bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoelectric module made of perovskite cobalt oxides with large thermopower
Authors: Inagoya Akiko , Sawaki Daisuke , Horiuchi Yuto , Urata Saori , Funahashi Ryoji , Terasaki Ichiro
Published: December 2011

We have fabricated a trial product of an oxide thermoelectric module using the perovskite cobalt oxides. The thermoelectric properties of the p- and n-leg materials are carefully controlled, and the room temperature thermopower is set to be larger than 200 μV/K. This module generates an open circuit voltage of 1.0 V with a small temperature difference of 170 K. At a large temperature difference of 399 K, it generates a substantial power of 40 mW, and the generated energy density is comparable with that of commercial solar cells.
Magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic laminated plates with giant magnetostrictive material layers
Authors: Zhang C. L. , Chen W. Q.
Published: December 2011

We present an analytical model to predict the magnetoelectric (ME) effect in multiferroic laminated plates consisting of piezoelectric material and giant magnetostrictive material (GMM). The nonlinear behavior of GMM is taken into account by employing a simple quadratic constitutive relation. Both static and dynamic cases are considered. It is found that: (1) the dependence of ME effect on the applied magnetic field is quite different from that reported in the previous analysis; and (2) one part of the induced electric field has a frequency that is double the driving frequency of the applied magnetic field. The results indicate that multiferroic laminated plates with GMM layers have potential applications in multipliers and energy harvesters.
Characterizing longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates of ferrofluids in microtesla magnetic fields
Authors: Chen Ming-Jye , Liao Shu-Hsien , Yang Hong-Chang , Lee Hsin-Yi , Liu Yi-Jia , Chen Hsin-Hsien , Horng Herng-Er , Yang Shieh-Yueh
Published: December 2011

Shortening spin-lattice relaxation rates (1/T1) or spin-spin relaxation rates (1/T2) is the purpose of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. In this work, an ultralow field nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and imager are set up to characterize the spin relaxation rates of Fe3O4 superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) for image contrast. It was found that both 1/T1 and 1/T2 increase linearly when the magnetic susceptibility χ of SPIO increases by increasing the concentration of SPIO dispersed in water. In an applied field, magnetic moments of SPIO generate microscopic field gradients that weaken the field homogeneity, in turn de-phasing the proton’s nuclear spin and enhancing the relaxation rates. A T1-contrast image is demonstrated, using SPIO as the contrast agent and high-Tc superconducting quantum interference devices as the detector. T1-contrast imaging in microtesla fields might provide a potential modality for discriminating cancer.
Electrical field dependence of thermo-optical parameters in transparent lead lanthanum zirconated titanate ceramic: Thermal lens measurements
Authors: Falcao E. A. , Eiras J. A. , Garcia D. , Pereira J. R. D. , Santos I. A. , Rohling J. H. , Medina A. N. , Baesso M. L.
Published: December 2011

In this work, thermal lens spectroscopy was used to analyze the thermo-optical properties of the transparent ceramic lead lanthanum zirconated titanate or PLZT 10/65/35 as a function of the external electric field, from 0 to 1200 kV/m. The results show that when increasing the electrical field in the sample, the temperature coefficient of optical path length presented parallel and perpendicular components. For the parallel component, the electrical field makes this parameter alternate from positive to negative and from negative to positive and so on. This behavior as a function of an external electric field may be useful in the development of electro-optical devices with this transparent ceramic.
Rotational and vibrational energy transfer in vibrationally excited acetylene at energies near 6560 cm−1
Authors: Han Jiande , Freel Keith , Heaven Michael C.
Published: December 2011

Collisional energy transfer kinetics of vibrationally excited acetylene has been examined for states with internal energies near 6560 cm−1. Total population removal rate constants were determined for selected rotational levels of the (1,0,1,00,00) and (0,1,1,20,00) states. Values in the range of (10–18) × 10−10 cm3 s−1 were obtained. Measurements of state-to-state rotational energy transfer rate constants were also carried out for these states. The rotational energy transfer kinetics was found to be consistent with simple energy gap models for the transfer probabilities. Vibrational transfer out of the (0,1,1,20,00) state accounted for no more than 16% of the total removal process. Transfer from (1,0,1,00,00) to the u-symmetry (0,2,0,31,1−1), (0,1,1,20,00), and (1,1,0,11,1−1) states was observed. Applying the principle of detailed balance to these data indicated that vibrational transfer to (1,0,1,00,00) accounted for ∼0.1% of the population loss from (0,2,0,31,1−1) or (0,1,1,20,00), and 3% of the loss from (1,1,0,11,1−1). Relative rotational transfer probabilities were obtained for transfer to the g-symmetry (1,1,0,20,00)/(0,0,2,00,00) dyad. These results are related to recent studies of optically pumped acetylene lasers.
High dielectric tunability of (100) oriented PbxSr1−xTiO3 thin film coordinately controlled by dipole activation and phase anisotropy
Authors: Zheng Zan , Yao Yiying , Weng Wenjian , Han Gaorong , Ma Ning , Du Piyi
Published: December 2011

