bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abrasive-free polishing of hard disk substrate with H2O2-C4H10O2-Na2S2O5 slurry
Authors: Zhang Weitao , Lei Hong
Published: November 2013

The effect of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-sodium pyrosulfite ((CH3)3COOH-Na2S2O5) as an initiator system in H2O2-based slurry was investigated for the abrasive-free polishing (AFP) of a hard disk substrate. The polishing results show that the H2O2-C4H10O2-Na2S2O5 slurry exhibits a material removal rate (MRR) that is nearly 5 times higher than that of the H2O2 slurry in the AFP of the hard disk substrate. In addition, the surface polished by the slurry containing the initiator exhibits a lower surface roughness and has fewer nano-asperity peaks than that of the H2O2 slurry. Further, we investigate the polishing mechanism of H2O2-C4H10O2-Na2S2O5 slurry. Electron spin-resonance spectroscopy and auger electron spectrometer analyses show that the oxidizing ability of the H2O2-C4H10O2-Na2S2O5 slurry is much greater than that of the H2O2 slurry. The results of potentiodynamic polarization measurements show that the hard disk substrate in the H2O2-C4H10O2-Na2S2O5 slurry can be rapidly etched, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis indicates that the oxide film of the hard disk substrate formed in the H2O2-C4H10O2-Na2S2O5 slurry may be loose, and can be removed easily during polishing. The better oxidizing and etching ability of H2O2-C4H10O2-Na2S2O5 slurry leads to a higher MRR in AFP for hard disk substrates.
A secondary analysis of the WHO Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health for antibiotics used in vaginal deliveries
Authors: Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Lumbiganon Pisake , Mori Rintaro , Gülmezoglu Metin , Souza João Paulo ,   WHO Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess the rate of antibiotic administration following vaginal delivery and to determine whether maternal characteristics and healthcare system features affected antibiotic use during or immediately after delivery using data from the WHO Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Methods

The study included women who delivered vaginally without any obvious infection, diabetes, HIV, cardiorenal or respiratory disease, urinary tract infection, or rupture of membranes. The proportion of women receiving antibiotics within and across regions was determined and associated factors of prophylactic use were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models.

Results

Of the 171 676 women giving birth vaginally, 47.3% received antibiotics, with half of these women receiving antibiotics during and/or immediately after delivery for prophylaxis. Among 131 554 women given prophylactic or no antibiotics, 31.2% received prophylactic antibiotics but the rate varied among regions. Women with an operative vaginal delivery (compared with those who delivered spontaneously) and women with third‐ or fourth‐degree laceration were more likely to receive prophylactic antibiotics.

Conclusion

Antibiotic use following vaginal delivery varies widely across geographic regions; however, approximately one‐third of women undergoing vaginal delivery without documented indication for antibiotic administration appear to have received antibiotics.
Counter-gradient heat transport in two-dimensional turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Huang Yong-Xiang , Zhou Quan
Published: November 2013

We present high-resolution numerical investigations of heat transport by two-dimensional (2D) turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection over the Rayleigh number range$1{0}^{8} \leqslant Ra\leqslant 1{0}^{10} $and the Prandtl number range$0. 7\leqslant Pr\leqslant 10$. We find that there exists strong counter-gradient local heat flux with magnitude much larger than the global Nusselt number$Nu$of the system. Two mechanisms for generating counter-gradient heat transport are identified: one is due to the bulk dynamics and the other is due to the competition between the corner-flow rolls and the large-scale circulation (LSC). While the magnitude of the former is found to increase with increasing Prandtl number, that of the latter maximizes at medium$Pr$. We further reveal that the corner–LSC competition leads to the anomalous$Nu$–$Pr$relation in 2D RB convection, i.e. $Nu(Pr)$minimizes, rather than maximizes as in the three-dimensional cylindrical case, at$Pr\approx 2\sim 3$for moderate$Ra$.
Education and Political Participation
Authors: Persson Mikael
Published: November 2013

What affects who participates in politics? In most studies of political behaviour it is found that individuals with higher education participate to a larger extent in political activities than individuals with lower education. According to conventional wisdom, education is supposed to increases civic skills and political knowledge that functions as the causal mechanisms triggering participation. However, recently a number of studies have started dealing with the question of whether education is a direct cause for political participation or merely works as a proxy for other factors, such as pre-adult socialization or social network centrality. This review article provides an introduction and critical discussion of this debate.
Phenotypic trait changes in laboratory – reared colonies of the maize herbivore,Diabrotica virgifera virgifera
Authors: Li H. , Guillemaud T. , French B. W. , Kuhlmann U. , Toepfer S.
Published: November 2013

