bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The Roman Giant”: Overgrowth Syndrome in Skeletal Remains from the Imperial Age
Authors: Minozzi S. , Pantano W. , Catalano P. , di Gennaro F. , Fornaciari G.
Published: May 2013

A very tall skeleton was found during archaeological excavations in the territory of Fidenae, an administrative centre of the Roman territorial organization, situated along the Via Salaria about 7 km north of Rome (Italy). The individual was a young male, dated back to the Imperial Age (3rd century AD), presenting a very tall but normally proportioned stature, estimated around 202 cm. The long bones showed incomplete epiphyseal union; therefore, the stature would probably have been taller, if he had lived longer. In this work, the metric data are compared with those from the Roman Imperial Age population, and differential diagnosis is discussed.

The skeletal evidence is characteristic of a form of gigantism, a rare growth disease that may be linked to different syndromes. The most common etiology is associated with a dysfunction of the pituitary gland, which causes overproduction of the growth hormone (hGH) during childhood. This endocrine disorder stimulates cartilaginous activity at the growth plate, delaying epiphyseal fusion and resulting in increased bone length. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights on photophysical proprieties of DCM dye in PVK host matrix
Authors: Bruno Annalisa , Mauro Anna De Girolamo Del , Nenna Giuseppe , Haque S.A. , Minarini Carla
Published: May 2013

In this work, the photophysical proprieties of 4‐(dicyanomethylene)‐2‐methyl‐6‐(p‐dimethylaminostyryl)‐4H‐pyran (DCM) dye in the poly‐vinylcarbazole (PVK) matrix are analyzed with a particular attention to the energy transfer processes between the matrix and the dye. PVK films doped with weight percent varying from 1 to 8 wt% of DCM have been fabricated. The emission spectra are dominated by the presence of DCM and a strong red shift in the emission spectra of the blend has been observed as function of dye concentration. A quenching effect in the excitons lifetime increasing the concentration of the dopants has been observed. These two phenomena have been studied in terms of energy processes inside the blends. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1500–1505, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
A comparative studies on dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes in poly (ethylene oxide) matrix using dicarboxylic acid and amino acid based modifiers
Authors: Ratna D. , Jagtap S. B. , Rathor Ritu , Kushwaha R. K. , Shimpi N. , Mishra S. N.
Published: May 2013

A comparative study on the tensile properties of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composites were conducted using sodium salt of 6‐aminohexanoic acid (SAHA) and half neutralized dicarboxylic acids having different number carbon atoms. Among all the modifiers, the sodium salt of 6‐aminohexanoic acid‐based composite showed the best tensile properties. The good dispersion of MWCNT and the resulting enhancement in thermomechanical properties can be attributed to the cation–π interaction between SAHA with MWCNT and H‐bonding interaction of SAHA with PEO. The proposed cation–π interaction and H‐bonding interaction was explained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic analysis. The dispersibility of MWCNT in the PEO matrix was assessed by using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crystallization behavior of PEO/MWCNT composites was studied and discussed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The present approach does not disturb the π electron clouds of MWCNT as opposed to chemical functionalization strategy. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1003–1011, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The fetal frontomaxillary facial angle in normal and trisomy 21 ultrasounds at 11–13+6 weeks of gestation: findings among the ethnic Chinese compared with Caucasian
Authors: Hsiao Ching Hua , Liu Wen Liang , Chen Ran Chou , Cheng Bo Jen , Tseng Yin Jiun , Chu Woei Chyn
Published: May 2013

Objective

The aim of this research was to compare the fetal frontomaxillary facial (FMF) angle between normal and trisomy 21 fetuses at 11+0–13+6 weeks gestation in a Chinese population.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed that included 640 euploid and 45 trisomy 21 singleton pregnancies undergoing first trimester ultrasound screening between 11 and 13+6 weeks of gestation. The FMF angle was measured in the midsagittal plane using the standard technique.

Results

The fetal mean FMF angle decreased with the increasing crown‐rump length (CRL) from 88.6°at a CRL of 45 mm to 78.5° at a CRL of 84 mm (FMF angle = 100.212 − 0.258 × CRL, R2 = 0.222, p < 0.001). The overall mean FMF angle in the euploid population was 82.9° ± 4.1° and in trisomy 21 cases, 92.3° ± 5.2°.

Conclusions

Fetal FMF angle is affected by gestational age in a Chinese population, although it remains a significant predictor of fetal trisomy 21. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the effect of erythropoietin on mortality using USRDS data
Authors: Yang Wei , Joffe Marshall M. , Feldman Harold I.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Erythropoietin (EPO) improves measures of quality of life and reduces transfusions. Clinical trials have reported higher mortality associated with higher hemoglobin targets in varied clinical settings, making difficult the selection of erythropoiesis stimulation strategies in end‐stage kidney disease. Observational studies distinguishing an effect of EPO from underlying conditions are challenging, but promise insights relevant to real‐world settings.

Methods

Using data from the United States Renal Data System, we performed a retrospective cohort study of hemodialysis patients treated between 2000 and 2004. 409 364 Medicare insured patients receiving hemodialysis therapy as of January 2000 or who began dialysis after January 2000 and survived >6 months were studied. We examined the association of EPO dose in any given month with death over subsequent follow‐up.

