bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversion from Prograf to Advagraf in Adolescents with stable liver transplants: Comparative pharmacokinetics and 1-year follow-up
Authors: Carcas-Sansuán Antonio J. , Hierro Loreto , Almeida-Paulo Gonzalo N. , Frauca Esteban , Tong Hoi Yan , Díaz Carmen , Piñana Enrique , Frías-Iniesta Jesús , Jara Paloma
Published: July 2013

The recommended dose of Advagraf for conversion from Prograf is considered to be 1:1 on a milligram basis. However, the long-term equivalence of Prograf and Advagraf has been questioned. The relative bioavailability of Advagraf and Prograf was evaluated in a single-center, open-label study of Prograf-to-Advagraf conversion in 20 patients, ranging in age from 12 to 18 years, who had a stable liver transplant and were receiving Prograf. After the supervised administration of Prograf for 7 days, the patients were converted to Advagraf. On days 7 and 14, serial blood samples were obtained for tacrolimus determinations. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a noncompartmental approach, and the relative bioavailability of both formulations was calculated according to standard statistical methods. Polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 3A5 (rs776746), adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette B1 (rs1045642), POR*28 (rs1057868), and POR (rs2868177) were determined with standard methods. The clinical and analytical data from a 1-year follow-up period were collected for all patients 30, 90, 180, and 360 days after conversion. The mean ratios for C
max and AUC0-24 were 96.9 (90% confidence interval = 85.37-110.19) and 100.1 (90% confidence interval = 90.8-112.1), respectively. No relationship was found between the patients' genotypes and the pharmacokinetic tacrolimus values. During the follow-up, biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, cystatin C, and creatinine) did not change significantly; 3 patients presented with relevant clinical events, but no event was considered to be related to tacrolimus. A decrease in tacrolimus blood levels and an increase in dose/level ratios were observed 3 and 6 months after conversion, but they returned to basal levels by month 12. In conclusion, conversion from Prograf to Advagraf with a 1:1 dose equivalence is appropriate as an initial guideline. Our 1-year follow-up showed a transient decrease in tacrolimus levels, so closer monitoring of tacrolimus levels may be required after conversion. Liver Transpl 19:1151–1158, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Cyclosporine and tacrolimus have inhibitory effects on toll-like receptor signaling after liver transplantation
Authors: Howell Jessica , Sawhney Rohit , Testro Adam , Skinner Narelle , Gow Paul , Angus Peter , Ratnam Dilip , Visvanathan Kumar
Published: July 2013

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in transplantation biology. The effect of immunosuppression on TLR function after liver transplantation is unknown. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 113 post–liver transplant patients and 13 healthy controls were stimulated with TLR-specific ligands [lipopolysaccharide (TLR4), pan-3-cys (P3C) (TLR2), Poly (I:C) (PIC) (TLR3), R848 (TLR7/8), and CpG (TLR9)] for 24 hours. PBMCs from 5 healthy controls were also cultured with therapeutic concentrations of cyclosporine A (CYA) and tacrolimus (TAC). Cytokine production was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry. PBMCs from patients on calcineurin inhibitors after liver transplantation produced less interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in response to TLR2 stimulation (IL-6: P=0.02; TNFα: P=0.01), TLR4 stimulation (IL-6: P=0.02; TNFα: P=0.01), and TLR7/8 stimulation (IL-6: P=0.02; TNFα: P=0.02), compared with healthy controls. Both CD56bright and CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells from patients on calcineurin inhibitors also produced less interferon-γ (IFNγ) with TLR7/8 stimulation compared with healthy controls (CD56bright: P=0.002; CD56dim: P=0.004). Similar findings were demonstrated in healthy PBMCs cultured with CYA (PBMCs: TLR2, IL-6: P=0.005; TLR4, IL-6: P=0.03, TNFα: P=0.03; TLR7/8, IL-6: P=0.02, TNFα: P=0.01; CD56dim NK cells: TLR7/8, IFNγ: P=0.03). TAC impaired TLR4-mediated IL-6 and TNFα production by PBMCs (IL-6; P = 0.02; TNFα P = 0.009). In conclusion, patients on calcineurin inhibitors had impaired inflammatory cytokine production in response to TLR2, TLR4, and TLR7/8 stimulation compared comparison with healthy controls. Importantly, TAC and CYA appear to have different effects on TLR signaling. Impaired TLR function has important repercussions for risk of infection, graft rejection, and disease recurrence after transplantation, and the different immunosuppressive profiles of CYA and TAC may guide the choice of therapy to improve disease outcomes. Liver Transpl 19:1099-1107, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Catalytically Active Nanocomposites Based on Palladium and Platinum Nanoparticles in Poly(2‐vinylpyridine) Brushes
Authors: Koenig Meike , Simon Frank , Formanek Petr , Müller Martin , Gupta Smrati , Stamm Manfred , Uhlmann Petra
Published: July 2013

Novel catalytically active nanocomposite surfaces are fabricated by in situ synthesis of palladium or platinum nanoparticles inside poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP) brushes, used as a nano‐reactor. Focusing on the revelation of the interaction of the metal species with P2VP, the immobilization is investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform IR (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron micro­scopy (TEM). Homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles is achieved. The mechanism of nanoparticle formation is investigated by study­ing the influence of particular reaction parameters and the catalytic activity of the nanocomposites is confirmed using a model reaction.

