation efficiency is much larger than values normally used in cloud resolving models at these temperatures (typically E~0.0016). Furthermore if the bulk model is used then optimum agreement was reached with a collection efficiency for aggregation of E~0.05. These results are important for the treatment of the evolution and lifetime of tropical cirrus clouds.
Characterizing the multi–scale spatial structure of remotely sensed evapotranspiration with information theory
Authors: Brunsell N. A. , Anderson M. C.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. A more thorough understanding of the multi-scale spatial structure of land surface heterogeneity will enhance understanding of the relationships and feedbacks between land surface conditions, mass and energy exchanges between the surface and the atmosphere, and regional meteorological and climatological conditions. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify which spatial scales are dominant in determining the evapotranspiration flux between the surface and the atmosphere and (2) to quantify how different spatial scales of atmospheric and surface processes interact for different stages of the phenological cycle. We used the ALEXI/DisALEXI model for three days (DOY 181, 229 and 245) in 2002 over the Ft. Peck Ameriflux site to estimate the latent heat flux from Landsat, MODIS and GOES satellites. We then applied a multiresolution information theory methodology to quantify these interactions across different spatial scales and compared the dynamics across the different sensors and different periods. We note several important results: (1) spatial scaling characteristics vary with day, but are usually consistent for a given sensor, but (2) different sensors give different scalings, and (3) the different sensors exhibit different scaling relationships with driving variables such as fractional vegetation and near surface soil moisture. In addition, we note that while the dominant length scale of the vegetation index remains relatively constant across the dates, the contribution of the vegetation index to the derived latent heat flux varies with time. We also note that length scales determined from MODIS are consistently larger than those determined from Landsat, even at scales that should be detectable by MODIS. This may imply an inability of the MODIS sensor to accurately determine the fine scale spatial structure of the land surface. These results aid in identifying the dominant cross-scale nature of local to regional biosphere-atmosphere interactions.
Effects of climate model radiation, humidity and wind estimates on hydrological simulations
Authors: Haddeland I. , Heinke J. , Voß F. , Eisner S. , Chen C. , Hagemann S. , Ludwig F.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Due to biases in the output of climate models, a bias correction is often needed to make the output suitable for use in hydrological simulations. In most cases only the temperature and precipitation values are bias corrected. However, often there are also biases in other variables such as radiation, humidity and wind speed. In this study we tested to what extent it is also needed to bias correct these variables. Responses to radiation, humidity and wind estimates from two climate models for four large-scale hydrological models are analysed. For the period 1971–2000 these hydrological simulations are compared to simulations using meteorological data based on observations and reanalysis; i.e. the baseline simulation. In both forcing datasets originating from climate models precipitation and temperature are bias corrected to the baseline forcing dataset. Hence, it is only effects of radiation, humidity and wind estimates that are tested here. The direct use of climate model outputs result in substantial different evapotranspiration and runoff estimates, when compared to the baseline simulations. A simple bias correction method is implemented and tested by rerunning the hydrological models using bias corrected radiation, humidity and wind values. The results indicate that bias correction can successfully be used to match the baseline simulations. Finally, historical (1971–2000) and future (2071–2100) model simulations resulting from using bias corrected forcings are compared to the results using non-bias corrected forcings. The relative changes in simulated evapotranspiration and runoff are relatively similar for the bias corrected and non bias corrected hydrological projections, although the absolute evapotranspiration and runoff numbers are often very different. The simulated relative and absolute differences when using bias corrected and non bias corrected climate model radiation, humidity and wind values are, however, smaller than literature reported differences resulting from using bias corrected and non bias corrected climate model precipitation and temperature values.
Robust design of large-displacement compliant mechanisms
Authors: Lazarov B. S. , Schevenels M. , Sigmund O.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The aim of this article is to introduce a new topology optimisation formulation for optimal robust design of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. Mesh independence in topology optimisation is most often ensured by using filtering techniques, which result in transition grey regions difficult to interpret in practical realisations. This problem has been alleviated recently by projection techniques, but these destroy the mesh independence introduced by the filters and result in single node connected hinges. Such features in the design are undesirable as they are not robust with respect to geometric manufacturing errors (such as under/over etching). They can be avoided by optimising for several design realisations which take into account the possible geometry errors. The design variations are modelled with the help of random variables. The proposed stochastic formulation for the design variations results in nearly black and white mechanism designs, robust with respect to uncertainties in the production process, i.e. without any hinges or small details which can create manufacturing difficulties.
Brief Communication: "An inventory of permafrost evidence for the European Alps"
Authors: Cremonese E. , Gruber S. , Phillips M. , Pogliotti P. , Boeckli L. , Noetzli J. , Suter C. , Bodin X. , Crepaz A. , Kellerer-Pirklbauer A. , Lang K. , Letey S. , Mair V. , Morra di Cella U. , Ravanel L. , Scapozza C. , Seppi R. , Zischg A.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The investigation and modelling of permafrost distribution, particularly in areas of discontinuous permafrost, is challenging due to spatial heterogeneity, remoteness of measurement sites and data scarcity. We have designed a strategy for standardizing different local data sets containing evidence of the presence or absence of permafrost into an inventory for the entire European Alps. With this brief communication, we present the structure and contents of this inventory. This collection of permafrost evidence not only highlights existing data and allows new analyses based on larger data sets, but also provides complementary information for an improved interpretation of monitoring results.
Turbo-Coded MC-CDMA Communication Link over Strong Turbulence Fading Limited FSO Channel with Receiver Space Diversity
Authors: Hassan MD. Zoheb , Bhuiyan Tanveer Ahmed , Tanzil S. M. Shahrear , Majumder S. P.
Published: August 2011

