bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pushforward transformation of gyrokinetic moments under electromagnetic fluctuations
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Zhang Wenlu , Dong Chao , Lin Jingbo , Lin Zhihong , Cao Jintao , Li Ding
Published: November 2017

Pushforward transformation is one of the two important transformations in modern nonlinear gyrokinetic theory. In this work, a gyrokinetic system under electromagnetic fluctuations has been derived using a purely pushforward transformation, where the finite Larmor radius (FLR) effect is fully retained. From the perspective of polarization and magnetization, clear physical pictures of macroscopic equilibrium flow are presented, and the generation of macroscopic perturbed flow is discussed with the incorporation of the full FLR effect using the systematical analysis of the gyrocenter gyroradius and the decoupling of particle velocity.
Novel single-cell mega-size chambers for electrochemical etching of panorama position-sensitive polycarbonate ion image detectors
Authors: Sohrabi Mehdi
Published: November 2017

A novel development is made here by inventing panorama single-cell mega-size electrochemical etching (MS-ECE) chamber systems for processing panorama position-sensitive mega-size polycarbonate ion image detectors (MS-PCIDs) of potential for many neutron and ion detection applications in particular hydrogen ions or proton tracks and images detected for the first time in polycarbonates in this study. The MS-PCID is simply a large polycarbonate sheet of a desired size. The single-cell MS-ECE invented consists of two large equally sized transparent Plexiglas sheets as chamber walls holding a MS-PCID and the ECE chamber components tightly together. One wall has a large flat stainless steel electrode (dry cell) attached to it which is directly in contact with the MS-PCID and the other wall has a rod electrode with two holes to facilitate feeding and draining out the etching solution from the wet cell. A silicon rubber washer plays the role of the wet cell to hold the etchant and the electrical insulator to isolate the dry cell from the wet cell. A simple 50 Hz-HV home-made generator provides an adequate field strength through the two electrodes across the MS-ECE chamber. Two panorama single-cell MS-ECE chamber systems (circular and rectangular shapes) constructed were efficiently applied to processing the MS-PCIDs for 4π ion emission image detection of different gases in particular hydrogen ions or protons in a 3.5 kJ plasma focus device (PFD as uniquely observed by the unaided eyes). The panorama MS-PCID/MS-ECE image detection systems invented are novel with high potential for many applications in particular as applied to 4π panorama ion emission angular distribution image detection studies in PFD space, some results of which are presented and discussed.
Adsorption and conformations of lysozyme and α-lactalbumin at a water-octane interface
Authors: Cheung David L.
Published: November 2017

As proteins contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids, they will readily adsorb onto interfaces between water and hydrophobic fluids such as oil. This adsorption normally causes changes in the protein structure, which can result in loss of protein function and irreversible adsorption, leading to the formation of protein interfacial films. While this can be advantageous in some applications (e.g., food technology), in most cases it limits our ability to exploit protein functionality at interfaces. To understand and control protein interfacial adsorption and function, it is necessary to understand the microscopic conformation of proteins at liquid interfaces. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the adsorption and conformation of two similar proteins, lysozyme and α-lactalbumin, at a water-octane interface. While they both adsorb onto the interface, α-lactalbumin does so in a specific orientation, mediated by two amphipathic helices, while lysozyme adsorbs in a non-specific manner. Using replica exchange simulations, both proteins are found to possess a number of distinct interfacial conformations, with compact states similar to the solution conformation being most common for both proteins. Decomposing the different contributions to the protein energy at oil-water interfaces suggests that conformational change for α-lactalbumin, unlike lysozyme, is driven by favourable protein-oil interactions. Revealing these differences between the factors that govern the conformational change at interfaces in otherwise similar proteins can give insight into the control of protein interfacial adsorption, aggregation, and function.
Stochastic resonance in a delayed triple-well potential driven by correlated noises
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Jin Yanfei , Xiao Shaomin
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we investigate stochastic resonance (SR) in a delayed triple-well potential subject to correlated noises and a harmonic signal. The stationary probability density, together with the response amplitude of the system, is obtained by using the small time delay approximation. It is found that the time delay, noise intensities, and the cross-correlation between noises can induce the occurrence of the transition. Moreover, the appropriate choice of noise intensities and time delay can improve the output of the system, enhance the SR effect, and lead to the phenomenon of noise enhanced stability. Especially, the stochastic multi-resonance phenomenon is observed when the multiplicative and additive noises are correlated. Finally, the theoretical results are well verified through numerical simulations.
Testing the limits of the Maxwell distribution of velocities for atoms flying nearly parallel to the walls of a thin cell
Authors: Todorov Petko , Bloch Daniel
Published: November 2017

