bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformation stress induced metastable tetragonal phase in (93–92)%Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–(7–8)%PbTiO3 single crystals
Authors: Chang W. S. , Lim L. C. , Yang P. , Ku C.-S. , Lee H.-Y. , Tu C.-S.
Published: August 2010

High-resolution synchrotron radiation diffraction results indicate that the room temperature tetragonal (T) phase in (93–92)%Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–(7–8)%PbTiO3 [PZN–(7–8)%PT] single crystals is a metastable phase stabilized by the transformation-cum-cooling stress in the crystal. This is manifested by the “missing” (001)T diffractions when the diffractions were taken from (001) fractured surfaces. The stress relaxation in this case has caused the metastable (001)T domains in the surface layer to transform to the equilibrium rhombohedral phase. Temperature and particle size effects on the metastable domains have been examined and discussed. Based on the present finding, a new PZN–PT phase diagram showing extended rhombohedral+tetragonal region is proposed.
Nonlinear propagating kink waves in thin magnetic tubes
Authors: Ruderman M. S. , Goossens M. , Andries J.
Published: August 2010

The propagation of nonlinear nonaxisymmetric waves along a magnetic tube in an incompressible plasma embedded in a magnetic-free plasma is studied. The plasma and magnetic parameters in the tube core as well as plasma parameters in the external plasma are constant. Between the tube core and the magnetic-free plasma there is a thin annulus where the Alfvén speed monotonically decreases to zero. In this annulus there is a cylindrical surface where the phase speed of the global wave matches the local Alfvén speed. In the vicinity of this surface there is an efficient conversion of the global wave energy in the energy of local Alfvén waves. This results in the resonant absorption of the global wave and, as a consequence, in the global wave damping. The wave amplitude is assumed to be small and used as a small parameter in the singular perturbation method that is used to derive the nonlinear governing equation for nonaxisymmetric waves. This equation accounts both for nonlinearity and wave damping due to resonant absorption. A particular class of solutions of this equation in the form of helical waves is studied numerically. The main result obtained in this study is that nonlinearity accelerates the wave damping. It also distorts the shape of the tube boundary due to nonlinear generation of fluting modes.
Time resolved measurements of vortex-induced vibrations of a tethered sphere in uniform flow
Authors: van Hout René , Krakovich Alexander , Gottlieb Oded
Published: August 2010

The motion of a heavy tethered sphere and its wake were measured in a closed loop water channel using a time resolved, high-speed particle image velocimetry technique in a horizontal plane. Measurements were performed for nondimensional reduced velocities ranging from 2.8 to 31.1 that include three bifurcation regions. In order to analyze the vortex shedding characteristics, the directional swirling strength parameter was computed in addition to the vorticity as the former enables vortex identification. In the first bifurcation region, the sphere remained stationary and the wake was characterized by a train of hairpin vortices exhibiting symmetry in the vertical plane similar to visualization results obtained for stationary spheres. The second bifurcation region was characterized by large amplitude periodic oscillations transverse to the flow. Phase-averaged results for the swirling strength showed that although the shedding mechanism was identical for several reduced velocities, the phase at which vortices were shed increased with VR. Spatiotemporal swirling strength characteristics revealed counter-rotating vortex pairs in the far wake of the sphere. In addition to primary vortex pairs, secondary weaker vortical structures were also observed. In the third bifurcation region, nonstationary vortex shedding was characterized by high frequencies associated with shear layer instabilities causing pinch-off of small scale vortices. In addition, large scale undulations of the wake associated with the sphere motion were observed.
Magnetization reversal of two-dimensional superlattices of Mn3O4 nanocubes and their collective dipolar interaction effects
Authors: Chen Weimeng , Chen Chinping , Guo Lin
Published: August 2010

Magnetic properties of two-dimensional (2D) paddy-field like superlattices of Mn3O4 cubic nanoparticles have been investigated by magnetization measurements. The 2D ordered structure extends over several microns in size. Each nanocube is of single-crystal about 6 nm in size. The magnetic properties are investigated with the powders dispersed in nonmagnetic n-eicosane to “dilute” the dipolar interaction. By accounting for the temperature variation effect of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, Kmag(T), the temperature dependent coercivity, HC(T), can be well described by the equation, HC(T)=H0kmag(T)/mS(T){1−[kBT ln(t/t0)/E0kmag(T)]3/4}, in which kmag(T)=Kmag(T)/Kmag(0) is the reduced temperature dependent magnetocrystalline anisotropy and mS(T)=MS(T)/MS(0) is the reduced saturation magnetization. The effects of collective dipolar interaction on the magnetic properties are also studied with the as-prepared powder sample. The apparent magnetic anisotropy is seriously reduced with the presence of dipolar interaction. The switching volume is determined by the analysis on the magnetic measurements both with and without the dipolar interaction effect. There is a discrepancy in the value of switching volume determined by the two different analysis methods. Possible reasons are discussed.
Evanescent modes in sonic crystals: Complex dispersion relation and supercell approximation
Authors: Romero-García V. , Sánchez-Pérez J. V. , Garcia-Raffi L. M.
Published: August 2010

