bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Cross-sectional Area of the Umbilical Cord on Antenatal Ultrasound with Neonatal Birth Weight in Pregnant Women with and without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Prakash Arjun , Katti Divyashree P , Reddy Naveen KG , Kudlannavar Kishore S , Smrithika L , Suresh Shalini B
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Many foetal and maternal complications, such as polyhydramnios, macrosomia, birth injuries, and operative interference, are linked with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Among these, macrosomia is particularly significant, as it increases the risk of shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury, birth asphyxia, and maternal complications, including emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS), Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH), and perineal trauma. Therefore, one of the most essential perinatal goals in GDM is to predict macrosomia by estimating birth weight, thereby preventing adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. Aim: To evaluate whether there is a correlation between the cross-sectional area of the Umbilical Cord (UCA) and the Neonatal Birth Weight (NBW) in pregnant women with GDM. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Departments of Radiology and Obstetrics Bangalore Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. A total of 100 pregnant women (50 with GDM and 50 without GDM) were recruited from July 2021 to July 2022. Ultrasound examination (USG) was performed on pregnant women after 36 weeks of gestation. The UCA was measured in a free-floating loop, and the NBW was measured using a digital scale. The correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the degree of correlation between UCA and NBW. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 26.5±3.9 years. The frequency of macrosomia was higher in the GDM group (8%) compared to the control group (4%). A strong positive correlation was observed between UCA and NBW in both diabetics (r=0.819) and control groups (r=0.736). Conclusion: A strong positive correlation exists between UCA and NBW in women with GDM. Therefore, it should be estimated during routine antenatal USG for the prediction of birth weight in such women.
Redistribution, Growth and Productivity Relationship in Fiscal Policy in Core and Peripheral Countries
Authors:   Ankara University, Yilmaz Hakki Hakan , Kanaci Ali Sertaç ,   Ankara University
Published: February 2024

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of fiscal policies on growth and productivity by dynamic panel data analysis in core and periphery countries. The results of the analysis differed for the core and periphery countries, it was observed that the effect of public expenditures and revenues had a different impact on growth and productivity. Study found that public expenditure and revenues had negative relations on growth performance for both groups. It is considered that government budget policies should be improved on the basis of a more responsive and inclusive way. Regarding to the labor productivity, increasing government expenditures promotes labor productivity in core countries, while it does not in the periphery countries. The impact of inequality on growth and productivity is not found statistically significant in two country groups. Main conclusion is that fiscal policy plays a more active role in the growth and productivity.
Body Morphometry of Newborn Cats
Authors: Camapum Jaqueline Lustosa Rodrigues , Silva Filipi Alexandre do Nascimento , Nonato Noely Martins Bringel de Morais , Sá Thaís Camaso de , Dissenha Adrielly , Quessada Ana Maria
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to provide the body morphometric data of neonatal cats. A total of 48 neonatal cats (35 stillbirths and 13 live births) from the delivery of 13 queens were included for analysis. In all newborns, macromorphometric data were obtained, including body weight, total body length, crown-rump length, circumference of eye, ear length, abdominal length, biparietal diameter, thoracic length, caudal length, and size of the thoracic and pelvic limbs.
Foliar Application of Seaweed Extract and Micronutrients on Plant Growth and Yield of Strawberry (Fragaria X Annanassa Duch) CV. Winter Dawn: A Review
Authors: Bagh Aishwaryditya Singh , Deepika Vaggela , Singh Sumit , Mishra Saket , Ekka Shashi Kant , Kujur Reena , Lakra Johnson
Published: February 2024

The study investigates the potential benefits of integrating seaweed extracts and micronutrients into the cultivation practices of strawberries to enhance overall plant performance and fruit production. Seaweed extracts are known to contain bioactive compounds, including plant growth regulators, amino acids, and minerals, which have been reported to positively influence various physiological processes in plants. Additionally, micronutrients play a crucial role in the plant's metabolic activities, and deficiencies can lead to reduced growth and yield. The synergistic effects of seaweed extract and micronutrients present an intriguing avenue for improving the overall health and productivity of strawberry crops. The review summarizes the findings from recent studies, assessing the impact of foliar application of seaweed extracts and micronutrients on strawberry plants. Improvements in growth parameters, nutrient uptake, and yield attributes were observed. Furthermore, the review concluded the potential use of various seaweed extract and micronutrients in strawberry cultivation for significant advantages.
Phytorehzial Technique for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals Using Ornamentals Plants
Authors: Haseeb Muhammad Abdul , Akhtar Isbah , Javed Aneeqa , Fatima Tehreem , Ullah Imran , Sanaullah
Published: February 2024

