bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical Ways to Integrate Literature into Spanish for International Business Courses
Authors: Torres Germán
Published: January 2009

Abstract: In general, language for business courses do not include the study of literary texts, despite significant research that demonstrates the value of literature as a way to gain competence in a foreign culture. Carefully selected, adapted, and programmed as a culture complement to the main textbook, literary texts can be a valuable resource in the language for business classes. Based on five years of experience in this area, this study suggests a number of literary texts that have been integrated successfully into the commercial Spanish program, as well as a series of topics and questions for class discussion.
Validating AP Modern Foreign Language Examinations Through College Comparability Studies
Authors: Bischof Deborah Lokai , Baum David I. , Casabianca Jodi M. , Morgan Rick , Rabitea Kathleen A. , Tateneni Krishna
Published: January 2009

Abstract: In 2002, nearly 100,000 high school students took one of the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®)language examinations in French, German, or Spanish. One way in which the validity of these exams is ensured is through periodic college comparability studies. The purpose of such studies is to equate the AP scores with performance standards in the third year of representative college programs. This article describes the comparability study that ended in 2002, which, unlike past studies, was conducted across all three of the modern foreign languages in the AP Program at that time. This study led to changes in the cut points used to convert exam scores to AP grades in all three languages. Consequently, the exam performance level required to earn each AP grade was reevaluated to ensure proper alignment with current advanced‐level college offerings.
Promoting World Languages in Middle School: The Achievement Connection
Authors: Shultz Deborah L. , Willard‐Holt Colleen
Published: January 2009

Abstract: Do world language students exhibit higher achievement than students who choose not to study a language? This study sought the answer to this question by comparing standardized test scores of language students with those of non‐foreign‐language students. Additionally, comparisons were made between students who started language study in middle school and those who started in high school. Language students outperformed non‐foreign‐language students on all sections of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in 11th grade but not in 8th grade. Students who began language study in middle school outperformed other language students (who began in high school) on all sections of the PSSA and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). This indicates that length of language study is an important factor in subsequent performance on standardized achievement tests.
Collaborative Teaching in an Intensive Spanish Course: A Professional Development Experience for Teaching Assistants
Authors: Stepp‐Greany Jonita
Published: January 2009

Abstract: This pilot project was designed to provide professional development to teaching assistants (TAs) and improve undergraduate instruction in an intensive Spanish course through the use of collaboration and experiential instruction. TAs improved their teaching strategies, learned techniques to solve classroom problems, and reported satisfaction from relationships with students and one another. Difficulties for the TAs included finding common planning time, pacing the material, presenting a united front toward students, and handling a high level of novelty in the situation. Undergraduate students in the course reported positive attitudes toward Spanish language and culture and an increase in their ability to use Spanish for communication.
Gains to Language Learners from Viewing Target Language Closed‐Captioned Films
Authors: Stewart Melissa A. , Pertusa Inmaculada
Published: January 2009

Abstract: In an effort to facilitate students' understanding of films in the target language, many instructors turn to films with English subtitles. Viewing films subtitled in English does not encourage learners to use their previously acquired listening skills, but rather allows them to rely on reading English instead of making the extra effort required to follow what they hear in the target language. Current DVD technology offers another option: watching foreign language films closed‐captioned in the target language, which provides visual reinforcement of what students are hearing. In a comparison study of gains in vocabulary recognition made by students in intermediate Spanish conversation classes viewingfilms with English subtitles and others watching the same films with Spanish closed‐captioning we found slight differences. However, surveys of student reactions pointed to a number of possible benefits for language learners of watching closed‐captioned films in the target language. These merit further investigation.
Perceived Processing Strategies of Students Watching Captioned Video
Authors: Taylor Gregory
Published: January 2009

Abstract: This study is an examination of the use of captioned video with beginning students of Spanish. Two groups of students watched a Spanish‐language video with or without Spanish captioning and the groups' comprehension scores were compared. Students in the captioning group described how they used the pictures, sound, and captioning to understand the video. To test for differences due to the length of Spanish study, the data were divided into first‐year students versus those with 3 to 4 years of study. Students with more study outscored those in their first year in the captioning session, but not in the no‐captioning session. The strategy measure indicated that more first‐year students than third‐year students found the captions distracting and had difficulty attending to all three channels of sound, image, and captions. Nevertheless, students in both sessions expressed unsolicited positive attitudes toward the captions. The issue is raised whether, with exposure and practice, captioned video can be a valuable aid to comprehension for beginners.
The Oral Interview and Cross‐Cultural Understanding in the Foreign Language Classroom
Authors: Rings Lana
Published: January 2009

This article discusses cross‐cultural oral interviews and how they can be used in the foreign language classroom to help students understand the differing, often culture‐specific perspectives of language use among people speaking another language. By conducting interviews, or by teaching students the interview process, instructors can provide students with a means for ascertaining how people from the target culture understand or misunderstand the students' culture. Beginning with a discussion of theoretical issues regarding communication, the article proceeds to discuss oral interview methodology, including specific guidelines for interviewing, and to share sample results that elucidate the framework used. Finally, specific suggestions for implementation in the foreign language classroom are provided, from incorporating such interviewing in coursework to specific examples of activities addressing various aspects of language and meaning.
The Effect of a Student Video Project on Vocabulary Retention of First‐Year Secondary School German Students
Authors: Sildus Tatiana I.
Published: January 2009