Evanescent modes in complete sonic crystals (SCs) and SC with point defects are reported both theoretically and experimentally in this paper. Plane wave expansion (PWE) and in general, ω(k) methods have been used to calculate band structures showing gaps that have been interpreted as ranges of frequencies where no real k exists. In this work, we extend PWE to solve the complex k(ω) problem applied to SC, introducing the supercell approximation for studying one vacancy. Explicit matrix formulation of the equations is given. This k(ω) method enables the calculation of complex band structures, as well as enabling an analysis of the propagating modes related with real values of the function k(ω), and the evanescent modes related with imaginary values of k(ω). This paper shows theoretical results and experimental evidences of the evanescent behavior of modes inside the SC band gap. Experimental data and numerical results using the finite elements method are in very good agreement with the predictions obtained using the k(ω) method.
On the driving force for recombination-induced stacking fault motion in 4H–SiC
Authors: Caldwell Joshua D. , Stahlbush Robert E. , Ancona Mario G. , Glembocki Orest J. , Hobart Karl D.
Published: August 2010

The formation and expansion of recombination-induced stacking faults (SFs) within 4H–SiC bipolar and unipolar devices is known to induce a drift in the forward voltage during forward bias operation. This drift renders devices unsuitable for commercial applications. While the expansion of SFs in 4H–SiC occurs by the recombination-enhanced dislocation glide mechanism, why SF expansion occurs, i.e., the energetic driving force, remains unclear. Recent experiments have revealed that SF contraction and a recovery of the forward voltage drift can be induced under many conditions, including forward bias operation. Such observations have enabled the identification of SF-related degradation in devices where imaging methods are not possible and are inconsistent with the previously reported energetic driving force models. We present a model that qualitatively explains these recent experimental observations, which is based on the quasi-Fermi energy of the electron population during forward bias operation. Device simulation results and further experiments are also reported in support of this model.
The fragment spin difference scheme for triplet-triplet energy transfer coupling
Authors: You Zhi-Qiang , Hsu Chao-Ping
Published: August 2010

To calculate the electronic couplings in both inter- and intramolecular triplet energy transfer (TET), we have developed the “fragment spin difference” (FSD) scheme. The FSD was a generalization from the “fragment charge difference” (FCD) method of Voityuk et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 117, 5607 (2002)] for electron transfer (ET) coupling. In FSD, the spin population difference was used in place of the charge difference in FCD. FSD is derived from the eigenstate energies and populations, and therefore the FSD couplings contain all contributions in the Hamiltonian as well as the potential overlap effect. In the present work, two series of molecules, all-trans-polyene oligomers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, were tested for intermolecular TET study. The TET coupling results are largely similar to those from the previously developed direct coupling scheme, with FSD being easier and more flexible in use. On the other hand, the Dexter’s exchange integral value, a quantity that is often used as an approximate for the TET coupling, varies in a large range as compared to the corresponding TET coupling. To test the FSD for intramolecular TET, we have calculated the TET couplings between zinc(II)-porphyrin and free-base porphyrin separated by different numbers of p-phenyleneethynylene bridge units. Our estimated rate constants are consistent with experimentally measured TET rates. The FSD method can be used for both intermolecular and intramolecular TET, regardless of their symmetry. This general applicability is an improvement over most existing methodologies.
Effect of Ni/Mn ratio on phase transformation and magnetic properties in Ni–Mn–In alloys
Authors: Rama Rao N. V. , Chandrasekaran V. , Suresh K. G.
Published: August 2010

The effect of variation in Ni/Mn ratio on structure, phase transformation, and magnetic properties was investigated in the Ni50−xMn37+xIn13 alloys. Small change in the Ni/Mn ratio drives the structure from martensite of tetragonal L10 to austenite of cubic L21 at room temperature. With decrease in Ni/Mn ratio or increase in Mn content the martensitic transformation temperature was found to decrease and the alloys do not undergo phase transformation below a critical value (7.86) of valence electron concentration (e/a). Temperature and field dependence of magnetization data reveals the complex magnetic nature arising from the coexistence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions in the system. It was found that the effect of Ni/Mn and Mn/In ratios on phase transformation and magnetic properties in Ni–Mn–In alloys is similar if the e/a value of the alloy system remains unchanged.
Twiss parameters and beam matrix formulation of generalized Courant–Snyder theory for coupled transverse beam dynamics
Authors: Chung Moses , Qin Hong , Davidson Ronald C.
Published: August 2010

Courant–Snyder (CS) theory for one degree of freedom has recently been generalized by Qin and Davidson to the case of coupled transverse dynamics with two degrees of freedom. The generalized theory has four basic components of the original CS theory, i.e., the envelope equation, phase advance, transfer matrix, and the CS invariant, all of which have their counterparts in the original CS theory with remarkably similar expressions and physical meanings. In this brief communication, we further extend this remarkable similarity between the original and generalized CS theories and construct the Twiss parameters and beam matrix in generalized forms for the case of a strong coupling system.
Self-consistent analysis of AlSb/InAs high electron mobility transistor structures
Authors: Li Yanbo , Zhang Yang , Zeng Yiping
Published: August 2010