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Automated transfer and injection of hyperpolarized molecules with polarization measurement prior to in vivo NMR
Authors: Cheng Tian , Mishkovsky Mor , Bastiaansen Jessica A. M. , Ouari Olivier , Hautle Patrick , Tordo Paul , van den Brandt Ben , Comment Arnaud
Published: July 2013

Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance via dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization necessitates the transfer of the hyperpolarized molecules from the polarizer to the imager prior to in vivo measurements. This process leads to unavoidable losses in nuclear polarization, which are difficult to evaluate once the solution has been injected into an animal. We propose a method to measure the polarization of the hyperpolarized molecules inside the imager bore, 3 s following dissolution, at the time of the injection, using a precise quantification of the infusate concentration. This in situ quantification allows for distinguishing between signal modulations related to variations in the nuclear polarization at the time of the injection and signal modulations related to physiological processes such as tissue perfusion. In addition, our method includes a radical scavenging process that leads to a minor reduction in sample concentration and takes place within a couple of seconds following the dissolution in order to minimize the losses due to the presence of paramagnetic polarizing agent in the infusate. We showed that proton exchange between vitamin C, the scavenging molecule and the deuterated solvent shortens the long carboxyl 13C longitudinal relaxation time in [1‐13C]acetate. This additional source of dipolar relaxation can be avoided by using deuterated ascorbate. Overall, the method allows for a substantial gain in polarization and also leads to an extension of the time window available for in vivo measurements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliable chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging of human lumbar intervertebral discs using reduced‐field‐of‐view turbo spin echo at 3.0 T
Authors: Liu Qi , Jin Ning , Fan Zhaoyang , Natsuaki Yutaka , Tawackoli Wafa , Pelled Gadi , Bae Hyun , Gazit Dan , Li Debiao
Published: July 2013

The reduced field‐of‐view (rFOV) turbo‐spin‐echo (TSE) technique, which effectively suppresses bowel movement artifacts, is developed for the purpose of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging of the intervertebral disc (IVD)in vivo. Attempts to quantify IVD CEST signals in a clinical setting require high reliability and accuracy, which is often compromised in the conventionally used technique. The proposed rFOV TSE CEST method demonstrated significantly superior reproducibility when compared with the conventional technique on healthy volunteers, implying it is a more reliable measurement. Phantom study revealed a linear relation between CEST signal and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration. The feasibility of detecting IVD degeneration was demonstrated on a healthy volunteer, indicating that the proposed method is a promising tool to quantify disc degeneration. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Test for Exponentiality Versus NBUmgf Life Distributions Based on Laplace Transform
Authors: Atallah M. A. , Mahmoud M. A. W. , Al‐ Zahrani B. M.
Published: July 2013

In this article, we derive a new test statistic for testing exponentiality against ‛the new better than used in the moment generating function order ageing class’ (NBUmgf). The critical values and the powers of this test are calculated to assess the performance of the test. It is shown that the proposed test has high efficiencies for some commonly used distributions in reliability. Sets of real data are used as examples to elucidate the use of the proposed test for practical problems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Flexible and Generalized Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Chart for Count Data
Authors: Saghir Aamir , Lin Zhengyan
Published: July 2013

The Conway–Maxwell–Poisson distribution can be used to model under‐dispersed or over‐dispersed count data. This study proposes a flexible and generalized attribute exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), namely GEWMA, control chart for monitoring count data. The proposed EWMA chart is based on the Conway–Maxwell–Poisson distribution. The performance of the proposed chart is evaluated in terms of run length (RL) characteristics such as average RL, median RL, and standard deviation of the RL distribution. The average RL of the proposed GEWMA chart is compared with Sellers chart. The sensitivity of the standard Poisson EWMA (PEWMA) chart is also studied and compared with the proposed GEWMA chart for under‐dispersed or over‐dispersed data. It has been observed that the PEWMA chart is very sensitive for under‐dispersed or over‐dispersed data while the proposed GEWMA is very robust. Finally, the generalization of the proposed chart to the Bernoulli EWMA, PEWMA, and geometric EWMA charts is also studied using someone simulated data sets. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remote sensing of layered random media using the radiative transfer theory
Authors: Mudaliar Saba
Published: July 2013

