bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy and determination of the three dimensional potential energy surface for Ar–CS
Authors: Niida Chisato , Nakajima Masakazu , Sumiyoshi Yoshihiro , Ohshima Yasuhiro , Kohguchi Hiroshi , Endo Yasuki
Published: March 2014

Pure rotational transitions of the Ar–CS van der Waals complex have been observed by Fourier Transform Microwave (FTMW) and FTMW-millimeter wave double resonance spectroscopy. Rotational transitions of vs = 0, 1, and 2 were able to be observed for normal CS, together with those of C34S in vs = 0, where vs stands for the quantum number of the CS stretching vibration. The observed transition frequencies were analyzed by a free rotor model Hamiltonian, where rovibrational energies were calculated as dynamical motions of the three nuclei on a three-dimensional potential energy surface, expressed by analytical functions with 57 parameters. Initial values for the potential parameters were obtained by high-level ab initio calculations. Fifteen parameters were adjusted among the 57 parameters to reproduce all the observed transition frequencies with the standard deviation of the fit to be 0.028 MHz.
Polymorphism of triphenyl phosphite
Authors: Baran J. , Davydova N. A. , Drozd M.
Published: March 2014

The glass-forming liquid triphenyl phosphite (TPP) has recently attracted much attention due to the possible existence of a polyamorphism, i.e., the existence of two or more amorphous phases. In the present work we provide experimental evidence of the existence of a polymorphism in TPP. In addition to the already known conventional crystalline phase, which melts at 299.1 K, it has been found that TPP can crystallize in another polymorphic phase. The new polymorph can be obtained from the liquid phase due to direct cooling from the room temperature up to 245 K where it is held for 15 min and then heated up to 270 K. At 270 K crystallization of the new polymorph occurs, which melts at 291.6 K.
Failure of semiclassical models to describe resistivity of nanometric, polycrystalline tungsten films
Authors: Choi Dooho , Liu Xuan , Schelling Patrick K. , Coffey Kevin R. , Barmak Katayun
Published: March 2014

The impact of electron scattering at surfaces and grain boundaries in nanometric polycrystalline tungsten (W) films was studied. A series of polycrystalline W films ranging in thickness from 10 to 310 nm and lateral grain size from 74 to 133 nm were prepared on thermally oxidized Si. The Fuchs-Sondheimer surface-scattering model and Mayadas-Shatzkes grain-boundary scattering model were employed for quantitative analyses. Predictions from the theoretical models were found to deviate systematically from the experimental data. Possible reasons for the failure of the theoretical models to describe the experimental data are explored. Finally, a discussion of the crucial features lacking from existing models is presented, along with possible avenues for improving the models to result in better agreement with experimental data.
A new class of sonic composites
Authors: Munteanu Ligia , Chiroiu Veturia , Donescu Ştefania , Brişan Cornel
Published: March 2014

Transformation acoustics opens a new avenue towards the architecture, modeling and simulation of a new class of sonic composites with scatterers made of various materials and having various shapes embedded in an epoxy matrix. The design of acoustic scatterers is based on the property of Helmholtz equations to be invariant under a coordinate transformation, i.e., a specific spatial compression is equivalent to a new material in a new space. In this paper, the noise suppression for a wide full band-gap of frequencies is discussed for spherical shell scatterers made of auxetic materials (materials with negative Poisson's ratio). The original domain consists of spheres made from conventional foams with positive Poisson's ratio. The spatial compression is controlled by the coordinate transformation, and leads to an equivalent domain filled with an auxetic material. The coordinate transformation is strongly supported by the manufacturing of auxetics which is based on the pore size reduction through radial compression molds.
Magnetization dynamics in nanostructures with weak/strong anisotropy
Authors: de Andrade A. M. H. , Corrêa M. A. , Viegas A. D. C. , Bohn F. , Sommer R. L.
Published: March 2014

We investigate the high-frequency response of magnetization dynamics through magnetoimpedance (MI) effect in Permalloy-based multilayered thin films produced with two different non-magnetic metallic spacers: Cu and Ag. Due to the nature of the spacer materials, we are able to play with magnetic properties and to study both systems with weak/strong magnetic anisotropy. We verify very rich features in the magnetoimpedance behavior and high magnetoimpedance ratios, with values above 200%. We compare the MI results obtained in multilayered thin films with distinct spacers and number of bilayers, and discuss them in terms of the different mechanisms that govern the MI changes observed at distinct frequency ranges, intensity of the magnetic anisotropy, alignment between dc magnetic field and anisotropy direction. Besides, by considering a theoretical approach that takes into account two single models together and calculate the transverse magnetic permeability and the MI effect, we support our interpretation via numerical calculations modeling the effect of weak/strong magnetic anisotropy on the MI response. Thus, we confirm that these features are very important for the use of multilayered films in sensor applications and, both the frequency and field response can be tailored to fulfill the requirements of a given device.
Local modification of the magnetic vortex-core velocity by gallium implantation
Authors: Langner Hauke H. , Vogel Andreas , Beyersdorff Björn , Weigand Markus , Frömter Robert , Peter Oepen Hans , Meier Guido
Published: March 2014

