bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customer Relations Management Applications in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Aydın Burcu Pekduyurucu
Published: November 2014

In recent years, all information about customers can be shared with employees by customer relations management in tourism establishments, and accordingly, all customer expectations can be met. As a result, producing customer loyalty can be possible. Customer relations management applications in tourism establishments is crucial with regards to competing with other establishments. The most important factor for customers to be pleased with the tourism establishments and prefer the same establishment again is the qualities of front office employees who are directly in relation with customers because front office is the first department that customers interact with. Information about front office is provided and application circumstances of the front office are explained in this research. The population consists of managers of 4-star and 5-star hotels operating in Turkey. In this research, contributions of the front office employees in providing customer loyalty, preventing customer complaints, and customer relations applications of the establishment are examined.
Study on Low-Carbon Economy Model and Method of Chinese Tourism Industry
Authors: Mu Zhang , Jing Luo , Xiaohong Zhang , Lei Tang , Xiao-na Feng , Shan Chen
Published: November 2014

Recent years saw the global wave of new low-carbon economy which is a strategic measure to cope with global warming, and it has gained concerns from many governments. As the representatives of developing countries, China is responsible for “common but distinguishing duty for global climate change.” Many policies have been made to develop low-carbon economy with the hope to advocate and innovate low-carbon economy in some industries and cities during these years. Therefore, it is a theoretical and innovative project to find a low-carbon economical model for various industries and carry out the experiments of low-carbon economy in some cities. Hence, guided by low-carbon economy theory, choosing booming Chinese tourism industry as the object, this paper constructs an operation framework system of low-carbon tourism development from the advantage of low-carbon tourism to the proposal of low-carbon tourism definition so as to conclude an execution scheme of “six elements” of low-carbon tourism with selecting OCT East (Chinese national ecotourism demonstration district) and Mt. Danxia (World Geo-park) as demonstration districts to discuss about models and methods of low-carbon economy in tourism.
Space Tourism
Authors: Goehlich Robert A.
Published: November 2014

According to the Space Policy Institute (2002, Bib. section), “Space tourism is the term broadly applied to the concept of paying customers traveling beyond Earth's atmosphere.” Operating reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) might be a first step toward achieving mass space tourism. Thus, the aim of this article is to investigate the potential hurdles and other aspects of importance that must be overcome in order to use RLVs for space tourism flights. The primary ones are social issues (e.g., “Is space tourism ethically acceptable?”), institutional issues (e.g., “Is environmental pollution caused by space tourism more harmful than other emission sources?”), and financial issues (e.g., “Are any potential investors interested in space tourism?”).
Pig Skin Includes Dendritic Cell Subsets Transcriptomically Related to Human CD1a and CD14 Dendritic Cells Presenting Different Migrating Behaviors and T Cell Activation Capacities
Authors: Marquet Florian , Vu Manh Thien-Phong , Maisonnasse Pauline , Elhmouzi-Younes Jamila , Urien Céline , Bouguyon Edwige , Jouneau Luc , Bourge Mickael , Simon Gaëlle , Ezquerra Angel , Lecardonnel Jérôme , Bonneau Michel , Dalod Marc , Schwartz-Cornil Isabelle , Bertho Nicolas
Published: November 2014

Swine skin is one of the best structural models for human skin, widely used to probe drug transcutaneous passage and to test new skin vaccination devices. However, little is known about its composition in immune cells, and among them dendritic cells (DC), that are essential in the initiation of the immune response. After a first seminal work describing four different DC subpopulations in pig skin, we hereafter deepen the characterization of these cells, showing the similarities between swine DC subsets and their human counterparts. Using comparative transcriptomic study, classical phenotyping as well as in vivo and in vitro functional studies, we show that swine CD163pos dermal DC (DDC) are transcriptomically similar to the human CD14pos DDC. CD163pos DDC are recruited in inflamed skin, they migrate in inflamed lymph but they are not attracted toward CCL21, and they modestly activate allogeneic CD8 T cells. We also show that CD163low DDC are transcriptomically similar to the human CD1apos DDC. CD163low DDC migrate toward CCL21, they activate allogeneic CD8 and CD4 T cells and, like their potential human lung counterpart, they skew CD4 T cells toward a Th17 profile. We thus conclude that swine skin is a relevant model for human skin vaccination.
STING-Mediated DNA Sensing Promotes Antitumor and Autoimmune Responses to Dying Cells
Authors: Klarquist Jared , Hennies Cassandra M. , Lehn Maria A. , Reboulet Rachel A. , Feau Sonia , Janssen Edith M.
Published: November 2014

