bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employing dielectric diffractive structures in solar cells – a numerical study
Authors: Kroll Matthias , Fahr Stephan , Helgert Christian , Rockstuhl Carsten , Lederer Falk , Pertsch Thomas
Published: November 2008

We study numerically in detail optical effects occurring during the interaction of light with dielectric gratings and explain how they can be exploited to enhance light absorption in thin‐film solar cells. We analyze in depth two scenarios with practical relevance where dielectric gratings are incorporated. The first is an one‐dimensional, binary grating, which can be manufactured lithographically. The second is a two‐dimensional grating of dielectric spheres that can be fabricated employing self organization processes on pre‐textured substrates. From a universally valid point of view, we finally outline strategies to optimize the geometry of textured surfaces permitting for a maximization of absorption in a solar cell. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
3D photonic crystal intermediate reflector for micromorph thin‐film tandem solar cell
Authors: Bielawny Andreas , Üpping Johannes , Miclea Paul T. , Wehrspohn Ralf B. , Rockstuhl Carsten , Lederer Falk , Peters Marius , Steidl Lorenz , Zentel Rudolf , Lee Seung‐Mo , Knez Mato , Lambertz Andreas , Carius Reinhard
Published: November 2008

The concept of 3D photonic intermediate reflectors for micromorph silicon tandem solar cells has been investigated. In thin‐film silicon tandem solar cells consisting of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon with two junctions of a‐Si/μc‐Si, efficiency enhancements can be achieved by increasing the current density in the a‐Si top cell. It is one goal to provide an optimized current matching at high current densities. For an ideal photon‐management between top and bottom cell, a spectrally selective intermediate reflective layer (IRL) is necessary, which is less dependent of the angle of incidence than state‐of‐the‐art thickness dependent massive interlayers. The design, preparation and characterization of a 3D photonic thin‐film filter device for this purpose has been pursued straight forward in simulation and experimental realization. The inverted opal is capable of providing a suitable optical band stop with high reflectance and the necessary long wavelength transmittance as well and provides further options for improved light trapping. We have determined numerically the relative efficiency enhancement of an a‐Si/μc‐Si tandem solar cell using a conductive 3D‐photonic crystal. We have further fabricated such structures by ZnO‐replication of polymeric opals using chemical vapour deposition and atomic layer deposition techniques and present the results of their characterization. Thin film photonic IRL have been prepared at the rear side of a‐Si solar cells. Completed with a back contact, this is the first step to integrate this novel technology into an a‐Si/μc‐Si tandem solar cell process. The spectral response of the cell is presented and compared with reference cells. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theoretical calculation of the electronic states with spin‐orbit effects of the molecule NaRb
Authors: Korek M. , Fawwaz O.
Published: November 2008

The potential energy curves of the molecule NaRb have been calculated for the 60 low‐lying electronic states in the Ω‐representation. Using an ab‐initio method the calculation is based on nonempirical pseudo‐potential in the interval 3.0ao ≤ R ≤ 44.0ao of the internuclear distance. The spin‐orbit effects have been taken into account through a semiempirical spin‐orbit pseudo‐potential added to the electrostatic Hamiltonian with Gaussian basis sets for both atoms. The spectroscopic constants have been calculated for 42 states and the components of the spin‐orbit splitting have been identified for the states (1, 2, 5)3Π and (1, 2)3Δ. The comparison of the present results with those available in literature shows a good agreement, whereas the other results, to the best of our knowledge, are given here for the first time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Study of a confined hydrogen‐like atom by the asymptotic iteration method
Authors: Ciftci Hakan , Hall Richard L. , Saad Nasser
Published: November 2008

The asymptotic iteration method (AIM) is used to obtain both special exact solutions and general approximate solutions for a Hydrogen‐like atom confined in a spherical box of arbitrary radius R. Critical box radii, at which states are no longer bound, are also calculated. The results are compared with those in the literature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
A theoretical study of alkali metal atomic clusters: From Lin to Csn (n = 2–8)
Authors: Florez Elizabeth , Fuentealba Patricio
Published: November 2008

A theoretical study of the electronic structure of the first members of the alkali metal atomic clusters series Lin to Csn (n = 2–8) has been done. The geometries of some isomers of the neutral, positive, and negative charged clusters have been determined. Some important properties have also been calculated: atomic binding energies, vertical and adiabatic ionization potentials, vertical and adiabatic electron affinities, static dipole polarizabilities, and energy gaps. Whenever possible they have been compared with experimental values yielding a reasonable agreement which supports some new values as reliable predictions. The data have been discussed in light of the periodic table of elements trends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
The Curtius rearrangement of some organic azides: A DFT mechanistic study
Authors: Kakkar Rita , Zaidi Sheza , Grover Rajni
Published: November 2008

