bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Peer Review
Authors: Kreiman Jody
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This letter briefly reviews ideas about the purpose and benefits of peer review and reaches some idealistic conclusions about the process.

Method

The author uses both literature review and meditation born of long experience.

Results

From a cynical perspective, peer review constitutes an adversarial process featuring domination of the weak by the strong and exploitation of authors and reviewers by editors and publishers, resulting in suppression of new ideas, delayed publication of important research, and bad feelings ranging from confusion to fury. More optimistically, peer review can be viewed as a system in which reviewers and editors volunteer thousands of hours to work together with authors, to the end of furthering human knowledge.

Conclusion

Editors and authors will encounter both peer-review cynics and idealists in their careers, but in the author's experience the second are far more prevalent. Reviewers and editors can help increase the positive benefits of peer review (and improve the culture of science) by viewing the system as one in which they work with authors on behalf of high-quality publications and better science. Authors can contribute by preparing papers carefully prior to submission and by interpreting reviewers' and editors' suggestions in this collegial spirit, however difficult this may be in some cases.
Sketch‐guided filtering support for detecting superspreaders in high‐speed networks
Authors: Wellem T. , Lai Y.‐K.
Published: June 2016

A sketch‐guided filtering scheme for assisting superspreader detection in the measurement of high‐speed network traffic is proposed. The scheme comprises of an array of linear‐counting sketches that rapidly eliminates flows with potentially low fan‐out during a measurement interval. Based on the results of simulations obtained using real‐world network traces, the filter can eliminate up to 90% of the flows of non‐superspreader sources and improve the accuracy of superspreader identification. Furthermore, the proposed scheme has a smaller fan‐out estimation error and consumes less memory than previously developed approaches. The hardware implementation can process network traffic at a throughput of 27 Gbit/s.
Soft‐switching step‐up/down DC–DC converter with bipolar outputs
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Xu Jianping , Chen Xuejian , Zhong Shu
Published: June 2016

A novel soft‐switching step‐up/down DC–DC converter is proposed, which generates symmetric bipolar outputs while maintaining the grounded capability. The proposed converter consists of a zeta converter cell and a buck–boost converter cell, sharing an inductor and a power switch. High efficiency is achieved by zero voltage switching for all switches. Meanwhile, by connecting one load between positive and negative output terminals, high voltage gain can be achieved. Experimental results of a 3.7 V battery input and ±10 VDC/10 W outputs prototype are presented to verify the analysis results of the proposed converter.
Inductor‐capacitor structure for getting high step‐up converter
Authors: Qu Keqing , Feng Miaomiao , Zhao Jinbin
Published: June 2016

In this Letter, a novel high step‐up converter based on inductor‐capacitor structure is proposed. Utilising switched capacitor to increase the voltage across inductor‐capacitor structure, and by parallel charging and series discharging of inductors and capacitors, the voltage gain of the converter is improved greatly. This method can reduce duty ratio and current ripple of power switches, and hence circuit loss of the converter can be decreased. This Letter discusses topological structure and operating principle of the proposed converter. Performance comparison with other converters is presented to prove the high voltage conversion advantage of the proposed converter. Experimental results are provided to verify feasibility of the converter and correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Energy storage in renewable‐based residential energy hubs
Authors: Barmayoon Mohammad Hossein , Fotuhi‐Firuzabad Mahmud , Rajabi‐Ghahnavieh Abbas , Moeini‐Aghtaie Moein
Published: June 2016

Energy storage systems are expected as a near‐term solution for renewable energy application in the residential energy hubs. Within this context, this study investigates the feasibility of using storage systems in improving the technical and financial performance of the residential renewable‐based energy hub. A new approach has been proposed in this study in which economic dispatch problem has been formulated for an energy hub including both electrical and heat storage system. The proposed approach determines the optimal supply of energy demand and storage system operation to minimise the total energy cost of the hub. The economic benefit of storage system due to energy cost saving and emission reduction has been determined and the investment payback of the storage system have also evaluated in the proposed approach. The proposed approach has been applied to 12 different residential energy hubs and the impact of energy tariff and storage size has been analysed. The obtained simulation results demonstrate the importance of correctly modelling the hub elements in evaluating the storage system benefit in residential energy hub.
Rate of change of superimposed negative sequence impedance based islanding detection technique for distributed generations
Authors: Muda Harikrishna , Jena Premalata
Published: June 2016

