bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sense of coherence predicts post-myocardial infarction trajectory of leisure time physical activity: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Myers Vicki , Drory Yaacov , Gerber Yariv ,   the Israel Study Group on First Acute Myocardial Infarction
Published: September 2011

Background

Physical activity confers a survival advantage after myocardial infarction (MI), yet the majority of post-MI patients are not regularly active. Since sense of coherence (SOC) has been associated with health outcomes and some health behaviours, we investigated whether it plays a role in post-MI physical activity.

We examined the predictive role of SOC in the long-term trajectory of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) after MI using a prospective cohort design.

Methods

A cohort of 643 patients aged ≤ 65 years admitted to hospital in central Israel with incident MI between February 1992 and February 1993 were followed up for 13 years. Socioeconomic, clinical and psychological factors, including SOC, were assessed at baseline, and LTPA was self-reported on 5 separate occasions during follow-up. The predictive role of SOC in long-term trajectory of LTPA was assessed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

SOC was consistently associated with engagement in LTPA throughout follow-up. Patients in the lowest SOC tertile had almost twice the odds (odds ratio,1.99; 95% confidence interval,1.52-2.60) of decreasing their engagement in LTPA as those in the highest tertile. A strong association remained after controlling for disease severity, depression, sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Conclusion

Our evidence suggests that SOC predicts LTPA trajectory post-MI. Assessment of SOC can help identify high-risk MI survivors, who may require additional help in following secondary prevention recommendations which can dramatically improve prognosis.
Oral mucosal lesions in skin diseased patients attending a dermatologic clinic: a cross-sectional study in Sudan
Authors: Suliman Nada M , Åstrøm Anne N , Ali Raouf W , Salman Hussein , Johannessen Anne C
Published: September 2011

Background

So far there have been no studies focusing on the prevalence of a wide spectrum of oral mucosal lesions (OML) in patients with dermatologic diseases. This is noteworthy as skin lesions are strongly associated with oral lesions and could easily be neglected by dentists. This study aimed to estimate the frequency and socio-behavioural correlates of OML in skin diseased patients attending outpatient's facility of Khartoum Teaching Hospital - Dermatology Clinic, Sudan.

Methods

A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in Khartoum from October 2008 to January 2009. A total of 588 patients (mean age 37.2 ± 16 years, 50.3% females) completed an oral examination and a personal interview of which 544 patients (mean age 37.1 ± 15.9 years, 50% females) with confirmed skin disease diagnosis were included for further analyses. OML were recorded using the World Health Organization criteria (WHO). Biopsy and smear were used as adjuvant techniques for confirmation. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (Version 15.0.1). Cross tabulation and Chi-square with Fisher's exact test were used.

Results

A total of 438 OML were registered in 315 (57.9%, males: 54.6% versus females: 45.6%, p < 0.05) skin diseased patients. Thus, a certain number of patients had more than one type of OML. Tongue lesions were the most frequently diagnosed OML (23.3%), followed in descending order by white lesions (19.1%), red and blue lesions (11%) and vesiculobullous diseases (6%). OML in various skin diseases were; vesiculobullous reaction pattern (72.2%), lichenoid reaction pattern (60.5%), infectious lesions (56.5%), psoriasiform reaction pattern (56.7%), and spongiotic reaction pattern (46.8%). Presence of OML in skin diseased patients was most frequent in older age groups (62.4% older versus 52.7% younger, p < 0.05), in males (63.2% males versus 52.6% females, p < 0.05), patients with a systemic disease (65.2% with systemic versus 51.9% without systemic disease, p < 0.05) and among current users of smokeless tobacco (toombak) (77% current use versus 54.8% no use, p < 0.00).

Conclusions

OML were frequently diagnosed in skin diseased patients and varied systematically with age, gender, systemic condition and use of toombak. The high prevalence of OML emphasizes the importance of routine examination of oral mucosa in a dermatology clinic.
Newtonian Science, Commercial Republicanism, and the Cult of Great Men in La Beaumelle'sPensées(1752)
Authors: Platon Mircea
Published: September 2011

Recent historiography has paid a lot of attention to the rise of the cult of great men in eighteenth-century France. The focus of the debate has been on whether the cult of great men subverted or actually strengthened the monarchy. Yet, science and scientific thinking deeply affected eighteenth-century political philosophy, anthropology, and state administration. Far from being merely a celebration of ancient republican virtues, the cult of great men was influenced by the newly discovered, formulated, and popularized scientific laws of nature and by an increasingly systematic interest in the science of political economy. Acknowledging and absorbing these changes, La Beaumelle's Pensées (1752) proposed a politics based on a naturalist anthropology with eugenic overtones and on a utilitarianism and commercial liberalism that functioned within the boundaries of the reason of state doctrine.
Arab Ethnicity and Diasporic Islam: A Comparative Approach to Processes of Identity Formation and Religious Codification in the Muslim Communities in Brazil
Authors: Pinto Paulo G.
Published: September 2011

