bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cofilin and Vangl2 cooperate in the initiation of planar cell polarity in the mouse embryo
Authors: Mahaffey James P. , Grego-Bessa Joaquim , Liem Karel F. , Anderson Kathryn V.
Published: February 2013

The planar cell polarity (PCP; non-canonical Wnt) pathway is required to orient the cells within the plane of an epithelium. Here, we show that cofilin 1 (Cfl1), an actin-severing protein, and Vangl2, a core PCP protein, cooperate to control PCP in the early mouse embryo. Two aspects of planar polarity can be analyzed quantitatively at cellular resolution in the mouse embryo: convergent extension of the axial midline; and posterior positioning of cilia on cells of the node. Analysis of the spatial distribution of brachyury+ midline cells shows that the Cfl1 mutant midline is normal, whereas Vangl2 mutants have a slightly wider midline. By contrast, midline convergent extension fails completely in Vangl2 Cfl1 double mutants. Planar polarity is required for the posterior positioning of cilia on cells in the mouse node, which is essential for the initiation of left-right asymmetry. Node cilia are correctly positioned in Cfl1 and Vangl2 single mutants, but cilia remain in the center of the cell in Vangl2 Cfl1 double mutants, leading to randomization of left-right asymmetry. In both the midline and node, the defect in planar polarity in the double mutants arises because PCP protein complexes fail to traffic to the apical cell membrane, although other aspects of apical-basal polarity are unaffected. Genetic and pharmacological experiments demonstrate that F-actin remodeling is essential for the initiation, but not maintenance, of PCP. We propose that Vangl2 and cofilin cooperate to target Rab11+ vesicles containing PCP proteins to the apical membrane during the initiation of planar cell polarity.
GMC: Time to Reconsider the Civil Standard of Proof
Authors: van Dellen A
Published: February 2013

From 2008 the General Medical Council (GMC) fitness to practise (FTP) hearings adopted the civil standard of proof, based on leading counsel's opinion that account would be taken of the seriousness of the allegation. in light of case law from the House of Lords, this almost certainly does not represent the current state of the law with regard to the civil standard of proof.
Taking otaku theory overseas: Comics studies and Japan’s theorists of postmodern cultural consumption
Authors: Brienza Casey
Published: February 2013

Fields of scholarship are segregated into discrete linguistic territories, and comics studies is no exception. Theory derived from European language sources predominate, both informing the latest advances in research and structuring areas of future enquiry. This results in a certain
amount of intellectual stagnation. In this article, I will argue that scholars of popular culture should start looking east for renewed theoretical inspiration, to the writings of the so-called ‘otaku theorists’ Hiroki Azuma, Eiji Otsuka and Tamaki Saito-. Though they write about
fans and consumption, they think neither in terms of, say, British cultural studies nor Pierre Bourdieu’s sociology of culture. Instead, the three theorists, working in dialogue with each other, apply postmodern theory to obsessed consumers called ‘otaku’ and find new, and
sometimes problematic, forms of cognition, sociality and relations of power. Recent translations into English from the University of Minnesota Press of their seminal books and essays have increased their visibility in the west. My aim for this article is fourfold: (1) to better understand
what is at stake in cosmopolitanizing the discipline, (2) to review the western theoretical literature on comics and consumption, (3) to introduce the otaku theorists Azuma, Otsuka and Saito- and explicate their arguments and – most crucially – (4) by exploring the relationship
between otaku theory and American superhero comics culture, to demonstrate how and why the otaku theorists make an important contribution to the study of comics outside Japan. Otaku theory, I conclude, provides a radically different, fruitful way of thinking critically about global popular
culture.
Confronting the whiteness: Blankness, loss and visual disintegration in graphic narratives
Authors: Pont Xavier Marcó del
Published: February 2013

Whiteness and blank spaces in sequential art are a key component of the form. Whereas the interstitial white of the page outside the panels – or even behind them – has been rigorously analysed by comics theorists (Groensteen et al.), the blank panel and the creeping whiteness
it implies are often overlooked, references to them frequently made merely in passing. Contextualizing the blank panel within the field of visual culture studies, whose task – as W. J. T. Mitchell asserts – is to interrogate the manner in which ‘[v]ision itself is a cultural
construction’, this article will look at a number of diverse sequential artworks, focusing on instances in which the image/text disintegrates into the very whiteness of the page, withholding all apparent visual stimuli. This article will propose a connection between loss and these telling
instances in which sequential art – a strongly visual medium– purposefully ceases to represent or, even, represents through representational voids: white spaces and blank panels. The remit of this article, far from being to provide a definitive answer to the questions the very
presence of the blank panel raises, is to humbly begin a much-postponed dialogue on this issue.
A profusion of signs: Jacques Rancière’s politics of aesthetics and the implications of reading American Splendor through the lens of documentary
Authors: Mickwitz Nina
Published: February 2013

