bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bigger Bang
Authors: Lidsey James E.
Published: December 2009

In the last few years, scientists have begun to answer some of the most fundamental questions about the origin and early evolution of the universe. In a fresh, engaging, and highly readable introduction to these ideas, James Lidsey deftly steers us along a journey back in time to the very origin of the universe. We are introduced to the fascinating ideas scientists are currently developing to explain what happened in the first billion, billion, billion, billionth of a second - the 'inflationary' epoch. Along the way we stop off to review the latest ideas on superstrings, parallel universes and the ultimate fate of our universe. Lucid analogies, clear and concise prose and straightforward language make this book a delight to read. It makes accessible to the general reader some of the most profound and complex ideas about the origin of our universe currently challenging the world's best scientists.
Fixed-Mobile Wireless Networks Convergence
Authors: Ghetie Joseph
Published: December 2009

Do you need to understand the solutions that allow multimedia communications between mobile networks and fixed wireless communications? If so, this practical book, presenting the fundamentals of individual fixed and mobile wireless technologies in terms of architectures, standards, management capabilities and quality of service issues, is essential reading. Adopting the term Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), an analysis of the interworking between cellular networks and a variety of wireless technologies, such as WLAN, WiMAX, RFID and UWB, is provided. An in-depth study of the convergent solutions offered by UMA and IMS is also given, together with up-to-date information about products, vendors and current service offerings. You'll also find criteria for analyzing and evaluating fixed-mobile convergent products and services, and numerous diagrams and feature/component tables. This practical text is ideal for engineers and practitioners in the field of telecommunications and wireless communications, as well as graduate students of electrical and computer engineering.
Deploying Wireless Networks
Authors: Wilton Andy , Charity Tim
Published: December 2009

Do you want your wireless network to be profitable? Wireless operators will find this practical, hands-on guide to network deployment invaluable. Based on their own extensive experience, the authors describe an end-to-end network planning process to deliver the guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) that enables today's wireless IP services such as VoIP, WWW and streaming video. The trade-off between enhanced user experience and operator cost is explored in the context of an enhanced business model. Comprehensive examples are provided for:
• GSM/GPRS/EDGE
• WCDMA-UMTS/HSDPA
• OFDM-WiMAX/LTE
• mesh WiFi
• packet backhaul
Topics addressed include:
• capacity/peak data rates
• service latency
• link budgets
• lifecycle costs
• network optimisation
With a focus on practical design, the book is ideal for radio and core network planners, designers, optimisers and business development staff at operators and network equipment manufacturers. Extensive references also make it suitable for graduate and postgraduate students.
Cylindrical Antennas and Arrays
Authors: King Ronold W. P. , Fikioris George J. , Mack Richard B.
Published: December 2009

Cylindrical arrays lie at the heart of the antenna systems of most major radio communication systems, including broadcasting networks, cellular 'phone systems and radar. In this book, the authors present practical theoretical methods for determining current distributions, input admittances and field patterns of a wide variety of cylindrical antennas, including the isolated antenna, the two-element array, the circular array, curtain arrays, Yagi and log-periodic arrays, planar arrays and three-dimensional arrays. Coverage includes analysis of horizontal antennas over, on and in the earth and sea, large resonant arrays of electrically short dipoles and a chapter on the theory and techniques of experimental measurement. Written by three of the leading engineers in the field, and based on world-class research carried out at Harvard over the last forty years, Cylindrical Antennas and Arrays is destined to become established as the basic reference for practising engineers and advanced students for many years to come.
Service Orientation
Authors: Allen Paul , Higgins Sam , McRae Paul , Schlamann Hermann
Published: December 2009

Companies face major challenges as they seek to flourish in competitive global markets, fuelled by developments in technology, from the Internet to grid computing and Web services. In this environment, service orientation - aligning business processes to the changing demands of customers - is emerging as a highly effective approach to increasing efficiency. In this book, Paul Allen provides an accessible guide to service orientation, showing how it works and highlighting the benefits it can deliver. The book provides an integrated approach: after covering the basics of service orientation, he discusses key issues such as business agility, designing quality-of-service infrastructure, implementing service-level agreements, and cultural factors. He provides roadmaps, definitions, templates, techniques, process patterns and checklists to help you realize service orientation. These resources are reinforced with detailed case studies, from the transport and banking sectors. Packed with valuable insights, the book will be essential reading for CIOs, IT architects and senior developers. IT facing business executives will also benefit from understanding how software services can enable their business strategies.

Paul Allen is a principal business-IT strategist at CA and is widely recognized for his innovative work in component-based development (CBD), business-IT alignment and service-oriented architecture. With over thirty years experience of large-scale business systems, he is an established author whose previous book was the critically acclaimed Realizing e-Business with Components.

Sam Higgins is now with Forrester Research Inc.; formerly he managed the Innovation and Planning Unit of Queensland Transport's Information Services Branch.

