bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and simulation in pediatric drug therapy: Application of pharmacometrics to define the right dose for children
Authors: Vinks AA , Emoto C , Fukuda T
Published: June 2015

During the past decades significant progress has been made in our understanding of the importance of age‐appropriate development of new drug therapies in children. Importantly, several regulatory initiatives in Europe and the US have provided a framework for a rationale. In the US, most notably the enactment of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and Product Research and Equity Act (PREA) has facilitated the studying of on‐patent and off‐patent drugs in children. The biggest challenge in pediatric studies is defining a safe and effective dose or dose range in a patient population that can span from premature neonates to adolescents. From a mechanism‐based perspective, advances in the science of quantitative pharmacology and pharmacometrics have resulted in the development of model‐based approaches to better describe and understand important age‐related factors influencing drug disposition and response in pediatric patients. The application of modeling and simulation has been shown to result in better estimates of pediatric doses as evidenced by several studies, although the optimal approach is still being debated. The extrapolation of efficacy findings from adults to the pediatric population has streamlined the development process especially for studies in older children. However, a focus on developmental changes in neonates and infants as well as further developing a paradigm for conducting pharmacodynamic studies in neonates, infants, and children remain important unmet needs. In this overview we will review current approaches for age‐appropriate dose selection and highlight ongoing efforts to define exposure–response and clinical outcome relationships across the pediatric age spectrum.
Research on convergence of multipopulation binary‐ and real‐coded genetic algorithms for solution of crystal structure from X‐Ray powder diffraction data
Authors: Zaloga Aleksandr , Burakov Sergey , Semenkin Eugene , Yakimov Igor
Published: June 2015

The approach for automated crystal structure solution from X‐Ray powder diffraction data based on the multi‐population parallel genetic algorithm (MPGA) combined with the Rietveld‐like Derivative Difference Minimization method is described. It is proven with representative examples that the MPGA convergence rate is much higher than that of the single‐population GA.
Help students make connections on campus
Authors: Hamblet Elizabeth C.
Published: June 2015

Studies have shown that having a sense of connection to people in school and participating in academic or social activities can increase the chances that college students with disabilities will persist in pursuing their degrees. Study groups and informal meetings with faculty outside of class can help students build connections. Research has also found the reverse of this to be true — that those who did not do such things tended to drop out. Given this, it is important to both inform students about how connections can benefit them and help them find ways to make connections.
Provide support to graduate students with disabilities
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2015

Barbara Hammer, director of the Disability Center at the University of Missouri, has realized that graduate students with disabilities face challenges beyond those that undergraduates face. Below, she explains how she supports these students.
Green and Straightforward Modification of Graphite Electrode via In Situ Synthesis of Graphene Nanosheets for Quantifying Prazosin Hydrochloride in Urine Samples and Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Rabieh Sasan , Koushanpour Ashkan , Tajabadi Fariba
Published: June 2015

A sensitive electrochemical sensor based on in situ modification of graphite electrode via graphene nanosheets (GNs) was developed as a green method for prazosin hydrochloride (PRA) analyses. In this study, GNs were electrochemically synthesized on the surface of graphite electrode via in situ approach and used for the analyses. The proposed sensor showed several advantages such as high sensitivity, low LOD, and excellent repeatability. The oxidation peak current at the optimum analytical conditions using a GNs/graphite electrode at pH 6.0 was linearly dependent on PRA concentration in the range of 0.09–100 µM. A LOD of 0.02 µM and RSD of 3.8 % for 10 µM solution of PRA with a great recovery were obtained.
The Early Millennium Slowdown: Replicating the Peersman (2005) Results
Authors: Grant Angelia L.
Published: June 2015

This paper undertakes both a narrow and wide replication of the constant coefficients vector autoregression (VAR) identified with sign restrictions considered by Peersman (Journal of Applied Econometrics2005;20(2): 185–207. His results for the US are robust to an increase in the sample period from 2002:Q2 to 2014:Q2, but the extension to time‐varying parameters highlights the importance of testing the robustness of results against time variation. In particular, there are differences across models regarding the role of individual shocks during the 2001 US slowdown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finance in the Cloud—Myth or Today's Reality?
Authors: Barrow Craig , Hatch Toby
Published: June 2015

So what's holding your organization back from implementing financial cloud applications? You, or others on your team, may be hung up on some long‐standing myths about cloud computing. This article will address some of the more prevalent myths and fears and bring some “reality therapy” to this process. It will also try to provide a better understanding of the variety of cloud options available to bring some clarity to the analysis and decision process associated with implementing financial cloud applications. This process will include both a checklist of the essential risk‐mitigating questions to ask, and a quiz to determine how “cloud ready” your Finance organization is today. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When BYOD Meets Big Data
Authors: Parham Abbie Gail , Mooney J. Lowell , Cairney Timothy D.
Published: June 2015

