bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving measurement accuracy by optimum data acquisition for Nd:YAG Thomson scattering system
Authors: Minami T. , Itoh Y. , Yamada I. , Yasuhara R. , Funaba H. , Nakanishi H. , Hatae T.
Published: August 2014

A new high speed Nd:YAG Thomson scattering AD Convertor (HYADC) that can directly convert the detected scattered light signal into a digital signal is under development. The HYADC is expected to improve a signal to noise ratio of the Nd:YAG Thomson scattering measurement. The data storage of the HYADC which is required for the direct conversion of whole plasma discharge is drastically reduced by a ring buffer memory and a stop trigger system. Data transfer of the HYADC is performed by the SiTCP. The HYADC is easily expandable to a multi-channel system by the distributed data processing, and is very compact and easy to implement as a built-in system of the polychromators.
Focusing electrode and coaxial reflector used for reducing the guiding magnetic field of the Ku-band foilless transit-time oscillator
Authors: Ling Junpu , Zhang Jiande , He Juntao , Wang Lei , Deng Bingfang
Published: August 2014

Based on the theoretical analysis of the intense relativistic electron beam propagation in the coaxial drift-tube, a focusing electrode and a coaxial reflector is proposed to lessen the demand of the coaxial Ku-band foilless transit-time oscillator (TTO) for the guiding magnetic field. Moreover, a Ku-band TTO with the focusing electrode and the coaxial reflector is designed and studied by particle in cell simulation. When the diode voltage is 390 kV, the beam current 7.8 kA, and the guiding magnetic field is only 0.3 T, the device can output 820 MW microwave pulse at 14.25 GHz by means of the simulation. However, for the device without them, the output power is only 320 MW. The primary experiments are also carried out. When the guiding magnetic field is 0.3 T, the output power of the device with the focusing electrode and the coaxial reflector is double that of the one without them. The simulation and experimental results prove that the focusing electrode and the coaxial reflector are effective on reducing the guiding magnetic field of the device.
Electrical current leakage and open-core threading dislocations in AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Moseley Michael , Allerman Andrew , Crawford Mary , Wierer Jonathan J. , Smith Michael , Biedermann Laura
Published: August 2014

Electrical current transport through leakage paths in AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and their effect on LED performance are investigated. Open-core threading dislocations, or nanopipes, are found to conduct current through nominally insulating Al0.7Ga0.3N layers and limit the performance of DUV-LEDs. A defect-sensitive phosphoric acid etch reveals these open-core threading dislocations in the form of large, micron-scale hexagonal etch pits visible with optical microscopy, while closed-core screw-, edge-, and mixed-type threading dislocations are represented by smaller and more numerous nanometer-scale pits visible by atomic-force microscopy. The electrical and optical performances of DUV-LEDs fabricated on similar Si-doped Al0.7Ga0.3N templates are found to have a strong correlation to the density of these nanopipes, despite their small fraction (<0.1% in this study) of the total density of threading dislocations.
Communication: Ro-vibrational control of chemical reactivity in H+CH4→ H2+CH3 : Full-dimensional quantum dynamics calculations and a sudden model
Authors: Welsch Ralph , Manthe Uwe
Published: August 2014

The mode-selective chemistry of the title reaction is studied by full-dimensional quantum dynamics simulation on an accurate ab initio potential energy surface for vanishing total angular momentum. Using a rigorous transition state based approach and multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree wave packet propagation, initial state-selected reaction probabilities for many ro-vibrational states of methane are calculated. The theoretical results are compared with experimental trends seen in reactions of methane. An intuitive interpretation of the ro-vibrational control of the chemical reactivity provided by a sudden model based on the quantum transition state concept is discussed.
Improving metal/semiconductor conductivity using AlOx interlayers on n-type and p-type Si
Authors: King P. J. , Arac E. , Ganti S. , Kwa K. S. K. , Ponon N. , O'Neill A. G.
Published: August 2014

Thermal atomic layer deposition was used to form ultra-thin interlayers in metal/interlayer/ semiconductor Ohmic contacts on n-type and p-type Si. AlOx of thickness 1–2 nm was deposited at 120 °C on Si substrates prior to metallization, forming Ni/AlOx/Si contacts. Conductivity improved by two orders of magnitude but the contacts remained rectifying. When they were annealed at 200 °C, the conductivity increased by another order of magnitude and the samples became Ohmic. A minimum specific contact resistivity of 1.5 × 10−4 Ω-cm2 was obtained for structures based on lightly doped (1015 cm−3) Si substrates. Existing models that describe Fermi level de-pinning do not fully explain our results, which are however consistent with other experimental data in the literature.
Competitive gettering of iron in silicon photovoltaics: Oxide precipitates versus phosphorus diffusion
Authors: Murphy J. D. , McGuire R. E. , Bothe K. , Voronkov V. V. , Falster R. J.
Published: August 2014

