bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Myth of Eurosclerosis: European Integration in the 1970s
Authors: Awesti Anil
Published: August 2011

Résumé Dans le contexte de l’intégration européenne, la période allant du milieu des années soixante au milieu des années quatre-vingt est connue comme celle de l’Eurosclérose. Cette approche s’appuie sur le sentiment d’une stagnation de l’intégration durant ces années, principalement en raison du refus des États membres d’abandonner leur souveraineté et de la montée du protectionnisme face à la récession économique. La théorie intergouvernementaliste est vue de manière conventionnelle comme le cadre dans lequel on peut analyser cette période en se concentrant sur les intérêts propres des États. L’objectif de cet article est d’examiner de manière critique la période d’eurosclérose mais également la théorie intergouvernementaliste en tant que cadre permettant d’expliquer cette période dans le processus de l’intégration européenne. Cet article considère que, en se concentrant sur l’approche historique, l’analyse intergouvernementaliste de niveau super-systémique n’arrive pas à prendre en compte les facteurs sous-systémiques qui ont agi comme des forces motrices de l’intégration européenne. L’approche stato-centrée de l’intergouvernementalisme ne lui permet pas de prendre en compte les développements politiques sous-jacents qui se sont développés durant cette période. Ces développements, durant les années dites d’eurosclérose, furent à la base des futurs actes politiques majeurs de la Communauté européenne-Union européenne, tels l’Acte unique et l’Union économique et monétaire. Dans cette approche, cet article examine les processus de constructions institutionnelles qui eurent lieu durant cette période, à travers une analyse du Parlement européen, de la Commission européenne et de la Coopération politique européenne. Cet article analyse également la croissance de la compétence politique de la Communauté européenne, en particulier dans le domaine économique. Enfin, une analyse du rôle de la Cour de justice des Communautés européennes s’intéresse aux impacts politiques de ses principales décisions légales. Cet article conclut qu’il n’est pas seulement faux de parler d’une période de stagnation, mais également que l’intergouvernementalisme, parce qu’il n’était pas à même d’apprécier les dynamiques internes du processus d’intégration, ne peut être considéré comme un cadre adéquat pour analyser cette période.
The Rising of the Phoenix: Building the European Monetary System on a Meeting of Minds
Authors: Van Esch Femke A.W.J.
Published: August 2011

Résumé Avec un recul de plusieurs décennies, la mise en place rapide et soudaine du Système monétaire européen, dans le contexte morose et eurosclérosé des années soixante-dix, demeure une réussite assez impressionnante. Cet article démontre que ce bond en avant inespéré dans le domaine économique et monétaire européen fut rendu possible par une rencontre des idées entre le chancelier Schmidt et le président Giscard d’Estaing. Cependant leur succès, dans une période d’eurosclérose et d’économie en berne, dépendait largement des contraintes et opportunités issues du contexte politique et économique européen.
Membership in Monetary Europe: France as Gatekeeper
Authors: Andrews David
Published: August 2011

Résumé L’effondrement du système basé sur les accords de Bretton Woods en 1973et l’envoyée des prix du pétrole ont accéléré une divergence d’opinion grandissante entre l’appartenance à la communauté européenne et les pays dont les monnaies faisaient partie du système de taux d’échange communautaire (le “serpent”). En 1974, les monnaies françaises, italiennes et anglaises se sont retirées de ce serpent, contrairement à celles des états non membres (Norvège et Suède) qui ont continué à fonctionner sur ce système. Cette situation commença à menacer de plomber les projets français en vue du développement futur de la communauté, une inquiétude qui se vérifia lors de l’élection de Valéry Giscard d’Estaing en 1974. Le gouvernement Giscard D’Estaing rendit alors prioritaire la réforme du serpent, dans le but de faciliter le retour du Franc et de limiter ainsi toute nouvelle arrivée parmi les membres de l’Europe Monétaire qui serait contre cet objectif. Paris réussit a atteindre ses objectifs à long terme mais échoua pour ceux à court terme. En fait, la France bloqua l’entrée du Franc Suisse dans le serpent (elle s’y opposait vigoureusement), mais fut incapable de changer aucune des règles fondamentales régissant le fonctionnement du serpent (et cela malgré des efforts répétés). La France, à l’intérieur de l’Europe Monétaire, a exercé une influence considérable sur les questions concernant les membres mais moindre sur celles touchant aux lois sur les états membres - une tendance qui se répètera au fil des années.
Between Emancipation and Defence: The Failure of the Commission'xs Attempt to Concert a Common European Immigration Policy
Authors: Berlinghoff Marcel
Published: August 2011

Résumé Aux débuts des années 70, l’immigration de travail atteint son pic en Europe de l’Ouest. Face à d’immenses problèmes sociaux, à la fois la Commission et les États ont réalisé qu’une solution efficace aux problèmes migratoires ne se trouverait que dans la coopération et l’échange. Cet article décrit les efforts de la Commission pour s’afficher comme un acteur dans les politiques d’immigration en harmonisant les politiques nationales d’immigration. Partant du principe que les États ne veulent pas transférer leur souveraineté dans ce domaine, cet article analysera comment ils prirent leurs avancées comme action concertée et réduisirent à néant les efforts de la Commission.
La solidarité en libre-service
Authors: Bapst Guillaume
Published: August 2011

