bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarizabilities of carbon nanotubes: Importance of the crystalline orbitals relaxation in presence of an electric field
Authors: Ehinon Daniel , Baraille Isabelle , Rérat Michel
Published: August 2010

The static polarizabilities of a series of zigzag single walled carbon nanotubes [(m, 0) with m ≠ 3n for m = 7–25] were computed by the coupled perturbed Kohn‐Sham (CPKS) coupled method recently implemented in the periodic CRYSTAL code. This method makes it possible to compute both the longitudinal and transverse polarizabilities with the same approach including the local field depolarization effects for the whole series of the investigated nanotubes. To quantify these effects, the unscreened longitudinal and transverse polarizabilities were also calculated within the linear response theory using the Sum Over States (SOS) method. Our results confirmed the inverse‐square dependence on the bandgap of the longitudinal polarizabilities which are found weakly affected by the crystalline orbital relaxation. On the other hand, the comparison between the screened (CPKS) and unscreened (Sum Over States) transverse polarizabilities permit to calibrate more precisely the classical correction of Benedict et al. (Phys Rev B, 1995, 52, 8541) which must be applied to include the local field effect at the SOS level. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Aromatic pathways in conjugated rings connected by single bonds
Authors: Taubert Stefan , Kaila Ville R. I. , Sundholm Dage
Published: August 2010

Magnetically induced current densities and molecular structures for molecules consisting of two conjugated rings formally connected by a single bond have been studied at correlated ab initio and density functional theory levels. The molecular structures and magnetically induced current densities were calculated for the lowest singlet and triplet states of biphenyl, bicyclobutadiene, phenyl‐cyclobutadiene, and crosslinked phenol–imidazole, which is a model system for the crosslinked histidine–tyrosine found in heme–copper oxidases. Gauge‐origin independent current densities were obtained by using the gauge‐including magnetically induced current method. The lowest triplet states have a significantly shorter bond between the conjugated rings and generally a more planar structure when compared with the singlet ground state. The shorter bond distance between the conjugated rings indicates a π‐electron delocalization between the rings. Current‐density calculations show that the singlet states sustain ring currents mainly in the individual rings. The calculations also suggest that the shorter crosslink between the rings in the triplet states is accompanied with an increased current delocalization over the connected rings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Theoretical study of solvent effect on the structure, first electronic excited state, and nonlinear optical properties of substituted stilbazolium cations
Authors: Inerbaev Talgat M. , Gu Feng Long , Mizuseki Hiroshi , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2010

Molecular structure, first excited state properties and charge distribution of a series of substituted stilbazolium cations in different media are theoretically investigated. First static hyperpolarizability (β0) of considered compounds is studied by both finite‐field and two‐state model methods. In contrast to the recent theoretical studies, in present contribution the mutually consistent description of solvent polarity dependence of β0 calculated by both employed approaches is achieved. It is shown that the ground‐to‐excited state intramolecular charge‐transfer is significantly affected by the solvent that provides the hyperpolarizability variation. Taking into account both solvent polarity and substituent effect the peculiarities of β0 behavior of stilbazolium derivatives are re‐examined. The effect of molecular geometry on the calculated electronic excitation properties is investigated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
A null despreader for interference suppression in GPS
Authors: Hwang Suk‐seung , Shynk John J.
Published: August 2010

The Global Positioning System (GPS) utilizes low‐power spread‐spectrum signals and thus is vulnerable to various types of high‐power interference sources. It requires at least four satellites for estimating three‐dimensional user positions and the receiver clock bias. In this paper, we propose a blind adaptive GPS receiver that is based on a new despreader and the one‐stage constant modulus (CM) array. The despreader consists of a conventional GPS despreader and a so‐called null despreader, which together modify the received signal so that the CM array can extract the GPS signal of interest. The beamformer not only rejects jammers and extracts the GPS signal of interest without explicit direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) information of any of the signals but also it has a low computational complexity compared with conventional techniques, such as minimum‐variance distortionless‐response (MVDR) beamforming. As a conventional despreader can recover only one GPS signal, multiple despreaders are usually required for separating multiple GPS signals. We also explore an extension of the proposed null despreader to detect multiple GPS signals. Computer simulation examples are presented to illustrate the performance of the receiver for different types of jammer signals. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the quality of broadcast services in vehicularad hocnetworks
Authors: Rossi Dario , Fracchia Roberta , Meo Michela
Published: August 2010

