bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concise review: Combining human leukocyte antigen G and mesenchymal stem cells for immunosuppressant biotherapy
Authors: Naji Abderrahim , Rouas-Freiss Nathalie , Durrbach Antoine , Carosella Edgardo D. , Sensébé Luc , Deschaseaux Frédéric
Published: August 2013

Both human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) and multipotential mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) exhibit immunomodulatory functions. In allogeneic tranplantation, the risks of acute and chronic rejection are still high despite improvement in immunosuppressive treatments, and the induction of a state of tolerance to alloantigens is not achieved. Immunomodulatory properties of MSCs and HLA-G in human allogeneic tranplantation to induce tolerance appears attractive and promising. Interestingly, we and others have demonstrated that MSCs can express HLA-G. In this review, we focus on the expression of HLA-G by MSCs and discuss how to ensure and improve the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs by selectively targeting MSCs expressing HLA-G (MSCsHLA-G+). We also discuss the possible uses of MSCsHLA-G+ for therapeutic purposes, notably, to overcome acute and chronic immune rejection in solid-organ allogeneic transplantation in humans. Since MSCs are phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous, it is of primary interest to have specific markers ensuring that they have strong immunosuppressive potential and HLA-G may be a valuable candidate.
Molecular Functions of the LIM-Homeobox Transcription Factor Lhx2 in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Derived from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Kitajima Kenji , Kawaguchi Manami , Iacovino Michelina , Kyba Michael , Hara Takahiko
Published: August 2013

We previously demonstrated that hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-like cells are robustly expanded from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) by enforced expression of Lhx2, a LIM-homeobox domain (LIM-HD) transcription factor. In this study, we analyzed the functions of Lhx2 in that process using an ESC line harboring an inducible Lhx2 gene cassette. When ESCs are cultured on OP9 stromal cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are differentiated and these HPCs are prone to undergo rapid differentiation into mature hematopoietic cells. Lhx2 inhibited differentiation of HPCs into mature hematopoietic cells and this effect would lead to accumulation of HSC-like cells. LIM-HD factors interact with LIM domain binding (Ldb) protein and this interaction abrogates binding of LIM-only (Lmo) protein to Ldb. We found that one of Lmo protein, Lmo2, was unstable due to dissociation of Lmo2 from Ldb1 in the presence of Lhx2. This effect of Lhx2 on the amount of Lmo2 contributed into accumulation of HSC-like cells, since enforced expression of Lmo2 into HSC-like cells inhibited their self-renewal. Expression of Gata3 and Tal1/Scl was increased in HSC-like cells and enforced expression of Lmo2 reduced expression of Gata3 but not Tal1/Scl. Enforced expression of Gata3 into HPCs inhibited mature hematopoietic cell differentiation, whereas Gata3-knockdown abrogated the Lhx2-mediated expansion of HPCs. We propose that multiple transcription factors/cofactors are involved in the Lhx2-mediated expansion of HSC-like cells from ESCs. Lhx2 appears to fine-tune the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of HSC-like cells. Stem Cells  2013;31:2680–2689
Kalibrierung von Schnüffel‐Testlecks
Authors: Jitschin Wolfgang , Farangis Baker
Published: August 2013

In speziellen Anwendungen wird eine Dichtheitsprüfung gegen Atmosphäre mit hoher Empfindlichkeit gefordert. Für diesen Zweck werden Leckschnüffler von der Industrie angeboten, deren Zuverlässigkeit nur dann gewährleistet ist, wenn der Leckschnüffler zum Zeitpunkt seines Einsatzes ordnungsgemäß arbeitet und richtig misst. Zur Kontrolle der Leckschnüffler werden Testlecks mit bekanntem Leckagestrom eingesetzt. Die vorliegende Veröffentlichung beschäftigt sich mit dem Aufbau und der Kalibrierung dieser Testlecks insbesondere für sehr kleine Leckagen.
Complete and Partial Organizing for Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Rasche Andreas , de Bakker Frank G. A. , Moon Jeremy
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates different modes of organizing for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Based on insights from organization theory, we theorize two ways to organize for CSR. “Complete” organization for CSR happens within businesses and depends on the availability of certain organizational elements (e.g., membership, hierarchy, rules, monitoring, and sanctioning). By contrast, “partial” organization for CSR happens when organizers do not have direct access to all these organizational elements. We discuss partial organization for CSR by analyzing how standards and cross-sector partnerships make selective use of organizational elements. We maintain that an important feature of the increasing institutionalization of CSR—not only within businesses but also among non-governmental, governmental, and professional actors—is the rise of partial forms of organization. We discuss the contributions to this Special Issue in the context of our theorization of complete/partial organization for CSR and outline avenues for further research.
Reintroduction of Imatinib in GIST
Authors: Reid T.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This review examines the clinical evidence showing that imatinib can be prescribed to treat recurrence or progression of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) in patients who interrupted first-line imatinib therapy in the adjuvant or advanced/metastatic setting.

Methodology

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Google using the following keywords: rechallenge/reinitiation/reintroduction + gastrointestinal + imatinib and rechallenge/reinitiation/reintroduction + imatinib.