Adaptive immune responses to Ags released by dying cells play a critical role in the development of autoimmunity, allograft rejection, and spontaneous as well as therapy-induced tumor rejection. Although cell death in these situations is considered sterile, various reports have implicated type I IFNs as drivers of the ensuing adaptive immune response to cell-associated Ags. However, the mechanisms that underpin this type I IFN production are poorly defined. In this article, we show that dendritic cells (DCs) can uptake and sense nuclear DNA-associated entities released by dying cells to induce type I IFN. Remarkably, this molecular pathway requires STING, but not TLR or NLR function, and results in the activation of IRF3 in a TBK1-dependent manner. DCs are shown to depend on STING function in vivo to efficiently prime IFN-dependent CD8+ T cell responses to tumor Ags. Furthermore, loss of STING activity in DCs impairs the generation of follicular Th cells and plasma cells, as well as anti-nuclear Abs, in an inducible model of systemic lupus erythematosus. These findings suggest that the STING pathway could be manipulated to enable the rational design of immunotherapies that enhance or diminish antitumor and autoimmune responses, respectively.
EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL E A CONSERVAÇÃO DA ONÇA PARDA: POTENCIAIS DAS UNIDADES DE CONSERVAÇÃO DO NORDESTE PAULISTA
Authors: Valenti Mayla Willk , Oliveira Sara Monise de , Oliveira Haydée Torres de , Miotto Renata Alonso
Published: November 2014

No nordeste do Estado de São Paulo as unidades de conservação abrigam importante parcela da biodiversidade brasileira. Espécies predadoras de topo de cadeia, como a onça parda (Puma concolor), ainda estão presentes nessa região e dependem dessas unidades para sobreviverem. Nesse contexto, a educação ambiental pode contribuir com a conservação das espécies, embora existam desafios a serem superados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar potencialidades e limites da educação ambiental para a conservação da biodiversidade nas unidades de conservação do nordeste paulista, tendo como tema a conservação de predadores, em especial a onça parda. A área de estudo foi definida com base na população dessa espécie na região. Realizamos levantamento das unidades de conservação na área de estudo e consulta para identificar aquelas com programas de educação ambiental ativos. Visitamos sete áreas protegidas, sendo que em cada uma realizamos entrevista estruturada com pessoas envolvidas em ações de educação ambiental e/ou gestores das unidades, totalizando sete entrevistas. Os dados indicaram que essas unidades estão em contextos relevantes para a realização de ações educativas voltadas à conservação de predadores. Contudo, as/os entrevistadas/os relataram dificuldades em se aproximar da população do entorno fora do ambiente escolar, especialmente o público adulto. Apesar disso, identificamos uma preocupação em envolver a comunidade do entorno, percebida nos próprios objetivos das atividades realizadas pelas unidades de conservação. A partir dos resultados obtidos, consideramos que, embora o tema dos predadores não seja especificamente trabalhado, existe um potencial grande para atuação nesse sentido. Ainda, destacamos que as unidades de conservação são espaços privilegiados para a integração dos conhecimentos científicos e educação ambiental.
MELIACEAE JUSS. NO NÚCLEO CURUCUTU, PARQUE ESTADUAL DA SERRA DO MAR, SÃO PAULO – SP
Authors: Garcia Ricardo José Francischetti , Mellado Bárbara Fernandes
Published: November 2014

No presente trabalho foram realizadas descrições e uma chave de identificação para as espécies de Meliaceae registradas no setor de planalto do Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, Núcleo Curucutu, São Paulo, como parte da flórula local. A variabilidade observada encontra-se de acordo com a descrição em literatura.
FLORA PTERIDOFÍTICA DE FRAGMENTOS FLORESTAIS DO PARQUE ESTADUAL DE VASSUNUNGA – SANTA RITA DO PASSA QUATRO, SP
Authors: Souza Evangelista Sonia Aparecida de , Colli Áurea Maria Therezinha , Lucca André Luís Teixeira de
Published: November 2014

Este trabalho apresenta o levantamento da flora pteridofítica de dois fragmentos florestais do Parque Estadual de Vassununga, unidade de conservação localizada no município de Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, SP. Para tanto, foram realizadas onze excursões por caminhos e trilhas de fiscalização e de pesquisa. Na Gleba Maravilha, que apresenta vegetação de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual Montana e Floresta Estacional Semidecidual Aluvial com inundação temporária, foram encontradas 10 famílias, 18 gêneros e 35 espécies, sendo Pteridaceae, Thelypteridaceae, Aspleniaceae, e Polypodiaceae as famílias mais ricas com nove, sete, seis e cinco espécies, respectivamente. Na Gleba Capão da Várzea, onde ocorre a Floresta Paludosa e o Campo Antrópico, ocorreram nove famílias, 14 gêneros e 24 espécies, onde Thelypteridaceae e Polypodiaceae se apresentaram como as mais ricas, com oito e seis espécies, respectivamente. As Glebas do Parque Estadual de Vassununga com as suas diferentes fisionomias vegetais são áreas importantes para a conservação de pteridófitas na região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, principalmente as típicas de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual Montana e de Floresta Paludosa como Blechnum brasiliense, Campyloneurum angustifolium, Cyclodium meniscioides, Osmunda regalis, Pityrogramma calomelanos e Thelypteris opposita.
A NEW RECORD OF THE RESTINGA TYRANNULET Phylloscartes kronei (AVES, RYNCHOCYCLIDAE) AT ILHA DO CARDOSO STATE PARK, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL (SCIENTIFIC NOTE)
Authors: Piratelli Augusto João , Faoretto Gabriela Rodrigues
Published: November 2014