Harvey Pekar’s American Splendor belongs to a diverse body of comics that take as their subject real persons and actual historical events. This article proposes that the twin aspects of narrative and visual representation present a vital intersection between such comics and documentary.
Yet, thinking about comics as documentary presents certain obstacles. Despite extensive and critical reflection on the relationship between image and referent, a broadly accepted assumption of documentary as tied to ‘the paradigm of recording’ has remained persistent among academics
and the broader public alike. However, Jacques Rancière’s insistent emphasis on the intersection of aesthetics and politics; the capacity to make visible, speak about and thus reconfigure the world inherent to both, might instead be used to frame this enquiry. The article draws
on Rancière’s conceptual frameworks to examine the construction and articulation of the real offered in American Splendor, proposing that American Splendor presents a radically graphic dislocation between representation and referent, consequently defamiliarizing the conventional
conflation of documentary with camera-derived imagery. This intervention raises new sets of questions relating to the core concern of documentary; the real and its visual representation.
Things that matter: Rrepresenting everyday technological things in comics
Authors: Dinnen Zara
Published: February 2013

This article will consider the representation of the things that constitute our digital everyday in Danica Novgorodoff’s Refresh Refresh (2009), and comic strips commissioned by The Guardian for a series titled ‘A cartoonist’s view on the world we live in’ (2012).
It will study the work of drawing the digital: how do we depict computers and networks in graphic narratives? And what specific decisions and discourses are brought to bear through the affordances of image-text narratives? Taking an understanding of ‘things’ from Bill Brown’s
‘Thing theory’, and Bruno Latour’s ‘From matters of fact to matters of concern’, this article will argue that computers are elusive cultural objects that will always resist straightforward narrative, and that in representation, thinking of computers as things
might proffer an expansive frame of reference. Using this assertion as a theoretical base it will offer a critical approach to graphic texts that are considered in their representation of the digital; suggesting that graphic narratives offer a particular set of representational tools for depicting
the digital in all its complex thingliness.
Die Präsentation der Software-Sammlung Feibel
Authors: Prill Henning
Published: February 2013

An der Zentral- und Landesbibliothek Berlin (ZLB) wird die Software-Sammlung des Journalisten und Autors Thomas Feibel katalogisiert und inventarisiert. Um die Computerspiele der Sammlung einer breiten Öffentlichkeit zugänglich zu machen, wurde die Gamelounge gegründet. In einer angenehmen Atmosphäre können Computerspiele der letzten 20 Jahre erlebt werden. Regelmäßige Veranstaltungen runden das Angebot der Gamelounge ab und präsentieren die Sammlung Feibel in einem öffentlichkeitswirksamen Rahmen.
Behaviors of Precipitates, Voids, and Hillocks in Electromigration Stressed Al-2wt%Cu Interconnects
Authors: Grosjean D. E. , Okabayashi H. , Komatsu M. , Mori H.
Published: February 2013

We observed the dynamics of Al2Cu precipitates, voids, and hillocks under electromigration (EM) stress (200–250° C, 1–2 MA/cm2) in Al-2wt%Cu lines using in-situ and ex-situ side-view TEM. The sub-micron wide (0.5 to 0.8 μm) bamboo Al-Cu lines were on a TiN underlayer in a drift velocity measurement structure. Large precipitates near the cathode ends of the lines shrank under EM, leaving voids before all the Cu was depleted from the cathode ends. We attribute the void formation at the cathode end to the stram induced by the shrinking precipitates in neighboring Al grams. Precipitates downstream of a sufficient Al source (eroding precipitate or Al grain) eroded without adjacent void growth. Size and location of precipitates were thus important in determining whether voids formed or not. Size and location of precipitates at the anode end, however, did not necessarily affect hillock growth. Hillocks grew near the anode end of the lines even with so-called blocking grain precipitates upstream in some cases.
Electromigration Induced Failure as a Function of Via Interface
Authors: Kisselgof Larisa , Lloyd J. R.
Published: February 2013

Failure of test structures composed of pairs of W vias connected by lengths of Al/0.5%Cu conductor were compared as a function of the position of the via with respect to the conductor link. In one configuration, the current was passed from first level to a conductor link on second level and in the other the current was passed from second level to one on the first. In each case the links were identical in cross section, length and composition. There was a significant difference in the performance with respect to electromigration lifetime between these configurations as well as a difference in the failure mode. In the first level links, where the current passed first through a a 350A thick TiN ARC (Anti-Reflective Coating) layer and then a 150A Ti layer, the lifetime was significantly shorter than that of the second level samples where the current was passed across an interface of Al3Ti intermetallic compound. In addition, the failure mode was different, the first metal links failing directly under the via whereas in second metal link, the failures were away from the via in the metal link itself.
Mechanical Properties of Al-Cu Films with Various Heat Treatments
Authors: Joo Young-Chang , Müllner Peter , Baker Shefford P. , Arzt Eduard
Published: February 2013

