bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Tennekes Hendrik
Published: November 2011

The earth's atmosphere is always in motion, and as the winds blow over the surface of this globe, they maintain a “layer of frictional influence” or atmospheric boundary layer that extends from the surface to heights typically of the order of one kilometer. The atmosphere receives much of its heat and virtually all of its water vapor through turbulent transfer processes in the boundary layer. Furthermore, most atmospheric pollutants are released in the boundary layer, and the quality of our daily environment (we all live inside the boundary layer!) depends strongly on the mixing capabilities of whatever turbulence happens to be around us.
Surface and confinement effects on the dielectric relaxation of a monohydroxy alcohol
Authors: Gainaru Catalin , Schildmann Sebastian , Böhmer Roland
Published: November 2011

2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2E1H) was confined to the surface of a collagen matrix at various concentration levels c. Dielectric spectroscopy revealed that upon decreasing c, the alcohol's prominent hydrogen-bond mediated Debye-like relaxation broadens and turns nonexponential. This destabilization of the supramolecular association is accompanied by an increasing relative strength of the structural relaxation in 2E1H up to a point beyond which the two processes are merged when the solvent molecules are sufficiently diluted. These results demonstrate that the contribution of the Debye-like relaxation can be completely suppressed and concomitantly the limit of a simple, nonassociating liquid is reached. Confinement of the alcohol in a monolithic glass with nanoscopic pores subjected to different internal surface treatments is also demonstrated to bear a large impact on the relative strengths of the two processes.
Emissivity measurements of shocked tin using a multi-wavelength integrating sphere
Authors: Seifter A. , Grover M. , Holtkamp D. B. , Iverson A. J. , Stevens G. D. , Turley W. D. , Veeser L. R. , Wilke M. D. , Young J. A.
Published: November 2011

Pyrometric measurements of radiance to determine temperature have been performed on shock physics experiments for decades. However, multi-wavelength pyrometry schemes sometimes fail to provide credible temperatures in experiments, which incur unknown changes in sample emissivity, because an emissivity change also affects the spectral radiance. Hence, for shock physics experiments using pyrometry to measure temperatures, it is essential to determine the dynamic sample emissivity. The most robust way to determine the normal spectral emissivity is to measure the spectral normal-hemispherical reflectance using an integrating sphere. In this paper, we describe a multi-wavelength (1.6–5.0 μm) integrating sphere system that utilizes a “reversed” scheme, which we use for shock physics experiments. The sample to be shocked is illuminated uniformly by scattering broadband light from inside a sphere onto the sample. A portion of the light reflected from the sample is detected at a point 12 deg from normal to the sample surface. For this experiment, we used the system to measure emissivity of shocked tin at four wavelengths for shock-stress values between 17 and 33 GPa. The results indicate a large increase in effective emissivity upon shock release from tin when the shock is above 24–25 GPa, a shock stress for which the sample is partially melted when the shock releases. We also recorded an IR image of one of the shocked samples through the integrating sphere, and the emissivity inferred from the image agreed well with the integrating-sphere, pyrometer-detector data. Here, we discuss experimental data, uncertainties, and a data analysis process. We also describe unique emissivity-measurement problems arising from shock experiments and methods to overcome such problems.
On stochastic stabilization of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability by three-wave resonant interaction
Authors: Kostrykin S. V. , Romanova N. N. , Yakushkin I. G.
Published: November 2011

An analytical investigation of the effect of three-wave resonant interactions with the linearly unstable wave is proposed. We consider the waves in the Kelvin-Helmholtz model, consisting of two fluid layers with different densities and velocities. We suppose that the velocity shear is weakly supercritical, the instability is of the algebraic type, i.e., the amplitude of the unstable wave grows linearly, and the instability occurs within the framework of a single mode. The amplitudes of two other waves taking part in the nonlinear interaction are assumed to be stable. The initial amplitudes of these waves are supposed to be small in comparison with the initial amplitude of the unstable wave. We present an analysis of the system of amplitude equations derived for this case using JWKB-method. As a result, we obtain equations that couple solutions pre- and post-passing the singular point, i.e., the point where the amplitude of the unstable wave has a local minimum. These equations give us the transformation rule of a parameter that characterizes the phase shift between fast and slow waves and defines the behavior of the system. This parameter is constant between two singular points and varies by chance at a singular point. As long as it stays positive, the amplitude of the wave remains limited and performs stochastic oscillations. If this parameter passes over zero, then we leave the region of stabilization and turn out in the region, where the amplitude grows infinitely. Accordingly, the transition to the region of instability happens stochastically. However, if the time interval, when the amplitude remains bounded, is large enough, the proposed scenario can be treated as a partial stabilization of instability.
Kinetic description of rotating Tokamak plasmas with anisotropic temperatures in the collisionless regime
Authors: Cremaschini Claudio , Tessarotto Massimo
Published: November 2011

