bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The rationale for patient‐reported outcomes surveillance in cancer and a reproducible method for achieving it
Authors: Smith Tenbroeck G. , Castro Kathleen M. , Troeschel Alyssa N. , Arora Neeraj K. , Lipscomb Joseph , Jones Shelton M. , Treiman Katherine A. , Hobbs Connie , McCabe Ryan M. , Clauser Steven B.
Published: November 2015

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) measure quality of life, symptoms, patient functioning, and patient perceptions of care; they are essential for gaining a full understanding of cancer care and the impact of cancer on people's lives. Repeatedly captured facility‐level and/or population‐level PROs (PRO surveillance) could play an important role in quality monitoring and improvement, benchmarking, advocacy, policy making, and research. This article describes the rationale for PRO surveillance and the methods of the Patient Reported Outcomes Symptoms and Side Effects Study (PROSSES), which is the first PRO study to use the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer's Rapid Quality Reporting System to identify patients and manage study data flow. The American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the Commission on Cancer, and RTI International collaborated on PROSSES. PROSSES was conducted at 17 cancer programs that participated in the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program among patients diagnosed with locoregional breast or colon cancer. The methods piloted in PROSSES were successful as demonstrated by high eligibility (93%) and response (61%) rates. Differences in clinical and demographic characteristics between respondents and nonrespondents were mostly negligible, with the exception that non‐white individuals were somewhat less likely to respond. These methods were consistent across cancer centers and reproducible over time. If repeated and expanded, they could provide PRO surveillance data from patients with cancer on a national scale. Cancer 2016;122:344–351. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Using patient‐reported outcome measures as quality indicators in routine cancer care
Authors: Stover Angela M. , Basch Ethan M.
Published: November 2015

Historically, patient‐reported outcome measures assessing symptoms and physical functioning have not been included in quality‐of‐care assessments. This editorial accompanies Smith et al's article on the innovative Patient Reported Outcomes Symptoms and Side Effects Study methodology using the Commission on Cancer's Rapid Quality Reporting System, and it explores methodological advancements needed before patient‐reported outcome measures can be used as quality‐of‐care metrics.
Cytomorphological features of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm on FNA and cerebrospinal fluid cytology: A review of 6 cases
Authors: Ferreira Joana , Gasparinho Maria Gabriela , Fonseca Ricardo
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematopoietic tumor that was once believed to be derived from natural killer cells and is now recognized as originating from precursors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. It generally involves the skin and has an aggressive clinical course. Due to its highly malignant behavior, a fast and accurate diagnosis of this condition is of the utmost importance.

METHODS

Six cytology specimens from 5 patients diagnosed with BPDCN were reviewed as well as their clinical records. Findings were compared with 3 previously published cases.

RESULTS

Two exfoliative cytology specimens (cerebrospinal fluid) and 4 fine‐needle aspiration specimens (3 lymph node specimens and 1 cutaneous specimen) were reviewed. The cytomorphological aspects were similar in all cases. The smears were hypercellular with a monotonous population of intermediate‐sized cells, dispersed singly or arranged in loose aggregates. The cells had round to oval nuclei, with fine chromatin and prominent nucleoli; the cytoplasm was generally scant, without visible granules. Intracytoplasmic microvacuoles were found in the majority of cases. Four cases were also characterized by flow cytometry, which revealed expression of CD 123, CD56 and/or CD4. Fine‐needle aspiration was used in 1 case for primary diagnosis. Histological confirmation was available in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

BPDCN is a highly malignant neoplasm with a poor outcome. Cytology, in association with flow cytometry immunophenotyping and clinical history, is a reliable method with which to establish the diagnosis. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:196–202. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Triage of ASC‐H: A meta‐analysis of the accuracy of high‐risk HPV testing and other markers to detect cervical precancer
Authors: Xu Lan , Verdoodt Freija , Wentzensen Nicolas , Bergeron Christine , Arbyn Marc
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Women with a cytological diagnosis of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC‐H) are usually immediately referred for colposcopy. However, triage may reduce the burden of the diagnostic workup and prevent overtreatment.

METHODS

A meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the accuracy of high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing and testing for other molecular markers for the detection of grade 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN2+) or grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN3+) in women with ASC‐H. An additional question that was assessed was whether triage would be useful in light of the relatively high pretriage probability of underlying precancer.

RESULTS

The pooled absolute sensitivity and specificity of the Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) assay for CIN2 + (derived from 19 studies) were 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89%‐95%) and 45% (95% CI, 41%‐50%), respectively. p16INK4a staining (only 3 studies) had similar sensitivity (93%; 95% CI, 75%‐100%) but superior specificity (specificity ratio, 1.69) to HC2 for CIN2+. Testing for paired box 1 gene methylation (only 1 study) showed a superior specificity of 95% (specificity ratio, 2.08). The average pretest risk was 34% for CIN2 + and 20% for CIN3+. A negative HC2 result decreased this to 8% and 5%, respectively, whereas a positive result upgraded the risk to 47% and 28%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the high probability of precancer with a diagnosis of ASC‐H, the utility of triage is limited. The usual recommendation for referring women with ASC‐H for colposcopy is not altered by a positive triage test, whatever test is used. A negative hrHPV DNA or p16INK4a test may allow repeat testing, but this recommendation will depend on local decision thresholds for referral. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:261–72. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Highlights for the cytology community from the 2015 American Thyroid Association clinical guidelines on the management of thyroid nodules and well‐differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Alexander Erik K. , Faquin William C. , Krane Jeffrey F.
Published: November 2015