Résumé Pour rendre plus autonomes des familles vivant au-dessous du seuil de pauvreté, l’association ANDES regroupe une centaine d’épiceries solidaires qui leur offrent des produits alimentaires à très bas prix, en recyclant du surplus européen ou des invendus de la grande distribution.
The Rank of Jacobian Varieties over the Maximal Abelian Extensions of Number Fields: Towards the Frey–Jarden Conjecture
Authors: Sairaiji Fumio , Yamauchi Takuya
Published: August 2011

Frey and Jarden asked if any abelian variety over a number field K has the infinite Mordell–Weil rank over the maximal abelian extension Kab. In this paper, we give an affirmative answer to their conjecture for the Jacobian variety of any smooth projective curve C over K such that #C(Kab) = ∞ and for any abelian variety of GL2-type with trivial character.
Cesàro Operators on the Hardy Spaces of the Half-Plane
Authors: Arvanitidis Athanasios G. , Siskakis Aristomenis G.
Published: August 2011

In this article we study the Cesàro operator

and its companion operator 𝒯 on Hardy spaces of the upper half plane. We identify 𝒞 and 𝒯 as resolvents for appropriate semigroups of composition operators and we find the norm and the spectrum in each case. The relation of 𝒞 and 𝒯 with the corresponding Cesàro operators on Lebesgue spaces Lp(ℝ) of the boundary line is also discussed.
Convergent Sequences in Discrete Groups
Authors: Thom Andreas
Published: August 2011

We prove that a finitely generated group contains a sequence of non-trivial elements that converge to the identity in every compact homomorphic image if and only if the group is not virtually abelian. As a consequence of the methods used, we show that a finitely generated group satisfies Chu duality if and only if it is virtually abelian.
Transcendental Solutions of a Class of Minimal Functional Equations
Authors: Coons Michael
Published: August 2011

We prove a result concerning power series f(z) 2 C[[z]] satisfying a functional equation of
the form?

where . In particular, we show that if f (z) satisfies a minimal functional equation of the above form with n≥ 2, then f (z) is necessarily transcendental. Towards a more complete classification, the case n = 1 is also considered.
Novel Therapies for Treating Short Stature with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Simpson Joe Leigh , Hann Michael Christopher , Kshetrapal Anisha , New Maria I
Published: August 2011

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders in which various errors in adrenal biosynthesis pathways lead to impaired cortisol secretion, possible impairment of mineralocorticoid production and androgen excess. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy is the primary treatment for CAH; however, the combination of androgen excess and high doses of glucocorticoids contributes to shortened adult height. Novel approaches to address this problem are being developed, particularly the use of growth hormone (GH) and gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa). In this review, we document and compare the effectiveness of these novel therapies in ameliorating the decreased adult height observed in patients with CAH. Available data indicate effectiveness of these novel treatment strategies, suggesting widespread implementation of these treatment strategies should be tested with the expectation of being recommended as the standard of care.

Abbreviations

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH); Salt wasting (SW-CAH); Non-salt wasting (NSW-CAH); Growth hormone (GH); Gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa); Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog (LHRHa); 21-hydroxylase gene (CYP21); 21-hydroxylase pseudogene (CYP21p); Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA); Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH); Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); Bone mineral density (BMD); Standard score (SDS).
Metformin throughout Pregnancy in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Safety and Advantages
Authors: Bansal Bharti , Dalal Rutvij Jay , Palshetkar Nandita P , Pai Hrishikesh D , Manisha Takhtani , Nidhi Saxena
Published: August 2011

Objective

To study the incidence of spontaneous abortions, congenital malformations, neonatal and maternal hypoglycemia after metformin therapy in pregnancy.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Outpatient.

Patient(s)

56 women previously oligomenorrheic, nondiabetic women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, who conceived while on metformin.

Intervention(s)

Metformin 1 to 1.5 gm/day throughout pregnancy.

Main outcome

Incidence of 1st trimester abortions, gestational diabetes, teratogenicity and maternal complications, like gastritis and hypoglycemia.

Results

On metformin, the incidence of 1st trimester abortion was 11% and the incidence of gestational diabetes was 7%, which is much lower than the incidence otherwise cited for PCOS women. No major congenital abnormalities were observed.

Conclusion

Metformin therapy in pregnancy reduces the otherwise high incidence of 1st trimester abortions, and gestational diabetes in PCOS women is tolerated well and is not found to be teratogenic.
Gestión documental de la información audiovisual deportiva en las televisiones generalistas
Authors: Serrano Jorge Caldera , Alonso Felipe
Published: August 2011

Se analiza la gestión de la información audiovisual deportiva en el marco de los Sistemas de Información Documental de las cadenas estatales, zonales y locales. Para ello se realiza un realiza un recorrido por la cadena documental que realiza la información audiovisual deportiva con el fin de ir analizando cada uno de los parámetros, mostrando así una serie de recomendaciones y normativas para la confección del registro audiovisual deportivo. Evidentemente la documentación deportiva audiovisual no se diferencia en exceso del análisis de otros tipos documentales televisivos por lo que se lleva a cabo una profundización y ampliación de su gestión y difusión, mostrando el flujo informacional dentro del Sistema.
Princípios de organização e representação de conceitos em linguagens documentárias
Authors: Pereira Edmeire Cristina , Bufrem Leilah Santiago
Published: August 2011