Plants and human health are both negatively impacted by the soil's heavy metal toxicity. By using excess amounts of fertilizers, sewage sludge, and pesticides, smelting, burning coal, and other methods, they are introduced into the soil.  Among different heavy metals copper and arsenic are very important but their higher concentrations cause several morphological and biochemical in plants. They become part of the food chain when fruits and vegetables are grown in contaminated soil and can cause serious health issues to consumers. On the other hand, ornamental plants are used for aesthetic beautification and could be explored for the phytoremediation of soil heavy metals. A recent study was conducted to observe the phytoremediation potential of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras) and chrysanthemum against different levels of copper (80 and100µg/kg of soil) and arsenic (80 and 100 µg/kg) in the soil under completely randomized design. Data of accumulated quantity of heavy metals were noted after the flowering stage of both plants by dividing into four parts including roots, stem, leaves, and flowers. Both Gladiolus and chrysanthemum accumulated significant amounts of Cu and As in roots, stem, leaves, and flower. Gladiolus and chrysanthemum accumulated 367, 456, 796 and 1278ppm Co and 356, 571, 832 and 1478ppm As respectively. Chrysanthemums took up significant amounts of Cu in the stem and easily translocated from stem flowers. The translocation ability of chrysanthemum was higher for both metals compared to Gladiolus. The data were analyzed by mini tab statistics 8.1.
Exploring Traditional Agricultural Techniques Integrated with Modern Farming for a Sustainable Future : A Review
Authors: Sekhar M. , Rastogi Mausmi , Rajesh C M  , Saikanth D R K , Rout Sandeep , Kumar Saurabh , Patel Amit Kumar
Published: February 2024

Potential of integrating traditional agricultural techniques with modern farming practices in India, aiming to forge a path towards sustainable agriculture. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by the agricultural sector, including environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic disparities, the paper explores the synergistic potential of blending age-old wisdom with contemporary agricultural advancements. The analysis begins with a historical overview of traditional Indian agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, terracing, polyculture, and the use of organic manures, underscoring their inherent sustainability and ecological harmony. Modern farming techniques, including mechanization, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and precision agriculture, are examined for their advancements and limitations, particularly concerning environmental and economic impacts. The core of the review focuses on the integration of these two paradigms, emphasizing the rationale behind such a merger, which includes enhancing sustainability, increasing biodiversity, and improving soil health. A series of case studies from various Indian states illustrate successful examples of this integration, including agroforestry, organic farming, and permaculture practices. The paper also addresses the challenges and barriers to integration, highlighting sociocultural factors, economic constraints, policy and regulatory issues, and hurdles in knowledge and technology transfer. Looking forward, it outlines the future directions and research needs in this domain, emphasizing the critical role of policy and government support, the necessity for targeted education and awareness programs for farmers and consumers, and identifying research gaps. The paper concludes by affirming the viability and necessity of integrating traditional and modern farming practices in India, advocating for a model of agriculture that is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive, catering to the needs of the present while safeguarding resources for future generations.
Evaluation of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Genotypes for Powdery Mildew Disease (Erysiphe polygoni DC) Resistance
Authors: VenkatR Swaroop , Patil Bapurayagouda B. , Cholin Sarvamangala , Ryavalad Shivayogi Y. , Evoor Shashikant
Published: February 2024

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is short and bushy crop of Apiaceae family with linalool as aromatic compound, this crop is used mainly as culinary spice in India. Majorly this coriander crop is associated with powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni DC) disease incidence, causes serious problem in many parts of India. Screening for resistant source through artificial inoculation method which was an eco-friendly approach conductedduring Rabi-2022 at Department of Biotechnology and Crop Improvement, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot. 35 coriander accessions where are collected from Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Percent Disease Index (PDI %) was calculated for four weeks after inoculation and scored based on disease rating scale. Among them only eight genotypes (Surabhi, Asian (A-5), Mrityunjaya, Kalaburagi local, Nutan, Caribe, Samarat Ashok and Pokhara) showed slower powdery mildew symptoms (PDI value of 3.9 to 5.4%) after third week of inoculation but in fourth week all the 35 genotypes falls under susceptible (PDI more then 100%) and highly susceptible category which represents the high virulence nature of powdery mildew strain.
On the optimization of cyclic adsorption separation processes
Authors: Cruz P. , Magalhães F. D. , Mendes A.
Published: March 2005

An innovative approach for the optimization of general cyclic adsorption separation processes (PSA and VSA), using the Skarstrom cycle with equalization, is proposed. The main objective is to study the optimal operating conditions for different adsorbent types, the optimal equalization stage configurations, and different underlying assumptions that are usually presumed in process modeling and simulation. The partial differential equations corresponding to the bulk gas‐phase mass balances were solved with a recent numerical technique, developed within our group, based on an adaptive multiresolution approach. The partial differential equations for the intraparticle balances were solved using the orthogonal collocation method. The proposed dynamic simulator proved to be very efficient in terms of computational time and memory requirements: stability and accuracy are simultaneously ensured. The optimization was performed with a successive quadratic‐programming algorithm that proved to be efficient because the optimum can be reached in a modest number of iterations. The proposed approach was applied to the particular case of oxygen production from air by PSA and VSA, with the aim of studying the performance of two commercially available adsorbents, commonly used in this specific separation, and the best configuration during equalization stage. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Functional disomy of Xp: Prenatal findings and postnatal outcome
Authors: Kolomietz E. , Godbole K. , Winsor E.J.T. , Stockley T. , Seaward G. , Chitayat D.
Published: March 2005