This paper demonstrates an analytical approach on the bit error rate (BER) performance evaluation of a multi- carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) communication link operating over terrestrial free space optical (FSO) channel considering effect of atmospheric turbulence The turbulence induced intensity fading is statistically modeled by Gamma-Gamma PDF (probability density function). Bit error rate performance improvement is proposed using photo detector spatial diversity with Equal Gain Combining (EGC) and Turbo Coding. Analysis is carried out with different bandwidth efficient phase shift keying (PSK) based sub-carrier intensity modulation (SIM) with direct detection. Numerical simulation results of proposed analytical model indicate that, sub-carrier intensity modulation scheme; number of receiver photo detectors, turbo coding parameter and link length should be optimally engineered for ensuring system reliability. It can be inferred from the simulation that, a reliable communication link ( BER) can be established over a link length of 4 Km in strong turbulence fading condition using an array of 4 PIN photo detectors, 8-ary PSK based sub-carrier intensity modulation scheme and appropriate turbo coding parameter with an average 10.2 dB CINR (Carrier to Interference and Noise Ratio) requirement per photo detector. Besides, more than 130 dB average CINR gain is also confirmed from BPSK modulated, un-coded SISO (single input-single output) system for maintaining targeted BER () in presence of strong turbulence fading.
Modeling the bullying prevention program design recommendations of students from grades five to eight: a discrete choice conjoint experiment
Authors: Cunningham Charles E. , Vaillancourt Tracy , Cunningham Lesley J. , Chen Yvonne , Ratcliffe Jenna
Published: August 2011

We used a discrete choice conjoint experiment to model the bullying prevention recommendations of 845 students from grades 5 to 8 (aged 9–14). Students made choices between experimentally varied combinations of 14 four‐level prevention program attributes. Latent class analysis yielded three segments. The high impact segment (27.1%) recommended uniforms, mandatory recess activities, four playground supervisors, surveillance cameras, and 4‐day suspensions when students bully. The moderate impact segment (49.5%) recommended discretionary uniforms and recess activities, four playground supervisors, and 3‐day suspensions. Involvement as a bully or bully‐victim was associated with membership in a low impact segment (23.4%) that rejected uniforms and surveillance cameras. They recommended fewer anti‐bullying activities, discretionary recess activities, fewer playground supervisors, and the 2‐day suspensions. Simulations predicted most students would recommend a program maximizing student involvement combining prevention with moderate consequences. The simulated introduction of mandatory uniforms, surveillance cameras, and long suspensions reduced overall support for a comprehensive program, particularly among students involved as bullies or bully‐victims. Aggr Behav 37:521–537, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of the interrelationships between employee lateness, absenteeism, and turnover: Implications for models of withdrawal behavior
Authors: Berry Christopher M. , Lelchook Ariel M. , Clark Malissa A.
Published: August 2011

We meta‐analyzed the correlations between voluntary employee lateness, absenteeism, and turnover to (i) provide the most comprehensive estimates to date of the interrelationships between these withdrawal behaviors; (ii) test the viability of a withdrawal construct; and (iii) evaluate the evidence for competing models of the relationships between withdrawal behaviors (i.e., alternate forms, compensatory forms, independent forms, progression of withdrawal, and spillover model). Corrected correlations were .26 between lateness and absenteeism, .25 between absenteeism and turnover, and .01 between lateness and turnover. These correlations were even smaller in recent studies that had been carried out since the previous meta‐analyses of these relationships 15–20 years ago. The small‐to‐moderate intercorrelations are not supportive of a withdrawal construct that includes lateness, absenteeism, and turnover. These intercorrelations also rule out many of the competing models of the relationships between withdrawal behaviors, as many of the models assume all relationships will be positive, null, or negative. On the basis of path analyses using meta‐analytic data, the progression of withdrawal model garnered the most support. This suggests that lateness may moderately predict absenteeism and absenteeism may moderately predict turnover. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative characterization of the mesothelioma‐inducing erionite series minerals by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy
Authors: Dogan Meral
Published: August 2011

