bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroscopic Synthesis of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Using Floating Catalyst Chemical Vapor Deposition Method
Authors: Mirbagheri S. Ahmad , Kazemzadeh Asghar , Maghanaki Amir Abedin
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we report an efficient process to grow well-aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays with a good area distribution density (about 5.6 ×107 CNT/mm2). Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) have been produced by controlling flow rate, temperature and catalyst nanoparticles using a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) technique. They were synthesized on quartz substrates at 800 °C from toluene as a carbon source. VA-CNT samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and their surface area and pore size were determined by nitrogen adsorption analysis. The synthesized CNTs have a length of 500 µm and diameters ranging from 120±40 nm. The CNT filaments form a strength structure and exhibit a good vertical alignment. The remarkable properties of CNTs make them attractive for separation applications, especially for water and wastewater treatment.
Transparent Conductive Properties of TiOx and Nb-Doped TiOx Films Produced by Reactive Co-Sputtering from Ti and Nb2O5 Targets
Authors: Akazawa Housei
Published: January 2012

We investigated the structural and transparent conductive properties of oxygen-deficient TiO
x
films that were deposited by metal-mode reactive electron cyclotron resonance plasma sputtering from a Ti target at 400 °C. Crystallites in a strongly reduced state (x≈1) had face centered cubic (fcc) structures with the resistivities ranging from 10-4 to 10-3 Ω cm, and the optical transmittance in the visible wavelength was between 25 and 55%. In a sufficiently oxidized state (x≈2), rutiles nucleated with resistivites higher than 10-2 Ω cm, and the optical transmittance was between 60 and 80%. The intermediate composition (1< x < 2) corresponded to fcc structures although the crystallinity approached an amorphous state with increasing x. Crystallization into magneli phases (Ti
n
O2n-1) was observed only for thick films at deposition temperatures higher than 500 °C. Carriers were n-type for rutile, but p-type for the fcc and magneli phases. Nb-doped TiO
x
films were produced by metal-mode sputtering of TiO
x
with co-sputtering Nb and O from an Nb2O5 target. The donor role of Nb5+ could be identified only in the oxidized rutile state, but the resistivity increased at higher Nb2O5 sputtering powers due to oxidation of Nb atoms that substituted Ti sites.
Quantum Chemical Investigation for Chemical Dry Etching of SiO2 by Flowing NF3 into H2 Downflow Plasma
Authors: Hayashi Toshio , Ishikawa Kenji , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru , Kono Akihiro , Suu Koukou
Published: January 2012

A quantum chemical investigation of the chemical dry etching of SiO2 using H2 downflow plasma with flowing NF3 was carried out using the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) method. The results provide a reasonable interpretation of how the chemical dry etching of SiO2 takes place in a down flow area. Experimentally, it was found that the etch rates of thermal silicon oxide film range from 1 to 10 nm/min depending on the etching conditions, and white powder was produced on the etched surface. It was deduced that the etchants were HF and NH3 produced by the reaction of H+ NF3, and that the white powder on the etched surface was produced by the decomposition of (NH4)2SiF6 formed on the etched surface. The calculated results support the HF and NH3 production mechanism and clarify the molecular structures of (NH4)2SiF6 and the white powder. Another important point in the chemical dry etching of SiO2 was the realization of a high etching selectivity to Si. As the F atom was deduced to be the main etchant of Si, its generation mechanism in H2 down flow plasma with the addition of NF3 was also studied and a method of suppressing F atom production was proposed in this research.
Mechanical Stress Evaluation of Si Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor Structure Using Polarized Ultraviolet Raman Spectroscopy Measurements and Calibrated Technology-Computer-Aided-Design Simulations
Authors: Satoh Akira , Tada Tetsuya , Poborchii Vladimir , Kanayama Toshihiko , Satoh Shigeo , Arimoto Hiroshi
Published: January 2012

The mechanical stresses in Si metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were evaluated by polarized UV Raman spectroscopy measurements and stress simulations. To calibrate stress parameters of the materials used in the Si MOSFETs, we compared measured and simulated Raman frequency shifts on the cleaved Si(110) surfaces of the MOSFETs. Consequently, we extracted intrinsic stress values of -400 MPa for a SiO2, -200 MPa for polycrystalline Si (poly-Si), 700 MPa for Ni silicide, 1250 MPa for a SiN tensile stress liner, and -3500 MPa for a SiN compressive stress liner by finding good agreement between the measured and simulated Raman shift distributions. To verify our stress simulation, we investigated the source/drain width dependences of Raman frequency shifts near the channel regions of Si MOSFETs by top-view Raman measurements. The calculated Raman frequency shifts agreed well with the results of polarized Raman measurements in terms of not only relative tendencies but also absolute Raman shift values.
Signal with Flat Phase Noise Using a Carrier and the Power Spectral Density of White Noise for Phase Noise Standards
Authors: Watabe Ken-ichi , Yanagimachi Shinya , Ikegami Takeshi , Iida Hitoshi , Shimada Yozo
Published: January 2012

