bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Pre-Discharge Home Visit Information Leaflets for Older Adults
Authors: Atwal Anita , Luke Alexandra , Plastow Nicola
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

This study evaluated the use, quality and readability levels of occupational therapists' pre-discharge home visit information leaflets.

Method:

One hundred and twelve surveys were sent via email to occupational therapists working with older people. The International Patient Decision Aids Standards and the SMOG Readability Formula were used to analyse five occupational therapy home visit leaflets, supplied by the 11 occupational therapists who responded to the survey.

Results:

The five leaflets had low scores in relation to providing unbiased and detailed information. In addition, the reading level of the information leaflets was, on average, four grades higher than the recommended level.

Conclusion:

Therapists need to ensure that the information within home visit leaflets is relevant, evidence based, and targeted at the correct readability level.
Marketing Occupational Therapy: Everybody's Business
Authors: Morley Mary , Rennison Jane
Published: August 2011

Government reforms in the United Kingdom are introducing elements of choice and competition to the provision of health and social care. Responsibility for marketing occupational therapy rests with individual practitioners and managers through a client-centred approach to service delivery. There is a need for the profession to support the development of a range of marketing skills. This will equip services to manage more effectively with the uncertainties of the health care environment. It may be timely to consider a multiprofessional marketing approach with other allied health professionals in order to put the professions ahead in the market and able to seize opportunities for innovation.
Climatic effects of 1950–2050 changes in US anthropogenic aerosols – Part 2: Climate response
Authors: Leibensperger E. M. , Mickley L. J. , Jacob D. J. , Chen W.-T. , Seinfeld J. H. , Nenes A. , Adams P. J. , Streets D. G. , Kumar N. , Rind D.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. We investigate the climate response to US anthropogenic aerosol sources over the 1950 to 2050 period by using the NASA GISS general circulation model (GCM) and comparing to observed US temperature trends. Time-dependent aerosol distributions are generated from the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model applied to historical emission inventories and future projections. Radiative forcing from US anthropogenic aerosols peaked in 1970–1990 and has strongly declined since due to air quality regulations. We find that the regional radiative forcing from US anthropogenic aerosols elicits a strong regional climate response, cooling the central and eastern US by 0.5–1.0 °C on average during 1970–1990, with the strongest effects on maximum daytime temperatures in summer and autumn. Aerosol cooling reflects comparable contributions from direct and indirect (cloud-mediated) radiative effects. Absorbing aerosol (mainly black carbon) has negligible warming effect. Aerosol cooling reduces surface evaporation and thus decreases precipitation along the US east coast, but also increases the southerly flow of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico resulting in increased cloud cover and precipitation in the central US. Observations over the eastern US show a lack of warming in 1960–1980 followed by very rapid warming since, which we reproduce in the GCM and attribute to trends in US anthropogenic aerosol sources. Present US aerosol concentrations are sufficiently low that future air quality improvements are projected to cause little further warming in the US (0.1 °C over 2010–2050). We find that most of the potential warming from aerosol source controls in the US has already been realized over the 1980–2010 period.
Trend analysis of the Aerosol Optical Thickness and Ångström Exponent derived from the global AERONET spectral observations
Authors: Yoon J. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Kokhanovsky A. A. , Vountas M. , Burrows J. P.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Regular aerosol observations based on well-calibrated instruments have led to a better understanding of the aerosol radiative budget on Earth. In recent years, these instruments have played an important role in the determination of the increase of anthropogenic aerosols by means of long-term studies. Only few investigations regarding long-term trends of aerosol optical characteristics (e.g. Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) and Ångström Exponent (ÅE)) have been derived from ground-based observations. This paper aims to derive and discuss linear trends of AOT (440, 675, 870, and 1020 nm) and ÅE (440–870 nm) using AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) spectral observations. Additionally, temporal trends of Coarse- and Fine-mode dominant AOTs (CAOT and FAOT) have been estimated by applying an aerosol classification based on accurate ÅE and Ångström Exponent Difference (ÅED). In order to take into account the fact that cloud disturbance is having a significant influence on the trend analysis of aerosols, we introduce a weighted least squares regression depending on two weights: (1) monthly standard deviation and (2) Number of Observations (NO) per month. Temporal increase of FAOTs prevails over regions dominated by emerging economy or slash-burn agriculture in East Asia and South Africa. On the other hand, insignificant or negative trends for FAOTs are detected over Western Europe and North America. Over desert regions, both increase and decrease of CAOTs are observed depending on meteorological conditions.
A sun-tracking method to improve the pointing accuracy of weather radar
Authors: Muth X. , Schneebeli M. , Berne A.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Accurate positioning of data collected by a weather radar is of primary importance for their appropriate georeferencing, which in turn makes it possible to combine those with additional sources of information (topography, land cover maps, meteorological simulations from numerical weather models to list a few). This issue is especially acute for mobile radar systems, for which accurate and stable levelling might be difficult to ensure. The sun is a source of microwave radiation, which can be detected by weather radars and used for the accurate positioning of the radar data. This paper presents a technique based on the sun echoes to quantify and hence correct for the instrumental errors which can affect the pointing accuracy of radar antenna. The proposed method is applied to data collected in the Swiss Alps using a mobile X-band radar system. The obtained instrumental bias values are evaluated by comparing the locations of the ground echoes predicted using these bias estimates with the observed ground echo locations. The very good agreement between the two confirms the good accuracy of the proposed method.
Droplet vertical sizing in warm clouds using passive optical measurements from a satellite
Authors: Kokhanovsky A. , Rozanov V. V.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. In this paper a new algorithm for the determination of the vertical distribution of the droplet effective radius in shallow warm clouds is proposed. The method is based on the fact that the spectral top-of-atmosphere reflectance in the near IR spectral range depends on the vertical profile of the effective radius of droplets. The retrieval is based on the optimal estimation method and direct radiative transfer calculations of respective weighting functions. The applications of the method both to synthetic and satellite data are presented.
Properties and the origin of Almost Monoenergetic Ion (AMI) beams observed near the Earth's bow shock
Authors: Lutsenko V. N. , Gavrilova E. A.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Beams of Almost Monoenergetic Ions (AMI) in the energy range from 20 to 800 keV were discovered in the DOK-2 experiment (Interball project) in the magnetosheath and upstream of the Earth's bow shock. This work summarizes the analysis results of ~730 AMI events registered in 1995–2000. Statistics of AMI properties, their nature and origin are considered. The analysis of a large array of new data confirmed our earlier suggested ideas on the AMI nature, origin, and their acceleration model. These ideas were further developed and refined. According to this model, AMI are a result of solar wind ions acceleration in small regions with a potential electric field arising due to disruptions of the bow shock current sheet filaments. It has been found that the reason of the current filaments disruptions in most cases was the Hot Flow Anomaly phenomenon (HFA) caused by an interaction of a tangential discontinuity in the solar wind with the Earth's bow shock. It is shown that the study of AMI can provide new information on large-scale properties and dynamics of the bow shock current sheet.
Monitoring presence and streaming patterns of Icelandic volcanic ash during its arrival to Slovenia
Authors: Gao F. , Stanič S. , Bergant K. , Bolte T. , Coren F. , He T.-Y. , Hrabar A. , Jerman J. , Mladenovič A. , Turšič J. , Veberič D. , Iršič Žibert M.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano starting on 14 April 2010 resulted in the spreading of volcanic ash over most parts of Europe. In Slovenia, the presence of volcanic ash was monitored using ground-based in-situ measurements, lidar-based remote sensing and airborne in-situ measurements. Volcanic origin of the detected aerosols was confirmed by subsequent spectral and chemical analysis of the collected samples. The initial arrival of volcanic ash to Slovenia was first detected through the analysis of precipitation, which occurred on 17 April 2010 at 01:00 UTC and confirmed by satellite-based remote sensing. At this time, the presence of low clouds and occasional precipitation prevented ash monitoring using lidar-based remote sensing. The second arrival of volcanic ash on 20 April 2010 was detected by both lidar-based remote sensing and airborne in-situ measurements, revealing two or more elevated atmospheric aerosol layers. The ash was not seen in satellite images due to lower concentrations. The identification of aerosol samples from ground-based and airborne in-situ measurements based on energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that a fraction of particles were volcanic ash from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. To explain the history of the air masses bringing volcanic ash to Slovenia, we analyzed airflow trajectories using ECMWF and HYSPLIT models.
Spatialized N budgets in a large agricultural Mediterranean watershed: high loading and low transfer