Organizations have always collected lots of data but most of it was discarded. Now they retain and apply analytics to the data in an effort to discover meaningful patterns that might help them improve performance. Much of this Big Data is collected from BYOD devices. This article explores the security and privacy issues raised when organizations collect Big Data from mobile devices that actually belong to their employees. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bitcoin: Risks and Controls
Authors: Grant Gerry , Hogan Robert
Published: June 2015

Proponents hype the benefits of Bitcoin transactions as being faster and cheaper than traditional methods; however, concerns around the lack of a central governing agency, lack of controls over Bitcoin exchanges, and the volatility of the virtual currency persist. Therefore, a company's use of Bitcoin, as a medium of exchange or as an investment, involves risks and internal control concerns that merit careful consideration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Painting With Numbers : Presenting Numerical Information as a Communication Skill
Authors: Bolten Randall
Published: June 2015

We don't have to be told how important numbers are, but not everyone succeeds at presenting them in a way that's understandable. Presenting numbers effectively is both a craft and an art, much like writing coherently and speaking eloquently. It requires respect for the audience, a sense of narrative flow, and knowledge about what makes presentations understandable and effective. This article shows how you can present numerical data more effectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current Accounting Issues Facing Chief Accounting and Chief Financial Officers
Authors: Ciesielski Jack T. , Weirich Thomas R.
Published: June 2015

This article takes us inside a recent AICPA conference where current accounting issues facing corporate accounting and financial officers were discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reaching Into the Cookie Jar? Why Conservative Accounting Is Sometimes a Problem
Authors: Caylor Marcus L. , Chambers Dennis J.
Published: June 2015

In this article, we discuss four financial statement accounts in which overly conservative accounting has been used to create reserves for future income‐increasing earnings management. Due to the multiyear nature of this activity and the role of managers' discretion in many accounting choices, it can be very difficult for auditors to uncover such behavior. We report and interpret academic research demonstrating that this activity is somewhat common, and provide practical suggestions that auditors can use to identify it. Our article reinforces the notion that auditors need to be equally skeptical of overly conservative accounting choices as they are of aggressive accounting choices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Merger Waves and Corporate Inversions: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Marcum Bill , Martin Dale R. , Strickland Deon
Published: June 2015

A number of reports from the business press have suggested that corporate cash hoarding may have served as the motivation for the recent rise in inversions. While access to cash may motivate some inversions, it is difficult to differentiate the importance of corporate cash availability from other influences such as business environment shocks or relative equity valuations. Regardless of the specific motivation, inversion transactions have garnered the attention of the public, the media and the government. This recent spike in scrutiny carries with it the possibility that some action may be taken to at least partially eliminate any potential tax benefits of an inversion, suggesting that firms considering such a move might be wise to move quickly. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does Venture Capital Pay? New Evidence on an Old Question
Authors: Pereiro Luis E.
Published: June 2015

Using a novel set of risk benchmarks, the author analyzes the performance of U.S. venture capital. Findings show, over the long term, that venture capitalists have achieved a risk‐adjusted return of 5.16%. In stark contrast, their passive capital providers have pocketed a dismal, close‐to‐nil return on venture capital. The author suggests a method to solve this imbalance—a practical way for passive investors to negotiate a fairer split of returns with venture capitalists. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3D nonlinear transient field‐circuit modeling of inductive fault current limiters
Authors: Cvoric Dalibor , Lahaye Domenico , de Haan Sjoerd , Ferreira Braham
Published: June 2015

Due to increasing levels of fault currents, fault current limiters (FCLs) are expected to play an important role in the protection of future power grids. Inductive saturable FCLs are particularly interesting due to their inherent reaction on the fault. Many different configurations have been proposed in literature. Being difficult or impossible to create accurate analytical models of some FCL configurations, the development of finite element (FE) models for inductive FCLs is required. This paper presents a 3D nonlinear transient FE modeling technique applied to two inductive FCLs, namely the so‐called open‐core and three‐leg single‐core FCLs. The models have been validated by comparing simulation results with lab measurements. Results show excellent agreement. The models constitute a valuable tool for design, optimization, and verification of inductive FCLs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of microbial communities in mung bean (Vigna radiata) rhizosphere upon exposure to phytotoxic levels of Copper
Authors: Sharaff Murali , Archana G.
Published: June 2015

Pollution of agricultural soils by Cu is of concern as it could bring about alterations in microbial communities, ultimately eliminating certain plant beneficial bacteria thus disturbing soil fertility and plant growth. To understand the response of rhizobacterial communities upon Cu perturbation, mung bean (Vigna radiata) plants were grown in agricultural soil amended with CuSO4 (0–1000 mg kg−1) under laboratory conditions. Culture‐independent and ‐dependent Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (CI‐DGGE and CD‐DGGE) fingerprinting techniques were employed to monitor rhizobacterial community shifts upon Cu amendment. In group specific PCR‐DGGE, a negative impact was seen on α‐Proteobacteria followed by β‐Proteobacteria resulting in a concomitant decrease in diversity indices with increased Cu concentration. No significant changes were observed in Firmicutes and Actinomycetes populations. In CD‐DGGE rhizobacterial community shift was observed above 500 mg kg−1 (CuSO4), however certain bands were predominantly present in all treatments. Plants showed toxic effects by reduction in growth and elevated Cu accumulation, with root system being affected prominently. From this study it is evident that above 250 mg kg−1, rhizobacterial communities are adversely affected. α‐Proteobacteria was found to be a sensitive bio‐indicator for Cu toxicity and is of particular significance since this group includes majority of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.
Algorithmically imposed thermodynamic compliance for material models in mechanical simulations using the AIM method
Authors: Dunant C. F. , Bentz E. C.
Published: June 2015

