bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological restoration and soil improvement performance of the seabuckthorn flexible dam in the Pisha Sandstone area of Northwestern China
Authors: Yang F. S. , Cao M. M. , Li H. E. , Wang X. H. , Bi C. F.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Soil erosion of the Pisha Sandstone area of Loess Plateau is extremely severe in China. The Pisha Sandstone is very hard when it is dry, while it is very frail when wet. The seabuckthorn flexible dam (SFD), a type of ecological engineering, was proposed to control soil erosion and meliorate soil within the Pisha Sandstone area. To assess its effectiveness and the ecological restoration and soil improvement performance, a field experiment was conducted in this area. We found the strong sediment retention capacity of the SFD is the basis of using it to restore the ecosystem. We compared some certain ecological factors and soil quality between a gully with the SFD and a gully without the SFD, including soil moisture, soil organic matter (SOM), soil nutrients (including Ammonia Nitrogen, available phosphorus and Potassium), vegetation coverage and biodiversity. The results showed that the SFD exhibits excellent performance for ecological restoration and soil improvement of this area. The results are as follows: (i) by the sediment retention action, the deposition commonly occurred in the SFD gully, and the deposition patterns are obviously different from upper to lower gully, (ii) more surprisingly, unlike trees or other shrubs, the seabuckthorn has good horizontal extending capacity by its root system, (iii) soil moisture, SOM, soil nutrients, vegetation coverage and biodiversity in the vegetated gully with the SFD are all markedly increased. The results showed the SFD is both effective and novel biological measure for ecological restoration and soil improvement within the Pisha Sandstone area.
Getting to Know O'Neill
Authors: Murphy Brenda
Published: September 2014

Brenda Murphy, as scholar, teacher, and former Eugene O'Neill Society president, recounts her lifelong fascination with Eugene O'Neill. She is the author of books about American realism, the Provincetown Players, and the performance history of Long Day's Journey Into Night, as well as other topics, and articles about O'Neill in the American intertext.
Hero into General:
Authors: Garstad Benjamin
Published: September 2014

One of the interpretive models applied by the ancient Greeks to their myths was the recasting of heroes as generals and their lonely quests as elaborate military campaigns. In the first instances, this reimagining of mythic narratives was intended to explain the esteem in which heroes were held, lend credibility to their legends, and extend the period of recorded history. Rather than “debunking,” the interpretation of heroes as generals was a positive attempt to bolster the reputation of the heroes and their cults. Over time this particular kind of historicization seems to have enjoyed extensive popularity, so much so that its rationale crept into even the most inhospitable genres, like epic, which rejected rationalization on the whole. Indeed, so popular was the understanding of heroes as generals, it was not necessarily made explicit in accounts that took it as a premise. The very prevalence of this historical interpretation of myth seems to have resulted in a return to at least the appearance of fable form in accounts of mythic heroes intended as historical narratives. The seismic ideological shift from a predominant paganism in the ancient Mediterranean to a predominant Christianity also finally made the historicization of myth a kind of debunking. Not that Christian versions of myth denied the existence of heroes, rather they stressed their most disreputable characteristics and deeds and attempted to undermine the regard in which heroes were held. This article will explore the development of the interpretation of heroes as generals through an examination of the accounts of three different figures: Heracles in Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Dionysus in Nonnus of Panopolis, and Perseus in John Malalas.
Melting the Ice Gods:
Authors: Gibson Marion
Published: September 2014

This article discusses the genre of prehistoric science fiction and its exploration of notions of the genesis of religion and the identities of old gods and goddesses from 1880 to 1955. Beginning with an introduction to the contemporary anthropological context (Edward Tylor, James George Frazer, Sigmund Freud, Jane Harrison, and Margaret Murray and their speculations on deities from Mithra to Isis), it then discusses both obscure and canonical science fiction texts in this context, many of them little known or never before discussed in the context of theological history. Authors whose work is considered include Andrew Lang, H. G. Wells, Rudyard Kipling, Henry Rider Haggard, S. Fowler Wright, Henry Marriage Wallis, Naomi Mitchison, and William Golding. The article draws attention to the gendered implications of imagining ancient deities, with goddess fictions significantly more optimistic than those about gods: the shape of things to come in both the practice of modern pagan religion worldwide and the decline of Christian practice in Britain. Fictions of old gods emphasize pessimism, despair, and human fallibility and even sometimes conclude with outright atheism; fictions of old goddesses feature heroic and sympathetic protagonists and can offer a satisfying and harmonious alternative to Christianity. The earth, mother, and virgin goddesses who emerge from these fictions went on to shape both contemporary literature and contemporary and current religion. Indeed, one has even shaped modern science: William Golding's goddess Oa, who inspired James Lovelock's Gaia, symbol of the earth as a self-sustaining system. These apparently obscure and ephemeral texts thus show how fiction contributed to and shaped the religious politics of late Victorian and early twentieth-century Britain: as writers used fictional work to try out reinvented old deities for new times, pagan and broadly feminist goddesses triumphed over avatars of the Christian god in a prefiguring of trends in twentieth-century British spirituality.
ELISA Testing for Soy Antigens in Dry Dog Foods Used in Dietary Elimination Trials
Authors: Willis-Mahn Christine , Remillard Rebecca , Tater Kathy
Published: September 2014

