bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood impulsive behavior and problem gambling by adulthood: a 30‐year prospective community‐based study
Authors: Shenassa Edmond D. , Paradis Angela D. , Dolan Sara L. , Wilhelm Charlotte S. , Buka Stephen L.
Published: July 2011

Aims  Problem gambling can create major financial, emotional and sometimes criminal problems for an individual. This study prospectively investigated the association between impulsive behavior at age 7 and the development of life‐time problem gambling by adulthood. We also examined the specificity of any observed association between impulsive behaviors and problem gambling by conducting parallel analyses examining the link between respondents' shy/depressed behavior in childhood and later problem gambling.

Design, setting and participants  Cohort study of 958 offspring of mothers enrolled in the Collaborative Perinatal Project who participated in an adult follow‐up study at a mean age of 39.2 years.

Measurements  Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to determine associations between psychologist‐rated impulsive and shy/depressed behaviors at age 7 and life‐time self‐reported gambling as measured by the South Oaks Gambling Screen administered during the adult follow‐up study.

Findings  Children who exhibited impulsive behaviors at age 7, compared to their non‐impulsive counterparts, were 3.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.40–6.82) times as likely to report problem gambling years later. In contrast, we did not find a significant association between childhood shy/depressed behavior and problem gambling by adulthood in adjusted analyses.

Conclusions  Impulsive behaviors at age 7 are a specific and significant risk factor for later problem gambling.
A study to establish whether food‐based approaches can improve serum iron levels in child‐bearing aged women
Authors: Bokhari F. , Derbyshire E. , Li W. , Brennan C. S. , Stojceska V.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Iron‐deficiency anaemia is particularly prevalent in pregnancy. The present study aimed to determine whether functional bread containing teff flour (i.e. naturally rich in iron) could be an alternative way of improving iron status. However, before testing whether its consumption can improve pregnancy iron status, the bio‐availability of iron was determined in a sample of nonpregnant women.

Methods:  Fifty‐eight women (20–50 years) were recruited from the University. Blood samples were taken at baseline to assess iron status and participants were screened to account for other factors affecting iron status. Twenty‐four participants (haemoglobin 9.5–14.0 g dL−1) were recruited to take part in the intervention and allocated to five groups: (i) control bread (CB); (ii) teff bread (TB); (iii) TB + level 1 phytase (TB + P1); (iv) TB + level 2 phytase (TB + P2); or (v) a supplement containing 10 mg of ferrous sulphate. Venous blood samples were taken before the intervention and after 180–210 min, aiming to determine changes in serum iron.

Results:  Consuming three or four slices of TB provided statistically significantly more iron (7.6 mg) than CB (5.1 mg) (P < 0.001). Because participants were fasted, serum iron levels declined in all bread groups (average −1.5 μm), although the smallest reduction was observed in the TB + P2 group (−0.3 μm). The area‐under‐the‐curve from baseline to 210 min was lower in the TB + P2 (−78.8 μmol min L−1) group compared to the other bread interventions, indicating higher levels of iron absorption in this group.

Conclusions:  The results obtained in the present study show that TB consumption may help to maintain serum iron levels, especially when phytase is added. The findings from the study also demonstrate there may be potential to further improve the bio‐availability of iron from non‐haem food sources.
Nerve‐stimulator‐guided pudendal nerve block by pararectal approach
Authors: Kim S.‐H. , Song S. G. , Paek O. J. , Lee H. J. , Park D. H. , Lee J. K.
Published: July 2011

Aim  Various techniques have been described for performing a pudendal nerve block (PNB) and have associated problems such as multiple needle injections, the need for special equipment and consumption of time. This study aimed to describe a nerve‐stimulator‐guided PNB using a pararectal approach and to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of that procedure.

Method  We conducted a prospective study of 53 patients who underwent a PNB from December 2009 to July 2010. With the index finger of the left hand inserted into anus, we guided the nerve stimulator needle along the second finger tip on the ischial spine to the site where the maximal contraction of the external anal sphincter could be felt. Once the position of the needle tip had been confirmed, the desired drug was injected. Of the 53 patients, a cohort of eight underwent manometry before and after the pudendal block.

Results  A total of 53 patients underwent the nerve‐stimulator‐guided procedure: 13 patients for pudendal neuralgia and the other 40 patients for anorectal disease. The mean maximal resting and squeezing pressures before the block were 55 and 161 mmHg, respectively, compared with 35 and 67 mmHg after the block. The PNB took just minutes to perform, was well tolerated by the patients, and resulted in neither severe complications nor repeated attempts.