During an expedition to Ilha do Cardoso State Park, in Cananéia, São Paulo, Brazil, two individuals of the Restinga Tyrannulet (Phylloscartes kronei, Aves: Rynchocyclidae) were captured with a 36 mm mesh mist net in a restinga area (25o 12.243’S and 47o 59.502’W) at Núcleo Marujá. This random record highlights the relevance of this protected area for this globally threatened species (vulnerable), where it is apparently abundant, due to the existence of suitable sites for its survival and reproduction.
Temperature modeling and emulation of an ASIC temperature monitor system for Tightly-Coupled Processor Arrays (TCPAs)
Authors: Glocker E. , Boppu S. , Chen Q. , Schlichtmann U. , Teich J. , Schmitt-Landsiedel D.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This contribution provides an approach for emulating the behaviour of an ASIC temperature monitoring system (TMon) during run-time for a tightly-coupled processor array (TCPA) of a heterogeneous invasive multi-tile architecture to be used for FPGA prototyping. It is based on a thermal RC modeling approach. Also different usage scenarios of TCPA are analyzed and compared.
Efficiency modeling for MHz DCDC converters at 40 V input voltage range
Authors: Wittmann J. , Seidel A. , Wicht B.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Size and cost of a switched mode power supply can be reduced by increasing the switching frequency. This leads especially at a high input voltage to a decreasing efficiency caused by switching losses. Conventional calculations are not suitable to predict the efficiency as parasitic capacitances have a significant loss contribution. This paper presents an analytical efficiency model which considers parasitic capacitances separately and calculates the power loss contribution of each capacitance to any resistive element. The proposed model is utilized for efficiency optimization of converters with switching frequencies > 10 MHz and input voltages up to 40 V. For experimental evaluation a DCDC converter was manufactured in a 180 nm HV BiCMOS technology. The model matches a transistor level simulation and measurement results with an accuracy better than 3.5 %. The accuracy of the parasitic capacitances of the high voltage transistor determines the overall accuracy of the efficiency model. Experimental capacitor measurements can be fed into the model. Based on the model, different architectures have been studied.
50 Gbit/s real-time test environment for integrated photonic DQPSK receivers
Authors: Föhn T. , Fischer C. , Berroth M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In this paper an FPGA-based test system for high-speed transmission experiments with integrated photonic receivers is presented. Pseudorandom binary sequences are generated inside the FPGA and encoded as either differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) or quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signals. The DQPSK encoder uses a 64-fold parallel-prefix-layers architecture for real-time operation which allows for a maximum internal encoder data rate of 64 Gbit/s. Two-fold parallel data streams of I and Q signals suitable for driving an optical IQ-modulator can be transmitted and received by four 12.5 Gbit/s transceivers. Integrated bit error testers are used to determine bit error rates in real-time.
A novel solution algorithm for nonlinearly loaded transmission lines inside resonating enclosures
Authors: Rambousky R. , Tkachenko S. , Nitsch J.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Nonlinearly loaded lossless transmission lines inside a rectangular cavity are studied using the left- and right-hand Green's functions of the problem in time domain. These Green's functions are developed for a transmission line with quasi-matched loads. This ensures Green's functions of a short duration. Therefore, the amount of frequency data necessary to obtain time-domain Green's functions is quite limited. The time-domain Green's functions are finally convolved with the left- and right-hand line voltages. With this technique it is possible to treat arbitrarily loaded transmission lines in resonators. An example is presented to demonstrate the applicability of this technique to a transmission line with a simple diode as nonlinear load.
Frequency versus time domain immunity testing of Smart Grid components
Authors: Gronwald F.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Smart Grid components often are subject to considerable conducted current disturbances in the frequency range 2–150 kHz and, as a consequence, it is necessary to provide reliable immunity test methods. The relevant basic standard IEC 61000-4-19 that is currently under discussion focusses on frequency domain test methods. It is remarked in this contribution that in the context of frequency domain testing the chosen frequency spacing is related to the resonance response of the system under test which, in turn, is characterized in terms of resonance frequencies and quality factors. These notions apply well to physical system but it is pointed out by the example of an actual smart meter immunity test that smart grid components may exhibit susceptibilities that do not necessarily follow a resonance pattern and, additionally, can be narrowband. As a consequence it is suggested to supplement the present frequency domain test methods by time domain tests which utilize damped sinusoidal excitations with corresponding spectra that properly cover the frequency range 2–150 kHz, as exemplified by the military standard MIL-STD-461.
Objektverfolgung bei einer vollständigen Fahrzeugumfeldüberwachung mittels Radar
Authors: Schuster M. , Pech T. , Reuter J. , Wanielik G.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Für modernste Fahrerassistenzsysteme ist zunehmend eine vollständige Rundumüberwachung des fließenden Verkehrs erforderlich. In diesem Artikel wird ein Ansatz zur Überwachung des gesamten umliegenden Verkehrs mittels Radarsystemen präsentiert. Hierfür wurde ein Versuchsfahrzeug mit insgesamt sechs Radarsensoren ausgerüstet, um eine möglichst hohe Umfeld-Überwachung zu ermöglichen. Für diese Konfiguration wird ein auf GPDA basierendes Trackingsystem vorgestellt. Es wird auf das Problem ausgedehnter Ziele eingegangen, welches auftritt wenn sich ein Fremdfahrzeug neben dem Versuchsfahrzeug befindet, da hier Reflektionen von verschiedenen Reflektionszentren des Ziels aufgefangen werden. Dieser Effekt wird ausgenutzt, um mittels einer Track-zu-Track Fusion eine Längenschätzung des vorbeifahrenden Fahrzeugs zu ermöglichen.
Visibility of Type III burst source location as inferred from stereoscopic space observations
Authors: Boudjada M. Y. , Galopeau P. H. M. , Maksimovic M. , Rucker H. O.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. We study solar Type III radio bursts simultaneously observed by RPWS/Cassini, URAP/Ulysses and WAVES/Wind experiments. The observations allows us to cover a large frequency bandwidth from 16 MHz down to a few kHz. We consider the onset time of each burst, and estimate the corresponding intensity level. Also we measure the Langmuir frequency as observed on the dynamic spectra recorded by the Ulysses spacecraft. The distances of Wind, Ulysses and Cassini spacecraft, with regard to the Sun, were in the order of 1 AU, 2.4 AU and 4.5 AU, respectively. The spacecraft trajectories were localized in the ecliptic plane in the case of Wind and Cassini, and for Ulysses in the southern hemisphere (i.e. heliocentric latitude higher than −50°). Despite the different locations, the spectral patterns of the selected solar bursts are found to be similar between 10 MHz and 2 MHz but unalike at lower frequency. We discuss the variation of the intensity level as recorded by the three spacecraft. We show that the reception system of each experiment affected the way the Type III burst intensity is measured. Also we attempt to estimate the electron beam along the interplanetary magnetic field where the trajectory is an Archimedean spiral. This leads us to infer on the visibility of the source location with regard to the spacecraft position.
