bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Мodernization of Conventional Spiral Wound Channel - A Tool to Escape Fouling, Expand Membrane Life and Increase Recovery
Authors: Pervov Alexei
Published: March 2014

The survey shows that high operational costs of membrane facilities and large amounts of concentrate effluents are mainly attributed to fouling and scaling. The research of scaling and fouling mechanisms shows that these processes depend not only on hydrodynamic factors, but on membrane type and channel geometry. However, the main disadvantages of the modern RO techniques are connected with membrane fouling, concentrate flow, and complicated design. The main ways to develop new fouling-free techniques are outlined and suggest a new concept of modified "open-channel" spiral wound membranes. Successful attempts were undertaken by the author to modify spiral wound membrane channels to limit fouling and scaling potentials of membrane modules. Elimination of spacer mesh from the feed channels eliminates "dead" regions that provide scaling and fouling conditions whilst also reducing the risk of particle "trapping" and associated dramatic cross flow resistance increase. High recoveries could also be reached due to strong stability of calcium carbonate and sulphate solutions. Introduction of a new "open-channel" configuration offers new perspectives to escape fouling and develop a novel technique to treat water with high fouling and scaling potential. This novel concept of spiral wound module with an "open channel" design has been developed, field-tested and introduced into practice.
A test procedure is described that enables us to compare fouling propensities of RO facilities tailored with different membrane types and channel configurations. Cross-flow resistance increase, scaling, and fouling rates and flux decrease are predicted for different feed water compositions. Introduction of new "open channel" spiral wound module into desalination practice enables us to considerately expand the application area of RO techniques.
Dust aerosol index (DAI) algorithm for MODIS
Authors: Ciren Pubu , Kondragunta Shobha
Published: March 2014

A dust aerosol index (DAI) algorithm based on measurements in deep blue (412 nm), blue (440 nm), and shortwave IR (2130 nm) wavelengths using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations has been developed. Contrary to some dust detection algorithms that use measurements at thermal IR bands, this algorithm takes advantage of the spectral dependence of Rayleigh scattering, surface reflectance, and dust absorption to detect airborne dust. The DAI images generated by this algorithm agree qualitatively with the location and extent of dust observed in MODIS true color images. Quantitatively, the dust index generated for hundreds of dust outbreaks observed between 2006 and 2013 were compared to Cloud Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) Vertical Feature Mask (VFM) product and the detections are found to be accurate at 70% over land and 82% over ocean. The Probability of Correct Detection (POCD) is 80% over land and 76% over ocean. The dust detections with DAI‐based dust identification algorithm were also compared to 5 years of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations for 13 stations with a wide range of geographical coverage. The average detection accuracy is ~70%, whereas the POCD is ~67%. The performance of DAI‐based dust detection against AERONET is slightly weaker than that against CALIOP VFM because of the limited number of matchups for some stations. For stations close to source region or coastal and island stations, the accuracy and POCD can be as high as ~85% and ~89%, respectively.
Simultaneous Realization of Phase/Size Manipulation, Upconversion Luminescence Enhancement, and Blood Vessel Imaging in Multifunctional Nanoprobes Through Transition Metal Mn2+ Doping
Authors: Zeng Songjun , Yi Zhigao , Lu Wei , Qian Chao , Wang Haibo , Rao Ling , Zeng Tianmei , Liu Hongrong , Liu Huijing , Fei Bin , Hao Jianhua
Published: March 2014

A strategy is demonstrated for simultaneous phase/size manipulation, multicolor tuning, and remarkably enhanced upconversion luminescence (UCL), particularly in red emission bands in fixed formulae of general lanthanide‐doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs), namely NaLnF4:Yb/Er (Ln: Lu, Gd, Yb), simply through transition metal Mn2+‐doping. The addition of different Mn2+ dopant contents in NaLnF4:Yb/Er system favors the crystal structure changing from hexagonal (β) phase to cubic (α) phase, and the crystal size of UCNPs can be effectively controlled. Moreover, the UCL can be tuned from green through yellow and to dominant red emissions under the excitation of 980 nm laser. Interestingly, a large enhancement in overall UCL spectra of Mn2+ doped UCNPs (∼59.1 times for NaLuF4 host, ∼39.3 times for NaYbF4 host compared to the UCNPs without Mn2+ doping) is observed, mainly due to remarkably enhanced luminescence in the red band. The obtained result greatly benefits in vitro and in vivo upconversion bioimaging with highly sensitive and deeper tissue penetration. To prove the application, a select sample of nanocrystal is used as an optical probe for in vitro cell and in vivo bioimaging to verify the merits of high contrast, deeper tissue penetration, and the absence of autofluorescence. Furthermore, the blood vessel of lung of a nude mouse with the injection of Mn2+‐doped NaLuF4: Yb/Er UCNPs can be readily visualized using X‐ray imaging. Therefore, the Mn2+ doping method provides a new strategy for phase/size control, multicolor tuning, and remarkable enhancement of UCL dominated by red emission, which will impact on the field of bioimaging based on UCNP nanoprobes.
A CT‐based medina classification in coronary bifurcations: Does the lumen assessment provide sufficient information?
Authors: Papadopoulou Stella‐Lida , Girasis Chrysafios , Gijsen Frank J. , Rossi Alexia , Ottema Jade , van der Giessen Alina G. , Schuurbiers Johan C. , Garcia‐Garcia Hector M. , de Feyter Pim J. , Wentzel Jolanda J.
Published: March 2014

Aims

To evaluate the distribution of atherosclerosis at bifurcations with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and propose a novel CT‐Medina classification for bifurcation lesions.