The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines reinforce the central role of thyroid fine‐needle aspiration in the management of patients with concerning thyroid nodules. Of particular note to the cytology community, the guidelines endorse: 1) nodule selection for fine‐needle aspiration based on size and ultrasonographic risk stratification; 2) adoption of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology; and 3) a role for molecular testing in the management of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology results.
Characterization, detection, and counting of metal nanoparticles using flow cytometry
Authors: Zucker Robert M. , Ortenzio Jayna N.R. , Boyes William K.
Published: November 2015

There is a need to accurately detect, characterize, and quantify nanoparticles in suspensions. This study helps to understand the complex interactions between similar types of nanoparticles. Before initiating a study of metal nanoparticles, five submicron PS beads with sizes between 200 nm and 1 µm were used to derive a reference scale that was useful in evaluating the flow cytometer for functionality, sensitivity, resolution, and reproducibility. Side scatter intensity (SSC) from metal nanoparticles was obtained simultaneously from 405 nm and 488 nm lasers. The 405 nm laser generally yielded histogram distributions with smaller CVs, less side scatter intensity, better separation indices between beads and decreased scatter differences between different sized particles compared with the 488 nm laser. Submicron particles must be diluted to 106and 107particles/mL before flow cytometer analysis to avoid coincidence counting artifacts. When particles were too concentrated the following occurred: swarm, electronic overload, coincidence counting, activation of doublet discrimination and rejection circuitry, increase of mean SSC histogram distributions, alterations of SSC and pulse width histogram shape, decrease and fluctuations in counting rate and decrease or elimination of particulate water noise and 1 µm reference bead. To insure that the concentrations were in the proper counting range, the nanoparticle samples were mixed with a known concentration of 1µm counting beads. Sequential dilutions of metal nanoparticles in a 1 µm counting bead suspension helped determine the diluted concentration needed for flow cytometer analysis. It was found that the original concentrated nanoparticle samples had to be diluted, between 1:10,000 and 1:100,000, before characterization by flow cytometry. The concentration of silver or gold nanoparticles in the undiluted sample were determined by comparing them with a known concentration (1.9 × 106beads/mL) of 1 µm polystyrene reference beads. Published 2015Wiley Periodicals Inc., on behalf of ISAC
Synthesis of Biomimetic Zinc Complexes for CO2 Activation and the Influence of Steric Changes in the Ttz Ligands [Ttz = Tris(triazolyl)borate]
Authors: Siek Sopheavy , Dixon Natalie A. , Kumar Mukesh , Kraus Jodi S. , Wells Kirsten R. , Rowe Brittany W. , Kelley Steven P. , Zeller Matthias , Yap Glenn P. A. , Papish Elizabeth T.
Published: November 2015

Carbon dioxide fixation with zinc complexes of the anionic tris(triazolyl)borate (Ttz) ligand offers biomimetic structures in a hydrophilic environment. However, the synthetic result depends greatly on the steric bulk of the Ttz ligand. Synthetic routes adapted from the synthesis of (Tp)ZnOH have been applied to bulky Ttz ligands, but side products often result because Ttz frequently forms complexes with +1 metals or cations used in the synthesis. Nonetheless, (TtztBu,Me)ZnOH (1) has been successfully synthesized and crystallographically characterized, but only via the hydrolysis of the zinc (hexamethylsilyl)azide complex (6). With less bulky ligands, namely TtzPh,Me, routes expected to form LZnOH lead instead to bis(ligand) products, namely [(TtzPh,Me)2Zn] (12). The use of ligands of intermediate steric bulk has led to the isolation of (TtziPr2)ZnOH (2a) which fixes atmospheric CO2 to produce [(TtziPr2)Zn]2(μ‐η1‐η2‐CO3) (2b). This activation of CO2 from air is irreversible. We report the crystal structures of 2b and related molecules used for synthesis and structural comparison: (TtziPr2)ZnCl (7), [(TtziPr2)Cu(μ‐OH)]2 (9), and [(TtziPr2)Cu(μ‐Cl)]2 (10).
Electrokinetic injection of samples into a short electrophoretic capillary controlled by piezoelectric micropumps
Authors: Opekar František , Nesměrák Karel , Tůma Petr
Published: November 2015