The radiative transfer (RT) approach is widely used in remote sensing applications. Although this approach involves approximations, they are often not explicitly stated or explained. The RT approach for random media with nonscattering boundaries has been well studied, and the underlying assumptions are clearly documented. In contrast, our problem has scattering boundaries which are randomly rough. In order to better understand the RT approach to our problem, we adopt a statistical wave approach for modeling multiple scattering in the combined problem of random media and rough surfaces. The geometry of our problem consists of a multilayer discrete random medium with rough boundaries which are planar on the average. The statistical characteristics of the random medium in each layer are independent of each other and independent of the statistics describing the rough interfaces. Using the Green's functions of the problem without the volumetric fluctuations, we represent our problem as a system of integral equations. Employing the T‐matrix description, we first average with respect to volumetric fluctuations to obtain a system of integral equations. We next average with respect to surface fluctuations, apply the weak surface correlation approximation, and arrive at a closed system of integral equations for the first and second moments of the electric fields. We use the Wigner transforms to relate the coherence functions to radiant intensities. On applying the quasi‐uniform field approximation, we hence arrive at a system of equations identical to those used in the RT approach. In this process, we find that there are more conditions involved in the RT approach to our problem than widely believed to be sufficient. The important additional conditions are the following: (a) the thickness of layers are larger than the mean free path of the layer medium, and (b) the character of interface roughness is such that weak surface correlation approximation is applicable.
Adaptive high‐order dynamic sliding mode control for a flexible air‐breathing hypersonic vehicle
Authors: Zong Qun , Wang Jie , Tao Yang
Published: July 2013

The problem of tracking control for a longitudinal air‐breathing hypersonic vehicle model with flexible effects and intricate couplings between the engine dynamics and flight dynamics is investigated in this paper. In order to overcome the analytical intractability of this model, a simplified model is constructed during the feedback controller design. High‐order dynamic sliding mode control is proposed to force the velocity and altitude of the flexible air‐breathing hypersonic vehicle (FAHV) to the desired reference commands in finite time. In addition, the adaptive control method is employed to identify bounded uncertainties for eliminating the requirement of boundaries needed in the robust controller design and to guarantee the property of finite time stability without information of upper bound of uncertainties. Finally, simulations are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the control strategies.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further results on delay‐dependent absolute and robust stability for time‐delay Lur'e system
Authors: Li Tao , Qian Wei , Wang Ting , Fei Shumin
Published: July 2013

In this paper, together with two improved Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, several novel sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee two kinds of time‐delay Lur'e system to be absolutely and robustly stable, in which the linear fractional uncertainties are involved, and both time‐delay and its variation rate can be fully utilized. Through using the combined convex technique, some previously ignored terms can be reconsidered when estimating the triple integral Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional terms’ derivative, and the criteria are presented in terms of LMIs, in which its solvability heavily depends on the information of addressed systems. Finally, the comparing results in the numerical examples demonstrate our idea can reduce the conservatism more efficiently than some present ones. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging in gynecological disease (9): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of tubal cancer
Authors: Ludovisi M. , De Blasis I. , Virgilio B. , Fischerova D. , Franchi D. , Pascual M. A. , Savelli L. , Epstein E. , Van Holsbeke C. , Guerriero S. , Czekierdowski A. , Zannoni G. , Scambia G. , Jurkovic D. , Rossi A. , Timmerman D. , Valentin L. , Testa A. C.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To describe clinical history and ultrasound findings in patients with tubal carcinoma.

Methods

Patients with a histological diagnosis of tubal cancer who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination were identified from the databases of 13 ultrasound centers. The tumors were described by the principal investigator at each contributing center on the basis of ultrasound images, ultrasound reports and research protocols (when applicable) using the terms and definitions of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group. In addition, three authors reviewed together all available digital ultrasound images and described them using subjective evaluation of gray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasound findings.

Results

We identified 79 women with a histological diagnosis of primary tubal cancer, 70 of whom (89%) had serous carcinomas and 46 (58%) of whom presented at FIGO stage III. Forty‐nine (62%) women were asymptomatic (incidental finding), whilst the remaining 30 complained of abdominal bloating or pain. Fifty‐three (67%) tumors were described as solid at ultrasound examination, 14 (18%) as multilocular solid, 10 (13%) as unilocular solid and two (3%) as unilocular. No tumor was described as a multilocular mass. Most tumors (70/79, 89%) were moderately or very well vascularized on color or power Doppler ultrasound. Normal ovarian tissue was identified adjacent to the tumor in 51% (39/77) of cases. Three types of ultrasound appearance were identified as being typical of tubal carcinoma using pattern recognition: a sausage‐shaped cystic structure with solid tissue protruding into it like a papillary projection (11/62, 18%); a sausage‐shaped cystic structure with a large solid component filling part of the cyst cavity (13/62, 21%); an ovoid or oblong completely solid mass (36/62, 58%).