Thermodynamic irreversibility can be imposed on empirical material behaviour by using an appropriate algorithm which takes the path‐dependence of the degradation process into account. This new algorithm, Algorithmically Imposed Mechanics (AIM), for algorithmically irreversible mechanics, is described, and the convergence and unicity of the solutions obtained are proven. AIM is applicable to a range of mechanical behaviour and is demonstrated to work in conjunction with non‐local damage with rotating cracks as well as a mixed plastic and damage behaviour. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On image gradients in digital image correlation
Authors: Neggers J. , Blaysat B. , Hoefnagels J. P. M. , Geers M. G. D.
Published: June 2015

In digital image correlation (DIC), the unknown displacement field is typically identified by minimizing the linearized form of the brightness conservation equation, while the minimization scheme also involves a linearization, yielding a two‐step linearization with four implicit assumptions. These assumptions become apparent by minimizing the non‐linear brightness conservation equation in a consistent mathematical setting, yielding a one‐step linearization allowing a thorough study of the DIC tangent operator. Through this analysis, eight different image gradient operators are defined, and the impact of these alternative image gradients on the accuracy, efficiency, and initial guess robustness is discussed on the basis of a number of academic examples and representative test cases. The main conclusion is that for most cases, the image gradient most common in literature is recommended, except for cases with: (1) large rotations; (2) initial guess instabilities; and (3) costly iterations due to other reasons (e.g., integrated DIC), where a large deformation corrected mixed gradient is recommended instead. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TEM study of defects versus growth orientations in heavily boron‐doped diamond
Authors: Lloret F. , Araujo D. , Alegre M. P. , Gonzalez‐Leal J. M. , Villar M. P. , Eon D. , Bustarret E.
Published: June 2015

Heavy boron‐doping layer in diamond can be responsible for the generation of extended defects during the growth processes (Blank et al., Diam. Relat. Mater. 17, 1840 (2008) ). As claimed recently (Alegre et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 105, 173103 (2014) ), boron pair interactions rather than strain‐related misfit seems to be responsible for such dislocation generation. In the present work, electron microscopy observations are used to study the defects induced by heavy boron doping in different growth plane orientations. Facets of pyramidal Hillocks (PHs) and pits provide access to non‐conventional growth orientations where boron atoms incorporation is different during growth. TEM analysis on FIB prepared lamellas confirm that also for those growth orientations, the generation of dislocations occurs within the heavily boron‐doped diamond layers. Stacking faults (SFs) have been also observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). From the invisibility criteria, using weak beam (WB) observation, and , Burgers vectors have been identified. Their generation behavior confirms the mechanism reported by Alegre et al. where local in‐plane strain effects induced at the growing surface of the diamond lattice by the neighboring of several boron atoms cause the generation of such extended defects.
Methods comparing peculiarities of surface‐relief recording in amorphous chalcogenides
Authors: Bohdan Roland , Molnar Sandor , Kokenyesi Sandor
Published: June 2015

Direct surface relief recording in amorphous chalcogenide semiconductors like As20Se80 and other compositions from As(Ge)–S(Se) systems essentially depends on the chemical composition, technology, and the recording conditions, resulting discrepancies in the results and interpretations. We have developed a method of direct comparison of the relief height and form in a combined thin film samples made of the reference and investigated compositions, as well as simple way of determining the efficiency of mass transport at surface relief recording. Selection of the a‐Se as reference layer enables consideration of the possible role of composition, temperature, polarization in the recording process for any other chalcogenide or other material, which possess similar relief recording effects.
Adaptation of micro‐diffusion method for the analysis of15N natural abundance of ammonium in samples with small volume
Authors: Zhang Shasha , Fang Yunting , Xi Dan
Published: June 2015

Rationale

There are several preparation methods for the measurement of the nitrogen (N) isotopic composition of ammonium (NH4+) in different types of samples (freshwater, saltwater and soil extracts). The diffusion method is the most popular and it involves NH4+in solutions being released under alkaline conditions and then immediately trapped by an acidified filter. However, the traditional preparation is designed for samples with large volume and relatively high N concentrations. The performance of diffusion for small‐volume samples (e.g., a few milliliters) remains unknown.