Results

Within each hematocrit group (<30%, 30%–< 33%, 33%–< 36%, 36%–< 39% and >39%), the hazard ratios comparing the 80thpercentile to the median EPO dose were 0.88 (95% CI: [0.87–0.90]), 0.94 ([0.93–0.94]), 0.98 ([0.98–0.99]), 1.06 ([1.05–1.06]) and 1.08 ([1.07–1.09]), respectively. Within the highest hematocrit group, the association of a high EPO dose with elevated mortality was attenuated over time. Among patients with malignancy or indications of EPO resistance, the association of higher EPO dose with lower mortality was attenuated when hematocrit was low, while its association with higher mortality was stronger when hematocrit was high.

Conclusions

These analyses demonstrate a complex relationship between EPO dosing and mortality, suggesting a possible beneficial effect among severely anemic hemodialysis patients, but possible harm when administered to individuals with higher hematocrit levels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organische Spinventile
Authors: Steil Sabine , Mathias Stefan , Cinchetti Mirko , Aeschlimann Martin
Published: May 2013

An den Kontaktflächen von magnetischen Schichten und organischen Materialien kann es zu ausgeprägten Spinfiltereffekten im Elektronentransport kommen. Eine solche Grenzschicht wird als Spinterface bezeichnet. Sie erlaubt eine Optimierung spintronischer Bauelemente und kann deshalb von großer Bedeutung für die zukünftige Informations‐ und Kommunikationstechnologie werden. Unsere Arbeitsgruppe an der TU Kaiserslautern entschlüsselte nun in Zusammenarbeit mit einem Kollegen der Universität in Tucson, Arizona, die molekularen Vorgänge an einer solchen Spinterface.
Hundert Ideen täglich
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: May 2013

Wenn man einem seiner engsten Freunde und Biographen glaubt, dann bestand sein Physikstudium im Wesentlichen aus Basteln und “den üblichen Tätigkeiten von Physikstudenten” – Wandern auf dem Land, verbotenes Klettern auf Türme und Experimente mit Explosivstoffen.
Comparison of Berthelot and Arrhenius Approaches for Prediction of Liquid Propellant Shelf Life
Authors: Gorji Mahmoud , Mohammadi Kaveh
Published: May 2013

The shelf life of amine based liquid propellant was predicted using Berthelot and Arrhenius approaches and the results were compared. Reduction of the triethylamine concentration to less than 48 wt‐% was taken as the end of shelf life. The γ10 parameter and the activation energy of the Berthelot and Arrhenius approaches were determined to be 1.99 and 64.07 kJ mol−1, respectively. According to the experimental data, the fuel shelf life at 293, 303, and 313 K, was predicted to be 5.7, 2.4, and 1.06 years using Arrhenius; and 3.93, 2, and 1 years using Berthelot approach, respectively. Results showed that the results that Berthelot approach gives lower values for fuel shelf life at ambient temperatures but it gives higher values at higher temperatures. Considering the safety aspect, the lower values are recommended as shelf life of the fuel.
The scanning force microscope in bacterial cell investigations
Authors: Müller Christine , Ziegler Christiane
Published: May 2013

The application of scanning force microscopy (SFM) in biology has increased during the last years because it allows measurements without pretreatment and under physiological conditions. In addition to pure imaging it is possible to use the SFM as a force sensor to detect forces as small as piconewtons. Such forces are relevant to interactions between bacterial cells and surfaces or biofilms on surfaces. Furthermore, the so‐called mapping modes were recently developed as combinations of imaging and force spectroscopy modes. Especially in the field of biofilm formation the SFM allows to map biofilms, bacterial cells as well as cell properties by specifically applying functionalized or unfunctionalized tips. In this paper we provide a short survey of the opportunities of the SFM as a nano(mechanical) tool in the field of bacterial cell biology and want to provide practical advice for SFM on bacteria for beginners.

The application of the scanning force microscope on bacterial cells. Mapping is a combination of the imaging and force spectroscopy application and can be performed with a functionalized or unfunctionalized cantilever. The single cell force spectroscopy can be performed either on adsorbed cells or on a naked surface. The image is not to scale.
Electronic monitoring of chemical DNA denaturation on nanocrystalline diamond electrodes with different molarities and flow rates
Authors: Murib M. S. , van Grinsven B. , Grieten L. , Janssens S. D. , Vermeeren V. , Eersels K. , Broeders J. , Ameloot M. , Michiels L. , Ceuninck W. De , Haenen K. , Schöning M. J. , Wagner P.
Published: May 2013