In this study, a new islanding detection technique based on the rate of change of superimposed negative sequence impedance (ROCSNSI) is proposed. Due to the presence of non‐linear loads in microgrids, a considerable amount of inter harmonic components exist in power system signals. To compute the fundamental frequency component of voltage and current signals, phasors are calculated using a full‐cycle least error square technique. The ROCSNSI is considered for the discrimination of islanding and non‐islanding events (NIEs). The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated by simulating IEEE 13 and IEEE 34 bus microgrid systems in real‐time digital simulator. Islanding and non‐islanding scenarios for perfect power match condition, types of distributed generations (DGs) with various control strategies are simulated and the performance of the proposed approach is found to be accurate. It is found that, the technique identifies the islanding even under low active and reactive power mismatches and hence overcomes the non‐detection zone problem. Different NIEs, like load switching, faults, tripping of DG, single‐pole tripping and reconnection of the DG are considered and the technique discriminates islanding and NIEs within a full cycle from the inception point.
Risk‐constrained multi‐level framework for coordination of generation and transmission expansion planning in liberalised environments – part I: theory and formulation
Authors: Shivaie Mojtaba , Ameli Mohammad T.
Published: June 2016

In this two‐article set, a new multi‐level framework is presented for coordination of generation and transmission expansion planning (G&TEP) in liberalised electricity markets. Part I is mainly dedicated to mathematical modelling of the G&TEP problem. The main aims of the proposed framework are not only to develop a holistic model for the G&TEP problem, but also to evaluate impacts of expansion plans on market participants’ strategic behaviours. To do so, the proposed methodology is decomposed into a planning master problem and an operating slave problem. In the slave problem, the first level indicates market participants’ strategic interactions and the second level represents a pool‐based electricity market. In the master problem, an independent system operator model is described to coordinate decentralised generation expansion planning in the third level with centralised transmission expansion planning in the fourth level. In addition, the offered framework uses a well‐founded information‐gap decision theory to minimise risks of planning arising from severe uncertainties. The newly developed framework is formulated as a non‐convex mixed‐integer non‐linear optimisation problem. Hence, a novel two‐stage multi‐dimensional melody search algorithm is widely employed to determine the best solution. The profitableness of the developed framework is illustrated in part II of this two‐article set.
Feasibility study for partial discharge detection and defective region identification in power transformers by using distributed sensors
Authors: Mohammadi Hasan , Haghjoo Farhad
Published: June 2016

Monitoring of partial discharge (PD) and its progress as the main cause of the insulation deterioration process in power transformers can encompass valuable information about the related insulation condition and reveals degradation mechanisms. In this study, some simple sensors, which are made from a few turns wrapped around the transformer core, are used to detect PD signals. Moreover, a feasibility study is done to identify defective phase/region based on the captured PD signals waveforms through these sensors. The idea is implemented on a 50 kVA, 20 kV/400 V three‐phase transformer by injecting artificial and quasi‐real PD signals to different sections of HV windings. Also, various transformer connections are considered in the experimental studies to find the effect of them on the waveforms of the captured signals (e.g. peak‐to‐peak value and signal energy). The obtained experimental results show that small PDs (as low as 10 pC) is detectable by the mentioned sensors and defective phase can be identified in all of transformer connection cases. Furthermore, considering failure to identify defective regions by broadband analysis, a limited‐band approach is proposed through obtaining |H(s)| for the sensors. The results show that exact defective phase/region identification is feasible by selecting a frequency band compatible with IEC60270 recommendation.
Was muss der (Allgemein-/Viszeral-)Chirurg von Projektmanagement wissen?
Authors: Peters I. , Meyer F.
Published: June 2016

Kliniken stehen ständig vor komplexen und neuartigen Aufgabenstellungen, die es gilt, mittels geeigneter Vorgehensweisen zu bewältigen. In dem vorliegenden Artikel werden hierzu ausgewählte Aspekte des Projektmanagements dargestellt. Es werden Vorteile und Limitationen von unternehmensbewährten Projektmanagementmethoden im klinischen Umfeld betrachtet, Vergleiche zwischen Kliniken und Industrieunternehmen gezogen und mögliche Zusammenhänge von Chirurgie und Projektmanagement gezeigt. Neben Aspekten wie der Projektplanung, Rollendefinition in Projekten und deren spezifischer Besetzung in Kliniken werden Erfolgsfaktoren für die Projektdurchführung und eine generelle Projektmanagementeinführung in Kliniken aufgezeigt. Der Artikel verbindet theoretische Ansätze mit Praxiserfahrung und Denkanstößen.
Telling Shakespeare’s story ‘by tale or history’
Authors: Kahan Jeffrey
Published: June 2016

This article begins by reviewing recent arguments that Shakespeare biographers simply do not know enough to write a true life and, thus, tend to make “bricks without straw”. This sense of incompletion can be traced back to Georgian-lawyer-turned-Shakespeare editor, Edmond Malone, who in the words of Margreta De Grazia championed “Facts”, which she straightaway defines as “information provided or supported by documents, unmediated by transmission”. Though published just 25 years ago, De Grazia’s definition is no longer beyond interrogation. While all facts are certainly forms of information, in the Information Age, the digitization of information goes well beyond the recording of documented facts. As we will see, this recent reassessment of what constitutes information has deeply affected our approach to Shakespeare. In many ways, our recent innovations in Shakespeare biography find their parallel in Malone’s era. This article is published as part of a collection to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death.
Invited Article: A precise instrument to determine the Planck constant, and the future kilogram
Authors: Haddad D. , Seifert F. , Chao L. S. , Li S. , Newell D. B. , Pratt J. R. , Williams C. , Schlamminger S.
Published: June 2016