Methods

In 26 patients (age 55 ± 10 years, 81% male) imaged with CTCA, 39 bifurcations were studied. The bifurcations analysis included the proximal main vessel, the distal main vessel and the side branch (SB). Plaque contours were manually traced on CTCA; the lumen, vessel and plaque area were measured, as well as plaque burden (%). The carina cross‐sections were divided into four equal parts according to the expected wall shear stress (WSS) to assess circumferential plaque distribution. All the bifurcation lesions were classified using the Medina classification and a novel CT‐Medina classification combining lumen narrowing and plaque burden ≥70%.

Results

Presence of severe plaque (plaque burden ≥70%) by CTCA was demonstrated in 12.8% (5/39) of the proximal segments, 15.4% (6/39) of the distal segments and 7.7% (3/39) of the SB segments. The thickest plaque was located more often in low WSS parts of the carina cross‐sections, whereas the flow divider was rarely affected. Although in the majority of bifurcations plaque was present, based on the Medina classification 92% of the assessed bifurcations were identified as 0,0,0. Characterization of bifurcation lesions using the new CT‐Medina classification provided additional information in seven cases (18%) compared to the Medina classification

Conclusion

Atherosclerotic plaque is widely present in all bifurcation segments, even in the absence of coronary lumen stenosis. A CT‐Medina classification combining lumen and plaque parameters is more informative than angiographic classification of bifurcation lesions and could potentially facilitate the decision‐making on the treatment of these lesions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A longitudinal test of impulsivity and depression pathways to early binge eating onset
Authors: Pearson Carolyn M. , Zapolski Tamika C.B. , Smith Gregory T.
Published: March 2014

Objective

The very early engagement in bulimic behaviors, such as binge eating, may be influenced by factors that dispose individuals to impulsive action as well as by factors that dispose individuals to depressive symptomatology. Using a longitudinal design, we conducted the first test of the simultaneous operation of both risk factors as children transition from elementary to middle school.

Method

In a sample of 1,906 children, we assessed risk for impulsive action (negative urgency, which is the tendency to act rashly when distressed, and eating expectancies, which are learned anticipations that eating will alleviate negative mood) and risk for depression (negative affect and depressive symptomatology) and binge eating behavior at three time points using a longitudinal design: the end of fifth grade (last year of elementary school: T0), the beginning of sixth grade (first year of middle school: T1), and the end of sixth grade (T2).

Results

Both the impulsive action and depression pathways predicted very early engagement in binge eating: each accounted for variance beyond the other. Mediation tests found that T1 eating expectancies mediated the predictive influence of T0 negative urgency on T2 binge eating (z = 2.45, p < .01) and that T1 depressive symptoms mediated the influence of T0 negative affect on T2 binge eating (z = 2.04, p < .05).

Discussion

In children, elevated levels of both negative urgency and negative affect predict early binge eating. This finding has important clinical implications because there are different interventions for the two different risk processes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:230–237)
Examination of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale and its relation to disordered eating in a young female sample
Authors: Cooper Jane L. , O'Shea Anne E. , Atkinson Melissa J. , Wade Tracey D.
Published: March 2014

Objective

Difficulties with emotion regulation is considered an important maintaining factor of disordered eating. One of the most commonly used measures of this construct is the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). The aim of this study was to explore the factor structure of this measure in young females and to examine its reliability and validity with respect to disordered eating.

Method

Females aged 17–25 years (M age = 19.6 years, N = 486) were examined in the analyses. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted followed by regression analyses examining the DERS subscales as predictors of eating disorder severity and disordered eating behaviors.

Results

The original 6‐factor 36‐item model did not fit well and analyses indicated a 6‐factor 30‐item solution was a more suitable fit for our population. Validity and reliability of the 30‐item solution were found to be acceptable. Regression analyses also indicated the 36‐ and 30‐item models were able to adequately predict eating disorder severity and disordered eating behaviors with the “Awareness” and “Goals” subscales being predictors of the former, and the “Impulsivity” subscale being a significant predictor of the latter.

