bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weighted Montgomery identity for the fractional integral of a function with respect to another function
Authors: Aljinović Andrea Aglić , Krnić Mario , Pečarić Josip
Published: February 2014

We present a weighted Montgomery identity for the fractional integral
of a function f with respect to another function g and use it
to obtain weighted Ostrowski type inequalities for fractional
integrals involving functions whose first derivatives belong to
Lp
spaces. These inequalities are generally sharp in case

p
>
1

$p>1$

and best possible in case

p
=
1

$p=1$

. Applications for the
Hadamard fractional integrals are given.
On firmly nonexpansive perturbations of the identity in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Teodorescu Dinu
Published: February 2014

The aim of this paper is to present some properties of
firmly nonexpansive operators in Hilbert spaces. As a consequence of the
principal result, a fixed point theorem about nonexpansive operators is
obtained.
Anti-termitic potential of heartwood and bark extract and chemical compounds isolated from Madhuca utilis Ridl. H. J. Lam and Neobalanocarpus heimii King P. S. Ashton
Authors: Kadir Roszaini , Ali Norazah Mohd , Soit Zaini , Khamaruddin Zaitihaiza
Published: February 2014

The effect of wood extracts as antitermitic agents has been investigated in two Malaysian timber species, namely Madhuca utilis (bitis) and Neobalanocarpus heimii (chengal). The samples taken from Perak State Forest Reserve felled trees with the age of 38 and 45 years old, respectively. The composition of the extracts were analysed by GC-MS. In the toluene/EtOH extracts of M. utilis 19 (bark) and 17 (heartwood, hW) chemical constituents have been identified in total. The dominant compounds in bark were (2Z,6E)-farnesol (44%) and thymol methyl ether (29%) and in hW terpinen-4-ol (38%) and γ-terpinene (16%). The N. heimii essential oils contained 16 chemical constituents (8 in bark and 8 in hW) with benzyl carbinol (62%) and benzyl isoamyl ether (34%) for bark and eicosane (C20) (50%) and cyclopentanone (19%) for hW. Higher concentration of extracts from bark and hW of N. heimii, and from bark of M. utilis) gave 100% mortality of 3rd instars of Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann and 99% for M. utilis hW extract. The extracts of both wood species showed promising antitermitic properties against subterranean termites.
Reduced tubular proteinuria in hypertensive rats treated with losartan is associated with higher renal cortical megalin expression
Authors: Arruda-Junior Daniel F. , Virgulino Stephannie G. , Girardi Adriana C.C.
Published: February 2014

Background: Several clinical studies have demonstrated that angiotensin II antagonists exert renoprotective effects beyond blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. The present work aimed to test the hypothesis that the antiproteinuric effects of losartan are associated with upregulation of the multi-ligand endocytic receptors megalin and cubilin in the proximal tubule of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Materials and methods: Fourteen-week-old SHRs were orally treated for 7 weeks with losartan (50 mg/kg, SHR-L), hydralazine (30 mg/kg, SHR-H), or vehicle (SHR-V). Blood pressure and renal function were determined prior to and following drug treatment. Expression of renal cortical proteins was determined by immunoblotting.

Results: Losartan and hydralazine reduced systolic blood pressure from pretreatment levels in SHRs to a similar extent. However, SHR-L displayed a much greater reduction in proteinuria than SHR-H (44±3% vs. 15±1%, p<0.01) relative to pretreatment urinary protein excretion levels. In SHRs treated with vehicle, proteinuria increased from 87±5 to 153±15 mg/(day kg BW). Reduced tubular proteinuria in SHRs treated with losartan was accompanied by a higher expression of megalin (125±28%) relative to either SHR-V or SHR-H. Neither losartan nor hydralazine significantly altered the renal cortical expression of cubilin in SHRs.

Conclusion: Collectively, our data demonstrate that the additional renoprotective effects of angiotensin II blockade by losartan are associated with upregulation of megalin in the renal proximal tubule of SHRs. Moreover, it strengthens the view that tubular dysfunction may represent an important contributing mechanism underlying proteinuria in hypertension.
Influence of heat source size and film thickness on phonon transport in a two-dimensional thin film
Authors: Ali Haider , Yilbas Bekir S.
Published: February 2014

Phonon transport in a two-dimensional thin silicon film is considered and
the effect of heat source size and the film thickness on the transport
characteristics is examined. Frequency dependent Boltzmann equation is
incorporated in the analysis to account for the contribution of the
ballistic phonons to the energy transport. Equivalent equilibrium
temperature is introduced to assess the thermal resistance during the phonon
transport in the film. The numerical scheme with the appropriate boundary
conditions is used to predict the transport properties, including the
effective thermal conductivity, of the thin film. It is found that the heat
source size and the film thickness influence the thermal resistance of the
film almost equally. The ballistic phonons reduce the film thermal
resistance while suppressing the effective thermal conductivity in the thin film.
Against All Odds: 2013 Richardson Award to Mats Hammarström and Peter Wallensteen
Authors: Bussmann Margit , Dorussen Han , Gleditsch Nils Petter
Published: February 2014