Methods

We examined the overall performance of micro‐diffusion on 5 mL samples on varying the incubation time, temperature and initial NH4+concentration. The trapped ammonia was chemically converted into nitrous oxide (N2O) with hypobromite and hydroxylamine in sequence. The produced N2O was analyzed by a commercially available purge and cryogenic trap system coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

Results

We found that diffusion can be complete with no more than 7 days of treatment at 37 °C. Increasing the temperature to 50 °C and the incubation time to 11 days did not improve the overall performance. There were no significant differences in the overall performance during diffusion with NH4+concentrations from 15 to 60 μM. The blank size was relatively large, and the N contamination might come from the reagents especially KCl salts.

Conclusions

The method presented here combines micro‐diffusion and hypobromite oxidation and hydroxylamine reduction. It is suitable for samples with small volume and low NH4+concentrations. Our study demonstrates that the NH4+concentrations in samples can be as low as 15 μM, and a volume of 5 mL is sufficient for this method. We suggest that this method can be used for the routine determination of15N/14N for either natural abundance or15N‐enriched NH4+. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the formation of SFn– (n = 1–6) anions via a novel route and their properties
Authors: Mane Rupali , Mehrotra Nitin , Maity Dilip K. , Gupta Anit K.
Published: June 2015

Rationale

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) being a potential greenhouse gas, coupled with its numerous applications, makes the study of the formation and fragmentation of SF6‐based species important. The formation of SF6‐based anionic species has been studied using the gas feed‐sputtering route and the mechanisms at play during the sputter‐ejection of guest molecule‐derived particles have also been probed.

Methods

Studies of the formation of SFn– (n = 1–6) anions were conducted from various surfaces (metal and compound) that were subjected to Cs+ ion sputtering in the presence of SF6 gas employing the gas feed‐cesium sputter technique. The anions generated were mass analyzed using a double‐focusing magnetic sector mass spectrometer. Quantum mechanical computations were performed to study the ground state structure and stability of neutral and negatively charged SFn (n = 1–6) systems applying density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio methods (MP2 and CC).

Results

This technique readily generated 32SFn– (n = 1–6) anions for all sizes of 'n' with practicable yields. Mass spectrometric measurements of the yield of sputter‐ejected 32SFn– (n = 1–6) anions reveal an oscillatory pattern as a function of 'n', with odd values of 'n' being relatively more abundant. The relative yield of 34SFn– (n = 1–6) anions with respect to size was also measured albeit with low signal intensity. Also observed were F–, S–, F2–, 33SF5– and 33SF6– anionic species. The relevant electron affinity and bond dissociation energy (BDE) values were also computed.

Conclusions

Gas‐phase SFn– (n = 1–6) anions can be effectively generated by using the gas spray‐cesium sputter technique. Both experimental measurements and calculations indicate the existence of odd–even oscillations in the stability and electronic structure of the SFn (n = 1–6) systems. The highest yield recorded was for the sputter‐ejected SF5– species and this may be attributed to its 'superhalogen' anionic character coupled with the relatively favorable F0 fragmentation pathway of sputtered SF6–. A signature pertaining to intact SF6– anion ejection is also observed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retromer‐mediated endosomal protein sorting: The role of unstructured domains
Authors: Mukadam Aamir S. , Seaman Matthew N.J.
Published: June 2015

The retromer complex is a key element of the endosomal protein sorting machinery that is conserved through evolution and has been shown to play a role in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Through sorting various membrane proteins (cargo), the function of retromer complex has been linked to physiological processes such as lysosome biogenesis, autophagy, down regulation of signalling receptors and cell spreading. The cargo‐selective trimer of retromer recognises membrane proteins and sorts them into two distinct pathways; endosome‐to‐Golgi retrieval and endosome‐to‐cell surface recycling and additionally the cargo‐selective trimer functions as a hub to recruit accessory proteins to endosomes where they may regulate and/or facilitate retromer‐mediated endosomal proteins sorting. Unstructured domains present in cargo proteins or accessory factors play key roles in both these aspects of retromer function and will be discussed in this review.
The prevalence of mental health morbidity and its associated factors among women attending a prenatal clinic in Tanzania
Authors: Mahenge Bathsheba , Stöckl Heidi , Likindikoki Samuel , Kaaya Sylvia , Mbwambo Jessie
Published: June 2015

Objective

To establish the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women attending prenatal care in Tanzania, and identify associated factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted of one in five physically well women attending a prenatal‐care clinic in Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, between December 2011 and April 2012. Trained research assistants carried out face‐to‐face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist and the PTSD Diagnostic Scale were used to establish levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.

Results

Among the 1180 women interviewed, 905 (76.7%) had symptoms of anxiety, 923 (78.2%) had symptoms of depression, and 58 (4.9%) had moderate/severe PTSD symptoms. After adjustment for women's sociodemographic characteristics, age of the woman and their partner, educational level of the woman and their partner, relationship duration, employment, and marital status were associated with symptoms of at least one of the three mental disorders (P< 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Many pregnant women had symptoms of mental health disorders. Screening of mental health disorders during prenatal care and training of healthcare providers are needed.
Perception of Effort During Activity in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Weinstein Ali A. , Escheik Carey , Oe Bibiana , Price Jillian K. , Gerber Lynn H. , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are used to monitor and prescribe exercise intensity for a variety of patient populations. It is important to understand RPE in different patient populations to ensure appropriate prescriptions and maximize the likelihood of adherence. Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) are a constellation of diseases that are associated frequently with fatigue, metabolic abnormalities, and cardiovascular disease, all targets for prescription of exercise. However, there have been no investigations of the correlates of RPE in those with CLD.