We have realized a phase noise standard of a signal with a -100 dBc/Hz flat phase noise at 10 MHz for Fourier frequencies of 1 Hz to 100 kHz, which ensures traceability to the International System of Units (SI). The flat phase noise signal is produced using a carrier combined with white noise. To ensure traceability, both the flat phase noise signal power and the power spectral density of white noise are determined with a calibrated power meter and the noise standard, respectively. The flatness of the phase noise standard is within ±0.7 dB.
Single-Switch User Interface for Robot Arm to Help Disabled People Using RT-Middleware
Authors: Wakita Yujin , Yamanobe Natsuki , Nagata Kazuyuki , Ono Eiichi
Published: January 2012

We are developing a manipulator system in order to support disabled people with less muscle strength such as muscular dystrophy patients. Such a manipulator should have an easy user interface for the users to control it. But the supporting manipulator for disabled people cannot make large industry, so we should offer inexpensive manufacturing way. These type products are called “orphan products.” We report on the construction of the user interface system using RT-Middleware which is an open software platform for robot systems. Therefore other user interface components or robot components which are adapted to other symptoms can be replaced with the user interface without any change of the contents. A single switch and scanning menu panel are introduced as the input device for the manual control of the robot arm. The scanning menu panel is designed to perform various actions of the robot arm with the single switch. A manipulator simulation system was constructed to evaluate the input performance. Two muscular dystrophy patients tried our user interface to control the robot simulator and made comments. According to the comments by them, we made several improvements on the user interface. This improvements examples prepare inexpensive manufacturing way for orphan products.
Spontaneous Rupture of the Patellar Tendon and the Contralateral Quadriceps Tendon, Associated with Lupus Erythematosus: Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Karadimas Efthimios J. , Kotzamitelos Dimitrios , Kakagia Despoina D. , Hatziyiannakis Athanasios
Published: January 2012

Bilateral rupture of the patellar tendon is a rare injury. A case of a 67-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus under corticosteroid treatment for the last 10 years, who sustained spontaneous rupture of the patellar tendon and the contralateral quadriceps tendon, is herein presented. The patient was operated bilaterally, had an optimal outcome considering his age and the comorbidities, and was followed up for 24 months.
Productivity and Nutritive Quality of Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) as Influenced by Commercial Fertilizer, Broiler Litter, and Interseeded White Clover (Trifolium repens)
Authors: Dillard Sandra L. , Sturgeon Laura E. , Owsley Walter F. , Wood C. Wesley , Holliman James L. , Muntifering Russell B.
Published: January 2012

In the southeastern USA, there is an abundance of broiler litter from commercial poultry production that is available for use as fertilizer, but cropland and pastureland amended with broiler litter often exhibit greatly increased soil-test P. We evaluated productivity and nutritive quality of Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) that was interseeded with or without white clover (Trifolium repens) and which commercial fertilizer (ammonium nitrate and diammonium phosphate) or broiler litter was applied on the basis of soil-test P; broiler litter was supplemented with ammonium nitrate to be isonitrogenous with commercial fertilizer. Forage dry matter yield and foliar concentrations of crude protein, cell wall constituents, P, K, and Cu were not different among fertilizer treatments, and concentration of Zn was only slightly greater for forage amended with broiler litter than commercial fertilizer. Results indicate that broiler litter can be a cost-effective alternative to commercial fertilizer for warm-season forage production when applied on the basis of soil-test P.
Nicotine Contents in Some Commonly Used Toothpastes and Toothpowders: A Present Scenario
Authors: Agrawal S. S. , Ray R. S.
Published: January 2012

The use of tobacco products as dentifrices is still prevalent in various parts of India. Tobacco use in dentifrices is a terrible scourge which motivates continued use despite its harmful effects. Indian legislation prohibits the use of nicotine in dentifrices. Nicotine is primarily injurious to people because it is responsible for tobacco addiction and is dependence forming. The present study was motivated by an interest in examining the presence of nicotine in these dentifrices. Our earlier report indicates the presence of nicotine in toothpowders. To further curb the menace of tobacco, our team again analysed the toothpowder brands of previous years and in toothpastes as well. Eight brands of commonly used toothpastes and toothpowders were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. On the whole, there are a few successes but much remains to be done. Our findings indicated the presence of nicotine in two brands ofdant manjansand four brands of toothpastes. Further our finding underscores the need for stringent regulations by the regulatory authorities for preventing the addition of nicotine in these dentifrices. Hence government policy needs to be targeted towards an effective control of tobacco in these dentifrices and should be properly addressed.
Recognition of Facial Expressions in Individuals with Elevated Levels of Depressive Symptoms: An Eye-Movement Study
Authors: Wu Lingdan , Pu Jie , Allen John J. B. , Pauli Paul
Published: January 2012