Precipitation and solid solution hardening have been studied in Al-Cu thin films with Cu content ranging from 0 to 2 wt%. We have changed the precipitate and dislocation structures of films having different Cu concentrations by varying the heat treatments prior to mechanical testing. Pure Al films showed the same values of tensile and compressive yield stresses at a given temperature during stress-temperature cycling. Al-Cu alloy films, however, showed larger stresses in tension than in compression. The compressive flow stress during heating could be changed by a factor of five by the initial heat treatment, but the differences disappeared above 250°C. Upon cooling from 480°C, solution hardening as well as precipitation hardening was observed in the Al-Cu films. Solution hardening is independent of Cu concentration, but for precipitation hardening, both the magnitude and the temperature range in which the mechanism is effective are sensitive to the Cu concentration. The microstructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical behavior is consistent with interactions between dislocations and precipitates which arise due to constraints on the film by the substrate.
Study on compressive strength behaviour of normal concrete and self-compacting concrete subjected to elevated temperatures
Authors: Rama Seshu D. , Pratusha A.
Published: February 2013

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a form of high-performance concrete that flows and fills the form without segregation. This paper presents the behaviour of concrete when it is subjected to elevated temperatures. The investigation reports the loss in compressive strength and risk of spalling of SCC. The effects of elevated temperature on the properties of normal concrete (NC) and SCC are summarised. The compressive strength of NC and SCC was determined at different temperatures, thus providing scope of determining loss/gain in strength. In addition, modes of cooling and variation in different grades of concrete were studied. Non-destructive testing using a rebound hammer was also conducted to study the changes in surface hardness of concrete specimens subjected to elevated temperatures. The test results indicate that SCC is more sensitive to elevated temperatures, compared to NC.
Floral diversity increases beneficial arthropod richness and decreases variability in arthropod community composition
Authors: Bennett Ashley B. , Gratton Claudio
Published: February 2013

Declines in species diversity resulting from anthropogenic alterations of the environment heighten the need to develop management strategies that conserve species and ecosystem services. This study examined how native plant species and their diversity influence the abundance and richness of beneficial arthropods, a functionally important group that provides ecosystem services such as pollination and natural pest suppression. Beneficial arthropods were sampled in replicated study plots containing native perennials planted in one‐, two‐, and seven‐species mixtures. We found plant diversity had a positive impact on arthropod richness but not on arthropod abundance. An analysis of arthropod community composition revealed that each flower species attracted a different assemblage of beneficial arthropods. In addition, the full seven‐species mixture also attracted a distinct arthropod community compared to single‐species monocultures. Using a multivariate approach, we determined whether arthropod assemblages in two‐ and seven‐species plots were additive and could be predicted based on assemblages from their component single‐species plots. On average, assemblages in diverse plots were nonadditive when compared to assemblages predicted using single‐species plots. Arthropod assemblages in two‐species plots most closely resembled those of only one of the flower species in the mixture. However, the arthropod assemblages in seven‐species plots, although statistically deviating from the expectation of an additive model, more closely resembled predicted communities compared to the assemblages found in two‐species plots, suggesting that variability in arthropod community composition decreased as planting diversity increased. Our study demonstrates that careful selection of plants in managed landscapes can augment beneficial arthropod richness and support a more predictable arthropod community, suggesting that planning and design efforts could shape arthropod assemblages in natural as well as managed landscapes to meet targeted conservation or management goals.
Ecological knowledge reduces religious release of invasive species
Authors: Liu Xuan , McGarrity Monica E. , Bai Changming , Ke Zunwei , Li Yiming
Published: February 2013

Globally, ceremonial wildlife release events, originated from the traditions of Buddhism and other Asian religions take place in large numbers every year, and have caused conservation concerns. These releases pose a paradox in that Buddhism is generally considered to have great respect for the environment and a desire to cause no harm to any living being, yet Buddhist wildlife releases have resulted in biological invasions. We explored this paradox by evaluating the release of two highly invasive species (American bullfrogs Lithobates catesbeianus and red‐eared slider turtles Trachemys scripta elegans) by 123 Buddhist temples surveyed across four provinces in China and validating survey results with intensive field surveys of release sites. We found that ecological knowledge of invasive species reduced the probability of release; conversely, market availability increased this probability. We suggest that this invasion paradox stems largely from a lack of invasive species knowledge and thus targeted public education about invasive species could be an effective strategy for preventing religious release of invasive species on a global scale.
Community Poverty and Trends in Racial/Ethnic Survival Disparities Among People Diagnosed With AIDS in Florida, 1993–2004
Authors: Trepka Mary Jo , Niyonsenga Theophile , Maddox Lorene , Lieb Spencer , Lutfi Khaleeq , Pavlova-McCalla Elena
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We described the racial/ethnic disparities in survival among people diagnosed with AIDS in Florida from 1993 to 2004, as the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) became widespread. We determined whether these disparities decreased after controlling for measures of community-level socioeconomic status.

Methods. We compared survival from all causes between non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites vis-a-vis survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models controlling for demographic, clinical, and area-level poverty factors.

