bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a home‐based telehealthcare model for improving the effectiveness of the chronic care of stroke patients
Authors: Kuo Yen‐Hung , Chien Yi‐Kuang , Wang Woei‐Ru , Chen Chun‐Hung , Chen Ling‐Sui , Liu Ching‐Kuan
Published: December 2011

This study describes the development of an information technology (IT)‐mediated home‐based healthcare model designed to improve the effectiveness of caring for stroke patients who require chronic, home care. This model was evaluated at Kaohsiung Medical Hospital in Taiwan between 2005 and 2008; 84 newly diagnosed stroke patients diagnosed as the chronic covalence stage were enrolled for preliminary testing of this model. These patients required 24‐hour in‐home monitoring of their health status and emergency call service. Over the course of the study, 15 emergency transfers were carried out, and the acute stroke patients were sent to the emergency care within 26 minutes, on average. This system helped physicians, patients, and their families to more efficiently detect the occurrence of recurrent stroke. In addition, we found a statistically significant finding (p < 0.001) that daily blood pressure (BP) monitoring increased from 45.5% in the initial month of the study to 76% after 3–10 months of intervention. Meanwhile, the proportion of patients with an abnormal BP rate decreased from 20.5% in the initial month of the study to 10.9% after 3–10 months of intervention. This suggests that this model helped to improve patient behavior and their ability to care for themselves. This is the first study to develop an IT‐mediated, home‐based healthcare model in Taiwan. This model integrates both healthcare and clinical services and is capable of enhancing the effectiveness of the care provided to patients with chronic diseases, especially those in situations where self‐care is essential for disease management.
Finite-amplitude solutions in the flow through a sudden expansion in a circular pipe
Authors: Sanmiguel-Rojas E. , Mullin T.
Published: December 2011

Results of three-dimensional numerical simulations of the flow through a sudden expansion in a pipe are presented. The axisymmetric state is known to be stable over the range of Reynolds numbers studied, but recent experimental results suggest bifurcation phenomena. A resolution of this dichotomy between calculation and experiment is provided using imperfections to promote the nonlinear development of asymmetric steady states. These lose stability to disordered motion and the boundary between the steady and time-dependent flows has been established over a range of parameters. Moreover, disordered flows are found to co-exist with the axisymmetric regime when the disturbance is removed from the flow. Hence we provide direct numerical evidence for multiplicity of solutions for the axisymmetric expansion problem, which may have relevance to pipe flows.
The rise heights of low- and high-Froude-number turbulent axisymmetric fountains
Authors: Burridge H. C. , Hunt G. R.
Published: December 2011

We present the results of an experimental investigation across a broad range of source Froude numbers,$0. 4\leq {\mathit{Fr}}_{0} \leq 45$, into the dynamics, morphology and rise heights of Boussinesq turbulent axisymmetric fountains in quiescent uniform environments. Typically, these fountains are thought to rise to an initial height,${z}_{i} $, before settling back and fluctuating about a lesser (quasi-) steady height,${z}_{ss} $. Our measurements show that this is not always the case and the ratio of the fountain’s initial rise height to steady rise height,$\lambda = {z}_{i} / {z}_{ss} $, varies widely,$0. 5\lesssim \lambda \lesssim 2$, across the range of${\mathit{Fr}}_{0} $investigated. As a result of near-ideal start-up conditions provided by the experimental set-up we were consistently able to form a vortex at the fountain’s front. This enabled new insights into two features of the initial rise of turbulent fountains. Firstly, for$1. 0\lesssim {\mathit{Fr}}_{0} \lesssim 1. 7$the initial rise height islessthan the steady rise height. Secondly, for${\mathit{Fr}}_{0} \gtrsim 5. 5$, the vortex formed at the fountain’s front pinches off, separates from the main body and rises high above the fountain; there is thus a third rise height to consider, namely, the maximum vortex rise height,${z}_{v} $. From our observations we propose classifying turbulent axisymmetric fountains into five regimes (as opposed to the current three regimes) and present detailed descriptions of the flow in each. Finally, based on an analysis of the rise height fluctuations and the width of fountains in (quasi-) steady state we provide further insight into the physical cause of height fluctuations.
Courts of Many Minds
Authors: Spiekermann Kai , Goodin Robert E.
Published: December 2011

InA Constitution of Many MindsCass Sunstein argues that the three major approaches to constitutional interpretation – Traditionalism, Populism and Cosmopolitanism – all rely on some variation of a ‘many-minds’ argument. Here we assess each of these claims through the lens of the Condorcet Jury Theorem. In regard to the first two approaches we explore the implications of sequential influence among courts (past and foreign, respectively). In regard to the Populist approach, we consider the influence of opinion leaders.
IWASAWA THEORY FOR THE SYMMETRIC SQUARE OF A CM MODULAR FORM AT INERT PRIMES
Authors: LEI ANTONIO
Published: December 2011