Previous studies consistently reported abnormal recognition of facial expressions in depression. However, it is still not clear whether this abnormality is due to an enhanced or impaired ability to recognize facial expressions, and what underlying cognitive systems are involved. The present study aimed to examine how individuals with elevated levels of depressive symptoms differ from controls on facial expression recognition and to assess attention and information processing using eye tracking. Forty participants (18 with elevated depressive symptoms) were instructed to label facial expressions depicting one of seven emotions. Results showed that the high-depression group, in comparison with the low-depression group, recognized facial expressions faster and with comparable accuracy. Furthermore, the high-depression group demonstrated greater leftwards attention bias which has been argued to be an indicator of hyperactivation of right hemisphere during facial expression recognition.
Lack of Intestinal Epithelial Atg7 Affects Paneth Cell Granule Formation but Does Not Compromise Immune Homeostasis in the Gut
Authors: Wittkopf Nadine , Günther Claudia , Martini Eva , Waldner Maximilian , Amann Kerstin U. , Neurath Markus F. , Becker Christoph
Published: January 2012

Genetic polymorphisms of autophagy-related genes have been associated with an increased risk to develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Autophagy is an elementary process participating in several cellular events such as cellular clearance and nonapoptotic programmed cell death. Furthermore, autophagy may be involved in intestinal immune homeostasis due to its participation in the digestion of intracellular pathogens and in antigen presentation. In the present study, the role of autophagy in the intestinal epithelial layer was investigated. The intestinal epithelium is essential to maintain gut homeostasis, and defects within this barrier have been associated with the pathogenesis of IBD. Therefore, mice with intestinal epithelial deletion of Atg7 were generated and investigated in different mouse models. Knockout mice showed reduced size of granules and decreased levels of lysozyme in Paneth cells. However, this was dispensable for gut immune homeostasis and had no effect on susceptibility in mouse models of experimentally induced colitis.
Production ofC3+Olefins and Propylene from Ethanol by Zr-Modified H-ZSM-5 Zeolite Catalysts
Authors: Inaba Megumu , Murata Kazuhisa , Takahara Isao , Inoue Ken-ichiro
Published: January 2012

Ethanol conversion to C3+olefins, especially propylene, using Zr-modified H-ZSM-5 catalysts was investigated. Zr-modification to H-ZSM-5 zeolite could improve the initial yield of C3+olefins and propylene and could reduce the initial yield of ethylene. In general, catalysts exhibiting the higher initial yield of propylene showed the steeper decrease in propylene yield as the reaction proceeded. However, Zr-modification to H-ZSM-5 could depress the decrease in propylene yield for aqueous ethanol. As cause of catalytic deactivation, carbon deposition on catalyst and framework collapse of zeolite support can be considered. The addition of water to Zr-modified H-ZSM-5 catalyst could depress carbon deposition in some degree, and, as a result, the decrease in propylene yield could be depressed.
A Thermodamage Strength Theoretical Model of Ceramic Materials Taking into Account the Effect of Residual Stress
Authors: Li Weiguo , Wang Ruzhuan , Li Dingyu , Fang Daining
Published: January 2012

A thermodamage strength theoretical model taking into account the effect of residual stress was established and applied to each temperature phase based on the study of effects of various physical mechanisms on the fracture strength of ultrahigh-temperature ceramics. The effects of SiC particle size, crack size, and SiC particle volume fraction on strength corresponding to different temperatures were studied in detail. This study showed that when flaw size is not large, the bigger SiC particle size results in the greater effect of tensile residual stress in the matrix grains on strength reduction, and this prediction coincides with experimental results; and the residual stress and the combined effort of particle size and crack size play important roles in controlling material strength.
Development of a Novel Biosensor Using Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide and Nickel Phthalocyanine Ultrathin Films for Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Zampa Maysa F. , Araújo Inês Maria de S. , dos Santos Júnior José Ribeiro , Zucolotto Valtencir , Leite José Roberto de S. A. , Eiras Carla
Published: January 2012

The antimicrobial peptide dermaseptin 01 (DS 01), from the skin secretion ofPhyllomedusa hypochondrialisfrogs, was immobilized in nanostructured layered films in conjunction with nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines (NiTsPc), widely used in electronic devices, using layer-by-layer technique. The films were used as a biosensor to detect the presence of dopamine (DA), a neurotransmitter associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with detection limits in the order of 10−6 mol L−1. The use of DS 01 in LbL film generated selectivity in the detection of DA despite the presence of ascorbic acid found in biological fluids. This work is the first to report that the antimicrobial peptide and NiTsPc LbL film exhibits electroanalytical activity to DA oxidation. The selectivity in the detection of DA is a fundamental aspect for the development of electrochemical sensors with potential applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
Vertical Meandering Approach for Antenna Size Reduction
Authors: Deng Li , Li Shu-Fang , Lau Ka-Leung , Xue Quan
Published: January 2012