The influences of channel layer width, spacer layer width, and δ-doping density on the electron density and its distribution in the AlSb/InAs high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have been studied based on the self-consistent calculation of the Schrödinger and Poisson equations with both the strain and nonparabolicity effects being taken into account. The results show that, having little influence on the total two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) concentration in the channel, the HEMT’s channel layer width has some influence on the electron mobility, with a channel as narrow as 100–130 Å being more beneficial. For the AlSb/InAs HEMT with a Te δ-doped layer, the 2DEG concentration as high as 9.1×1012 cm−2 can be achieved in the channel by enhancing the δ-doping concentration without the occurrence of the parallel conduction. When utilizing a Si δ-doped InAs layer as the electron-supplying layer of the AlSb/InAs HEMT, the effect of the InAs donor layer thickness is studied on the 2DEG concentration. To obtain a higher 2DEG concentration in the channel, it is necessary to use an InAs donor layer as thin as 4 monolayer. To test the validity of our calculation, we have compared our theoretical results (2DEG concentration and its distribution in different sub-bands of the channel) with the experimental ones done by other groups and show that our theoretical calculation is consistent with the experimental results.
Increase in internal quantum efficiency in small molecular oligothiophene: C60 mixed heterojunction solar cells by substrate heating
Authors: Wynands D. , Levichkova M. , Leo K. , Uhrich C. , Schwartz G. , Hildebrandt D. , Pfeiffer M. , Riede M.
Published: August 2010

We present small molecule solar cells with α,ω-bis-(dicyanovinylene)-sexithiophene:C60 mixed heterojunctions, reaching power conversion efficiencies of 4.9±0.2%. We use substrate heating during deposition of the mixed layer to achieve an optimized morphology and show that this significantly improves the internal quantum efficiencies (IQEs) to values approaching 70%. By optical modeling, we evaluate the amount of loss due to absorption in inactive layers and show that IQE of the active layer itself is about 80%.
Emergence of current branches in a series array of negative differential resistance circuit elements
Authors: Xu Huidong , Teitsworth Stephen W.
Published: August 2010

We study a series array of nonlinear electrical circuit elements that possess negative differential resistance and find that heterogeneity in the element properties leads to the presence of multiple branches in current–voltage curves and a nonuniform distribution of voltages across the elements. An inhomogeneity parameter rmax is introduced to characterize the extent to which the individual element voltages deviate from one another, and it is found to be strongly dependent on the rate of change of applied voltage. Analytical expressions are derived for the dependence of rmax on voltage ramping rate in the limit of fast ramping and are confirmed by direct numerical simulation.
Defects in gallium nitride nanowires: First principles calculations
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Li Jingbo , Gao Fei , Weber William J.
Published: August 2010

Atomic configurations and formation energies of native defects in an unsaturated GaN nanowire grown along the [001] direction and with (100) lateral facets are studied using large-scale ab initio calculation. Cation and anion vacancies, antisites, and interstitials in the neutral charge state are all considered. The configurations of these defects in the core region and outermost surface region of the nanowire are different. The atomic configurations of the defects in the core region are same as those in the bulk GaN, and the formation energy is large. The defects at the surface show different atomic configurations with low formation energy. Starting from a Ga vacancy at the edge of the side plane of the nanowire, a N–N split interstitial is formed after relaxation. As a N site is replaced by a Ga atom in the suboutermost layer, the Ga atom will be expelled out of the outermost layers and leaves a vacancy at the original N site. The Ga interstitial at the outmost surface will diffuse out by interstitialcy mechanism. For all the tested cases N–N split interstitials are easily formed with low formation energy in the nanowires, indicating N2 molecular will appear in the GaN nanowire, which agrees well with experimental findings.
Periodic orbits, invariant tori, and cylinders of Hamiltonian systems near integrable ones having a return map equal to the identity
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Martins Ricardo Miranda , Teixeira Marco Antonio
Published: August 2010

Generically the return map of an integrable Hamiltonian system with two degrees of freedom in a Hamiltonian level foliated by invariant tori is a twist map. If we perturb such integrable Hamiltonian system inside the class of Hamiltonian systems with two degrees of freedom, then the Poincaré–Birkhoff theorem allows to determine which periodic orbits of the integrable can be prolonged to the perturbed one, and the KAM theory provides sufficient conditions in order that some invariant tori persist under sufficiently small perturbations. If some power of this return map is the identity, then in general for these degenerate Hamiltonian systems we cannot study which periodic orbits of the integrable can be prolonged to the perturbed one, or if some invariant tori persist. This paper studies the perturbation of integrable Hamiltonian systems with two degrees of freedom having some power of the return map equal to the identity. We show with two different models a way to study the prolongation of periodic orbits and of invariant tori or cylinders filled with periodic orbits for such kind of Hamiltonian systems. The main tool in this study is the averaging theory.
Comparison of poloidal velocity measurements to neoclassical theory on the National Spherical Torus Experiment
Authors: Bell R. E. , Andre R. , Kaye S. M. , Kolesnikov R. A. , LeBlanc B. P. , Rewoldt G. , Wang W. X. , Sabbagh S. A.
Published: August 2010

