bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pronounced non‐Fermi‐liquid behavior of the quantum critical heavy fermion superconductor β‐YbAlB4
Authors: Nakatsuji Satoru , Kuga Kentaro , Tomita Takahiro , Matsumoto Yosuke
Published: February 2010

Quantum criticality has been a central subject in the study of heavy fermion systems, partly because of the emergence of non‐trivial collective phenomena near criticality such as unconventional superconductivity and non‐Fermi‐liquid behavior. While a number of heavy fermion systems have been studied in Ce(4f1) based compounds, examples of quantum critical materials are still scarce in their hole analogs, namely Yb(4f13) based heavy fermion systems. Here we review the low temperature transport and thermodynamic properties hitherto found for the Yb based heavy fermion superconductor β‐YbAlB4 $(T_{\rm c} = 80\,{\rm mK})$. The observations indicate that it provides a rare example of a pure metal that displays quantum critical behavior at ambient pressure and under zero applied magnetic field.
Bayesian adaptive nearest neighbor
Authors: Guo Ruixin , Chakraborty Sounak
Published: February 2010

Theknearest neighbor classification (k‐NN) is a very simple and popular method for classification. However, it suffers from a major drawback, it assumes constant local class posterior probability. It is also highly dependent on and sensitive to the choice of the number of neighborsk. In addition, it severely lacks the desired probabilistic formulation. In this article, we propose a Bayesian adaptive nearest neighbor method (BANN) that can adaptively select the shape of the neighborhood and the number of neighborsk. The shape of the neighborhood is automatically selected according to the concentration of the data around each query point with the help of discriminants. The neighborhood size is not predetermined and is kept free using a prior distribution. Thus, we are able to make the model to select the appropriate neighborhood size. The model is fitted using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), so we are not using exactly one neighborhood size but a mixture ofk. Our BANN model is highly flexible, determining any local pattern in the data‐generating process, and adapting it to give an improved prediction. We have applied our model on four simulated data sets with special structures and five real‐life benchmark data sets. Our proposed BANN method demonstrates substantial improvement overk‐NN and discriminant adaptive nearest neighbor (DANN) in all nine case studies. It also outperforms the probabilistic nearest neighbor (PNN) in most of the data analyses. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 3: 92‐105, 2010
Does sphere volume affect the performance of three‐dimensional power Doppler virtual vascular sampling for predicting malignancy in vascularized solid or cystic‐solid adnexal masses?
Authors: Kudla M. J. , Alcázar J. L.
Published: February 2010

Objective

To assess whether, when using spherical sampling with Virtual Organ Computer‐Aided Analysis (VOCAL™) for calculating three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler angiography (PDA) indices, the sphere volume affects performance in the prediction of malignancy in vascularized cystic‐solid or solid adnexal masses.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐eight women (mean ± SD age, 51.8 ± 14.1 years) diagnosed as having vascularized cystic‐solid or solid adnexal masses on B‐mode and two‐dimensional (2D) power Doppler ultrasound were evaluated by 3D‐PDA prior to surgery. Five women had bilateral masses, giving a total number of 143 masses analyzed. Vascularization was assessed using VOCAL software. 3D‐PDA vascular indices (vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI)) from the most vascularized area within papillary projections and solid areas were calculated automatically using spherical sampling. Five different volumes of sphere were used (1 cm3, 2 cm3, 3 cm3, 4 cm3 and 5 cm3) in each case. A definitive histological diagnosis was obtained in each case after surgical tumor removal.

Results

One hundred and seventeen (82%) masses were malignant and 26 (18%) were benign. Morphological evaluation revealed 34 (24%) unilocular solid masses, 49 (34%) multilocular solid masses and 60 (42%) mostly solid masses. The 1‐cm3 sphere could be used in 100% of the cases, the 2‐cm3 sphere could be used in 98.2% of the cases and the 3–5‐cm3 spheres could be used in 97.2% of the cases. The median VI, FI and VFI for all sphere volumes were significantly higher in malignant compared with non‐malignant tumors. Receiver–operating characteristics curve analysis showed that VI and VFI, independently of sphere volume, were better predictors of malignancy than was FI. The best cut‐off values for the 3D‐PDA indices differed depending on sphere volume. VI was significantly more specific than were VFI and FI.

Conclusions

Sphere volume does not affect the performance of 3D‐PDA. We recommend the use of different cut‐off values for 3D‐PDA indices for discriminating between benign and malignant adnexal masses, depending on the sphere volume used. Use of VI is preferable due to its higher specificity. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tetra(diisopropylcarbodiimid‐N)‐Beryllium‐bis‐Triiodid und 1,3‐Diisopropyl‐2,4‐bis(isopropylimino)‐1,3‐Diazetidin
Authors: Neumüller Bernhard , Dehnicke Kurt
Published: February 2010