The institutionalization of peace research has been a tortuous process and it has proven particularly difficult to establish separate departments for peace research in the universities. The Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University is a spectacular exception. This article honors two outstanding scholars who made it happen against all odds and who received the 2013 Lewis Fry Richardson Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to the scientific study of armed conflict. Peter Wallensteen and Mats Hammarström were awarded the prize for their individual scholarly output but above all for their joint achievement in establishing peace and conflict research at Uppsala University with its two pillars, the Uppsala Conflict Data Program and the training program for young scholars. They have made a lasting contribution to an institution of world-wide renown that pursues research in the scientific tradition of Richardson.
Role of the humic acid for sorption of radionuclides by synthesized titania
Authors: Singh B. K. , Tomar Radha , Kumar Sumit , Kar A. S. , Tomar B. S. , Ramanathan S. , Manchanda V. K.
Published: February 2014

Present work reports on synthesis, characterization and application of titania powder (anatase) for sorption of 137Cs
(monovalent), 133Ba (divalent) and 154Eu (trivalent) radionuclides in the presence and absence of humic acid
(Aldrich). In order to obtain a detailed sorption behavior of all the three aforementioned radionuclides, a series of experiments were
conducted with respect to effect of pH, humic acid (HA), and concentration of radionuclides. Sorption studies of 137Cs,
133Ba and 154Eu onto synthesized titania have been carried out over a wide range of pH scale varying from 3 to
11 in the presence and absence of Aldrich Humic acid (2 mg/L). Sorption of all the three radionuclides rises sharply with
the pH of the suspension with saturation value of ∼ 70%, 80% and 85% respectively for monovalent,
bivalent and trivalent radionuclides. Humic acid could not make any influence for sorption of 137Cs, but significantly
altered with respect to 133Ba and 154Eu sorption. The sorption data at various concentrations were fitted with
Freundlich isotherm model.
Questioning Causality, Climax, and Closure
Authors: Benson-Allott Caetlin
Published: February 2014

This final column for Film Quarterly by Caetlin Benson-Allott interrogates the stakes of closure and similar narrative conventions through an examination of the films Europa Report (2013) and Gravity (2013).
Non-Traditional Modern Advaita Gurus in the West and Their Traditional Modern Advaita Critics
Authors: Lucas Phillip Charles
Published: February 2014

The Modern Advaita movement has undergone a split between two factions: one remains committed to a more traditional articulation of Advaita Vedanta, and the other has departed in significant ways from this traditional spiritual system. Over the past fifteen years, the Traditional Modern Advaita (TMA) faction has launched sustained and wide-ranging criticism of Non-Traditional Modern Advaita (NTMA) teachers and teachings. This article identifies the main themes of TMA criticisms and interprets their significance using insights from the social sciences and history of religions. I suggest that some reconfiguring of the Advaita tradition is necessary as it expands in transnational directions, since the structures of intelligibility from one culture to another are rarely congruent. Indeed, adaptation, accommodation and reconfiguration are normal and natural processes for religious traditions expanding beyond their indigenous cultural matrices. In the end, the significant questions for Advaita missionaries to the West may be how much accommodation is prudent, how rapidly reconfiguration should take place, and what adaptations are necessary for their spiritual methodology not only to survive but also thrive in new cultural settings.
Making the New Appear Old
Authors: LaRochelle Dominic
Published: February 2014

The following article describes and analyzes the spirituality of taiji quan in the West. Constructed around a particular North American perception of this Chinese martial art, the spirituality is based on discursive strategies that enable authors of taiji quan books (and their readers) to make sense of their practice in a North American context. Using reception theories and Gadamer’s notion of fusion ofhorizon, three points will be highlighted here: 1) taiji quan books published in North America since the 1960s present this martial art as a spiritual practice 2) which the authors perceive as a Chinese Daoist spirituality 3) but which in fact is actualized in a North American socio-cultural context so that it meets the expectations of a certain category of practitioners. This means that the “spirituality of taiji quan” as presented by Western books has less to do with Chinese religious tradition than contemporary spirituality cloaked in old Daoist imagery.
Protein profile of the seminal plasma of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Santos E A A , Sousa P C , Martins J A M , Moreira R A , Monteiro-Moreira A C O , Moreno F B M B , Oliveira M F , Moura A A , Silva A R
Published: February 2014

This study was conducted to characterize the major proteins of the peccary seminal plasma, based on the semen samples collected from nine adult and reproductively sound animals. Our approach included the use of two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by Coomassie blue staining and analysis of polypeptide maps with PDQuest Software (Bio-Rad). Proteins were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). We detected 179 protein spots per gel and 98 spots were identified by mass spectrometry, corresponding to 23 different proteins. The combined intensity of those spots accounted for 56.2±6% of the intensities of all spots and 60.9% of the intensities of spots presented in every protein map. Protein spots identified as clusterin represented 19.7±8.3% of the integrated optical densities of all spots detected in the seminal plasma maps. There was a negative association (r=−0.87;P<0.05) between the intensity of a clusterin spot and the percentage of sperm with functional membrane. Spermadhesin porcine seminal plasma protein 1 and bodhesin 2 comprised 5.4±1.9 and 8.8±3.9% of the total intensity of all spots respectively. Many proteins appeared in a polymorphic pattern, such as clusterin (27 spots), epididymal secretory glutathione peroxidase (ten spots), inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (12 spots), and IgG-binding protein (ten spots), among others. In conclusion, we presently describe the major seminal plasma proteome of the peccary, which exhibits a distinct high expression of clusterin isoforms. Knowledge of wild species reproductive biology is crucial for an understanding of their survival strategies and adaptation in a changing environment.
Endolysosomal Membrane Trafficking Complexes Drive Nutrient-Dependent TORC1 Signaling to Control Cell Growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kingsbury Joanne M , Sen Neelam D , Maeda Tatsuya , Heitman Joseph , Cardenas Maria E
Published: February 2014