Probe DNA, consisting of a 36‐mer fragment was covalently immobilized on nanocrystalline chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond electrodes and hybridized with a 29‐mer target DNA. In this paper, we report on the label‐free real‐time electronic monitoring of DNA denaturation upon exposure to NaOH at different flow rates and molarities, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as readout technology. The impedance response was separated into a denaturation time constant and a medium exchange time constant by means of a double exponential fit. It was observed that the denaturation time is dependent on the flow rate as well as on the molarity of the NaOH. Surprisingly, it was observed that at low molarities (0.05 M) the DNA does not fully denature at low flow rates. Only after flushing the flow cell a second time with 0.05 M NaOH, complete denaturation was achieved. Confocal images were obtained and plotted in 3D graphs to confirm the results. This paper provides a systematic overview of measured denaturation times for different flow rates and at different molarities of NaOH. Optimization of these parameters can be a valuable asset in the field of mutation analysis.
Production of nanopowders of oxides by means of fiber and pulse‐periodical CO2 lasers
Authors: Osipov V. V. , Platonov V. V. , Lisenkov V. V. , Podkin A. V. , Zakharova E. E.
Published: May 2013

The results of investigation of YSZ, Nd:Y2O3, Al2O3 nanopowder production by laser evaporation of oxide targets in a gas current are reported in present paper. For this purpose we used the pulse‐periodical CO2 laser and the continuous fiber ytterbium laser with 550 W and 600 W radiation mean power accordingly. The powders obtained by these lasers, consisted of weakly agglomerated spherical nanopartices (≥ 99 wt%), and ≤ 1 wt% of micron sized particles (drops and target fragments). Nanoparticles from various oxides produced by CO2 laser in atmospheric pressure air had close average sizes (10÷16 nm). The productivity of nanopowder synthesis by CO2 laser from YSZ 1%Nd:Y2O3, 1%Nd:Y2O3, Al2O3, and CeGdO was 23 g/hour, 29 g/hour, 24 g/hour and 80 g/hour, respectively. Unlike CO2 laser the deep melting mode is realized during evaporation of 1%Nd:Y2O3 and Al2O3 targets by fiber laser. The crater depth increases up to 300–1000 μm in this mode. As a result, the target surface became very irregular and productivity of nanopowder synthesis was less, than in the case of CO2 laser. To reduce the effect of deep melting the evaporation of a target has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. As a result of our investigations we have obtained 1%Nd:Y2O3 nanopowder with specific surface of 70 m2/g and productivity of 23 g/hour at air pressure 70 kPa. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High doping Nd:YAG transparent ceramics fabricated by solid‐state reactive sintering
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Qiang , Li Jiang , Ba Xuewei , Liu Wenbin , Kou Huamin , Jiang Benxue , Pan Yubai , Cheng Xiaonong , Guo Jingkun
Published: May 2013

Nd:YAG transparent ceramics with different doping concentrations were fabricated by a solid‐state reaction method and vacuum sintering. Powder mixture of α‐Al2O3, Y2O3, and Nd2O3 doped with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and MgO were sintered between 1500 oC and 1750 oC to examine the densification behavior in Nd:YAG ceramics. For the high doping 5 at%Nd:YAG transparent ceramics, the sintering kinetics and microstructure evolution were mainly discussed. It is found that the optimal sintering temperature for 5.0 at%Nd:YAG ceramics was at ∼1700 oC, and the in‐line transmittance increased with the increase of holding time. The best specimen with the holding time of 30h achieved 82.2% in transmittance at 1064nm, whose average grain size was ∼15μm. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficient 2.1‐μm lasers based on Tm3+:Lu2O3 ceramics pumped by 800–nm laser diodes
Authors: Antipov O. L. , Novikov A. A. , Zakharov N. G. , Zinoviev A. P. , Yagi H. , Sakharov N. V. , Kruglova M. V. , Marychev M. O. , Gorshkov O. N. , Lagatskii A. A.
Published: May 2013

Structural, optical and spectroscopic properties of Tm3+:Lu2O3 ceramics were studied. CW laser operation at 2068 nm with an output power of up to 34 W and a slope efficiency of 44% was obtained. Q‐switched ocsilation with a pulse duration of 100‐150 ns and a repetition rate of 1‐10 kHz was achieved. Passive mode locking was achieved using an ion‐implanted InGaAsSb quantum‐well based SESAM or single graphene layer. Transform‐limited pulses as short as 180 fs are generated at 2076 nm with an average output power of 400 mW and a pulse repetition frequency of 121.2 MHz. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The convective adjustment time‐scale as indicator of predictability of convective precipitation
Authors: Keil Christian , Heinlein Florian , Craig George C.
Published: May 2013

Predictability of convective precipitation depends on the interaction between synoptic forcing and local‐scale flow characteristics. In order to assess different predictability levels it is desirable to objectively determine the dominant process in a given meteorological situation. Such a measure is given by the convective adjustment time‐scale τ, a physically based quantity that distinguishes between strong and weak synoptically forced precipitation regimes. By employing the convective adjustment time‐scale diagnostic, forecasts of the convection‐permitting COSMO‐DE ensemble prediction system available for a total of 88 days in summer 2009 are examined. Based on the normalized ensemble spread of hourly precipitation rates, it is shown that the practical predictability of total precipitation is higher during strong large‐scale forcing than during weak forcing. Likewise, the forecast skill, determined using two deterministic scores, is higher during strong than during weak forcing conditions. Different predictability levels of convective precipitation can be revealed by examining distinct sub‐ensembles depending on their source of uncertainty. The impact of variations in the boundary conditions of the driving global models used in the ensemble system is quite insensitive to the prevailing flow regime, while the impact of physics perturbations representing the model error is clearly weather regime dependent, exhibiting a strong contribution only during weakly forced conditions. Then convective precipitation turns out to be especially sensitive to variations in the physics parametrization even at forecast lead times of 12 to 18 hours during the main convective period in the afternoon. Two case‐studies exemplifying the strong and weak forcing regimes are shown, to illustrate how forecast skill varies and the different ensemble members cluster as the precipitation event evolves.
Comparison of robotic adrenalectomy with traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy with a lateral transperitoneal approach: a single‐surgeon experience
Authors: You Ji Young , Lee Hye Yoon , Son Gil Soo , Lee Jae Bok , Bae Jeoung Won , Kim Hoon Yub
Published: May 2013