Authors: Lassaletta L. , Romero E. , Billen G. , Garnier J. , García-Gómez H. , Rovira J. V.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Despite the particular management practices and climate characteristics of the Mediterranean regions, the literature dealing with N budgets in large catchments subjected to Mediterranean conditions is scarce. The present study aims to deepen our knowledge on the N cycle within the Ebro River Basin (NE Spain) by means of two different approaches: (1) calculating a global N budget in the Ebro River Basin and (2) calculating a series of detailed regional budgets at higher geographical resolution. N inputs and outputs were spatialized by creating a map based on the most detailed information available. Fluvial and atmospheric N export was estimated together with N retention. The Ebro River Basin annually receives a relatively high amount of new N (5118 kg N km−2 yr−1), mostly in the form of synthetic fertilizers (50 %). Although it is a highly productive catchment, the net N input as food and feed import is also high (33 %). Only 8 % of this N is finally exported to the delta zone. Several territorial units characterized by different predominant uses (rainfed agriculture, irrigated agriculture and pastures) have differentiated N dynamics. However, due to the high density of irrigation channels and reservoirs that characterize Mediterranean basins, N retention is very high in all of them (median value, 92 %). These results indicate that problems of eutrophication due to N delivery in the coastal area may not be too severe but that high N retention values may instead lead to problems within the catchment, such as pollution of aquifers and rivers, as well as high atmospheric emissions. The most promising management measures are those devoted to reducing agricultural surpluses such as balanced N fertilization and low N livestock feeding.
A model investigation of vegetation-atmosphere interactions on a millennial timescale
Authors: Devaraju N. , Cao L. , Bala G. , Caldeira K. , Nemani R.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. A terrestrial biosphere model with dynamic vegetation capability, Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS), coupled to the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model (CAM2) is used to investigate the multiple climate-forest equilibrium states of the climate system. A 1000-yr control simulation and another 1000-yr land cover change simulation that consisted of global deforestation for 100 yr followed by re-growth of forests for the subsequent 900 yr were performed. After several centuries of interactive climate-vegetation dynamics, the land cover change simulation converged to essentially the same climate state as the control simulation. However, the climate system takes about a millennium to reach the control forest state. In the absence of deep ocean feedbacks in our model, the millennial time scale for converging to the original climate state is dictated by long time scales of the terrestrial carbon stocks, biomass and soil carbon. Our idealized modeling study suggests that the equilibrium state reached after complete global deforestation followed by re-growth of forests is unlikely to be distinguishable from the control climate. The real world, however, could have multiple climate-forest states since our modeling study is unlikely to have represented all the essential ecological processes (e.g. altered fire regimes, seed sources and seedling establishment dynamics) for the re-establishment of major biomes.
Mapping tropical forest biomass with radar and spaceborne LiDAR: overcoming problems of high biomass and persistent cloud
Authors: Mitchard E. T. A. , Saatchi S. S. , White L. J. T. , Abernethy K. A. , Jeffery K. J. , Lewis S. L. , Collins M. , Lefsky M. A. , Leal M. E. , Woodhouse I. H. , Meir P.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Spatially-explicit maps of aboveground biomass are essential for calculating the losses and gains in forest carbon at a regional to national level. The production of such maps across wide areas will become increasingly necessary as international efforts to protect primary forests, such as the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) mechanism, come into effect, alongside their use for management and research more generally. However, mapping biomass over high-biomass tropical forest is challenging as (1) direct regressions with optical and radar data saturate, (2) much of the tropics is persistently cloud-covered, reducing the availability of optical data, (3) many regions include steep topography, making the use of radar data complex, (4) while LiDAR data does not suffer from saturation, expensive aircraft-derived data are necessary for complete coverage. We present a solution to the problems, using a combination of terrain-corrected L-band radar data (ALOS PALSAR), spaceborne LiDAR data (ICESat GLAS) and ground-based data. We map Gabon's Lopé National Park (5000 km2) because it includes a range of vegetation types from savanna to closed-canopy tropical forest, is topographically complex, has no recent cloud-free high-resolution optical data, and the dense forest is above the saturation point for radar. Our 100 m resolution biomass map is derived from fusing spaceborne LiDAR (7142 ICESat GLAS footprints), 96 ground-based plots (average size 0.8 ha) and an unsupervised classification of terrain-corrected ALOS PALSAR radar data, from which we derive the aboveground biomass stocks of the park to be 78 Tg C (173 Mg C ha−1). This value is consistent with our field data average of 181 Mg C ha−1, from the field plots measured in 2009 covering a total of 78 ha, and which are independent as they were not used for the GLAS-biomass estimation. We estimate an uncertainty of ± 25 % on our carbon stock value for the park. This error term includes uncertainties resulting from the use of a generic tropical allometric equation, the use of GLAS data to estimate Lorey's height, and the necessity of separating the landscape into distinct classes. As there is currently no spaceborne LiDAR satellite in operation (GLAS data is available for 2003–2007 only), this methodology is not suitable for change-detection. This research underlines the need for new satellite LiDAR data to provide the potential for biomass-change estimates, although this need will not be met before 2015.
Plant-driven variation in decomposition rates improves projections of global litter stock distribution
Authors: Brovkin V. , van Bodegom P. M. , Kleinen T. , Wirth C. , Cornwell W. , Cornelissen J. H. C. , Kattge J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Plant litter stocks are critical, regionally for their role in fueling fire regimes and controlling soil fertility, and globally through their feedback to atmospheric CO2 and climate. Here we employ two global databases linking plant functional types to decomposition rates of wood and leaf litter (Cornwell et al., 2008; Weedon et al., 2009) to improve future projections of climate and carbon cycle using an intermediate complexity Earth system model. Implementing separate wood and leaf litter decomposabilities and their temperature sensitivities for a range of plant functional types yielded a more realistic distribution of litter stocks in all present biomes with except of boreal forests and projects a strong increase in global litter stocks and a concomitant small decrease in atmospheric CO2 by the end of this century. Despite a relatively strong increase in litter stocks, the modified parameterization results in less elevated wildfire emissions because of litter redistribution towards more humid regions.
Skewness as measure of the invariance of instantaneous renormalized drop diameter distributions 2. Orographic precipitation
Authors: Ignaccolo M. , De Michele C.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Here we use the skewness parameter, and the procedure developed in the companion paper (Ignaccolo and De Michele, 2011), to investigate the variability of instantaneous renormalized spectra of drop diameter in presence of orographic precipitation. Disdrometer data, available at Bodega Bay and Cazadero, California, are analyzed either as whole, or as divided (using the bright band echo) in precipitation intervals weakly and strongly influenced by orography, and compared to results obtained at Darwin, Australia. We find that also at Bodega Bay and Cazadero exists a most common distribution for the instantaneous renormalized spectra. The skewness values associated with the most common distributions are larger than those found at Darwin. No appreciable differences are found in the skewness distributions of precipitation weakly and strongly influenced by orography. However the renormalized drop diameter spectra of precipitation with strong orographic component have fatter right tail than precipitation with a weaker orographic component. The differences between orographic and non-orographic precipitation are investigated within the parametric space represented by number of drops, mean value and standard deviation of drop diameter. A filter is developed which is able to identify 1 min time intervals during which precipitation is mostly of orographic origin.
Improving simulated soil moisture fields through assimilation of AMSR-E soil moisture retrievals with an ensemble Kalman filter and a mass conservation constraint
Authors: Li B. , Toll D. , Zhan X. , Cosgrove B.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Model simulated soil moisture fields are often biased due to errors in input parameters and deficiencies in model physics. Satellite derived soil moisture estimates, if retrieved appropriately, represent the spatial mean of soil moisture in a footprint area, and can be used to reduce model bias (at locations near the surface) through data assimilation techniques. While assimilating the retrievals can reduce model bias, it can also destroy the mass balance enforced by the model governing equation because water is removed from or added to the soil by the assimilation algorithm. In addition, studies have shown that assimilation of surface observations can adversely impact soil moisture estimates in the lower soil layers due to imperfect model physics, even though the bias near the surface is decreased. In this study, an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) with a mass conservation updating scheme was developed to assimilate the actual value of Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) soil moisture retrievals to improve the mean of simulated soil moisture fields by the Noah land surface model. Assimilation results using the conventional and the mass conservation updating scheme in the Little Washita watershed of Oklahoma showed that, while both updating schemes reduced the bias in the shallow root zone, the mass conservation scheme provided better estimates in the deeper profile. The mass conservation scheme also yielded physically consistent estimates of fluxes and maintained the water budget. Impacts of model physics on the assimilation results are discussed.
Identification of High Oleic Castor Seeds by Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Fernández‐Cuesta Álvaro , Fernández‐Martínez José M. , Velasco Leonardo
Published: August 2011