Why the dielectric tunability is maximal in dielectrics near the cubic–tetragonal phase transformation point is still unknown, although it is well accepted for tunable dielectrics till now. Here, we report dielectric tunability following a typical (100) oriented PbxSr1−xTiO3 (PST) thin film with different Pb/Sr ratio. The (100) PST thin films were prepared by sol-gel method on the terbium doped lead titanate (2%Tb-PbTiO3) inducing layer. They are tensile strained and the spontaneous polarizations (dipoles) are along the in-plain direction. Driven by the vertical DC bias, the dipoles in the (100) PST will be possibly rotated to the direction along DC bias and thus tunable permittivity appears. All these thin films show high dielectric tunability over 50%, in which the PST45(Pb0.45Sr0.55TiO3) exhibits the highest one. In this paper, the tunability is found controlled coordinately by both the anisotropy of the perovskite phase and the activation of dipole rotation. It increases with increasing the anisotropy when Pb increases based on the enlarging difference in permittivity along a and c directions, while it decreases with increasing the activation energy based on uneasy rotation of dipoles under DC bias. That is why, high dielectric tunability always exists near the cubic–tetragonal phase transformation; at this point, the activation energy is not so high and the permittivity difference keeps still a little significant.
The relationship between the velocity skewness and the amplitude modulation of the small scale by the large scale in turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Mathis Romain , Marusic Ivan , Hutchins Nicholas , Sreenivasan K. R.
Published: December 2011

A defining feature of the inner-outer interactions in wall-bounded turbulent flows is the imprint of the outer large-scale motions on the inner small scale. Recently, Mathis et al. [“Large-scale amplitude modulation of the small-scale structures in turbulent boundary layers,” J. Fluid Mech. 628, 311 (2009)] quantified this imprint by applying the Hilbert transform to small-scale components of the fluctuating streamwise velocity, u. They found that the wall-normal profile of the amplitude modulation between the large scale and the envelope of the small scale exhibits strong resemblance to the skewness profile of u. In this study, we assess this apparent relationship and show that the Reynolds number trend in the skewness profile of u is strongly related to the amplitude modulation effect of the small scales by the large. This observation also leads to an alternative diagnostic for the amplitude modulation effect, which is one component of the skewness factor based on a scale decomposition.
Band gaps and cavity modes in dual phononic and photonic strip waveguides
Authors: Pennec Y. , Rouhani B. Djafari , Li C. , Escalante J. M. , Martinez A. , Benchabane S. , Laude V. , Papanikolaou N.
Published: December 2011

We discuss theoretically the simultaneous existence of phoxonic, i.e., dual phononic and photonic, band gaps in a periodic silicon strip waveguide. The unit-cell of this one-dimensional waveguide contains a hole in the middle and two symmetric stubs on the sides. Indeed, stubs and holes are respectively favorable for creating a phononic and a photonic band gap. Appropriate geometrical parameters allow us to obtain a complete phononic gap together with a photonic gap of a given polarization and symmetry. The insertion of a cavity inside the perfect structure provides simultaneous confinement of acoustic and optical waves suitable to enhance the phonon-photon interaction.
Whispering gallery modes for elastic waves in disk resonators
Authors: Kaproulias S. , Sigalas M. M.
Published: December 2011

The resonant modes of elastic waves in disk resonators are computationally studied with the finite difference time domain method. Different materials examined for the disk such as platinum and silicon. The effect of a glass substrate is also important especially in the case of silicon disks because of the similarity of sound velocities and mass densities between the two materials. The possibility of using those structures as sensors is also considered.
Toward a theory of leadership and state building
Authors: Myerson Roger B.
Published: December 2011

We present a theory of the state based on political leadership and reputational equilibria. A political leader first needs a reputation for reliably rewarding loyal supporters. Reputational expectations between political leaders and their supporters become the fundamental political laws on which the enforcement of all other constitutional laws may be based. Successful democratic development requires a plentiful supply of leaders who have good reputations for using public funds responsibly to serve the public at large and not just giving jobs to their active supporters. It is argued that decentralized democracy may be the best way to improve the chances for successful democracy.
Transmission resonances in rectangular hole trimer arrays: the role of unit configuration
Authors: Liu Jian-Qiang , Wang Guo-Dong , Wang Qian-Jin , Chen San , Wu Shan , Zhu Yong-Yuan
Published: December 2011

We fabricated trimer arrays consisting of three identical rectangular holes in each unit in silver films and measured the transmission spectra in the near-infrared region. Both the simulation using the finite difference time domain method and the experiment measurement show that the unit configuration plays a crucial role in the degeneracy of the transmission peak, which arises from the scattering of electromagnetic wave between adjacent units and electromagnetic coupling among holes in each unit. The field distribution suggests that the role an individual hole plays in the transmission resonance depends on the position of each hole and the surface plasmon polaritons' propagation direction. The results provide an additional way to tune the degeneracy of the transmission resonance peak in subwavelength metallic structures, which may find applications such as in filter devices, sensing, and the related nanophotonic components.
Effects of stick–slip motions on Besocke-style scanners in scanning probe microscopes
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Shu-yi , Fan Li
Published: December 2011

