bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A second order convergent trial method for a free boundary problem in three dimensions
Authors: Bugeanu Monica , Harbrecht Helmut
Published: January 2016

The present article is concerned with the solution of a generalized Bernoulli free boundary problem in three spatial dimensions. We parametrize the free boundary under consideration over the sphere and apply a trial method which updates the free boundary into the normal direction. At the free boundary, we prescribe the Neumann boundary condition and update the free boundary with the help of the remaining Dirichlet boundary condition. An inexact Newton update is employed which leads to a novel second order convergent trial method. Numerical examples show the feasibility of the present approach. In particular, a parametric representation is utilized which imposes no restriction to the free boundary under consideration except for its genus.
On the regularity of stationary points of a nonlocal isoperimetric problem
Authors: Goldman Dorian , Volkmann Alexander
Published: January 2016

In this article we establish

C^{3, \alpha}

-regularity of the reduced boundary of stationary points of a nonlocal isoperimetric problem in a domain

\Omega \subset \mathbb R^n

. In particular, stationary points satisfy the corresponding Euler–Lagrange equation classically on the reduced boundary. Moreover, we show that the singular set has zero

(n–1)

-dimensional Hausdorff measure. This complements the results in [4] in which the Euler–Lagrange equation was derived under the assumption of

C^2

-regularity of the topological boundary and the results in [27] in which the authors assume local minimality. In case

\Omega

has non-empty boundary, we show that stationary points meet the boundary of

\Omega

orthogonally in a weak sense, unless they have positive distance to it.
On the regularity of the interface of a thermodynamically consistent two-phase Stefan problem with surface tension
Authors: Prüss Jan , Shao Yuanzhen , Simonett Gieri
Published: January 2016

We study the regularity of the free boundary arising in a thermodynamically consistent two-phase Stefan problem with surface tension by means of a family of parameter-dependent diffeomorphisms,

L_p

-maximal regularity theory, and the implicit function theorem.
The AU Model Law on Universal Jurisdiction: An African Response to Western Prosecutions based on the Universality Principle
Authors: Dube A
Published: January 2016

The African continent has been consistent in placing its concerns regarding the manner in which international criminal justice is administered on the international platform. For the past decade, the continent has minced no words about its misgivings concerning the use of universal jurisdiction (UJ) by both foreign States and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The African Union (AU) has been very supportive of UJ and its utility in fighting impunity and affording justice to victims of the core crimes of international law, namely, genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Often referred to as core crimes, these are regarded as customary law crimes which are an affront to entire humankind. These crimes were also codified by the Rome Statute of the ICC. However, the political and selective use of the principle of universality by foreign States to prosecute perpetrators of these crimes was seen as causing conflicts and undermining peace efforts, reconciliation and regional stability. As a result the African continent voiced its concerns at various public platforms, including under the auspices of the UN and it therefore called for reforms. This prompted the AU to produce its own model law on UJ, which African States could adapt to their own socio-political circumstances and legal context. The debates that ensued around UJ on the African continent offered African States a chance to contribute to the development of international law, especially on the rules concerning UJ. This paper analyses the interaction amongst African states that eventually led to the development of UJ regulations within their individual legal systems, and tries to determine if there is indeed an African signature in those legal rules.
Selected Legal Challenges Relating to the Military use of Outer Space, with Specific Reference to Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty
Authors: Ferreira-Snyman A
Published: January 2016

Since the end of the Second World War the potential use of outer space for military purposes persisted to be intrinsically linked to the development of space technology and space flight. The launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, by the USSR in 1957 made Western states realise that a surprise attack from space was a real possibility, resulting in the so-called "space-race" between the USA and the USSR. During the Cold War space activities were intrinsically linked to the political objectives, priorities and national security concerns of the USA and the Soviet Union. After the Cold War the political relevance and benefits of space continued to be recognised by states. In view of the recent emergence of new major space powers such as China, the focus has again shifted to the military use of outer space and the potential that a state with advanced space technology may use it for military purposes in order to dominate other states. Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty prohibits the installation of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in outer space and determines that the moon and other celestial bodies shall be used for peaceful purposes only. Due to the dual-use character of many space assets, the distinction between military and non-military uses of outer space is becoming increasingly blurred. This article discusses a number of legal challenges presented by article IV of the Outer Space Treaty, relating specifically to the term peaceful, the distinction between the terms militarisation and weaponisation and the nature of a space weapon. It is concluded that article IV is in many respects outdated and that it cannot address the current legal issues relating to the military use of outer space. The legal vacuum in this area may have grave consequences not only for maintaining peace and security in outer space, but also on earth. Consequently, an international dialogue on the military uses of outer space should be facilitated under the auspices of the UNCOPUOS to address these uncertainties as a matter of urgency. Although it is agreed with the proponents of a hard law approach that a legally binding instrument should be adopted to regulate the military use of outer space, it is submitted that, as an interim measure, soft law guidelines should be developed to provide a framework for the eventual creation of a consolidated and binding legal instrument on all aspects relating to the use of outer space.
Questioning the use of the Mandament van Spolie in Ngqukumba v Minister of Safety and Security 2014 5 SA 112 (CC)
Authors: Boggenpoel ZT
Published: January 2016