We investigate the broadcast problem in suburban and highway inter‐vehicular networks, aiming at providing a definitive comparison of two antipodean broadcast algorithm classes: the first one makes use of someinstantaneous informationlocally available at the vehicles (such as vehicle position and speed), while the second one relies onlong‐term knowledgegained through a beaconing procedure. Using a realistic microscopic model to represent the vehicular traffic flow, we investigate the performance of the above broadcast algorithm classes by simulation, considering different classes of network services (e.g., Critical, Normal, and Low‐priority). In order to explore a very large algorithmic design space, we devise a convex hull framework that allows us to effectively compare and compactly present the boundaries of the solution space for each algorithm class. By the use of such framework, we show that the beaconless performance encompasses a wider spectrum with respect to the beaconed one, with lower complexity and overhead. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From mobile phones to responsible devices
Authors: Traynor Patrick , Amrutkar Chaitrali , Rao Vikhyath , Jaeger Trent , McDaniel Patrick , La Porta Thomas
Published: August 2010

Mobile phones have evolved from simple voice terminals into highly‐capable, general‐purpose computing platforms. While people are becoming increasingly more dependent on such devices to perform sensitive operations, protect secret data, and be available for emergency use, it is clear that phone operating systems are not ready to become mission‐critical systems. Through a pair of vulnerabilities and a simulated attack on a cellular network, we demonstrate that there are a myriad of unmanaged mechanisms on mobile phones, and that control of these mechanisms is vital to achieving reliable use. Through such vectors, mobile phones introduce a variety of new threats to their own applications and the telecommunications infrastructure itself. In this paper, we examine the requirements for providing effective mediation and access control for mobile phones. We then discuss the convergence of cellular networks with the Internet and its impact on effective resource management and quality of service. Based on these results, we argue for user devices that enable predictable behavior in a network—where their trusted computing bases can protect key applications and create predictable network impact. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A WLAN security management framework based on formal spatio‐temporal RBAC model
Authors: Bera P. , Ghosh S. K. , Dasgupta Pallab
Published: August 2010

In today's organizations, the large scale deployment of wireless networks has opened up new directions in network security management. The organizational security policies aim at protecting the network resources from unauthorized accesses in the wireless local area networks (WLAN). In WLAN security policy management, the standard IP‐based access control mechanisms are not sufficient due to dynamic changes in network topology and access control states. The role‐based access control (RBAC) models may be appropriate to strengthen the security perimeter over the network resources. However, formalizing the dynamic binding of the access policies to the roles, depending on various control states, is a major challenge. In this paper, we propose a WLAN security policy management framework based on a formalspatio‐temporal RBAC(STRBAC) model. The present work primarily focuses on dynamic computation of security policies based on various control states, its formal representation using STRBAC model, and security property verification of the proposed STRBAC model. The proposed policy management framework logically partitions the WLAN topology into various security policy zones. The framework includes aCentral Authentication & Role Server(CARS) which authenticates the users (nodes) and access points (AP) and also assigns appropriate roles to the users; aGlobal Policy Server(GPS) that dynamically computes the global security policy and policy configurations for different policy zones based on local user‐role and control state information; a distributed policy zone control architecture. Each policy zone consists of aPolicy Zone Controller(WPZCon) which dynamically computes the low‐level access configurations. Finally, a SAT based verification procedure has been presented for verifying the security properties of the proposed STRBAC model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of multiple imputation and fully augmented weighted estimators for Cox regression with missing covariates
Authors: Qi Lihong , Wang Ying‐Fang , He Yulei
Published: August 2010

Several approaches exist for handling missing covariates in the Cox proportional hazards model. The multiple imputation (MI) is relatively easy to implement with various software available and results in consistent estimates if the imputation model is correct. On the other hand, the fully augmented weighted estimators (FAWEs) recover a substantial proportion of the efficiency and have the doubly robust property. In this paper, we compare the FAWEs and the MI through a comprehensive simulation study. For the MI, we consider the multiple imputation by chained equation and focus on two imputation methods: Bayesian linear regression imputation and predictive mean matching. Simulation results show that the imputation methods can be rather sensitive to model misspecification and may have large bias when the censoring time depends on the missing covariates. In contrast, the FAWEs allow the censoring time to depend on the missing covariates and are remarkably robust as long as getting either the conditional expectations or the selection probability correct due to the doubly robust property. The comparison suggests that the FAWEs show the potential for being a competitive and attractive tool for tackling the analysis of survival data with missing covariates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐parametric latent process model for longitudinal ordinal data: Application to cognitive decline
Authors: Jacqmin‐Gadda Hélène , Proust‐Lima Cécile , Amiéva Hélène
Published: August 2010

Ordinal and quantitative discrete data are frequent in biomedical and neuropsychological studies. We propose a semi‐parametric model for the analysis of the change over time of such data in longitudinal studies. A threshold model is defined where the outcome value depends on the current value of an underlying Gaussian latent process. The latent process model is a Gaussian linear mixed model with a non‐parametric function of time,f(t), to model the expected change over time. This model includes random‐effects and a stochastic error process to flexibly handle correlation between repeated measures. The function f(t) and all the model parameters are estimated by penalized likelihood using a cubic‐spline approximation forf(t). The smoothing parameter is estimated by an approximate cross‐validation criterion. Confidence bands may be computed for the estimated curves for the latent process and, using a Monte Carlo approach, for the outcome in its natural scale. The method is applied to the Paquid cohort data to compare the time‐course over 14 years of two cognitive scores in a sample of 350 future Alzheimer patients and in a matched sample of healthy subjects. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian latent variable modelling in studies of air pollution and health
Authors: Salway Ruth , Lee Duncan , Shaddick Gavin , Walker Stephen
Published: August 2010