Paul McRae is the application architect in the Innovation and Planning Unit of Queensland Transport's Information Services Branch.

Hermann Schlamann is a senior architect in the architecture group of Credit Suisse.
Computational Physics of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Rafii-Tabar Hashem
Published: December 2009

Carbon nanotubes are the fabric of nanotechnology. Investigation into their properties has become one of the most active fields of modern research. This book presents the key computational modelling and numerical simulation tools to investigate carbon nanotube characteristics. In particular, methods applied to geometry and bonding, mechanical, thermal, transport and storage properties are addressed. The first half describes classic statistical and quantum mechanical simulation techniques, (including molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations and ab initio molecular dynamics), atomistic theory and continuum based methods. The second half discusses the application of these numerical simulation tools to emerging fields such as nanofluidics and nanomechanics. With selected experimental results to help clarify theoretical concepts, this is a self-contained book that will be of interest to researchers in a broad range of disciplines, including nanotechnology, engineering, materials science and physics.
The Development of Animal Form
Authors: Minelli Alessandro
Published: December 2009

Contemporary research in the field of evolutionary developmental biology, or 'evo-devo', has to date been predominantly devoted to interpreting basic features of animal architecture in molecular genetics terms. Considerably less time has been spent on the exploitation of the wealth of facts and concepts available from traditional disciplines, such as comparative morphology, even though these traditional approaches can continue to offer a fresh insight into evolutionary developmental questions. The Development of Animal Form aims to integrate traditional morphological and contemporary molecular genetic approaches and to deal with post-embryonic development as well. This approach leads to unconventional views on the basic features of animal organization, such as body axes, symmetry, segments, body regions, appendages and related concepts. This book will be of particular interest to graduate students and researchers in evolutionary and developmental biology, as well as to those in related areas of cell biology, genetics and zoology.
Integrative Action of the Autonomic Nervous System
Authors: Jänig Wilfrid
Published: December 2009

Almost all bodily functions are dependent on the functioning of the autonomic nervous system - from the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract, the evacuative and sexual organs, to the regulation of temperature, metabolism and tissue defence. Balanced functioning of this system is an important basis of our life and well-being. This book gives a detailed description of the cellular and integrative organization of the autonomic nervous system, covering both peripheral and central aspects. It brings to light modern neurobiological concepts that allow understanding of why the healthy system runs so smoothly and why its deterioration has such disastrous consequences. This academic reference volume will appeal to advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying the neurobiology of the autonomic nervous system within the various biological and medical sciences and will give access to ideas propagated in psychosomatic and alternative medicines.
Computing Brain Activity Maps from fMRI Time-Series Images
Authors: Sarty Gordon E.
Published: December 2009

fMRI is a very popular method for researchers and clinicians to image human brain activity in response to given mental tasks. This book presents a comprehensive review of the methods for computing activity maps, while providing an intuitive and mathematical outline of how each method works. The approaches include statistical parametric maps (SPM), hemodynamic response modeling and deconvolution, Bayesian, Fourier and nonparametric methods. The newest activity maps provide information on regional connectivity and include principal and independent component analysis, crisp and fuzzy clustering, structural equation modeling, and dynamic causal modeling. Preprocessing and experimental design issues are discussed with references made to the software available for implementing the various methods. Aimed at graduate students and researchers, it will appeal to anyone with an interest in fMRI and who is looking to expand their perspectives of this technique.
Evolutionary Game Theory, Natural Selection, and Darwinian Dynamics
Authors: Vincent Thomas L. , Brown Joel S.
Published: December 2009

All of life is a game, and evolution by natural selection is no exception. The evolutionary game theory developed in this 2005 book provides the tools necessary for understanding many of nature's mysteries, including co-evolution, speciation, extinction and the major biological questions regarding fit of form and function, diversity, procession, and the distribution and abundance of life. Mathematics for the evolutionary game are developed based on Darwin's postulates leading to the concept of a fitness generating function (G-function). G-function is a tool that simplifies notation and plays an important role developing Darwinian dynamics that drive natural selection. Natural selection may result in special outcomes such as the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS). An ESS maximum principle is formulated and its graphical representation as an adaptive landscape illuminates concepts such as adaptation, Fisher's Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection, and the nature of life's evolutionary game.
Functional and Evolutionary Ecology of Fleas
Authors: Krasnov Boris R.
Published: December 2009

Fleas are one of the most interesting and fascinating taxa of ectoparasites. All species in this relatively small order are obligatory haematophagous (blood-feeding) parasites of higher vertebrates. This book examines how functional, ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes of host-parasite relationships are realized in this particular system. As such it provides an in-depth case study of a host-parasite system, demonstrating how fleas can be used as a model taxon for testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses. The book moves from basic descriptive aspects, to functional issues and finally to evolutionary explanations. It extracts several general principles that apply equally well to other host-parasite systems, so it appeals not only to flea biologists but also to 'mainstream' parasitologists and ecologists.
Flexagons Inside Out
Authors: Pook Les
Published: December 2009