The dynamics of magnetic vortices in microsquares with local modifications of magnetic parameters and thickness are investigated. By implanting gallium ions with focussed ion beam into permalloy thin-film elements, we have locally tailored their magnetic properties and the layer thickness. The vortex of the Landau domain pattern of a square is resonantly excited to a gyrotropic motion and crosses regions with and without implantation. With time-resolved scanning transmission x-ray microscopy, we observe an abrupt change in the vortex velocity close to the borders between the two regions.
Thermal fluctuation levels of magnetic and electric fields in unmagnetized plasma: The rigorous relativistic kinetic theory
Authors: Yoon P. H. , Schlickeiser R. , Kolberg U.
Published: March 2014

Any fully ionized collisionless plasma with finite random particle velocities contains electric and magnetic field fluctuations. The fluctuations can be of three different types: weakly damped, weakly propagating, or aperiodic. The kinetics of these fluctuations in general unmagnetized plasmas, governed by the competition of spontaneous emission, absorption, and stimulated emission processes, is investigated, extending the well-known results for weakly damped fluctuations. The generalized Kirchhoff radiation law for both collective and noncollective fluctuations is derived, which in stationary plasmas provides the equilibrium energy densities of electromagnetic fluctuations by the ratio of the respective spontaneous emission coefficient and the true absorption coefficient. As an illustrative example, the equilibrium energy densities of aperiodic transverse collective electric and magnetic fluctuations in an isotropic thermal electron-proton plasmas of density ne are calculated as |δB|=(δB)2=2.8(nemec2)1/2g1/2βe7/4 and |δE|=(δE)2=3.2(nemec2)1/2g1/3βe2, where g and βe denote the plasma parameter and the thermal electron velocity in units of the speed of light, respectively. For densities and temperatures of the reionized early intergalactic medium, |δB|=6·10−18G and |δE|=2·10−16G result.
Coupled Langmuir oscillations in 2-dimensional quantum plasmas
Authors: Akbari-Moghanjoughi M.
Published: March 2014

In this work, we present a hydrodynamic model to study the coupled quantum electron plasma oscillations (QEPO) for two dimensional (2D) degenerate plasmas, which incorporates all the essential quantum ingredients such as the statistical degeneracy pressure, electron-exchange, and electron quantum diffraction effect. Effects of diverse physical aspects like the electronic band-dispersion effect, the electron exchange-correlations and the quantum Bohm-potential as well as other important plasma parameters such as the coupling parameter (plasma separation) and the plasma electron number-densities on the linear response of the coupled system are investigated. By studying three different 2D plasma coupling types, namely, graphene-graphene, graphene-metalfilm, and metalfilm-metalfilm coupling configurations, it is remarked that the collective quantum effects can influence the coupled modes quite differently, depending on the type of the plasma configuration. It is also found that the slow and fast QEPO frequency modes respond very differently to the change in plasma parameters. Current findings can help in understanding of the coupled density oscillations in multilayer graphene, graphene-based heterojunctions, or nanofabricated integrated circuits.
Microwave complex conductivity of the YBCO thin films as a function of static external magnetic field
Authors: Krupka J. , Judek J. , Jastrzębski C. , Ciuk T. , Wosik J. , Zdrojek M.
Published: March 2014

A sapphire rod resonator operating at microwave frequencies was used to determine the electric properties of 600 nm thick YBCO films in the superconducting state. The rigorous electromagnetic modelling was applied to transform the measured Q-factor and the resonant frequency to the complex conductivity of high accuracy, which was previously shown to describe the intrinsic properties of superconductor thin films in more precise manner than the complex impedance. Static external magnetic field induces typical transition to normal state due to introduction of magnetic vortices into the sample. Observed magnetic hysteresis has the origin in the strong temperature dependent pinning. Additional energy absorption at about 1.5 T was observed.
High temperature transport properties of thermoelectric CaMnO3−δ — Indication of strongly interacting small polarons
Authors: Schrade M. , Kabir R. , Li S. , Norby T. , Finstad T. G.
Published: March 2014

The conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of CaMnO3−δ have been studied at temperatures up to 1000 °C and in atmospheres with controlled oxygen partial pressure. Both transport coefficients were varied in situ by the reversible formation of oxygen vacancies up to δ = 0.15. The charge carrier concentration was calculated using a defect chemical model. The Seebeck coefficient could be approximated by Heikes' formula, while the conductivity shows a maximum at a molar charge carrier concentration of 0.25. These results were interpreted as a signature of strong electronic correlation effects, and it was concluded that charge transport in CaMnO3−δ occurs via strongly interacting small polarons. General prospects for strongly correlated materials as potential candidates for high temperature thermoelectric power generation were discussed.
Effect of grain cutting in exchange biased nanostructures
Authors: Carpenter R. , Vick A. J. , Hirohata A. , Vallejo-Fernandez G. , O'Grady K.
Published: March 2014