A largely unsolved theoretical issue in controlled fusion research is the consistent kinetic treatment of slowly-time varying plasma states occurring in collisionless and magnetized axisymmetric plasmas. The phenomenology may include finite pressure anisotropies as well as strong toroidal and poloidal differential rotation, characteristic of Tokamak plasmas. Despite the fact that physical phenomena occurring in fusion plasmas depend fundamentally on the microscopic particle phase-space dynamics, their consistent kinetic treatment remains still essentially unchallenged to date. The goal of this paper is to address the problem within the framework of Vlasov-Maxwell description. The gyrokinetic treatment of charged particles dynamics is adopted for the construction of asymptotic solutions for the quasi-stationary species kinetic distribution functions. These are expressed in terms of the particle exact and adiabatic invariants. The theory relies on a perturbative approach, which permits to construct asymptotic analytical solutions of the Vlasov-Maxwell system. In this way, both diamagnetic and energy corrections are included consistently into the theory. In particular, by imposing suitable kinetic constraints, the existence of generalized bi-Maxwellian asymptotic kinetic equilibria is pointed out. The theory applies for toroidal rotation velocity of the order of the ion thermal speed. These solutions satisfy identically also the constraints imposed by the Maxwell equations, i.e., quasi-neutrality and Ampere’s law. As a result, it is shown that, in the presence of nonuniform fluid and EM fields, these kinetic equilibria can sustain simultaneously toroidal differential rotation, quasi-stationary finite poloidal flows and temperature anisotropy.
Gallium gradients in chalcopyrite thin films: Depth profile analyses of films grown at different temperatures
Authors: Mönig H. , Kaufmann C. A. , Fischer Ch.-H. , Grimm A. , Caballero R. , Johnson B. , Eicke A. , Lux-Steiner M. Ch. , Lauermann I.
Published: November 2011

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films are used as absorber layers in chalcopyrite thin film solar cells. As the gallium concentration in the absorber can be used to control the band gap, there have been many efforts to vary the gallium concentration in depth to gain an optimum balance of light absorption, carrier collection, and recombination at different depths of the absorber film, leading to improved quantum efficiency. In this study, we investigate the effect of the maximum substrate temperature during film growth on the depth dependent gallium concentration. For the in-depth gallium concentration analyses, we use two techniques, covering complementary depth ranges. Angle dependent soft x-ray emission spectroscopy provides access to information depths between 20 and 470 nm, which covers the depth range of the space charge region, where most of the photoexcited carriers are generated. Therefore, this depth range is of particular interest. To complement this investigation we use secondary neutral mass spectrometry, which destructively probes the whole thickness of the absorber (≈2 μm). The two methods show increasingly pronounced gallium and indium gradients with decreasing maximum substrate temperature. The probing of the complementary depth ranges of the absorbers gives a consistent picture of the in-depth gallium distribution, which provides a solid basis for a comprehensive discussion about the effect of a reduced substrate temperature on the formation of gallium gradients in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and the device performance of the corresponding reference solar cells.
Structure and dynamics of water confined in silica nanopores
Authors: Milischuk Anatoli A. , Ladanyi Branka M.
Published: November 2011

We report the results of molecular simulation of water in silica nanopores at full hydration and room temperature. The model systems are approximately cylindrical pores in amorphous silica, with diameters ranging from 20 to 40 Å. The filled pores are prepared using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation and molecular dynamics simulation is used to calculate the water structure and dynamics. We found that water forms two distinct molecular layers at the interface and exhibits uniform, but somewhat lower than bulk liquid, density in the core region. The hydrogen bond density profile follows similar trends, with lower than bulk density in the core and enhancements at the interface, due to hydrogen bonds between water and surface non-bridging oxygens and OH groups. Our studies of water dynamics included translational mean squared displacements, orientational time correlations, survival probabilities in interfacial shells, and hydrogen bond population relaxation. We found that the radial-axial anisotropy in translational motion largely follows the predictions of a model of free diffusion in a cylinder. However, both translational and rotational water mobilities are strongly dependent on the proximity to the interface, with pronounced slowdown in layers near the interface. Within these layers, the effects of interface curvature are relatively modest, with only a small increase in mobility in going from the 20 to 40 Å diameter pore. Hydrogen bond population relaxation is nearly bulk-like in the core, but considerably slower in the interfacial region.
On the acoustic response of microbubbles in arteriole sized vessels
Authors: Butler Mairead B. , Thomas David H. , Silva Nadia , Pye Stephen D. , Sboros Vassilis
Published: November 2011

Microbubbles are used to improve ultrasound imaging of the vascular bed. Optical microscopy has shown microbubbles in different size tubes which have different responses to ultrasound. The acoustic scatter associated with such differences has not been previously measured. Echoes from two types of microbubbles, in narrow tubes, were collected at incident ultrasound parameters relevant to diagnostic imaging. Microbubbles were found to have increased second harmonic signatures in 50 μm diameter tubes compared to 200 μm. There was decreased survival of lipid microbubbles in the smaller tube. Understanding scatter mechanisms in narrow tubes is useful for signal processing optimisation for imaging applications.
Temperature-dependence of ink transport during thermal dip-pen nanolithography
Authors: Chung Sungwook , Felts Jonathan R. , Wang Debin , King William P. , De Yoreo James J.
Published: November 2011