Conclusions

A well vascularized ovoid or sausage‐shaped structure, either completely solid or with large solid component(s) in the pelvis, should raise the suspicion of tubal cancer, especially if normal ovarian tissue is seen adjacent to it. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Y2O3 nanosheets as slurry abrasives for chemical-mechanical planarization of copper
Authors: He Xingliang , Chen Yunyun , Zhao Huijia , Sun Haoming , Lu Xinchun , Liang Hong
Published: July 2013

Continued reduction in feature dimension in integrated circuits demands high degree of flatness after chemical mechanical polishing. Here we report using new yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanosheets as slurry abrasives for chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) of copper. Results showed that the global planarization was improved by 30% using a slurry containing Y2O3 nanosheets in comparison with a standard industrial slurry. During CMP, the two-dimensional square shaped Y2O3 nanosheet is believed to induce the low friction, the better rheological performance, and the laminar flow leading to the decrease in the within-wafer-non-uniformity, surface roughness, as well as dishing. The application of the two-dimensional nanosheets as abrasive in CMP would increase the manufacturing yield of integrated circuits.
Centennial-scale Asian Monsoon variability during the mid-Younger Dryas from Qingtian Cave, central China
Authors: Liu Dianbing , Wang Yongjin , Cheng Hai , Kong Xinggong , Chen Shitao
Published: July 2013

The regional climate correlation within the Northern Hemisphere in the cold/dry mid-Younger Dryas event (YD) remains elusive. A key to unraveling this issue is sufficient knowledge of the detailed climate variability at the low latitudes. Here we present a high-resolution (3-yr) δ18O record of an annually laminated stalagmite from central China that reveals a detailed Asian monsoon (AM) history from 13.36 to 10.99 ka. The YD in this record is expressed as three phases, characterized by gradual onsets but rapid ends. During the mid-YD, the AM variability exhibited an increasing trend superimposed by three centennial oscillations, well-correlated to changes in Greenland temperatures. These warming/wetting fluctuations show a periodicity of ~ 200 yr, generally in agreement with centennial changes in cosmogenic nuclides indicated by the10Be flux from the Greenland ice. This relationship implies that centennial-scale climate changes during the mid-YD are probably caused by solar output and rapidly transported over broad regions through atmosphere reorganization.
Conceptualising the Relationship between Maternal Parenting Style and Adolescent Self-Esteem: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Boer Olivia E. , Tranent Peter J.
Published: July 2013

This study investigated the relationship between adolescent self-esteem and maternal parenting style, using the four-style typology identified by Maccoby and Martin (1983). Additionally, the researchers considered whether it was more pragmatic to conceptualise parenting style as two separate co-occurring dimensions of parenting: responsiveness and demandingness. Male and female adolescents (N = 140, mean age 14.73 years, 64% female) completed questionnaires measuring perceived maternal responsiveness and demandingness, and self-esteem. Consistent with previous research, differences were found between the four parenting styles for adolescent self-esteem. However, maternal responsiveness was demonstrated to be the only significant predictor of adolescent self-esteem (p < .001). The researchers concluded that considering responsiveness and demandingness as separate dimensions, rather than combining them to form discrete categories, provided a more accurate and practical conceptualisation of the relationship between maternal parenting style and adolescent self-esteem.
An Exploratory Investigation of the Process of Perspective Taking in Interpersonal Situations
Authors: Gerace Adam , Day Andrew , Casey Sharon , Mohr Philip
Published: July 2013

The ability to take the perspectives of others is considered a prerequisite for effective interpersonal interaction. Despite extensive investigation into the correlates of perspective taking, there have been few previous attempts to understand the process by which people take another's psychological point of view. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the strategies used by individuals when attempting to take the perspective of another person. Twelve participants discussed a time they engaged in perspective taking. The analysis revealed that perspective taking was used in situations in which significant negative emotions could arise, and that participants shifted between the use of self-information (e.g., switching places, past experience) and other-information (e.g., target's personal characteristics) during the process of perspective taking. Different emotions and cognitions were associated with taking one's own perspective and taking that of the other person. The study provides a direct consideration of an under-investigated component of social and personal relationships.
Rethinking Romano-British*Corinium
Authors: Coates Richard
Published: July 2013

It is suggested that the name generally accepted as the Romano-British name of Cirencester, *Corinium, the traditional spelling deriving from a Latin rendering of that in Ptolemy'sGeography, is mistaken, and that for philologically sound reasons the authentic name is more likely to have beenCironium, as recorded in the Ravenna Cosmography.
Best Evidence: The Role of Information in Domestic Judicial Enforcement of International Human Rights Agreements
Authors: Lupu Yonatan
Published: July 2013

Independent domestic courts play important roles in enforcing international human rights agreements, thereby providing a mechanism by which international institutions can affect government policy. Yet this enforcement power is constrained not only by independence but also by the courts' ability to overcome information problems. Domestic courts' enforcement power depends on information in two ways: the costs of producing legally admissible evidence of abuses and the applicable legal standards of proof. When countries ratify international agreements, judicial enforcement can improve government practices when evidence-production costs and standards of proof are low, but not otherwise. With respect to personal integrity rights violations, evidence is especially difficult to obtain, and standards of proof are high, meaning that the courts will not be able to constrain government practices. By contrast, evidence-production costs and standards of proof are lower for other civil rights violations, so courts will be able to prosecute offenders and bring governments into line with their international commitments. Consistent with this theory, I find that commitments to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) have significantly improved governments' respect for the freedoms of speech, association, assembly, and religion. With respect to personal integrity rights, however, I find that commitments to the ICCPR have not improved government practices.
Can International Nongovernmental Organizations Boost Government Services? The Case of Health
Authors: Murdie Amanda , Hicks Alexander
Published: July 2013