Experiments have been conducted to understand the behaviour of iron in silicon containing oxide precipitates and associated defects (dislocations and stacking faults), which is subjected to phosphorus diffusion gettering. Injection-dependent minority carrier lifetime measurements are analysed to provide quantitative information on the degree to which the precipitates and associated defects are decorated with iron impurities. These data are correlated with bulk iron measurements based on the photodissociation of FeB pairs. Iron in the vicinity of oxide precipitates in samples with relatively low levels of bulk iron contamination (< 5 × 1012 cm−3) can be gettered to some extent. Higher levels of bulk iron contamination (> 1.2 × 1013 cm−3) result in irreversible behaviour, suggesting iron precipitation in the vicinity of oxide precipitates. Bulk iron is preferentially gettered to the phosphorus diffused layer opposed to the oxide precipitates and associated defects.
Cryogenic Joule annealing induced large magnetic field response of Co-based microwires for giant magneto-impedance sensor applications
Authors: Chen D. M. , Xing D. W. , Qin F. X. , Liu J. S. , Shen H. X. , Peng H. X. , Wang H. , Sun J. F.
Published: August 2014

We have presented herein the results of microstructure, surface magnetic domains (SMDs), and giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effect of melt-extracted Co68.15Fe4.35Si12.25B11.25Nb2Cu2 amorphous wires for the first time employed by using a cryogenic Joule annealing (CJA) technique with large DC current amplitude. Compared with the conventional JA method, experimental results indicate that the maximum GMI ratio [ΔZ/Z0]max achieves up to 425% at 8.1 MHz with monotonic increase of the axial magnetic field Hex up to 6.5 Oe for 300 mA (equal to around 1.06 × 106 A/dm−2) CJA-ed wire, which is about 75% larger than the [ΔZ/Z0]max for the 100 mA (nearly 3.53 × 105 A/dm−2) JA-ed microwires. The remarkable features of large and linearly sensitive response field (2.5 ∼ 6.5 Oe) and the sensitivity of 99.4%/Oe with higher GMI ratio simultaneously make the CJA tailored melt-extracted microwires promising candidate materials for miniaturized GMI sensors. Another interesting result of GMI profiles of 200 mA (appropriately equal to 7.07 × 105 A/dm−2) CJA-ed wire show a linear response to Hex (ranging from 10 to 80 Oe or more), this behavior of GMI curves can be explored to fabricate bi-sensor. Large response field proves to originate from the intensive coupling between the radial stress field and the circumferential magnetic field during CJA process. The effect of outer-shell microstructure and complex SMD for 300 mA CJA-ed microwire is attributed to the fact that liquid nitrogen hinders the evolution of circumferential domain structure to some extent and protects the amorphous structure in the shell region.
Synthesis, characterization, and gas-sensing properties of monodispersed SnO2 nanocubes
Authors: Runa A , Bala Hari , Wang Yan , Chen Jingkuo , Zhang Bowen , Li Huayang , Fu Wuyou , Wang Xiaodong , Sun Guang , Cao Jianliang , Zhang Zhanying
Published: August 2014

Monodispersed single-crystalline SnO2 nanocubes with exposed a large percentage of high-energy surfaces have been synthesized by a simple solvothermal process at low temperature without any templates and catalysts. The as-prepared samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Many outstanding characters of the final products have been shown, such as uniform particle size, high purity, and monodispersity. In property, superior gas-sensing properties such as high response, rapid response-recovery time, and good selectivity have also been shown to ethanol at an optimal working temperature of as low as 280 °C. It indicates that the as-prepared SnO2 nanocubes are promising for gas sensors.
Longitudinally resolved measurement of plasma density along femtosecond laser filament via terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Tie-Jun , Ju Jingjing , Wei Yingxia , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan , Chin See Leang
Published: August 2014

We report on a longitudinally resolved measurement of plasma density along femtosecond laser filament in air via terahertz (THz) spectroscopy. By applying a needlelike high-voltage direct current (DC) electric field on the laser filament and scanning it along filament, the longitudinal evolution of amplified THz emission has been demonstrated. The peak frequency of the DC electric field biased THz emission is proportional to the plasma density inside the laser filament. This latter phenomenon was used to characterize the plasma density. Longitudinal distribution of plasma density of ∼1015 cm−3 along laser filament has been experimentally recorded. The technique demonstrated is very simple and helpful for understanding the THz generation process through laser filamentation.
Optical generation of a spatially variant two-dimensional lattice structure by using a phase only spatial light modulator
Authors: Kumar Manish , Joseph Joby
Published: August 2014

We propose a simple and straightforward method to generate spatially variant lattice structures by optical interference lithography method. Using this method, it is possible to independently vary the orientation and period of the two-dimensional lattice. The method consists of two steps which are: numerical synthesis of corresponding phase mask by employing a two-dimensional integrated gradient calculations and experimental implementation of synthesized phase mask by making use of a phase only spatial light modulator in an optical 4f Fourier filtering setup. As a working example, we provide the experimental fabrication of a spatially variant square lattice structure which has the possibility to guide a Gaussian beam through a 90° bend by photonic crystal self-collimation phenomena. The method is digitally reconfigurable, is completely scalable, and could be extended to other kind of lattices as well.
Enhanced electrocaloric and pyroelectric response from ferroelectric multilayers
Authors: Kesim M. T. , Zhang J. , Alpay S. P. , Martin L. W.
Published: August 2014

