bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and factorial validation of a short form of the Self‐Compassion Scale
Authors: Raes Filip , Pommier Elizabeth , Neff Kristin D. , Van Gucht Dinska
Published: June 2010

The objective of the present study was to construct and validate a short‐form version of the Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS). Two Dutch samples were used to construct and cross‐validate the factorial structure of a 12‐item Self‐Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS–SF). The SCS‐SF was then validated in a third, English sample. The SCS–SF demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.86 in all samples) and a near‐perfect correlation with the long form SCS (r ≥ 0.97 all samples). Confirmatory factor analysis on the SCS–SF supported the same six‐factor structure as found in the long form, as well as a single higher‐order factor of self‐compassion. The SCS–SF thus represents a reliable and valid alternative to the long‐form SCS, especially when looking at overall self‐compassion scores. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• The 12‐item Self‐Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS–SF) in Dutch and English offers an economical alternative to the long Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS) to measure self‐compassion. Although the original long form of the SCS is reduced to half, the SCS–SF is reliable and has the same factorial structure as the original scale.
Analysis and enhancement of multi‐channel MAC protocol forad hocnetworks
Authors: Kao Hui‐Hsiang , Wu Peng‐Jung , Lee Chung‐Nan
Published: June 2010

In this paper, an analytical model is proposed to calculate the network throughput of dedicated control channel protocols that are designed to schedule multiple packets to be transmitted on different data channels simultaneously. Based on the analytical model, a scheme by tuning the initial contention window size is proposed to maximize the network throughput. We also present a novel multi‐channel MAC protocol for single‐hop scenario. Simulation results show that the proposed model is capable of modeling the behaviors of dedicated control channel protocols accurately. Furthermore, the proposed scheme can reduce the cost of collisions and enhance the network throughput up to 22% for 1 kB packet size and 80 nodes. Compared with other dedicated control channel protocols, the proposed protocol can schedule more control packets and use multiple channels more efficiently. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation and characterization of Atoh1‐Cre knock‐in mouse line
Authors: Yang Hua , Xie Xiaoling , Deng Min , Chen Xiaowei , Gan Lin
Published: June 2010

Confocal microscope image of a neonatal Atoh1Cre/+; R26R‐lacZ mouse inner ear crista. Hair cells are labeled with anti‐MYO6 (red). Anti‐lacZ ‐green‐ immunolabeling reveals the hair and supporting cells originated from Atoh1‐lineage. For more information, see the article by Yang et al. in this issue. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generalised approach for performance analysis of SIR‐based multiple selection diversity over constant correlated α – µ fading channels
Authors: Anastasov Jelena A. , Stefanović Mihajlo Č. , Panić Stefan R. , Mosić Aleksandar V.
Published: June 2010

Selection combining (SC) is commonly used space‐diversity technique in wireless communication systems to alleviate effects of channel fading and interference influence. In this paper, we analyse the performance of multibranch signal‐to‐interference‐ratio (SIR)‐based SC diversity over correlated α – µ fading channels with arbitrary parameters. The novel formulae for the probability density function (pdf) and cumulative distribution function (cdf) of output SIR are derived. Some numerical and simulation results are obtained pointing out the effects of fading severity, level of correlation, input SIR unbalance and diversity order to the outage probability. Also, the average error probability for several modulation schemes is numerically evaluated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of different channel estimation approaches for Block‐IFDMA
Authors: Sohl A. , Klein A.
Published: June 2010

In this paper, channel estimation for Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) precoded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) with block‐interleaved subcarrier allocation per user, which is denoted as Block‐Interleaved Frequency Division Multiple Access (B‐IFDMA), is considered. Recent investigations are presented for new pilot insertion methods which exhibit different impact on the Peak‐to‐Average Power Ratio (PAPR) of the transmit signal and offer different possibilities of positioning the pilots in frequency domain. Each of these pilot insertion methods is combined with a corresponding algorithm to estimate the Channel Variations in Frequency Domain (CVFD). The Channel Variations in Time Domain (CVTD) are estimated by an improved Decision Directed Channel Estimation (DDCE) with joint iterative Wiener filtering which reduces the error propagation by considering certain neighbouring symbols jointly in each iteration step. The DDCE is compared to a Wiener interpolation filter for the estimation of CVTD. The combinations of pilot insertion method, estimation algorithm for CVFD and CVTD are compared in terms of the PAPR and the Mean Square Error (MSE) performance. Thereby, the impact of different pilot positions in frequency domain and time domain is investigated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient‐reported outcome measures in the NHS: new methods for analysing and reporting EQ‐5D data
Authors: Devlin Nancy J. , Parkin David , Browne John
Published: June 2010