Análise dos princípios e métodos de organização e representação de conceitos para as Linguagens Documentárias (LD), enfocando-se principalmente a Teoria da Classificação Facetada (Ranganathan), a Teoria Geral da Terminologia (Wüester) e a Teoria do Conceito (Dahlberg), considerada sua importância para o avanço dos estudos em Análise Documentária (AD). Propõe uma síntese de princípios/características para a AD. Conclui que a AD comporta em si dois sentidos: o de método interpretativo e o de teoria, cujo conhecimento é produzido a partir do método.
Serviço de referência online nas bibliotecas virtuais da região Nordeste
Authors: Silva Alzira Karla Araújo da , Beuttenmüller Zailton Frederico
Published: August 2011

Identifica as bibliotecas virtuais da Região Nordeste do Brasil diagnosticando o serviço de referência online e sua estrutura. Destaca os tipos de bibliotecas e o papel da biblioteca virtual omo guia e orientador dos usuários remotos da Internet, através do atendimento pelo correio eletrônico. Ressalta o Serviço de Referência Virtual como um serviço que permite a interação entre informação-bibliotecário-usuário no ambiente virtual. Tem como abordagem metodológica um estudo qualitativo, realizado através da observação dos sites da Biblioteca Central Reitor Macedo Costa (Bahia), Biblioteca Temática do Empreendedor–SEBRAE (Paraíba), Sistema de Bibliotecas da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (Paraíba) e Biblioteca da Universidade de Fortaleza – Unifor (Ceará) e das informações coletadas a partir de um questionário respondido pelos responsáveis por essas bibliotecas. Os resultados apontam a presença do serviço de referência e do bibliotecário nas duas primeiras bibliotecas virtuais e apenas do bibliotecário nas duas últimas. Confirma o fato de que nas bibliotecas virtuais da Região Nordeste os serviços de referência online estão ganhando espaço e utilizando as ferramentas tecnológicas, com destaque para o correio eletrônico. Fortalece a afirmação de que essas bibliotecas precisam do uso das novas tecnologias, a fim de atender as solicitações dos usuários remotos com eficiência e precisão. Contribui para a análise e futuras implantações de serviços de referência online e para o repensar do papel do serviço nas bibliotecas virtuais.
The influence of semi-volatile and reactive primary emissions on the abundance and properties of global organic aerosol
Authors: Jathar S. H. , Farina S. C. , Robinson A. L. , Adams P. J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Semi-volatile and reactive primary organic aerosols are modeled on a global scale using the GISS GCM II' "unified" climate model. We employ the volatility basis set framework to simulate emissions, chemical reactions and phase partitioning of primary and secondary organic aerosol (POA and SOA). The model also incorporates the emissions and reactions of intermediate volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) as a source of organic aerosol (OA), one that has been missing in most prior work. Model predictions are evaluated against a broad set of observational constraints including mass concentrations, degree of oxygenation, volatility and isotopic composition. A traditional model that treats POA as non-volatile and non-reactive is also compared to the same set of observations to highlight the progress made in this effort. The revised model predicts a global dominance of SOA and brings the POA/SOA split into better agreement with ambient measurements. This change is due to traditionally defined POA evaporating and the evaporated vapors oxidizing to form non-traditional SOA. IVOCs (traditionally not included in chemical transport models) oxidize to form condensable products that account for a third of total OA, suggesting that global models have been missing a large source of OA. Predictions of the revised model for the SOA fraction at 17 different locations compared much better to observations than predictions from the traditional model. Model-predicted volatility is compared with thermodenuder data collected at three different different field campaigns: FAME-2008, MILAGRO-2006 and SOAR-2005. The revised model predicts the OA volatility much more closely than the traditional model. When compared against monthly averaged OA mass concentrations measured by the IMPROVE network, predictions of the revised model lie within a factor of two in summer and mostly within a factor of five during winter. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the winter comparison can be improved either by increasing POA emissions or lowering the volatility of those emissions. Model predictions of the isotopic composition of OA are compared against those computed via a radiocarbon isotope analysis of field samples. The contemporary fraction, on average, is slightly under-predicted (20 %) during the summer months but is a factor of two lower during the winter months. We hypothesize that the large wintertime under-prediction of surface OA mass concentrations and the contemporary fraction is due to an under-representation of biofuel (particularly, residential wood burning) emissions in the emissions inventory. Overall, the model evaluation highlights the importance of treating POA as semi-volatile and reactive in order to predict accurately the sources, composition and properties of ambient OA.