Results. Racial/ethnic disparities in survival peaked for those diagnosed during the early implementation of HAART (1996–1998) with a Black-to-White hazard ratio (HR) of 1.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.62, 1.83) for males and 1.40 (95% CI = 1.24, 1.59) for females. These HRs declined significantly to 1.48 (95% CI = 1.35, 1.64) for males and nonsignificantly to 1.25 (95% CI = 1.05, 1.48) for females in the 2002 to 2004 diagnosis cohort. Disparities decreased significantly for males but not females when controlling for baseline demographic factors and CD4 count and percentage, and became nonsignificant in the 2002 to 2004 cohort after controlling for area poverty.

Conclusions. Area poverty appears to play a role in racial/ethnic disparities even after controlling for demographic factors and CD4 count and percentage.
Health Cobenefits and Transportation-Related Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Maizlish Neil , Woodcock James , Co Sean , Ostro Bart , Fanai Amir , Fairley David
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We quantified health benefits of transportation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE).

Methods. Statistics on travel patterns and injuries, physical activity, fine particulate matter, and GHGE in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, were input to a model that calculated the health impacts of walking and bicycling short distances usually traveled by car or driving low-emission automobiles. We measured the change in disease burden in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) based on dose–response relationships and the distributions of physical activity, particulate matter, and traffic injuries.

Results: Increasing median daily walking and bicycling from 4 to 22 minutes reduced the burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes by 14% (32 466 DALYs), increased the traffic injury burden by 39% (5907 DALYS), and decreased GHGE by 14%. Low-carbon driving reduced GHGE by 33.5% and cardiorespiratory disease burden by less than 1%.

Conclusions: Increased physical activity associated with active transport could generate a large net improvement in population health. Measures would be needed to minimize pedestrian and bicyclist injuries. Together, active transport and low-carbon driving could achieve GHGE reductions sufficient for California to meet legislative mandates.
Community Needs, Concerns, and Perceptions About Health Research: Findings From the Clinical and Translational Science Award Sentinel Network
Authors: Cottler Linda B. , McCloskey Donna Jo , Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Bennett Nancy M. , Strelnick Hal , Dwyer-White Molly , Collyar Deborah E. , Ajinkya Shaun , Seifer Sarena D. , O’Leary Catina Callahan , Striley Catherine W. , Evanoff Bradley
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We used results generated from the first study of the National Institutes of Health Sentinel Network to understand health concerns and perceptions of research among underrepresented groups such as women, the elderly, racial/ethnic groups, and rural populations.

Methods. Investigators at 5 Sentinel Network sites and 2 community-focused national organizations developed a common assessment tool used by community health workers to assess research perceptions, health concerns, and conditions.

Results. Among 5979 individuals assessed, the top 5 health concerns were hypertension, diabetes, cancer, weight, and heart problems; hypertension was the most common self-reported condition. Levels of interest in research participation ranged from 70.1% among those in the “other” racial/ethnic category to 91.0% among African Americans. Overall, African Americans were more likely than members of other racial/ethnic groups to be interested in studies requiring blood samples (82.6%), genetic samples (76.9%), or medical records (77.2%); staying overnight in a hospital (70.5%); and use of medical equipment (75.4%).

Conclusions. Top health concerns were consistent across geographic areas. African Americans reported more willingness to participate in research even if it required blood samples or genetic testing.
Protective Benefits of Deep Tube Wells Against Childhood Diarrhea in Matlab, Bangladesh
Authors: Winston Jennifer Jane , Escamilla Veronica , Perez-Heydrich Carolina , Carrel Margaret , Yunus Mohammad , Streatfield Peter Kim , Emch Michael
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We investigated whether deep tube wells installed to provide arsenic-free groundwater in rural Bangladesh have the added benefit of reducing childhood diarrheal disease incidence.

Methods. We recorded cases of diarrhea in children younger than 5 years in 142 villages of Matlab, Bangladesh, during monthly community health surveys in 2005 and 2006. We surveyed the location and depth of 12 018 tube wells and integrated these data with diarrhea data and other data in a geographic information system. We fit a longitudinal logistic regression model to measure the relationship between childhood diarrhea and deep tube well use. We controlled for maternal education, family wealth, year, and distance to a deep tube well.

Results. Household clusters assumed to be using deep tube wells were 48.7% (95% confidence interval = 27.8%, 63.5%) less likely to have a case of childhood diarrhea than were other household clusters.

Conclusions. Increased access to deep tube wells may provide dual benefits to vulnerable populations in Matlab, Bangladesh, by reducing the risk of childhood diarrheal disease and decreasing exposure to naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater.
Effects of Residential Indoor Air Quality and Household Ventilation on Preterm Birth and Term Low Birth Weight in Los Angeles County, California
Authors: Ghosh Jo Kay C. , Wilhelm Michelle , Ritz Beate
Published: February 2013

Objectives. The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of indoor residential air quality on preterm birth and term low birth weight (LBW).

Methods. We evaluated 1761 nonsmoking women from a case-control survey of mothers who delivered a baby in 2003 in Los Angeles County, California. In multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, parity and birthplace, we evaluated the effects of living with smokers or using personal or household products that may contain volatile organic compounds and examined the influence of household ventilation.