Conclusion  Nerve‐stimulator‐guided PNB using a pararectal approach proved to be easy and safe, with acceptable patient tolerance. In addition, it can be used for a variety of anorectal procedures where relaxation of anal tone is required.
Bioturbating space enhances the effects of non‐additive interactions among benthic ecosystem engineers on cross‐habitat nutrient regeneration
Authors: Caliman Adriano , Carneiro Luciana S. , Bozelli Reinaldo L. , Farjalla Vinicius F. , Esteves Francisco A.
Published: July 2011

Understanding the mechanisms that drive complementary interactions among species is key to the progress of the debate over the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning. In addition, interspecific interactions among physical ecosystem engineers have rarely been framed in the context of biodiversity experiments. Here, we provide an empirical test of how the physical niche space of species influences the effects of the biodiversity of bioturbators on cross‐habitat nutrient fluxes in benthic sediments. In the laboratory, we orthogonally manipulated the number and composition of three benthic invertebrate bioturbator species that differ in the dimensions of their bioturbating space niche; i.e. their vertical distribution in the sediment over a gradient of sediment depth and volume. The ammonium (NH4‐N) flux from the sediment to the water was positively related to bioturbator species richness only in the sediments with the deepest depth and greatest volume. The non‐additive effects of bioturbator species richness on the benthic–pelagic NH4‐N flux increased linearly with sediment depth and volume, but only in the three‐species mixtures. Furthermore, no individual species dominated the rates of H4‐N fluxes, indicating that biodiversity effects were mainly driven by complementarity. These results suggest that sediment bioturbating space mediates the magnitude of non‐additive effects among the three invertebrate species and sheds light on the importance of physical niche space in modulating the positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning.
Elevating the Dialogue on Professional Ethics to the Next Level: Reflections on the Experience of the Academy of Management
Authors: Mowday Richard T.
Published: July 2011

This commentary reflects on the Academy of Management's experience since developing a formal code of ethics to guide the professional behaviour of its members over twenty years ago. Despite widespread efforts to publicize the Code within the Academy, a sizeable proportion of Academy members are unaware it exists and only a very small proportion have read it carefully. Current efforts underway to increase ethics awareness are described. In addition, it is suggested that the discussion of ethical principles needs to move beyond a printed document and annual workshops to become more influential in the day-to-day lives of management professors. Suggestions for how this might be accomplished by the Academy of Management and other similar associations with codes of ethics (e.g., IACMR) are discussed.
NEGATIVE PARITY TETRAQUARKS WITH THE OPEN CHARM
Authors: GERASYUTA S. M. , KOCHKIN V. I.
Published: July 2011

The relativistic four-quark equations are found in the framework of coupled-channel formalism. The dynamical mixing of the meson–meson states with the four-quark states is considered. The four-quark amplitudes of the negative parity tetraquarks including the quarks of three flavors (u, d, s) and the charmed quark are constructed. The poles of these amplitudes determine the masses of tetraquarks. The mass values of low-lying tetraquarks with the spin-parity JP = 0-, 1-, 2-, 3- are calculated.
THE ASYMPTOTIC DISTRIBUTION OF THE NUMBER OF 3-STAR FACTORS IN RANDOM d-REGULAR GRAPHS
Authors: YULIANTI LYRA
Published: July 2011

The Small Subgraph Conditioning Method has been used to study the almost sure existence and the asymptotic distribution of the number of regular spanning subgraphs of various types in random d-regular graphs. In this paper, we use the method to determine the asymptotic distribution of the number of 3-star factors in random d-regular graphs for d ≥ 4.
ON THE SUM OF INDEPENDENCE NUMBER AND AVERAGE DEGREE OF A GRAPH
Authors: YANG XUNUAN , WU BAOYINDURENG , YAN GUIYING
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we confirm that a conjecture on the sum of independence number and average degree of a graph is true, which was posed by Aouchiche, Brinkmann and Hansen (M. Aouchiche, G. Brinkmann and P. Hansen, Variable neighborhood search of extremal graphs. 21. Conjectures and results about the independence number, Discrete Appl. Math.156 (2008) 2530–2542.).
Integrin Signaling, Cell Survival, and Anoikis: Distinctions, Differences, and Differentiation
Authors: Vachon Pierre H.
Published: July 2011

Cell survival and apoptosis implicate an increasing complexity of players and signaling pathways which regulate not only the decision-making process of surviving (or dying), but as well the execution of cell death proper. The same complex nature applies to anoikis, a form of caspase-dependent apoptosis that is largely regulated by integrin-mediated, cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Not surprisingly, the regulation of cell survival, apoptosis, and anoikis furthermore implicates additional mechanistic distinctions according to the specific tissue, cell type, and species. Incidentally, studies in recent years have unearthed yet another layer of complexity in the regulation of these cell processes, namely, the implication of cell differentiation state-specific mechanisms. Further analyses of such differentiation state-distinct mechanisms, either under normal or physiopathological contexts, should increase our understanding of diseases which implicate a deregulation of integrin function, cell survival, and anoikis.
Prostate Intrafraction Translation Margins for Real-Time Monitoring and Correction Strategies
Authors: Litzenberg Dale W. , Balter James M. , Hadley Scott W. , Hamstra Daniel A. , Willoughby Twyla R. , Kupelian Patrick A. , Djemil Toufik , Mahadevan Arul , Jani Shirish , Weinstein Geoffrey , Solberg Timothy , Enke Charles , Levine Lisa , Sandler Howard M.
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this work is to determine appropriate radiation therapy beam margins to account for intrafraction prostate translations for use with real-time electromagnetic position monitoring and correction strategies. Motion was measured continuously in 35 patients over 1157 fractions at 5 institutions. This data was studied using van Herk's formula of (αΣ+γσ') for situations ranging from no electromagnetic guidance to automated real-time corrections. Without electromagnetic guidance, margins of over 10 mm are necessary to ensure 95% dosimetric coverage while automated electromagnetic guidance allows the margins necessary for intrafraction translations to be reduced to submillimeter levels. Factors such as prostate deformation and rotation, which are not included in this analysis, will become the dominant concerns as margins are reduced. Continuous electromagnetic monitoring and automated correction have the potential to reduce prostate margins to 2-3 mm, while ensuring that a higher percentage of patients (99% versus 90%) receive a greater percentage (99% versus 95%) of the prescription dose.
Phosphorus and nitrogen loading depths in fluvial sediments following manure spill simulations
Authors: Armstrong Shalamar , Smith Douglas , Owens Phillip , Joern Brad , Leytem April , Huang Chi , Adeola Olayiwola
Published: July 2011