For a gas at thermal equilibrium, it is usually assumed that the velocity distribution follows an isotropic 3-dimensional Maxwell-Boltzmann (M-B) law. This assumption classically implies the assumption of a “cos θ” law for the flux of atoms leaving the surface. Actually, such a law has no grounds in surface physics, and experimental tests of this assumption have remained very few. In a variety of recently developed sub-Doppler laser spectroscopy techniques for gases one-dimensionally confined in a thin cell, the specific contribution of atoms moving nearly parallel to the boundary of the vapor container becomes essential. We report here on the implementation of an experiment to probe effectively the distribution of atomic velocities parallel to the windows for a thin (60 μm) Cs vapor cell. The principle of the setup relies on a spatially separated pump-probe experiment, where the variations of the signal amplitude with the pump-probe separation provide the information on the velocity distribution. The experiment is performed in a sapphire cell on the Cs resonance line, which benefits from a long-lived hyperfine optical pumping. Presently, we can analyze specifically the density of atoms with slow normal velocities ∼5-20 m/s, already corresponding to unusual grazing flight—at ∼85°-88.5° from the normal to the surface—and no deviation from the M-B law is found within the limits of our elementary setup. Finally we suggest tracks to explore more parallel velocities, when surface details—roughness or structure—and the atom-surface interaction should play a key role to restrict the applicability of an M-B-type distribution.
Fabrication of hybrid self-assembled monolayer/hafnium oxide gate dielectric by radical oxidation for molybdenum disulfide field-effect transistors
Authors: Kawanago Takamasa , Ikoma Ryo , Oba Tomoaki , Takagi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2017

In this study, radical oxidation is applied to the fabrication of a hybrid self-assembled monolayer (SAM)/hafnium oxide (HfOx) gate dielectric in molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) field-effect transistors. The fabrication process involves radical oxidation to form HfOx at the surface of metallic HfN, SAM formation by immersion, and the deterministic transfer of MoS2 flakes. A subthreshold slope of 75 mV/dec and small hysteresis were demonstrated, indicating superior interfacial properties. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed the uniform formation of the HfOx layer at the surface of HfN. The SAM is indispensable for the superior interfacial properties in MoS2 field-effect transistors. The radical oxidation is not restricted to the oxidation of silicon and germanium substrates and was also found to be applicable to the fabrication of a high-k gate dielectric. This study opens up interesting possibilities of radical oxidation for research on functional electronic devices.
Ultrathin GaGeTe p-type transistors
Authors: Wang Weike , Li Liang , Zhang Zhitao , Yang Jiyong , Tang Dongsheng , Zhai Tianyou
Published: November 2017

We exfoliated bulk GaGeTe crystals down to ultrathin flakes using the scotch tape method and fabricated field effect transistors (FETs). The GaGeTe FETs display a p-type behavior with drain current modulation on the order of 103, hole mobility of 0.45 cm2 V−1 s−1, and photoresponsivity of 3.6 A W−1 at room temperature. These findings suggest that the layered GaGeTe is a promising 2D semiconductor for fabricating devices, such as transistors and photodetectors.
Anomalous temperature-dependent anchoring in liquid crystals mediated by thermodynamic smectic wetting sheets
Authors: Aya Satoshi , Araoka Fumito
Published: November 2017

We present an unusual temperature dependence of polar anchoring torque in a nematic liquid crystal contacting with a perfluoropolymer surface. Whereas the anchoring torque is conventionally expected to increase with decreasing temperature, we show that the polar anchoring torque in the present system decreases with decreasing temperature. This causes an orientational transition from planar to vertical during cooling. We explain the origin of this phenomenon as the result of thermodynamic growth and spreading of surface-localized smectic wetting sheets. We clearly show that the coverage of these wetting sheets on the surface creates a vertical state that violates the initial planar anchoring in the bulk, thereby reducing the effective polar anchoring torque.
Characterization of thin film displacements in the electron microscope
Authors: Sawada Hidetaka , Ramlau Reiner , Allen Christopher S. , Kirkland Angus I.
Published: November 2017

It is important to characterize behavior along the normal (z) direction to the plane of a thin film to enable three-dimensional reconstruction at atomic-resolution. In this study, we have investigated displacements of a specimen along the z direction using dark field high angle annular dark field STEM images of single atoms as a function of specimen tilt. These showed an elongation perpendicular to the tilt axis. Experimental measurements of the contrast of single atoms indicate fluctuations in the film along the z direction with a displacement amplitude of 0.6 nm.
Structure and electronic states of a graphene double vacancy with an embedded Si dopant
Authors: Nieman Reed , Aquino Adélia J. A. , Hardcastle Trevor P. , Kotakoski Jani , Susi Toma , Lischka Hans
Published: November 2017