Objective

To correlate RPE during a 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) with biological/physiological measures in subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CH‐C) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Design

Observational analytical study.

Setting

Specialty clinic.

Participants

A convenience sample of 51 subjects with NAFLD or CH‐C (age: 51.1 ± 8.8 years, 35% female) was enrolled. Subjects receiving antiviral therapies or those with recent myocardial infarction, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal comorbidities affecting exertion were excluded.

Methods

Participants underwent fasting morning venipuncture, and resting cardiorespiratory data were collected. Then the participants completed a 6MWT. At the conclusion of the 6MWT, participants reported their RPE, and cardiorespiratory data were reassessed.

Main Outcome Measurements

RPE, 6MWT, resting/postexertion cardiorespiratory data (eg, heart rate, cardiac output), Human Activity Profile (HAP), fasting morning glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), lipids, and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) were determined.

Results

For the entire group, RPE was significantly correlated to serum IL‐8 and GLU but not to the other factors. When we controlled for age and triglycerides, RPE remained significantly related to GLU (rs = 0.54; P = .04), maximal activity level (HAP) (rs = 0.58; P = .03), and distance walked (rs = 0.61; P = .03) in those with NAFLD. In those with CH‐C, only IL‐8 remained a strong correlate of RPE (rs = 0.54; P = .01).

Conclusions

In individuals with CH‐C, RPE was related to an inflammatory factor, whereas in individuals with NAFLD, RPE was related to a metabolic and a lifestyle factor.
The Two Cultures of Democratic Theory: Responsiveness, Democratic Quality, and the Empirical-Normative Divide
Authors: Sabl Andrew
Published: June 2015

Empirical political scientists and normative political theorists both seek to assess the quality of democracy. But they apply to this task very different criteria and assumptions. Empiricists (in particular those who study American politics) often assume that a—perhapsthe—key indicator of democratic quality is responsiveness, the degree to which policy outcomes reflect public opinion. They often cite “democratic theory” as endorsing this criterion. Normative theorists, however, all but universally reject responsiveness, proposing instead very different criteria of democratic quality. I document a divide between two research cultures; trace some of its causes; and suggest some ways of overcoming it so that scholars on each side may benefit from the insights of the other. Empiricists, I argue, should acknowledge that the responsiveness criterion is neither value-neutral nor, in its pure form, particularly persuasive. Theorists adduce other criteria for sound and commonsensical reasons. In particular, to the extent that empiricists find that policy outcomes reflect not median voter preferences but either random factors or the concerns of the wealthy and organized, they would render their findings more compelling by presenting them as troubling according to a variety of persuasive democratic theories, not just a stylized theory that posits pure responsiveness as its ideal. Normative theorists, I argue, may learn from empiricists greater respect for ordinary citizens’ existing opinions, however imperfect the social and political circumstances in which they originate. and greater concern regarding empirical evidence that the median voter’s opinions may have little independent effect on policy. In spite of all this, the two cultures remain properly distinct in many respects. Some substantial differences in approach reflect a necessary, permanent, and salutary division of labor between two very different modes of studying democracy and assessing its quality.
An Investigation into Independent Learning Using the Cambridge Latin Course Independent Learning Manual with Year 9 Students
Authors: Patel Dru
Published: June 2015

While I was undertaking teacher training I noticed an emphasis on student-led learning and experimented with trying to make my own lessons less teacher-centred. Many other lessons in the school in which I was placed were largely student-led, as the students had easy access to resources that made this possible, such as iPads. As the school uses the Cambridge Latin Course (CLC), I decided to experiment with its accompanying Independent Learning Manual (ILM), which is designed to be used in conjunction with the CLC textbooks.
What Some Students Found Challenging about Indirect Statement in Prose Composition
Authors: Eales James
Published: June 2015

One ‘can hardly avoid controversy’ when discussing prose composition (Pearcy, 1998, 35); the very idea seems to evoke only the extremes from a Classicist. Some avidly argue against it, labelling it a ‘useless, archaic exercise’ (Ball and Ellsworth, 1992, p. 55), some vehemently defend it, calling it ‘an invaluable virtue in all areas of education’ (Butterfield, 2013, p. 8). Others believe there are more important arguments to be made about Classics, comparing the argument about prose composition to ‘litigating over property lines when the house is on fire’ (Jacoby, 1994, xii, cited in Pearcy, 1998, p. 37). Despite this view, the debate about prose composition has recently been reignited. The recent publication inPoliteia(Butterfield, Anderson, Radice & Sullivan, 2013) demanded a new prose composition option for Latin GCSE in order to bring it in line with the current A Level system and for students to ‘obtain a higher level of linguistics familiarity and facility in Latin’ (2013, p. 8). The DfE (2014) has just published the guidelines to the reformed Latin GCSE, for first teaching in 2016, which does include recommendations for such an option.
East Oxford Community Classics Centre News
Authors: Robinson Lorna
Published: June 2015

