bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric modulations of the ratio of UVB to broadband solar radiation: effect of ozone, water vapour, and aerosols at Qena, Egypt
Authors: Adam M. El‐Nouby
Published: November 2013

This study is an attempt to assess atmospheric modulations of the radiometric ratio of ultraviolet‐B (UVB) to broadband solar radiation (G). It examines the role of the atmosphere as a filter, absorbing and scattering portions of the solar spectrum, shielding the biosphere from damaging doses of UVB. The diurnal variability of UVB/G at the Earth's surface has been evaluated by analysing 10‐year hourly measurements of UVB and G on a horizontal surface at Qena, Egypt. The results show that, throughout the whole period, the values of hourly UVB/G varied from 0.03 to 0.73%, with an average value of 0.27%. This average represents only 17% of the corresponding value outside the atmosphere (1.56%). Moreover, the study quantifies the impact of ozone, water vapour, and aerosols on UVB/G under cloudless conditions. An analysis of the relationship between this ratio and the slant total ozone column (Z) was also carried out. It showed that the ratio decreased with increasing Z. For Z = 537 DU, the average UVB/G was almost 53.47% lower than that at low Z (277 DU). The influence of precipitable water (W) on UVB/G was determined under limited change in Z (<8.72%) and almost constant turbidity level (Ångström turbidity coefficient, β, of 0.19). The values of UVB/G increased with increasing W. For an average W = 1.13 cm, the average UVB/G was approximately 3.93% lower than at high W (2.82 cm). Moreover, the study illustrated the effect of aerosols on UVB/G when their influence on this ratio is greater than the impact of other atmospheric factors such as ozone and water vapour. It can be concluded that the ratio of the change in UVB/G to the change in β varies from 0.16 to 0.59%, with an average value of 0.33%.
Optimisation of the critical medium components for better growth of Picochlorum sp. and the role of stressful environments for higher lipid production
Authors: Dahmen Ines , Chtourou Haifa , Jebali Ahlem , Daassi Dhouha , Karray Fatma , Hassairi Ilem , Sayadi Sami , Abdelkafi Slim , Dhouib Abdelhafidh
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Coastal countries that suffer from a scarcity of water, such as Tunisia, have to cultivate marine microalgae on non‐arable land in order to produce feedstock and overcome their demands of nutrition and energy. In this framework, a green microalga, CTM 20019, was isolated, identified as Picochlorum sp. and tested for its lipid production.

RESULTS

The dry weight of Picochlorum sp. is composed of 163 g kg−1 lipids, 225 g kg−1 total sugars, 440 g kg−1 proteins and 112 g kg−1 ash rich in potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed that the main fatty acids were palmitic acid (29%), linolenic acid (26.5%), linoleic acid (23.5%), hexadecatrienoic acid (11%) and hexadecadienoic acid (8.5%). As it is known that culture conditions greatly influence the composition of microalgae, the experiments were designed to optimise the composition of the medium in order to increase Picochlorum sp. growth from OD680nm = 0.53 to OD680nm = 2.2 and lipid accumulation from 163 g kg−1 to 190 g kg−1. The highest lipid contents of 570 and 585 g kg−1 were achieved under phosphate starvation and sodium carbonate supplementation, respectively. Under these conditions, the fatty acid profile is dominated by mono‐unsaturated and polyunsaturated acids, and is therefore suitable for aqua‐culture feeding. However, under high salinity, growth and lipid synthesis are inhibited, and the fatty acids are saturate, and the product is therefore suitable for biodiesel.

CONCLUSION

This high lipid content rich in essential fatty acids, omega‐6 and omega‐3, endorses this wild strain of Picochlorum sp. as a promising feedstock for aqua‐culture and human nutrition or for the production of biodiesel. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Laser Cutting of Carbon Fibres
Authors: Bliedtner Jens , Remdt Sebastian , Müller Hartmut , Petrich Andreas
Published: November 2013

Carbon and glass fibre fabrics are mostly cut using mechanic cutting tools. The disadvantage, however, is that these tools wear out fast. The contact‐free cutting by means of a laser beam provides a good alternative. In the conventional laser cutting the fibre ends do not stick together which means the cutting edge is not sealed and so the coherence within the fabric structure can no longer be guaranteed. Thus a further automated processing of the fabric cut‐outs is only possible to a limited extent. This article introduces a procedure by which a sealing of the cutting edges can be achieved during the cutting process.
Directed Multiobjective Optimization Based on the Weighted Hypervolume Indicator
Authors: Brockhoff Dimo , Bader Johannes , Thiele Lothar , Zitzler Eckart
Published: November 2013