Room temperature pyroelectric properties and adiabatic temperature change of (001)-textured ferroelectric multilayers on Si are computed by taking into account electrostatic interlayer interactions and thermal strains. We show that by adjusting internal electrical fields through changing relative thicknesses in a multilayer ferroelectric construct, electrothermal properties can be significantly enhanced. A quantitative analysis is provided for BaTiO3-PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (BTO-PZT) and SrTiO3-PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (STO-PZT) multilayers. For instance, 0.74 × BTO-0.26 × PZT and 0.35 × STO-0.65 × PZT bilayers show ∼120% and 65% increase in electrocaloric response, respectively, compared to PZT films on Si for ΔE = 500 kV/cm.
An acoustic dual filter in the audio frequencies with two local resonant systems
Authors: Liu Zhao-qun , Zhang Hui , Zhang Shu-yi , Fan Li
Published: August 2014

We report an acoustic dual filter to realize the sound regulation in the audio frequency range, in which resonant vibrations of two membrane-air and metal-elastomer systems generate two sound transmission peaks and a sound blocking below 3000 Hz. The local vibrational profiles manifest that the transmission peak at lower frequency is mainly dependent on the resonant vibration of the membrane-air system, and the coupling vibrations of two systems generate the blocking frequency and transmission peak at higher frequency. Importantly, two transmission peaks can be controlled independently. It is feasible to realize the acoustic device in sound shield and dual filters.
Circadian rhythm of hyperoxidized peroxiredoxin II is determined by hemoglobin autoxidation and the 20S proteasome in red blood cells
Authors: Cho Chun-Seok , Yoon Hyun Ju , Kim Jeong Yeon , Woo Hyun Ae , Rhee Sue Goo
Published: August 2014

Significance

Peroxiredoxin II (PrxII) is the major antioxidant enzyme in red blood cells (RBCs) and is occasionally hyperoxidized and inactivated during elimination of H
2
O
2
. The abundance of hyperoxidized Prx was recently shown to oscillate with a period of ∼24 h in human RBCs, reflecting the operation of a circadian clock. Here we show that the oscillation of hyperoxidized PrxII in mouse RBCs is driven both by hyperoxidation mediated by H
2
O
2
produced during hemoglobin-dependent O
2
transport and by degradation of the hyperoxidized enzyme by the proteasome, rather than by reduction of the hyperoxidized PrxII by sulfiredoxin. About 1% of PrxII undergoes daily oscillation of hyperoxidation and degradation, leading to a gradual loss of PrxII during RBC aging.
Two-axis control of a singlet–triplet qubit with an integrated micromagnet
Authors: Wu Xian , Ward D. R. , Prance J. R. , Kim Dohun , Gamble John King , Mohr R. T. , Shi Zhan , Savage D. E. , Lagally M. G. , Friesen Mark , Coppersmith S. N. , Eriksson M. A.
Published: August 2014

Significance

Qubits, the quantum-mechanical analog of classical bits, are the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers, which have the potential to solve some problems that are intractable using classical computation. This paper reports the fabrication and operation of a qubit in a double-quantum dot in a silicon/silicon–germanium (Si/SiGe) heterostructure in which the qubit states are singlet and triplet states of two electrons. The significant advance over previous work is that a proximal micromagnet is used to create a large local magnetic field difference between the two sides of the quantum dot, which increases the manipulability significantly without introducing measurable noise.
Toward a constructional framework for research on language change
Authors: Traugott Elizabeth Closs
Published: August 2014

A construction grammar approach is presented to changes to language as a system that is both communicative and cognitive (Traugott and Trousdale 2013). Constructionalization is defined as the development of formnew-meaningnew pairs and constructional changes as changes to features of constructions. The approach requires focus on form and meaning equally. Constructionalization is shown to encompass and go beyond both grammaticalization and lexicalization, which are conceptualized as on a continuum. The framework favors thinking in terms of analogizing to sets and schemas as well as of gradual (micro-step) reanalyses. The ability to see how networks, schemas, and micro-constructions are created or grow and decline, as well as the ability to track the development of patterns at both substantive and schematic levels, allows the researcher to see how each micro-construction has its own history within the constraints of larger patterns, most immediately schemas, but also related network nodes.
Aspect in L2 English
Authors: Snape Neal , Matthews John , Hirakawa Makiko , Hirakawa Yahiro , Hosoi Hironobu
Published: August 2014

Our study reports on data collected on three separate occasions over a period of 12 months from four Japanese child returnees who had lived in the U.S. between 8 and 12 years before returning to Japan. Their English proficiency was assessed by TOEIC and C-test scores, and they were each asked to complete an Acceptability Judgment Task (AJT). Results show very little change across Test sessions 1, 2 and 3. Initially, we expected to find differences over the course of 12 months as the returnees’ exposure and daily use of English decreased since returning to Japan. Some slight L2 attrition of English was found in the domain of aspect for one returnee. We believe our results overall indicate that rather than L2 language loss, the returnees have managed to maintain their competence in the L2 aspectual domain.
Bilingual processing strategies in the social context of an undergraduate immersion program
Authors: Cohen Andrew D. , Allison Kirk C.
Published: August 2014

While university-level language immersion programs have been in existence for some years, research on the bilingual processing strategies of students participating in such programs is scant. This chapter reports on two aspects of a four-course college-level immersion program: (1) the participants’ use of both their native and the immersion language to process meaning on academic tasks, and (2) the influence of the social ecology of the immersion context on their language use.