The present study is an attempt to fill the void of specific research‐supported information on types of interactive vocabulary learning. The study, conducted with 272 participants randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, examines the relationship between interactive, output‐dominant vocabulary practice and students' achievement on vocabulary recall tests. The interactive practice took the form of video projects, assignments in which teams performed in specific conversational situations captured by video. The participants in the experimental groups prepared video fashion shows, while the students in the control groups completed worksheet assignments. The 2X2 mixed ANOVA (F = 24.748, p = .000) and ANCOVA (F =14.877, p = .000) revealed that although both groups improved their performance, the experimental group showed a higher gain in scores over time.
Fostering Learner Autonomy in a Technology‐Enhanced, Inquiry‐Based Foreign Language Classroom
Authors: Luke Christopher L.
Published: January 2009

This article focuses on a qualitative teacher research project with a fourth‐semester university Spanish class that emphasized inquiry‐based learning. One of the primary objectives of the class was to increase learner autonomy through self‐selected inquiries, self‐directed learning activities, and curricular negotiation. Multiple data sources were used to highlight and assess instances of increased autonomy as well as problematic areas and resistance to change.
Paving the Way to Literary Analysis Through TV Commercials
Authors: Etienne Corinne , Vanbaelen Sylvie
Published: January 2009

This article presents an approach to introducing literature to high school and college students in their second or third year of French. The aim is to reconcile the goals of literature courses with the backgrounds and motivations of students, by taking advantage of the popularity of TV commercials. After showing the close connection between advertising and literature, the authors present a detailed lesson structure, both student‐ and text‐centered, that helps students analyze commercials and their effects on TV viewers. This procedure, based on the work of Compte (1993), is then applied to the analysis of a literary selection.
The Reheat Concept: The Proven Pathway to Ultralow Emissions and High Efficiency and Flexibility
Authors: Güthe Felix , Hellat Jaan , Flohr Peter
Published: January 2009

Reheat combustion has been proven now in over 80units to be a robust and highly flexible gas turbine concept for power generation. This paper covers three key topics to explain the intrinsic advantage of reheat combustion to achieve ultralow emission levels. First, the fundamental kinetic and thermodynamic emission advantage of reheat combustion is discussed, analyzing in detail the emission levels of the first and second combustor stages, optimal firing temperatures for minimal emission levels, as well as benchmarking against single-stage combustion concepts. Second, the generic operational and fuel flexibility of the reheat system is emphasized, which is based on the presence of two fundamentally different flame stabilization mechanisms, namely, flame propagation in the first combustor stage and autoignition in the second combustor stage. This is shown using simple reasoning on generic kinetic models. Finally, the present fleet status is reported by highlighting the latest combustor hardware upgrade and its emission performance.
Study of Fuel Temperature Effects on Fuel Injection, Combustion, and Emissions of Direct-Injection Diesel Engines
Authors: Chen Gong
Published: January 2009

The influence of inlet liquid fuel temperature on direct-injection diesel engines can be noticeable and significant. The work in this paper investigates the effects of inlet fuel temperature on fuel-injection in-cylinder combustion, and output performance and emissions of medium-speed diesel engines. An enhanced understanding and simplified modeling of the variations in the main fuel-injection parameters affected by inlet fuel temperature are developed. The study indicates that the main injection parameters affected include the injection timing at the injector end relative to the injection-pump actuation timing, the fuel-injection rate, the fuel-injection duration, and the injection spray atomization. The primary fuel temperature effects on the injection parameters are from the fuel bulk modulus of elasticity and the density with the fuel viscosity less significant as the injector-nozzle flow is usually in a turbulent region. The developed models are able to predict the changes in the injection parameters versus the inlet fuel temperature. As the inlet fuel temperature increases, the nozzle fuel-injection-start timing is predicted to be relatively retarded, the injection rate is reduced, and the needle-lift duration is prolonged from the baseline. The variation trends of the engine outputs and emissions versus fuel temperature are analyzed by considering its consequent effect on in-cylinder combustion processes. It is predicted that raising fuel temperature would result in an increase in each of CO, HC, PM, and smoke emissions, and in a decrease in NOx, and may adversely affect the fuel efficiency for a general type of diesel engine at a full-load condition. The experimental results of the outputs and emissions from testing a medium-speed four-stroke diesel engine agreed with the trends analytically predicted. The understanding and models can be applied to compression-ignition direct-injection liquid fuel engines in general.
Modeling Pressure Fluctuation With Cross Flow in a Tight-Lattice Rod Bundle
Authors: Zhang Weizhong , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Takase Kazuyuki
Published: January 2009

To explore the mechanism of differential pressure fluctuation inducing cross flow between subchannels in the tight-lattice rod bundle, an evaluation method is presented, which permits the prediction in detail of the unsteady differential pressure fluctuation behavior between subchannels. The instantaneous fluctuation of differential pressure between two subchannels in gas-liquid slug flow regime is deemed as a result of the intermittent nature of slug flow in each subchannel. The method is based on the detailed numerical simulation result of two-phase flow that pressure drop occurs mainly in the liquid slug region and it is, however, negligibly small in the bubble region. The instantaneous fluctuation of differential pressure between two subchannels is associated with pressure gradient in the liquid slug for each channel. In addition to a hydrostatic gradient, acceleration and frictional gradients are taken into account to predict pressure gradient in the liquid slug. This method used in conjunction with the numerical simulation code works satisfactorily to reproduce numerical simulation results for instantaneous fluctuation of differential pressure between two modeled subchannels. It is shown that the static head, acceleration, and frictional pressure drops in the liquid slug are main contributions to the fluctuation of differential pressure between subchannels.
Effects of deposition parameters on tantalum films deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering
Authors: Zhou Y. M. , Xie Z. , Xiao H. N. , Hu P. F. , He J.
Published: January 2009