Karl Rawer: space research and international cooperation – Laudation on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Professor Karl Rawer
Authors: Reinisch B. W.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This laudation is given in honor of the 100th birthday of Prof. Karl Rawer which happens to coincide with the 45th anniversary of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI). The ionosphere was discovered during Karl Rawer's lifetime, and he has dedicated his professional life to its exploration. World Wars I and II shaped his early life, but they also launched his career as one of the eminent geophysical scientists of the twentieth century. The paper looks back at Karl Rawer's life and his pioneering work and leadership in advancing and shaping the exploration of the ionosphere.
Modeling of electrical transport in Zinc Oxide varistors
Authors: Bavelis K. , Gjonaj E. , Weiland T.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The electrical transport in zinc oxide (ZnO) varistors is analyzed using microstructural material modeling. The fully three dimensional current distribution is computed by means of a nonlinear equivalent circuit model representing the assembly of current carrying grains and grain boundaries of the material. The investigation focuses on the phenomenon of current filamentation due to inhomogeneities of the varistor microstructure. Numerical results highlight the importance of 3-D percolation effects in the modeling of varistor currents as well as that of the grain bulk resistivity which so far has been neglected in previous studies.
Multi-sensor Doppler radar for machine tool collision detection
Authors: Wächter T. J. , Siart U. , Eibert T. F. , Bonerz S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Machine damage due to tool collisions is a widespread issue in milling production. These collisions are typically caused by human errors. A solution for this problem is proposed based on a low-complexity 24 GHz continuous wave (CW) radar system. The developed monitoring system is able to detect moving objects by evaluating the Doppler shift. It combines incoherent information from several spatially distributed Doppler sensors and estimates the distance between an object and the sensors. The specially designed compact prototype contains up to five radar sensor modules and amplifiers yet fits into the limited available space. In this first approach we concentrate on the Doppler-based positioning of a single moving target. The recorded signals are preprocessed in order to remove noise and interference from the machinery hall. We conducted and processed system measurements with this prototype. The Doppler frequency estimation and the object position obtained after signal conditioning and processing with the developed algorithm were in good agreement with the reference coordinates provided by the machine's control unit.
Parameter estimation under non-stationary circumstances using extended signal model
Authors: Lechtenberg M. , Götze J. , Görner K. , Rehtanz C.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In the context of transient processes in power system measurements, a sampled signal is analyzed with respect to electro-magnetic influences. These are most likely superposed sinusoids that can be found next to the fundamental system sinusoid. However, such signal is not stationary, i.e. has a varying model order which means that temporary and exponentially damped sinusoids appear eventually. In our previous work, the exponential damping was only considered indirectly but not explicitly incorporated in the signal model used. Regarding the amplitude estimation, this led to inaccuracies since the amplitude was incorrectly assumed constant within a window of samples. In this paper, we use ESPRIT's ability to also estimate a parameter of exponential damping, improve the corresponding signal model, advance the amplitude estimation algorithm and back projection algorithm. Especially short-term signal components can be tracked far more precise.
FPGA implementation of trellis decoders for linear block codes
Authors: Scholl S. , Leonardi E. , Wehn N.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Forward error correction based on trellises has been widely adopted for convolutional codes. Because of their efficiency, they have also gained a lot of interest from a theoretic and algorithm point of view for the decoding of block codes. In this paper we present for the first time hardware architectures and implementations for trellis decoding of block codes. A key feature is the use of a sophisticated permutation network, the Banyan network, to implement the time varying structure of the trellis. We have implemented the Viterbi and the max-log-MAP algorithm in different folded versions on a Xilinx Virtex 6 FPGA.
Using Semantic Distance to Support Geometric Harmonisation of Cadastral and Topographical Data
Authors: Schulze M.J. , Thiemann F. , Sester M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In the context of geo-data infrastructures users may want to combine data from different sources and expect consistent data. If both datasets are maintained separately, different capturing methods and intervals leads to inconsistencies in geometry and semantic, even if the same reality has been modelled. Our project aims to automatically harmonize such datasets and to allow an efficient actualisation of the semantics. The application domain in our project is cadastral and topographic datasets. To resolve geometric conflicts between topographic and cadastral data a local nearest neighbour method was used to identify perpendicular distances between a node in the topographic and an edge in the cadastral dataset. The perpendicular distances are reduced iteratively in a constraint least squares adjustment (LSA) process moving the coordinates from node and edge towards each other. The adjustment result has to be checked for conflicts caused by the movement of the coordinates in the LSA. The correct choice of matching partners has a major influence on the result of the LSA. If wrong matching partners are linked a wrong adaptation is derived. Therefore we present an improved matching method, where we take distance, orientation and semantic similarity of the neighbouring objects into account. Using Machine Learning techniques we obtain corresponding land-use classes. From these a measurement for the semantic distance is derived. It is combined with the orientation difference to generate a matching probability for the two matching candidates. Examples show the benefit of the proposed similarity measure.
Who, What, When, Where and Why: An Examination of Asadi V. G.E. Energy and the Dodd-Frank Anti-Retaliation Provision
Authors: Kennedy Calvin
Published: November 2014

