bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and clinical presentation of acute otitis media in children aged <6 years in European medical practices
Authors: LIESE J. G. , SILFVERDAL S. A. , GIAQUINTO C. , CARMONA A. , LARCOMBE J. H. , GARCIA-SICILIA J. , FUAT A. , GARCES-SANCHEZ M. , ARROBA BASANTA M. L. , MUÑOZ HIRALDO E. , CANTARUTTI L. , KROENIGER W. , VOLLMAR J. , HOLL K. , PIRÇON J. Y. , ROSENLUND M. R.
Published: December 2013

We conducted an epidemiological, observational cohort study to determine the incidence and complications of acute otitis media (AOM) in children aged <6 years. Data on physician-diagnosed AOM were collected from retrospective review of medical charts for the year preceding enrolment and then prospectively in the year following enrolment. The study included 5776 children in Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. AOM incidence was 256/1000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 243–270] in the prospective study period. Incidence was lowest in Italy (195, 95% CI 171–222) and highest in Spain (328, 95% CI 296–363). Complications were documented in <1% of episodes. Spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation was documented in 7% of episodes. Both retrospective and prospective study results were similar and show the high incidence during childhood in these five European countries. Differences by country may reflect true differences and differences in social structure and diagnostic procedures.
Borderline Cases and the Collapsing Principle
Authors: ELSON LUKE
Published: December 2013

John Broome has argued that value incommensurability is vagueness, by appeal to a controversial ‘collapsing principle’ about comparative indeterminacy. I offer a new counterexample to the collapsing principle. That principle allows us to derive an outright contradiction from the claim that some object is a borderline case of some predicate. But if there are no borderline cases, then the principle is empty. The collapsing principle is either false or empty.
General Synod of the Church of Ireland
Authors: Davey Michael
Published: December 2013

This year's programme looked, at first sight, to be a little daunting: 10 Bills and 26 motions to be dealt with in less than three days. However, on closer inspection the situation was not as bad as it seemed. Most of the Bills were of a technical or administrative nature: provision for the Cathedrals and Dignities of the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, some tidying up of the Constitution and internal administration, and the abolition of the existing practice whereby members of General Synod are automatically proposed for re-election – an attempt, no doubt, to encourage greater turnover and variety among Synod members. It will be interesting to see how successful this will be.
Governing Body of the Church in Wales
Authors: Morris Philip
Published: December 2013

In his April Presidential Address the Archbishop focused on two issues: the Report of the Review Group chaired by Lord Harries and same-sex marriage. His concern with the Review is that ‘it is possible to get so bogged down or hung up on some of the details of the Provincial Review that there is a danger in dismissing all of it because one disagrees with some of the points it makes’. He regretted that churches with ordained clergy ‘have been tempted to assume that all ministry is vested in an omnicompetent professional minister’ and reminded his listeners that the basic sacrament of the Church was not ordination but baptism. His concern with the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill was that clergy who would not conduct same-sex marriages needed protection, yet the Church itself needed to be allowed to conduct such marriages if it decided to do so in future. He felt that the Church ‘needed to have a discussion as to whether we want to continue having this special status in law as far as marriage is concerned’.
MATERNAL CARDIAC TWIST PRE-PREGNANCY: POTENTIAL AS A NOVEL MARKER OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA
Authors: MEAH VICTORIA L. , COCKCROFT JOHN R. , STÖHR ERIC J.
Published: December 2013

Healthy pregnancy is characterised by progressive physiological adaptation of the maternal cardiovascular (CV) system that facilitates optimal fetal development. The adaptations that constitute a healthy or normal progression are not always evident, and, in particular, CV adaptation to pregnancy is highly individualised. Some women develop pregnancy-related CV dysfunction such as pre-eclampsia (PE). Typically, PE is diagnosed by the development of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Despite continued efforts to improve the understanding of the aetiology, pathophysiology and subsequently treatment for the disease, CV changes in PE are not well understood. PE before 34 weeks (early onset PE) is believed to differ in pathogenesis from late onset PE (>34 weeks) and can be characterised by a haemodynamic profile of increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and lower cardiac output (CO). Early onset PE is more often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and significant adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In contrast, late onset PE (>34 weeks) involves an increased CO and lower SVR and is less likely to be associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and adverse perinatal outcomes. It is not known if PE develops secondary to the CV maladaptation in pregnancy or if a preexisting CV dysfunction predisposes some women to develop PE. Screening, diagnosis and disease management would be vastly improved if more were known about the onset of the maladaptive process associated with PE. To date, a combination of maternal factors including medical history, body mass index, age, parity and blood pressure (BP) have been used to predict the development of PE. In the first trimester, arterial stiffness is significantly increased in women who develop PE. Current hypotheses speculate that CV dysfunction is evident very early in pregnancy in PE and precedes the clinical manifestation at a later stage but whether CV dysfunction is present before pregnancy remains to be elucidated.
Hyperuricaemia in congenital heart disease patients
Authors: Martínez-Quintana Efrén , Rodríguez-González Fayna
Published: December 2013

Introductio

Hyperuricaemia is associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaemia and a higher mortality.