The effect of sub-500 nm patterning on exchange bias in thin films has been studied. Experimental results are compared to the York model of exchange bias which has been modified to take into account grain cutting at the edges of the structures. Exchange bias (Hex) was found to decrease with element size. The form of the variation of Hex with element size matches that of the experiment. Numerical agreement has not been achieved for Hex. However, the predictions of the median blocking temperature ⟨TB⟩ agree with experiment. The disagreement for Hex is attributed to edge roughness of the structures which will affect the quality of the interface which is dominant in structures of this scale.
Novel latch for adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron logic
Authors: Takeuchi Naoki , Ortlepp Thomas , Yamanashi Yuki , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki
Published: March 2014

We herein propose the quantum-flux-latch (QFL) as a novel latch for adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron (AQFP) logic. A QFL is very compact and compatible with AQFP logic gates and can be read out in one clock cycle. Simulation results revealed that the QFL operates at 5 GHz with wide parameter margins of more than ±22%. The calculated energy dissipation was only ∼0.1 aJ/bit, which yields a small energy delay product of 20 aJ·ps. We also designed shift registers using QFLs to demonstrate more complex circuits with QFLs. Finally, we experimentally demonstrated correct operations of the QFL and a 1-bit shift register (a D flip-flop).
Modelling on dynamics properties of a stationary argon cascaded arc plasma flows
Authors: Wei G. D. , Qi X. , Yang L.
Published: March 2014

The gas dynamics properties of a stationary arc plasma flows are studied through the numerical simulations. A two dimensional axis-symmetric turbulent magneto-hydrodynamic plasma model is developed with the commercial code ANSYS FLUENT. The reliable κ-ε model is used to account for turbulence. In this paper, the plasma is assumed to be a fluid following Navier–Stokes equations, respecting local thermodynamic equilibrium, and described by only one temperature. Distributions of the pressure, velocity, temperature, density, and electric potential inside of thus cascaded arc are obtained for an arc current density of 106 A/m2. The pressure inside the arc varies from 105 Pa to 100 Pa. The temperature at the arc axis can reach as high as 13 600 K. The electric potential drops uniformly along the axis with a magnitude of 160 V. In addition, distributions of the sonic velocity and Mach number are shown to describe supersonic behavior of thus cascaded arc, which have a good agreement with the analytical formula.
Simulation of a gigawatt level Ku-band overmoded Cerenkov type oscillator operated at low guiding magnetic field
Authors: Zhang Hua , Shu Ting , Ju Jinchuan , Wu Dapeng
Published: March 2014

We present the simulation results of a Ku-band overmoded Cerenkov type high power microwave oscillator. A guiding magnetic field as low as 0.6 T has been operated in the device. Overmoded slow wave structures with gradually tapered vanes are used in order to increase power capacity and the efficiency of beam-wave interaction. The drift cavity is adopted to enhance the beam-wave interaction of the device. After numerical optimization, the designed generator with an output microwave power of 1.2 GW, a frequency of 13.8 GHz, and a power conversion efficiency as high as 38% can be achieved, when the diode voltage and current are, respectively, 540 kV and 5.8 kA. The power compositions of TM0n modes of the output microwave have been analyzed, the results of which show that TM01 mode takes over almost 95% of the power proportion.
Comment on “Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic Lagrangian density in fractional form” [J. Math. Phys. 53, 033505 (2012)]
Authors: Rabei Eqab M. , Al-Jamel A. , Widyan H. , Baleanu D.
Published: March 2014

In a recent paper, Jaradat et al. [J. Math. Phys. 53, 033505 (2012)] have presented the fractional form of the electromagnetic Lagrangian density within the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative. They claimed that the Agrawal procedure [O. P. Agrawal, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 272, 368 (2002)] is used to obtain Maxwell's equations in the fractional form, and the Hamilton's equations of motion together with the conserved quantities obtained from fractional Noether's theorem are reported. In this comment, we draw the attention that there are some serious steps of the procedure used in their work are not applicable even though their final results are correct. Their work should have been done based on a formulation as reported by Baleanu and Muslih [Phys. Scr. 72, 119 (2005)].
Optical trapping and rotation of airborne absorbing particles with a single focused laser beam
Authors: Lin Jinda , Li Yong-qing
Published: March 2014

We measure the periodic circular motion of single absorbing aerosol particles that are optically trapped with a single focused Gaussian beam and rotate around the laser propagation direction. The scattered light from the trapped particle is observed to be directional and change periodically at 0.4–20 kHz. The instantaneous positions of the moving particle within a rotation period are measured by a high-speed imaging technique using a charge coupled device camera and a repetitively pulsed light-emitting diode illumination. The centripetal acceleration of the trapped particle as high as ∼20 times the gravitational acceleration is observed and is attributed to the photophoretic forces.
Statistics, gymnastics and the origins of sport science in Belgium (and Europe)
Authors: Delheye Pascal
Published: March 2014