The Arab community in Brazil comprises an estimated 4–6 million immigrants and their descendants and was created by an almost continuous flux of immigrants from the Middle East (Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine) since the nineteenth century. While until the 1970s the Arab immigrants were Christians in their great majority, since the 1980s most immigrants from the Middle East are Muslims. The Muslim community in Brazil has about 1 million members today. The Muslim presence is almost exclusively urban, with important communities in São Paulo, Foz do Iguaçu, Curitiba, and, to a lesser extent, Rio de Janeiro. The vast majority of Muslims in Brazil are Arab Middle Eastern immigrants from Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Territories or their descendants. There are also some African immigrants (from Senegal and Nigeria) and a small but growing number of Brazilian converts without any Muslim or Arab ancestry. Arab Muslim communities and identities in Brazil are formed by very complex articulations between transnational and local interpretations and practices of Islam and Arab identities, which emerge and gain reality within the cultural and sociological framework of each locality. Therefore, this article aims to analyze the constitution of Muslim identities among Arabic-speaking immigrants and their descendants in Brazil, showing how the relation between Arab ethnicity and Muslim identity is shaped by processes that connect local, national, and transnational realities.
Transnational Diasporic Identities: Unity and Diversity in Iranian-Focused Organizations in Sweden
Authors: Kelly Melissa
Published: September 2011

War and political persecution led thousands of Iranians to migrate to Sweden in the 1980s and 1990s. Forced to flee from their homeland to a relatively unknown place, the lives of these migrants changed both abruptly and dramatically. Since their arrival in Sweden, and up to the present day, Iranians have struggled to negotiate their relationship to both their home- and host land. Iran-focused associations, oriented toward both Sweden and Iran simultaneously, have aimed to capture the transnational positioning of this diverse group. Today in Sweden there are more than one hundred Iranian-focused organizations catering to the community’s cultural, political, social, and economic needs. Based on an in-depth analysis of nine associations in five cities in Sweden, this article explores how Iranian-focused organizations have developed over the past two decades and how they reflect identity issues within Sweden’s Iranian community. It is argued that Iranian identity is not static but, rather, has been both internally and externally defined in a transnational field influenced by changing home- and host-land identity politics.
Computer Network Resources for Economists
Authors: Goffe William L
Published: September 2011

This paper outlines resources for economists on the Internet, the large and very rapidly expanding computer network that is revolutionizing research in many fields. Even at this early stage, there are a number of very useful resources (such as large databases and mailing lists) for economists. Directions are given on how to retrieve the complete and current list of resources for economists, and the paper also contains a minimal set of directions on how to use the Internet. References are also given to more detailed general guides on the Internet.
TECHNICAL NOTE—Inventory Systems with a Generalized Cost Model
Authors: Huh Woonghee Tim , Janakiraman Ganesh , Muharremoglu Alp , Sheopuri Anshul
Published: September 2011

We study a single-stage inventory system with a generalized shortage penalty cost that includes the following three components: (i) a cost that is an increasing function of the number of backordered units in a period, (ii) a fixed cost incurred for each period in which there is a backorder irrespective of how many units are backordered, and finally (iii) a cost that is an increasing function of the number of periods a customer is backordered. We show the problem can be transformed into one in which the backorder cost depends on the inventory position only. Then we present two sets of conditions; the first one restricts our attention to a special case of the generalized penalty cost model while the second one restricts our attention to stationary demand models with some distributional assumptions. Under the first (resp. second) set of conditions, we show that the expected cost in a period can be expressed as a convex (resp. quasiconvex) function of the after-ordering inventory position. We use this property to prove the optimality of order-up-to policies under both sets of conditions and discuss extensions to the cases where either a fixed ordering cost or a batch ordering constraint is present.
Optimization of Cavity Length to Obtain Low Threshold Solid-state Dye Laser
Authors: Shi Lan-Ting , Jin Feng , Zheng Mei-Ling , Dong Xian-Zi , Chen Wei-Qiang , Zhao Zhen-Sheng , Duan Xuan-Ming
Published: September 2011

We have demonstrated and studied polymeric solid-state dye lasers (SSDLs) fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) polystyrene colloidal crystals and tert-butyl roadamine B (t-Bu RhB) doped Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films with different film thickness. The sandwich-typed resonator cavities with different active layer thickness display single-mode lasing oscillations in the reflection bandgap of the colloidal crystals. The lasing thresholds could be optimized by changing the thickness of t-Bu RhB doped PMMA films, which is as low as 7.43 W/cm2. Adjusting active layer thickness would provide an opportunity to accelerate the development of fabricating polymeric SSDLs with low threshold.
ZnCdSeTe Semiconductor Compounds: Preparation and Properties
Authors: Valdna Vello , Grossberg Maarja , Hiie Jaan , Kallavus Urve , Mikli Valdek , Raadik Taavi , Traksmaa Rainer , Viljus Mart
Published: September 2011