We investigate the control of tip temperature on feature size during dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) of mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHA) on Au. Heated atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes operated between 25 °C and 50 °C wrote nanostructures of MHA for various dwell times and tip speeds. The feature size exhibited an exponential dependence on tip temperature with an apparent activation barrier of 165 kJ/mol. Analysis of the ink transfer process shows that, while ∼1/3 of the barrier is from ink dissolution into the meniscus, the rest reflects the barrier to adsorption onto the growing feature, a process that has been ignored in previous DPN models.
High frequency spin-torque-oscillators with reduced perpendicular torque effect based on asymmetric vortex polarizer
Authors: Carpentieri M. , Martinez E. , Finocchio G.
Published: November 2011

In this paper it is demonstrated micromagnetically the possibility to have high frequency and high power microwave emission at zero field in magnetic tunnel junctions with an off-centered vortex polarizer for current densities smaller than 107 A/cm2. We found power spectra characterized by two harmonics (around 6 GHz and 12 GHz) where the second one has the larger power. Due to the non-uniform configuration of the polarizer, the effect of the perpendicular torque is partially compensated by the Oersted field. Our predictions give rise to the design of a more compact and easily embedded spin-torque oscillators for all-on-chip applications.
Interpreting single turnover catalysis measurements with constrained mean dwell times
Authors: Ochoa Maicol A. , Zhou Xiaochun , Chen Peng , Loring Roger F.
Published: November 2011

Observation of a chemical transformation at the single-molecule level yields a detailed view of kinetic pathways contributing to the averaged results obtained in a bulk measurement. Studies of a fluorogenic reaction catalyzed by gold nanoparticles have revealed heterogeneous reaction dynamics for these catalysts. Measurements on single nanoparticles yield binary trajectories with stochastic transitions between a dark state in which no product molecules are adsorbed and a fluorescent state in which one product molecule is present. The mean dwell time in either state gives information corresponding to a bulk measurement. Quantifying fluctuations from mean kinetics requires identifying properties of the fluorescence trajectory that are selective in emphasizing certain dynamic processes according to their time scales. We propose the use of constrained mean dwell times, defined as the mean dwell time in a state with the constraint that the immediately preceding dwell time in the other state is, for example, less than a variable time. Calculations of constrained mean dwell times for a kinetic model with dynamic disorder demonstrate that these quantities reveal correlations among dynamic fluctuations at different active sites on a multisite catalyst. Constrained mean dwell times are determined from measurements of single nanoparticle catalysis. The results indicate that dynamical fluctuations at different active sites are correlated, and that especially rapid reaction events produce particularly slowly desorbing product molecules.
Spin wave resonance detection using magnetic tunnel junction structure
Authors: Bi Chong , Fan Xin , Pan Liqing , Kou Xiaoming , Wu Jun , Yang Qinghui , Zhang Huaiwu , Xiao John Q.
Published: November 2011

We have demonstrated that spin wave resonance in a permalloy microstrip can be detected by an electrical method based on magnetic tunnel junction structures. The detection method promises high spatial resolution and sensitivity. Both even and odd spin wave resonance modes can be clearly observed in a permalloy microstrip. The spin wave induced voltage is proportional to the input microwave power at each resonance mode. Data analysis using the model of quantized dipole-exchange spin wave resonance suggests the edge pinning of spin wave sensitively depends on the order of the spin wave mode, as well as on the excitation frequency for modes of the higher order.
Electrical and spectroscopic analysis in nanostructured SnO2: “Long-term” resistance drift is due to in-diffusion
Authors: Malagù Cesare , Giberti Alessio , Morandi Sara , Aldao Celso M.
Published: November 2011

A model for conductance in n-type non-degenerate semiconductors is proposed and applied to polycrystalline SnO2 used as a gas sensor. Particular attention is devoted to the fundamental mechanism of Schottky barrier formation due to surface states in nanostructured grains. Electrical and absorption infra-red spectroscopic analysis constitutes strong evidence for oxygen diffusion into the tin oxide grains. The model is then extended to include oxygen in- and out-diffusion. Thus, it is possible to explain the “long-term” resistance drift in oxygen for fully depleted grained samples in terms of tunneling through the double barrier.
Electrostatic tuning of ferromagnetic resonance and magnetoelectric interactions in ferrite-piezoelectric heterostructures grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Ming , Zhou Ziyao , Sun Nian X. , Murthy D. V. B. , Srinivasan Gopalan , Klein Tonya M. , Petrov Vladimir. M. , Gupta Arunava
Published: November 2011