This paper analyses the introduction of statistics in the field of gymnastics and its effect on the institutionalisation of physical education as a fully fledged academic discipline. Soon after Belgian independence, Adolphe Quetelet's research already resulted in large‐scale anthropometric statistics – indeed, he developed an index that is still being used and is better known under the name of the body mass index. His insights were applied by promoters of gymnastics who wanted to make physical education more scientific. Thus, Clément Lefébure, director of the Ecole Normale de Gymnastique et d'Escrime in Brussels, set up a comparative experiment (with pre‐ and post‐test measurements) by which he intended to show that the ‘rational’ method of Swedish gymnastics produced much better results than the ‘empirical’ method of Belgian/German Turnen. Lefébure's experiment, which was cited internationally but which was also strongly contested by opponents, was one of the factors that led to Swedish gymnastics being officially institutionalised in 1908 at the newly founded Higher Institute of Physical Education of the State University of Ghent, the first institute in the world where students could obtain a doctoral degree in physical education. Although it rested actually on very weak scientific foundations, the bastion of Swedish gymnastics built in Belgium in that pre‐war period collapsed only in the 1960s. From then on, sport science could develop fully within the institutes for physical education.
Precarious subjectivities are not for sale: the loss of the measurability of labour for performing arts workers
Authors: Turrini Mauro , Chicchi Federico
Published: March 2014

Contemporary work increasingly presents itself as an immeasurable endeavour. The social and subjective spaces in which it is practiced are no longer easily circumscribed, and the conceptual categories that traditionally described its relationship with value now appear practically unusable. In particular, workers in the ‘creative industries’ are paradigmatic subjects of the ‘work fragmentation’ process of the post-Fordist era. Cutting across divisions between life and work, employment and unemployment, the performing arts are in many ways a laboratory of job flexibility, where innovative contractual arrangements and professional trajectories have been developed.

In this article, we have mapped the multiple forms that work has taken in the last two decades in Italy. The empirical data is derived from a combined method that utilizes both quantitative surveys and in-depth interviews with artists, technicians and organizers working in the fields of theatre, music, dance and video making. A central feature of the new regulative conditions, and therefore the experiences of these professionals, is the new relationship with time and, more specifically, the ‘loss of measurability’ of hired labour. The aim is to provide a multilayered analysis of the interactions between the socio-economic conditions, career pathways and cultural aspects, i.e. the expectations, reputation, self-perception and social recognition of these jobs. Accordingly, these work patterns are studied as self-employment strategies based on the diversification of activities and expertise, and at the same time, attempts to devise new spatial and temporal configurations of labour, epitomized by the hybrid condition of the ‘salaried employer’.

In these cases, precariousness emerges as a generative terrain of ambivalent subjectivities. On the one hand, the workforce is spontaneously mobilized and autonomously organized by the realization of desires, expression and self-fulfilment, beyond mere economic rewards. On the other, the labour itself becomes increasingly intertwined with ones life, as well as becoming immeasurable. Time loses its function as a unit of measure for compensation (i.e. as in work for a flat rate). This situation frequently leads to the spread of labour into other spheres of life and the risk of self-exploitation. To conclude, the new experiences of union organization and social movements, manifesting in the occupations of theatres, are examined as spaces where differing, and even opposing, solidarity and ‘class composition’ practices within the new creative labour(s) are experimented.
Dynamic Contrast–Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Swift Andrew J. , Telfer Adam , Rajaram Smitha , Condliffe Robin , Marshall Helen , Capener Dave , Hurdman Judith , Elliot Charlie , Kiely David G. , Wild Jim M.
Published: March 2014

Dynamic contrast–enhanced (DCE) time‐resolved magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a technique whereby the passage of an intravenous contrast bolus can be tracked through the pulmonary vascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of DCE‐MR pulmonary blood transit times in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Seventy‐nine patients diagnosed with PAH underwent pulmonary DCE imaging at 1.5 T using a time‐resolved three‐dimensional spoiled gradient echo sequence. The prognostic significance of two DCE parameters, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the first‐pass clearance curve and pulmonary transit time (PTT), along with demographic and invasive catheter measurements, was evaluated by univariate and bivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan‐Meier analysis. DCE‐MR transit times were most closely correlated with cardiac index (CI) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and were both found to be accurate for detecting reduced CI (FWHM area under the curve [AUC] at receiver operating characteristic analysis = 0.91 and PTT AUC = 0.92, respectively) and for detecting elevated PVRI (FWHM AUC = 0.88 and PTT AUC = 0.84, respectively). During the follow‐up period, 25 patients died. Patients with longer measurements of FWHM (P = 0.0014) and PTT (P = 0.004) were associated with poor outcome at Kaplan‐Meier analysis, and both parameters were strong predictors of adverse outcome from Cox proportional hazards analysis (P = 0.013 and 0.010, respectively). At bivariate analysis, DCE measurements predicted mortality independent of age, gender, and World Health Organization functional class; however, invasive hemodynamic indexes CI, PVRI, and DCE measurements were not independent of one another. In conclusion, DCE‐MR transit times predict mortality in patients with PAH and are closely associated with clinical gold standards CI and PVRI.
The Serine‐Threonine Phosphatase Calcineurin is a Regulator of Endothelial Store‐Operated Calcium Entry
Authors: Vasauskas Audrey A. , Chen Hairu , Wu Songwei , Cioffi Donna L.
Published: March 2014