Recently, there has been a large interest in set‐based evolutionary algorithms for multi objective optimization. They are based on the definition of indicators that characterize the quality of the current population while being compliant with the concept of Pareto‐optimality. It has been shown that the hypervolume indicator, which measures the dominated volume in the objective space, enables the design of efficient search algorithms and, at the same time, opens up opportunities to express user preferences in the search by means of weight functions. The present paper contains the necessary theoretical foundations and corresponding algorithms to (i) select appropriate weight functions, to (ii) transform user preferences into weight functions and to (iii) efficiently evaluate the weighted hypervolume indicator through Monte Carlo sampling. The algorithm W‐HypE, which implements the previous concepts, is introduced, and the effectiveness of the search, directed towards the user's preferred solutions, is shown using an extensive set of experiments including the necessary statistical performance assessment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indicator‐based Selection in Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization Algorithms Based On the Desirability Index
Authors: Trautmann Heike , Wagner Tobias , Biermann Dirk , Weihs Claus
Published: November 2013

In multiobjective optimization, the identification of practically relevant solutions on the Pareto‐optimal front is an important research topic. Desirability functions (DFs) allow the preferences of the decision maker to be specified in an intuitive way. Recently, it has been shown for continuous optimization problems that an a priori transformation of the objectives by means of DFs can be used to focus the search of a hypervolume‐based evolutionary algorithm on the desired part of the front. In many‐objective optimization, however, the computational complexity of the hypervolume can become a crucial part. Thus, an alternative to this approach will be presented in this paper. The new algorithm operates in the untransformed objective space, but the desirability index (DI), that is, a DF‐based scalarization, will be used as the second‐level selection criterion in the non‐dominated sorting. The diversity and uniform distribution of the resulting approximation are ensured by the use of an external archive. In the experiments, different preferences are specified as DFs, and their effects are investigated. It is shown that trade‐off solutions are generated in the desired regions of the Pareto‐optimal front and with a density adaptive to the DI. The efficiency of the approach with respect to increasing objective space dimension is also analysed using scalable test functions. The convergence speed is superior to other set‐based and preference‐based evolutionary multiobjective algorithms while the approach is of low computational complexity due to cheap DI evaluations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Thin‐layer Chromatography Autographic Method for the Detection of Inhibitors of the Salmonella PhoP–PhoQ Regulatory System
Authors: Salazar Mario O. , Viarengo Gaston , Sciara Mariela I. , Kieffer Pablo M. , Garcia Vescovi Eleonora , Furlan Ricardo L. E.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

The PhoP–PhoQ system from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium controls the expression of factors that are critical for the bacterial entry into host cells and the bacterial intramacrophage survival. Therefore it constitutes an interesting target to search for compounds that would control Salmonella virulence. Localisation of such compounds in complex matrixes could be facilitated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) bioautography.

Objective

To develop a TLC bioautography to detect inhibitors of the PhoP–PhoQ regulatory system in complex matrixes.

Methods

The TLC plates were covered by a staining solution containing agar, Luria‐Bertani medium, 5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (X‐gal), kanamycin and a S. typhimurium strain that harbours a reporter transcriptional lacZ‐fusion to an archetypal PhoP‐activated gene virK. After solidification, the plate was incubated at 37°C for 16 h.

Results

A bioautographic assay suitable for the localisation of inhibitors of the PhoP–PhoQ system activity in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium present in a complex matrix is described. The assay was used to analyse a series of hydrolysed extracts prepared by alkaline treatment of crude plant extracts. Bioassay‐guided analysis of the fractions by NMR spectroscopy and MS led to the identification of linolenic and linoleic acids as inhibitory input signals of the PhoP–PhoQ system.

Conclusion

A practical tool is introduced that facilitates detection of inhibitors of the Salmonella PhoP–PhoQ regulatory system. The assay convenience is illustrated with the identification of the first naturally occurring organic compounds that down‐regulate a PhoP–PhoQ regulatory system from a hydrolysed extract. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erhellendes über den Dunkelstrom
Authors: Breitenstein Otwin
Published: November 2013

Solarzellen aus kristallinen Silizium‐ Wafern sind heute das Arbeitspferd der Photovoltaik. 88 % aller weltweit produzierten Solarmodule enthalten solche Zellen, 57 % entfallen auf multikristalline Solarzellen. Diese sind günstiger als monokristalline Solarzellen herzustellen, haben aber einen 1 bis 2 % niedrigeren Wirkungsgrad. Bis vor kurzem waren die Ursachen noch nicht vollständig verstanden. Erst der Einsatz neuer bildgebender Analysemethoden wie Lock‐in‐Thermographie und Lumineszenz‐Abbildung führte zu einem tieferen Verständnis. Entscheidend für die Verluste sind Korngrenzen und andere Defekte, etwa Kratzer, sowie Verunreinigungen durch Fremdmetalle. Neue Herstellungsprozesse können diese Fehlerquellen verringern.
Coating of poly(vinyl chloride) nanoparticles with a conductive polyaniline in the presence of various surfactants
Authors: Vatani Zoha , Eisazadeh Hossein
Published: November 2013

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanoparticles were coated with polyaniline (PAn) in the presence of different surfactants such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). The PAn nanocomposites were prepared in aqueous and aqueous/nonaqueous media (water/tetrahydrofuran 50/50 w/w solution) by the chemical polymerization of aniline at room temperature using potassium iodate as an oxidant. These nanocomposites were characterized such as morphology and chemical structure by the use of scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The type of surfactant and the type of solution influenced the properties of the products. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:233–238, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
A simple colony‐formation assay in liquid medium, termed ‘tadpoling’, provides a sensitive measure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture viability
Authors: Welch Aaron Z. , Koshland Douglas E.
Published: November 2013