Armstrong, S. D., Smith, D. R., Owens, P. R., Joern, B. C., Leytem, A. B., Huang, C.H. and Adeola, L. 2011. Phosphorus and nitrogen loading depth in fluvial sediments following manure spill simulations. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 427–436. The depth of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loading in fluvial sediments following a manure spill has not been documented. Thus, the objectives of this study were: (i) to determine the depth of N and P enrichment as a result of a manure spill under base flow conditions using fluvarium techniques and (ii) to evaluate the impact of sediment particle size distribution on N and P enrichment depth. Manure spills were simulated using stream simulators and ditch sediments collected from agricultural drainage ditches. During the manure spill simulation, the P sorption capacity of all sediments exponentially decreased with time and the NH4-N sorption capacity remained constant with time. The P and NH4-N loading in all sediments were observed to the depth of 2 cm, but were most concentrated in the 0- to 1-cm depth ranging in concentrations from 3 to 12 mg P kg−1 and from 7.2 to 45 mg NH4-N kg−1. Data from this study give a basis for the advancement of manure spill remediation that will reduce the impairment of surface waters via the release of nutrients from enriched sediments following a manure spill.
Transport of desert dust mixed with North African industrial pollutants in the subtropical Saharan Air Layer
Authors: Rodríguez S. , Alastuey A. , Alonso-Pérez S. , Querol X. , Cuevas E. , Abreu-Afonso J. , Viana M. , Pérez N. , Pandolfi M. , de la Rosa J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. An analysis of chemical composition data of particulate matter samples (TSP, PM10 and PM2.5) collected from 2002 to 2008 in the North Atlantic free troposphere at the Izaña Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) observatory (Tenerife, Canary Islands) shows that desert dust is very frequently mixed with particulate pollutants in the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). The study of this data set with Median Concentrations At Receptor (MCAR) plots allowed the identification of the potential source regions of the dust and particulate pollutants. Areas located at the south of the southern slope of the Atlas mountains emerge as the most frequent source of the soil desert dust advected to the northern edge of the SAL in summer. Industrial emissions occurring in Northern Algeria, Eastern Algeria, Tunisia and the Atlantic coast of Morocco appear as the most important source of the nitrate, ammonium and a fraction of sulphate (at least 60 % of the sulphate <10 μm transported from some regions) observed in the SAL. These emissions are mostly linked to crude oil refineries, phosphate-based fertilizer industry and power plants. Although desert dust emissions appear as the most frequent source of the phosphorous observed in the SAL, high P concentrations are observed when the SAL is affected by emissions from open mines of phosphate and phosphate based fertilizer industry. The results also show that a significant fraction of the sulphate (up to 90 % of sulphate <10 μm transported from some regions) observed in the SAL may be influenced by soil emissions of evaporite minerals in well defined regions where dry saline lakes (chotts) are present. These interpretations of the MCAR plots are consistent with the results obtained with the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF2) receptor modelling. The results of this study show that North African industrial pollutants may be mixed with desert dust and exported to the North Atlantic in the Saharan Air Layer.
Investigation of Antireflective Porous Silicon Coating for Solar Cells
Authors: Kwon Hyukyong , Lee Jaedoo , Kim Minjeong , Lee Soohong
Published: July 2011

Solar cell is device that directly converts the energy of solar radiation to electrical energy. So it is important for solar cell to reduce the surface reflection of light in order to improve the efficiency of the device. Texturing and antireflection coating have been used to reduce the reflection of light. Texturing technology has reduced the 10% of incident light. However, there are a few disadvantages of random pyramid texturing that the results are not always reproducible in an industrial environment. And AR coating (MgF2, ZnS) is difficult to apply the standard industrial process because high vacuum is needed and the expense is very heavy. This paper investigates the formation of a thin film of porous silicon on the surface of crystalline silicon substrate without other AR coating layers. The formation of the porous silicon layer was measured with SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The formation of porous silicon layers on the textured silicon wafer resulted in lower than 5% of reflectance in the wavelength region from 400 to 1000 nm.
Understanding the Anomalous Alkane Selectivity of ZIF‐7 in the Separation of Light Alkane/Alkene Mixtures
Authors: van den Bergh Johan , Gücüyener Canan , Pidko Evgeny A. , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Gascon Jorge , Kapteijn Freek
Published: July 2011

C2 and C3 alkanes are selectively adsorbed from mixtures over the corresponding alkenes on the zeolite imidazolate framework ZIF‐7 through a gate‐opening mechanism. As a result, the direct production of the pure alkene upon adsorption and the pure alkane upon desorption in packed columns is possible. Herein, a detailed investigation of the step‐wise adsorption and separation of alkanes and alkenes is presented, together with a rigorous performance assessment. A molecular picture of the gate‐opening mechanism underlying the unprecedented selectivity towards alkane adsorption is proposed based on DFT calculations and a thermodynamic analysis of the adsorption–desorption isotherms.
Making sense of measurement geometries for multi‐angle spectrophotometers
Authors: Kirchner Eric , Cramer Werner
Published: July 2011

We have developed new parameters that help to interpret multi‐angle reflection data. By expressing measurement geometries in terms of so‐called flake‐based parameters, a physical explanation is given for several well‐known colorimetric characteristics of effect coatings. The new concepts are based on expressing angles with respect to the normal vector of flakes, instead of the conventional usage of the coating normal as a reference.