It has been another very busy year so far at the East Oxford Community Classics Centre at Cheney School. In September, two exciting new courses started: a brand new community A Level Latin course and a Classics enrichment course for Year 9s at Cheney School. We have also been running a range of projects and events. This report details some of what we have been up to, and some of the exciting things we have planned for the future.
Interfacial Coupling and Electronic Structure of Two-Dimensional Silicon Grown on the Ag(111) Surface at High Temperature
Authors: Feng Jiagui , Wagner Sean R. , Zhang Pengpeng
Published: June 2015

Freestanding silicene, a monolayer of Si arranged in a honeycomb structure, has been predicted to give rise to massless Dirac fermions, akin to graphene. However, Si structures grown on a supporting substrate can show properties that strongly deviate from the freestanding case. Here, combining scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and differential conductance mapping, we show that the electrical properties of the "Equation missing" phase of few-layer Si grown on Ag(111) strongly depend on film thickness, where the electron phase coherence length decreases and the free-electron-like surface state gradually diminishes when approaching the interface. These features are presumably attributable to the inelastic inter-band electron-electron scattering originating from the overlap between the surface state, interface state and the bulk state of the substrate. We further demonstrate that the intrinsic electronic structure of the as grown "Equation missing" phase is identical to that of the "Equation missing"R30° reconstructed Ag on Si(111), both of which exhibit the parabolic energy-momentum dispersion relation with comparable electron effective masses. These findings highlight the essential role of interfacial coupling on the properties of two-dimensional Si structures grown on supporting substrates, which should be thoroughly scrutinized in pursuit of silicene.
Reconstructing propagation networks with temporal similarity
Authors: Liao Hao , Zeng An
Published: June 2015

Node similarity significantly contributes to the growth of real networks. In this paper, based on the observed epidemic spreading results we apply the node similarity metrics to reconstruct the underlying networks hosting the propagation. We find that the reconstruction accuracy of the similarity metrics is strongly influenced by the infection rate of the spreading process. Moreover, there is a range of infection rate in which the reconstruction accuracy of some similarity metrics drops nearly to zero. To improve the similarity-based reconstruction method, we propose a temporal similarity metric which takes into account the time information of the spreading. The reconstruction results are remarkably improved with the new method.
A density-controlled scaffolding strategy for covalent functionalization of carbon-fiber microelectrodes
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Ibrahim Ahmad A. , Stockdill Jennifer L. , Hashemi Parastoo
Published: June 2015

We describe a covalent functionalization method for creating density-controlled selective adsorption sites on carbon-fiber microelectrodes.
Preparation of mesoporous SiO2@azobenzene–COOH chemoselective nanoprobes for comprehensive mapping of amino metabolites in human serum
Authors: Li Hua , Qin Qian , Qiao Lizhen , Shi Xianzhe , Xu Guowang
Published: June 2015

mSiO2@azobenzene–COOH chemoselective nanoprobes were developed for comprehensive mapping of amino metabolites in complex biological samples with high specificity and sensitivity.
Transition-metal-free visible-light photoredox catalysis at room-temperature for decarboxylative fluorination of aliphatic carboxylic acids by organic dyes
Authors: Wu Xinxin , Meng Chunna , Yuan Xiaoqian , Jia Xiaotong , Qian Xuhong , Ye Jinxing
Published: June 2015

We report herein an efficient, general and green method for decarboxylative fluorination of aliphatic carboxylicacids.
In vitro hyperthermia studied in a continuous manner using electric impedance sensing
Authors: Xie Xinwu , Liu Ran , Xu Youchun , Wang Lei , Lan Ziyang , Chen Weixing , Liu Haoran , Lu Ying , Cheng Jing
Published: June 2015

A platform based on the ECIS technique was constructed for analyzing heat-cell interactions and furtherin vitrohyperthermia studies.
Blow-up rate estimates for the solutions of the bosonic Boltzmann-Nordheim equation
Authors: Bandyopadhyay J. , Velázquez J. J. L.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we study the behavior of a class of mild solutions of the homogeneous and isotropic bosonic Boltzmann-Nordheim equation near the blow-up. We obtain some estimates on the blow-up rate of the solutions and prove that, as long as a solution is bounded above by the critical singularity 1x (the equilibrium solutions behave like this power law near the origin), it remains bounded in the uniform norm. In Sec. III of the paper, we prove a local existence result for a class of measure-valued mild solutions, which is of independent interest and which allows us to solve the Boltzmann-Nordheim equation for some classes of unbounded densities.
Gapped and gapless phases of frustration-free spin-12 chains
Authors: Bravyi Sergey , Gosset David
Published: June 2015