This cursory note reflects on the outcome of the Constitutional Court judgment of Ngqukumba v Minister of Safety and Security. The decision presented the Court with the opportunity to consider what happens to existing common law remedies in light of legislation that has been enacted to regulate a specific area of the law. The Constitutional Court held that the Traffic Act did not place an absolute prohibition on the possession of tampered vehicles and therefore the Court granted the spoliation remedy. The Court’s conclusion that the mandament van spolie is in principle available in these instances, creates the impression that the common law remedy would be appropriate even though the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) contains a remedy to claim the property back. This note argues that such a conclusion is problematic. If the CPA has a remedy to restore possession, that option should first be exhausted. In this regard, it is necessary to regulate the choice of remedy if the common law and the legislation provide a remedy to vindicate the violations of rights. Furthermore, in instances where legislation has been enacted to regulate a specific area of the law (or to give effect to a constitutional provision) the mandament van spolie should in principle not be available. Finally, this note concludes that in instances where the Traffic Act prohibits possession of certain vehicles, it should not be possible to use the mandament van spolie to by-pass the legislation.
A Critical Appraisal of Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability v Government of the Republic of South Africa 2011 5 SA 87 (WCC)
Authors: Kruger P
Published: January 2016

The 2011 the Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability v Government of The Republic of South Africa case flagged a lot of issues faced by persons with disabilities relating to access to education in South Africa. The case tackled certain perceptions about the ineducability of persons with profound and severe disability and the remaining charity-oriented perception by the South African Department of Basic Education. While the court made several important points in advancing universal access to education, the author argues that certain holes in the judgment hinders the existence of judicial finding truly infused with concerns of substantive equality. An example of this short-coming is the court's consideration of reasonableness when the right to basic education is an immediately realisable right. The author also argues that the South African developments in education policy for persons with disability, while positive, is insufficient to truly give effect to substantive equality – the claim to equality being made in the new constitutional dispensation. There is still an attitude that is too permissive of separating students based on abilism. The social model of thinking about requires a complete transformation of the education system that would not require a classification of learners by abilities but have a different constitution so as to accommodate all students and not unduly enable one group over another. The author considers the approaches from Canada and India to explore its responses to education for students with varying levels of ability. Canada's similar conception of equality and India's influence on South African constitutionalism and shared experience with massive equality gaps make these jurisdictions instructive.
A Temporal Mining Framework for Classifying Un-Evenly Spaced Clinical Data
Authors: Jane Nancy , Arputharaj Kannan , Nehemiah Khanna
Published: January 2016

Clinical time-series data acquired from electronic health records (EHR) are liable to temporal complexities such as irregular observations, missing values and time constrained attributes that make the knowledge discovery process challenging.

This paper presents a temporal rough set induced neuro-fuzzy (TRiNF) mining framework that handles these complexities and builds an effective clinical decision-making system. TRiNF provides two functionalities namely temporal data acquisition (TDA) and temporal classification.

In TDA, a time-series forecasting model is constructed by adopting an improved double exponential smoothing method. The forecasting model is used in missing value imputation and temporal pattern extraction. The relevant attributes are selected using a temporal pattern based rough set approach. In temporal classification, a classification model is built with the selected attributes using a temporal pattern induced neuro-fuzzy classifier.

For experimentation, this work uses two clinical time series dataset of hepatitis and thrombosis patients. The experimental result shows that with the proposed TRiNF framework, there is a significant reduction in the error rate, thereby obtaining the classification accuracy on an average of 92.59% for hepatitis and 91.69% for thrombosis dataset.

The obtained classification results prove the efficiency of the proposed framework in terms of its improved classification accuracy.
Design and Evaluation of Modified Adaptive Block Normalized Algorithm for Acoustic Echo Cancellation in Hands-Free Communications
Authors: Wahbi Azeddine , Roukhe Ahmed , Hlou Laamari
Published: January 2016

The aim of this paper is to design and simulate an AEC in order to enhance the quality of speech disturbed by echo phenomenon. Therefore, in order to design the normalized adaptive AEC, we have used digital signal processing techniques, especially Simulink embedded functions. Effectiveness of the suggested AEC using adaptive normalized algorithm was verified using Matlab/Simulink software. Finally, our AEC has been tested by using ERLE criteria and the analysis results show more efficiency according to ITU-T recommendation G.168.
Regulación de las pensiones alimenticias en Nicaragua
Authors: Orozco Gadea Germán Antonio
Published: January 2016