A novel vertical meandering technique to reduce the lateral size of a planar printed antenna is presented. It is implemented by dividing a conventional spiral patch into a different number of segments and placing them on different sides of the microwave substrate with vias as the connections. To confirm the validity of this technique, measured electrical performance and radiation characteristics of five antennas with different numbers of segments are compared. The smallest antenna is reduced in size by 84% when compared with the conventional printed spiral antenna.
A Place to Call Home: Amphibian Use of Created and Restored Wetlands
Authors: Brown Donald J. , Street Garrett M. , Nairn Robert W. , Forstner Michael R. J.
Published: January 2012

Loss and degradation of wetland habitats are major contributing factors to the global decline of amphibians. Creation and restoration of wetlands could be a valuable tool for increasing local amphibian species richness and abundance. We synthesized the peer-reviewed literature addressing amphibian use of created and restored wetlands, focusing on aquatic habitat, upland habitat, and wetland connectivity and configuration. Amphibian species richness or abundance at created and restored wetlands was either similar to or greater than reference wetlands in 89% of studies. Use of created and restored wetlands by individual species was driven by aquatic and terrestrial habitat preferences, as well as ability to disperse from source wetlands. We conclude that creating and restoring wetlands can be valuable tools for amphibian conservation. However, the ecological needs and preferences of target species must be considered to maximize the potential for successful colonization and long-term persistence.
Repeated Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation Induces Cellular Senescence in BV2 Cells
Authors: Yu Hong-Mei , Zhao Yan-Min , Luo Xiao-Guang , Feng Yu , Ren Yan , Shang Hong , He Zhi-Yi , Luo Xiao-Meng , Chen Sheng-Di , Wang Xi-Yin
Published: January 2012

Background and Aim: The dual action of microglia in neurodegenerating diseases has been controversial for some time. Recent studies indicate that microglia senescence might be the key determinant. When microglia age, they function abnormally and fail to respond correctly to stimuli, which eventually promotes neurodegeneration. Accumulating evidence has shown a close relationship between inflammation and aging. Since neuroinflammation is characterized by microglia activation, we assessed if the repeated activation of microglia would lead to senescence. Method: The microglia cell line BV2 was repeatedly stimulated every 48 h with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 ng/ml) and senescence was evaluated by β-galactosidase staining and the presence of senescence-associated heterochromatic foci as well as by cell cycle arrest detection by flow cytometry. The senescence-associated protein p53 was also detected by Western blot. Results: β-Galactosidase staining was barely detectable in control cells, while it tended to increase with repeated LPS stimulation and was positive in most cells after stimulation with LPS 6 times. Similarly, senescence-associated heterochromatic foci were most prominent in cells repeatedly stimulated with LPS, while almost undetectable in control cells or cells receiving a single stimulation. p53 expression was highest in the cells that received LPS stimulation 6 times, and the largest number of cells arrested in the G0/G1 phase was observed in this same group. Conclusion: Microglial cells tend to undergo senescence after repeated activation, implying that microglia senescence may start after multiple inflammatory challenges.
Functional mapping of the A2 domain from human factor VIII
Authors: Saboulard Didier , Pellequer Jean-Luc , Plantier Jean-Luc , Négrier Claude , Delcourt Marc
Published: January 2012

Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) is a multidomain glycoprotein in which the FVIII A2 domain is a key structural element. We aimed at identifying residues within FVIII A2 domain that are crucial for the maintenance of the cofactor function. A high number (n=206) of mutants were generated by substituting original residues with alanine. The mutants were expressed in COS-1 cells and their antigen levels and procoagulant activities were measured. The residues were classified in three categories: those with a non-detrimental alteration of their activities (activity >50 % of control FVIII; n=98), those with a moderate alteration (15 %<activity<50%; n=45) and those that were severely affected (activity<15%; n=63). The mutants sensitive to mutation were retrieved in the HAMSTeRS database with a higher percentage than those that were not affected (58.8% vs. 9.2%). The results revealed the existence of clusters of residues that are sensitive (Arg418-Phe436, Thr459-Ile475, Ser535-Gly549, Asn618-Ala635) or not (Leu398-Arg418, Pro485-Asp500, Gly506-Gly520, Pro596-Asp605) to mutations. The stretches of residues sensitive to mutations were buried within the molecule suggesting that these amino acids participate in the maintenance of the A2 domain structure. In contrast, residues resistant to mutations formed external loops without well- defined structures suggesting that these loops were not crucial for the process of factor X activation. This study provided a detailed map of the FVIII A2 domain between residues 371 and 649, identifying residues crucial for maintaining FVIII function and residues that can be mutated without jeopardising the coagulant activity.
Low Atrial Fibrillatory Rate Is Associated With Poor Outcome in Patients With Mild to Moderate Heart Failure
Authors: Platonov Pyotr G. , Cygankiewicz Iwona , Stridh Martin , Holmqvist Fredrik , Vazquez Rafael , Bayes-Genis Antoni , McNitt Scott , Zareba Wojciech , de Luna Antonio Bayes
Published: January 2012

Background—

Atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) is a measure of atrial remodeling caused by atrial fibrillation (AF), and its acceleration negatively affects outcome of interventions for persistent AF. However, the prognostic value of AFR in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) has not been studied. We sought to evaluate whether AFR can predict outcome in patients with mild to moderate (New York Health Association II–III) CHF.