The measures used for obtaining data included a questionnaire addressing program perceptions and background, pre/post multi-modality tests and self-assessments, and a retrospective self-observation instrument to provide data on bilingual mental processing by 24 Spanish, French, and German immersion students and by 17 non-immersion students directly after classroom tasks (e.g.,, process writing, listening to a lecture, watching a video, or discussing an article). A third of the immersion students also volunteered to provide verbal report data outside of class for listening, reading, writing, and speaking on a central topic.

In sum, immersion students reported less mental translation and more cognitive processing directly through the immersion language than did their non-immersion counterparts present in those same classrooms. Second, the language modality (i.e., listening, reading, speaking, or writing) significantly effected the type and extent of mental processing in the immersion language. Third, immersion students emphasized the unique social context of immersion as supporting and extending target language use, both within and beyond the classroom. They acknowledged that the greater extent of direct target language cognitive processing was attributable to both the linguistic and social dimensions of the immersion context. While focusing on immersion programs at the university level, the study’s quantitative and qualitative findings provided pedagogical implications for all college-level foreign language education, whether involving standard, intensive, or immersion curricula.
Noam and Zellig
Authors: Nevin Bruce E.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we explore when and how the work of Noam Chomsky diverged from that of his mentor, Zellig Harris, and identify the origins and character of their differences. Considering evidence that they never fully understood each other, the rhetorical vehicle for this exploration is speculation as to how much this divergence is due to differences of temperament, to “post-war” generational differences, or, with more importance for the field, to different conceptions of the proper conduct of science. A number of questions are addressed, such as: Is truth attained by winning arguments, or is the appropriate role of argument to do everything possible to prove oneself wrong? Is a theory of language a prerequisite to or an outcome of linguistic analysis? And what are the fundamental data of linguistics?
Constructing adequate language documentation for multifaceted cross-linguistic data
Authors: Lust Barbara , Flynn Suzanne , Blume María , Westbrooks Elaine , Tobin Theresa
Published: August 2014

This paper confronts the challenge of constructing language documentation and data management in the face of continually expanding sets of cross-linguistic multi-media data arising in collaborative language acquisition research. It describes the development of an infrastructure and methods for creating and managing such shared language data across a Virtual Center for Language Acquisition(VCLA) by fostering collaborative scientific research in the language sciences across multiple institutions. The infrastructure reflects a research lab/academic library collaboration that integrates metadata organization in research methods. This paper describes both the research and educational components involved in the development of the VCLA
Valuing technology
Authors: Good Jeff
Published: August 2014

Work in language documentation has forced linguists to carefully consider how new technologies can best serve the goal of preserving languages and language data. Properly addressing these concerns, however, is not simply a matter of assessing how well these technologies can serve documentary ends. Rather, linguists must also consider what the precise goals are for their documentary projects and how those goals align with their professional values. This paper examines this problem by trying to determine the values that underlie two prominent lines of work on language documentation, one focused on issues of long-term data preservation and the other on the kinds of resources that the linguist should collect and create in the field.
Documentation of pragmatics and metapragmatics
Authors: M. Burt Susan
Published: August 2014

The pragmatics of minority languages are vulnerable to change early in language shift, and should therefore be included in language documentation. To research language shift and pragmatic change, 30 speakers of Hmong were interviewed in Wisconsin, using an oral Discourse Completion Task. Responses show that influence from Anglo-American pragmatics has affected younger speakers’ usage in Hmong; usage differences between the generations fall into three categories: sociopragmatic change, pragmalinguistic change, and metapragmatic change. Each of these may have an effect on intergenerational interaction, and thus, on conditions for intergenerational transmission. Pragmatics and metapragmatics matter because ordinary speakers, who construct their social worlds through linguistic interaction, may treasure tools that allow them to do so – pragmatic resources of their language.
Nfil3 is required for the development of all innate lymphoid cell subsets
Authors: Seillet Cyril , Rankin Lucille C. , Groom Joanna R. , Mielke Lisa A. , Tellier Julie , Chopin Michael , Huntington Nicholas D. , Belz Gabrielle T. , Carotta Sebastian
Published: August 2014

Innate lymphoid cell (ILC) populations protect against infection and are essential for lymphoid tissue formation and tissue remodeling after damage. Nfil3 is implicated in the function of adaptive immune lineages and NK cell development, but it is not yet known if Nfil3 regulates other innate lymphoid lineages. Here, we identify that Nfil3 is essential for the development of Peyer’s patches and ILC2 and ILC3 subsets. Loss of Nfil3 selectively reduced Peyer’s patch formation and was accompanied by impaired recruitment and distribution of lymphocytes within the patches. ILC subsets exhibited high Nfil3 expression and genetic deletion of Nfil3 severely compromised the development of all subsets. Subsequently, Nfil3−/− mice were highly susceptible to disease when challenged with inflammatory or infectious agents. Thus, we demonstrate that Nfil3 is a key regulator of the development of ILC subsets essential for immune protection in the lung and gut.
Deep spectroscopic luminosity function of Abell 85: no evidence for a steep upturn of the faint-end slope
Authors: Agulli I. , Aguerri J. A. L. , Sánchez-Janssen R. , Barrena R. , Diaferio A. , Serra A. L. , Méndez-Abreu J.
Published: August 2014