Here we describe the first high‐throughput amenable method of quantifying Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture viability. Current high‐throughput methods of assessing yeast cell viability, such as flow cytometry and SGA analysis, do not measure the percentage viability of a culture but instead measure cell vitality or colony fitness, respectively. We developed a method, called tadpoling, to quantify the percentage viability of a yeast culture, with the ability to detect as few as one viable cell amongst ~108 dead cells. The most important feature of this assay is the exploitation of yeast colony formation in liquid medium. Utilizing a microtiter dish, we are able to observe a range of viability of 100% to 0.0001%. Comparison of tadpoling to the traditional plating method to measure yeast culture viability reveals that, for the majority of Saccharomyces species analyzed there is no significant difference between the two methods. In comparison to flow cytometry using propidium iodide, the high‐throughput method of measuring yeast culture viability, tadpoling is much more accurate at culture viabilities < 1%. Thus, we show that tadpoling provides an easy, inexpensive, space‐saving method, amenable to high‐throughput screens, for accurately measuring yeast cell viability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis and optimal control for free melt flow boundaries in laser cutting with distributed radiation
Authors: Vossen Georg , Hermanns Torsten , Schüttler Jens
Published: November 2013

This work introduces a mathematical model for laser cutting taking account of spatially distributed laser radiation. The model involves two coupled nonlinear partial differential equations describing the interacting dynamical behaviors of the free boundaries of the melt during the process. The model will be investigated by linear stability analysis to study the occurence of ripple formations at the cutting surface. We define a measurement for the roughness of the cutting surface and introduce an optimal control problem for minimizing the roughness with respect to the laser beam intensity along the free melt surface. Necessary optimality conditions will be deduced. Finally, a numerical solution will be presented and discussed by means of the necessary conditions. physical considerations.
RELATIVISM, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Authors: Carter J. Adam
Published: November 2013

The arguments for and against a truth-relativist semantics for propositional knowledge attributions (KTR) have been debated almost exclusively in the philosophy of language. But what implications would this semantic thesis have in epistemology? This question has been largely unexplored. The aim of this paper is to establish and critique several ramifications of KTR in mainstream epistemology. The first section of the paper develops, over a series of arguments, the claim that MacFarlane's (2005, 2010) core argument for KTR ultimately motivates (for better or worse) the extension of a truth-relativist semantics to a subset of understanding attributions – attributions ofunderstanding-why. I conclude by presenting some reasons to think thateven ifKTR were otherwise plausible, a truth-relativist semantics for understanding-why attributions is not. These claims, taken together, constitute a kind of epistemological argument against MacFarlane-style truth-relativism for knowledge attributions.
WHEN THE EXPERTS ARE UNCERTAIN: SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND THE ETHICS OF DEMOCRATIC JUDGMENT
Authors: Lane Melissa
Published: November 2013

Can ordinary citizens in a democracy evaluate the claims of scientific experts? While a definitive answer must be case by case, some scholars have offered sharply opposed general answers: a skeptical “no” (e.g. Scott Brewer) versus an optimistic “yes, no problem” (e.g. Elizabeth Anderson). The article addresses this basic conflict, arguing that a satisfactory answer requires a first-order engagement in judging the claims of experts which both skeptics and optimists rule out in taking the issue to be one of second-order assessments only. Having argued that such first-order judgments are necessary, it then considers how they are possible, outlining a range of practices and virtues that can inform their success and likelihood, and drawing throughout on ancient Greek insights as well as contemporary social psychology and sociology of knowledge. In conclusion the ethics of democratic judgment so developed is applied to the dramatic conviction of the members of an Italian scientific risk commission in L'Aquila.
Interaction of panel flutter with inviscid boundary layer instability in supersonic flow
Authors: Vedeneev Vasily
Published: November 2013

We investigate the stability of an elastic plate in supersonic gas flow. This problem has been studied in many papers regarding panel flutter, where uniform flow is usually considered. In this paper, we take the boundary layer on the plate into account and investigate its influence on plate stability. Three problem formulations are studied. First, we investigate the stability of travelling waves in an infinite-length plate. Second, the nature of the instability (absolute or convective instability) is examined. Finally, by using solutions of the first two problems, instability of a long finite-length plate is studied by using Kulikovskii’s global instability criterion. The following results are obtained. All the eigenmodes of a finite-length plate are split into two types, which we call subsonic and supersonic. The influence of the boundary layer on these eigenmodes can be of two kinds. First, for a generalized convex boundary layer profile (typical for accelerating flow), supersonic eigenmodes are stabilized by the boundary layer, whereas subsonic disturbances are destabilized. Second, for a profile with a generalized inflection point (typical for constant and decelerating flows), supersonic eigenmodes are destabilized in a thin boundary layer and stabilized in a thick layer; subsonic eigenmodes are damped. The correspondence between the influence of the boundary layer on panel flutter and the stability of the boundary layer over a rigid wall is established. Examples of stable boundary layer profiles of both types are given.
Steady analysis of transcritical flows in collapsible tubes with discontinuous mechanical properties: implications for arteries and veins
Authors: Siviglia A. , Toffolon M.
Published: November 2013