Knowledge of poloidal velocity is necessary for the determination of the radial electric field, which along with its gradient is linked to turbulence suppression and transport barrier formation. Recent measurements of poloidal flow on conventional tokamaks have been reported to be an order of magnitude larger than expected from neoclassical theory. In contrast, poloidal velocity measurements on the NSTX spherical torus [Kaye et al., Phys. Plasmas 8, 1977 (2001)] are near or below neoclassical estimates. A novel charge exchange recombination spectroscopy diagnostic is used, which features active and passive sets of up/down symmetric views to produce line-integrated poloidal velocity measurements that do not need atomic physics corrections. Inversions are used to extract local profiles from line-integrated active and background measurements. Poloidal velocity measurements are compared with neoclassical values computed with the codes NCLASS [Houlberg et al., Phys. Plasmas 4, 3230 (1997)] and GTC-NEO [Wang et al., Phys. Plasmas 13, 082501 (2006)].
Response to “Comment on ‘Stimulated Raman scattering of laser from periodically spaced nanoparticles’ ” [Phys. Plasmas 17, 084703 (2010)]
Authors: Parashar J.
Published: August 2010

In their comments, Maraghechi and Chakhmachi [“Comment on ‘Stimulated Raman scattering of laser from periodically spaced nanoparticles’,” Phys. Plasmas 17, 084703 (2010)] overlooked the fact that the electromagnetic mode dispersion relation has two roots: the high frequency root I have plotted and the low frequency root. Maraghechi and Chakhmachi considered the case where pump and sideband waves lie on the high frequency branch of electromagnetic wave dispersion relation. Their result seems to be fine, but the magnitude of growth rate is significantly lower than the one we obtained when pump and decay waves fall on two different branches.
Spatial characterization of vortical structures and internal waves in a stratified turbulent wake using proper orthogonal decomposition
Authors: Diamessis Peter J. , Gurka Roi , Liberzon Alex
Published: August 2010

Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has been applied to two-dimensional transects of vorticity obtained from numerical simulations of the stratified turbulent wake of a towed sphere at a Reynolds number Re=(UD)/ν=5×103 and Froude number Fr=2U/(ND)=4 (U and D are characteristic velocity and length scales and N is the stratification frequency). At 231 times during the interval 12<Nt<35, the streamwise and spanwise vorticity components are sampled on span-depth (yz) and stream-depth (xz) planes, respectively, at select streamwise and spanwise locations. POD appears to provide a natural decomposition of the vorticity field inside the wake core in terms of the relative influence of buoyancy on flow dynamics. The geometry of the individual eigenmodes shows a vorticity structure that is buoyancy-controlled at the lowest modes and is increasingly more actively turbulent as modal index is increased. In the wake ambient, i.e., the initially quiescent region outside the turbulent wake, the geometry of the POD modes consists of distinct internal wave rays whose angle to the horizontal is strongly dependent on modal index. Reconstruction of vorticity fields from subranges of POD modes indicates that, both inside the wake core but also in the wave-dominated ambient, each modal subrange is not only associated with a particular flow structure but also a characteristic timescale of motion. These preliminary findings suggest that POD may be a highly suitable alternative to globally defined basis functions in analyzing spatially localized internal wave fields emitted from a turbulent source that are also localized in space. In particular, it may serve as a platform toward an improved understanding of two fundamental questions associated with the nonequilibrium regime of stratified wake evolution: the structural transitions of the vorticity field within the wake core and the radiation of internal waves by the wake.
Genetic algorithm designed silicon integrated photonic lens operating at 1550 nm
Authors: Marqués-Hueso José , Sanchis Lorenzo , Cluzel Benoit , de Fornel Frédérique , Martínez-Pastor Juan P.
Published: August 2010

We experimentally demonstrate a photonic integrated lens made of holes in a silicon slab operating at λ0=1550 nm. The lens has been designed using a genetic algorithm in conjunction with the two-dimensional multiple scattering theory and fabricated using silicon-on-insulator technology. scanning near field optical microscopy measurements have been performed in order to measure the light intensity distribution on the device surface. The obtained full width at half maximum of the focus is 0.23 λ0, which is in good agreement with three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations, and overcomes the diffraction limit in air, where the measurements are made.
Domain wall assisted magnetization switching in (111) oriented L1 FePt grown on a soft magnetic metallic glass
Authors: Kaushik Neelam , Sharma Parmanand , Yubuta Kunio , Makino Akihiro , Inoue Akihisa
Published: August 2010

We report on growth and magnetic properties of exchange-coupled (111)-L10 FePt hard/CoFeTaB soft magnetic metallic glass bilayered structure processed at lower temperature (∼400 °C). Single phaselike hysteresis loops with tailorable coercivity (<8.2 kOe) in out of plane direction are obtained. The magnetization switching mechanism is identified as domain wall assisted. In views of excellent nanofabrication abilities of metallic glass thin film and the ability to grow preferred oriented L10 FePt, the present bilayered structure is very promising for the fabrication of high density bit—patterned magnetic recording media and other spintronic devices.
High Q optomechanical resonators in silicon nitride nanophotonic circuits
Authors: Fong K. Y. , Pernice W. H. P. , Li Mo , Tang H. X.
Published: August 2010