Magnetoelectric interactions as a function of applied electric field have been studied in ferrite-ferroelectric heterostructures at microwave frequencies. The measurements are performed on 1.5–2.0 μm thick nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) films grown heteroepitaxially on lead zinc niobate-lead titanate and lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate substrates using direct liquid injection chemical vapor deposition. Large shifts in the ferromagnetic resonance profile are observed in these heterostructures due to strong magnetoelectric coupling resulting from electrostatic field induced changes in the magnetic anisotropy field. Theoretical estimates of field shifts are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Manifestation of spin-spin interaction between oxygen vacancy and magnesium in ZnMgO nanorods by electron paramagnetic resonance studies
Authors: Bera A. , Basak D.
Published: November 2011

A strong spin-spin interaction between oxygen vacancy and Mg in ZnMgO nanorods has been manifested by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies from symmetrical hyperfine structure. Mg probably occupies Zn sites as a result of meta-stable coordination. 25Mg have nuclear spin I = 5/2 that can give rise to spin resonance with the unpaired spin S = 1/2 of VO+ in ZnO having (2n + 1) = 6 number of splitting as observed in the EPR spectra. On heating at 500 °C, the hyperfine structure disappears as Mg moves to the interstitial sites. The results are further supported by x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence results.
Thermal rectification in thickness-asymmetric graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Zhong Wei-Rong , Huang Wei-Hao , Deng Xi-Rong , Ai Bao-Quan
Published: November 2011

Thermal rectification in thickness asymmetric graphene nanoribbons connecting single-layer with multi-layer graphene is investigated by using classical nonequilibrium molecular dynamics. It is reported that the graphene nanoribbons with thickness-asymmetry have a good thermal rectification. The thermal rectification factor depends on temperature as well as the thickness-ratio of the two-segment. Our results provide a direct evidence that the thermal rectifier can be achieved in a nanostructure crossing two- and three-dimension.
Dirac voltage tunability by Hf1−xLaxO gate dielectric composition modulation for graphene field effect devices
Authors: Gun Oh Joong , Shin Yunsang , Cheol Shin Woo , Sul Onejae , Jin Cho Byung
Published: November 2011

We report that the Dirac voltage of graphene field effect transistors (FETs) can be tuned by controlling the composition of hafnium lanthanum oxide (HfLaO) gate dielectrics. As the lanthanum percentage is increased in the HfLaO film, the charge neutrality point of the graphene FET is gradually shifted in the negative direction. The origin of this tuning is attributed to the hygroscopic nature of the lanthanum oxide, as it is found that lanthanum oxide in the HfLaO film absorbs water molecules below the graphene channel, resulting in the suppression of the p-doping in graphene.
Photo-induced spin filtering in a double quantum dot
Authors: Wätzel J. , Moskalenko A. S. , Berakdar J.
Published: November 2011

We investigate the spin-dependent electron dynamics in a double quantum dot driven by sub-picosecond asymmetric electromagnetic pulses. We show analytically that applying the appropriate pulses, specified here, allows a spin separation on a femtosecond time scale in the sense that states with a desired spin projection are localized mainly on one of the dots. It is shown how to maintain in time this photo-induced spin-dependent filtering.
Significance of phenolic compounds in tropical forages for the ruminal bypass of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the appearance of biohydrogenation intermediates as examined in vitro
Authors: Jayanegara Anuraga , Kreuzer Michael , Wina Elizabeth , Leiber Florian
Published: November 2011

The purpose of the present study was to assess the influence of phenol-rich tropical ruminant feeds on the extent of ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Samples of 27 tropical forages (mainly tree and shrub leaves), characterised by different phenolic profiles, were incubated in vitro (n = 4 replicates) with buffered rumen fluid for 24 h using the Hohenheim gas test method. Linseed oil was added as a rich source of PUFA. In the plants, total extractable phenols (TEP), non-tannin phenols, condensed tannins, and fatty acids were determined. After terminating incubation, the fatty acid profile present in fermentation fluid (total syringe content) was analysed by gas chromatography. The relationship between TEP and the disappearance of α-linolenic acid from the incubation fluid was negative (R2 = 0.48, P < 0.001), indicating that TEP reduced the ruminal BH of this PUFA. Similarly, TEP were negatively related with the disappearances of linoleic acid (R2 = 0.52, P < 0.001) and oleic acid (R2 = 0.58, P < 0.001). The appearance of rumenic acid, an important conjugated linoleic acid isomer, was positively correlated with TEP (R2 = 0.30, P < 0.01), while the opposite result was seen with stearic acid (R2 = 0.22, P < 0.05). Leaves of avocado (Persea americana) were particularly interesting, because they changed the BH pattern at a moderate TEP content of 73 g/kg DM. It is concluded that, in the tropical feedstuffs investigated, TEP have an impact on ruminal fatty acid BH and are associated with an increased bypass of PUFA and the generation of conjugated linoleic acid.
Photosynthetic sensitivity to drought varies among populations of Quercus ilex along a rainfall gradient
Authors: Martin-StPaul Nicolas K. , Limousin Jean-Marc , Rodríguez-Calcerrada Jesús , Ruffault Julien , Rambal Serge , Letts Matthew G. , Misson Laurent
Published: November 2011