The North American and European maize pestDiabrotica virgifera virgiferaLeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was used to assess whether conditions of the natal field, subsequent laboratory rearing, or genetic population origin affect phenotypic traits of fitness, activity, or morphometrics. Standardized laboratory bioassays with large sample sizes revealed that none of the 16 tested traits, except crawling behaviours, appeared consistently stable across all seven tested colonies. Environmental conditions in the natal field of theF0generation affected trait averages of the subsequently rearedF1generation in laboratory inca.47% of cases, and trait variability in 67% of cases. This was apparent for fitness and morphometrics, but less obvious for activity traits. Early generation laboratory rearing affected trait averages inca.56% of cases: morphometrics changed; fecundity and egg survival increased fromF1toF2. Trait variability increased or decreased in 38% of cases. Laboratory rearing for over more than 190 generations affected the trait averages in 60% of cases, reflected by decreases in flight activity and increases in body size, weight, and fecundity to some extent. It had little effect on trait variability, especially so for morphometric variability. The genetic population origin affected average levels of 55% and variability of 63% of phenotypic traits. A comparison amongD. v. virgiferastudies might be difficult if they use different populations or laboratory colonies. It is advised to consider possible effects of original field conditions, laboratory rearing, and population genetics when planning comparative studies targeting fitness, activity, or morphometric questions regardingDiabroticaspecies.
Theorizing Cultural Identities: Historical Institutionalism as a Challenge to the Culturalists
Authors: Lecours André
Published: November 2013

The interest of philosophers in the politics of cultural identity was one of the most interesting developments in this field in the 1990s. Their involvement in an area dominated by historians, sociologists, political scientists and anthropologists2 has been particularly evident in Canada where scholars such as Will Kymlicka and Charles Taylor have shaped the way many academics understand cultural identity politics. These theorists have favoured a cultural approach to the phenomenon. They have established frameworks for understanding and managing multiethnic states that stress the inherent strength and meaning of culture.
Two Forms of Democracy: A Response to Mendelsohn's “Public
Brokerage: Constitutional Reform and the Accommodation of Mass Publics”
Authors: Ajzenstat Janet
Published: November 2013

Underlying Matthew Mendelsohn's plea for popular participation in
constitution making is a tradition of democratic thought that Jennifer Smith calls “anti–partyism.” This is not the place to describe types of anti–partyism, or trace its roots in Rousseau; I will say only that in Canadian history, and still today, anti–partyism is critical of
parliamentary government. In the mid–nineteenth century its proponents argued for the rule of the demos, “the many”; they called their philosophy, “democracy.” They were not calling merely for an extension of the franchise; they criticized the very idea of representative and
responsible institutions, contending that responsible parliamentary government empowered “the few” at the expense of “the many.” Today, most scholars regard parliamentary government as a form of democracy, and usually remember that “democracy” has more than one definition. In
his article, Mendelsohn unfortunately uses “democracy” to describe only views inclining to anti–partyism.
Estimates for Convex Integral Means of Harmonic Functions
Authors: Betsakos Dimitrios
Published: November 2013

We prove that if f is an integrable function on the unit sphere S in ℝn, g is its symmetric decreasing rearrangement and u, v are the harmonic extensions of f, g in the unit ball , then v has larger convex integral means over each sphere rS, 0 < r < 1, than u has. We also prove that if u is harmonic in with |u| < 1 and u(0) = 0, then the convex integral mean of u on each sphere rS is dominated by that of U, which is the harmonic function with boundary values 1 on the right hemisphere and −1 on the left one.
The MDF technique for the analysis of tokamak edge plasma fluctuations
Authors: Lafouti M. , Ghoranneviss M. , Meshkani S. , Elahi A. Salar
Published: November 2013

Tokamak edge plasma was analyzed by applying the multifractal detrend fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) technique. This method has found wide application in the analysis of correlations and characterization of scaling behavior of the time-series data in physiology, finance, and natural sciences. The time evolution of the ion saturation current (Is), the floating potential fluctuation (Vf), the poloidal electric field (Ep), and the radial particle flux (Γr) has been measured by using a set of Langmuir probes consisting of four tips on the probe head. The generalized Hurst exponents (h(q)), local fluctuation function (Fq(s)), the Rényi exponents (τ(q)) as well as the multifractal spectrum f(αh) have been calculated by applying the MF-DFA method to Is, Vf, and the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluctuation signal. Furthermore, we perform the shuffling and the phase randomization techniques to detect the sources of multifractality. The nonlinearity shape of τ(q) reveals a multifractal behavior of the time-series data. The results show that in the presence of biasing, Is, Vf, Ep, and Γr reduce about 25%, 90%, 70%, and 50%, respectively, compared with the situation with no biasing. Also, they reduce about 15%, 90%, 35%, and 25%, respectively, after resonant helical magnetic field (RHF) application. In the presence of biasing or RHF, the amplitude of the power spectrum of Is, Vf, Γr, and MHD activity reduce remarkably in all the ranges of frequency, while their h(q) increase. The values of h(q) have been restricted between 0.6 and 0.68. These results are evidence of the existence of long-range correlations in the plasma edge turbulence. They also show the self-similar nature of the plasma edge fluctuations. Biasing or RHF reduces the amount of Fq(s). The multifractal spectrum width of Is, Vf, and MHD fluctuation amplitude reduce about 60%, 70%, and 42%, respectively, by applying biasing. In the presence of RHF, their width reduces about 60%, 85%, and 75%, respectively. It means that biasing and RHF reduce the degree of multifractality.
Old wine, new bottles? Using history to inform the assisted colonization debate
Authors: Winston Johnny M. , Minteer Ben A. , Collins James P.
Published: November 2013