Let f be a modular form with complex multiplication (CM) and p an odd prime that is inert in the CM field. We construct two p-adic L-functions for the symmetric square of f, one of which has the same interpolating properties as the one constructed by Delbourgo and Dabrowski (A. Dabrowski and D. Delbourgo, S-adic L-functions attached to the symmetric square of a newform, Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. 74(3) (1997), 559–611), whereas the other one has a similar interpolating properties but corresponds to a different eigenvalue of the Frobenius. The symmetry between these two p-adic L-functions allows us to define the plus and minus p-adic L-functions à la Pollack (R. Pollack, on the p-adic L-function of a modular form at a supersingular prime, Duke Math. J. 118(3) (2003), 523–558). We also define the plus and minus p-Selmer groups analogous to the ones defined by Kobayashi (S. Kobayashi, Iwasawa theory for elliptic curves at supersingular primes, Invent. Math. 152(1) (2003), 1–36). We explain how to relate these two sets of objects via a main conjecture.
ON AN EXAMPLE OF MUKAI
Authors: LANGE H. , MERCAT V. , NEWSTEAD P. E.
Published: December 2011

In this paper we use an example of Mukai to construct semistable bundles of rank 3 with six independent sections on a general curve of genus 9 or 11 with Clifford index strictly less than the Clifford index of the curve. The example also allows us to show the non-emptiness of some Brill–Noether loci with negative expected dimension.
SCALAR BOUNDEDNESS OF VECTOR-VALUED FUNCTIONS
Authors: RAJA MATÍAS , RODRÍGUEZ JOSÉ
Published: December 2011

We provide sufficient conditions for a Banach space-valued function to be scalarly bounded, which do not require to test on the whole dual space. Some applications in vector integration are also given.
FACTORIZATION NUMBERS OF SOME FINITE GROUPS
Authors: SAEEDI F. , FARROKHI D. G. M.
Published: December 2011

For a finite group G, let F2(G) be the number of factorizations G = AB of the group G, where A and B are subgroups of G. We compute F2(G) for certain classes of groups, including cyclic groups ℤn, elementary abelian p-groups ℤpn, dihedral groups D2n, generalised quaternion groups Q4n, quasi-dihedral 2-groups QD2n(n≥4), modular p-groups Mpn, projective general linear groups PGL(2, pn) and projective special linear groups PSL(2, pn).
Molecular identification ofAustrobilharziaspecies parasitizingCerithidea cingulata(Gastropoda: Potamididae) from Kuwait Bay
Authors: Al-Kandari W.Y. , Al-Bustan S.A. , Isaac A.M. , George B.A. , Chandy B.S.
Published: December 2011

Avian schistosomes belonging to the genusAustrobilharzia(Digenea: Schistosomatidae) are among the causative agents of cercarial dermatitis in humans. In this paper, ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA sequences were used to study schistosome cercariae from Kuwait Bay that have been identified morphologically asAustrobilharziasp. Sequence comparison of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) 28S and 18S regions of the collected schistosome cercariae with corresponding sequences of other schistosomes in GenBank revealed high sequence similarity. This confirmed the morphological identification of schistosome cercariae from Kuwait Bay as belonging to the genusAustrobilharzia. The finding was further supported by the phylogenetic tree that was constructed based on the combined data set 18S-28S-mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCO1) sequences in whichAustrobilharziasp. clustered withA. terrigalensisandA. variglandis. Sequence comparison of theAustrobilharziasp. from Kuwait Bay withA. variglandisandA. terrigalensisbased on mtCO1 showed a variation of 10% and 11%, respectively. Since the sequence variation in the mtCO1 was within the interspecific range among trematodes, it seems that theAustrobilharziaspecies from Kuwait Bay is different from the two species reported in GenBank,A.terrigalensisandA. variglandis.
Tree nut phytochemicals: composition, antioxidant capacity, bioactivity, impact factors. A systematic review of almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts
Authors: Bolling Bradley W. , Chen C.-Y. Oliver , McKay Diane L. , Blumberg Jeffrey B.
Published: December 2011

Tree nuts contain an array of phytochemicals including carotenoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols and polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, proanthocyanidins (PAC) and stilbenes, all of which are included in nutrient databases, as well as phytates, sphingolipids, alkylphenols and lignans, which are not. The phytochemical content of tree nuts can vary considerably by nut type, genotype, pre- and post-harvest conditions, as well as storage conditions. Genotype affects phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes and phytosterols, but data are lacking for many other phytochemical classes. During the roasting process, tree nut isoflavones, flavanols and flavonols were found to be more resistant to heat than the anthocyanins, PAC andtrans-resveratrol. The choice of solvents used for extracting polyphenols and phytosterols significantly affects their quantification, and studies validating these methods for tree nut phytochemicals are lacking. The phytochemicals found in tree nuts have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antiviral, chemopreventive and hypocholesterolaemic actions, all of which are known to affect the initiation and progression of several pathogenic processes. While tree nut phytochemicals are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans, the number of intervention trials conducted to date is limited. The objectives of the present review are to summarise tree nut: (1) phytochemicals; (2) phytochemical content included in nutrient databases and current publications; (3) phytochemicals affected by pre- and post-harvest conditions and analytical methodology; and (4) bioactivity and health benefits in humans.
Longevity Risk and Annuity Pricing with the Lee-Carter Model
Authors: Richards S. J. , Currie I. D.
Published: December 2011