We present a new deep determination of the spectroscopic luminosity function (LF) within the virial radius of the nearby and massive Abell 85 (A85) cluster down to the dwarf regime (M* + 6) using Very Large Telescope/Visible Multi-Object Spectrograph (VLT/VIMOS) spectra for ∼2000 galaxies with mr ≤ 21 mag and 〈μe,r〉 ≤ 24 mag arcsec−2. The resulting LF from 438 cluster members is best modelled by a double Schechter function due to the presence of a statistically significant upturn at the faint end. The amplitude of this upturn ($\alpha _{{\rm f}} = -1.58^{+0.19}_{-0.15}$), however, is much smaller than that of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) composite photometric cluster LF by Popesso et al., αf ∼ −2. The faint-end slope of the LF in A85 is consistent, within the uncertainties, with that of the field. The red galaxy population dominates the LF at low luminosities, and is the main factor responsible for the upturn. The fact that the slopes of the spectroscopic LFs in the field and in a cluster as massive as A85 are similar suggests that the cluster environment does not play a major role in determining the abundance of low-mass galaxies.
Sudden end of X-ray outbursts around periastron of Circinus X-1 observed with MAXI
Authors: Asai Kazumi , Mihara Tatehiro , Matsuoka Masaru , Sugizaki Mutsumi , Nakahira Satoshi , Negoro Hitoshi , Nakajima Motoki , Okazaki Atsuo T.
Published: August 2014

MAXI/GSC (Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image/Gas Slit Camera) observed 21 outbursts from Circinus X-1 between 2009 August and 2013 December. Although 14 outbursts showed ordinary gradual decays, in seven others we found a sudden drop in luminosity on a time scale of a few hours around the periastron, and then the outbursts terminated. These sudden drops started at the estimated luminosity of a few times 1037 erg s−1 and their luminosities dropped to ≲3 × 1036 erg s−1. We offer three interpretations of the sharp luminosity decrease: (1) the end of the outburst during its dip, (2) the propeller effect, and (3) the stripping effect by the stellar wind of the companion star. It is difficult to explain the phenomenon by any of these interpretations alone. The interpretation of (1) is possible for only two outbursts on the assumption of rapid decay. The propeller effect (2) is expected to occur at a constant luminosity, which is incompatible with the observed facts. In the stripping effect (3), the ram pressure of a typical stellar wind is not sufficient to blow most of the accretion disk off. In this paper, we discuss the possibility of a modified stripping effect by assuming other additional conditions such as wind clumping and disk instability.
A New Entrance Technique for C2 Pedicle Screw Placement and the Use in Patients With Atlantoaxial Instability
Authors: Liu Jia-Ming , Jiang Jian , Liu Zhi-Li , Long Xin-Hua , Chen Wen-Zhao , Zhou Yang , Gao Song , He Lai-Chang , Huang Shan-Hu
Published: August 2014

Study Design:

A prospective study and a technique note.

Objectives:

To introduce a new entrance technique for C2 pedicle screw placement and to measure the related linear and angular parameters about the entrance point on computed tomography (CT) images. The safety of this technique for patients with atlantoaxial instability was also evaluated.

Background Data:

Although earlier studies have introduced different methods for C2 pedicle screw placement, the entry points and the angular parameters may be variable. Few studies have established a fixed entry point on the basis of the anatomic structure of C2 for pedicle screw placement.

Methods:

A total of 60 dry C2 vertebrae were obtained for anatomic measurement in the study. The posterior bilateral nutrient foramens of C2 lamina were selected as the entry points for pedicle screw placement. The foramens were marked with needles and then the vertebrae underwent CT scan. The axial and sagittal planes of C2 pedicles were harvested and 4 linear and 2 angular parameters about the entry point were determined. After that, we used the entrance technique on 31 patients with atlantoaxial instability in a prospective study. CT of the cervical spine was performed to evaluate the safety of the entrance technique.

Results:

The nutrient foramens exist in 97% of the left lamina and 93% of the right lamina of the C2 vertebra. The overall mean distance from the entry point (nutrient foramen) to the superior border of lamina (PSD), to the inferior border of lamina (PID), to the medial border of the pedicle (PMD), and the length of pedicle screw trajectory (PL, transit the pedicle center) were 3.32±0.63, 8.33±1.21, 6.85±1.00, and 24.47±1.51, respectively. The averaged transverse angle (α) on the axial plane and the superior angle (β) on the sagittal plane were 19.83±3.83 and 30.12±6.02 degrees, respectively. Then, 31 patients underwent bilateral C2 pedicle screw fixation without screw violation into the spinal canal or vertebral artery injury by the new entrance technique. The overall mean angles α and β and the length of the pedicle screw were 17.52±3.81 and 34.29±4.18 degrees and 25.85±2.06 mm, respectively. No statistical differences were found in these 3 parameters between the dry C2 vertebrae and the C2 vertebrae of patients who underwent the surgery (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