Methods

Out of 528 congenital heart disease patients, 329 patients, including 190 male and 139 female patients, in whom uric acid determination was performed, were studied and followed up to determine survival.

Results

Male congenital heart disease patients with high serum uric acid concentrations (>7 mg/dl) showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher body mass index, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein concentrations than those male congenital heart disease patients with lower serum uric acid levels (≤7 mg/dl). Meanwhile, female congenital heart disease patients with higher serum uric acid concentrations (>5.7 mg/dl) were significantly (p < 0.05) younger, more hypoxaemic, more obese, and with higher C-reactive protein and N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels than those female congenital heart disease patients with lower serum uric acid concentrations (≤5.7 mg/dl). During a median follow-up of 90 months, 16 out of 528 congenital heart disease patients died – 14 patients of cardiac origin and two patients of non-cardiac origin – of whom 10 were hypoxaemic. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant differences in mortality between male and female congenital heart disease patients with high and low serum uric acid level concentrations.

Conclusions

Hypoxaemia, body mass index, and C-reactive protein concentrations are higher in hyperuricaemic congenital heart disease patients, although no significant differences were seen in mortality between congenital heart disease patients with high and low serum uric acid concentrations.
Percutaneous removal of right atrial thrombus by suction technique
Authors: Khan Muhammad A. , Momenah Tarek. S.
Published: December 2013

We present a case of percutaneous removal of a large right atrial thrombus formed after insertion of a ventriculoatrial shunt for hydrocephalus.
A Meta-Analysis of Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Child and Young Person Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Ewing Donna L. , Monsen Jeremy J. , Thompson Ellen J. , Cartwright-Hatton Sam , Field Andy
Published: December 2013

Background: Previous meta-analyses of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for children and young people with anxiety disorders have not considered the efficacy of transdiagnostic CBT for the remission of childhood anxiety. Aim: To provide a meta-analysis on the efficacy of transdiagnostic CBT for children and young people with anxiety disorders. Methods: The analysis included randomized controlled trials using transdiagnostic CBT for children and young people formally diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. An electronic search was conducted using the following databases: ASSIA, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Current Controlled Trials, Medline, PsycArticles, PsychInfo, and Web of Knowledge. The search terms included “anxiety disorder(s)”, “anxi*”, “cognitive behavio*, “CBT”, “child*”, “children”, “paediatric”, “adolescent(s)”, “adolescence”, “youth” and “young pe*”. The studies identified from this search were screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 20 studies were identified as appropriate for inclusion in the current meta-analysis. Pre- and posttreatment (or control period) data were used for analysis. Results: Findings indicated significantly greater odds of anxiety remission from pre- to posttreatment for those engaged in the transdiagnostic CBT intervention compared with those in the control group, with children in the treatment condition 9.15 times more likely to recover from their anxiety diagnosis than children in the control group. Risk of bias was not correlated with study effect sizes. Conclusions: Transdiagnostic CBT seems effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in children and young people. Further research is required to investigate the efficacy of CBT for children under the age of 6.
On the Relation among Mood, Apathy, and Anosognosia in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Mograbi Daniel C. , Morris Robin G.
Published: December 2013

This review explores the relationships between depression, apathy, and anosognosia in Alzheimer's disease. Depressed mood is found to be associated with less anosognosia, while greater apathy is associated with more anosognosia, and the contrasting reasons for these associations are discussed. The review also describes recent research findings indicating a dissociation between impaired awareness of condition/deficit and preserved emotional reactivity in response to illness-related material or the experience of failure in tests. We conclude by pointing to future directions for this area of research and clinical implications. (JINS, 2014,20, 2–7)
Do Injury Characteristics Predict the Severity of Acute Neuropsychological Deficits Following Sports-Related Concussion? A Meta-analysis
Authors: Dougan Brooke K. , Horswill Mark S. , Geffen Gina M.
Published: December 2013

The utility of injury characteristics for predicting the severity of post-concussion outcomes remains equivocal. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to quantify the predictive relationship between these variables to inform classification of acute injury severity. Thirty-one empirical samples of concussed athletes, for which rates of loss of consciousness and/or amnesia were reported, were included in a meta-analysis evaluating acute outcomes following sports-related concussion. Outcome measures of interest were neuropsychological tests first administered 1–10 days post-injury. Loss of consciousness and anterograde amnesia significantly predicted more severe neuropsychological deficits within 10 days of concussion in studies using pre-injury baseline, but not control group, comparisons. Retrograde amnesia significantly predicted acute neuropsychological dysfunction (d = -1.03) irrespective of comparison group. Although small sample sizes require conservative interpretation and future replication, the evidence suggests that retrograde amnesia, rather than loss of consciousness, may be used to classify the acute severity of concussion. (JINS, 2014, 20, 81–87)
Racial/ethnic and sociodemographic factors associated with micronutrient intakes and inadequacies among pregnant women in an urban US population
Authors: Brunst Kelly J , Wright Robert O , DiGioia Kimberly , Enlow Michelle Bosquet , Fernandez Harriet , Wright Rosalind J , Kannan Srimathi
Published: December 2013

Objective

To assess sociodemographic correlates of micronutrient intakes from food and dietary supplements in an urban, ethnically diverse sample of pregnant women in the USA.