El pasado 8 de abril del corriente año entró en vigencia en Nicaragua la Ley Nº 870, mejor conocida como Código de familia. Esta norma aborda las prestaciones alimenticias en el Libro Cuarto. Asistencia familiar y tutela. Título I. Los alimentos, arts. 306 y ss. Mediante esta investigación queremos armonizar la Teoría general de las obligaciones alimenticias con la nueva legislación; también pretendemos exponer algunos de sus aspectos novedosos; comentar los tópicos controversiales que puedan surgir en la aplicación de esta ley; también presentamos los aportes que la jurisprudencia nacional y extranjera han hecho sobre el tema; finalizamos haciendo una tabla comparativa en la que se refleja los aspectos más relevantes entre la anterior legislación y la actual. La rama del Derecho de familia en Nicaragua no ha despertado una esmerada atención entre los investigadores; con este modesto trabajo hacemos nuestra contribución para abrir un pertinente debate que debe acompañar a toda nueva legislación y tratar de motivar a otros investigadores para adentrase en los fértiles campos del Derecho de familia.
La protección a la familia a través del cumplimiento de los derechos y deberes familiares
Authors: Pérez Berrios Fátima Regina
Published: January 2016

La consideración de la familia como célula fundamental de la sociedad, le merece una protección especial de parte de la legislación, que parte de la Constitución Política hasta contar con un cuerpo normativo propio como es el Derecho de Familia, sobre todo por la función socializadora y educadora de los nuevos ciudadanos/as. Nadie puede negar la importancia de la familia, aunque hoy en día padezca una crisis de valores y de identidad. Por el contrario, la sociedad y el Estado necesitan de la familia para tener el relevo generacional necesario y contar con ciudadanos que aporten al desarrollo del país. El recién aprobado Código de la Familia de Nicaragua establece que la protección a la familia es obligación de la sociedad, el Estado y sus propios integrantes. Esta protección consiste principalmente en establecer un vínculo donde existan valores como el amor, el respeto, la solidaridad y ayuda mutua, pero especialmente donde se respeten y cumplan –con responsabilidad– los derechos y deberes de cada uno de los miembros de la familia. Entre los derechos y deberes uno que tiene gran importancia es el relacionado con la educación de los hijos e hijas, un deber que el padre y la madre no pueden delegar en ninguna otra persona o institución. Con los lazos de afecto y con el cumplimiento de las obligaciones de cada uno, se podrán evitar muchas crisis familiares, contado con familias más fuertes y estables para el bien de la sociedad en general.
Análisis jurídico del funcionamiento del Comité Ejecutivo del Sistema de Integración Centroamericana
Authors: Esquivel Avendaño Eymi Lissette
Published: January 2016

El presente artículo científico toma como punto central el análisis del funcionamiento actual del Comité Ejecutivo del Sistema de Integración Centroamericana, órgano permanente creado por el Protocolo de Tegucigalpa y conformado por representantes de cada uno de los Estados que conforman el SICA. Este artículo analiza el poder de decisión en el SICA y la producción normativa del Comité Ejecutivo contrastándola con las atribuciones conferidas. Se estudia la perspectiva histórica desde su nacimiento, sus atribuciones, la forma de manifestación de consentimiento, su conformación y la normativa que regula su funcionamiento, A partir de todo lo anterior, se realizan propuestas concretas para una renovación institucional.
SENTENCIA No: 305/2014
Authors: Malespín Martínez Fernando
Published: January 2016

-
Drumming to One’s Own Beat: Japanese Taiko and the Challenge to Genre
Authors: Matsue Jennifer Milioto
Published: January 2016

Taiko groups throughout the world are perceived as performing an established style of ensemble drumming grounded in an imagined Japanese tradition (Bender 2012; De Ferranti 2006). Since its inception, however, taiko has been a cosmopolitan musical movement in constant flux, combining diverse sources in innovative ways (Pachter 2013). Review of scholarly debates on genre, Japanese music, and the flexibility of taiko, reference to globally renowned performers, and ethnographic research with contemporary groups in Kyoto reveals that the complicated nature of taiko may defy any categorization, in turn challenging established understandings of genre itself (Holt 2007), while affirming that we nonetheless rely on such systems of organization to make sense of musical worlds.
Environmental Crisis, Culture Loss, and a New Musical Aesthetic: China’s “Original Ecology Folksongs” In Theory and Practice
Authors: Rees Helen
Published: January 2016

Since the early twenty- first century, a craze for “original ecology folksongs” has overtaken China. Performed by village- born singers in local dialect and obviously traditional style, these songs and the related discourse stress ties to place, cultural authenticity, and the interrelationship of physical environment with human culture. Their aesthetic stands in stark contrast to the twentieth- century preference for European- inspired modernization and standardization of Chinese traditional music. Reflecting widespread Chinese angst over rapid culture loss and major environmental degradation, this song phenomenon and the discussion it provokes resonate productively with Western scholarship in musical sustainability, intangible cultural heritage protection, and ecomusicology.
Atmosphere as a Concept for Ethnomusicology: Comparing the Gamelatron and Gamelan
Authors: McGraw Andrew
Published: January 2016