 We discuss and give physical explanations for the usefulness and limitations of previously defined concepts such as aspecular angle, cis‐ versus trans‐geometries, interference lines and aspecular lines.

 For example, it is known that the trans‐15° geometry has added value next to the cis+15° geometry when samples are analyzed that contain colored effect pigments with large color travel, such as Colorstream, Chromaflair, or chromatic Xirallic pigments. Our results demonstrate and explain why there is much less added value in the case of samples that contain less striking chromatic effect pigments, such as metallic or mica‐based effect pigments, or “white” Xirallic pigments. Further, interference lines are shown to be suitable for characterizing effect pigments because they selectively sample the reflectance values of flakes as a function of the angle of incidence with respect to the flake normal.

 In another example, the similarity between an off‐plane measurement geometry and several in‐plane geometries is investigated. The results are clearly explained when referring to the corresponding values of the flake‐based parameters. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2012
Electrochemical Oxidation of Carbon‐Containing Fuels and Their Dynamics in Low‐Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Krewer Ulrike , Vidakovic‐Koch Tanja , Rihko‐Struckmann Liisa
Published: July 2011

Fuel cells can convert the energy that is chemically stored in a compound into electrical energy with high efficiency. Hydrogen could be the first choice for chemical energy storage, but its utilization is limited due to storage and transport difficulties. Carbon‐containing fuels store chemical energy with significantly higher energy density, which makes them excellent energy carriers. The electro‐oxidation of carbon‐containing fuels without prior reforming is a more challenging and complex process than anodic hydrogen oxidation. The current understanding of the direct electro‐oxidation of carbon‐containing fuels in low‐temperature fuel cells is reviewed. Furthermore, this review covers various aspects of electro‐oxidation for carbon‐containing fuels in non‐steady‐state reaction conditions. Such dynamic investigations open possibilities to elucidate detailed reaction kinetics, to sense fuel concentration, or to diagnose the fuel‐cell state during operation. Motivated by the challenge to decrease the consumption of fossil fuel, the production routes of the fuels from renewable resources also are reviewed.
Refining of rice bran oil by neutralization with calcium hydroxide
Authors: De Bijay Krishna , Patel Jignesh Dahyabhai
Published: July 2011

The applicability of calcium hydroxide (lime) in the neutralization of rice bran oil (RBO) was investigated. Crude RBO samples of three different free fatty acids (FFAs) (3.5–8.4 wt%) were degummed, dewaxed, bleached, and neutralized with lime and deodorized. The oils obtained thus were characterized by determining the color, peroxide value (PV), content of unsaponifiable matter (UM), and FFA. Conventionally practiced caustic soda neutralization (at 80–90°C) of FFA has in the present investigation been replaced by a high temperature (150–210°C) low pressure (2–4 mm Hg) reaction with lime. It was observed that neutralization with Ca(OH)2 at high temperature (210°C) and under low pressure (2–4 mm Hg pressure) may substantially reduce the FFA content (0.8 wt%, after 2 h). The deodorized oil was found to be of acceptable color, PV, and content of UM and FFA. Neutralization of oil was also carried out by using NaHCO3 and Na2CO3, nonconventional alkalies for neutralization, and the results were compared with NaOH and Ca(OH)2. Overall recovery of oil in Ca(OH)2 refining process (88.5 ± 0.6 wt%, for Sample 1 containing 8.4%‐wt FFA) was found to be more than other competitive processes studied.
Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Within a Poly(allylamine hydrochloride) Film for the Voltammetric Determination of Sulfite in Foods
Authors: Sartori Elen Romão , Takeda Humberto Hissashi , Fatibello‐Filho Orlando
Published: July 2011

The performance of a glassy carbon electrode modified with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes within a poly(allylamine hydrochloride) film (GCE/PAH/MWCNTs) for the voltammetric determination of sulfite in food samples is described. The anodic peak potential for sulfite oxidation at a GCE/PAH/MWCNTs was 0.41 V whereas at GCE/PAH and GCE, the peak potentials were 0.96 and 0.89 V, respectively. Using square‐wave voltammetric technique, the obtained analytical curve was linear in the sulfite concentration range from 1.1×10−5 to 3.9×10−4 M, with a detection limit of 4.2 µM. The electrode was successfully used to determinate sulfite in vinegar, pickle water, coconut water, and shredded coconut.
Electrooxidation of Chlorophenols Catalyzed by Nickel Octadecylphthalocyanine Adsorbed on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Khene Samson , Nyokong Tebello
Published: July 2011