Assisted colonization, or the translocation of species threatened with extinction to habitats outside their indigenous range (usually as a response to predicted climate shifts), is a divisive issue for conservationists. Yet, history shows that wildlife scientists were discussing the trade-offs and challenges of translocating species for conservation purposes, including introducing them to new habitats, long before anthropogenic climate change was recognized as posing a conservation problem. Here we examine a case of the scientific and policy deliberations of a high profile group of scientists and policy advisers from the 1960s (the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife's Committee on Rare and Endangered Wildlife Species) to provide a useful historical context for assessing current debates on assisted colonization. The Committee's attempt to produce a consistent policy for the ‘transplantation’ of threatened species illustrates how translocation debates have long hinged on an unresolved set of scientific and conceptual concerns, including the relative value of individual species and historically intact ecosystems and the philosophical status of human-assisted movement of wildlife. Bringing the Committee's deliberations to light places contemporary debates over assisted colonization in the USA in their historical context and illustrates how what often appear to be highly technical and scientific disagreements over conservation translocations are ultimately driven by deeper conceptual issues about the means and ends of conservation.
Monitoring the effects of forest clear-cutting and mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus invasion on wildlife diversity on Amami Island, Japan
Authors: Sugimura Ken , Ishida Ken , Abe Shintaro , Nagai Yumiko , Watari Yuya , Tatara Masaya , Takashi Mikio , Hashimoto Takuma , Yamada Fumio
Published: November 2013

Wildlife populations on Amami Island, Japan, have been affected by forest clear-felling and the introduction of alien species, in particular the mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus. We used monitoring data collected over 24 years to track changes in the population sizes of five species of mammals and 20 species of birds. We assigned species to the following groups: indigenous, rare, insectivorous, negatively affected by forest clear-cutting, and negatively affected by mongoose invasion. We examined trends in each group at four time points between 1985 and 2010 using two methods: species abundance estimates and the Living Planet Index. We then assessed the usefulness of these methods as tools for conservation planning. Inspecting species individually we identified four main patterns of abundance change: (a) an increase from the first to the last census period, (b) an increase in all periods except 2009–2010, (c) a decrease from 1985–1986 to 2001–2002 but an increase in 2009–2010, and (d) a decrease in all census periods. We observed certain relationships between these patterns and the species groups assigned as above. According to the Living Planet Index the group negatively affected by forest clear-cutting did not show significant recovery and the groups of rare species and species negatively affected by mongoose recovered to c. 40% of the original level after a sharp decline during 1985–2002. The Living Planet Index is a more useful tool for assessing the urgency of particular conservation needs, although limited information on species abundance reduces its representativeness for some groups.
The precarious persistence of the Endangered Sierra Madre yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa in southern California, USA
Authors: Backlin Adam R. , Hitchcock Cynthia J. , Gallegos Elizabeth A. , Yee Julie L. , Fisher Robert N.
Published: November 2013

We conducted surveys for the Endangered Sierra Madre yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa throughout southern California to evaluate the current distribution and status of the species. Surveys were conducted during 2000–2009 at 150 unique streams and lakes within the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and Palomar mountains of southern California. Only nine small, geographically isolated populations were detected across the four mountain ranges, and all tested positive for the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Our data show that when R. muscosa is known to be present it is easily detectable (89%) in a single visit during the frog's active season. We estimate that only 166 adult frogs remained in the wild in 2009. Our research indicates that R. muscosa populations in southern California are threatened by natural and stochastic events and may become extirpated in the near future unless there is some intervention to save them.
Positive co-occurrence of flea infestation at a low biological cost in two rodent hosts in the Canary archipelago
Authors: SÁNCHEZ S. , SERRANO E. , GÓMEZ M. S. , FELIU C. , MORAND S.
Published: November 2013

Non-random assemblages have been described as a common pattern of flea co-occurrence across mainland host species. However, to date, patterns of flea co-occurrence on islands are unknown. The present work investigates, on one hand, whether the decrease in the number of species on islands affects the pattern of flea co-occurrence, and on the other hand, how the cost of higher flea burdens affects host body mass. The study was carried out in the Canary Islands (Spain) using null models to analyse flea co-occurrence onRattus rattusandMus musculus. Results supported aggregation of flea species inMusbut not inRattus, probably due to the relationship between abundance and both prevalence and intensity of infection of the main flea species parasitizingMus. In addition, heavy individuals of both rodent species showed the highest flea burdens as well as higher species richness, probably due to the continued accumulation of fleas throughout life and/or immunological resistance mechanisms. Whatever the mechanisms involved, it is clear that co-occurrence and high parasite intensities do not imply a detrimental biological cost for the rodents of the Canary Islands.
Cognitive functioning associated with stimulant use in patients with non-affective psychosis, their unaffected siblings and healthy controls
Authors: van der Meer F. J. , Meijer J. H. , Meijer C. J. , van den Brink W. , Velthorst E.
Published: November 2013

Background

Little is known about the effect of stimulant use (amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy) on cognitive functioning in schizophrenia patients. The current study examined (1) whether recency and frequency of stimulant use is associated with cognitive functioning and (2) whether these associations differ between psychotic patients, their unaffected siblings and controls.