We consider a family of translation-invariant quantum spin chains with nearest-neighbor interactions and derive necessary and sufficient conditions for these systems to be gapped in the thermodynamic limit. More precisely, let ψ be an arbitrary two-qubit state. We consider a chain of n qubits with open boundary conditions and Hamiltonian Hn(ψ) which is defined as the sum of rank-1 projectors onto ψ applied to consecutive pairs of qubits. We show that the spectral gap of Hn(ψ) is upper bounded by 1/(n − 1) if the eigenvalues of a certain 2 × 2 matrix simply related to ψ have equal non-zero absolute value. Otherwise, the spectral gap is lower bounded by a positive constant independent of n (depending only on ψ). A key ingredient in the proof is a new operator inequality for the ground space projector which expresses a monotonicity under the partial trace. This monotonicity property appears to be very general and might be interesting in its own right. As an extension of our main result, we obtain a complete classification of gapped and gapless phases of frustration-free translation-invariant spin-1/2 chains with nearest-neighbor interactions.
A consistent hierarchy of generalized kinetic equation approximations to the master equation applied to surface catalysis
Authors: Herschlag Gregory J. , Mitran Sorin , Lin Guang
Published: June 2015

We develop a hierarchy of approximations to the master equation for systems that exhibit translational invariance and finite-range spatial correlation. Each approximation within the hierarchy is a set of ordinary differential equations that considers spatial correlations of varying lattice distance; the assumption is that the full system will have finite spatial correlations and thus the behavior of the models within the hierarchy will approach that of the full system. We provide evidence of this convergence in the context of one- and two-dimensional numerical examples. Lower levels within the hierarchy that consider shorter spatial correlations are shown to be up to three orders of magnitude faster than traditional kinetic Monte Carlo methods (KMC) for one-dimensional systems, while predicting similar system dynamics and steady states as KMC methods. We then test the hierarchy on a two-dimensional model for the oxidation of CO on RuO2(110), showing that low-order truncations of the hierarchy efficiently capture the essential system dynamics. By considering sequences of models in the hierarchy that account for longer spatial correlations, successive model predictions may be used to establish empirical approximation of error estimates. The hierarchy may be thought of as a class of generalized phenomenological kinetic models since each element of the hierarchy approximates the master equation and the lowest level in the hierarchy is identical to a simple existing phenomenological kinetic models.
Statistical scaling, Shannon entropy, and Generalized space-timeq-entropy of rainfall fields in tropical South America
Authors: Poveda Germán , Salas Hernán D.
Published: June 2015

We study diverse scaling and information theory characteristics of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) as seen by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) over continental and oceanic regions of tropical South America, and 2-D radar rainfall fields from Amazonia. The bi-dimensional Fourier spectra of MCSs exhibit inverse power laws with respect to the spatial scale, whose scaling exponents, β, capture the type of spatial correlation of rainfall among the study regions, including those over the Andes of Colombia as well as over oceanic and Amazonian regions. The moment-scaling analysis evidences that the structure function deviates from simple scaling at order q > 1.0, thus signaling the multi-scaling nature of rainfall fields within MCSs in tropical South America, with departures from simple scaling associated with the physical characteristics of MCSs over the different study regions. Entropy is estimated for a large set of radar rainfall fields during the distinctive atmospheric regimes (Easterly and Westerly events) in this part of Amazonia. Results evidence that there are significant differences in the dynamics of rainfall among regimes. No clear-cut relationship is found between entropy and the first two statistical moments, but power fits in space and time, S(γ) ∼ γ−η for skewness and, S(κ) ∼ κ−ϵ for kurtosis. The exponents η and ϵ are statistically different between Easterly and Westerly events, although the significance of fits is less when L-moments are used to estimate skewness and kurtosis. Interesting differences are identified between the time and space generalized q-entropy functions of Amazonian rainfall fields. In both cases, the functions are a continuous set of power laws (analogous to the structure function in turbulence), S(T, q) ∼ Tβ, and, S(λ, q) ∼ λβ, covering a broad range of temporal and spatial scales. Both time and space generalized q-entropy functions exhibit linear growth in the range −1.0 < q < −0.5, and saturation of the exponent β for q ≥ 1.0. In the case of the spatial analysis, the exponent saturates at 〈β〉∼1.0, whereas at 〈β〉=0.5 for the temporal case. Results are similar for time series extracted from the S-POL radar and time series of rainfall in tropical Andes. Additionally, differences in values of 〈β〉 for q ≥ 1.0 between Easterly and Westerly events are not statistically significant.
Versatile atomic force microscopy setup combined with micro-focused X-ray beam
Authors: Slobodskyy T. , Zozulya A. V. , Tholapi R. , Liefeith L. , Fester M. , Sprung M. , Hansen W.
Published: June 2015