Group II-VI narrow band gap compounds CdTe ZnCdTe and CdSeTe are known as the most suitable semiconductor materials for the room temperature gamma- and X-ray radiation detectors. In this work we investigated electronic properties of a quaternary compound ZnCdSeTe. Cl Cu Pr Er and oxygen doped host materials were synthesized from the grinded mixture of 6N purity ZnTe CdTe and CdSe by the help of CdCl2 flux. Precautions were applied to achieve an uniform doping and high quality of the crystal surfaces. Residue phases after the thermal treatments were removed by the help of a vacuum annealing. It was found that Zn increases a substitutional solubility of dopants in ZnCdSeTe and thus promotes optoelectronic properties of the ZnCdSeTe alloy. Cl substitutes Te whereas Cu and rare earth elements substitute Zn in ZnCdSeTe. Fabricated polycrystalline samples showed a high performance from NIR via VIS and UV to X-ray band. High stability good linearity and performance of samples was measured under X-ray excitation of Cu Kα 1.54056 Å at 40 kV.
Semiconductor Detectors Fabricated from TlBr Crystals
Authors: Hitomi Keitaro , Tada Tsutomu , Kim Seong-Yun , Wu Yan , Yamazaki Hiromichi , Shoji Tadayoshi , Ishii Keizo
Published: September 2011

Frisch collar detectors were fabricated from TlBr crystals with the dimensions of 2 mm × 2 mm × 4.4 mm. Spectroscopic performance of the TlBr Frisch collar detectors was evaluated at room temperature. An energy resolution of 2.9% FWHM at 662 keV was obtained from the detector without the depth correction. The detector exhibited stable spectral performance for 12 hours. Direct measurements of electron mobility-lifetime products were performed with the detectors. The TlBr crystals exhibited the electron mobility-lifetime products of ∼10−3 cm2/V at room temperature.
Closed-loop control of a laser assisted carbon nanotube growth process for interconnects in flexible electronics
Authors: van de Burgt Yoeri , Bellouard Yves , Mandamparambil Rajesh , Dietzel Andreas
Published: September 2011

A feedback control mechanism based on infrared radiation monitoring coupled with reflectivity information was developed to control the temperature of a laser assisted chemical vapor deposition process for the growth of carbon nanotube forests. An infrared laser operating at 808 nm is focused on a silicon substrate containing a 20 nm-aluminum-oxide layer and a 1.5 nm-iron catalyst layer. The growth takes place in an argon/ hydrogen/ ethylene gaseous environment. SEM and Raman spectroscopy analysis show that good controllability and reproducibility is achieved over multiple experiments.
Low loss EELS and EFTEM study of Bi2Te3 based bulk and nanomaterials
Authors: Peranio N. , Aabdin Z. , Töllner W. , Winkler M. , König J. , Eibl O. , Nielsch K. , Böttner H.
Published: September 2011

Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) yields new possibilities for the investigation of Bi2Te3 based nanomaterials. Combined low-loss electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDS) and energy-filtered TEM were applied on a Zeiss 912Ω TEM to investigate nanowires, thin films, and bulk materials. Multilayered Bi-Sb-Te nanowires with a diameter of 65 nm and a period of 200 nm and stoichiometric Bi2Te3 nanowires were grown by potential-pulsed electrochemical deposition. Tellurium elemental maps of the multilayered nanowires were obtained by two-window edge-jump ratio images (EJI). EDS chemical analysis showed that small Te fluctuations of 3 at.% yielded significant contrast in EJI. Energy-filtered TEM applied on nano-alloyed Bi2Te3 thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) revealed 10-20 nm thick Bi-rich blocking layers at grain boundaries. Plasmon spectroscopy by EELS was applied on Bi2(Te0.91Se0.09)3 bulk and yielded a plasmon energy of 16.9 eV. Finally, plasmon dispersion was measured for Bi2(Te0.91Se0.09)3 bulk by angle-resolved EELS, which yields a fingerprint of the anisotropy and the dimensionality of the electronic structure of the materials.
Proton formation and diffusion in amorphous SiNx:H
Authors: Dekkers H.F.W. , Prajapati V. , Van Elshocht S. , Vancoille E.
Published: September 2011

In this work the release of atomic hydrogen from SiNx:H films is investigated. Thermal treatment as well as UV-illumination induces the formation of H2, increasing the tensile stress in the film. N-rich SiNx:H films release hydrogen only by UV-illumination, indicating involvement of charge trapping. Ab initio calculations show a possible reaction path for the release and diffusion of protons that also explain the diffusion of hydrogen into Si substrates.
Frequency-Dependent Thermal Conductivity in Time Domain Thermoreflectance Analysis of Thin Films
Authors: Pernot Gilles , Michel Hélène , Vermeersch Bjorn , Burke Peter , Lu H. , Rampnoux Jean-Michel , Dilhaire Stefan , Ezzahri Younès , Gossard Arthur , Shakouri Ali
Published: September 2011

Over the past three decades, ultrashort laser pulses have been demonstrated to be a very powerful tool to investigate materials properties at the nanoscale. A key driving force is the high-time resolution required to study heat transfer across interfaces and in thin films. The Time-Domain Thermoreflectance (TDTR) is now widely used. This optical technique offers an interesting alternative to electrical approaches such as the 3ω method. We present a complete study of the TDTR signals. We investigate the influence of the modulation frequency on the measured signals and we show how this experimental parameter could be set to enhance or reduce the sensitivity to a specific thermal parameter. The dependence of the measured “apparent” thermal conductivity of the thin film as a function of the modulation frequency is discussed. Results are applied to investigate thermal properties of a series of InGaAs samples with embedded ErAs nanoparticles.
Ab-Initio Fully Periodic Characterization of MOF-74-M (M = Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn): Structures and Enthalpies of Adsorption
Authors: Valenzano Loredana , Civalleri Bartolomeo , Perger Warren F.
Published: September 2011