We demonstrate integrated photonic circuits made from stoichiometric silicon nitride for effective integration of high Q micromechanical resonators and nano-optical components. Using silicon bulk micromachining techniques we fabricate free-standing highly tensile nanostrings exceeding 400 μm in length. The nanostrings are actuated using gradient optical force and their mechanical motion is readout with a sensitive interferometric scheme. A mechanical Q of 340 000 is obtained in vacuum. This fully integrated optomechanical circuit presents a promising scheme for on-chip high Q mechanical sensing applications.
A breathing rate sensor with plastic optical fiber
Authors: Mohanty Lipi , Kuang Kevin S. C.
Published: August 2010

A breathing rate sensor has been developed using plastic optical fiber and the test results are presented in this letter. The principle of coupling loss was used in designing this sensor to take advantage of the large core size of plastic optic fiber. The sensor was placed near the nostril to determine the rate of breathing as air was exhaled. The results demonstrated the ability to quantify the breathing rate and monitor different breathing patterns up to a resolution of 1 breath/s (1 Hz).
Alternative sources of p-type conduction in acceptor-doped ZnO
Authors: Limpijumnong Sukit , Gordon Luke , Miao Maosheng , Janotti Anderson , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: August 2010

We report first-principles calculations and interface simulations for Zn3P2, a compound that may form during doping of ZnO with phosphorous. While P is a deep acceptor in ZnO and thus unable to produce p-type conductivity, we show that hole accumulation can occur at ZnO/Zn3P2 interfaces due to the unusual valence-band alignment between the two materials. This provides an explanation for the hole conductivity that has been observed in Hall measurements on phosphorous-doped ZnO.
High sensing properties of magnetic plasmon resonance in the double-rod and tri-rod structures
Authors: Cao J. X. , Liu H. , Li T. , Wang S. M. , Dong Z. G. , Zhu S. N.
Published: August 2010

We numerically investigated the magnetic plasmon resonances in the double-rod and tri-rod structures (DRSs and TRSs) for sensing applications. Like localized surface plasmon modes in nanostructures, the magnetic plasmon resonance wavelengths are sensitive to refractive index changes in the environment medium. The electromagnetic fields near DRSs and TRSs were much more localized in the dielectric surrounding the structures at the resonance wavelengths, which caused the linewidth of magnetic responses narrower. A large figure of merit could be obtained in the magnetic plasmon modes of DRSs and TRSs, which enables the use of the structures as sensing elements with remarkable performance.
Structure and stoichiometry of (0001) 4H–SiC/oxide interface
Authors: Zhu Xingguang , Lee Hang Dong , Feng Tian , Ahyi Ayayi C. , Mastrogiovanni Daniel , Wan Alan , Garfunkel Eric , Williams John R. , Gustafsson Torgny , Feldman Leonard C.
Published: August 2010

The 4H–SiC/SiO2 interface is a major obstacle that hampers SiC device applications. The nature of the transition region stoichiometry and structure need to be elucidated to both understand and improve such devices. In this paper, we use medium energy ion scattering on device grade structures to examine critical aspects of this dielectric/semiconductor structure. Our findings indicate no excess C greater than 1.8×1014 cm−2 from the oxide surface down to a few monolayers beneath the SiC/SiO2 interface, setting limits on the previously predicted nonstoichiometric transition region on the dielectric side.
Ferromagnetic resonance in double perovskite epitaxial thin films of La2NiMnO6 on SrTiO3 and NdGaO3 substrates
Authors: Kazan S. , Mikailzade F. A. , Özdemir M. , Aktaş B. , Rameev B. , Intepe A. , Gupta A.
Published: August 2010

Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) studies of epitaxial La2NiMnO6 (LNMO) thin films on (100) oriented SrTiO3 and (110) oriented NdGaO3 substrates at room temperature are presented. Observation of FMR spectra above the Curie temperature of this compound confirms the presence of magnetic ordering in LNMO thin films at room temperature. Best fitting of FMR spectra has been made on the assumption of the coexistence of two magnetic phases with different easy and hard axis periodicities in the film plane of LNMO. The spectra of the films on various substrates are characterized by different in-plane and out-of-plane symmetries, which indicates the existence of different epitaxial growth on the substrates with different crystal symmetries and orientations.
Dissipation of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and tylosin in a soil under aerobic and anoxic conditions
Authors: Liu Feng , Ying Guang-Guo , Yang Ji-Feng , Zhou Li-Jun , Tao Ran , Wang Li , Zhang Li-Juan , Peng Ping-An
Published: August 2010