The reaction mechanism for the thermal Curtius reaction of formyl azide has been investigated using B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p). It is found that, while the synisomer undergoes nitrogen elimination via a concerted mechanism, yielding isocyanic acid directly, the anti‐isomer cannot undergo reaction via the concerted mechanism and first eliminates nitrogen, yielding oxazirene, via a transition state which is higher in energy than that for the concerted mechanism. Singlet formyl nitrene does not exist as an independent moiety. Rather, the strong NO interaction yields the cyclic isomer oxazirene. The isomerization of oxazirene to isocyanic acid goes through a transition state which is even higher in energy than that for nitrogen elimination. It is hence proposed that this reaction should take place via the concerted mechanism only, the anti‐isomer undergoing isomerization first to the syn isomer since the activation barrier for this step is very small. The same mechanism is found to prevail for acetyl and benzoyl azide. These findings are in accord with all experimental data. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
4d transition metal monoxides, monocarbides, monoborides, mononitrides, and monofluorides: A quantum chemical study
Authors: Kharat Bhagwat , Deshmukh S. B. , Chaudhari Ajay
Published: November 2008

We have studied 4d transition metal monoboride, monocarbide, mononitride, monoxide, and monofluorides using density functional method at B3LYP/LanL2Dz level. The lowest spin state, relative stability, bond length, atomic charges, electron affinity, ionization potential, binding energy, and vibrational frequencies for these dimers are obtained. The cation and anion of these dimers are also studied. The properties of these dimers are compared. It was found that the ionization potentials for these dimers are much higher than the electron affinities of these dimers. The range of electron affinities is widest for 4d transition metal monocarbides and is narrow for 4d transition metal mononitrides. The range of ionization potential is widest for 4d transition metal monoxides and is narrow for 4d transition metal monocarbides. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Semiautonomous control of multiple networked Lagrangian systems
Authors: Hokayem Peter F. , Stipanović Dušan M. , Spong Mark W.
Published: November 2008

In this paper we study the problem of coordinating the positions of a group of Lagrangian systems with communication constraints exhibited through delays and limited data rates. We show that in a bidirectional connected communication graph structure, it is possible to design PD‐type control laws that render the overall nonnetworked system input‐to‐state stable. Then, we exploit the robustness property of these control laws along with a small‐gain condition on the allowable delays to infer the stability of the overall networked system. We illustrate how the obtained results can be specialized to handle the problem of position–position control for three networked 2DOF manipulators as well as teleoperation of robotic formations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A communication model with limited information‐processing capacity of recipients
Authors: Pavlov Oleg V. , Plice Robert K. , Melville Nigel P.
Published: November 2008

We develop a system dynamics model of message‐based communication, where the information‐processing capacity of message recipients is limited. Profit‐seeking broadcasters send messages, but only some of these messages are valuable to recipients. Recipients cannot determine whether or not a message is valuable until it is processed. Information overload occurs when more messages arrive than recipients can process. Numerical experiments test alternative approaches for mitigating information overload. We show that message filtering can increase the flow of for‐profit communication. Market‐based mechanisms, while aimed at improving the social outcome, can actually lead to suboptimal results and to a complete collapse of for‐profit communication. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
User plane security alternatives in the 3G evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (e‐MBMS)
Authors: Teofili Simone , Di Mascolo Michele , Basile Cristina , Bianchi Giuseppe , Salsano Stefano , Zugenmaier Alf
Published: November 2008

The 3GPP architecture includes the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) to provide efficient broadcast and multicast services. In the 3GPP long‐term evolution, the evolved MBMS (e‐MBMS) architecture is currently being standardized. Unlike MBMS, the new e‐MBMS architecture explicitly raises, as additional security requirement, the protection of the IP multicast user plane. Currently proposed e‐MBMS security architectures “limit” themselves to suggest the deployment of Group Security Associations (GSA). In this paper, we start by discussing that, on one side, GSA might not be a sufficiently secure solution in the long run, and on the other side GSA integration within the e‐MBMS architecture might not be as straightforward as it might appear. The point made in this paper is that there are sound alternatives to GSA if the goal is to deploy a short‐term solution with basically no impact on the current e‐MBMS architecture. In particular, we propose to adopt a Secure Multicast Overlay (SMO) approach. To prove the straightforward implementation of SMO we describe how a proof‐of‐concept test‐bed over public domain linux routers. Moreover, a functional comparison between GSA and SMO leads us to the following conclusions: (i) not only SMO provides the same level of security of GSA, but also it achieves a reduced risk of denial of service attacks; (ii) SMO has significant advantages over GSA in terms of impact on the architecture and on device requirements; (iii) security association management and key management in GSA has a greater impact on the performance achievable than in the case of SMO. We believe that these advantages outweigh the performance penalties due to overlay networking overhead. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bias in a binary risk behaviour model subject to inconsistent reports and dropout in a South African high school cohort study
Authors: Chikobvu Perpetual , Lombard Carl J. , Flisher Alan J. , King Gary , Townsend Loraine , Muller Martie
Published: November 2008