Disruption of the endothelium leads to increased permeability, allowing extravasation of macromolecules and other solutes from blood vessels. Calcium entry through a calcium‐selective, store‐operated calcium (SOC) channel, Isoc, contributes to barrier disruption. An understanding of the mechanisms surrounding the regulation of Isoc is far from complete. We show that the calcium/calmodulin‐activated phosphatase calcineurin (CN) plays a role in regulation of SOC entry, possibly through the dephosphorylation of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). Phosphorylation has been implicated as a regulatory mechanism of activity for a number of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) and SOC channels, including Isoc. Our results show that STIM1 phosphorylation increases in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) upon activation of SOC entry. However, the phosphatases involved in STIM1 dephosphorylation are unknown. We found that a CN inhibitor (calcineurin inhibitory peptide [CIP]) increases the phosphorylation pattern of STIM1. Using a fura 2‐acetoxymethyl ester approach to measure cytosolic calcium in PAECs, we found that CIP decreases SOC entry following thapsigargin treatment in PAECs. Luciferase assays indicate that thapsigargin induces activation of CN activity and confirm inhibition of CN activity by CIP in PAECs. Also, Isoc is significantly attenuated in whole‐cell patch‐clamp studies of PAECs treated with CIP. Finally, PAECs pretreated with CIP exhibit decreased interendothelial cell gap formation in response to thapsigargin‐induced SOC entry, as compared to control cells. Taken together, our data show that CN contributes to the phosphorylation status of STIM1, which is important in regulation of endothelial SOC entry and Isoc activity.
Validation and Cross-Cultural Pilot Testing of Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale: Self-Administered Instrument for Clinical Nurses
Authors: Lam Simon C.
Published: March 2014

Objective.

To perform detailed psychometric testing of the compliance with standard precautions scale (CSPS) in measuring compliance with standard precautions of clinical nurses and to conduct cross-cultural pilot testing and assess the relevance of the CSPS on an international platform.

Design.

A cross-sectional and correlational design with repeated measures.

Setting.

Nursing students from a local registered nurse training university, nurses from different hospitals in Hong Kong, and experts in an international conference.

Methods.

The psychometric properties of the CSPS were evaluated via internal consistency, 2-week and 3-month test-retest reliability, concurrent validation, and construct validation. The cross-cultural pilot testing and relevance check was examined by experts on infection control from various developed and developing regions.

Results.

Among 453 participants, 193 were nursing students, 165 were enrolled nurses, and 95 were registered nurses. The results showed that the CSPS had satisfactory reliability (Cronbach α = 0.73; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.79 for 2-week test-retest and 0.74 for 3-month test-retest) and validity (optimum correlation with criterion measure;r= 0.76,P< .001; satisfactory results on known-group method and hypothesis testing). A total of 19 experts from 16 countries assured that most of the CSPS findings were relevant and globally applicable.

Conclusions.

The CSPS demonstrated satisfactory results on the basis of the standard international criteria on psychometric testing, which ascertained the reliability and validity of this instrument in measuring the compliance of clinical nurses with standard precautions. The cross-cultural pilot testing further reinforced the instrument's relevance and applicability in most developed and developing regions.
Review of potential legal frameworks for effective implementation and enforcement of MPAs in the high seas
Authors: Delfour-Samama Odile , Leboeuf Cédric
Published: March 2014

Marine protected areas (MPAs) were initially introduced to protect coastal zones and are increasingly being proposed as part of a solution to an integrated approach in managing the oceans. There is also pressure for the use of marine reserves to play a part in the conservation strategy and management of mobile demersal and pelagic species in the high seas. However, as there is no coastal State, all States are free to use the open seas, and the relative success of MPAs depends on whether or not measures can be imposed on both domestic and foreign vessels. Therefore, the question is whether current international and national legislation is sufficiently effective to implement a solution to aid the success of MPAs or if new legal norms need to be introduced to aid the governance of the high seas. The implementation of a surveillance programme of maritime spaces would help to establish the efficacy of any review of the current legislation. New technical developments being utilized in surveillance have opened up the possibility of exploiting technology with a view to surveying and monitoring planet earth in an objective manner. But technical applications employed to manage risks can themselves be dangerous, as they create new risks for the maritime sector (e.g. espionnage). The maritime domain is a difficult and unpredictable environment in which to operate and, therefore, precludes the assured presence of human beings to perform monitoring tasks. Technology offers us the opportunity to overcome the physical difficulties by putting into practice surveillance using more effective methods. Identifying the appropriate technology and providing funding is a priority.
Resonant excitation of tilt mode in tidally deformed disks
Authors: Kato Shoji
Published: March 2014

In a previous paper (Kato 2013, PASJ, 65, 75), we have shown that in deformed disks a pair of trapped oscillation modes can be resonantly excited through couplings with disk deformation. In this paper we examine in what cases tilts are excited on tidally deformed disks by the above-mentioned wave–wave resonant process. The results show that tilts can be excited in various evolutional stages of tidally deformed disks, although the wave mode coupled to the tilt and the tidal wave mode contributing to the resonance change with the evolution of disk stages.
Endotracheal Intubation Versus Laryngeal Mask Airway for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Children
Authors: Acquaviva Michael A. , Horn Nicole D. , Gupta Sandeep K.
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