As a part of a systematic study on cation-exchanged MOF-74-M, we report a partial snapshot of our recent work achieved via a fully periodic first principle approach. Structures are reported for bulk MOF-74-Mg, Mn, Ni, and Zn as computed at DFT-B3LYP level of theory; enthalpies of adsorption for CO and CO2 in interaction with MOF-74-Ni, and Zn are also investigated as obtained at B3LYP+D* level, which is able to take into account the long-range dispersion interaction between adsorbate and adsorbant, through an a-posteriori scheme. Results are discussed and compared with available experimental data. To the authors’ knowledge this represents the first description of MOF-74-Mn structure and of the interaction of the mentioned molecules with MOF-74-Zn.
Proton and Mixed Conductors for Dual Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Viviani Massimo , Presto Sabrina , Barbucci Antonio , Carpanese Maria P. , Amendola Roberta , Thorel Alain S. , Chesnaud Anthony , Abreu Joao , Costa Remi , Ilhan Zeynep , Ansar Sayed-Asif , Vladikova Daria E. , Stoynov Zdravko B.
Published: September 2011

This paper presents results for the conductivity of BaCe0.85Y0.15O2-δ (BCY15) measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in wet hydrogen and in Air, as well as test results from the application of the material in a new dual membrane fuel cell configuration (“IDEAL Cell”), in which the water is produced and evacuated through a separate chamber. The conductivity of dense BCY15 in wet hydrogen atmosphere at 700 °C is 2.0 10-2 S/cm. The measured values in air are of the same order. Preliminary tests of the material in the new cell design, where the three types of conductivity (protonic, oxide ion and mixed) are used in different cell compartments, are successfully performed.
Crystalline and amorphous models of highly damaged Fe
Authors: Ojha Madhusudan , Nicholson D.M. , Radhakrishnan Bala. , Stoller R. E. , Egami Takeshi
Published: September 2011

The structure of irradiated material near a primary knock on atom shortly after impact is largely unknown. Molecular dynamics simulations with classical force fields provide the foundation for our current understanding of the resulting cascade. Atomic level structural characterization is often in terms defects within the context of a perfect bulk, however, the choice of the best representation is complicated because the density of defects is high, the material is inhomogeneous and it is not in equilibrium. Here we explore the adaptation of tools typically employed to characterize homogeneous equilibrium liquids to the highly defected region of the cascade. The cascade structure shows some resemblance to that of the liquid or glass phase. The local temperature temporarily exceeds the melting temperature and the free energies of the liquid and defected crystal are comparable. Analysis of cascade structure will be important to the interpretation of first principles calculations of the electronic and magnetic states in cascade structures.
Direct Measurement of Inhomogeneous Longitudinal Dopant Distribution in SiNWs Using Nano-Probe Scanning Auger Microscopy.
Authors: Givan U. , Hyun J. K. , Koren E. , Hammond J. S. , Paul D. F. , Lauhon L. J. , Rosenwaks Y.
Published: September 2011

Controlled incorporation of dopants into semiconductors nanowires is a critical step in tailoring their physical properties and hence for their utilization in future nano electronic devices. Recently, several studies addressing this issue revealed that dopant are inhomogeneously distributed in NWs grown by the popular CVD-VLS growth technique. The majority of those studies employed indirect characterization techniques which are sensitive to the active dopants only. In order to deepen our understanding of the incorporation mechanism a direct observation of the dopant chemical concentrations is required. In addition, the comparison between direct and indirect observations can shed some light on the dopant activation mechanisms in VLS grown NWs. In this study nanoprobe scanning Auger microscopy was employed to extract the longitudinal dopant distribution along P doped SiNWs. The effect of growth conditions and post-growth annealing on this distribution was studied and compared to previous studies which used indirect measurement techniques. In addition, dopant modulated segmented NWs were studied in order to distinguish the contribution of different mechanisms to the incorporation of dopants into VLS grown NWs.
Laser direct writing of graphene patterns
Authors: Park J.B. , Xiong W. , Xie Z.Q. , Mitchell M. , Gao Y. , Qian M. , Lu Y.F.
Published: September 2011

Rapid growth of single-layer graphene using laser-induced chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) with a visible CW laser (λ = 532 nm) irradiation at room temperature was investigated. In this study, an optically-pumped solid-state laser with a wavelength of 532 nm irradiates a thin nickel foil to induce a local temperature rise, thereby allowing the direct writing of graphene patterns about ~10 μm in width with high growth rate on precisely controlled positions. It is demonstrated that the fabrication of graphene patterns can be achieved with a single scan for each graphene pattern using LCVD with no annealing or preprocessing of the substrate. The scan speed reaches to about ~50 um/s, which indicates that the graphene pattern with 1:1 aspect ratio (x:y) can be grown in 0.2 sec. The patterned graphene on nickel was transferred to SiO2/Si substrate for fabrication of electrical circuits and sensor devices.
Physio-anatomic aspects on the initial growth of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. seedlings (Sterculiaceae)
Authors: Scalon Silvana P. Q , Pereira Heloisa H. G , Glaeser Daniele F , Silva Jocemar J , Betoni Roseli , Mussury Rosilda M
Published: September 2011