Flexagons are hinged polygons that have the intriguing property of displaying different pairs of faces when they are flexed. Workable paper models of flexagons are easy to make and entertaining to manipulate. Flexagons have a surprisingly complex mathematical structure and just how a flexagon works is not obvious on casual examination of a paper model. Flexagons may be appreciated at three different levels. Firstly as toys or puzzles, secondly as a recreational mathematics topic and finally as the subject of serious mathematical study. This book is written for anyone interested in puzzles or recreational maths. No previous knowledge of flexagons is assumed, and the only pre-requisite is some knowledge of elementary geometry. An attractive feature of the book is a collection of nets, with assembly instructions, for a wide range of paper models of flexagons. These are printed full size and laid out so they can be photocopied.
Community Treatment of Drug Misuse
Authors: Seivewright Nicholas
Published: December 2009

Treatment for drug misuse has been dominated in recent years by the use of methadone as a substitution agent in heroin dependency. This approach has had considerable success, but as a result other treatment options have been neglected. This book draws on the author's direct clinical experience and makes use of international research findings to provide a comprehensive and detailed guide to service provision and treatment for drug misuse, including methadone and alternative opiate substitutes, detoxification methods, naltrexone and relapse prevention, and possible approaches with non-opiate users. There is a particular emphasis on social factors in drug misuse and dependency, and the consequent treatment issues and practical difficulties, and case studies are used throughout. Combining a highly practical approach with a strong research base, this book will be an essential resource for psychiatrists and other professionals involved in the management of drug misuse.
Philosophy of Psychopharmacology
Authors: Stein Dan J.
Published: December 2009

Psychotropic agents have been effective for the treatment of the emotional, and cognitive symptoms of serious psychiatric disorders. At the same time, the availability of such agents raises questions about the appropriate use of what might be termed 'smart pills', 'happy pills', or 'pep pills'. This volume argues that developments in modern psychopharmacology raise a range of important philosophical questions, and may ultimately change the way we think about ourselves. It provides a framework for addressing important philosophical issues in psychiatry and psychopharmacology. The approach is a naturalistic one, drawing on theory and data from modern cognitive-affective neuroscience and attempts to address objective and subjective aspects of psychiatric disorders, to integrate our knowledge of mechanisms and meanings, and to provide a balanced view of the good and the bad of psychotropics.
Transoesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Roscoe Andrew
Published: December 2009

Transoesophageal Echocardiography (TOE/TEE) in cardiac patients is now almost routine. Its use in cardiac monitoring has also extended to include critically ill patients for non-cardiac surgery and the intensive care setting. Specific accreditation is required prior to practice of TOE/TEE involving a written examination and a documented logbook of experience. This book was specifically designed to help candidates pass the written exam and was structured around the syllabus. Providing a summary of all relevant information, this is an invaluable study aid. Lists of further reading material are provided with every topic, including guidelines and safety, cardiomyopathies, heart disease, haemodynamic calculations and many more. Each chapter ends with a series of exam-style questions for self-assessment. An extremely useful book for trainee anaesthetists, intensivists, trainee cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare
Authors: McLean S. A. M. , Mason J. K.
Published: December 2009

There can be few aspects of life which have not altered so dramatically in the past few decades as the relationship between medicine and the law: as each advance in medicine is made, and treatments become more and more sophisticated, the legal and moral issues surrounding such treatments have also multiplied, and become more complex. Written by a doctor and a lawyer, both with many years of practical experience, this book provides a unique and in-depth coverage of the most important ethical and moral issues (and their legal implications) facing healthcare professionals, lawyers and the general public alike. It represents a useful outline of where medicine and the law stand at present and hints at where they will be going in relation to each other in the coming years.
Prescribing in Diabetes
Authors: Hill Jill , Courtenay Molly
Published: December 2009

The effective management of diabetes can delay or even prevent the development of complications. Patients will often need to take a variety of medications, in addition to embracing lifestyle changes, to achieve this. Prescribing in Diabetes gives clear information about the options for treating the various aspects of diabetes, such as abnormal blood glucose, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol. It also gives practical advice on how to support people in managing their problems independently and improve their lifestyle, by making better choices armed with a thorough understanding of the condition and options for treatment. Chapters cover the range of methods available for the delivery of medicines to patients, the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and an overview on how the drugs work. The book also discusses normal blood glucose regulation, self-monitoring, weight management, smoking cessation and the management of the most common complications.
Diarrhoea and Constipation in Geriatric Practice
Authors: Andrews Gary R.
Published: December 2009