Tetra(diisopropylcarbodiimide‐N)‐beryllium‐bis‐triiodide, [Be(i‐C3H7–NCN–i‐C3H7)4](I3)2 (1), was prepared from beryllium powder and iodine in diisopropylcarbodiimide suspension to give red single crystals. Compound 1 catalyzes the cyclodimerization of diisopropylcarbodiimide forming 1,3‐diisopropyl‐2,4‐bis(isopropylimino)‐1,3‐diazetidine (2), which can be isolated as colourless single crystals. 1 and 2 were characterized by X‐ray diffration and IR spectroscopy. Compound 1 crystallizes tetragonally in the space group P$\bar4$21c with two formula units per unit cell. Lattice dimensions at 193(2) K: a = b = 1292.2(1), c = 1411.2(2) pm, R1 = 0.0497. The structure of 1 consists of distorted tetrahedral dications [Be(i‐C3H7–NCN–i‐C3H7)4]2+ with site symmetry $\bar4$ and triiodide ions with site symmetry 2. Compound 2: Space group P21/c, Z = 2, lattice dimensions at 100(2) K: a = 935.2(1), b = 795.5(1), c = 1141.0(1) pm, β = 112.54(1)°, R1 = 0.0304. The structure of 2 forms centrosymmetric molecules with symmetry Ci and planar four‐membered C2N2 rings.
Factors affecting aggression in a captive flock of Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
Authors: Perdue Bonnie M. , Gaalema Diann E. , Martin Allison L. , Dampier Stephanie M. , Maple Terry L.
Published: February 2010

The influence of pair bond status, age and sex on aggression rates in a flock of 84 captive Chilean flamingos at Zoo Atlanta was examined. Analysis showed no difference between aggression rates of male and female flamingos, but adult flamingos had higher rates of aggression than juveniles. There were also significant differences in aggression depending on pair bond status (single, same‐sex pair, male–female pair or group). Bonded birds were significantly more aggressive than single birds, which is consistent with the concept that unpaired birds are not breeding and do not need to protect pair bonds or eggs. Birds in typical pair bonds (male–female) and atypical pair bonds (same‐sex pairs or groups) exhibited similar rates of aggression. These results contribute to the existing body of research on aggression in captive flamingos. Zoo Biol 30:59–64, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experiences with a Prophylactic Mesh in 93 Consecutive Ostomies
Authors: Jänes Arthur , Cengiz Yucel , Israelsson Leif A.
Published: February 2010

Background

Parastomal hernia may be present in half of patients after one year. A prophylactic low‐weight prosthetic mesh in a sublay position at the index operation reduces the risk of parastomal hernia, without increasing the rate of complications.

Material

Between April 2003 and November 2006 all patients with an ostomy created at an open laparotomy were followed for at least one year.

Results

A prophylactic mesh was used in 75 of 93 patients. In 9 a prophylactic mesh could not be placed due to scarring after previous surgery. In 9 a mesh was omitted after surgeon’s decision. In 19 patients a mesh was used in severely contaminated wounds. With a mesh 6 of 73 (8%) patients developed a surgical site infection and without a mesh 4 of 15 (27%). With a mesh parastomal hernia was present in 8 of 61 (13%) patients and without a mesh in 8 of 12 (67%).

Conclusions

Creating a stoma in routine open surgery a prophylactic mesh can be placed in most patients. A mesh does not increase the rate of complications and can be used in severely contaminated wounds.
Combined hyperlipidemia in patients with lysinuric protein intolerance
Authors: Tanner Laura M. , Niinikoski Harri , Näntö‐Salonen Kirsti , Simell Olli
Published: February 2010

Background and aims

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defective transport of cationic amino acids lysine, arginine, and ornithine. Low plasma concentrations of arginine and ornithine lead to impaired urea cycle function and, subsequently, decreased protein tolerance. Patients often develop natural aversion to protein‐rich foods, which may predispose them to nutritional problems. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate lipid values and efficacy of lipid‐lowering therapy in patients with LPI.

Methods and results

Serum total and high‐density‐lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were analyzed in 39 Finnish LPI patients (14 males) aged 3–64 years. Dietary intakes were analyzed from food records. Mean [standard deviation (SD)] serum and HDL‐cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were 7.16 (2.13) mmol/l, 1.21 (0.58) mmol/l, and 4.0 (2.4) mmol/l, respectively. Patients with renal dysfunction had marginally higher total cholesterol and significantly higher triglyceride concentration than patients without renal impairment. Twenty‐two patients were started on 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (atorvastatin or simvastatin). After 6 months, serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations had decreased by 32% (p < 0.001), whereas HDL‐cholesterol had increased by 13% (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Serum cholesterol and triglyceride values are markedly elevated in LPI patients. Although the mechanism of combined hyperlipidemia remains unknown and is not explained by fat consumption, hyperlipidemia is clearly progressive with age, suggesting that starting statin therapy early is probably beneficial. Statins are well‐tolerated and efficacious in LPI.
Recombinant follicle‐stimulating hormone (follitropin alfa) versus purified urinary follicle‐stimulating hormone in a low‐dose step‐up regimen to induce ovulation in Japanese women with anti‐estrogen‐ineffective oligo‐ or anovulatory infertility: results of a single‐blind Phase III study
Authors: Taketani Yuji , Kelly Eduardo , Yoshimura Yasunori , Hoshiai Hiroshi , Irahara Minoru , Mizunuma Hideki , Saito Hidekazu , Andoh Kazumichi , Yanaihara Takumi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant human follicle‐stimulating hormone (follitropin alfa) and purified urinary human follicle‐stimulating hormone (urofollitropin) for ovulation induction in Japanese women with anovulatory infertility;also to verify the noninferiority (in terms of ovulation rate) of follitropin alfa versus urofollitropin.