Environmental context.Wide application of antibiotics in the treatment of human beings and animals has led to increasing concern about their safe disposal. After use, antibiotics may enter the soil environment via disposal of wastes such as biosolids and animal manure. We investigated the biotic and abiotic factors that influence the dissipation in soil of three commonly used antibiotics sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and tylosin.
Abstract. Antibiotics could enter soil via application of biosolids as fertilisers, thus resulting in soil contamination. This study investigated the persistence of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and tylosin in a soil under aerobic and anoxic conditions. The dissipation of the antibiotics in the soil followed first-order reaction kinetics. The half-lives of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and tylosin were 2, 4 and 8 days in non-sterile soil under aerobic conditions respectively. Under anoxic conditions, their half-lives in non-sterile soil were 7, 11 and 16 days respectively. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim dissipated more rapidly in non-sterile soil than in sterile soil. Biodegradation played a major role in the dissipation of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in the soil. No significant difference was found for tylosin between the sterile and non-sterile treatments under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, suggesting that abiotic factors were responsible for the dissipation of tylosin in the soil.
Variations of aerosol properties due to regional source contributions and impacts on ozone levels:a study in a south China city
Authors: Wai Ka-Ming , Tanner Peter A.
Published: August 2010

Environmental context.Regional atmospheric contaminants from both anthropogenic and natural events (industrial activities, biomass burning, dust events) can have large impacts on the aerosol properties of distant downwind sites. Data showing the influence of regional sources on air quality in Hong Hong are presented. In particular, the changes in aerosol properties (e.g. mass concentration and particle size distribution), and their effects on photochemical ozone formation, is discussed.
Abstract.Variations of PM10 concentration and particle size distribution owing to the influence of industrial activities in mainland China, biomass burning in South East Asia and dust storms in north-west China, as well as the aerosol impact on surface ozone concentration, have been studied by a combination of analysis of air mass origin (by back-trajectory calculation), remote sensing techniques, regional chemical transport and photochemical box models. The PM10 concentrations in Hong Kong were reduced by 24–57% owing to the industrial downtime during the Chinese New Year period. A photochemical box model coupled with a radiative transfer model has been employed to predict surface maximum ozone concentrations during high aerosol loading days. Increase of aerosol optical depth can lead to 7–32% reduction of surface maximum ozone concentration. Our results emphasise the need for regional cooperation in tackling the local air pollution of Hong Kong.
Field intercomparison on the determination of volatile and semivolatile polyfluorinated compounds in air
Authors: Dreyer Annekatrin , Shoeib Mahiba , Fiedler Stefan , Barber Jon , Harner Tom , Schramm Karl-Werner , Jones Kevin C. , Ebinghaus Ralf
Published: August 2010

Environmental context.Polyfluorinated compounds are an emerging group of organic pollutants that are globally distributed in urban and natural environments. Reliable air monitoring methods are crucial to our understanding of how these pollutants are released to, and transported in, the atmosphere. This intercomparison study, involving laboratories that investigate polyfluorinated compounds in air, uncovers inconsistencies in the reported data, and highlights necessary analytical improvements for future research projects.
Abstract.Fluorotelomer alcohols, perfluorinated sulfonamides or sulfonamido ethanols are volatile precursors of persistent perfluorinated acids. Published air-sampling strategies and analytical methods to determine these compounds differ. To assess performance on the determination of airborne polyfluorinated compounds, an intercomparison comprising four international research groups was established. Instrumental and analytical comparability between laboratories varied depending on the compound class. Variability in different sampling strategies was assessed for active (high-volume) v. passive samplers consisting of either semipermeable membrane devices or sorbent-impregnated polyurethane foam disks. Results from passive samplers were typically within an order of magnitude of air concentrations from averaged continuous high-volume samples. Smallest deviations (passive v. active) were observed for sorbent-impregnated polyurethane foam disk samplers with best agreement for fluorotelomer alcohols. This study reveals that it is important to be aware of several types of uncertainty or error for the determination of airborne polyfluorinated compounds and report data in this context or to take steps to minimise their impact.
Low rates of free human papillomavirus vaccine uptake among young women
Authors: Moore Gregory R. , Crosby Richard A. , Young April , Charnigo Richard
Published: August 2010

Objective: To determine uptake of quadrivalent human papillomavirus recombinant vaccine (quadrivalent; Gardasil®, Merck, New Jersey, USA) offered under optimal conditions to women 18 to 24 years of age, and to identify predictors of uptake. Methods: Young women (n = 209) were recruited from a university health clinic. After completing a self-administered questionnaire, women received a free voucher for the entire vaccine series. Results: Only 59 women (28.2%) who were offered this free service completed the series. Just over half (50.7%) received the first dose. Of those, 78.3% returned to receive the second and 55.7% returned for the third. Young women who felt their mothers might not want them to be vaccinated were much less likely to complete the series compared with those who felt their mothers would ‘definitely’ want them to be vaccinated (P = 0.0002). Also, young women who indicated that they would take the time to return to the clinic for doses two and three were far more likely to complete the series (P = 0.0004). Several measures failed to achieve even bivariate significance with vaccine uptake, including being sexually active in the past 12 months, ever having a Pap test or an abnormal Pap test result, and ever having a sexually transmissible infection. Conclusions: Even under ideal conditions, uptake of Gardasil among women 18–24 years of age may be quite low. Maternal endorsement and young women’s perceptions about the time needed to return for subsequent doses are important determinants of vaccine uptake. Fortunately, these two determinants lend themselves to intervention efforts.
Human papillomavirus vaccine safety in Australia: experience to date and issues for surveillance
Authors: Gold Michael S. , Buttery Jim , McIntyre Peter
Published: August 2010