In Besocke-style scanners, a theoretical model with stick–slip sliding boundary conditions is presented by Timoshenko beam theory combined with the harmonic-balance method. The flexural vibration characteristics of the piezo-tubes induced by the stick–slip motions of the ball on the rail are investigated. The results show that the flexural vibrations essentially depend on the ratio of the ball–rail lateral friction threshold to the product of the ball–rail lateral contact stiffness and the vibration amplitude of the ball. When the ratio changes from zero to one, the lateral friction applied to the ball induces complex flexural vibrations. The vibrations can be regulated by adjusting an input electric signal to change the vibration amplitude of the ball, or using an external electro-magnetic force to change the preload of the ball–rail interaction, or changing the radius of the ball. Thus, the adverse vibrations of Besocke-style scanner can be eliminated to improve the spatial resolution of the atomic structure in scanning probe microscopes.
Plasma flow due to a loss-cone distribution centred around the outboard edge in DIII-D
Authors: deGrassie J.S. , Müller S.H. , Boedo J.A.
Published: December 2011

Recent Mach probe measurements of the bulk ion toroidal velocity near the last closed flux surface in DIII-D (Müller et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett.
106 115001) are consistent with the existence of a loss-cone distribution in velocity space, as described previously (deGrassie et al
2009 Nucl. Fusion
49 085020), predicting a co-I
p directed velocity localized to the edge. The former model has been extended into the scrape-off layer and takes into account limiting surfaces, and is also extended to include the effect of a uniform radial electric field with magnitude and sign relevant for measurements in the edge of DIII-D H-mode conditions. These added effects modify the details but do not wash out the basic model-computed velocity profile.
The human phosphotyrosine signaling network: Evolution and hotspots of hijacking in cancer
Authors: Li Lei , Tibiche Chabane , Fu Cong , Kaneko Tomonori , Moran Michael F. , Schiller Martin R. , Li Shawn Shun-Cheng , Wang Edwin
Published: December 2011

Phosphotyrosine (pTyr) signaling, which plays a central role in cell–cell and cell–environment interactions, has been considered to be an evolutionary innovation in multicellular metazoans. However, neither the emergence nor the evolution of the human pTyr signaling system is currently understood. Tyrosine kinase (TK) circuits, each of which consists of a TK writer, a kinase substrate, and a related reader, such as Src homology (SH) 2 domains and pTyr-binding (PTB) domains, comprise the core machinery of the pTyr signaling network. In this study, we analyzed the evolutionary trajectories of 583 literature-derived and 50,000 computationally predicted human TK circuits in 19 representative eukaryotic species and assigned their evolutionary origins. We found that human TK circuits for intracellular pTyr signaling originated largely from primitive organisms, whereas the inter- or extracellular signaling circuits experienced significant expansion in the bilaterian lineage through the “back-wiring” of newly evolved kinases to primitive substrates and SH2/PTB domains. Conversely, the TK circuits that are involved in tissue-specific signaling evolved mainly in vertebrates by the back-wiring of vertebrate substrates to primitive kinases and SH2/PTB domains. Importantly, we found that cancer signaling preferentially employs the pTyr sites, which are linked to more TK circuits. Our work provides insights into the evolutionary paths of the human pTyr signaling circuits and suggests the use of a network approach for cancer intervention through the targeting of key pTyr sites and their associated signaling hubs in the network.
Sequence architecture and depositional evolution of theOrdovician carbonate platform margins in theTarimBasin and its response to tectonism and sea‐level change
Authors: Lin Changsong , Yang Haijun , Liu Jingyan , Rui Zhifeng , Cai Zhenzhong , Li Sitian , Yu Bingsong
Published: December 2011

The sequence architecture and depositional evolution of theOrdovician carbonate platform margins in theTarimBasin,China, were formed in response to the interplay of tectonism and sea‐level change, their history being documented by the integrated analysis of many seismic lines, drilling and outcrop data. TheOrdovician carbonate system in the basin is divided into four composite sequences defined by major unconformities. Each sequence consists of a regional depositional cycle from transgression with an onlapping transgressive systems tract (TST) to regression with a prograding highstand systems tract (HST), and can be further subdivided into 10 third‐order sequences based on subordinate discontinuous boundaries at the carbonate platform marginal zones. Constrained by the marginal slope of the early‐riftedManjiaer aulacogen, the carbonate platform margins of the Lower and MiddleOrdovician that prograded eastward in an arcuate belt extending generally north‐south across the northern part of the basin. The development of theTazhong uplift due to compression resulted in an extensive paleokarst hiatus between the Middle and the UpperOrdovician in the south‐central basin, and subsequently constrained the formation of a peninsula‐shaped carbonate platform whose margins were controlled by marginal thrust‐fault belts of the paleo‐uplift during the LateOrdovician. In the northern basin, the LateOrdovician carbonate platform margin developed around the marginal slope of theTabei paleouplift. The transgressive–regressive cycles of the carbonate system are comparable and seem to have occurred simultaneously across the entire basin, suggesting that the cyclic sequence architecture was fundamentally controlled by eustatic fluctuations. Stacking patterns of the composite sequences varied due to the interplay between the accommodation produced by tectonism and sea‐level change, and the carbonate production rate. The reef–shoal facies complexes that developed along the platform margins, with paleokarst development at unconformities, constitute the major reservoir of large petroleum reserves in the basin.
Inclusiveness: a mental health strategy for preventing future mental health problems among adolescents orphaned by AIDS
Authors: THUPAYAGALE‐TSHWENEAGAE G. , MOKOMANE Z.
Published: December 2011

Accessible summary

The purpose of this study was to describe the role of inclusiveness in lessening the pain of parents death in adolescents orphaned by AIDS.