Several important classes of liability are sensitive to the direction of future mortality trends, and this paper presents some recent developments in fitting smooth models to historical mortality-experience data. We demonstrate the impact these models have on mortality projections, and the resulting impact which these projections have on financial products. We base our work round the Lee-Carter family of models. We find that each model fit, while using the same data and staying within the Lee-Carter family, can change the direction of the mortality projections. The main focus of the paper is to demonstrate the impact of these projections on various financial calculations, and we provide a number of ways of quantifying, both graphically and numerically, the model risk in such calculations. We conclude that the impact of our modelling assumptions is financially material. In short, there is a need for awareness of model risk when assessing longevity-related liabilities, especially for annuities and pensions.
Are outcomes of adjuvant vaginal vault brachytherapy in endometrial cancer related to the way it is delivered?
Authors: Alzouebi M. , Pledge S.D. , Martin J.E.
Published: December 2011

Aims:Endometrial cancer is the commonest malignancy of the female genital tract. Surgery forms the cornerstone of treatment with adjuvant therapy proven to reduce local recurrence without demonstrating a clear survival benefit. The selection of adjuvant therapy is becoming increasingly more complex. The aim of this study was to investigate current adjuvant practices by reviewing outcomes of patients with endometrial cancer treated with intracavitary vaginal brachytherapy (VB).

Materials & Methods:A retrospective analysis was carried out of all women with Stage II endometrial endometroid adenocarcinoma treated at Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield with adjuvant VB from 2003–2006. The data collected and analysed included histology, stage and grade of disease, radiotherapy treatment–related parameters, morbidity, recurrence rates and survival rates. Kaplan-Meier was used to analyse recurrence-free and overall survival rates. Wilson’s score was used to determine statistical significance of outcomes. Attention was focused on the method of treatment delivery, and this was compared with available literature.

Results:In total, 33 patients were identified. All patients were treated with LDR 48 Gy prescribed to the surface of the applicator. Median follow-up was 36 months. Vaginal, pelvic and distant relapse rates were 9%, 15% and 18%, respectively. Recurrence-free and overall survival rates were 78.8% and 84.8%, respectively. Six of the seven patients (86%) who recurred developed distant metastases, not influenced by VB. No severe (Grade 3 or 4 toxicity) was recorded. When vaginal relapse rates were compared to published trials based on technique used, no statistically significant difference was demonstrated.

Conclusion:Rates of vaginal relapses were comparable to the available literature suggesting current VB practice is an effective adjuvant local treatment. The study highlights the importance of surveillance and patient education regarding toxicity and its prevention with particular attention drawn to vaginal stenosis.
Conservation of Billbergia zebrina genetic resources: AFLP polymorphism of in vitro regenerated genotypes
Authors: Dal Vesco Lirio L. , Stefenon Valdir M. , Welter Leocir J. , Steiner Neusa , Guerra Miguel P.
Published: December 2011

Biotechnological techniques comprise useful tools for the conservation of endangered plant genetic resources. In the present work, polymorphism and usefulness of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers in assessing the genetic diversity in populations of Billbergia zebrina were investigated in nodular cultures and adult plants of the species. AFLP markers revealed moderate-to-high genetic diversity based on the estimations of Nei's gene diversity (mean He = 0.28), Shannon index of diversity (mean HS = 0.48) and the number of polymorphic fragments (mean of 56.17 polymorphic fragments over six primer pairs). In comparison to published studies of population genetics performed in other bromeliad species, the present study suggests that natural populations of B. zebrina likely maintain high levels of genetic diversity, an important feature towards conservation of plant genetic resources. The results obtained reveal that AFLP markers comprise a powerful tool in order to assess the levels of genetic diversity in natural populations of this endangered species. Integrating AFLP markers with in vitro propagation techniques is understood as an adequate strategy for conservation programmes of this species.
Cassini observations of ion and electron beams at Saturn and their relationship to infrared auroral arcs
Authors: Badman S. V. , Achilleos N. , Arridge C. S. , Baines K. H. , Brown R. H. , Bunce E. J. , Coates A. J. , Cowley S. W. H. , Dougherty M. K. , Fujimoto M. , Hospodarsky G. , Kasahara S. , Kimura T. , Melin H. , Mitchell D. G. , Stallard T. , Tao C.
Published: December 2011