Air‐collected erionite series minerals from Cappadocia region of Turkey were characterized quantitatively by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Field emission scanning electron microscopy aided identification of fibrous minerals. Quantitative characterization guidelines for positive identification of erionites proposed by Dogan and Dogan (2008) was applied and the modified balance error formula (E%<10) and Mg‐content test <0.80 were performed for each analysis. Erionite species computation showed that the mineral is erionite‐K and a mean chemical formula is proposed based upon the TEM‐EDS results. Among the 60 analyses, 11 passed E% test (18.3%), 33 passed Mg‐content test (55.0%), and only 3 passed both E% and Mg‐content tests (5.0%). This shows difficulty of quantitative characterization of the erionite series minerals. However, as erionite is the most carcinogenic mineral known and is classified by IARC as a Group‐I (human) carcinogen, it requires special attention from the mineralogical community to help establish its true mineralogical properties. Quantitatively characterized erionite data are very scarce in literature. Correctly identified erionite mineral types will be useful to medical researchers in their search to find a possible cure for the deadly disease of mesothelioma. SCANNING 34: 37–42, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direction of outward FDI of EMNEs: Evidence from the Indian pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Bhaumik Sumon Kumar , Driffield Nigel
Published: August 2011

This article seeks to add to the small but growing literature of emerging‐market multinational enterprises (EMNEs). Using two linked large firm‐level databases, it seeks to explore the determinants of outward investment of Indian pharmaceutical companies, distinguishing between developed‐ versus developing‐country destinations. It specifically examines the impact of two firm‐level characteristics that embody “non‐OLI” [ownership, location, and internalization] firm‐specific capabilities of EMNEs. The finding of this study is that family firms are keen on investing in other developing countries but much less so in developed countries. However, international linkages in the form of foreign investors offset this. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Maternal Stress on Birth Outcomes: Exploiting a Natural Experiment
Authors: Torche Florencia
Published: August 2011

A growing body of research highlights that in utero conditions are consequential for individual outcomes throughout the life cycle, but research assessing causal processes is scarce. This article examines the effect of one such condition—prenatal maternal stress—on birth weight, an early outcome shown to affect cognitive, educational, and socioeconomic attainment later in life. Exploiting a major earthquake as a source of acute stress and using a difference-in-difference methodology, I find that maternal exposure to stress results in a significant decline in birth weight and an increase in the proportion of low birth weight. This effect is focused on the first trimester of gestation, and it is mediated by reduced gestational age rather than by factors affecting the intrauterine growth of term infants. The findings highlight the relevance of understanding the early emergence of unequal outcomes and of investing in maternal well-being since the onset of pregnancy.
Postacute Care and Ischemic Stroke Mortality: Findings From an Integrated Health Care System in Northern California
Authors: Wang Hua , Sandel M. Elizabeth , Terdiman Joe , Armstrong Mary Anne , Klatsky Arthur , Camicia Michelle , Sidney Steven
Published: August 2011

Objective

To study the association of postacute care (PAC) settings and mortality outcome of patients who sustained an ischemic stroke.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An integrated health care system in northern California.

Participants

Patients who sustained an acute ischemic stroke between 1996 and 2004, survived the initial acute care hospital stay, and received PAC services within 14 days of discharge (n = 16,538) and 61 days of discharge (n = 16,468).

Interventions

PAC rehabilitation ranked by resource level, that is, inpatient rehabilitation hospital (IRH), skilled nursing facility (SNF), home health (HH), and outpatient (OP) rehabilitation.

Main Outcome Measurements

One‐year mortality after acute care hospital discharge.

Results

The highest level of PAC services received within 14 days of acute care discharge was IRH for 5.6% of patients, SNF for 48.3% of patients, HH for 18.9% of patients, and OP for 27.3% of patients. The highest level of PAC services received within 61 days of acute care discharge was IRH for 10.9% of patients, SNF for 40.4% of patients, HH for 19.1% of patients, and OP for 29.6% of patients. Cox proportional hazard models showed that patients whose highest level of PAC service was provided by an IRH, through HH, or OP had a significantly better 1‐year survival than did those admitted to an SNF. The following factors were associated with a higher risk of 1‐year mortality: older age, male gender, African American ethnicity, history of previous stroke, higher Deyo‐Charlson comorbidity scores, a longer acute care hospital stay, and hospitalization in one remotely located health service area.