Do international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) lessen the need for states to provide their own services? In the case of health, many assume that INGOs limit health spending by governments. Against the conventional wisdom, we argue that these organizations create increased demand for governmental health spending through three mechanisms: (1) indirectly affecting the policy-making climate (“climatic conditioning”), (2) aiding domestic NGO and health activists in their efforts, and (3) directly pressuring governments for increased health spending themselves. Given these mechanisms, health INGOs, although typically supplying health services of their own within a country, should augment pressure for public service provision by the state and, it follows, lead to increased state health spending. We test our argument using a new data set on health INGOs, together with a well-established model of health spending, and find ample support for our arguments. Increases in health INGOs' activities do lead to increased governmental health spending, mainly by indirectly affecting the policy-making climate and, most especially, advancing the effective efforts of domestic activists.
Combining Civil and Interstate Wars
Authors: Cunningham David E. , Lemke Douglas
Published: July 2013

Quantitative studies of conflict analyze either civil or interstate war. While there may be observable differences between civil and interstate wars, theories of conflict focus on phenomena—such as information asymmetries, commitment problems, and issue divisibility—that should explain both conflicts within and between states. In analyses of conflict onset, duration, and outcome combining civil and interstate wars, we find most variables have similar effects on both “types” of war. We thus question whether there is any justification for separate study of war types.
On projecting grammatical persons into social neurocognition: A view from linguistics
Authors: Evans Nicholas
Published: July 2013

Though it draws on the grammatical metaphor of person (first, third, second) in terms of representations, Schilbach et al.'s target article does not consider an orthogonal line of evidence for the centrality of interaction to social cognition: the many grammatical phenomena, some widespread cross-linguistically and some only being discovered, which are geared to supporting real-time interaction. My commentary reviews these, and the contribution linguistic evidence can make to a fuller account of social cognition.
Why not the first-person plural in social cognition?
Authors: Gallotti Mattia
Published: July 2013

Through the mental alignment that sustains social interactions, the minds of individuals are shared. One interpretation of shared intentionality involves the ability of individuals to perceive features of the action scene from the perspective of the group (the “we-mode”). This first-person plural approach in social cognition is distinct from and preferable to the second-person approach proposed in the target article.
Talking to each other and talking together: Joint language tasks and degrees of interactivity
Authors: Gambi Chiara , Pickering Martin J.
Published: July 2013

A second-person perspective in neuroscience is particularly appropriate for the study of communication. We describe how the investigation of joint language tasks can contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying interaction.
Second person neuroscience needs theories as well as methods
Authors: Hamilton Antonia F. de C.
Published: July 2013

Advancing second-person neuroscience will need strong theories, as well as the new methods detailed by Schilbach et al. I assess computational theories, enactive theories, and cognitive/information processing theories, and argue that information processing approaches have an important role to play in second-person neuroscience. They provide the closest link to brain imaging and can give important insights into social behaviour.
Social perception and “spectator theories” of other minds
Authors: Overgaard Søren , Krueger Joel
Published: July 2013

We resist Schilbach et al.'s characterization of the “social perception” approach to social cognition as a “spectator theory” of other minds. We show how the social perception view acknowledges the crucial role interaction plays in enabling social understanding. We also highlight a dilemma Schilbach et al. face in attempting to distinguish their second-person approach from the social perception view.
The brain as part of an enactive system
Authors: Gallagher Shaun , Hutto Daniel D. , Slaby Jan , Cole Jonathan
Published: July 2013

The notion of an enactive system requires thinking about the brain in a way that is different from the standard computational-representational models. In evolutionary terms, the brain does what it does and is the way that it is, across some scale of variations, because it is part of a living body with hands that can reach and grasp in certain limited ways, eyes structured to focus, an autonomic system, an upright posture, etc. coping with specific kinds of environments, and with other people. Changes to any of the bodily, environmental, or intersubjective conditions elicit responses from the system as a whole. On this view, rather than representing or computing information, the brain is better conceived as participating in the action.
The effect of construction frequency and native transfer on second language knowledge of the syntax–discourse interface
Authors: SLABAKOVA ROUMYANA
Published: July 2013

This article investigates knowledge of discourse-conditioned left dislocations in the interlanguage competence in Spanish and English second language learners. Although Spanish clitic left dislocation (CLLD) and English topicalization are functionally very similar, they differ in that the former but not the latter requires the dislocated phrase to be clitic doubled. In contrast, the fronted focus (FF) construction is functionally and syntactically similar in the two languages. Two experimental studies investigated knowledge of the syntactic form and discourse appropriateness of CLLD and topicalization, using knowledge of FF as a baseline. English-native learners of Spanish were successful in acquiring CLLD as well as FF. However, Spanish-native learners of English demonstrated no knowledge of English topicalization even at near-native levels of proficiency, whereas they did well on the transferable FF. These results are examined in the light of the interface hypothesis. It is argued that construction frequency in the input and transfer from the native language, but only those two factors together, can explain the experimental results.
Reliability of self-reported sun exposure in Canadian women and estimation of lifetime exposure to vitamin D from sun and diet
Authors: Cook Linda S , Moon Bevin L , Dong Yan , Neilson Heather K
Published: July 2013

Objective

To assess the inter-method reliability of the Ovarian Cancer in Alberta (OVAL) survey developed to estimate adult vitamin D exposure from sun and diet for every tenth year, against the longer Geraldton Skin Cancer Prevention Survey (the assumed ‘gold standard’). We also estimated total vitamin D exposure using the OVAL survey.