The rapamycin-sensitive and endomembrane-associated TORC1 pathway controls cell growth in response to nutrients in eukaryotes. Mutations in class C Vps (Vps-C) complexes are synthetically lethal with tor1 mutations and confer rapamycin hypersensitivity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suggesting a role for these complexes in TORC1 signaling. Vps-C complexes are required for vesicular trafficking and fusion and comprise four distinct complexes: HOPS and CORVET and their minor intermediaries (i)-CORVET and i-HOPS. We show that at least one Vps-C complex is required to promote TORC1 activity, with the HOPS complex having the greatest input. The vps-c mutants fail to recover from rapamycin-induced growth arrest and show low levels of TORC1 activity. TORC1 promotes cell growth via Sch9, a p70S6 kinase ortholog. Constitutively active SCH9 or hyperactive TOR1 alleles restored rapamycin recovery and TORC1 activity of vps-c mutants, supporting a role for the Vps-C complexes upstream of TORC1. The EGO GTPase complex Exit from G0Complex (EGOC) and its homologous Rag-GTPase complex convey amino acid signals to TORC1 in yeast and mammals, respectively. Expression of the activated EGOC GTPase subunits Gtr1GTP and Gtr2GDP partially suppressed vps-c mutant rapamycin recovery defects, and this suppression was enhanced by increased amino acid concentrations. Moreover, vps-c mutations disrupted EGOC–TORC1 interactions. TORC1 defects were more severe for vps-c mutants than those observed in EGOC mutants. Taken together, our results support a model in which distinct endolysosomal trafficking Vps-C complexes promote rapamycin-sensitive TORC1 activity via multiple inputs, one of which involves maintenance of amino acid homeostasis that is sensed and transmitted to TORC1 via interactions with EGOC.
Economic Burden of Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Lavelle Tara A. , Weinstein Milton C. , Newhouse Joseph P. , Munir Kerim , Kuhlthau Karen A. , Prosser Lisa A.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the associations between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses and service use, caregiver time, and cost outcomes.

METHODS:

We used national data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey linked to the National Health Interview Survey and a study-specific survey to estimate the annual utilization and costs for health care, school, ASD-related therapy, family-coordinated services, as well as caregiver time in children aged 3 to 17 years, with and without parent-reported ASD. Regression analyses estimated the association between ASD diagnosis and cost, controlling for child gender, age, race/ethnicity, insurance status, household income, country region and urban/rural classification, and non–ASD-related illnesses.

RESULTS:

Children with parent-reported ASD had higher levels of health care office visits and prescription drug use compared with children without ASD (P < .05). A greater proportion of children in the ASD group used special educational services (76% vs 7% in the control group, P < .05). After adjusting for child demographic characteristics and non–ASD-associated illnesses, ASD was associated with $3020 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $1017–$4259) higher health care costs and $14 061 (95% CI: $4390–$24 302) higher aggregate non–health care costs, including $8610 (95% CI: $6595–$10 421) higher school costs. In adjusted analyses, parents who reported that their child had ASD did not have significantly higher out-of-pocket costs or spend more time on caregiving activities compared with control parents.

CONCLUSIONS:

The economic burden associated with ASD is substantial and can be measured across multiple sectors of our society. Previous analyses that focused on health care underestimated this economic burden, particularly for school systems.
Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Young Children in the United States
Authors: Pang Jenny , Teeter Larry D. , Katz Dolly J. , Davidow Amy L. , Miranda Wilson , Wall Kirsten , Ghosh Smita , Stein-Hart Trudy , Restrepo Blanca I. , Reves Randall , Graviss Edward A.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To estimate tuberculosis (TB) rates among young children in the United States by children’s and parents’ birth origins and describe the epidemiology of TB among young children who are foreign-born or have at least 1 foreign-born parent.

METHODS:

Study subjects were children <5 years old diagnosed with TB in 20 US jurisdictions during 2005–2006. TB rates were calculated from jurisdictions’ TB case counts and American Community Survey population estimates. An observational study collected demographics, immigration and travel histories, and clinical and source case details from parental interviews and health department and TB surveillance records.

