bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NAGEL AND INTELLIGENT DESIGN
Authors: Williams Reginald
Published: September 2010

Thomas Nagel has recently discussed whether intelligent design theory (IDT) is scientific and should be taught in public schools alongside the theory of evolution (ET). Nagel writes:

I do not regard divine intervention as a possibility, even though I have no other candidates. Yet I recognize that this is because of an aspect of my overall worldview that does not rest on empirical grounds or any other kind of rational grounds…. [S]omeone who can offer serious scientific reasons to doubt the adequacy of [ET], and who believes in God, in the same immediate way that I believe there is no god, can quite reasonably conclude that the hypothesis of design should be taken seriously. (‘Public Education and Intelligent Design’. Philosophy and Public Affairs 36.2 (2008), pp. 187–205, p. 192.)
WILLIAMS ON DAWKINS – RESPONSE
Authors: Larvor Brendan
Published: September 2010

Peter Williams (‘The Emperor's Incoherent New Clothes: Pointing the Finger at Dawkins’ Atheism', THINK 24) complains that Richard Dawkins wraps his naturalism in ‘a fake finery of counterfeit meaning and purpose’. For his part, Williams has wrapped his complaint in an unoriginal and inapt analogy. The weavers in Hans Christian Andersen's fable announce that the Emperor's clothes are invisible to stupid people; almost the whole population pretends to see them for fear of being thought stupid. Fear of being thought stupid does not seem to trouble Richard Dawkins. Moreover, Williams offers no reason to think that such fear motivates any of Dawkins' readers. Perhaps all we are supposed to take from the fable is that Dawkins' naturalism is obviously lacking in meaning and purpose. If that is the intended reading, then by using this analogy, Williams has given himself an unnecessarily difficult task. Surely, it would be achievement enough for him to show that Dawkins' naturalism lacks meaning and purpose. There is no reason for Williams to make the extra claim that it obviously lacks meaning and purpose. After all, there is an obvious difficulty with arguing over several pages that something is obviously the case.
TIME TRAVEL TESTIMONY AND THE ‘JOHN TITOR’ FIASCO
Authors: Richmond Alasdair
Published: September 2010

Around 1998, internet postings began appearing under the alias ‘Timetravel_0’. This alias was later replaced by ‘John Titor’, and it's as such I'll designate the posts' author(s). Remarkably, Titor claimed to have time-travelled from 2036 on a mission to retrieve an IBM 5100 in 1975. Titor refrained from public appearances and any evidence for his story remains web-bound but before closing shop c. March 24th 2001, he described various future events, e.g.:

Y2K is a disaster. Many people die on the highways when they freeze to death trying to get to warmer weather.

Cancellation of the Olympics after 2004 due to world conflict.

America will soon be engaged in civil war with itself; a civil war that we'll see the beginnings of during 2004 and 2005, escalating until it is indisputable by 2008.

(Y2K predictions diminished after 1st Jan 2000. One wonders how America could suffer civil war other than with itself or do so disputably for three years. Titorists still found signs of civil war in 2008.) This equivocal civil war fizzles until global nuclear war kills three billion people in 2015. (On the plus side, hats are popular in 2036.)
WHY WINNING MATTERS
Authors: Austin Michael W.
Published: September 2010

Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing. Vince Lombardi (quoting Red Sanders)

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.

The Olympic Creed

These two statements reflect two very different approaches to sport. The Lombardi quote reflects the view that we should take a win-at-all-costs approach. By contrast, the Olympic Creed includes the idea that there is something more important in sport than victory. Perhaps the Olympic Creed is correct, and Lombardi mistaken. Perhaps the value of winning is found primarily in its potential to foster both athletic and moral excellence, while the overvaluing of victory for its own sake suffers from several deficiencies as an approach to sport (and to life).
Do spirituality and faith make a difference? Report from the Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study Group
Authors: Travado Luzia , Grassi Luigi , Gil Francisco , Martins Cristina , Ventura Cidália , Bairradas Joana ,   The Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study Group
Published: September 2010

Objective:

In the last decade, some attention has been given to spirituality and faith and their role in cancer patients' coping. Few data are available about spirituality among cancer patients in Southern European countries, which have a big tradition of spirituality, namely, the Catholic religion. As part of a more general investigation (Southern European Psycho-Oncology Study – SEPOS), the aim of this study was to examine the effect of spirituality in molding psychosocial implications in Southern European cancer patients.

Method:

A convenience sample of 323 outpatients with a diagnosis of cancer between 6 to 18 months, a good performance status (Karnofsky Performance Status > 80), and no cognitive deficits or central nervous system (CNS) involvement by disease were approached in university and affiliated cancer centers in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland (Italian speaking area). Each patient was evaluated for spirituality (Visual Analog Scale 0-10), psychological morbidity (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale— HADS), coping strategies (Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer — Mini-MAC) and concerns about illness (Cancer Worries Inventory — CWI).

Results. The majority of patients (79.3%) referred to being supported by their spirituality/faith throughout their illness. Significant differences were found between the spirituality and non-spirituality groups (p ≤ 0.01) in terms of education, coping styles, and psychological morbidity. Spirituality was significantly correlated with fighting spirit (r = −0.27), fatalism (r = 0.50), and avoidance (r = 0.23) coping styles and negatively correlated with education (r = −0.25), depression (r = −0.22) and HAD total (r = −0.17).