The structure, composition, and temperature coefficient of resistance of tantalum films were studied as a function of deposition parameters and substrate temperature. As the sputtering power increases from 25to100W, tantalum films deposited at 300°C consisting of the β phase, the preferred-growth orientation changes from (200) to (202) and the temperature coefficient of resistance reduces from −289.79to−116.65ppm∕°C. The decrease in oxygen and other impurity content in the films was observed when the deposition power was increased. The O∕Ta ratio decrease and grain size reduction, which were related to a change in electrical resistivity, were also observed as substrate temperature was varied from 300to500°C. These results indicated that the electrical properties were related to the oxygen and other impurity content and grain size in the films rather than to growth orientation. At 650°C, the metastable β-Ta phase was partially transformed into the stable α-Ta phase which leads to a sharp decrease in the electrical resistivity and a significant change in the microstructure of the tantalum films.
Oxidation of C213H5OH by NO and O2 on the surface of stepped Pt(332): Relationship to selective catalytic reduction of NO with hydrocarbons
Authors: Hu Yuhai , Norton Peter , Griffiths Keith
Published: January 2009

Oxidation of C213H5OH by NO and O2 on the surface of stepped Pt(332) was studied using Fourier transform infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy combined with thermal desorption spectroscopy. Upon annealing, adsorbed C213H5OH molecules undergo stepwise dissociation. Desorption of H2, released from the scission of O–H, C13–H (α-C13), and C13–H (β-C13) bonds in sequence, covers a broad temperature range from ∼260to∼550K. Desorption of C13O gives rise to a peak at 500–510K. This surface process does not change greatly in the presence of O2. Oxidation of C213H5OH and, consequently, the generation of the products are strongly dependent on the pretreatment of C213H5OH. Thermal desorption spectra of H2 and C13O2 indicate that oxidation of C213H5OH to H2O and C13O2 is a primary process in most cases. However, when C213H5OH adsorbed at 90K is preannealed to 250K before being exposed to O2, reaction of O with H predominates. Consequently, oxidation of carbon-related species to C13O2 is completely suppressed. C213H5OH dissociation, in particular, the cleavage of the C13–C3 bonds, is suppressed in the presence of NO. Desorption of H2, released from dehydrogenation of C13Hx (β-C) at surface temperatures above 400K, is not detectable from the co-adlayers following the adsorptions of C213H5OH and NO at 90K. Oxidation of C213H5OH related species with NO to C13O and C13O2 proceeds to a much smaller extent compared to that with O2. The presence of C213H5OH, irrespective of whether it is preadsorbed or postadsorbed, results in more NO desorption from terraces (at 350–360K), due to a site-swapping effect exerted by C213H5OH derivatives (C13O and C13Hx). Nonetheless, NO reduction and subsequent N2 production is promoted in the presence of C213H5OH. This effect, however, does not strongly depend on the exposure of C213H5OH. It is concluded that reduction of NO and subsequent N2 production proceeds through a mechanism of NO dissociation and subsequent O removal, NO dissociation on the steps of the Pt(332) being a rate-limiting step. The reaction of C213H5OH-related species with O effectively scavenges O atoms arising from NO dissociation, therefore giving rise to vacant sites that accommodate O atoms from further NO dissociation. This accounts for the C213H5OH-induced enhancement in N2 production.
Profile evolution simulator for sputtering and ion-enhanced chemical etching
Authors: Saussac J. , Margot J. , Chaker M.
Published: January 2009

A plasma etching profile simulator was developed to investigate the evolution of pattern profiles in various materials under different plasma conditions. This simulator is based on a two-dimensional cellular method. The model is fed with input parameters that include angular dependent etch yield, ion and neutral angular distribution, and plasma and material characteristics. It has been tested by comparison with published profiles of Si sputtering and SiO2 ion-assisted chemical etching in argon and chlorine plasmas. Observed microtrenching and bowing have been well reproduced by the simulator. The simulator was further used to examine etching for dimensions below nanometer in low-pressure high-density plasmas. In the case of Si sputtering, trenches of 100 nm depth and 30 nm or less width show unusual lateral etching. Finally, the effect of positive charge accumulation on an insulated mask resulting from negative bias voltage on the wafer was studied. This charge accumulation causes a deflection of ion trajectories. Considering this phenomenon, very isotropic etched profiles were found, in good agreement with in-house experimental profiles of platinum sputtering in argon plasma. The simulator developed is intended to be used for any material and mask combination in order to predict the profile evolution under various plasma conditions and pattern dimensions from micrometer to nanometer.
Signal and noise transfer properties of CMOS based active pixel flat panel imager coupled to structured CsI:Tl
Authors: Arvanitis C. D. , Bohndiek S. E. , Blakesley J. , Olivo A. , Speller R. D.
Published: January 2009

Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductors (CMOS) active pixel sensors can be optically coupled to CsI:Tl phosphors forming a indirect active pixel flat panel imager (APFPI) for high performance medical imaging. The aim of this work is to determine the x‐ray imaging capabilities of CMOS‐based APFPI and study the signal and noise transfer properties of CsI:Tl phosphors. Three different CsI:Tl phosphors from two different vendors have been used to produce three system configurations. The performance of each system configuration has been studied in terms of the modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectra, and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) in the mammographic energy range. A simple method to determine quantum limited systems in this energy range is also presented. In addition, with aid of monochromatic synchrotron radiation, the effect of iodine characteristic x‐rays of the CsI:Tl on the MTF has been determined. A Monte Carlo simulation of the signal transfer properties of the imager is also presented in order to study the stages that degrade the spatial resolution of our current system. The effect of using substrate patterning during the growth of CsI:Tl columnar structure was also studied, along with the effect of CsI:Tl fixed pattern noise due to local variations in the scintillation light. CsI:Tl fixed pattern noise appears to limit the performance of our current system configurations. All the system configurations are quantum limited at with two of them having DQE (0) equal to 0.57. Active pixel flat panel imagers are shown to be digital x‐ray imagers with almost constant DQE throughout a significant part of their dynamic range and in particular at very low exposures.
Neuronal Activity–Induced Gadd45b Promotes Epigenetic DNA Demethylation and Adult Neurogenesis
Authors: Ma Dengke K. , Jang Mi-Hyeon , Guo Junjie U. , Kitabatake Yasuji , Chang Min-lin , Pow-anpongkul Nattapol , Flavell Richard A. , Lu Binfeng , Ming Guo-li , Song Hongjun
Published: January 2009

The mammalian brain exhibits diverse types of neural plasticity, including activity-dependent neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. How transient activation of mature neurons leads to long-lasting modulation of adult neurogenesis is unknown. Here we identify
Gadd45b
as a neural activity–induced immediate early gene in mature hippocampal neurons. Mice with
Gadd45b
deletion exhibit specific deficits in neural activity–induced proliferation of neural progenitors and dendritic growth of newborn neurons in the adult hippocampus. Mechanistically,
Gadd45b
is required for activity-induced DNA demethylation of specific promoters and expression of corresponding genes critical for adult neurogenesis, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and fibroblast growth factor. Thus, Gadd45b links neuronal circuit activity to epigenetic DNA modification and expression of secreted factors in mature neurons for extrinsic modulation of neurogenesis in the adult brain.
Cytosolic Viral Sensor RIG-I Is a 5'-Triphosphate–Dependent Translocase on Double-Stranded RNA
Authors: Myong Sua , Cui Sheng , Cornish Peter V. , Kirchhofer Axel , Gack Michaela U. , Jung Jae U. , Hopfner Karl-Peter , Ha Taekjip
Published: January 2009

Retinoic acid inducible–gene I (RIG-I) is a cytosolic multidomain protein that detects viral RNA and elicits an antiviral immune response. Two N-terminal caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) transmit the signal, and the regulatory domain prevents signaling in the absence of viral RNA. 5′-triphosphate and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) are two molecular patterns that enable RIG-I to discriminate pathogenic from self-RNA. However, the function of the DExH box helicase domain that is also required for activity is less clear. Using single-molecule protein-induced fluorescence enhancement, we discovered a robust adenosine 5′-triphosphate–powered dsRNA translocation activity of RIG-I. The CARDs dramatically suppress translocation in the absence of 5′-triphosphate, and the activation by 5′-triphosphate triggers RIG-I to translocate preferentially on dsRNA in cis. This functional integration of two RNA molecular patterns may provide a means to specifically sense and counteract replicating viruses.
Ultimate capacity of flexible piles under eccentric and inclined loads
Authors: Meyerhof G. G. , Ghosh D. P.
Published: January 2009

The ultimate bearing capacity of flexible single model piles and small pile groups of timber and nylon in loose sand and soft clay has been determined under various combinations of eccentricity and inclination of the load varying in direction from vertical to horizontal. The results of the load tests are presented in the form of polar bearing capacity diagrams and they are compared with the theoretical estimates based on the concept of an effective embedment depth in terms of the behaviour of equivalent rigid piles. Reasonable agreement has been found between the observed and predicted ultimate bearing capacity of flexible piles under any combination of eccentricity and inclination of loads. Key words: flexible piles, pile groups, ultimate bearing capacity, ultimate moment, model test, eccentric load, inclined load, sand, clay.
Granular soils in rigid-wall permeameters: method for determining the degree of saturation
Authors: Chapuis Robert P. , Baass Karsten , Davenne Luc
Published: January 2009

The standard test method used to determine the hydraulic conductivity of a clean granular soil (rigid-wall permeameter –constant head difference) requires that the specimen be saturated with an air-vacuum pump. However, no method is provided to verify whether the sample is fully (100%) saturated. This paper proposes such a method and establishes its accuracy. The method allows for quality control of the rigid-wall permeameter itself: it can detect if it is watertight but not airtight, according to the achieved degree of saturation. A detailed example is given on a proposed data sheet. The reasons for partial saturation and the problems related to air bubbles are examined. The result of this examination is a simplified test to check a permeameter, based on the fact that for unsaturated conditions the hydraulic conductivity depends on which of two ways the water seeps in a given direction. A few modifications in the preparation of the specimen and the test procedure are suggested so as to improve the quality of test results. Key words: permeability, laboratory, granular soils, rigid-wall permeameter, saturation.
ALPHA CLUSTERS IN MEDIUM LIGHT NUCLEI: RECENT RESULTS AND OPEN QUESTIONS
Authors: NORRBY MARKUS , BRENNER MÅRTEN , LÖNNROTH TOM , KÄLLMAN KJELL-MIKAEL
Published: January 2009

The presence of alpha cluster structures in light nuclei is well established. This paper concentrates on the medium light nuclei between 16 O and 44 Ti . Especially the nucleus 32 S has been examined in detail and new data is presented. The elastic scattering data of alpha particles on 28 Si forming 32 S shows a peculiar disappearance of cross section at 31 MeV excitation energy and above. Also, the energy versus J(J + 1) plot shows at least one clear rotational-like band of alpha cluster states, with the main energy levels split into many narrow and closely lying levels with the same spin.