A precise instrument, called a watt balance, compares mechanical power measured in terms of the meter, the second, and the kilogram to electrical power measured in terms of the volt and the ohm. A direct link between mechanical action and the Planck constant is established by the practical realization of the electrical units derived from the Josephson and the quantum Hall effects. We describe in this paper the fourth-generation watt balance at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and report our initial determination of the Planck constant obtained from data taken in late 2015 and the beginning of 2016. A comprehensive analysis of the data and the associated uncertainties led to the SI value of the Planck constant, h = 6.626 069 83(22) × 10−34 J s. The relative standard uncertainty associated with this result is 34 × 10−9.
The effect of frequency on atmospheric pressure glow discharge in a pin-to-plate gap sustained by a resonant power supply
Authors: Wang Yong Sheng , Ding Wei Dong , Wang Ya Nan , Wang Jia Chen , Li Fang , Fan Chuan
Published: June 2016

More and more researchers have been attracted to the research of atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) because of its great prospect in numerous industrial applications. Nevertheless, almost all of the industrial applications are based on achievement of stable, large-volume, and uniform APGD. In a previous study, stable filamentary APGD was obtained by applying a resonant power supply between pin-to-plate electrodes which could limit the peak value of discharge current to supress the glow-to-arc transition through a series-wound resonance principle. The filamentary APGD is centimeter-level in the length but only several millimeters in diameter. Therefore, in order to obtain large-volume and uniform APGD, it is significant to study how to diffuse filamentary APGD in radial direction. With the increasing resonant frequency of alternating current discharge, excited particles (mainly including energetic electrons and trapped ions left from the previous half-cycle discharge) in the electrodes gap increase, which benefits obtaining stable self-sustaining APGD. In this paper, mechanism and law of the influence of resonant frequency on the diffusion of filamentary APGD in ambient air were studied. By comparing the photos of discharge plasma and waveforms of the discharge voltage and current, it is found that the volume of the glow discharge plasma enlarges as the resonant frequency of the power supply increases. It is very significant and anticipating to study how to obtain stable, large-volume, and uniform APGD in ambient air by the resonant power supply.
Investigation of complexity dynamics in a DC glow discharge magnetized plasma using recurrence quantification analysis
Authors: Mitra Vramori , Sarma Bornali , Sarma Arun , Janaki M. S. , Sekar Iyengar A. N. , Marwan Norbert , Kurths Jürgen
Published: June 2016

Recurrence is an ubiquitous feature which provides deep insights into the dynamics of real dynamical systems. A suitable tool for investigating recurrences is recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). It allows, e.g., the detection of regime transitions with respect to varying control parameters. We investigate the complexity of different coexisting nonlinear dynamical regimes of the plasma floating potential fluctuations at different magnetic fields and discharge voltages by using recurrence quantification variables, in particular, DET, Lmax, and Entropy. The recurrence analysis reveals that the predictability of the system strongly depends on discharge voltage. Furthermore, the persistent behaviour of the plasma time series is characterized by the Detrended fluctuation analysis technique to explore the complexity in terms of long range correlation. The enhancement of the discharge voltage at constant magnetic field increases the nonlinear correlations; hence, the complexity of the system decreases, which corroborates the RQA analysis.
Electro-osmosis over inhomogeneously charged surfaces in presence of non-electrostatic ion-ion interactions
Authors: Ghosh Uddipta , Chakraborty Suman
Published: June 2016

In this study, we attempt to bring out a generalized formulation for electro-osmotic flows over inhomogeneously charged surfaces in presence of non-electrostatic ion-ion interactions. To this end, we start with modified electro-chemical potential of the individual species and subsequently use it to derive modified Nernst-Planck equation accounting for the ionic fluxes generated because of the presence of non-electrostatic potential. We establish what we refer to as the Poisson-Helmholtz-Nernst-Planck equations, coupled with the Navier-Stokes equations, to describe the complete transport process. Our analysis shows that the presence of non-electrostatic interactions between the ions results in an excess body force on the fluid, and modifies the osmotic pressure as well, which has hitherto remained unexplored. We further apply our analysis to a simple geometry, in an effort to work out the Smoluchowski slip velocity for thin electrical double layer limits. To this end, we employ singular perturbation and develop a general framework for the asymptotic analysis. Our calculations reveal that the final expression for slip velocity remains the same as that without accounting for non-electrostatic interactions. However, the presence of non-electrostatic interactions along with ion specificity can significantly change the quantitative behavior of Smoluchowski slip velocity. We subsequently demonstrate that the presence of non-electrostatic interactions may significantly alter the effective interfacial potential, also termed as the “Zeta potential.” Our analysis can potentially act as a guide towards the prediction and possibly quantitative determination of the implications associated with the existence of non-electrostatic potential, in an electrokinetic transport process.
A quasiclassical trajectory study of the N2(X1Σ) + O(3P) → NO(X2Π) + N(4S) reaction
Authors: Lin Wei , Meana-Pañeda Rubén , Varga Zoltan , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: June 2016