Drought frequency and intensity are expected to increase in the Mediterranean as a consequence of global climate change. To understand how photosynthetic capacity responds to long-term water stress, we measured seasonal patterns of stomatal (SL), mesophyll (MCL) and biochemical limitations (BL) to net photosynthesis (Amax) in three Quercus ilex (L.) populations from sites differing in annual rainfall. In the absence of water stress, stomatal conductance (gs), maximum carboxylation capacity (Vcmax), photosynthetic electron transport rate (Jmax) and Amax were similar among populations. However, as leaf predawn water potential (Ψl,pd) declined, the population from the wettest site showed steeper declines in gs, Vcmax, Jmax and Amax than those from the drier sites. Consequently, SL, MCL and BL increased most steeply in response to decreasing Ψl,pd in the population from the wettest site. The higher sensitivity of Amax to drought was primarily the result of stronger stomatal regulation of water loss. Among-population differences were not observed when gs was used instead of Ψl,pd as a drought stress indicator. Given that higher growth rates, stature and leaf area index were observed at the wettest site, we speculate that hydraulic architecture may explain the greater drought sensitivity of this population. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of considering among-population differences in photosynthetic responses to seasonal drought in large scale process-based models of forest ecosystem function.
A systematic evaluation of the incremental protection of broad-scale habitats at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Authors: Beckley Lynnath E. , Lombard Amanda T.
Published: November 2011

Incremental increases to marine conservation areas in response to changing goals, policy, threats or new information are common practice worldwide. Ningaloo Reef, in north-western Australia, is protected by the Ningaloo Marine Park (state waters), which was expanded incrementally in 2004 so that 34% of the park now comprises ‘no-take’ sanctuary zones. To test the hypothesis that all habitats (benthic cover types) at Ningaloo are actually protected at this 34% level, a systematic conservation planning exercise was conducted using existing broad-scale habitat data (as a surrogate for marine biodiversity) and C-Plan decision-support software. Although subtidal and intertidal coral communities were found to be adequately protected, other habitats, particularly those in deeper waters seaward of the reef, did not attain the 34% target. Efficient incremental additions to the sanctuary zones to allow increased representation of these under-represented habitats were explored with C-Plan. It is recommended that systematic conservation planning incorporating new biodiversity and social information (now becoming available) be undertaken for the next iteration of the Ningaloo Marine Park management plan. This analysis at Ningaloo Reef serves as a useful example of a post hoc systematic approach to guide incremental expansion of existing marine protected areas in other parts of the world.
Factors affecting the recovery of soft-sediment mussel reefs in the Firth of Thames, New Zealand
Authors: McLeod Ian M. , Parsons Darren M. , Morrison Mark A. , Le Port Agnès , Taylor Richard B.
Published: November 2011

Bivalve reefs are vital ecosystem engineers but have declined or disappeared in many regions. In the Firth of Thames (FOT), north-east New Zealand, overfishing, sedimentation or both led to the virtual extinction of extensive reefs of green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus). The mussel reefs have not recovered since commercial fishing ceased in 1968, possibly because the muddy sediments that replaced the reefs are an unsuitable habitat for adult mussels. To test this hypothesis, we transplanted mussels into cages on the seafloor for 500 days at three sites along a turbidity gradient (average visibility 0.8–4.7 m) within the mussel reefs’ former range for 500 days. Results showed that 68% of individuals survived the experiment and grew an average of 19 mm in length. Survivorship and growth did not differ between sites. However, at the completion of the experiment, mussels from the least turbid site were in better condition (condition index = 15) than those from the most turbid site (condition index = 10). Our results suggest that the current lack of recovery of mussel reefs in the FOT is attributable to low recruitment and survivorship of juvenile mussels. Restoration of mussel reefs and the ecosystem services that they provide may therefore be possible.
Growth model selection for juvenile blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra): assessing statistical and biological validity
Authors: Helidoniotis Fay , Haddon Malcolm
Published: November 2011