Relativistic electron beams above thunderclouds
Authors: Füllekrug M. , Roussel-Dupré R. , Symbalisty E. M. D. , Colman J. J. , Chanrion O. , Soula S. , van der Velde O. , Odzimek A. , Bennett A. J. , Pasko V. P. , Neubert T.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Non-luminous relativistic electron beams above thunderclouds have been detected by the radio signals of low frequency ∼40–400 kHz which they radiate. The electron beams occur ∼2–9 ms after positive cloud-to-ground lightning discharges at heights between ∼22–72 km above thunderclouds. Intense positive lightning discharges can also cause sprites which occur either above or prior to the electron beam. One electron beam was detected without any luminous sprite which suggests that electron beams may also occur independently of sprites. Numerical simulations show that beams of electrons partially discharge the lightning electric field above thunderclouds and thereby gain a mean energy of ∼7 MeV to transport a total charge of ∼−10 mC upwards. The impulsive current ∼3 × 10−3 Am−2 associated with relativistic electron beams above thunderclouds is directed downwards and needs to be considered as a novel element of the global atmospheric electric circuit.
Measurements of gaseous H2SO4 by AP-ID-CIMS during CAREBeijing 2008 Campaign
Authors: Zheng J. , Hu M. , Zhang R. , Yue D. , Wang Z. , Guo S. , Li X. , Bohn B. , Shao M. , He L. , Huang X. , Wiedensohler A. , Zhu T.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. As part of the 2008 Campaign of Air Quality Research in Beijing and Surrounding Regions (CAREBeijing 2008), measurements of gaseous sulfuric acid (H2SO4) have been conducted at an urban site in Beijing, China from 7 July to 25 September 2008 using atmospheric pressure ion drift – chemical ionization mass spectrometry (AP-ID-CIMS). This represents the first gaseous H2SO4 measurements in China. Diurnal profile of sulfuric acid is strongly dependent on the actinic flux, reaching a daily maximum around noontime and with an hourly average concentration of 5 × 106 molecules cm−3. Simulation of sulfuric acid on the basis of the measured sulfur dioxide concentration, photolysis rates of ozone and nitrogen dioxide, and aerosol surface areas captures the trend of the measured H2SO4 diurnal variation within the uncertainties, indicating that photochemical production and condensation onto preexisting particle surface dominate the observed diurnal H2SO4 profile. The frequency of the peak H2SO4 concentration exceeding 5 × 106 molecules cm−3 increases by 16 % during the period of the summer Olympic Games (8–24 August 2008), because of the implementation of air quality control regulations. Using a multivariate statistical method, the critical nucleus during nucleation events is inferred, containing two H2SO4 molecules (R2 = 0.85). The calculated condensation rate of H2SO4 can only account for 10–25 % of PM1 sulfate formation, indicating that either much stronger sulfate production exists at the SO2 source region or other sulfate production mechanisms are responsible for the sulfate production.
Solar irradiance in clear atmosphere: study of parameterisations of change with altitude
Authors: Oumbe A. , Blanc Ph. , Gschwind B. , Lefevre M. , Qu Z. , Schroedter-Homscheidt M. , Wald L.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Parameterisation of changes of the solar irradiance at ground level with a specific variable (e.g. solar zenithal angle, aerosol optical depth, altitude, etc.) is often used in operational processes because it saves computational time. This paper deals with the modelling of the vertical profile of downwelling solar irradiance for the first two kilometres above ground in clear sky conditions. Two analytical parameterisations are evaluated for direct and global irradiance in spectral bands as well as for the total irradiance. These parameterisations reproduce the vertical profile with good accuracy for global spectral irradiance and are less accurate for direct component, especially in turbid atmosphere. A piecewise linear interpolation technique using irradiance values known at surface and 4 altitudes every 500 m performs better in any case.
Degradation capability of the coastal environment adjacent to the Itata River in central Chile (36.5° S)
Authors: Pantoja S. , Gutiérrez M. H. , Ampuero P. , Tejos E.