Castor oil contains a high proportion (>80%) of the unusual hydroxy fatty acid ricinoleic acid. Additionally, a mutant with high oleic acid content (>70%) has been developed. Both fatty acids differ in the presence of an OH group in the C18 tail (ricinoleic acid). The objective of this research was to evaluate whether near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used to discriminate between high oleic and high ricinoleic acid seeds. Eight hundred and seventy‐two individual seeds collected in 2008, 688 high ricinoleic and 184 high oleic, were scanned by NIRS and further analyzed by GLC. As high oleic/low ricinoleic acid content is recessive and no intermediate fatty acid levels occur, the spectral data was subjected to linear discriminant analysis, which correctly classified all the seeds. The discriminant function was validated with a set of 637 seeds collected in 2009 from segregating populations, which were correctly classified in all cases. NIRS discrimination between oleic and ricinoleic acid was mainly based on spectral regions around 1,400 and 1,914 nm, putatively associated with the absorbance of the OH group. The results confirmed that NIRS provides an effective means of discriminating between high oleic and high ricinoleic acid seeds.
Visual Analysis for Textual Relationships in Digital Forensic Evidence
Authors: Jankun-Kelly T J , Wilson David , Stamps Andrew S , Franck Josh , Carver Jeffery , Swan J Edward
Published: August 2011