Furthermore, few experiments have been carried out investigating the alpha cluster structure of non-nα nuclei, especially on the proton rich side of stability. The evidence at hand indicates that adding neutrons retains some alpha cluster structures and in some cases might even enhance them, but adding protons seems to destroy the structures.
HEAVY ION RADIATIVE CAPTURE OF 12C +12C
Authors: MARLEY P. L. , JENKINS D. G. , PATTABIRAMAN N. S. , ROBINSON A. P. , WADSWORTH R. , COURTIN S. , HAAS F. , LEBHERTZ D. , LISTER C. J. , CARPENTER M. , ZHU S. , SEWERYNIAK D. , WUOSMAA A. , LIGHTHALL J. , O'DONNELL D.
Published: January 2009

Resonances in light heavy ion reactions are a much studied but little understood phenomenon. New measurements are reported of the 12 C (12 C ,γ)24 Mg radiative capture reaction with the aim of performing spectroscopic measurements on the previously identified resonances. The preliminary analysis is outlined relating to the identification of the 24 Mg using a triple ion chamber setup.
PROBING THE ISOSCALAR EXCITATIONS OF 12C WITH INELASTIC ALPHA SCATTERING
Authors: KHOA DAO T.
Published: January 2009

The robust (spin and isospin zero) α-particle remains one of the best projectiles to probe the nuclear isoscalar excitations. In the present work, a microscopic folding model analysis of the α+12 C inelastic scattering to the 2+ (4.44 MeV), 0+ (7.65 MeV), 3- (9.64 MeV), 0+ (10.3 MeV) and 1- (10.84 MeV) states in 12 C has been performed using the 3-α resonating group method wave functions. The isoscalar transition strengths of these states were carefully studied based on the coupled-channel analysis using the microscopic folded form factors. A correlation between the weak binding and/or short lifetime of the excited state and absorption in the exit channel of inelastic scattering has been established.
UNIFIED STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTIONS AND EXOTIC STRUCTURES IN 12Be
Authors: ITO MAKOTO , ITAGAKI NAOYUKI
Published: January 2009

The α+8 He low-energy reactions and the exotic structures of 12 Be are studied using the generalized two-center cluster (α+α+N) model. In the two-neutron transfer reactions, α + 8 He g.s. → 6 He g.s.+6 He g.s., a resonant peak with Jπ = 0+ appears around E ~ 1.3 MeV above the 6 He g.s. + 6 He g.s. threshold as the result of the formation of the covalent superdeformation, which has a hybrid structure of covalent and ionic configurations for the valence neutrons. The covalent superdeformation gives rise to an isomeric state with a sharp width of Γ ~ 400 keV .
BAND STRUCTURES IN 12Be: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
Authors: BOHLEN H. G. , VON OERTZEN W. , KOKALOVA TZ. , SCHULZ CH. , KALPAKCHIEVA R. , MASSEY T. N. , MILIN M.
Published: January 2009

The structure of the neutron-rich isotope 12 Be has been studied using different transfer reactions, which populate distinct structures in 12 Be . This concerns two-neutron and three-neutron stripping reactions and two-proton pick-up reactions at incident energies of 15–20 MeV/u. Band structures of positive and negative parity are discussed.
ALPHA-CLUSTER STRUCTURE IN 13C
Authors: YOSHIDA TOORU , ITAKAGI NAOYUKI , OTSUKA TAKAHARU
Published: January 2009

We study the structure of low-lying states of 13 C with a microscopic cluster model. In addition to the 3α-n model space, the breaking effect of one of the α-clusters due to the spin-orbit interaction is also taken into account. The iso-scalar E0 transition probabilities from the ground 1/2- state to the excited 1/2- states have been shown to be large associated with the cluster structure of these states. However the values are small due to the effect of one additional valence neutron compared to the case of the second 0+ state in 12 C .
PRESENT STATUS OF ALPHA-PARTICLE CONDENSATE STATES IN SELF-CONJUGATE 4n NUCLEI
Authors: FUNAKI Y. , YAMADA T. , HORIUCHI H. , RÖPKE G. , SCHUCK P. , TOHSAKI A.
Published: January 2009

Low density states near the 3α and 4α breakup threshold in 12 C and 16 O , respectively, are discussed in terms of the α-particle condensation. Calculations are performed in OCM (Orthogonality Condition Model) and THSR (Tohsaki-Horiuchi-Schuck-Röpke) approaches. The [Formula: see text] state in 12 C and the [Formula: see text] state in 16 C are shown to have dilute density structures and give strong enhancement of the occupation of the S-state c.o.m. orbital of the α-particles. The [Formula: see text] state in 16 C has a large component of [Formula: see text] configuration, which is another reliable evidence of the state to be of 4α condensate nature. The possibility of the existence of α-particle condensed states in heavier nα nuclei is also discussed.
THE INTERACTION OF A NUCLEON AND ALPHA CONDENSATE
Authors: TOHSAKI AKIHIRO
Published: January 2009