The present study examined the safety and efficacy of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA), compared with an endotracheal tube (ETT), for children undergoing elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Methods:

A total of 84 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) patients, status I to III, were randomly assigned to receive an ETT or LMA. All participants were premedicated with midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (up to 15 mg). Airway device placement occurred after induction with 8% sevoflurane and 100% oxygen, placement of an intravenous catheter, and intravenous lidocaine 2 mg/kg up to 100 mg. The following data were collected: time from induction of anesthesia to placement of the airway device, time from end of procedure to arrival in the postoperative acute care unit (PACU), time in the PACU, time from arrival in the operating room (OR) to discharge, vomiting after the procedure, nausea requiring medicine, lowest oxygen saturation, highest concentration of sevoflurane, highest pain, amount of pain medicine, adverse events, and satisfaction of doctor performing the EGD.

Results:

Group ETT had higher time from room arrival to airway placement, mask to airway placement, room arrival time to discharge, mask placement to discharge, airway placement to discharge, and end of procedure to discharge. Group ETT had a higher proportion of patients with vomiting than group LMA. No statistical difference was noted in endoscopist satisfaction when comparing ETT and LMA. The ETT group had 3 adverse events, including laryngospasm (n = 2) and asthma attack (n = 1).

Conclusions:

The LMA appears to be an acceptable and safe alternative for otherwise healthy children undergoing routine EGD. Benefits appear to be decreased incidence of vomiting and overall decreased time spent in the hospital.
Genetic variants determining body fat distribution and sex hormone‐binding globulin among Chinese female young adults 遗传因素决定了中国青少年女性体脂分布和血清性激素结合球蛋白水平
Authors: Shi Juan , Li Lijuan , Hong Jie , Qi Lu , Cui Bin , Gu Weiqiong , Zhang Yifei , Miao Lin , Wang Rui , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang
Published: March 2014

Background

Measures of body fat distribution (i.e. waist : hip ratio [WHR]) are major risk factors for diabetes, independent of overall adiposity. The genetic variants related to body fat distribution show sexual dimorphism and particularly affect females. Substantial literature supports a role for sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of the genetic risk score of body fat distribution with SHBG levels and insulin resistance in young (14–30 years) Chinese females.

Methods

In all, 675 young Chinese females were evaluated in the present study. A genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated on the basis of 12 established variants associated with body fat distribution. The main outcome variable was serum SHBG levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR).

Results

The GRS of body fat distribution was significantly associated with decreasing serum SHBG levels (P = 0.018), independent of body mass index and WHR. In addition, the GRS and SHBG showed additive effects on HOMA‐IR (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The GRS of body fat distribution reflects serum SHBG levels, and the GRS and SHBG jointly influence the risk of insulin resistance.
Potential distribution of Avena sterilis L. in Europe under climate change
Authors: Castellanos‐Frías E. , García de León D. , Pujadas‐Salva A. , Dorado J. , Gonzalez‐Andujar J.L.
Published: March 2014

Avena sterilis (sterile oat) is one of the most extended and harmful weeds
in Mediterranean cereal crops. A process‐based niche model for this species was developed using CLIMEX. The model was validated and used to assess the potential distribution of A. sterilis in Europe under the current climate and under two climate change scenarios. Both scenarios represent contrasting temporal patterns of economic development and CO2 emissions. The projections under current climate conditions indicated that A. sterilis does not occupy the full extent of the climatically suitable habitat available to it in Europe. Under future climate scenarios, the model projection showed a gradual advance of sterile oat towards Northeastern Europe and a contraction in Southern Europe. The infested potential area increases from the current 45.2% to 51.3% in the low‐emission CO2 scenario and to 59.5% under the most extreme scenario. These results provide the necessary knowledge for identifying and highlighting the potential invasion risk areas and for establishing the grounds on which to base the planning and management measures required. The main actions should be focused on controlling the large‐scale seed scattering, preventing seed dispersal into potentially suitable areas.
Seasonal shifts in macronutrient preferences in supercolonies of the invasiveYellowCrazyAntAnoplolepis gracilipes(Smith, 1857) (Hymenoptera:Formicidae) onChristmasIsland,IndianOcean
Authors: Abbott Kirsti L , Green Peter T , O'Dowd Dennis J
Published: March 2014