In this article I compare a robotic gamelan sound installation (the gamelatron) and traditional gamelan, as performed in the American gamelan subculture, in order to specify the concept of atmosphere for use within ethnomusicology. I argue that at the level of affect the gamelatron and gamelan afford similar experiences that I call “atmospheres of felt-relation.” At the level of comprehension they are registered as divergent because of their differential alignment to several discursive binaries: live/recorded, human/machine, individual/group, subject/object and body/prosthesis.
Native Seattle in the Concert Hall: An Ethnography of Two Symphonies
Authors: Sercombe Laurel
Published: January 2016

Musical collaborations between Native North American tradition bearers and non- Native musicians are no longer rare events, but such encounters continue to involve the dynamics of cultural hegemony and negotiations between different modes of musical thinking. Two projects involving the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Western art music composers, and Coast Salish tribes of western Washington State exemplify the complex processes of intercultural relationship in the composition and performance of two works, “The Healing Heart of the People of this Land,” and “Potlatch Symphony.” In this paper I focus on the strategies employed by local Native participants to maintain traditional protocols for the distribution and performance of Coast Salish songs.
A Community Divided: Hydraulic Fracturing in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Morrone Michele , Chadwick Amy E. , Kruse Natalie
Published: January 2016

As hydraulic fracturing (fracking) continues to expand in the United States, research is focusing on identifying environmental and human health impacts of the process. Environmental and public health are critical components of community health, but sociological impacts of fracking are important as well, especially because fracking is controversial. This article contributes to understanding the potential social impacts of fracking in one rural community in Appalachia, which is a hub of fracking activity in the United States. A mixed-methods approach was used, including interviews and a mail survey. Results indicate differences in perceptions of fracking that are related to sense of community, community attachment, and perceived social cohesion. The results suggest that unconventional natural gas extraction has the potential to fracture more than just shale; it may fracture communities as well.
The Conceptualization of Self-Identity among Residents of Appalachia Ohio
Authors: Krok-Schoen Jessica L. , Palmer-Wackerly Angela L. , Dailey Phokeng M. , Krieger Janice L.
Published: January 2016

Social identity and its association to culture, place, and health is an important, but understudied, area of research. One social group that illustrates this connection between place and identity is people living in Appalachia. This exploratory mixed-method study investigates the appropriateness of the self-concept of Ohio Appalachian adults with cancer as "Appalachian," the context associated with that identity and its association with community identification, rural identity, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) status, demographic data, and clinical trial (CT) enrollment. Forty-nine adults with cancer residing in Appalachia were recruited. Participants were cancer patients who (1) were offered a randomized clinical cancer trial; and (2) lived in or were treated in one of the thirty-two rural Appalachian counties in Ohio. Forty-seven percent of participants identified themselves as Appalachian and were reluctant to self-identify as Appalachian because of negative stereotypes or uncertainty about the term. Furthermore, many participants endorsed their residence within Appalachia but not their own identity. Future studies should utilize a culturally grounded approach and community-based methodology to explore how residents of Appalachian communities define their community and self-identification in order to improve health in the region.
"The language of elms . . . a song unmatched": Dementia and Rootedness in Charles Dodd White’s A Shelter of Others
Authors: Holmes Thomas Alan
Published: January 2016

In the latter stages of dementia, Sam Laws, a principle character of Charles Dodd White’s A Shelter of Others (2014b), attempts to reorient himself in his bonds with estranged son Mason, daughter-in-law Lavada, and the natural world around him. Set primarily on the border of a national park, the novel explores the experience of being lost within close-knit relationships. With his recent release from prison on drug charges, Mason feels reluctant to return home, concerned about his failure as a husband and a son, despite his affection for his family. In her capacity as caregiver, Lavada suffers with the burden of preserving a home for these men. In his illness, Sam attempts to re-integrate himself with the forest, engaging in a conscious challenge to restore an order he believes confirmed by voices in the natural world. Sam’s internal monologue, at times illuminating his actions while at other times offering scant explanation for his disorientation, illustrates his sense of being lost while detailing missed opportunities to find his way home. In this conflict between Sam’s dementia and the layers of community regulation, White invites readers to weigh which voices provide the most nurturing shelter.
Residential End-use Electricity Demand: Implications for Real Time Pricing in Sweden
Authors: Vesterberg Mattias , Krishnamurthy Chandra Kiran B.
Published: January 2016

Using a unique and highly detailed data set on energy consumption at the appliance-level for 200 households, seemingly unrelated regression (SUR)-based end-use specific load curves are estimated. The estimated load curves are then used to explore possible restrictions on load shifting (e.g. the office hours schedule) as well as the cost implications of different load shift patterns. The cost implications of shifting load from “expensive” to “cheap” hours, using the Nord pool spot prices as a proxy for a dynamic price, are computed to be very small; roughSwedishly 2-4% reduction in total daily cost from shifting load up to five hours ahead, indicating small incentives for households (and retailers) to adopt dynamic pricing of electricity.
Biosimilars in Brazil: developments in 2015 and business perspectives
Authors: Golgher Denise , Rodrigues Roberto , Massafera Rodrigo Couto
Published: January 2016