Conclusions

In the year after a stroke occurred, the rate of patient survival varied based on PAC rehabilitation services. Age, gender, race or ethnicity, history of a previous stroke, comorbid conditions, and service area also were significantly associated with 1‐year mortality after acute care discharge. Further investigation of the differences in mortality among PAC settings is indicated.
No effect of 12 weeks' supplementation with 1 g DHA-rich or EPA-rich fish oil on cognitive function or mood in healthy young adults aged 18–35 years
Authors: Jackson Philippa A. , Deary Michael E. , Reay Jonathon L. , Scholey Andrew B. , Kennedy David O.
Published: August 2011

Then-3 PUFA are a unique class of fatty acids that cannot be manufactured by the body, and must be acquired via dietary sources. In the UK, as well as in other Western nations, these ‘essential’ fatty acids are consumed in quantities that fall below government guidelines. The present study explored the effects of 12 weeks' dietary supplementation with 1 g/d of two types of fish oil (FO; DHA-rich and EPA-rich) in 159 healthy young adults aged 18–35 years. An assessment of performance on a battery of computerised cognitive tasks and mood measures took place before and following the 12-week treatment regimen. Venous blood samples were also supplied by participants at both time points which were later analysed for serum fatty acid concentrations. Despite good adherence to the study protocol – as reflected in increased concentrations ofn-3 serum fatty acids – compared with placebo, the observed effects of both active treatments were minimal. The only finding of note revealed that supplementation with EPA-rich FO may reduce subjective mental fatigue at times of high cognitive demand, although further investigation is required. These findings, taken together with other recent reports of null effects, suggest that dietary supplementation withn-3 PUFA in healthy, normally developing and impairment-free populations is unlikely to result in cognitive enhancement.
Isolation and identification of an AP2/ERF factor that binds an allelic cis-element of rice gene LRK6
Authors: WANG QIANJIE , QI WEIWEI , WANG YING , SUN FAN , QIAN XIAOYIN , LUO XIAOJIN , YANG JINSHUI
Published: August 2011

Allelic expression of the rice yield-related gene, leucine-rich receptor-like kinase 6 (LRK6), in the hybrid of 93-11 (Oryza sativa L. subsp. Indica var. 93-11) and Nipponbare (O. sativa L. subsp. Japonica var. Nipponbare) is determined by allelic promoter cis-elements. Using deletion analysis of the LRK6 promoter, we identified two distinct regions that might contribute to LRK6 expression. Sequence alignment revealed differences in these LRK6 promoter regions in 93-11 and Nipponbare. One of the segments, named differential sequence of LRK6 promoter 2 (DSLP2), contains potential transcription factor binding sites. Using a yeast one-hybrid assay, we isolated an ethylene-responsive factor (ERF) protein that binds to DSLP2. Sequence analysis and a GCC-box assay showed that the ERF gene, O. sativa ERF 3 (OsERF3), which belongs to ERF subfamily class II, has a conserved ERF domain and an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression repressor motif. We used an in vivo mutation assay to identify a new motif (5′-TAA(A)GT-3′) located in DSLP2, which interacts with OsERF3. These results suggest that OsERF3, an AP2 (APETALA 2 Gene)/ERF transcription factor, binds the LRK6 promoter at this new motif, which might cause differential expression of LRK6 in the 93-11/Nipponbare hybrid.
An anatomical study of the myelination of human laryngeal nerves
Authors: Fleming J C , Gibbins N , Ingram P J , Harries M
Published: August 2011

Objective:

To determine the differences in myelination between the human recurrent laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal nerve.

Methods:

Fifteen confirmed laryngeal nerve specimens were harvested from five cadavers. Cross-sections were examined under a photomicroscope and morphometric analysis performed.

Results:

There was a significantly greater number of myelinated fibres than unmyelinated fibres, in both the recurrent laryngeal nerve (p = 0.018) and the superior laryngeal nerve (p = 0.012). There was a significantly greater number of myelinated fibres in the superior laryngeal nerve, compared with the recurrent laryngeal nerve (p = 0.028). However, there was no significant difference in the number of unmyelinated fibres, comparing the two nerves (p = 0.116).

Conclusion:

These findings support those of previous studies, and provide further evidence against the historical plexus theory of laryngeal nerve morphology. The differences in the degree of myelination, both within and between the human laryngeal nerves, may have clinical consequence regarding recovery of function following nerve injury.
A longitudinal etiologic model for symptoms of anxiety and depression in women
Authors: Kendler K. S. , Gardner C. O.
Published: August 2011

Background

Designed as state measures to monitor treatment response, symptoms of anxiety and depression (SxAnxDep) also have trait-like characteristics. No comprehensive etiologic model for SxAnxDep has illuminated the inter-relationship between their state- and trait-like characteristics, while including key predictor variables.

Method

In a prospective three-wave study of 2395 female twins from the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders (VATSPSUD), we examined, using structural equation modeling, how genes, childhood and past-year environmental stressors, personality and episodes of major depression (MD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) influence SxAnxDep.