Data were derived from 15 AIDS orphans between the ages of 14 and 18 years.

The method used was focus groups with discourse analysis using four themes: grieving patterns, coping strategies, experience with loss and expectations.

The participants believed that including them in the illnesses, dying and funeral preparations of their parents would have facilitated their healing.

The purpose of this paper is to raise an argument that inclusiveness will lessen the pain of losing a parent among adolescents orphaned by AIDS and as a result, prevent future mental health problems that may occur because of inappropriate grieving and maladaptive coping strategies. Participation of adolescents orphaned by AIDS in decisions pertaining to their parents' illnesses and funeral arrangements, for example, may shorten the grieving process and allow for closure. The paper draws data from focus group discussions that were held with 15 adolescents orphaned by AIDS in urban South Africa. The focus group discussions that were structured around four themes: grieving patterns; coping strategies; experience with loss; and expectations. The results of the study demonstrate inclusiveness as an overarching factor in the healing process. The concept is thus a strong recommendation for mental health practice and further study.
Comparison of neonatal T regulatory cell function in Papua New Guinean and Australian newborns
Authors: Lisciandro Joanne G. , Prescott Susan L. , Nadal‐Sims Marie G. , Devitt Catherine J. , Pomat William , Siba Peter M. , Holt Patrick G. , Strickland Deborah , van den Biggelaar Anita H.J.
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Lisciandro JG, Prescott SL, Nadal‐Sims MG, Devitt CJ, Pomat W, Siba PM., Holt PG, Strickland D, van den Biggelaar AHJ. Comparison of neonatal T regulatory cell function in Papua New Guinean and Australian newborns. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011: Doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01242.x.

Background:  Environmental changes, including declining microbial exposure, have been linked with the rising incidence of allergic and autoimmune diseases in ‘western’ populations. This potentially occurs by altering early development of immuno‐regulatory pathways including T regulatory cells (Treg). There is now increasing evidence that such conditioning begins in utero.

Methods:  We compared neonatal Treg from children born under typical western conditions (Australia, AUS) with those of neonates born under more traditional conditions of high microbial burden (Papua New Guinea, PNG).

Results:  The frequency of neonatal Treg, defined as CD4+ Foxp3+ CD127− CD25+/high was found to be higher in the cord blood of AUS compared to PNG newborns. However, cord Treg suppressive function in a small subset of children was qualitatively similar between PNG and AUS newborns in both a Treg depletion assay and a Treg supplementation assay.

Conclusions:  These findings do not support the hypothesis that living in a ‘western’ versus more traditional environment leads to poor induction or suppressive function of neonatal Treg. However, environmentally‐induced immuno‐regulation may potentially occur via alternative mechanisms in PNG newborns that should now be investigated further.
The Peptic Ulcer Perforation (PULP) score: a predictor of mortality following peptic ulcer perforation. A cohort study
Authors: MØLLER M. H. , ENGEBJERG M. C. , ADAMSEN S. , BENDIX J. , THOMSEN R. W.
Published: December 2011

Background

Accurate and early identification of high‐risk surgical patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is important for triage and risk stratification. The objective of the present study was to develop a new and improved clinical rule to predict mortality in patients following surgical treatment for PPU.

Methods

Design: nationwide cohort study based on prospectively collected data. Setting: thirty‐five hospitals in Denmark. Patients: a total of 2668 patients surgically treated for gastric or duodenal PPU between 1 February 2003 and 31 August 2009. Outcome measure: 30‐day mortality.

Results

We derived a new clinical prediction rule for 30‐day mortality and evaluated and compared its prognostic performance with the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) and Boey scores. A total of 708 patients (27%) died within 30 days of surgery. The Peptic Ulcer Perforation (PULP) score – comprised eight variables with an adjusted odds ratio of more than 1.28: 1) age > 65 years, 2) active malignant disease or AIDS, 3) liver cirrhosis, 4) steroid use, 5) time from perforation to admission > 24 h, 6) pre‐operative shock, 7) serum creatinine > 130 μM, and 8) the four levels of the ASA score (from 2 to 5). The score predicted mortality well (area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) 0.83). It performed considerably better than the Boey score (AUC 0.70) and better than the ASA score alone (AUC 0.78).