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A Haven for Learning: Gaining Professional Knowledge through Sincere Conversation in an Online Reading Course
Authors: Graham Deborah A
Published: November 2014

As an educator teaching an online course for the first time, I observed that the teachers in my class engaged in meaningful and sincere conversation and gained deep insight and greater awareness about their practice. Sincere conversation obviously differs from brief verbal exchanges operating at the surface level. It is conversation that invites self-reflection and contemplation through reciprocal trust, respect, and active listening. This study discusses how sincere dialogue, which leads to greater understanding of what it means to be an effective reading teacher, was enhanced during an online reading course. It highlights how the right conditions created in an online setting can encourage relationships and lead to professional knowledge.
Quand j’ai enseigné un cours en ligne pour la première fois, j’ai remarqué que les élèves enseignants qui se trouvaient dans ma classe avaient des conversations constructives et sincères, qu’ils comprenaient bien leur profession et qu’ils en prenaient davantage conscience. Les conversations sincères diffèrent des courts échanges verbaux qui se déroulent en surface. Il s’agit de conversations qui invitent l’auto-réflexion et la contemplation par le biais d’une confiance et d’un respect réciproques, et d’une écoute attentive. Cette étude présente la manière dont le dialogue sincère, qui mène à une meilleure compréhension de ce que cela signifie d’être un enseignant de lecture efficace, a été mis en valeur lors d’un cours en ligne sur la lecture. Elle met en relief la manière dont les meilleures conditions créées dans un cours en ligne peuvent encourager des rapports et mener à la connaissance professionnelle.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Susanne Kohalmi
Authors: Wong Anthony
Published: November 2014

Dr. Susanne Kohalmi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the Western University in London, Ontario. Her research is in molecular genetics, with focus on the regulation of gene expression and protein interactions. Currently her research is investigating the arogenate dehydratase enzyme family (ADTs) in the plant model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition to research, she teaches undergraduate courses in genetics as well as supervising both undergraduate and graduate students. Anthony Wong, member of the Academic Affairs Committee at WURJHNS, interviewed Dr. Kohalmi to learn more about her research, her path to Western, and her advice to students.
The Role of Fermented Milk Containing Probiotic, Dandelion as Prebiotic or their Combination on Serum Metabolites, Enzymes, Testosterone and Testicular Histopathology of Arsenic-Intoxicated Male Rats
Authors: Mona A. Al-Damegh  , Moustafa M. Zeitoun  , Ahmed M. Abdel-Salam
Published: November 2014

This study aimed at investigating the ameliorative effects of probiotic and/or dandelion aqueous extract to reducing the risk of arsenic (As) intoxication on male rats. Fifty rats were randomly allotted into five groups, group 1(C-) given regular diet and water daily for 56 days, group 2 (C+) given sodium arsenate in drinking water, group 3 (PRO) given sodium arsenate in addition to probiotic, group 4 (PRE) given dandelion aqueous extract plus sodium arsenate (prebiotic) and group 5 (SYN) given sodium arsenate plus probiotic/dandelion extract (synbiotic). At the experiment conclusion rats were sacrificed and blood and testes were collected and taken for analysis and histopathological study, respectively. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) activities and creatinine, triglycerides (TG) and testosterone(T) concentration were determined and testes histopathology was studied. Creatinine, AST and TG were lower (P
European Agency Leader Urges Long‐Term Environmental Policy
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: November 2014