This paper describes the use of Bayesian latent variable models in the context of studies investigating the short‐term effects of air pollution on health. Traditional Poisson or quasi‐likelihood regression models used in this area assume that consecutive outcomes are independent (although the latter allows for overdispersion), which in many studies may be an untenable assumption as temporal correlation is to be expected. We compare this traditional approach with two Bayesian latent process models, which acknowledge the possibility of short‐term autocorrelation. These include an autoregressive model that has previously been used in air pollution studies and an alternative based on a moving average structure that we describe here. A simulation study assesses the performance of these models when there are different forms of autocorrelation in the data. Although estimated risks are largely unbiased, the results show that assuming independence can produce confidence intervals that are too narrow. Failing to account for the additional uncertainty which may be associated with (positive) correlation can result in confidence/credible intervals being too narrow and thus lead to incorrect conclusions being made about the significance of estimated risks. The methods are illustrated within a case study of the effects of short‐term exposure to air pollution on respiratory mortality in the elderly in London, between 1997 and 2003. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical constrained Bayes predictors accounting for non‐detects among repeated measures
Authors: Moore Reneé H. , Lyles Robert H. , Manatunga Amita K.
Published: August 2010

When the prediction of subject‐specific random effects is of interest, constrained Bayes predictors (CB) have been shown to reduce the shrinkage of the widely accepted Bayes predictor while still maintaining desirable properties, such as optimizing mean‐square error subsequent to matching the first two moments of the random effects of interest. However, occupational exposure and other epidemiologic (e.g. HIV) studies often present a further challenge because data may fall below the measuring instrument's limit of detection. Although methodology exists in the literature to compute Bayes estimates in the presence of non‐detects (BayesND), CB methodology has not been proposed in this setting. By combining methodologies for computing CBs and BayesND, we introduce two novel CBs that accommodate an arbitrary number of observable and non‐detectable measurements per subject. Based on application to real data sets (e.g. occupational exposure, HIV RNA) and simulation studies, these CB predictors are markedly superior to the Bayes predictor and to alternative predictors computed using ad hoc methods in terms of meeting the goal of matching the first two moments of the true random effects distribution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
l‐Stepholidine‐induced excitation of dopamine neurons in rat ventral tegmental area is associated with its 5‐HT1Areceptor partial agonistic activity
Authors: Gao Ming , Chu Hong‐Yuan , Jin Guo‐Zhang , Zhang Zhang‐Jin , Wu Jie , Zhen Xue‐Chu
Published: August 2010

Rationale:l‐Stepholidine (l‐SPD), a tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloid, possesses a pharmacological profile of a D1/5‐HT1Aagonist and a D2antagonist. This unique pharmacological profile makes it a promising novel antipsychotic candidate. Preliminary clinical trials and animal experiments suggest thatl‐SPD improves both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia without producing significant extrapyramidal side effects. To further explore the antipsychotic mechanisms of the drug, we studied the effects ofl‐SPD on the activity of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) using in vivo single‐unit recording technique in rats.Result:We found thatl‐SPD increased VTA DA neurons firing rate and induced slow oscillation in firing pattern. Moreover,l‐SPD, not clozapine, reversed d‐amphetamine‐induced inhibition which induced an excitation of VTA DA neurons. Furthermore, our data indicated that the excitatory effect ofl‐SPD is associated with its partial agonistic action for the 5‐HT1Areceptor since the 5‐HT1Areceptor antagonist WAY100635 could block thel‐SPD‐induced excitatory effect. However, activation of 5‐HT1Areceptor alone by specific agonist (±)‐8‐Hydroxy‐2‐(dipropylamino) tetralin (8‐OH‐DPAT) was insufficient to elicit excitation of VTA DA neurons, but the excitation of 8‐OH‐DPAT on VTA DA neurons was elicited in the presence of D2‐like receptors antagonist raclopride. Collectively, these results indicate thatl‐SPD excited VTA DA neurons requiring its D2‐like receptors antagonistic activity and 5‐HT1Areceptor agonistic activity.Conclusion: The present data demonstrate that D2receptor antagonist/5‐HT1Areceptor agonistic dual properties modulate dopaminergic transmission in a unique pattern that may underlie the different therapeutic responses betweenl‐SPD and other atypical antipsychotic drugs. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of CB2 cannabinoid receptor in adult rat retina
Authors: López Ester M. , Tagliaferro Patricia , Onaivi Emmanuel S. , López‐Costa Juan J.
Published: August 2010