Results

The evidence indicates that the reintroduction of imatinib can benefit patients who experience GIST progression after interrupting treatment of advanced/metastatic disease, as well as patients who experience GIST recurrence after completing prescribed neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy. Although reintroduction of imatinib may lead to suboptimal outcomes, as evidenced by higher rates of progressive disease compared to initial treatment, imatinib discontinuation does not appear to favor development of imatinib resistance, leaving dose escalation and third- or fourth-line imatinib treatment as viable options for patients.

Conclusion

Results indicate that after initial start and interruption of imatinib therapy, reintroduction of imatinib therapy is efficacious and provides continued survival benefit in patients with GIST.
Gemeindegröße, Verwaltungsform und Effizienz der kommunalen Leistungserstellung – Das Beispiel Sachsen-Anhalt
Authors: Haug Peter
Published: August 2013

In this contribution we analyze the determinants of the efficiency of municipal service provision using the example of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. The focus lies on the effects of municipality size, institutional setting and spatial or demographic factors. We perform a-non-parametric efficiency estimation (Data Envelopment Analysis and the Convex order-m approach). In contrast to previous studies, we choose the aggregate budget of municipal associations as the object of our analysis since important competences are settled at the joint administrative level. The results show that municipal associations do not necessarily have to be less efficient than independent municipalities. Furthermore, the results for scale efficiency indicate that most municipalities of Saxony-Anhalt had a sufficiently efficient “firm size” in 2004. Moreover, demographic factors and settlement structures have a significant effect on the technical efficiency of towns and municipalities: While a higher population density might be, to some extent, efficiency-enhancing, an increasing share of senior citizens or population growth might have the opposite effect. The integration of spatial interdependencies in efficiency estimations is a complex problem that has only been solved insufficiently yet.
Understanding the joint effects of family and other developmental contexts on the sense of coherence (SOC): A person‐focused analysis using the Classification Tree
Authors: García‐Moya Irene , Moreno Carmen , Jiménez‐Iglesias Antonia
Published: August 2013

Using a person‐focused approach, the present study sought to identify meaningful constellations of contextual factors that led to predominantly high and low levels of sense of coherence (SOC). Specifically, the contributions of the quality of parent–child relationships, teacher and classmate support, models of behaviour in the peer group, and neighbourhood assets were examined in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents aged 13 to 18 that had taken part in the 2010 edition of the study Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children. The quality of parent–child relationships emerged as the main predictor of SOC for the whole sample, but the remaining factors also made significant contributions, which underlines the importance of the simultaneous analysis of the main contexts in adolescents' lives. Additionally, the identified constellations usually included compensatory effects, so no factor should be considered to be completely determining. Interestingly, the role of support at school was different depending on contextual profiles.
Frequency and clinical correlates of bipolar features in acute coronary syndrome patients
Authors: Pini S. , Abelli M. , Gesi C. , Lari L. , Cardini A. , Di Paolo L. , Felice F. , Di Stefano R. , Mazzotta G. , Oligeri C. , Bovenzi F.M. , Borelli L. , Bertoli D. , Michi P. , Muccignat A. , Micchi J. , Balbarini A.
Published: August 2013

Background:

Depression and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are both extremely prevalent diseases. Studies aimed at evaluating whether depression is an independent risk factor for cardiac events provided no definitive results. In most of these studies, depression has been broadly defined with no differentiation between unipolar (MDD) versus bipolar forms (BD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of DSM-IV BD (bipolar I and bipolar II subtypes, cyclothymia), as well as temperamental or isolated bipolar features in a sample of 171 patients hospitalized for ACS. We also explored whether these psychopathological conditions were associated with some clinical characteristics of ACS.

Methods:

Patients with ACS admitted to three neighboring Cardiac Intensive Care Units (CICUs) in a 12-month continuative period of time were eligible for inclusion if they met the criteria for either acute myocardial infarct with or without ST-segment elevation or unstable angina, verified by standard ACS criteria. All patients underwent standardized cardiological and psychopathological evaluations.

Results:

Of the 171 ACS patients enrolled, 37 patients (21.7%) were found to have a DSM-IV mood disorder. Of these, 20 (11.7%) had bipolar type I or type II or cyclothymia, while 17 (10%) were the cases of MDD. Rapid mood switches ranged from 11% of ACS patients with no mood disorders, to 47% of those with MDD to 55% of those with BD. Linear regression analysis showed that a diagnosis of BD (p = .023), but not that of MDD (p = .721), was associated with a significant younger age at the index episode of ACS. A history of previous coronary events was more frequent in ACS patients with BD than in those with MDD.