A 23 October agreement by European Union (EU) leaders to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions is a good example of developing and implementing a needed long‐term, sustainable environmental policy agenda for Europe. So says Hans Bruyninckx, executive director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), an EU agency.
Two New Features for AGU's Thriving Earth Exchange
Authors: Udu‐gama Natasha , Pandya Raj
Published: November 2014

We are pleased to announce two new features to AGU's Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX): crowd funding and structured discussion.
Studying electric fields in dipolarization fronts
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: November 2014

In Earth's magnetotail, sharp increases in the magnetic field known as dipolarization fronts are associated with high‐speed plasma flows that connect Earth's ionosphere via electric currents. Some aspects of these dipolarization fronts have puzzled scientists; in particular, the dip in magnetic field that occurs just ahead of the dipolarization front layer is not well understood. Sun et al. analyze observations made using the Cluster satellites to elucidate the details of electric fields associated with dipolarization fronts. The study shows that a type of electric current known as a Hall current dominates in the dipolarization front region and in the region where the magnetic field dips, but this current flows in opposite directions in these two regions.
Measuring plasma flowing through Saturn's magnetosphere
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: November 2014

In Saturn's magnetosphere, neutral water released from the moon Enceladus becomes ionized. Where does this ionized gas go? Previous studies have indicated that some of this plasma must flow away from the planet through the magnetosphere and become lost to the solar wind. Using measurements from the ion mass spectrometer on the Cassini satellite, Thomsen et al. quantify how much plasma drifts radially outward through Saturn's middle magnetosphere. They estimated the net mass loss between 1800 and 0300 local time to be about 34 kilograms per second. The new measurements are in agreement with a previous study that used a different analysis technique.
Minerals in Martian meteorite illuminate magnetic mysteries
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: November 2014

Since magnetic anomalies on Mars were detected in Noachian‐aged crust (about 4.4 billion years old) by the Mars Global Surveyor mission in the 1990s, scientists have been searching for their mineral origins. So far, meteorite samples from Mars have not yielded rocks with enough magnetic minerals to account for the anomalies.
A window into the Pyrenees Mountains’ geologic past
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: November 2014

Forming a natural geographic border between France and Spain, the Pyrenees Mountains were built over millions of years as continents collided. Mountains develop on the sites of former oceans and rift systems, yet a record of this precollision geologic history does not often survive the process of mountain building. In the case of the Pyrenees, however, Tugend et al. found that by looking in the nearby Bay of Biscay, located off the western coast of Spain and France, they could get a glimpse of the precollision crustal architecture in the region.
Using a 3‐D MHD simulation to interpret propagation and evolution of a coronal mass ejection observed by multiple spacecraft: The 3 April 2010 event
Authors: Zhou Yufen , Feng Xueshang , Zhao Xinhua
Published: November 2014

The coronal mass ejection (CME) event on 3 April 2010 is the first fast CME observed by STEREO Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation/Heliospheric Imager for the full Sun‐Earth line. Such an event provides us a good opportunity to study the propagation and evolution of CME from the Sun up to 1 AU. In this paper, we study the time‐dependent evolution and propagation of this event from the Sun to Earth using the 3‐D SIP‐CESE (Solar‐InterPlanetary Conservation Element and Solution Element) MHD model. The CME is initiated by a simple spherical plasmoid model: a spheromak magnetic structure with high‐speed, high‐pressure, and high‐plasma density plasmoid. The simulation performs a comprehensive study on the CME by comparing the simulation results with STEREO and Wind observations. It is confirmed from the comparison with observations that the MHD model successfully reproduces many features of both the fine solar coronal structure and the typical large‐scale structure of the shock propagation and gives the shock arrival time at Earth with an error of ∼2 h. Then we analyze in detail the several factors affecting the CME's geo‐effectiveness: the CME's propagation trajectory, span angle, and velocity.
The building and stabilization of an Archean Craton in the Superior Province, Canada, from a heat flow perspective
Authors: Jaupart C. , Mareschal J.‐C. , Bouquerel H. , Phaneuf C.
Published: November 2014