Cannabinoid effects are mediated through two receptors, CB1 and CB2. In the retina CB1 has been reported in bipolar cells, gabaergic amacrine cells, horizontal cells, and inner plexiform layer. CB2 receptor mRNA localization was shown in photoreceptors, inner nuclear layer, and ganglion cell layer by using RT‐PCR. The aim of this work was to localize CB2 receptor in the rat retina by using immunocytochemistry. Our results showed that CB2 receptor was localized in retinal pigmentary epithelium, inner photoreceptor segments, horizontal and amacrine cells, cells localized in ganglion cell layer, and in fibers of inner plexiform layer. These results are in agreement with studies using RT‐PCR and provide some additional information about the distribution of CB2 receptor. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of this cannabinoid receptor in the retina. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigating the impact of non‐linear geometrical effects on wind turbine blades—Part 1: Current status of design and test methods and future challenges in design optimization
Authors: Jensen Find M. , Puri Amit S. , Dear John P. , Branner Kim , Morris Andrew
Published: August 2010

This article is the first part of a three‐article series and it deals with full‐scale tests of a load‐carrying box girder. The two other articles present more details on smaller sub‐component levels as well as cap specimens (article 2) and shear webs (article 3). This article also links to the two other articles and brings the main results from them into relevance for a wind turbine blade designer.

The investigated failure modes in all three articles relate to the Brazier effect, which is expected to be the key dominating failure mechanism in future wind turbine blade designs. The Brazier effect may also have a significant impact on present wind turbine blades. In this article, a 34 m long load‐carrying box girder has been tested in static flap‐wise bending, and it has been demonstrated that, for this design, the Brazier effect is a critical phenomenon of great relevance for the ultimate failure strength.

The box girder has been evaluated with and without a cap (wire) reinforcement. The cap reinforcement is one out of seven inventions Risø DTU published in 2008, which are all intended to result in a lighter and more reliable blade design. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a scaled wind turbine with a smart rotor for dynamic load control experiments
Authors: Hulskamp A. W. , van Wingerden J. W. , Barlas T. , Champliaud H. , van Kuik G. A. M. , Bersee H. E. N. , Verhaegen M.
Published: August 2010

The ever increasing size of wind turbines poses a number of design issues for the industry, like increasing component mass and fatigue loads. An interesting concept for reducing fatigue loads is the implementation of spanwise distributed devices to control the aerodynamic loading along the span of the blade, thus mitigating fluctuations in loading and adding damping to the blade modes. This is usually referred to as the smart rotor concept. In the design of such a rotor, as compared to a traditional one, the integration of sensors and actuators poses additional design challenges. In the research discussed in this paper, a scaled smart rotor was designed and constructed to study its fatigue load reduction potential. A 1.8 m diameter rotor was manufactured and equipped with trailing‐edge flaps. The flaps were based on piezo electric Thunder actuators that allow for high‐frequent actuation. The dynamic strain behaviour of the blade was analysed for optimal placement of the sensors. Several sensors that record the strains and accelerations at different locations along the blade were implemented, but the controller was based on a piezo electric strain sensor. The rotor blades were mounted on a small turbine in the Delft University's Open Jet Facility wind tunnel and a mathematical state space model was obtained by using dedicated system identification techniques. Single‐Input Single‐Output, Multi‐Input Multi‐Output ℋ︁∞ feedback and feedforward controllers were designed, each focusing on different parts of the load spectrum. The rotor was tested at 0 and 5° yaw angles, with and without load control. A significant reduction of the dynamic loads was attained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correspondence analysis
Authors: Greenacre Michael J.
Published: August 2010

Correspondence analysis (CA) is a method of data visualization that is applicable to cross‐tabular data such as counts, compositions, or any ratio‐scale data where relative values are of interest. All the data should be on the same scale and the row and column margins of the table must make sense as weighting factors because the analysis gives varying importance to the respective rows and columns according to these margins. This method is one of a large class of methods based on the singular value decomposition and can be considered as the equivalent of principal component analysis for categorical and ratio‐scale data or as a pair of classical scalings of the rows and columns based on their interpoint χ2 distances, using the margins as weights. For categorical data, this method generalizes to multiple CA, a popular method for analyzing questionnaire data. A linearly constrained form of CA, canonical CA, is extensively used in ecological research where species abundance data at various sampling points are visualized subject to being linearly related to environmental variables measured at the same locations. When certain parameters are introduced into its definition, CA has been shown to have limiting cases of unweighted and weighted log‐ratio analysis (the latter also known as the spectral map), as well as classical multidimensional scaling. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Current Trends and Short‐term Outcomes of Live Donor Nephrectomy: A Population‐based Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Authors: Colombo Beth , Singla Anand , Li YouFu , Tseng Jennifer F. , Saidi Reza F. , Bozorgzadeh Adel , Shah Shimul A.
Published: August 2010

Background

Recent United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data suggest that live kidney donation is stagnant. Current practices and trends in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) among the transplant community remain largely unknown.