Method

Participants completed a comprehensive cognitive test battery. Stimulant use was assessed by urinalysis and by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Using random effects regression models, the main effects of Stimulant Use and the interaction with Diagnostic Status on cognitive functioning were assessed.

Results

The interaction term between Stimulant Use and Diagnostic Status was not significant for any of the cognitive outcome variables, indicating similar effects of stimulant use in all three groups. Recent stimulant users showed more errors deficit in verbal learning in comparison to never users (Cohen's d = −0.60, p < 0.005). Lifetime frequent stimulant use was significantly associated with worse immediate and delayed verbal recall, working memory and acquired knowledge (Cohen's d = −0.22 to −0.29, p < 0.005). Lifetime infrequent stimulant use was not associated with significant cognitive alterations in comparison to never use.

Conclusions

The presence of cognitive deficits associated with lifetime stimulant use is dependent on the frequency of use, with no observed deficits in infrequent users and modest negative effects in frequent users.
A hippocampal indexing model of memory retrieval based on state trajectory reconstruction
Authors: Dominey Peter Ford
Published: November 2013

A method is proposed where static patterns or snapshots of cortical activity that could be stored as hyperassociative indices in hippocampus can subsequently be retrieved and reinjected into the neocortex in order to enable neocortex to then proceed to unfold the corresponding sequence, thus implementing an index-based sequence memory storage and retrieval capability.
Mnemonic expertise during wakefulness and sleep
Authors: Dresler Martin , Konrad Boris N.
Published: November 2013

We studied the world's most distinguished experts in the use of mnemonic techniques: the top participants of the World Memory Championships. They neither feel the use of mnemonics to be dreamlike, nor does their REM sleep differ from mnemonic-naive control subjects. Besides these empirical data, also theoretical considerations contradict an isomorphism between features of REM sleep dreaming and mnemonic principles.
Beware of being captured by an analogy: Dreams are like many things
Authors: Erdelyi Matthew Hugh
Published: November 2013

Classic traditions have linked dreams to memory (e.g., “dreaming is another kind of remembering” [Freud 1918/1955]) and modern notions like implicit memory subsume dreaming by definition. Llewellyn develops the more specific thesis that rapid eye movement (REM) dreams, because of their similarities to mnemonic techniques, have the function of elaboratively encoding episodic memories. This proposal is premature, requiring exigent testing. Other analogs of dreams, for example, jokes, do not invoke function but do contribute to dream science.
The seahorse, the almond, and the night-mare: Elaborative encoding during sleep-paralysis hallucinations?
Authors: Girard Todd A.
Published: November 2013

Llewellyn's proposal that rapid eye movement (REM) dreaming reflects elaborative encoding mediated by the hippocampus (“seahorse”) offers an interesting perspective for understanding hallucinations accompanying sleep paralysis (SP; “night-mare”). SP arises from anomalous intrusion of REM processes into waking consciousness, including threat-detection systems mediated by the amygdala (“almond”). Unique aspects of SP hallucinations offer additional prospects for investigation of Llewellyn's theory of elaborative encoding.
From Freud to acetylcholine: Does the AAOM suffice to construct a dream?
Authors: Porte Helene Sophrin
Published: November 2013

Toward illuminating the structure of Llewellyn's dream theory, I compare it in formal terms to Freud's dream theory. An alternative to both of these dream machines, grounded in the distribution of cholinergic activation in the central nervous system, is presented. It is suggested that neither “high” nor “low” dream theory is sufficient to account for the properties of dreams.
Dissociative symptoms and REM sleep
Authors: van Heugten-van der Kloet Dalena , Merckelbach Harald , Lynn Steven Jay
Published: November 2013

Llewellyn has written a fascinating article about rapid eye movement (REM) dreams and how they promote the elaborative encoding of recent memories. The main message of her article is that hyperassociative and fluid cognitive processes during REM dreaming facilitate consolidation. We consider one potential implication of this analysis: the possibility that excessive or out-of-phase REM sleep fuels dissociative symptomatology. Further research is warranted to explore the psychopathological ramifications of Llewellyn's theory.
Minding the dream self: Perspectives from the analysis of self-experience in dreams
Authors: Windt Jennifer Michelle
Published: November 2013

Can ancient art of memory (AAOM) principles explain the function of dreaming? The analysis of self-experience in dreams suggests that the answer is no: The phenomenal dream self lacks certain dimensions that are crucial for the efficacy of AAOM in wakefulness. However, the comparison between dreams and AAOM may be fruitful by suggesting new perspectives for the study of lucid dreaming as well an altered perspective on the efficacy of AAOM itself.
Distributed Particle Swarm Optimization for limited-time adaptation with real robots
Authors: Di Mario Ezequiel , Martinoli Alcherio
Published: November 2013