We describe a methodology for analysing self‐reported risk behaviour transitional patterns in a binary outcome variable, subject to misclassification and a large loss to follow‐up. The motivation stems from the analysis of self‐reported transitional patterns in responses to the question ‘have you ever smoked a whole cigarette?’ in a cohort of South African school children. The partially complete records analysis (PCRA) introduced, estimates the transitional probability as: the ratio of the joint probability of the response at two time points based on the complete records for this time sequence over the marginal probabilities of the response based on the complete records at the first time point, and assumes a non‐informative missing pattern. A comparison was made using un‐weighted complete records and inverse probability weighted logistic regression. The estimates of the probabilities of reporting ever having smoked a cigarette obtained from the three methods were similar for a particular transition. The PCRA method lacked precision compared with the inverse probability weighted logistic regression. A simulation study indicated an association between bias and reporting error in all three methods. The PCRA method can be considered as a method for the estimation of transition probabilities in a cohort study where there is consistency in the self‐reported risk behaviour pattern and the sample size is large at baseline. The inverse probability weighting approach is more precise and is suitable for this setting in order to determine risk factors for the incidence of self‐reported substance used in a cohort with a high dropout rate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of experiments as a means of lean value delivery to the flight test enterprise
Authors: Tucker Aaron A , Dagli Cihan H
Published: November 2008

Modern flight test tends to be a complex, expensive undertaking, so any increases in efficiency would result in considerable savings. Lean thinking is an effective method to identify value and eliminate waste and is particularly effective when applied to the entire flight test enterprise. Design of experiments is a statistical methodology that results in highly efficient flight test where only the samples needed are collected and analyzed. The application of design of experiments to flight test's value stream can result in a significant increase in lean value to the stakeholders and a reduction of waste. Design of experiments uses objective, verifiable statistical analysis to plan, execute, and analyze test. With lean stakeholder input, design of experiment's planning process ensures that the variables of interest are measured to provide a specified confidence in the analysis. Statistical confidence provides critical information on both the magnitude and significance of system performance. Further, design of experiments provides a statistical power that tells the stakeholders what magnitude of the effect could have been detected. Another benefit is that system response models are continually generated as test matrices are executed. These models enable the stakeholders to understand and evaluate system performance. This increases test safety and flexibility, which also creates value and eliminates waste in a resource‐limited experiment. A conceptual model is developed which shows how the design of experiments aligns the flight test process along the lean value delivery stream and identifies the stakeholders at each step. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals Inc. Syst Eng
Comparison of Prenatal Risk Calculation (PRC) with PIA Fetal Database software in first‐trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy
Authors: Hörmansdörfer C. , Scharf A. , Golatta M. , Vaske B. , Corral A. , Hillemanns P. , Schmidt P.
Published: November 2008

Objectives

In February 2007 new software, Prenatal Risk Calculation® (PRC), for calculating the risk of fetal aneuploidy was introduced in Germany. Our aim was to investigate its test performance and compare it with that of the PIA Fetal Database® (PIA) software developed and used by The Fetal Medicine Foundation.

Methods

Between 31 August 1999 and 30 June 2004 at the Women's Hospital of the Medical University of Hanover in Germany, 3120 singleton pregnancies underwent combined first‐trimester screening at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. Calculation of risk for fetal aneuploidy was computed prospectively using the PIA software. In a subsequent retrospective analysis, we recalculated risks for the 2653 of these datasets with known fetal outcome using the PRC software and compared the results.

Results

Of the 2653 datasets analyzed, 17 were cases of aneuploidy. At a cut‐off of 1 : 230, for the detection of fetal aneuploidy, the respective sensitivity, false‐positive rate and positive predictive value were 70.6%, 4.1% and 9.9% for PRC and 76.5%, 2.9% and 14.6% for PIA. At a cut‐off of 1 : 300, the equivalent values were 70.6%, 5.6% and 7.5% for PRC and 76.5%, 4.0% and 11.0% for PIA. The differences in test performance between the two types of software were highly significant (P < 0.0001).

Discussion

The test performance of PRC was inferior to that of PIA, the sensitivity for detection of fetal aneuploidy being lower and the false‐positive rate higher. Had PRC been employed prospectively in our study, 40% more women examined would have been offered unnecessarily an invasive procedure for fetal karyotyping. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Status of Involved Lymph Nodes and Direction of Metastatic Lymphatic Flow Between Submucosal and T2‐4 Thoracic Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancers
Authors: Motoyama Satoru , Maruyama Kiyotomi , Sato Yusuke , Usami Shuetsu , Nakatsu Toshinobu , Saito Hajime , Minamiya Yoshihiro , Ogawa Jun‐ichi
Published: November 2008

Background

Three‐field lymph node dissection for thoracic esophageal cancer is associated with high morbidity and reduced quality of life after surgery. Consequently, minimized lymphadenectomy would be desirable, if appropriate. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed the status of involved nodes and the direction of metastatic lymphatic flow from tumors into involved nodes to determine whether submucosal squamous cell esophageal cancers are potential candidates for minimized lymphadenectomy.