A nucleon is available for examining the property of α-condensate, which consists of composite bosons. Only a microscopic model, which fully takes into account the Pauli principle between all the constituent nucleons, can play its role. We give numerical results by equidistant spectrum model for the system of a neutron and 3α-cluster states. We discuss whether an extra nucleon can exist in the center of α-condensate or not.
DYNAMICAL SYMMETRIES OF BEC: EXACT ENERGY FORMULAS AND AN APPLICATION TO ALPHA-CONJUGATE NUCLEI
Authors: FORTUNATO LORENZO
Published: January 2009

An algebraic approach, based on dynamical symmetries, to Bose-Einstein condensates will be illustrated. It allows to write symmetry-dictated exact energy formulas for boson condensates that depend typically on a few quantum numbers. The application to alpha condensation in nuclei will be discussed in detail, showing that symmetry alone is sufficient to predict the energy of N -alpha states in alpha conjugate nuclei. Experiments that might improve the present knowledge will be suggested.
CROSS SECTIONS FOR NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS
Authors: DESCOUVEMONT PIERRE
Published: January 2009

General properties of low-energy cross sections and of reaction rates are presented. We describe different models used in nuclear astrophysics: microscopic models, the potential model, and the R-matrix method. Two important reactions, 7 Be ( p ,γ)8 B and 12 C (α,γ)16 O , are then briefly discussed.
ALPHA-PARTICLE MOMENTUM DISTRIBUTIONS FROM 12C DECAYING RESONANCES
Authors: ÁLVAREZ-RODRÍGUEZ R. , JENSEN A. S. , FEDOROV D. V. , FYNBO H. O. U. , GARRIDO E.
Published: January 2009

The computed α particle momentum distributions from the decay of low-lying 12 C resonances are shown. The wave function of the decaying fragments is computed by means of the complex scaled hyperspherical adiabatic expansion method. The large-distance part of the wave functions is crucial and has to be accurately calculated. We discuss energy distributions, angular distributions and Dalitz plots for the 4+, 1+ and 4- states of 12 C .
DI-NUCLEUS DYNAMICS TOWARD FUSION OF HEAVY NUCLEI
Authors: ABE YASUHISA , SHEN CAIWAN , KOSENKO GRIGORY , BOILLEY DAVID , GIRAUD BERTRAND G.
Published: January 2009

The Two-Step Model for fusion of massive systems is briefly recapitulated, which clarifies the mechanism of so-called fusion hindrance. Since the neck changes the potential landscape, especially the height of the conditional saddle point, time evolution of the neck degree of freedom plays a crucial role in fusion. We analytically solve time-evolution of nuclear shape of the composite system from di-nucleus to mono-nucleus. The time-dependent distribution function of the neck is obtained, which elucidates dynamics of fusion processes in general, and thus, is useful for theoretical predictions on synthesis of the superheavy elements with various combinations of incident heavy ions.
CLUSTER EFFECTS IN 25Mg + 206Pb REACTIONS STUDIED WITH THE VELOCITY FILTER SHIP
Authors: HEINZ SOPHIE
Published: January 2009

Nuclear reaction studies at beam energies of 5.9 and 8.7 × A MeV have been performed with the collision system 25 Mg +206 Pb at the velocity filter SHIP of GSI Darmstadt. The velocity filter offers the possibility to detect the reaction products under zero degree with respect to the beam direction. This allows, together with the measurement of the product velocities, for an identification of the underlying reaction mechanism. Besides fusion-evaporation reactions we found strong signatures for rotation and quasi-fission of nuclear molecules formed after the capture stage in the entrance channel.
NEW ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF AN INTERMEDIARY NUCLEON PHASE IN BINARY FISSION
Authors: MOUZE G. , HACHEM S. , YTHIER C.
Published: January 2009

A new description of the fission process is presented, based on the tendency of nuclear matter to clusterize.
ALPHA DECAY POTENTIAL BARRIERS AND HALF-LIVES AND ANALYTICAL FORMULA PREDICTIONS FOR SUPERHEAVY NUCLEI
Authors: ROYER GUY , ZHANG HONGFEI
Published: January 2009

The α decay potential barriers are determined in the cluster-like shape path within a generalized liquid drop model including the proximity effects between the α particle and the daughter nucleus and adjusted to reproduce the experimental Qα. The α emission half-lives are determined within the WKB penetration probability. Calculations using previously proposed formulae depending only on the mass and charge of the alpha emitter and Qα are also compared with new experimental alpha-decay half-lives. The agreement allows to provide predictions for the α decay half-lives of other still unknown superheavy nuclei using the Qα determined from the 2003 atomic mass evaluation of Audi, Wapstra and Thibault.
ALPHA-DECAY VERSUS ALPHA-CLUSTERING
Authors: DELION D. S.
Published: January 2009

The strength and shape of α-clusters in medium and heavy nuclei are analyzed by using α-decay experimental data. It turns out that the emitters above magic nuclei contain an important α-cluster component, not described within the standard mean field plus pairing approach.
BREAKUP OF HALO NUCLEI WITHIN A DYNAMICAL EIKONAL APPROXIMATION
Authors: CAPEL PIERRE , GOLDSTEIN GÉRALD , BAYE DANIEL , SUZUKI YASUYUKI
Published: January 2009