Discussion

The overall findings suggest that an abbreviated version of the DERS might be more appropriate than the original version with young females and that this measure exhibits stronger relationships with eating disorder severity and disordered eating behaviors than the longer version. Further examinations of the psychometric properties of the DERS with clinical populations are indicated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:630–639)
Suppression of MicroRNA‐203 improves survival of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through enhancing PI3K‐induced cellular activation
Authors: Liu Tao , Fu Nan‐Nan , Song Hong‐Li , Wang Yu‐Liang , Wu Ben‐Juan , Shen Zhong‐Yang
Published: March 2014

As a group of heterogeneous multipotent cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potential in treatment of a variety of clinical diseases. However, the low survival of the transplanted MSCs reduced their therapeutic effects. In this study, we revealed that rno‐miR‐203 suppressed activity and colony formation and enhanced apoptosis of the rat bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs). Using bioinformatics analysis, we found a potential miR‐203 binding site within rat phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) 3′UTR, and fluorescent reporter experiments validated the direct and negative regulation of PI3K expression by miR‐203 through this site. Ectopic expression of PI3K rescued BM‐MSCs from depressed activity induced by miR‐203, and suppression of PI3K attenuated the increased BM‐MSCs activity by miR‐203 inhibitor treatment. Moreover, miR‐203 blocking partly protected BM‐MSCs from impairment caused by low nutrition. We conclude that inhibition of endogenous miR‐203 elevated PI3K expression, which may strengthen PI3K/Akt pathway and promote BM‐MSCs activity and survival. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(3):220–227, 2014
Reduction of arterial partial volume effects for improved absolute quantification of DSC‐MRI perfusion estimates: Comparison between tail scaling and prebolus administration
Authors: Knutsson Linda , Lindgren Emelie , Ahlgren André , van Osch Matthias J.P. , Markenroth Bloch Karin , Surova Yulia , Ståhlberg Freddy , van Westen Danielle , Wirestam Ronnie
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To evaluate and mutually compare the tail‐scaling approach and the prebolus administration concept for reduction of arterial partial volume effects (PVEs), because reproducible absolute quantification of cerebral blood flow (CBF) by dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often hampered by PVEs in the arterial input function (AIF) registration.

Materials and Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers were scanned in a test–retest study with 7–20 days between investigations to examine the quantitative values and the repeatability of CBF estimates obtained from the tail‐scaling and the prebolus administration approaches.

Results

Average grey matter CBF was 80 ± 18 mL/100 g/min (mean ± SD) using tail‐scaling and 56 ± 18 mL/100 g/min using prebolus administration. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.52 for the tail‐scaling approach and 0.86 for the prebolus administration concept.

Conclusion

Both correction methods resulted in considerably reduced arterial PVEs, leading to quantitative estimates of perfusion approaching those typically obtained by other perfusion modalities. The CBF estimates obtained using the prebolus administration concept showed superior repeatability. Potential sources of uncertainty in the tail‐scaling approach include the use of venous concentration curves influenced by PVEs or by geometric distortions (ie, vessel pixel shifts) in the steady‐state period. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:903–908. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Motivation to Pursue Genetic Testing in Individuals with a Personal or Family History of Cardiac Events or Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Erskine Kathleen E. , Hidayatallah Nadia Z. , Walsh Christine A. , McDonald Thomas V. , Cohen Lilian , Marion Robert W. , Dolan Siobhan M.
Published: March 2014

Genetic testing is becoming increasingly available for cardiac channelopathies, such as long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Test results can be used to shape an individual's medical management and to identify at‐risk family members. In our qualitative study, all participants had a personal or family history of a diagnosed cardiac arrhythmia syndrome or sudden cardiac death. Open‐ended interviews were conducted individually and in focus groups. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a qualitative grounded‐theory approach. Of 50 participants, 37 described their motivations for pursuing genetic testing for long QT syndrome or another cardiac channelopathy. Participants’ motivations included: to find an explanation for a family member's sudden death, to relieve uncertainty regarding a diagnosis, to guide future medical management, to allay concern about children or other family members, and to comply with recommendations of physicians or family members. Perceived reasons not to pursue genetic testing included denial, fear, and lack of information. The genetic counseling and informed consent process can be enhanced by understanding and addressing an individual's internal and external motivations either for or against pursuing genetic testing.
PCSK9 is Present in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid and is Maintained at Remarkably Constant Concentrations Throughout the Course of the Day
Authors: Chen Yan Q. , Troutt Jason S. , Konrad Robert J.
Published: March 2014

Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. PCSK9 is secreted by the liver and binds the hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor, causing its subsequent degradation. PCSK9 has also been shown to regulate the levels of additional membrane‐bound proteins in vitro, including very low‐density lipoprotein receptor, apolipoprotein E receptor 2, and beta‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1, which are highly expressed in central nervous system (CNS) and have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that human circulating PCSK9 displays a diurnal rhythm. Currently, little is known about PCSK9 levels in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In the present study, we measured PCSK9 concentrations in both serum and CSF collected from healthy human subjects at multiple time points throughout the day. While PCSK9 in serum manifested a distinct diurnal pattern, CSF PCSK9 levels were remarkably constant throughout the course of the day and were also consistently lower than corresponding serum PCSK9 concentrations. Our results indicate that regulation of PCSK9 in human CSF may be different than for plasma PCSK9, suggesting that further study of the role of PCSK9 in the CNS is warranted.
Freedom and necessity: the transition to the logic of the concept in Hegel's Science of Logic
Authors: Schick Friedrike
Published: March 2014