Design

A randomized crossover design to assess the inter-method reliability of sun exposure (OVAL v. Geraldton survey), using intra-class correlation and estimated total vitamin D exposure from sun and diet.

Setting

Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Subjects

Randomly selected women (n 90) aged 40–79 years.

Results

The average lifetime sun exposure of 13 913 h (average 411 h/year) from the Geraldton survey was not significantly different from the 13 034 h (average 385 h/year) from the OVAL survey for periods with sufficient UV radiation to stimulate vitamin D production. The intra-class correlation coefficient for average lifetime sun exposure was 0·77 (95 % CI 0·69, 0·86); the annual average was 0·60 (95 % CI 0·47, 0·74). Estimated vitamin D from diet and supplements increased with age.

Conclusions

Our OVAL survey reliably estimated adult sun exposure relative to the Geraldton survey, suggesting that assessing sun exposure every tenth year is a reliable and efficient method for estimating sun contributions to lifetime vitamin D exposure.
Comparative genomics of two ‘Candidatus Accumulibacter’ clades performing biological phosphorus removal
Authors: Flowers Jason J , He Shaomei , Malfatti Stephanie , del Rio Tijana Glavina , Tringe Susannah G , Hugenholtz Philip , McMahon Katherine D
Published: July 2013

Members of the genus Candidatus Accumulibacter are important in many wastewater treatment systems performing enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). The Accumulibacter lineage can be subdivided phylogenetically into multiple clades, and previous work showed that these clades are ecologically distinct. The complete genome of Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis strain UW-1, a member of Clade IIA, was previously sequenced. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of Candidatus Accumulibacter spp. strain UW-2, a member of Clade IA, assembled following shotgun metagenomic sequencing of laboratory-scale bioreactor sludge. We estimate the genome to be 80–90% complete. Although the two clades share 16S rRNA sequence identity of >98.0%, we observed a remarkable lack of synteny between the two genomes. We identified 2317 genes shared between the two genomes, with an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 78.3%, and accounting for 49% of genes in the UW-1 genome. Unlike UW-1, the UW-2 genome seemed to lack genes for nitrogen fixation and carbon fixation. Despite these differences, metabolic genes essential for denitrification and EBPR, including carbon storage polymer and polyphosphate metabolism, were conserved in both genomes. The ANI from genes associated with EBPR was statistically higher than that from genes not associated with EBPR, indicating a high selective pressure in EBPR systems. Further, we identified genomic islands of foreign origins including a near-complete lysogenic phage in the Clade IA genome. Interestingly, Clade IA appeared to be more phage susceptible based on it containing only a single Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats locus as compared with the two found in Clade IIA. Overall, the comparative analysis provided a genetic basis to understand physiological differences and ecological niches of Accumulibacter populations, and highlights the importance of diversity in maintaining system functional resilience.
Analysis of the power capacity of overmoded slow wave structures
Authors: Zhang Dian , Zhang Jun , Zhong Huihuang , Jin Zhenxing
Published: July 2013

As the generated wavelength shortens, overmoded slow wave structures (SWSs) with large diameters are employed in O-type Cerenkov high power microwave (HPM) generators to achieve high power capacity. However, reported experimental results suggest that overmoded slow wave HPM generators working at millimeter wavelength output much lower power than those working at X-band do, despite the fact that the value of D/λ (here, D is the average diameter of SWSs and λ is the generated wavelength) of the former is much larger than that of the latter. In order to understand this, the characteristics of the power capacity of the TM0n modes in overmoded SWSs are numerically investigated. Our analysis reveals the following facts. First, the power capacity of higher order TM0n modes is apparently larger than that of TM01 mode. This is quite different from the conclusion got in the foregone report, in which the power capacity of overmoded SWSs is estimated by that of smooth cylindrical waveguides. Second, the rate at which the power capacity of TM01 mode in overmoded SWSs grows with diameter does not slow down as the TM01 field transforms from “volume wave” to “surface wave.” Third, once the diameter of overmoded SWSs and the beam voltage are fixed, the power capacity of TM01 wave drops as periodic length L shortens and the generated frequency rises, although the value of D/λ increases significantly. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the capability of annular electron beam to interact efficiently with higher order TM0n modes in overmoded SWSs if we want to improve the power capacity of overmoded O-type Cerenkov HPM generators working at high frequency.
Incident photon-to-current efficiency measurements as a helpful tool to analyze luminescence loss mechanisms in organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Huber R. , Borchert H. , von Hauff E. , Heun S. , Buchholz H. , Parisi J.
Published: July 2013