We present quasiclassical trajectory simulations of the high-energy collision-induced O(3P) + N2 reaction. The simulation results show that reactive scattering may proceed on both the 3A′ and 3A″ potential energy surfaces, but the reaction on 3A″ surface overwhelmingly dominates. At total energies of collision slightly above the threshold, the NO(X2Π) product is found to be scattered primarily in the forward direction, and at higher collision energies, the fraction of NO products that scatter in the backward direction increases. Two-dimensional joint distributions of the center-of-mass differential cross section and translational energy have been examined to unravel the details of the scattering as functions of collision energy.
Expansions of non-symmetric toroidal magnetohydrodynamic equilibria
Authors: Weitzner Harold
Published: June 2016

Expansions of non-symmetric toroidal ideal magnetohydrodynamic equilibria with nested flux surfaces are carried out for two cases. The first expansion is in a topological torus in three dimensions, in which physical quantities are periodic of period 2π in y and z. Data is given on the flux surface x = 0. Despite the possibility of magnetic resonances the power series expansion can be carried to all orders in a parameter which measures the flux between x = 0 and the surface in question. Resonances are resolved by appropriate addition resonant fields, as by Weitzner, [Phys. Plasmas 21, 022515 (2014)]. The second expansion is about a circular magnetic axis in a true torus. It is also assumed that the cross section of a flux surface at constant toroidal angle is approximately circular. The expansion is in an analogous flux coordinate, and despite potential resonance singularities, may be carried to all orders. Non-analytic behavior occurs near the magnetic axis. Physical quantities have a finite number of derivatives there. The results, even though no convergence proofs are given, support the possibility of smooth, well-behaved non-symmetric toroidal equilibria.
Revisiting the symmetry breaking in the X̃2Σu+ state of BNB
Authors: Kalemos Apostolos
Published: June 2016

In agreement with our previous work [A. Kalemos, J. Chem. Phys. 138, 224302 (2013)], we established the centrosymmetric nature of the ground BNB state by means of the Restricted Coupled Cluster Singles and Doubles + Perturbative Triples (RCCSD(T)) computational method. We have also studied the symmetry adapted or broken behavior at the Configuration Interaction Singles and Doubles (CISD), CISD + Davidson Correction (CISD + Q), and RCCSD(T) computational levels based on various solutions of the Restricted Hartree-Fock (RHF) equations. Our theoretical conclusions are in agreement with the experimental results concerning the structure of the titled species.
Toward the laboratory identification of [O,N,S,S] isomers: Implications for biological NO chemistry
Authors: Ayari Tarek , Jaidane Nejm-Eddine , Al Mogren Muneerah Mogren , Francisco Joseph S. , Hochlaf Majdi
Published: June 2016

Benchmark ab initio calculations are performed to investigate the stable isomers of [O,N,S,S]. These computations are carried out using coupled cluster (RCCSD(T)) and explicitly correlated coupled cluster methods (RCCSD(T)-F12). In addition to the already known cis isomer of SSNO, nine other stable forms are predicted. The most stable isomer is cis-OSNS. Nine structures are chain bent-bent with relatively large dipole moments which make them detectable, as cis-SSNO, by infrared, far-infrared, and microwave spectroscopies. We found also a C2v isomer (NS2O). Since these species are strongly suggested to play an important role as intermediates during the bioactive reaction products of the NO/H2S interaction, the rotational and vibrational spectroscopic parameters are presented to help aid the in vivo identification and assignment of these spectra. Results from this work show that [O,N,S,S] may play key roles during nitric oxide transport and deliver in biological media, as well as, provide an explanation for the weak characteristic of disulfide bridges within proteins.
Photophysics of α-furil at room temperature and 77 K: Spectroscopic and quantum chemical studies
Authors: Kundu Pronab , Chattopadhyay Nitin
Published: June 2016

Steady state and time resolved spectroscopic measurements have been exploited to assign the emissions from different conformations of α-furil (2, 2′-furil) in solution phase at room temperature as well as cryogen (liquid nitrogen, LN2) frozen matrices of ethanol and methylcyclohexane. Room temperature studies reveal a single fluorescence from the trans-planar conformer of the fluorophore or two fluorescence bands coming from the trans-planar and the relaxed skew forms depending on excitation at the nπ∗ or the ππ∗ absorption band, respectively. Together with the fluorescence bands, the LN2 studies in both the solvents unambiguously ascertain two phosphorescence emissions with lifetimes 5 ± 0.3 ms (trans-planar triplet) and 81 ± 3 ms (relaxed skew triplet). Quantum chemical calculations have been performed using density functional theory at CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G∗∗ level to prop up the spectroscopic surveillance. The simulated potential energy curves (PECs) illustrate that α-furil is capable of giving two emissions from each of the S1 and the T1 states—one corresponding to the trans-planar and the other to the relaxed skew conformation. Contrary to the other 1,2-dicarbonyl molecular systems like benzil and α-naphthil, α-furil does not exhibit any fluorescence from its second excited singlet (S2) state. This is ascribed to the proximity of the minimum of the PEC of the S2 state and the hill-top of the PEC of the S1 state.
Tunable configurational anisotropy of concave triangular nanomagnets
Authors: Nanayakkara Kasuni , Vasil'evskii Ivan S. , Eremin Igor S. , Kolentsova Olga S. , Kargin Nikolay I. , Anferov Alexander , Kozhanov Alexander
Published: June 2016