The use of elimination diet trials is necessary in the diagnosis of food allergies and intolerances. The objective of this study was to determine in vitro if four over-the-counter (OTC) dry dog foods carrying a “no soy” claim and seven veterinary therapeutic dry dog foods designed for food elimination trials were suitable for a soybean elimination trial. A 100 g sample of each diet plus one soy positive and one soy negative control diet were submitted for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing to an independent food laboratory. The positive control diet contained >25 ppm soy protein antigens and the negative control contained <2.5 ppm. Three of the four OTC “no soy” claiming diets were positive for soy antigen. Two of the three soy-containing diets had >25 ppm. Three veterinary therapeutic diets had less than the lowest detectable limit of soy protein and four were positive (>2.5 ppm). OTC dog food diets that claim to contain “no soy” may contain high concentrations of soy protein and, therefore, should not be used in soy elimination trials in suspect food allergic dogs. The veterinary therapeutic diet selected for a soy elimination trial needs to be carefully chosen based on diet history.
Disseminated Protothecosis Associated With Diskospondylitis in a Dog
Authors: Manino Paul M. , Oliveira Fabiano , Ficken Martin , Swinford Amy , Burney Derek
Published: September 2014

A 6 yr old female Labrador retriever was evaluated for an acute onset of difficulty walking and a head tilt. Initial physical examination revealed bilateral retinal detachment, a left-sided head tilt, positional rotary nystagmus, and lumbar hyperpathia. Pertinent preliminary diagnostic findings included systemic hypertension, bony lysis and adjacent sclerosis of the vertebral endplates of the first and second lumbar vertebrae, and positive urine and blood cultures for a yeast identified as Candida spp. Concerned about disseminated candidiasis after subsequent subretinal aspirates confirmed the presence of a yeast-like organism, therapy with voriconazole was initiated. Because of progressive clinical deterioration and the poor prognosis for recovery, the dog was eventually euthanized. Postmortem histological examination of tissues, including the affected vertebral endplates, revealed numerous intralesional algae compatible with Prototheca spp. To the authors' knowledge, this report is the first to document a case of protothecal diskospondylitis with possible concurrent candidiasis in a dog. Although typically associated with signs referable to the gastrointestinal tract, this report underscores the importance of not excluding protothecosis as a differential diagnosis when such signs are absent. Lastly, the use of voriconazole appears ineffective for reversing the clinical course of late-stage disseminated protothecosis.
The Elephant in the Room (and How to Lead It Out): In-Clinic Laboratory Quality Challenges
Authors: Flatland Bente , Weiser Glade
Published: September 2014

Over 30 yr of technological evolution have resulted in sophisticated instrumentation for in-clinic laboratories, yet there is no regulatory oversight of diagnostic testing quality. Long overdue, the veterinary profession must address quality assurance (QA) of diagnostic testing. Each practice must weigh the responsibility for laboratory instrumentation test results that are often a combination of in-clinic and send-out testing. Challenges faced by clinic staff maintaining in-clinic laboratories include lack of training in QA and quality control (QC), lack of emphasis placed on QA/QC by instrument suppliers, QC financial and time costs, and a general lack of laboratory QA/QC support resources in the veterinary community. Possible solutions include increased continuing education opportunities and the provision of guidelines and other resources by national veterinary organizations; specialty certification of veterinary technicians; an increasing role of veterinary clinical pathologists as QA/QC consultants; and development of external quality assessment programs aimed at veterinary practices. The potential exists for animal health companies to lead in this effort by innovating instrument design, providing QC services, and exploiting instrument connectivity to monitor performance. Veterinary laboratory QA/QC is a neglected aspect of the profession. In coming years, veterinarians will hopefully find increased support for this core practice component.
A democracia no Governo de Nicolás Maduro
Authors: Oliveira Aline , Barcellos Bruna Leal
Published: September 2014

A conturbada troca de poder na Venezuela trouxe os olhos do mundo a este País sempre tão contraditório em relação as suas decisões, e principalmente, a sua identidade política. No novo governo de Nicolás Maduro a pergunta problema se dá em relação à democracia – ela esta ou não presente nas decisões tomadas por este novo líder? Tendo em vista esta problemática, o presente artigo se propõe a avaliar a partir de critérios estabelecidos por Dahl se há realmente uma democracia ou não na Venezuela, para que assim possamos então analisar a visão das Nações Unidas (ONU) a respeito do país e suas atitudes, tendo-se assim duas visões da democracia existente ou não no país venezuelano. A conclusão que se atinge é a de que não se tem elementos suficientes para determinar se o governo venezuelano é ou não uma democracia a partir dos conceitos de Dahl. A respeito das Organizações Unidas (ONU), a visão parece um pouco mais clara e contrária aos atos do governo Venezuelano não a vendo como uma democracia plena.
Using social knowledge networking technology to enable meaningful use of electronic health record technology in hospitals and health systems
Authors: Rangachari Pavani
Published: September 2014