Design

Cross-sectional analyses of data collected using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Associations between racial, ethnic and sociodemographic factors and micronutrient intakes were examined using logistic regression controlling for pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal age and smoking status.

Setting

Prenatal clinics, Boston, MA, USA.

Subjects

Analyses included pregnant women (n 274) in the PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) study, an urban longitudinal cohort designed to examine how stress influences respiratory health in children when controlling for other environmental exposures (chemical stressors, nutrition).

Results

High frequencies of vitamin E (52 %), Mg (38 %), Fe (57 %) and vitamin D (77 %) inadequacies as well as suboptimal intakes of choline (95 %) and K (99 %) were observed. Factors associated with multiple antioxidant inadequacies included being Hispanic or African American, lower education and self-reported economic-related food insecurity. Hispanics had a higher prevalence of multiple methyl-nutrient inadequacies compared with African Americans; both had suboptimal betaine intakes and higher odds for vitamin B6 and Fe inadequacies compared with Caucasians. Nearly all women (98 %) reported Na intakes above the tolerable upper limit; excessive intakes of Mg (35 %), folate (37 %) and niacin (38 %) were also observed. Women reporting excessive intakes of these nutrients were more likely Caucasian or Hispanic, more highly educated, US-born and did not report food insecurity.

Conclusions

Racial/ethnic and other sociodemographic factors should be considered when tailoring periconceptional dietary interventions for urban ethnic women in the USA.
Welfare implications of product choice regulation during the payout phase of funded pensions
Authors: HORNEFF VANYA , KASCHÜTZKE BARBARA , MAURER RAIMOND , ROGALLA RALPH
Published: December 2013

In many countries, governmental support for funded old-age programmes comes at the cost of at least partial mandatory annuitisation of accumulated assets in retirement. We survey regulatory frameworks for the payout phase of funded pension systems in seven European countries and the US and study the influence of mandatory annuitisation on the welfare of both rational and behaviourally influenced individuals using a dynamic life-cycle model. We show that mandatory immediate full annuitisation of retirement assets will reduce rational individuals’ certainty equivalent pension wealth by up to 54%. Softening the strict immediate annuitisation requirements along the line of regulatory realities in some of the surveyed countries reduces utility losses considerably. Behaviourally restricted individuals can benefit from full annuitisation at retirement, but generally they will also prefer more flexible regulation.
Crop physiological response across the Chicago metropolitan region: Developing recommendations for urban and peri-urban farmers in the North Central US
Authors: Wagstaff Ross K. , Wortman Sam E.
Published: December 2013

Despite the surge of interest in urban agriculture, there have been few studies that address the biophysical challenges and opportunities of food production in urban environments. This study aims to determine the relative influence of atmospheric pollutants and microclimatic factors on the physiological response and productivity of vegetable crops across an urban-to-rural latitudinal transect in the greater Chicago metropolitan region. Data collected at each of six sites include continuous measures of atmospheric pollutants and microclimatic factors, and biweekly measures of physiological response and yield of various vegetable crops and cultivars. Preliminary data collected in early 2013 suggest that there is substantial variability in environmental factors and crop yield across this urban-to-rural transect. Results of this study will provide a scientific basis for crop adaptation to the urban environment and establish practical crop and cultivar recommendations for urban and peri-urban farmers in the North Central US.
Study of porous silicon substrates for the monolithic integration of radiofrequency circuits
Authors: Capelle Marie , Billoué Jérome , Poveda Patrick , Gautier Gael
Published: December 2013

The silicon/porous silicon (PS) hybrid substrate is an interesting candidate for the monolithic integration of radiofrequency (RF) circuits. Thus, passive components can be integrated on the insulating PS regions close to the active devices integrated on silicon. Regarding silicon, hybrid substrates allow the improvement of RF circuits performances. To demonstrate it, coplanar waveguides have been integrated on glass, silicon, and localized PS substrates. The characterization results show that the substrate losses are reduced with PS.
Designing REDD+ to Be Just: Considerations for a Legally Binding Instrument
Authors: MAGUIRE Rowena
Published: December 2013