Electrokinetic sample injection using two piezoelectric micropumps has been proposed for electrophoresis in short capillaries. The sample is brought to the injection end of the capillary using one of them. Then, the high‐voltage source is turned on and the sample is injected electrokinetically for a defined time. The injection is terminated by removal of the sample zone by the flowing separation electrolyte pumped by the second piezoelectric micropump. The RSD value, expressing the repeatability of the injection, does not exceed 4%. The injection apparatus does not contain any mobile mechanical components, there is no movement of the capillary and both its ends remain constantly in the solution during both the sample injection and separation. Thus, the micropumps replace the six‐way injection valve and linear pump in similar types of injection apparatuses. The injection was tested in the separation and determination of ammonium and potassium ions in two samples of mineral fertilizers. The separation was performed in background electrolyte containing 500 mM of acetic acid + 20 mM Tris + 2 mM 18‐crown‐6 (pH 3.3) in a capillary with id 50 μm and total length/length to the contactless conductivity detector of 10.5/8 cm. The injection and separation took place at a voltage of 5 kV and the separation time equaled 20 s. The measured values of the analyte contents corresponded to the value declared by the manufacturer within the reliability interval, where RSD equaled between 3.5 and 4.7%.
Individual Differences in Early Executive Functions: A Longitudinal Study from 12 to 36 Months
Authors: Johansson Maria , Marciszko Carin , Brocki Karin , Bohlin Gunilla
Published: November 2015

It has been proposed that executive functions develop in a hierarchical fashion, such that early, simple abilities seen already during the first year of life become increasingly coordinated with development, thereby enabling the emergence of more complex abilities. Although this hierarchical model has received support from empirical studies comparing executive function task performance across age groups, necessary support from longitudinal studies taking an individual differences perspective on development is missing. In addition, the model stresses the importance of attention in executive function development, but we do not know in what way attention contributes to the continued development once the earliest forms of simple functions have emerged. Using a longitudinal design, the present study investigated the relations between individual differences in simpler forms of executive functions as well as sustained attention at age 12 months and more complex executive functions at 24 and 36 months. The results indicated partial support for the hierarchical model, with infant inhibition being predictive of working memory in toddlerhood. In addition, at 12 months, sustained attention contributed to the development of toddler executive functions via the simple executive functions. This suggests that by this age, sustained attention has become an integrated part of early, simple executive functions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women are not less field independent than men—the role of stereotype threat
Authors: Drążkowski Dariusz , Szwedo Jakub , Krajczewska Aleksandra , Adamczuk Anna , Piątkowski Krzysztof , Jadwiżyc Marcin , Rakowski Adam
Published: November 2015

Prior research has shown that females are less field independent (FI) than males. However, when gender identity is salient, performance on tests assessing constructs similar to FI may be hindered, because of stereotype threat. This study examined the impact of stereotype threat on gender differences in FI. We expected that (a) reporting one's own gender prior to FI testing and (b) having an opposite‐gender experimenter would activate stereotype threat, and in turn result in lower performance on a test of FI among females. Overall, 170 participants were randomly assigned to one of eight conditions in a between‐participants design varying the participant's gender, experimenter's gender and timing of the gender question (before vs. after test). Results showed that reporting one's gender before the FI test led to lower FI performance among females. Furthermore, females achieved higher FI when experimenters were females and gender questions were administered after the FI test.
Measurement of oxygen transfer from air into organic solvents
Authors: Ramesh Hemalata , Mayr Torsten , Hobisch Mathias , Borisov Sergey , Klimant Ingo , Krühne Ulrich , Woodley John M
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

The use of non‐aqueous organic media is becoming increasingly important in many biotechnological applications in order to achieve process intensification. Such media can be used, for example, to directly extract poorly water‐soluble toxic products from fermentations. Likewise many biological reactions require the supply of oxygen, most normally from air. However, reliable online measurements of oxygen concentration in organic solvents (and hence oxygen transfer rates from air to the solvent) has to date proven impossible due to limitations in the current analytical methods.

RESULTS

For the first time, online oxygen measurements in non‐aqueous media using a novel optical sensor are demonstrated. The sensor was used to measure oxygen concentration in various organic solvents including toluene, THF, isooctane, DMF, heptane and hexane (which have all been shown suitable for several biological applications). Subsequently, the oxygen transfer rates from air into these organic solvents were measured.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of oxygen transfer rates from air into organic solvents using the dynamic method was established using the solvent resistant optical sensor. The feasibility of online oxygen measurements in organic solvents has also been demonstrated, paving the way for new opportunities in process control. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Biorenewable Thermoplastic Elastomeric Triblock Copolymers Containing Salicylic Acid‐Derived End‐Blocks and a Fatty Acid‐Derived Midblock
Authors: Wang Shu , Ding Wenyue , Yang Guozhen , Robertson Megan L.
Published: November 2015

A sustainable triblock copolymer thermoplastic elastomer is developed containing a fatty acid‐derived midblock and salicylic acid‐derived endblocks. The rubbery midblock, poly(lauryl methacrylate), is chosen for its low glass transition temperature, hydrophobicity, and degradation resistance. Poly(acetylsalicylic ethyl methacrylate), derived from salicylic acid, abundantly encountered in plant products such as fruit and vegetable components, is developed as a biorenewable alternative for the glassy endblocks of the triblock copolymer. The acetylsalicylic ethyl methacrylate monomer offers advantages of the presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, readily functionalized to acrylate or methacrylate groups, appropriate for controlled radical polymerization, and rigid aromatic rings which impart a high glass transition temperature to the polymer. The synthesis and characterization of poly(acetylsalicylic ethyl methacrylate‐block‐lauryl methacrylate‐block‐acetylsalicylic ethyl methacrylate) (ALA) triblock copolymers are presented. The ALA triblock copolymer exhibits microphase separated domains and is processable at elevated temperatures through compression molding. Tensile testing reveals elastomeric behavior at room temperature.