Whether freedom and causal necessity can coexist in the same world remains a contested question. In this article, I seek to show that Hegel's analysis of the category of causality, which concludes in the transition from the logic of essence to the logic of the concept, can help to elucidate this question itself. Starting with a short characterization of the positions in Kant's account of the ‘antinomy of freedom’ in his Critique of Pure Reason, I reconstruct the main sections of Hegel's account of causality in his Science of Logic. Holding the two accounts together shows that both proponent and opponent in the ‘antinomy of freedom’ are misled in that there are not two different kinds of causality at issue but rather two intrinsically connected moments of causality as such.
What is Asia for Us and Can We Be Asians? The New Asianism in Contemporary Japan
Authors: AVENELL SIMON
Published: March 2014

This paper traces the development of the ‘New Asianism’ in Japan over the past quarter of a century. It identifies three broad trajectories or normative positions in the debate: those advocating the replication of a Japanese model in Asia, those in favour of a genuine community of equals, and those who see Asia as the only future for Japan and as a solution for the country's economic and social problems. The paper argues that the evolution and shifting prominence of each trajectory over time is indicative of the ways globalization and regionalization are impinging on imaginations of the nation and facilitating novel perspectives on East Asia in Japan. Although the nation-state is, and will probably remain, an important force behind Japan's relations in Asia for the foreseeable future, the New Asianism may be indicative of its gradual relativization and the beginning of a new, more multidimensional understanding of Asia in Japan.
There are no good objections to substance dualism
Authors: Rodrigues José Gusmão
Published: March 2014

This article aims to review the standard objections to dualism and to argue that either they will fail to convince someone committed to dualism or are flawed on independent grounds. I begin by presenting the taxonomy of metaphysical positions on concrete particulars as they relate to the dispute between materialists and dualists, and in particular substance dualism is defined. In the first section, several kinds of substance dualism are distinguished and the relevant varieties of this kind of dualism are selected. The remaining sections are analyses of the standard objections to substance dualism: It is uninformative, has troubles accounting for soul individuation, causal pairing and interaction, violates laws of physics, is made implausible by the development of neuroscience and it postulates entities beyond necessity. I conclude that none of these objections is successful.
Changing Nature: Union Discourse and the Fermi Atomic Power Plant
Authors: Southern Jacquelyn
Published: March 2014

The first known grassroots protest against nuclear power was organized by industrial unions: the United Auto Workers, the International Union of Electrical Workers, and the United Papermakers and Paperworkers. InPower Reactor, a landmark case begun in 1956 and pursued all the way to the Supreme Court (where it was lost in 1961), these unions tried to prevent construction of the Enrico Fermi Atomic Power Plant, a fast breeder reactor, outside Detroit. However, their action has been interpreted as not truly environmental at all, but rather as merely a smokescreen for their opposition to commercially developed atomic power; at that time they were identified with support for public power, which was under assault by the Republican party. Attending to union discourses of nature reveals the case to have marked a pioneering turn from a conservation to environmental discourse of nature.
Letter from China. Environmental and Labor Change in China: Victims Become the Agents of Change
Authors: Pandita Sanjiv
Published: March 2014

The article is a first hand account of the reunion of the survivors of the Zhili Factory Fire in January 2013 nearly twenty years after the fire took place in 2003 in Shenzhen China and killed more than eighty-eight workers. The article highlights how one of the survivors has transformed from a helpless victim to an active organizer. In rapidly changing China, where millions of workers face new challenges especially due to exposure to hazardous substances, this article depicts how leadership from victims is driving change.
Diel nitrogen fixation pattern of Trichodesmium: the interactive control of light and Ni
Authors: Rodriguez Irene B. , Ho Tung-Yuan
Published: March 2014

Trichodesmium, a nonheterocystous cyanobacterium widely abundant in the surface water of the tropical and subtropical ocean, fixes dinitrogen under high light conditions while concurrently undergoing photosynthesis. The new production considerably influences the cycling of nitrogen and carbon in the ocean. Here, we investigated how light intensity and nickel (Ni) availability interplay to control daily rates and diel patterns of N2 fixation in Trichodesmium. We found that increasing Ni concentration increased N2 fixation rates by up to 30-fold in the high light treatment. Cultures subjected to high Ni and light levels fixed nitrogen throughout most of the 24 H light:dark regime with the highest rate coinciding with the end of the 12 H light period. Our study demonstrates the importance of Ni on nitrogen fixation rates for Trichodesmium under high light conditions.
Packing arrangements of copper-seamed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene nanocapsules with varying chain lengths
Authors: Kumari Harshita , Mossine Andrew V. , Schuster Nathaniel J. , Barnes Charles L. , Deakyne Carol A. , Atwood Jerry L.
Published: March 2014

The synthesis and structural elucidation of copper-seamed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene hexamers with different tail lengths (n = 3, 7, 9) reveal differences in packing arrangements.
Determining striatal extracellular glutamate levels in xCT mutant mice using LFPS CE-LIF
Authors: Borra Srivani , McCullagh Elizabeth A. , Featherstone David E. , Baker Phillip M. , Ragozzino Michael E. , Shippy Scott A.
Published: March 2014