Methods

In a Phase III, multicenter, single‐blind, parallel‐group study, we enrolled 265 Japanese women aged 20–39 years. The patients were menstruating without apparent ovulation or were amenorrheic (with a positive progestin challenge test), and had failed to conceive with anti‐estrogen ovulation‐induction therapy. The patients underwent a low‐dose step‐up regimen using follitropin alfa or urofollitropin with a starting dose of 75 IU. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who ovulated (mid‐luteal serum progesterone ≥5 ng/mL and/or confirmed clinical pregnancy). Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with a dominant follicle (≥18 mm) and the duration of stimulation.

Results

Ovulation occurred in 79.1% and 82.6% of the patients who received follitropin alfa and urofollitropin, respectively, in the full‐analysis set (n = 261), and in 79.2% and 82.5% of the per‐protocol set (n = 251). The predefined noninferiority criteria for the primary endpoint were achieved. No significant differences were observed in any secondary endpoint. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported by a similar proportion of patients in each group (follitropin alfa, 53.5%; urofollitropin, 50.0%).

Conclusions

No significant difference in the primary efficacy endpoint (rate of ovulation) was observed between follitropin alfa and purified urofollitropin in women with anovulatory infertility who were menstruating or had progestin‐positive amenorrhea. The use of treatment holidays in this study prevents comparison of the data with previous trials that utilized consecutive daily doses.
Enjeux psychosociaux du don de sperme: le point de vue des couples
Authors: Kalampalikis N. , Haas V. , Fieulaine N. , Doumergue M. , Deschamps G. , Chiron H.
Published: February 2010

Le débat national suscité en France à l’occasion de la révision des lois de bioéthique a porté en partie sur l’anonymat du don des gamètes. En effet, si nous nous focalisons uniquement sur le don de sperme, de nombreux avis émis prônent, à des degrés différents, une ouverture relative du statut actuel de l’anonymat du donneur de sperme. Cependant, qu’en est-il des couples impliqués dans une démarche de don ? Que souhaitent-ils ? Quels changements de pratiques sont survenus pour les couples receveurs de don au sein des pays ayant opté pour une levée de l’anonymat du donneur ? Notre article présente une partie des résultats d’une recherche psychosociale récente portant sur un échantillon significatif de la population des couples demandeurs en France. Les résultats portent aussi bien sur le vécu et l’intention du partage du secret de la conception par don de sperme, que sur le cadre spécifique de ce type de don et des principes qui le définissent du point de vue législatif en France. Enfin, nous interrogeons les principes organisateurs de leurs prises de position sur l’anonymat du don ainsi que la convergence des stratégies parentales dans des cadres législatifs divergents, à la lumière de la littérature scientifique internationale.
Outreach and screening following the 2005 London bombings: usage and outcomes
Authors: Brewin C. R. , Fuchkan N. , Huntley Z. , Robertson M. , Thompson M. , Scragg P. , d'Ardenne P. , Ehlers A.
Published: February 2010

Background

Little is known about how to remedy the unmet mental health needs associated with major terrorist attacks, or what outcomes are achievable with evidence-based treatment. This article reports the usage, diagnoses and outcomes associated with the 2-year Trauma Response Programme (TRP) for those affected by the 2005 London bombings.

Method

Following a systematic and coordinated programme of outreach, the contact details of 910 people were obtained by the TRP. Of these, 596 completed a screening instrument that included the Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) and items assessing other negative responses. Those scoring ⩾6 on the TSQ, or endorsing other negative responses, received a detailed clinical assessment. Individuals judged to need treatment (n=217) received trauma-focused cognitive-behaviour therapy (TF-CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Symptom levels were assessed pre- and post-treatment with validated self-report measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, and 66 were followed up at 1 year.

Results

Case finding relied primarily on outreach rather than standard referral pathways such as primary care. The effect sizes achieved for treatment of DSM-IV PTSD exceeded those usually found in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and gains were well maintained an average of 1 year later.

Conclusions

Outreach with screening, linked to the provision of evidence-based treatment, seems to be a viable method of identifying and meeting mental health needs following a terrorist attack. Given the failure of normal care pathways, it is a potentially important approach that merits further evaluation.
The Stasi and the East German Revolution of 1989
Authors: Popplewell Richard
Published: February 2010

Though the GDR's Ministry for State Security (Stasi) had enormous powers in 1989, it failed adequately to predict or to suppress the Revolution. It encouraged the Communist Party's opposition to reform by providing a distorted picture of society. The Stasi was restricted in its reporting by the ideological blinkers which it shared with the Party. Even during the Revolution, the Stasi believed that popular discontent could be remedied by a vigorous presentation of Party policies. In order to understand fully the events of 1989, it is necessary to view them also through the eyes of the Stasi.
Lung Abscess in Adults with Tetralogy of Fallot and Pulmonary Atresia
Authors: O’Donnell Clare P. , Landzberg Michael J. , Mullen Mary P.
Published: February 2010