Despite the federal policy momentum towards “meaningful use” of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), the healthcare organizational literature remains replete with reports of unintended adverse consequences of implementing EHRs, including: increased work for clinicians, unfavorable workflow changes, and unexpected changes in communication patterns & practices. In addition to being costly and unsafe, these unintended adverse consequences may pose a formidable barrier to “meaningful use” of EHRs. Correspondingly, it is essential for hospital administrators to understand and detect the causes of unintended adverse consequences, to ensure successful implementation of EHRs. The longstanding Technology-in-Practice framework emphasizes the role of human agency in enacting structures of technology use or “technologies-in-practice”. Given a set of unintended adverse consequences from health information technology implementation, this framework could help trace them back to specific actions (types of technology-in-practice) and institutional conditions (social structures). On the other hand, the more recent Knowledge-in-Practice framework helps understand how information and communication technologies (e.g., social knowledge networking systems) could be implemented alongside existing technology systems, to create new social structures, generate new knowledge-in-practice, and transform technology-in-practice. Therefore, integrating the two literature streams could serve the dual purpose of understanding and overcoming unintended adverse consequences of EHR implementation. This paper seeks to: (1) review the theoretical literatures on technology use & implementation, and identify a framework for understanding & overcoming unintended adverse consequences of implementing EHRs; (2) outline a broad project proposal to test the applicability of the framework in enabling “meaningful use” of EHRs in a healthcare context; and (3) identify strategies for successful implementation of EHRs in hospitals & health systems, based on the literature review and application.
Consider Long‐Term Contracting for Water and Wastewater Services
Authors: Moore Adrian T.
Published: September 2014

With a properly structured agreement, a community can shift the burden of water‐service delivery needs to a private provider and still retain the necessary control and benefit of system operation.
Manage Energy Use for Sustainable Pump Operation
Authors: He Xiaohong , Barnett Bryan
Published: September 2014

Pumping contributes significantly to a water treatment plant's total energy consumption. Improving the mechanical condition of pumping equipment and optimizing operation procedures can help reduce a plant's carbon footprint.
How Do We Prepare Future Leaders to Run Tomorrow's Utility?
Authors: Jurkovac Bradley
Published: September 2014

Succession planning is a priority throughout the water sector, whether water, wastewater, or combined. Go step‐by‐step to do your planning so your utility can be ready for the changes rather than overwhelmed by them. Document responsibilities and focus on current needs as well as future trends and development.
De‐Icer Thaws Water Services
Authors: Beck David
Published: September 2014

The De‐Icer was created by Brookfield Water Utility, Brookfield, Wisconsin, to thaw water services, which had frozen during the winter of 2014. The De‐Icer has reduced repair costs, increased efficiency, and improved safety by eliminating the need to dig up services to thaw them out. In return, the device restores water service to customers. The De‐Icer requires no special tools and is simple to use, benefiting all utilities required to maintain water service in subzero temperatures.
Integrating Control Science in a Practical Mobile Robotics Course
Authors: Pacheco L. , Luo N. , Ferrer I. , Cobos J. , Cufí X.
Published: September 2014

The idea of incorporating and applying interdisciplinary concepts is an important objective in electrical and computer engineering education. In this sense, mobile robot platforms can be used as educational tools to promote and integrate different curriculum subjects. In this paper, the programme and experience of an optional course called Applied Mobile Robotics is outlined. The reported content is specially focused on the experiences of applying control theory to a mobile robot platform.
Case-Based Instruction in Digital Integrated Circuit Design Courses for Non-Major Students
Authors: Chen Shih-Lun , Lai Yu-Kuen , Hu Wei-Chih , Chung Wen-Yaw
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a preliminary study using case-based teaching methodology in a digital IC design course is described. The proposed case-based course consists of ten lecture topics with hands-on labs and two projects. Each topic covers a design case example which contains illustrations of physical structure, hardware description language (HDL) codes, truth tables, waveform, and comments. Students can comprehend the essence of HDL by referring to physical logic gates, truth table, and waveform with HDL codes. This helps students to understand the abstract nature of HDL-based design flow especially for non-EE major undergraduates. To illustrate the effect of case-based teaching methodology instruction for non-major undergraduates, a specific class was constructed by 56% major and 44% non-major undergraduates. At the end of the course, both major and non-major undergraduates verified all labs and projects successfully. The questionnaire statistics show that most of the students like the course with case-based guidance. They all look forward to taking other similar engineering courses in the future.
La gestión del trabajo en el marco de la negociación colectiva de empresas multinacionales
Authors: Delfini Marcelo , Drolas Ana
Published: September 2014