The international climate regime is in the process of negotiating a legally binding instrument concerning Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+). The paper starts by exploring the complex web of decisions and advices that currently regulate REDD+ initiatives within the international climate regime. This is followed by an analysis of justice issues raised by non-state actors in the REDD+ international negotiations. The paper concludes by building on this analysis to identify some relevant considerations when seeking to design a just and legally binding REDD+ instrument. These considerations include: the impact of market- versus fund-based investment channels, the importance of defining a clear objective; the inclusion and role of international principles such as sovereignty, preventative action, common but differentiated responsibility, sustainable development, and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent; the appropriate design of REDD+ safeguards and the inclusion of grievance mechanisms within the instrument which provide guidance on resolving disputes associated with REDD+ investment.
3D Ultrasonography to Evaluate Fetal Urinary Production Rates in Twin Gestation: Construction of a Normal Value Curve
Authors: Mocarzel Carolina Carvalho , de Sá Renato Augusto Moreira , Velarde Luis Guillermo Coca , Peixoto-Filho Fernando Maia , Ville Yves
Published: December 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess fetal urinary production rates (FUPR) in twin gestations using 3D ultrasonography with VOCAL® (virtual organ computer-aided analysis) and to develop a curve of normal values for the target population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 30 normal twin pregnancies with gestational ages ranging from 20 to 34 weeks. FUPR was measured using a three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) system. FUPR (ml/hour) was calculated during the filling phase using the equation UPR = (VFB2 - VFB1)/time. The values for UPR were plotted as a function of fetal biometry (biparietal diameter) to generate a nomogram. Results: A total of 41 normal twin fetuses with gestational ages between 20 and 34 weeks were investigated. Eleven were excluded because of inadequate bladder contour image quality and/or the observation of micturition in one or both fetuses. Linear regression analysis of FUPR as a function of biparietal diameter (BPD) shows the normal range for UPR by fetal biometry and is expressed by the following equation: Ln(UPR) = -5.0121 + 0.0548 BPD (R2 0.3386, p value <.001). There was no statistically significant difference when the UPR was stratified by chorionicity. Conclusions: The use of biometric parameters to predict fetal FUPR seems to be useful. In twin pregnancies, BPD is the variable that is most closely related to FUPR. For each 1 mm increase in BPD, there is a 5% increase in FUPR. Chorionicity did not affect FUPR.
Simultaneous determination of fipronil and its major metabolites in corn and soil by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheng Youpu , Dong Fengshou , Liu Xingang , Xu Jun , Meng Wei , Liu Na , Chen Zenglong , Tao Yan , Zheng Yongquan
Published: December 2013

A simple, quick, effective method was developed for the determination of fipronil and its three metabolites in soil and corn by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Homologous size-extension of hybrid vanadate capsules – solid state structures, solution stability and surface deposition
Authors: Mahimaidoss Mariyatra B. , Krasnikov Sergey A. , Reck Lukas , Onet Camelia I. , Breen John M. , Zhu Nianyong , Marzec Bartosz , Shvets Igor V. , Schmitt Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

The dimensions of hybrid vanadate capsules can be controlled through organophosphonate ligands. The solution-stability allows their deposition on the Au(111) surface giving rise to densely packed 2D assemblies.
An isoelectronic NO dioxygenase reaction using a nonheme iron(iii)-peroxo complex and nitrosonium ion
Authors: Yokoyama Atsutoshi , Han Jung Eun , Karlin Kenneth D. , Nam Wonwoo
Published: December 2013

Reaction of a nonheme iron(iii)-peroxo complex, [FeIII(14-TMC)(O2)]+, with NO+ affords an iron(iv)-oxo complex, [FeIV(14-TMC)(O)]2+, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), followed by conversion to the nitrato complex, [FeIII(14-TMC)(NO3)(F)]+.
Five MOFs with different topologies based on anthracene functionalized tetracarboxylic acid: syntheses, structures, and properties
Authors: Liu Fuling , Zhang Liangliang , Wang Rongming , Sun Jie , Yang Jie , Chen Zhen , Wang Xingpo , Sun Daofeng
Published: December 2013

Five MOFs based on a new designed rigid tetracarboxylate ligand have been synthesized and characterized. Highly diverse structures are formed from 2D layer to 3D frameworks based on different SBUs.
A molecular Boolean mimic with OR, NOR, YES and INH functions: dual-ion recognition driven fluorescence “turn on”
Authors: Kaloo Masood Ayoub , Sankar Jeyaraman
Published: December 2013

Naphthyl-based Schiff base mimics logic functions through selective dual-ion recognition and fluorescence “ON” at a single wavelength.
Combined photoelectron, collision-induced dissociation, and computational studies of parent and fragment anions of N-paranitrophenylsulfonylalanine and N-paranitrophenylalanine
Authors: Lambert Jason , Chen Jing , Buonaugurio Angela , Bowen Kit H. , Do-Thanh Chi-Linh , Wang Yilin , Best Michael D. , Compton R. N. , Sommerfeld Thomas
Published: December 2013