This paper aimed to evaluate the initial growth of "mutambo" seedlings in different conditions of light intensity and treatments with gibberellic acid (GA). The seedlings were kept under full sun and 50% of shading. Sixty days after the emergence, seedlings were sprayed with: 1) 100 mg L-1 GA3; 2) 200 mg L-1 GA3; 3) control. At the end of the appraisals, seedlings height under 50% of shading was compared to the height that were growing under full sun with 200 mg L-1 GA. Stem diameter was lower under shading. Leaf area did not vary among the treatments, but the root system growth was higher under full sun and did not vary among GA levels. The number of stomata, trichomes and epidermal cells on adaxial and abaxial sides was higher under full sun. Total dry masses of leaf and root were highe runder full sun and with 200 mg L-1 GA application. "Mutambo" seedlings presented a higher initial growth under full sun, although with a lower height, diameter, and lenght of the largest root and total dry masses of leaf and root were higher. A concentration with 200 mg L-1 promoted a higher growth
Incidentaloma adrenal bilateral associado à síndrome de cushing sub-clínica
Authors: Leal Angela , Freitas Renata M.P. Martins , Tucci Silvio , Soares Edson Garcia , Moreira Ayrton Custódio
Published: September 2011

Apresentamos um caso de paciente com achado de massa adrenal bilateral à tomografia computadorizada e ausência de sinais ou sintomas associados à hipersecreção adrenal (incidentaloma). A investigação laboratorial revelou perda do ritmo circadiano do cortisol plasmático e salivar, não supressibilidade do cortisol plasmático e salivar a doses crescentes de dexametasona (1 mg, 2mg, 8mg, 24mg), ACTH plasmático basal baixo e não responsivo à injeção de CRH ovino, caracterizando assim autonomia da secreção adrenal e o quadro de síndrome de Cushing sub-clínica. Os achados cirúrgico e anátomo-patológico e o cateterismo seletivo de veias renais e supra renais foram compatíveis com o diagnóstico de adenomas adrenais bilaterais funcionantes. A paciente foi submetida à adrenalectomia com boa evolução clínica. São discutidos dados clínicos e laboratoriais pertinentes ao caso.
Hipoglicemia hiperinsulinêmica da infância
Authors: Liberatore Junior Raphael Del Roio , Martinelli Junior Carlos Eduardo
Published: September 2011

A hipoglicemia hiperinsulinêmica da infância (HHI) é uma emergência no período neonatal. Após curtos períodos de jejum, o cérebro ávido por glicose corre o risco de ficar sem seu principal substrato energético. Os critérios de diagnóstico de HH, tanto no período neonatal quanto na criança maior e na adolescência, foram revisados. Foram descritas as etiologias e a fisiopatologia da HHI. As alterações moleculares frequentemente encontradas, bem como a descrição das principais mutações, são abordadas.
Mixed Over-Voltage Decomposition Using Atomic Decompositions Based on a Damped Sinusoids Atom Dictionary
Authors: Yang Qing , Wang Jing , Sima Wenxia , Chen Lin , Yuan Tao
Published: September 2011

The main purpose of this paper is to establish a signal decomposition system aiming at mixed over-voltages in power systems. In an electric power system, over-voltage presents a great threat for the system safety. Analysis and identification of over-voltages is helpful to improve the stability and safety of power systems. Through statistical analysis of a collection of field over-voltage records, it was found that a kind of complicated signals created by mixing of multiple different over-voltages is difficult to identify correctly with current classification algorithms. In order to improve the classification and identification accuracy of over-voltages, a mixed over-voltage decomposition system based on the atomic decomposition and a damped sinusoid atom dictionary has been established. This decomposition system is optimized by using particle swarm optimization and the fast Fourier transform. Aiming at possible fault decomposition results during decomposition of the over-voltage signal, a double-atom decomposition algorithm is proposed in this paper. By taking three typical mixed over-voltages as examples, the validity of the algorithm is demonstrated.
A GIS-Aided Assessment of the Health Hazards of Cadmium in Farm Soils in Central Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Po-Huang , Chan Ta-Chien , Hsieh Dennis P. H.
Published: September 2011

A geostatistical method was developed to examine the correlation, or lack of it, between the levels of cadmium (Cd) detected in farm soils and those detected in the human specimens collected from residents around the contaminated areas in Changhua County where cadmium contamination of staple rice has been documented. We used the Taiwan EPA environment data in 2002 and human data which were generated by the National Health Research Institutes during 2003–2005. Kriging interpolation methods were used to determine soil Cd concentrations. A Zonal statistical function was performed to assess the individual exposure. Soil Cd levels and tissue Cd levels in residents were analyzed for contamination hotspots and other areas to determine correlation between the two variables. Three Cd contamination hotspots were identified, in which no correlation was found between soil Cd levels and tissue Cd levels in residents. Our results demonstrate how GIS spatial modeling technique can be used to estimate distribution of pollutants in an area using a limited number of data points. Results indicated no association between the soil contamination and the exposure of residents to Cd, suggesting that both the soils and the residents are receptors of Cd as a pollutant from as yet unidentified sources.
La mobilité comme accessibilité, dispositions et épreuve : trois paradigmes expliquant le caractère éprouvant des déplacements à Paris
Authors: Oppenchaim Nicolas
Published: September 2011