The Dynamical Eikonal Approximation (DEA) is briefly presented. Resuts obtained within this model for the breakup of 11 Be on both light and heavy targets are shown and compared to experiment. The Coulomb Corrected Eikonal (CCE) model is detailed and analysed through comparison with the DEA.
DYNAMICAL CORRELATIONS AND THE SYMMETRY INTERACTION
Authors: PAPA M. , GIULIANI G.
Published: January 2009

It is shown how many-body correlations involving the symmetry potential naturally arise in the molecular dynamics CoMD-II model. The effect of these correlations on the collision dynamics at the Fermi energies is briefly discussed. The comparison with predictions based on the density functional as obtained through EOS static calculations is also discussed.
CLUSTER STRUCTURE OF UNSTABLE NUCLEI STUDIED WITH AMD
Authors: KANADA-EN'YO YOSHIKO , KIMURA MASAAKI , TANIGUCHI YASUTAKA , SUHARA TADAHIRO
Published: January 2009

We report three-center cluster structures in the excited states of 11 B (11 C ), 8 He and 14 C based on theoretical calculations with the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics (AMD). In particular we discuss the cluster gas-like states 2α + t(2α+3 He ) in 11 B (11 C ) and α + 2n + 2n in 8 He . In 14 C , the 3α linear-chain structure is discussed.
INFLUENCE OF NEUTRON ENRICHMENT ON DISINTEGRATION MODES OF COMPOUND NUCLEI
Authors: BONNET E. , WIELECZKO J. P. , DEL CAMPO J. GOMEZ , LA COMMARA M. , BARLINI S. , BECK C. , BORDERIE B. , BOUGAULT R. , CHBIHI A. , DAYRAS R. , DE ANGELIS G. , FRANKLAND J. D. , GALINDO-URIBARRI A. , GLODARIOU T. , KRAVCHUK V. , LAUTESSE PH. , MOISAN J. , LE NEINDRE N. , MARTIN B. , NALPAS L. , ONOFRIO A. D. , PARLOG M. , PIERROUTSAKOU D. , REJMUND F. , RIVET M. F. , ROMOLI M. , ROSATO E. , ROY R. , SHAPIRA D. , SPADACCINI G. , TAMAIN B. , VIGILANTE M.
Published: January 2009

Cross sections, kinetic energy and angular distributions of fragments with charge 6 ≤ Z ≤ 28 emitted in 78,82 Kr +40 C at 5.5 MeV/A reactions were measured at the GANIL facility using the INDRA apparatus. This experiment aims to investigate the influence of the neutron enrichment on the decay mechanism of excited nuclei. Data are discussed in comparison with predictions of transition state and Hauser-Feshbach models.
CLUSTER ASPECTS OF PRODUCTION AND DECAY OF EXOTIC NUCLEI
Authors: ADAMIAN G. G. , ANTONENKO N. V. , ZUBOV A. S. , SCHEID W.
Published: January 2009

Within the dinuclear system model we analyse the production of yet unknown superheavy nuclei with Z > 118 and neutron-deficient isotopes of Pu in various complete fusion reactions. The yields of superheavies with Z > 118 are sensitive to the location of the next proton shell closure. The emission of neutron from the dinuclear systems is discussed.
ANALYSIS ON TWO-NEUTRON CORRELATION THROUGH DALITZ PLOT OF COULOMB BREAKUP REACTION FOR 6He
Authors: KIKUCHI YUMA , KATŌ KIYOSHI , MYO TAKAYUKI , TAKASHINA MASAAKI , IKEDA KIYOMI
Published: January 2009

A new method to describe the three-body decaying states is developed. In this method, the Lippmann–Schwinger equation is combined with the complex scaling method to take the correct boundary condition into account. For the application, the E1 transition strength of 6 He is investigated. The energy and Dalitz distributions of the E1 transition are calculated, and the internal correlation of 6 He is discussed. As results, it is found that the 6 He → 5 He (3/2-)+n → 4 He +n+n sequential decay process is dominant in the E1 transition reaction of 6 He .
A MICROSCOPIC HYPER-SPHERICAL MODEL: APPLICATION TO 6He
Authors: BRIDA I. , NUNES F. M.
Published: January 2009

We have developed a microscopic cluster model for two-neutron halo nuclei with special attention paid to long distance correlations between the core and the valence neutrons. The emphasis put on a good treatment of the asymptotic region is necessary for nuclear reaction calculations involving these nuclei. In this contribution, we present the first results of our model applied to the ground state of 6 He bound by an effective central Minnesota N-N interaction, and compare with experiment and other theoretical models.
A MODULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANOID SOCCER ROBOTS WITH DISTRIBUTED BEHAVIOR CONTROL
Authors: ACOSTA-CALDERON CARLOS ANTONIO , MOHAN RAJESH ELARA , ZHOU CHANGJIU , HU LINGYUN , YUE PIK KONG , HU HUOSHENG
Published: January 2009