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that bipolar features and diagnosis are frequent in ACS patients. Bipolar disorder has a negative impact on cardiac symptomatology. Further research in this area is warranted.
INDIVIDUAL LOSS RESERVING WITH THE MULTIVARIATE SKEW NORMAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: Pigeon Mathieu , Antonio Katrien , Denuit Michel
Published: August 2013

The evaluation of future cash flows and solvency capital recently gained importance in general insurance. To assist in this process, our paper proposes a novel loss reserving model, designed for individual claims developing in discrete time. We model the occurrence of claims, as well as their reporting delay, the time to the first payment, and the cash flows in the development process. Our approach uses development factors similar to those of the well-known chain–ladder method. We suggest the Multivariate Skew Normal distribution as a multivariate distribution suitable for modeling these development factors. Empirical analysis using a real portfolio and out-of-sample prediction tests demonstrate the relevance of the model proposed.
The percentage of DHA in erythrocytes can detect non-adherence to advice to increase EPA and DHA intakes
Authors: Patterson Ashley C. , Metherel Adam H. , Hanning Rhona M. , Stark Ken D.
Published: August 2013

Characterisation of long-term adherence to EPA and DHA intakes through biomarkers and dietary assessments has implications for interpreting the findings of long-term intervention studies. Adherence to dietary advice targeting an EPA+DHA intake of 1 g/d was examined over 1 year. Men and women (n45) received dietary advice to increase EPA and DHA intakes from seafood, nutraceutical (fish oil) or functional food sources, while a fourth group received combined advice. Blood biomarkers and dietary intakes of EPA and DHA were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24 and 52. Assessment by 3 d diet records indicated that EPA+DHA intakes increased relative to baseline in weeks 4–52 following the seafood, nutraceutical and combined advice (advice group × time effect,P= 0·03). The percentage of DHA in plasma and whole blood and the percentage of EPA in erythrocytes, plasma and whole blood were higher in weeks 4–52 when compared with the corresponding baseline measurement. In contrast, the percentage of DHA in erythrocytes increased to a maximum at week 12 and returned to baseline levels in weeks 24 and 52 (time effect,P< 0·01). Measurement of the percentage of DHA in erythrocytes indicates that adherence was sustained during the first 12 weeks following the dietary advice, while other blood measurements of the percentage of EPA and DHA and dietary assessment suggest short-term increases in EPA+DHA intakes immediately before weeks 24 and 52. The percentage of DHA in erythrocytes characterises adherence to EPA and DHA intakes in long-term interventions.
From Class Solidarity to Revolution: The Radicalization of Arsenal Workers in the Late Ottoman Empire
Authors: Sefer Akın
Published: August 2013

This article introduces a bottom-up perspective to the history of the Revolution of 1908 in the Ottoman Empire by focusing on the experiences of workers in the Imperial Naval Arsenal (Tersâne-i Âmire) in Istanbul. Drawing mainly on primary documents, the article explores, from a class-formation perspective, the struggles and relations of Arsenal workers from the second half of the nineteenth century until the revolution. The Arsenal workers’ involvement in the revolution was rooted in their class solidarity, which was revealed in a number of ways throughout this period. The workers’ immediate embrace of the revolution was spurred by their radicalization against the state; such radicalization stemmed from the state's failure to solve the workers’ persistent economic problems, and its attempts to discharge them and replace them with military labor. The case of the Arsenal workers thus points to the role of working-class discontent in the history of the revolution, a dimension that has thus far been only minimally addressed in Ottoman historiography.
Probability Weighting and Employee Stock Options
Authors: Spalt Oliver G.
Published: August 2013

This paper documents that riskier firms with higher idiosyncratic volatility grant more stock options to nonexecutive employees. Standard models in the literature cannot easily explain this pattern; a model in which a risk-neutral firm and an employee with prospect theory preferences bargain over the employee's pay package can. The key feature which makes stock options attractive is probability weighting. The model fits the data on option grants well when calibrated using standard parameters from the experimental literature. The results are the first evidence that risky firms can profitably use stock options to cater to an employee demand for long-shot bets.
Geographical variation in shell morphology of juvenile snails (Concholepas concholepas) along the physical–chemical gradient of the Chilean coast
Authors: Ramajo Laura , Baltanás Ángel , Torres Rodrigo , Manríquez Patricio H. , Rodriguez-Navarro Alejandro , Lagos Nelson A.
Published: August 2013

Changes in phenotypic traits, such as mollusc shells, are indicative of variations in selective pressure along environmental gradients. Recently, increased sea surface temperature (SST) and ocean acidification (OA) due to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the seawater have been described as selective agents that may affect the biological processes underlying shell formation in calcifying marine organisms. The benthic snailConcholepas concholepas(Muricidae) is widely distributed along the Chilean coast, and so is naturally exposed to a strong physical–chemical latitudinal gradient. In this study, based on elliptical Fourier analysis, we assess changes in shell morphology (outlines analysis) in juvenileC. concholepascollected at northern (23°S), central (33°S) and southern (39°S) locations off the Chilean coast. Shell morphology of individuals collected in northern and central regions correspond to extreme morphotypes, which is in agreement with both the observed regional differences in the shell apex outlines, the high reclassification success of individuals (discriminant function analysis) collected in these regions, and the scaling relationship in shell weight variability among regions. However, these extreme morphotypes showed similar patterns of mineralization of calcium carbonate forms (calcite and aragonite). Geographical variability in shell shape ofC. concholepasdescribed by discriminant functions was partially explained by environmental variables (pCO2, SST). This suggests the influence of corrosive waters, such as upwelling and freshwaters penetrating into the coastal ocean, upon spatial variation in shell morphology. Changes in the proportion of calcium carbonate forms precipitated byC. concholepasacross their shells and its susceptibility to corrosive coastal waters are discussed.
Distribution and abundance of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Nunavut, Canada—an Inuit knowledge survey
Authors: Higdon Jeff W. , Westdal Kristin H. , Ferguson Steven H.
Published: August 2013