We describe 5 adults with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia who developed lung abscesses, including some infected with atypical microbial pathogens, with important morbidity. We hypothesize that patients with such anatomy are at risk for chronic pulmonary infection due to hypo-perfusion of the pulmonary parenchyma. This previously unreported clinical association should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia who alter their respiratory state.
Global increase in UV irradiance during the past 30 years (1979–2008) estimated from satellite data
Authors: Herman Jay R.
Published: February 2010

Zonal average ultraviolet irradiance (flux ultraviolet, FUV) reaching the Earth's surface has significantly increased since 1979 at all latitudes except the equatorial zone. Changes are estimated in zonal average FUV caused by ozone and cloud plus aerosol reflectivity using an approach based on Beer's law for monochromatic and action spectrum weighted irradiances. For four different cases, it is shown that Beer's Law leads to a power law form similar to that applied to erythemal action spectrum weighted irradiances. Zonal and annual average increases in FUV were caused by decreases in ozone amount from 1979 to 1998. After 1998, midlatitude annual average ozone amounts and UV irradiance levels have been approximately constant. In the Southern Hemisphere, zonal and annual average UV increase is partially offset by tropospheric cloud and aerosol transmission decreases (hemispherical dimming), and to a lesser extent in the Northern Hemisphere. Ozone and 340 nm reflectivity changes have been obtained from multiple joined satellite time series from 1978 to 2008. The largest zonal average increases in FUV have occurred in the Southern Hemisphere. For clear‐sky conditions at 50°S, zonal average FUV changes are estimated (305 nm, 23%; erythemal, 8.5%; 310 nm, 10%; vitamin D production, 12%). These are larger than at 50°N (305 nm, 9%; erythemal, 4%; 310 nm, 4%; vitamin D production, 6%). At the latitude of Buenos Aires, Argentina (34.6°S), the clear‐sky FUV increases are comparable to the increases near Washington, D. C. (38.9°N): 305 nm, 9% and 7%; erythemal, 6% and 4%; and vitamin D production, 7% and 5%, respectively.
Role of Nogo-A in Neuronal Survival in the Reperfused Ischemic Brain
Authors: Kilic Ertugrul , ElAli Ayman , Kilic Ülkan , Guo Zeyun , Ugur Milas , Uslu Unal , Bassetti Claudio L , Schwab Martin E , Hermann Dirk M
Published: February 2010

Nogo-A is an oligodendroglial neurite outgrowth inhibitor, the deactivation of which enhances brain plasticity and functional recovery in animal models of stroke. Nogo-A's role in the reperfused brain tissue was still unknown. By using Nogo-A−/− mice and mice in which Nogo-A was blocked with a neutralizing antibody (11C7) that was infused into the lateral ventricle or striatum, we show that Nogo-A inhibition goes along with decreased neuronal survival and more protracted neurologic recovery, when deactivation is constitutive or induced 24 h before, but not after focal cerebral ischemia. We show that in the presence of Nogo-A, RhoA is activated and Rac1 and RhoB are deactivated, maintaining stress kinases p38/MAPK, SAPK/JNK1/2 and phosphatase-and-tensin homolog (PTEN) activities low. Nogo-A blockade leads to RhoA deactivation, thus overactivating Rac1 and RhoB, the former of which activates p38/MAPK and SAPK/JNK1/2 via direct interaction. RhoA and its effector Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase2 deactivation in turn stimulates PTEN, thus inhibiting Akt and ERK1/2, and initiating p53-dependent cell death. Our data suggest a novel role of Nogo-A in promoting neuronal survival by controlling Rac1/RhoA balance. Clinical trials should be aware of injurious effects of axonal growth-promoting therapies. Thus, Nogo-A antibodies should not be used in the very acute stroke phase.
Deficiency of PAR4 Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice
Authors: Mao Yingying , Zhang Ming , Tuma Ronald F , Kunapuli Satya P
Published: February 2010

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the USA. Antithrombotic therapy targeting platelet activation is one of the treatments for ischemic stroke. Here we investigate the role of one of the thrombin receptors, protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4), in a mouse transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. After a 60 min MCAO and 23 h reperfusion, leukocyte and platelet rolling and adhesion on cerebral venules, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and cerebral edema were compared in PAR4-deficient mice and wild-type mice. Cerebral infarction volume and neuronal death were also measured. PAR4−/− mice had more than an 80% reduction of infarct volume and significantly improved neurologic and motor function compared with wild-type mice after MCAO. Furthermore, deficiency of PAR4 significantly inhibits the rolling and adhesion of both platelets and leukocytes after MCAO. BBB disruption and cerebral edema were also attenuated in PAR4−/− mice compared with wild-type animals. The results of this investigation indicate that deficiency of PAR4 protects mice from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, partially through inhibition of platelet activation and attenuation of microvascular inflammation.
Timing of Appearance of Late Oligodendrocyte Progenitors Coincides with Enhanced Susceptibility of Preterm Rabbit Cerebral White Matter to Hypoxia-Ischemia
Authors: Buser Joshua R , Segovia Kristen N , Dean Justin M , Nelson Kerst , Beardsley Douglas , Gong Xi , Luo Ning Ling , Ren Jennifer , Wan Ying , Riddle Art , McClure Melissa M , Ji Xinhai , Derrick Matthew , Hohimer A Roger , Back Stephen A , Tan Sidhartha
Published: February 2010