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Metrological analysis of a gravimetric calibration system for tipping‐bucket rain gauges
Authors: Santana Márcio A. A. , Guimarães Patrícia L. O. , Lanza Luca G. , Vuerich Emanuele
Published: November 2015

The monitoring of hydro‐meteorological variables for operational and research purposes requires accurate measurements. The reliability of such measurements varies depending on the need to meet different requirements in several sectors, including aviation, agriculture, civil protection, entertainment and weather forecast. In the case of rain gauges, many factors and variables affect the measurement of liquid and solid precipitation in the field. Calibration is a primary tool for quality control and requires suitable infrastructure to perform the tests, and is done by using properly evaluated testing methods and procedures. The current study presents the analysis of a typical calibration system for tipping‐bucket rain gauges, using the gravimetric method, in accordance with the recommendations and requirements of both meteorology and metrology. As a result, the uncertainty contribution of each component of the system and an assessment of the resulting overall uncertainty budget are obtained.
The Tinel sign has no diagnostic value for nerve entrapment or neuropathy in the legs
Authors: Datema Mirjam , Hoitsma Elske , Roon Krista I. , Malessy Martijn J.A. , Van Dijk J. Gert , Tannemaat Martijn R.
Published: November 2015

Introduction

The presence of a Tinel sign in leg nerves has been proposed as a criterion for decompressive surgery in polyneuropathy. We investigated the diagnostic yield of the Tinel sign for nerve entrapment and for distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy (DSPN).

Methods

We prospectively tested for the Tinel sign at 3 sites of possible nerve entrapment per leg in 91 patients. Entrapment was defined using nerve conduction data. We also investigated whether the number of sites at which the Tinel sign was present identified patients with DSPN.

Results

Sensitivity of the Tinel sign for nerve entrapment was low (29%, 44%, and 17%) for the 3 sites, and specificity was moderate (86%, 75%, and 81%). In the subgroup with DSPN, sensitivity was extremely low (0%, 20%, and 8%), and specificity was moderate (91%, 79%, and 73%). The number of sites with a Tinel sign did not identify patients with DSPN.

Conclusion

The Tinel sign does not reliably indicate nerve entrapment or DSPN. Muscle Nerve 54: 25–30, 2016
Degeneracy in model parameter estimation for multi‐compartmental diffusion in neuronal tissue
Authors: Jelescu Ileana O. , Veraart Jelle , Fieremans Els , Novikov Dmitry S.
Published: November 2015

The ultimate promise of diffusion MRI (dMRI) models is specificity to neuronal microstructure, which may lead to distinct clinical biomarkers using noninvasive imaging. While multi‐compartment models are a common approach to interpret water diffusion in the brain in vivo, the estimation of their parameters from the dMRI signal remains an unresolved problem. Practically, even when q space is highly oversampled, nonlinear fit outputs suffer from heavy bias and poor precision. So far, this has been alleviated by fixing some of the model parameters to a priori values, for improved precision at the expense of accuracy. Here we use a representative two‐compartment model to show that fitting fails to determine the five model parameters from over 60 measurement points. For the first time, we identify the reasons for this poor performance. The first reason is the existence of two local minima in the parameter space for the objective function of the fitting procedure. These minima correspond to qualitatively different sets of parameters, yet they both lie within biophysically plausible ranges. We show that, at realistic signal‐to‐noise ratio values, choosing between the two minima based on the associated objective function values is essentially impossible. Second, there is an ensemble of very low objective function values around each of these minima in the form of a pipe. The existence of such a direction in parameter space, along which the objective function profile is very flat, explains the bias and large uncertainty in parameter estimation, and the spurious parameter correlations: in the presence of noise, the minimum can be randomly displaced by a very large amount along each pipe. Our results suggest that the biophysical interpretation of dMRI model parameters crucially depends on establishing which of the minima is closer to the biophysical reality and the size of the uncertainty associated with each parameter. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Providing Cultural Context for ‘Sacrifice of the Social Outcasts’
Authors: Scott A. M.
Published: November 2015

In ‘Sacrifice of the Social Outcasts’, C.L. Kieffer proposes that the disabled formed a socially marginal group that might have been preferentially targeted for human sacrifice in ancient Maya society. Extensive ethnohistoric and iconographic evidence exists that the disabled and deformed held high status in pre‐contact Mesoamerica precisely because of their physical disabilities and played well‐defined social roles. Several incidences of the sacrifice of these individuals are produced, but they are associated with extraordinary events. The actual cultural context suggests that the sacrifice of a disabled individual may have larger social implications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic review on first trimester three‐dimensional placental volumetry predicting small for gestational age infants
Authors: Farina Antonio
Published: November 2015

Objective

A systematic review and pooled analysis was carried out to estimate (i) the reference values and (ii) the potential value of measuring the first‐trimester 3D‐placental volume (PV) for predicting small for gestational age (SGA) infants.