We present a visual analytics framework for exploring the textual relationships in computer forensics. Based on a task analysis study performed with practitioners, our tool addresses the inefficiency of searching for related text documents on a hard drive. Our framework searches both allocated and unallocated sectors for text and performs some pre-analysis processing; this information is then presented via a visualization that displays both the frequency of relevant terms and their location on the disk. We also present a case study that demonstrates our framework's operation, and we report on an informal evaluation conducted with forensics analysts from the Mississippi State Attorney General's Office and National Forensics Training Center.
Efficiency droop in InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well blue light-emitting diodes grown on free-standing GaN substrate
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Wei Tongbo , Guo Enqing , Yi Xiaoyan , Wang Liancheng , Wang Junxi , Wang Guohong , Shi Yi , Ferguson Ian , Li Jinmin
Published: August 2011

In this work, the dislocation-related efficiency droop in InGaN/GaN blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was investigated by comparing the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of GaN grown on c-plane sapphire and free-standing GaN substrate over a wide range of operation conditions. The values of A, B, and C coefficients had been iteratively obtained by fitting quantum efficiency in the rate equation model. Analysis revealed that threading dislocation density was strongly related to the decrease in EQE of InGaN LEDs at elevated currents by introducing a number of acceptor-like levels with the energy EA lying within the band gap.
Three-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations of reorientation process and backflow generation in nematic liquid crystals under application of electric fields
Authors: Sunarso Alfeus , Tsuji Tomohiro , Chono Shigeomi
Published: August 2011