Results. Compared with unexposed mothers, women exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home had increased odds of term LBW (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] =  0.85, 2.18) and preterm birth (adjusted OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 0.95, 1.70), although 95% CIs included the null. No increase in risk was observed for SHS-exposed mothers reporting moderate or high window ventilation. Associations were also observed for product usage, but only for women reporting low or no window ventilation.

Conclusions. Residential window ventilation may mitigate the effects of indoor air pollution among pregnant women in Los Angeles County, California.
From Promotion to Cessation: Masculinity, Race, and Style in the Consumption of Cigarettes, 1962–1972
Authors: White Cameron , Oliffe John L. , Bottorff Joan L.
Published: February 2013

In the United States, analysis of survey data provided by projects such as the National Health Interview Survey and the Youth Tobacco Survey has revealed the extent to which cigarette consumption patterns are influenced by gender and race. Taking our lead from a broader field of research that analyzed the sociological characteristics of cigarette consumption, we analyzed these intersections between race and gender through a study of masculinity and style in Marlboro and Kool cigarette advertisements during the 1960s and 1970s. We focused on this period because it was then that the racial bifurcation of cigarette consumption practices first became apparent. We suggest that style provides both a theoretical framework and methodology for understanding how and why White American and African American male consumers learned to consume in different ways. We also argue that the analysis of tobacco consumption in terms of masculinity and style provides a useful method for approaching the design of antismoking interventions.
Explaining Racial Disparities in Infant Health in Brazil
Authors: Nyarko Kwame A. , Lopez-Camelo Jorge , Castilla Eduardo E. , Wehby George L.
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We sought to quantify how socioeconomic, health care, demographic, and geographic effects explain racial disparities in low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) rates in Brazil.

Methods. We employed a sample of 8949 infants born between 1995 and 2009 in 15 cities and 7 provinces in Brazil. We focused on disparities in LBW (< 2500 g) and PTB (< 37 gestational weeks) prevalence between infants of African ancestry alone or African mixed with other ancestries, and European ancestry alone. We used a decomposition model to quantify the contributions of conceptually relevant factors to these disparities.

Results. The model explained 45% to 94% of LBW and 64% to 94% of PTB disparities between the African ancestry groups and European ancestry. Differences in prenatal care use and geographic location were the most important contributors, followed by socioeconomic differences. The model explained the majority of the disparities for mixed African ancestry and part of the disparity for African ancestry alone.

Conclusions. Public policies to improve children’s health should target prenatal care and geographic location differences to reduce health disparities between infants of African and European ancestries in Brazil.
Evolution of Tobacco Labeling and Packaging: International Legal Considerations and Health Governance
Authors: Mackey Tim K. , Liang Bryan A. , Novotny Thomas E.
Published: February 2013

Numerous national governments have recently adopted packaging and labeling legislation to curb global tobacco uptake. This coincides with the World Health Organization’s 2011 World No Tobacco Day, which recognized the extraordinary progress of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The tobacco industry has presented legal challenges to countries, including Australia, Uruguay, and the United States, for enacting legislation meeting or exceeding FCTC obligations.

We argue that national governments attempting to meet the obligations set forth in public health treaties such as the FCTC should be afforded flexibilities and protection in developing tobacco control laws and regulations, because these measures are necessary to protect public health and should be explicitly recognized in international trade and legal agreements.
Deaths in New York City Jails, 2001–2009
Authors: Brittain Joan , Axelrod George , Venters Homer
Published: February 2013

Approximately 90 000 inmates are admitted annually to the New York City jail system, many of whom require a high level of medical or mental health services. According to our analysis of deaths in custody from 2001 to 2009, crude death rates have dropped significantly despite the increasing age of the population. Falling HIV-related mortality appears to contribute to this change. Other observations include low rates of suicide across all 9 years and increasing age of the population in recent years.
Doula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries
Authors: Kozhimannil Katy Backes , Hardeman Rachel R. , Attanasio Laura B. , Blauer-Peterson Cori , O’Brien Michelle
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We compared childbirth-related outcomes for Medicaid recipients who received prenatal education and childbirth support from trained doulas with outcomes from a national sample of similar women and estimated potential cost savings.

Methods. We calculated descriptive statistics for Medicaid-funded births nationally (from the 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample; n = 279 008) and births supported by doula care (n = 1079) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2010 to 2012; used multivariate regression to estimate impacts of doula care; and modeled potential cost savings associated with reductions in cesarean delivery for doula-supported births.

Results. The cesarean rate was 22.3% among doula-supported births and 31.5% among Medicaid beneficiaries nationally. The corresponding preterm birth rates were 6.1% and 7.3%, respectively. After control for clinical and sociodemographic factors, odds of cesarean delivery were 40.9% lower for doula-supported births (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59; P < .001). Potential cost savings to Medicaid programs associated with such cesarean rate reductions are substantial but depend on states’ reimbursement rates, birth volume, and current cesarean rates.