Traditional ecological knowledge is being increasingly used in wildlife management in northern regions, and Inuit harvesters in Nunavut, Canada, have extensive knowledge about local wildlife species. We collected Inuit knowledge on killer whales (Orcinus orca) through 105 semi-directed interviews in 11 Nunavut communities from 2007 to 2010. Interviewees provided extensive information on killer whale movements, seasonal presence, distribution and abundance in the eastern Canadian Arctic. Observations from different communities were often complementary, and there was consistency in interview comments both within and among regions. Nearly all participants had seen killer whales at least once, and the whales were present every summer (July–September) in all regions, although movements depended on ice conditions. Relative abundance of killer whales varied by region, and they were reported more often in North Baffin communities than in other regions. Killer whales migrated through Hudson Strait and Lancaster Sound following their marine mammal prey. Estimates of local population sizes were variable, with suggested numbers that varied from tens to the low hundreds. Most interviewees in the Foxe Basin, Hudson Bay and north Baffin regions thought that killer whale presence was increasing. In contrast, half the South Baffin interviewees noted declines in past abundance due to the 1977 harvest of 14 whales that became trapped in a saltwater lake. Interviews provided information at a long temporal and wide spatial record. Inuit are reliable observers and continued killer whale research will be most effective if it integrates modern science approaches with the traditional skills, knowledge and experience of Inuit harvesters.
Analysis and optimization of a wire actuated, single effect n-R robotic structure
Authors: Favetto Alain , Appendino Silvia , Battezzato Alessandro , Chen Fai Chen , Mousavi Mehdi , Pescarmona Francesco , Calafiore Giuseppe Carlo
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates the kinematics and the optimization of a generic robotic structure composed by N serial rotary joints and actuated with a mono-directional tendon system. In the first part of the paper, the specific case that brought us to develop this study is introduced; the main motivations and the scenario with its specific constraints and design choices have been described.

Since a complete and detailed analysis of an n-R serial structure with this kind of characteristics could not be found in the literature, the study of the kinematics and the parameter optimization of such a structure is treated as generally as possible, in order to make the procedure and the results applicable for any similar structure. Finally, in the last part, through the introduction of specific constraints and the definition of the parameters, the general analysis has been applied to the specific case of study: the preliminary study of a finger exoskeleton for an astronaut suit.
Function approximation technique-based adaptive virtual decomposition control for a serial-chain manipulator
Authors: Al-Shuka Hayder F. N. , Corves B. , Zhu Wen-Hong
Published: August 2013

The virtual decomposition control (VDC) is an efficient tool suitable to deal with the full-dynamics-based control problem of complex robots. However, the regressor-based adaptive control used by VDC to control every subsystem and to estimate the unknown parameters demands specific knowledge about the system physics. Therefore, in this paper, we focus on reorganizing the equation of the VDC for a serial chain manipulator using the adaptive function approximation technique (FAT) without needing specific system physics. The dynamic matrices of the dynamic equation of every subsystem (e.g. link and joint) are approximated by orthogonal functions due to the minimum approximation errors produced. The control, the virtual stability of every subsystem and the stability of the entire robotic system are proved in this work. Then the computational complexity of the FAT is compared with the regressor-based approach. Despite the apparent advantage of the FAT in avoiding the regressor matrix, its computational complexity can result in difficulties in the implementation because of the representation of the dynamic matrices of the link subsystem by two large sparse matrices. In effect, the FAT-based adaptive VDC requires further work for improving the representation of the dynamic matrices of the target subsystem. Two case studies are simulated by Matlab/Simulink: a 2-R manipulator and a 6-DOF planar biped robot for verification purposes.
A Profile of Residents in Prairie Nursing Homes
Authors: Estabrooks Carole A. , Poss Jeff W. , Squires Janet E. , Teare Gary F. , Morgan Debra G. , Stewart Norma , Doupe Malcolm B. , Cummings Greta G. , Norton Peter G.
Published: August 2013