We study the conditions under which discontinuous mechanical properties of a collapsible tube can induce transcritical flows, i.e. the transition through the critical state where the speed index (analogous to the Mach or the Froude numbers for compressible and free surface flows, respectively) is one. Such a critical transition may strongly modify the flow properties, cause a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of the tube, and limit the flow. General relationships are obtained for a short segment using a one-dimensional model under steady flow conditions. Marginal curves delimiting the transcritical regions are identified in terms of the speed index and the cross-sectional area ratio. Since there are many examples of such flows in physiology and medicine, we also analyse the specific case of prosthesis (graft or stent) implantation in blood vessels. We then compute transcritical conditions for the case of stiffness and reference area variations, considering a collapsible tube characterized by physiological parameters representative of both arteries and veins. The results suggest that variations in mechanical properties may induce transcritical flow in veins but is unrealistic in arteries.
Flapping dynamics of an inverted flag
Authors: Kim Daegyoum , Cossé Julia , Huertas Cerdeira Cecilia , Gharib Morteza
Published: November 2013

The dynamics of an inverted flag are investigated experimentally in order to find the conditions under which self-excited flapping can occur. In contrast to a typical flag with a fixed leading edge and a free trailing edge, the inverted flag of our study has a free leading edge and a fixed trailing edge. The behaviour of the inverted flag can be classified into three regimes based on its non-dimensional bending stiffness scaled by flow velocity and flag length. Two quasi-steady regimes, straight mode and fully deflected mode, are observed, and a limit-cycle flapping mode with large amplitude appears between the two quasi-steady regimes. Bistable states are found in both straight to flapping mode transition and flapping to deflected mode transition. The effect of mass ratio, relative magnitude of flag inertia and fluid inertia, on the non-dimensional bending stiffness range for flapping is negligible, unlike the instability of the typical flag. Because of the unsteady fluid force, a flapping sheet can produce elastic strain energy several times larger than a sheet of the deformed mode, improving the conversion of fluid kinetic energy to elastic strain energy. According to the analysis of the leading-edge vortex formation process, the time scale of optimal vortex formation correlates with efficient conversion to elastic strain energy during bending.
Optimal interval for hot water immersion tail-flick test in rats
Authors: Zhou Quanhong , Bao Yuhua , Zhang Xin , Zeng Lulu , Wang Li , Wang Jing , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2013

Background

The hot water tail-flick test is widely used to measure the degree of nociception experienced by laboratory animals. This study was carried out to optimise interval times for the hot water immersion tail-flick tests in rats.

Method

Ten different intervals from 10 s to 1 h were tested in 60 Sprague–Dawley male rats. At least eight rats were tested for each interval in three consecutive hot water tail-flick tests. Dixon's up-and-down method was also used to find the optimal intervals. The same rats were then divided into two groups. In Group N, naloxone was injected to reverse the prolonged latency times, whereas saline was used in the control Group S.

Results

Intervals of 10 s, 20 s, 30 min and 1 h did not significantly impact latencies, yielding similar results in three consecutive tests (p> 0.05). However, interval times of between 30 s and 20 min, inclusively, caused significantly prolonged latencies in the second and third tests (p< 0.001). Dixon's up-and-down method showed that 95% of the rats had prolonged latencies in hot water tail-flick tests at intervals longer than 32 s. Naloxone reversed prolonged latencies in Group N, whereas the latencies in Group S were further prolonged in 5 min interval tests.

Conclusion

The optimal intervals for hot water tail-flick tests are either shorter than 20 s or longer than 20 min. The prolonged latencies after repetitive tests were attributable to an endocrine opioid.
Effect of voice therapy after phonomicrosurgery for vocal polyps: a prospective, historically controlled, clinical study
Authors: Ju Y H , Jung K-Y , Kwon S-Y , Woo J-S , Cho J-G , Park M W , Park E-H , Baek S-K
Published: November 2013

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of post-operative voice therapy after phonomicrosurgery for vocal polyp removal.

Methods:

The study retrospectively enrolled 55 consecutive patients who had undergone voice therapy after phonomicrosurgery for vocal polyp removal occurring between June 2010 and June 2011. A historical group of 63 similar patients not receiving voice therapy was used as an external control. We compared voice analysis parameters and Voice Handicap Index scores for the two groups.

Results:

Most objective and subjective voice outcome parameters were significantly improved after surgical treatment. Although the study and control groups showed no significant difference regarding objective parameters (using acoustic and aerodynamic analysis) or the subjective parameters assessed using the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scale, the study group had significantly better final Voice Handicap Index scores.