Emerging evidence supports that premature infants are susceptible to both cerebral white and gray matter injury. In a fetal rabbit model of placental insufficiency, preterm rabbits at embryonic day 22 (E22) exhibited histologic evidence of gray matter injury but minimal white matter injury after global hypoxia-ischemia (H-I). We hypothesized that the dissociation between susceptibility to gray and white matter injury at E22 was related to the timing of appearance of late oligodendrocyte progenitors (preOLs) that are particularly vulnerable in preterm human white matter lesions. During normal rabbit oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage progression, early OL progenitors predominated at E22. PreOL density increased between E24 and E25 in major forebrain white matter tracts. After H-I at E22 and E25, we observed a similar magnitude of cerebral H-I, assessed by cortical microvascular blood flow, and gray matter injury, assessed by caspase activation. However, the increased preOL density at E25 was accompanied by a significant increase in acute white matter injury after H-I that coincided with enhanced preOL degeneration. At E29, significant white matter atrophy developed after H-I at E25 but not E22. Thus, the timing of appearance of preOLs coincided with onset of a developmental window of enhanced white but not gray matter susceptibility to H-I.
Elimination of drift in a fiber-Bragg-grating-based multiplexed Michelson interferometer measurement system
Authors: Ren Junyu , Xie Fang , Chen Zhimin
Published: February 2010

Random phase drift in single-mode optical fiber interferometers used with measurement systems, which is resulted from various types of environmental disturbances, should be eliminated in order to obtain high measurement precision. We propose an optical fiber interferometric measurement system which has the function of self-eliminating the random phase drift and is stable and robust enough for real-time precision measurement. By employing the characteristics of fiber Bragg gratings, the system interleaves two fiber Michelson interferometers together that share the common-interferometric-optical path. The signal of one of the interferometers is used to stabilize the system while the signal of the other interferometer is used for measurement. An electronic feedback loop for the stabilizing action is designed. The bandwidth of the feedback loop is 5 kHz, sufficiently wide to eliminate random phase drift resulted from various environmental disturbances. The system is endowed with high stability and therefore suitable for real-time precision measurement. By means of an active phase tracking technique to measure displacement, the linear regression coefficient of the displacement measurement results is 0.9998.
Surface magnetism in ZnO/Co3O4 mixtures
Authors: García M. A. , Jiménez-Villacorta F. , Quesada A. , de la Venta J. , Carmona N. , Lorite I. , Llopis J. , Fernández J. F.
Published: February 2010

We recently reported the observation of room temperature ferromagnetism in mixtures of ZnO and Co3O4 despite the diamagnetic and antiferromagnetic character of these oxides, respectively. Here, we present a detailed study on the electronic structure of this material in order to account for the unexpected ferromagnetism. Electrostatic interactions between both oxides lead to a dispersion of Co3O4 particles over the surface of ZnO larger ones. As a consequence, the reduction Co+3→Co2+ at the particle surface takes place as evidenced by x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements and optical spectroscopy. This reduction allows explaining the observed ferromagnetic signal within the well established theories of magnetism in oxides.
Large deviation principle for noninteracting boson random point processes
Authors: Tamura Hiroshi , Zagrebnov Valentin A.
Published: February 2010

Limit theorems, including the large deviation principle, are established for random point fields (processes), which describe the position distributions of the ideal boson gas in presence of the Bose–Einstein condensation. We compare these results with those for the case of the normal phase, i.e., without the condensate.
Structural investigation of a novel perovskite-based lead-free ceramics: xBiScO3−(1−x)BaTiO3
Authors: Datta K. , Thomas P. A.
Published: February 2010

A full structural investigation was carried out on novel lead-free piezoelectric solid solutions of xBiScO3−(1−x)BaTiO3 (BS-BT) between x=0.0 and 0.35 utilizing x-ray and neutron powder diffraction. This particular system demonstrated an extended tetragonal-pseudocubic phase boundary at room temperature in the region 0.05≤x≤0.20. Rietveld refinements were performed on the neutron powder diffraction data to obtain detailed crystallographic information across the phase diagram of this binary system. The best model to describe the phase boundary was found to be a mixture of tetragonal (P4mm) and strongly pseudocubic rhombohedral (R3m) phases. Non-ambient x-ray diffraction patterns were collected in the temperature range of −253 to 325 °C to elucidate the effect of incorporation of BiScO3 on the temperature-dependent structural phase transitions of BaTiO3. Interestingly, the BS-BT system for x≥0.05 demonstrated only one structural phase transition, which is the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition, suppressing the other two low temperature phase transitions. High-temperature dielectric properties were also studied in order to examine the physical properties of the ceramics.
Spin glass behavior of mechanically alloyed fcc-(Fe79Mn21)1−xCux (0.00<x<0.30)
Authors: Mizrahi M. , Cabrera A. F. , Desimoni J.
Published: February 2010