We described the synthesis of nickel octadecylphthalocyanine (NiPc(C10H21)8), followed by its adsorption on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to form SWCNT‐NiPc(C10H21)8 conjugates. SWCNT‐NiPc(C10H21)8 was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and for the electrooxidation of 4‐chlorophenol and 2,4‐dichlorophenol. The SWCNT and NiPc(C10H21)8 have a synergistic effect on each other in terms of improving electrocatalysis for the detection of chlorophenols. The stability of the electrode improved in the presence of NiPc(C10H21)8 or NiPc compared to the bare GCE. The presence of SWCNT improves the electrocatalytic behaviour of NiPc(C10H21)8 but not of unsubstituted NiPc. All modified electrodes showed improved stability towards the detection of 2,4‐dichlorophenol. The best stability for 4‐CP detection was observed in the presence of SWCNT for NiPc(C10H21)8.
Seismic capacity of retrofitted beam–column connections in high‐rise steel frames when subjected to long‐period ground motions
Authors: Chung Yu‐Lin , Nagae Takuya , Matsumiya Tomohiro , Nakashima Masayoshi
Published: July 2011

The seismic capacity of beam‐to‐column connections in steel high‐rise frames is a matter of concern, particularly when they are subjected to long‐period ground motions. A previous full‐scale shaking table test conducted at the E‐Defense National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention in Japan disclosed cracks and fractures in such beam‐to‐column connections. This paper examines the effects of three types of beam‐to‐column connection retrofit: supplemental welds, wing plates, and a haunch. Quasi‐static member tests and a series of shaking table tests applied to a full‐scale specimen are conducted to quantify the respective performances of the retrofit schemes. The performance of a total of 28 connections tested by the member and shaking table tests is evaluated together with that of an additional 12 unretrofitted connections tested in the previous test. When the supplemental welds are applied only to the shear tab to the web, the connection fractures at the same instant as the connection without retrofit. The corresponding cumulative plastic rotation is not improved. When the supplement welds are further applied to the web‐to‐column connection, strain concentration at the bottom flange, primarily promoted by the presence of the RC floor slab, is significantly reduced, and the cumulative plastic rotation capacity is increased to eight times that of the connection without retrofit. For the wing plate connection and haunch connection, the critical section is moved from the beam end to the beam cross‐section corresponding to the tip of the wing plates or haunch, resulting in an improvement of ductility by eight times that of the unretrofitted connection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods for evaluating the cost effectiveness of materials processing chains
Authors: Götze U. , Hache B. , Schmidt A. , Weber Th.
Published: July 2011

Damit sich neue Werkstoffvarianten durchsetzen, muss bei allen an der Herstellung und Verarbeitung beteiligten Akteuren neben der technischen auch die wirtschaftliche Vorteilhaftigkeit gegeben sein, die wiederum wesentlich von der Effizienz der neu zu gestaltenden bzw. zu verändernden Prozessketten beeinflusst wird. Eine werkstoffbezogene Wirtschaftlichkeitsbewertung muss daher auch die Prozessketten der Werkstoffherstellung und ‐verarbeitung umfassen. Die Bewertung von Prozessketten ist allerdings oft eine komplexe Aufgabenstellung, da diese sich aus vielfältigen Prozessen, Teilprozessen und weiteren untergeordneten Prozessen zusammensetzen, auf die eine Vielzahl verschiedenartiger Größen einwirkt. Gerade bei derartigen komplexen Problemstellungen besteht Bedarf an einem (kosten‐)theoretisch fundierten Instrumentarium, das es ermöglicht, systematisch und strukturiert aussagekräftige Aufgabenlösungen zu erreichen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag soll daher ein entsprechendes Vorgehensmodell mit methodenbezogenen Vorschlägen zur Bewertung von Prozessketten zunächst konzipiert und anschließend am Beispiel ausgewählter Prozessketten der Verarbeitung von (im SFB 692 erforschten) aluminiumbasierten Leichtbauwerkstoffen veranschaulicht werden.
Optimisation of thermo mechanical treatments using cryogenic rolling and aging of the high strength aluminium alloy AlZn5.5MgCu (AA7075). Optimierung der thermomechanischen Behandlung am Beispiel der hochfesten Aluminiumlegierung AlZn5,5MgCu mittels Tieftemperaturwalzen
Authors: Fritsch S. , Hunger S. , Scholze M. , Hockauf M. , Wagner M. F.‐X.
Published: July 2011

In this study, we consider the optimisation of mechanical properties and the microstructure of the high strength and difficult‐to‐work aluminium alloy AA7075 by cryogenic rolling. In order to reduce the grain size into the (ultra)fine‐grained regime, cryogenic rolling is used to introduce different amount of plastic strain. We discuss how rolling at lower temperatures allows the introduction of higher strains on the one hand, and suppresses dynamic recovery and aging effectively on the other hand. Our results demonstrate that, in combination with an appropriate post‐processing aging treatment, an outstanding combination of strength and ductility can be achieved.
The structural and dynamic properties of 1‐bromodecane in urea inclusion compounds investigated by solid‐state 1H, 13C and 2H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Xiaorong , Müller Klaus
Published: July 2011