Background

Although several recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of robotic adrenalectomy, it is unknown whether this procedure has advantages over the traditional laparoscopic approach. This study compared our initial experience using the da Vinci‐S® robotic surgical system during laparoscopic adrenalectomy with our experience with traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Methods

From October 2009 to May 2012, 23 consecutive patients (13 women, 10 men) underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy by the same surgeon at Anam Hospital, Korea University Medical Center. Fifteen patients (9 women, 6 men) underwent robot‐assisted adrenalectomy (right‐sided, 4 patients; left‐sided, 11 patients). Eight patients (4 women, 4 men) underwent traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (right‐sided, 5 patients; left‐sided, 3 patients). The lateral transperitoneal approach was used for all patients.

Results

There were no cases of conversion to traditional laparoscopic or open surgery. The mean operative time was longer in the robotic group (208.2 minutes, range 120–320) than the laparoscopic group (181.13 minutes, range 75–270). There were no cases of intraoperative complications or mortality. The mean hospital stay did not differ significantly between groups (robotic group, 5.86 days (SD 1.16); laparoscopic group, 6.71 days (SD 1.38)).

Conclusions

With its magnified stereoscopic three‐dimensional vision, elimination of tremor, and ability to articulate and rotate surgical instruments, the da Vinci‐S® robotic system may be an ideal surgical tool for the operation of adrenal lesions. Robotic adrenalectomy appears to be a safe and effective alternative to traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐site robotic cholecystectomy: efficiency and cost analysis
Authors: Buzad Francis A. , Corne Louis M. , Brown Thomas C. , Fagin Randy S. , Hebert April E. , Kaczmarek Charles A. , Pack Angie N. , Payne Thomas N.
Published: May 2013

Background

Single‐incision surgery has gained in popularity, and the recent development of specialized robotic and laparoscopic instruments may remove some of the ergonomic and technical difficulties associated with this approach. However, questions of cost and efficiency remain.

Methods

We prospectively collected perioperative outcome and efficiency (operative time, case volume) data for our single‐site robotic cholecystectomy cases and retrospectively reviewed data for our single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases.

Results

There were no differences in patient characteristics or perioperative outcomes between the robotic (n = 20) and laparoscopic (n = 10) groups; operative times were equivalent (84.6 vs 85.5 min; p = 0.8737) and blood loss and complications were minimal. There was a higher robotic case volume, with an average of two robotic cases (range 1–4)/day vs one/day for laparoscopic cases (range 1–1; p = 0.0306). Streamlined instrument costs were essentially equivalent.

Conclusions

Robotic single‐site cholecystectomy is a safe, cost‐effective alternative to single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a robot‐existing model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐Performance Vertical Organic Transistors
Authors: Kleemann Hans , Günther Alrun A. , Leo Karl , Lüssem Björn
Published: May 2013

Vertical organic thin‐film transistors (VOTFTs) are promising devices to overcome the transconductance and cut‐off frequency restrictions of horizontal organic thin‐film transistors. The basic physical mechanisms of VOTFT operation, however, are not well understood and VOTFTs often require complex patterning techniques using self‐assembly processes which impedes a future large‐area production. In this contribution, high‐performance vertical organic transistors comprising pentacene for p‐type operation and C60 for n‐type operation are presented. The static current–voltage behavior as well as the fundamental scaling laws of such transistors are studied, disclosing a remarkable transistor operation with a behavior limited by injection of charge carriers. The transistors are manufactured by photolithography, in contrast to other VOTFT concepts using self‐assembled source electrodes. Fluorinated photoresist and solvent compounds allow for photolithographical patterning directly and strongly onto the organic materials, simplifying the fabrication protocol and making VOTFTs a prospective candidate for future high‐performance applications of organic transistors.
Online, automatic, near‐real time estimation of GPS‐TEC: IONOLAB‐TEC
Authors: Sezen U. , Arikan F. , Arikan O. , Ugurlu O. , Sadeghimorad A.
Published: May 2013