Australia was one of the first countries to licence a quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, rapidly followed by a federally funded program of universal vaccination of a broad age group of females through schools (12 to 18 years) and primary care (19 to 26 years). As of August 2009, more than 5.8 million doses of Gardasil® (quadrivalent; Merck, New Jersey, USA) have been distributed in Australia and a total of 1394 suspected adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) have been reported to the passive surveillance system. Most reports are of common and expected reactions. Case series of more uncommon and serious AEFI, both known to be potentially vaccine related (anaphylaxis, conversion disorders and lipoatrophy) and otherwise (multiple sclerosis and pancreatitis) have been published.
The appropriation of linguistic forms for better cognitive comprehension of the Nigerian pragmatic literature
Authors: Ibrahim Binta Fatima
Published: August 2010

The propensity of the English language to absorb native nuances by the African writers should be seen as a worthwhile stylistic device, despite the position of English language. Its adaptability to natural flavours should therefore be aimed at the writers’ intention to reach a wider audience. This also means that the attempt by writers to decolorize through literature the polluted African culture god through the use of appropriate notions and local nuances. The technique has, however, been to put on record traditional ways of life, the peoples’ customs, communal activities such as festivals, ceremonies, rituals, myths, folktales, proverbs, music, dance, songs, etc. in order to remind the African reader about the importance of these crucial aspects of the tradition in addition to the appropriation of language use.

Hence most African writings can be said to have their foundations in the cultural heritage of their various groups. through the use of what one may call technically implanted African English, African coinages, direct translation, proverbs, local idioms transfers of mother tongues, local insertions/ect. Hence it is not enough to use the sociological and residual approaches to literature. The formalist and pragmatic approaches should also be considered paramount in the writing of African literature. For the choice of diction, narrative technique and the entire pragma-aesthetic implications of the African man’s speech is important to the reader of African literature, if he is to understand the theme
Crosslinguistic variation in comparison constructions
Authors: Beck Sigrid , Krasikova Sveta , Fleischer Daniel , Gergel Remus , Hofstetter Stefan , Savelsberg Christiane , Vanderelst John , Villalta Elisabeth
Published: August 2010

This paper presents parallel sets of data on comparison constructions from 14 languages. On the basis of the crosslinguistic differences we observe, we propose three parameters of language variation. The first parameter concerns the question of whether or not a language’s grammar has incorporated scales into the meanings of gradable predicates. The second parameter differentiates between languages that allow quantification over degrees in the syntax and those that do not. Finally, we propose a syntactic parameter that concerns options for syntactically filling the degree argument position of a gradable predicate.
Representations reclaimed
Authors: Parthemore Joel , Morse Anthony F.
Published: August 2010

Understanding the relationship between concepts and experience seems necessary to specifying the content of experience, yet current theories of concepts do not seem up to the job. With Peter Gärdenfors’s conceptual spaces theory as a foundation and with enactivist philosophy as inspiration, we present a proposed extension to conceptual spaces theory and use it to outline a model of the emergence of concepts and experience. We conclude that neither is ultimately primary but each gives rise to the other: i.e., that they co-emerge. Such a model can then serve as the anchor to a theory of concepts more generally. Concepts are most naturally understood in symbolic and representational terms, while much of experience, in contrast, is non-symbolic and non-representational; yet the conflict between the two will, herein, be shown to be more apparent than real. The main contribution of this paper is to argue for, by means of this account of co-emergence, a continuum between “low-level” mental content that is more appropriately understood in highly context-sensitive and directly sensorimotor-based terms, and “high-level” mental content that is more appropriately understood in context-free and representational or symbolic terms. In doing so we conclude that the extreme positions of representationalism and anti-representationalism are fatally flawed.
Ideomotor design
Authors: Chandrasekharan Sanjay , Mazalek Alexandra , Nitsche Michael , Chen Yanfeng , Ranjan Apara
Published: August 2010

Recent experiments show video games have a range of positive cognitive effects, such as improvement in attention, spatial cognition and mental rotation, and also overcoming of cognitive disabilities such as fear of flying. Further, game environments are now being used to generate scientific discoveries, and bring about novel phenomenological effects, such as out-of-body experiences. These advances provide interesting interaction design possibilities for video games. However, since the cognitive mechanisms underlying these experimental effects are unknown, it is difficult to systematically derive novel systems and interaction designs based on these results. We review the emerging cognitive mechanism known as common coding (which proposes a common neural representation connecting execution, perception and imagination of movements), and outline how this mechanism could provide an integrated account of the cognitive effects of video games. We then illustrate, using two ongoing projects, how novel video game interaction designs could be derived by extending common coding theory.
The appeal of gossiping fallacies and its eco-logical roots
Authors: Bardone Emanuele , Magnani Lorenzo
Published: August 2010