Significance of results:

Spirituality is frequent among Southern European cancer patients with lower education and seems to play some protective role towards psychological morbidity, specifically depression. Further studies should examine this trend in Southern European cancer patients.
The spirit of palliative practice: A qualitative inquiry into the spiritual journey of palliative care physicians
Authors: Penderell Adrienne , Brazil Kevin
Published: September 2010

Objective:

Much is known about the important role of spirituality in the delivery of multidimensional care for patients at the end of life. Establishing a strong physician–patient relationship in a palliative context requires physicians to have the self-awareness essential to establishing shared meaning and relationships with their patients. However, little is known about this phenomenon and therefore, this study seeks a greater understanding of physician spirituality and how caring for the terminally ill influences this inner aspect.

Method:

A qualitative descriptive study was used involving face-to-face interviews with six practicing palliative care physicians.

Results:

Conceptualized as a separate entity from religion, spirituality was described by participants as a notion relating to meaning, personal discovery, self-reflection, support, connectedness, and guidance. Spirituality and the delivery of care for the terminally ill appeared to be interrelated in a dynamic relationship where a physician's spiritual growth occurred as a result of patient interaction and that spiritual growth, in turn, was essential for providing compassionate care for the palliative patient. Spirituality also served as an influential force for physicians to engage in self-care practices.

Significance of results:

With spirituality as a pervasive force not only in the lives of palliative care patients, but also in those of healthcare providers, it may prove to be beneficial to use this information to guide future practice in training and education for palliative physicians in both the spiritual care of patients and in practitioner self care.
Discussing the transition to palliative care: Evaluation of a brief communication skills training program for oncology clinicians
Authors: Grainger Michelle N. , Hegarty Sue , Schofield Penelope , White Vicki , Jefford Michael
Published: September 2010

Objective:

Discussing the transition from active anti-cancer treatment to palliative care can be difficult for cancer patients and oncology health professionals (OHP). We developed a brief communication skills workshop to assist OHP with these conversations, and examined satisfaction with the workshop and perceived confidence regarding these discussions.

Method:

Interactive workshops were conducted by trained facilitators and included cognitive, behavioral, and experiential components. The major component of the workshop involved role-plays with trained actors (simulated patients). Participants completed an evaluation questionnaire.

Results:

Sixty-two OHP participated in workshops. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the workshop content and format. All participants felt the workshop provided relevant practical information, and >80% thought that participation benefited their work. Over 98% said that the workshop had increased confidence in their communication skills.

Significance of results:

Participants were very satisfied with the workshop, and thought that participation increased confidence in communicating about the transition to palliative care. Dissemination of this model of communication skills training seems warranted.
Implementing Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: organizational pre-treatment
Authors: Swales Michaela Anne
Published: September 2010

Implementing change in organizational systems is challenging, and implementing a new psychotherapeutic approach is no different. A literature exists on issues in implementation across a wide range of domains (technological, healthcare, justice). However, little of it is utilized in endeavours to implement innovations in psychological treatments. This paper draws on the implementation literature and on the experiences of the British Isles DBT Training Team (BIDBT) in implementing Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in mental healthcare systems in the UK over the last 13 years. This paper describes principles and strategies of ‘organizational pre-treatment’ as a necessary prerequisite to implementation.
Effects of early low-level lead exposure on human brain structure, organization and functions
Authors: Cecil K. M.
Published: September 2010

Advanced neuroimaging techniques offer unique insights into how childhood lead exposure impacts the brain. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging affords anatomical information about the size of global, regional and subcomponent structures within the brain. Diffusion tensor imaging provides information about white matter architecture by quantitatively describing how water molecules diffuse within it. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy generates quantitative measures of neuronal, axonal and glial elements via concentration levels of select metabolites. Functional magnetic resonance imaging infers neuronal activity associated with a given task performed. Employing these techniques in the study of the Cincinnati Lead Study, a relatively homogeneous birth cohort longitudinally monitored for over 30 years, one can non-invasively and quantitatively explore how childhood lead exposure is associated with adult brain structure, organization and function. These studies yield important findings how environmental lead exposure impacts human health.
Introduction to English Profile Journal
Authors: Hawkins John , McCarthy Michael
Published: September 2010

Welcome to the first issue of the English Profile Journal. The journal has been launched by Cambridge University Press to mark a significant stage in the development of the English Profile Programme. In February 2009, representatives of the institutions, groups and individuals involved in English Profile gathered together for a two-day seminar in Cambridge. The attendees shared the provisional results of their ongoing research into various aspects of the project and discussed ways forward for the network of collaborators and partners that English Profile has grown into. Members of the seminar presented their work, which was critiqued by the assembled participants. Over the months that followed, the presenters refined and documented their research presentations, and it is a selection of those papers which we now publish in this first issue, which will be incrementally published hereafter, and free until at least the end of 2012. Our aim is to showcase a representative cross-section of the kinds of research being carried out under the auspices of English Profile.
Requirements for Reference Level Descriptions for English
Authors: Green Anthony
Published: September 2010