The variability of space weather can best be captured using total electron content (TEC), which corresponds to total number of electrons on a ray path. The dual‐frequency ground based GPS receivers provide a cost‐effective means for monitoring TEC. Computation of TEC for a single GPS station is a challenge due to various unknowns and ambiguities such as inter‐frequency receiver bias and satellite bias, choice of mapping function, and peak height of ionosphere for ionospheric piercing point. In this study, IONOLAB group introduces a robust, automatic, online computation routine near‐real time TEC, IONOLAB‐TEC, for IGS and/or EUREF stations from www.ionolab.org. The user can choose online one station or multiple stations, date or dates for the computation. The IONOLAB‐TEC values can be compared with TEC estimates from IGS analysis centers. The output can be obtained either in graphical form, or IONOLAB‐TEC estimates can be provided in an excel file. The service is easy to use with a graphical user interface. This unique and original space weather application is provided online, and IONOLAB‐TEC estimates are downloaded automatically to the user defined directories under user defined filenames.
Building a Community of Readers
Authors: Bullock Kathryn
Published: May 2013

View From the Chalkboard essays share readers' reflections on teaching experiences, advice for new teachers, and perspectives on current issues.
Learning to Understand Others Through Relationally Oriented Reading
Authors: Lysaker Judith , Tonge Clare
Published: May 2013

Children with reading difficulties often face social and emotional challenges as well. These struggles may be particularly taxing for these children as classrooms increase in diversity and they encounter fewer people like themselves. In response to these issues, we developed an approach to teaching reading called Relationally Oriented Reading Instruction (RORI) which attempts to build relational capacities through a systematic approach to reading picture books. In this article we present the background and rationale for this approach, describe its implementation, as well as what we learned from that implementation.
Engaging Children in Close Reading: Multimodal Commentaries and Illustration Remix
Authors: Dalton Bridget
Published: May 2013

Understanding relies on the reader's ability to ‘read between the lines’ and connect textual evidence with their own experience, knowledge and beliefs. The Common Core State Standards highlight the importance of using text−based evidence to develop arguments and support interpretations, including analysis and appreciation of author's craft. In this article, Dalton suggests a multimodal strategy for engaging students’ in close reading. Using an original text as the base, students compose a multimodal hypertext version with hyperlinks from selected pieces of text to their multimodal commentary. Illustrations are remixed with the addition of speech and thought balloons. An example hypertext is presented, along with suggestions for teaching.
An overview of the state of the art technologies for multi‐MW scale offshore wind turbines and beyond
Authors: Natarajan Anand
Published: May 2013

An overview of technological trends in the design of multi‐mega Watt wind turbines focused on the offshore sector is presented. The state of the art technologies for wind turbine design are multidisciplinary ranging from blade aeroelasticity, power transmission to the generator, to advanced control systems that ensure performance and the design of offshore support structures to minimize cost of energy. Light weight carbon fiber blades, aeroelastic tailoring using bend–twist coupling are discussed in coordination with a multitude of aerodynamic technologies for optimal power capture such as high‐lift airfoils, flaps, and flat‐back airfoil designs. The pitch control of the turbine responsible for rotating the blades about its axis to reduce loads is the primary load reducing mechanism of the wind turbine, for which technologies that enable wind sensing such as forward looking LIDARs and redundancy mechanisms such as individual blade pitch control offer promising advances. The lack of reliability of the gearbox has resulted in drive train technologies to move toward direct drives, whose benefits and liabilities are assessed in combination with generator concepts. The support structures are discussed within an offshore framework for shallow, moderately deep, and deep waters. Fixed substructures such as monopiles, tripods, jackets, as well as floaters such as spar buoys and tension leg platforms are brought forth. The advances in these different component technologies that enable the wind turbine system to be reliable and cost effective are described as a precursor to further in‐depth reviews.

This article is categorized under:

Wind Power > Science and Materials
Quantitative study of different forms of geometrical scaling in deep inelastic scattering at HERA
Authors: Praszalowicz Michal , Stebel Tomasz
Published: May 2013

Abstract

We use recently proposed method of ratios to assess the quality of geometrical scaling in deep inelastic scattering for different forms of the saturation scale. We consider original form of geometrical scaling (motivated by the Balitski-Kovchegov (BK) equation with fixed coupling) studied in more detail in our previous paper, and four new hypotheses: phenomenologically motivated case with Q
2 dependent exponent λ that governs small x dependence of the saturation scale, two versions of scaling (running coupling 1 and 2) that follow from the BK equation with running coupling, and diffusive scaling suggested by the QCD evolution equation beyond mean field approximation. It turns out that more sophisticated scenarios: running coupling scaling and diffusive scaling are disfavored by the combined HERA data on e
+
p deep inelastic structure function F
2.
Genetic Variability Studies in Seed Biochemical Traits of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Accessions
Authors: Pavithra H. R. , Gowda Balakrishna , Prasanna K. T. , Shivanna M. B.
Published: May 2013

A genetic variability study of oil content, fatty acid composition and karanjin content of seeds was carried out in candidate plus trees of Pongamia pinnata from selected agro‐ecological zones of southern peninsular India. Significant zonal variation (P < 0.01) for biochemical traits was recorded. Significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) was recorded for latitude with oleic acid. Longitude showed significant negative correlation with palmitic acid and oleic acid. Altitude positively correlated with oleic acid and linolenic acid; negatively correlated with linoleic acid and seed oil content. Phenotypic co‐efficient of variation was higher than the genotypic co‐efficient of variation for all the biochemical traits. The oleic acid positively correlated with seed oil content (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with linoleic acid and linolenic acid (P < 0.01). The zone 1, zone 2, zone 3 and zone 4 showed high heritability and genetic advance for oleic acid, linoleic acid and oleic to linoleic acid ratio. Based on Ward's method, the pongamia accessions were grouped into three major clusters and four sub‐groups depending on their geographical locations. Further, the results obtained in this study could be used as background information for biofuel programs in India and other tropical countries.
Does Ethnicity Matter for Access to Childhood and Adolescent Health Capital in China? Evidence from the Wage-Height Relationship in the 2006 China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Elu Juliet U. , Price Gregory N.
Published: May 2013