Materials and methods

From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1998 to 2006, patients undergoing LDN (n = 9,437) were identified.

Results

Live kidney donation in the United States did not show an increase in the NIS. Of the live donor cases recorded, 58 (0.61%) were associated with a major short‐term complication. The number of LDNs performed by transplant surgeons decreased over the study period from 76.5% in 1998 to 30.4% in 2006.

Conclusions

In the United Stares, LDNs are performed safely with a low short‐term complication rate. Despite the use of laparoscopy and the increased need of donor organs, the rate of LDN in kidney transplantation has not increased proportionally.
External Validation of Modified EuroSCORE
Authors: Biancari Fausto , Laurikka Jari , Wistbacka Jan‐Ola , Nissinen Juha , Tarkka Matti
Published: August 2010

Background

EuroSCORE is an adult cardiac surgery risk scoring method that is used worldwide, which has been shown to significantly overestimate the operative risk. We derived a new risk scoring method by modifying some of the risk factors included in the EuroSCORE algorithm and we validated it in an external database.

Methods

This study included 4,014 patients who underwent adult cardiac surgery at the Heart Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Finland. Operative risk was estimated by EuroSCORE and its modified version.

Results

In‐hospital postoperative mortality rate was 3.2%. EuroSCORE (AUC for logistic EuroSCORE 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–0.85) and modified score (AUC for logistic modified score 0.79; 95% CI, 0.75–0.83) performed well in predicting in‐hospital mortality in this series. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 8%, and the mean logistic modified score was 2.2%. Thus, the observed to expected ratio for in‐hospital mortality was 0.4 for logistic EuroSCORE and 1.5 for logistic modified score. The difference between observed and predicted mortality rate matched correctly for increasing additive modified score, but not for EuroSCORE. The observed to predicted ratio in high‐risk patients (within the 90th percentile of each risk algorithm) was 0.36 (13.2%/36.2% in 402 patients) for logistic EuroSCORE and 0.99 (14.7%/14.9% in 395 patients) for logistic modified score.

Conclusions

This modified and simplified score, which includes most of EuroSCORE variables, seems to provide a more realistic estimation of postoperative mortality risk of patients undergoing any adult cardiac surgery.
Predicting romantic involvement, relationship cognitions, and relationship qualities from physical appearance, perceived norms, and relational styles regarding friends and parents
Authors: Furman Wyndol , Winkles Jessica K.
Published: August 2010

Using a sample of 199 adolescents, the present study examined Furman and Wehner’s (1999) hypothesis that the predictors of the degree of romantic involvement and the predictors of romantic relationship cognitions and qualities differ. As hypothesized, physical appearance and friends’ normative romantic involvement were related to the degree of casual and serious romantic involvement, whereas relational styles regarding friends and parents were unrelated in almost all cases. On the other hand, relational styles regarding friends and parents were related to supportive and negative romantic interactions and romantic styles. In contrast, physical appearance and friends’ normative romantic involvement were generally unrelated to interactions and romantic styles. Physical appearance was also related to romantic appeal and satisfaction.
The effectiveness of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Vidlar Ales , Vostalova Jitka , Ulrichova Jitka , Student Vladimir , Stejskal David , Reichenbach Richard , Vrbkova Jana , Ruzicka Filip , Simanek Vilim
Published: August 2010

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common condition in older men. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) powder in men at risk of prostate disease with LUTS, elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA), negative prostate biopsy and clinically confirmed chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Forty-two participants received either 1500 mg of the dried powdered cranberries per d for 6 months (cranberry group;n21) or no cranberry treatment (control group;n21). Physical examination, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life (QoL), five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), basic clinical chemistry parameters, haematology, Se, testosterone, PSA (free and total), C-reactive protein (CRP), antioxidant status, transrectal ultrasound prostate volume, urinary flow rate, ultrasound-estimated post-void residual urine volume at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months, and urineex vivoanti-adherence activity were determined in all subjects. In contrast to the control group, patients in the cranberry group had statistically significant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, QoL, urination parameters including voiding parameters (rate of urine flow, average flow, total volume and post-void residual urine volume), and lower total PSA level on day 180 of the study. There was no influence on blood testosterone or serum CRP levels. There was no statistically significant improvement in the control group. The results of the present trial are the first firm evidence that cranberries may ameliorate LUTS, independent of benign prostatic hyperplasia or C-reactive protein level.
Basal energy expenditure in southern Chinese healthy adults: measurement and development of a new equation
Authors: Yang Xiaojiao , Li Ming , Mao Deqian , Zeng Guo , Zhuo Qin , Hu Wen , Piao Jianhua , Yang Xiaoguang , Huang Chengyu
Published: August 2010