The founding purpose of the English Profile Programme is to answer the Council of Europe's (2005) call for a set of Reference Level Descriptions (RLDs) for English linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The Council of Europe has issued guidelines setting out broad parameters for RLD development. This paper discusses how RLD might be developed for English in relation to the aims of the CEFR, incorporating consideration of critical voices, reports on the experiences of users of the CEFR and a review of currently operational RLDs for English: theThresholdseries. On the basis of these sources, recommendations are made for the ongoing development of the English Profile Programme.
Criterial Features in Learner Corpora: Theory and Illustrations
Authors: Hawkins John A. , Buttery Paula
Published: September 2010

One of the major goals of the Cambridge English Profile Programme is to identify ‘criterial features’ for each of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) proficiency levels as they apply to English, and to assess the impact of different first languages on these features (through ‘transfer’ effects). The present paper defines what is meant by criterial features and proposes an initial taxonomy of four types. Numerous illustrations are given from our collaborative research to date on the Cambridge Learner Corpus. The benefits and challenges posed by these features for corpus linguistics and for theories of second language acquisition are briefly outlined, as are the benefits and challenges for language assessment practices and for publishing ventures that make use of them as supplements to the current CEFR descriptors.
Experimental insights into the scaling and variability of local tsunamis triggered by giant subduction megathrust earthquakes
Authors: Rosenau Matthias , Nerlich Rainer , Brune Sascha , Oncken Onno
Published: September 2010

Giant subduction megathrust earthquakes of magnitude 9 and larger pose a significant tsunami hazard in coastal regions. In order to test and improve empirical tsunami forecast models and to explore the susceptibility of different subduction settings we here analyze the scaling of subduction earthquake‐triggered tsunamis in the near field and their variability related to source heterogeneities. We base our analysis on a sequence of 50 experimentally simulated great to giant (Mw = 8.3–9.4) subduction megathrust earthquakes generated using an elastoplastic analog model. Experimentally observed surface deformation is translated to local tsunami runup using linear wave theory. We find that the intrinsic scaling of local tsunami runup is characterized by a linear relationship to peak earthquake slip, an exponential relationship to moment magnitude, and an inverse power law relationship to fore‐arc slope. Tsunami variability is controlled by coseismic slip heterogeneity and strain localization within the fore‐arc wedge and is characterized by a coefficient of variation Cv ∼ 0.5. Wave breaking modifies the scaling behavior of tsunamis triggered by the largest (Mw > 8.5) events in subduction settings with shallow dipping (<1–2°) fore‐arc slopes, limits tsunami runup to <30 m, and reduces its variability to Cv ∼ 0.2. The resulting effective scaling relationships are validated against historical events and numerical simulations and reproduce empirical scaling relationships. The latter appear as robust and liberal estimates of runup up to magnitude Mw = 9.5. A global assessment of tsunami susceptibility suggests that accretionary plate margins are more prone to tsunami hazard than erosive margins.
Spectral and geographical variability in the oceanic response to atmospheric pressure fluctuations, as inferred from “dynamic barometer” Green's functions
Authors: Dey N. , Dickman S. R.
Published: September 2010

A decade ago, a novel theoretical approach was developed (Dickman, 1998) for determining the dynamic response of the oceans to atmospheric pressure variations, a response nicknamed the “dynamic barometer” (DB), and the effects of that response on Earth's rotation. This approach employed a generalized, spherical harmonic ocean tide model to compute oceanic Green's functions, the oceans' fluid dynamic response to unit‐amplitude pressure forcing on various spatial and temporal scales, and then construct rotational Green's functions, representing the rotational effects of that response. When combined with the observed atmospheric pressure field, the rotational Green's functions would yield the effects of the DB on Earth's rotation. The Green's functions reflect in some way the geographical and spectral sensitivity of the oceans to atmospheric pressure forcing. We have formulated a measure of that sensitivity using a simple combination of rotational Green's functions. We find that the DB response of the oceans to atmospheric pressure forcing depends significantly on geographic location and on frequency. Compared to the inverted barometer (IB) (the traditional static model), the DB effects differ slightly at long periods but become very different at shorter periods. Among all the responses, the prograde polar motion effects are the most dynamic, with large portions of the North Atlantic and some of the North Pacific no larger than one third of IB, but most of the Southern Hemisphere oceans at least 50% greater than IB.
Long‐term trends and solar cycle variations of mesospheric temperature and dynamics
Authors: Offermann D. , Hoffmann P. , Knieling P. , Koppmann R. , Oberheide J. , Steinbrecht W.
Published: September 2010