Accurate estimates of marine organism growth are important for modelling the dynamics of populations and rely on the selection of an appropriate growth model. However, there is no assurance that the statistically optimum model will also be biologically plausible. Three growth models (von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and a linear model) were fitted to a dataset consisting of two cohorts of juvenile size classes of blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra). Results show that the non-seasonal Gompertz was statistically better than the non-seasonal von Bertalanffy and linear models. There was a persistent seasonal signal through the juvenile size range, with slow growth in winter and fast growth during summer. When a seasonal term was formally incorporated, the model fits were greatly improved, particularly for the linear and von Bertalanffy models. The seasonal-Gompertz predicted growth rates that were biologically implausible for juveniles of 2 mm shell length; 107 μm day–1 for one cohort and 24 μm day–1 for the other. These rates are inconsistent with published growth rates observed under both controlled and wild conditions. In contrast, the seasonal-linear model predicted growth rates of 60 μm day–1 for animals of 2 mm shell length, consistent with published findings. The selection of a growth model based solely on statistical criteria may not take into account the complex processes that influence growth of juveniles.
Does drug and alcohol use undermine concordance between doctors' assessments of major depression and patients' scores on a screening tool for depression among gay men attending general practice?
Authors: Bryant Joanne , Newman Christy E. , Holt Martin , Paquette Dana M. , Gray Rebecca , Canavan Peter G. , Saltman Deborah C. , Kippax Susan C. , Kidd Michael R.
Published: November 2011

General practitioners (GPs) identify that depression can be difficult to diagnose in populations with high rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. This is a particular concern with gay men who are a population known to engage in high rates of AOD use and who are vulnerable to depression. This paper uses data from 563 gay men and their GPs to describe concordance between assessments of major depression and, in particular, whether AOD use undermines concordance. Data were collected as part of a larger study of male patients and GPs at high HIV-caseload general practices in Australia. Concordance was measured by comparing patients’ scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 screening tool, which is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria, and GPs’ ratings of the likelihood of depression for each participant. We observed high concordance between GPs’ assessments of major depression and patients’ scores on the PHQ-9 (79% agreement), although our analysis also suggested that concordance was better when it related to cases in which there was no depression. The high concordance observed in our study did not appear to be undermined by gay male patients’ AOD use, with the exception of frequent use of crystal methamphetamine. Here, men who reported frequent use of methamphetamine were significantly less likely to have concordant assessments (adjusted odds ratio 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.8). Overall, GPs appear to identify depression among many of their gay male patients. While GPs should be aware of the potential complications presented by frequent crystal methamphetamine use, other AOD use may have less impact on the diagnosis of depression.
Service integration for the dually diagnosed
Authors: Edward Karen-leigh , Hearity Rhonda Nelson , Felstead Boyce
Published: November 2011

The needs of dually diagnosed clients in mental health services have been and remain a focus for service development and improvement in Australia. The Council of Australian Governments committed to a five-year National Action Plan on Mental Health with a $1.8 billion injection into mental health services. In Australia there have been great advances in the service initiatives and service deliverables to those clients who experience a dual diagnosis. These advances include that dual diagnosis is systematically identified and responded to in a timely, evidence-based manner as a core business in mental health and alcohol and other drug services. These advances are brought to life by specialist mental health and alcohol and other drug services that establish effective partnerships and agreed mechanisms to support integrated care and collaborative practice. Here, four case studies are offered as a means of illustrating the ways in which projects undertaken in local community health services have approached dual diagnosis treatment for clients. These case studies reflect how cooperation and cross-referral between services, as well as effective management of dual diagnosis clients by suitably qualified staff can produce benefits to clients who use the service.
Dual use of condoms and contraceptives in the USA
Authors: Higgins Jenny A. , Cooper Anne D.
Published: November 2011

Background Use of condoms in conjunction with other contraceptive methods has multiple benefits: prevention of unintended pregnancy, protection against sexually transmissible infections (STI), and sequentially, defence against the threat of infertility. However, few reviews compare dual method use prevalence or trends or systematically review the facilitators and barriers of dual method use across multiple studies. Methods: The authors review the literature on trends and covariates of dual method use in the USA among both nationally representative and smaller samples. Results: Although dual method use prevalence estimates vary widely across study populations, nationally representative estimates are consistently lower than Western European countries, who in turn report lower rates of unintended pregnancies and STI. The majority of published work on dual method use focuses on adolescents. Prior studies have associated dual method use with a range of individual-level factors: socio-demographic variables, such as younger age; STI risk behaviours and risk perception; relationship variables, such as number of partners, relationship length, and partner support of condoms; and educational factors, such as prior exposure to HIV prevention messages. Conclusions: Although dual method use appears to be on the rise, especially among adolescents and young adults, US rates are comparatively low and leave much room for improvement. This review identifies several populations most in need of intervention. However, we encourage public health practitioners to evolve beyond individual-level studies and interventions to focus on the relational, socio-cultural, and structural influences on dual method use. Dual use promotion programs and policies should also equally target men and women, adolescents and adults.
Fostering social competence in translation studies
Authors: Krajcso Zita
Published: November 2011