Les maisons de soins infirmiers sont devenues des environnements offrant des soins complexes, dont les habitants ont des besoins importants et la plupart souffrent de la démence liée a l’âge. S’appuyant sur les recherches de Hirdes et al. (2011), nous décrivons un profil des résidents dans un échantillon représentatif de 30 maisons de soins infirmiers en milieu urbain dans les provinces des Prairies, en utilisant des données de L’Instrument d’évaluation des résidents/le recueil de données minimum (Resident Assistant Instrument – Minimum Data Set 2.0) de 5 196 évaluations résidents accomplies entre le 1ier octobre et le 31ieme décembre 3011. Les résidents avaient principalement plus de 85 ans, étaient des femmes, et souffraient d’une démence liée à l’âge. Nous avons comparé le soutien et les services connexes des établissements et les caractéristiques des résidents par province, par les modèles du propriétaire-gérant, et par le nombre d’unités dans une installation. Nous avons également constaté que les établissements publics ont tendance à s’occuper des résidents ayant des caractéristiques plus exigeants : notamment, la déficience cognitive, un comportement aggressif, et l’incontinence. Aucune tendance claire n’a été observée reliant le nombre d’unités dans un établissement aux caractéristiques des résidents.
Tai Chi’s Effects on Health-Related Fitness of Low-Income Older Adults
Authors: Manson James , Ritvo Paul , Ardern Chris , Weir Patricia , Baker Joseph , Jamnik Veronica , Tamim Hala
Published: August 2013

On a démontré que le Tai Chi peut influer positivement sur la condition physique liée à la santé (CLPS) des participants âgés, en leur offrant un moyen d’accoître la force musculo-squelettique. L’objectif de cette étude était d’examiner les effets de l’intervention de Tai Chi sur la forme physique, et de découvrir si ethnies culturellement étrangères au Tai Chi constituaient un obstacle à la participation à un programme communautaire pour les aînés à faible revenu. Soixante-dix-huit aînés d’origine mixte (55 ans et plus), qui n’étaient pas culturellement affiliés au Tai Chi, ont été recrutés pour cette étude. Les mesures de la condition liée à la santé ont été prises avant et après un programme de Tai Chi d’une durée de 16 semaines, avec sept séances par semaine. Des améliorations significatives en résultaient dans l’aptitude supérieur et inférieur musculo-squelettique ainsi que dans la flexion partielle parmi ceux qui pratiquaient le Tai Chi. Ces résultats suggèrent que le Tai Chi peut être efficace pour améliorer la CLPS, et que les ethnies non pas liées culturellement au Tai Chi n’éprouviaent pas un obstacle à la participation d’un échantillon de population âgée à un niveau socio-économique faible.
The Effect of Atomic Mass on the Physical Spatial Resolution in EBSD
Authors: Chen Delphic , Kuo Jui-Chao
Published: August 2013

In this study, bicrystals of silver (Ag) and aluminum (Al) were used to investigate the physical spatial resolution of the electron backscatter diffraction system combining a digital image correlation method. Furthermore, the effect of the accelerating voltage and probe current was investigated on the physical spatial resolution of the lateral and longitudinal resolutions for Ag and Al, respectively. The lateral and longitudinal resolutions show high dependency on the accelerating voltage for a low atomic mass material of Al, In addition, these are almost independent of the accelerating voltage for a high atomic mass material of Ag. Moreover, the probe current does not play any role on both the lateral and longitudinal resolutions. The best lateral resolutions for Al and Ag are 40.5 and 12.1 nm at 10 kV and 1 nA, respectively. The best longitudinal resolutions of 23.2 and 80 nm were obtained at 10 kV and 1 nA for Al and Ag, respectively.
Quantification of Ridging in Ferritic Stainless Steel Sheets by Electron Backscattered Diffraction R-Value Maps
Authors: Lee Kye-Man , Park Jieon , Kim Sangseok , Park Sooho , Huh Moo-Young
Published: August 2013

In ferritic stainless steel (FSS), undesirable surface defects of ridging appear during deep drawing. The formation of these defects is attributed to the inhomogeneous distribution of orientations of individual grains. In the present work, a new electron backscattered diffraction R(α)-value map was introduced, and the dependence of the tensile directions on the formation of ridging in an FSS sheet was discussed using this map. The results showed that large grain colonies in the R(α)-value maps lead to the formation of severe ridging in an FSS sheet.
Direct Observation of Cationic Ordering in Double Perovskite Sr2FeReO6 Crystals
Authors: Choi Si-Young , Lim Jong Bong , Ikuhara Yuichi , Suvorov Danilo , Jeon Jae-Ho
Published: August 2013

Two kinds of Sr2FeReO6 (SFRO) samples, pristine SFRO and Re-excess SFRO, were prepared and we visualized the local atomic structure in terms of cationic ordering in the prepared SFRO samples via high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). HAADF-STEM results demonstrated the high degree of cationic ordering maintains in both the pristine SFRO and Re-excess SFRO samples. On the other hand, defective structures such as antiphase boundary and Re-deficient phase were observed dominantly in the pristine SFRO, and thus the poor magnetic property in the pristine SFRO is attributed to those defective structures related with the frustrated Fe/Re ordering.
A Quantitative Evaluation of Microstructure by Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction Pattern Quality Variations
Authors: Kang Suk Hoon , Jin Hyung-Ha , Jang Jinsung , Choi Yong Seok , Oh Kyu Hwan , Foley David C. , Zhang Xinghang
Published: August 2013