Conclusion:

Following surgery for vocal polyps, post-operative voice therapy can improve patients' vocal discomfort, emotional responses and everyday self-perception.
An exact solution in a gravitating fluid with a density-dependent viscosity
Authors: CHAKRABARTI NIKHIL , SCHAMEL HANS
Published: November 2013

An exact nonlinear solution for a cold fluid in presence of a gravitational field and viscous dissipation is obtained using Lagrange variable. It is shown that with a density-dependent viscosity the nonlinear equation can be exactly solved. The solution indicates that in absence of viscosity and initial fluid velocity shear, density collapse occurs at time of the order of inverse Jeans frequency. The effect of viscosity is to delay the collapse but it can not halt the collapse. The initial fluid velocity shear can act in both directions: a positive one leads to delay, a negative one to a speeding up of the density collapse. This nonlinear solution may have some bearing with the structure formations in the universe.
Ejectives in Scottish English: A social perspective
Authors: McCarthy Owen , Stuart-Smith Jane
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the results of an analysis of the realization of word-final /k/ in a sample of read and casual speech by 28 female pupils from a single-sex Glaswegian high school. Girls differed in age, socioeconomic background, and ethnicity. Ejectives were the most usual variant for /k/ in both speech styles, occurring in the speech of every pupil in our sample. Our narrow auditory analysis revealed a continuum of ejective production, from weak to intense stops. Results from multinomial logistic regression show that ejective production is promoted by phonetic, linguistic and interactional factors: ejectives were used more in read speech, when /k/ occurred in the /-ŋk/ cluster (e.g.tank), and when the relevant word was either at the end of a clause or sentence, or in turn-final position. At the same time, significant interactions between style, and position in turn, and the social factors of age and ethnicity, show that the use of ejectives by these girls is subject to a fine degree of sociolinguistic control, alongside interactional factors. Finally, cautious comparison of these data with recordings made in 1997 suggests that these results may also reflect a sound change in progress, given the very substantial real-time increase in ejective realizations of /k/ in Glasgow over the past fourteen years.
Augustine, the origin of evil, and the mystery of free will
Authors: WILLOWS ADAM M.
Published: November 2013

The question of why humanity first chose to sin is an extension to the problem of evil to which the free-will defence does not easily apply. In De libero arbitrio and elsewhere Augustine argues that as an instance of evil, the fall is necessarily inexplicable. In this article, I identify the problems with this response and attempt to construct an alternative based on Peter van Inwagen's free will ‘mysterianism’. I will argue that the origin of evil is inexplicable not because it is an instance of evil, but because it is an instance of free will.
Planar kinematics analysis of a snake-like robot
Authors: Douadi Lounis , Spinello Davide , Gueaieb Wail , Sarfraz Hassan
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the kinematics of a planar multibody vehicle which is aimed at the exploration, data collection, non-destructive testing and general autonomous navigation and operations in confined environments such as pipelines. The robot is made of several identical modules hinged by passive revolute joints. Every module is actuated with four active revolute joints and can be regarded as a parallel mechanism on a mobile platform. The proposed kinematics allows to overcome the nonholonomic kinematic constraint, which characterizes typical wheeled robots, resulting into a higher number of degrees of freedom and therefore augmented actuation inputs. Singularities in the kinematics of the modules are analytically identified. We present the dimensional synthesis of the length of the arms obtained as the solution of an optimization problem with respect to a suitable dexterity index. Simulation results illustrate a kinematic control path following inside pipes. Critical scenarios such as 135° elbows and concentric restriction are explored. Path following shows the kinematic capability of deployment of the robot for autonomous operations in pipelines, with feedback implemented by on-board sensors.
Elements of Ethics and Aesthetics in New Romanian Theatre
Authors: Modreanu Cristina
Published: November 2013

Young Romanian theatre artists are very concerned to address issues from the recent past and in using collaborative art to educational and therapeutic ends. The implications of the increased ethical consciousness in their work is addressed here by Cristina Modreanu, who focuses on the productions of directors Gianina Cӑrbunariu and David Schwartz. She analyzes the relationship between ethics and aesthetics in contemporary work against the backdrop of post-Communist Romanian society and in a global context, as well as the dynamics connecting the new wave of Romanian theatre to internationall tendencies in contemporary art, as observed by authors such as Jaques Rancière and Claire Bishop. Cristina Modreanu's doctorate on Romanian theatre after 1989 is from Bucharest University of Theatre and Film, and she has also developed the subject in lectures at Tel Aviv University and Plymouth University. A Fulbright alumna and former Visiting Scholar at New York University, Performance Studies Department, Modreanu currently lectures in Contemporary Performance at Bucharest University. Her publications include articles on Romanian and Eastern European theatre for journals such as Theater, Theater der Zeit, and Alternatives Théâtrales, and for the anthology Romania after 2000: Five New Plays, edited by Martin E. Segal.
Component Games on Regular Graphs
Authors: HOD RANI , NAOR ALON
Published: November 2013

We study the (1:b) Maker–Breaker component game, played on the edge set of ad-regular graph. Maker's aim in this game is to build a large connected component, while Breaker's aim is to prevent him from doing so. For all values of Breaker's biasb, we determine whether Breaker wins (on anyd-regular graph) or Maker wins (on almost everyd-regular graph) and provide explicit winning strategies for both players.