Methods

We enrolled 199 patients who received esophagectomy with extensive lymph node dissection between 1989 and 2005 and retrospectively analyzed their prognoses, distribution of solitary metastatic lymph nodes, and the direction of metastatic lymphatic flow from the tumor, taking into consideration tumor location and depth.

Results

Of these patients with submucosal cancers, 83% had 1 or 2 involved nodes, and their esophageal cancer‐specific 5‐year survival rate was 66%. Solitary lymph node metastasis did not occur in neck lymph nodes in lower thoracic submucosal esophageal cancers, and the direction of metastatic lymphatic flow from the tumor was almost always in one direction. By contrast, T2–4 cancers with 2–4 involved nodes had bidirectional metastatic lymphatic flow from the tumor.

Conclusions

There was a difference in the status of lymph node metastasis and the direction of metastatic lymphatic flow from tumors into involved nodes between submucosal and T2–4 thoracic squamous cell esophageal cancers. This analysis may be useful for developing an approach to minimized lymphadenectomy for thoracic esophageal cancers.
Association Between EGF, TGF‐β1, VEGF Gene Polymorphism and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wu Guo‐yang , Hasenberg Till , Magdeburg Richard , Bönninghoff Roderich , Sturm Jörg W. , Keese Michael
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Up to the present, EGF 61 A/G, TGF‐β1 −509 T/C, and VEGF 936 T/C gene polymorphisms have been analyzed in other cancer entities than colorectal cancer. We have now investigated the frequency of these gene polymorphisms among colorectal cancer patients.

Material and methods

A total of 157 colorectal cancer patients and 117 cancer‐free healthy people were recruited at the Surgical Department of the Universitätsklinikum Mannheim. All patients and healthy people are Caucasians. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood, and gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP).

Results

The distribution of EGF 61 G/G homozygotes among colorectal cancer patients was more frequent than that in the control group (33.1% versus 11.1%; Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.962; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 2.036–7.708). The frequency of the “G” allele in the colorectal cancer patient group was also higher than that in the control group (51.3% versus 33.3%; OR = 2.105; 95% CI = 1.482–2.988). No difference could be found for the TGF‐β1 and VEGF genotypes among colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions

The EGF 61 G/G genotype and the G allele are significantly related to colorectal cancer. The TGF‐β1 −509 T/C and VEGF 936 T/C gene polymorphisms are not related to colorectal cancer.
Brain metabolism differs in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease dementia
Authors: Griffith H. Randall , den Hollander Jan A. , Okonkwo Ozioma C. , O'Brien Timothy , Watts Ray L. , Marson Daniel C.
Published: November 2008

Background

Few comparative studies exist of metabolic brain changes among neurodegenerative illnesses. We compared brain metabolic abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Methods

Twelve patients with idiopathic PDD, 22 patients with probable mild AD, and 61 healthy older controls underwent posterior cingulate MRS.

Results

Patients with AD exhibited reduced N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) (P < .05) and increased choline (Cho)/Cr (P < .05) and myo‐inositol (mI)/Cr (P < .01) compared with controls. Patients with PDD exhibited reduced NAA/Cr (P < .05) and glutamate (Glu)/Cr (P < .01) compared with controls. There was reduced Glu/Cr in PDD compared with AD (P < .01).

Conclusions

Patients with AD and patients with PDD exhibited distinct brain metabolic MRS profiles. Findings suggest that comparison of brain MRS profiles across dementias provides useful direction for future study.
Field strain feline coronaviruses with small deletions in ORF7b associated with both enteric infection and feline infectious peritonitis
Authors: Lin Chao-Nan , Su Bi-Ling , Huang Hui-Pi , Lee Jih-Jong , Hsieh Min-Wei , Chueh Ling-Ling
Published: November 2008

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) varies greatly from causing subclinical or mild enteric infections to fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The open reading frame (ORF) 7b of FCoV has been speculated to play a determining role in virulence as deletions were found to be associated with avirulent viruses. To further clarify the correlation between this gene and FIP, clinical samples from 20 cats that had succumbed to wet-type FIP and 20 clinically healthy FCoV-infected cats were analysed. The ORF7b from the peritoneal/pleural effusions of FIP cats and from the rectal swabs of healthy cats was amplified. Of the 40 FCoVs analysed, 32 were found to have an intact 7b gene whereas eight showed deletions of either three or 12 nucleotides. Surprisingly, among the eight viruses with deletions, three were from FIP diseased cats. These results show that deletions in the ORF7b gene are not constrained to low pathogenicity/enteric biotypes but also associated with pathogenicity/FIP biotypes of FCoV.
Tree-ring crossdates for a First Millennium AD advance of Tebenkof Glacier, southern Alaska
Authors: Barclay David J. , Wiles Gregory C. , Calkin Parker E.
Published: November 2008