RESULTS:

Compared with TB rates among US-born children with US-born parents, rates were 32 times higher in foreign-born children and 6 times higher in US-born children with foreign-born parents. Most TB cases (53%) were among the 29% of children who were US born with foreign-born parents. In the observational study, US-born children with foreign-born parents were more likely than foreign-born children to be infants (30% vs 7%), Hispanic (73% vs 37%), diagnosed through contact tracing (40% vs 7%), and have an identified source case (61% vs 19%); two-thirds of children were exposed in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS:

Young children who are US born of foreign-born parents have relatively high rates of TB and account for most cases in this age group. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of adult source cases, effective contact investigations prioritizing young contacts, and targeted testing and treatment of latent TB infection are necessary to reduce TB morbidity in this population.
Duration of Protection After First Dose of Acellular Pertussis Vaccine in Infants
Authors: Quinn Helen E. , Snelling Thomas L. , Macartney Kristine K. , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE:

Data on the effectiveness of the diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine in the first 4 years of life are sparse. We evaluated the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 1 and 2 doses of DTaP before 6 months of age and of 3 doses from 6 months of age in Australia, where, since 2003, a fourth dose is not given until 4 years.

METHODS:

We matched reported pertussis cases aged 2 to 47 months between January 2005 and December 2009 to controls from a population-based immunization register by date of birth and region of residence. VE by number of doses and age group was calculated as (1 – odds ratio) × 100%.

RESULTS:

VE against hospitalization increased from 55.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.7%–65.1%) for 1 dose before 4 months of age to 83.0% (95% CI, 70.2%–90.3%) for 2 doses before 6 months. The VE of 3 doses of DTaP against all reported pertussis was 83.5% (95% CI, 79.1%–87.8%) between 6 and 11 months, declining to 70.7% (95% CI, 64.5%–75.8%) between 2 and 3 years of age and 59.2% (95% CI, 51.0%–66.0%) between 3 and 4 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS:

DTaP provided good protection against pertussis in the first year of life from the first dose. Without a booster dose, the effectiveness of 3 doses waned more rapidly from 2 to 4 years of age than previously documented for children >6 years of age who had received 5 doses.
Hybrid nano/micro-particles for Increased Steel Corrosion Resistance: Particles’ Alterations with pH Change and Steel Behavior in Cement Extract and Mortar
Authors: Koleva D.A. , Hu J. , Milkova V. , van Breugel K.
Published: February 2014

Hybrid nano/micro particles were investigated for their possibility to re-structure within local pH alterations, release certain active substance and further contribute to increased steel corrosion resistance. Two aspects with regard to corrosion control and self-healing in cement-based materials are discussed: the first aspect deals with the electrochemical performance of low carbon steel electrodes (St37) in model alkaline solutions (cement extract) in the presence of 4.9.10-4 g/l hybrid particles i.e. cement extract, containing PDADMAC (poly (diallyl, dimethyl ammonium chloride) / PAA (Poly (acrylic acid)/ PDADMAC over a CaO core. The second aspect refers to the performance of reinforcing steel (FeB500 HKN) in mortar specimens, containing hybrid particles in the mixing water in concentration of 3.6×10-4 wt. % per mortar weight. The main objective was to determine if these hybrids will lead to increased corrosion resistance of the steel surface layers, generally formed in the hereby investigated environmental medium (both liquid i.e. cement extract and solid i.e. mortar). Further, it was expected that when chlorides are involved, as corrosion accelerating factor, the presence of hybrid particles will delay corrosion initiation and will therefore lead to increased corrosion resistance. The results denote for indeed superior corrosion performance of steel in chloride-free and chloride containing medium, when hybrid particles are involved. The responsible mechanisms are related to increased barrier effects of the formed layer and self-repair upon morphological alterations of the hybrid particles, “nucleation sites effects” and/or Ca-core “release” on locally active (anodic) areas on the steel surface.
Rhodium-Catalyzed Oxidative Polycoupling of Phenylpyrazole and Internal Diynes: A New Polymerization Route for Atom-Economical Synthesis of Poly(pyrazolylnaphthalene)s
Authors: Liu Yajing , Gao Meng , Li Jie , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2014

A new route for atom-economical synthesis of functional polymers was developed. Oxidative polycoupling of 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenylpyrazole with 4,4’-(α,ω-alkylenedioxy) bis(diphenylacetylene)s and 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-bis[4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl]ethene, respectively, were catalyzed by [Cp*RhCl2]2, 1,2,3,4-tetraphenylcyclopenta-1,3-diene and copper(II) acetate in dimethylformamide under stoichiometric imbalance conditions, affording soluble poly(pyrazolylnaphthalene)s in satisfactory yields (isolation yield up to 82%) with high molecular weights (Mw up to 35700). All the polymers were thermally stable, losing little of their weight at high temperatures of 323–422 oC. They possessed good film-forming property and their thin solid films showed high refractive indices (RI = 1.747–1.593) in a wide wavelength region of 400−1000 nm. The polymer carrying tetraphenylethene unit displayed a phenomenon of aggregation-induced emission and showed enhanced light emission in the aggregated state.
Molecular relaxation in Chitosan films in GHz frequency range
Authors: Kumar-Krishnan Siva , Prokhorov Evgen , Luna-Barcenas Gabriel
Published: February 2014