A method of glutamate sampling and analysis is developed to study extracellular levels in the mouse brain.
A singlet ground state for a cobalt(ii)–anilinosalen radical complex
Authors: Kochem Amélie , Gellon Gisèle , Jarjayes Olivier , Philouze Christian , Leconte Nicolas , van Gastel Maurice , Bill Eckhard , Thomas Fabrice
Published: March 2014

The cobalt(ii) anilinosalen complex [CoII(L)] was prepared and subsequently oxidized by one electron.
Syntheses, structures, luminescence and molecular recognition properties of four new cadmium carboxyphosphonates with 2D layered and 3D supramolecular structures
Authors: Dai Lu-Lu , Zhu Yan-Yu , Jiao Cheng-Qi , Sun Zhen-Gang , Shi Shao-Ping , Zhou Wei , Li Wen-Zhu , Sun Tong , Luo Hui , Ma Ming-Xue
Published: March 2014

Four new cadmium carboxyphosphonates with 2D layered and 3D supramolecular structure have been hydrothermally synthesized. Their luminescence and molecular recognition properties have been studied.
Tunable band gaps in silicene–MoS2heterobilayers
Authors: Gao N. , Li J. C. , Jiang Q.
Published: March 2014

A sizable and tunable bandgap is realized in silicene–MoS2heterobilayers.
Endo- and exocytic budding transformation of slow-diffusing membrane domains induced by Alzheimer's amyloid beta
Authors: Morita Masamune , Hamada Tsutomu , Vestergaard Mun'delanji C. , Takagi Masahiro
Published: March 2014

Cell-sized liposomes are a powerful tool for clarifying physicochemical mechanisms that govern molecular interactions.
Molecular structure and stability of dissolved lithium polysulfide species
Authors: Vijayakumar M. , Govind Niranjan , Walter Eric , Burton Sarah D. , Shukla Anil , Devaraj Arun , Xiao Jie , Liu Jun , Wang Chongmin , Karim Ayman , Thevuthasan S.
Published: March 2014

We present a molecular level study of the dissolution mechanism and subsequent chemical stability of lithium polysulfide species using a combined experimental and theoretical approach.
Fundamentally Innovative: The Continuing Contributions of Mark Ylvisaker
Authors: O'Brien Katy H. , Krause Miriam O.
Published: March 2014

Mark Ylvisaker's work championed the principles of person-centered, collaborative intervention in speech-language pathology, and it continues to both ground the field and guide its further progress. Ylvisaker's influence is relevant at the individual level, providing clinicians with effective intervention techniques, and also provides important direction for research into cognitive-communication rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this article is to celebrate Ylvisaker's work through a discussion of its influence on the authors so that readers will be able to: (a) describe principles of person-centered intervention, (b) explain the purpose and use of metaphor in treatment of self-regulation for clients with TBI, and (c) describe how clinical work and research inform each other in the pursuit of evidence-based practice.
High‐definition television transmission at 600 GHz combining THz photonics hotspot and high‐sensitivity heterodyne receiver
Authors: Ducournau G. , Pavanello F. , Beck A. , Tohme L. , Blin S. , Nouvel P. , Peytavit E. , Zaknoune M. , Szriftgiser P. , Lampin J.F.
Published: March 2014

A 600 GHz data transmission using the combination of a photonic emission using a uni‐travelling carrier photodiode and an electronic detection is investigated. A high‐definition television transmission at this carrier frequency with a very low power at the receiver is reported. Only 10 nW of terahertz (THz) power at 600 GHz was sufficient to ensure a successful high‐definition video transmission. This combination of photonics at emission and heterodyne detection lead to achieving THz wireless links with a safe level of electromagnetic exposure.
Vivaldi antenna with reduced RCS using half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Jia Yongtao , Liu Ying , Hao Yuwen , Gong Shuxi
Published: March 2014

A bilateral Vivaldi antenna with reduced radar cross‐section (RCS) is presented. A half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide structure is first utilised in the low RCS Vivaldi antenna design. Compared with traditional antenna, the monostatic RCS of the proposed antenna can be reduced to as much as 24 dB without degradation of antenna performance.
Low‐complexity joint regularised equalisation and carrier frequency offsets compensation scheme for single‐carrier frequency division multiple access system
Authors: Al‐Kamali Faisal S.
Published: March 2014

Since the conventional zero‐forcing receiver does not operate satisfactorily in interference‐limited environments, because of its noise amplification; the statistics of the transmitted data and the additive noise are required for the minimum‐mean‐square error receiver; the potential of the regularised receiver is proposed and investigated in this study to cope with these problems. In this study, the authors introduce an efficient low‐complexity joint regularised equalisation and carrier frequency offset compensation (LJREC) scheme for single‐carrier frequency division multiple access system. The proposed LJREC scheme avoids the noise amplification problem and the estimation of the signal‐to‐noise ratio and the interference matrices of other users. From the obtained simulation results, the proposed scheme enhances the system performance with lower complexity and sufficient robustness to the estimation errors.
Optimal and sub‐optimal resource allocation in multiple‐input multiple‐output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐based multi‐relay cooperative cognitive radio networks
Authors: Ghamari Adian Mehdi , Aghaeinia Hassan
Published: March 2014