For asymmetric guest molecules in urea, the end‐groups of two adjacent guest molecules may arrange in three different ways: head–head, head–tail and tail–tail. Solid‐state 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy is used to study the structural properties of 1‐bromodecane in urea. It is found that the end groups of the guest molecules are randomly arranged. The dynamic characteristics of 1‐bromodecane in urea inclusion compounds are probed by variable‐temperature solid‐state 2H NMR spectroscopy (line shapes, spin–spin relaxation: T2, spin‐lattice relaxation: T1Z and T1Q) between 120 K and room temperature. The comparison between the simulation and experimental data shows that the dynamic properties of the guest molecules can be described in a quantitative way using a non‐degenerate three‐site jump process in the low‐temperature phase and a degenerate three‐site jump in the high‐temperature phase, in combination with the small‐angle wobbling motion. The kinetic parameters can be derived from the simulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(Re)scaling Governance of Skilled Migration in Europe: Divergence, Harmonisation, and Contestation
Authors: van Riemsdijk Micheline
Published: July 2011

The European Commission has attempted to create a common European migration policy since the mid‐1980s. It has made progress in the harmonisation of asylum and family law, and the Schengen agreement has opened internal borders within the European Union (EU). But the commission's attempts to establish common admission standards for non‐EU labour migrants met with considerable opposition from member states. This paper investigates the construction, negotiations, and contestations of scales of decision‐making power in Europe, especially regarding skilled migrants. The paper first provides a short historical overview of initiatives of the European Commission to streamline migration policies across the EU, followed by a case study of the (re)scaling of the European Blue Card. The European Commission designed this initiative to attract more skilled workers to the EU. Several EU member states rejected the initial proposal to safeguard their sovereign decision‐making power. The findings of this case study indicate that the scale of the nation state remains powerful in the admission of non‐EU workers and that institutions at higher geographical scales do not necessarily dominate lower scales. The findings also show that overlapping and intertwining scales of decision‐making power hamper efforts to create a common European skilled migration policy. The newly adopted Lisbon Treaty may supersede these scales and facilitate more far‐reaching skilled migration policies. The findings of this paper contribute to debates about the rescaling of decision‐making power in the EU and the changing roles of nation states, institutions, and supranational organisations in the governance of skilled migration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance improvement of conjugated polymer and ZnO hybrid solar cells using nickel oxide as anode buffer layer
Authors: Tan H. R. , Zhang X. W. , Tan F. R. , Gao H. L. , Yin Z. G. , Bai Y. M. , Zhang X. L. , Qu S. C.
Published: July 2011

The open‐circuit voltage of hybrid solar cells based on ZnO nanoparticles (nc‐ZnO) and conjugated polymer MDMO‐PPV increased significantly by replacing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulphonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with NiOx as the anode buffer layers. The open‐circuit voltage as high as 0.828 V was obtained at high amount of ZnO (80% in weight) in the photoactive blend. Such improvement could be ascribed to the appropriate energy level of NiOx, which allows less energy loss for holes while having a sufficiently high‐conduction band minimum to function as a more efficient electron/exciton blocking layer than PEDOT:PSS. The increase of open‐circuit voltage, as well as photocurrent, resulted in a 42% improvement in power conversion efficiency. The results indicate that nickel oxide has promising potential to increase the performance of hybrid solar cells based on nc‐ZnO.
A survey of client‐side Web threats and counter‐threat measures
Authors: Hein Daniel , Morozov Serhiy , Saiedian Hossein
Published: July 2011

The increasing frequency and malevolence of online security threats require that we consider new approaches to this problem. The existing literature focuses on the Web security problem from the server‐side perspective. In contrast, we explore it from the client‐side, considering the major types of threats. After a short threat summary, we discuss related research and existing countermeasures. We then examine intuitive human‐oriented trust models and posit a flexible, multilayer framework to facilitate automated client‐side decision making. The proposed suggestions are not intrusive and do not require advanced technical knowledge from end users. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on Solidification Structure of Wheel Steel Round Billet Using FE‐CA Coupling Model
Authors: Jing Cailiang , Wang Xinhua , Jiang Min
Published: July 2011

Solidification structure of wheel steel round billet during the continuous casting process was simulated using FE (Finite Element)–CA (Cellular Automaton) coupling model. Variation of thermo‐physical parameters during solidification was considered based on a thermodynamic database. Meanwhile effect of electromagnetic stirring (EMS) was reflected by increasing both the thermal conductivity and crystal formation rate in liquid phase. It was found that the cooling curves and solidification structure calculated by this model agreed well with that in experiments. Optimum casting temperature range was discussed based on the simulation results and actual conditions in plant. An optimized casting superheat will be no more than 25 °C in order to obtain at least 50% equiaxed crystal ratio, while the degree of segregation in the billet is less than 1.05 correspondingly.
Low‐complexity turbo detection for single‐carrier low‐density parity‐check‐coded multiple‐input multiple‐output underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Wang Longbao , Tao Jun , Xiao Chengshan , Yang T. C.
Published: July 2011