We present Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer observations of infrared auroral emissions from the noon sector of Saturn's ionosphere revealing multiple intense auroral arcs separated by dark regions poleward of the main oval. The arcs are interpreted as the ionospheric signatures of bursts of reconnection occurring at the dayside magnetopause. The auroral arcs were associated with upward field‐aligned currents, the magnetic signatures of which were detected by Cassini at high planetary latitudes. Magnetic field and particle observations in the adjacent downward current regions showed upward bursts of 100–360 keV light ions in addition to energetic (hundreds of keV) electrons, which may have been scattered from upward accelerated beams carrying the downward currents. Broadband, upward propagating whistler waves were detected simultaneously with the ion beams. The acceleration of the light ions from low altitudes is attributed to wave‐particle interactions in the downward current regions. Energetic (600 keV) oxygen ions were also detected, suggesting the presence of ambient oxygen at altitudes within the acceleration region. These simultaneous in situ and remote observations reveal the highly energetic magnetospheric dynamics driving some of Saturn's unusual auroral features. This is the first in situ identification of transient reconnection events at regions magnetically conjugate to Saturn's magnetopause.
Modularization for the Cell Ontology
Authors: Torniai Carlo , Diehl Alexander , Mungall Christopher , Haendel Melissa , Ireland Amelia , Manzoor Shahid , Meehan Terry , Osumi-Sutherland David
Published: December 2011

One of the premises of the OBO Foundry is that development of an orthogonal set of ontologies will increase domain expert contributions and logical interoperability, and decrease maintenance workload. For these reasons, the Cell Ontology (CL) is being re-engineered. This process requires the extraction of sub-modules from existing OBO ontologies, which presents a number of practical engineering challenges. These extracted modules may be intended to cover a narrow or a broad set of species. In addition, applications and resources that make use of the Cell Ontology have particular modularization requirements, such as the ability to extract custom subsets or unions of the Cell Ontology with other OBO ontologies. These extracted modules may be intended to cover a narrow or a broad set of species, which presents unique complications.We discuss some of these requirements, and present our progress towards a customizable simple-to-use modularization tool that leverages existing OWL-based tools and opens up their use for the CL and other ontologies.
From the protein's perspective: the benefits and challenges of protein structure-based pharmacophore modeling
Authors: Sanders Marijn P. A. , McGuire Ross , Roumen Luc , de Esch Iwan J. P. , de Vlieg Jacob , Klomp Jan P. G. , de Graaf Chris
Published: December 2011

Protein structure-based pharmacophore (SBP) models derive the molecular features a ligand must contain to be biologically active by conversion of protein properties to reciprocal ligand space. SBPs improve molecular understanding of ligand–protein interactions and can be used as valuable tools for hit and lead optimization, compound library design, and target hopping.
A molten globule-to-ordered structure transition of Drosophila melanogaster crammer is required for its ability to inhibit cathepsin
Authors: Tseng Tien-Sheng , Cheng Chao-Sheng , Chen Dian-Jiun , Shih Min-Fang , Liu Yu-Nan , Hsu Shang-Te Danny , Lyu Ping-Chiang
Published: December 2011

Drosophila melanogaster crammer is a novel cathepsin inhibitor that is involved in LTM (long-term memory) formation. The mechanism by which the inhibitory activity is regulated remains unclear. In the present paper we have shown that the oligomeric state of crammer is pH dependent. At neutral pH, crammer is predominantly dimeric in vitro as a result of disulfide bond formation, and is monomeric at acidic pH. Our inhibition assay shows that monomeric crammer, not disulfide-bonded dimer, is a strong competitive inhibitor of cathepsin L. Crammer is a monomeric molten globule in acidic solution, a condition that is similar to the environment in the lysosome where crammer is probably located. Upon binding to cathepsin L, however, crammer undergoes a molten globule-to-ordered structural transition. Using high-resolution NMR spectroscopy, we have shown that a cysteine-to-serine point mutation at position 72 (C72S) renders crammer monomeric at pH 6.0 and that the structure of the C72S variant highly resembles that of wild-type crammer in complex with cathepsin L at pH 4.0. We have determined the first solution structure of propeptide-like protease inhibitor in its active form and examined in detail using a variety of spectroscopic methods the folding properties of crammer in order to delineate its biomolecular recognition of cathepsin.
Macromolecular and small-molecule modulation of intracellular Aβ42 aggregation and associated toxicity
Authors: Chakrabortee Sohini , Liu Yun , Zhang Liao , Matthews Helena R. , Zhang Hanrui , Pan Ni , Cheng Chun-ru , Guan Shu-hong , Guo De-an , Huang Zebo , Zheng Yizhi , Tunnacliffe Alan
Published: December 2011

Aβ (amyloid β-peptide) has a central role in AD (Alzheimer's disease) where neuronal toxicity is linked to its extracellular and intracellular accumulation as oligomeric species. Searching for molecules that attenuate Aβ aggregation could uncover novel therapies for AD, but most studies in mammalian cells have inferred aggregation indirectly by assessing levels of secreted Aβ peptide. In the present study we establish a mammalian cell system for the direct visualization of Aβ formation by expression of an Aβ42–EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) fusion protein in the human embryonic kidney cell line T-REx293, and use this to identify both macromolecules and small molecules that reduce aggregation and associated cell toxicity. Thus a molecular shield protein AavLEA1 [Aphelenchus avenae LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) protein 1], which limits aggregation of proteins with expanded poly(Q) repeats, is also effective against Aβ42–EGFP when co-expressed in T-REx293 cells. A screen of polysaccharide and small organic molecules from medicinal plants and fungi reveals one candidate in each category, PS5 (polysaccharide 5) and ganoderic acid DM respectively, with activity against Aβ. Both PS5 and ganoderic acid DM probably promote Aβ aggregate clearance indirectly through the proteasome. The model is therefore of value to study the effects of intracellular Aβ on cell physiology and to identify reagents that counteract those effects.
Reprogramming of pancreatic exocrine cells towards a beta (β) cell character using Pdx1, Ngn3 and MafA
Authors: Akinci Ersin , Banga Anannya , Greder Lucas V. , Dutton James R. , Slack Jonathan M. W.
Published: December 2011