Silicon represents a common intrinsic impurity in graphene, bonding to either three or four carbon neighbors, respectively, in a single or double carbon vacancy. We investigate the effect of the latter defect (Si–C4) on the structural and electronic properties of graphene using density functional theory. Calculations based both on molecular models and with periodic boundary conditions have been performed. The two-carbon vacancy was constructed from pyrene (pyrene-2C) which was then expanded to circumpyrene-2C. The structural characterization of these cases revealed that the ground state is slightly non-planar, with the bonding carbons displaced from the plane by up to ±0.2 Å. This non-planar structure was confirmed by embedding the defect into a 10 × 8 supercell of graphene, resulting in 0.22 eV lower energy than the previously considered planar structure. Natural bond orbital analysis showed sp3 hybridization at the silicon atom for the non-planar structure and sp2d hybridization for the planar structure. Atomically resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy and corresponding spectrum simulations provide a mixed picture: a flat structure provides a slightly better overall spectrum match, but a small observed pre-peak is only present in the corrugated simulation. Considering the small energy barrier between the two equivalent corrugated conformations, both structures could plausibly exist as a superposition over the experimental time scale of seconds.
Beam driven temporal growth and spatial amplification of electrostatic waves in a partially spin polarized degenerate magnetized plasma
Authors: Iqbal Z. , Murtaza G.
Published: November 2017

The temporal growth and spatial amplification of electrostatic waves due to the interaction of an electron beam with a partially spin polarized degenerate magnetized plasma are studied. Using Fourier analysis, a generalized linear dispersion relation is derived for parallel propagating electrostatic waves in the presence of electron spin polarization. The electron spin polarization gives birth to a new spin-dependent wave (spin electron acoustic wave) in the real wave spectrum. Furthermore, increasing spin polarization reduces the temporal growth rate of the unstable mode. Regarding spatial amplification (magnitude of the imaginary wave number), it is found that spin polarization significantly affects the magnitude of both the real and the imaginary wave numbers. Additionally, how the various other parameters such as electron beam density, beam thermal speed, and streaming speed of the beam electron influence the temporal growth and spatial rates is also discussed. These effects would have a strong bearing on instability phenomena in the degenerate metallic and semiconductor plasmas and in astrophysical plasmas.
A study of the dense uniform electron gas with high orders of coupled cluster
Authors: Neufeld Verena A. , Thom Alex J. W.
Published: November 2017

We investigate the accuracies of different coupled cluster levels in a finite model solid, the 14 electron spin-non-polarised uniform electron gas. For densities between rs = 0.5 a0 and rs = 5 a0, we calculate ground state correlation energies with stochastic coupled cluster ranging from coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) to coupled cluster including all excitations up to quintuples (CCSDTQ5). We find the need to add triple excitations for an accuracy of 0.01 eV/electron beyond rs = 0.5 a0. Quadruple excitations start being significant past rs = 3 a0. At rs = 5 a0, CCSD gives a correlation energy with a 16% error and coupled cluster singles doubles and triples is in error by 2% compared to the CCSDTQ5 result. CCSDTQ5 gives an energy in agreement with full configuration interaction quantum Monte Carlo results.
Fermi-level pinning in full metal/high-k/SiO2/Si stacks
Authors: Huang Anping , Zhang Xinjiang , Li Yue , Wang Mei , Xiao Zhisong
Published: November 2017

Fermi-level pinning (FLP) in full Metal/High-k/SiO2/Si stacks is investigated based on the improved electron state density (IESD) model. The SiO2 interlayer between the high-k layer and Si and the effects of the high-k/SiO2/Si interface on FLP are analyzed. The effective work function (EWF) is influenced by the density of states in high-k/SiO2/Si stacks with the exception of the effects of the electron state density in the metal gate. The IESD model provides physical insights and is a simple and convenient method to calculate the EWF of MOS devices with different types.
Skyrmion dynamics in width-varying nanotracks and implications for skyrmionic applications
Authors: Chen Xing , Kang Wang , Zhu Daoqian , Zhang Xichao , Lei Na , Zhang Youguang , Zhou Yan , Zhao Weisheng
Published: November 2017

A comprehensive study of the magnetic skyrmion dynamics in terms of size, velocity, energy, and stability in width-varying nanotracks is reported by micromagnetic simulations. We find that the diameter of a skyrmion reduces with the decrease in the nanotrack width in the spin Hall effect (SHE)-induced skyrmion motion. Accordingly, the skyrmion energy increases giving rise to the growing instability of the skyrmion. It is also numerically demonstrated that the velocity of the skyrmion varies during the motion, since the repulsive force of the nanotrack edges acting on the skyrmion as well as the driving force created by the SHE associated with the size of the skyrmion have a joint impact on the skyrmion motion dynamics in the width-varying nanotrack. In addition, one interesting finding reveals that skyrmions with small sizes, which may be inaccessible to typical approaches by means of directly injecting a spin-polarized current, could be obtained by utilizing this structure. This finding is potential for generating nanoscale skyrmions in skyrmionic applications with ultra-dense density. Finally, inspired by the skyrmion dynamics in the width-varying nanotrack, a general summary on the tradeoff between the nanotrack width (storage density) and the skyrmion velocity (data access speed) is given by further analyzing the skyrmion dynamics in parallel nanotracks with different widths, which may provide guidelines in designing racetrack-type skyrmionic applications.
Measuring the mechanical responses of a jammed discontinuous shear-thickening fluid
Authors: Jiang Weifeng , Peng Guangjian , Ma Yi , Chen Heng , Hu Jiangjiang , Jia Chao , Zhang Taihua
Published: November 2017