The authors consider the resource allocation issue in multiple‐input multiple‐output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐based cooperative cognitive radio networks with the decode‐and‐forward (DF) as the cooperation strategy. The dual decomposition technique is recruited to obtain an optimal subcarrier pairing, relay selection and power allocation. The optimal resource allocation is performed subject to the individual power constraints in source and relays so that the sum‐rate is maximised while the interference induced to the primary system is kept below a pre‐specified interference temperature limit. Moreover, because of the high computational complexity of the optimal approach, a sub‐optimal algorithm is further proposed. In the sub‐optimal scheme, the joint allocation of the resources is performed taking into account the channel qualities, the DF cooperation strategy, the interference induced to the primary system and the individual power budgets. The performance of different approaches and the impact of the constraint values and deploying multiple‐antennas at users are explored through numerical simulations.
Synthesis and characterisation of AlB2 nanopowders by solid state reaction
Authors: Jiang Chunmei , Ma Yongjun , Zhao Fengqi , Wei Lun , Zhang Heng , Pei Chonghua
Published: March 2014

A simple and effective way for preparing AlB2 nanopowders was developed using solid state reaction with a mixture of nanometre‐sized powders of aluminium and amorphous boron. The optimum synthesis conditions and the structural characteristics of the products were carefully investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and an energy dispersive spectrometer. The best result was obtained at a synthesis temperature of 900°C for 2 h with a molar ratio of 1:1.8. The obtained AlB2 nanopowders consisted of numerous anomalous spherical particles with the grain size ranging from 100 to 200 nm. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the combustion characteristics of the as‐prepared AlB2 nanopowders were better than that of the commercial AlB2 powder under the same condition.
Study of polyvinyl alcohol nanofibrous membrane by electrospinning as a magnetic nanoparticle delivery approach
Authors: Ger Tzong-Rong , Huang Hao-Ting , Huang Chen-Yu , Hu Keng-Shiang , Lai Jun-Yang , Chen Jiann-Yeu , Lai Mei-Feng
Published: March 2014

Electrospinning technique was used to fabricate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based magnetic biodegradable nanofibers. PVA solution was mixed with ferrofluid or magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) powder and formed two individual nanofibrous membranes (PVA/ferrofluid and PVA/MNPs powder) by electrospinning. The surface morphology of the nanofibrous membrane was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and the magnetic properties were measured by vibrating sample magnetometer. Macrophages (RAW 264.7) were co-cultured with the nanofibrous membranes for 12, 24, and 48 h and exhibited good cell viability (>95%). Results showed that the PVA fibers would be degraded and the embedded Fe3O4 nanoparticles would be released and delivered to cells.
A new fiber-optic non-contact compact laser-ultrasound scanner for fast non-destructive testing and evaluation of aircraft composites
Authors: Pelivanov Ivan , Buma Takashi , Xia Jinjun , Wei Chen-Wei , O'Donnell Matthew
Published: March 2014

Laser ultrasonic (LU) inspection represents an attractive, non-contact method to evaluate composite materials. Current non-contact systems, however, have relatively low sensitivity compared to contact piezoelectric detection. They are also difficult to adjust, very expensive, and strongly influenced by environmental noise. Here, we demonstrate that most of these drawbacks can be eliminated by combining a new generation of compact, inexpensive fiber lasers with new developments in fiber telecommunication optics and an optimally designed balanced probe scheme. In particular, a new type of a balanced fiber-optic Sagnac interferometer is presented as part of an all-optical LU pump-probe system for non-destructive testing and evaluation of aircraft composites. The performance of the LU system is demonstrated on a composite sample with known defects. Wide-band ultrasound probe signals are generated directly at the sample surface with a pulsed fiber laser delivering nanosecond laser pulses at a repetition rate up to 76 kHz rate with a pulse energy of 0.6 mJ. A balanced fiber-optic Sagnac interferometer is employed to detect pressure signals at the same point on the composite surface. A- and B-scans obtained with the Sagnac interferometer are compared to those made with a contact wide-band polyvinylidene fluoride transducer.
Inverse scattering transform for the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation with nonzero boundary conditions
Authors: Biondini Gino , Kovačič Gregor
Published: March 2014

The inverse scattering transform for the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation with non-zero boundary conditions at infinity is presented, including the determination of the analyticity of the scattering eigenfunctions, the introduction of the appropriate Riemann surface and uniformization variable, the symmetries, discrete spectrum, asymptotics, trace formulae and the so-called theta condition, and the formulation of the inverse problem in terms of a Riemann-Hilbert problem. In addition, the general behavior of the soliton solutions is discussed, as well as the reductions to all special cases previously discussed in the literature.
Ground state of naphthyl cation: Singlet or triplet?
Authors: Dutta Achintya Kumar , Manohar Prashant U. , Vaval Nayana , Pal Sourav
Published: March 2014