Pdx1 (pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1), Ngn3 (neurogenin 3) and MafA (v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family, protein A) have been reported to bring about the transdifferentiation of pancreatic exocrine cells to beta (β) cells in vivo. We have investigated the mechanism of this process using a standard in vitro model of pancreatic exocrine cells, the rat AR42j-B13 cell line. We constructed a new adenoviral vector encoding all three genes, called Ad-PNM (adenoviral Pdx1, Ngn3, MafA construct). When introduced into AR42j-B13 cells, Ad-PNM caused a rapid change to a flattened morphology and a cessation of cell division. The expression of exocrine markers is suppressed. Both insulin genes are up-regulated as well as a number of transcription factors normally characteristic of beta cells. At the chromatin level, histone tail modifications of the Pdx1, Ins1 (insulin 1) and Ins2 (insulin 2) gene promoters are shifted in a direction associated with gene activity, and the level of DNA CpG methylation is reduced at the Ins1 promoter. The transformed cells secrete insulin and are capable of relieving diabetes in streptozotocin-treated NOD-SCID (non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency) mice. However the transformation is not complete. The cells lack expression of several genes important for beta cell function and they do not show glucose-sensitive insulin secretion. We conclude that, for this exocrine cell model, although the transformation is dramatic, the reprogramming is not complete and lacks critical aspects of the beta cell phenotype.
Geometric integration in Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics
Authors: Odell Anders , Delin Anna , Johansson Börje , Cawkwell Marc J. , Niklasson Anders M. N.
Published: December 2011

Geometric integration schemes for extended Lagrangian self-consistent Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, including a weak dissipation to remove numerical noise, are developed and analyzed. The extended Lagrangian framework enables the geometric integration of both the nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom. This provides highly efficient simulations that are stable and energy conserving even under incomplete and approximate self-consistent field (SCF) convergence. We investigate three different geometric integration schemes: (1) regular time reversible Verlet, (2) second order optimal symplectic, and (3) third order optimal symplectic. We look at energy conservation, accuracy, and stability as a function of dissipation, integration time step, and SCF convergence. We find that the inclusion of dissipation in the symplectic integration methods gives an efficient damping of numerical noise or perturbations that otherwise may accumulate from finite arithmetics in a perfect reversible dynamics.
Downconversion from visible to near infrared through multi-wavelength excitation in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped NaYF4 nanocrystals
Authors: Xu Sai , Xu Wen , Dong Biao , Bai Xue , Song Hongwei
Published: December 2011

Homogeneous NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ nanoparticles (NPs) with average diameters of ∼10 nm and ∼200 nm and various doping concentrations (Yb3+:0%−20%, Er3+:2%) were prepared by the thermal decomposition of trifluoroacetate precursors. The visible and infrared (IR) emission spectra range of 500–2200 nm and luminescent dynamics were studied through the pumping of multi-wavelengths, 443 nm, 488 nm, and 520 nm. Strong and sufficient IR emissions were observed, including the transitions of 4I11/2−4I15/2 at ∼980 nm, 2H11/2−4I11/2 at ∼1112 nm, 4S3/2−4I11/2 at ∼1217 nm, 4I13/2−4I15/2 at ∼1540 nm, 4I9/2−4I13/2 at ∼1680 nm, and 4F9/2−,4I11/2 at ∼1955 nm. It is the first observation of 2H11/2−4I11/2 and 4F9/2−4I11/2 emissions to our knowledge. Through the IR emissions, several novel channels of quantum cutting (QC) were evidenced, including: (1) 2H11/2−4I11/2 and 4I11/2−4I15/2, (2) 4S3/2−4I11/2 and 4I11/2−4I15/2, (3) 4F9/2−4I11/2 and 4I11/2−4I15/2, and (4) 4I9/2−4I13/2 and 4I13/2−4I15/2. For the IR QC emissions, the overall efficiencies in the 200−nm NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ were estimated to be as high as 186−193%. Through the measurements of luminescent dynamics of Er3+ on different levels, the spontaneous rates and energy transfer (ET) rates from Er3+ to Yb3+ were determined, which showed that ET from Er3+ to Yb3+ mainly happened on 2H11/2,4S3/2, and 4I13/2 levels. The present results indicate that the visible-to-IR QC for Er3+ has potential use to improve the efficiency of some IR solar cells, such as germanium-based ones.
Construction of basis functions with crystal symmetry for the spin-cluster expansion of the magnetic energy on the atomic scale
Authors: Dietermann F. , Singer R. , Fähnle M.
Published: December 2011