Micro-focused X-ray beams produced by third generation synchrotron sources offer new perspective of studying strains and processes at nanoscale. Atomic force microscope setup combined with a micro-focused synchrotron beam allows precise positioning and nanomanipulation of nanostructures under illumination. In this paper, we report on integration of a portable commercial atomic force microscope setup into a hard X-ray synchrotron beamline. Details of design, sample alignment procedure, and performance of the setup are presented.
Density functional theory study of the electrochemical interface between a Pt electrode and an aqueous electrolyte using an implicit solvent method
Authors: Sakong Sung , Naderian Maryam , Mathew Kiran , Hennig Richard G. , Groß Axel
Published: June 2015

We present a computational study of the interface of a Pt electrode and an aqueous electrolyte employing semi-empirical dispersion corrections and an implicit solvent model within first-principles calculations. The electrode potential is parametrized within the computational hydrogen electrode scheme. Using one explicit layer, we find that the most realistic interface configuration is a water bilayer in the H-up configuration. Furthermore, we focus on the contribution of the dispersion interaction and the presence of water on H, O, and OH adsorption energies. This study demonstrates that the implicit water scheme represents a computationally efficient method to take the presence of an aqueous electrolyte interface with a metal electrode into account.
Communication: The ground electronic state of Si2C: Rovibrational level structure, quantum monodromy, and astrophysical implications
Authors: Reilly Neil J. , Changala P. Bryan , Baraban Joshua H. , Kokkin Damian L. , Stanton John F. , McCarthy Michael C.
Published: June 2015

We report the gas-phase optical detection of Si2C near 390 nm and the first experimental investigation of the rovibrational structure of its 1A1 ground electronic state using mass-resolved and fluorescence spectroscopy and variational calculations performed on a high-level ab initio potential. From this joint study, it is possible to assign all observed Ka = 1 vibrational levels up to 3800 cm−1 with confidence, as well as a number of levels in the Ka = 0, 2,  and 3 manifolds. Dixon-dip plots for the bending coordinate (ν2) allow an experimental determination of a barrier to linearity of 783(48) cm−1 (2σ), in good agreement with theory (802(9) cm−1). The calculated (Ka, ν2) eigenvalue lattice shows an archetypal example of quantum monodromy (absence of a globally valid set of quantum numbers) that is reflected by the experimentally observed rovibrational levels. The present study provides a solid foundation for infrared and optical surveys of Si2C in astronomical objects, particularly in the photosphere of N- and J-type carbon stars where the isovalent SiC2 molecule is known to be abundant.
Pressure-induced structures of Si-doped HfO2
Authors: Fancher Chris M. , Zhao Lili , Nelson Matthew , Bai Ligang , Shen Guoyin , Jones Jacob L.
Published: June 2015

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the structure of Si-doped HfO2 (Si:HfO2) was studied by using a diamond anvil cell in combination with high-energy X-ray diffraction at a synchrotron source. Diffraction data were measured in situ during compression up to pressures of 31 GPa. Si:HfO2 with 3, 5, and 9 at. % Si were found to undergo a monoclinic to orthorhombic transition at pressures between 7 and 15 GPa. Whole pattern analysis was carried out using nonpolar (Pbca) and polar (Pca21) crystallographic models to investigate the symmetry of the observed high-pressure orthorhombic phase. Rietveld refinement results cannot discriminate a reliable difference between the Pbca and Pca21 structures as they nearly equally model the measured diffraction data. The pressure dependent lattice parameters, relative volume, and spontaneous strain are reported.
Understanding the movements of metal whiskers
Authors: Karpov V. G.
Published: June 2015

Metal whiskers often grow across leads of electric equipment causing short circuits and raising significant reliability issues. Their nature remains a mystery after several decades of research. It was observed that metal whiskers exhibit large amplitude movements under gentle air flow or, according to some testimonies, without obvious stimuli. Understanding the physics behind that movements would give additional insights into the nature of metal whiskers. Here, we quantitatively analyze possible mechanisms of the observed movements: (1) minute air currents; (2) Brownian motion due to random bombardments with the air molecules; (3) mechanically caused movements, such as (a) transmitted external vibrations, and (b) torque exerted due to material propagation along curved whiskers (the garden hose instability); (4) time dependent electric fields due to diffusion of ions; and (5) non-equilibrium electric fields making it possible for some whiskers to move. For all these mechanisms, we provide numerical estimates. Our conclusion is that the observed movements are likely due to the air currents or electric recharging caused by external light or similar factors.
Rise and fall of ferromagnetism in O-irradiated Al2O3 single crystals
Authors: Li Qiang , Xu Juping , Liu Jiandang , Du Huaijiang , Ye Bangjiao
Published: June 2015

In dilute magnetic semiconductors studies, sapphire was usually used as non-magnetic substrate for films. We observed weak ferromagnetic component in Al2O3 single crystal substrate, and excluded the possibility of ferromagnetic contaminations carefully by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ferromagnetism rise and fall during the process of annealing-oxygen irradiation-annealing of the sapphire. The ferromagnetic changes are consistent with Al-vacancy related defects detected by positron annihilation spectroscopy. With first-principle calculations, we confirm that Al-vacancy can introduce magnetic moment for 3 μB in Al2O3 crystal and form stable VAl-VAl ferromagnetic coupling at room temperature.