How continental lithosphere responds to tectonic stresses and mantle convective processes is determined in large part by its mechanical strength and temperature distribution, which depend on crustal heat production. In order to establish reliable crustal and thermal models for the Superior Craton, Canadian Shield, new measurements of heat flux and heat production in 28 deep boreholes at 16 sites are combined with a larger set of older data. The Superior Province was assembled by the docking of volcanic/plutonic and metasedimentary terranes and continental fragments to the southern margin of an older core around 2.7 Ga. The average heat flux is much lower in the craton core than in the accreted terranes, 31 versus 43 mW m−2. The major accreted volcanic/plutonic belts share the same heat production characteristics, testifying to the remarkable uniformity of crust‐building mechanisms. The marked difference between the crusts of the core and the accreted belts supports the operation of two different crust‐forming processes. The crust of the craton core has an enriched upper layer, in contrast to that of the younger belts which lack marked internal differentiation. At the end of amalgamation, the lithosphere of the craton core was colder and mechanically stronger than the lithosphere beneath newly accreted material. Surrounding the craton core with weaker belts may have ensured its stability against tectonic and mantle convection perturbations. This large strength contrast accounts for the lack of lithospheric imbrication at the edge of the craton core as well as for the different characteristics of seismic anisotropy in the lithospheres of the craton core and the younger terranes.
The evolution of crack seal vein and fracture networks in an evolving stress field: Insights from Discrete Element Models of fracture sealing
Authors: Virgo Simon , Abe Steffen , Urai Janos L.
Published: November 2014

Veins are ubiquitous in upper and middle crustal rocks. Due to strength and stiffness contrast to the host rock, veins can influence crack propagation. Here we present Discrete Element Models to investigate crack‐vein interactions by simulating cycles of fracturing of a rock mass, sealing the cracks to form veins, and refracturing the rock mass after rotating the stress field. We observe different styles of interaction between new fractures and existing veins, depending on the strength ratio between vein and host rock and on the changes in the stress field between the different deformation stages. If the orientation of stress field does not change between deformation stages, ataxial crack seal veins are produced if the veins are weak and a bundle of subparallel microveins if the veins are strong. If the stress field is rotated between deformation stages, the interactions include reactivation, fracture deflection, and crosscutting. Reactivation of weak veins occurs even if the vein orientation is highly unfavorable relative to the stress field. Relays of fractures between reactivated veins form at a higher angle to the veins than expected. This demonstrates that the orientation of secondary veins does not reflect the regional stress field in a simple manner and that veins can strongly influence fracture connectivity, with implications for paleostress analysis and basin modeling. Simulation results compare well with field examples of multiphase vein networks in carbonates from Jebel Akhdar, Oman.
A partial mechanistic understanding of the North American monsoon
Authors: Erfani Ehsan , Mitchell David
Published: November 2014

An understanding of the major governing processes of North American monsoon (NAM) is necessary to guide improvement in global and regional climate modeling of the NAM, as well as NAM's impacts on the summer circulation, precipitation, and drought over North America. A mechanistic understanding of the NAM is suggested by incorporating local‐ and synoptic‐scale processes. The local‐scale mechanism describes the effect of the temperature inversion over the Gulf of California (GC) on controlling low‐level moisture during the 2004 NAM. The strong low‐level inversion inhibits the exchange between the moist air in the marine boundary layer (MBL) and the overlying dry air. This inversion weakens with increasing sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in GC and generally disappears once SSTs exceed 29.5°C, allowing the moist air, trapped in the MBL, to mix with free tropospheric air. This leads to a deep, moist layer that can be transported by across‐gulf (along‐gulf) flow toward the NAM core region (southwestern U.S.) to form thunderstorms. On the synoptic scale, climatologies from 1983 to 2010 exhibit a temporal correspondence between coastal warm tropical surface water, NAM deep convection, NAM anticyclone center, and NAM‐induced strong descent. A hypothesis is proposed to explain this correspondence, based on limited soundings at the GC entrance (suggesting this local mechanism may also be active in that region), the climatologies, and the relevant literature. The warmest SSTs moving up the coast may initiate NAM convection and atmospheric heating, advancing the position of the anticyclone and the region of descent northward.
Controlled Growth from ZnS Nanoparticles to ZnS–CdS Nanoparticle Hybrids with Enhanced Photoactivity
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Hu Linfeng , Gao Nan , Liu Shaoxiong , Wageh Swelm , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed A. , Alshahrie Ahmed , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: November 2014

Chalcogenide nanostructures and nanocomposites have been the focus of semiconductor nanomaterial research due to their remarkable optoelectronic and photocatalytic properties and potential application in photodegrading enviromental pollutions. However, currently available synthesizing methods tend to be costly and inefficient. In this paper, we propose a facile two‐step solution‐phase method to synthesize well‐defined monodisperse ZnS–CdS nanocomposites. The morphology and size of ZnS nanoparticles can be easily controlled by adjusting the amount of the source of sulfur. After surface modification with tiny CdS nanoparticles through natural electrostatic attraction, uniform ZnS–CdS nanocomposites are obtained, which has been further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The photocatalytic activities of various ZnS samples and ZnS–CdS nanocomposites have been investigated by degrading Rhodamine B under UV‐light. Compared with pure ZnS nanoparticles and ZnS powders, the as‐obtained ZnS–CdS nanocomposites exhibit excellent photocatalytic performances due to the effective charge separation and increased specific surface area by the attachment of CdS. Moreover, resulting from the effective passivation of surface electronic states, the photoluminescence intensity of the ZnS–CdS nanocomposites is also significantly improved relative to plain ZnS.
Energy Offset Between Silicon Quantum Structures: Interface Impact of Embedding Dielectrics as Doping Alternative
Authors: König Dirk , Hiller Daniel , Gutsch Sebastian , Zacharias Margit
Published: November 2014