We present a benchmark theoretical investigation on the electronic structure and singlet-triplet(S-T) gap of 1- and 2-naphthyl cations using the CCSD(T) method. Our calculations reveal that the ground states of both the naphthyl cations are singlet, contrary to the results obtained by DFT/B3LYP calculations reported in previous theoretical studies. However, the triplet states obtained in the two structural isomers of naphthyl cation are completely different. The triplet state in 1-naphthyl cation is (π,σ) type, whereas in 2-naphthyl cation it is (σ,σ′) type. The S-T gaps in naphthyl cations and the relative stability ordering of the singlet and the triplet states are highly sensitive to the basis-set quality as well as level of correlation, and demand for inclusion of perturbative triples in the coupled-cluster ansatz.
Drag coefficients and rotational behavior of spheres descending through liquids along an inclined wall at high Reynolds numbers
Authors: Wardhaugh Leigh T. , Williams Michael C.
Published: March 2014

Spherical particles immersed in liquids were observed in their descent along a glass wall inclined at various angles α, over a range of particle-based Reynolds numbers (Rep) extending to high values (15 < Rep < 50 000), rarely reported in such flows. Plastic, ceramic, and metal spheres were used, characterized as to surface roughness and their friction coefficients against the glass. Liquids were selected to achieve a viscosity variation by a factor of 300, as well as having widely differing chemical natures. A drag coefficient (Cp) used to correlate sphere velocity data was found to define a near-universal curve Cp (Rep) over the entire Rep-range, provided that spheres rolled down the wall without slipping, and here there was no need to accommodate roughness effects of solid-to-solid friction explicitly. This correlation was especially good for Rep > 103. For lower Rep, deviations appeared in systematic fashion, falling below the universal curve when slip was present. Several unexpected features were observed: (a) a threshold angle, α0, needed before sphere motion could begin; (b) spheres lifting off from the wall at high Rep, but always at the same maximum angle αm = 74°; and (c) prior to lift-off, a buzzing sound (not reported previously) for which explanations are offered.
Design and performance of a scanning ptychography microscope
Authors: Nazaretski E. , Huang X. , Yan H. , Lauer K. , Conley R. , Bouet N. , Zhou J. , Xu W. , Eom D. , Legnini D. , Harder R. , Lin C.-H. , Chen Y.-S. , Hwu Y. , Chu Y. S.
Published: March 2014

We have designed and constructed a dedicated instrument to perform ptychography measurements and characterization of multilayer Laue lenses nanofocusing optics. The design of the scanning microscope provides stability of components and minimal thermal drifts, requirements for nanometer scale spatial resolution measurements. We performed thorough laboratory characterization of the instrument in terms of resolution and thermal drifts with subsequent measurements at a synchrotron. We have successfully acquired and reconstructed ptychography data yielding 11 nm line focus.
Single-charge detection by an atomic precision tunnel junction
Authors: House M. G. , Peretz E. , Keizer J. G. , Hile S. J. , Simmons M. Y.
Published: March 2014

We demonstrate sensitive detection of single charges using a planar tunnel junction 8.5 nm wide and 17.2 nm long defined by an atomically precise phosphorus doping profile in silicon. The conductance of the junction responds to a nearby gate potential and also to changes in the charge state of a quantum dot patterned 52 nm away. The response of this detector is monotonic across the entire working voltage range of the device, which will make it particularly useful for studying systems of multiple quantum dots. The charge sensitivity is maximized when the junction is most conductive, suggesting that more sensitive detection can be achieved by shortening the length of the junction to increase its conductance.
Oscillating magnetocaloric effect in size-quantized diamagnetic film
Authors: Alisultanov Z. Z.
Published: March 2014

We investigate the oscillating magnetocaloric effect on a size-quantized diamagnetic film in a transverse magnetic field. We obtain the analytical expression for the thermodynamic potential in case of the arbitrary spectrum of carriers. The entropy change is shown to be the oscillating function of the magnetic field and the film thickness. The nature of this effect is the same as for the de Haas–van Alphen effect. The magnetic part of entropy has a maximal value at some temperature. Such behavior of the entropy is not observed in magneto-ordered materials. We discuss the nature of unusual behavior of the magnetic entropy. We compare our results with the data obtained for 2D and 3D cases.
Teacher-learner autonomy: Programme goals and student-teacher constructs
Authors: Smith Richard , Erdoğan Sultan
Published: March 2014

Responding to needs for clarity of definition in the area of ‘teacher autonomy’, the first, relatively theoretical, part of this paper discusses different dimensions of this notion. It then argues for the goal within initial teacher education of enhancing ‘teacher-learner autonomy’, defined here as ‘the ability to develop appropriate skills, knowledge and attitudes for oneself as a teacher, in cooperation with others’. A brief description of one approach to working towards this goal within pre-service teacher education then follows, together with a summary of evaluations of the approach to date. The second part of the paper reports on a more innovative investigation (employing repertory-grid interviews) of students’ personal constructs in relation to particular elements of the course design. The findings are discussed in relation to the theory of teacher autonomy and the design of appropriate interventions. Finally, we highlight the potential wider value of repertory-grid and follow-up interviews for eliciting students’ personal learning theories with minimum interviewer bias.
Learners talking: From problem to solution
Authors: Cotterall Sara , Crabbe David
Published: March 2014