After synthesizing the compounds N-paranitrophenylsulfonylalanine (NPNPSA) and N-paranitrophenylalanine (NPNPA), the photoelectron spectrum of the valence anion of N-paranitrophenylsulfonylalanine (NPNPSA)−, was measured and the collision-induced dissociation (CID) pathways of deprotonated N-paranitrophenylsulfonylalanine (NPNPSA-H)− and deprotonated N-paranitrophenylalanine (NPNPA-H)− were determined. Pertinent calculations were conducted to analyze both sets of experimental data. From the valence anion photoelectron spectrum of (NPNPSA)−, the adiabatic electron affinity (AEA) of NPNPSA was determined to be 1.7 ± 0.1 eV, while the vertical detachment energy (VDE) of (NPNPSA)− was found to be 2.3 ± 0.1 eV. Calculations for four low lying conformers of (NPNPSA)− gave AEA values in the range of 1.6–2.1 eV and VDE values in the range of 2.0–2.4 eV. These calculations are in very good agreement with the experimental values. While the NPNPA anion (NPNPSA)− was not observed experimentally it was studied computationally. The six low lying (NPNPSA)− conformers were identified and calculated to have AEA values in the range of 0.7–1.2 eV and VDE values in the range of 0.9–1.6 eV. CID was used to study the fragmentation patterns of deprotonated NPNPA and deprotonated NPNPSA. Based on the CID data and calculations, the excess charge was located on the delocalized π-orbitals of the nitrobenzene moiety. This is made evident by the fact that the dominant fragments all contained the nitrobenzene moiety even though the parent anions used for the CID study were formed via deprotonation of the carboxylic acid. The dipole-bound anions of both molecules are studied theoretically using the results of previous studies on nitrobenzene as a reference.
Twisted vertex algebras, bicharacter construction and boson-fermion correspondences
Authors: Anguelova Iana I.
Published: December 2013

The boson-fermion correspondences are an important phenomena on the intersection of several areas in mathematical physics: representation theory, vertex algebras and conformal field theory, integrable systems, number theory, cohomology. Two such correspondences are well known: the types A and B (and their super extensions). As a main result of this paper we present a new boson-fermion correspondence of type D-A. Further, we define a new concept of twisted vertex algebra of order N, which generalizes super vertex algebra. We develop the bicharacter construction which we use for constructing classes of examples of twisted vertex algebras, as well as for deriving formulas for the operator product expansions, analytic continuations, and normal ordered products. By using the underlying Hopf algebra structure we prove general bicharacter formulas for the vacuum expectation values for two important groups of examples. We show that the correspondences of types B, C, and D-A are isomorphisms of twisted vertex algebras.
Raman scattering enhancement in photon-plasmon resonance mediated metal-dielectric microcavity
Authors: Guddala Sriram , Dwivedi Vindesh K. , Vijaya Prakash G. , Narayana Rao D.
Published: December 2013

Here, we report the photon-plasmon interaction scheme and enhanced field strengths resulted into the amplification of phonon in a novel microcavity. A metal-dielectric microcavity, with unified cavity photonic mode and localized surface plasmon resonances, is visualized by impregnating the gold nanoparticles into the deep see-through nano-sized pores of porous silicon microcavity. The intense optical field strengths resulting from the photon-plasmon interactions are probed by both resonant and non-resonant Raman scattering experiments. Due to photon-plasmon-phonon interaction mechanism, several orders of enhancement in the intensity of scattered Raman Stokes photon (at 500 cm−1) are observed. Our metal nanoparticle-microcavity hybrid system shows the potential to improve the sensing figure of merit as well as the applications of plasmonics for optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and related technologies.
Structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of Ba0.9Ca0.1Ti0.97Fe0.03O3 and the effect of oxygen vacancies
Authors: Chakraborty Tanushree , Meneghini Carlo , Aquilanti Giuliana , Ray Sugata
Published: December 2013

Detailed experimental studies have been carried out on a new possible dilute magnetic insulator Ba0.9Ca0.1Ti0.97Fe0.03O3−δ and its oxygen deficient counterpart. Both the samples stabilize in overall tetragonal BaTiO3 structure at room temperature as indicated by x-ray diffraction and do exhibit room temperature magnetic order with obvious dependencies on δ. Apart from this, the as-grown sample also retains ferroelectricity at room temperature, which could potentially open up a possibility of achieving multifunctionality at room temperature. However, even though the magnetism is positively influenced by oxygen vacancies, the microscopic phase and ferroelectricity get adversely affected. Finally, using local structural probes, existence of diffused phases has been found, which successfully explains all the observed physical properties.
Cross polarization converter formed by rotated-arm-square chiral metamaterial
Authors: Rajkumar R. , Yogesh N. , Subramanian V.
Published: December 2013

Optical activity and cross polarization conversion (CPC) of a rotated-arm-square chiral metamaterial (CMM) is reported in this work. Proposed CMM shows strong chirality owing to the cross coupling between the induced magnetic field and incident electric field of the applied electromagnetic wave. Mechanism of CPC functionality is explained based on the surface current distribution of CMM structure. Microwave experiment is performed to reveal the CPC utility of the proposed CMM. Among various designs on the CPC converters, possibility of near 99% efficiency is revealed in the proposed CMM.
ZnO thin film deposition using colliding plasma plumes and single plasma plume: Structural and optical properties
Authors: Gupta Shyam L. , Thareja Raj K.
Published: December 2013