Method

A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Knowledge databases. A simulation model was generated to calculate the detection rate (DR) of the PV for SGA infants. A random variable was generated having the same number of cases, and the same means and standard deviation as those reported in the articles considered for the analysis.

Results

For the evaluation of the normal values of PV, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four also produced an equation for PV estimation at 11 to 14 weeks. The weighted mean PV [±standard error of mean (SEM)] of 7519 cases was 59.40 ± 1.533 mL. For the estimation of PV performance in predicting SGA, five studies were included. The DR of the PV was 24.7% (19.3–30.1) at a 10% false–positive rate.

Conclusion

The mean PV estimation of the studies analyzed was burdened by a high degree of heterogeneity. Instead, discordant results were reported for the possible prediction of SGA infants using PV. Surprisingly, just two articles reported the DR for SGA infants and also had proper statistical power. The discriminatory ability of using PV alone for predicting SGA appears to be modest, but could successfully be integrated into a multivariable screening method for SGA infants. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in crop proteomics: PTMs of proteins under abiotic stress
Authors: Wu Xiaolin , Gong Fangping , Cao Di , Hu Xiuli , Wang Wei
Published: November 2015

Under natural conditions, crop plants are frequently subjected to various abiotic environmental stresses such as drought and heat wave, which may become more prevalent in the coming decades. Plant acclimation and tolerance to an abiotic stress are always associated with significant changes in PTMs of specific proteins. PTMs are important for regulating protein function, subcellular localization and protein activity and stability. Studies of plant responses to abiotic stress at the PTMs level are essential to the process of plant phenotyping for crop improvement. The ability to identify and quantify PTMs on a large‐scale will contribute to a detailed protein functional characterization that will improve our understanding of the processes of crop plant stress acclimation and stress tolerance acquisition. Hundreds of PTMs have been reported, but it is impossible to review all of the possible protein modifications. In this review, we briefly summarize several main types of PTMs regarding their characteristics and detection methods, review the advances in PTMs research of crop proteomics, and highlight the importance of specific PTMs in crop response to abiotic stress.
Thermoelectric properties of Ge/Si heterostructures: A combined theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Fiedler Gregor , Nausner Lukas , Hu Yang , Chen Peixuan , Rastelli Armando , Kratzer Peter
Published: November 2015

We present a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the thermoelectric properties of p‐doped Ge/Si superlattices grown on Si(001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Electrical conductivity is measured both in the direction parallel and perpendicular to the interfaces by means of a modified transfer length method. Electronic transport is strongly anisotropic, with the cross‐plane conductivity being about five times lower than in plane. This result is in very good agreement with the theoretical predictions based on the tight‐binding method combined with the Boltzmann equation applied to the experimentally investigated structure. The cross‐plane thermal conductivity of doped superlattices is measured with the differential 3 method and compared with that of undoped superlattices and alloys with similar average Ge content. The comparison reveals that superlattices have strongly reduced thermal conduction compared to alloys, and that doping increases their thermal conductivity by about 50%. Considering the used doping level, this increase appears surprising. The Seebeck coefficient of the structures is addressed theoretically and displays a less pronounced anisotropy compared to the electric conductivity. Combined with the knowledge of the other thermoelectric parameters, we conclude that, while p‐doped Si/Ge superlattices may be used as model systems for the investigation of thermoelectric transport in nanostructured materials, their relevance for application is limited.
On the direct assimilation of along‐track sea‐surface height observations into a free‐surface ocean model using a weak constraints four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) method
Authors: Ngodock Hans , Carrier Matthew , Souopgui Innocent , Smith Scott , Martin Paul , Muscarella Philip , Jacobs Gregg
Published: November 2015

The representer method is adopted for solving a weak constraints 4D‐Var problem for the assimilation of ocean observations including along‐track sea‐surface height (SSH), using a free‐surface ocean model. Direct 4D‐Var assimilation of SSH observations along the satellite tracks requires that the adjoint model be integrated with Dirac impulses on the right‐hand side (rhs) of the adjoint equations for the surface elevation equation. The solution of this adjoint model will inevitably include surface gravity waves, and it constitutes the forcing for the tangent linear model (TLM) according to the representer method. This yields an analysis that is contaminated by gravity waves. A method for avoiding the generation of the surface gravity waves in the analysis is proposed in this study; it consists of removing the adjoint of the free surface from the rhs of the free‐surface mode in the TLM. The information from the SSH observations will still propagate to all other variables via the adjoint of the balance relationship between the barotropic and baroclinic modes, resulting in the correction to the surface elevation. Two assimilation experiments are carried out in the Gulf of Mexico: one with adjoint forcing included on the rhs of the TLM free‐surface equation, and the other without. Both analyses are evaluated against the assimilated SSH observations, SSH maps from AVISO and independent surface drifters, showing that the analysis that did not include adjoint forcing in the free surface is more accurate. This study shows that when a weak constraints 4D‐Var approach is considered for the assimilation of along‐track SSH observations using a free‐surface model, with the aim of correcting the mesoscale circulation, an independent model error should not be assigned to the free surface.
Latitudinal and Diurnal Variations of the Ionospheric Electron Content Near the Auroral Zone in Winter
Authors: Liszka Ludwik
Published: November 2015