Conclusions. State Medicaid programs should consider offering coverage for birth doulas to realize potential cost savings associated with reduced cesarean rates.
Heavy metals content in Serbian old plum brandies
Authors: Bonic Mirjana , Tesevic Vele , Nikicevic Ninoslav , Cvejic Jelena , Milosavljevic Slobodan , Vajs Vlatka , Mandic Boris , Urosevic Ivan , Velickovic Milovan , Jovanic Sasa
Published: February 2013

Seven elements, namely, arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, iron and
manganese were determined in 31 samples of Serbian plum brandies by applying
atomic spectrometry techniques. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was
used for quantification of copper, iron, zinc, manganese, lead and cadmium;
and hydride generation atomic spectrometry absorption for arsenic
quantification. Measured concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic was
assessed according to the Serbian regulations, official regulations of some
other countries and in respect of microelements content in other similar
distilled alcoholic beverages. Amounts of microelements in maximal
recommended daily and weekly intake of plum brandy were determined. The
influence of production (home made and industrial), type of wooden barrel
(oak and mulberry), and duration of ageing process on the content of Zn, Cu,
Fe and Mn in plum brandies, as well as coefficient of correlation between Cu
content and pH value were also studied.
Dehydrins (LTI29, LTI30, COR47) from Arabidopsis thaliana expressed in Escherichia coli protect Thylakoid membrane during freezing
Authors: Bozovic Vladan , Svensson Jan , Schmitt Jürgen , Kohn Carsten
Published: February 2013

As the name dehydrins implies, these proteins are typically expressed in
response to dehydration which can be caused by drought, osmotic stress or
freezing temperatures 1. In general, dehydrins occur in plants as multi-gene
families. Four Arabidopsis dehydrins (LTI29, ERD14, COR47 and RAB18) have
been tested for protection of thylakoid membranes during freeze thaw cycle in
vitro. 2,3 Our firstly reported results show that dehydrins LTI29, ERD14,
COR47 have cryoprotective activity while RAB18 did not protect the thylakoid
membranes at low temperatures. The cryoprotective activity reached a maximum
of 50% to 60% at protein concentration of 140-250 ?g/ml in the assay. A
contribution of dehydrins to freezing tolerance in vivo is supported by the
observation of Nylander et al. (2001)4 that LTI29 and COR47 are cold induced
at mRNA and protein expression level.
Prime ideals in 0-distributive posets
Authors: Joshi Vinayak , Mundlik Nilesh
Published: February 2013

In the first section of this paper, we prove an analogue of Stone’s Theorem for posets satisfying DCC by using semiprime ideals. We also prove the existence of prime ideals in atomic posets in which atoms are dually distributive. Further, it is proved that every maximal non-dense (non-principal) ideal of a 0-distributive poset (meet-semilattice) is prime. The second section focuses on the characterizations of (minimal) prime ideals in pseudocomplemented posets. The third section deals with the generalization of the classical theorem of Nachbin. In fact, we prove that a dually atomic pseudocomplemented, 1-distributive poset is complemented if and only if the poset of prime ideals is unordered. In the last section, we have characterized 0-distributive posets by means of prime ideals and minimal prime ideals.
Magnetic phase transition in KGd(WO4)2 double tungstate
Authors: Borowiec Mieczysław , Zayarnyuk Tetyana , Gutowska Maria , Więckowski Jarosław , Szewczyk Andrzej , Dyakonov Vladimir , Zubov Eduard , Barański Marek , Domukhovski Viktor , Pujol Maria , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc , Szymczak Henryk
Published: February 2013

Investigations of the specific heat of the potassium gadolinium double tungstate KGd(WO4)2 have been performed over the temperature range from 0.05 K up to 4 K in zero magnetic field. The λ -type anomaly observed at T = 0.42 K was interpreted as an indication of a second order magnetic phase transition within the Gadolinium sublattice. The critical exponent α was determined from experimental data.
Effect of night and day temperature on the cover colour and quality parameters of apple
Authors: Lakatos Laszlo , Biniak-Pieróg Małgorzata , Żyromski Andrzej
Published: February 2013

The colour of fruits is considered to be an important quality indicator. Sale ability greatly depends on how well covered the colour is of the specific type of fruits. We used a visual colour scale (0-100 percent) for evaluation of colorization. We distinguished the yellow, green and red cultivars. In the following studies we show those results which consider the red type apples only.

Cover colour is one of the phenometric variables and it is a well-known fact that significant differences can be experienced year by year. The experienced oscillation can be the cause of inappropriate water- and nutriment supply; however it can be the result of some kind of plant disease, extremely high or low temperature, setting rate above the average and outstanding fruit density.

In the present examination it is postulated that the degree of cover colour is mostly influenced by day and night temperature. Therefore, our study aims to find out whether it is true or not. Cover colour belongs to those phenometric characteristic features, only the final value of which is taken into consideration; due to their nature of establishment or forming time it seems useless to follow closely the change in the time of vegetation. We analysed the ripening groups of apple varieties separately. We have found that at winter ripening cultivars has bigger importance of genetic properties whilst at summer and autumnal ripening ones the weather effects have bigger importance.