Band contrast (BC) is a qualitative measure of electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), which is derived from the intensity of the Kikuchi bands. The BC is dependent upon several factors including scanning electron microscope measurement parameters, EBSD camera setup, and the specimen itself (lattice defect and grain orientation). In this study, the effective factors for BC variations and the feasibility of using BC variations for the quantification of microstructure evolutions have been investigated. In addition, the effects of the lattice defect and the grain orientation on the BC variations are studied. Next, a shear-deformed microstructure of 316L stainless steel, which contains nanosized grains and a large portion of twin boundaries, is revealed by BC map and histogram. Recovery and recrystallization of shear-deformed 316L stainless steel are displayed by BC variations during isothermal annealing at 700 and 800°C, respectively. It is observed that the BC turns bright as the shear-deformed crystal structure is recovered or recrystallized.
Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy Characterization of TANOS (TaN/Al2O3/Si3N4/SiO2/Si) Stacks
Authors: Park Jucheol , Heo Sung , Chung JaeGwan , Park Gyeong-Su
Published: August 2013

The interfacial layer between the Al2O3 layer and the Si3N4 layer formed after postdeposition annealing (PDA) of TaN/Al2O3/Si3N4/SiO2/Si (TANOS) stacks was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). From the result of the TEM analysis, it was found that the 2-nm-thick interface layer between Al2O3 and Si3N4 layers was amorphous. The high-loss EELS analysis showed that the phases of the interfacial layer weakly bound together instead of the substoichiometric silicon oxide and amorphous Al2O3 near the bottom interface of the crystalline Al2O3. The low-loss EELS analysis showed that aluminum existed in metallic state at the interface. Therefore, we speculated that SiOxNy could be formed by oxidation of Si3N4 during PDA and that metallic aluminum could be formed by the decomposition of weakly bound amorphous Al2O3 during electron irradiation. These complicated reactions near the interface could induce oxygen deficiency in the Al2O3 layer and finally degrade the retention properties of TANOS stacks.
Enhanced Morphological and Thermal Stabilities of Nickel Germanide with an Ultrathin Tantalum Layer Studied by Ex Situ and In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Lee Jae-Wook , Kim Hyung-Kyu , Bae Jee-Hwan , Park Min-Ho , Kim Hyoungsub , Ryu Jiho , Yang Cheol-Woong
Published: August 2013

The formation and morphological evolution of germanides formed in a ternary Ni/Ta-interlayer/Ge system were examined by ex situ and in situ annealing experiments. The Ni germanide film formed in the Ni/Ta-interlayer/Ge system maintained continuity up to 550°C, whereas agglomeration of the Ni germanide occurred in the Ni/Ge system without Ta-interlayer. Through microstructural and chemical analysis of the Ni/Ta-interlayer/Ge system during and after in situ annealing in a transmission electron microscope, it was confirmed that the Ta atoms remained uniformly on the top of the newly formed Ni germanide layer during the diffusion reaction. Consequently, the agglomeration of the Ni germanide film was retarded and the thermal stability was improved by the Ta incorporation.
Extraction of Quantitative Parameters for Describing the Microstructure of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Bae Seung-Muk , Kim Yong-Hoon , You Yil-Hwan , Hwang Jin-Ha
Published: August 2013

Digital quantification of a two-dimensional structure was applied to a GDC(Gd2O3-doped CeO2)/LSM(La0.85Sr0.15MnO3) composite cathode employed for solid oxide fuel cells. With the aid of high-resolution imaging capability based on secondary and backscattered electron images, two-dimensional electron micrographs were converted to digital binary files using an image processing tool combined with the line intercept method. Statistical analysis combined with a metallurgical tool was employed to determine microstructural factors, i.e., volume fraction, size distribution, and interconnectivity. The current work reports the quantification of the two-dimensional structural images of GDC/LSM composites applicable to solid oxide fuel cells, with the aim of obtaining the volume fraction, size distribution, and interconnectivity as functions of composite composition. The volume fractions of the solid constituent phases exhibit compositional dependence in cathodes; however, LSM interconnectivity increases gradually as a function of LSM composition, whereas that of GDC decreases significantly at 50 wt% LSM.
Microstructural Analysis of Dehydrogenation Products of the Ca(BH4)2–MgH2 Composite
Authors: Kim Jong-Min , Kim Yoonyoung , Shim Jae-Hyeok , Lee Young-Su , Suh Jin-Yoo , Ahn Jae-Pyoung , Kim Gyeung-Ho , Cho Young Whan
Published: August 2013

The microstructural analysis of the dehydrogenation products of the Ca(BH4)2–MgH2 composite was performed using transmission electron microscopy. It was found that nanocrystalline CaB6 crystallites formed as a dehydrogenation product throughout the areas where the signals of Ca and Mg were simultaneously detected, in addition to relatively coarse Mg crystallites. The uniform distribution of the nanocrystalline CaB6 crystallites appears to play a key role in the rehydrogenation of the dehydrogenation products, which implies that microstructure is a crucial factor determining the reversibility of reactive hydride composites.
Perceptions of two therapeutic approaches for palliative care patients experiencing death anxiety
Authors: Sussman Joleen Carol , Liu William Ming
Published: August 2013

Objective:

Evidenced-based psychotherapies are not well researched for palliative care patients experiencing unrelenting anxiety about dying, even less research is focused on young adult palliative care patients with death anxiety. The aim of this study is to provide preliminary data regarding potential clients' perceptions of using evidenced based treatments with dying populations who are experiencing death anxiety.