The timing and duration of sexual brood production in ants can affect their rate of spread and colony growth. Because protein is key to larval growth, queen survival and fecundity, macronutrient collection by foraging workers is expected to favour protein prior to and throughout gyne production. However, food preference driven by the production of gynes may be overridden by a preference associated with worker production, especially if investment in workers vastly outweighs that of sexual brood and workers are produced on different schedules. Food preferences alone may not indicate the availability of that food type in the environment. OnChristmasIsland,IndianOcean, sexual brood of the invasiveYellowCrazyAnt,Anoplolepis gracilipes(Smith, 1857), was produced annually during a single period associated with the onset of the wet season. However, workers were produced continuously throughout the year and colony investment to worker production measured by the standing biomass of eggs, larvae and pupae, typically exceeded 98%. High, aseasonal investment in worker production, together with aseasonal worker activity, would suggest that there should be no seasonal preference shown by workers at food stations containing both protein and carbohydrate. However, workers showed a preference for one food type over another on 46 of 61 occasions at one site and on 31 of 41 occasions at another. When a preference was shown, it was predominantly for protein‐rich food during the dry season and almost always for carbohydrate at the onset and during the wet season. We suggest that these preferences reflect seasonal shortages in key resources when invertebrates (protein‐rich) are scarce during the dry season and honeydew from scale insects (carbohydrate) is depleted by rain during the wet season. OnChristmasIsland, timing and duration of the dry season preference for protein has been exploited by the control program forA. gracilipessupercolonies, which deploys a toxin in a proteinaceous bait matrix during dry periods.
Cultural influences on children's understanding of the human body and the concept of life
Authors: Panagiotaki Georgia , Nobes Gavin
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to identify the age by which children begin to demonstrate a biological understanding of the human body and the idea that the purpose of body functioning is to maintain life. The study also explored the influence of education, culturally specific experiences and religion on knowledge acquisition in this domain. Children aged between 4 and 7 years from three different cultural backgrounds (White British, British Muslim, and Pakistani Muslim) were interviewed about the human body and its functioning. At least half of the 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds in each cultural group, and almost all 6‐ to 7‐year‐olds, referred to the maintenance of life when explaining organs' functions and so were classified as ‘life theorizers’. Pakistani Muslim children gave fewer biological responses to questions about organs' functions and the purpose of eating and breathing, but referred to life more than their British counterparts. Irrespective of cultural group, older children understood organ location and function better than younger children. These findings support Jaakkola and Slaughter's (2002, Br. J. Dev. Psychol., 20, 325) view that children's understanding of the body as a ‘life machine’ emerges around the ages of 4–5 years. They also suggest that, despite many similarities in children's ideas cross‐culturally, different educational input and culturally specific experiences influence aspects of their biological understanding.
The CO donor CORM‐2 inhibits LPS‐induced vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 expression and leukocyte adhesion in human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Chi Pei‐Ling , Chuang Yu‐Chen , Chen Yu‐Wen , Lin Chih‐Chung , Hsiao Li‐Der , Yang Chuen‐Mao
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose

Infection with Gram‐negative bacteria has been recognized as an initiator of rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation and infiltration of immune cells. Carbon monoxide (CO) exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties. Here we have investigated the detailed mechanisms of vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) expression induced by LPS and if CO inhibited LPS‐induced leukocyte adhesion to synovial fibroblasts by suppressing VCAM‐1 expression.

Experimental Approach

Human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) were incubated with LPS and/or the CO‐releasing compound CORM‐2. Effects of LPS on VCAM‐1 levels were determined by analysing mRNA expression, promoter activity, protein expression, and immunohistochemical staining. The molecular mechanisms were investigated by determining the expression, activation, and binding activity of transcriptional factors using target signal antagonists.

Key Results

CORM‐2 significantly inhibited inflammatory responses in LPS‐treated RASFs by down‐regulating the expression of adhesion molecule VCAM‐1 and leukocyte infiltration. The down‐regulation of LPS‐induced VCAM‐1 expression involved inhibition of the expression of phosphorylated‐NF‐κB p65 and AP‐1 (p‐c‐Jun, c‐Jun and c‐Fos mRNA levels). These results were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to detect NF‐κB and AP‐1 DNA binding activity.

Conclusions and Implications

LPS‐mediated formation of the TLR4/MyD88/TRAF6/c‐Src complex regulated NF‐κB and MAPKs/AP‐1 activation leading to VCAM‐1 expression and leukocyte adhesion. CORM‐2, which liberates CO to elicit direct biological activities, attenuated LPS‐induced VCAM‐1 expression by interfering with NF‐κB and AP‐1 activation, and significantly reduced LPS‐induced immune cell infiltration of the synovium.
Breaking the Vicious Circle of Illegal Logging in Indonesia
Authors: LINKIE MATTHEW , SLOAN SEAN , KASIA RAHMAD , KISWAYADI DEDY , AZMI WAHDI
Published: March 2014

The government of Indonesia, which presides over 10% of the world's tropical forests, has set ambitious targets to cut its high deforestation rates through an REDD+ scheme (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation). This will require strong law enforcement to succeed. Yet, strategies that have accomplished this are rare and, along with past failures, tend not to be documented. We evaluated a multistakeholder approach that seeks to tackle illegal logging in the carbon‐rich province of Aceh, Sumatra. From 2008 to 2009, Fauna & Flora International established and supported a community‐based informant network for the 738,000 ha Ulu Masen ecosystem. The network reported 190 forest offenses to local law enforcement agencies, which responded with 86 field operations that confiscated illicit vehicles, equipment, and timber, and arrested 138 illegal logging suspects. From 45 cases subsequently monitored, 64.4% proceeded to court, from which 90.0% of defendants received a prison sentence or a verbal warning for a first offense. Spatial analyses of illegal logging and timber storage incidents predicted that illegal activities would be more effectively deterred by law enforcement operations that targeted the storage sites. Although numerous clusters of incidents were identified, they were still widespread reflecting the ubiquity of illegal activities. The multistakeholder results were promising, but illegal logging still persisted at apparently similar levels at the project's end, indicating that efforts need to be further strengthened. Nevertheless, several actions contributed to the law enforcement achievements: strong political will; strong stakeholder support; and funding that could be promptly accessed. These factors are highlighted as prerequisites for achieving Indonesia's ambitious REDD+ goals.