Tree-ring crossdates from glacially killed logs show that Tebenkof Glacier advanced into a forefield forest in the AD 710s and 720s. Recession from this First Millennium AD (FMA) advance occurred before the 950s, after which the ice margin readvanced in the 1280s to 1320s at the start of the Little Ice Age (LIA). A more extensive LIA advance was underway from the 1640s to 1670s, and the terminus stayed at or near its LIA maximum until the 1890s. These are the first absolute tree-ring crossdates for a FMA glacier advance in North America and support growing evidence from northwestern North America and Europe for a significant cool interval in the centuries around AD 500.
Molecular Epidemiology of Dengue Virus Serotype 2 in the Taiwan 2002 Outbreak With Envelope Gene and Nonstructural Protein 1 Gene Analysis
Authors: Tung Yi‐Ching , Lin Kuei‐Hsiang , Chiang Hung‐Che , Ke Liang‐Yin , Chen Yen‐Hsu , Ke Guan‐Ming , Chen Tun‐Chieh , Chou Lee‐Chiu , Lu Po‐Liang
Published: November 2008

The genetic relationships among dengue virus serotype 2 (DEN‐2) isolates from the Taiwan 2002 epidemic were studied by sequence analysis of the envelope (E) and nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) genes. A 0–0.4% divergence among 10 isolates revealed an epidemic strain in the outbreak. Phylogenetic study demonstrated that the 2002 Taiwan isolates were of the Cosmopolitan genotype, which is different from the Asian 1 and Asian 2 genotypes of Taiwan DEN‐2 isolates from 1981 to 1998 and the American/Asian genotype of 2005 Taiwan isolates. Although grouping results from both E and NS1 gene sequence analyses were the same, the usage of the NS1 gene as a sequence analysis target has not been validated for the lower bootstrap support values of branches in the phylogenetic tree. Our result showing the same genotype changes in Taiwan and Philippines isolates suggests strain transfer of DEN‐2 to nearby countries resulting in the same trend of genotype change.
The New Unitary Executive and Democratic Theory: The Problem of Alexander Hamilton
Authors: BAILEY JEREMY D.
Published: November 2008

Central to the recent argument from the “unitary executive” is the claim that the unitary executive is consistent with the text and history of the Constitution. But because this veracity and importance of this claim is contested, unitarians also argue that the unitary executive is consistent with democratic theory. This article examines that argument by addressing a question in the political thought of Alexander Hamilton. Although Hamilton was an important defender of an energetic executive, and is associated with an expansive interpretation of executive power, he wrote inThe Federalistthat the president and Senate would share the removal power. In contrast with existing scholarship, which either overlooks Hamilton's statement on removals or dismisses it as a careless error, this article argues that Hamilton's statement limiting presidential removals illuminates his larger argument about executive energy. By showing how “duration” would check “unity,” this article clarifies Hamilton's political thought and offers an important critique of the modern argument from the unitary executive.
Dietary exposure estimates of twenty-one trace elements from a Total Diet Study carried out in Pavia, Northern Italy
Authors: Turconi Giovanna , Minoia Claudio , Ronchi Anna , Roggi Carla
Published: November 2008

The significant role of trace elements in human health is well documented. Trace elements are those compounds that need to be present in the human diet to maintain normal physiological functions. However, some microelements may become harmful at high levels of exposure, or, on the other hand, may give rise to malnutrition, when their exposure is too low. The aim of the present study was to provide a reliable estimate of the dietary exposure of twenty-one trace elements in a Northern Italian area. For this purpose, trace element analyses were undertaken on total diet samples collected from a university cafeteria in Pavia, Northern Italy. The average daily exposure for the adult people was calculated on the basis of food consumption frequency, portion size and trace element levels in foodstuffs. The mean exposure values satisfy the Italian RDA for all the essential trace elements, except for Fe exposure in females, and are well below the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake for all the toxic compounds, showing that the probability of dietary exposure to health risks is overall small. As far as Fe exposure is concerned, a potential risk of anaemia in the female adult population should be considered, then studies aimed at evaluating the Fe nutritional status of adult Italian women should be addressed. In conclusion, while not excluding the possibility that the daily exposure determined in the present study may not be representative of the population as a whole, this study provides a good estimate of the Italian adult consumer exposure to twenty-one trace elements.
Metabolic syndrome signs in Wistar rats submitted to different high-fructose ingestion protocols
Authors: de Moura Rodrigo Ferreira , Ribeiro Carla , de Oliveira Juliana Aparecida , Stevanato Eliane , de Mello Maria Alice Rostom
Published: November 2008