L’objectif de cet article est d’appréhender le caractère éprouvant des mobilités quotidiennes pour les adolescents de Zones Urbaines Sensibles (ZUS) franciliennes. Nous mobilisons des matériaux statistiques, ethnographiques et des entretiens semi-directifs afin de tester la complémentarité de trois paradigmes de la mobilité. Dans celui de l’accessibilité, la mobilité est considérée comme une action rationnelle déterminée par les capacités d’organisation de l’individu et les contraintes qui pèsent sur lui. Le paradigme des dispositions considère la mobilité comme une pratique influencée par la socialisation des individus. Enfin, le paradigme de l’épreuve s’intéresse aux situations d’interaction qui se produisent durant les déplacements. La complémentarité de ces approches permet de comprendre la diversité des expériences éprouvantes des adolescents de ZUS : difficulté de certaines filles à se déplacer en raison des contraintes qui pèsent sur elles ; peur de l’anonymat et des déplacements en transports en commun pour les « encadrés » ; interactions conflictuelles avec les autres citadins pour les adolescents du quartier.
Les circulants entre métropoles européennes à l’épreuve de leurs mobilités. Une lecture temporelle, spatiale et sociale de la pénibilité
Authors: Dubucs Hadrien , Dureau Françoise , Giroud Matthieu , Imbert Christophe , Andre-Poyaud Isabelle , Bahoken Françoise
Published: September 2011

Cet article interroge les circulations d’individus entre Lisbonne et quatre autres métropoles européennes (Berlin, Bruxelles, Londres, Paris) sous l’angle de la pénibilité. L’approche proposée articule trois dimensions, à savoir la construction des pratiques de circulation entre métropoles à l’échelle biographique, le fonctionnement familial induit par la circulation et l’expérience des lieux fréquentés au quotidien dans chacune des métropoles. La prise en compte de ces trois dimensions permet de caractériser les circulants en termes de situations de mobilité à travers lesquelles est envisagée la pénibilité. Les situations de mobilité bien vécues semblent traduire un relatif équilibre dans les modes de vie associés aux circulations. L’article met cependant en évidence une série de facteurs qui peuvent contribuer à fragiliser, ou à nuancer ces situations : la lassitude, l’absence d’espace d’identification et de projet, la gestion de l’absence du circulant au sein de la famille, la modification du rapport à des lieux de ressourcement, la limitation des pratiques dans les lieux de la circulation. Au total, il n’existe pas de segmentation claire entre ces situations de mobilité du point de vue de la pénibilité. Des situations de mobilité très diverses peuvent être vécues de manière différente. La pénibilité dépend finalement d’une combinaison de facteurs qui, pris isolément, n’ont pas d’effet mécanique.
Déplacements d’accompagnement d’enfants en milieu urbain au Québec. Une expérience pénible ?
Authors: Vandersmissen Marie-Hélène
Published: September 2011

Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons aux déplacements effectués en milieu urbain au Québec par des adultes pour accompagner leur(s) enfant(s) vers des lieux d’activité (incluant les écoles). Nous nous questionnons plus particulièrement sur leur caractère pénible ou contraignant, dans la mesure où ces déplacements s’inscrivent dans une organisation quotidienne d’activités programmées, ordonnées et enchaînées dans un cadre temporel relativement limité. L’objectif consiste à explorer et à documenter ce type de déplacements en tentant de cerner les pratiques, les configurations et, jusqu’à un certain point, les émotions qui y seraient associées de manière à révéler leur pénibilité. Pour réaliser cette exploration, nous utilisons l’enquête sociale générale sur l’emploi du temps (ESG, 2005) produite par Statistique Canada. Si les résultats obtenus nous permettent de mieux décrire le contexte parfois contraignant des accompagnements d’enfants, ils ne nous permettent cependant pas de considérer ce type de déplacements comme pénible ou contraignant, sauf dans le cas d’un faible pourcentage de parents. Ces résultats exploratoires semblent montrer que plus le déplacement résidence-travail du parent accompagnateur est court, plus ce dernier aura de chances d’apprécier le fait de conduire son ou ses enfants à différentes activités.
Technical Note: How image processing facilitates the Rising Bubble Technique for discharge measurement
Authors: Hilgersom K. P. , Luxemburg W. M. J.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. In this article, we rehabilitate the integrating rising bubble technique as an effective means of obtaining discharge measurements. Since Sargent (1981, 1982a), the technique has not been applied widely, mainly as a result of practical difficulties. We hypothesize that modern image processing techniques can greatly improve the rising bubble technique. We applied the technique in both a laboratory setup and a field study, after calibrating the bubble rising velocity for our nozzles in the specific case. During our measurements, we captured digital photographs of the bubble envelope at the water surface, each picture being a single measurement of the discharge. The photographs were corrected for lens distortion and reprojected so that accurate distances on water surface level could be obtained. This easy digital procedure resulted in accurate discharge measurements, even when turbulence was involved and the averages of multiple image analyses yielded good results. The study shows that the rising bubble technique can be a preferable discharge gauging technique in some situations. Recent developments in image processing facilitate the method substantially.
In Situ Spectroscopic Analysis of Sub‐Second Switching Polymer Electrochromes
Authors: Liu David Y. , Chilton Andrew D. , Shi Pengjie , Craig Michael R. , Miles Steven D. , Dyer Aubrey L. , Ballarotto Vincent W. , Reynolds John R.
Published: September 2011