Rompiendo el Círculo Vicioso de la Tala Ilegal en Indonesia
Trade‐offs among Catch, Bycatch, and Landed Value in the American Samoa Longline Fishery
Authors: WATSON JORDAN T. , BIGELOW KEITH A.
Published: March 2014

The interspecific preferences of fishes for different depths and habitats suggest fishers could avoid unwanted catches of some species while still effectively targeting other species. In pelagic longline fisheries, albacore (Thunnus alalunga) are often caught in relatively cooler, deeper water (>100 m) than many species of conservation concern (e.g., sea turtles, billfishes, and some sharks) that are caught in shallower water (<100 m). From 2007 to 2011, we examined the depth distributions of hooks for 1154 longline sets (3,406,946 hooks) and recorded captures by hook position on 2642 sets (7,829,498 hooks) in the American Samoa longline fishery. Twenty‐three percent of hooks had a settled depth <100 m. Individuals captured in the 3 shallowest hook positions accounted for 18.3% of all bycatch. We analyzed hypothetical impacts for 25 of the most abundant species caught in the fishery by eliminating the 3 shallowest hook positions under scenarios with and without redistribution of these hooks to deeper depths. Distributions varied by species: 45.5% (n = 10) of green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), 59.5% (n = 626) of shortbill spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris), 37.3% (n = 435) of silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), and 42.6% (n = 150) of oceanic whitetip shark (C. longimanus) were caught on the 3 shallowest hooks. Eleven percent (n = 20,435) of all tuna and 8.5% (n = 10,374) of albacore were caught on the 3 shallowest hooks. Hook elimination reduced landed value by 1.6–9.2%, and redistribution of hooks increased average annual landed value relative to the status quo by 5–11.7%. Based on these scenarios, redistribution of hooks to deeper depths may provide an economically feasible modification to longline gear that could substantially reduce bycatch for a suite of vulnerable species. Our results suggest that this method may be applicable to deep‐set pelagic longline fisheries worldwide.

Compensaciones entre Captura, Captura Accesoria y Valores Asentados en la Pesquera de Línea Larga de Samoa Americana
Logical Metonymy Resolution in a Words‐as‐Cues Framework: Evidence From Self‐Paced Reading and Probe Recognition
Authors: Zarcone Alessandra , Padó Sebastian , Lenci Alessandro
Published: March 2014

Logical metonymy resolution (begin a book → begin reading a book or begin writing a book) has traditionally been explained either through complex lexical entries (qualia structures) or through the integration of the implicit event via post‐lexical access to world knowledge. We propose that recent work within the words‐as‐cues paradigm can provide a more dynamic model of logical metonymy, accounting for early and dynamic integration of complex event information depending on previous contextual cues (agent and patient). We first present a self‐paced reading experiment on German subordinate sentences, where metonymic sentences and their paraphrased version differ only in the presence or absence of the clause‐final target verb (Der Konditor begann die Glasur → Der Konditor begann, die Glasur aufzutragen/The baker began the icing → The baker began spreading the icing). Longer reading times at the target verb position in a high‐typicality condition (baker + icing → spread ) compared to a low‐typicality (but still plausible) condition (child + icing → spread) suggest that we make use of knowledge activated by lexical cues to build expectations about events. The early and dynamic integration of event knowledge in metonymy interpretation is bolstered by further evidence from a second experiment using the probe recognition paradigm. Presenting covert events as probes following a high‐typicality or a low‐typicality metonymic sentence (Der Konditor begann die Glasur → AUFTRAGEN/The baker began the icing → SPREAD), we obtain an analogous effect of typicality at 100 ms interstimulus interval.
Cross‐Cultural Differences in Categorical Memory Errors
Authors: Schwartz Aliza J. , Boduroglu Aysecan , Gutchess Angela H.
Published: March 2014

Cultural differences occur in the use of categories to aid accurate recall of information. This study investigated whether culture also contributed to false (erroneous) memories, and extended cross‐cultural memory research to Turkish culture, which is shaped by Eastern and Western influences. Americans and Turks viewed word pairs, half of which were categorically related and half unrelated. Participants then attempted to recall the second word from the pair in response to the first word cue. Responses were coded as correct, as blanks, or as different types of errors. Americans committed more categorical errors than did Turks, and Turks mistakenly recalled more non‐categorically related list words than did Americans. These results support the idea that Americans use categories either to organize information in memory or to support retrieval strategies to a greater extent than Turks and suggest that culture shapes not only accurate recall but also erroneous distortions of memory.