This textbook provides a practical and comprehensive account of the management of diarrhoea and constipation in the elderly. These common disorders in the elderly are not only a burden in themselves but are often manifestations of a more serious underlying illness: thus effective diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve quality of life. Many important conditions are associated with diarrhoea. The text includes updates on pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment, and highlights the vulnerability of the elderly in regard to acquiring diarrhoea and its complications. The aetiology of diarrhoea is explained, including infections of the gastrointestinal tract, and systemic diseases of which diarrhoea is a manifestation. Diverse disciplines are spanned: from immunology and physiology to microbiology, nutrition and psychiatry. The aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of constipation are dealt with, emphasising practical management issues. The book is aimed at geriatricians, general practitioners and allied health workers.
Homogeneous Turbulence Dynamics
Authors: Sagaut Pierre , Cambon Claude
Published: December 2009

This book summarizes the most recent theoretical, computational and experimental results dealing with homogeneous turbulence dynamics. A large class of flows is covered: flows governed by anisotropic production mechanisms (e.g. shear flows) and flows without production but dominated by waves (e.g. homogeneous rotating or stratified turbulence). Compressible turbulent flows are also considered. In each case, main trends are illustrated using computational and experimental results, while both linear and nonlinear theories and closures are discussed. Details about linear theories (e.g. Rapid Distortion Theory and variants) and nonlinear closures (e.g. EDQNM) are provided in dedicated chapters, following a fully unified approach. The emphasis is on homogeneous flows, including several interactions (rotation, stratification, shear, shock waves, acoustic waves, and more) which are pertinent to many application fields – from aerospace engineering to astrophysics and earth sciences.
Mechanical Efficiency of Heat Engines
Authors: Senft James R.
Published: December 2009

This 2007 book presents a developed general conceptual and basic quantitative analysis as well as the theory of mechanical efficiency of heat engines that a level of ideality and generality compatible with the treatment given to thermal efficiency in classical thermodynamics. This yields broad bearing results concerning the overall cyclic conversion of heat into usable mechanical energy. The work reveals intrinsic limits on the overall performance of reciprocating heat engines. The theory describes the general effects of parameters such as compression ratio and external or buffer pressure on engine output. It also provides rational explanations of certain operational characteristics such as how engines generally behave when supercharged or pressurized. The results also identify optimum geometric configurations for engines operating in various regimes from isothermal to adiabatic and are extended to cover multi-workspace engines and heat pumps. Limited heat transfer due to finite-time effects have also been incorporated into the work.
Pathway Analysis and Optimization in Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Torres Néstor V. , Voit Eberhard O.
Published: December 2009

Facility in the targeted manipulation of the genetic and metabolic composition of organisms, combined with unprecedented computational power, is forging a niche for a new subspecialty of biotechnology called metabolic engineering. First published in 2002, this book introduces researchers and advanced students in biology and engineering to methods of optimizing biochemical systems of biotechnological relevance. It examines the development of strategies for manipulating metabolic pathways, demonstrates the need for effective systems models, and discusses their design and analysis, while placing special emphasis on optimization. The authors propose power-law models and methods of biochemical systems theory toward these ends. All concepts are derived from first principles, and the text is richly illustrated with numerous graphs and examples throughout. Special features include: nontechnical and technical introductions to models of biochemical systems; a review of basic methods of model design and analysis; concepts of optimization; and detailed case studies.
Information Theory, Evolution, and the Origin of Life
Authors: Yockey Hubert P.
Published: December 2009

Originally published in 2005, Information Theory, Evolution and the Origin of Life presents an introduction to the use of information theory and coding theory in molecular biology. The genetical information system, because it is linear and digital, resembles the algorithmic language of computers. George Gamow pointed out that the application of Shannon's information theory breaks genetics and molecular biology out of the descriptive mode into the quantitative mode and Dr Yockey develops this theme, discussing how information theory and coding theory can be applied to molecular biology. He discusses how these tools for measuring the information in the sequences of the genome and the proteome are essential for our complete understanding of the nature and origin of life. The author writes for the computer competent reader who is interested in evolution and the origins of life.
Inhibition of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism enhances ex vivo susceptibility of Fasciola hepatica to triclabendazole
Authors: DEVINE C. , BRENNAN G. P. , LANUSSE C. E. , ALVAREZ L. I. , TRUDGETT A. , HOEY E. , FAIRWEATHER I.
Published: December 2009