The structural, hyperfine, and magnetic properties of mechanically milled alloys of (Fe79Mn21)1−xCux (x from 0.00 to 0.30) have been characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and ac susceptibility measurements. XRD and EXAFS results indicated that Cu addition favored the formation of a Fe–Mn–Cu random solid solution with fcc structure. The lattice parameter exhibited linear dependence on the Cu content, which is compatible with the larger atomic radii of the Cu atoms when compared with the Mn or the Fe ones. The dependence of Mössbauer hyperfine parameters on the Cu content at room temperature is coherent with the formation of a ternary phase. The ac susceptibility curves jointly with the Mössbauer results are representative of a spin-glass-like system.
Damage free laser ablation of SiO2 for local contact opening on silicon solar cells using an a-Si:H buffer layer
Authors: Mangersnes Krister , Foss Sean Erik , Thøgersen Annett
Published: February 2010

We have used a Q-switched Nd:YVO4, diode pumped 532 nm laser with nanosecond pulses, and a spot diameter of 40 μm to ablate a layer of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) SiO2 on n-type Cz silicon, with the aim of making local contact openings on back-junction silicon solar cells. Laser pulses within the ns range are usually believed to be incompatible with processing of high efficiency solar cells because such long pulses induce too much damage into the underlying silicon lattice. This is due to thermal dissipation. In this work, a PECVD layer of a-Si:H between the n-type silicon and the dielectric layer is shown to absorb much of the laser radiation and allows for ablation at laser fluences lower than the ablation threshold of crystalline silicon. In addition, the a-Si:H layer serves as an excellent surface passivation layer for the silicon substrate. We show that it is possible to ablate PECVD SiO2 in a damage free way with fluences five times lower than those needed to ablate crystalline Si. Our results are verified experimentally with high resolution transmission electron microscopy of the crystal structure in the laser irradiated areas, and quasi-steady-state photoconductance measurements of emitter saturation currents. In addition, we have simulated the energy transfer from a ns 532 nm Gaussian shaped laser beam to a SiO2 covered Si lattice with and without the a-Si:H buffer layer. A model that coincides very well with the experiments is found.
Suprathermal electrons generated by the two-plasmon-decay instability in gas-filled Hohlraums
Authors: Regan S. P. , Meezan N. B. , Suter L. J. , Strozzi D. J. , Kruer W. L. , Meeker D. , Glenzer S. H. , Seka W. , Stoeckl C. , Glebov V. Yu. , Sangster T. C. , Meyerhofer D. D. , McCrory R. L. , Williams E. A. , Jones O. S. , Callahan D. A. , Rosen M. D. , Landen O. L. , Sorce C. , MacGowan B. J.
Published: February 2010

For the first time a burst of suprathermal electrons is observed from the exploding laser-entrance-hole window of gas-filled Hohlraums driven with 13.5 kJ of 351 nm laser light. The two-plasmon-decay instability appears to produce up to 20 J of hot electrons with Thot∼75 keV at early times and has a sharp laser-intensity threshold between 0.3 and 0.5×1015 W/cm2. The observed threshold can be exploited to mitigate preheat by window hot electrons in ignition Hohlraums for the National Ignition Facility and achieve high-density, high-pressure conditions in indirect drive implosions.
Statistical fluctuation of magnetization in Mn-composition modulated Cd1−xMnxTe quantum wires
Authors: Harada Yukihiro , Kita Takashi , Wada Osamu , Ando Hiroaki
Published: February 2010

We have theoretically studied the emission-line width in Mn-composition modulated Cd1−xMnxTe quantum wires by using the multiband effective mass theory and fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The calculated emission-line width exhibits a broadening because of a statistical fluctuation in the magnetization of Mn spins in the exciton magnetic polaron. The line width is sensitive to both the temperature and the magnetic field in the Voigt configuration, which exhibits remarkable anisotropy depending on the external magnetic field direction. The anisotropic behavior is a typical feature of the one-dimensional system resulting from heavy-hole and light-hole mixing.
Variation in hopping conduction across the magnetic transition in spinel Mn1.56Co0.96Ni0.48O4 films
Authors: Wu Jing , Huang Zhiming , Hou Yun , Gao Yanqing , Chu Junhao
Published: February 2010

The temperature dependent dc resistivity of spinel Mn1.56Co0.96Ni0.48O4 (MCN) films is measured in the range of 130–304 K. The hopping exponent p of small polaron hopping conduction shows a clear variation from a value of 0.46 in the paramagnetic to 0.91 in the ferromagnetic phase. In order to explain such variation, a model is proposed where Gaussian distributed localized electron states gradually withdraw from the Hubbard band gap below the magnetic transition as a result of increased magnetic order. This correlation between hopping conduction and magnetic order in MCN films may provide a possible approach to fabricate the devices which couple magnetic and electronic properties in one unit.
Substitution effects in elastic electron collisions with CH3X (X=F, Cl, Br, I) molecules
Authors: Kato H. , Asahina T. , Masui H. , Hoshino M. , Tanaka H. , Cho H. , Ingólfsson O. , Blanco F. , Garcia G. , Buckman S. J. , Brunger M. J.
Published: February 2010