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The response of the coastal ocean influenced by both river discharges and inputs of photosynthetically derived organic carbon product of upwelling, was evaluated by estimating rates of microbial hydrolysis of macromolecules with the goal of estimating the potential degradation capability of the coastal ecosystem off central Chile. Extracellular enzymatic activity (EEA) in seawater was dominated by aminopeptidase activity on substrate L-leucine-4-methyl-7-coumarinylamide (MCA-leu) (1.2 to 182 nmol l−1 h−1) followed by 4-methylumbelliferyl-ß-D-glucoside (MUF-glu) (0.08–61 nmol l−1 h−1) and 4-methylumbelliferyl-ß-D-cellobiose (MUF-cel) (0.15–7 nmol l−1 h−1), with the highest rates measured during spring-summer. In riverine waters, extracellular enzymatic hydrolysis remained within the range of 45 to 131 nmol l−1 h−1 for MCA-leu and ca. 20 nmol l−1 h−1 for glucosidic substrates, year-round. Contrary to the EEA observed for the marine water column, surface sediment extracellular enzymatic hydrolysis of MCA-leu (0.04 to 6.13 nmol g−1 dw h−1) was in the same order of magnitude as the rates observed for MUF-cel (0.004 to 5.1 nmol g−1 dw h−1) and MUF-glu (0.007 to 10.5 nmol g−1 dw h−1). Moreover, hydrolysis in sediments was characterized by higher rates during winter compared with spring-summer in the coastal and estuarine zone. The five years of data allowed us to evaluate the potential capability of microbial processing of organic carbon in the coastal area adjacent to the Itata river discharge where the increase in primary production in the productive seasons is accompanied by the increase in hydrolysis of macromolecules.
Integration of remote sensing data and surface observations to estimate the impact of the russian wildfires over Europe and Asia during August 2010
Authors: Mei L. , Xue Y. , de Leeuw G. , Guang J. , Wang Y. , Li Y. , Xu H. , Yang L. , Hou T. , He X. , Wu C. , Dong J. , Chen Z.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. A series of wildfires broke out in western Russia starting in late July of 2010. Harmful particulates and gases released into the local Russian atmosphere have been reported, as have possible negative consequences for the global atmosphere. In this study, an extremely hazy area and its transport trajectory on Russian wildfires were analysed using aerosol optical depth (AOD) images retrieved via the synergy method from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. In addition, we used trace gases (NO2 and SO2) and CO2 products measured using Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) data, vertical distribution of AOD data retrieved from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) data, the mass trajectory analyses, synoptic maps from a HYSPLIT model simulation and ground-based data, including AERONET (both AOD and Ångström exponent) data and PM2.5. First, an Optimal Smoothing (OS) scheme was used to develop more precise and reliable AOD data based on multiple competing predictions made using several AOD retrieval models; then, integrated AOD and PM2.5 data were related using a chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem), and the integrated AOD and visibility data were related using a 6S model. The results show that the PM2.5 concentration is 3–5 times the normal amount based on both satellite data and in situ values with peak daily mean concentrations of approximately 500 μg m−3. Also, the visibility of many parts of Russia, even Moscow, was less than 100 m; in some areas, the visibility was less than 50 m. Additionally, the possible impact on neighbouring countries due to the long-transport effect was also analysed during 31 July and 15 August 2010. A comparison of the satellite aerosol products and ground observations from the neighbouring countries suggests that wildfires in western Russian have had little impact on most European and Asian countries, the exceptions being Finland, Estonia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan. However, a possible impact on the Arctic region was also identified; such an effect would have a serious influence on the polar atmospheric environment and on animals such as polar bears.
Tidal generation of large sub-mesoscale eddy dipoles
Authors: Callendar W. , Klymak J. M. , Foreman M. G. G.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Numerical simulations of tidal flow past Cape St. James on the south tip of Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) are presented that indicate mesoscale dipoles are formed from coalescing tidal eddies. Observations in this region demonstrate robust eddy generation at the Cape, with the primary process being flow separation of buoyant or wind driven outflows forming large anti-cyclonic, negative potential vorticity, Haida Eddies. However, there are other times where dipoles are observed in satellites, indicating a source of positive potential vorticity must also be present. The simulations here build on previous work that implicates oscillating tidal flow past the cape in creating the positive vorticity. Small headland eddies of alternating vorticity are created each tide. During certain tidal cycles, the headland eddies coalesce and self organize in such a way as to create large >20-km diameter eddies that then self-advect into deep water. The self advection speed is faster than the beta drift of anti-cyclones, and the propagation direction appears to be more southerly than typical Haida Eddies, though the model contains no mean wind-driven flows. These eddies are smaller than Haida Eddies, but given their tidal origin, may represent a more consistent source of coastal water that is injected into the interior of the subpolar gyre.
Second Trimester Amniocentesis Is Not a Risk Factor for Very Low Birth Weight and Extremely Low Birth Weight
Authors: Mazza Vincenzo , Pati Mariangela , Bertucci Emma , Cani Carlotta , Latella Silvia , Gargano Giancarlo , Percesepe Antonio , Volpe Annibale
Published: August 2011