For a crystal with symmetry according to a space-group \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathcal G$\end{document}G, a set of linearly independent and orthogonal basis functions for the spin-cluster expansion of the magnetic energy on the atomic scale is constructed, which is invariant under the action of each \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$g\in \mathcal G$\end{document}g∈G. This basis set is found by linear combinations of the basis functions invariant under global rotations of the magnetic moments, as defined in a former paper [R. Singer and M. Fähnle, J. Math. Phys. 47, 113503 (2006)10.1063/1.2364181].
Room temperature ballistic transport in InSb quantum well nanodevices
Authors: Gilbertson A. M. , Kormányos A. , Buckle P. D. , Fearn M. , Ashley T. , Lambert C. J. , Solin S. A. , Cohen L. F.
Published: December 2011

We report the room temperature observation of significant ballistic electron transport in shallow etched four-terminal mesoscopic devices fabricated on an InSb/AlInSb quantum well (QW) heterostructure with a crucial partitioned growth-buffer scheme. Ballistic electron transport is evidenced by a negative bend resistance signature which is quite clearly observed at 295 K and at current densities in excess of 106 A/cm2. This demonstrates unequivocally that by using effective growth and processing strategies, room temperature ballistic effects can be exploited in InSb/AlInSb QWs at practical device dimensions.
Direct observation of internal potential distributions in a bulk heterojunction solar cell
Authors: Lee Jongjin , Kong Jaemin , Kim Heejoo , Kang Sung-Oong , Lee Kwanghee
Published: December 2011

Cross-sectional potential distributions of a polymer bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell, consisting of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester blends, were directly observed by using Kelvin probe force microscopy. It was found that the bulk electric field of BHJ is nearly field-free compared with that of classical metal-insulator-metal model, whereas the electric field of BHJ device is confined to the cathode interface. The cathode-interfaced rectification junction is studied to originate from the formation of bilayered p-n junction in the BHJ.
Experimental observation of optical vortex in self-frequency-doubling generation
Authors: Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin , Wang Zhengping , Wang Jiyang , Pan Zhongben , Zhuang Shidong , Tang Dingyuan
Published: December 2011

We present an experimental observation of optical vortices in phase-matching self-frequency doubling (SFD) with a simple laser-diode (LD) end-pumped SFD microchip laser. From experimental and theoretical analysis, it is found that the photons contain a linear combination of the fundamental orbital angular momentum states, and that frequency doubling photons in SFD would recombine with but do not disturb each other. All the results show that the SFD should be an efficient tool for the study of quantum phenomena and has promising applications based on its structural simplicity and compactness.
Categorical Tensor Network States
Authors: Biamonte Jacob D. , Clark Stephen R. , Jaksch Dieter
Published: December 2011

We examine the use of string diagrams and the mathematics of category theory in the description of quantum states by tensor networks. This approach lead to a unification of several ideas, as well as several results and methods that have not previously appeared in either side of the literature. Our approach enabled the development of a tensor network framework allowing a solution to the quantum decomposition problem which has several appealing features. Specifically, given an n-body quantum state |ψ〉, we present a new and general method to factor |ψ〉 into a tensor network of clearly defined building blocks. We use the solution to expose a previously unknown and large class of quantum states which we prove can be sampled efficiently and exactly. This general framework of categorical tensor network states, where a combination of generic and algebraically defined tensors appear, enhances the theory of tensor network states.
Governing Irrationality, or a More Than Rational Government? Reflections on the Rescientisation of Decision Making in British Public Policy
Authors: Whitehead Mark , Jones Rhys , Pykett Jessica
Published: December 2011

It appears that recent debates within human geography, and the broader social sciences, concerning the more-than-rational constitution of human decision making are now being paralleled by changes in the ways in which public policy makers are conceiving of and addressing human behaviour. This paper focuses on the rise of so-called Behaviour Change policies in public policy in the UK. Behaviour Change policies draw on the behavioural insights being developed within the neuro-sciences, behavioural economics, and psychology. These new behavioural theories suggest not only that human decision making relies on a previously overlooked irrational component, but that the irrationality of decision making is sufficiently consistent to enable effective public policy intervention into the varied times and spaces that surround human decisions. This paper charts the emergence of Behaviour Change policies within a range of British public policy sectors, and the political and scientific antecedents of such policies. Ultimately, the paper develops a geographically informed, ethical critique of the contemporary Behaviour Change regime that is emerging in the UK. Drawing on thirty in-depth interviews with leading policy executives, and case studies that reflect the application of Behaviour Change policies on the design and constitution of British streets, the analysis claims that current strategies are predicated on a partial reading of new behavioural theories. We argue that this partial reading of human cognition is leading to the construction of public policies that seek to arbitrarily decouple the rational and emotional components of human decision making with deleterious social and political consequences.
“You never fail to surprise me”: the hallmark of the Other
Authors: Lenay Charles , Stewart John , Rohde Marieke , Amar Amal Ali
Published: December 2011