We report absolute elastic differential, integral, and momentum transfer cross sections for electron interactions with the series of molecules CH3X (X=F, Cl, Br, I). The incident electron energy range is 50–200 eV, while the scattered electron angular range for the differential measurements is 15°–150°. In all cases the absolute scale of the differential cross sections was set using the relative flow method with helium as the reference species. Substitution effects on these cross sections, as we progress along the halomethane series CH3F, CH3Cl, CH3Br, and CH3I, are investigated as a part of this study. In addition, atomic-like behavior in these scattering systems is also considered by comparing these halomethane elastic cross sections to results from other workers for the corresponding noble gases Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe, respectively. Finally we report results for calculations of elastic differential and integral cross sections for electrons scattering from each of the CH3X species, within an optical potential method and assuming a screened corrected independent atom representation. The level of agreement between these calculations and our measurements was found to be quite remarkable in each case.
Photodissociation of CH3Cl, C2H5Cl, and C6H5Cl on the Ag(111) surface: Ab initio embedded cluster and configuration interaction study
Authors: Kokh Daria B. , Liebermann Heinz-Peter , Buenker Robert J.
Published: February 2010

We report a comparative study of the photoinduced CCl bond cleavage in three RdCl molecules (RdCH3, C2H5, and C6H5 radicals) on the Ag(111) surface. The ground, lowest excited states as well as anion states of adsorbed molecules have been computed at their equilibrium geometry and along the CCl dissociation pathway using the ab initio embedded cluster and multireference configuration interaction methods. The anion state can be formed by photoinduced electron transfer from the substrate to an adsorbate and is strongly bound to the surface in contrast with the electronic states of the adsorbate itself, which are only weakly perturbed by the silver surface. The excitation energy of the anion state lies lower in the Franck–Condon region than that of the lowest singlet excited state for all adsorbates and correlates directly with the dissociation products: adsorbed chlorine atom and the gas phase or adsorbed radical for RdCH3, C2H5, and C6H5, respectively. The computed redshift of the photodissociation spectrum for the substrate-mediated photodissociation process relative to the corresponding gas-phase reaction is ∼2 eV for CH3Cl and C2H5Cl, and ∼1 eV for C6H5Cl, which result is in good agreement with experimental data.
Assessment of cultured fish hepatocytes for studying cellular uptake and (eco)toxicity of nanoparticles
Authors: Scown Tessa M. , Goodhead Rhys M. , Johnston Blair D. , Moger Julian , Baalousha Mohammed , Lead Jamie R. , van Aerle Ronny , Iguchi Taisen , Tyler Charles R.
Published: February 2010

Environmental context. The production and application of engineered nanoparticles is rapidly increasing, and development of suitable models for screening nanoparticles for possible toxic effects is essential to protect aquatic organisms and support the sustainable development of the nanotechnology industry. Here, the suitability of isolated rainbow trout hepatocytes was assessed for high through-put toxicity screening of nanoparticles and for studying uptake of nanoparticles into cells. Abstract. Relatively little is known regarding the fate and possible toxic effects of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the aquatic environment. We assessed the suitability of isolated trout hepatocytes for high throughput toxicity screening of ENPs, exposing them to a variety of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and their bulk counterparts. We found no effects of the ENPs on cell viability, or on lipid peroxidation, with the exception of exposure to ZnO nanoparticles, or on glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels, for exposure concentrations up to 500 μg mL–1. All ENPs, however, were internalised in the cultured hepatocytes, as shown by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) as an imaging technique. Our findings suggest that fish hepatocyte cultures are suitable for studies investigating the cellular uptake of ENPs, but they do not appear to be sensitive to ENP exposure and thus not a good in vitro model for nanoparticle toxicity screening.
3 Aboriginal Women and Political Pursuit in Canadian Sentencing Circles
Authors: Goel Rashmi
Published: February 2010

This chapter addresses Canadian sentencing circles in domestic violence situations. It is argued that Aboriginal communities expect sentencing circles to serve certain political goals in addition to the traditional restorative justice goals—such as educating the broader society about historical and social contributors to criminality, promoting Aboriginal self-governance and incorporating Aboriginal dispute resolution into mainstream dispute resolution. The tension between these political goals and the traditional restorative justice goal limits the effectiveness of sentencing circles. Aboriginal victims of domestic abuse might not criticize the sentencing circles’ failure to address their harms as victims because this might undermine the legitimacy of Aboriginal dispute resolution methods. However, if this tension is recognized, better methods can be devised, to improve the effectiveness of sentencing circles, and minimize domestic abuse in Aboriginal families.
7 Restorative Justice and Youth Violence Toward Parents
Authors: Daly Kathleen , Nancarrow Heather
Published: February 2010

Chapter Abstract: This chapter presents three cases of sons’ violence against mothers that were handled by a diversionary youth conference, a restorative justice process. Drawing on interviews with conference coordinators and victims, the analysis considers the histories, contexts, and dynamics of the violence; what happened in the conference, including gendered power dynamics and re-victimization; and the women’s experiences during the conference and post-conference. The literature on youth parental violence and debates on the appropriateness of restorative justice for domestic or partner violence cases is reviewed and assessed. The dynamics of male youth offender cases are similar to those of their adult counterparts; and thus, the youth cases provide insight on the strengths and limits of restorative justice for partner violence.
Electricity Model
Authors: Friesen W. Otto , Friesen Jonathon A.
Published: February 2010