Mesospheric and stratospheric temperatures and winds from several stations in Germany are analyzed for long‐term trends in 1988–2008. Emphasis is on upper mesosphere (87 km) hydroxyl (OH) temperatures at Wuppertal (51°N, 7°E) that agree favorably with satellite‐borne observations from Sounding of the Atmosphere Using Broadband Emission Radiometry and a twin OH instrument at Hohenpeißenberg (48°N, 11°E) that is operational since 2003. The two twin stations yield a combined data set with 80% time coverage suitable for high time resolution analyses. Annual mean temperatures at Wuppertal show a long‐term trend of −0.23 K/yr and a solar flux sensitivity of 0.035 K/solar flux unit. Trend analysis of monthly mean temperatures yields substantial variations from one month to another, between 0 and −0.6 K/yr, hence questioning the value of seasonal mean trends. The OH temperatures have a well‐known characteristic form of seasonal variation. This form changes during the 21 years of observation. The changes are compared to modifications of the summer length in the stratosphere and are interpreted as dynamics/circulation changes extending to the uppermost parts of the middle atmosphere.
Variation in ultrafiltered and LMW organic matter fluorescence properties under simulated estuarine mixing transects: 1. Mixing alone
Authors: Boyd Thomas J. , Barham Bethany P. , Hall Gregory J. , Osburn Christopher L.
Published: September 2010

Ultrafiltered and low molecular weight dissolved organic matter (UDOM and LMW‐DOM, respectively) fluorescence was studied under simulated estuarine mixing using samples collected from Delaware, Chesapeake, and San Francisco Bays (USA) transects. UDOM was concentrated by tangential flow ultrafiltration (TFF) from the marine (>33 PSU), mid‐estuarine (∼16 PSU), and freshwater (<1 PSU) members. TFF permeates (<1 kDa) from the three members were used to create artificial salinity transects ranging from ∼0 to ∼36, with 4 PSU increments. UDOM from the end‐ or mid‐members was added in equal amounts to each salinity‐mix. Three‐dimensional fluorescence excitation‐emission matrix (EEMs) spectra were generated for each end‐member permeate and UDOM through the full estuarine mixing transect. Fluorescence components such as proteinaceous, terrigenous, and marine derived humic peaks, and certain fluorescent ratios were noticeably altered by simulated estuarine mixing, suggesting that LMW DOM and UDOM undergo physicochemical alteration as they move to or from the freshwater, mid‐estuarine, or coastal ocean members. LMW fluorescence components fit a decreasing linear mixing model from mid salinities to the ocean end‐member, but were more highly fluorescent than mixing alone would predict in lower salinities (<8). Significant shifts were also seen in UDOM peak emission wavelengths with blue‐shifting toward the ocean end‐member. Humic‐type components in UDOM generally showed lower fluorescent intensities at low salinities, higher at mid‐salinities, and lower again toward the ocean end‐member. T (believed to be proteinaceous) and N (labile organic matter) peaks behaved similarly to each other, but not to B peak fluorescence, which showed virtually no variation in permeate or UDOM mixes with salinity. PCA and PARAFAC models showed similar results suggesting trends could be modeled for DOM end‐ and mid‐member sources. Changes in fluorescence properties due to estuarine mixing may be important when using CDOM as a proxy for DOM cycling in coastal systems.
Variation in ultrafiltered and LMW organic matter fluorescence properties under simulated estuarine mixing transects: 2. Mixing with photoexposure
Authors: Boyd Thomas J. , Barham Bethany P. , Hall Gregory J. , Schumann Brandon S. , Paerl Ryan W. , Osburn Christopher L.
Published: September 2010

Ultrafiltered and low molecular weight dissolved organic matter (UDOM and LMW‐DOM, respectively) fluorescence was studied under simulated estuarine mixing along with moderate photoexposure using Delaware, Chesapeake, and San Francisco Bays (USA) natural organic matter. UDOM was produced by tangential flow ultrafiltration (TFF) from the marine (>33 PSU), mid‐estuarine (∼16 PSU), and freshwater (<1 PSU) members. TFF permeates (<1 kDa) were used to create artificial salinity transects nominally ranging from ∼0 to ∼36, with 4 PSU increments. UDOM or permeate (as control) from freshwater and mid‐estuary was added to each salinity mix in the artificial transect to determine the impact of mixing behavior on optical properties. Three‐dimensional fluorescence excitation‐emission matrix (EEMs) spectra were generated for each end‐member permeate (LMW fraction) and UDOM through the full artificial mixing transect. Fluorescent properties representing standard‐identified peaks, fluorescence ratios and excitation‐emission characteristics were assayed as previously reported. However, in this study, each sample was additionally photobleached for three days (nominally) to determine the coupled effect of estuarine mixing and photobleaching on LMW and UDOM fluorescence. Permeates, except Delaware Bay samples, were more bleached at lower salinities (<16). This effect was especially noticeable for mid‐estuarine LMW organic material which was highly bleached at low salinities. Humic‐type UDOM was generally bleached less at low salinities, maximally at mid‐salinities, and less as it mixed toward the ocean end‐member. As with mixing alone experiments, the B peak showed virtually no variability in the LMW and UDOMs fraction and was not significantly bleached. The N and T peak behaved similarly to one another and were significantly bleached. PCA and PARAFAC models confirmed trends for individual peaks. A four‐dimensional PARAFAC model with pre‐ and post‐bleached as the fourth dimension showed increases in the T peak fluorescence after photobleaching (with some overlap of the B and N peak). Results from this study indicate that coupled mixing and photobleaching can alter CDOM fluorescence in ways which might increase the difficulty in using CDOM as a proxy for DOM in regional carbon cycling biogeochemical models.
Effects of irrigated agroecosystems: 1. Quantity of soil water and groundwater in the southern High Plains, Texas
Authors: Scanlon B. R. , Reedy R. C. , Gates J. B.
Published: September 2010