Results

The best-fit model, which explained 68–74% of the variance in SxAnxDep, revealed two etiologic pathways. Stable levels of SxAnxDep resulted largely from neuroticism, which in turn was influenced by genetic and early environment risk factors. Occasion-specific influences resulted from stressful events mediated through episodes of MD or GAD. These two pathways, which had approximately equal influences on levels of SxAnxDep, were substantially correlated because the genetic, early environmental and personality factors that impacted on stable symptom levels also predisposed to event exposure and disorder onset. No significant interaction was seen between the two pathways.

Conclusions

SxAnxDep in women in the general population arise from two inter-related causal pathways. The first, the ‘trait-like’ pathway, reflects genetic and early environmental risk factors, and is mediated largely through personality. The second pathway is mediated through episodes of MD and GAD, and is the result of both recent environmental adversities and trait-like factors that influence event exposure and the probability of disorder onset.
Wittgenstein on the language of rituals: the scapegoat remark reconsidered
Authors: HOYT CHRISTOPHER
Published: August 2011

Wittgenstein's remarks on religion suggest a provocative and nuanced account of what makes rituals meaningful – and why some living rituals might have little or no meaning despite their hold on congregants. Wittgenstein's view has been obscured, I argue, in part by the consistent misinterpretation of his controversial ‘scapegoat remark’, which has been taken to be a comment on the internal incoherence of the ancient Jewish scapegoat rite. In fact, Wittgenstein's point is that the scapegoat ritual is particularly easy to misinterpret, and so reflection on it helps illustrate the sort of confusion that plagues much thinking about religion and ritual.
Keeping Bayesian models rational: The need for an account of algorithmic rationality
Authors: Danks David , Eberhardt Frederick
Published: August 2011

We argue that the authors’ call to integrate Bayesian models more strongly with algorithmic- and implementational-level models must go hand in hand with a call for a fully developed account of algorithmic rationality. Without such an account, the integration of levels would come at the expense of the explanatory benefit that rational models provide.
Don't throw out the Bayes with the bathwater
Authors: Fernbach Philip M. , Sloman Steven A.
Published: August 2011

We highlight one way in which Jones & Love (J&L) misconstrue the Bayesian program: Bayesian models do not represent a rejection of mechanism. This mischaracterization obscures the valid criticisms in their article. We conclude that computational-level Bayesian modeling should not be rejected or discouraged a priori, but should be held to the same empirical standards as other models.
What the Bayesian framework has contributed to understanding cognition: Causal learning as a case study
Authors: Holyoak Keith J. , Lu Hongjing
Published: August 2011

The field of causal learning and reasoning (largely overlooked in the target article) provides an illuminating case study of how the modern Bayesian framework has deepened theoretical understanding, resolved long-standing controversies, and guided development of new and more principled algorithmic models. This progress was guided in large part by the systematic formulation and empirical comparison of multiple alternative Bayesian models.
The illusion of mechanism: Mechanistic fundamentalism or enlightenment?
Authors: Norris Dennis
Published: August 2011

Rather than worrying about Bayesian Fundamentalists, I suggest that our real concern should be with Mechanistic Fundamentalists; that is, those who believe that concrete, but frequently untestable mechanisms, should be at the heart of all cognitive theories.
Reverse engineering the structure of cognitive mechanisms
Authors: Pietraszewski David , Wertz Annie E.
Published: August 2011

Describing a cognitive system at a mechanistic level requires an engineering task analysis. This involves identifying the task and developing models of possible solutions. Evolutionary psychology and Bayesian modeling make complimentary contributions: Evolutionary psychology suggests the types of tasks that human brains were designed to solve, while Bayesian modeling provides a rigorous description of possible computational solutions to such problems.
Numerical study of liquid crystal elastomers by a mixed finite element method
Authors: LUO C. , CALDERER M. C.
Published: August 2011

Liquid crystal elastomers present features not found in ordinary elastic materials, such as semi-soft elasticity and the related stripe domain phenomenon. In this paper, the two-dimensional Bladon–Terentjev–Warner model and the one-constant Oseen–Frank energy expression are combined to study the liquid crystal elastomer. We also impose two material constraints, the incompressibility of the elastomer and the unit director norm of the liquid crystal. We prove existence of minimiser of the energy for the proposed model. Next we formulate the discrete model, and also prove that it possesses a minimiser of the energy. The inf-sup values of the discrete linearised system are then related to the smallest singular values of certain matrices. Next the existence and uniqueness of the Lagrange multipliers associated with the two material constraints are proved under the assumption that the inf-sup conditions hold. Finally numerical simulations of the clamped-pulling experiment are presented for elastomer samples with aspect ratio 1 or 3. The semi-soft elasticity is successfully recovered in both cases. The stripe domain phenomenon, however, is not observed, which might be due to the relative coarse mesh employed in the numerical experiment. Possible improvements are discussed that might lead to the recovery of the stripe domain phenomenon.
FP-INJECTIVE COMPLEXES AND FP-INJECTIVE DIMENSION OF COMPLEXES
Authors: WANG ZHANPING , LIU ZHONGKUI
Published: August 2011