Brazil is looking into foreign technology to foster innovation in the country’s industrial health complex. Biological plants are being built and partnerships with multinationals have been established with the goal to in license technology, manufacture and supply the population with biosimilars made in Brazil. This article brings up-to-date information on the biosimilar market in the country, with information on the public-private partnerships and regulatory approvals. With two biosimilars approved in 2015 and the ongoing development regarding the local pharmaceutical companies, there is a good window of opportunity to create new businesses in the soon to be 4th pharmaceutical spender in the world.
Fraises douces amères : territoire et précarité chez les travailleurs agricoles migrants de la région de Québec
Authors: Bélanger Danièle , Candiz Guillermo
Published: January 2016

Cet article présente une analyse de l’expérience d’un groupe de travailleurs migrants dans le secteur agricole au Québec. À partir d’un travail ethnographique réalisé en 2011 et en 2012 auprès de travailleurs agricoles et d’acteurs-clés de l’île d’Orléans (région de Québec), nous montrons comment le territoire, en tant que lieu social et géographique, façonne le quotidien des migrants qui participent aux programmes canadiens de travail temporaire. À partir du concept de la précarité, nous analysons les mécanismes et les sources de cette précarité ancrés dans un territoire. Notre analyse se centre sur le paternalisme comme mode de relations entre travailleurs et employeurs sur les fermes familiales de l’île d’Orléans. Par ailleurs, nous analysons les stratégies mises en oeuvre par les migrants pour réduire leur précarité. L’article porte un regard conjoint sur les notions géographiques et sociologiques des relations entre le territoire et la précarité.
Aménager la cité : conflit et négociation pour la création de jardins citoyens à Bordeaux et à Québec
Authors: Montero Sarah
Published: January 2016

L’étude de deux jardins à Bordeaux et à Québec, créés à l’initiative d’habitants, nous renseigne sur la capacité de ces derniers à s’emparer d’enjeux urbains complexes et témoigne d’une tension entre deux conceptions aménagistes : l’une fonctionnelle et économique, l’autre transversale et sensible. Dans une approche comparative, l’analyse de l’action et du processus de négociation montre que les protagonistes qui ont choisi d’entrer dans le jeu du débat public sont parvenus à faire aboutir la demande sociale alors que la « critique artiste » est demeurée à la marge de la décision publique. Toutefois, les deux situations témoignent de la capacité des habitants à penser autrement l’aménagement de la ville et de la nécessité pour ces derniers de s’organiser pour reprendre les « clés de la ville ».
Représenter les temporalités territoriales : une approche cartographique et chronophotographique des rythmes urbains
Authors: Beyer Chris , Royoux Dominique
Published: January 2016

Avec la crise des temps caractérisée par le délitement des rythmes sociaux et le sentiment d’accélération, penser les temporalités est devenu un nouvel enjeu des politiques publiques territoriales. Cependant, un hiatus demeure entre les problématiques liées à l’hypertension des rythmes des territoires et les méthodes existantes pour les représenter. Des apports de la time-geography aux chronotopes de l’Istituto Politecnico di Milano, les travaux qui essaient de saisir le temps des territoires laissent entrevoir la difficulté de retranscrire un phénomène aussi diffus. Notre propos est de présenter les apports et limites des méthodes existantes de représentation des rythmes du territoire et de discuter des expérimentations portant sur le développement d’une méthode de photographie en série destinée à capter les évolutions fines des pratiques d’un lieu afin d’alimenter ce qu’il est maintenant convenu d’appeler le chronoaménagement.
Simulation of discharge in insulating gas from initial partial discharge to growth of a stepped leader using the percolation model
Authors: Sasaki Akira , Kato Susumu , Takahashii Eiichi , Kishimoto Yasuaki , Fujii Takashi , Kanazawa Seiji
Published: January 2016

We show a cell simulation of a discharge in an insulating gas from the initial partial discharge to leader inception until breakdown, based on the percolation model. In the model, we consider that the propagation of the leader occurs when connections between randomly produced ionized regions in the discharge medium are established. To determine the distribution of ionized regions, the state of each simulation cell is decided by evaluating the probability of ionization in SF6, which depends on the local electric field. The electric field as well as the discharge current are calculated by solving circuit equations for the network of simulation cells. Both calculations are coupled to each other and the temporal evolution of discharge is self-consistently calculated. The model dependence of the features of the discharge is investigated. It is found that taking the suppression of attachment in the presence of a discharge current into account, the calculation reproduces the behavior of experimental discharges. It is shown that for a strong electric field, the inception of a stepped leader causes immediate breakdown. For an electric field of 30–50% of the critical field, the initial partial discharge persists for a stochastic time lag and then the propagation of a leader takes place. As the strength of the electric field decreases, the time lag increases rapidly and eventually only a partial discharge with a short arrested leader occurs, as observed in experiments.
High-pressure synthesis and superconducting properties of Sr2(Ca1−
xSrx)Cu2Oy (x = 0–0.75)
Authors: Shinoda Satoshi , Aoba Tomoya , Suzuki Tsuneo , Nakayama Tadachika , Suematsu Hisayuki , Niihara Koichi
Published: January 2016