Using the posterior bilateral nutrient foramens of the C2 lamina as the entry point is a helpful intraoperative landmark for C2 pedicle screw placement.
Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli essential genes and minimal cell factories after one decade of genome engineering
Authors: Juhas Mario , Reuß Daniel R. , Zhu Bingyao , Commichau Fabian M.
Published: August 2014

Investigation of essential genes, besides contributing to understanding the fundamental principles of life, has numerous practical applications. Essential genes can be exploited as building blocks of a tightly controlled cell ‘chassis’. Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli K-12 are both well-characterized model bacteria used as hosts for a plethora of biotechnological applications. Determination of the essential genes that constitute the B. subtilis and E. coli minimal genomes is therefore of the highest importance. Recent advances have led to the modification of the original B. subtilis and E. coli essential gene sets identified 10 years ago. Furthermore, significant progress has been made in the area of genome minimization of both model bacteria. This review provides an update, with particular emphasis on the current essential gene sets and their comparison with the original gene sets identified 10 years ago. Special attention is focused on the genome reduction analyses in B. subtilis and E. coli and the construction of minimal cell factories for industrial applications.
The British Regulatory State under the Coalition Government: Volatile Stability Continued
Authors: LODGE MARTIN
Published: August 2014

What have been the effects of coalition government on the British regulatory state? This article argues that the politics of regulation have been largely about a continuation of existing patterns, namely volatile stability rather than more far‐reaching change. The British regulatory state continues to be defined by boundary conflicts between the world of ‘politics’ and ‘regulation’, by conflicting calls for centralisation and decentralised autonomy, and by tensions between the wish to ‘reduce’ regulation and the realisation of inherent complexities.
‘And What Good Came of it at Last?’ Press–Politician Relations Post‐Leveson
Authors: BARNETT STEVEN , TOWNEND JUDITH
Published: August 2014

James Margach famously argued that Prime Ministers from Lloyd George to Callaghan had been intent on exploiting the media in their determination to centralise power. From Margaret Thatcher onwards, however, there is a strong argument that the power relationship has been reversed, and that the Leveson Inquiry—set up in the wake of the phone hacking scandal—exposed a political class which had become deeply fearful of the power and influence of the national press. Citing evidence to Leveson and subsequent recommendations by the inquiry, this article presents two case studies—on data protection and on media ownership—where the public interest clearly demanded political intervention, which would be inconvenient for the major publishers. And yet, despite recommendations by Lord Justice Leveson and despite clear support from leading politicians of all parties, there has been virtually no policy progress in either case. While the Leveson Inquiry was billed as a watershed in press–politician relations and an opportunity to counteract decades of unhealthy press power, political inertia in these two areas suggests that very little has changed.
Men, maternity and moral residue: negotiating the moral demands of the transition to first time fatherhood
Authors: Ives Jonathan
Published: August 2014

This article discusses men's transition to first time fatherhood, with a focus on the way they recognise various in‐tension moral demands and negotiate an appropriate role for themselves. The findings are taken from a longitudinal study, drawing on elements of grounded theory, comprising a series of face‐to‐face and telephone interviews with 11 men over a 9‐month period from the 12th week of pregnancy to 8 weeks after the birth. The analysis focuses on men's feelings and experience of exclusion and participation, and their response and reaction to that experience. The findings present two descriptive themes, ‘on the inside looking in’ and ‘present but not participating’, followed by third theme ‘deference and support: a moral response’ that exposes the dilemmatic nature of men's experience and explains the participants’ apparent acceptance of being less involved. The discussion explores the concept of moral residue, arguing that while deference and support may be an appropriate role for fathers in the perinatal period it may also be a compromise that leads to feelings of uncertainty and frustration, which is a consequence of being in a genuinely dilemmatic situation.
IFN‐γ CA microsatellite polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to respiratory syncytial virus Infection and severity
Authors: Huang Jianfeng , Zhang Mingzhi , Zhang Xiaobo , Lu Aizhen , Wang Libo , Chen Chao
Published: August 2014

Aim

IFN‐γ, an essential cytokine in the viral cell‐mediated immune response, has been associated with the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and to the severity of the infection. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IFN‐γ CA microsatellite (rs3138557) polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to RSV in Chinese Han children and with the severity of the infection.

Methods

The IFN‐γ CA microsatellite was tested in 218 RSV bronchiolitis inpatients and 303 healthy controls, and the severity of the RSV bronchiolitis was evaluated using a standardised respiratory scoring system.

Results

The frequencies of CA12+/CA12+, CA12+/CA12− and CA12−/CA12− in the 218 RSV bronchiolitis patients and 303 controls were approximately 11% versus 19%, 55% versus 53% and 34% versus 28%, respectively. The gene polymorphism of IFN‐γ CA repeats between the two groups was statistically different. The clinical respiratory scores of RSV bronchiolitis cases with CA12+/CA12+ and CA12+/CA12− were 2.84 ± 0.40 (SD) and 2.95 ± 0.44 (SD), respectively, and these were significantly lower than the 3.1 ± 0.36 (SD) score for those with CA12−/CA12−.