In this paper we extend the notion of FP-injective modules to that of complexes and characterize such complexes. We show that some characterizations similar to those for injective complexes exist for FP-injective complexes. We also introduce and study the notion of an FP-injective dimension associated to every complex of left R-modules over an arbitrary ring. We show that there is a close connection between the FP-injective dimension of complexes and flat dimension.
Stochastic downscaling of precipitation with neural network conditional mixture models
Authors: Carreau Julie , Vrac Mathieu
Published: August 2011

We present a new class of stochastic downscaling models, the conditional mixture models (CMMs), which builds on neural network models. CMMs are mixture models whose parameters are functions of predictor variables. These functions are implemented with a one‐layer feed‐forward neural network. By combining the approximation capabilities of mixtures and neural networks, CMMs can, in principle, represent arbitrary conditional distributions. We evaluate the CMMs at downscaling precipitation data at three stations in the French Mediterranean region. A discrete (Dirac) component is included in the mixture to handle the “no‐rain” events. Positive rainfall is modeled with a mixture of continuous densities, which can be either Gaussian, log‐normal, or hybrid Pareto (an extension of the generalized Pareto). CMMs are stochastic weather generators in the sense that they provide a model for the conditional density of local variables given large‐scale information. In this study, we did not look for the most appropriate set of predictors, and we settled for a decent set as the basis to compare the downscaling models. The set of predictors includes the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalyses sea level pressure fields on a 6 × 6 grid cell region surrounding the stations plus three date variables. We compare the three distribution families of CMMs with a simpler benchmark model, which is more common in the downscaling community. The difference between the benchmark model and CMMs is that positive rainfall is modeled with a single Gamma distribution. The results show that CMM with hybrid Pareto components outperforms both the CMM with Gaussian components and the benchmark model in terms of log‐likelihood. However, there is no significant difference with the log‐normal CMM. In general, the additional flexibility of mixture models, as opposed to using a single distribution, allows us to better represent the distribution of rainfall, both in the central part and in the upper tail.
A biogeographic distribution of magnetotactic bacteria influenced by salinity
Authors: Lin Wei , Wang Yinzhao , Li Bi , Pan Yongxin
Published: August 2011

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), which synthesize intracellular ferromagnetic magnetite and/or greigite magnetosomes, have significant roles in global iron cycling in aquatic systems, as well as sedimentary magnetism. The occurrence of MTB has been reported in aquatic environments from freshwater to marine ecosystems; however, the distribution of MTB across heterogeneous habitats remains unclear. Here we examined the MTB communities from diverse habitats across northern and southern China, using comprehensive transmission electron microscopy and comparison of 16S rRNA gene analyses. A total of 334 16S rRNA gene sequences were analyzed, representing the most comprehensive analysis on the diversity and distribution of MTB to date. The majority (95%) of sequences belong to the Alphaproteobacteria, whereas a population of giant magnetotactic rod is affiliated with the Nitrospirae phylum. By a statistical comparison of these sequence data and publicly available MTB sequences, we infer for the first time that the composition of MTB communities represents a biogeographic distribution across globally heterogeneous environments, which is influenced by salinity.
OMG Do Not Say LOL: Obese Adolescents' Perspectives on the Content of Text Messages to Enhance Weight Loss Efforts
Authors: Woolford Susan J. , Barr Kathryn L.C. , Derry Holly A. , Jepson Christina M. , Clark Sarah J. , Strecher Victor J. , Resnicow Kenneth
Published: August 2011

Adolescents participating in weight loss programs experience difficulty adhering to behavior change recommendations. Communications technology provides a low cost means to increase the frequency of contact with adolescents which can improve their engagement and also lead to behavior change. Within a larger project on the development of tailored text messages for adolescents enrolled in an existing multidisciplinary weight management program, this study explored participants' perspectives about message content. A library of messages was developed focused on topics central to weight management. Four focus groups were conducted with a total of 24 participants from the weight management program to gage their reactions to the messages. Detailed notes from the focus groups were analyzed to assess the acceptability of individual messages and to identify overriding themes. Results indicate that participants were very enthusiastic about receiving text messages. They preferred messages that provided recipe ideas, included successful weight loss strategies used by peers, and requested feedback regarding their progress. They preferred positive, encouraging, and direct messages. They were unanimous that messages should include encouraging symbols (e.g., exclamation points and “smiley faces”) as often as possible. They emphasized that any mention of unhealthy foods or behaviors would trigger them to eat those foods or engage in those behaviors. Text messaging acronyms (e.g., LOL) were considered too informal for messages from healthcare providers. This study suggests that including text messages in obesity interventions is acceptable to obese adolescents as a means of supporting their weight loss efforts, and it highlights the need for such messages to be carefully constructed.
Novel anti-diabetic effect of SCM-198 via inhibiting the hepatic NF-κB pathway in db/db mice
Authors: Huang Hui , Xin Hong , Liu Xinhua , Xu Yajun , Wen Danyi , Zhang Yahua , Zhu Yi Zhun
Published: August 2011