We report the comparative study on synthesis of thin films of ZnO on glass substrates using IR laser ablated colliding plasma plumes and conventional pulsed laser deposition using 355 nm in oxygen ambient. The optical properties of deposited films are characterized using optical transmission in the UV-visible range of spectrum and photoluminescence measurements. X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy are used to investigate the surface morphology of synthesized ZnO films. The films synthesized using colliding plumes created with 1064 nm are non-polar a-plane ZnO with transmission in UV-visible (300–800 nm) region ∼60% compared to polycrystalline thin film deposited using single plume which has chunk deposition and poor optical response. However, deposition with 355 nm single plume shows polar c-axis oriented thin film with average roughness (∼thickness) of ∼86 nm (∼850 nm) compared to ∼2 nm (∼3 μm) for 1064 nm colliding plumes. These observed differences in the quality and properties of thin films are attributed to the flux of mono-energetic plasma species with almost uniform kinetic energy and higher thermal velocity reaching the substrate from interaction/stagnation zone of colliding plasma plumes.
Femtosecond laser fabrication of micro and nano-disks in single layer graphene using vortex Bessel beams
Authors: Wetzel Benjamin , Xie Chen , Lacourt Pierre-Ambroise , Dudley John M. , Courvoisier Francois
Published: December 2013

We report the fabrication of micro and nano-disks in single layer chemical vapor deposition graphene on glass substrate using femtosecond laser ablation with vortex Bessel beams. The fabricated graphene disks with diameters ranging from 650 nm to 4 μm were characterized by spatially resolved micro-Raman spectroscopy. The variation of ablation threshold was investigated as a function of the number of pulses showing an incubation effect. A very high degree of size control of the fabricated graphene disks is enabled using a sequence of femtosecond pulses with different vortex orders.
Ultrahigh Q-frequency product for optomechanical disk resonators with a mechanical shield
Authors: Nguyen D. T. , Baker C. , Hease W. , Sejil S. , Senellart P. , Lemaître A. , Ducci S. , Leo G. , Favero I.
Published: December 2013

We report on optomechanical GaAs disk resonators with ultrahigh quality factor-frequency product Q×f. Disks standing on a simple pedestal exhibit GHz mechanical breathing modes attaining a Q×f of 1013 measured under vacuum at cryogenic temperature. Clamping losses are found to be the dominant source of dissipation. An improved disk resonator geometry integrating a shield within the pedestal is then proposed, and its working principles and performances are investigated by numerical simulations. For dimensions compatible with fabrication constraints, the clamping-loss-limited Q reaches 107–109 corresponding to Q×f equals 1016–1018. This shielded pedestal approach applies to any heterostructure presenting an acoustic mismatch.
Femtosecond all-optical parallel logic gates based on tunable saturable to reverse saturable absorption in graphene-oxide thin films
Authors: Roy Sukhdev , Yadav Chandresh
Published: December 2013

A detailed theoretical analysis of ultrafast transition from saturable absorption (SA) to reverse saturable absorption (RSA) has been presented in graphene-oxide thin films with femtosecond laser pulses at 800 nm. Increase in pulse intensity leads to switching from SA to RSA with increased contrast due to two-photon absorption induced excited-state absorption. Theoretical results are in good agreement with reported experimental results. Interestingly, it is also shown that increase in concentration results in RSA to SA transition. The switching has been optimized to design parallel all-optical femtosecond NOT, AND, OR, XOR, and the universal NAND and NOR logic gates.
Sn whisker mitigation by a thin metallic-glass underlayer in Cu-Sn
Authors: Diyatmika Wahyu , Chu Jinn P. , Yen Y. W. , Hsueh C. H.
Published: December 2013

This study investigates the effects of thin film metallic glass (TFMG) as an underlayer on the Sn whisker mitigation in the Cu-Sn couples. Samples with and without TFMG underlayers were subjected to various heat treatments at elevated temperatures up to 85 °C in monotonic and cyclic modes. TFMG underlayer effectively blocks the Cu/Sn interaction even with the thickness as thin as 25 nm. In addition, with very thin thickness, the introduction of TFMG underlayer is expected to yield insignificant degrees of compressive stress, which is anticipated to occur when the samples are exposed to thermal cycling. Their thin thickness and amorphous nature are considered beneficial to make TFMGs as a promising diffusion barrier for Sn whisker mitigation.
Tuning the functional properties of PMN-PT single crystals via doping and thermoelectrical treatments
Authors: Luo Laihui , Dietze Matthias , Solterbeck Claus-Henning , Luo Haosu , Es-Souni Mohammed
Published: December 2013