Conclusion

The PULP score accurately predicts 30‐day mortality in patients operated for PPU and can assist in risk stratification and triage.
Age, Experience and Sex – Do Female Bulb Mites Prefer Young Mating Partners?
Authors: Prokop Zofia M. , Jarzębowska Magdalena , Skrzynecka Anna M. , Herdegen Magdalena
Published: December 2011

In species where advancing sire age is associated with decreased progeny fitness, female resistance to mating with old partners can be expected to evolve. In polyandrous species, such resistance may be contingent on female mating experience: virgins should be relatively indiscriminate to ensure egg fertility, whereas non‐virgins can be expected to base their re‐mating decisions on the age of their previousversuspotential new partners, and ‘trade‐up’ if previously mated with old males. Here, we tested these predictions using a promiscuous and relatively long‐living bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus robini), in which old sire age is associated with decreased fecundity of daughters. In a fully factorial design, we applied two male treatments, young and old, and three female treatments, virgin, previously mated to an old male and previously mated to a young male. Consistent with earlier studies, we observed a reduced mating success of old males. However, we found no support for attributing this result to female discrimination, as female behavior in response to male mounting attempts was not affected by the age of the suitor, or by its interaction with the age of the female’s previous mate. Interestingly, females were passive during 93% of male mounting attempts observed, suggesting that once they are located by a male, they exert little control over copulation. Old males had lower mate‐searching activity and were less efficient in obtaining matings (lower success rate per mounting attempt), suggesting a decreased mate‐securing ability because of aging. Overall, our results suggest that in bulb mites, male ability to secure mates declines with age, whereas they do not support the prediction that females actively discriminate against old partners.
Calvarial hyperostosis presenting as unilateral exophthalmos in a female English Springer Spaniel
Authors: Mathes Rachel L. , Holmes Shannon P. , Coleman Kevin D. , Radlinsky Mary A. G. , Moore Phillip A.
Published: December 2011

A 4‐month‐old intact female English Springer Spaniel presented to the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of unilateral, progressive exophthalmos oculus sinister (OS) of 2 weeks’ duration. Complete ophthalmic examination revealed moderate OS exophthalmos and lateral globe deviation. No other abnormalities were noted on physical or ophthalmic examination, ocular ultrasound, complete bloodwork, or thoracic radiography. Skull computed tomography (CT) revealed a large, focal, smoothly irregular, cavitated, expansile bony lesion involving the left caudal maxillary and left frontal bones. Biopsies, obtained through a frontal sinusotomy approach to preserve the left globe integrity, demonstrated normal reactive trabecular bone with locally extensive fibrosis. Calvarial hyperostosis was diagnosed based upon appearance on imaging, lesion unilaterality, absence of mandibular involvement, and histopathology. Six months after initial presentation, skull CT was repeated and marked reduction in the degree of frontal bone thickening was demonstrated with complete resolution of cavitations. There was marked clinical improvement with mild, nonpainful exophthalmos, and lateral globe deviation OS on ophthalmic examination. Eleven months after initial presentation, there was complete resolution of the frontal bone lesion with mild thickening of the left calvarial bones on repeat skull CT. There was no exophthalmos or globe deviation present on clinical ophthalmic examination. The proliferative osteopathic lesion was self‐resolving with resolution of the exophthalmos and has not recurred to date. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of calvarial hyperostosis in a previously unreported breed presenting as unilateral exophthalmos.
Accuracy of intraocular pressure measurements in dogs using two different tonometers and plano therapeutic soft contact lenses
Authors: Ahn Jeong‐Taek , Jeong Man‐Bok , Park Young‐Woo , Kim Se‐Eun , Ahn Jae‐Sang , Lee Yes‐Ran , Lee Eui‐Ri , Seo Kangmoon
Published: December 2011

Objective To compare and evaluate the accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured through a therapeutic contact lens, using applanation (TonoPen XL®) and rebound (TonoVet®) tonometers in enucleated dog eyes.

Animals studied A total of 30 enucleated eyes from 15 beagle dogs.

Procedures To measure accurate IOP, the anterior chamber of each enucleated eye was cannulated with two 26‐gauge needles and two polyethylene tubes were connected vertically to an adjustable reservoir bag of normal saline and a pressure transducer. IOP was measured by the TonoPen XL®followed by the TonoVet®without a contact lens. After a contact lens was applied to the cornea, IOP was re‐measured in the same order. Three consecutive IOP measurements were performed using both tonometers.

Results Without the contact lens, the IOP values obtained by both tonometers correlated well according to the regression analysis (TonoVet®: γ2 = 0.98, TonoPen XL®: γ2 = 0.97,P < 0.001). The TonoPen XL®consistently underestimated values as transducer IOP increased; however, IOP values measured with the TonoPen XL®were in close agreement and were less variable than those determined with the TonoVet®when a contact lens was applied to the cornea. Bland‐Altman analysis was used to determine the lower and upper limits of agreement (TonoVet®: −29.7 and +21.1 mmHg, TonoPen XL®: −3.9 and +3.6 mmHg) between the two devices.

Conclusions This study suggests that the TonoPen XL®is a useful tonometer for dogs wearing therapeutic contact lenses, and importantly, contact lenses would not need to be removed prior to IOP measurement.
Instrumental Rationality
Authors: Valaris Markos
Published: December 2011

Does rationality require us to take the means to our ends? Intuitively, it seems clear that it does. And yet it has proven difficult to explain why this should be so: after all, if one is pursuing an end that one has decisive reason not to pursue, the balance of reasons will presumably speak against one's taking the means necessary to bring that end about. In this paper I propose a novel account of the instrumental requirement which addresses this problem. On the view I develop, the instrumental requirement is normative not because agents have reasons to comply with it, but because it is anormative standardintrinsic to intentional action—i.e., it is a standard that partly spells out what it is to exercise one's agency well.
Taxonomic and faunistic studies of the Sepsidae (Diptera) from Vietnam, with descriptions of six new species
Authors: IWASA Mitsuhiro , THINH Ta Huy
Published: December 2011