Discontinuous shear thickening observed in many dense suspensions is rather complicated but takes place as a transient. Its details after jamming are still not clear. By using a modified rheometer with an analog-to-digital converter, we show that there are three amplitude regimes of shear strain after jamming. First, the shear modulus and the force chain angle increase with strain; the jammed state gradually deepens. Second, the jammed state is stable against a further increase in shear stress; the force chain angle is constant and the force network is stable. Third, the jammed state cannot resist a further increase in shear stress; with the increase in the force chain angle, the force chain network is broken.
Magnetic field effect on pentacene-doped sexithiophene diodes
Authors: Pham Song-Toan , Fayolle Marine , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Tada Hirokazu
Published: November 2017

We studied the effect of impurities on the magnetoresistance of sexithiophene-based diodes using impedance spectroscopy. The impurities were introduced by doping pentacene molecules into a sexithiophene film through a co-evaporation process. The pentacene molecules act as charge-scattering centers, which trigger the negative magnetoresistance of the device. This makes it possible to tune the value of magnetoresistance from positive to negative by increasing the applied voltage. The beneficial properties induced by impurities suggest a potential route to integrate additional functions into organic devices.
On-chip microfluid induced by oscillation of microrobot for noncontact cell transportation
Authors: Feng Lin , Liang Shuzhang , Zhou Xiangcong , Yang Jianlei , Jiang Yonggang , Zhang Deyuan , Arai Fumihito
Published: November 2017

The importance of cell manipulation and cultivation is increasing rapidly in various fields, such as drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and investigation of new energy sources. This paper presents a method to transport cells in a microfluidic chip without contact. A local vortex was generated when high-frequency oscillation of a microtool was induced in a microfluidic chip. The vortex was controlled by tuning the tool's oscillation parameters, such as the oscillation amplitude and frequency. The cells were then transported in the chip based on the direction of the tool's movement, and their position, posture, and trajectories were controlled. Bovine oocyte manipulations, that is, transportation and rotation, were conducted to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method, without any contact by the microrobot with high-frequency oscillation.
Elliptical, parabolic, and hyperbolic exchanges of energy in drag reducing plane Couette flows
Authors: Pereira Anselmo S. , Mompean Gilmar , Thompson Roney L. , Soares Edson J.
Published: November 2017

In the present paper, we investigate the polymer–turbulence interaction by discriminating between the mechanical responses of this system to three different subdomains: elliptical, parabolic, and hyperbolic, corresponding to regions where the magnitude of vorticity is greater than, equal to, or less than the magnitude of the rate of strain, respectively, in accordance with the Q-criterion. Recently, it was recognized that hyperbolic structures play a crucial role in the drag reduction phenomenon of viscoelastic turbulent flows, thanks to the observation that hyperbolic structures, as well as vortical ones, are weakened by the action of polymers in turbulent flows in a process that can be referred to as flow parabolization. We employ direct numerical simulations of a viscoelastic finite extensible nonlinear elastic model with the Peterlin approximation to examine the transient evolution and statistically steady regimes of a plane Couette flow that has been perturbed from a laminar flow at an initial time and developed a turbulent regime as a result of this perturbation. We have found that even more activity is located within the confines of the hyperbolic structures than in the elliptical ones, which highlights the importance of considering the role of hyperbolic structures in the drag reduction mechanism.
Flame exposure time on Langmuir probe degradation, ion density, and thermionic emission for flame temperature
Authors: Doyle S. J. , Salvador P. R. , Xu K. G.
Published: November 2017