Las empresas multinacionales (EMN) son actores relevantes de las relaciones laborales en la medida que buscan imponer prácticas de flexibilidad laboral en el conjunto de filiales que las componen. La importancia que tienen éstas firmas en Argentina conduce a que sea central el análisis sobre la gestión de la fuerza de trabajo que llevan adelante en este país. Así, el objetivo de este artículo es construir una tipología analítica que permita establecer las diferentes prácticas de gestión que se derivan del estudio de los convenios colectivos de trabajo (CCT) en estas empresas, y en que medida se corresponden con formas de gestión flexible, para luego observar la relación entre esas prácticas y las características específicas de las EMN, teniendo en cuenta: país de origen, actividad económica y tamaño de la empresa.
O fio constitutivo da sociologia empírica de Bernard Lahire
Authors: Amândio Sofia Lai
Published: September 2014

Bernard Lahire é hoje um dos mais reconhecidos sociólogos a trabalhar na tradição de Pierre Bourdieu. Nas duas últimas décadas, investiu num exercício de cumulatividade crítica da herança de Bourdieu, a partir de observatórios empíricos tão diversos como a educação, a cultura e a literatura. Este artigo pretende acompanhar o fio constitutivo da sua obra, concentrando-se sobretudo nas bases empíricas do conceito de ator plural, na sua sistematização teórica e nas implicações políticas nos termos de uma sociologia à escala individual, que se funda no prolongamento da teoria do habitus.
Polycomb- and REST-associated histone deacetylases are independent pathways toward a mature neuronal phenotype
Authors: McGann James C , Oyer Jon A , Garg Saurabh , Yao Huilan , Liu Jun , Feng Xin , Liao Lujian , Yates John R , Mandel Gail
Published: September 2014

The bivalent hypothesis posits that genes encoding developmental regulators required for early lineage decisions are poised in stem/progenitor cells by the balance between a repressor histone modification (H3K27me3), mediated by the Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2), and an activator modification (H3K4me3). In this study, we test whether this mechanism applies equally to genes that are not required until terminal differentiation. We focus on the RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) because it is expressed highly in stem cells and is an established global repressor of terminal neuronal genes. Elucidation of the REST complex, and comparison of chromatin marks and gene expression levels in control and REST-deficient stem cells, shows that REST target genes are poised by a mechanism independent of Polycomb, even at promoters which bear the H3K27me3 mark. Specifically, genes under REST control are actively repressed in stem cells by a balance of the H3K4me3 mark and a repressor complex that relies on histone deacetylase activity. Thus, chromatin distinctions between pro-neural and terminal neuronal genes are established at the embryonic stem cell stage by two parallel, but distinct, repressor pathways.
Association Between Second‐Trimester Cervical Length and Cesarean Delivery in Multiparas
Authors: Miller Emily S. , Einerson Brett , Sahabi Sadia , Grobman William A.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between second‐trimester cervical length and cesarean delivery in women with a prior vaginal delivery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of multiparous women with singleton gestations who underwent routine cervical length screening between 18 and 24 weeks' gestation and labored after 34 weeks. Cervical lengths were divided into quartiles, and the frequency of cesarean delivery was compared across the groups. Indications for cesarean delivery were also compared. A multivariable logistic regression was performed with cervical length as a categorical and a continuous variable to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

Of the 2260 multiparas who met inclusion criteria, 63 (2.8%) underwent a cesarean delivery. We observed no association between the second‐trimester cervical length quartile and the frequency of cesarean delivery (2.1%, 3.5%, 2.3%, and 3.1%, respectively; P = .434). Further analysis using cervical length as a continuous variable and controlling for potential confounding variables did not change this result (adjusted odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.46).

Conclusions

The second‐trimester cervical length quartile in multiparas is not associated with an increased frequency of cesarean delivery. This finding differs from studies of nulliparas.
What Is the Importance of Second‐Trimester “Soft Markers” for Trisomy 21 After an 11‐ to 14‐Week Aneuploidy Screening Scan?
Authors: Bromley Bryann , Shipp Thomas D. , Lyons Jennifer , Groszmann Yvette , Navathe Reshama S. , Benacerraf Beryl R.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of second‐trimester “soft markers” for trisomy 21 after an 11‐ to 14‐week aneuploidy screening scan.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients referred for measurement of the nuchal translucency (NT) as part of a screening protocol for aneuploidy. Patients who returned for an anatomic survey between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation were evaluated. The sonographic markers and anomalies associated with the detection of trisomy 21 in the second trimester were analyzed.

Results

There were 42 fetuses (0.4%) with trisomy 21 identified in the study cohort of 9692 patients. Trisomy 21 was suspected at the NT scan in 28 fetuses (67%) and at the second‐trimester anatomic survey in 14 (33%). In fetuses first suspected of having trisomy 21 in the second trimester, 9 of 14 had normal anatomic survey results, and 5 of 14 had congenital malformations. All 14 fetuses had soft markers for aneuploidy. A thickened nuchal fold was identified in 5 of 9 fetuses with trisomy 21 and normal anatomic survey results, all of whom had an NT of less than 3.0 mm at the initial screening scan.

Conclusions

Second‐trimester soft markers, especially a thickened nuchal fold, remain important observations in the detection of trisomy 21 by sonography among fetuses who have had first‐trimester sonographic screening for aneuploidy.
Effect of Ultrasound Sonication on Clonogenic Survival and Mitochondria of Ovarian Cancer Cells in the Presence of Methylene Blue
Authors: Xiang Junyan , Leung Albert Wingnang , Xu Chuanshan
Published: September 2014

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound sonication in the presence of methylene blue on clonogenic survival and mitochondria of ovarian cancer cells.