We report on trisomy of the short arm of the X chromosome (Xp11.2 → pter) due to a de novo unbalanced X;13 translocation diagnosed prenatally in a female fetus. Amniocentesis was performed at 20‐weeks' gestation following ultrasound finding of a Dandy–Walker malformation. The trisomy of Xp11.2 → pter was confirmed with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), using an X chromosome painting probe and telomeric FISH probes specific for the short arm of chromosome X. The karyotype was defined as 46,XX,der(13)t(X;13)(p11.2;p11.2). Molecular analysis suggested that the extra Xp material was of paternal origin. FISH analysis with an XIST probe showed that the derivative chromosome 13 did not include the XIST locus at the X‐inactivation center (XIC). A complex phenotype was seen at birth including macrosomia, facial dysmorphism with preauricular tag, congenital heart defects, and structural brain malformations. Because the derivative chromosome was not subject to X inactivation, functional disomy of Xp11.2 → pter most likely accounts for the abnormal phenotype in this patient. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Real‐time image equalization for coronary X‐ray angiography
Authors: Robert Normand , Komljenovic Philip T. , Fort Stephen , Rowlands J.A.
Published: March 2005

Coronary angiograms, which provide detailed images of contrast‐filled coronary arteries, also show other large structures such as the diaphragm, spine and adjacent lung field. A real‐time image processing method to attenuate these unwanted features is presented. Side‐by‐side comparisons of images selected from cine runs before and after processing show that the arteries in the processed images can be visualized more easily due to their higher contrast as other structures are made less prominent. It is also shown experimentally that this method allows more quantitative comparisons of the contrast of vessels in different parts of an image. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of chiral hydroxythiolanes as potential catalysts for asymmetric organozinc additions to carbonyl compounds
Authors: Kiełbasiński Piotr , Albrycht Małgorzata , Mikołajczyk Marian , Wieczorek Michał W. , Majzner Wiesław R. , Filipczak Agnieszka , Ciołkiewicz Piotr
Published: March 2005

Optically active 3‐hydroxythiolane was stereospecifically synthesized from L‐aspartic acid and oxidized to give both diastereomeric S‐oxides, which were chromatographically separated and their configuration was determined. Starting from natural (+)‐(R,R)‐tartaric acid, C2‐symmetric trans‐(R,R)‐3,4‐dihydroxythiolane was stereospecifically synthesized for the first time. Some of its monofunctionalized derivatives as well as its S‐oxide were also obtained and characterized. meso‐cis‐3,4‐Dihydroxythiolane was obtained in a similar way from meso‐tartaric acid and subjected to desymmetrization either by a lipase‐promoted acetylation or hydrolysis of the corresponding O,O'‐diacetyl derivative, to give a chiral monoacetate with ee up to 36%. After its oxidation two diastereomeric sulfoxides were obtained which were separated by chromatography. The crystalline one was subjected to X‐ray analysis and its absolute configuration was determined as 1S, 3S, 4R. All the optically active products were checked as potential catalysts for asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde. However, they proved to have a very low catalytic activity: yields of the products were in the range 10–90% but ee only up to 10%. A conclusion was drawn that in this type of reaction neither is the hydroxy sulfide (sulfoxide) moiety capable of properly binding diethylzinc, nor does the sulfinyl group exert its normal stereoinduction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 16:93–222, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20076
SO2‐Extrusion of an 8‐thiabicylo[3.2.1]octa‐2,6‐diene 8,8‐dioxide and rearrangement of the resulting cycloheptatriene
Authors: Takayama Jun , Sugihara Yoshiaki , Nakayama Juzo
Published: March 2005

The reaction of 3,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐thio‐phene 1‐oxide (8) with tetrachlorocyclopropene provided 6,7‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,3,4,4‐tetrachloro‐8‐thia‐bicylo[3.2.1]octa‐2,6‐diene 8‐oxide (10), which was oxidized to the corresponding 8,8‐dioxide 16 by m‐chloroperbenzoic acid. The thermolysis of 16 in refluxing chlorobenzene, xylene, or octane gave 5‐tert‐ butyl‐1,2‐dichloro‐3‐[(1,1‐dich‐loro‐2,2‐dimethyl)‐pro‐ pyl]‐benzene (18) with extrusion of SO2 and 2‐tert‐butyl‐4,5,6‐trichloro‐9,9‐dimethylbicyclo[5.2.0]nona‐1,3,5‐triene (19) with extrusion of SO2 and HCl in 73–78% combined yields. On the other hand, the thermolysis of 16 in the presence of triethylamine gave 19 as the sole product in 98% yield. A mechanism that involves the initial formation of 4,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐1,2,7,7‐tetrachlorocycloheptatriene (17) is proposed to ex‐ plain the observed products. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 16:132–222, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20079
Amino acid derivatives, part 2: Synthesis, antiviral, and antitumor activity of simple protected amino acids functionalized at N‐terminus with naphthalene side chain
Authors: Ali Ibrahim A. I. , Al‐Masoudi Iman A. , Saeed Bahjat , Al‐Masoudi Najim A. , La Colla Palo
Published: March 2005