The molecular relaxations behavior of chitosan (CS) films in the wide frequency range of 0.1-3x109 Hz (by using three different impedance analyzers) have been investigated in the temperature range of -100C to 120°C using Dielectric Spectroscopy (DS). Additionally to the low frequency molecular relaxations such as α and β relaxations, for the first time, high frequency (1-3 GHz) relaxation process has been observed in the chitosan films. This relaxation exhibits Arrhenius-type dependence in the temperature range of -100 C to 54°C with negative activation energy -2.7 kJ/mol. At temperatures above 54°C, the activation energy changes from -2.7 kJ/mol to +4.4 kJ/mol. Upon cooling, the activation energy becomes negative again with a value of -1.2 kJ/mol. The bound water between chitosan molecules strongly modifies molecular motion and the relaxation spectrum, giving rise to a new relaxation at the frequency at ca. 1 GHz. In situ FTIR analysis has shown that this relaxation related to the changes in vibration of the –OH, NH and –CO functional groups.
Electrical Behavior I-V Theoretical-Experimental OLEDS
Authors: Burgoa José M. , González-Medina Cecilia , Gómez-Aguilar Ramón , Ortiz-López Jaime
Published: February 2014

We develop a program (within MATLAB software environment) to numerically simulate current-voltage characteristics of a bilayer organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The program is based on the Poole-Frenkel and Schottky continuous quantum models which take into account the geometry of thin films and their emission parameters in the calculation of charge carrier and current density in organic materials. Simulations are performed for OLEDs with A/EML/C and A/HIL/EML/C architectures where A=anode, HIL=hole injection layer, EML=emissive layer and C=cathode. For EML we assume MEH-PPV and MDMO-PPV derivatives of poly-para-phenylene-vinylene (PPV) polymer semiconductor, and for HIL we use PEDOT:PSS. The results of simulation are compared with experimental results obtained from actual OLED devices constructed in our laboratory. For comparison we also use the commercial software SimOLED to simulate the devices under similar architectures. We find in general a fair agreement between the simulated and measured behavior except for a few orders of magnitude difference in the current.
Rheological Properties of Associative Polyelectrolytes Synthesized by Solution Polymerization
Authors: Velazquez Areli I. , Coronado Alejandro , Jiménez Enrique J.
Published: February 2014

Water-soluble associative polyelectrolytes of methacrylic acid [MAA] and ethyl acrylate [EA] (1:1 molar ratio), hydrophobically modified with small amounts of stearyl metacrylate [MM18], were synthesized by means of solution polymerization. Polyelectrolytes with two different molecular structures: multisticker, with hydrophobic groups randomly distributed along the hydrophilic chain and combined, with the hydrophobic groups along the chain and as terminal groups of the backbone, were obtained. Steady shear behavior and linear viscoelastic properties were studied as a function of polymer microstructure and hydrophobic group concentrations on salt-free aqueous solution using a cone-and-plate rheometer. Concentration regimes were obtained for each synthetized polymer. Viscoelastic study shows that the maximum thickening effect corresponds to the combined structure followed by multisticker structure. These polyelectrolytes exhibit high thickening power on aqueous solutions due to the synergy between the hydrophobic attractive interactions and coil expansion phenomena.
Light-Soaking Effects on the Open-Circuit Voltage of a-Si:H Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Jianjun , Schiff E. A. , Guha S. , Yan B. , Yang J.
Published: February 2014

We present measurements on the decline of the open-circuit voltage VOC in a-Si:H solar cells during extended illumination (light-soaking) at 295 K. We used a near-infrared laser that was nearly uniformly absorbed in the intrinsic layer of the cell. At the highest photogeneration rate (about 2x1021 cm-3), a noticeable decline (0.01 V) occurred within about 10 minutes; VOC stabilized at 0.04 V below its initial value after about 200 hours. We found that both the kinetics and the magnitudes of VOC are reasonably consistent with the predictions of a calculation combining a bandtail+defect picture for recombination and a hydrogen-collision model for defect generation. The version of the hydrogen-collision model that we used assumes that only bandtail recombination drives the hydrogen collision processes. Within this picture, the crossover between bandtail and defect recombination occurs on the same timescale as the “light-induced annealing” process that accounts for stabilization of the optoelectronic properties for long lightsoaking times.
Inlaid Copper Multilevel Interconnections Using Planarization by Chemical-Mechanical Polishing
Authors: Murarka S.P. , Steigerwald J. , Gutmann R.J.
Published: February 2014

Continuing advances in the fields of very-large-scale integration (VLSI), ultralarge-scale integration (ULSI), and gigascale integration (GSI), leading to the continuing development of smaller and smaller devices, have continually challenged the fields of materials, processes, and circuit designs. The existing metallization schemes for ohmic contacts, gate metal, and interconnections are inadequate for the ULSI and GSI era. An added concern is the reliability of aluminum and its alloys as the current carrier. Also, the higher resistivity of Al and its use in two-dimensional networks have been considered inadequate, since they lead to unacceptably high values of the so-called interconnection delay or RC delay, especially in microprocessors and application-specific integrated circuits (ICs). Here, R refers to the resistance of the interconnection and C to the total capacitance associated with the interlayer dielectric. For the fastest devices currently available and faster ones of the future, the RC delay must be reduced to such a level that the contribution of RC to switching delays (access time) becomes a small fraction of the total, which is a sum of the inherent device delay associated with the semiconductor, the device geometry and type, and the RC delay.
Advanced Materials for Energy Storage
Authors: Trudeau Michel L.
Published: February 2014