Electrical aging can increase non-radiative recombination processes in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) which leads to a reduction in device efficiency. We investigated aging-related changes of the opto-electronic properties of OLEDs by a combination of photoluminescence, electroluminescence (EL), and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy as well as measurements of the incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE). The EL measurements revealed a pronounced decrease in radiative recombination after electrical aging, and it is demonstrated here that IPCE measurements can make a useful contribution to identify the materials and processes that are affected most by electrical aging.
Optical absorption by dilute GaNSb alloys: Influence of N pair states
Authors: Mudd J. J. , Kybert N. J. , Linhart W. M. , Buckle L. , Ashley T. , King P. D. C. , Jones T. S. , Ashwin M. J. , Veal T. D.
Published: July 2013

The optical properties of GaNSb alloys with N contents of up to 2.5% have been investigated at room temperature using infrared absorption spectroscopy. The evolution of the absorption onsets with N content has been described using a three level band anticrossing model of the N localized states interactions with the GaSb conduction band. This approach includes the effect of N pair states, which is critical to reproduce the observed optical properties. This confirms theoretical predictions that N pair states have a more pronounced effect on the band dispersion in GaNSb than in GaNAs.
Dopant-induced stress in microfabricated silicon devices
Authors: Sievilä P. , Mäkinen J. , Tilli M. , Tittonen I.
Published: July 2013

The modification of material characteristics by introducing dopant atoms into a crystal lattice is a fundamental basis for modern micro- and nanosystems technology. In this work, the uneven distribution of dopants is shown to have a remarkable effect on the residual stress and the consequent deformation of released, mechanical silicon structures. In particular, the focus is on segregation of initial dopants inside the bulk silicon which takes place in such fabrication processes as thermal oxidation. A theoretical model based on perceiving the dopant-induced change in Si crystal lattice parameter is developed. We experimentally investigate a series of silicon-on-insulator wafers, including samples with dopant types B, P, and Sb, and concentrations in the range from 1015 to 5 × 1019 atoms cm−3. Released cantilevers are fabricated as test structures and the residual stress is determined by measuring their final curvature. Experimental results are compared with the modelled values obtained utilizing the dopant profiles determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry and concentration distribution simulations. The use of lightly doped substrates or the selection of processes not modifying the underlying Si surface (e.g., plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition PECVD or metal deposition) is shown to be an effective solution for minimizing the dopant redistribution-induced stress. Besides the scientific impact, knowledge of the stress generated by dopants is of great significance for industrial manufacturing of a wide range of micro- and nanomechanical systems.
Ultraviolet vacuum ultraviolet optical functions for SrTiO3 and NdGaO3 crystals determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Dorywalski K. , Andriyevsky B. , Piasecki M. , Lemee N. , Patryn A. , Cobet C. , Esser N.
Published: July 2013

Complex dielectric functions ε(E) = ε1(E) + ε2(E) were experimentally evaluated within the spectral range E = 2–25 eV and E = 2–20 eV for SrTiO3 and NdGaO3 single crystals, respectively, using synchrotron-based spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. The ellipsometric spectra were evaluated within a framework of optical layer model taking into account sample surface roughness and anisotropy of NdGaO3. The parameters of Herzinger-Johs oscillator model were fitted to reproduce sufficiently all features of the optical spectra within the spectral range 2–10 eV. Only slight differences were revealed for spectra polarized along b and c crystallographic axes of the NdGaO3, which can confirm weak optical anisotropy.
The creep process of the domain switching in poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Tian B. B. , Chen Z. H. , Jiang A. Q. , Zhao X. L. , Liu B. L. , Wang J. L. , Han L. , Sun Sh. , Sun J. L. , Meng X. J. , Chu J. H.
Published: July 2013

The polarization switching behavior in poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) thin films is studied by using a pulse transient current method. The dependence of the domain switching current on the coercive electric field was investigated. The charging current around the coercive field was found to be limited by domain switching instead of the series resistor in the measurement circuit because of the slow polarization switching in the films. The domain-switching process was explained by a creep model wherein the two-dimension domain walls motion in the transverse direction dominates the polarization switching process.
Evaluation of crystalline silicon solar cells by current-modulating four-point-probe method
Authors: Pan Wugen , Fujiwara Kozo , Uda Satoshi
Published: July 2013

A current-modulating four-point-probe method (CMR) is proposed as a method to determine the conversion efficiency of crystalline Si solar cells. This technique was implemented based on the comprehensive consideration of multiple problems or factors that are present in crystalline Si wafers and the subsequent thermal processes during solar cell fabrication, rather than employ conventional lifetime mapping or diffusion length mapping. A single parameter measurement of Ith–Is from the CMR method reflects the effective resistivity or minority carriers of an entire wafer, to quickly characterize the quality or conversion efficiency of all kinds of crystalline Si.
Observation of microwave-assisted magnetization reversal in perpendicular recording media
Authors: Lu Lei , Wu Mingzhong , Mallary Michael , Bertero Gerardo , Srinivasan Kumar , Acharya Ramamurthy , Schultheiß Helmut , Hoffmann Axel
Published: July 2013