Coupling of various acylated amino acid derivatives with (naphthalen‐2‐lyloxy)acetic acid (3) in the presence of 1‐hydroxy‐benzoteriazole (HOBt) and DCC afforded the new amides 6–12. Alternatively, the latter compounds were prepared from reaction of the corresponding hydrazide 5, via the azide‐coupling method, with the acylated amino acid derivatives. Treatment of 6, 10–12 with N2H4ċH2O afforded the hydrazides 13–16, respectively, as key intermediates for the synthesis of peptide derivatives. Reaction of 12, as a acceptor, with the glycosyl‐trichloroimidate 18, as donors in the presence of TMSOTf gave the new glycoside 19. The new compounds were evaluated for their anti‐HIV‐1, antibovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and antitumor activity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 16:148–222, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20082
A novel transthyretin mutation V32A in a Chinese man with late‐onset amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Pica Emmanuel C. , Pramono Zacharias Ad , Verma Kamal K. , San Lai Poh , Chee Yee Woon
Published: March 2005

We report a Chinese patient with amyloidotic polyneuropathy associated with a novel transthyretin mutation (V32A). He presented with slowly progressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy accompanied by autonomic dysfunction and cardiomyopathy by echocardiography. This mutation is likely to be associated with late onset and low‐penetrance phenotype. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome has a more progressive course in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Wirtz Paul W. , Wintzen Axel R. , Verschuuren Jan J.
Published: March 2005

We studied whether a difference exists in the development of symptoms of the Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) between patients with or without small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We assessed symptoms in 38 LEMS patients, 13 with SCLC, by interviewing them using a structured checklist, backed up by a review of their clinical records, and compared the frequency and time scale of symptoms during the course of LEMS. Bulbar (87%) and autonomic (95%) symptoms for the whole group were more common than reported in the literature. Frequencies of symptoms did not differ significantly between patients with and without SCLC, but symptoms in patients with SCLC appeared within a shorter time‐frame, indicating a more rapid clinical course. The presence of a particular symptom associated with LEMS did not predict the presence of SCLC, but in patients with rapidly progressive LEMS the possibility of underlying lung cancer should be of particular concern. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Multiwalled carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites: Processing and properties
Authors: Dalmas F. , Chazeau L. , Gauthier C. , Masenelli‐Varlot K. , Dendievel R. , Cavaillé J. Y. , Forró L.
Published: March 2005

Nanocomposite materials were prepared with an amorphous poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate) latex as a matrix with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) as fillers. The microstructure of the related films was observed by transmission electron microscopy, which showed that a good dispersion of MWNTs within the matrix was obtained. The linear and nonlinear mechanical behavior and the electrical properties were analyzed. Mechanical characterization showed a mechanical reinforcement effect of the MWNTs with a relatively small decrease of the elongation at break. The composite materials exhibited an elastic behavior with increasing temperature, although the matrix alone became viscous under the same conditions. The electrical conductivity of the composite filled with 3 vol % MWNTs was studied during a tensile test, which highlighted the late damage of the material. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1186–1197, 2005
Constraints on mantle circulation around the deforming Calabrian slab
Authors: Faccenna Claudio , Civetta Lucia , D'Antonio Massimo , Funiciello Francesca , Margheriti Lucia , Piromallo Claudia
Published: March 2005

Combining tectonics, with seismological and geochemical data, we reconstruct the deformation history of the presently narrow Calabrian slab and the path of mantle circulation during the last 10 Ma. We show that during the slab deformation the mantle laterally flowed inside the back arc region permitting its retrograde motion and giving a seismological and volcanological record after 1–2 myr.
The 2000 Tottori earthquake: A shallow earthquake with no surface rupture and slip properties controlled by depth
Authors: Semmane Fethi , Cotton Fabrice , Campillo Michel
Published: March 2005

The Mw6.8 Tottori earthquake, Japan, does not exhibit any surface trace but was particularly well instrumented. Strong motion displacement records and GPS coseismic data are used to constrain the evolution of the slip on the fault plane in time and space. We adopt in this study a two‐plane fault geometry based on aftershock distributions and analysis of close station records. In a first step, our inversion allowed surface slip. The model obtained has a significant surface slip, which contradicts the absence of clear surface slip reported by geologists. In a second step, models with no slip at the surface (buried faults), compatible with geological observations, have been tested. The tests with different fault depths show that when slip is allowed to occur close to the surface, the fit to seismological and geodetic data is increased. These tests confirm that slip actually occurred at shallow depth. Despite the nonuniqueness of the solution, all the inverted source models show (1) a large slip amplitude patch at a depth of about 4–5 km and (2) relatively small slip in the hypocentral area. The rupture velocity is about 2750 m/s in the asperity region. The total rupture duration is about 8 s. The slip distribution seems to be controlled by the variation of fault properties with depth. Another feature that could control the rupture of this earthquake is a fault plane almost perpendicular to the main fault NW of the epicenter, which apparently inhibits further rupture propagation.
Convective heat transfer as a function of wavelength: Implications for the cooling of the Earth
Authors: Grigné C. , Labrosse S. , Tackley P. J.
Published: March 2005