Evaluative techniques offer a tremendous potential for online controller design. However, when the optimization space is large and the performance metric is noisy, the overall adaptation process becomes extremely time consuming. Distributing the adaptation process reduces the required time and increases robustness to failure of individual agents. In this paper, we analyze the role of the four algorithmic parameters that determine the total evaluation time in a distributed implementation of a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. For an obstacle avoidance case study using up to eight robots, we explore in simulation the lower boundaries of these parameters and propose a set of empirical guidelines for choosing their values. We then apply these guidelines to a real robot implementation and show that it is feasible to optimize 24 control parameters per robot within 2 h, a limited amount of time determined by the robots' battery life. We also show that a hybrid simulate-and-transfer approach coupled with a noise-resistant PSO algorithm can be used to further reduce experimental time as compared to a pure real-robot implementation.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease and weather factors in Guangzhou, southern China
Authors: LI T. , YANG Z. , DI B. , WANG M.
Published: November 2013

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is becoming one of the common airborne and contact transmission diseases in Guangzhou, southern China, leading public health authorities to be concerned about its increased incidence. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of weather patterns on the incidence of HFMD in the subtropical city of Guangzhou for the period 2009–2012, and assist public health prevention and control measures. A negative binomial multivariable regression was used to identify the relationship between meteorological variables and HFMD. During the study period, a total of 166 770 HFMD-confirmed cases were reported, of which 11 died, yielding a fatality rate of 0·66/10 000. Annual incidence rates from 2009 to 2012 were 132·44, 311·40, 402·76, and 468·59/1 000 00 respectively. Each 1°C rise in temperature corresponded to an increase of 9·38% (95% CI 8·17–10·51) in the weekly number of HFMD cases, while a 1 hPa rise in atmospheric pressure corresponded to a decrease in the number of cases by 6·80% (95% CI −6·99 to −6·65), having an opposite effect. Similarly, a 1% rise in relative humidity corresponded to an increase of 0·67% or 0·51%, a 1 m/h rise in wind velocity corresponded to an increase of 4·01% or 2·65%, and a 1 day addition in the number of windy days corresponded to an increase of 24·73% or 25·87%, in the weekly number of HFMD cases, depending on the variables considered in the model. Our findings revealed that the epidemic status of HFMD in Guangzhou is characterized by high morbidity but low fatality. Weather factors had a significant influence on occurrence and transmission of HFMD.
Statut aspectuel verbal et stratégie discursive: le cas d'étrangement
Authors: ÁLVAREZ-CASTRO CAMINO
Published: November 2013

L'article présente une recherche portant sur le fonctionnement de l'unitéétrangementdans le discours, à partir des notions d'aspect et de stratégie discursive. L'approche adoptée vise à rendre compte du lien entre forme et sens par le biais de critères linguistiques et d'outils théoriques issus de la théorie de la polyphonie. Nous posons comme hypothèse que l'adverbeétrangementopère une sélection verbale sur la base de critères sémantiques aspectuels, et qui transparaît dans les propriétés distributionnelles des emplois. Ce faisant, il conditionne dans le même temps la structure polyphonique de l'énoncé dans lequel il apparaît.
Widespread sex differences in gene expression and splicing in the adult human brain
Authors: Trabzuni Daniah , Ramasamy Adaikalavan , Imran Sabaena , Walker Robert , Smith Colin , Weale Michael E. , Hardy John , Ryten Mina ,   North American Brain Expression Consortium
Published: November 2013

There is strong evidence to show that men and women differ in terms of neurodevelopment, neurochemistry and susceptibility to neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disease. The molecular basis of these differences remains unclear. Progress in this field has been hampered by the lack of genome-wide information on sex differences in gene expression and in particular splicing in the human brain. Here we address this issue by using post-mortem adult human brain and spinal cord samples originating from 137 neuropathologically confirmed control individuals to study whole-genome gene expression and splicing in 12 CNS regions. We show that sex differences in gene expression and splicing are widespread in adult human brain, being detectable in all major brain regions and involving 2.5% of all expressed genes. We give examples of genes where sex-biased expression is both disease-relevant and likely to have functional consequences, and provide evidence suggesting that sex biases in expression may reflect sex-biased gene regulatory structures.
Preparation of paper micro-fluidic devices used in bio-assay based on drop-on-demand wax droplet generation
Authors: Li Zong'an , Hou Liya , Zhang Weiyi , Zhu Li
Published: November 2013

This paper describes a method for the paper based microfluidic devices used in bio-assay based on wax droplet generating method.
Bacterial nucleoid structure probed by active drag and resistive pulse sensing
Authors: Thacker Vivek V. , Bromek Krystyna , Meijer Benoit , Kotar Jurij , Sclavi Bianca , Lagomarsino Marco Cosentino , Keyser Ulrich F. , Cicuta Pietro
Published: November 2013

We combine steerable optical trap and microcapillary Coulter counter experiments to detect global changes in bacterial nucleoid organization.
Using gel morphology to control pore shape
Authors: Foster Jonathan A. , Johnson David W. , Pipenbrock Mark-Oliver M. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: November 2013