The analysis of 3 months’ observations of Faraday rotation observed on S‐66 transmissions made at the Kiruna Geophysical Observatory (ϕ = 67°N, A= 20.3°E) is presented. The ionospheric electron content along the subionospheric path of the satellite was computed for almost 400 transits. Effective slab thicknesses were calculated using critical frequency values from six Scandinavian stations, covering an interval of 10 deg of latitude. Latitudinal and diurnal variations of the ionospheric electron content and the effective thickness were studied. The most striking feature of the latitudinal variation of the total electron content was a distinct minimum at the southern boundary of the auroral zone during winter nighttime. This minimum coincides with the “trough” observed by topside sounding satellites.
The Faraday Fading Rate for Nearly Transversal Propagation
Authors: Mass Jonathan
Published: November 2015

The Faraday fading of a satellite signal has a fairly constant rate, except when the signal propagates through the ionosphere perpendicularly to the earth's magnetic field. At that instant, one notes a sudden slowing down of the fading rate. This usually occurs at receiving stations of low geomagnetic latitude.

In this note, the duration of this sharp change in fading rate is calculated from the AppletonHartree formula for the refractive index (without collisions), near the transverse propagation conditions. Examples are given of amplitude records showing the “rate anomaly.”
Measurement of the Total Electron Content With the Differential Faraday Effect Using the Satellite Explorer 22
Authors: Munther Christian
Published: November 2015

The signals of the American satellite Explorer 22 on 20, 40, 41 Mc/s have been received and their amplitudes recorded. The records show the Faraday effect when a fixed linearly polarized antenna is used. Using the Faraday effect, the total electron content can be computed, the total number of rotations being determined by comparing records of 40 and 41 Mc/s.

The considerations of this paper are based upon the period January‐April 1965. Total electron content decreasing to the north prevail. In addition, a comparison of the Faraday effect on 20 and 40 Mc/s was performed. At small zenithal distances the Faraday periods on both frequencies (reduced to the same frequency) become equal; at larger distances typical deviations are observed.
Middle‐Latitude Ionospheric Total Electron Content: Summer 1965
Authors: Klobuchar J. A. , Whitney H. E.
Published: November 2015

The total electron content of the ionosphere’ was measured continuously from a northern midlatitude station during the summer of 1965 by monitoring the polarization twist of VHF radio signals from the Early Bird synchronous satellite. The ambiguity in the total amount of polarization twist of the Early Bird signal was resolved by measurinj!; the total polarization twist of a lunar reflected radio wave at a time when the moon coincided in dirertion with Early Bird. Large day‐to‐day differences in electron content were seen. The late afternoon maximum value of electron content was not well related to magnetic activity. Many small, irregular changes in electron content were observed. Diurnal values of electron content were much lower than those observed during 1961.

Observations of polarization twist of VHF radio waves from synchronous satellites provide a simple, accurate means of measuring diurnal, seasonal, and anomalous changes in ionospheric total electron content.
Influence of the Terrestrial Environment on the Temporal and ‐ Statistical Characteristics of Jovian Decametric Radiation
Authors: Smith Alex G. , Block W. F. , Morton W. A. , Lebo G. R. , Carr T. D. , Olsson C. N.
Published: November 2015

The characteristics of Jovian decametric pulses are compared with satellite and radio star scintillations known to arise in the terrestrial ionosphere. The diurnal, seasonal, and altitude variations of the scintillation phenomena appear to be absent in the planetary signals, suggesting that the local ionosphere is not the source of the Jovian pulse structure. On the other hand, the ionosphere exerts a marked influence on the probability of reception, and to a lesser extent on the intensity, ofthe Jovian decametric signals.
High‐Latitude Radio Star Scintillation Measurements at 68 Mc/s Made With a Phase‐Sweep Interferometer System
Authors: Lansinger John M.
Published: November 2015

A quantitative evaluation and comparison are made of independent 68 Mc/s angular and amplitude scintillation data received at the College, Alaska, experimental station. A phase‐sweep interferometer system is employed and the outputs are digitized for subsequent analyses.

A correlation analysis is made between ionospheric absorption, magnetic variation, and the angular and amplitude scintillation data. Some results are presented which show an association between short‐term absorption events and the enhancement of scintillation activity.