Attempting to reconstruct the thermal history of the Earth from a geophysical point of view has for a long time been in disagreement with geochemical data. The geophysical approach uses parameterized models of mantle cooling. The rate of cooling of the Earth at the beginning of its history obtained in these models is generally too rapid to allow a sufficient present‐day secular cooling rate. Geochemical estimates of radioactive element concentrations in the mantle then appear too low to explain the observed present mantle heat loss. Cooling models use scaling laws for the mean heat flux out of the mantle as a function of its Rayleigh number of the form Q ∝ Raβ. Recent studies have introduced very low values of the exponent β, which can help reduce the cooling rate of the mantle. The present study instead focuses on the coefficient C in the relation Q = C Raβ and, in particular, on its variation with the wavelength of convection. The heat transfer strongly depends on the wavelength of convection. The length scale of convection in Earth's mantle is that of plate tectonics, implying convective cells of wide aspect ratio. Taking into account the long wavelength of convection in Earth's mantle can significantly reduce the efficiency of heat transfer. The likely variations of this wavelength with the Wilson cycle thus imply important variations of the heat flow out of the Earth on a intermediate timescale of 100 Ma, which renders parameterized models of thermal evolution inaccurate for quantitative predictions.
Terdiurnal wave signatures in the upper mesospheric temperature and their association with the wind fields at low latitudes (20°N)
Authors: Taori A. , Taylor M. J. , Franke S.
Published: March 2005

A novel investigation of terdiurnal (8‐hour) oscillations in the mesosphere and lower‐thermosphere temperature and wind field over Maui, Hawaii (20.8°N, 156.2°W) has been performed. Coincident observations using a mesospheric temperature mapper and a meteor wind radar were obtained since May 2002 as part of the Maui Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (Maui MALT) program to investigate the seasonal structure and dynamics of the low‐latitude middle atmosphere. This study focuses on a 10‐day period in July 2002 when a persistent ∼8‐hour oscillation was identified in dual measurements of the OH (6,2) and O2 (0,1) nocturnal rotational temperatures sampled at nominal altitudes of 87 and 94 km, respectively. During the summer months, the semidiurnal and diurnal tidal temperature components are expected to be minimal, and these data are most suitable for investigating the terdiurnal wave component, which is usually much weaker. Our results show that the primary 8‐hour oscillation observed during this 10‐day period exhibited a mean amplitude ∼5.5 K and a well‐defined phase shift (∼1‐hour) between the OH and O2 temperatures (with the O2 oscillation always leading). The downward phase progression and inferred mean vertical wavelength of ∼63 km are most consistent with that expected for the terdiurnal tide. Coincident meteor radar measurements also show an intermittent 8‐hour periodicity in the wind data. In particular, a detailed comparison of the winds and temperatures over a 4‐day interval within this period suggests a significant correlation indicating a near in‐phase temperature relation with the meridional wind component and a near‐antiphase relation with the zonal wind component. Comparison of the OH and O2 8‐hour temperature amplitudes also shows strong evidence for highly variable wave dissipation, with amplitude growth factors ranging from 0.6 to 1.9 throughout this period.
Maritime and dust aerosol retrieval from polarized and multispectral active and passive sensors
Authors: Waquet F. , Léon J.‐F. , Goloub P. , Pelon J. , Tanré D. , Deuzé J.‐L.
Published: March 2005

The two‐dimensional structure and the optical properties of Saharan dust and maritime aerosols have been investigated over the Mediterranean Sea during October 2001 using airborne and satellite observations. A new airborne downward looking multispectral (490–2200 nm) micropolarimeter (MICROPOL) is used to derive the aerosol optical thickness and effective radius. We present two case studies corresponding to the observations performed during a mineral dust transport from the Sahara to Europe and to an undisturbed marine boundary layer. The dust plume is associated with aerosol optical thickness above 0.2 (at 865 nm), whereas relatively low loading conditions are observed in the maritime case (down to 0.1). The MICROPOL‐derived aerosol optical thickness is in an excellent agreement with coincident Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrievals for both days. The effective radius retrieved by MICROPOL is also in a good agreement with the one from MODIS in the dust case. In the pure maritime case, this parameter is significantly underestimated by MICROPOL compared to MODIS retrieval. The vertical distribution of aerosol optical parameters is derived from combined two‐wavelength backscattering airborne lidar observations and MICROPOL passive measurements. As expected in the case of a long‐range transport, the aerosol effective radius within the dust layer is rather constant as a function of the altitude. A surprising low lidar depolarization factor of about 4% is retrieved within the dust plume, suggesting a major contribution of spherical particles. No significant depolarization has been observed in the marine boundary layer. For the given geometry of observation the retrieved aerosol models, which are based on the Mie theory, reproduce the MICROPOL polarized measurements within 5–8% in the dust and maritime case. The use of a nonspherical model increases by a factor of 2 the residual fitting error in polarization in the case of the dust observation. This result is confirmed by the lidar depolarization ratio and indicates that a large part of particles in the dust plume are spherical.
Impact of soil texture on air‐water interfacial areas in unsaturated sandy porous media
Authors: Peng Sheng , Brusseau Mark L.
Published: March 2005