A study has been carried out to investigate whether the action of triclabendazole (TCBZ) against Fasciola hepatica is altered by inhibition of drug metabolism. The cytochrome P450 (CYP P450) system was inhibited using piperonyl butoxide (PB). The Oberon TCBZ-resistant and Cullompton TCBZ-susceptible isolates were used for these experiments. The CYP P450 system was inhibited by a 2 h pre-incubation in PB (100 μm). Flukes were then incubated for a further 22 h in NCTC medium containing either PB; PB+nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) (1 nm); PB+NADPH+TCBZ (15 μg/ml); or PB+NADPH+TCBZ.SO (15 μg/ml). Morphological changes resulting from drug treatment and following metabolic inhibition were assessed using scanning electron microscopy. After treatment with either TCBZ or TCBZ.SO alone, there was greater disruption to the TCBZ-susceptible than the resistant isolate. However, co-incubation with PB and TCBZ/TCBZ.SO lead to more severe surface changes to the TCBZ-resistant Oberon isolate than with each drug on its own. With the TCBZ-susceptible Cullompton isolate, there was limited potentiation of drug action, and only with TCBZ.SO. The results support the concept of altered drug metabolism in TCBZ-resistant flukes and this process may play a role in the development of drug resistance.
Just Caring: In Defense of Limited Age-Based Healthcare Rationing
Authors: FLECK LEONARD M.
Published: December 2009

The debate around age-based healthcare rationing was precipitated by two books in the late 1980s, one by Daniel Callahan and the other by Norman Daniels. These books ignited a firestorm of criticism, best captured in the claim that any form of age-based healthcare rationing was fundamentally ageist, discriminatory in a morally objectionable sense. That is, the elderly had equal moral worth and an equal right to life as the nonelderly. If an elderly and nonelderly person each had essentially the same medical problem requiring the same medical treatment, then they had an equal right to receive that treatment no matter what the cost of that treatment. Alternatively, if cost was an issue because the benefits of the treatment were too marginal, then both the elderly and nonelderly patients requiring that treatment ought to be denied it. If there were something absolutely scarce about the treatment, then some fair process would have to be used to make an allocation decision (and that fair process could not use some age cutoff among the allocation criteria).
Group Versus Individual Cognitive Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Changes in Severity at Post-Treatment and One-Year Follow-up
Authors: Cabedo Elena , Belloch Amparo , Carrió Carmen , Larsson Christina , Fernández-Alvarez Héctor , García Fernando
Published: December 2009

Background: Very few studies have compared the efficacy of individual and group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by taking into consideration the change in OCD severity in both the short and long term. Aims: To conduct an open trial of individual versus group CBT for OCD, comparing the clinical and statistically significant changes in severity both at post-treatment and one year later. Method: Forty-two OCD subjects were assigned to individual (n = 18) or group CBT (n = 24, in four groups). Sixteen and 22 subjects completed the treatment in the individual and group conditions, respectively. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was recorded at pre-treatment, post-treatment and at the one-year follow-up. Results: At the end of treatment, the clinically significant change was comparable for the two treatment conditions and remained stable at the one-year follow-up. Of the 16 participants who completed the individual CBT treatment, 68.75% were classified as recovered at post-treatment, compared to 40.9% of those receiving group CBT. At follow-up the rate of recovery decreased to 62.5% in individual CBT and to 31.8% in group CBT. Conclusions: Group CBT is effective in decreasing OCD severity. The post-treatment changes were maintained one year later. Nevertheless, these changes were higher in the individual delivery of CBT.
Thermal core‐mantle coupling in an early lunar dynamo: Implications for a global magnetic field and magnetosphere of the early Moon
Authors: Takahashi Futoshi , Tsunakawa Hideo
Published: December 2009

A theoretical model suggests a short‐lived lunar dynamo driven by a mantle overturn forming crustal thickness dichotomy, while the lunar paleomagnetic data and crustal magnetic fields suggest both of presence and absence of a global magnetic field of the Moon ∼4 billion years (Gyr) ago. Here we carry out numerical simulations of a possible lunar dynamo, including effects of mantle overturn on heat flux heterogeneity at the core‐mantle boundary. As a result, the surface field intensity of the lunar dynamo is about 100 nT. In this case, a lunar magnetosphere could be present with a sunward size of 1.4 times the Moon's radius. Considering the 4.6 Gyr orbit evolution of the Moon, the magnetic field intensity and the magnetosphere size could be larger, suggesting the lunar crustal magnetization acquired in the ancient dynamo field.
The record of changing hematite and goethite accumulation over the past 22 Myr on the Chinese Loess Plateau from magnetic measurements and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Hao Qingzhen , Oldfield Frank , Bloemendal Jan , Torrent José , Guo Zhengtang
Published: December 2009