A total of 52 species belonging to nine genera of the Sepsidae are reported from Vietnam. Of these, six species (Dicranosepsis splendifica sp. nov., D. trochanteris sp. nov., Mucha rectotibialis sp. nov., Perochaeta exilis sp. nov., Sepsis nigriminima sp. nov. and S. silvicola sp. nov.) are described as new to science. Eighteen species are newly recorded from Vietnam. Toxopoda pseudoviduata Ozerov, 2010 is synonymized with T. cavata Iwasa, 2008. The faunal composition of Vietnamese Sepsidae is divided into six groups based on distributional data and discussed. A key to the species of Vietnamese Sepsidae is also provided.
Type of Interventional Pain Procedure, Body Weight, and Presence of Spinal Pathology are Determinants of the Level of Radiation Exposure for Fluoroscopically Guided Pain Procedures
Authors: Hanu‐Cernat Dalvina E , Duarte Rui , Raphael Jon H , Mutagi Hirachand , Kapur Sandeep , Senthil Latha
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  In the recent years new technology has led to the development of a bewildering array of imaging procedures. Yet, conventional radiography remains one of the most used tools to diagnose and to aid procedural interventions. Fluoroscopy guidance facilitates targeted drug delivery or radiofrequency directly to the area of pathology, a benefit that has to be balanced against the risks of radiation exposure. In this prospective observational survey of routine practice, dose area product (DAP) and screening time (ST) were recorded in 127 consecutive patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided spinal procedures along with other probable measures of potentially greater radiation exposure such as weight, type of spinal pathology, the ease of recognition of the anatomical landmarks, and the radiographic quality of the image in terms of contrast and graininess. The mean ST was 34 ± 27 seconds (range, 3 to 218 seconds), the mean DAP was 1.18 ± 1.08 Gy cm2 (range, 0.023 to 6.82 seconds). A correlation between weight and DAP was confirmed (r = 0.230, P < 0.05, Spearman’s correlation coefficient). Patients with spinal pathology (n = 33) had higher radiation exposure than those without (DAP median = 0.85, U = 978.00, P < 0.005, r = −0.28, Mann–Whitney test). The DAP values obtained compare favourably with the recommended doses for radiographs and other procedures, although they generally exceed the values for a chest X‐ray. ▪
Comparative efficacy and safety of long‐acting insulin analogs in patients with type 2 diabetes failing on oral therapy: Systemic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Bi Yan , Li Xiubin , Yang Daizhi , Hao Yuantao , Liang Hua , Zhu Dalong , Weng Jianping
Published: December 2011

Aims/Introduction:  Although long‐acting insulin analogs are recommended in type 2 diabetics failing on oral agents, their efficacy is uncertain. Here we compared the efficacy and safety of regimens based on long‐acting insulin analogs with other preparations in insulin‐naïve type 2 diabetics failing on oral agents.

Materials and Methods:  Data from 9548 participants in 22 English studies were included. Most of the studies were of short to medium duration and of low quality.

Results:  In terms of decreasing hemoglobin A1c, long‐acting insulin analogs were not statistically significant to rapid‐acting insulin analogs or intermediate neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogs, and the differences between long‐acting and biphasic insulin analogs were marginal. Compared with rapid‐acting insulin analogs, long‐acting insulin analogs were similar in the incidence of total hypoglycemia, and the superiority in less weight gain was inconsistent. Relative to biphasic insulin analogs, long‐acting insulin analogs were associated with lower incidence of total hypoglycemia and less weight gain. Compared with NPH insulin, long‐acting insulin analogs were associated with lower incidence of total and nocturnal hypoglycemia. Relative to GLP‐1 analogs, long‐acting insulin analogs were associated with lower incidence of treatment related adverse events but with greater weight gain.

Conclusions:  For type 2 diabetics failing on oral agents, initiating long‐acting insulin analogues seems to provide glycemic control similar to rapid‐acting insulin analogs or NPH insulin or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogs and slightly inferior to biphasic insulin analogs with fewer side‐effects. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00187.x, 2011)
Visceral adipose tissue level, as estimated by the bioimpedance analysis method, is associated with impaired lung function
Authors: Inomata Minehiko , Kawagishi Yukio , Taka Chihiro , Kambara Kenta , Okazawa Seisuke , Fukushima Yasuo , Imanishi Shingo , Ichikawa Tomomi , Suzuki Kensuke , Yamada Toru , Kamura Yutaka , Kobashi Chikaaki , Iwata Minoru , Sumi Shigeki , Origasa Hideki , Hayashi Ryuji , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: December 2011

Aims/Introduction:  It has been reported that metabolic syndrome is associated with impaired lung function, and abdominal obesity is regarded as the most important determinant of this association. We evaluated the association between a component of metabolic syndrome, indices of body composition, including the total adipose tissue content, lean bodyweight and visceral adipose tissue content, as assessed by bioimpedance analysis, and lung function.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 516 participants responded to our questionnaire to determine the smoking status and history of past diseases. Waist circumference, height, bodyweight, percent forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV1) and percent forced vital capacity (%FVC) were measured. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine the serum levels of high‐density lipoprotein and triglyceride, and also the blood glucose. The body composition, including the total adipose tissue content and lean bodyweight, was measured, and the visceral adipose tissue content was estimated as the visceral adipose tissue level, by the bioimpedance analysis method.