Social competence for translators? Is social competence not a privilege for students of medicine, pedagogy and economics? Is translation not a course of studies preferred by students who are shy and introverted? By students lacking self-confidence? Hiding themselves as translators behind the computer, isolated from the outside world? Obviously this image of the translation profession belongs to the past, before the information age. Globalization and worldwide competition influence the language mediation market, which is programmed for perpetual change. But, to what extent are translation education programmes ready to meet the ongoing, changing needs of the market, which call for able and well-qualified translators?
Indeed, if translation education wants to succeed, it should keep up with the current market and equip students not only with strong skills but also with social competence to meet the needs of society. But can social competence be taught? And which methods are appropriate in translation studies to convey it? These questions will be discussed in this paper.
While social competence is now commonly employed in the fields of economy and pedagogy, there has not yet been any significant movement to introduce this approach in the area of translation training programmes. I will present some recommendations based on the results of an empirical study. As the study was carried out in the course “oral communication” at the Centre for Translation Studies, University of Vienna, the attention is focused on the German-speaking environment, especially on the Austrian context.
A comparative study of English translations of Lu Xun’s works
Authors: Xiaomin Xu
Published: November 2011

This paper compares three translators, Chi-chen Wang, the Yangs, and William A Lyell, who translated Lu Xun, the most important and a canonized Chinese writer in the twentieth century, so as to examine how non-linguistic factors affect translation.
Beginning from the introduction of the divergence of the translators’ identities, motivations and socio-cultural background, the paper analyzes the reasons of their preferences in selections of originals, different translation strategies and different translation products.
To introduce real China to the Americans in the 1920s, Wang translated the best stories of Lu Xun into fluent American English, with the difficult and unimportant cultural terms simplified or omitted. The Yangs worked for a nation-sponsored publishing house on mainland China and their translations of Lu Xun in the 1960s were attached with much political significance, which partly explained the closeness and literalness of their translation. While Lyell, an American scholar translating Lu Xun in the 1990s, is more scholarly in his translation, containing very detailed explanations and notes of cultural elements.
This paper is not to judge but to find out how translations are like what they are under certain circumstances and in certain historical periods.
Jane Austen fan fiction and the situated fantext
Authors: Steenhuyse Veerle Van
Published: November 2011

Building on recent findings in the field of fan fiction studies, I claim that Pamela Aidan’s Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman is indirectly influenced by three cultural phenomena which centre around Jane Austen and her work. Aidan’s fan fiction text stays close to the spirit of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice because she “reimagines” the novel according to the interpretive conventions of the Republic of Pemberley, a fan community. These conventions demand respect for Austen and her novels because they are shaped by the broader, cultural conventions of Janeitism and Austen criticism. Similarly, Aidan’s text is more individualistic and “Harlequinesque” than Austen’s novel, because the Republic allows writers to reproduce the cultural reading which underlies BBC / A&E’s adaptation of Austen’s novel.
“We will call this ‘doing our exorcises’”
Authors: Smyter Sofie De
Published: November 2011

Even though Audrey Thomas’s Mrs. Blood (1970) has received a considerable amount of critical attention, what has not been analysed in detail is the complex interaction between the novel’s existential themes and its highly poetic language. By relying on Julia Kristeva’s insights on the link between border crossing experiences and a discourse that is marked by the discharge of affects, this paper intends to come to a better appreciation of the novel’s strong association of narrative and style. By closely analysing several passages, it argues that even though Mrs. Thing — the rationalizing side of the narrator’s persona — feels alienated from normative, communicative discourse as it cannot accommodate her border crossing experiences, her fear of losing all grasp on self and meaning makes her desperate to hold on to the symbolic. Significantly, both her narrative as well as that of her alter ego are characterized by syntactic, lexical and phonetic disruptions (i.e. the semiotic) that give expression to affects and emotions that resist being silenced or bound into strict patterns. The novel’s discourse, in other words, undermines the narrator’s desire for stability and illustrates that both Mrs. Thing’s overreliance on normative communication (i.e. the symbolic) and Mrs. Blood’s complete submission to the discharge of affects (i.e. the semiotic) are disastrous for the speaking subject.
English as a Lingua Franca in Flanders
Authors: Xu Jianwei , Van de Poel Kris
Published: November 2011

This article reports on a study that examines the attitudes of 69 Flemish university students towards the emerging conceptualization of English as a lingua franca (ELF) on the basis of a questionnaire survey. Built on the notion of ELF as a functional term theorized on sociolinguistic grounds, this study seeks to understand the relation between ELF as a theoretical construct and ELF as a reality in the life of these language students through their experiences of engagement with English, both within and outside the academic community. The results show that the students have embraced some ideas of the ELF phenomenon on a macro level, but retain a strong belief in the native standard norm on a micro level.
The Influence of Story Context on a Working Memory Span Task
Authors: Schroeder Paul J. , Copeland David E. , Bies-Hernandez Nicole J.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of the present study was to examine factors that could influence whether recall performance in the reading span task (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980) would benefit from the contextual information from the sentences in the processing component of the task. More specifically, we investigated whether people would benefit from sentence sets that formed short stories or when the entire span task was one continuous story. Overall, there was a clear benefit for contextually related sentence sets (i.e., the story span tasks) compared to the traditional reading span task. However, the benefit was eliminated when the entire set formed one continuous story. These results support the recall reconstruction hypothesis for working memory (Towse, Cowan, Hitch, & Horton, 2008), which suggests that people may strategically use the content of the sentences from the processing component of the reading span task as memorial cues to reconstruct the target words of the storage component. However, this benefit is constrained to scenarios when the contextual cues are unique to a specific set.
Principles for local measurement of anisotropic electron temperature of plasma using incoherent Thomson scattering
Authors: Yatsuka E. , Hatae T. , Kusama Y.
Published: November 2011