Methods and Results—

High-resolution 20-minute long Holter ECGs obtained from 169 CHF patients with AF at enrollment were analyzed. AFR was estimated using spatiotemporal QRST cancellation and time–frequency analysis. The patients were followed for a median of 44 months, with primary end point defined as total mortality and secondary end points as sudden death and heart failure death. Atrial signal quality was sufficient for AFR estimation in 142 patients (mean age 69±11 years, 101 male). Of those, 48 patients died during follow-up, including 18 because of CHF progression. Mean AFR was 390±60 fpm and decreased with age (
r
=−0.3,
P
<0.001). Patients with AFR ≤371 fpm (lower tertile) had 44% 3-year mortality as compared with 26% with higher AFR. Lower AFR was an independent predictor of all cause mortality (HR=1.99, 95% CI=1.09–3.63,
P
=0.025) and CHF death (HR=3.74, 95% CI=1.38–10.14,
P
=0.010) after adjustment for significant clinical covariates in multivariable Cox analysis.

Conclusions—

In CHF patients with AF, reduced AFR assessed using noninvasive approach is associated with increased risk of death because of heart failure progression, and may be considered a predictor of outcome.
A Genetic Risk Score Is Associated With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Coronary Artery Calcium
Authors: Thanassoulis George , Peloso Gina M. , Pencina Michael J. , Hoffmann Udo , Fox Caroline S. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Levy Daniel , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Hwang Shih-Jen , O'Donnell Christopher J.
Published: January 2012

Background—

Limited data exist regarding the use of a genetic risk score (GRS) for predicting risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in US-based samples.

Methods and Results—

By using findings from recent genome-wide association studies, we constructed GRSs composed of 13 genetic variants associated with myocardial infarction or other manifestations of coronary heart disease (CHD) and 102 genetic variants associated with CHD or its major risk factors. We also updated the 13 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) GRSs with 16 SNPs recently discovered by genome-wide association studies. We estimated the association, discrimination, and risk reclassification of each GRS for incident cardiovascular events and prevalent coronary artery calcium (CAC). In analyses adjusted for age, sex, CVD risk factors, and parental history of CVD, the 13 SNP GRSs were significantly associated with incident hard CHD (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00–1.15;
P
=0.04), CVD (hazard ratio per allele, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.09;
P
=0.03), and high CAC (defined as >75
th
age- and sex-specific percentile; odds ratio per allele, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.11–1.26;
P
=3.4×10
−7
). The GRS did not improve discrimination for incident CHD or CVD but led to modest improvements in risk reclassification. However, significant improvements in discrimination and risk reclassification were observed for the prediction of high CAC. The addition of 16 newly discovered SNPs to the 13 SNP GRSs did not significantly modify these results.

Conclusions—

A GRS composed of 13 SNPs associated with coronary disease is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and of high CAC, modestly improves risk reclassification for incident CHD, and significantly improves discrimination for high CAC. The addition of recently discovered SNPs did not significantly improve the performance of this GRS.
Public Reporting on Risk-Adjusted Mortality After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in New York State
Authors: Chen Lena M. , Orav E. John , Epstein Arnold M.
Published: January 2012

Background—

Since the advent of public reporting on risk-adjusted mortality for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, public reporting on outcomes has expanded to include a variety of dissimilar conditions and procedures. We have little evidence to support such broad-based efforts.

Methods and Results—

We examined the quality performance of 351 cardiologists at 48 hospitals in New York State, using publicly reported risk-adjusted mortality rates (RAMRs) for nonemergent percutaneous coronary interventions between 1998 and 2007. In the year after report release, we examined the following: (1) average RAMR for hospitals, (2) change in market share for hospitals and cardiologists, and (3) proportion of physicians leaving practice. We found that patients who picked a hospital that performed significantly better than expected in prior years had lower RAMRs (0.47, 0.61, and 0.72 for patients choosing hospitals whose prior reports were better than, as, and worse than expected;
P
=0.02). However, choosing a hospital in the top quartile (or decile) of performance in prior years did not decrease a patient's chance of dying (
P
=0.29, or
P
=0.27). Performance ranking was not associated with a change in market share for hospitals or for physicians, or with leaving practice (all
P
>0.05).