Objectives. To assess the risk of very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) attributable to second trimester amniocentesis. Methods. Records of 4,877 consecutive amniocentesis, performed between 1997 and 2003, were analyzed. Only VLBW and ELBW in the study population (exposed) and in the control group (unexposed) were evaluated. Comparisons were made between the amniocentesis group versus nonexposed. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for VLBW and ELBW classes. Results. In the study population, the VLBW were 35 (0.71%) and the ELBW were 20 (0.41%). In the control group, the VLBW were 220 (0.67%) and the ELBW were 112 (0.34%). The Odds ratios of the VLBW between the study and the control group did not show any statistical significant risk (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.72–1.54). Also in ELBW odds ratios between study and control group were not statistically significant (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.7–1.95). Conclusions. No effect of the second trimester amniocentesis was noted on VLBW and ELBW.
Electrochemical Behavior of Zn-Ni Alloys in Borate Buffer Solutions
Authors: Zaky Ayman M. , Assaf Fawzi H. , Ali Fatma El Zhraa A. H.
Published: August 2011

The Electrochemical behavior of Zn-Ni alloys was studied in borate solutions using cyclic voltammetry, potentiodynamic anodic polarization, and current transient techniques under the effect of alloy composition, stepwise increasing potential, scan rate, and electrolyte concentration. The voltammogram consists of two potential regions separated by the critical potential
. The first potential region involves the selective dissolution of the less noble metal, zinc, and the appearance of two anodic peaks and . Peak is due to the formation of Zn(OH)2 and to the formation of ZnO on the alloy surface. The second potential region relates to the simultaneous dissolution of nickel. This region was characterized by the appearance of three anodic peaks , , and prior to the oxygen evolution reaction. These peaks are assigned to the formation of Ni(OH)2, NiOOH, and Ni2O3, respectively. The anodic voltammetric profiles of the alloys lies below those of the pure metals indicating decreased rates of dissolution of the two metals, zinc and nickel, from the alloys. On alloying with nickel, the rate of zinc dissolution was decreased which increases its protective life as sacrificial anode for automobile body against corrosion. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the existence of Zn(OH)2, ZnO, Ni(OH)2, and Ni2O3 with preferred orientations (008), (101), (002), and (202) of the alloy surface polarized to noble potentials. Potentiostatic current/time transients showed that the formation of Zn(OH)2, ZnO, Ni(OH)2, NiOOH, and Ni2O3 layers involves a nucleation and growth mechanism under diffusion control.
Densification and Microstructural Evolutions during Reaction Sintering of SiC-Si-C Powder Compacts
Authors: Asgharzadeh H. , Ehsani N.
Published: August 2011

Porous SiC-Si-C ceramics were produced by reaction sintering (RS) of silicon carbide, silicon, and carbon powder compacts in the temperature range of 1400–1600°C. The effects of chemical composition of the starting powder, initial SiC particle size, and reaction sintering temperature and duration on the densification and microstructure of ceramic materials were studied. The results showed that increasing the amount of Si and/or C powders in the starting powder mixture had a detrimental influence on the densification of ceramic material as a result of higher amount of remained silicon and carbon phases in the ceramic specimen. Increasing the RS temperature also degraded densification due to the melting of Si and coming out of it from compact during heating. Nevertheless, densification was improved by increasing the RS duration. Using nanometric SiC particles in the starting powder mixture improved the densification compared to that of micrometric ones especially at longer RS processing duration.
Environmental Visual Distraction during Retrieval Affects the Quality, Not the Quantity, of Eyewitness Recall
Authors: Perfect Timothy J. , Andrade Jackie , Syrett Laura
Published: August 2011

Eyewitnesses instructed to close their eyes during retrieval remember more correct, and fewer incorrect, visual and auditory details. These effects are assumed to arise because eye‐closure reduces distraction from the retrieval environment, and so increased environmental distraction should have the reverse effects. To test this idea, 48 participants witnessed a video clip before verbally answering questions about visual and auditory details in the presence of irrelevant visual distraction varying in amount and predictability. More distraction led to fewer correct and more incorrect visual and auditory details being recalled, but the predictability of the distraction had no effect. These findings suggest that environmental distraction impacts upon memory quality rather than quantity, a pattern that may be hard for interviewers to detect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustained Lithium‐Storage Performance of Hierarchical, Nanoporous Anatase TiO2 at High Rates: Emphasis on Interfacial Storage Phenomena
Authors: Shin Ji‐Yong , Samuelis Dominik , Maier Joachim
Published: August 2011

A hierarchical, nanoporous TiO2 structure is successfully prepared by a simple in situ hydrolysis method. Used as an anode material, it achieves a sustained high lithium storage performance especially at high charge/discharge rates due to its substantially high surface area. The material shows two different major storage modes: a) bulk insertion, and b) pseudo‐capacitive interfacial storage, which is responsible for 64% of the total capacity. In order to kinetically emphasize the interfacial storage even further, we cycle the material directly at high rates, giving 302 mA h g−1 and 200 mA h g−1 of fully reversible discharge capacity at charge/discharge rates of 1 C and 5 C with very high cycle stability. We propose an overall view on the different Li insertion mechanisms of the high‐surface‐area nanoporous TiO2 and emphasize the importance of interfacial storage for electrode applications in Li‐ion batteries.
White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Evenly Separated Red, Green, and Blue Colors for Efficiency/Color‐Rendition Trade‐Off Optimization
Authors: Chen Shuming , Tan Guiping , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: August 2011

A novel yellowish‐green triplet emitter, bis(5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2‐p‐tolylpyridine) (acetylacetonate)iridium(III) (1), was conveniently synthesized and used in the fabrication of both monochromatic and white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs). At the optimal doping concentration, monochromatic devices based on 1 exhibit a high efficiency of 63 cd A−1 (16.3% and 36.6 lm W−1) at a luminance of 100 cd m−2. By combining 1 with a phosphorescent sky‐blue emitter, bis(3,5‐difluoro‐2‐(2‐pyridyl)phenyl)‐(2‐carboxypyridyl)iridium(III) (FIrPic), and a red emitter, bis(2‐benzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl‐pyridine)(acetylacetonate)iridium(III) (Ir(btp)2(acac)), the resulting electrophosphorescent WOLEDs show three evenly separated main peaks and give a high efficiency of 34.2 cd A−1 (13.2% and 18.5 lm W−1) at a luminance of 100 cd m−2. When 1 is mixed with a deep‐blue fluorescent emitter, 4,4′‐bis(9‐ethyl‐3‐carbazovinylene)‐1,1′‐biphenyl (BCzVBi), and Ir(btp)2(acac), the resulting hybrid WOLEDs demonstrate a high color‐rendering index of 91.2 and CIE coordinates of (0.32, 0.34). The efficient and highly color‐pure WOLEDs based on 1 with evenly separated red, green, blue peaks and a high color‐rendering index outperform those of the state‐of‐the‐art emitter, fac‐tris(2‐phenylpyridine)iridium(III) (Ir(ppy)3), and are ideal candidates for display and lighting applications.
Homozygous microdeletion of the POU1F1, CHMP2B, and VGLL3 genes in chromosome 3—A novel syndrome
Authors: Gat‐Yablonski Galia , David Rachel Frumkin‐Ben , Bar Meytal , Potievsky Olga , Phillip Moshe , Lazar Liora
Published: August 2011