The research results shows that the day and night temperature has an important role on fruit quality parameters as sugar content, vitamin C content and on acidity also. Because we can modify the canopy temperature by using evaporative cooling system we have a chance to set up an optimal value of day and night temperature difference in the orchards.
The Mzab foggara: an original technique for collecting the water rising
Authors: Remini Boualem , Achour Bachir , Ouled Belkhir Cheikh , Baba Amar Dahmane
Published: February 2013

This paper describes for the first time an original foggara, different from the classical foggara (foggara of Gourara) which collects water from the Intercalary Continental aquifer. Located in the middle of the Mzab River, this hydraulic system called the Mzab foggara is intended to exploit the flood waters. Two missions were carried in 2009 and 2010 in the Mzab Valley to describe the hydraulic system. The Mzab foggara constitutes of a gallery of ovoid form 200 m long equipped with 9 air shafts and a 900 m long seguia. The foggara of the Mzab River can drain water flow of 5 m3·s-1 to irrigate western part of the palm plantation of Ghardaia (located 600 km south of Algiers).
Availability and reliability analysis of large wind turbine systems in chosen localizations in Poland/Analiza dostępności i niezawodności dużej elektrowni wiatrowej w wybranych lokalizacjach w Polsce
Authors: Pytel Krzysztof
Published: February 2013

A reliability analysis of wind turbine systems applies to chosen localizations in
Poland was inspected. The average availability, capacity factor and energy efficiency of the
large wind turbine generator have been analyzed. It is noticed that if a failure rate
decreases by modernizing assemblies by removing chosen subassemblies and
reconstructing others, an average lifetime of the wind turbine enlarge noticeably.
Moreover, it is possible to find, both poor and excellent wind potential on areas classified
as not preferable for a wind industry.
Optimization and reliability of intelligent traffic lights control systems/Optymalizacja i niezawodność inteligentnych systemów sterowania ruchem drogowym
Authors: Topolska Katarzyna , Topolski Mariusz
Published: February 2013

The article presents problems of optimization and reliability to control the
movement of vehicles within the intersections using classical methods and genetic
algorithms with fuzzy evaluation of the chromosome. The authors doing research indicated
that the genetic operators allow controlling traffic lights about 40% more efficient than by
the classical method. Classical methods are defined as models based only on motion sensors
and on the basis of FIFO. The proposed model of reliability of intelligent traffic lights
control system is based on the time of operation, traffic density and average speed of
vehicles traveling on a given stretch.
Determination of time intervals between subsequent corrosion inspections based on the example of the TS-11 ‘Iskra’ aircraft/Wyznaczanie okresów wykonywania przeglądów korozyjnych na przykładzie samolotu TS-11 „Iskra”
Authors: Zieja Mariusz , Barszcz Piotr
Published: February 2013

When the operation is driven by the actual technical condition of the equipment
with current monitoring of the reliability level the problem appears how to schedule
inspections intended for restoring sound technical condition of aircrafts with regard to
corrosion protective coatings and keep them permanently available for operation with
determination of maintenance jobs that must be carried out in the plane. The methods that
enable estimation how frequently inspections for detection of corrosion traces should be
carried out include the method of characteristic sets, the Fourier spectral analysis as well
as the methods of indices that reflect the process of the aircraft operation. Each of the
foregoing methods is suitable for the equipment operation but the only method that takes
into account the conditions that occurred during operation of the specific aircraft unit is
the method of indices that reflects the process of the aircraft operation.
The method for corrosion prevention and corrosion processes monitoring of structural components in aircrafts/Metoda zapobiegania i nadzoru nad procesami korozyjnymi elementów konstrukcji statków powietrznych
Authors: Zieja Mariusz , Barszcz Piotr
Published: February 2013

Operation, maintenance and overhauls by technical condition of equipment
with simultaneous monitoring of the reliability level consists in acquisition, storage,
verification and analysis of information related to reliability and efficiency of the
operation process involving a set of products classified to a single, common type. Results
of the completed analyzes serve as a basis for taking decisions on the scope of necessary
prophylactic works. Each item of the product is replaced after such a defect that presents
no harm to the overall functioning of the system. In such a case an extremely important
task is to determine the schedule and scope of inspections intended for restoration of full
operability of the aircraft in respect of corrosion spots and condition of protective
coatings. The proposed method comprises four phases consisting of the following
operations: initial assessment, indirect examinations, direct tests and final evaluation.
Estimating the Trunk Transverse Surface Area to Assess Swimmer's Drag Force Based on their Competitive Level
Authors: Barbosa Tiago , Morais Jorge , Costa Mário , Mejias Jean , Marinho Daniel , Silva António
Published: February 2013

Estimating the Trunk Transverse Surface Area to Assess Swimmer's Drag Force Based on their Competitive Level