There are reports of early evidence that suggest the involvement of chronic low-grade inflammation in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes. Thus, substances that have effects in reducing inflammation could be potential drugs for Type 2 diabetes. Leonurine (4-guanidino-n-butyl syringate; SCM-198) is an alkaloid in HL (Herba leonuri), which was reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesize that SCM-198 may have beneficial effects on Type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we attempted to test this hypothesis by evaluating the anti-diabetic effect of SCM-198 and the possible underlying mechanisms of its effects in db/db mice. SCM-198 (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight), pioglitazone (50 mg/kg of body weight, as a positive control) or 1% CMC-Na (sodium carboxymethylcellulose) were administered to the db/db or db/m mice once daily for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, SCM-198 (200 mg/kg of body weight) treatment significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose level and increased the plasma insulin concentration in the db/db mice, meanwhile it significantly lowered the plasma TAG (triacylglycerol) concentration and increased the HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol concentration. Moreover, the dysregulated transcription of the hepatic glucose metabolic enzymes, including GK (glucokinase), G6Pase (glucose-6-phosphatase) and PEPCK (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase), was recovered by an Akt-dependent pathway. The pro-inflammatory mediators {such as TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α), IL (interleukin)-6, IL-1β, degradation of IκB [inhibitor of NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB)] α and thereafter activation of NF-κB} were reversed by SCM-198 treatment in the db/db mice. The present study provides first evidence that SCM-198 exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and has an ameliorating effect on diabetic symptoms via inhibiting of NF-κB/IKK (IκB kinase) pathway. Consequently, we suggest that SCM-198 may be a prospective agent for prevention and/or moderation of the progress of Type 2 diabetes.
Correlation between morphology and electron spin relaxation time in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells on misoriented GaAs(110) substrates
Authors: Koh Shinji , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Kawaguchi Hitoshi
Published: August 2011

We investigated the correlation between morphology and electron spin relaxation time in GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells (MQWs) on misoriented GaAs(110) substrates. For the MQW on a 2°-misoriented GaAs(110), formation of wide (110) step terraces due to step bunching was observed. Measurements of the temperature dependence of the electron spin relaxation time τs showed that the D’yakonov-Perel’ (DP) spin relaxation was suppressed even in the MQW on the 2°-misoriented GaAs(110) owing to the step terrace formation. In contrast, in the MQW on a 5°-misoriented GaAs(110), in which the surface showed ripple patterns, the τs became shorter than that on the on-axis GaAs(110), which we attribute to the enhanced electron spin relaxation originating from the bulk inversion asymmetry term in the DP mechanism that is induced by the substrate misorientation.
Growth process, characterization, and modeling of electronic properties of coupled InAsSbP nanostructures
Authors: Marquardt Oliver , Hickel Tilmann , Neugebauer Jörg , Gambaryan Karen M. , Aroutiounian Vladimir M.
Published: August 2011

Quaternary III-V InAsSbP quantum dots (QDs) have been grown in the form of cooperative InAsSb/InAsP structures using a modified version of the liquid phase epitaxy. High resolution scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry were used to investigate these so-called nano-camomiles, mainly consisting of a central InAsSb QD surrounded by six InAsP-QDs, that shall be referred to as leaves in the following. The observed QDs average density ranges from 0.8 to 2 × 109 cm-2, with heights and widths dimensions from 2 to 20 nm and 5 to 45 nm, respectively. The average density of the leaves is equal to (6-10) × 109 cm-2 with dimensions of approx. 5 to 40 nm in width and depth. To achieve a first basic understanding of the electronic properties, we have modeled these novel nanostructures using second-order continuum elasticity theory and an eight-band k·p model to calculate the electronic structure. Our calculations found a clear localization of hole states in the central InAsSb dot. The localization of electron states, however, was found to be weak and might thus be easily influenced by external electric fields or strain.
Impurity induced bond-softening and defect states in ZnO:Cu
Authors: Samanta Kousik , Arora A. K. , Katiyar Ram S.
Published: August 2011

Phonons and optical properties of Cu-doped ZnO have been investigated using micro-Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Two new modes found in Raman spectra are assigned to Cu-O impurity vibrations analogous to polar A1 and E1 modes of ZnO on the basis of a Cu-O force constant lower than that of the Zn−O bond. The reduction in the frequencies of the nonpolar E2 modes also appears to arise due to softening of the mixed crystal. In the PL spectrum at 80 K a prominent blue emission arises due to Cu-related intraband transitions. Temperature dependent PL spectrum confirms the existence of donor acceptor pair transition at 3.305 eV in ZnO:Cu system.
Influence of confinement on single-electron charging in a network of nanoparticles
Authors: Sarkar Pal S. , Schouteden K. , Van Haesendonck C.
Published: August 2011