A low‐complexity turbo detection scheme is proposed for single‐carrier multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) underwater acoustic (UWA) communications using low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) channel coding. The low complexity of the proposed detection algorithm is achieved in two aspects: first, the frequency‐domain equalization technique is adopted, and it maintains a low complexity irrespective of the highly dispersive UWA channels; second, the computation of the soft equalizer output, in the form of extrinsic log‐likelihood ratio, is performed with an approximating method, which further reduces the complexity. Moreover, attributed to the LDPC decoding, the turbo detection converges within only a few iterations. The proposed turbo detection scheme has been used for processing real‐world data collected in two different undersea trials: WHOI09 and ACOMM09. Experimental results show that it provides robust detection for MIMO UWA communications with different modulations and different symbol rates, at different transmission ranges. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of prognosis‐associated factors in fulminant viral hepatitis during pregnancy in China
Authors: Yang Yuebo , Deng Liuzhi , Li Xiaomao , Shi Zhongjie , Jiang Peiru , Chen Dunjin , Yu Yanhong , Wang Zehua , Tang Xiaoping , Zhao Shaofei , Feng Liping , Tan Hualin , Ma Lin
Published: July 2011

Objective

To analyze factors contributing to the prognosis of patients with fulminant viral hepatitis in pregnancy (FVHP).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted among 90 patients with FVHP who were admitted between January 1994 and August 2008 in 9 Chinese hospitals with expertise in the treatment of FVHP.

Results

Different clinical types of FVHP presented with different fatality rates; the acute type showed the highest fatality rate and the chronic type showed the lowest fatality rate. Serum albumin (Alb), total cholesterol (Tch), total bilirubin (Tbil), prothrombin activity (PTA), creatinine (Scr), white blood cell count (WBC), the phenomenon of “bilirubin‐transaminase separation”, and intractable complications correlated with the prognosis of FVHP. The fatality rate increased with decreasing Tch and PTA, increasing WBC, the appearance of “bilirubin‐transaminase separation”, and complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, hemorrhage, and infection. The above indices were all significantly different between survivor and non‐survivor groups.

Conclusion

The clinical type of fulminant hepatitis, Alb, Tch, PTA, TBIL, Scr WBC, phenomenon of “bilirubin‐transaminase separation”, and intractable complications are important factors associated with prognosis of patients with FVHP. Dynamic monitoring of these indicators and active treatment of complications are key to the improvement of outcomes in patients with FVHP.
ON HOMOLOGICAL PROPERTIES FOR SOME MODULES OF UNIFORMLY CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS OVER CONVOLUTION ALGEBRAS
Authors: NASR-ISFAHANI RASOUL , SOLTANI RENANI SIMA
Published: July 2011

For a locally compact group G, let LUC(G) denote the space of all left uniformly continuous functions on G. Here, we investigate projectivity, injectivity and flatness of LUC(G) and its dual space LUC(G)* as Banach left modules over the group algebra as well as the measure algebra of G.
ERDŐS’ METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE IRRATIONALITY OF PRODUCTS
Authors: HANČL JAROSLAV , KOLOUCH ONDŘEJ
Published: July 2011

This paper deals with a sufficient condition for the infinite product of rational numbers to be an irrational number. The condition requires only some conditions for convergence and does not use other properties like divisibility. The proof is based on an idea of Erdős.
Adaptive changes of pancreatic protease secretion to a short-term vegan diet: influence of reduced intake and modification of protein
Authors: Walkowiak Jaroslaw , Mądry Edyta , Lisowska Aleksandra , Szaflarska-Popławska Anna , Grzymisławski Marian , Stankowiak-Kulpa Hanna , Przysławski Juliusz
Published: July 2011

In our previous study, we demonstrated that abstaining from meat, for 1 month, by healthy omnivores (lacto-ovovegetarian model) resulted in a statistical decrease in pancreatic secretion as measured by faecal elastase-1 output. However, no correlation between relative and non-relative changes of energy and nutrient consumption and pancreatic secretion was documented. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess the changes of exocrine pancreatic secretion with a more restrictive dietetic modification, by applying a vegan diet. A total of twenty-one healthy omnivores (sixteen females and five males) participated in the prospective study lasting for 6 weeks. The nutrient intake and faecal output of pancreatic enzymes (elastase-1, chymotrypsin and lipase) were assessed twice during the study. Each assessment period lasted for 7 d: the first before the transition to the vegan diet (omnivore diet) and the second during the last week of the study (vegan diet). The dietary modification resulted in a significant decrease in faecal elastase-1 (P < 0·05) and chymotrypsin output (P < 0·04). The lipase excretion remained unchanged. The decrease in proteolytic enzymes was documented to be positively correlated with a decreased protein intake (P < 0·05). In addition, elastase-1 and chymotrypsin outputs were also related to the changes of protein type, plantv.animal (P < 0·04 andP < 0·03, respectively). It was concluded that significant reduction and modification of protein intake due to a short-term vegan diet resulted in an adaptation of pancreatic protease secretion in healthy volunteers.
Molecular data delineate crypticNassariusspecies and characterize spatial genetic structure ofN. nitidus
Authors: Couceiro L. , López L. , Sotka E.E. , Ruiz J.M. , Barreiro R.
Published: July 2011