As this MRS Bulletin issue on “Advanced Materials for Energy Storage” was being finalized, the North American continent suffered one of its warmest summers ever recorded. The past two to three years have also been the warmest on record, August 1999 being the 21st consecutive month with above-average temperatures. Such deviations could be quite natural. Indeed, these temperature increases can be explained in part by increased solar activity. Yet, burning of fossil fuels and other human factors are considered likely contributors. Whether from human activities or cosmic effects, for human survival, technological solutions may be needed to keep the global temperature within tolerable margins.

In a parallel development, the price of oil on the New York market has nearly doubled since the beginning of 1999. This current increase is directly related to self-controls imposed by the oil-producing countries. The price will probably not climb to excessive values, mainly because the oil-producing countries do not want other nations to develop competitive alternative technologies. However, these increases in oil prices could have devastating effects on the general economy, and again, the future is unpredictable.

This situation poses an interesting dilemma for the scientific community. Scientists are trained to base conclusions on facts and respond with appropriate engineering solutions. Yet the extrapolation of global climate change is far from conclusive; the economies of nations can be volatile and often are determined by politics as opposed to science; and the needs of individual nations are varied and continue to evolve based on their local resources, economies, and environmental regulations.
Impact of anhydrite proportion in a calcium sulfoaluminate cement and Portland cement blend
Authors: Trauchessec Romain , Mechling Jean-Michel , Lecomte André , Roux André , Le Rolland Bruno
Published: February 2014

Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) blends are innovative binders. In comparison with OPC, these mixtures can reduce the environmental impact of cement production as well as increase the hardening speed. This article deals with the effects of calcium sulfate (anhydrite) percentage on hydration mechanisms, compressive strength and dimensional stability of binders containing 40% OPC. Calcium sulfate quantity is an essential parameter that can be used to control the hardening speed and dimensional stability. Mortars with 6·5% and 10% anhydrite present moderate compressive strength and expansion, whereas higher compressive strength and expansion are obtained with blends containing 17% and 20·5% anhydrite. These anhydrite proportions slow down the OPC and CSA clinker hydration kinetics but increase the ettringite proportion and stability.
Effect of blasting on the bench stability at the Demirbilek open-pit mine
Authors: Aydan Ömer , Geniş Melih , Bilgin Aydın H.
Published: February 2014

Blasting is the most commonly used excavation technique in mining and civil engineering applications. It induces strong ground motions and fracturing of rock mass in its close vicinity. Blasting may also induce some instability problems within open-pit mines as well as in adjacent structures near the mines. This article is concerned with the effect of blasting on the stability of open-pit benches and their responses at the Demirbilek open-pit mine operated by Ege Lignite Enterprise. The authors performed ground motion measurements during blasting operations, in situ exploration of rock mass and laboratory experiments, geomechanical laboratory experiments of rock blocks subjected to shock waves and numerical analyses on the stability and responses of benches of the Demirbilek open-pit mine. It was found that blasting operations may induce step-wise permanent ground movements and that the accumulation of these permanent movements results in the failure of benches eventually.
Restricted salt diffusion in a geosynthetic clay liner
Authors: Malusis Michael A. , Kang Jong-Beom , Shackelford Charles D.
Published: February 2014

The influence of semipermeable membrane behaviour on salt diffusion through a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) was investigated by conducting multi-stage membrane tests on four GCL specimens at different effective stresses (σ′ = 34·5–242 kPa) in flexible-wall cells. Each test was conducted by circulating five source potassium chloride solutions, sequentially from lowest to highest concentration (Co = 3·9, 6·0, 8·7, 20, 47 mM), across the top specimen boundary, while circulating de-ionized water across the bottom boundary. Membrane efficiency coefficients (ω) were determined from differential pressure measurements, and effective salt-diffusion coefficients [Formula: see text] were inferred from boundary electrical conductivities. Increases in [Formula: see text] with increasing Co were observed for all specimens and were correlated to decreases in ω. In each case, [Formula: see text] decreased linearly toward zero as ω → 1, regardless of the applied σ′. These results support the hypothesis from pore-scale physical modelling that [Formula: see text] for GCLs exhibiting membrane behaviour may be expressed as a linear function of the quantity 1 − ω.
Recruitment and herbivory affect spread of invasive Spartina alterniflora in China
Authors: Li Zhengjie , Wang Wenqing , Zhang Yihui
Published: February 2014