Novel Sr2(Ca1−

x
Sr
x
)Cu2O
y
samples of various x values were successfully synthesized at a pressure of 5.5 GPa at 850–1150 °C using a high-pressure apparatus. The synthesized samples have a body-centered tetragonal unit cell similar to other Sr2Ca
n

−1Cu
n
O
y
phases. The c-axis length increased linearly from 20.63(8) to 20.78(7) Å with increasing measured composition x (x = 0–0.75). The superconducting transition temperature T
c decreased from 105 to 95 K with increasing measured composition x (x = 0–0.75). In addition, the volume fraction of the superconducting phase improved with increasing measured composition x.
Improvement in reliability of amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide thin-film transistors with Teflon/SiO2 bilayer passivation under gate bias stress
Authors: Fan Ching-Lin , Tseng Fan-Ping , Li Bo-Jyun , Lin Yu-Zuo , Wang Shea-Jue , Lee Win-Der , Huang Bohr-Ran
Published: January 2016

The reliability of amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with Teflon/SiO2 bilayer passivation prepared under positive and negative gate bias stresses (PGBS and NGBS, respectively) was investigated. Heavier electrical degradation was observed under PGBS than under NGBS, indicating that the environmental effects under PGBS are more evident than those under NGBS. The device with bilayer passivation under PGBS shows two-step degradation. The positive threshold voltage shifts during the initial stressing period (before 500 s), owing to the charges trapped in the gate insulator or at the gate insulator/a-IGZO active layer interface. The negative threshold voltage shift accompanies the increase in subthreshold swing (SS) for the continuous stressing period (after 500 s) owing to H2O molecules from ambience diffused within the a-IGZO TFTs. It is believed that Teflon/SiO2 bilayer passivation can effectively improve the reliability of the a-IGZO TFTs without passivation even though the devices are stressed under gate bias.
Shape-controlled CH3NH3PbI3 nanoparticles for planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shahiduzzaman Md. , Yamamoto Kohei , Furumoto Yoshikazu , Kuwabara Takayuki , Takahashi Kohshin , Taima Tetsuya
Published: January 2016

Hybrid organic/inorganic perovskites such as methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) are potential candidates for thin-film photovoltaics because of their excellent cost- and energy-efficient light absorption. In this work, we have prepared CH3NH3PbI3 nanoparticles (NPs) on the TiO
x
/ITO glass substrates by a simple spin-coating method to control the size and shape of NPs. The effect of varying the weight percentage (wt %) of ionic liquid (IL) has also been investigated. Analysis of the films revealed spherical NP morphology in the presence of 1, 3, and 7 wt % IL with respective diameters of 540, 350, and 600 nm. Conversely, 10 wt % IL resulted in irregular aggregation of NP blocks. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) changed upon varying the NP size, shape, and morphology. The optimization of the concentration with 3 wt % IL yielded NPs with the most uniform shape, size, and morphology and, consequently, the maximum PCE.
Quantifying the overall added value of dynamical downscaling and the contribution from different spatial scales
Authors: Di Luca Alejandro , Argüeso Daniel , Evans Jason P. , de Elía Ramón , Laprise René
Published: January 2016

This study evaluates the added value in the representation of surface climate variables from an ensemble of regional climate model (RCM) simulations by comparing the relative skill of the RCM simulations and their driving data over a wide range of RCM experimental setups and climate statistics. The methodology is specifically designed to compare results across different variables and metrics, and it incorporates a rigorous approach to separate the added value occurring at different spatial scales. Results show that the RCMs' added value strongly depends on the type of driving data, the climate variable, and the region of interest but depends rather weakly on the choice of the statistical measure, the season, and the RCM physical configuration. Decomposing climate statistics according to different spatial scales shows that improvements are coming from the small scales when considering the representation of spatial patterns, but from the large‐scale contribution in the case of absolute values. Our results also show that a large part of the added value can be attained using some simple postprocessing methods.
Opportunities for Western Food Products in China: The Case of Orange Juice Demand
Authors: Chen Xuqi , Gao Zhifeng , House Lisa , Ge Jiaoju , Zong Chengfeng , Gmitter Fred
Published: January 2016

China's ever increasing demand for agricultural products provides new opportunities for both domestic and foreign food companies. With Western‐style products becoming increasingly popular across China, more information is needed to better evaluate the future market opportunities of different juice products. In this regard, we investigate Chinese consumer perception, knowledge, and willingness‐to‐pay for different types of orange juice products. Results show that Chinese consumers have limited knowledge of juice products, especially for Western‐style juices. Although consumers are willing to pay more for products with higher juice content, 10% orange juice drink will probably continue to dominate the orange juice product market in China unless there is a significant drop in the price of 100% not from concentrate orange juice. Consumers with better knowledge of juice products, females, and those with higher income are more likely to be willing to pay more for 100% not from concentrate orange juice. [EconLit citations: C34, D12, M31].
Improved nonparametric estimation of the optimal diagnostic cut‐off point associated with the Youden index under different sampling schemes
Authors: Yin Jingjing , Samawi Hani , Linder Daniel
Published: January 2016