Single crystals based on solid solutions of lead-magnesium-niobate (PMN) and lead titanate (PT) have emerged as highly promising multifunctional systems combining piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and electro-optic properties that surpass by far those of the best known lead-zirkonium-titanate ceramics. In this paper we present new findings on how the phase transition temperature and the dielectric and ferroelectric properties can be tuned depending on crystal composition, orientation, and thermoelectrical treatment. Mn-doped and pure 0.72PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-0.28PbTiO3 (0.72PMN-0.28PT) single crystals with ⟨111⟩ and ⟨001⟩ orientations were investigated. A special attention was devoted to field cooling (FC), i.e., cooling under electric field from different temperatures. The results illustrate different findings that were not reported before: the Curie temperature, i.e., ferroelectric-paraelectric transition temperature, is enhanced after field cooling of the Mn-doped, ⟨001⟩-oriented crystal while such a shift is not observed in the ⟨111⟩-oriented and the non-doped crystals. In addition, substantial polarization suppression occurs in the Mn-doped crystals upon FC from high temperature regardless of orientation. Based on piezoforce microscopy of the domain structure that shows suppression of domain growth following field cooling from 200 °C, we propose a mechanism for polarization suppression based on domain pinning by charged defects. The practical importance of our results lies in showing the opportunity offered by a proper choice of crystal composition and poling conditions for tuning the functional properties of PMN-PT single crystals for a specific application. This should contribute to the understanding of their properties towards advanced sensor and transducers devices.
Electron self-injection in the proton-driven-plasma-wakefield acceleration
Authors: Hu Zhang-Hu , Wang You-Nian
Published: December 2013

The self-injection process of plasma electrons in the proton-driven-plasma-wakefield acceleration scheme is investigated using a two-dimensional, electromagnetic particle-in-cell method. Plasma electrons are self-injected into the back of the first acceleration bucket during the initial bubble formation period, where the wake phase velocity is low enough to trap sufficient electrons. Most of the self-injected electrons are initially located within a distance of the skin depth c/ωpe to the beam axis. A decrease (or increase) in the beam radius (or length) leads to a significant reduction in the total charges of self-injected electron bunch. Compared to the uniform plasma, the energy spread, emittance and total charges of the self-injected bunch are reduced in the plasma channel case, due to a reduced injection of plasma electrons that initially located further away from the beam axis.
Integration and Mobility of Eastern European Migrants in Scotland
Authors: Shubin Sergei , Dickey Heather
Published: December 2013

This paper explores theoretical and practical issues related to employment migration and integration of Eastern European migrants in Scotland. Emerging mobile lifestyles create different patterns of living and working ‘on the move’, which challenge existing social policies. By drawing on theorizations of mobility and integration from economics and geography, we propose a broader conceptualization of integration that recognizes the changing migration trajectories of Eastern European migrants. We adopt an interdisciplinary approach to the collection and analysis of data gathered from individual interviews and survey data in order to investigate the relationships between the movement of migrants, integration and employment.
Creating Attractive Places for Whom? A Discourse-Theoretical Approach to Knowledge and Planning
Authors: Lysgård Hans Kjetil , Cruickshank Jørn
Published: December 2013

We aim to find a way to produce knowledge of attractiveness of place that is representative of the variety and complexity of what attractiveness entails and the same time productive for place development and planning. On the basis of a study of an INTERREG IV A-project in Norway, we question how and by whom the discourse regarding what is attractive about places is constructed and how the implicit or explicit knowledge is treated in local planning. We find that planning must produce knowledge in which the different narratives about place confront each other, and highlight differences and mutual debate between adversaries. We conclude by arguing the case for applying a model of agonistic pluralism where the coproduction of discursive knowledge from ‘a logic of difference’ is at the heart of planning.
The Geoengine: Geoengineering and the Geopolitics of Planetary Modification
Authors: Yusoff Kathryn
Published: December 2013

As an introduction to a theme issue on the politics and practices of geoengineering, this paper outlines a framework for thinking about the ‘geoengine’ that underpins concepts of planetary modification. It reviews some of the ways in which geoengineering has been framed as a technological, governance, and promissory discourse and examines the contradictions inherent within some of these framings. Questioning some of the motivations and forms of participation that are evident in the governance of geoengineering, and its current challenge to existing forms of global democracy, the paper speculates on the wider geopolitical implications of operating at the scale of the planet, and what this means for how we currently understand the ‘geo’ in geopolitics. While there is a big mismatch between the restricted decision-making processes around geoengineering and the potential scope and impact of those decisions, there are also opportunities for geographers to make incisive contributions to this debate to change what geoengineering is and becomes as a material–discursive practice. This paper suggests that only by attending to the geo-ontological formations inherent in the fabrication of an engineerable earth, can a new geopolitics be accommodated within political thought that takes account of a much more active ‘geoengine’ that is being opened to political and material modification.
Geoengineering and Geologic Politics
Authors: Clark Nigel
Published: December 2013

Early engagement with geoengineering by social scientists indicates a certain suspicion over the motives and modes of operation of scientific research in the field. In part, this reflects the prominence of the critique of the politics of emergency in recent social and political thought: A thematisation that links securitisation measures with foreclosures of the political. This paper turns the attention back on the social sciences, arguing that recent styles of ontological and political thought do not prepare us well for engaging with geologic issues in general, and geoengineering in particular. It is suggested that, rather than viewing geoengineering discourses and imaginaries as a retreat from politics, we might view them as playing an important role in opening up new kinds of politics oriented towards earth systems and their dynamics. This new ‘geologic politics’ involves a turn from issues hinging on territorial divisions of the earth's surface toward the strata that compose the deep temporal earth. As a political challenge, the question of how to live with dynamic and stratified earth systems not only promises to extend the scope of politics, but also points to the ‘inhuman’ limits of the political per se.
Import Flows: Extraregional Linkages Stimulating Renewal of Regional Sectors?
Authors: Andersson Martin , Bjerke Lina , Karlsson Charlie
Published: December 2013