To understand the relationship between teacher and learner autonomy, we propose that three areas of enquiry should be undertaken. The first is to understand better the kind of goals and constraints with which learners operate in particular teaching-learning contexts and the consequent strategic behaviour they adopt. The second is to evaluate the apparent effectiveness of the learner’s goals and strategic behaviour in those contexts. The third is to re-examine the role of the teacher in managing the learning opportunities for the learner in the light of the information gathered. The outcome of these three areas of enquiry should be an understanding that provides a better empirical basis for clarifying and potentially changing teacher and learner roles in context. This chapter draws on learner interview data relating to the first of these areas and shows how it might be used by teachers to better understand the constraints on autonomy.
Teachers working together: What do we talk about when we talk about autonomy?
Authors: Shaw Jonathan
Published: March 2014

This paper explores the proposition that teacher autonomy might be realized where teachers are empowered by their institutional context to learn about student learning, and act upon that learning. This was something my colleagues and I have talked a lot about during recent years, culminating with their dispensing with a timetable altogether in recent collaborations. The measure of autonomy is then found in the discourse of team teachers, by what they assume, what they question, how they reinvent a course or a program, and how they come to shared understandings of what’s happening, and how they might impact upon those processes. Tasks then are ideally always appropriate to the moment. The approach described in this paper is interpretive, making use of interview data, accounts, documents, and action research methods.
Multiple voices: Negotiating pathways towards teacher and learner autonomy
Authors: Sinclair Barbara
Published: March 2014

This paper reports an innovative project to develop negotiated, collaborative teaching and learning in higher education as a model for continuing personal and professional development. In foregrounding the ‘voices’ of the various participants in the development of autonomy at three interacting levels, it investigates the design and delivery of a postgraduate programme in ‘Learner Autonomy’ for overseas teachers of English at the University of Nottingham. The paper investigates institutional and contextual constraints, the concept of ‘autonomies’ in in-service teacher education, and the framework and processes of negotiation that evolved. Research data on course participants’ own levels of autonomy were used to uncover and explore issues arising from the personal, cultural and social backgrounds of the course participants, their own students and the module lecturer.
Learner autonomy and teacher autonomy: Synthesising an agenda
Authors: Lamb Terry
Published: March 2014

Despite a shift in the field of learner autonomy towards a consideration of the role of the teacher and ways in which learner autonomy is bound up not only with the learners’ but also the teachers’ own learning and teaching experiences and their beliefs about autonomy, the interrelationships between the concepts are still largely unclear. This is due in part to the relatively short history of work in the field which, despite the emergence of some consensus in defining the concepts, has revealed ever-increasing levels of complexity as the multifarious nature of the contexts, drivers and manifestations of autonomy, both teacher and learner, becomes ever more apparent. The chapters in this book have individually considered either discrete or interrelated elements of learner and teacher autonomy in language learning. The purpose of this concluding chapter is to attempt to draw together the various strands which emerge in the book as a whole, and offer a synthesis of the driving question which the book was intended to address, namely where and how, if at all, the concepts of learner autonomy and teacher autonomy relate to each other. In doing so, the chapter will necessarily clarify what is meant by these two concepts.
The silent witness: Pragmatic and literal interpretations
Authors: Kurzon Dennis
Published: March 2014

The Israeli Supreme Court has changed its decisions several times concerning the evidence of the silent witness in criminal cases, focusing on the interpretation of section 10a of the 1971 Evidence Ordinance – whether or not to admit as testimony what the witness has told the police if the witness is silent on the stand. The article will analyze the judicial opinions of the majority and minority sides of the bench in the 1991 Haj Yehia case. The majority opinion, which decided to accept such out-of-court evidence, may be considered to be pragmatic: meaning derives both from the words and from the purpose of the text. The approach of the minority derives from a more literal interpretation of the law.
Interpreting for the minority
Authors: Leung Ester S.M.
Published: March 2014

Legal interpreting is more than a service provided to linguistic minorities who do not speak Cantonese (the majority language in Hong Kong), sometimes English interpreting is also a mechanism and establishment to maintain control, by retaining former colonial practices. Despite expectation of change in the legal field in Hong Kong after it was handed back to Mainland China, this study reveals that legal interpreting as a means of providing the linguistic human right to have access to court is a myth that is perpetuated in the still intellectually colonized city.
Trademarks and other proprietary terms
Authors: Butters Ronald R.
Published: March 2014

Especially in North America, trademark litigation constitutes a prominent area of applied linguistics. As legal consultants, linguists bring their professional expertise to bear upon three issues: (1) likelihood of confusion of two marks; (2) categorization of the strength of a mark with respect to its place on a continuum of semantic/pragmatic categories technically labeled “generic,” “descriptive,” “suggestive,” “fanciful,” and “arbitrary”; and (3) propriety of a mark, that is, whether it is “scandalous,” or “disparaging.” Consulting linguists typically write descriptive reports that analyze the linguistic facts underlying the issues of particular cases – sometimes in rebuttal to other linguists’ reports. Often, linguists are also called upon to give sworn testimony based upon the reports they have prepared.