The dynamic responses of nematic liquid crystals in a parallel-plate cell under the application of electric fields were investigated using three-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations, which should provide more precise dynamics as compared to those in two-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations as in our previous work [Sunarso et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 93, 244106 (2008)]. The study is focused on the reorientation process and the generation of backflow, which should be important in the development of liquid crystalline actuators. It is shown that bulk reorientation is coupled with the generation of backflow owing to the conversion of electric-field-induced molecular rotation into bulk translational motion. The increase in electric torque due to the increase in electric field strength results in a faster change in the bulk orientation, thus accelerating the development of the flow field and increasing the magnitude of the generated velocity field. Different initial orientation angles result in similar dynamics, although the magnitude of the generated velocity decreases with increasing initial orientation angle. The development of velocity profiles confirms the results of the experiment and the simulation using a macroscopic continuum approach. Simulations under various molecular aspect ratios show that with an increase in the aspect ratio, the reorientation process becomes slower due to the increase in moment of inertia and elastic torque, whereas the magnitudes of the velocity show the trade-off between the speed of the orientation change and the effectiveness of the molecular motion conversion. Furthermore, the simulation results show the spatial variation in the reorientation process as the result of interplay between electric torque, elastic torque, and backflow.
Passivation and activation of Mg acceptors in heavily doped GaN
Authors: Zvanut M. E. , Uprety Y. , Dashdorj J. , Moseley M. , Alan Doolittle W.
Published: August 2011

Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements are used to monitor the passivation and activation of the Mg-related acceptor in GaN doped with different concentrations of Mg, up to 2 × 1020 cm−3. Samples were annealed in either forming gas (H2:N2) or pure N2 between 200 and 900 °C. As expected, the Mg-related EPR signal is reduced by at least a factor of ten during the forming gas treatment; while the pure N2 environment revives the signal. However, the study also shows that reactions between Mg and hydrogen occur at a temperature as low as 525 °C in the 1020 cm−3 Mg doped samples; while in more lightly doped samples, temperatures greater than 700 °C are required to observe changes in the Mg signal intensity. While the observations support the model in which a hydrogen atom ionizes at the Mg impurity and the remaining proton bonds at a near neighbor, the different temperature dependence suggests that hydrogen diffusion is affected by the increased Mg concentration.
In-Situ growth of cadmium telluride nanocrystals in poly(3-hexylthiophene) matrix for photovoltaic application
Authors: Taukeer Khan Mohd , Kaur Amarjeet , Dhawan S. K. , Chand Suresh
Published: August 2011

In the present study, nanocrystals of cadmium telluride (CdTe) have been directly synthesized in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) matrix without use of any surfactant. In situ synthesis of nanoparticles in polymer matrix improves the polymer-nanoparticles interface, which facilitates efficient electronic interaction between them. Spectral results suggest that CdTe nanocrystals are bound with P3HT via dipole-dipole interaction and form a charge transfer complex. Structural and morphological studies reveal that CdTe works as transport media along/between the polymer chains, which facilitate percolation pathways for charge transport. Therefore, enhancement in current density has been observed for the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) device of P3HT-CdTe nanocomposites blended with PCBM. An open circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.80 V was obtained from the BHJ device due to the increase in the energy level offset between the donor and acceptor. This new photovoltaic element could provide a new nanoscale criterion for the investigation of photoinduced energy/charge transport in organic-inorganic interfaces.
Nanomechanical properties of sputter-deposited HfO2 and HfxSi1-xO2 thin films
Authors: Venkatachalam D. K. , Bradby J. E. , Saleh M. N. , Ruffell S. , Elliman R. G.
Published: August 2011

The mechanical properties of sputter-deposited HfO2 and HfxSi1-xO2 films were studied as a function of composition using nanoindentation. The elastic modulus and hardness were measured at room temperature for as-deposited films of varying Hf content and for films subjected to annealing at 1000 °C. The elastic modulus and hardness of as-deposited films were found to increase monotonically with increasing HfO2 content, with the hardness increasing from 5.0 ± 0.3 GPa for pure SiO2 to 8.4 ± 0.4 GPa for pure HfO2. All films were found to be harder after annealing at 1000 °C, with the increase for SiO2 films attributed to densification of the SiO2 network and that for the HfxSi1-xO2 films to a combination of phase separation, densification, and crystallization.
Microstructure basis for strong piezoelectricity in Pb-free Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Gao Jinghui , Xue Dezhen , Wang Yu , Wang Dong , Zhang Lixue , Wu Haijun , Guo Shengwu , Bao Huixin , Zhou Chao , Liu Wenfeng , Hou Sen , Xiao Ge , Ren Xiaobing
Published: August 2011

In this letter, we use transmission electron microscopy to study the microstructure feature of recently reported Pb-free piezoceramic Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 across its piezoelectricity-optimal morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) by varying composition and temperature, respectively. The domain structure evolutions during such processes show that in MPB regime, the domains become miniaturized down to nanometer size with a domain hierarchy, which coincides with the d33-maximum region. Further convergent beam electron diffraction measurement shows that rhombohedral and tetragonal crystal symmetries coexist among the miniaturized domains. Strong piezoelectricity reported in such a system is due to easy polarization rotation between the coexisting nano-scale tetragonal and rhombohedral domains.
Kilohertz magnetic field focusing in a pair of metallic periodic-ladder structures
Authors: Banerjee Debasish , Lee Jaewook , Dede Ercan M. , Iizuka Hideo
Published: August 2011