Conclusion

IFN‐γ CA microsatellite polymorphism was associated with the susceptibility of Chinese Han children to RSV and the severity of the infection.
Dissatisfied Union Workers: Sorting Revisited
Authors: Green Colin P. , Heywood John S.
Published: August 2014

A substantial literature argues that the reported job dissatisfaction of union members is spurious. It reflects either the sorting of dissatisfied workers into union membership or the sorting of union recognition into worse jobs. We contribute by presenting the first panel data estimates that hold constant first worker fixed effects and then worker in job fixed effects. The estimates demonstrate that covered union members typically report greater dissatisfaction even when accounting for sorting in both dimensions. At the same time, cross‐sectional evidence of less satisfied covered non‐members and uncovered members vanishes when accounting for sorting.
Treatment with melatonin after onset of experimental uveitis attenuates ocular inflammation
Authors: Sande P H , Dorfman D , Fernandez D C , Chianelli M , Domínguez Rubio A P , Franchi A M , Silberman D M , Rosenstein R E , Sáenz D A
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose

Uveitis is a prevalent intraocular inflammatory disease and one of the most damaging ocular conditions. Pretreatment with melatonin prevented ocular inflammation induced by an intravitreal injection of bacterial LPS in the Syrian hamster. Here, we have assessed the anti‐inflammatory effects of melatonin administered after the onset of ocular inflammation.

Experimental Approach

The eyes of male Syrian hamsters were intravitreally injected with vehicle or LPS. Melatonin was injected i.p. every 24 h, starting 12 or 24 h after the LPS injection. A clinical evaluation (with a score index based on clinical symptoms), the number of infiltrating cells, protein concentration and PGE2 and PGF2α levels in the aqueous humour, as well as retinal NOS activity, lipid peroxidation and TNF‐α levels were assessed. Retinal function was assessed by scotopic electroretinography, and light microscopy and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the state of the retinal structure.

Key Results

Both treatment regimens with melatonin decreased clinical symptoms, reduced the leakage of cells and proteins, and decreased PG levels in aqueous humour from eyes injected with LPS. In addition, melatonin treatment blocked the decrease in scotopic electroretinogram a‐ and b‐wave amplitude, protected the retinal structure and reduced the increase in NOS activity, lipid peroxidation and TNF‐α levels, induced by LPS.

Conclusions and Implications

These results indicate that treatment with melatonin, starting after the onset of uveitis, attenuated ocular inflammation induced by LPS in the Syrian hamster and support the use of melatonin as a therapeutic resource for uveitis treatment.
Routine assessment of psychosocial problems after cancer genetic counseling: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eijzenga W. , Bleiker E.M.A. , Ausems M.G.E.M. , Sidharta G.N. , Van der Kolk L.E. , Velthuizen M.E. , Hahn D.E.E. , Aaronson N.K.
Published: August 2014

Approximately 70% of counselees undergoing cancer genetic counseling and testing (CGCT) experience some degree of CGCT‐related psychosocial problems. We evaluated the efficacy of an intervention designed to increase detection and management of problems 4 weeks after completion of CGCT. In this randomized, controlled trial, 118 participants completed a CGCT‐related problem questionnaire prior to an – audiotaped – telephone session with their counselor 1 month after DNA‐test disclosure. For those randomized to the intervention group (n = 63), a summary of the questionnaire results was provided to the counselor prior to the telephone session. Primary outcomes were discussion of the problems, counselors' awareness of problems, and problem management. Secondary outcomes included self‐reported distress, cancer worries, CGCT‐related problems, and satisfaction. Counselors who received a summary of the questionnaire were more aware of counselees' problems in only one psychosocial domain (practical issues). No significant differences in the number of problems discussed, in problem management, or on any of the secondary outcomes were observed. The prevalence of problems was generally low. The telephone session, combined with feedback on psychosocial problems, has minimal impact. The low prevalence of psychosocial problems 1 month post‐CGCT recommends against its use as a routine extension of the CGCT procedure.
Higher Order Ray Marching
Authors: Muñoz Adolfo
Published: August 2014

Rendering participating media is still a challenging and time consuming task. In such media light interacts at every differential point of its path. Several rendering algorithms are based on ray marching: dividing the path of light into segments and calculating interactions at each of them. In this work, we revisit and analyze ray marching both as a quadrature integrator and as an initial value problem solver, and apply higher order adaptive solvers that ensure several interesting properties, such as faster convergence, adaptiveness to the mathematical definition of light transport and robustness to singularities. We compare several numerical methods, including standard ray marching and Monte Carlo integration, and illustrate the benefits of different solvers for a variety of scenes. Any participating media rendering algorithm that is based on ray marching may benefit from the application of our approach by reducing the number of needed samples (and therefore, rendering time) and increasing accuracy.
The falling incidence of hematologic cancer after heart transplantation
Authors: Crespo‐Leiro M. G. , Delgado‐Jiménez J. , López L. , Alonso‐Pulpón L. , González‐Vilchez F. , Almenar‐Bonet L. , Rábago G. , Pérez‐Villa F. , Paniagua Martín M. J. , Arizón del Prado J. M. , Sousa‐Casasnovas I. , Manito‐Lorite N. , Díaz‐Molina B. , Pascual‐Figal D. , Lage‐Galle E. , Blasco‐Peiró T. , De la Fuente‐Galán L. , Muñiz J.
Published: August 2014

Background

A number of changes in the management of heart transplantation (HT) patients have each tended to reduce the risk of post‐HT hematologic cancer, but little information is available concerning the overall effect on incidence in the HT population.