This paper considers whether ethnicity conditions the return and access to health capital in China. Given that the wage-height relationship reflects the labor market earnings returns to childhood and adolescent health capital, differences in the labor market returns to height by ethnicity reflect ethnic differences in access to health capital during childhood and adolescence. We theoretically motivate the role of height in earnings by providing a Bioeconomic rationale for stature and height determining individual wages, and estimate height-augmented Mincerian earnings functions with data from the 2006 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Our results show that when the effects of unobserved genetic influences on adult height are accounted for, the labor market return on height is higher for Chinese ethnics. This suggests that in China there are ethnic disparities in access to the inputs that produce childhood and adolescent health capital.
Medical students’ reactions to an experience-based learning model of clinical
education
Authors: Hay Alexandra , Smithson Sarah , Mann Karen , Dornan Tim
Published: May 2013

An experience-based learning (ExBL) model proposes: Medical students learn in
workplaces by ‘supported participation’; affects are an important dimension of support;
many learning outcomes are affective; supported participation influences students’
professional identity development. The purpose of the study was to check how the model,
which is the product of a series of earlier research studies, aligned with students’
experiences, akin to the ‘member checking’ stage of a qualitative research project. In
three group discussions, a researcher explained ExBL to 19 junior clinical students, who
discussed how it corresponded with their experiences of clinical learning and were given
a written précis of it to take away. One to 3 weeks later, they wrote 500-word
reflective pieces relating to their subsequent experiences with ExBL. Four researchers
conducted a qualitative analysis. Having found many instances of responses ‘resonating’
to the model, the authors systematically identified and coded respondents’ ‘resonances’
to define how they aligned with their experiences. 120 resonances were identified.
Seventy (58 %) were positive experiences and 50 (42 %) negative ones. Salient
experiences were triggered by the learning environment in 115 instances (96 %) and by
learners themselves in 5 instances (4 %), consistent with a strong effect of environment
on learning processes. Affective support was apparent in 129 of 203 statements (64 %) of
resonances and 118 learning outcomes (58 %) were also affective. ExBL aligns with
medical students’ experiences of clinical learning.
Differences in rate of functional decline across three dementia types
Authors: Gill Dawn P. , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Koepsell Thomas D. , Borrie Michael J. , Petrella Robert J. , Knopman David S. , Kukull Walter A.
Published: May 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to estimate differences in rates of functional decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and vascular dementia (VaD) and whether differences vary by age or sex.

Methods

Data came from 32 U.S. Alzheimer's Disease Centers. The cohort of participants (n = 5848) were ≥60 years of age and had clinical dementia with a primary etiologic diagnosis of probable AD, DLB, or probable VaD; a Clinical Dementia Rating‐Sum of Boxes score <16; and a duration of symptoms ≤10 years. Dementia diagnoses were assigned using standard criteria. Annual mean rate of change of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) score was modeled using multiple linear regression with generalized estimating equations adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, years since onset, and cognitive status (mean follow‐up = 2.0 years).

Results

FAQ declined more slowly over time in those with VaD compared with AD (difference in mean annual rate of change: −0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.68, −0.14). VaD participants also declined at a slower rate than DLB participants, but this difference was not statistically significant (−0.61; 95% CI: −1.45, 0.24). There was no significant difference between DLB and AD. Within each group, rate of decline was more rapid for the youngest participants.

Conclusions

In this sample, findings suggested that VaD patients declined in their functional abilities at a slower rate compared with AD patients and that there were no significant differences in rate of functional decline between patients with DLB compared with those with either AD or VaD. These results may provide guidance to clinicians about average expected rates of functional decline in three common dementia types.
Implications of early treatment among Medicaid patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Geldmacher David S. , Kirson Noam Y. , Birnbaum Howard G. , Eapen Sara , Kantor Evan , Cummings Alice Kate , Joish Vijay N.
Published: May 2013

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of treatment timing on risk of institutionalization of Medicaid patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to estimate the economic implications of earlier diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Methods

New Jersey Medicaid claims data (1997–2009) were used retrospectively to study the effect of treatment on time to institutionalization. Observed Medicaid payments were used to calculate savings from delayed institutionalization, adjusting for cost offsets resulting from concurrent changes in use of other medical services.

Results

Initiation of existing therapies at earliest symptomatic onset is predicted to delay institutionalization by 91 days, reducing Medicaid costs by $19,108/institutionalized patient. Incorporating an 18.5% cost offset from increased use of other medical services as well as drug costs associated with earlier treatment results in net savings of $12,687/patient. Projected annual Medicaid savings exceed $1 billion.