To this end, we prove an extension of a theorem of Gallai, Hasse, Roy and Vitaver about graph orientations without long directed simple paths.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Murine Peyer's Patches from Immunostained Cryosections
Authors: Ahlawat Sarita , De Jesus Magdia , Khare Kedar , Cole Richard A. , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: November 2013

Peyer's patches, macroscopic aggregates of lymphoid follicles present throughout the small intestines of humans and other mammals, are considered the gateway through which luminal dietary antigens and microbes are sampled by the mucosal immune system. The cellular make-up of Peyer's patch lymphoid follicles is not only complex, but highly dynamic, as there are at least four major cell types that are known to migrate in response to antigenic stimulation. In an effort to capture the complexity and dynamic nature of this specialized tissue, here we report the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of immunofluorescent-labeled mouse Peyer's patch cryosections. The technology that enabled the stacking and linear blending of serial cryosections was a novel macro for Fiji, the open source image-processing package based on ImageJ. By simultaneously labeling cryosections for surface markers CD45R, CD3, and CD11c, we provide a 3D image as well as quantitative measures of B-cell, T-cell, and dendritic cell populations at steady state and following exposure to the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin.
Living through the end: The phenomenon of dying at home
Authors: Solomon Diane N. , Hansen Lissi
Published: November 2013

Objectives:

To explore the unique lived experiences of one patient who died at home and her family members, and to interpret how dying at home influenced patterns of bereavement for this patient's family.

Methods:

Benner's (1985) interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to get at the embedded nature of the social phenomenon of dying at home, uncovering what may be taken for granted by participants — in this case, during and after the patient's home hospice course. The participants were a 78-year-old female diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis six months prior to death, her husband, and three of her four children. In line with the patient's wish to die at home, she voluntarily forewent food and drink when she no longer wished to watch her body deteriorate and felt that her life had run its course. She informed her family of this plan, and all were supportive. For data collection, separate single in-depth interviews were conducted with the deceased three months prior to death, and after death with three of her four children and her spouse of 60 years. For data analysis, the interview transcripts were coded for paradigm cases, exemplars, and themes.

Results:

The paradigm case, “The Meaning of Being at Home,” revealed that for study participants, remaining home with hospice provided a richly familiar, quiet, and safe environment for being together over time and focusing on relationships. Exemplars included “Driving Her Own Course” and “Not Being a Burden.” Salient themes encompassed patient and family characteristics, support, emotions, the value of time, and aspects of the healthcare team.

Significance of results:

End-of-life care providers need to hold a patient-centered, family-focused view to facilitate patient and family wishes to remain home to die. Investigation into family relationships, from the perspectives of both patient and family members, longitudinally, may enrich understanding and ability and help patients to die at home.
On the prediction of claim duration for income protection insurance policyholders
Authors: Liu Qing , Pitt David , Wu Xueyuan
Published: November 2013

This paper explores how we can apply various modern data mining techniques to better understand Australian Income Protection Insurance (IPI). We provide a fast and objective method of scoring claims into different portfolios using available rating factors. Results from fitting several prediction models are compared based on not only the conventional loss prediction error function, but also a modified loss function. We demonstrate that the prediction power of all the data mining methods under consideration is clearly evident using a misclassification plot. We also point out that this predictability can be masked by looking at just the conventional prediction error function. We then suggest using the stepwise regression technique to reduce the number of variables used in the data mining methods. Apart from this variable selection method, we also look at principal components analysis to increase understanding of the rating factors that drive claim durations of insured lives. We also discuss and compare how different variable combining techniques can be used to weight available predicting variables. One interesting outcome we discover is that principal components analysis and the weighted combination prediction model together provide very consistent results on identifying the most significant variables for explaining claim durations.
Fumarase Deficiency in Dichorionic Diamniotic Twins
Authors: Tregoning Simone , Salter Wendy , Thorburn David R. , Durkie Miranda , Panayi Maria , Wu Joyce Y. , Easterbrook Aaron , Coman David J
Published: November 2013

Fumarase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism of the Krebs Tricarboxylic Acid cycle. A heavy neurological disease burden is imparted by fumarase deficiency, commonly manifesting as microcephaly, dystonia, global developmental delay, seizures, and lethality in the infantile period. Heterozygous carriers also carry an increased risk of developing hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma. We describe a non-consanguineous family in whom a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy resulted in twin boys with fumarase deficiency proven at the biochemical, enzymatic, and molecular levels. Their clinical phenotype included hepatic involvement. A novel mutation in the fumarate hydratase gene was identified in this family.
Aging as Accelerated Accumulation of Somatic Variants: Whole-Genome Sequencing of Centenarian and Middle-Aged Monozygotic Twin Pairs
Authors: Ye Kai , Beekman Marian , Lameijer Eric-Wubbo , Zhang Yanju , Moed Matthijs H. , van den Akker Erik B. , Deelen Joris , Houwing-Duistermaat Jeanine J. , Kremer Dennis , Anvar Seyed Yahya , Laros Jeroen F. J. , Jones David , Raine Keiran , Blackburne Ben , Potluri Shobha , Long Quan , Guryev Victor , van der Breggen Ruud , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , ‘t Hoen Peter A. C. , den Dunnen Johan , van Ommen Gert Jan B. , Willemsen Gonneke , Pitts Steven J. , Cox David R. , Ning Zemin , Boomsma Dorret I. , Slagboom P. Eline
Published: November 2013