Microdeletion syndromes include numerous syndromic phenotypes associated with intellectual disability and dysmorphic features. We report on a patient with a novel microdeletion of chromosomal region 3p11.2‐p12.1 containing POU1F1, chromatin‐modifying protein 2B (CHMP2B), and vestigial‐like 3 (VGLL3) genes. Our patient was diagnosed as having a neonatal multiple pituitary hormone [growth hormone (GH), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin] deficiency. In addition to the typical findings associated with these hormonal deficiencies, she exhibited clinical features resembling those of Laron syndrome (frontal bossing, saddle nose, small chin, blue sclera, and acromicria), with moderate intellectual disability. She also displayed an unusual growth pattern characterized by unresponsiveness to high doses of GH replacement therapy during infancy and early childhood and an accelerated growth rate beginning at the age of 4.5 years. Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 levels were consistently extremely low or undetectable. Extensive medical and genetic analysis ruled out primary and secondary GH insensitivity. The distinct phenotype and the peculiar growth pattern observed in this affected patient, not reported to have been observed in other cases with POU1F1 gene inactivity, suggest that the other two deleted genes play a possible role in the development of this syndrome. This hypothesis may be supported by the fact that both the CHMP2B and VGLL3 genes are expressed in the liver and the growth plate, the two main target organs of the GH/IGF‐1 axis. The homozygous deletion of the CHMP2B gene, previously associated with frontotemporal dementia, may contribute to the intellectual disability observed in this patient. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated syndrome detection in a set of clinical facial photographs
Authors: Boehringer Stefan , Guenther Manuel , Sinigerova Stella , Wurtz Rolf P. , Horsthemke Bernhard , Wieczorek Dagmar
Published: August 2011

Computer systems play an important role in clinical genetics and are a routine part of finding clinical diagnoses but make it difficult to fully exploit information derived from facial appearance. So far, automated syndrome diagnosis based on digital, facial photographs has been demonstrated under study conditions but has not been applied in clinical practice. We have therefore investigated how well statistical classifiers trained on study data comprising 202 individuals affected by one of 14 syndromes could classify a set of 91 patients for whom pictures were taken under regular, less controlled conditions in clinical practice. We found a classification accuracy of 21% percent in the clinical sample representing a ratio of 3.0 over a random choice. This contrasts with a 60% accuracy or 8.5 ratio in the training data. Producing average images in both groups from sets of pictures for each syndrome demonstrates that the groups exhibit large phenotypic differences explaining discrepancies in accuracy. A broadening of the data set is suggested in order to improve accuracy in clinical practice. In order to further this goal, a software package is made available that allows application of the procedures and contributions toward an improved data set. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mosaic partial trisomy 19p12‐q13.11 due to a small supernumerary marker chromosome: A locus associated with Asperger syndrome?
Authors: Faucz Fabio Rueda , Souza Josiane , Filho Aguinaldo Bonalumi , Sotomaior Vanessa Santos , Frantz Egon , Antoniuk Sergio , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Raskin Salmo
Published: August 2011

In the neurodevelopmentally impaired population the frequency of small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC) is about 0.3%. To find the origin of a sSMC in a 4‐year‐old boy with Asperger syndrome (AS) a microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), using a 135K‐feature whole‐genome microarray, and Metaphase FISH analysis, was performed. The sSMC was characterized as being composed of 18.4 Mb from 19p12q13.11. Based on the size and genic content, it is expected that the partial trisomy detected is responsible for the characteristics observed in the patient. In that case it could be an indication of a novel locus associated with AS. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and Acid‐Responsive Photophysical Properties of T‐Shaped π‐Conjugated Molecules Containing a Benzimidazole Junction
Authors: Inouchi Toshifumi , Nakashima Takuya , Toba Masaya , Kawai Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2011

T‐shaped π‐conjugated molecules with an N‐methyl‐benzimidazole junction have been synthesized and their acid‐responsive photophysical properties owing to the change in the π‐conjugation system are discussed. T‐shaped π‐conjugated molecules consist of two orthogonal π‐conjugated systems including a phenyl thiophene extended from the 2‐position and alkyl phenylenes connected through various π‐spacers from the 4,7‐positions of the N‐methyl‐benzimidazole junction. The π‐spacers, such as thiophene, ethyne, and ethane, have an effect on the acid response of photophysical properties in terms of changes in conformation, excited‐state energy and charge‐transfer (CT) characteristics. In particular, the π‐conjugated molecule with ethynyl spacers exhibited a marked redshift in the fluorescence spectrum with a large Stokes shift upon the addition of acid, whereas the other molecules showed substantial quenching. The redshift in emission was studied in detail by temperature‐dependent fluorescence measurements, which indicated the transition to a CT state over the finite activation energy at the excited state. The change in the frontier molecular orbitals upon acid addition was further discussed by means of DFT calculations.
A framework for globally optimal state estimation for systems with unknown inputs (I): transformation approach
Authors: Hsieh Chien‐Shu
Published: August 2011