Results:  Waist circumference, estimated visceral adipose tissue level and blood pressure were significantly associated with the %FEV1, and the serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly associated with the %FVC in men, after adjustment for age, smoking history, and past histories of bronchial asthma and ischemic heart disease. However, this association was not detected in women.

Conclusions:  We found an association between the visceral adipose tissue level as estimated by the bioimpedance analysis method and lung function. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00189.x, 2011)
Analytic Solutions for Optimal Power Generation Unit Operation in Combined Heating and Power Systems
Authors: Yun Kyungtae , Luck Rogelio , Mago Pedro J. , Smith Aaron
Published: December 2011

This paper presents an analytic approach for defining optimal operation decisions for a power generation unit (PGU) in combined heating and power (CHP) systems. The system is optimized with respect to cost, and the independent variables are the thermal load and the electric load. Linear programming is a common tool used to find the optimal PGU operation for a given combination of thermal and electric loads, but these methods are more computationally intensive than the analytical approach proposed in this paper. The analytic process introduced in this paper shows that the optimal PGU operation for all possible thermal and electric loads can be decided by simple and explicit equations even when the efficiency of the PGU is allowed to vary with PGU loading. Moreover, the analysis reveals that for all possible load conditions, the optimal CHP system operation is based on either following the electric load (FEL) or following the thermal load (FTL) strategies. The cost ratio, i.e., the ratio of the electricity price to the fuel price, is introduced as the key parameter used for making optimal decisions. Cost ratios in Chicago, IL and Philadelphia, PA are used as case studies to show the effect that different cost ratios have on the optimal operation decisions for each possible input load.
The NOx and N2O Emission Characteristics of an HCCI Engine Operated With n-Heptane
Authors: Li Hailin , Neill W. Stuart , Guo Hongsheng , Chippior Wally
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission characteristics of a Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine modified to operate in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode. N-heptane was used as the fuel in this research. Several parameters were varied, including intake air temperature and pressure, air/fuel ratio (AFR), compression ratio (CR), and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate, to alter the HCCI combustion phasing from an overly advanced condition where knocking occurred to an overly retarded condition where incomplete combustion occurred with excessive emissions of unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) and carbon monoxide (CO). NOx emissions below 5 ppm were obtained over a fairly wide range of operating conditions, except when knocking or incomplete combustion occurred. The NOx emissions were relatively constant when the combustion phasing was within the acceptable range. NOx emissions increased substantially when the HCCI combustion phasing was retarded beyond the optimal phasing even though lower combustion temperatures were expected. The increased N2O and UHC emissions observed with retarded combustion phasing may contribute to this unexpected increase in NOx emissions. N2O emissions were generally less than 0.5 ppm; however, they increased substantially with excessively retarded and incomplete combustion. The highest measured N2O emissions were 1.7 ppm, which occurred when the combustion efficiency was approximately 70%.
Experimental Study on Spray Characteristics of Gas-Centered Swirl Coaxial Injectors
Authors: Jeon Jaehyoung , Hong Moongeun , Han Yeoung-Min , Lee Soo Yong
Published: December 2011

Gas-centered swirl coaxial injectors have become an important subject of study for staged combustion rocket engines with hydrocarbon fuels. While these injectors are employed successfully in rocket engines, it is very rare to find the related research results as applicable to design data. An experimental study on spray characteristics of gas-centered swirl coaxial injectors has been performed. The effects of momentum flux ratio and recess length on the spray characteristics have been investigated by cold flow tests with a photographic technique. The liquid intact length L, which profoundly affects the global spray characteristics, decreases as the momentum flux ratio M increases. The critical momentum flux ratio Mc is introduced to identify the flow patterns as internal or external mixing in the injectors. Concerning the effect of the recess length lR, it is shown that the spray cone angle and the drop size decrease as lR increases.
Design Elements of a Novel Atmospheric Flow Simulator
Authors: Kulkarni Sandip D. , Deaver Mark W. , Pardyjak Eric R. , Minor Mark A. , Hollerbach John M.
Published: December 2011

We present the methods, design and development of a unique atmospheric wind flow simulator that ultimately aids in adding atmospheric wind display to a virtual environment (VE). Iterative design, in synergy with CFD simulations and physical experiments, has been used to design a quasi-two dimensional closed-circuit wind tunnel model for a VE. Passive control and active flow control have proven to be essential in producing desired flow characteristics for the system. Design and characterization of the vent flow system considers constraints such as original geometry and non-obtrusiveness to the user environment. Based on the flow characteristics of the fabricated system, a model of the vent regulation system is developed and tested. A system with controllable inlet velocity boundary conditions is thus developed. Experimental results show that the flow dynamics in the facility are within design constraints. The flow characterization provides important insights for development of a full-scale virtual environment that has diverse applications.
Hemodynamics of the Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Ford Matthew D. , Black Ariel T. , Cao Richard Y. , Funk Colin D. , Piomelli Ugo
Published: December 2011