In search of an adequate model for the human metabolic syndrome, the metabolic characteristics of Wistar rats were analysed after being submitted to different protocols of high fructose ingestion. First, two adult rat groups (aged 90 d) were studied: a control group (C1;n6) received regular rodent chow (Labina, Purina) and a fructose group (F1;n6) was fed on regular rodent chow. Fructose was administered as a 10 % solution in drinking water. Second, two adult rat groups (aged 90 d) were evaluated: a control group (C2;n6) was fed on a balanced diet (AIN-93G) and a fructose group (F2;n6) was fed on a purified 60 % fructose diet. Finally, two young rat groups (aged 28 d) were analysed: a control group (C3;n6) was fed on the AIN-93G diet and a fructose group (F3;n6) was fed on a 60 % fructose diet. After 4–8 weeks, the animals were evaluated. Glucose tolerance, peripheral insulin sensitivity, blood lipid profile and body fat were analysed. In the fructose groups F2 and F3 glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were lower, while triacylglycerolaemia was higher than the respective controls C2 and C3 (P < 0·05). Blood total cholesterol, HDL and LDL as well as body fat showed change only in the second protocol. In conclusion, high fructose intake is more effective at producing the signs of the metabolic syndrome in adult than in young Wistar rats. Additionally, diet seems to be a more effective way of fructose administration than drinking water.
Working Toward a Common Goal? American Views on German Historiography and German-American Scholarly Relations during the 1960s
Authors: Stelzel Philipp
Published: November 2008

In March 1966, the German historian Fritz Fischer wrote to several American colleagues, announcing that he would soon send them a copy of hisAssistentHelmut Böhme's dissertationDeutschlands Weg zur Großmachtand asking whether they would be willing to review it in one of the leading American journals. Böhme's study on socio-economic aspects of the German unification contained a strong ideological and methodological critique of the extant German historiography on the German Empire, which he—and Fischer—saw as dominated by old-fashioned diplomatic historians who revered the Iron Chancellor. Thus, Fischer apparently anticipated a negative reaction from the West German historical profession and attempted to rally American support.
Polyphase low-grade metamorphism of the Ingleton Group, northern England, UK: a case study of metamorphic inversion in a mudrock succession
Authors: KEMP S. J. , MERRIMAN R. J.
Published: November 2008

A series of boreholes in Horton Quarry, northwest Yorkshire (Horton-in-Ribblesdale Inlier) penetrated mudstones and slates belonging to the Austwick Formation (Windermere Supergroup) overlying laminated mudstones of the Ingleton Group. Illite (IC) and chlorite (ChC) crystallinity measurements indicate a metamorphic inversion between the two groups of mudrocks. The Windermere Supergroup mudrocks are mostly in the high anchizone or epizone, whereas the Ingletonian samples are lower grade in terms of IC, and are mostly deep diagenetic zone or low anchizone. Hence younger strata at higher grades rest on older strata at lower grades, creating a metamorphic inversion. Ingletonian slates exposed at Pecca Falls on the River Twiss show epizonal and anchizonal IC values, and greywacke samples from Ingleton Quarry contain pumpellyite. This suggests that grade in the Ingletonian may increase to the NW from the Horton to Ingleton inliers. K-white mica b cell dimensions show further differences between the Ingleton Group and the Windermere Supergroup. The Ingletonian samples are characterized by low b cell values (8.989–9.035, mean 9.007 Å), whereas the Windermere Supergroup has higher values in the range 9.022–9.034, mean 9.027 Å. The Windermere Supergroup values are similar to those recorded from the Windermere Supergroup of the southern Lake District, and Lower Palaeozoic rocks from the Scottish Southern Uplands, and are consistent with metamorphism in a low heat flow, convergent geotectonic setting. The Ingletonian b cell values suggest metamorphism in a higher heat flow setting, most likely an extensional basin. The metamorphic inversion at Horton and differences in K-white mica b cell dimensions suggest that the Ingleton Group and Windermere Supergroup strata evolved in different geotectonic settings and record two separate metamorphic events. The discovery of the metamorphic inversion at Horton provides further evidence in favour of an Ordovician rather than Neoproterozoic depositional age for the controversial Ingleton Group.
Efficacy of rhizobacteria for growth promotion in sorghum under greenhouse conditions and selected modes of action studies
Authors: IDRIS A. , LABUSCHAGNE N. , KORSTEN L.
Published: November 2008

The screening of rhizobacteria for growth promotion of sorghum (Sorghum bicolour(L.) Moench) was conducted under greenhouse conditions for a total of 78 bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of sorghum in Ethiopia, and 86 isolates from the rhizosphere and rhizoplane of grasses in South Africa. Three isolates from Ethiopia, all identified asBacillus cereus, enhanced growth promotion by resulting in statistically significant increases in at least five parameters. Of these,B. cereus(KBE7-8) resulted in significant increase in shoot and root biomass. Among effective isolates from South Africa,B. cereus(NAS4-3) andStenotrophomonas maltophilia(KBS9-B) showed significant increases in all the parameters measured. The isolates which resulted in significant growth promotion colonized the roots effectively with a count up to ⩾108cfu/g. In the study conducted to elucidate the possible modes of action by these effective isolates, indole 3-acetic acid-like substances were detected in culture filtrates of the isolates ranging from 4·2 μg/ml bySerratia marcescens(KBS9-R) to 22·8 μg/ml byB. cereus(KBS5-H) in the presence of 2 mg tryptophan/g nutrient broth solution. Higher rates of solubilization of tricalcium phosphate on Pikovskaya agar medium were shown byChryseomonas luteola(KBS5-F),S. marcescens(KBS6-H) andB. cereus(KBE9-1). There is very limited knowledge of the use of rhizobacteria in agriculture in Ethiopia and South Africa. The current study therefore generates valuable information towards application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria as alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
Flow-induced forces arising during the impact of two circular cylinders
Authors: BAMPALAS N. , GRAHAM J. M. R.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents numerical simulations of two-dimensional incompressible flow around two circular cylinders in relative motion, which may result in impact. Viscous flow computations are carried out using a streamfunction–vorticity method for two equal-diameter cylinders undergoing a two-dimensional impact in otherwise stationary fluid and for cases of similar impact of two cylinders in a steady incident flow. These results are supported by potential flow calculations carried out using a Möbius conformal transformation and infinite arrays of image singularities. The inviscid flow results are compared with other published work and show that the inviscid forces induced on the cylinders have an inverse square root singularity with respect to the time to impact. All impacts considered in this paper result from steady motion of the cylinders along the line joining their centres.
On the asymptotic similarity of the zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer
Authors: JONES M. B. , NICKELS T. B. , MARUSIC IVAN
Published: November 2008