In this paper, a globally optimal state estimation is addressed in light of the conventional Luenberger observer‐type filter. This paper is the first part of a comprehensive extension of an original work by Hsieh, with the main aim being to develop a transformation‐based filtering framework for global unbiased minimum‐variance state estimation (GUMVSE) for systems with unknown inputs that affect both the system and the output. The main contributions of this paper are (i) a complete optimal solution for the GUMVSE is addressed, where both the globally optimal state filter and predictor are presented, and (ii) additional insights for implementing the globally optimal state filter are highlighted via the proposed decorrelation constraint. Compared with existing results, the proposed globally optimal filter has the most general filter form among all transformation‐based globally optimal filters in the sense that it does not use any specific unknown input transformation matrix in the derivation. A simulation example is given to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed results.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
A critical review of the most popular types of neuro control
Authors: Mohammadzaheri Morteza , Chen Lei , Grainger Steven
Published: August 2011

In this review article, the most popular types of neural network control systems are briefly introduced and their main features are reviewed. Neuro control systems are defined as control systems in which at least one artificial neural network (ANN) is directly involved in generating the control command. Initially, neural networks were mostly used to model system dynamics inversely to produce a control command which pushes the system towards a desired or reference value of the output (1989). At the next stage, neural networks were trained to track a reference model, and ANN model reference control appeared (1990). In that method, ANNs were used to extend the application of adaptive reference model control, which was a well‐known control technique. This attitude towards the extension of the application of well‐known control methods using ANNs was followed by the development of ANN model‐predictive (1991), ANN sliding mode (1994) and ANN feedback linearization (1995) techniques. As the first category of neuro controllers, inverse dynamics ANN controllers were frequently used to form a control system together with other controllers, but this attitude faded as other types of ANN control systems were developed. However, recently, this approach has been revived. In the last decade, control system designers started to use ANNs to compensate/cancel undesired or uncertain parts of systems' dynamics to facilitate the use of well‐known conventional control systems. The resultant control system usually includes two or three controllers. In this paper, applications of different ANN control systems are also addressed.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Whole‐genome expression analysis in primary human keratinocyte cell cultures exposed to 60 GHz radiation
Authors: Le Quément Catherine , Nicolas Nicolaz Christophe , Zhadobov Maxim , Desmots Fabienne , Sauleau Ronan , Aubry Marc , Michel Denis , Le Dréan Yves
Published: August 2011

The main purpose of this study is to investigate potential responses of skin cells to millimeter wave (MMW) radiation increasingly used in the wireless technologies. Primary human skin cells were exposed for 1, 6, or 24 h to 60.4 GHz with an average incident power density of 1.8 mW/cm2 and an average specific absorption rate of 42.4 W/kg. A large‐scale analysis was performed to determine whether these exposures could affect the gene expression. Gene expression microarrays containing over 41,000 unique human transcript probe sets were used, and data obtained for sham and exposed cells were compared. No significant difference in gene expression was observed when gene expression values were subjected to a stringent statistical analysis such as the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure. However, when a t‐test was employed to analyze microarray data, 130 transcripts were found to be potentially modulated after exposure. To further quantitatively analyze these preselected transcripts, real‐time PCR was performed on 24 genes with the best combination of high fold change and low P‐value. Five of them, namely CRIP2, PLXND1, PTX3, SERPINF1, and TRPV2, were confirmed as differentially expressed after 6 h of exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large‐scale study reporting on potential gene expression modification associated with MMW radiation used in wireless communication applications. Bioelectromagnetics 33:147–158, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of type of alcoholic beverage in causing acute pancreatitis
Authors: Sadr Azodi O , Orsini N , Andrén-Sandberg Å , Wolk A
Published: August 2011

Background

The effect of different alcoholic beverages and drinking behaviour on the risk of acute pancreatitis has rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different types of alcoholic beverage in causing acute pancreatitis.

Methods

A follow-up study was conducted, using the Swedish Mammography Cohort and Cohort of Swedish Men, to study the association between consumption of spirits, wine and beer and the risk of acute pancreatitis. No patient with a history of chronic pancreatitis was included and those who developed pancreatic cancer during follow-up were excluded. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate rate ratios.

Results

In total, 84 601 individuals, aged 46-84 years, were followed for a median of 10 years, of whom 513 developed acute pancreatitis. There was a dose–response association between the amount of spirits consumed on a single occasion and the risk of acute pancreatitis. After multivariable adjustments, there was a 52 per cent (risk ratio 1·52, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·12 to 2·06) increased risk of acute pancreatitis for every increment of five standard drinks of spirits consumed on a single occasion. The association weakened slightly when those with gallstone-related pancreatitis were excluded. There was no association between consumption of wine or beer, frequency of alcoholic beverage consumption including spirits, or average total monthly consumption of alcohol (ethanol) and the risk of acute pancreatitis.

Conclusion

The risk of acute pancreatitis was associated with the amount of spirits consumed on a single occasion but not with wine or beer consumption.