Conclusions—

Public reporting on nonemergent percutaneous coronary interventions in New York State identifies very high and low performers but provides insufficient information to differentiate between most hospitals. It appears to have had no effect on market share or physicians' decisions to leave practice. The utility of public reporting on RAMRs may differ for different conditions and procedures.
China, India and the US
Authors: Agarwal Manmohan
Published: January 2012

Despite developing countries accounting for an increasing share of world income and exports, no significant shift in the ranks of the 25 largest economies by GDP has occurred between 1965 and 2007. And only China, and perhaps India but none of the other large developing economies, would account for a significantly higher share of world income by 2025 or 2050. Furthermore, in terms of per capita income, India would continue to remain relatively poor. We then find that there was no significant shift in economic power between 1990 and 2005 on the basis of an index formed from about 20 indicators of economic power. Next we measured how far countries were from the US on the basis of these indicators. Practically all countries, particularly the European ones, had substantially reduced the lead of the US. But China and India starting far away had moved only slightly closer to the US. The ability to generate new technology is a major factor in the power rankings. China had reduced the lead of the US in technology generating factors whereas India had almost stagnated. Consequently, China’s prospects of increasing its power were better than India’s.
Two Competing Asian Giants
Authors: Joshi Seema
Published: January 2012

The dynamism of China and India since their respective economic reforms began has been subject to much discussion and analysis. Though the current global financial crisis has dealt a sharp blow to Asian growth, China and India remain the fastest growing economies in Asia. The two Asian giants display some similarities in terms of being the most populous countries in the world and in terms of rapid growth (if at a slower pace) despite recession. But there are also several dissimilarities between the two. Their political systems, economic policies and areas of comparative advantage are different. If China is outperforming India in many areas, India is doing better in certain other key areas. This paper attempts a comparative analysis of the performance of the two economies.
The Patterns of Japan’s Foreign Direct Investment in China
Authors: Noh Sunyoung , Mah Jai S.
Published: January 2012

As a result of the opening up of the Chinese economy together with the accumulating foreign exchange reserves, Japan’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) in China has continued to rise over the past decades. It can be characterised by a very high share of the manufacturing sector, the heavy and chemical industries in particular. It implies that Japan’s OFDI in China has contributed significantly to the rapid economic growth of China, especially through the economy’s structural change into more value-added industries. Due to the similar level of economic development and geographical proximity, China appears to have replaced some Southeast Asian countries as a preferred host of Japan’s FDI.
UK Sociology and Quantitative Methods: Are We as Weak as They Think? Or Are They Barking up the Wrong Tree?
Authors: Byrne David
Published: January 2012

This piece responds to the Benchmarking Review of UK Sociology’s assertion that the discipline has a deficit in quantitative methods and that the solution involves a recognition that: ‘… statistical methods form the core of social science.’ It argues that whilst a quantitative programme is essential and we can agree that there are problems in relation to the quantitative competencies of sociologists at all levels in the UK, a turn to conventional statistical methods is not the way to go. The argument is developed first in relation to epistemic critiques of those methods by Pawson and Goldthorpe and then by the outlining of an alternative founded in a synthesis of complexity and systematic comparison. The key issue is that we need a quantitative programme which actually corresponds to social reality and that is not to be found in statistical methods which reify variables and consider causality in linear terms.
Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy, and Gluten Sensitivity
Authors: Pietzak Michelle , Kerner John A.
Published: January 2012

As the gluten‐free diet (GFD) gains in popularity with the general public, health practitioners are beginning to question its real health benefits. For those patients with celiac disease (CD), the GFD is considered medical nutrition therapy, as well as the only proven treatment that results in improvements in symptomatology and small bowel histology. Those with wheat allergy also benefit from the GFD, although these patients often do not need to restrict rye, barley, and oats from their diet. Gluten sensitivity is a controversial subject, where patients who have neither CD nor wheat allergy have varying degrees of symptomatic improvement on the GFD. Conditions in this category include dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and neurologic diseases such as gluten‐sensitive ataxia and autism. It is important for patients and healthcare practitioners to understand the differences between these conditions, even though they may all respond to a GFD. Patients with CD can experience comorbid nutrition deficiencies and are at higher risk for the development of cancers and other autoimmune conditions. Those with wheat allergy and gluten sensitivity are thought not to be at higher risk for these complications. Defining the symptoms and biochemical markers for gluten‐sensitive conditions is an important area for future investigations, and high‐quality, large‐scale randomized trials are needed to prove the true benefits of the GFD in this evolving field.
The Final Act
Authors: Gamliel Tova
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this article is to challenge the congruity of dramaturgical metaphors, especially in the mask-of-aging thesis among older actors, and to explore what these metaphors represent for them late in their careers. The case study is a group of veteran actors in the Israeli theater who subscribe to the Method acting approach. In-depth interviews were conducted from 2007 to 2009 with 22 such actors, aged 62 to 95 years, on the topic of their acting profession. The data suggest that actors make no distinction between performative self and interior self in their attempts to define their selves. In contrast to theory, the actors’ work abets a reversed structure of the self in the acting arena. An actor or actress experiences a correspondence between the mask (“front stage”) and the way in which he or she talks to himself or herself (“back stage”). The author discusses the importance of the performing self for self-esteem under contemporaneous social circumstances.
Are Reliability, Reproducibility and Validity the Correct Terms to Assess the Correctness of Dietary Studies?
Authors: Joachim Gloria
Published: January 2012

Nutritional studies often use the terms reliability, reproducibility and validity to indicate the correctness of the study. These terms do not appear to have a universal meaning to all researchers. The components of a dietary study are the input, the data collection instrument and the compiled data. Frequently the data collection questionnaire/tool/instrument is tested for reliability, reproducibility or validity.