A diagnostic cut‐off point of a biomarker measurement is needed for classifying a random subject to be either diseased or healthy. However, the cut‐off point is usually unknown and needs to be estimated by some optimization criteria. One important criterion is the Youden index, which has been widely adopted in practice. The Youden index, which is defined as the maximum of (sensitivity + specificity −1), directly measures the largest total diagnostic accuracy a biomarker can achieve. Therefore, it is desirable to estimate the optimal cut‐off point associated with the Youden index. Sometimes, taking the actual measurements of a biomarker is very difficult and expensive, while ranking them without the actual measurement can be relatively easy. In such cases, ranked set sampling can give more precise estimation than simple random sampling, as ranked set samples are more likely to span the full range of the population. In this study, kernel density estimation is utilized to numerically solve for an estimate of the optimal cut‐off point. The asymptotic distributions of the kernel estimators based on two sampling schemes are derived analytically and we prove that the estimators based on ranked set sampling are relatively more efficient than that of simple random sampling and both estimators are asymptotically unbiased. Furthermore, the asymptotic confidence intervals are derived. Intensive simulations are carried out to compare the proposed method using ranked set sampling with simple random sampling, with the proposed method outperforming simple random sampling in all cases. A real data set is analyzed for illustrating the proposed method.
Interpretation of fluorescence correlation spectra of biopolymer solutions
Authors: Phillies George D. J.
Published: January 2016

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is regularly used to study diffusion in non‐dilute “crowded” biopolymer solutions, including the interior of living cells. For fluorophores in dilute solution, the relationship between the FCS spectrum G(t) and the diffusion coefficient D is well‐established. However, the dilute‐solution relationship between G(t) and D has sometimes been used to interpret FCS spectra of fluorophores in non‐dilute solutions. Unfortunately, the relationship used to interpret FCS spectra in dilute solutions relies on an assumption that is not always correct in non‐dilute solutions. This paper obtains the correct form for interpreting FCS spectra of non‐dilute solutions, writing G(t) in terms of the statistical properties of the fluorophore motions. Approaches for applying this form are discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 260–266, 2016.
CD68+ cell count, early evaluation with PET and plasma TARC levels predict response in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Cuccaro Annarosa , Annunziata Salvatore , Cupelli Elisa , Martini Maurizio , Calcagni Maria L. , Rufini Vittoria , Giachelia Manuela , Bartolomei Francesca , Galli Eugenio , D'Alò Francesco , Voso Maria T. , Leone Giuseppe , Giordano Alessandro , Larocca Luigi M. , Hohaus Stefan
Published: January 2016

Early response evaluation with [18F]fluordeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography after 2 cycles of chemotherapy (interim PET) has been indicated as the strongest predictor for outcome in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We studied the prognostic role of the number of tumor‐infiltrating CD68+ cells and of the plasma levels of TARC (thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine) in the context of interim PET in 102 patients with classical HL treated with Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine (ABVD). After 2 ABVD cycles, interim PET according to Deauville criteria was negative (score 0–3) in 85 patients and positive (score 4–5) in 15 patients (2 patients technically not evaluable). TARC levels were elevated in 89% of patients at diagnosis, and decreased after 2 cycles in 82% of patients. Persistently elevated TARC levels in 18% of patients were significantly associated with a positive PET result (P = 0.007). Strong predictors for progression‐free survival (PFS) were a negative interim PET (85% vs. 28%, P < 0.0001) and CD68+ cell counts <5% (89% vs. 67%, P = 0.006), while TARC levels at diagnosis and at interim evaluation had no prognostic role. In multivariate analysis, interim PET, CD68+ cell counts and presence of B‐symptoms were independently associated with PFS. We conclude that although TARC levels are a biomarker for early response evaluation, they cannot substitute for interim PET as outcome predictor in HL. The evaluation of CD68 counts and B‐symptoms at diagnosis may help to identify low‐risk patients regardless positive interim PET.
Plasma testosterone levels during chronic heroin use and protracted abstinence; A study of Hong Kong addicts
Authors: Mendelson Jack H. , Mello Nancy K.
Published: January 2016

The effects of heroin use and subsequent prolonged abstinence on plasma testosterone levels were examined in 31 male heroin addicts. Heroin (alone and in combination with methadone) significantly suppressed plasma testosterone levels. However, drug‐induced testosterone suppression does not appear to be permanent in adult addicts. Recovery of testosterone levels to normal occurred after about one month of heroin abstinence.
Deanol and methylphenidate in minimal brain dysfunction
Authors: Lewis James A. , Young Rosemarie
Published: January 2016