Although irrigated agriculture is the primary consumer of global groundwater resources, information on recharge rates and sustainable irrigation is limited. The study objective was to fingerprint irrigation return flow to quantify percolation/recharge and to estimate sustainable irrigation levels. This paper focuses on water quantity; a companion paper addresses water quality. Soil samples from 13 boreholes drilled beneath irrigated agroecosystems in the southern High Plains were analyzed for matric potential and water‐extractable Cl and NO3. Unsaturated zone pore water beneath irrigated agroecosystems can be fingerprinted by higher matric potentials (wetter soils, median mp: −40 m) and higher NO3‐N (median 71 mg/L) than beneath natural ecosystems (mp −200 m; NO3‐N 8.1 mg/L) and by higher Cl (720 mg/L) than beneath rain‐fed agroecosystems (8.4 mg/L). The range in percolation/recharge rates beneath irrigated agroecosystems is 18–97 mm/a (median 41 mm/a; 5% of irrigation + precipitation) and occurs primarily in response to extreme precipitation events. Similarity in percolation/recharge rates beneath irrigated and rain‐fed (4.8–92 mm/a) agroecosystems was unexpected and is attributed to low irrigation applications (median 300 mm/a) and increased crop yield and evapotranspiration in irrigated areas. Regional water table declines are unsustainably large (≥ 30 m over 10,000 km2) in the north and are much lower in the south. Sustainable irrigation in the south would require reduction of the irrigated area from 23% to 9%. Methods developed for quantifying recharge and sustainable irrigation application rates can be applied to groundwater‐fed irrigated areas in semiarid regions globally.
Ionospheric foF2 variability over the Southeast Asian sector
Authors: Akala A. O. , Adeloye A. B. , Somoye E. O.
Published: September 2010

This paper presents the diurnal, seasonal, and solar activity impacts on the variability of ionospheric foF2 over the Southeast Asian sector. Data from three ionosonde stations, namely, Manila (14.7°N, 121.1°E, dip 14.7°N), Okinawa (26.3°N, 127.8°E, dip 36.8°N), and Vanimo (2.7°S, 141.3°E, dip 22.5°S), were used for the investigation via the standard deviation approach. The diurnal analysis revealed that foF2 is more susceptible to variability during the nighttime than the daytime. The observed variability is characterized by two peaks: a postsunset peak (15%–50%; corresponding to 3–14 MHz for the mean foF2 values) and a postmidnight peak (18%–68%; corresponding to 2–9 MHz for the mean foF2 values). Seasonally, the trend of the foF2 variability maximum does not follow any typical pattern (no particular season has a leading edge over others) for all levels of solar activity. On average the foF2 variability maximum was observed at the Vanimo station during low‐ and high‐solar‐activity years (1986 and 1989, respectively). During the moderate‐solar‐activity year (1983), the foF2 variability maximum was observed at the Manila station. With the exception of the Okinawa data, where little or no difference in the foF2 variability peaks during the low‐ and moderate‐solar‐activity years was noticed, foF2 variability increases with decreasing solar activity at all stations.
A nonpotential model for the Sun's open magnetic flux
Authors: Yeates A. R. , Mackay D. H. , van Ballegooijen A. A. , Constable J. A.
Published: September 2010

Measurements of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) over several solar cycles do not agree with computed values of open magnetic flux from potential field extrapolations. The discrepancy becomes greater around solar maximum in each cycle when the IMF can be twice as strong as predicted by the potential field model. Here we demonstrate that this discrepancy may be resolved by allowing for electric currents in the low corona (below 2.5R⊙). We present a quasi‐static numerical model of the large‐scale coronal magnetic evolution, which systematically produces these currents through flux emergence and shearing by surface motions. The open flux is increased by 75%–85% at solar maximum, but only 25% at solar minimum, bringing it in line with estimates from IMF measurements. The additional open flux in the nonpotential model arises through inflation of the magnetic field by electric currents, with superimposed fluctuations due to coronal mass ejections. The latter are modeled by the self‐consistent ejection of twisted magnetic flux ropes.
Dependence of spectral‐induced polarization response of sandstone on temperature and its relevance to permeability estimation
Authors: Zisser N. , Kemna A. , Nover G.
Published: September 2010