The data collection questionnaire/tool/instrument is simply a structure, a vehicle for gathering data. An argument is presented that demonstrates the reasons that such a structure cannot be tested for reliability, reproducibility or validity. The logical approach to the use of the terms reliability, reproducibility and validity is presented. Reliability refers to the input component of the study, reproducibility may or may not lead to strengthening the study and validity refers to the truthfulness of the database generated. Validity must be derived from reliable and reproducible data.
Behavioural Development and Mental Health in Infancy: Object Retrieval
Authors: Lange-Küttner Chris
Published: January 2012

In order to assess poor mental development, we must be aware of the normal development against which to measure up what is supposed to be delayed, deviant or malfunctioning. Experimental Child Psychology has traced parameters of the developing cognitive system of the infant which are important factors that influence the configuration of a normally balanced, or equilibrated, composition of intelligence in later life. The Developmental Neuroscience approach gives a scientific explanation to what parents might experience as unresponsiveness, lack of distress and rage control, or excessive clinging of a demanding child.
Health and Nutrition in a Philippine Highland Community
Authors: Gaioni Dominic T. , Kahn Kenneth
Published: January 2012

The article deals with the nutritional habits of the people of Bauko, an upland community in the northern Philippine island of Luzon, and its implications for health preservation and disease management. Data on dietary behavior were collected through a 24-hour-recall survey administered to a representative sample of students and adults. This method provided researchers with the information needed to infer the people's concept of food, to explore differences and similarities in the dietary behavior of young and adult individuals, to describe strategies utilized in food preparation, and to establish the nutritional content of the diet's main components.
Growth Pattern of Exclusively Breast-fed Infants During the First Six Months of Life in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Abiona T.C. , Onayade A.A. , Ijadunola K.T. , Abayomi I.O. , Makanjuola R.O.A.
Published: January 2012

Several studies to determine the growth pattern of exclusively breast fed infants have provided varying conclusions as to the sufficiency of breast milk alone to support adequate growth for the first six months of life. Disagreement exists concerning the optimal timing of introduction of complementary foods to exclusively breast fed infants. This prospective study thus examined the adequacy of breast milk alone to support normal growth during the first six months of life in our environment. The overall objective was to propose a scientifically sound national recommendation on the appropriate timing for the introduction of complementary feeding in Nigeria.

Three hundred and fifty-two mother/infant pairs were serially recruited into the study; all babies were aged 14 days or less and weighed 2.5kg and above. Three hundred and forty-five (98%) were successfully followed up till the infants were six months old. By six months, 264 (76.5%) were exclusively breast-fed, while 81 (23.5%) had commenced complementary feeding. Growth curves of exclusively breast-fed infants showed increasing weight from birth to six months. Although the 50th percentile birth weight for both boys and girls were the same (3.2kg), boys gained weight faster than the girls from the age of one month to six months and were heavier at six months. Additionally, the 50th percentile curves of these infants (both genders) for the first six months were above the 50th percentile curve of the World Health Organisation and National Centre for Health Statistics (WHO/NCHS) reference currently used on our national “road to health” (growth monitoring) cards.

It was concluded that exclusive breast-feeding supported adequate growth during the first six months of life for most of the children studied and that our national recommendation that infants be introduced to complementary feeding at six months is appropriate.
The (Ir)Relevance of Framing Nutrition Education Messages
Authors: Brug Johannes , Ruiter Robert A.C. , Van Assema Patricia
Published: January 2012

Persuasive health education messages can either stress the positive consequences of performing a healthy behaviour (gain-frame) or the negative consequences of not performing a healthy behaviour (loss-frame). Based on studies on topics such as sun protection and breast self-examination there is evidence that messages in different action frames may differ in persuasive effects. Three randomised controlled trials were conducted to test framing effects in nutrition education on specific nutrition-related attitudes and intentions. In study 1, effects of gain-framed and loss-framed messages were studied among 152 adult education students on attitudes and intentions related to fat, fruit and vegetable consumption. In study 2 we confronted 149 regular students with differently framed messages related to a (more or less fictive) preventive dietary behaviour that was expected to be unknown to the study population, intake of flavonoids and risk for chronic disease. The impact on attitudes and intentions to use flavonoid-enriched spreads was studied. In study 3 we studied the effects of differently framed messages on attitudes and intentions related to more immediate and more personally relevant diet nutrition behaviour: folic acid supplement use before and during pregnancy among 100 female students.