The paper examines the effect of exposure time of Langmuir probes in an atmospheric premixed methane-air flame. The effects of probe size and material composition on current measurements were investigated, with molybdenum and tungsten probe tips ranging in diameter from 0.0508 to 0.1651 mm. Repeated prolonged exposures to the flame, with five runs of 60 s, resulted in gradual probe degradations (−6% to −62% area loss) which affected the measurements. Due to long flame exposures, two ion saturation currents were observed, resulting in significantly different ion densities ranging from 1.16 × 1016 to 2.71 × 1019 m−3. The difference between the saturation currents is caused by thermionic emissions from the probe tip. As thermionic emission is temperature dependent, the flame temperature could thus be estimated from the change in current. The flame temperatures calculated from the difference in saturation currents (1734-1887 K) were compared to those from a conventional thermocouple (1580-1908 K). Temperature measurements obtained from tungsten probes placed in rich flames yielded the highest percent error (9.66%-18.70%) due to smaller emission current densities at lower temperatures. The molybdenum probe yielded an accurate temperature value with only 1.29% error. Molybdenum also demonstrated very low probe degradation in comparison to the tungsten probe tips (area reductions of 6% vs. 58%, respectively). The results also show that very little exposure time (<5 s) is needed to obtain a valid ion density measurement and that prolonged flame exposures can yield the flame temperature but also risks damage to the Langmuir probe tip.
Degradation of 2DEG transport properties in GaN-capped AlGaN/GaN heterostructures at 600 °C in oxidizing and inert environments
Authors: Hou Minmin , Jain Sambhav R. , So Hongyun , Heuser Thomas A. , Xu Xiaoqing , Suria Ateeq J. , Senesky Debbie G.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the electron mobility and sheet density of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in both air and argon environments at 600 °C were measured intermittently over a 5 h duration using unpassivated and Al2O3-passivated AlGaN/GaN (with 3 nm GaN cap) van der Pauw test structures. The unpassivated AlGaN/GaN heterostructures annealed in air showed the smallest decrease (∼8%) in 2DEG electron mobility while Al2O3-passivated samples annealed in argon displayed the largest drop (∼70%) based on the Hall measurements. Photoluminescence and atomic force microscopy showed that minimal strain relaxation and surface roughness changes have occurred in the unpassivated samples annealed in air, while those with Al2O3 passivation annealed in argon showed significant microstructural degradations. This suggests that cracks developed in the samples annealed in air were healed by oxidation reactions. To further confirm this, Auger electron spectroscopy was conducted on the unpassivated samples after the anneal in air and results showed that extra surface oxides have been generated, which could act as a dislocation pinning layer to suppress the strain relaxation in AlGaN. On the other hand, similar 2DEG sheet densities were observed in passivated and unpassivated AlGaN/GaN samples at the end of the 5-h anneal in air or argon due to the combined impact of strain relaxation and changes in the ionized electronic states. The results support the use of unpassivated GaN-capped AlGaN/GaN heterostructures as the material platform for high-temperature electronics and sensors used in oxidizing environmental conditions.
In vitro acidification potential and fermentation pattern of cereal grains incubated with inoculum of animals given forage or concentrate-based diets
Authors: Amanzougarene Z. , Yuste S. , Castrillo C. , Fondevila M.
Published: November 2017

This work aimed to study the acidification and fermentation pattern of maize (M1, M2, M3), barley (B1, B2, B3) and sorghum (S1, S2, S3) varieties depending on the rumen environment (inoculum from forage or concentrate diets, FI or CI), in 10 h incubation series with a low buffered medium. With CI, gas volume from barley was similar to maize (P > 0.05) except at 4 and 6 h, when M2 and M1 were lower. Barley or maize varieties did not differ in gas production (P > 0.05). After 10 h, barley and maize produced on average 82.5 and 73.0 mL/g organic matter (OM), whereas S1, S2 and S3 rendered 68.4, 31.1 and 39.7 mL/g. With FI, differences between barley and maize were detected after 6 h (61.0, 35.3 and 14.1 mL/g OM at 10 h for barley, maize and sorghum). Among inocula, pH with CI was lower than with FI (P < 0.001). Incubation pH at 10 h was 5.51, 5.21 and 5.00 with CI, and 5.52, 5.85 and 5.91 with FI, for sorghum, maize and barley varieties. Gas production and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were higher (P < 0.001) with CI than FI (67.3 vs 36.8 mL/g and 31.0 vs 19.9 mmol/L at 10 and 8 h). Butyrate and valerate proportions were higher with CI (P < 0.001), whereas acetate and branched chain VFA were lower (P < 0.001). Fermentative activity against vitreous starch such as maize or sorghum was lower for forage than concentrate inoculum. Study of fermentation of starch-rich substrates in a low buffered medium gives a more realistic picture than conventionally buffered conditions.
Cancer cells induce interleukin-22 production from memory CD4+T cells via interleukin-1 to promote tumor growth
Authors: Voigt Cornelia , May Peter , Gottschlich Adrian , Markota Anamarija , Wenk Daniel , Gerlach Inga , Voigt Sebastian , Stathopoulos Georgios T. , Arendt Kristina A. M. , Heise Constanze , Rataj Felicitas , Janssen Klaus-Peter , Königshoff Melanie , Winter Hauke , Himsl Isabelle , Thasler Wolfgang E. , Schnurr Max , Rothenfußer Simon , Endres Stefan , Kobold Sebastian
Published: November 2017

Significance

IL-22 has been identified as a cancer-promoting cytokine, but its regulation in cancer tissue has not been addressed. Using both murine and human models, we demonstrate that cancer cells directly induce IL-22 production. We prove that interleukin-1β induced by inflammasome activation is critical for IL-22 production. IL-1β increased the activity of the IL-22 transcription factors in lineage-committed T cells. We show the existence of IL-22–producing Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells in tumor tissue of patients. Use of the clinically approved IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra in vivo reduced IL-22 production and reduced tumor growth in a breast cancer model. These data provide the basis for therapeutic interventions, particularly using anakinra, aiming at limiting IL-22 production in patients with cancer.
Pilgrimages and peace-building on the global stage.
Authors: McIntosh I. S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter presents a survey of pilgrimages in which peace is specifically mentioned as a desired outcome or where the greater common good is prioritized. It focuses on world religions, inter-faith pilgrimages, civil and cultural religion pilgrimages in North America, pilgrimages to sites of conscience, and green pilgrimages.
Pilgrimages of transformation and reconciliation: Māori and Pākehā walking together in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Authors: Hornblow J. , Boyack J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses the role pilgrimages play in promoting understanding and unity between the two founding peoples of Aotearoa (New Zealand): Māori (Indigenous) and Pākehā (European). It also discusses how the pilgrimage experiences of New Zealanders continue to bring them into contact with people, places and resources that have a potential to expand their collective understanding of who they are and enlarge their vision of who they might become.
'Sheaves of corn in an autumn field': the 'hungry' walk to Delphi Lodge.
Authors: Quinn E. M.
Published: November 2017