We examine the role of regional import flows for renewal of regional industries. The hypothesis is that imports stimulate renewal of local industries by being vehicles for technology diffusion and means by which local firms can exploit advantages of global specialisation. We find robust and positive relationships between high-quality imports and renewal of regional exports, where the latter are measured by the introduction of novel export products of local firms. Connectedness to international markets via import networks appears to be a stimulus for the renewal of regional exports.
Determinants of Green Building Adoption
Authors: Fuerst Franz , Kontokosta Constantine , McAllister Patrick
Published: December 2013

In this paper we investigate variations in the adoption of LEED-certified commercial buildings across 174 core-based statistical areas in the United States. Drawing upon a unique database and using a robust analytical framework, the determinants of the proportion LEED-certified space are modeled. We find that, despite high growth rates, LEED-certified stock accounts for a relatively small proportion of the total commercial stock. The average proportion is less than 1%. A further contribution of the paper is that our concentration measure avoids the biases associated with simple percentage measures that were used in previous studies of this topic. Strongest predictors of the proportion of LEED-certified commercial space in a local market are market size, educational attainment and economic growth. In terms of policy effectiveness, it is found that only a mandatory requirement to obtain LEED certification for new buildings has a significant positive effect on market penetration.
Focus on Super-Resolution Imaging with Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (dSTORM)
Authors: Whelan Donna R. , Holm Thorge , Sauer Markus , Bell Toby D. M.
Published: December 2013

The last decade has seen the development of several microscopic techniques capable of achieving spatial resolutions that are well below the diffraction limit of light. These techniques, collectively referred to as ‘super-resolution’ microscopy, are now finding wide use, particularly in cell biology, routinely generating fluorescence images with resolutions in the order of tens of nanometres. In this highlight, we focus on direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy or dSTORM, one of the localisation super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques that are founded on the detection of fluorescence emissions from single molecules. We detail how, with minimal assemblage, a highly functional and versatile dSTORM set-up can be built from ‘off-the-shelf’ components at quite a modest budget, especially when compared with the current cost of commercial systems. We also present some typical super-resolution images of microtubules and actin filaments within cells and discuss sample preparation and labelling methods.
New records, replacements, reinstatements and four new species in the Radula parvitexta and R. ventricosa species groups (Jungermanniopsida) in Australia: cases of mistaken identity
Authors: Renner Matt A. M. , Devos Nicolas , Brown Elizabeth A. , von Konrat Matt J.
Published: December 2013

Various published hypotheses regarding circumscription and relationships of species within the Radula parvitexta and R. ventricosa species groups were tested using molecular data from three chloroplast markers. The phylogeny resolves five clades within the R. parvitexta species group in Australia, which proves polyphyletic across two subgenera, or three subgenera if R. madagascariensis is included. One clade represents an undescribed species, R. psychosis sp. nov., one corresponds to R. madagascariensis, a new record for Australia, the others to R. ratkowskiana, R. tasmanica and R. robinsonii. R. ratkowskiana is reinstated from synonymy of R. tasmanica, and R. parvitexta is placed into synonymy of R. robinsonii. A second new species belonging to the R. parvitexta species group, R. kilgourii sp. nov., is described; however, it was not included in the phylogeny. Three clades were resolved within the R. ventricosa species group in Australia, which is nested within subg. Metaradula. These clades corresponded to R. jovetiana, R. loriana, which is reinstated from synonymy of R. ventricosa, and two new species, namely, R. myriopoda sp. nov. and R. forficata sp. nov. R. ventricosa is excluded from the Australian flora, because all material is referrable to R. loriana. R. forficata and R. kilgourii had not been collected before the present study. R. myriopoda and R. jovetiana exhibit overlap in morphology of the sterile gametophyte and can be reliably separated only on characters associated with the perianth mouth. They can be considered semicryptic species, and would not have been recognised independent of fieldwork and molecular investigations conducted as part of the present study.
A comparative study of brain activation patterns associated with sexual arousal between males and females using 3.0-T functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kim Gwang-Won , Jeong Gwang-Woo
Published: December 2013

Background In contrast to the previous studies using a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging system, our study was performed on a higher magnetic field strength, 3.0 T, to gain more valuable information on the functional brain anatomy associated with visual sexual arousal for discriminating the gender difference by increasing the detection power of brain activation. Methods: Twenty-four healthy subjects consisting of 12 males and 12 females underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging examination for this study. Brain activity was measured while viewing erotic videos. Results: The predominant activation areas observed in males as compared with females included the hypothalamus, the globus pallidus, the head of the caudate nucleus, the parahippocampal gyrus, the amygdala and the septal area, whereas the predominant activation in females was observed in the anterior cingulate gyrus and the putamen. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the brain activation patterns associated with visual sexual arousal are specific to gender. This gender difference in brain activation patterns is more remarkable at higher magnet field (3.0 T) than at 1.5 T.