Methods

Human ovarian cancer HO‐8910 cells, which were incubated with different concentrations of methylene blue for 1 hour, were exposed to an ultrasonic wave for 5 seconds with intensity of 0.46 W/cm2. Clonogenic survival of HO‐8910 cells after ultrasound sonication was measured by a colony‐forming unit assay. Mitochondrial structural changes were observed on transmission electron microscopy, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated by confocal laser‐scanning microscopy with rhodamine 123 staining.

Results

The colony‐forming units of HO‐8910 cells decreased considerably after ultrasound sonication in the presence of methylene blue. Transmission electron microscopy showed slightly enlarged mitochondria in the ultrasound‐treated cells in the absence of methylene blue; however, seriously damaged mitochondria, even with almost complete disappearance of cristae, were found in the cells treated by ultrasound sonication in the presence of methylene blue. The mitochondrial membrane potential collapsed significantly when HO‐8910 cells were treated by ultrasound sonication in the presence of methylene blue (P < .05).

Conclusions

Ultrasound sonication in the presence of methylene blue markedly damaged mitochondrial structure and function and decreased clonogenic survival of HO‐8910 cells.
Diagnostic Performance of Shear Wave Elastography of the Breast According to Scanning Orientation
Authors: Kim Solip , Choi SeonHyeong , Choi Yoonjung , Kook Shin-Ho , Park Hee Jin , Chung Eun Chul
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of the scanning orientation on diagnostic performance measured by the mean elasticity, maximum elasticity, and fat‐to‐lesion elasticity ratio on ultrasound‐based shear wave elastography in differentiating breast cancers from benign lesions.

Methods

In this study, a total of 260 breast masses from 235 consecutive patients were observed from March 2012 to November 2012. For each lesion, the mean elasticity value, maximum elasticity value, and fat‐to‐lesion ratio were measured along two orthogonal directions, and all values were compared with pathologic results.

Results

There were 59 malignant and 201 benign lesions. Malignant masses showed higher mean elasticity, maximum elasticity, and fat‐to‐lesion ratio values than benign lesions (P < .0001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were as follows: average mean elasticity on both views, 0.870; mean elasticity on the transverse view, 0.866; maximum elasticity on both views, 0.865; maximum elasticity on the transverse view, 0.864; mean elasticity on the longitudinal view, 0.849; fat‐to‐lesion ratio on both views, 0.849; maximum elasticity on the longitudinal view, 0.845; fat‐to‐lesion ratio on the transverse view, 0.841; and fat‐to‐lesion ratio on the longitudinal view, 0.814. Intraclass correlation coefficients for agreement between the scanning directions were as follows: mean elasticity, 0.852; maximum elasticity, 0.842; fat‐to‐lesion ratio, 0.746, for masses; and mean elasticity, 0.392, for anterior mammary fat.

Conclusions

Mean elasticity, maximum elasticity, and fat‐to‐lesion elasticity ratio values were helpful in differentiating benign and malignant breast masses. The scanning orientation did not significantly affect the diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography for breast masses.
Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship Training
Authors: Adhikari Srikar , Fiorello Albert
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To describe our experience with implementation of a novel team‐based emergency ultrasound (EUS) fellowship training program.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review at an academic medical center. All emergency department (ED) faculty and residents were divided into 3 teams, and a fellow was assigned to each team. Each fellow was responsible for ultrasound (US) education of their team members and faculty credentialing. Additionally, each fellow was assigned to one of these specific responsibilities every month: (1) education, (2) quality assurance/billing, and (3) equipment. The fellows also received a checklist at the beginning of the fellowship training, which outlined research, reading, teaching, and scanning requirements.

Results

With a team‐based approach, all US examinations were reviewed for quality control within 1 week after the scans were performed. The number of US examinations billed by faculty increased by 180%. The US billing revenue increased by 60% during the study period. Fifteen additional faculty members were credentialed to use US in the ED. Compliance with bedside documentation of US findings increased from 30% to 90%. There was increased resident engagement, and the number of scans performed by residents increased by 130%. There was also a substantial decrease in the funds required to replace damaged transducers.

Conclusions

A team‐based EUS fellowship training program had a substantial impact on US use in the ED, quality control review, faculty credentialing, US billing revenue, compliance with documentation, and resident US education.
Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography Services
Authors: Finan Emer , Sehgal Arvind , Khuffash Afif El , McNamara Patrick J.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Targeted neonatal echocardiography refers to a focused assessment of myocardial performance and hemodynamics directed by a specific clinical question. It has become the standard of care in many parts of the world, but practice is variable, and there has been a lack of standardized training and evaluation to date. Targeted neonatal echocardiography was first introduced to Canada in 2006. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of targeted neonatal echocardiography practice and training methods in Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods

A total of 142 Canadian neonatologists were invited to participate in an online survey, which was conducted in September 2010. The survey consisted of questions related to the availability of targeted neonatal echocardiography, clinical indications, benefits and risks, and training methods.