In a landmark move, the UK Department of Health (DH) has introduced the routine collection of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) to measure the performance of health‐care providers. From April 2009, generic (EQ‐5D) and condition‐specific PROMs are being collected from patients before and after four surgical procedures; eventually this will be extended to include a wide range of other NHS services. The aim of this article is to report analysis of the EQ‐5D data generated from a pilot study commissioned by the DH and to consider the implications for the use of EQ‐5D data in performance indicators and measures of patient benefit. We present two new methods that we have developed for analysing and displaying EQ‐5D profile data: a Paretian Classification of Health Change and a health profile grid. We show that EQ‐5D profile data can be readily analysed to generate insights into the nature of changes in patient‐reported health that would be obscured by summarising these profiles by their index scores, or focusing just on the post operative outcomes. Our methods indicate differences between providers and between sub‐groups of patients. Our results also show striking differences in changes in EQ‐5D profiles between surgical procedures, which require further investigation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of peak and plate electrodes in electrical resistivity tomography: application to the chalky groundwater of the Beauvais aquifer (northern part of the Paris basin, France)
Authors: Zouhri Lahcen , Lutz Pascale
Published: June 2010

Electrical resistivity tomography was used in order to explore an experimental site of the LaSalle Beauvais Polytechnic Institute (France). The test was conducted along a profile line of 315 m length, using 64 electrodes deployed at an inter‐electrode spacing of 5 m, and the data were recorded using gradient, Wenner and pole–dipole arrays. The performance of plate electrodes (non‐conventional flat‐based) is compared with the performance of peak electrodes (conventional spike). The hydrogeophysical investigation of the chalk aquifer system of Beauvais shows that the performance of plate electrodes is satisfactory, leading to inversions of small root‐mean‐square errors. Peak and the plate electrodes were tested before and after injection of a salt tracer in the piezometer of the experimental site. The study demonstrates the usefulness of plate electrodes (efficient, less time consuming) and the possibility of aquifer characterization by a salt tracer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal fluorescein dose for intravenous application in miniprobe‐based confocal laser scanning microscopy in pigs
Authors: Becker Valentin , van den Broek Frank J. , Buchner Anna M. , Dekker Evelien , Wallace Michael B. , von Delius Stefan , Schneider Armin , Schmid Roland M. , Meining Alexander
Published: June 2010

Probe‐based confocal laser scanning endomicroscopy (pCLE) enables in‐vivo histopathology during ongoing endoscopy. The most frequently used fluorophore is fluorescein sodium administered intravenously. Despite the increased use of pCLE, there are hardly any data on the ideal fluorescein concentration. Therefore, rectal mucosa of pigs was examined after injection (i.v.) of fluorescein as a single bolus (0.1 ml/kg body weight) in different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%). Video sequences were recorded after 1, 5 and 60 min. For objective evaluation signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was computed. For subjective evaluation, video sequences were randomized and blindly evaluated by experienced endomicroscopists. In total, 19037 images were analyzed. The mean SNR increased from the lowest (0.5%; SNR 6.75, range 3.55) to the highest concentration (10%; SNR 9.11, range 3.18). Subjective evaluation demonstrated best image quality with fluorescein concentration of 5%. In conclusion, pCLE shows best results using single injection of IV fluorescein 5%. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Application of Terahertz Time‐Domain Spectroscopy in Intracellular Metabolite Detection
Authors: Wang Changlei , Gong Jixian , Xing Qirong , Li Yanfeng , Liu Feng , Zhao Xueming , Chai Lu , Wang Chingyue , Zheltikov Aleksei M.
Published: June 2010

Using terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS), we have investigated the THz spectra of astaxanthin and riboflavin and the spectra of two kinds of cell, haenatcoccus plusivalis and bacillus subtilis, which could produce astaxanthin and riboflavin, respectively, during their metabolite process. Riboflavin was found to be much more absorptive to THz radiation and have richer spectral characteristics than astaxanthin. As an intracellular metabolite, riboflavin could be distinguished from the cells by using THz‐TDS. The technique has potential applications in high‐throughput screening of industrial strains. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relation of vertebral deformities to bone density, structure, and strength
Authors: Melton III L Joseph , Riggs B Lawrence , Keaveny Tony M , Achenbach Sara J , Kopperdahl David , Camp Jon J , Rouleau Peggy A , Amin Shreyasee , Atkinson Elizabeth J , Robb Richard A , Therneau Terry M , Khosla Sundeep
Published: June 2010