Shape and dimension variation effects on the configurational anisotropy and magnetization ground states of single domain triangular nano-magnets are investigated using micromagnetic simulations and magnetic force microscopy. We show that introducing concavity or elongating vertexes stabilize the Y magnetization ground states of triangular nanomagnets. A phenomenological model relating the magnetization anisotropy and triangle geometry parameters is developed. MFM imaging reveals shape defined buckle and Y ground states that are in good agreement with numeric simulations. Concavity and vertex extrusion allow for the form-ruled magnetization ground state engineering in the shapes with higher orders of symmetry.
Non-adiabatic dynamics around a conical intersection with surface-hopping coupled coherent states
Authors: Humeniuk Alexander , Mitrić Roland
Published: June 2016

A surface-hopping extension of the coupled coherent states-method [D. Shalashilin and M. Child, Chem. Phys. 304, 103-120 (2004)] for simulating non-adiabatic dynamics with quantum effects of the nuclei is put forward. The time-dependent Schrödinger equation for the motion of the nuclei is solved in a moving basis set. The basis set is guided by classical trajectories, which can hop stochastically between different electronic potential energy surfaces. The non-adiabatic transitions are modelled by a modified version of Tully’s fewest switches algorithm. The trajectories consist of Gaussians in the phase space of the nuclei (coherent states) combined with amplitudes for an electronic wave function. The time-dependent matrix elements between different coherent states determine the amplitude of each trajectory in the total multistate wave function; the diagonal matrix elements determine the hopping probabilities and gradients. In this way, both interference effects and non-adiabatic transitions can be described in a very compact fashion, leading to the exact solution if convergence with respect to the number of trajectories is achieved and the potential energy surfaces are known globally. The method is tested on a 2D model for a conical intersection [A. Ferretti, J. Chem. Phys. 104, 5517 (1996)], where a nuclear wavepacket encircles the point of degeneracy between two potential energy surfaces and interferes with itself. These interference effects are absent in classical trajectory-based molecular dynamics but can be fully incorpo rated if trajectories are replaced by surface hopping coupled coherent states.
Quantum Max-flow/Min-cut
Authors: Cui Shawn X. , Freedman Michael H. , Sattath Or , Stong Richard , Minton Greg
Published: June 2016

The classical max-flow min-cut theorem describes transport through certain idealized classical networks. We consider the quantum analog for tensor networks. By associating an integral capacity to each edge and a tensor to each vertex in a flow network, we can also interpret it as a tensor network and, more specifically, as a linear map from the input space to the output space. The quantum max-flow is defined to be the maximal rank of this linear map over all choices of tensors. The quantum min-cut is defined to be the minimum product of the capacities of edges over all cuts of the tensor network. We show that unlike the classical case, the quantum max-flow=min-cut conjecture is not true in general. Under certain conditions, e.g., when the capacity on each edge is some power of a fixed integer, the quantum max-flow is proved to equal the quantum min-cut. However, concrete examples are also provided where the equality does not hold. We also found connections of quantum max-flow/min-cut with entropy of entanglement and the quantum satisfiability problem. We speculate that the phenomena revealed may be of interest both in spin systems in condensed matter and in quantum gravity.
Tailoring of the electrical and thermal properties using ultra-short period non-symmetric superlattices
Authors: Komar Paulina , Chávez-Ángel Emigdio , Euler Christoph , Balke Benjamin , Kolb Ute , Müller Mathis M. , Kleebe Hans-Joachim , Fecher Gerhard H. , Jakob Gerhard
Published: June 2016

Thermoelectric modules based on half-Heusler compounds offer a cheap and clean way to create eco-friendly electrical energy from waste heat. Here we study the impact of the period composition on the electrical and thermal properties in non-symmetric superlattices, where the ratio of components varies according to (TiNiSn)n:(HfNiSn)6−n, and 0 ⩽ n ⩽ 6 unit cells. The thermal conductivity (κ) showed a strong dependence on the material content achieving a minimum value for n = 3, whereas the highest value of the figure of merit ZT was achieved for n = 4. The measured κ can be well modeled using non-symmetric strain relaxation applied to the model of the series of thermal resistances.
Electrical characterization of MIM capacitor comprises an adamantane film at room temperature
Authors: Tiwari Rajanish N. , Yoshimura Masamichi
Published: June 2016