Methods

Comparison of data from the Spanish Post‐Heart‐Transplantation Tumour Registry for the periods 1991–2000 and 2001–2010.

Results

The incidence among patients who underwent HT in the latter period was about half that observed in the former, with a particularly marked improvement in regard to incidence more than five yr post‐HT.

Conclusions

Changes in HT patient management have jointly reduced the risk of hematologic cancer in the Spanish HT population. Long‐term risk appears to have benefited more than short‐term risk.
Embolization of an Atrial Septal Occluder Device in the Mitral Valve Apparatus
Authors: Tamene Ashenafi , Gezahegn Selome , Coumbe Ann , Madhusoodanan Kozhuvattasseri , Missov Emil
Published: August 2014

Mini‐Abstract

Ostium secundum atrial septal defect is a common congenital anomaly. Treatment is indicated in patients with hemodynamically significant shunt and right ventricular failure. The Amplatzer septal occluder is one of the most commonly used devices for percutaneous closure of this type of defects. Embolization of the device to the systemic circulation is a rare but serious complication. We present a case of fatal embolization and entrapment of an Amplatzer atrial septal occluder device in the mitral valve apparatus in an elderly woman 4 days after implantation.
A Case of Carcinoid Heart Disease with Desaturation and No Liver Metastases
Authors: Requilé Annelies , Van De Bruaene Alexander , Reenaers Veerle , Dendale Paul
Published: August 2014

Mini‐Abstract

In 95% of cases of carcinoid heart disease, the primary tumor is located in the gastrointestinal tract and hepatic inactivation of serotonin prevent symptoms from occurring until liver metastases are present. Ovarian carcinoid tumors are an unusual cause of carcinoid heart disease in the absence of liver metastases. Rarely, carcinoid heart disease is associated with desaturation due to right‐to‐left shunting through a patent foramen ovale. We present the case of a 64‐year‐old female with carcinoid heart disease without liver metastases and hypoxemia due to right‐to‐left shunting.
Effect of larval brain extracts derived from three swallowtail butterflies, Papilio helenus L., P. machaon L. and P. memnon L., on seasonal morph development of P. xuthus L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: Yamanaka Akira , Morioka Ritsu , Kinugasa Masahiro , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Fuchigami Soichiro , Kawasaki Shuhei , Kitazawa Chisato
Published: August 2014

Adults of the three papilionid butterflies, Papilio helenus L., Papilio machaon L. and Papilio memnon L., exhibit seasonal diphenism comprising spring and summer morphs. To elucidate the physiological mechanism underlying seasonal morph development in papilionid butterflies, we investigated whether a cerebral factor showing summer‐morph‐producing hormone (SMPH) activity is present in the brain of three Papilio species using an assay system with chilled male short‐day pupae of P. xuthus L. When 2% NaCl extracts derived from 20 larval brains of the three species were injected into abdomens of chilled male short‐day pupae of P. xuthus, all recipients destined to develop into spring‐morph adults developed into summer‐ and intermediate‐morph adults. On the other hand, all recipients injected with distilled water as a control developed into spring‐morph adults. These results indicate that a cerebral factor showing SMPH activity is present in the larval brain of the three Papilio species. Additionally, all recipients injected with 2% NaCl extracts derived from 20 adult brains of Bombyx mori L. also developed into summer‐ and intermediate‐morph adults. The results revealed that SMPH or a cerebral factor showing SMPH activity is widely distributed among lepidopteran insects.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Drought/Tropical Cyclone Co‐occurrence in the Southeastern USA: Linkages to North Atlantic Climate Variability
Authors: Ortegren Jason T. , Maxwell Justin T.
Published: August 2014

Droughts and landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs; tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are important features of the hydroclimate of the southeastern USA at seasonal, interannual, and interdecadal scales. The societal impacts and climatological aspects of both droughts and Atlantic TCs have been widely addressed in the scientific literature. However, in general, previous research has assessed the two phenomena separately. Recently, the spatiotemporal patterns and hydroclimatic impacts of drought amelioration by landfalling TCs have been analyzed for the southeastern USA, as well as the large‐scale dynamic forcing mechanisms that enhance or suppress drought‐TC co‐occurrence. At multidecadal time scales, both droughts and TCs in this region vary in association with several leading modes of basin‐wide and regional climate variability. These climate modes appear to be coherently linked to a background oceanic–atmospheric pattern that either promotes or suppresses the likelihood of both droughts and TC landfalls. The relative frequency of TC landfalls in drought‐stricken areas, the importance of these events in the regional moisture budget, and the potential for future changes in the large‐scale forcing environment raise fundamental questions about possible changes in the hydroclimate of the southeastern USA, where population growth and rising water demand already place strain on freshwater resources. In this article, we provide a review and synthesis of the recent research on variability in drought, landfalling TCs, the characteristics of the space–time association between these two phenomena in the southeastern USA, and the coherent large‐scale oceanic–atmospheric environment that either promotes or suppresses their co‐occurrence. Further, we review Global Climate Model projections related to these factors, and we identify avenues for future research on this important topic.