We investigate similarity solutions for the outer part of a zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer in the limit of infinite Reynolds number. Previous work by George (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. vol. 365, 2007 p. 789) has suggested that the only appropriate velocity scale for the outer region is U1, the free-stream velocity. This is based on the fact that scaling with U1 leads to a mathematically valid similarity solution of the momentum equation for the outer region in the asymptotic limit of infinite Reynolds number. Here we show that the classical scaling using the friction velocity also leads to a valid similarity solution for the outer flow in this limit. Therefore on this basis it is not possible to dismiss the friction velocity as a possible scaling as has been suggested by George (2007) and others. We show that both the free-stream velocity and the friction velocity are potentially valid scalings according to this theoretical criterion.
Time, Change and Continuity in Family Life
Authors: Jerrome Dorothy
Published: November 2008

Personal development through the lifespan takes place in the context of the family, which is itself changing over time. Change occurs at three different levels – the institution of the family, dyadic relationships within it, the developing individual. Change at different levels and affecting different individuals is sometimes coordinated but often unsynchronised, with consequences for family members' sense of control and well-being. Using autobiographical material from the Mass-Observation Archive it is possible to examine a range of subjective experience, some of it illuminating themes in the literature of social gerontology, some of it prompting new lines of enquiry. The use of autobiographical material is justified by its richness and capacity to illustrate the uniqueness of experience. The case study method is appropriate for the study of sensitive issues, ambiguous concepts and uncharted areas of experience.
Social and Behavioural Research on Ageing: an Agenda for the United States
Authors: Maddox George L.
Published: November 2008

In this commentary on recent planning for multidisciplinary research on ageing in the United States, we argue that Sir Douglas Black's pessimistic conclusion about the irrelevance of such planning is off the mark. Created by the U.S. Congress in 1975, the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) was a novelty in the National Institutes of Health. NIA was mandated to have a broadly multidisciplinary research agenda that included behavioural and social sciences and to produce periodic reports to the Congress on a consensual agenda for future research. Two previous research agendas were developed internally by NIA. The recently released third agenda, which is of interest here, was organized externally by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), National Academy of Sciences. While the subagendas in ageing research for basic biology, clinical medicine, and health services research will be of interest to some, the focus here is specifically on the behavioural and social scientific agenda. High priority substantive issues were identified. Beyond the building of a consensus concerning research priorities, other functions of national research planning are identified in the field of ageing.
Intergenerational Relations in a Society in Transition: A South African Case Study
Authors: Møller Valerie
Published: November 2008

In South Africa the generation gap is seen as the problem of disaffected youth. This paper discusses intergenerational relations from the perspective of the elderly whose social security and happiness in old age is dependent on the mutual family support system. Family solidarity in 300 three-generation urban households was assessed using measures based on ones developed by Mangen, Bengtson, and Landry (1988) and a single item measuring satisfication with family life used in earlier South African quality-of-life studies. Results confirmed that harmonious family living was associated with the subjective well-being of elders. The South African measure of family harmony was most closly related to the affective dimension of the Mangen et al. (1988) family solidarity construct. Good affective and consensual relationships between the middle and top generations made the most significant contributions to satisfactory family life from the viewpoint of elders. Contrary to expectations there was little evidence of strained relationships between the oldest and youngest generation. Findings intimated that the middle generation plays an important role in closing the generation gap in the more cohesive families by promoting mutual respect and understanding between old and young. Although three-generation households may, by definition, represent special cases of family solidarity during the current unrest in South African townships, it is concluded that the findings augur well for family care of the aged.
Being Old, Old People and the Burdens of Burden
Authors: Warnes Anthony M.
Published: November 2008