We fabricated a new metal-insulator-metal capacitor at room temperature, comprising a ∼90 nm thin low–k adamantane film on a Si substrate. The surface morphology of deposited organic film was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, which is confirmed that the adamantane thin film was uniformly distributed on the Si surface. The adamantane film exhibits a low leakage current density of 7.4 x 10−7 A/cm2 at 13.5 V, better capacitance density of 2.14 fF/μm2 at 100 KHz.
Macroscopic kinematics of the Hall electric field under influence of carrier magnetic moments
Authors: Sakai Masamichi
Published: June 2016

The relativistic effect on electromagnetic forces yields two types of forces which depend on the velocity of the relevant particles: (i) the usual Lorentz force exerted on a moving charged particle and (ii) the apparent Lorentz force exerted on a moving magnetic moment. In sharp contrast with type (i), the type (ii) force originates due to the transverse field induced by the Hall effect (HE). This study incorporates both forces into a Drude-type equation with a fully spin-polarized condition to investigate the effects of self-consistency of the source and the resultant fields on the HE. We also examine the self-consistency of the carrier kinematics and electromagnetic dynamics by simultaneously considering the Drude type equation and Maxwell equations at low frequencies. Thus, our approach can predict both the dc and ac characteristics of the HE, demonstrating that the dc current condition solely yields the ordinary HE, while the ac current condition yields generation of both fundamental and second harmonic modes of the HE field. When the magnetostatic field is absent, the simultaneous presence of dc and ac longitudinal currents generates the ac HE that has both fundamental frequency and second harmonic.
High pressure antiferrodistortive phase transition in mixed crystals of EuTiO3 and SrTiO3
Authors: Parisiades Paraskevas , Saltarelli Francesco , Liarokapis Efthymios , Köhler Jürgen , Bussmann-Holder Annette
Published: June 2016

We report a detailed high pressure study on Eu1−xSrxTiO3 polycrystalline samples using synchrotron x-ray diffraction. We have observed a second-order antiferrodistortive phase transition for all doping levels which corresponds to the transition that has been previously explored as a function of temperature. The analysis of the compression mechanism by calculating the lattice parameters, spontaneous strains and tilt angles of the TiO6 octahedra leads to a high pressure phase diagram for Eu1−xSrxTiO3.
Improving care coordination for community-dwelling older Australians: a longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Harvey Desley , Foster Michele , Strivens Edward , Quigley Rachel
Published: June 2016

Objective The aim of the present study was to describe the care transition experiences of older people who transfer between subacute and primary care, and to identify factors that influence these experiences. A further aim of the study was to identify ways to enhance the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) model of care and improve local coordination of services for older people. Methods The present study was an exploratory, longitudinal case study involving repeat interviews with 19 patients and carers, patient chart audits and three focus groups with service providers. Interview transcripts were coded and synthesised to identify recurring themes. Results Patients and carers experienced care transitions as dislocating and unpredictable within a complex and turbulent service context. The experience was characterised by precarious self-management in the community, floundering with unmet needs and holistic care within the GEM service. Patient and carer attitudes to seeking help, quality and timeliness of communication and information exchange, and system pressure affected care transition experiences. Conclusion Further policy and practice attention, including embedding early intervention and prevention, strengthening links between levels of care by building on existing programs and educative and self-help initiatives for patients and carers is recommended to improve care transition experiences and optimise the impact of the GEM model of care. What is known about the topic? Older people with complex care needs experience frequent care transitions because of fluctuating health and fragmentation of aged care services in Australia. The GEM model of care promotes multidisciplinary, coordinated care to improve care transitions and outcomes for older people with complex care needs. What does this paper add? The present study highlights the crucial role of the GEM service, but found there is a lack of systemised linkages within and across levels of care that disrupts coordinated care and affects care transition experiences. There are underutilised opportunities for early intervention and prevention across the system, including the emergency department and general practice. What are the implications for practitioners? Comprehensive screening, assessment and intervention in primary and acute care, formalised transition processes and enhanced support for patients and carers to access timely, appropriate care is required to achieve quality, coordinated care transitions for older people.
Human papillomavirus prevalence in the oral cavity of men who have sex with men: a study of its first from Beirut, Lebanon
Authors: Maatouk Ismaël , Abdo Khalil
Published: June 2016

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmissible viral infection worldwide. HPV is highly prevalent in sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM). The main objective of this study is to assess HPV prevalence in the oral cavity of MSM from Beirut, Lebanon. Methods: From November 2015 to January 2016, 42 MSM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and provided oral samples for HPV DNA and for linear array testing to detect HPV type. Results: In total, 28 (66.67%) HIV-negative and 14 (33.33%) HIV-positive MSM were included. Overall, HPV prevalence in the oral cavity was 10% (95% CI 0.93–19.07) among all participants, but there was no statistical difference according to HIV status. The HPV type was exclusively HPV-6. Conclusions: These findings did not find an urgent need for routine HPV prevalence and screening for cancers in the oral cavity of a MSM group in Lebanon; however, they confirm previous findings about geographic variations in HPV prevalences.
Analysis of forest fire fatalities in Greece: 1977–2013
Authors: Diakakis Michalis , Xanthopoulos Gavriil , Gregos Leontios
Published: June 2016