Polymerisation of methyl methacrylate supramolecular gels followed by removal of the gelator imprints the gel morphology into the covalent polymer.
Synthesis, electronic structure and reactivity of bis(imino)pyridine iron carbene complexes: evidence for a carbene radical
Authors: Russell Sarah K. , Hoyt Jordan M. , Bart Suzanne C. , Milsmann Carsten , Stieber S. Chantal E. , Semproni Scott P. , DeBeer Serena , Chirik Paul J.
Published: November 2013

The reactivity of the disubstituted diazoalkane, N2CPh2 with a family of bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes was examined.
A facile biofunctionalisation route for solution processable conducting polymer devices
Authors: Strakosas Xenofon , Sessolo Michele , Hama Adel , Rivnay Jonathan , Stavrinidou Eleni , Malliaras George G. , Owens Roisin M.
Published: November 2013

For the majority of biosensors or biomedical devices, immobilization of the biorecognition element is a critical step for device function.
CIP75 (connexin43-interacting protein of 75 kDa) mediates the endoplasmic reticulum dislocation of connexin43
Authors: Su Vivian , Hoang Christina , Geerts Dirk , Lau Alan F.
Published: November 2013

Gap junctions are intercellular channels that comprise connexin proteins such as Cx43 (connexin43). The level of gap junctional intercellular communication can be regulated by Cx43 turnover mediated through various degradation pathways. The UbL (ubiquitin-like) domain-UBA (ubiquitin-associated) domain protein, CIP75 (connexin43-interacting protein of 75 kDa), regulates the proteasomal degradation of Cx43. Subcellular fractionation studies indicated that CIP75 interacts with Cx43 that is localized to the membrane of the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). This Cx43–CIP75 complex also contained the proteasomal subunits S2/Rpn1 and S5a/Rpn10, as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation. The deliberate misfolding of Cx43, induced by DTT, led to enhanced CIP75 binding. Reducing CIP75 levels by shRNA-mediated knockdown diminished the association of Cx43 with the proteasome, but still allowed for Cx43 ER dislocation and degradation. These results suggested that CIP75 is essential for the interaction of Cx43 and the proteasome, but that alternate compensatory mechanisms exist to supplement the degradation normally facilitated by CIP75.
Reading and Listening in People With Aphasia: Effects of Syntactic Complexity
Authors: DeDe Gayle
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare online effects of syntactic complexity in written and spoken sentence comprehension in people with aphasia (PWA) and adults with no brain damage (NBD).

Method

The participants in Experiment 1 were NBD older and younger adults (
n
= 20 per group). The participants in Experiment 2 were 10 PWA. In both experiments, the participants read and listened to sentences in self-paced reading and listening tasks. The experimental materials consisted of object cleft sentences (e.g.,
It was the girl who the boy hugged
.) and subject cleft sentences (e.g.,
It was the boy who hugged the girl
.).

Results

The predicted effects of syntactic complexity were observed in both Experiments 1 and 2: Reading and listening times were longer for the verb in sentences with object compared to subject relative clauses. The NBD controls showed exaggerated effects of syntactic complexity in reading compared to listening. The PWA did not show different modality effects from the NBD participants.

Conclusion

Although effects of syntactic complexity were somewhat exaggerated in reading compared with listening, both the PWA and the NBD controls showed similar effects in both modalities.
Ultrasound Biofeedback Treatment for Persisting Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Preston Jonathan L. , Brick Nickole , Landi Nicole
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment program that includes ultrasound biofeedback for children with persisting speech sound errors associated with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).

Method

Six children ages 9–15 years participated in a multiple baseline experiment for 18 treatment sessions during which treatment focused on producing sequences involving lingual sounds. Children were cued to modify their tongue movements using visual feedback from real-time ultrasound images. Probe data were collected before, during, and after treatment to assess word-level accuracy for treated and untreated sound sequences. As participants reached preestablished performance criteria, new sequences were introduced into treatment.

Results

All participants met the performance criterion (80% accuracy for 2 consecutive sessions) on at least 2 treated sound sequences. Across the 6 participants, performance criterion was met for 23 of 31 treated sequences in an average of 5 sessions. Some participants showed no improvement in untreated sequences, whereas others showed generalization to untreated sequences that were phonetically similar to the treated sequences. Most gains were maintained 2 months after the end of treatment. The percentage of phonemes correct increased significantly from pretreatment to the 2-month follow-up.

Conclusion

A treatment program including ultrasound biofeedback is a viable option for improving speech sound accuracy in children with persisting speech sound errors associated with CAS.
Spinal Epidural Hematoma Caused by Pseudogout: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: deSouza R. M. , Uff C. , Galloway M. , Dorward N. L.
Published: November 2013

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

We present the first reported case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma secondary to calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease (pseudogout) in a 75-year-old woman.

Methods

A retrospective review of the patient's case notes was undertaken and the limited literature on this subject reviewed.

Results

This patient presented with sudden-onset lower limb paresis, sensory loss, urinary retention, and back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an epidural hematoma, which was evacuated. Histologic specimens of the clot showed calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposits (pseudogout).