How multiple factors interact to mediate the spread of invasive species is poorly understood. We studied cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, which is invading the entire Chinese coast, occupying mudflats throughout this range, and displacing mangroves in the upper intertidal of southern China. For two years, we studied the roles of propagule pressure, competition, disturbance, and herbivory in the dynamics of this invasion at a typical mangrove habitat, Zhangjiang Estuary, southern China. Seed of cordgrass dispersed to all intertidal habitats. The density of seeds in surficial soils was 20‐fold greater in cordgrass than in dense mangrove, the ecotone between mangrove and cordgrass, or the open mudflat. Seed predation or herbivory on seedlings was intense in all habitats. While seeds of cordgrass germinated in all habitats, no unprotected seedlings survived anywhere except on the mudflat in our two‐year study. Survival was nil in other habitats where seed predation, herbivory, and shading by dense vegetation killed all seeds and seedlings. Seed dispersal to the mudflat exceeded seed predation and herbivory, however, and a few seedlings survived to grow into large clones of cordgrass. Repeated waves of seed dispersal and rapid clonal growth have transformed the mudflat into cordgrass stands within a decade, despite high consumer pressure. Disturbance by typhoons, freezes, and humans make gaps in mangrove that fill with cordgrass. This process is gradually converting mangrove forests into monospecific intertidal grasslands in China.
Italian Nurses’ Experience of Stalking: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Maran Daniela Acquadro , Varetto Antonella , Zedda Massimo
Published: February 2014

A literature analysis shows that nurses are at greater risk of being stalked both by ex-partners and acquaintances (such as colleagues and patients) and by unknown stalkers. The aim of this study was to explore Italian nurses’ experience of stalking. A copy of the Italian modified version of the Networking for Surviving Stalking (NSS) Questionnaire on Stalking, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and State Trait Inventory (STAI) Y1-Y2 scales were distributed to 2,000 nurses working in 4 Italian state hospitals. There were 765 nurses who returned the questionnaire (38.4%), 107 of whom had been victims (14.0%). On average, victims had been stalked for more than 12 months by an acquaintance (41.1%), whose behavior included unwanted communications, following, control, and threatening behavior. The coping strategies used most involved offensive and interactional tactics. Stalking has both emotional and physical consequences for victims, although depression levels were not as high as we expected (BDIM= 11.05,SD= 8.84; STAI Y1M= 42.11,SD= 11.75; STAI Y2M= 44.04,SD= 12.90). The need to adopt legal, organizational, and individual strategies is also discussed.
A New Metaphor for Speaking of Trauma: The Toroidal Island Model
Authors: Miyaji Naoko
Published: February 2014

This article provides a model for speaking of trauma based on the author’s ethnographic and clinical experiences mainly in Japan. It is often assumed that a person with more serious trauma has the right and ability to speak out. But those who are at the center of trauma and unable to survive cannot testify. Based on this notion, a toroidal island (TI) model, shaped like a doughnut with a landlocked inner sea, is developed. The voices come from the survivors on the inner slope and from the supporters on the outer slope on the island. The model integrates various aspects of trauma by employing metaphors of “gravity” for symptoms of trauma, “wind” for interpersonal conflicts, and “water level” for intelligibility of the speech and its social recognition. It addresses the social construction of trauma and shows the relativistic nature of when and how some traumatic experiences are recognized. Clinical and social activity to raise awareness of unrecognized trauma can be analogized to a process of creating a TI. By defying gravity and wind and lowering the water level, they keep the voices of the traumatized from being silenced and allow their suffering to be alleviated.
Revisiting the Effects of Self-Protective Behaviors on the Risk of Injury in Assaults Against Women
Authors: Yun Ilhong , Lee Julak
Published: February 2014

Using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS; 1992–2005), we closely examined the effects of victims’ self-protective actions on the risk of injury among female nonsexual assault victims. Building on previous research, we focused on 3 important methodological and conceptual issues: (a) gradational coding of the 16 different NCVS self-protective actions, (b) separate analyses of serious injuries, and (c) the victim–offender relationship. Our analyses demonstrated that the risk of injury was strongly and positively associated with the degree of forcefulness of self-protective actions. Furthermore, the likelihood of victim injury was inversely related to the relational distance between the victim and the offender.
Teaching Fractions With Technology: What Type of Support Do Students Need as They Learn to Build and Interpret Visual Models of Fractions Ordering Problems?
Authors: Mendiburo Maria , Hasselbring Ted , Biswas Gautam
Published: February 2014

This study examined 78 students as they began learning how to use a computer system to create visual models of fractions ordering problems and then use the visual models to reason about the correct answers to the problems. We used quantitative data collected by the computer system during a 2-day intervention to identify groups of students with similar performance characteristics. After the intervention, we conducted individual interviews with 10 students for the purpose of investigating qualitative differences between the groups. Our results indicated that most of the 78 students learned to use the computer system to create accurate models in a relatively short period, but not all students learned how to use the models to reason about the correct answers to the problems by the end of the intervention. We hypothesize that we can improve future versions of the system by creating differentiated scaffolds for students with different performance characteristics. In addition, we may be able to improve the learning outcomes associated with implementing this type of technology in classrooms by providing teachers with more detailed data about their students’ performance and the correct and incorrect strategies their students use to solve problems.
Utilization of Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion in Surgeon Population of ISASS and SMISS Membership
Authors: Lorio Morgan P. , Polly Jr. David W. , Ninkovic Ivana , Ledonio Charles G.T. , Hallas Kelli , Andersson Gunnar
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) may be a source of chronic low back pain in 15 -22% of patients. Over
the past four years MIS is an emerging standard of care for SI joint fusion. The International Society for the Advancement
of Spine Surgery (ISASS) and Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) conducted a survey of their
members to examine current preferences in surgeon practice of MIS SI fusion.