Although forest fires are considered an integral part of forest ecosystems, the abundance of human activities in forested areas has led to a significant number of human casualties and to important effects on properties and infrastructure. Over recent decades, Greece has suffered extensive forest fire disasters, with a significant number of fatalities being recorded. However, there is no coherent inventory of human losses from fires in the country. This work develops and examines a database of 208 fatalities occurring in 78 forest fires in Greece between 1977 and 2013 to provide a better understanding of the circumstances under which fatal incidents occur. Around three-quarters of the victims were civilians; the remainder were firefighters, forest service officials and aircraft crews. Most deaths occurred in July and August, generally under adverse meteorological conditions. Male and older individuals showed an overrepresentation among the victims. A significant number of fatalities occurred in open space, mostly in wildland–urban interface areas and in tall forest vegetation. Late evacuation on foot or in a vehicle and firefighting were the most common activities of victims at the time of the incidents.
Influence of heat treatment on microstructure of Inconel 718 microwave clads
Authors: Bansal A. , Zafar S. , Sharma A. K.
Published: June 2016

In the present work, Inconel 718 powder was deposited on mild steel (MS) substrate using microwave cladding in an industrial multimode microwave applicator at 2.45 GHz and 1.1 kW. The clads were then subjected to various heat treatments, like, direct aged (DA), solution treated and aged at 981°C (981STA) and solution treated and aged at 1080°C (1080STA) in order to improve their microstructure and mechanical properties. The Inconel 718 clads were characterised, in both, as-deposited and heat-treated conditions in terms of microstructure, elemental distribution and microhardness. Microstructure of the as-deposited and DA specimens exhibited the presence of Laves phases. The 981STA and 1080STA treated specimens demonstrated partially dissolved and completely dissolved Laves phases, respectively. The microhardness of the 1080 STA heat-treated clads was two times higher compared to the as-deposited Inconel 718 clad attributed to the precipitation of strengthening phases in the 1080 STA clad layer.
Does within-person variability predict errors in healthy adults aged 18–90?
Authors: Haynes Becky I. , Bauermeister Sarah , Bunce David
Published: June 2016

This study investigated within-person variability on basic psychomotor tasks in relation to errors on a higher order cognitive task. We were interested in whether more variable individuals were more prone to making errors, and whether this relationship varied with age. Variability was assessed using simple and choice reaction time, while errors of omission (misses) and commission (false alarms) were obtained from simple and complex visual search tasks. Data from 557 participants aged 18–90 years were included in the analysis. Greater variability was associated with more misses, and distribution analyses showed that slower responses were behind this effect. Variability was also associated with false alarms, but the pattern was inconsistent. Taking age into account revealed that the association between variability and misses in the simple visual search condition was stronger in older (aged 65–90 years) participants. The results suggest the relationship between greater variability and errors of omission (misses) may be related to inattention. Measures of variability may therefore provide valuable insights into individual differences in error rates and, more broadly, may also offer early warning of persons who are more prone to errors in visual search.
An International Physician Survey of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Management
Authors: Gall Henning , Preston Ioana R. , Hinzmann Barbara , Heinz Sabina , Jenkins David , Kim Nick H. , Lang Irene
Published: June 2016

We conducted an international study to evaluate practices in the diagnosis and management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) globally across different regions. Between August and October 2012, CTEPH‐treating physicians completed a 15‐minute online questionnaire and provided patient record data for their 2–5 most recent patients with CTEPH. Overall, 496 physicians (Europe: 260; United States: 152; Argentina: 52; Japan: 32) completed the questionnaire and provided patient record data for 1,748 patients. The proportion of physicians who described themselves as working in or affiliated with a specialized pulmonary hypertension (PH) center ranged from 38% in France and Italy to 83% in the United States. A large proportion of patients did not undergo ventilation/perfusion scanning (46%–67%) or right heart catheterization (24%–57%) for the diagnosis of CTEPH. Referral rates for pulmonary endarterectomy evaluation ranged from 25% in Japan to 44% in Europe, with higher referral rates in PH centers; the main reasons for lack of referral were that surgery was not considered unless medical treatment was failing and patient refusal. Other variations in management included greater use of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in the United States than in Europe and Japan and greater use of combination treatment in the United States than in Europe. Physicians' perceptions of their treatment strategy were generally consistent with patient record data. Results from this study, which includes a global aspect of CTEPH care, demonstrate not only regional differences in CTEPH management but, more importantly, considerable nonadherence to the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for CTEPH, even in PH centers.
Spectropolarimetry of the Type IIb SN 2008aq*
Authors: Stevance H F , Maund J R , Baade D , Höflich P , Patat F , Spyromilio J , Wheeler J C , Clocchiatti A , Wang L , Yang Y , Zelaya P
Published: June 2016