No significant differences in attitudes or intentions to perform the preventive nutrition behaviours were found between the gain-frame conditions and the loss-frame conditions in all three studies. The (lack of) effects were not moderated by factors such as perceived personal relevance, credibility or novelty of the information, or the perceived importance of the topic addressed. The results of the present studies suggest that action-frame choice has a very limited impact on the effectiveness of nutrition education in changing precautionary motivation.
Health Status, Lifestyle and Nutrient Intake of Home Resident Elderly in Bahrain
Authors: Obaid Musaiger Abdulrahman
Published: January 2012

The elderly are more susceptible to chronic diseases which reduce functional capacity. Researches on health and nutritional status, therefore, are needed to prevent and control these chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to find out the health, lifestyle, ability to carry out daily living tasks, and intake of nutrients among home-resident Bahraini elderly. Data were based on a cross-sectional community study of 201 Bahraini elderly aged 65 years, which were selected proportionally from all geographical regions of Bahrain (88 men and 113 women). They were visited and interviewed at home by trained female workers, using a pre-tested questionnaire. There was no statistically significant difference between men and women in the history of chronic diseases. However, the proportion of chronic diseases was higher among women, except for peptic ulcer. Men were more likely to smoke (38.6%) than women (24.8%) (p=0.0353). Dietary supplements were more common among men (19.3%) than women (12.4%). Mean nutrient intakes for energy, iron and calcium were below the USA Recommended Daily Allowances. Men had more capability to do daily activities without help than women. In conclusion, there is a need to establish a national plan of action to promote health and nutritional status among the elderly of Bahrain. This study can provide some baseline data for further in depth study of health status of Bahraini elderly.
Vitamin a Status of Pregnant Nigerian Women: Relationship to Dietary Habits and Morbidity
Authors: Ajose O.A. , Adelekan D.A. , Ajewole E.O.
Published: January 2012

Vitamin A status of pregnant Nigerian women has been determined by measurement of retinol concentration in plasma samples obtained from pregnant subjects, using a spectrophotometric method. The relationship between vitamin A status, dietary habits and morbidity pattern was also examined.

Two hundred (200) consecutive pregnant women registered for antenatal clinic at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex within a period of eight (8) weeks were recruited as subjects. The subjects were aged 15–43 years (mean 27.2 years), and were at different stages of pregnancy. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered on the subjects to obtain data on dietary habits, present health status and obstetric history.

Vitamin A deficiency (plasma retinol concentration < 0.35 μmol/L) is found in 17.5% of the subjects, while 37% and 45.5% have borderline (plasma retinol concentration 0.35–0.70 μmol/L) and normal (plasma retinol concentration > 0.70 μmol/L) vitamin A status respectively. There is a significant relationship between frequent micturition and vitamin A status (chi-square = 0.39: P < 0.05). There is no relationship between maternal age and vitamin A status. Although about 80% of the subjects consumed red palm oil daily, about 64% would heat the oil to smoking for at least 10 minutes, before adding to stew during cooking. Green vegetables were also boiled in hot water before adding to sauce, while liver is consumed on just about three days per month.

The findings reported in this study have further strengthened the claim that vitamin A deficiency is fairly prevalent in pregnant Nigerian women, underlining the need for prompt and effective intervention.
Docosahexaenoic Acid in Neural Signaling Systems
Authors: Crawford Michael A.
Published: January 2012

Docosahexaenoic acid has been conserved in neural signalling systems in the cephalopods, fish, amphibian, reptiles, birds, mammals, primates and humans. This extreme conservation, despite wide genomic changes over 500 million years, testifies to a uniqueness of this molecule in the brain. The brain selectively incorporates docosahexaenoic acid and its rate of incorporation into the developing brain has been shown to be greater than ten times more efficient than its synthesis from the omega 3 fatty acids of land plant origin. Data has now been published demonstrating a significant influence of dietary omega 3 fatty acids on neural gene expression. As docosahexaenoic acid is the only omega 3 fatty acid in the brain, it is likely that it is the ligand involved. The selective uptake, requirement for function and stimulation of gene expression would have conferred an advantage to a primate which separated from the chimpanzees in the forests and woodlands and sought a different ecological niche. In view of the paucity of docosahexaenoic acid in the land food chain it is likely that the advantage would have been gained from a lacustrine or marine coastal habitat with access to food rich in docosahexaenoic acid and the accessory micronutrients, such as iodine, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, of importance in brain development and protection against peroxidation. Land agricultural development has, in recent time, come to dominate the human food chain. The decline in use and availability of aquatic resources is not considered important by Langdon (2006) as he considers the resource was not needed for human evolution and can be replaced from the terrestrial food chain. This notion is not supported by the biochemistry nor the molecular biology. He misses the point that the shoreline hypothesis is not just dependent on docosahexaenoic acid but also on the other accessory nutrients specifically required by the brain. Moreover he neglects the basic principle of Darwinian evolution. The well documented greater efficiency of preformed docosahexaenoic acid for brain incorporation during development would have conferred a distinct survival advantage over those without it. All terrestrial mammals lost brain capacity in relation to advancing increase in body size. The rise in mental ill health and brain disorders, to replace all other costs in the European list of burdens of ill health, (Andlin Sobocki et al., 2005) raises interesting questions as to its association with the reduced availability and consumption of marine and fresh water products. The threat posed by the continued rise in brain disorders also raises questions of importance to present and future food and agricultural policies.