High‐field isothermal remanence (HIRM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) were used to characterize hematite and goethite in a suite of bulk and particle‐sized fractioned samples from the Chinese Loess Plateau, representing the main changes in magnetic mineralogy over the past 22 Myr. The record of DRS‐defined hematite largely reflects variations in the pedogenic fraction (<2 μm). By contrast, the detrital fraction (>8 μm) makes the main contribution to goethite concentrations in the bulk samples. Pedogenic goethite concentrations generally vary inversely with those of hematite. The lack of consistent correlations between HIRM‐inferred mineral content and DRS measurements casts doubt on the validity of using HIRM to characterize the concentrations and relative proportions of hematite and goethite in sediments representing a long time span or a wide grain size distribution. The progressive decline in the coercivity of the antiferromagnetic minerals in bulk samples throughout the whole period is mainly an expression of changes in the detrital fraction, reflecting changes in the source region, possibly involving increased aluminum substitution. The good correlation between DRS‐defined hematite and frequency‐dependent magnetic susceptibility in several chronologically defined subgroups of samples is consistent with the hypothesis that maghemite forms a transitional phase in a weathering sequence from ferrihydrite to hematite. The results shed new light on using HIRM to characterize hematite and goethite in sediments and on the history of weathering and climate change over the past 22 Myr in the dust source regions and on the Loess Plateau.
X-ray magnetic circular dichroism in iron chalcogenides Fe1−xS: First-principles calculations
Authors: Antonov V. N. , Bekenov L. V. , Shpak A. P. , Germash L. P. , Yaresko A. N. , Jepsen O.
Published: December 2009

The electronic structure of iron chalcogenides Fe1−xS (x=0 and 0.125) were investigated theoretically from first principles, using the fully relativistic Dirac linear-muffin-tin-orbital band structure method within the local spin-density approximation. At ambient conditions, stoichiometric FeS in the troilite crystal structure orders antiferromagnetically below the Neel temperature TN=598 K in an insulating ground state. The different models of antiferromagnetic ordering in FeS are analyzed and discussed. Densities of valence states, orbital and spin magnetic moments as well as x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectra of Fe7S8 at the Fe K, L2,3, and S K edges are investigated. The origin of the structure in the XMCD spectra is examined. The calculated results are compared with available experimental data.
Thermal conduction in molecular materials using coarse grain dynamics: Role of mass diffusion and quantum corrections for molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhou Ya , Strachan Alejandro
Published: December 2009

We use a mesodynamical method, denoted dynamics with implicit degrees of freedom (DID), to characterize thermal transport in a model molecular crystal below and above its melting temperature. DID represents groups of atoms (molecules in this case) using mesoparticles and the thermal role of the intramolecular degrees of freedom (DoFs) are described implicitly using their specific heat. We focus on the role of these intramolecular DoFs on thermal transport. We find that thermal conductivity is independent of intramolecular specific heat for solid samples and a linear relationship between the two quantities in liquid samples with the coefficient of proportionality being the mass diffusivity of the mesoparticles. As the temperature of the liquids is increased, thermal conductivity exhibits an increased sensitivity with respect to the specific heat of the internal DoFs due to the enhanced molecular mobility. Based on these results, we propose a simple method to incorporate quantum corrections to thermal conductivity obtained from nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of molecular liquids. Our results also provide insight into the development of thermally accurate coarse grain models of soft materials.
Far-field observation of the radial profile of visible whispering-gallery modes in a single microdisk based on Si-nanocrystal/SiO2 superlattices
Authors: Seo Se-Young , Zhang Rong-Jun , Löffler Wolfgang , Kalt Heinz , Kim Kyung Joong , Zacharias Margit
Published: December 2009

The radial profile of visible whispering gallery modes (WGM) from a single microdisk based on silicon nanocrystals (Si-nc) and SiO2 superlattices was observed. Using thermal evaporation, the active layer, which consists of 30 pairs of ∼3nm thick Si-ncs and ∼4nm thick SiO2 layer, was fabricated on Si substrate. Si-ncs with diameters of 3nm, which are well defined by SiOx layer thickness, were formed by high temperature annealing at 1100°C for 60min under N2 environment. After standard photolithography and dry etching procedure, a microdisk with 8.8μm diameter on a silicon pedestal was successfully obtained. We calculated the expected radial profiles of the WGMs by solving the Maxwell equations using appropriate boundary conditions. Comparison with finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation depicts similar radial profiles of the WGMs. Using a confocal microphotoluminescence setup, light emission from the top of a single disk was analyzed depending on the detection position. Thanks to the birefringence of nature of Si-nc/SiO2 superlattices, well-isolated sharp TE mode WGMs could be detected from the top, without using polarizers. Irrelative to detection position, broad Si-nc background luminescence is consistently found. And as the detection point was moved from the center to the outside of the disk, WGMs fields were strongly decreased especially for the detection at the outside. Taking experimental circumstances into account, the radial profile of WGMs field was estimated and was then compared to the experimental WGM profile. The expectation was consistent with experimental results confirming the confinement of WGMs fields within a disk. Although FDTD simulation reveals that the geometrical Q factor can reach >105, the maximum Q factor we observed was 2.5×103. This implies that the scattering and absorption losses must be suppressed in order to enhance the microdisk performance. Simulations show significant WGM field at the top/bottom surface of the disk and visible imperfections of the disk surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, and are expected to produce considerable surface scattering loss limiting the overall disk cavity Q factor. However, such nondirectional surface scattering allowed us to successfully detect WGMs from the top of the disk.
Partial ion yield spectroscopy around the Cl 2p and C 1s ionization thresholds in CF3Cl
Authors: Céolin D. , Piancastelli M. N. , Stolte W. C. , Lindle D. W.
Published: December 2009