The objective of the present study is to measure basal energy expenditure (BEE) using the Cosmed K4b2portable metabolic system (Rome, Italy) and to develop a new predictive equation for BEE in southern Chinese adults. A total of 165 healthy Chinese adults aged 18–45 years with normal body weight were involved in the present study. BEE was measured by Cosmed K4b2. Body composition was determined by body composition analysers (ImpediMed DF50, QLD, Australia). Multiple linear regression analysis and correlation analysis were applied to develop a new optimal equation for predicting BEE of southern healthy Chinese adults. Measured BEE (mBEE) of southern Chinese healthy adults was 5513 (sem96) kJ/d, which was similar to the results predicted by the equation developed by of Liu 5579 (sem57) kJ/d (P = 0·37) and significantly lower than those from equations developed by Henry (5763 (sem54) kJ/d), Schofield (5898 (sem58) kJ/d) and Harris–Benedict (HB; 5863 (sem51) kJ/d) (allP = 0·001). The optimal equation developed by our data was BEE (kJ/d) = 277+89 weight (kg)+600 sex (male = 1 and female = 0) (r2 = 0·48,n165). For males, BEE (kJ/d) = 105 weight (kg) − 58 (r2 = 0·27,n79); for females, BEE (kJ/d) = 69 weight (kg)+1335 (r2 = 0·24,n86). In conclusion, the mBEE of southern Chinese healthy adults was 5513 (sem96) kJ/d. The BMR of Chinese adults of normal weight is overestimated by widely used prediction equations developed by Henry, Schofield and HB. The equation developed in the present study (equation 7) can be used in predicting BEE for Chinese adults aged 18–45 years with normal body weight.
Non-state authority and global governance
Authors: KATSIKAS DIMITRIOS
Published: August 2010

Non-state actors are increasingly assuming an active part in the design and construction of the institutional framework of global governance. The introduction of the concept of private authority in the literature has provided us with an insightful analytical tool for a deeper understanding of the role of private actors in the context of global governance. However, in order to achieve this objective the concept of private authority needs to be defined accurately and applied consistently in the examination of non-state governance schemes. This article aims to delineate the concept of private authority in the context of global governance first, by outlining the main characteristics of authority and identifying instances of inconsistent and loose application of these characteristics in the private authority literature and secondly, by offering a starting point for an analytically consistent typology of non-state authority. Following this analysis, a more thoroughly defined and analytically consistent concept of transnationalinauthority is presented. This new conceptualisation locates non-stateinauthority in the amalgamation of public authority and private power in the context of complex transnational governance structures, and can hopefully helps us gain a deeper understanding of the increasing institutionalisation and legitimation of transnational non-state governance.
The duty to oppose violence: humanitarian intervention as a question for political philosophy
Authors: GOMES BJORN
Published: August 2010

Although the non-intervention rule is often defended as a guarantee of international order, rigid adherence to it cannot be morally justified when governments commit or permit atrocities within their territory. In such cases, intervention is permissible and may even be obligatory. Drawing on the ideas of Rousseau, Kant, and to a lesser extent Hegel, this article examines the grounds of the argument for humanitarian intervention, demonstrating that intervention is in principle not only permissible but obligatory when considered philosophically. Therightto intervene can be grounded on common morality, the protection of sovereignty and the coerciveness of justice. Thedutyto intervene rests on a respect for humanity and the conceptual relationship between rights and duties. Considering these two lines of argument shows that humanitarian intervention can be conceived as a duty that states can be reasonably required to perform.
Ancient cynicism: a case for salvage
Authors: REVELL PIERS
Published: August 2010

Taking a quote from President Obama as its starting point, this article examines the usages of the word cynicism in politics, business and International Relations. It distinguishes five different forms: accusative; reflexive; projective; cathartic and ancient. When used accusatively, the cynic is an archetype we see in others whose character or actions we wish to reproach. When used reflexively, the cynic is a social archetype we identify with ourselves. Projective cynicism is the means by which an impertinent discourse may be playfully distanced. Cathartic cynicism is a means by which mental conflict is mediated. Ancient cynicism was a utopian attempt to negotiate the contradiction between cosmopolitanism and the overwhelming reality of slavery. The article concludes that it may be worthwhile comparing and contrasting all these forms of cynicism out in the public sphere.
Nutritional supplementation for older people
Authors: Lambert Matt A , Potter Jan M , McMurdo Marion ET
Published: August 2010

Malnutrition is common in older people and is associated with a number of adverse outcomes. We review the evidence for the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation for older people in the community, in institutional care and following discharge from hospital. Studies in these settings are scarce, often include only small numbers of participants and are of variable quality. The interventions used are heterogeneous and difficult to directly compare. Oral nutritional supplements (sip feeds), dietary fortification, educational programmes, exercise, flavour enhancement and meal setting have all been studied. Evidence for use of oral nutritional supplements as sip feeds in undernourished community-dwelling and institutionalized older people and in those discharged from hospital is currently insufficient to recommend routine use. Flavour enhancement and more sociable meal environments may be beneficial. Further, more methodologically robust research is needed to clarify the effect of these interventions.
Effects of the Carbon Coating and the Surface Oxide Layer in Electron Probe Microanalysis
Authors: Limandri Silvina P. , Carreras Alejo C. , Trincavelli Jorge C.
Published: August 2010