This chapter presents an account of a tragic episode during the Great Irish Famine, the Doolough Tragedy, and how today pilgrims retrace the steps of the victims in search of healing. The chapter examines the meaning of this human rights pilgrimage in light of historical facts and fallacies about the Famine; theories of cultural heritage commemoration; symbolic and bodily acts of remembrance; and current concerns that address food production and global hunger.
Pilgrimage, Bhaktı¯ and identity: a study of Maharashtrian Vārı¯.
Authors: Sambhus V.
Published: November 2017

This chapter examines a major pilgrimage in western India known as Vārī. This pilgrimage has impacted the social, political, religious and cultural life in the state of Maharashtra and beyond. One of its major outcomes is that it has democratized religion, breaking down the traditional caste system and paving the way for social and political equality. This chapter shows how the institution of pilgrimage leads to a sense of common identity by addressing four broad and interconnected themes: Hindu pilgrimage, Bhaktītradition in Maharashtra, the Vārkarī sect and the Vārī pilgrimage itself.
Circling centre, finding our way home: circumambulation pilgrimages around Iona, Mount Tamalpais and labyrinths.
Authors: Pavlinac C.
Published: November 2017

This chapter focuses on contemplative walking as a core pilgrimage practice. By such means, walking becomes a powerful tool in finding one's way home to what the author describes as the centre. The chapter presents an account of labyrinth walks and walking pilgrimages around Mount Tamalpais (Marin County, California, USA) and on the island of Iona (Scotland, UK).
Sacred journeys on the path of yoga: an exploration of yoga practice and philosophy.
Authors: Sonika Jain Sonika Jain
Published: November 2017

This chapter offers a comprehensive understanding of yoga, interweaving its personal and broader dimensions. It also highlights the learnings from the sacred journeys of selected Indian teachers who belong to the tradition of householder yogis. Special attention is directed to the rampant misconceptions about yoga in the contemporary urban Indian environment. The author also shares her own journey of healing as a student of yoga. The chapter also reflects upon the responsibilities of a yoga student, the versatile nature of a teacher, the importance of an appropriate yoga space, a supportive spiritual community and a pedagogy that considers a holistic view of health and responds to the specific needs and conditions of an individual.
Pilgrimage walking as green prescription self-therapy?
Authors: Jørgensen N. N. K. D.
Published: November 2017

It is argued that pilgrimage walking (if prescribed as an outdoor therapy alongside/instead of medicines) could reduce Norway's hospitalizations, medication use, health queues and spending, and also help people obtain relief by using their own personal health assets. To support this view, the chapter shows how present-day pilgrimages, like walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela can be used as a self-therapeutic tool.
The social self on pilgrimage: intercession and mediation.
Authors: Muir S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter examines 'intercessory' pilgrimage, or instances when someone undertakes a pilgrimage on behalf of another person, in order to receive a benefit for that person. This sort of pilgrimage suggests an important issue: persons do not exist in isolation or act only for personal gain. The life of the individual is woven into the fabric of their family, friends and community. The chapter uses ancient Greece and Rome as a case study and provides examples of highly developed cases of social networks and social identity in pilgrimage to healing sites.
Let us be human: Wittgenstein and philosophical pilgrimage.
Authors: Sayre P. A.
Published: November 2017

This chapter focuses on visits to sites associated with the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, including his grave in Cambridge, the Norwegian village of Skjolden and the isolated Austrian village of Trattenbach. It is argued that these journeys belong to a distinct genre of pilgrimage, 'philosophical pilgrimage', which emphasizes Wittgenstein's view of 'Let us be human'. It is suggested that contemporary philosophical pilgrimages of this sort are neither sacred nor secular, but mediate between the two.
The pilgrimage to the mausoleum of Sidi Shaykh.
Authors: Abbou T.
Published: November 2017

This chapter discusses various theories of Sufism and describes the pilgrimage to the Mausoleum of Sidi Shaykh, a yearly celebration that takes place in the Algerian West Saharan Atlas region. In Islam, such a pilgrimage is not looked upon favourably by some clerics. Hardliners believe contact between the people and Allah should be undertaken directly, without intermediaries like the Sufi saints. The chapter traces the origins of this pilgrimage, its evolution, the practices and rituals it involves, and recent challenges and international recognition via the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
'My heart wouldn't accept the advice': paths to self and community in Alevi poetry.
Authors: Carspecken L. , Özdoğan Z.
Published: November 2017