We present a partial ion yield experiment on freon 13, CF3Cl, excited in the vicinity of the C 1s and Cl 2p ionization thresholds. We have collected a large amount of cationic fragments and a few anionic fragments at both edges. We have observed a strong intensity dependence of Rydberg transitions with ion fragment size for the CFnCl+ and CFn+/F+ (n=0–3) series at both the Cl 2p and C 1s ionization edges. Selectivity in the fragmentation processes involving the C–Cl and C–F bonds are highlighted by the intensities of the C 1s to lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and LUMO+1 transitions measured on the CFnCl+ and CFn+ yields. Equally, by comparison with their cation counterpart, we discuss possible bond-length dependence for the anion formation at the carbon 1s edge.
Ferroelectricity in glycine picrate: An astonishing observation in a centrosymmetric crystal
Authors: Shakir M. , Singh B. K. , Kumar B. , Bhagavannarayana G.
Published: December 2009

Remarkable ferroelectric property has been observed in the glycine picrate single crystal though it crystallizes in centrosymmetric structure. An anomaly at 105 °C was observed in dielectric and ac conductivity measurements. The activation energies for conduction (Ea) below and above this temperature are found to be 0.31 and 0.53 eV, respectively. The remanant polarization (Pr) and coercive field (Ec) at room temperature were found to be 0.64 μC/cm2 and 6.22 kV/cm, respectively. However, a remarkable increase in these values was observed above 105 °C. A significantly high d33 (piezoelectric charge coefficient) in the order of 18 pC/N was observed.
The structure of the polar Sn-doped indium oxide (001) surface
Authors: Morales Erie H. , Diebold Ulrike
Published: December 2009

Epitaxial Sn-doped In2O3 (ITO) thin films were grown using oxygen plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on (001) oriented Yttria Stabilized Zirconia. Low-energy-electron-diffraction shows that ITO(001) surface is oxygen terminated and has a c(1×1)-structure with p4g symmetry. Atomically-resolved Scanning Tunneling Microscopy suggests that surface oxygen atoms undergo dimerization; possible adsorption sites are identified. The density of surface oxygen depends on the Sn concentration and it is suggested that both, dimerization and doping stabilize the polar ITO(001) surface.
Magnetic field dependence of the coupling efficiency of a superconducting transmission line due to the proximity effect
Authors: Zhu S. , Zijlstra T. , Golubov A. A. , van den Bemt M. , Baryshev A. M. , Klapwijk T. M.
Published: December 2009

The coupling efficiency of a Nb superconducting transmission line has been measured using a Fourier transform spectrometer for different magnetic fields. It is found that the coupling decreases with increasing magnetic field when the frequency is close to the gap of the Nb superconductor. This is attributed to the changes of the surface impedance of the proximity-coupled superconductor/normal-metal bilayers in the transmission line.
p38-γ–dependent gene silencing restricts entry into the myogenic differentiation program
Authors: Gillespie Mark A. , Le Grand Fabien , Scimè Anthony , Kuang Shihuan , von Maltzahn Julia , Seale Vanessa , Cuenda Ana , Ranish Jeffrey A. , Rudnicki Michael A.
Published: December 2009

The mitogen-activated protein kinase p38-γ is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and is associated with the dystrophin glycoprotein complex; however, its function remains unclear. After induced damage, muscle in mice lacking p38-γ generated significantly fewer myofibers than wild-type muscle. Notably, p38-γ-deficient muscle contained 50% fewer satellite cells that exhibited premature Myogenin expression and markedly reduced proliferation. We determined that p38-γ directly phosphorylated MyoD on Ser199 and Ser200, which results in enhanced occupancy of MyoD on the promoter of myogenin together with markedly decreased transcriptional activity. This repression is associated with extensive methylation of histone H3K9 together with recruitment of the KMT1A methyltransferase to the myogenin promoter. Notably, a MyoD S199A/S200A mutant exhibits markedly reduced binding to KMT1A. Therefore, p38-γ signaling directly induces the assembly of a repressive MyoD transcriptional complex. Together, these results establish a hitherto unappreciated and essential role for p38-γ signaling in positively regulating the expansion of transient amplifying myogenic precursor cells during muscle growth and regeneration.
Tuberculosis
Authors: Treece Diana
Published: December 2009

Tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon diagnosis to make in General Practice in the UK, but one of great importance due to its public health implications and the fact that it is a condition that GPs will be seeing more of due to increasing prevalence from migration and rising human immunodeficiency virus rates. This article summarizes the role of the GP in diagnosis, management and prevention of TB in the community.
Conditions Affecting the Penis
Authors: Nash Emma
Published: December 2009

Although they do not account for a large proportion of reasons for consultation with a GP, knowledge of conditions affecting the penis is important. The sensitive nature of these conditions means that doctors need to be confident in order to minimize embarrassment to the patient and to successfully diagnose and manage such problems. The aim of this article is to highlight the conditions most frequently seen in primary care and to introduce a few others which often require referral to secondary care.
Evidence of the ‘plant economics spectrum’ in a subarctic flora
Authors: Freschet Grégoire T. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Aerts Rien
Published: December 2009

1. A fundamental trade‐off among vascular plants between traits inferring rapid resource acquisition and those leading to conservation of resources has now been accepted broadly, but is based on empirical data with a strong bias towards leaf traits. Here, we test whether interspecific variation in traits of different plant organs obeys this same trade‐off and whether within‐plant trade‐offs are consistent between organs.

2. Thereto, we measured suites of the same chemical and structural traits from the main vegetative organs for a species set representing aquatic, riparian and terrestrial environments including the main vascular higher taxa and growth forms of a subarctic flora. The traits were chosen to have consistent relevance for plant defence and growth across organs and environments: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, lignin, dry matter content, pH.

3. Our analysis shows several new trait correlations across leaves, stems and roots and a striking pattern of whole‐plant integrative resource economy, leading to tight correspondence between the local leaf economics spectrum and the root (r = 0.64), stem (r = 0.78) and whole‐plant (r = 0.93) economics spectra.

4. Synthesis. Our findings strongly suggest that plant resource economics is consistent across species’ organs in a subarctic flora. We provide thus the first evidence for a ‘plant economics spectrum’ closely related to the local subarctic ‘leaf economics spectrum’. Extending that concept to other biomes is, however, necessary before any generalization might be made. In a world facing rapid vegetation change, these results nevertheless bear considerable prospects of predicting below‐ground plant functions from the above‐ground components alone.
Public understandings of genetics and health
Authors: Condit CM
Published: December 2009

Condit CM. Public understandings of genetics and health.

This review of adult public understandings of genetics related to health indicates that the public's understandings overlap with those of professionals in some areas, but not others. Specifically, the majority of the world's people who have been studied understand genetics through the lens of heredity, not in terms of the structural and functional nature of genes. Public understandings of hereditary processes are influenced by models of social relationships and by experiential familiarity with particular conditions as much as by academic research results. Most people hold a fairly strong belief that many health conditions are substantially influenced by both genes and other factors. However, they do not have a stable understanding of the nature of gene–environment interactions. People in cultures where science is not a prominent cultural mode are even less likely to hold the belief structures of professional geneticists. In some areas–notably with regard to racialization of genetic medicine and characterizations of genetic variations as ‘mutations’–at least some members of the public strongly reject some geneticists' constructions. Public understanding of details pertinent to genetic testing generally appears to be weak.
Total perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision for rectal cancer: long‐term results of dynamic graciloplasty with Malone appendicostomy
Authors: Abbes Orabi N. , Vanwymersch T. , Paterson H. M. , Mauel E. , Jamart J. , Crispin B. , Kartheuser A.
Published: December 2009

Aim  This study aimed to assess long‐term function after total perineal reconstruction (TPR) with dynamic graciloplasty (DG) and systematic Malone appendicostomy (MA) adjunction after abdominoperineal excision (APR) for rectal cancer.

Method  From 1999 to 2004, TPR using DG and MA was performed in 10 patients [seven women; median age 40 (range 28–55) years] after APR for rectal cancer (cT2 in one patient, cT3 in six patients and cT4 in three patients). We prospectively recorded early and late morbidity, mortality, oncological outcome, functional results (using the modified Working Party on Anal Sphincter Replacement ‘WPASR’ scoring system) and quality of life (QoL; using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer ‘EORTC’ QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐CR38 questionnaires).

Results  There was no procedure‐related mortality. One patient required intra‐abdominal re‐operation. Nine patients required local and multiple revisions [there was one coloperineal anastomosis (CPA) stenosis, five CPA mucosal prolapse, three stenosis related to graciloplasty, two MA stenosis and one MA reflux]. After a median follow up of 78 months, there was no local recurrence and six patients were alive and disease‐free. Regarding the functional results, the median modified WPASR score, of 8, after a follow up of 78 months, was good. The overall QoL scores remained stable over time.

Conclusion  In carefully selected patients who want to avoid definitive abdominal colostomy after APR for rectal cancer, reconstruction involving MA and DG after APR for low rectal cancer is followed by good long‐term function and QoL.