The gas phase partitioning tracer method was used to measure air‐water interfacial area as a function of water content for eight sandy porous media. The porous media comprised a series of sands with narrow particle size ranges, a sand with a wider particle size distribution, a sandy soil, and a loamy sandy soil. The measurement range was extended to very low water contents in an attempt to determine upper limits for air‐water interfacial areas. The measured values were compared to the normalized surface areas of the porous media. The results of the experiments showed that the magnitude of the air‐water interfacial areas increased with decreasing water saturation and approached that of the normalized surface areas. Generally, air‐water interfacial areas were larger for media with larger specific surface areas. The change in air‐water interfacial area with changing water saturation was less near saturated water contents and greater at smaller values. In addition, the change was greater for the poorly sorted media than the well‐sorted media. An empirical equation was developed to describe the observed relationship between air‐water interfacial area and water saturation. The coefficients of the equation were found to correlate to the porous medium uniformity coefficient. With this equation and associated correlations, only bulk density, specific surface area, and uniformity coefficient are needed to estimate air‐water interfacial area for a given water saturation. The equation was shown to provide a reasonable description of a literature data set.
Current oscillation and chaotic dynamics in superlattices driven by crossed electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Wang C. , Cao J. C.
Published: March 2005

We have theoretically studied current oscillation and chaotic dynamics in doped GaAs∕AlAs superlattices driven by crossed electric and magnetic fields. When the superlattice system is driven by a dc voltage, a stationary or dynamic electric-field domain can be obtained. We carefully studied the electric-field-domain dynamics and current self-oscillation which both display different modes with the change of magnetic field. When an ac electric field is also applied to the superlattice, a typical nonlinear dynamic system is constructed with the ac amplitude, ac frequency, and magnetic field as the control parameters. Different nonlinear behaviors show up when we tune the control parameters.
Dynamical hydrogen atom tunneling in dichlorotropolone: A combined quantum, semiclassical, and classical study
Authors: Giese K. , Ushiyama H. , Takatsuka K. , Kühn O.
Published: March 2005

Based on the Cartesian Reaction Surface framework we construct a four-dimensional potential for the tropolone derivative 3,7-dichlorotropolone, a molecule with an intramolecular O–H⋯O hydrogen bond. The reduced configuration space involves the in-plane hydrogen atom coordinates, a symmetric O–O vibrational mode, and an antisymmetric mode related to deformations of the seven-membered ring. The system is characterized in terms of quantum mechanical computations of the low-lying eigenstates as well as a classical and semiclassical analysis of spectra obtained via Fourier transforming autocorrelation functions. For the semiclassical analysis we utilize the amplitude-free correlation function method [K. Hotta and K. Takatsuka, J. Phys. A 36, 4785 (2003)]. Our results demonstrate substantial anharmonic couplings leading to highly correlated wave functions even at moderate energies. Furthermore, the importance of dynamical tunneling in tropolone is suggested since many low-lying states—including the ground state—lie above the classical saddle point but nevertheless appear as split pairs.
The multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree–Fock method for quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Nest M. , Klamroth T. , Saalfrank P.
Published: March 2005

We apply the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree–Fock method to electronic structure calculations and show that quantum chemical information can be obtained with this explicitly time-dependent approach. Different equations of motion are discussed, as well as the numerical cost. The two-electron integrals are calculated using a natural potential expansion, of which we describe the convergence behavior in detail.
Heat conduction in the Frenkel–Kontorova model
Authors: Hu Bambi , Yang Lei
Published: March 2005

Heat conduction is an old yet important problem. Since Fourier introduced the law bearing his name almost 200years ago, a first-principle derivation of this simple law from statistical mechanics is still lacking. Worse still, the validity of this law in low dimensions, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for its validity are far from clear. In this paper we will review recent works on heat conduction in a simple nonintegrable model called the Frenkel–Kontorova model. The thermal conductivity of this model has been found to be finite. We will study the dependence of the thermal conductivity on the temperature and other parameters of the model such as the strength and the periodicity of the external potential. We will also discuss other related problems such as phase transitions and finite-size effects. The study of heat conduction is not only of theoretical interest but also of practical interest. We will show various recent designs of thermal rectifiers and thermal diodes by coupling nonlinear chains together. The study of heat conduction in low dimensions is also important to the understanding of the thermal properties of carbon nanotubes.
Silver nanodisks: Size selection via centrifugation and optical properties
Authors: Germain V. , Brioude A. , Ingert D. , Pileni M. P.
Published: March 2005