Section II provides an overview of each of the seven models simulated by NeuroDynamix II. Beginning with a brief introduction, each subsection describes one model, includes a glossary of variable and parameter names, and units for the variable and parameter values. Illustrations are included to provide assistance in conceptualizing the models and their implementation with NeuroDynamix II. The Electricity model simulates the properties of simple electrical circuits that include resistors, batteries, and capacitors. The experimenter can specify the number and value of components and then examine the consequences of applying known currents or known potentials to these circuits.
Equations Underlying the Axon Models
Authors: Friesen W. Otto , Friesen Jonathon A.
Published: February 2010

The Axon models present the fundamental concepts that underlie the generation and propagation of the nerve impulses. This chapter includes a complete list of the equations that describe the Hodgkin-Huxley parallel conductance model specifically for squid axons, but these equations can be used to simulate nearly any action potential. The various currents generated by ionic conductances are individually described by their own equations. Ionic currents are controlled by membrane conductances and the appropriate electrochemical driving forces.
Equations Underlying the Synapse Model
Authors: Friesen W. Otto , Friesen Jonathon A.
Published: February 2010

The Synapse model illustrates synaptic interactions among neurons. This chapter provides the equations for electrical coupling, for inhibitory and excitatory synaptic interactions, and for synaptic fatigue.
Equations Underlying the Circuit Model
Authors: Friesen W. Otto , Friesen Jonathon A.
Published: February 2010

The Circuit model simulates synaptic interactions among large numbers of neurons and includes many currents and derived values. This chapter gives the equations for the membrane potentials in circuits of three-compartment invertebrate neurons with a passive soma, a neurite, where all synaptic interactions take place, and the axon, which is the only compartment that can generate an action potential.
Form of the Equations
Authors: Friesen W. Otto , Friesen Jonathon A.
Published: February 2010

This section describes the methods for numerical integration of the differential equations that underlie all of the dynamic models embodied in NeuroDynamix II. This chapter presents the general form of the differential equations, which, because simulations are all based on the Hodgkin-Huxley-Katz parallel conductance model, have a common form.
10.2 Neuropharmacological Profiles of Antipsychotic Drugs
Authors: Roth Bryan L. , Rogan Sarah C.
Published: February 2010

This chapter reviews the state of psychopharmacological therapy for schizophrenia, covering both Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approved typical and atypical drugs, and emerging molecular targets for new and developmental drugs. Despite decades of research, the state of schizophrenia therapy is much the same today as it was 20 years ago, when clozapine returned to the market. Clozapine remains the gold standard drug, and all therapeutically effective treatments act at the D2 dopamine receptor; a target first identified in the 1970s. Current approaches are largely modeled on the signal transduction hypothesis of schizophrenia. Such methods might yet have potential if we develop “selectively nonselective” drugs with binding affinity profiles similar to that of clozapine, or if we employ polypharmacy to treat the distinct symptom domains of schizophrenia. Employing functionally selective ligands and modulating noncanonical GPCR signaling (i.e. β-arrestin) also represent new opportunities for drug development within the signal transduction model of therapy.
10.3 How Antipsychotics Work: Linking Receptors to Response
Authors: Ginovart Nathalie , Kapur Shitij
Published: February 2010

Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling disease that typically begins during adolescence or early adult life and severely impacts psychosocial functioning. There is no known single cause of schizophrenia. It is hypothesized that genetic factors and early neurodevelopmental abnormalities (including apoptosis, disruption of neuronal migration, or alteration of synaptogenesis) may confer a constitutional vulnerability to the disease. Subsequent environmental factors (including obstetric complications, exposure to viral infection in utero, or exposure to psychosocial stress during childhood) may then trigger the behavioral expression of this vulnerability, perhaps via subtle alterations of brain development. Within this framework, dysregulations of the dopamine (DA) and glutamate neurotransmitter systems have been most intimately associated with the physiopathology of schizophrenia. This chapter focuses on this aspect of the illness, with special attention given to the DA receptors.
10.4 Dopamine Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: From Genetic Susceptibility to Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Tost Heike , Hakimi Shabnam , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas
Published: February 2010

This chapter provides an overview of the causes and effects of dopamine dysfunction in schizophrenia. In doing so, it summarizes historical perspectives and our current scientific knowledge about the susceptibility genes, neural system anomalies, and cognitive symptoms that link the disorder to disturbances in dopamine neurotransmission.
THE INEQUALITY OF ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION IN EUROPE AND AMERICA AND THE POLITICALLY INTEGRATIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE WELFARE STATE
Authors: Alber Jens , Kohler Ulrich
Published: February 2010

The Eastern enlargement of the European Union (EU) raised the issue as to what extent the new member states would follow in the policy footsteps of the old member states rather than taking the United States as their role model. Drawing a polemical distinction between “old” and “new Europe”, a former U.S. secretary of defense suggested that the Central and Eastern European countries might adhere more closely to the United States as the superpower that helped end their dependence upon the Soviet Empire. This chapter examines to what extent patterns of political participation differ between the United States and Europe, and where exactly the new member states fit in this comparison. It shows that electoral turnout is higher and less socially skewed in Western Europe than in the United States. The higher inclusiveness of the (Western) European State(s) fosters political integration and the equality of electoral participation. Differences between Europe and America diminish considerably when the analysis is confined to the pensioner generation, whose integration into welfare state schemes is largely similar on both sides of the Atlantic.