Methods:

104 college students were used as potential clients and randomly assigned to watch either a short video of a cognitive therapy (CT) session or of an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) session focused on treating a young adult diagnosed with an acute lymphoid leukemia expressing death anxiety. After watching the video, potential clients rated the session impact of the therapy approach using the Session Evaluation Questionnaire.

Results:

No differences in ratings of session impact were found between potential clients who viewed the CT session and the ACT session. In regards to potential clients' views of session impact variables, their view of session smoothness was positively related to their post-session positivity, but inversely related to their view of session depth. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between potential clients' views of the therapist and session depth.

Significance of results:

This preliminary study suggests that palliative care patients expressing death anxiety may benefit from either ACT or CT for death anxiety, however, future research is needed to explore the usefulness of each approach. Findings of this study support the theory that ACT and CT are viewed to have a similar session impact in the palliative care population.
Understanding communication among health care professionals regarding death and dying in pediatrics
Authors: Harrison Julianne , Evan Elana , Hughes Amy , Yazdani Shahram , Federman Myke , Harrison Rick
Published: August 2013

Objective:

Effective communication regarding death and dying in pediatrics is a vital component of any quality palliative care service. The goal of the current study is to understand communication among health care professionals regarding death and dying in children. The three hypotheses tested were: (1) hospital staff (physicians of all disciplines, nurses, and psychosocial clinicians) that utilize consultation services are more comfortable communicating about death and dying than those who do not use such services, (2) different disciplines of health care providers demonstrate varying levels of comfort communicating about a range of areas pertaining to death and dying, and (3) health care staff that have had some type of formal training in death and dying are more comfortable communicating about these issues.

Methods:

A primary analysis of a survey conducted in a tertiary care teaching children's hospital.

Results:

Health care professionals who felt comfortable discussing options for end of life care with colleagues also felt more comfortable: initiating a discussion regarding a child's impending death with his/her family (r = 0.42), discussing options for terminal care with a family (r = 0.58), discussing death with families from a variety of ethnic/cultural backgrounds (r = 0.51), guiding parents in developmentally age-appropriate discussions of death with their children (r = 0.43), identifying and seeking advice from a professional role model regarding management concerns (r = 0.40), or interacting with a family following the death of a child (r = 0.51). Among all three disciplines, physicians were more likely to initiate discussions with regards to a child's impending death (F = 13.07; p = 0.007). Health care professionals that received formal grief and bereavement training were more comfortable discussing death.

Significance of the results:

The results demonstrated that consultation practices are associated with a higher level of comfort in discussing death and dying in pediatrics.
Disclosure of a mental health problem in the employment context: qualitative study of beliefs and experiences
Authors: Brohan E. , Evans-Lacko S. , Henderson C. , Murray J. , Slade M. , Thornicroft G.
Published: August 2013

Aims.

Decisions regarding disclosure of a mental health problem are complex and can involve reconciling conflicting needs and values. This article provides a qualitative account of the beliefs and experiences of mental health service users regarding disclosure in employment contexts.

Methods.

Total sample of 45 individuals were interviewed in two study phases. In phase one, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 15 mental health service users. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). In phase two, identified themes were further explored through interviews with mental health service users (n = 30) in three employment contexts: in paid employment (n = 10); in study or voluntary work (n = 10); and currently unemployed (n = 10). These were analysed using directed content analysis.

Results.

Four super-ordinate themes were drawn from phase one analysis: (1) public understanding of mental health problems; (2) the employment context; (3) personal impact of labelling and (4) disclosure needs. These themes were reflective of the content of phase two interviews.

Conclusions.

Greater emphasis needs to be placed on considering the societal, employment and interpersonal influences which form the basis for disclosure beliefs and experiences.
Bacterial cheating drives the population dynamics of cooperative antibiotic resistance plasmids
Authors: Yurtsev Eugene A , Chao Hui Xiao , Datta Manoshi S , Artemova Tatiana , Gore Jeff
Published: August 2013

Inactivation of β‐lactam antibiotics by resistant bacteria is a ‘cooperative’ behavior that may allow sensitive bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment. However, the factors that determine the fraction of resistant cells in the bacterial population remain unclear, indicating a fundamental gap in our understanding of how antibiotic resistance evolves. Here, we experimentally track the spread of a plasmid that encodes a β‐lactamase enzyme through the bacterial population. We find that independent of the initial fraction of resistant cells, the population settles to an equilibrium fraction proportional to the antibiotic concentration divided by the cell density. A simple model explains this behavior, successfully predicting a data collapse over two orders of magnitude in antibiotic concentration. This model also successfully predicts that adding a commonly used β‐lactamase inhibitor will lead to the spread of resistance, highlighting the need to incorporate social dynamics into the study of antibiotic resistance.
Arbitrary Multicolor Photodetection by Hetero-integrated Semiconductor Nanostructures
Authors: Sang Liwen , Hu Junqing , Zou Rujia , Koide Yasuo , Liao Meiyong
Published: August 2013