This paper presents an embedded control architecture constructed for Robo-Erectus, a soccer-playing humanoid robot developed at the Advanced Robotics and Intelligent Control Centre of Singapore Polytechnic. The Robo-Erectus team has participated in the KidSize category of RoboCup's Humanoid League since 2002, collecting different awards. The latest version of Robo-Erectus has many capabilities that can be exploited to improve the robot's behavior. The new embedded controller has made possible the first stage of the performance (displayed during RoboCup 2007), including network communication, mapping, and localization. The new mechanical, electronic design, embedded control architecture, and control schemes are described in this paper. In addition to the hardware, the paper presents details of the modules for gait generation, vision, behavior control, and communication.
PERMANENCE FOR A DISCRETE NICHOLSON'S BLOWFLIES MODEL WITH FEEDBACK CONTROL AND DELAY
Authors: WANG LIN-LIN , FAN YONG-HONG
Published: January 2009

Sufficient conditions are established for the permanence in a delayed discrete Nicholson's blowflies model with feedback control. Our investigation confirms that the bounded feedback terms do not have any influence on the permanence of this system.
GLOBAL DYNAMICS OF NONLINEAR TWO-STAGED AGE-DEPENDENT POPULATIONS
Authors: HE ZE-RONG
Published: January 2009

We investigate the global behavior for a population whose members are divided into two classes: juveniles and adults, with mortalities age- and density-dependent. Laplace transforms are used to examine the asymptotic dynamics of age profiles, which describes completely the evolution process of the nonlinear population system. Our result can be viewed as a generalization of Sharp–Lotka theorem in some nonlinear situations.
EFFECT OF DELAY ON TWO COMPETING ORGANISM IN A POLLUTED ENVIRONMENT
Authors: MUKHERJEE DEBASIS
Published: January 2009

This paper concentrates on the study of delay effect on a chemostat type model of two competing organisms in the presence of toxicant. It is assumed that one of the competitors is affected by the toxicant while other detoxifies (absorbs) the toxicant. Uniform persistence and the stability of interior equilibrium point is discussed. Delay analysis has been carried out when the organisms are in coexistence, bistable and dominance respectively. Lastly the results are verified through computer simulation. Numerical simulation suggests that delay has a destabilizing effect (may lead to stability switches).
GLOBAL DYNAMIC BEHAVIORS OF A TWO-DIMENSIONAL INTEGRAL-DIFFERENTIAL ALMOST PERIODIC SYSTEM WITH INFINITE DELAYS AND DISCRETE DELAYS
Authors: MENG XINZHU , ZHANG TONGQIAN
Published: January 2009

A nonautomous two-dimensional integral-differential Lotka–Volterra almost periodic competitive system with infinite delays and discrete delays is considered. By use of the computational technique on functional differential equation, we obtain the sufficient conditions for the permanence and the global asymptotic stability of the system. By using almost periodic functional hull theory, we show that the almost periodic system has a unique strictly positive almost periodic solution which is globally asymptotically stable. Our results show that the global dynamic behaviors of the system is dependent of time delays.
Analysis and design of a hardware/software trusted platform module for embedded systems
Authors: Aaraj Najwa , Raghunathan Anand , Jha Niraj K.
Published: January 2009

Trusted platforms have been proposed as a promising approach to enhance the security of general-purpose computing systems. However, for many resource-constrained embedded systems, the size and cost overheads of a separate Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip are not acceptable. One alternative is to use a software-based TPM, which implements TPM functions using software that executes in a protected execution domain on the embedded processor itself. However, since many embedded systems have limited processing capabilities and are battery-powered, it is also important to ensure that the computational and energy requirements for SW-TPMs are acceptable.

In this article, we perform an evaluation of the energy and execution time overheads for a SW-TPM implementation on a handheld appliance (Sharp Zaurus PDA). We characterize the execution time and energy required by each TPM command through actual measurements on the target platform. We observe that for most commands, overheads are primarily due to the use of 2,048-bit RSA operations that are performed within the SW-TPM. In order to alleviate SW-TPM overheads, we evaluate the use of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) as a replacement for the RSA algorithm specified in the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) standards. In addition, we also evaluate the overheads of using the SW-TPM in the context of various end applications, including trusted boot of the Linux operating system (OS), a secure VoIP client, and a secure Web browser. Furthermore, we analyze the computational workload involved in running SW-TPM commands using ECC. We then present a suite of hardware and software enhancements to accelerate these commands—generic custom instructions and exploitation of parallel processing capabilities in multiprocessor systems-on-chip (SoCs). We report results of evaluating the proposed architectures on a commercial embedded processor (Xtensa from Tensilica). Through uniprocessor and multiprocessor optimizations, we could achieve speed-ups of up to 5.71X for individual TPM commands.
Player talk—the functions of communication in multplayer role-playing games
Authors: Drachen Anders , Smith Jonas Heide
Published: January 2009

Communication is a vital component of multiplayer gameplay, constituting a large part of the total player interaction. This article presents a comprehensive study of the role of interplayer communication during the gaming process in digital and tabletop role-playing game formats. A series of empirical game experiments are presented and the player-based communication analyzed, with the aim of clarifying how format (media of expression) impacts on verbal communication in multiplayer games; as well as examining player communication in general. The results show distinct differences in the communication patterns between the two game formats, directly related to the limitations and requirements of the tabletop and digital media utilized, for example in the amount of “in-character” communication. Interplayer communication in both formats is highly focused on functional content, that is, oriented towards supporting practical gameplay; however, functional content has different meanings on the two platforms. These and other results are discussed in the context of format differences and in the larger context of the functions of verbal communication during the playing of multiplayer games.