Because they are not reliably discriminated by areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measurements, it is unclear whether minimal vertebral deformities represent early osteoporotic fractures. To address this, we compared 90 postmenopausal women with no deformity (controls) with 142 women with one or more semiquantitative grade 1 (mild) deformities and 51 women with any grade 2–3 (moderate/severe) deformities. aBMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), lumbar spine volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and geometry by quantitative computed tomography (QCT), bone microstructure by high-resolution peripheral QCT at the radius (HRpQCT), and vertebral compressive strength and load-to-strength ratio by finite-element analysis (FEA) of lumbar spine QCT images. Compared with controls, women with grade 1 deformities had significantly worse values for many bone density, structure, and strength parameters, although deficits all were much worse for the women with grade 2–3 deformities. Likewise, these skeletal parameters were more strongly associated with moderate to severe than with mild deformities by age-adjusted logistic regression. Nonetheless, grade 1 vertebral deformities were significantly associated with four of the five main variable categories assessed: bone density (lumbar spine vBMD), bone geometry (vertebral apparent cortical thickness), bone strength (overall vertebral compressive strength by FEA), and load-to-strength ratio (45-degree forward bending ÷ vertebral compressive strength). Thus significantly impaired bone density, structure, and strength compared with controls indicate that many grade 1 deformities do represent early osteoporotic fractures, with corresponding implications for clinical decision making. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Engaging depressed African American adolescents in treatment: lessons from the AAKOMA PROJECT
Authors: Breland‐Noble Alfiee M. , Burriss Antoinette , Poole H. Kathy
Published: June 2010

The authors describe and illustrate means of engaging depressed African American adolescents in treatment. Twenty‐eight youth participated in focus groups or individual interviews. Using grounded theory and transcript based analysis, they derived 5 themes describing African American adolescents' experience of depression and suggested mechanisms for improving African American youth treatment engagement. Practitioners can educate African American youth about depression as a medical disorder, build trust, and apply innovative approaches to recognizing differential manifestations of depression in African American youth. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66:1–12, 2010.
Green synthesis of 5‐substituted‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thiols as new potent nitrification inhibitors
Authors: Saha Ajoy , Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Rajendra , Devakumar C.
Published: June 2010

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A fast, efficient synthesis of 5‐substituted‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thiols was successfully developed, assessed using green chemistry matrices, and compounds were screened for theirin vitronitrification inhibitory activity. The greener method was superior with higher energy efficiency, E(nvironmental) factor, atom economy, atom efficiency, carbon efficiency, and reaction mass efficiency. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
On strongly starlike multivalent functions of order β and type α
Authors: Xu N‐eng , Yang Ding‐Gong , Owa Shigeyoshi
Published: June 2010

For analytic and p ‐valent functions f (z) in the open unit disk 𝕌, a new subclass $ \tilde S^*_p $(α, β) consisting of the functions f (z) which are strongly starlike p ‐valent of order β and type α is introduced. The object of the present paper is to derive some sufficient conditions for f (z) to be in the class $ \tilde S^*_p $(α, β). In particular, our results extend and improve some results given by Nunokawa et al. [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 212, 98–106 (1997)] (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Self‐Healing Supramolecular Networks
Authors: Tournilhac François , Cordier Philippe , Montarnal Damien , Soulié‐Ziakovic Corinne , Leibler Ludwik
Published: June 2010

We have demonstrated recently1 that an assembly of molecules, connected to each other by strong, but thermally reversible, hydrogen bonds, is able to show rubber elasticity and, in striking contrast to conventional rubbers, is able to self‐heal when cut or torn into pieces. Self‐repair is achieved by simply bringing the broken pieces into contact with no chemical reactions, no heat nor strong pressure applied. In this paper, we briefly review the design principles, synthesis and physical properties of such materials.
pH‐Responsive Microgel Particles Comprising Solely Basic or Acidic Residues
Authors: Christodoulakis K.E. , Vamvakaki M.
Published: June 2010