Results

The overall survey response rate was 65%. Forty‐eight respondents (34%) indicated that targeted neonatal echocardiography was available in their units, and the program was introduced within the preceding 1 to 5 years. In centers where it was unavailable, lack of on‐site echocardiography expertise was cited as the major barrier to implementation. The most common indications for targeted neonatal echocardiography included evaluation of a hemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus, systemic or pulmonary blood flow, and response to cardiovascular treatments. Only 27% of respondents, working in centers where targeted neonatal echocardiography existed, actually performed the studies themselves; most individuals completed 11 to 20 studies per month. Almost half of the respondents said that training was available in their institutions, but methods of training and evaluation were inconsistent. Eighty‐seven percent of respondents reported no formalized process for assessment of ongoing competency after the initial training period.

Conclusions

Targeted neonatal echocardiography is becoming more widely available and is gaining acceptance in Canadian NICUs. Although training is provided in many institutions, the process is not well established, and formal evaluation is rarely performed. This study emphasizes the need for development of standards for formalized training, evaluation, and quality assurance.
SonoGames
Authors: Lewiss Resa E. , Hayden Geoffrey E. , Murray Alice , Liu Yiju Teresa , Panebianco Nova , Liteplo Andrew S.
Published: September 2014

SonoGames was created by the Academy of Emergency Ultrasound for the 2012 annual meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. The assessment of resident knowledge and of the performance of point‐of‐care ultrasound examinations is an integral component of ultrasound education and is required in emergency medicine residency training. With that in mind, game organizers sought to assess and improve emergency medicine residents' point‐of‐care ultrasound knowledge, hands‐on skills, and integration of knowledge into clinical decision making. SonoGames is an annual 4‐hour competition consisting of 3 rounds. In this article, we provide a description of SonoGames and provide a blueprint for an effective and successful educational event.
Resonant Tunneling Diodes
Authors: Maezawa Koichi
Published: September 2014

Recent progress in epitaxial growth technology has made it possible to fabricate thin structures where quantum effects emerge. In these thin structures, the wave‐like nature of electrons dominates the current‐voltage characteristics. Electrons can penetrate barriers (tunneling), interfere, and make standing waves. A resonant tunneling diode (RTD) exploits such effects. RTDs are characterized by unique current‐voltage characteristics showing negative differential resistance (NDR). They consist of extremely thin semiconductor heterolayers with thicknesses of 1 to 10 nm.

RTDs are attracting much attention because of their potential for high‐speed operation as well as for high functionality due to the NDR. RTDs with 1.4 THz oscillation and 1.5 ps switching have already been reported, and several functional RTD‐based circuits, which include multiple‐valued logic, a non‐linear logic gate, and a neuron‐like weighted‐sum function, have also been reported. These functions reduce the number of devices used, leading to lower power dissipation. Another advantage, one of the most important ones, is that RTDs can operate at room temperature. This differentiates RTDs from most other quantum effect devices, which can operate at only cryogenic temperatures. Thus RTDs are regarded as most practical quantum effect devices for ultra high‐speed analog and digital applications in the near future.
RobustLNAinGaNTechnology
Authors: Limiti Ernesto , Ciccognani Walter , Colangeli Sergio
Published: September 2014

Low noise amplifiers realized in GaN technology are focused starting from the basic technology and state‐of‐the‐art amplifier realizations both in hybrid and, more in particular, monolithic form. System benefits are discussed, further detailing both robustness and survivability characteristics of GaN LNAs, together with actual performance.
Epitaxial Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors
Authors: Perera A. G. U. , Ariyawansa G.
Published: September 2014

The article focuses on quantum dot‐based infrared photodetectors. Self‐assembled quantum dots, dot in the well structures, and quantum ring structures are discussed for various wavelength ranges and operating temperatures. Calculations of the energy states in dot structures and the effect of the dot sizes are briefly described. Dark current and detectivity and effect of different parameters on the performance are also described. Extension of the response region to terahertz using quantum dot‐based devices is also discussed. Present performance of the quantum dot devices with possible improvements is provided while summarizing the status of quantum dot‐based focal plane arrays.
Sheared sheet intrusions as mechanism for lateral flank displacement on basaltic volcanoes: Applications to Réunion Island volcanoes
Authors: Cayol V. , Catry T. , Michon L. , Chaput M. , Famin V. , Bodart O. , Froger J.‐L. , Romagnoli C.
Published: September 2014