Power spectral analysis and cross‐correlation analysis are made of the experimental data. Given theoretical ionization models, the computed ground diffraction patterns are compared with experimental data. The majority of the observations are consistent with an ionospheric model comprised of kilometer‐scale electron density gradients in combination with random scatterers.
Multifrequency Observations of Sudden Cosmic Noise Absorption and X‐Ray Flares
Authors: Mitra A. P. , Subrahmaniyam C. V. , Jain V. C.
Published: November 2015

This work reports the results of (a) a study of SCNA observations made with a multifrequency riometer system operating at Delhi, and (b) a comparative study of SCNA's and satellite measurements of X‐ray flux. Multifrequency riometer observations of SCNA's recorded at Delhi show that while for many SCNA's the peak absorption remains at the preflare level, for some it comes down appreciably to heights between 6G‐70 km. Examination of the nature of decay of the SCNA's shows that the quantity cx(N + N.,) has values of (2G‐60) X ro‐sec' near the peak of the flare, decreasing asymptotically to a constant value of 3 X IO‐sec‐ 1 at the end of the flare. Comparison of the times of maximum of SCNA's with those of X‐ray flux obtained from observations made with the Vela, SR‐1, and Aeriel‐1 satellites gave an average relaxation time of 3‐4 min, which is of the same order as that obtained with H a time curves. For one of the SCNA events, that of October 20, 1963, for which information is available on solar X‐ray flux from observations of the Vela satellite, computations of absorption profiles were made on the basis of different models of loss coefficient, and compared with the observed absorption values. It is suggested that SCNA events for which the frequency ratio is lowered appreciably below the preflare value are an indicator of “nonthermal” type of X‐ray bursts.
Tropospheric Structure Factors Obtained From Radio Data
Authors: Smyth John B.
Published: November 2015

When radio waves penetrate the inhomogeneous troposphere the first order effect is a phase perturbation of the field. The field distortions diffract energy into new space frequencies which give information on the size fJf tropospheric irregularities. Simultaneous transmission through the troposphere on several frequencies between a ground station and a high flying airplane has provided experimental diffraction patterns produced by the medium. A dominant scale size of a few miles extent parallel to the earth's surface and a few hundred feet along the vertical has been found.
Technique of Observing the 5‐mm Self‐Emission From the Oxygen of the Earth's Atmosphere to Obtain a Vertical Sense
Authors: Taylor H. P. , Campbell J. A.
Published: November 2015

The results of previous calculations have shown that, due to the heavy absorption of the atmospheric oxygen, the resultant radiation both in the wells and in the cores of the 60‐Gc/s spectral complex provides a radiometrically bright mantle surrounding the earth. It becomes evident when viewed from space that this oxygen mantle could supply a uniform, nonftuctuating signal for radiqmetric sensing.

This paper presents a quantitative expression of a technique of observing the 5‐mm self‐emission from the oxygen of the earth's atmosphere in order to obtain a vertical sense. The choice of operating frequency is a selection process in which a frequency is determined for which the atmospheric opacity is great enough to reject the radiation from the lower atmosphere, and at the same time have sufficient transmissivity in the upper atmosphere to allow predominance of radiation from the 15‐ to 32‐km region. Under these conditions a uniform and well‐defined radiating disk should be seen. To the degree that the observed disk exhibits circularly uniform emission and the mantle possesses spherically homogene US density, the line through its center of brightness may be defined as the direction corresponding to the local vertical at the spacecraft. This may be determined as the boresight axis of a lobe comparison antenna system.
Synoptic Data From the ORBIS Experiment
Authors: Mullen J. P. , Allen R. S.
Published: November 2015

A 10‐Mc/s beacon, the Orbital Radio Beacon Ionospheric Satellite (ORBIS) was launched on 18 November 1964, and was observed at many locations throughout the world. Temporal effects noted at the AFCRL observatories in Mass. include (a) extremely long‐range propagation observed from the northwest near and after local sunrise, the signals cutting off as the satellite passed below the horizon to the south. (b) during the post‐midnight hours long range propagation observed beyond‐the‐horizon from the south. Similar effects were noted also in the U.S.A. at Urbana, Ill. and St. Louis, Mo. Data taken by members of the Joint Satellite Studies Group in Europe showed general agreement with the U.S.A. overhead observations, but because of high local interference little long‐range propagation was noted. The southern and equatorial regions appeared far more favorable to long‐range propagation, especially for signals propagated from the Northern Hemisphere during the midnight hours.
Angle‐of‐Arrival Measurements Performed Over a 296‐km Troposcatter Path
Authors: Kieburtz Richard B. , Fantera I. A.
Published: November 2015

Angle‐of‐arrival measurements have been performed on a troposcatter path by simultaneous reception in angle diversity using antenna beams of 19.2‐min beamwidth. The transmitting beamwidth is also 19.2 min, permitting measurement of the beam broadening due to the variable refractive index along the propagation path. The results of these measurements have indicated that the antenna beam may sometimes undergo an rms horizontal deflection as great as 17 min of arc over the half‐path length of 148 km.
Observations on the Propagation Constant of the EarthIonosphere Waveguide in the Frequency Band 8 c/s to 16 kc/s
Authors: Chapman F. W. , Jones D. Llanwyn , Todd J. D. W. , Challinor R. A.
Published: November 2015