It has been postulated that aging is the consequence of an accelerated accumulation of somatic DNA mutations and that subsequent errors in the primary structure of proteins ultimately reach levels sufficient to affect organismal functions. The technical limitations of detecting somatic changes and the lack of insight about the minimum level of erroneous proteins to cause an error catastrophe hampered any firm conclusions on these theories. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome of DNA in whole blood of two pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins, 40 and 100 years old, by two independent next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms (Illumina and Complete Genomics). Potentially discordant single-base substitutions supported by both platforms were validated extensively by Sanger, Roche 454, and Ion Torrent sequencing. We demonstrate that the genomes of the two twin pairs are germ-line identical between co-twins, and that the genomes of the 100-year-old MZ twins are discerned by eight confirmed somatic single-base substitutions, five of which are within introns. Putative somatic variation between the 40-year-old twins was not confirmed in the validation phase. We conclude from this systematic effort that by using two independent NGS platforms, somatic single nucleotide substitutions can be detected, and that a century of life did not result in a large number of detectable somatic mutations in blood. The low number of somatic variants observed by using two NGS platforms might provide a framework for detecting disease-related somatic variants in phenotypically discordant MZ twins.
Pressure dependent stability and structure of carbon dioxide—A density functional study including long-range corrections
Authors: Gohr Sebastian , Grimme Stefan , Söhnel Tilo , Paulus Beate , Schwerdtfeger Peter
Published: November 2013

First-principles density functional theory (DFT) is used to study the solid-state modifications of carbon dioxide up to pressures of 60 GPa. All known molecular CO2 structures are investigated in this pressure range, as well as three non-molecular modifications. To account for long-range van der Waals interactions, the dispersion corrected DFT method developed by Grimme and co-workers (DFT-D3) is applied. We find that the DFT-D3 method substantially improves the results compared to the uncorrected DFT methods for the molecular carbon dioxide crystals. Enthalpies at 0 K and cohesive energies support only one possibility of the available experimental solutions for the structure of phase IV: the $R\overline{3}c$R3¯c modification, proposed by Datchi and co-workers [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 185701 (2009)]. Furthermore, comparing bulk moduli with experimental values, we cannot reproduce the quite large—rather typical for covalent crystal structures—experimental values for the molecular phases II and III.
Large work function reduction by adsorption of a molecule with a negative electron affinity: Pyridine on ZnO$(10\bar{1}0)$(101¯)
Authors: Hofmann Oliver T. , Deinert Jan-Christoph , Xu Yong , Rinke Patrick , Stähler Julia , Wolf Martin , Scheffler Matthias
Published: November 2013

Using thermal desorption and photoelectron spectroscopy to study the adsorption of pyridine on ZnO\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$(10\bar{1}0)$\end{document}(101¯0), we find that the work function is significantly reduced from 4.5 eV for the bare ZnO surface to 1.6 eV for one monolayer of adsorbed pyridine. Further insight into the interface morphology and binding mechanism is obtained using density functional theory. Although semilocal density functional theory provides unsatisfactory total work functions, excellent agreement of the work function changes is achieved for all coverages. In a closed monolayer, pyridine is found to bind to every second surface Zn atom. The strong polarity of the Zn-pyridine bond and the molecular dipole moment act cooperatively, leading to the observed strong work function reduction. Based on simple alignment considerations, we illustrate that even larger work function modifications should be achievable using molecules with negative electron affinity. We expect the application of such molecules to significantly reduce the electron injection barriers at ZnO/organic heterostructures.
Size distribution of associated clusters in liquid alcohols: Interpretation of simulation results in the frame of SAFT approach
Authors: Janeček Jiří , Paricaud Patrice
Published: November 2013

The size distribution and topology of associated clusters for primary alcohols is studied using molecular dynamics simulations. Liquid ethanol, propanol, butanol, hexanol, and octanol are simulated at pressure P = 1 bar and temperatures T = 300 K, T = 350 K, and T = 400 K. The fractions of molecules with different sets of hydrogen bonded partners, the size of associated cluster and the site–site distribution functions between atoms participating on hydrogen bonding are extracted from simulated trajectories. For all alcohols longer than ethanol, the length of the alkyl chain has only a marginal effect on the association. Consequently, related properties like coordination numbers of hydroxyl group, size distribution of associates, or fractions of differently coordinated alcohol molecules are independent on the molecular size. Although we employed a force-field without involved polarizability, we observe a positive cooperativity of hydrogen bonding simply as a consequence of steric and electrostatic interactions. The size and topology of associates is analyzed within the frame of 3B model of statistical association fluid theory. Although this approach enables good thermodynamic description of systems containing associating compounds, several insufficiencies appear in the description at molecular level.
In-gas-cell laser ion source for KEK isotope separation system
Authors: Mukai M. , Hirayama Y. , Jeong S. C. , Imai N. , Ishiyama H. , Miyatake H. , Oyaizu M. , Watanabe Y. X. , Kim Y. H.
Published: November 2013