Here, we show, analytically and numerically, that in a pair of metallic periodic-ladder structures placed with a central gap, the normally incident magnetic field is focused on a spot of 3 mm (0.6 × 10−5 free space wavelength) full width at half maximum at a 1 mm distance away at 600 kHz. The ladder structures are designed by exploiting the curl of the induced current at each unit cell in the periodic structure. This investigation paves the way for kilohertz magnetic field manipulations.
Lithium diffusion in (Li, K, Na)NbO3 piezoeletric thin films and the resulting approach for enhanced performance properties
Authors: Chin Goh Phoi , Yao Kui , Chen Zhong
Published: August 2011

Dramatic out-diffusion of lithium from (Li, K, Na)NbO3 (KNN-LN) thin films into substrate was identified as the cause of seriously degraded electrical properties. Utilizing the strong diffusion ability of lithium, lithium composition could be effectively introduced to the KNN film through the diffusion from the surface to the film. The distributions of the lithium diffused across the KNN films were found complementary to that of potassium, as lithium tended to be retained where A-site vacancies existed. With more lithium retained and reduced A-site vacancies, outstandingly large piezoelectric strain coefficient and voltage coefficient were demonstrated in the resulting Li-KNN film.
Silicon nitride nanotemplate fabrication using inductively coupled plasma etching process
Authors: Ayari-Kanoun Asma , Jaouad Abdelatif , Souifi Abdelkader , Drouin Dominique , Beauvais Jacques
Published: August 2011

In this work, we have investigated the fabrication of ordered silicon nitride nanohole arrays as part of an overall process aimed at producing organized silicon nanocrystals. The authors have demonstrated that it is possible to use inductively coupled plasma etching systems in order to etch nanometric layers, despite the fact that these systems are designed for deep and fast etching. A stable process is developed for shallow etching of silicon nitride nanoholes. The influence of different plasma etching parameters on silicon nitride nanohole properties is analyzed. 30 nm deep nanoholes of approximately 30 nm diameter, near vertical sidewalls and a good control of the selectivity are achieved. The overall process provides a simple and reproducible approach based on shallow inductively coupled plasma etching to obtain high quality nanosized silicon nitride templates. A suitable process for organized arrays of 10 nm diameter silicon nanocrystals realized by electrochemical etching is shown.
HOLOGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF A KERR–GÖDEL BLACK HOLE IN FIVE DIMENSIONS
Authors: SETARE M. R. , KAMALI V.
Published: August 2011

In the present paper we study the holographic description of the five-dimensional Kerr–Gödel black holes. We find that if focusing on the near-horizon region, for the massless scalar scattering in the low-frequency limit, the radial equation could be rewritten as the SL (2, R)L × SL (2, R)R quadratic Casimir, suggesting the existence of dual two-dimensional description. We read the temperatures of the dual CFT from the conformal coordinates. We recover the macroscopic entropy from microscopic considerations by applying the Cardy formula for the putative dual CFT. We also show that the absorption cross-section of a near-region scalar field is matched to the universal behavior of the 2-point function of finite temperature CFT.
CONGRUENCE PROPERTIES MODULO 5 AND 7 FOR THE pod FUNCTION
Authors: RADU SILVIU , SELLERS JAMES A.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we prove arithmetic properties modulo 5 and 7 satisfied by the function pod (n) which denotes the number of partitions of n wherein odd parts must be distinct (and even parts are unrestricted). In particular, we prove the following: for all n ≥ 0, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]
WHEN ARE TWO DEDEKIND SUMS EQUAL?
Authors: JABUKA STANISLAV , ROBINS SINAI , WANG XINLI
Published: August 2011

A natural question about Dedekind sums is to find conditions on the integers a1, a2, and b such that s(a1, b) = s(a2, b). We prove that if the former equality holds then b|(a1a2- 1)(a1- a2). Surprisingly, to the best of our knowledge such statements have not appeared in the literature. A similar theorem is proved for the more general Dedekind–Rademacher sums as well, namely that for any fixed non-negative integer n, a positive integer modulus b, and two integers a1and a2that are relatively prime to b, the hypothesis rn(a1, b) = rn(a2, b) implies that b|(6n2+ 1 - a1a2)(a2- a1).
Digital Repetitive Control under Nonuniform Sampling: An LMI Stability Analysis
Authors: Ramos Germán A. , Olm Josep M. , Costa-Castelló Ramon
Published: August 2011