The possibility to estimate permeability from the electrical spectral induced polarization (SIP) response might be the most important benefit offered by SIP measurements. It can thus be deduced that, in the future, SIP measurements will be carried out more frequently at the field scale or in a well‐logging context to estimate permeability. In the shallow subsurface, however, the temperature generally exhibits seasonal variability, and in the deeper subsurface, it usually increases with depth. Hence, knowledge about the dependence of the SIP response on temperature is necessary in order to avoid possible misinterpretation of datasets impacted by thermal effects. In our study, we present a semiempirical framework to describe the temperature dependence of the SIP response. We briefly introduce the SIP response and its relation to permeability in terms of an electrochemical polarization mechanism and combine this formulation with relationships for the dependence of ionic mobility on temperature. We compare the predictions of our formulation with the experimental data from SIP measurements performed on sandstone at temperatures from 0°C to 80°C. The measured SIP response was transformed into a relaxation time distribution, using the empirical Cole‐Cole model and a regularized Debye decomposition procedure. The SIP response was found to be in good agreement with the theoretical model. The temperature dependence of both direct current conductivity and relaxation time is controlled mainly by the dependence of ionic mobility on temperature, and the shape of the relaxation time distribution of the investigated sandstone is almost independent of temperature. The temperature effect on the SIP response can therefore be easily corrected.
Anthropomorphism in science
Authors: Davies Julian
Published: September 2010

It is a human characteristic to assign human emotion and behaviour to other living creatures. Yet anthropocentrism may well have ‘infected’ microbiology and misdirected research
A dual role for RNA splicing signals
Authors: Chanfreau Guillaume F
Published: September 2010

Growing evidence suggests that the splicing of pre‐mRNAs may be imperfect. Do quality control mechanisms exist to eliminate RNA molecules that have escaped the splicing process?
Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 Inhibition Provides Antiinflammatory Protection after an Intracerebral Hemorrhagic Stroke in Mice
Authors: Ma Qingyi , Manaenko Anatol , Khatibi Nikan H , Chen Wanqiu , Zhang John H , Tang Jiping
Published: September 2010

The systemic immune response has a vital role in propagating the damage of an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1), a semicarbazide (SCZ)-sensitive-amine-oxidase, was found in previous studies to have a role in migration of immune cells. In this study, we hypothesize that VAP-1 inhibition may decrease brain injury by attenuating the transmigration of immune cells to the injury site, and by doing so, reduce cerebral edema and improve neurobehavioral function in mice. Two VAP-1 inhibitors, LJP1586 and SCZ were given 1 hour after ICH induction by either collagenase or autologous blood injection. The VAP-1 siRNA, a VAP-1 gene silencer, and human recombinant AOC3 protein, a VAP-1 analogue, were delivered by intracerebroventricular injection. Postassessment included neurobehavioral testing, brain edema measurement, quantification of neutrophil infiltration and microglia/macrophage activation, and measurement of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression 24 hours after ICH. We found that LJP1586 and SCZ reduced brain edema and neurobehavioral deficits 24 hours after ICH induction. These two drugs were also found to decrease levels of ICAM-1, MCP-1, TNF-α, and inhibit neutrophilic infiltration and microglia/macrophage activation. We conclude that VAP-1 inhibition provided antiinflammation effect by reducing adhesion molecule expression and immune cell infiltration after ICH.
Racecadotril versus placebo in the treatment of acute diarrhoea in adults
Authors: Hamza H. , Ben Khalifa H. , Baumer P. , Berard H. , Lecomte J.M.
Published: September 2010

MethodsA two‐centre, double‐blind, parallel‐group, randomized study was carried out to compare the efficacy and tolerability of racecadotril (100 mg three times daily) and placebo in 70 adult patients with acute diarrhoea. An objective criterion of antisecretory activity, stool weight, was used.

ResultsRacecadotril produced a significant (P = 0.025) decrease in stool weight during the first day of treatment compared with placebo, and was also associated with significantly fewer diarrhoeic stools than placebo after 1 day of treatment (P = 0.027). Racecadotril and placebo were equally well tolerated, and the frequency of symptoms and signs was similar in both groups after 4 days of treatment. Fewer patients on racecadotril suffered from abdominal distension following treatment (5.6% vs. 18.2% on placebo).

ConclusionsRacecadotril acts rapidly to resolve acute diarrhoea and has an incidence of adverse events similar to that of placebo.
Review article: the therapeutic potential of 5‐HT3receptor antagonists in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Humphrey P.P.A. , Bountra C. , Clayton N. , Kozlowski K.
Published: September 2010

There is evidence from studies, in both animals and humans, that 5‐HT3receptor blockade has potential value in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, particularly in those patients with diarrhoea‐predominant bowel habits. New findings suggest that 5‐HT3receptors exist on gut afferent neurones and that their activation by locally released 5‐HT leads to visceral nociceptive stimulation, in addition to increased neuronally‐mediated motor and secretory activity. If this concept is validated, it will provide a rationale for the use of 5‐HT3receptor antagonists in patients with increased gut motility, reduced fluid absorption and low nociceptive thresholds leading to abdominal pain.