Classically, the question of recognizing another subject is posed unilaterally, in terms of the observed behaviour of the other entity. Here, we propose an alternative, based on the emergent patterns of activity resulting from the interaction of both partners. We employ a minimalist device which forces the subjects to externalize their perceptual activity as trajectories which can be observed and recorded; the results show that subjects do identify the situation of perceptual crossing with their partner. The interpretation of the results is guided by comparable evolutionary robotics simulations. There are two components to subjects’ recognition capacities: distinguishing mobile and fixed entities; and behaving so as to interact with their partner rather than with a mobile lure. The “Other” is characterized by the feature that there is sufficient regularity in the interactions to encourage the formation of anticipations; but sufficient indetermination that the actual behaviour is consistently surprising. Keywords: Recognition of other; perceptual crossing; evolutionary robotics
Modeling the acceptance of socially interactive robotics
Authors: Shin Dong-Hee , Choo Hyungseung
Published: December 2011

Based on an integrated theoretical framework, this study analyzes user acceptance behavior toward socially interactive robots focusing on the variables that influence the users’ attitudes and intentions to adopt robots. Individuals’ responses to questions about attitude and intention to use robots were collected and analyzed according to different factors modified from a variety of theories. The results of the proposed model explain that social presence is key to the behavioral intention to accept social robots. The proposed model shows the significant roles of perceived adaptivity and sociability, both of which affect attitude as well as influence perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment, respectively. These factors can be key features of users’ expectations of social robots, which can give practical implications for designing and developing meaningful social interaction between robots and humans. The new set of variables is specific to social robots, acting as factors that enhance attitudes and behavioral intentions in human–robot interactions. Keywords: Robot acceptance model; Socially interactive robots; Social robots; Social presence
Extending the constructs of active learning: implications for teachers' pedagogy and practice
Authors: Drew Valerie , Mackie Lorele
Published: December 2011

Active learning is a pedagogical construct widely appealed to within the global discourse of lifelong learning. However, an examination of the literature reveals a lack of clarity and consensus as to its meaning. This article provides a critical analysis of a range of dimensions underpinning the concept of active learning including policy discourses, definitions, interpretation and enactments in educational settings, and resultant pedagogical implications. A more robust theoretical framework is presented to support educator understanding which synthesises and extends current constructs and which bridges the divide between active learning considered as either theory of learning or pedagogical strategy.
Lake Superior: Nearshore variability and a landscape driver concept
Authors: Yurista Peder , Kelly John R. , Miller Samuel E.
Published: December 2011

Spatial variation is well known to exist in water quality parameters of the Great Lakes nearshore; however, strong patterns for extended reaches also have been observed and found to be robust across seasonal time frames. Less is known about robustness of inter-annual variation within parameters for water quality in the nearshore. We have conducted high-resolution surveys with towed electronic instrumentation in nearshore areas of Lake Superior and have combined several seasons (2001–2005) of measurements from multiple research efforts to investigate how spatial variation compares across years. The combined survey tows ranged across approximately 1200 km of Lake Superior's south shore. In addition to the survey tracks, we also sampled fixed stations to collect calibration data and other parameters not observed by the in situ electronic sensors. The towed sensor data provided information on the spatial and temporal variability of water quality parameters along the nearshore. We found a consistent spatial pattern over time along the south shore of Lake Superior. Nearshore water quality parameters were analyzed with respect to landscape characteristics of the adjacent watersheds (US only) using multivariate stepwise regressions and found to correlate to landscape characterization. The stressor categories of landscape character that best described the nearshore parameters were agriculture-chemical usage and land-cover attributes. Peak nearshore values corresponded with landscape position that had the most altered landuse character (e.g. Duluth/Superior region). The landscape character appears to drive and maintain the spatial pattern in nearshore water quality parameters.
Challenges to Lake Superior's condition, assessment, and management: A few observations across a generation of change
Authors: Kelly John R. , Yurista Peder M. , Miller Samuel E. , Cotter Anne C. , Corry Timothy C. , Scharold Jill V. , Sierszen Michael E. , Isaac Edmund J. , Stockwell Jason D.
Published: December 2011

Selected comparisons of water quality and biological properties in lakewide samplings of the early 1970s and 2005–2006 illustrate a range of ecological changes within Lake Superior over the last three decades. Comparisons depict warmed surface layers, and increased chloride and nitrate concentrations—confirming trends described in recent literature. Our comparisons also depict some spatial dimensions of change, showing vertical and horizontal patterns throughout the lake as a function of depth and from shallow to deepest waters. The selected physico-chemical examples speak to different scales of source drivers for change (from local, to basinwide, and even global) and highlight a lake in which some fundamental properties have been influenced in a short period relative to its long flushing time (∼170 years). One legacy of the past 30 years of study seems clear: the notion that Lake Superior, due to its vastness, is resistant to environmental forcing and very slow to change, has been modified. We use two important biological components to evaluate change and also to contrast biological distributions, highlighting that some fundamental aspects of food webs vary with depth. Reflecting on these observations, we offer a perspective on how well we keep track of the condition and functioning of the lake, and how we might improve assessments to more actively inform management. Without more frequent biological sampling across all depth zones of the lake, there will continue to be limited ability to assess the nature and causes of ecological change, even when some changes are detected. Knowing that physico-chemical changes can occur relatively quickly (within decades), that the mechanisms for change can be expressed over different spatial dimensions of the lake, and that biology is distributed heterogeneously over these spatial dimensions, we argue the need to increase the degree (the spatial comprehensiveness, frequency, and integration of components) to which the lake is assessed.
Rapid stable isotope turnover of larval fish in a Lake Superior coastal wetland: Implications for diet and life history studies
Authors: Hoffman Joel C. , Cotter Anne M. , Peterson Gregory S. , Corry Timothy D. , Kelly John R.
Published: December 2011