Digital repetitive control is a technique which allows tracking periodic references and/or rejecting periodic disturbances. Repetitive controllers are usually designed assuming a fixed fundamental frequency for the signals to be tracked/rejected and its main drawback being a dramatic performance decay when this frequency varies. A usual approach to overcome the problem consists of an adaptive change of the sampling period according to the reference/disturbance period variation. This paper presents a stability analysis of a digital repetitive controller working under time‐varying sampling period by means of an LMI gridding approach. Theoretical developments are illustrated with experimental results, which are preceded by a detailed description of fundamental issues related to the implementation procedure.
The Induction of IgM and IgG Antibodies against HLA or MICA after Lung Transplantation
Authors: Paantjens Annelieke W. M. , van de Graaf Ed A. , Kwakkel-van Erp Johanna M. , Hoefnagel Tineke , van Ginkel Walter G. J. , Fakhry Farzia , van Kessel Diana A. , van den Bosch Jules M. M. , Otten Henny G.
Published: August 2011

The production of IgG HLA antibodies after lung transplantation (LTx) is considered to be a major risk factor for the development of chronic rejection, represented by the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). It has recently been observed that elevated levels of IgM HLA antibodies also correlates with the development of chronic rejection in heart and kidney transplantation. This study investigates the relationship between IgM and IgG antibodies against HLA and MICA after lung transplantation. Serum was collected from 49 patients once prior to transplantation and monthly for up to 1 year after lung transplantation was analyzed by Luminex to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against HLA and MICA. The presence of either IgM or IgG HLA and/or MICA antibodies prior to or after transplantation was not related to survival, gender, primary disease, or the development of BOS. Additionally, the production of IgG alloantibodies was not preceded by an increase in levels of IgM, and IgM levels were not followed by an increase in IgG. Under current immune suppressive regimen, although the presence of IgM antibodies does not correlate with BOS after LTx, IgMhighIgGlowHLA class I antibody titers were observed more in patients with BOS compared to patients without BOS.
Abdominal-Pelvic Actinomycosis Mimicking Malignant Neoplasm
Authors: Pusiol Teresa , Morichetti Doriana , Pedrazzani Corrado , Ricci Francesco
Published: August 2011

Abdominal-pelvic actinomycosis is often mistaken for other conditions, presenting a preoperative diagnostic challenge. In a 46-year-old female, computed tomography showed an abdominal-pelvic retroperitoneal mass extending from the lower pole of the right kidney to the lower pelvis. The patient had a 3-year history of intrauterine device. The mass appeared to involve the ascending colon, cecum, distal ileum, right Fallopian tube and ovary, and ureter anteriorly and the psoas muscle posteriorly. The resection of retroperitoneal mass, distal ileum appendicectomy, right hemicolectomy, and right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful. Penicillin therapy was given for six months without any complication. The retroperitoneal mass measured 4.5 × 3.5 × 3 cm, surrounded adjacent organs and histologically showed inflammatory granulomatous tissue, agglomeration of filaments, and sulfur granules ofActinomyces, with positive reaction with periodic acid Schiff. Right tubo-ovarian abscess was present. Abdominalpelvic actinomycosis should always be considered in patients with a pelvic mass especially in ones using intrauterine device.
Lipoplatin Formulation Review Article
Authors: Stathopoulos G. P. , Boulikas T.
Published: August 2011

Patented platform technologies have been used for the liposomal encapsulation of cisplatin (Lipoplatin) into tumor-targeted 110 nm (in diameter) nanoparticles. The molecular mechanisms, preclinical and clinical data concerning lipoplatin, are reviewed here. Lipoplatin has been successfully administered in three randomized Phase II and III clinical trials. The clinical data mainly include non-small-cell lung cancer but also pancreatic, breast, and head and neck cancers. It is anticipated that lipoplatin will replace cisplatin as well as increase its potential applications. For the first time, a platinum drug has shown superiority to cisplatin, at least in non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer as reported in a Phase III study which documented a simultaneous lowering of all of the side effects of cisplatin.
Pallio-Pallial Tangential Migrations and Growth Signaling: New Scenario for Cortical Evolution?
Authors: Puelles Luis
Published: August 2011

Observations accruing in recent years imply that the areal patterning and size dimensioning of the mammalian neocortex are influenced by diverse sets of tangentially migrating glutamatergic neurons that invade the cortical plate and, in so doing, modify the properties of the neopallial proliferative compartments. This developmental scenario sheds new light upon the old issue of how the mammalian neocortex evolved its more complex structure from nonmammalian antecedent forms. In reviewing these novelties, I first point out the topological position of the neopallial island as a central component of the pallium in all gnathostomes, surrounded by a ring of prospective allocortical pallial regions and a more distant set of peripheral neighboring forebrain areas. Early patterning arises from the periphery via passive planar signaling. This process probably establishes the pallium field and its basic island plus allocortical ring organization, as well as a rough prepatterning of some regional subareas. Afterwards, patterning and modulated growth are also actively influenced by the convergence of separate streams of tangentially migrating subpial cells (partly peripheral and partly allocortical in origin) which collectively form the Cajal-Retzius neuronal population in layer I. Effects of these cells include the inside-out stratification of the cortical plate and they may also contribute to the evolutionary emergence of the 6-layered neocortical structure. The most recent addition to our knowledge of pallio-pallial migrations is the existence of a subsequent deep tangential migration of ventropallial cells into the neopallial primordium, whose signaling influence upon local progenitors magnifies the cortex population by 20%. These glutamatergic cells dispersedly invade the entire cortex but largely die postnatally. The crucial implications of these data for comparative thinking on mammalian neocortex evolution and interpretation of potential homologs in sauropsids are explored. Finally, a new conjecture regarding a possible role of the hitherto disregarded lateral pallium is advanced.
Is Moderate Red Wine Consumption Safe in Inactive Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Authors: Swanson Garth R. , Tieu Vanessa , Shaikh Maliha , Forsyth Chris , Keshavarzian Ali
Published: August 2011