Effects related with the attenuation and deflection suffered by an electron beam when it passes through a carbon conductive coating and an oxide film layer on the surface of bulk samples are studied by Monte Carlo simulations and energy dispersive spectroscopy with electron excitation. Analytical expressions are provided for the primary beam energy and intensity losses and for the deflection of the incident electrons in both layers, in terms of the incidence energy, the film mass thicknesses, and the atomic number of the oxidized element. From these analytical expressions, suitable corrections are proposed for the models used to describe the X-ray spectrum of the substrate, including also the contribution of the X-rays generated in the oxide and conductive films and the characteristic X-ray absorption occurring in those layers. The corrections are implemented in a software program for spectral analysis based on a routine of parameter refinement, and their influence is studied separately in experimental spectra of single-element standards measured at different excitation energies. Estimates for the layer thicknesses are also obtained from the spectral fitting procedure.
Comparison of Darcian flux calculations and seepage meter measurements in a sandy streambed in North Carolina, United States
Authors: Kennedy Casey D. , Murdoch Lawrence C. , Genereux David P. , Corbett D. Reide , Stone Katie , Pham Phung , Mitasova Helena
Published: August 2010

We compared two methods for estimating groundwater flux into a stream reach: seepage meters and Darcian flux calculations. Both methods were applied at the same 53 points on the streambed of a 62.5‐m‐long reach of West Bear Creek in the coastal plain of North Carolina. At each point, a seepage meter was used to measure groundwater flux, vmeter, and several minutes later the streambed hydraulic conductivity (K) and hydraulic head gradient (J) were measured. We compared the 53 paired point values of groundwater flux from each method (vmeter and vdarcy = KJ), the integrated volumetric groundwater flux to the stream reach from each method (Qdarcy and Qmeter), and the spatial distributions of vdarcy and vmeter on the streambed. Values of Qmeter (268 m3/d) and mean vmeter (0.66 m/d) were each about 0.70 × the corresponding Darcian flux quantities (Qdarcy = 375 m3/d and mean vdarcy = 0.92 m/d). Despite their differences, the two methods gave the same direction of groundwater flow (into the stream) at all 53 points, a result not found in all previous comparison studies and thus not to be taken for granted. Also, vdarcy and vmeter had similar spatial distributions on the streambed. The ratio vmeter/vdarcy = 0.70 is within the range of 0.3–7 from previous studies and is closer to 1 than in previous studies. The differences between the two methods are probably in part due to random measurement error and to the spatial scales for the Darcy and seepage meter measurements being of a slightly different size and offset several centimeters from each other on the heterogeneous streambed, but these effects are unlikely to produce the observed consistent bias. The mean bias between the methods (ratio of 0.70) may be related to gas bubbles in the streambed pore spaces (e.g., collection of gas bubbles in the seepage meters lowering vmeter and loss of gas from the streambed upon seepage meter removal or permeameter insertion increasing the subsequent vdarcy measurement).
Poleward decrease in the isotope effect of nitrate assimilation across the Southern Ocean
Authors: DiFiore Peter J. , Sigman Daniel M. , Karsh Kristen L. , Trull Thomas W. , Dunbar Robert B. , Robinson Rebecca S.
Published: August 2010

Recent studies provide seasonally and spatially resolved information on the isotopic characteristics of nitrate supply and N cycling in Southern Ocean surface waters. The new data improve our understanding of the nitrate supply to the Antarctic surface and its isotopic characteristics, especially with regard to the summertime subsurface minimum temperature (Tmin) layer in the Antarctic. We use these findings to update and compile estimates of the N isotope effect of nitrate assimilation, ɛ, in the Southern Ocean near Australia. A poleward decrease in ɛ emerges, from 8–9‰ in the Subantarctic Zone (SAZ, 40–52°S) to ∼5‰ in the Polar Antarctic Zone (PAZ, ∼66°S). ɛ is strongly correlated with mixed layer depth at the time of sampling. We hypothesize that the correlation is driven by the physiological response of diatoms to light availability, with light limitation leading to higher cellular efflux of nitrate and thus higher ɛ.
Ionospheric gravity waves detected offshore Hawaii after tsunamis
Authors: Rolland Lucie M. , Occhipinti Giovanni , Lognonné Philippe , Loevenbruck Anne
Published: August 2010