Recent observations at King's College, London, concerning the determination of the propagation constant (attenuation and phase velocity) of electromagnetic waves over the earth's surface are described. The experimental techniques employed include the use of single‐station and two‐station magnetic recording of atmQspherics (sferics) propagated over great distances and the observation of the frequencies and Q factors of Schumann resonances. The experimental results are interpreted in terms of the waveguide mode theory of propagation by assuming various electron and heavy ion density profiles for the ionosphere. The present work agrees well with the observations of other workers made over a limited frequency range, and enables the propagation constant to be determined from 8 c/s to 16 kc/s.
Kinetic Theory and Collisional Detachment
Authors: Banks Peter M.
Published: November 2015

The work of Pierce [1963] defining the role of collision energy considerations in the temperature dependence of negative ion collisional detachment was altered by Arnold [1964] on the basis of a more exact gas kinetic approach valid for elastic spheres. A reexamination of this work is made here using gas kinetic equations with an arbitrary collision cross section. It is found thiu while the corrections of Arnold apply to a modified elastic sphere expression, the introduction of an ion‐molecule interaction based upon a polarization force leads to a temperature dependence for collisional detachment which is the same as that originally given by Pierce. A difference is noted, however, in that the present expression involves only the neutral gas polarizability as a characteristic of the ion‐neutral interaction, removing the previous necessity of making separate evaluations of the collision radii and ion and molecule free paths.
Quasi‐Static Fields of Dipole Antennas at the Earth's Surface
Authors: Bannister Peter R.
Published: November 2015

The electric and magnetic field components produced by vertical and horizontal dipoles (both electric and magnetic types) located at the surface of a semi‐infinite conducting medium have been derived and presented for the quasi‐static range. The receiving antenna has also been assumed to be located at the earth's surface. These derivations resulted from the application of the reciprocity theorem to previously derived field components. The special cases of the measurement distance p much greater than the skin depth δ and ρ ≪ δ have been examined. Some numerical values for the field‐component functions have also been provided.
U.S.A. National Committee Report, Fifteenth URSI General Assembly, Munich, September 1966: Commission 3, Ionospheric Radio; Progress in Ionospheric Radio
Authors: Bowhill S. A. , Bibl K. , Calvert W. , Campbell W. H. , Evans J. V. , Leadabrand R. L. , Peterson A. M. , Pfister W. , Reid G. C. , Smith E. K. , VanZandt T. E. , Wait J. R. , Wright J. W.
Published: November 2015

Auroral absorption measured in the auroral zone with riometers is on the average more pronounced in the winter months for both hemispheres. Also, in winter it has a pronounced diurnal variation with a maximum a few hours before noon. The average absorption in winter is twice that in summer, but sunlight has no influence in its value [Leinbach and Basler, 1963; Basler, 1963]. Individual events at night are characterized by a quiet phase of relatively small absorption, a sharp increase of absorption associated with the breakup phase of the visible aurora, and a fast recovery with irregular fluctuation of absorption. Detailed correlation of areas of absorption and luminosity exists for such events [Ansari, 1964]. The structure is less than 200 km in the north‐south direction and 700 km in the east‐west direction [Parthasarathy and Berkey, 1965]. An event seen only after midnight consists of a relatively slow increase and recovery of extremely high absorption with no de~ailed correlation of light emission and absorption. It is associated with a harder electron spectrum [Ansari, 1964]. A peculiar type of absorption event frequently observed during midmorning usually increases very smoothly, reaches a high value of absorption, and is not accompanied by appreciable magnetic activity [Ansari, 1965]. Absorption associated either with negative bays or with breakup events shows no difference in intensity between day and night [Brown and Barcus, 1963; Brown, 1964]. There is a limited correlation between the high‐energy part of the electron spectrum, as measured by X‐rays in balloons, and the absorption [Barcus, 1965].
U.S.A. National Committee Report, Fifteenth URSI General Assembly, Munich, September 1966: Commission 4,Magnetospheric Radio; Progress in Magnetospheric Radio
Authors: Johnson Francis S. , Bowles K. L. , Brace L. H. , Carpenter D. L. , Cohen R. , Feier J. A. , Hanson W. B. , Helliwell R. A. , Scarf F. L. , Smith R. L. , Sugiura M.
Published: November 2015

It has become clear during the past few years that the magnetosphere has a long open tail trailing out from the earth in the direction away from the sun, much as was predicted by Piddington [1960]. That this was so was recognized by Dessler [1964] on the basis of theoretical considerations and Explorer 10 observations of the geomagnetic field made by Heppner et al. [1963]. Striking verification of this analysis was obtained by Ness [1965] in IMP‐1, as indicated by figure l. An interesting feature of the distorted magnetosphere is the magnetically neutral sheet that separates the oppositely directed magnetic field lines.
The Trifurcated Waveguide
Authors: Pace J. R. , Mittra R.
Published: November 2015

This paper describes a method for solving some problems involving discontinuities in waveguides. As an example of the applicatlo~ of the method, the trifurcated waveguide is treated. It is suggested that the tnfurcallon can be cons1dered to be two bifurcations in tandem. It is shown that the solution to the trifurcation problem, which is difficult to obtain, can be written in terms of the solution to the bifurcation, which is relatively easy to obtain. Numerical results are included.