Trophic linkages of larval fish in Lake Superior coastal habitats can be identified using naturally occurring differences in the stable isotope ratios of nitrogen (15N:14N, δ15N) and carbon (13C:12C, δ13C). We measured 13C and 15N values in common fish larvae weekly during spring run-off (late-April to mid-July) in the hydrologically complex drowned river mouth of the St. Louis River, the second largest tributary to Lake Superior. For all species, δ13C was increasingly negative with increasing weight as the fish developed from the yolk-sac stage, during which they possess a maternally-derived isotopic signature, to an exogenously feeding larvae. Trends in δ15N with increasing weight varied among species; an increase, decrease, and no change in δ15N were observed. A weight-based stable isotope turnover function modeled well the observed changes in δ13C and δ15N. In general, fish obtained a constant signature after a 10-fold gain in body mass, implying their tissue was at isotopic equilibrium with their diet. Difference between yolk-sac and larvae δ13C and δ15N revealed distinct patterns in larval origin and settlement. Based on the species analyzed, we identify two specific Lake Superior coastal wetland-dependent fish early life histories that incorporate habitat use, movement, and trophic dynamics. This study thus provides a methodological approach that can potentially help resolve interactions between watershed character, coastal productivity, and Lake Superior that are of significance to the lake's fisheries.
Interacting watershed size and landcover influences on habitat and biota of Lake Superior coastal wetlands
Authors: Trebitz Anett S. , Brazner John C. , Tanner Danny K. , Meyer Roger
Published: December 2011

Coastal wetlands are important contributors to large-lake productivity and biodiversity and mediators of lake—watershed interactions. This study explores whether the size of the watershed in which coastal wetlands are embedded (a measure of strength of connection to the terrestrial landscape) influences their background condition and response to anthropogenic landuse. Water quality, substrate, vegetation structure, and composition of zoobenthos, turtles, crayfish, and fish were characterized in 32 Lake Superior coastal wetlands in the summers of 2000–2001, and related to watershed size categories via ANOVA and to watershed development (percent agricultural and urban landuse) via linear regression. Lake Superior coastal wetlands had relatively low levels of watershed development – apparently not enough to significantly alter fish composition. However, watershed development was associated with significant changes in substrate, turbidity, plant structure, and zoobenthos, and in most cases these effects were stronger in wetlands having big rather than small watersheds. An alternate classification contrasting exposure to versus protection from river influences was not effective at resolving responses to watershed development. Watershed size had little effect on background conditions in minimally disturbed wetlands, although turtles were more abundant in large-watershed wetlands. The role of watershed size in mediating responses to landuse merits further study, but our findings suggest that receiving inflows from bigger watersheds affects coastal wetlands primarily by amplifying transmission of disturbance rather than via direct impacts of flow.
Daily physical activity and sports participation among children from ethnic minorities in Denmark
Authors: Nielsen Glen , Hermansen Bianca , Bugge Anna , Dencker Magnus , Andersen Lars Bo
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Danish children from immigrant backgrounds are less physically active than children from the ethnic majority, and to investigate the possible reasons for any differences found. Accelerometer measures of physical activity as well as questionnaire data about organised sports, family demography, resources and values were collected from 594 children of whom 67 had other ethnic background than Danish. Data were collected when the children were 6–7 years old and again later when the children were 9–10 years old. It was found that children from immigrant backgrounds were not less physically active than other children when their amounts of daily physical activity were measured by direct objective measures, despite their participation rate in organised sports being much lower. Using multiple logistic regression modelling, this study showed that lack of parental experience with organised sports and lack of economic/material resources explained much of the difference in sports participation. Children of immigrant background had significant lower participation in club sports but this did not affect their overall physical activity level.
The relationship between mental toughness and dispositional flow
Authors: Crust Lee , Swann Christian
Published: December 2011

This article tested the relationship between mental toughness (MT) and dispositional flow. A sample of 135 athletes (M age=20.81 years, SD=2.76), derived from University sports teams and local sports clubs, gave informed consent before completing questionnaires to assess MT and dispositional flow. Pearson correlations revealed a significant and positive relationship between total MT and global flow scores (r=0.65, p <0.001). Correlations between total MT and dispositional flow subscales were all found to be significant and positive, ranging from 0.26 to 0.68. Correlations between global flow and MT subscales were also all significant and positive, ranging between 0.43 and 0.65. Linear regression analyses found MT subscales to account for 45% of the variance in disposition flow, and flow subscales to account for 50% of the variance in MT. These results suggest a reciprocal relationship between MT and flow.