The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant cause of death and disability in the Western world and is the subject of many clinical and pathological studies. One of the most commonly used surrogates of the human AAA is the angiotensin II (Ang II) induced model used in mice. Despite the widespread use of this model, there is a lack of knowledge concerning its hemodynamics; this study was motivated by the desire to understand the fluid dynamic environment of the mouse AAA. Numerical simulations were performed using three subject-specific mouse models in flow conditions typical of the mouse. The numerical results from one model showed a shed vortex that correlated with measurements observed in vivo by Doppler ultrasound. The other models had smaller aneurysmal volumes and did not show vortex shedding, although a recirculation zone was formed in the aneurysm, in which a vortex could be observed, that elongated and remained attached to the wall throughout the systolic portion of the cardiac cycle. To link the hemodynamics with aneurysm progression, the remodeling that occurred between week one and week two of the Ang II infusion was quantified and compared with the hemodynamic wall parameters. The strongest correlation was found between the remodeled distance and the oscillatory shear index, which had a correlation coefficient greater than 0.7 for all three models. These results demonstrate that the hemodynamics of the mouse AAA are driven by a strong shear layer, which causes the formation of a recirculation zone in the aneurysm cavity during the systolic portion of the cardiac waveform. The recirculation zone results in areas of quiescent flow, which are correlated with the locations of the aneurysm remodeling.
Broadband Light Bending with Plasmonic Nanoantennas
Authors: Ni Xingjie , Emani Naresh K. , Kildishev Alexander V. , Boltasseva Alexandra , Shalaev Vladimir M.
Published: December 2011

A plasmonic antenna array is used to control the propagation of a light beam across an interface.
Widespread Genetic Switches and Toxicity Resistance Proteins for Fluoride
Authors: Baker Jenny L. , Sudarsan Narasimhan , Weinberg Zasha , Roth Adam , Stockbridge Randy B. , Breaker Ronald R.
Published: December 2011

Fluoride Riboswitch

Riboswitches are found in prokaryote and eukaryote messenger RNAs (mRNAs), where they regulate expression of the linked mRNA through ligand binding and conformational change.

Baker
et al.

(p.
233
, published online 22 December) analyzed the binding properties of the “
crcB
motif” found in the noncoding RNA at the 5′ end of a diverse collection of prokaryotic genes. A
crcB
motif from
Pseudomonas syringae
was capable of selectively sensing the very small and highly charged fluoride ion. Some of the
crcB
and
eriC
genes associated with the fluoride riboswitch showed evidence of being fluoride transporters. The bacterium
Methylobacterium extorquens
DM4, which can use halogenated hydrocarbons as an energy source, was found to encode at least 10 fluoride riboswitches in its genome.
Simultaneous Detection of Infectious Human Echoviruses and Adenoviruses by an
In Situ
Nuclease-Resistant Molecular Beacon-Based Assay
Authors: Dunams Daniela , Sarkar Payal , Chen Wilfred , Yates Marylynn V.
Published: December 2011

A multiplex methodology using two nuclease-resistant molecular beacons that target specific genomic regions of adenovirus 2 and echovirus 17 during simultaneous infection in A549 cells is presented. Using fluorescence microscopy, visualization of enteroviral and adenoviral replication was possible within 3 h postinfection.
Distinct Growth Strategies of Soil Bacteria as Revealed by Large-Scale Colony Tracking
Authors: Ernebjerg Morten , Kishony Roy
Published: December 2011

Our understanding of microbial ecology has been significantly furthered in recent years by advances in sequencing techniques, but comprehensive surveys of the phenotypic characteristics of environmental bacteria remain rare. Such phenotypic data are crucial for understanding the microbial strategies for growth and the diversity of microbial ecosystems. Here, we describe a high-throughput measurement of the growth of thousands of bacterial colonies using an array of flat-bed scanners coupled with automated image analysis. We used this system to investigate the growth properties of members of a microbial community from untreated soil. The system provides high-quality measurements of the number of CFU, colony growth rates, and appearance times, allowing us to directly study the distribution of these properties in mixed environmental samples. We find that soil bacteria display a wide range of growth strategies which can be grouped into several clusters that cannot be reduced to any of the classical dichotomous divisions of soil bacteria, e.g., into copiotophs and oligotrophs. We also find that, at early times, cells are most likely to form colonies when other, nearby colonies are present but not too dense. This maximization of culturability at intermediate plating densities suggests that the previously observed tendency for high density to lead to fewer colonies is partly offset by the induction of colony formation caused by interactions between microbes. These results suggest new types of growth classification of soil bacteria and potential effects of species interactions on colony growth.
Simple Cloning via Direct Transformation of PCR Product (DNA Multimer) to Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis
Authors: You Chun , Zhang Xiao-Zhou , Zhang Y.-H. Percival
Published: December 2011

We developed a general restriction enzyme-free and ligase-free method for subcloning up to three DNA fragments into any location of a plasmid. The DNA multimer generated by prolonged overlap extension PCR was directly transformed in
Escherichia coli
[e.g., TOP10, DH5α, JM109, and BL21(DE3)] and
Bacillus subtilis
for obtaining chimeric plasmids.