The aim of this study was to compute and validate trunk transverse surface area (TTSA) estimation equations to be used assessing the swimmer's drag force according to competitive level by gender. One group of 130 swimmers (54 females and 76 males) was used to compute the TTSA estimation equations and another group of 132 swimmers (56 females and 76 males) were used for its validations. Swimmers were photographed in the transverse plane from above, on land, in the upright and hydrodynamic position. The TTSA was measured from the swimmer's photo with specific software. It was also measured the height, body mass, biacromial diameter, chest sagital diameter (CSD) and the chest perimeter (CP). With the first group of swimmers it was computed the TTSA estimation equations based on stepwise multiple regression models from the selected anthropometrical variables. The TTSA prediction equations were significant and with a prediction level qualitatively considered as moderate. All equations included only the CP and the CSD in the final models. In all prediction models there were no significant differences between assessed and estimated mean TTSA. Coefficients of determination for the linear regression models between assessed and estimated TTSA were moderate and significant. More than 80% of the plots were within the 95% interval confidence for the Bland-Altman analysis in both genders. So, TTSA estimation equations that are easy to be computed by coached and researchers were developed. All equations accomplished the validation criteria adopted.
How Informative are the Vertical Buoyancy and the Prone Gliding Tests to Assess Young Swimmers' Hydrostatic and Hydrodynamic Profiles?
Authors: Barbosa Tiago , Costa Mário , Morais Jorge , Moreira Marc , Silva António , Marinho Daniel
Published: February 2013

How Informative are the Vertical Buoyancy and the Prone Gliding Tests to Assess Young Swimmers' Hydrostatic and Hydrodynamic Profiles?

The aim of this research was to develop a path-flow analysis model to highlight the relationships between buoyancy and prone gliding tests and some selected anthropometrical and biomechanical variables. Thirty-eight young male swimmers (12.97 ± 1.05 years old) with several competitive levels were evaluated. It were assessed the body mass, height, fat mass, body surface area, vertical buoyancy, prone gliding after wall push-off, stroke length, stroke frequency and velocity after a maximal 25 [m] swim. The confirmatory model included the body mass, height, fat mass, prone gliding test, stroke length, stroke frequency and velocity. All theoretical paths were verified except for the vertical buoyancy test that did not present any relationship with anthropometrical and biomechanical variables nor with the prone gliding test. The good-of-fit from the confirmatory path-flow model, assessed with the standardized root mean square residuals (SRMR), is considered as being close to the cut-off value, but even so not suitable of the theory (SRMR = 0.11). As a conclusion, vertical buoyancy and prone gliding tests are not the best techniques to assess the swimmer's hydrostatic and hydrodynamic profile, respectively.
Effect of Different Loads on Stroke and Coordination Parameters During Freestyle Semi-Tethered Swimming
Authors: Dominguez-Castells Rocio , Arellano Raul
Published: February 2013

Effect of Different Loads on Stroke and Coordination Parameters During Freestyle Semi-Tethered Swimming

The aim of this study was to analyse to what extent the use of different loads modifies freestyle stroke and coordination parameters during semi-tethered swimming, and to examine whether those changes are positive or negative to swimming performance. First, behaviour of swimming speed (v), stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL) with increasing loads was examined. Secondly, mean and peak speed of propulsive phases (propvmean and propvpeak) were analysed, as well as the relative difference between them (%v). Finally, index of coordination (IdC) was assessed. Eighteen male swimmers (22.10±4.31years, 1.79±0.07m, 76.74±9.00kg) performed 12.5m maximal sprints, pulling a different load each trial (0, 1.59, 2.21, 2.84, 3.46, 4.09, 4.71, 5.34, 5.96, 6.59, 7.21 and 7.84kg). Rest between repetitions was five minutes. Their feet were tied together, keeping a pull-buoy between legs and isolating the upper limb action. A speedometer was used to measure intra-cycle speed and the test was recorded by a frontal and a lateral underwater cameras. Variables v and SL decreased significantly when load increased, while SR remained constant (p<0.05). Propvmean and propvpeak decreased significantly with increasing loads (p<0.05). In contrast, %v grew when load rose (r = 0.922, p<0.01), being significantly different from free swimming above 4.71kg. For higher loads, swimmers did not manage to keep a constant velocity during a complete trial. IdC was found to increase with loads, significantly from 2.84kg (p<0.05). It was concluded that semi-tethered swimming is one training method useful to enhance swimmers' performance, but load needs to be individually determined and carefully controlled.
Qualitative Evaluation of Water Displacement in Simulated Analytical Breaststroke Movements
Authors: Martens Jonas , Daly Daniel
Published: February 2013

Qualitative Evaluation of Water Displacement in Simulated Analytical Breaststroke Movements

One purpose of evaluating a swimmer is to establish the individualized optimal technique. A swimmer's particular body structure and the resulting movement pattern will cause the surrounding water to react in differing ways. Consequently, an assessment method based on flow visualization was developed complimentary to movement analysis and body structure quantification. A fluorescent dye was used to make the water displaced by the body visible on video. To examine the hypothesis on the propulsive mechanisms applied in breaststroke swimming, we analyzed the movements of the surrounding water during 4 analytical breaststroke movements using the flow visualization technique.