Field work carried out on the Piton des Neiges volcano (Réunion Island) suggests that the injection of magma along detachments could trigger flank failure by conjugate opening and shear displacement. We use 3‐D numerical models to compare the ability of purely opened sheet intrusions, sheared sheet intrusions, and normal faults to induce flank displacement on basaltic volcanoes. We assume that shear stress change on fractures results from stress anisotropy of the host rock under gravity. Exploring a large range of stress anisotropies, fracture dips, and fracture depth over length ratios, we determine that the amount of shear displacement is independent of the proximity to the ground surface. Sheared sheet intrusions are the most efficient slip medium on volcanoes. Consequently, the largest flank displacement is induced by the longest, deepest sheared intrusion dipping closest to 45° in a host rock with the highest stress anisotropy. Using our model in a forward way, we provide shear and normal displacements for buried fractures. Applying the model to a pile of sills at the Piton des Neiges volcano, we determine that the mean shear displacement caused by each intrusion was 3.7 m, leading to a total of a 180–260 m of lateral displacement for the 50 m high pile of sills. Using our model in an inverse way, we formulate a decision tree to determine some fracture characteristics and the host rock stress anisotropy from ratios of maximum surface displacements. This procedure provides a priori models, which can be used to bound the parameter space before it is explored through a formal inversion. Applying the decision tree to the 1.4 m coeruptive flank displacement recorded at Piton de la Fournaise in 2007, we find that it probably originated from a shallow eastward dipping subhorizontal normal fault.
Compaction creep of sands due to time‐dependent grain failure: Effects of chemical environment, applied stress, and grain size
Authors: Brzesowsky R. H. , Hangx S. J. T. , Brantut N. , Spiers C. J.
Published: September 2014

Time‐dependent brittle creep plays a role in controlling compaction of sands and sandstones under upper crustal conditions, influencing phenomena such as production‐induced reservoir compaction, surface subsidence, and induced seismicity. Brittle creep also plays a role in determining the mechanical behavior of gouge‐rich faults. We performed uniaxial creep experiments on sand to investigate the effects of chemical environment (dry versus solution flooded), grain size (d = 196–378 µm), and applied effective stress (σa up to 30 MPa), at room temperature conditions favoring grain‐scale brittle processes. Creep measurements were complemented with acoustic emission (AE) detection and microstructural analysis to characterize the main creep mechanism. Wet samples showed much higher creep strains than dry‐tested samples. AE event counts showed a direct relation between grain failure and creep strain, with higher AE rates occurring in the wet samples. Therefore, we inferred that time‐dependent deformation was dominated by subcritical crack growth, resulting in grain failure accompanied by intergranular sliding rearrangements, and that crack growth in the presence of chemically active fluids was controlled by stress corrosion. The sensitivity of the compaction rate of the sands to d and σa can be expressed as where i ≈ 6 and j ≈ 21 under dry conditions and i ≈ 9 and j ≈ 15 under wet conditions. Our results were compared to a simple model based on Hertzian contact theory, linear elastic fracture mechanics, and subcritical crack growth. This model showed agreement between the observed stress and grain size sensitivities of creep, within a factor of 2.
Carbon dioxide fluxes of an urban tidal marsh in the Hudson‐Raritan estuary
Authors: Schäfer K. V. R. , Tripathee R. , Artigas F. , Morin T. H. , Bohrer G.
Published: September 2014

Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of tidal brackish wetlands in urban areas is largely unknown, albeit it is an important ecosystem service. High carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake of estuaries can potentially be achieved by creating conditions that foster CO2 uptake and sequestration. Thus, this study sought to assess NEE in a mesohaline tidal urban wetland that has been restored and determine the biophysical drivers of NEE in order to investigate uptake strength and drivers thereof. Beginning in 2009, NEE was measured using the eddy covariance technique in a restored urban estuarine wetland. Maximum NEE rates observed were −30 µmol m−2 s−1 under high light conditions in the summer. Monthly mean NEE showed this ecosystem to be a CO2 source in the winter, but a CO2 sink in summer. Conditional Granger causality showed the influence of net radiation on half daily to biweekly timescales on NEE and the influence of water level at half daily time scales. The overall productivity of this wetland is within the expected range of tidal brackish marshes and it was a sink for atmospheric CO2 in two out of the 3 years of this study and had a continued increase over the study period.
Efficiency of different heuristic approaches to calculation of electromagnetic diffraction by polyhedrons and other scatterers
Authors: Vesnik M. V.
Published: September 2014

Different heuristic approaches, such as physical optics method, method of equivalent edge currents, and newly developed modified method of equivalent edge currents are exemplified in a problem of electromagnetic diffraction by a plane angular sector. Comparing with rigorous results has shown that for the problem of electromagnetic diffraction by polyhedrons physical optics method can lead to serious mistakes, method of equivalent edge currents gives a qualitatively correct solution and modified solution by equivalent edge currents method is the most close to a rigorous one. Results of this work can be extended to many scientific and engineering applications in various fields of physics and technology.
Exact versus Dupuit interface flow in anisotropic coastal aquifers
Authors: Bakker Mark
Published: September 2014

The Dupuit solution for interface flow toward the coast in a confined aquifer is compared to a new exact solution, which is obtained with the Hodograph method and conformal mapping. The position of the toe of the interface is a function of two dimensionless parameters: the ratio of the hydraulic gradient upstream of the interface where flow is one‐dimensional over the dimensionless density difference, and the ratio of the horizontal hydraulic conductivity over the vertical hydraulic conductivity. The Dupuit interface, which neglects resistance to vertical flow, is a very accurate approximation of the exact interface for isotropic aquifers. The difference in the position of the toe between the exact and Dupuit solutions increases when the vertical anisotropy increases. For highly anistropic aquifers, it is proposed to add an effective resistance layer along the bottom of the sea in Dupuit models. The resistance of the layer is chosen such that the head in the Dupuit model is equal to the head in the exact solution upstream of the interface where flow is one‐dimensional.
Particle Colliders
Authors: Rohlf James W.
Published: September 2014