Silver nanodisks, having two different sizes, and spherical particles are synthesized by soft chemistry. By using centrifugation, nanodisks are mainly selected. The experimental absorption spectra of these nanodisks with different sizes are compared to those simulated using the discrete dipole approximation method. For small nanodisk sizes, the nanodisk shape is neglected and the simulated spectra closest to the experiments are obtained by assuming a spheroidal particle. Conversely, for larger nanodisks, the precise geometries represented by snip and aspect ratio are needed for good agreement between experiments and simulations.
Instanton theory for the tunneling splitting of low vibrationally excited states
Authors: Mil’nikov Gennady V. , Nakamura Hiroki
Published: March 2005

We develop the instanton theory for calculating the tunneling splitting of excited states. For the case of low vibrational quantum states we derive a canonically invariant formula which is applicable to a multidimensional system of arbitrary Riemannian metric. The effect of multidimensionality in relation to the vibrational excitation is explained in terms of the effective frequencies along the instanton trajectory. The theory is demonstrated to work well by taking HO2 molecule as an example.
Magneto-optical investigation of high-frequency electric current influence on surface magnetization reversal in Co-rich amorphous microwires
Authors: Chizhik A. , Zhukov A. , Gonzalez J. , Blanco J. M.
Published: March 2005

Investigations of the surface magnetization reversal in Co-rich glass-covered amorphous microwires have been performed in the presence of high-frequency electric current flowing along the microwires. The experiments have been carried out using the magneto-optical Kerr effect in axial and circular magnetic fields. Strong influence of the high-frequency current on the mechanism of magnetization reversal and coercive properties has been found. It has been discovered that the high-frequency current induces the appearance of circular magnetic bistability. The high-frequency-induced effects are associated with the influence of the high-frequency electric current on the nucleation of circular magnetic domains and on the motion of domain walls in the outer shell of the microwires.
Coherent radiation of relativistic nonlinear Thomson scattering
Authors: Lee K. , Kim B. H. , Kim D.
Published: March 2005

The condition for the coherent addition of the relativistic nonlinear Thomson scattered (RNTS) radiations from a group of electrons is derived. Numerical calculations show that under such a condition, all the characteristics of RNTS radiation by a single electron are maintained, leading to the generation of intense attosecond x rays. Such an attosecond x ray is produced in a specific direction with a very narrow angular divergence. An x-ray radiation of ∼1016W∕cm2 with a pulse width of 7.7 as is expected for an oblique irradiation of a 20 fs linearly polarized laser pulse of 4×1019W∕cm2 on a 7 nm thick film target. For the proof-of-principle experiment, the radiation characteristics from a 50 nm thick film target are presented and discussed.
Precessional direct-write switching in micrometer-sized magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Maunoury C. , Devolder T. , Lim C. K. , Crozat P. , Chappert C. , Wecker J. , Bär L.
Published: March 2005

We have implemented direct-write and toggle switching in the precessional limit on micron-sized magnetic tunnel junctions. We have measured the amplitudes and duration of orthogonal applied magnetic fields leading to reliable switching for pulse durations as short as 178 ps. We have shown that the final magnetization state can be well understood by solving the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation in the macrospin approximation. We finally have compared the size of the writing window in two scenarios of orthogonal field timing: synchronous pulses or imbricated pulses (easy-axis field lasting longer than hard-axis field). Imbricated pulses lead to sizable increase of the writing window.
Electron and positive ion acceleration with pyroelectric crystals
Authors: Geuther Jeffrey A. , Danon Yaron
Published: March 2005

The phenomenon of pyroelectric electron emission has been employed to develop miniature x-ray sources, such as the Cool-X by Amptek (www.amptek.com/coolx.html). The source strength of a pyroelectric x-ray generator is dependent on the emitted electron energy and current. Similarly, the source strength of a pyroelectric neutron generator will be dependent on the energy and production rate of deuterium ions in the fill gas. This paper summarizes our results in experiments directed toward creating high-energy electrons and positive ions with a pyroelectric source. Single-crystal sources are shown to produce positive ions with energies of up to 98keV and electron energies of up to 143keV. X-ray spectra are presented as proof that a paired-crystal source can increase electron energy to at least 215keV. In addition, we offer independent verification of the “bunched” electron emission effect observed by [Brownridge et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 1158 (2001)].
Degradation mechanism of HfAlOX∕SiO2 stacked gate dielectrics studied by transient and steady-state leakage current analysis
Authors: Okada Kenji , Mizubayashi Wataru , Yasuda Naoki , Ota Hiroyuki , Tominaga Koji , Iwamoto Kunihiko , Horikawa Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Katsuhiko , Hisamatsu Hirokazu , Satake Hideki , Nabatame Toshihide , Toriumi Akira
Published: March 2005