Conclusion

Earlier treatment leads to a small delay in institutionalization among AD patients, resulting in significant costs savings to Medicaid.
Evaluation of memory endophenotypes for association with CLU, CR1, and PICALM variants in black and white subjects
Authors: Pedraza Otto , Allen Mariet , Jennette Kyle , Carrasquillo Minerva , Crook Julia , Serie Daniel , Pankratz V. Shane , Palusak Ryan , Nguyen Thuy , Malphrus Kimberly , Ma Li , Bisceglio Gina , Roberts Rosebud O. , Lucas John A. , Ivnik Robert J. , Smith Glenn E. , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Petersen Ronald C. , Younkin Steven G. , Ertekin‐Taner Nilüfer
Published: May 2013

Background

Genetic variants at the CLU, CR1, and PICALM loci associate with risk for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) in genomewide association studies. In this study, our aim was to determine whether the LOAD risk variants at these three loci influence memory endophenotypes in black and white subjects.

Methods

We pursued an association study between single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes at the CLU, CR1, and PICALM loci and memory endophenotypes. We assessed black subjects (AA series: 44 with LOAD and 224 control subjects) recruited at Mayo Clinic Florida and whites recruited at Mayo Clinic Minnesota (RS series: 372 with LOAD and 1690 control subjects) and Florida (JS series: 60 with LOAD and 529 control subjects). Single nucleotide polymorphisms at the LOAD risk loci CLU (rs11136000), CR1 (rs6656401, rs3818361), and PICALM (rs3851179) were genotyped and tested for association with Logical Memory immediate recall, Logical Memory delayed recall, Logical Memory percent retention, Visual Reproduction immediate recall, Visual Reproduction delayed recall, and Visual Reproduction percent retention scores from the Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised using multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusting for age at exam, sex, education, and apolipoprotein E ε4 dosage.

Results

We identified nominally significant or suggestive associations between the LOAD‐risky CR1 variants and worse Logical Memory immediate recall scores in blacks (P = .068–.046, β = −2.7 to −1.2). The LOAD‐protective CLU variant is associated with better logical memory endophenotypes in white subjects (P = .099–.027, β = 0.31–0.93). The CR1 associations persisted when the control subjects from the AA series were assessed separately. The CLU associations appeared to be driven by one of the white series (RS) and were also observed when the control subset from RS was analyzed.

Conclusion

These results suggest for the first time that LOAD risk variants at CR1 may influence memory endophenotypes in blacks. In addition, the CLU LOAD‐protective variant may confer enhanced memory in whites. Although these results would not remain significant after stringent corrections for multiple testing, they need to be considered in the context of the LOAD associations with which they have biological consistency. They also provide estimates for effect sizes on memory endophenotypes that could guide future studies. The detection of memory effects for these variants in clinically normal subjects, implies that these LOAD risk loci might modify memory prior to clinical diagnosis of AD.
Fitnesstraining als Bestandteil aktiver Gesundheitsförderung
Authors: Allmann Bernhard
Published: May 2013

Einleitung

Die Gesundheitsbranche ist ein Wirtschaftszweig mit Innovationskraft und ökonomischer Bedeutung. So beliefen sich die Gesundheitsausgaben im Jahr 2010 auf rund 278 Milliarden Euro - das entspricht einem Anteil von 11,6 Prozent des Bruttoinlandsprodukts (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, 2013). Alleine im „2. Gesundheitsmarkt“, der privat finanzierte Produkte und Dienstleistungen rund um die Gesundheit umfasst, wurden 2008 ca. 64 Mrd. Euro (Neumann et al., 2007) umgesetzt.
The Human Comedy in Westminster: The House of Commons, 1604–1629
Authors: Cogswell Thomas
Published: May 2013

The completion of the House of Commons, 1604–1629, a sprawling research project involving over a dozen scholars who have toiled in the archival vineyards for the past quarter century, is a development of fundamental importance for the study of early Stuart history. This essay highlights some of its many findings and suggests some directions for further research, deploying the riches in these six volumes.
Sinking Feelings: Representing and Resisting theTitanicDisaster in Britain, 1914–ca.1960
Authors: Wells Andrew
Published: May 2013

The apparent lack of representations of theTitanicdisaster in Britain between the start of the First World War and the end of the 1950s was due, not to a lack of interest, but to active resistance to such representations. Shipping interests, the press, government, and the public all opposed portrayals of the catastrophe, but their opposition depended much on the medium by which the sinking was to be represented, on the broader international context, and on the nature and status of individual memories of the events of 1912. Questions of fact, fiction, national prestige, and the ethics of representation dominated the first half century of theTitanic's cultural history in the United Kingdom.
Ethnicity, Prejudice, and Justice: The Treatment of the Irish at the Old Bailey, 1750–1825
Authors: King Peter
Published: May 2013