Alosetron is a highly selective, potent 5‐HT3receptor antagonist which is well absorbed with a long pharmacodynamic half‐life. Its ability to provide long‐lasting blockade of 5‐HT3receptors throughout the body make it an ideal candidate within its class to evaluate the clinical hypothesis that sustained and ubiquitous 5‐HT3receptor blockade is of value in the treatment of IBS.
Experimental investigation on argon cluster sizes for conical nozzles with different opening angles
Authors: Chen Guanglong , Kim Byunghoon , Ahn Byungnam , Kim Dong Eon
Published: September 2010

Using Rayleigh scattering measurement, we experimentally studied the effect of the opening angle of conical nozzles on the average sizes of argon clusters produced by high-pressure argon gas (up to 50 bars) expanding into vacuum. Both the scattering signal intensity and the scattering image were synchronically recorded by a photomultiplier tube and a charge-coupled device camera. These measurements allow for the comparison of average cluster sizes among conical nozzles of different opening angles. The experimental results indicate that, as expected by Hagena’s scaling law, the argon cluster size is dependent on the opening angle. However, it is also found that (1) the cluster size exhibits a larger deviation from Hagena’s scaling law at high backing pressure for a nozzle of a smaller opening angle and (2) the smaller the opening angle of conical nozzle gets, the weaker the pressure dependence of cluster size becomes.
Relativistic calculations of ground and excited states of LiYb molecule for ultracold photoassociation spectroscopy studies
Authors: Gopakumar Geetha , Abe Minori , Das Bhanu Pratap , Hada Masahiko , Hirao Kimihiko
Published: September 2010

We report a series of quantum-chemical calculations for the ground and some of the low-lying excited states of an isolated LiYb molecule by the spin-orbit multistate complete active space second-order perturbation theory (SO-MS-CASPT2). Potential energy curves, spectroscopic constants, and transition dipole moments (TDMs) at both spin-free and spin-orbit levels are obtained. Large spin-orbit effects especially in the TDMs of the molecular states dissociating to Yb(P30,1,2) excited states are found. To ensure the reliability of our calculations, we test five types of incremental basis sets and study their effect on the equilibrium distance and dissociation energy of the ground state. We also compare CASPT2 and CCSD(T) results for the ground state spectroscopic constants at the spin-free relativistic level. The discrepancies between the CASPT2 and CCSD(T) results are only 0.01 Å in equilibrium bond distance (Re) and 200 cm−1 in dissociation energy (De). Our CASPT2 calculation in the supermolecular state (R=100 a.u.) with the largest basis set reproduces experimental atomic excitation energies within 3% error. Transition dipole moments of the super molecular state (R=100 a.u.) dissociating to Li(P2) excited states are quite close to experimental atomic TDMs as compared to the Yb(P3) and Yb(P1) excited states. The information obtained from this work would be useful for ultracold photoassociation experiments on LiYb.
Distribution of donor states on etched surface of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Higashiwaki Masataka , Chowdhury Srabanti , Miao Mao-Sheng , Swenson Brian L. , Van de Walle Chris G. , Mishra Umesh K.
Published: September 2010

The dependence of electron density (ns) on AlGaN barrier thickness (dAlGaN) was studied for AlGaN/GaN single heterostructures whose dAlGaN was controlled by low-power Cl-based reactive ion etching (RIE) instead of growth. The samples showed a constant increase not only in ns but also in AlGaN surface barrier height (eϕB) with dAlGaN, indicating the existence of low-density and distributed donor states on the AlGaN surface. Such a distribution of donor states differs from the commonly accepted model based on high-density and single-level surface donor states as the source of electrons in the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). The presence of a distribution of donor states is confirmed by first-principles calculations for a variety of surface structures for oxidized AlGaN surfaces. Donor states arise from areas of the surface that deviate from the electron-counting rule, leading to occupied surface states in the upper half of the band gap. The oxide formed on the surface after RIE results in a low-density distribution of surface donor states in which the highest occupied levels span the range from 1–2 eV below the AlGaN conduction-band minimum. The density of these states is comparable to the ns in the 2DEG and insufficient to pin the Fermi level, leading to a constant increase in eϕB with dAlGaN.
Correlation of structural distortion with magnetic properties in electron-doped Ca0.9R0.1MnO3 perovskites (R=rare-earth)
Authors: Wang Yang , Sui Yu , Wang Xianjie , Su Wenhui , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: September 2010

A series of electron-doped orthorhombic-perovskite manganites Ca0.9R0.1MnO3 (R=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Yb) are synthesized for a systematic study of their crystal structure and magnetic properties. The structural distortions, in terms of the average Mn–O–Mn bond angle θMn–O–Mn and Mn–O bond length dMn–O, are characterized as a function of the A-site ionic size. Two degenerate vibration modes Q2 and Q3 are used for describing the bond length splitting and the evolution of the octahedral-site distortion. With R3+ doping, the magnetization increases markedly at low temperatures, which can be attributed to the formation of ferromagnetic clusters in the antiferromagnetic matrix. Both low temperature magnetization and paramagnetic susceptibility vary with the radius of R3+ ion and enhanced ferromagnetic domain is found in Ca0.9Ho0.1MnO3. The Néel temperature TN, varying from 100 to 116 K, is strongly dependent on the crystal structural distortions and can be well described as functions of three structural parameters θMn–O–Mn, dMn–O, and A-site cation size variance σ2. The best size matching between Dy3+ and Ca2+ leads to the highest TN in Ca0.9Dy0.1MnO3.
Ion flux characteristics and efficiency of the deposition processes in high power impulse magnetron sputtering of zirconium
Authors: Lazar J. , Vlček J. , Rezek J.
Published: September 2010