Degradation mechanism of stacked high-k gate dielectrics has been studied with metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors having HfAlOX∕SiO2 films of various thickness combinations. A large leakage current with a peaked shape, named as the low-voltage peak current (LVPC), has been observed in the low-voltage region even in the initial current–voltage characteristics. It has been shown that a main part of LVPC is the transient current component controlled by the process of hole injection to traps in the vicinity of the HfAlOX∕SiO2 interface through the interfacial SiO2 layer. By the electrical stress, both the transient and the steady-state current components monotonically increase with time having different rates. Steady-state component has significantly larger rate than the transient component, and the same rate with the stress-induced leakage current (SILC) observed in the high-voltage region, indicating that the steady-state component of LVPC should be regarded as the SILC in the higher-voltage region extending down to the lower gate voltage region where the LVPC is observed.
A pulsed ion source for the preparation of metal containing cluster anions using supersonic entrainment of laser vaporized metal
Authors: Weber J. Mathias
Published: March 2005

The principle of supersonic entrainment has been combined with laser vaporization for the rational preparation of anionic metal containing complexes. This ion source facilitates fast and flexible adjustment and optimization of the ion beam composition without the need for preparing gas mixtures externally. Attachment of secondary electrons from an electron impact plasma greatly enhances the stability and intensity of the resulting anion beam.
Electron imaging of charge-separated field on a copper film induced by femtosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Okano Yasuaki , Hironaka Yoichiro , Kondo Ken-ichi , Nakamura Kazutaka G.
Published: March 2005

An instantaneous charge-separated field, built up at the femtosecond-laser-irradiated surface of a copper film, was observed by time-resolved electron imaging using an energy-chirped electron probe-beam. The probe beams with effective energies of 170keV were generated by intense femtosecond laser irradiation onto a molybdenum target at an intensity of 1017W∕cm2. From the deflection of the probe electrons, the electric field was estimated to be 1.5MV∕m at a pump-laser intensity of 1015W∕cm2.
Fabrication of atomic-scale gold junctions by electrochemical plating using a common medical liquid
Authors: Umeno A. , Hirakawa K.
Published: March 2005

Fabrication of nanometer-separated gold junctions has been performed using “iodine tincture,” a medical liquid known as a disinfectant, as an etching/deposition electrolyte. In the gold-dissolved iodine tincture, gold electrodes were grown or eroded slowly enough to form quantum point contacts in an atomic scale. The resistance evolution during the electrochemical deposition showed plateaus at integer multiples of the resistance quantum, (2e2∕h)−1, at room temperature (e: the elementary charge, h: the Planck constant). Iodine tincture is a commercially available common material, which makes the fabrication process to be simple and cost effective. Moreover, in contrast to the conventional electrochemical approaches, this method is free from highly toxic cyanide compounds or extraordinarily strong acids.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 associates with the androgen receptor and enhances its transcriptional activity in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lim Jin T. E. , Mansukhani Mahesh , Weinstein I. Bernard
Published: March 2005

Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) binds to and is activated by cyclin D1 and thereby enhances the transition of cells through the G
1
phase of the cell cycle. The present study indicates that, in human prostate cancer cells, CDK6 can also bind to the androgen receptor (AR) and stimulate its transcriptional activity in the presence of dihydrotestosterone. This effect of CDK6 does not require its kinase activity and is inhibited by cyclin D1 and p16
INK4a
. The T877A mutant of the AR frequently found in advanced cases of prostate cancer displays an exaggerated stimulation of transcriptional activity by CDK6. Androgen-sensitive LNCaP prostate cancer cells engineered to stably overexpress CDK6 display increased expression of the prostate-specific antigen and enhanced growth in the presence of dihydrotestosterone. CDK6 is present in the chromatin structure of these cells in association with the AR and the promoter region of the prostate-specific antigen gene. These findings suggest that CDK6 may play an important role in the development and/or progression of a subset of human prostate cancers by stimulating the activity of the AR.
An empirical investigation of strategy determinants and choices in manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Fai Pun Kit
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To present the main findings of a comparative study conducted in two selected Chinese cities – Hong Kong and Shanghai – on identifying and prioritising the strategy determinants and choices that govern how manufacturing enterprises compete.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempts to acquire practitioners' views on strategy formulation efforts, strategy determinants and reactive versus proactive strategy choices in manufacturing enterprises.

Findings

Based on the responses obtained from 232 Hong Kong and 85 Shanghai firms, it was found that the majority of respondents considered marketing strengths to be the most important strategy determinant, followed by corporate, operational and technology strengths. Product/service quality and company's reputation were the two leading strategy components that would help gain, attract and retain customers. Many respondents also stressed the importance of management commitment, controlling costs of production/operations, and R&D and innovation capabilities. Despite some exceptions, the hypothesis‐testing results verified that there has been a positive causal relationship between the four strategy determinants and the adoption of reactive and proactive strategies.

Originality/value

By complementing the literature base, the study provides some empirical evidence on identifying and prioritising the strategy determinants and choices for manufacturing business operations in the context of Chinese cities. It also provides a reference for future work in developing strategy‐related paradigms for attaining business excellence in manufacturing enterprises.