Using a unique source on offenders' place of birth, in combination with trial reports and newspapers, this article offers the first systematic analysis of how the Irish were treated by the English criminal justice system when they came as witnesses, prosecutors and accused. Although the Irish were massively over-represented amongst the accused, in the vast majority of Old Bailey cases – i.e. those involving property crime – they were no more likely to be convicted than other groups and overall the sentences they received were slightly less severe. However, doubts about their evidence and their reputation for violence meant that they were less successful as prosecutors and were more heavily punished when they were accused of violent offences. Thus the Irish were on the receiving end of both justice and prejudice and their treatment was intimately linked to contemporary English discourses about the Irish.
Magnetothermodynamic Peristaltic Flow of Bingham Non-Newtonian Fluid in Eccentric Annuli with Slip Velocity and Temperature Jump Conditions
Authors: El-Sayed M. F. , Eldabe N. T. M. , Ghaly A. Y. , Sayed H. M.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we studied the peristaltic flow and heat transfer of an incompressible, electrically conducting Bingham Non-Newtonian fluid in an eccentric uniform annulus in the presence of external uniform magnetic field with slip velocity and temperature jump at the wall conditions. The viscous and Joule dissipations are taken into account. The inner tube is rigid and moving with a constant axial velocity, while the outer tube has a sinusoidal wave traveling down its wall. Under zero Reynolds number condition with the long wavelength approximation, the axial velocity and the stream function are obtained analytically. A numerical solution for the governing partial differential equation of energy is performed in order to analyze the temperature distribution. The effects of all parameters of the problem are numerically discussed and graphically explained.
Influence of Annealing Temperature in the Course of Mechanical-Thermal Treatment upon the Steady-State Creep Rate of Metals
Authors: Rusinko Andrew
Published: May 2013

The influence of annealing temperature in the course of mechanical-thermal treatment on the steady-state creep of metals is discussed and modeled. The synthesis theory of irrecoverable deformation is taken as a mathematical apparatus. Results obtained in terms of the generalized synthetic theory give good agreements with experimental data.
Unsteady Flow and Heat Transfer of a MHD Micropolar Fluid Over a Porous Stretching Sheet in the Presence of Thermal Radiation
Authors: Shit G. C. , Haldar R. , Sinha A.
Published: May 2013

A non-linear analysis has been made to study the unsteady hydromagnetic boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a micropolar fluid over a stretching sheet embedded in a porous medium. The effects of thermal radiation in the boundary layer flow over a stretching sheet have also been investigated. The system of governing partial differential equations in the boundary layer have reduced to a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations using a suitable similarity transformation. The resulting non-linear coupled ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by using an implicit finite difference scheme. The numerical results concern with the axial velocity, micro-rotation component and temperature profiles as well as local skin-friction coefficient and the rate of heat transfer at the sheet. The study reveals that the unsteady parameter S has an increasing effect on the flow and heat transfer characteristics.
What The Research Says . . . In One Line
Authors: Mohamed Mohamad Haniki Nik
Published: May 2013

Carbon monoxide-validated four-week smoking abstinence from 167,487 treatment episodes among patients from 42 UK National Health Service Stop Smoking Services (1 April 2009, to 30 June 2011) showed smoking abstinence rates were higher with varenicline than combination nicotine replacement therapy (43.5% vs. 36.9%) but systematic variation in medication effect across clinical services and differences in predictors of outcome between medications resulted in a small mean advantage for varenicline (odds ratio, 1.080; 95% CI, 1.003–1.163; difference, 1.86%; 95% CI, 0.07%–3.67%; P = .04).
The Domestic Politics of the International Dollar Standard: A Statistical Analysis of Support for the Reserve Currency, 2000–2008
Authors: Shih Victor , Steinberg David A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract.Why did most central banks continue to purchase dollar reserves during the 2000s even though they suffered mounting financial losses as a result of this policy? This paper argues that domestic political considerations determine whether policy makers accumulate or dump the reserve currency. We hypothesize that central bank independence decreases support for the dollar because independent central banks reduce the political clout of exporters and increase the salience of financial performance. This argument is tested using data on countries' holdings of US Treasury securities between 2000 and 2008. The statistical results indicate that countries with independent central banks were more likely to sell and less likely to purchase US treasuries. Our findings suggest that a complete understanding of the international dollar standard requires greater attention to domestic politics and how political institutions influence the balance of power between competing interest groups.

Résumé.Pourquoi est-ce que la plupart des banques centrales ont continué à acheter des réserves de dollars au cours des années 2000, même quand ils souffraient des pertes financières en raison de cette politique? Cet article soutient que des considérations de politiques nationale déterminent si les responsables des politiques décident d'accumuler ou de vider leurs monnaie de réserve. Nous émettons l'hypothèse que l'indépendance de la banque centrale décourage le soutien pour le dollar, car les banques centrales indépendantes réduise la puissance politique des exportateurs et augmente l'importance de la performance financière. Cet argument est testé en utilisant des données sur la quantité de titres du Trésor américain possédée par pays entre 2000 et 2008. Les résultats statistiques démontrent que les pays avec des banques centrales indépendantes étaient plus susceptibles de vendre et moins susceptibles d'acheter des obligations du Trésor américain. Nos résultats suggèrent qu'une compréhension complète de l'étalon dollar international exige une plus grande attention à la politique nationale, et comment les institutions politiques influencent l'équilibre du pouvoir entre les groupes d'intérêts concurrents.