On‐board satellites techniques provide global coverage and could play an important role in the continuous oceanic survey to prevent the damage produced by powerful tsunamis. We report here new ionospheric observations related to three significant transpacific tsunami events triggered by the 2006 Kuril earthquake, the 2009 Samoa earthquake and the 2010 Chile earthquake. Total Electron Content (TEC) variations extracted from data recorded by a dense Global Positioning System (GPS) network based in Hawaii show ionospheric disturbances within the hours following the tsunami wave passage at sea‐level. For each event, we observe ionospheric gravity waves propagating with velocity, direction and arrival time coherent with the tsunami. The tsunamigenic signature in the ionosphere is also compared to in‐situ sea‐level measurements. These observations provide new examples of the sensitivity of the ionosphere to tsunamigenic gravity waves and confirm that ionospheric monitoring by GPS can provide complementary information on tsunami propagation.
B for bureaucracy
Authors: Wolinsky Howard
Published: August 2010

Many researchers with grants and contracts from the EC are increasingly irked by red tape. Lately, the requirement for ERC grant holders to fill out time sheets has become a symbol of bureaucracy out of control.
Dynein at the nuclear envelope
Authors: Tanenbaum Marvin E , Akhmanova Anna , Medema René H
Published: August 2010

Most cellular organelles are positioned through active transport by motor proteins. The authors discuss the evidence that dynein has important cell cycle‐regulated functions in this context at the nuclear envelope.
Interpretation of hysteresis loops of GaMnAs in the framework of the Stoner–Wohlfarth model
Authors: Winter A. , Pascher H. , Krenn H. , Liu X. , Furdyna J. K.
Published: August 2010

We have used the magnetooptical Kerr effect to investigate the shape of the hysteresis loops of thin GaMnAs films grown on substrates with different buffer layers. Depending on whether the easy axis of magnetization is in the plane of the thin film or out of the plane, and depending on the orientation of the external magnetic field with respect to the crystallographic axes, a great variety of hysteresis loops is observed. Because magnetooptical effects depend linearly on specific components of the magnetization, it has been possible to determine the orientation of the magnetization with varying magnetic field. The experimental findings are very well described by the Stoner–Wohlfarth model of coherent magnetization rotation, yielding precise values for the anisotropy constants. We present this model and its use in the context of magnetooptical measurements as a relatively simple and straightforward method for establishing magnetization parameters of ferromagnetic semiconductors in thin film form.
Dissociation of water over Ti-decorated C60
Authors: Liu Yingchun , Huang Liping , Gubbins Keith E. , Nardelli Marco Buongiorno
Published: August 2010

Using first-principles calculations we have studied the reactions of water over Ti-decorated C60 in order to assess the possibility of using this system as a catalyst for water dissociation. Our results show that a single water molecule dissociates exothermically with a small energy barrier on a single Ti atom adsorbed on C60. After dissociation, both H+ and OH− ions bind strongly to the Ti atom, which serves as an effective reactive center that facilitates further water splitting. When a second water molecule is introduced, we observe the formation of a hydrogen molecule with a comparably small activation barrier. When the coverage of Ti on C60 is increased, the formation of Ti dimer does not change the catalytic effect of Ti∕C60 complex very much. Our results provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms of water dissociation on such a prototypical nanostructure and suggest that Ti-decorated C60 could be exploited as a catalyst for water splitting to generate hydrogen.
Lateral piezoelectric response across ferroelectric domain walls in thin films
Authors: Guyonnet J. , Béa H. , Paruch P.
Published: August 2010

In purely c-axis oriented PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 ferroelectric thin films, a lateral piezoresponse force microscopy signal is observed at the position of 180° domain walls, where the out-of-plane oriented polarization is reversed. Using electric force microscopy measurements we exclude electrostatic effects as the origin of this signal. Moreover, our mechanical simulations of the tip/cantilever system show that the small tilt of the surface at the domain wall below the tip does not satisfactorily explain the observed signal either. We thus attribute this lateral piezoresponse at domain walls to their sideways motion (shear) under the applied electric field. From simple elastic considerations and the conservation of volume of the unit cell, we would expect a similar lateral signal more generally in other ferroelectric materials, and for all types of domain walls in which the out-of-plane component of the polarization is reversed through the domain wall. We show that in BiFeO3 thin films, with 180°, 109°, and 71° domain walls, this is indeed the case.
Individual switching of film-based nanoscale epitaxial ferroelectric capacitors
Authors: Kim Yunseok , Han Hee , Rodriguez Brian J. , Vrejoiu Ionela , Lee Woo , Baik Sunggi , Hesse Dietrich , Alexe Marin
Published: August 2010

We have investigated the individual switching of nanoscale capacitors by piezoresponse force microscopy. Nanoscale epitaxial ferroelectric capacitors with terabyte per inch square equivalent density were fabricated by the deposition of top electrodes onto a pulsed laser deposited lead zirconate titanate thin film by electron beam evaporation through ultrathin anodic aluminum oxide membrane stencil masks. Using bias pulses, the nanoscale capacitors were uniformly switched and proved to be individually addressable. These film-based nanoscale capacitors might be a feasible alternative for high-density mass storage memory applications with near terabyte per inch square density due to the absence of any cross-talk effects.