Methods:

To qualify for survey participation, the surgeon had to perform at least one open or MIS SIJ fusion procedure
between 2009 and 2012. All surgeons were instructed to review their records. This included the number of surgical
procedures performed annually from 2009-2012, site of service where each procedure was commonly performed, and
average length of stay for each approach.

Results:

Twenty four percent (121/500) of the eligible members participated in this survey. This survey revealed that the
percentage of MIS procedures increased from 39% in 2009 to over 87% in 2012. The survey showed a significant increase
in average number of MIS surgeries and a significant difference between open and MIS surgeries in 2012 (p<0.0001). In
addition, 80% of the survey respondents indicated a lack of preference toward open approach if that was the only
available option.

Conclusions:

According to performed survey, MIS SIJ fusion is preferred over open technique. Incorporation of the MIS
technique into the spine surgeon's specter of skills would allow an increased number of surgical options as well as
possible increase in outcome quality.
Loaded and Unloaded Marching: Implications for Fluid Replacement
Authors: Dewhurst Susan , Bargh Melissa J. , Davidson Chester , Bampouras Theodoros M.
Published: February 2014

Marching with essential survival equipment is a fundamental military exercise. A consequence of this increased load is an increased risk of dehydration. Dehydration may have fatal consequences in a combat situation where performance must be optimal. This risk can be minimized with an understanding of the additional fluid needs of soldiers marching when loaded compared to unloaded. The aim of this study was to quantify fluid loss caused by marching with a loaded Bergen rucksack and webbing of 33.5 kg for 45 minutes when compared to unloaded carriage in eight healthy male officer cadets (age, 20.5 ± 0.9 years; body mass 80.2 ± 9.2 kg). The findings demonstrate an increased rate of sweat loss (0.6 ± 0.2 L·h-1 to 1.2 ± 0.4 L·h-1; p<0.001) and increased average heart rate (105.5 ± 17.7 beats·min-1 to 136.6 ± 28.3 beats·min-1; p<0.001) for unloaded and loaded trial respectively. Urine osmolality significantly increased pre- to postmarch (p<0.05), however there was no difference in this increase between the loaded and unloaded trial. The present study demonstrated that marching with a loaded rucksack and webbing increased sweat rate by 100% compared to the same march with no additional load. For soldiers to prevent dehydration and the potential detrimental effects on performance, fluid replacement should also be doubled when marching with loading in a temperate environment, however individual differences in sweat rate should be taken into account.
The Meanings of Drowning in Military-Themed Art: Analyzing a Sample of Random Civilizations and Timeframes through History
Authors: Avramidis Stathis , Patrinos Stavros
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

Artists have depicted drowning episodes in drawings with a religious, mythological, historical,
suicidal, homicidal and military context. We aimed to identify the messages that the paintings with a drowning scene
during a military/combat situation deliver to viewers.

Method:

A criterion sampling method identified paintings that
portray drowning episodes during military and combat situations (n=57). Chi-squared tests were used for comparison
between categorical variables.

Results:

Ten statistically significant differences were identified between the bystanders at
the time of occurrence (p=0.046), the bystanders by the depiction of military weapons (p=0.010), the bystanders by the
number of casualties (p=0.049), the bystanders by the drowning stage of the casualty (p=0.014), the location by the means
of transportation (p<0.001), the location by the drowning stage (p<0.001), the water depth during the rescue attempt
(p=0.012), the water depth at the time of transportation (p<0.001), the casualty characteristics by the use of military
weapons (p=0.001) and finally the casualty number by the means of transportation (p=0.018).

Conclusions:

Casualties
were portrayed to be most often military adult males that drowned at sea in deep water. They were often seen to be
immersed carrying weapons, and were witnessed by the bystanders. Art has provided us with a heritage of depictions that
portrays drowning during military or combat situations. Warriors were always depicted accurately drowning but not
always swimming. From this wealth of artistic information, we can deduce how the portrayed warriors and/or civilians
under distress met their end or survived a drowning episode and avoided the enemy.
Technical Analysis of Close Quarter Combat with Rifle
Authors: Robles-Pérez José Juan , Aguirre-Puig José Antonio , Montañez-González Pedro , Jesús Ramos-Campos Domingo , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: February 2014

The present study aimed to analyze the characteristics of close quarter combat with rifle and to analyze the most effective rifle fencing techniques used in combat. Fourteen professional soldiers were analyzed in 24 random combats with a rifle replica. Results showed that direct attack was the most used technique, the combat action more executed was the attack and the body area most impacted was the trunk. It has also been proved that combat rifle is a maneuver that takes place in a short time, most of the combats being developed in durations less than 20s. This data could help improve current training systems for the troops who have to serve in actual operation zones and also could be used in the basic training for new recruits.