We investigated the single-electron tunneling (SET) behavior in a network of ligand stabilized Au nanoparticles (NPs) that are self-organized on an Au(111) surface by means of low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. We demonstrate that for a proper combination of ligand chain length and NP radius the ligand shell is able to isolate a particle from the neighboring ones. This results in SET spectra with a clear Coulomb blockade and a regular staircase, similar to SET spectra obtained for isolated particles. A fraction of the investigated particles exhibits additional fine structure on top of the Coulomb charging peaks in the tunneling conductance spectra. The origin of the fine structure can be related to quantum size effects due to the very small NP size rather than to inter-particle capacitive coupling. Our findings indicate the possibility of using an individual particle in the self-organized network as the central Coulomb island in a double-barrier tunnel junction configuration, similar to the case of an isolated particle.
Excited state electron transfer precedes proton transfer following irradiation of the hydrogen-bonded single water complex of 7-azaindole with UV light
Authors: Young Justin W. , Pratt David W.
Published: August 2011

High resolution electronic spectra of the single water complex of 7-azaindole (7AIW) and of a deuterated analog (7AIW-d3) have been recorded in a molecular beam, both in the absence and presence of an applied electric field. The obtained data include the rotational constants of both complexes in their ground (S0) and first excited (S1) electronic states, their S1- S0 electronic transition moment and axis-tilting angles, and their permanent electric dipole moments (EDM’s) in both electronic states. Analyses of these data show that the water molecule forms two hydrogen bonds with 7AI, a donor O−H···N7 bond and an acceptor O···H−N1 bond. The resulting structure has a small EDM in the S0 state (μ = 0.54 D) but a greatly enhanced EDM in the S1 state (μ = 3.97 D). We deduce from the EDM's of the component parts that 0.281 e− of charge is transferred from the acidic N1-H site to the basic N7 site upon UV excitation of 7AIW, but that water-assisted proton transfer from N1 to N7 does not occur. A model of the resulting electrostatic interactions in the solute-solvent pair predicts a solvent-induced red-shift of 1260 cm−1 which compares favorably to the experimental value of 1290 cm−1.
Phase-shift effects on growth and transport of dust particles in VHF capacitively coupled silane discharges: Two dimensional fluid simulation
Authors: Liu Xiang-Mei , Song Yuan-Hong , Xu Xiang , Wang You-Nian
Published: August 2011

A two-dimensional (2D) self-consistent fluid model is developed to describe the formation, subsequent growth, transport, and charging mechanisms of nanoparticles in a capacitively coupled silane discharge applied by two very high frequency (VHF) sources with phase shift. In this discharge process, large anions are produced by a series of chemical reactions of anions with silane molecules, while the lower limit of the initial nanoparticles are taken as large anions (Si12H25- and Si12H24-) to directly link the coagulation module with the nucleation module. And then, by using the coagulation module, the particle number density quickly decreases over several orders of magnitude, whereas the particle size strongly increases. We investigate in particular the growth of the nanoparticles ranging in size from ∼1 to 50 nm in coagulation processes. The influences of controlled phase shifts between VHF (50 MHz) voltages on the electron density, electron temperature, nanoparticle uniformity, and deposition rate, are carefully studied. It is found from our simulation that the plasma density and nanoparticle density become center high and more uniform as the phase shift increases from 0 to 180°. Moreover, the role of phase-shift control in the silane discharge diluted with hydrogen gas is also discussed.
Extension of the Steele 10-4-3 potential for adsorption calculations in cylindrical, spherical, and other pore geometries
Authors: Siderius Daniel W. , Gelb Lev D.
Published: August 2011

Simplified fluid-substrate interaction models derived from the Lennard-Jones potential are widely used in the simulation of gas physisorption phenomena. In this paper, we reinterpret the well known Steele 10-4-3 potential for a gas molecule interacting with a planar surface, and use the resultant scheme to derive new potentials for cylindrical and spherical pore geometries. These new potentials correctly recover the Steele result in the limit of infinite pore radius, a useful improvement over existing models. We demonstrate the new cylindrical Steele 10-4-3 potential in calculations of argon adsorption via fluid density functional theory. This potential yields markedly different adsorption behavior than existing cylindrical potentials, which follow from small but significant differences in both the strength and the shape of the fluid-surface interaction. These differences cannot be fully reconciled simply by reparameterizing (scaling) the existing models; the new potential is more realistic in design, and is especially to be preferred in studies where comparison with planar substrates is made. Finally, we discuss extensions of this approach to more complicated pore geometries, yielding a family of Steele-like potentials that all satisfy the correct planar limit.