This chapter deals with the Alevi population, Turkey's largest religious minority. The chapter takes the reader on a journey through the works of three poets with the strongest influence on current Alevi culture (Shah Ismail, Pir Sultan Abdal and Kul Himmet) as a historical and cultural guide for individual and community pilgrimage, and to acknowledge the contribution Alevism makes to Turkey's eclectic heritage.
A call for curriculum reform to combat refugees crisis: the case of Lebanon
Authors: Awada Ghada , Diab Hassan , Faour Kawthar
Published: November 2017

The study was set to elicit teachers’ perceptions of adopting a new curriculum integrating Human Rights Education (HRE) into most school subjects and developing textbooks which could address the mainstreaming of the Syrian children into the Lebanese schools especially after the influx of more than 1.2 million Syrian refugees who migrated to Lebanon due to the outbreak of civil war in Syria in 2011. The present study employed a descriptive qualitative methodology design. Thus, the policy context and current HRE literature were assessed and reported along with the responses to a survey developed by BEMIS, a national body established in 2001 to promote and develop capacity and support inclusion and integration of ethnic minorities in Scotland. The BEMIS survey was conducted as a mapping exercise eliciting data required to help address the study questions. The study findings yielded recommendations that underscored the necessity of developing new curriculum and textbooks integrating HRE focused on accepting diversity, building peace culture, democracy and citizenship as well as utilizing the whole‐school approach and the transformative model.
Assessment of phytoplankton invasion risks in the ballast water of international ships in different growth conditions
Authors: Hyun Bonggil , Baek Seung Ho , Shin Kyoungsoon , Choi Keun-Hyung
Published: November 2017

The possibility of successful invasion by phytoplankton assemblages in the ballast water of twelve international commercial ships was investigated. Various scenarios of port water dilution rates with a time delay for the exponential growth of the plankton were considered. Most of the phytoplankton in the ballast water samples originated in countries such as Japan and China, and diatoms dominated (>90% abundance) these phytoplankton communities. To assess their survival after discharge in seawater under various conditions, the phytoplankton were reintroduced into ballast water, pier-side water, and nutrient-enriched f/2 medium and incubated at various water temperatures and salinities for 2 weeks. The growth of the invading phytoplankton was influenced by the time delay for regrowth when introduced in the new seawater conditions. The results also suggest that once introduced by ballast water, the growth of a phytoplankton community may depend more on the nutrient levels and the water temperature and less on the salinity. Although we did not consider parameters such as competition with native species and predation, both high nutrient concentrations and water temperatures may significantly shorten the period before exponential growth occurs, which increases the invasion potential.
Patient preferences toward an interactive e-consent application for research using electronic health records
Authors: Harle Christopher A , Golembiewski Elizabeth H , Rahmanian Kiarash P , Krieger Janice L , Hagmajer Dorothy , Mainous Arch G , Moseley Ray E
Published: November 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess patient perceptions of using an interactive electronic consent (e-consent) application when deciding whether or not to grant broad consent for research use of their identifiable electronic health record (EHR) information.

Materials and Methods

For this qualitative study, we conducted a series of 42 think-aloud interviews with 32 adults. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach.

Results

We identified themes related to patient preferences, reservations, and mixed attitudes toward consenting electronically; low- and high-information-seeking behavior; and an emphasis on reassuring information, such as data protections and prohibitions against sharing data with pharmaceutical companies. Participants expressed interest in the types of information contained in their EHRs, safeguards protecting EHR data, and specifics on studies that might use their EHR data.

Discussion

This study supports the potential value of interactive e-consent applications that allow patients to customize their consent experience. This study also highlights that some people have concerns about e-consent platforms and desire more detailed information about administrative processes and safeguards that protect EHR data used in research.

Conclusion

This study contributes new insights on how e-consent applications could be designed to ensure that patients’ information needs are met when seeking consent for research use of health record information. Also, this study offers a potential electronic approach to meeting the new Common Rule requirement that consent documents contain a “concise and focused” presentation of key information followed by more details.
Serum albumin concentration and risk of end-stage renal disease: the REGARDS study
Authors: Walther Carl P , Gutiérrez Orlando M , Cushman Mary , Judd Suzanne E , Lang Joshua , McClellan William , Muntner Paul , Sarnak Mark J , Shlipak Michael G , Warnock David G , Katz Ronit , Ix Joachim H
Published: November 2017

Background

Serum albumin concentration is a commonly available biomarker with prognostic value in many disease states. It is uncertain whether serum albumin concentrations are associated with incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD) independently of urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR).

Methods

A longitudinal evaluation was performed of a population-based community-living cohort from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study. Participants were ≥45 years of age at study entry and had serum albumin, creatinine, cystatin C and spot urine ACR measured at the baseline visit (n = 19 633). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was from the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration combined creatinine-cystatin C equation. Baseline serum albumin concentration was the predictor variable, and hazard ratios (HRs) for incident ESRD (from US Renal Data System linkage) were calculated in sequentially adjusted models.