Conclusion

The importance of histopathologic review of surgical specimens is highlighted when considering the differential diagnosis of apparently spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.
Sarcomatoid Malignant Mesothelioma Presenting with Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yamamoto Junkoh , Ueta Kunihiro , Takenaka Masaru , Takahashi Mayu , Nishizawa Shigeru
Published: November 2013

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an uncommon tumor of the pleural epithelium with a predilection for local spread into adjacent tissues. The sarcomatoid type accounts for ∼10% of MM cases and is associated with poorer survival than the epithelioid, desmoplastic, and biphasic types. MM commonly presents with involvement of the vertebral body or epidural space. However, intradural spinal extension of MM is extremely rare. Only eight cases of intradural spinal extension have been reported. We report this rare case and discuss the clinical manifestations of intradural spinal extension of MM with literature review.

Methods

This report describes the case of a 62-year-old man with Brown-Séquard syndrome and radiculopathy of the left C5 nerve root detected during treatment for pleural sarcomatoid MM. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary lesion at the C3 level and a small nodule at the left C5 nerve root with cervical canal stenosis.

Results

The patient underwent surgery, and intramedullary metastasis of sarcomatoid MM was diagnosed. Subsequently, radiotherapy was administered, resulting in temporary improvement of the patient's condition. Thereafter, his condition gradually deteriorated, and follow-up MRI showed a more extensive residual C3 intramedullary lesion. Thus, a second surgery was performed after chemotherapy, but the patient died 5 months after the initial diagnosis.

Conclusion

We present this rare case, and emphasize intramedullary spinal cord metastasis of MM as differential diagnosis in primary cord lesion.
Interfacial oxygen under TiO2 supported Au clusters revealed by a genetic algorithm search
Authors: Vilhelmsen Lasse B. , Hammer Bjørk
Published: November 2013

We present a density functional theory study of the oxidation of 1D periodic rods supported along the [001] direction on the rutile TiO2(110) surface. The study shows evidence for an oxidation of the interface between the supported Au and the TiO2 crystal. The added O atoms adsorb at the 5f-Ti atoms in the through under the Au rod and are stabilized by charge transfer from the nearest Au atoms. Despite an extensive search, we find no low energy barrier pathways for CO oxidation involving CO adsorbed on Au and O at the perimeter of the Au/TiO2 interface. This is in part attributed the weak adsorption of CO on cationic Au at the perimeter.
Improved performances of metal-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon memory with HfTiON as charge-trapping layer
Authors: Chen J. X. , Xu J. P. , Liu L. , Lai P. T.
Published: November 2013

The properties of HfTiON as charge-trapping layer of metal-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon memory are investigated, and effects of different Hf/Ti ratios in HfTiON films on the physical and electrical characteristics are analyzed. It is found that the higher the Ti content, the higher is the charge-trapping efficiency, thus, larger memory window and higher program/erase speeds. However, excessive Ti can diffuse to the HfTiON/SiO2 interface and cause the formation of a Ti-silicate interlayer, which deteriorates the retention of data. Experimental results indicate that the device with a Hf/Ti ratio of ∼1:1 can give a good trade-off between performance and reliability.
Invited Review Article: Methods for imaging weak-phase objects in electron microscopy
Authors: Glaeser Robert M.
Published: November 2013

Contrast has traditionally been produced in electron-microscopy of weak phase objects by simply defocusing the objective lens. There now is renewed interest, however, in using devices that apply a uniform quarter-wave phase shift to the scattered electrons relative to the unscattered beam, or that generate in-focus image contrast in some other way. Renewed activity in making an electron-optical equivalent of the familiar “phase-contrast” light microscope is based in part on the improved possibilities that are now available for device microfabrication. There is also a better understanding that it is important to take full advantage of contrast that can be had at low spatial frequency when imaging large, macromolecular objects. In addition, a number of conceptually new phase-plate designs have been proposed, thus increasing the number of options that are available for development. The advantages, disadvantages, and current status of each of these options is now compared and contrasted. Experimental results that are, indeed, superior to what can be accomplished with defocus-based phase contrast have been obtained recently with two different designs of phase-contrast aperture. Nevertheless, extensive work also has shown that fabrication of such devices is inconsistent, and that their working lifetime is short. The main limitation, in fact, appears to be electrostatic charging of any device that is placed into the electron diffraction pattern. The challenge in fabricating phase plates that are practical to use for routine work in electron microscopy thus may be more in the area of materials science than in the area of electron optics.
Comparison between Gaussian-type orbitals and plane wave ab initio density functional theory modeling of layer silicates: Talc [Mg3Si4O10(OH)2] as model system
Authors: Ulian Gianfranco , Tosoni Sergio , Valdrè Giovanni
Published: November 2013