High power impulse magnetron sputtering of zirconium was investigated at the average target power density of up to 2.22 kW cm−2 in a pulse. The depositions were performed using a strongly unbalanced magnetron with a planar zirconium target of 100 mm diameter at the argon pressure of 1 Pa. The repetition frequency was 500 Hz at duty cycles ranging from 4% to 10%. Time-averaged mass spectroscopy was carried out at the substrate positions of 100 and 200 mm from the target. The increase in the average target power density from 0.97 kW cm−2 to 2.22 kW cm−2 in shortened voltage pulses (from 200 to 80 μs) at an average target power density of 100 W cm−2 in a period led to high fractions (21%–32%) of doubly charged zirconium ions in total ion fluxes onto the substrate located 100 mm from the target. However, the respective fractions of singly charged zirconium ions decreased from 23% to 3%. It was observed that ion energy distributions were extended to high energies (up to 100 eV relative to the ground potential) under these conditions. The increased target power densities during the shortened voltage pulses resulted in a reduced deposition rate of films from 590 to 440 nm/min and in a weakly decreasing ionized fraction (from 55% to 49%) of the sputtered zirconium atoms in the flux onto the substrate. The doubly charged zirconium ions became strongly predominant (up to 63%) in the total ion flux onto the substrate at the distance of 200 mm from the target. Model calculations were carried out to explain the complicated deposition processes.
Flexural wave propagation in double-layered nanoplates with small scale effects
Authors: Wang Yi-Ze , Li Feng-Ming , Kishimoto Kikuo
Published: September 2010

In this work, the flexural wave propagation in doubled-layered nanoplates is studied. Based on the nonlocal continuum theory, the equation of wave motion is derived. The frequency, phase velocity, group velocity, and their ratio with different scale coefficients and wave numbers are presented. From the results, it can be observed that the small scale effects should be considered for higher frequencies. The dispersion properties for mode I and mode II are different. The van der Walls (vdW) interaction has significant influence on the wave characteristics for the higher mode, which is similar to the vibration properties of nanoplates. However, not all of the characteristics for mode II can be dominated by the vdW interaction, they can be affected by the wave number and the scale coefficients.
Reference state for the generalized Yvon–Born–Green theory: Application for coarse-grained model of hydrophobic hydration
Authors: Mullinax J. W. , Noid W. G.
Published: September 2010

Coarse-grained (CG) models provide a computationally efficient means for investigating phenomena that remain beyond the scope of atomically detailed models. Although CG models are often parametrized to reproduce the results of atomistic simulations, it is highly desirable to determine accurate CG models from experimental data. Recently, we have introduced a generalized Yvon–Born–Green (g-YBG) theory for directly (i.e., noniteratively) determining variationally optimized CG potentials from structural correlation functions. In principle, these correlation functions can be determined from experiment. In the present work, we introduce a reference state potential into the g-YBG framework. The reference state defines a fixed contribution to the CG potential. The remaining terms in the potential are then determined, such that the combined potential provides an optimal approximation to the many-body potential of mean force. By specifying a fixed contribution to the potential, the reference state significantly reduces the computational complexity and structural information necessary for determining the remaining potentials. We also validate the quantitative accuracy of the proposed method and numerically demonstrate that the reference state provides a convenient framework for transferring CG potentials from neat liquids to more complex systems. The resulting CG model provides a surprisingly accurate description of the two- and three-particle solvation structures of a hydrophobic solute in methanol. This work represents a significant step in developing the g-YBG theory as a useful computational framework for determining accurate CG models from limited experimental data.
Accurate periodicity measurement of superconducting quantum interference device magnetic flux response
Authors: Nakanishi Masakazu
Published: September 2010

It is theoretically explained that a response of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) is periodically dependent on total magnetic flux coupling to the SQUID ring (Φ) and its period is a flux quantum (Φo=h/2e, where h and e, respectively, express Planck’s constant and elementary charge). For example, the voltage of an electromagnetically oscillated rf-SQUID or a current biased dc-SQUID is thought to be periodically dependent on Φ with a period of Φo. In this paper, we propose an accurate method to check the periodicity of a SQUID response by using a set of sensing coils covered with a superconducting sheath. As a demonstration, we measured periodicity of a commercially available thin-film type rf-SQUID response in magnetic flux ranging up to approximately 4300Φo. Its flux dependence was periodic below about 3400Φo.
A high stability beam-scanning confocal optical microscope for low temperature operation
Authors: Grazioso Fabio , Patton Brian R. , Smith Jason M.
Published: September 2010

We report on the design and performance of a high stability scanning confocal microscope for optical microscopy at low temperatures. By scanning the beam in a cold objective lens system, we achieve wide fields of view without compromising image quality. Photoluminescence from single nitrogen-vacancy centers in high purity diamond is used to illustrate the imaging and stability performance of the microscope.
Two-dimensional stationary Schrödinger equation via the ∂¯-dressing method: New exactly solvable potentials, wave functions, and their physical interpretation
Authors: Dubrovsky V. G. , Topovsky A. V. , Basalaev M. Yu.
Published: September 2010

The classes of exactly solvable multiline soliton potentials and corresponding wave functions of two-dimensional stationary Schrödinger equation via ∂¯-dressing method are constructed and their physical interpretation is discussed.