In this paper we show how some reasoning, though fallacious, can appear to be attractive and useful for beings-like-us. Although they do not provide conclusive evidence to support or reject a certain claim the way scientific statements do, they tell us something interesting about how humans build up their arguments and reasons. First of all, we will consider and investigate three main types of fallacies: argumentum ad hominem (argument against person), argumentum ad verecundiam (appeal to authority), and argumentum ad populum (appeal to popularity or bandwagon). These three fallacies are traditionally considered as examples of a broader category called ignoratio elenchi. Secondly, we show how people who commit these fallacies rely on information about other human beings in their reasoning. That is, they do not follow certain logical procedures that eventually lead them to correct conclusions. But they simply make use of others as social characters. For example, being an authority, being an expert, being part of a class, etc., become the substitutes for more direct evidence to support a certain claim or to make an argument more appealing.
Irony is critical
Authors: Garmendia Joana
Published: August 2010

Irony is acknowledged to be usually critical: the ironic speaker tends to exhibit an apparent positive attitude in order to communicate a negative valuation. The reverse is considered to be also possible though: the ironic speaker can praise by apparent blaming, although it seldom happens. This unbalance between the two sorts of ironic examples is the so-called asymmetry issue of irony. Here I shall deny the possibility of being ironic without criticizing — hence the asymmetry issue is an illusion. By claiming that irony is always critical I suggest an even stronger claim: criticism is what distinguishes irony from the similar phenomenon of metaphor.
From clause conjoining to clause chaining in Dumut languages of New Guinea
Authors: de Vries Lourens
Published: August 2010

The Dumut languages Mandobo, South Wambon and North Wambon are a subgroup of the Awyu-Dumut family. They form a dialect chain that represents stages of the development from clause conjoining with independent verb forms to clause chaining with dependent verb forms that express switch-reference. South Wambon represents the first stage in which there is coordination reduction of tense and subject person-number suffixes in thematic continuity conditions. This process created three verb types: fully finite verbs; semi-finite verbs and non-finite verbs. Coordination reduction leaves the coordinating conjunctions intact and this explains the presence of coordinators with all verb types, including dependent verbs. Coordination reduction creates verb forms that signal subject continuity but it does not create subject discontinuity forms and there is no switch-reference in South Wambon. However, the introduction of dependent subject continuity forms gives South Wambon speakers a choice in subject continuity conditions between dependent forms and independent verb forms. Since speakers prefer dependent forms under these conditions, a frequency pattern emerges that associates independent forms with subject discontinuity conditions and that sets the stage for the development of medial verb forms and switch-reference. North Wambon and Mandobo represent the second stage in which subject discontinuity forms develop. North Wambon transforms conjoined semi-finite independent verbs into two types of special medial verb forms that express switch-reference. In Mandobo any medially occurring independent verb form is reinterpreted as a Different Subject form. The two-stage hypothesis revives the coordination reduction theory of Haiman (1983a) as an explanation for the origin of (certain) switch-reference systems by viewing coordination reduction as an explanation of SS forms only. In this way, the two-stage theory overcomes the problems of limited applicability that Roberts (1997: 190) noted for the original theory of Haiman (1983a).
Creativity in the use of gender agreement in Mawng
Authors: Singer Ruth
Published: August 2010

The two main types of nominal classification systems in Australian languages — classifiers and genders — are usually easy to distinguish both formally and functionally. However, in the Australian language Mawng, gender agreement carries much of the burden of reference, varies depending on how an entity is construed, and contributes elements of compositional meaning to discourse, with properties usually associated with classifiers rather than genders. The way that semantically-based genders are used in Mawng suggests that we need to add how classification is used to our typologies of nominal classification systems; existing typologies consider mainly morphosyntactic and semantic properties.
The origin and history of soybean.
Authors: Qiu LiJuan Qiu LiJuan , Chang RuZhen Chang RuZhen
Published: August 2010

The different theories of origin, classification and distribution of perennial and wild species in Asia especially in China, in America and the rest of the world, use, breeding and cultivation, products, and processing of soyabean are discussed.
The role of soybean in agriculture.
Authors: Guriqbal Singh Guriqbal Singh , Shivakumar B. G.
Published: August 2010

Cropping system, biological nitrogen fixation, effects on soil properties, diseases, insect pest, weeds, and residual effects on succeeding crops of soyabean are discussed.
Soybean growth and development.
Authors: Kumudini S.
Published: August 2010

This chapter is to give an overview of the vegetative and reproductive structures of soyabean and then discuss the environmental and genetic factors that control soyabean growth and development from seedling to maturity.
Water management in soybean.
Authors: Guriqbal Singh Guriqbal Singh
Published: August 2010

The water requirements of soyabean, the effects of moisture (drought and waterlogging) on nodulation, nitrogen fixation, growth and yield, irrigation scheduling, optimum irrigation schedules, irrigation management under saline conditions, conservation and efficient use of rain water and factors affecting water use efficiency in soyabean are discussed.