The KEK isotope separation system (KISS) is an element-selective isotope separator under development at RIKEN. The in-gas-cell laser ion source is a critical component of the KISS, a gas cell filled with argon gas of 50 kPa enclosed in a vacuum chamber. In the gas cell, nuclear reaction products are stopped (i.e., thermalized and neutralized) and transported by a laminar flow of argon to the ionization region just upstream of the gas outlet, and thereby an element of interest among those reaction products is selectively ionized by two-color resonant laser irradiation. Recently, we succeeded to extract laser-ionized Fe ions by injecting an energetic Fe beam into the gas cell. Recent off- and on-line test results were presented and discussed.
A simple monomer-based model-Hamiltonian approach to combine excitonic coupling and Jahn-Teller theory
Authors: García-Fernández Pablo , Andjelković Ljubica , Zlatar Matija , Gruden-Pavlović Maja , Dreuw Andreas
Published: November 2013

The interplay of excitonic and vibronic coupling in coupled chromophores determines the efficiency of exciton localization vs delocalization, or in other words, coherent excitation energy transfer vs exciton hopping. For the investigation of exciton localization in large coupled dimers, a model Hamiltonian approach is derived, the ingredients of which can all be obtained from monomer ab initio calculations alone avoiding costly ab initio computation of the full dimer. The accuracy and applicability of this model are exemplified for the benzene dimer by rigorous comparison to ab initio results.
Time domain simulations of chemical bonding effects in surface-enhanced spectroscopy
Authors: El-Khoury Patrick Z. , Bylaska Eric J. , Hess Wayne P.
Published: November 2013

The atom-centered density-matrix propagation method is used to illustrate how time-dependent conformational changes affect the electronic structure and derived spectroscopic properties of a prototypical finite metal cluster-bound π-conjugated organic complex, Ag7-benzenethiol. We establish that there is considerable conformational flexibility to the model structure, even at relatively low temperatures, which influences the predicted spectroscopic properties. Namely, the computed electron densities, dipoles, and polarizabilities are all dictated by torsional motion which controls the coupling between the π-framework of the chemisorbed molecular system and the cluster.
Spectral decomposition of phosphorescence decays
Authors: Fuhrmann N. , Brübach J. , Dreizler A.
Published: November 2013

In phosphor thermometry, the fitting of decay curves is a key task in the robust and precise determination of temperatures. These decays are generally assumed to be mono-exponential in certain temporal boundaries, where fitting is performed. The present study suggests a multi-exponential method to determine the spectral distribution in terms of decay times in order to analyze phosphorescence decays and thereby complement the mono-exponential analysis. Therefore, two methods of choice are compared and verified using simulated data in the presence of noise. Addtionally, this spectral decomposition is applied to the thermographic phosphor Mg4FGeO6 : Mn and reveals changes in the exponential distributions of decay times upon a change of the excitation laser energy.
Performance enhancement in silicon solar cell by inverted nanopyramid texturing and silicon quantum dots coating
Authors: Sivasubramaniam Senthuran , Faramus Angelique , Tilley Richard D. , Alkaisi Maan M.
Published: November 2013

In this study, the performance enhancement in silicon solar cell by inverted nanopyramid texturing and silicon quantum dot coating has been investigated. The inverted nanopyramid was fabricated by laser interference lithography and subsequent pattern transfer dry etching and KOH wet etching. The silicon quantum dots were synthesized by size controllable microemulsion technique and were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. The nanopyramid texturing with 700 nm period inverted pyramid reduced the reflection below 10% over broad wavelength region. The overall efficiency of solar cell increased by 47% by inverted nanopyramid texturing combined with silicon quantum dot coating.
The effect of magnetic flutter on residual flow
Authors: Terry P. W. , Pueschel M. J. , Carmody D. , Nevins W. M.
Published: November 2013

The hypothesis that stochastic magnetic fields disrupt zonal flows associated with ion temperature gradient turbulence saturation is investigated analytically with a residual flow calculation in the presence of magnetic flutter. The calculation starts from the time-asymptotic zero-beta residual flow of Rosenbluth and Hinton [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 724 (1998)] with the sudden application of an externally imposed, fixed magnetic field perturbation. The short-time electron response from radial charge loss due to magnetic flutter is calculated from the appropriate gyrokinetic equation. The potential evolution has quadratic behavior, with a zero crossing at finite time. The crossing time and its parametric dependencies are compared with numerical results from a gyrokinetic simulation of residual flow in the presence of magnetic flutter. The numerical and analytical results are in good agreement and support the hypothesis that the high-beta runaway of numerical simulations is a result of the disabling of zonal flows by finite-beta charge losses associated with magnetic flutter.