Nassarius nitidusis a marine snail species with a widespread distribution along European shorelines from the North Sea to the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Despite its widespread distribution,N. nitidushas been largely neglected due to taxonomic confusion with the congenericNassarius reticulatus. Discrimination between these twoNassariusis particularly challenging in areas where their ranges overlap: the European Atlantic and western Mediterranean. Here, we propose the use of the mtDNA gene cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) to discriminate between these two morphologically similar congeneric species. A numerically comprehensive sampling of the areas of overlap reveals strong population-level differentiation inN. nitidus, particularly between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Despite this strong population structure, we found a wide (9.6 ± 1.6% mean K2P corrected sequence distance) barcoding gap withN. reticulatusthat guarantees that COI barcodes may serve as a reliable diagnostic tool. A protocol using species-specific restriction patterns was developed to allow a quick and accurate discrimination between these two cryptic species.
Population biology and genetic diversity of two adjacent shrimp (Parapenaeopsis coromandelica) populations exploited under different fishing pressures in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka
Authors: de Croos M.D.S.T , Pálsson Snæbjörn
Published: July 2011

Parapenaeopsis coromandelica shrimp populations along the western coast of Sri Lanka have supported coastal trawling for the last hundreds of years. Two non-overlapping adjacent fishing grounds (Hendala and Negombo) sustain different fishing intensities. In order to obtain information on the population structure and genetic diversity of P. coromandelica in these two regions, differences in length–weight relationships, growth, spawning seasons, sex-ratios, gonadosomatic index, length at 50% maturity (L50) and sequence variation of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I were examined. Significant differences in population biology and genetic diversity were revealed from the two fishing grounds. Samples of Hendala showed lower L50 and genetic diversity which are considered as potential effects and symptoms of extensive selective harvesting. Further, the shrimps' behaviour seems to be triggering the separation through low mixing of individuals at the two fishing grounds resulting in significant divergence based on haplotype frequencies. Management of P. coromandelica should consider the revealed biological and genetic evidences on existence of two sub-populations/stocks together with a routine monitoring of genetic effects due to harvesting.
Predicting solar energetic proton events (E > 10 MeV)
Authors: Núñez Marlon
Published: July 2011

A high level of proton radiation exposure can be dangerous to astronauts, satellite equipment, and air passengers/crew flying along polar routes. The presented solar energetic proton (SEP) event forecaster is based on a dual‐model approach for predicting the time interval within which the integral proton flux is expected to meet or surpass the Space Weather Prediction Center threshold of J (E > 10 MeV) = 10 pr cm−2 sr−1 s−1 and the intensity of the first hours of well‐ and poorly connected SEP events. This forecaster analyzes flare and near‐Earth space environment data (soft X‐ray, differential and integral proton fluxes). The purpose of the first model is to identify precursors of well‐connected events by empirically estimating the magnetic connectivity from the associated CME/flare process zone to the near‐Earth environment and identifying the flare temporally associated with the phenomenon. The goal of the second model is to identify precursors of poorly connected events by using a regression model that checks whether the differential proton flux behavior is similar to that in the beginning phases of previous historically poorly connected SEP events and thus deduce similar consequences. An additional module applies a higher‐level analysis for inferring additional information about the situation by filtering out inconsistent preliminary forecasts and estimating the intensity of the first hours of the predicted SEP events. The high‐level module periodically retrieves solar data and, in the case of well‐connected events, automatically identifies the associated flare and active region. For the events of solar cycles 22 and 23 of the NOAA/SWPC SEP list, the presented dual‐model system, called UMASEP, has a probability of detection of all well‐ and poorly connected events of 80.72% (134/166) and a false alarm rate of 33.99% (69/203), which outperforms current automatic forecasters in predicting >10 MeV SEP events. The presented forecaster has an average warning time of 5 h 10 min for the successfully predicted events, 1 h 5 min for well‐connected events and 8 h 28 min for poorly connected events, with a maximum warning time of 24 h for very gradual SEP events.
The peculiar transport properties in p-n junctions of doped graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang D. H. , Yao K. L. , Gao G. Y.
Published: July 2011

Two kinds of junctions based on doped graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are designed and studied in this article. One is the N-doped armchair GNR (AGNR) joined directly by B-doped AGNRs, and another is similar, but there is an undoped AGNR between them. The transport properties are calculated using the full self-consistent ab initio nonequilibrium Green’s function and density-functional theory methods under external bias. We find that the I-V curves for both junctions have a striking nonlinear feature and show large negative differential resistance properties, not only at the positive bias but also at the negative one. The results also indicate that the diode-like properties are kept and the rectification coefficient is very high within a wide bias region. Our calculations reveal that the formation of these peculiar transport behaviors is due to the great changes of the transmission spectra and the projected self-consistent Hamiltonian eigenvalues with the applied bias voltage. These findings suggest that the doped AGNRs may offer unique opportunities for the future development of nanoscale electronics.
Atom probe tomography assessment of the impact of electron beam exposure on InxGa1−xN/GaN quantum wells
Authors: Bennett Samantha E , Saxey David W , Kappers Menno J , Barnard Jonathan S , Humphreys Colin J , Smith George DW , Oliver Rachel A
Published: July 2011

This study addresses the ongoing debate concerning the distribution of indium in InxGa1−xN quantum wells (QWs) using a combination of atom probe tomography (APT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). APT analysis of InxGa1−xN QWs, which had been exposed to the electron beam in a TEM, revealed an inhomogeneous indium distribution which was not observed in a control sample which had not been exposed to the electron beam. These data validate the effectiveness of APT in detecting subtle compositional inhomogeneities in the nitrides.