As electrochromic polymers can switch with a high transmittance contrast in the sub‐second time frame, an analytical tool to rapidly probe the electrochemically‐induced optical transition is required for characterization of these materials for electronic displays and smart windows. A novel technique is described to synchronize the electrochemical and optical measurements by utilizing an external trigger to facilitate coordinated communication between the potentiostat, which applies a voltage to the electrode supported electrochromic polymers, and the optical spectrometer that records the induced optical transitions. By using a spectrometer containing a photodiode array detector, these measurements are capable of rapid data acquisition to track the electrochromic change in the polymer films, with as many as 500 spectra captured during a one‐second switch of the polymer from a colored, neutral to highly transmissive state. Additionally, with this rapid, full‐spectral measurement, it is possible to trace the temporal evolution of the electrochromic change to determine the presence of intermediate color tones, as well as their duration. Here, three polymers are shown, ECP‐Magenta, ECP‐Green, and ECP‐Black, which obtain high transmittance contrast between 40 to 50 Δ%T, with sub‐second switching times measured in the range of 400 to 700 ms, demonstrating their potential for use in electrochromic windows and displays where rapid transitions are desired.
Next‐to‐next‐to‐leading order post‐Newtonian spin(1)‐spin(2) Hamiltonian for self‐gravitating binaries
Authors: Hartung J. , Steinhoff J.
Published: September 2011

We present the next‐to‐next‐to‐leading order post‐Newtonian (PN) spin(1)‐spin(2) Hamiltonian for two self‐gravitating spinning compact objects. If both objects are rapidly rotating, then the corresponding interaction is comparable in strength to a 4PN effect. The Hamiltonian is checked via the global Poincaré algebra with the center‐of‐mass vector uniquely determined by an ansatz.
Bioactivity of immobilized hyaluronic acid derivatives regarding protein adsorption and cell adhesion
Authors: Köwitsch Alexander , Yang Yuan , Ma Ning , Kuntsche Judith , Mäder Karsten , Groth Thomas
Published: September 2011

Hyaluronic acid (HA) was chemically modified either by oxidation to obtain aldehyde‐HA (aHA) or 3,3′‐dithiobis(propanoic hydrazide) to obtain thiol‐HA (tHA) that was covalently immobilized on model substrata such as amino‐terminated surfaces or gold. Knowledge about the effect of modification with HA on physicochemical surface properties of these substrata and estimates of the quantities of immobilized HA were obtained by different physical methods such as contact angle measurements, ellipsometry, and atomic force microscopy. The bioactivity of aHA and tHA toward their natural binding partner aggrecan was studied by comparing surface plasmon resonance to native HA; this shows that binding of aggrecan was achieved in a similar way. Dermal human fibroblasts were used as a model cell to study how chemical modification and immobilization of HA impact adhesion and spreading of cells, which also affects cell growth and differentiation. A lower number and spreading of cells were observed on HA‐modified surfaces compared to amino‐ and vinyl‐terminated glass and silicon surfaces. Immunofluorescence microscopy also revealed that adhesion of fibroblast plated on HA‐modified surfaces was mediated primarily by HA receptor CD44, indicating that bioactivity of HA was not significantly reduced by chemical modification.
Polymeric membranes for guided bone regeneration
Authors: Gentile Piergiorgio , Chiono Valeria , Tonda‐Turo Chiara , Ferreira Ana M. , Ciardelli Gianluca
Published: September 2011

In this review, different barrier membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR) are described as a useful surgical technique to enhance bone regeneration in damaged alveolar sites before performing implants and fitting other dental appliances. The GBR procedure encourages bone regeneration through cellular exclusion and avoids the invasion of epithelial and connective tissues that grow at the defective site instead of bone tissue. The barrier membrane should satisfy various properties, such as biocompatibility, non‐immunogenicity, non‐toxicity, and a degradation rate that is long enough to permit mechanical support during bone formation. Other characteristics such as tissue integration, nutrient transfer, space maintenance and manageability are also of interest. In this review, various non‐resorbable and resorbable commercially available membranes are described, based on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid) and their copolymers. The polyester‐based membranes are biodegradable, permit a single‐stage procedure, and have higher manageability than non‐resorbable membranes; however, they have shown poor biocompatibility. In contrast, membranes based on natural materials, such as collagen, are biocompatible but are characterized by poor mechanical properties and stability due to their early degradation. Moreover, new approaches are described, such as the use of multi‐layered, graft‐copolymer‐based and composite membranes containing osteoconductive ceramic fillers as alternatives to conventional membranes.
Predicting the need for palliative thoracic radiation after first‐line chemotherapy for advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Higginson Daniel S. , Chen Ronald C. , Morris David E. , Halle Jan , Rosenman Julian G. , Socinski Mark A. , Marks Lawrence B.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this secondary analysis was to identify patients with selected stage IIIB/IV nonsmall cell lung carcinoma and good performance status who were at high risk for requiring subsequent palliative thoracic radiotherapy after initial treatment with first‐line chemotherapy.