Anisotropic electron temperature can be measured by utilizing two Thomson scattering spectra from different scattering angles. The ideal conditions for measurement are as follows: the sum of the two scattering angles is 180°, and the magnetic field is parallel to the bisector of the angle formed by the direction of laser propagation and the line of sight or is perpendicular to this bisector. When these conditions are satisfied, one of the spectra predominantly reflects the parallel electron temperature, and the other spectrum predominantly reflects the perpendicular electron temperature. A deviation in the direction of magnetic field of the order of approximately a few tens of degrees from the ideal direction is acceptable in terms of the deviation obtained by both rotating parallel to and tilting from the scattering plane.
Development of population PK model with enterohepatic circulation for mycophenolic acid in patients with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sherwin Catherine M. T. , Sagcal‐Gironella Anna Carmela P. , Fukuda Tsuyoshi , Brunner Hermine I. , Vinks Alexander A.
Published: November 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Despite its increased use, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and the relationship between dose, plasma concentration and exposure are poorly understood, especially in children.

• The PK of MPA are associated with high inter‐ and intra‐individual variability.

• MPA and its metabolites, like the inactive 7‐O‐MPA‐β‐glucuronide (MPAG) undergo enterohepatic circulation (EHC), which can contribute to an increase in exposure to MPA of 40% (range 10–60%).

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Thisis the first report of MPA PK in adolescents with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE).

• The proposed final population PK model successfully incorporates the physiological aspects associated with MPA disposition, which includes MPA and its main metabolite MPAG, and adequately reflects the complex processes of absorption and enterohepatic circulation associated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) oral dosing in patients with cSLE.

• This model provides a basis for further development of a model‐based Bayesian estimator for individualized MPA dosing in paediatric patients treated for cSLE.

AIM

This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) enterohepatic recycling model for MPA in patients with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE).

METHODS

MPA concentration–time data were from outpatients on stable oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and collected under fasting conditions, with standardized meals (1 and 4 h post‐dose). Sampling times were pre‐dose, 20, 40 min, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9 h, post dose. The population PK analysis simultaneously modelled MPA and 7‐O‐MPA‐β‐glucuronide (MPAG) concentrations using nonlinear mixed effect modelling.

RESULTS

PK analysis included 186 MPA and MPAG concentrations (mg l–1) from 19 patients. cSLE patients, age range 10–28 years, median 16.5 years were included. Mean ± SD disease duration was 3.8 ± 3.7 years. The final PK model included a gallbladder compartment for enterohepatic recycling and bile release time related to meal times, with first order absorption and single series of transit compartments. The PK estimates for MPA were CL1/F 25.3 l h–1, V3/F 20.9 l, V4/F 234 l and CL2/F 19.8 l h–1.

CONCLUSION

The final model fitted the complex processes of absorption and enterohepatic circulation (EHC) in those treated with MMF for cSLE and could be applied in Bayesian dose optimization algorithms.
Impact of moderate vs stringent TSH suppression on survival in advanced differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Diessl Stefanie , Holzberger Barbara , Mäder Uwe , Grelle Inge , Smit Johannes W. A. , Buck Andreas K. , Reiners Christoph , Verburg Frederik A.
Published: November 2011

Objectives  To assess (i) the influence of Thyrotropin (TSH) suppression at a level of <0·1 mU/l and (ii) whether FT3 and FT4 levels have a prognostic significance independently of TSH values with regard to survival in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and distant metastases.

Patients and methods  In a retrospective patient chart study, we reviewed survival in 157 DTC patients with distant metastases treated between September 1985 and 1 July 2010. Patients with at least three available FT3 and FT4 values during TSH suppression were eligible.

Results  Fifty‐three of 157 patients died from DTC. DTC‐specific survival was significantly better in patients with a median TSH level ≤0·1 mU/l (median survival 15·8 years) than those with a non‐suppressed TSH level (median survival 7·1 years; P < 0·001). However, there was no further improvement in survival caused by TSH suppression to a level ≤0·03 mU/l (P = 0·24). FT3 and FT4 levels were also significantly associated with poorer survival; of these, only the prognostic value of FT3 was independent from that of TSH levels.

Conclusion  The care of patients with DTC and distant metastases is like walking an endocrinological tightrope: non‐suppressed TSH levels, that is, >0·1 mU/l, are associated with an impaired prognosis. There is, however, no prognostic benefit from suppressing TSH to levels lower than 0·1 mU/l. On the contrary, an improvement in prognosis might be achieved by keeping FT3 levels as low as possible.