This letter reports microwave-assisted magnetization reversal (MAMR) in a 700-Gbit/in2 perpendicular media sample. The microwave fields were applied by placing a coplanar waveguide on the media sample and feeding it with narrow microwave pulses. The switching states of the media grains were measured by magnetic force microscopy. For microwaves with a frequency close to the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency of the media, MAMR was observed for microwave power higher than a certain threshold. For microwaves with certain high power, MAMR was observed for a broad microwave frequency range which covers the FMR frequency and is centered below the FMR frequency.
Buffer-layer enhanced structural and electronic quality in ferrimagnetic Sr2CrReO6 epitaxial films
Authors: Lucy J. M. , Hauser A. J. , Wang H. L. , Soliz J. R. , Dixit M. , Williams R. E. A. , Holcombe A. , Morris P. , Fraser H. L. , McComb D. W. , Woodward P. M. , Yang F. Y.
Published: July 2013

Highly ordered epitaxial Sr2CrReO6 films of 20-nm and 175-nm thicknesses were deposited on SrTiO3 and (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7 substrates and Sr2CrNbO6 buffer layers. Electronic measurements and scanning transmission electron microscopy images clearly show that the Sr2CrNbO6 buffer layers facilitate Cr/Re ordering near the interface, thus minimizing the number of defect states in the films. Arrhenius fits of the resistivity data give activation energies of 7.3–32 meV for films grown on non-buffered substrates, suggesting defect states are more conducting than Sr2CrReO6, whereas films grown on the Sr2CrNbO6 buffer layer have activation energies in the narrow range 38.6–42.1 meV.
Phase properties of Bloch surface waves and their sensing applications
Authors: Li Yanhui , Yang Tianlin , Song Shumei , Pang Zhiyong , Du Guiqiang , Han Shenghao
Published: July 2013

We study the phase properties of Bloch surface waves (BSWs) on truncated one-dimensional photonic crystals and find an abrupt change of the phase induced by BSWs. The phase of the BSW device shows a prominent response to the refractive index changes of the environment under resonance conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the phase sensitivity of the BSW device is higher by nearly 1 order of magnitude than its amplitude sensitivity in terms of the figure of merit. This means that phase detection can be utilized to enhance the sensitivity of the BSW devices.
Benefit of inserting a (Cu/Pt) intermixing dual barrier for the blocking temperature distribution of exchange biased Co/(Cu/Pt)/IrMn stacks
Authors: Akmaldinov K. , Auffret S. , Joumard I. , Dieny B. , Baltz V.
Published: July 2013

Exchange bias based spintronics devices involve ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interfaces and concomitant layers intermixing. As a consequence, interfacial spin-glass-like phases with reduced properties and increased dispersions form and lower the device performance. It is therefore necessary to limit intermixing by introduction of diffusion barriers. One of the major difficulties is that the barrier must be inert. This paper uses blocking temperature distributions to quantify the interfacial quality of Co/IrMn based stacks. Inserting a (Cu/Pt) dual barrier fulfils the manifold requirements of limiting Co-Mn, Co-Pt, and Cu-Mn intermixing, which takes place when using either no or single Pt and Cu barriers, respectively.
Relationships between climate and macroscale area burned in the western United States
Authors: Abatzoglou John T. , Kolden Crystal A.
Published: July 2013

Increased wildfire activity (e.g. number of starts, area burned, fire behaviour) across the western United States in recent decades has heightened interest in resolving climate–fire relationships. Macroscale climate–fire relationships were examined in forested and non-forested lands for eight Geographic Area Coordination Centers in the western United States, using area burned derived from the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity dataset (1984–2010). Fire-specific biophysical variables including fire danger and water balance metrics were considered in addition to standard climate variables of monthly temperature, precipitation and drought indices to explicitly determine their optimal capacity to explain interannual variability in area burned. Biophysical variables tied to the depletion of fuel and soil moisture and prolonged periods of elevated fire-danger had stronger correlations to area burned than standard variables antecedent to or during the fire season, particularly in forested systems. Antecedent climate–fire relationships exhibited inter-region commonality with area burned in forested lands correlated with winter snow water equivalent and emergent drought in late spring. Area burned in non-forested lands correlated with moisture availability in the growing season preceding the fire year. Despite differences in the role of antecedent climate in preconditioning fuels, synchronous regional fire activity in forested and non-forested lands suggests that atmospheric conditions during the fire season unify fire activity and can compound or supersede antecedent climatic stressors. Collectively, climate–fire relationships viewed through the lens of biophysical variables provide a more direct link to fuel flammability and wildfire activity than standard climate variables, thereby narrowing the gap in incorporating top-down climatic factors between empirical and process-based fire models.