pH‐responsive microgel particles with a diameter between 200 and 600 nm, comprising either basic or acidic moieties, have been synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Basic microgels were prepared by the polymerization of the hydrophobic monomer 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA), while t‐butyl methacrylate (t‐BuMA) was used as the protected ester monomer to obtain methacrylic acid (MAA)‐based microgel particles following acid hydrolysis of the ester groups. These microgels exhibit reversible swelling in water in response to changes in the solution pH. Thus, when ionized, the microgel particles are swollen due to the electrostatic repulsions between the charged monomer repeating units and the osmotic pressure created within the microgel particles by the presence of the counterions to the charged monomer units. The solution properties of the polymer microgels were investigated as a function of the solution pH by potentiometric titrations, and the effective ionization constant (Kα) of the microgels was determined. Dynamic light scattering was used to characterize the swelling behavior of the microgels as a function of the degree of ionization of the monomer residues. The tertiary amine‐based microgels swell at low pH upon protonation of the amine units, while the PMAA microgels are swollen at high pH when the acid groups become neutralized. A change of the solution pH above or below a critical value (the effective pKα of the protonated monomer repeating units) leads to the formation of collapsed PDEAEMA or PMAA latex particles, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the shape and size of the microgel particles while their morphology was also characterized by scanning electron microscopy. These pH‐responsive microgels can be used as colloidal templates for the in‐situ synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles at high loadings and in controlled drug delivery.
Hydrophobic Surface Characteristics of Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Haraguchi Kazutoshi , Li Huan‐Jun
Published: June 2010

The surface of nanocomposite hydrogels (NC gels), consisting of poly(N‐isopropylacylamide) (PNIPA), exfoliated clay (hectorite) and a large amount of water, showed an extraordinarily high contact angle for water (θw) at ambient temperature, despite the fact that all of its constituents are hydrophilic under this condition. The θw value varied within the range 100° ∼ 150°, depending on composition, i.e. the water content and the clay concentration. High θw values were stable in short‐term measurements (≤ 10 s), but during long‐term measurements (∼ 20 min), they underwent unique changes which strongly depended on the clay concentration (i.e. the network density). The unusually high hydrophobicity was only observed in PNIPA‐based NC gels and was attributed to the alignment of the N‐isopropyl groups at the gel‐air interface. Also, the hydrophobic surface of the NC gel changed to hydrophilic when the gel came into contact with water and rapidly reverted to hydrophobic on subsequent drying. Furthermore, it was found that the high θw values of the PNIPA‐NC gel were hardly affected by modifications of the network through copolymerization with or interpenetration of a hydrophilic polymer. The adsorption of a hydrophilic (cationic) dye also hardly affected the high θw value.
Novel Routes to Functional (Meso)Porous Cross‐Linked Polymers Using (Semi‐)Interpenetrating Polymer Networks as Nanostructured Precursors
Authors: Grande Daniel , Beurroies Isabelle , Denoyel Renaud
Published: June 2010

Semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) and IPN systems based on poly(D,L‐lactide) and a functional vinylic polymer can be effectively used as nanostructured precursors to novel functionalized (meso)porous networks. Indeed, the extraction of uncross‐linked oligoesters from semi‐IPNs as well as the quantitative hydrolysis of the polyester sub‐network associated with semi‐hydrolyzable IPNs constitute straightforward and versatile strategies for engineering (meso)porous cross‐linked polymers with miscellaneous functionalities. The versatility of both complementary routes was illustrated through the generation of methacrylic porous networks with acidic (COOH, SO3H) functions as well as styrenic porous networks with acidic (COOH, SO3H) or basic (pyridine) functions. The potentialities afforded by the two approaches were discussed, and more particularly the porous networks derived therefrom were characterized by several physico‐chemical techniques.
Dynamics of Labeled Linear Polystyrenes in Semi‐Dilute Polystyrene Matrices in the Uncross‐Linked and Cross‐Linked States
Authors: Susoff Markus , Oppermann Wilhelm
Published: June 2010

Linear polystyrene chains that were labeled with a fluorescent dye were enclosed in a semidilute matrix of polystyrene in toluene. The matrix polymers used were suitably functionalized such that they could be photocross‐linked in a stepwise and controlled manner without attachment of the tracer chains. The diffusion coefficient of the tracer chains was determined by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching while the state of the matrix was changing from a semidilute solution to a covalently cross‐linked gel. The progress of the photocross‐linking reaction was macroscopically monitored by rheology. The tracer chains were polystyrenes with molecular weights ranging from 50 000 to 2 000 000 g mol−1and low polydispersity. They were labeled via polymer analogous reactions with the fluorescent dye 6‐(7‐nitrobenzfurazan‐4‐ylamino) hexanoic acid. The matrix polymers covered a similar molecular weight range. The results of these measurements show that the dependence of the diffusion coefficient on the tracer molecular weight in the gel can be described by a scaling law in the sense of the reptation theory whereas distinct deviations of this scaling behavior appear in the sol state. The ratio of the matrix molecular weight and tracer molecular weight in the initial sol state significantly influences the change of the probe dynamics during the sol‐gel transition.
Photovoltaic Loss Analysis of Inkjet‐Printed Polymer Solar Cells Using Pristine Solvent Formulations
Authors: Hoth C.N. , Schilinsky P. , Choulis S.A. , Brabec C.J.
Published: June 2010