Deanol, a putative acetylcholine precursor, has been used as a treatment for childhood hyperactivity for years. Efficacy has not been satisfactorily established, however. Seventy‐four children referred for problems with learning, including many with hyperactivity, were screened for neurological or psychiatric illness, then given deanol, methylphenidate, or placebo in a double‐blind fashion for 3 months. Maintenance dose for methylphenidate was 40 mg daily; for deanol, 500 mg. Behavior rating forms, reaction time, and a series of standard psychometric tests were given before and after treatment. Both drugs showed significant improvement on a number of tests; the pattern and degree of change differed slightly for the two. In this paradigm, deanol thus appeared to improve performance in children with learning and behavior disorders. The mechanism of action remains speculative; proof that deanol increases acetylcholine is scanty, and there is a theoretical basis for actually assuming an anticholinergic effect. Further clinical studies on deanol are indicated.
First‐pass metabolism of imipramine in man
Authors: Gram Lars F. , Christiansen Johannes
Published: January 2016

The systemic availability of orally administered imipramine (IP) varied from 29 to 77% in 4 subjects. The decrease in availability was due to an excess in metabolism after oral administration. This first%pass metabolism did not correlate with plasma half%life, apparent clearance, or the rate of metabolite excretion in urine. There was close correlation with the excess in formation of demethylated metabolites after oral administration, which suggests that the first%pass metabolism is mediated by demethylation, but does not correlate to the total rate of demethylation.
Placental transfer of diazepam and its disposition in the newborn
Authors: Mandelli M. , Morselli P. L. , Nordio S. , Pardi G. , Principi N. , Sereni F. , Tognoni G.
Published: January 2016

Departments of Child Health and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milan Medical School, Department of Child Health, University of Trieste Medical School, and Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” Milan, Milan, Italy
Effects of intravenous and oral propantheline and metoclopramide on ethanol absorption
Authors: Gibbons David O. , Lant Ariel F.
Published: January 2016

The separate effects of propantheline, atropine, and metoclopramide on ethanol absorption have been studied in man. Intravenous propantheline lowered blood ethanol levels after ingestion of a standard ethanol load. Oral propantheline, at dose levels currently recommended for therapeutic use, was without significant effect on ethanol tolerance, whereas the tolerance was reduced by oral atropine. Propantheline bromide tablets have been shown to undergo significant hydrolysis at alkaline pH in vitro. Metoclopramide, given intravenously and orally, significantly elevated blood ethanol levels soon after ingestion of a standard ethanol load. It is suggested that when propantheline is selected as an anticholinergic for clinical use, there is need for greater awareness of the marked reduction in bioavailability that results when the drug is administered at conventional therapeutic dosage by the oral as opposed to the intravenous route.
Pharmacodynamics of minoxidil as a guide for individualizing dosage regimens in hypertension
Authors: Shen D. , Malley K. O' , Gibaldi M. , McNay J. L.
Published: January 2016

The antihypertensive effect of minoxidil was studied in 6 patients with varying degrees of hypertension. Their baseline mean arterial pressure (MAPbl) ranged from 122 to 197 mm Hg. Single oral doses between 2.5 and 25 mg were administered in sequence and the time‐course of hypotensive action was followed. We have reported previously that when the peak lowering of MAP is linearly regressed against log dose, both the dose‐response slope (M) and threshold dose (Dt) are positively correlated with the MAPbl of individual patients. This investigation focuses on the temporal pattern of effect. It was found that the hypotensive effect of minoxidil declined linearly with time at a rate consistent with an average effective biologic half‐life of about one day. The rate of decline of effect was apparently independent of dose but was dependent on MAPbl. Since both response to and duration of effect of minoxidil are functions of MAPbl, there is an obvious need to individualize dosage regimens based on the severity of disease. Using pharmacodynamic parameters, guidelines for loading dose, maintenance dose, and dosing frequency as a function of the degree of hypertension are suggested. Loading dose requirements were found to increase with MAPbl while maintenance doses were largely independent of the severity of the disease. Frequency of dosing was found to range from 3 times a day in very severe hypertension to once a day in moderate hypertension.
Dose‐response to tibric acid: A new hypolipidemic drug in type IV hyperlipoproteinemia
Authors: Bielmann Pierre , Brun Daniel , Moorjani Sital , Gagnä Claude , Lupien Paul , treault Léon Té
Published: January 2016

This double‐blind study compares the effects of tibric acid at four different doses to that of placebo in type IV hyperlipidemic patients. Fifty patients, divided at random in five groups of 10 patients each, received one of the following treatments: placebo, tibric acid 500 mg, 750 mg, 1,000 mg, or 1,250 mg per 24 hr. The data suggest that the 1,000 mg and the 1 ,250 mg doses are effective in lowering the serum triglyceride levels after 6 wk of treatment; the effect on total cholesterol is less pronounced. No effect is observed on the concentration of serum esterified cholesterol, phospholipids, and free fatty acids. It is also shown that in the dose range studied, the best fitting curve defining the four mean values of triglycerides and total cholesterol obtained with the four active treatments did not deviate significantly from linearity. Due to lack of toxicity, tibric acid may be useful in the treatment of type IV hyperlipoproteinemia.