Burdenis today often applied to elderly people in two senses, for the fiscal load of income support and health and social care costs, and for notions and scales of care-giving effort and stress. It does not however convey straightforward meanings for its understanding is affected by two millenia of metaphorical and rhetorical usage. The use of burden tends to simplify relationships, whether between age-groups of a population or between a carer and an elderly person, and it communicates senses of a nuisance and an excessive charge. Portentous implications are invoked from biblical senses and derogatory overtones are strengthened by association, earlier this century, with racial stereotyping. An etymological survey reveals many sources of the word's versatility and rhetorical power. Important extensions of usage towards the two contemporary gerontological applications are then studied. A bibliometric examination of the surge in the word's social science use since the early 1980s is undertaken, and the paper concludes with a discussion of current usage as evidence of current attitudes towards, and constructions of, old age on the part of politicians and policy analysts.
Living Arrangements and ‘Successful’ Ageing among Ever-Married American White Women 77–87 Years of Age
Authors: Day Alice T. , Day Lincoln H.
Published: November 2008

Data on a nationally representative sample of ever-married white American women born in 1900–1910 show living arrangements to be closely associated with the quality of the ageing experience (with, that is, whether these women were ageing ‘successfully’). The proportions ageing ‘successfully’ were highest among those living only with their husbands, and lowest among those living with kin other than their husbands. In between, but much closer in position to the women living only with their husbands, were those who were living alone. The paper looks at explanations accounting for these differences and considers some of the policy implications of these findings.
Sexuality in the Later Years
Authors: Kaye Richard A.
Published: November 2008

Many people deny the existence and importance of sexuality among the elderly members of our population. In a time when people are increasingly tolerant of sexual self-determination for virtually every segment of our population, why do we cling to puritanical moralities and outdated ideas in our approach toward sex in ageing men and women? Reasons range from psychological conflicts to social taboos; some stem from the selfish concerns of the young, and others are rooted in the cultural stereotypes and ignorance about the sexual behaviour of elderly people. It is not easy to find research on ageing and sexuality that does not suffer from extreme sample bias or the difficulty in getting older people to speak candidly about their sexuality. This paper explores some of the issues relating to sexuality in the later years.
Differential Psychological Ageing: Profiles of the Old and Very Old
Authors: Smith Jacqui , Baltes Paul B.
Published: November 2008

Theoretical positions which argue for age-related and individual variation in profiles of psychological functioning and patterns of predictive relationships are reviewed in the context of the three domains investigated by the Psychology Unit of the Berlin Aging Study (BASE): intelligence and cognition, self and personality, and social relationships. To illustrate the potential of BASE, we report initial data for a small set of variables from these three psychological domains for the first wave of study participants (N = 360, age range 70 to 103 years). Our analyses of these data were targeted toward three key questions about differential psychological ageing: namely, the extent of age/cohort-related differences and individual variation within each domain, possible age differences in the structural relationships between the three domains, and subgroup variations in cross-domain profiles of functioning. Within domains, individual differences in general were very large. Chronological age accounted for a sizeable proportion of the variance only in the domain of cognitive performance. The structural relationships between the domains of psychological functioning were similar for the old and very old age groups and reflected much domain independence. Examination of subgroup variations in cross-domain profiles of functioning revealed ten subgroups. All subgroups showed an uneven, that is, age-selective group membership: five subgroups included more of the very old, two more of the old, and three were age-specific. Preliminary explorations of these subgroups suggested substantial links to selected health-related variables, supporting proposals for multi-disciplinary research into differential ageing.
Alcohol and Elderly People: An Overview of the Literature for Social Work
Authors: Simpson Murray , Williams Bryan , Kendrick Andrew
Published: November 2008

This article attempts to highlight the pressing need for social work to take more account of the existence of alcohol problems being experienced by many elderly people. Surveying the available sketchy data, it would appear that perhaps as many as 15% of elderly social work clients may have alcohol related problems. The article continues by considering whether a discernable pattern of elderly drinking is identifiable, concluding that the greatest problems relate to the severity rather than numbers having alcohol related problems, also coupled with an inability to access existing treatment services. Additionally, the article contends that there are ethical pitfalls in promoting interventions which rest upon stereotypical assumptions or purely technical considerations. In conclusion some of the main implications of the survey for social work practice are drawn out.
Making Sense of Dementia: Carers' Perceptions
Authors: Askham Janet
Published: November 2008

This paper is about how the informal care givers of people recently diagnosed as suffering from dementia perceive and describe that condition. Data are drawn from semi-structured interviews with 106 such care givers (mainly adult children and spouses) carried out in a London Borough and a southern English market town. People's accounts of how they defined what was happening to their relative (his/her condition) could be divided into several categories; these are shown to be based on a number of different parameters: for example, normal versus abnormal; orderly versus unpredictable; simple versus complex; an illness versus not an illness. The reasons for the wide variety of understandings of dementia are examined; it is suggested that it may be due to general lack of information or poor communication with health service staff; to a need to choose a definition which accords with a particular kind of relationship with the dementia sufferer; to the kind of self-presentation favoured by the sufferer; or to the desire to achieve certain kinds of end within particular social contexts.