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Brief History

The Birth of Particle Colliders

Ingredients of Colliders

Famous Colliders

Stanford Positron Electron Accelerating Ring

PETRA

CERNProton–Antiproton Collider

Fermilab Tevatron Collider

Large Electron–Positron Project

The Energy Frontier:CERNLarge Hadron Collider

LHCBasic Parameters

Beam Dump

LHCLayout

Cryogenics

Injection Scheme

Radio Frequency Acceleration

Beam Vacuum

SuperLHC

The Next Frontier

International Linear Collider

Compact Linear Collider

Very Large Hadron Collider
Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Burgdörfer Joachim , Rotter Stefan
Published: September 2014

Quantum mechanics (QM), also calledwave mechanics, is the modern theory of matter, of atoms, molecules, solids, and of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with matter. It supersedes the classical mechanics embodied in Newton's laws and contains them as a limiting case (the so‐called classical limit of QM). QM has proven to be an extremely successful theory, tested and confirmed to an outstanding degree of accuracy for physical systems ranging in size from subatomic partiles to macroscopic samples of matter, such as superconductors and superfluids. The present article gives a brief introduction into concepts, methods, and applications of mostly non‐relativistic quantum physics.
Special Relativity
Authors: Takeuchi Tatsu
Published: September 2014

The special theory of relativity with some of its consequences and applications is reviewed. The representation theory of the Lorentz group is discussed in the appendix.
The Standard Model of Elementary Particles
Authors: Erler Jens
Published: September 2014

It is first reviewed how the concepts of a quantum field theories (QFT) and of local gauge invariance naturally arise, before they are applied to the electroweak model of leptons. This model is then extended to include quarks and the strong interaction, family replication and quark mixing, CP violation, as well as neutrino mass and mixing. Experimental tests, the determination of fundamental parameters, and constraints on and limitations of the minimal model and ideas that go beyond it are also covered.
Design and Application of Cyclotrons
Authors: Baartman Richard A. , Laxdal Robert E. , Mackenzie George H. , Rao Yi‐Nong
Published: September 2014

This chapter introduces fields of application for the cyclotron, some speculative, and gives illustrations of activity in some older fields of application. It describes some cyclotron technology and contains a discussion of the factors that may limit the intensity of the beam from cyclotrons.
Managing the Extreme Dataflow ofLHCExperiments
Authors: Neufeld Niko , Liko Dietrich
Published: September 2014

The Large Hardron Collider (LHC) will extend our knowledge of particles and their interactions to unprecedented energies. The physicists hope to obtain answers on questions ranging from the origin of mass to the nature of dark matter. The high interactions rates and the large number of detector channels result in an enormous amount of data produced in every second. New developments in the area of data acquisition have been necessary to be able to transport and filter these data with complex trigger systems. The selected data will be then recorded, resulting in datasets reaching several Petabytes. The resource requirements for the analysis of these data poses also new challenges in the offline analysis. A global computing infrastructure, the grid, has been developed to interconnect computing centers all over the world to provide these resources and to analyze the data. The article reviews these new computing challenges for LHC covering both the online and the offline aspects.
Ultrasensitive Plasmonic Response of Bimetallic Au/Pd Nanostructures to Hydrogen
Authors: Jiang Ruibin , Qin Feng , Ruan Qifeng , Wang Jianfang , Jin Chongjun
Published: September 2014

Hydrogen detection is crucial for the safety of all hydrogen‐related applications. Compared to electrical hydrogen sensors, which usually suffer from possible electric sparks, optical hydrogen sensors offer advantages of remote and contact‐free readout and therefore the avoidance of spark generation. Herein, bimetallic Au/Pd nanostructure monolayers that exhibit ultrasensitive plasmonic response to hydrogen are reported. Bimetallic Au/Pd nanostructures with continuous and discontinuous Pd shells are prepared. The plasmonic response to hydrogen is monitored by measuring the extinction spectra of the ensemble Au/Pd nanostructures deposited on glass slides. Introduction of hydrogen induces red plasmon shifts, which become larger for the nanostructures with thicker Pd shells. For the nanostructures with continuous Pd shell, the plasmon shift can reach 56 nm at the hydrogen volume concentration below the explosion limit. The plasmon resonance wavelength displays an excellent linear dependence on the hydrogen volume concentration below 1%. The detection limit in the experiments reaches 0.2%. The nanostructures with discontinuous Pd shell show smaller plasmon shifts than those with continuous Pd shell. The extinction measurements on the ensemble nanostructures supported on transparent substrates and the unprecedentedly large plasmon shifts and sensitivity make the results very promising for the development of practical optical hydrogen sensors.