METHODS:

The authors conducted a pooled analysis of patients at a single institution who enrolled onto 10 prospective phase 2 and 3 clinical trials that involved first‐line, platinum‐based chemotherapy. Baseline lung‐related characteristics before trial enrollment were analyzed as possible prognostic factors for freedom from pulmonary events (defined either as subsequent thoracic radiation or as a new collapsed lung, which is an indication for thoracic radiation).

RESULTS:

Of 244 consecutive patients who were reviewed, 42 patients received a palliative course of thoracic radiation, 40 exhibited evidence of new lobar collapse on follow‐up chest imaging, and 14 received thoracic radiation for lobar collapse. On univariable analysis, pulmonary symptoms (P = .043) or pneumonia at presentation (P = .0001), increasing size of hilar disease (P < .0001), and evidence of obstruction of major bronchi or vessels (P = .0003) were associated with subsequent pulmonary events. On multivariable analysis, hilar disease measuring >3 cm (hazard ratio, 1.8; P = .003) and prechemotherapy pneumonia (hazard ratio, 2.1; P = .009) were associated with pulmonary events; patients who had both risk factors or hilar disease >5 cm in greatest dimension exhibited a >50% risk of subsequent events.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with bulky hilar disease and a history of pneumonia at presentation were at high risk for requiring palliative thoracic radiation. The authors propose studying these patients to determine whether early thoracic radiation may be beneficial by preserving quality of life and performance status. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Association between tamoxifen treatment and diabetes
Authors: Lipscombe Lorraine L. , Fischer Hadas D. , Yun Lingsong , Gruneir Andrea , Austin Peter , Paszat Lawrence , Anderson Geoff M. , Rochon Paula A.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

There is increasing evidence linking breast cancer and diabetes; however, few studies have explored the association between cancer treatments and risk of diabetes. Tamoxifen may increase diabetes incidence through its estrogen‐inhibiting effects. This study assessed whether tamoxifen treatment in older breast cancer survivors is associated with an increased risk of diabetes.

METHODS:

This nested case‐control study used population‐based health databases in Ontario, Canada to identify women older than 65 years with early stage breast cancer between April 1, 1996 and March 31, 2006. Cases were defined as cohort members diagnosed with diabetes during follow‐up (March 31, 2008), and each case was age‐matched with up to 5 controls who did not develop diabetes. After adjusting for other risk factors, the authors compared the likelihood of diabetes between current tamoxifen users and tamoxifen nonusers, based on prescriptions at diabetes diagnosis. They also compared diabetes risk in current aromatase inhibitor users versus nonusers.

RESULTS:

Of 14,360 breast cancer survivors identified, mean age 74.9 years, 1445 (10%) developed diabetes over a mean follow‐up of 5.2 years. Current tamoxifen therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of diabetes compared with no tamoxifen therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.08‐1.42; P = .002). There was no association between aromatase inhibitor therapy and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Current tamoxifen therapy is associated with an increased incidence of diabetes in older breast cancer survivors. These findings suggest that tamoxifen treatment may exacerbate an underlying risk of diabetes in susceptible women; further studies are needed to better explore this association. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Differential expression of Brn3 transcription factors in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in mouse
Authors: Jain Varsha , Ravindran Ethiraj , Dhingra Narender K.
Published: September 2011

Several subtypes of melanopsin‐expressing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have been reported. The M1 type of ipRGCs exhibit distinct properties compared with the remaining (non‐M1) cells. They differ not only in their soma size and dendritic arbor, but also in their physiological properties, projection patterns, and functions. However, it is not known how these differences arise. We tested the hypothesis that M1 and non‐M1 cells express Brn3 transcription factors differentially. The Brn3 family of class IV POU‐domain transcription factors (Brn3a, Brn3b, and Brn3c) is involved in the regulation of differentiation, dendritic stratification, and axonal projection of retinal ganglion cells during development. By using double immunofluorescence for Brn3 transcription factors and melanopsin, and with elaborate morphometric analyses, we show in mouse retina that neither Brn3a nor Brn3c are expressed in ipRGCs. However, Brn3b is expressed in a subset of ipRGCs, particularly those with larger somas and lower melanopsin levels, suggesting that Brn3b is expressed preferentially in the non‐M1 cells. By using dendritic stratification to distinguish M1 from non‐M1 cells, we found that whereas nearly all non‐M1 cells expressed Brn3b, a vast majority of the M1 cells were negative for Brn3b. Interestingly, in the small proportion of the M1 cells that did express Brn3b, the expression level of Brn3b was significantly lower than in the non‐M1 cells. These results provide insights about how expression of specific molecules in a ganglion cell could be linked to its role in visual function. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.