The quantum chemical characterization of solid state systems is conducted with many different approaches, among which the adoption of periodic boundary conditions to deal with three-dimensional infinite condensed systems. This method, coupled to the Density Functional Theory (DFT), has been proved successful in simulating a huge variety of solids. Only in relatively recent years this ab initio quantum-mechanic approach has been used for the investigation of layer silicate structures and minerals. In the present work, a systematic comparison of different DFT functionals (GGA-PBEsol and hybrid B3LYP) and basis sets (plane waves and all-electron Gaussian-type orbitals) on the geometry, energy, and phonon properties of a model layer silicate, talc [Mg3Si4O10(OH)2], is presented. Long range dispersion is taken into account by DFT+D method. Results are in agreement with experimental data reported in literature, with minimal deviation given by the GTO/B3LYP-D* method regarding both axial lattice parameters and interaction energy and by PW/PBE-D for the unit-cell volume and angular values. All the considered methods adequately describe the experimental talc infrared spectrum.
Photocurrent-based detection of terahertz radiation in graphene
Authors: Tomadin Andrea , Tredicucci Alessandro , Pellegrini Vittorio , Vitiello Miriam S. , Polini Marco
Published: November 2013

Graphene is a promising candidate for the development of detectors of Terahertz (THz) radiation. A well-known detection scheme due to Dyakonov and Shur exploits plasma waves in a field-effect transistor (FET), whereby a dc photovoltage is generated in response to a THz field. In the quest for devices with a better signal-to-noise ratio, we theoretically investigate a plasma-wave photodetector in which a dc photocurrent is generated in a graphene FET. The noise equivalent power of our device is shown to be much smaller than that of a Dyakonov-Shur detector in a wide spectral range.
Polarization of positronium in amorphous polar polymers: A case study
Authors: Consolati G. , Quasso F.
Published: November 2013

The features of positronium in an amorphous copolymer (polyvinyl acetate-crotonic acid) in a range of temperatures including the glass transition were investigated by means of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. In particular, para-positronium lifetime was found to be longer than in a vacuum and to decrease with the temperature. This was attributed to the electron density at the positron (contact density), which is lower than in vacuo due to the presence of polar groups in the copolymer. A three quantum yield experiment confirmed the lifetime results.
High sensitive vectorial $\dot{B}$Ḃ-probe for low frequency plasma waves
Authors: Ullrich Stefan , Grulke Olaf , Klinger Thomas , Rahbarnia Kian
Published: November 2013

A miniaturized multidimensional magnetic probe is developed for application in a low-temperature plasma environment. A very high sensitivity for low-frequency magnetic field fluctuations with constant phase run, a very good signal-to-noise ratio combined with an efficient electrostatic pickup rejection, renders the probe superior compared with any commercial solution. A two-step calibration allows for absolute measurement of amplitude and direction of magnetic field fluctuations. The excellent probe performance is demonstrated by measurements of the parallel current pattern of coherent electrostatic drift wave modes in the VINETA (versatile instrument for studies on nonlinearity, electromagnetism, turbulence, and applications) experiment.
The effect of nanoscratching direction on the plastic deformation and surface morphology of InP crystals
Authors: Huang J. Y. , Ponce F. A. , Caldas P. G. , Prioli R. , Almeida C. M.
Published: November 2013

The microstructure of (001) InP crystals scratched with a sharp diamond tip depends strongly on the scratching direction. The scratch surface is found to conform to the radius of curvature of the tip (∼60 nm) by the formation of atomic crystal steps produced by dislocation glide along {111} planes. ⟨110⟩ scratches lead to coherent local crystal lattice movement and rotation causing deep dislocation propagation into the crystal and irregular pileups at the sides of the scratch surface. ⟨100⟩ scratches lead to incoherent lattice movement causing dislocation locking that inhibits their propagation and results in regular pileups.
Conductance modulation in topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films with ionic liquid gating
Authors: Son Jaesung , Banerjee Karan , Brahlek Matthew , Koirala Nikesh , Lee Seoung-Ki , Ahn Jong-Hyun , Oh Seongshik , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: November 2013

A Bi2Se3 topological insulator field effect transistor is investigated by using ionic liquid as an electric double layer gating material, leading to a conductance modulation of 365% at room temperature. We discuss the role of charged impurities on the transport properties. The conductance modulation with gate bias is due to a change in the carrier concentration, whereas the temperature dependent conductance change is originated from a change in mobility. Large conductance modulation at room temperature along with the transparent optical properties makes topological insulators as an interesting (opto)electronic material.
Dynamics of femtosecond laser produced tungsten nanoparticle plumes
Authors: Harilal S. S. , Farid N. , Hassanein A. , Kozhevin V. M.
Published: November 2013

We investigated the expansion features of femtosecond laser generated tungsten nanoparticle plumes in vacuum. Fast gated images showed distinct two components expansion features, viz., plasma and nanoparticle plumes, separated by time of appearance. The persistence of plasma and nanoparticle plumes are ∼500 ns and ∼100 μs, respectively, and propagating with velocities differed by 25 times. The estimated temperature of the nanoparticles showed a decreasing trend with increasing time and space. Compared to low-Z materials (e.g., Si), ultrafast laser ablation of high-Z materials like W provides significantly higher nanoparticle yield. A comparison between the nanoparticle plumes generated by W and Si is also discussed along with other metals.