We present optical spectroscopy and spectropolarimetry of the Type IIb SN 2008aq 16-d and 27-d post-explosion. The spectrum of SN 2008aq remained dominated by Hα P Cygni profile at both epochs, but showed a significant increase in the strength of the helium features, which is characteristic of the transition undergone by supernovae between Type IIb and Type Ib. Comparison of the spectra of SN 2008aq to other Type IIb SNe (SN 1993J, SN 2011dh, and SN 2008ax) at similar epochs revealed that the helium lines in SN 2008aq are much weaker, suggesting that its progenitor was stripped to a lesser degree. SN 2008aq also showed significant levels of continuum polarization at pcont = 0.70 (±0.22) per cent in the first epoch, increasing to pcont = 1.21 (±0.33) per cent by the second epoch. Moreover, the presence of loops in the q − u planes of Hα and He i in the second epoch suggests a departure from axial symmetry.
Uveitis in children
Authors: Angeles-Han Sheila T. , Rabinovich Consuelo Egla
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

The review provides updates on novel risk markers for the development of pediatric inflammatory uveitis and a severe disease course, on treatment of refractory disease, and on the measurement of visual outcomes.

Recent findings

There are several new genetic markers, biomarkers, and clinical factors that may influence a child's uveitis disease course. It is important to identify children at risk for poor visual outcomes and who are refractory to traditional therapy. Racial disparities have recently been reported. We describe agents of potential benefit. In addition, we discuss the importance of patient reported outcomes in this population.

Uveitis can lead to vision-threatening complications. Timely and aggressive treatment of children identified to be at risk for a severe uveitis course may lead to improved outcomes.
Anti-reductionism at the confluence of philosophy and science: Arthur Koestler and the biological periphery
Authors: Stark James F.
Published: June 2016

The Hungarian-born intellectual Arthur Koestler produced a wide-ranging corpus of written work throughout the mid twentieth century. Despite being the subject of two huge biographies in recent years, his long-standing engagement with numerous scientific disciplines remains unexplored. This paper situates Koestler's scientific philosophy within the context of mid-twentieth-century science and explores his relationship with key figures, including Dennis Gábor, C. H. Waddington, Ludwig von Bertalanffy and J. R. Smythies. The argument presented is threefold. First, surprisingly, serious scientists, particularly in the biological sciences, took Koestler's scientific work seriously; second, despite Koestler's best efforts, his allies could not agree on a single articulation of anti-reductionism; and third, the reductionist/anti-reductionist debates of the mid twentieth century constituted a battle for the authority to speak on behalf of ‘science’ that led Koestler into direct conflict with figures including Peter Medawar. By exploring the community associated with Koestler, the paper sheds new light on the status of scientific authority and the relationship between scientists’ metaphysical beliefs and their practices.
Proving instruments credible in the early nineteenth century: The British Magnetic Survey and site-specific experimentation
Authors: Goodman Matthew
Published: June 2016

For several decades now, many histories of science have sought to emphasize the important role of instruments and other material objects in the operation of science. Many, too, have been attentive to ideas of space and place and the different geographies which are visible in the historical practice of science. This paper draws on both traditions in its interpretation of a heretofore neglected aspect of Britain's nineteenth-century geomagnetic story: that of the British Magnetic Survey, 1833–38. Far from being a footnote to the more expansive geomagnetic projects then taking place in mainland Europe or to the later British worldwide magnetic scheme, this paper argues that the British Magnetic Survey represents an important instance in which magnetic instruments, their users and their makers, were tested, developed and ultimately proved credible.
Flexible and rapid construction of viral chimeras applied to hepatitis C virus
Authors: McClure C. Patrick , Urbanowicz Richard A. , King Barnabas J. , Cano-Crespo Sara , Tarr Alexander W. , Ball Jonathan K.
Published: June 2016

A novel and broadly applicable strategy combining site-directed mutagenesis and DNA assembly for constructing seamless viral chimeras is described using hepatitis C virus (HCV) as an exemplar. Full-length HCV genomic cloning cassettes, which contained flexibly situated restriction endonuclease sites, were prepared via a single, site-directed mutagenesis reaction and digested to receive PCR-amplified virus envelope genes by In-Fusion cloning. Using this method, we were able to construct gene-shuttle cassettes for generation of cell culture-infectious JFH-1-based chimeras containing genotype 1–3 E1E2 genes. Importantly, using this method we also show that E1E2 clones that were not able to support cell entry in the HCV pseudoparticle assay did confer entry when shuttled into the chimeric cell culture chimera system. This method can be easily applied to other genes of study and other viruses and, as such, will greatly simplify reverse genetics studies of variable viruses.