Results

Age at study entry was 63.9 ± 9.7 years, 62% of the participants were female and 40% were black. Mean eGFR at baseline was 83.3 ± 20.8 mL/min/1.73 m2. Over a median 8-year follow-up, 1.2% (n = 236) developed ESRD. In models adjusted for baseline eGFR, ACR and other ESRD risk factors, the HR for incident ESRD was 1.16 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.33] for each standard deviation (0.33 g/dL) lower serum albumin concentration. The HR comparing the lowest (<4 g/dL) and highest quartiles (≥4.4 g/dL) of serum albumin was 1.61 (95% CI 0.98–2.63). Results were qualitatively similar among participants with eGFR <60 and ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and those with and without diabetes.

Conclusions

In community-dwelling US adults, lower serum albumin concentration is associated with higher risk of incident ESRD independently of baseline urine ACR, eGFR and other ESRD risk factors.
Aiming at the Global Elimination of Viral Hepatitis: Challenges Along the Care Continuum
Authors: Heffernan Alastair , Barber Ella , Cook Nicola A , Gomaa Asmaa I , Harley Yolande X , Jones Christopher R , Lim Aaron G , Mohamed Zameer , Nayagam Shevanthi , Ndow Gibril , Shah Rajiv , Sonderup Mark W , Spearman C Wendy , Waked Imam , Wilkinson Robert J , Taylor-Robinson Simon D
Published: November 2017

A recent international workshop, organized by the authors, analyzed the obstacles facing the ambitious goal of eliminating viral hepatitis globally. We identified several policy areas critical to reaching elimination targets. These include providing hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination to all infants within 24 hours of birth, preventing the transmission of blood-borne viruses through the expansion of national hemovigilance schemes, implementing the lessons learned from the HIV epidemic regarding safe medical practices to eliminate iatrogenic infection, adopting point-of-care testing to improve coverage of diagnosis, and providing free or affordable hepatitis C treatment to all. We introduce Egypt as a case study for rapid testing and treatment scale-up: this country offers valuable insights to policy makers internationally, not only regarding how hepatitis C interventions can be expeditiously scaled-up, but also as a guide for how to tackle the problems encountered with such ambitious testing and treatment programs.
Does Working Memory Moderate the Within-Person Associations Between Pain Intensity and Negative Affect and Pain’s Interference With Work Goal Pursuit?
Authors: Mun Chung Jung , Karoly Paul , Okun Morris A.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Chronic pain exerts a pervasive negative influence on workers’ productivity. However, a paucity of research has addressed the mechanisms underlying the pain → productivity relation. In the present study using intensive daily diary data, we examined whether working memory (WM) moderates the positive within-person associations between (1) morning pain intensity and (2) morning negative affect (NA) and later day pain’s interference of work-goal (WG) pursuit.

Methods:

A community sample of 131 adults with chronic pain completed a battery of questionnaires, laboratory-measured WM, and a 21-day daily diary.

Results:

WM did not moderate the positive within-person association between morning pain intensity and afternoon/evening ratings of pain’s interference with work goal pursuit. However, individuals with higher WM showed significantly attenuated positive within-person association between morning negative affect and pain’s interference with afternoon/evening work goal pursuit.

Discussion:

WM appears to protect goal-relevant information from distractions due to negative affective arousal. The continued use of ecologically valid observational and intervention studies would shed further light on the influence of WM on the pursuit of valued work goals in the face of pain and negative affect.
Associations Between Early Care Decisions and the Risk for Long-term Opioid Use for Patients With Low Back Pain With a New Physician Consultation and Initiation of Opioid Therapy
Authors: Fritz Julie M. , King Jordan B. , McAdams-Marx Carrie
Published: November 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify associations between early care decisions and long-term opioid (LTO) use in opioid-naïve patients with a new physician consultation for low back pain (LBP) at which an opioid was prescribed.

Methods:

A retrospective study of claims data was used to identify opioid-naïve LBP patients who were prescribed opioids at the index physician visit. Early care variables captured included additional nonopioid medications prescribed within 14 days and provider visits or diagnostic imaging within 30 days of the index visit. A multivariate logistic model was used to identify early care variables associated with the outcome of (LTO) use in the year following the index visit controlling for patient factors.

Results:

A total of 707 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 38.1 (±11.6), and 67.8% were female individuals and 76.9% were Medicaid beneficiaries. Early care medications were muscle relaxants (32.2%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (29.3%), oral steroids (11.7%), and benzodiazepines (8.3%). The most common early care provider visits were with primary care (31.0%) and physical therapy (13.0%). A total of 172 patients (24.3%) progressed to LTO use. Controlling for patient factors, early care variables increasing risk for LTO use were an early benzodiazepine prescription and primary care visit. An early physical therapy visit was associated with reduced risk for LTO use.

Discussion:

Early care decisions were predictive of LTO use following a new LBP consultation at which opioids were prescribed. Our results support recommendations to avoid concurrent benzodiazepine prescribing and to consider other evidence-based pain treatments such as physical therapy early, particularly for patients at high risk for LTO use or misuse.