Background: Alcohol consumption is a potential trigger for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare because of alcohol-induced oxidative stress and its deleterious effects on gut barrier function. Additionally, we have recently shown that alcohol consumption is associated with more symptoms in IBD. However, it is not known whether moderate daily alcohol consumption can modify IBD disease activity. To test what effects alcohol may have on patients with IBD, we evaluated the effect of moderate daily red wine for 1 week on two factors associated with recurrent IBD disease activity: intestinal permeability and stool calprotectin. Methods: To assess the effects of moderate daily alcohol consumption on intestinal permeability and inflammation, we recruited 21 patients: 8 with inactive ulcerative colitis (UC), 6 with inactive Crohn’s disease (CD), and 7 healthy controls. All participants with IBD completed a validated questionnaire on disease activity (Crohn’s disease activity index or ulcerative colitis clinical activity index), to confirm they had inactive disease. All subjects then underwent a baseline assessment that included a blood draw, urine collection after sugar challenge, and stool collection. Subjects then consumed 1–3 glasses of red wine a day for 1 week (approx. 0.4 g EtOH/kg), and repeated the three measures. Results: No subjects flared during the study. Moderate alcohol consumption did not significantly change either clinical disease activity scores or C-reactive protein. In contrast to healthy subjects, daily consumption of red wine significantly (1) decreased stool calprotectin in IBD subjects from baseline (p = 0.001) and (2) increased intestinal permeability as measured by urinary lactulose/mannitol excretion (marker of small bowel permeability) in CD (p = 0.028) or urinary sucralose secretion (marker of large bowel permeability) in UC (p = 0.012). Conclusions: One week of moderate consumption of red wine in inactive IBD was associated with a significant decrease in stool calprotectin and a significant increase in intestinal permeability. Our data suggests that patients with inactive IBD who drink red wine daily may be at an increased long-term risk for disease relapse.
A New Hypothesis about Neuronal Degeneration Appeared after a Rat Model of Menopause
Authors: Unal Deniz , Halici Zekai , Altunkaynak Zuhal , Keles Osman N. , Oral Elif , Unal Bunyami
Published: August 2011

Objective: Estrogen is suggested to be one of the most important regulators of neuronal function, including neuronal proliferation, survival and plasticity. There is a broad consensus that the loss of ovarian hormones is associated with neurodegeneration in the hippocampus that leads to cognitive impairment. Methods: A total of 8 female rats which were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy were included in this study. After ovariectomy, the rats were housed for 123 days in a standard laboratory. At the end of the 123 days, the rats were euthanized and the brain sections were investigated by conventional light microscopic and electron microscopic techniques. Results: The regular structure of almost all axon extensions was lost. The majority of these extensions had a sawtooth-like appearance in longitudinal section profiles. Especially in transfer section profiles of myelinated axons, some morphological changes were shown which may be matched up with light microscopic findings. Conclusions: Deficiency of estrogen will initially affect microtubule organization. When this organization breaks down, it will physically cause the distribution of the normal structure of axonal plasmalemma. This in turn will lead to the distribution of physical organizations of estrogen and other different types of receptors which are placed in both the membrane and microtubules in the axon.
Endoscopic Transoral Approach for Extracranial Hypoglossal Schwannoma
Authors: Zhang Qiuhang , Lv Haili , Wang Zhenlin , Guo Hongchuan , Li Mingchu
Published: August 2011

Objective: Hypoglossal nerve schwannoma, especially when inside the extracranial region, is extremely rare. This report describes a new endoscopic transoral approach for the removal of extracranial hypoglossal schwannoma. Patients and Methods: Three patients (1 male and 2 females, aged 58–63 years) with extracranial hypoglossal schwannoma in the paroccipital condyle and the jugular foramen were treated solely by an endoscopic transoral approach. All patients presented signs of hypoglossal nerve paresis with hemiatrophy of the tongue. In addition, one of them had glossopharyngeal nerve paresis, and vagus nerve paresis was found in another patient. Results: In all patients, tumors underwent successful radical intracapsular removal by the endoscopic transoral approach, as confirmed by the postoperative examinations and MRI. No complications occurred during or after surgery, except that 1 patient had swallowing difficulties and a temporary right vagus palsy during the first day after surgery. All patients were followed up for 6 months, and the lack of any recurrence has been confirmed. Muscle bulk, motor and swallowing functions, and the vagus palsy improved in all patients. Conclusion: The endoscopic transoral approach is a safe and useful surgical technique for the removal of intracapsular tumors, including extracranial hypoglossal schwannomas, which involves minimal invasion.