The typical photodetectors can only detect one specific optical spectral band, such as InGaAs and graphene-PbS quantum dots for near-infrared (NIR) light detection, CdS and Si for visible light detection and ZnO and III-nitrides for UV light detection. So far, none of the developed photodetector can achieve the multicolor detection with arbitrary spectral selectivity, high sensitivity, high speed, high signal-to-noise ratio, high stability and simplicity (called 6S requirements). Here, we propose a universal strategy to develop multicolor photodetectors with arbitrary spectral selectivity by integrating various semiconductor nanostructures on a wide-bandgap semiconductor or an insulator substrate. Because the photoresponse of each spectral band is determined by each semiconductor nanostructure or the semiconductor substrate, multicolor detection satisfying 6S requirements can be readily satisfied by selecting the right semiconductors.
Structurally Coloured Secondary Particles Composed of Black and White Colloidal Particles
Authors: Takeoka Yukikazu , Yoshioka Shinya , Teshima Midori , Takano Atsushi , Harun-Ur-Rashid Mohammad , Seki Takahiro
Published: August 2013

This study investigated the colourful secondary particles formed by controlling the aggregation states of colloidal silica particles and the enhancement of the structural colouration of the secondary particles caused by adding black particles. We obtained glossy, partially structurally coloured secondary particles in the absence of NaCl, but matte, whitish secondary particles were obtained in the presence of NaCl. When a small amount of carbon black was incorporated into both types of secondary particles, the incoherent multiple scattering of light from the amorphous region was considerably reduced. However, the peak intensities in the reflection spectra, caused by Bragg reflection and by coherent single wavelength scattering, were only slightly decreased. Consequently, a brighter structural colour of these secondary particles was observed with the naked eye. Furthermore, when magnetite was added as a black particle, the coloured secondary particles could be moved and collected by applying an external magnetic field.
Parents as Communication Partners: An Evidence-Based Strategy for Improving Parent Support for Language and Communication in Everyday Settings
Authors: Kaiser Ann P. , Roberts Megan Y.
Published: August 2013

This article describes the Teach-Model-Coach-Review approach for teaching parents to implement Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT), an evidence-based naturalistic intervention for young children with language impairment. The article discusses the evidence for parent training as an effective early language intervention approach, the principles and procedures of EMT, the empirical basis of the Teach-Model-Coach-Review approach, and the skills needed to implement this approach.
Low‐complexity variable forgetting factor mechanism for recursive least‐squares algorithms in interference suppression applications
Authors: Cai Yunlong , de Lamare Rodrigo C.
Published: August 2013

In this work, the authors propose a low‐complexity variable forgetting factor (VFF) mechanism for recursive least‐squares algorithms in interference suppression applications. The proposed VFF mechanism employs an updated component related to the time average of the error correlation to automatically adjust the forgetting factor in order to ensure fast convergence and good tracking of the interference and the channel. Convergence and tracking analyses are carried out and analytical expressions for predicting the mean‐squared error of the proposed adaptation technique are obtained. Simulation results for a direct‐sequence code‐division multiple access system are presented in non‐stationary environments and show that the proposed VFF mechanism achieves superior performance to previously reported methods at a reduced complexity.
Convolutional doubly orthogonal codes over GF(q)
Authors: Shen Xu Hua , Haccoun David , Cardinal Christian
Published: August 2013

Convolutional doubly orthogonal (CDO) codes constitute a recent group of binary error correcting codes for additive white gaussian noise channel, achieving very good error performance at moderate values of Eb/N0 under the threshold decoding algorithm. Inspired by the low‐density parity‐check codes over the finite fields, this study extends the construction and decoding of single shift register CDO codes from binary field to the finite fields GF(q) for q > 2, referred to as the q‐ary CDO codes. The threshold decoding algorithm is modified to accommodate the decoding requirement for this set of codes. Superior error performance has been observed for q‐ary CDO codes over their binary counterparts, especially in the error floor region.
Scheme for opportunistic spectrum access in cognitive radio
Authors: Ye Zhihui , Feng Qi , Shen Yicheng
Published: August 2013

In this study, an opportunistic spectrum access model with learning strategy is presented for cognitive radio system. Consider a hidden Markov model in learning process, where the ternary hypothesis testing scheme is proposed to perform sensing with the goodness of fit testing. By using a gradient method, the secondary user can estimate the channel patterns and keep up with the variations of the primary user activities. An opportunistic access channel capacity is introduced to evaluate the quality of service of the objective licensed channel. Also, a partially observable Markov decision process framework is presented to exploit spectrum holes. Further analysis shows that, unlike the binary hypothesis testing where the idle state is always protected, the idea of the proposed ternary hypothesis testing puts both the idle and busy state in the same position, which reflects the real state of the licensed channel more precisely. Simulation results indicate that the proposed ternary hypothesis testing scheme outperforms the conventional binary hypothesis testing for both the goodness of fit testing and the energy detection.