Ultrasmall silicon (Si) nanoelectronic devices require an energy shift of electronic states for n‐ and p‐conductivity. Nanocrystal self‐purification and out‐diffusion in field effect transistors cause doping to fail. Here, it is shown that silicon dioxide (SiO2) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) create energy offsets of electronic states in embedded Si quantum dots (QDs) in analogy to doping. Density functional theory (DFT), interface charge transfer (ICT), and experimental verifications arrive at the same size of QDs below which the dielectric dominates their electronic properties. Large positive energy offsets of electronic states and an energy gap increase exist for Si QDs in Si3N4 versus SiO2. Using DFT results, the SiO2/QD interface coverage is estimated with nitrogen (N) to be 0.1 to 0.5 monolayers (ML) for samples annealed in N2 versus argon (Ar). The interface impact is described as nanoscopic field effect and propose the energy offset as robust and controllable alternative to impurity doping of Si nanostructures.
Pyrolysis of heavy oil in the presence of supercritical water: The reaction kinetics in different phases
Authors: Tan Xue‐Cai , Liu Qing‐Kun , Zhu Dao‐Qi , Yuan Pei‐Qing , Cheng Zhen‐Min , Yuan Wei‐Kang
Published: November 2014

In the presence of supercritical water (SCW) and N2, the pyrolysis of heavy oil was investigated to distinguish the difference in the reaction kinetics between the upgrading in the SCW and oil phases. The pyrolysis in the SCW phase is faster than that in the oil phase, but the reaction in whichever phase is retarded by vigorous stirring. The pyrolysis can be preferably described by a four‐lump kinetic model consisting of the condensation of maltenes and asphaltenes in series. In the SCW phase, highly dispersed asphaltenes are isolated by water clusters from maltenes dissolved in SCW surroundings, by which the condensation of asphaltenes is drastically accelerated. Benefited from excellent mass transfer environments in SCW, the condensation of maltenes is promoted simultaneously. The introduction of SCW into the pyrolysis of heavy oil results in an effectively increased upgrading efficiency, but its influence on the properties of equilibrium liquid products is minor. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 857–866, 2015
Aerobic capacity of Peruvian Quechua: A test of the developmental adaptation hypothesis
Authors: Kiyamu Melisa , Rivera‐Chira María , Brutsaert Tom D.
Published: November 2014

High altitude natives are reported to have outstanding work capacity in spite of the challenge of oxygen transport and delivery in hypoxia. To evaluate the developmental effect of lifelong exposure to hypoxia on aerobic capacity, VO2peak was measured on two groups of Peruvian Quechua subjects (18–35 years), who differed in their developmental exposure to altitude. Male and female volunteers were recruited in Lima, Peru (150 m), and were divided in two groups, based on their developmental exposure to hypoxia, those: a) Born at sea‐level individuals (BSL), with no developmental exposure to hypoxia (n = 34) and b) Born at high‐altitude individuals (BHA) with full developmental exposure to hypoxia (n = 32), but who migrated to sea‐level as adults (>16‐years‐old). Tests were conducted both in normoxia (BP = 750 mm Hg) and normobaric hypoxia at sea‐level (BP = 750 mm Hg, FiO2 = 0.12, equivalent to 4,449 m), after a 2‐month training period (in order to control for initial differences in physical fitness) at sea‐level. BHA had a significantly higher VO2peak at hypoxia (40.31 ± 1.0 ml/min/kg) as compared to BSL (35.78 ± 0.96 ml/min/kg, P = 0.001), adjusting for sex. The decrease of VO2peak at HA relative to SL (ΔVO2peak) was not different between groups, controlling for baseline levels (VO2peak at sea‐level) and sex (BHA = 0.35 ± 0.04 l/min, BSL = 0.44 ± 0.04 l/min; P = 0.12). Forced vital capacity (controlling for height) and the residuals of VO2peak (controlling for weight) had a significant association in the BHA group only (r = 0.155; P = 0.031). In sum, results indicate that developmental exposure to altitude constitutes an important factor to determine superior exercise performance. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:363–373, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trajectories without quantum uncertainties
Authors: Polzik Eugene S. , Hammerer Klemens
Published: November 2014

Common knowledge suggests that trajectories of particles in quantum mechanics always have quantum uncertainties. These quantum uncertainties set by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle limit precision of measurements of fields and forces, and ultimately give rise to the standard quantum limit in metrology. With the rapid developments of sensitivity of measurements these limits have been approached in various types of measurements including measurements of fields and acceleration. Here it is shown that a quantum trajectory of one system measured relatively to another “reference system” with an effective negative mass can be quantum uncertainty–free. The method crucially relies on the generation of an Einstein‐Podolsky‐Rosen entangled state of two objects, one of which has an effective negative mass. Such state has been created experimentally and thus, from a practical perspective, these ideas open the way towards force and acceleration measurements at new levels of sensitivity far below the standard quantum limit.