We have recently reported inkjet‐printed organic solar cells with a record power conversion efficiency of 3.5%. In this contribution, we present our first trials to process a functional active layer of a polymer:fullerene bulk‐hetero junction solar cell by inkjet printing using tetralene as a solvent. Solar cells with the inkjet‐printed active layer based on pristine tetralene show calibrated AM1.5 power conversion efficiency (PCE) of around 1.3% over comparable doctor bladed cells with PCE of 3.3%. Analysis in terms of one‐diode equivalent circuit combined with current‐voltage characteristics of the devices as a function of light intensity and voltage were performed to reveal the dominant loss mechanisms of the inkjet printed solar cells using tetralene solvent formulation. The loss analysis described in this paper helps us to identify the device performance limitations and to design methods to improve the performance of inkjet printed organic solar cells.
Imprinted Polymer Hydrogels for the Separation of Viruses
Authors: Bolisay Linden D. , Kofinas Peter
Published: June 2010

The goal of this research is to elucidate the mechanism of virus recognition in molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) using already utilized techniques. Our approach employs a more flexible non‐covalent imprinting method which starts from a readily available polymer and utilizes an aqueous environment for both MIP synthesis and testing. Virus MIPs against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) were synthesized. The synthesis procedure was optimized to obtain better binding characteristics to the targeted virus. Efforts were made to avoid polymer‐template aggregation in the MIP pre‐polymerization mixture, and determine a proper wash solution by the ability to remove the templated virus from the cross‐linked polymer.
Drug Release from Novel Rubbery Coatings
Authors: Puskas Judit E. , Hoerr Robert A.
Published: June 2010

Poly(styrene‐b‐isobutylene‐b‐styrene) (SIBS) block copolymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, is used in clinical practice as the drug‐eluting polymeric coating on the Taxus® coronary stent. We have been developing new architectures comprising an arborescent arbPIB core synthesized by inimer‐type living carbocationic polymerization of isobutylene (IB) by the 4‐(2‐methoxy‐isopropyl)styrene and 4‐(1,2‐oxirane‐isopropyl)styrene inimers in conjunction with TiCl4, from which polystyrene is blocked (D_SIBS). These novel self‐assembling “double” networks have unique properties. ElectroNanospray™, a proprietary technology developed at the University of Minnesota, was used to coat coronary stents with selected D_SIBS polymers loaded with Dexamethasone, a model drug. This paper will demonstrate how drug release profiles can be influenced by both the molecular weight of the DIB midblock and spraying conditions of the polymer‐drug mixture.
Gelatin‐Polysaccharide Mixed Biogels: Enzyme‐Catalyzed Dynamics and IPNs
Authors: Picard Julien , Doumèche Bastien , Panouillé Maud , Larreta‐Garde Véronique
Published: June 2010

Various gelatin gels were studied by rheology in the presence of polysaccharides. Hyaluronic acid dissolved in the sol phase of gelatin gels modifies their viscosity but not the protein network. Using a hydrolase, the properties of the solution were modified in a controlled way. Similar experiments were realized with alginate and gave qualitatively identical results. Mixtures of alginate and gelatin were then studied as a function of different parameters, such as temperature and biopolymer concentrations. Under certain conditions, the formation of interpenetrating polymer networks of alginate and gelatin were obtained, the physical gelatin network being almost reversible inside the alginate one.
A study on fracture phenomena of glass filled ceramics using shock tube
Authors: Hwang K.‐T. , Kim J.‐H. , Lee Y.‐S. , Kwon S.‐G. , Park J.‐H. , Song K.‐H.
Published: June 2010

Fracture phenomena of plate and dome shaped specimens using a shock tube for glass‐filled ceramics were investigated. Glass‐filled ceramics have been considered a promising candidate material for the dome port cover of an air breathing engine. This part of the air breathing engine has an important role in separating solid and liquid fuel, and needs a frangible characteristic that the fracture of a part should not affect the internal components of combustion. The objective of this study is to evaluate the fracture pressures for various thicknesses and diameters of the shock impact area. Also, fracture phenomena of separated membrane using a shock tube are compared with a numerical method. The experimental apparatus consists of a driver, a driven section and a dump tank. The used material is a glass‐filled ceramic made from Corning Company. Specimens are used with 3, 4.5 and 6 mm thicknesses, respectively. It is expected that the results obtained from this study can be used in the basic data for the dome port cover design of an air breathing engine.
Molecular dynamics simulation of carbon nanotubes under elevated temperatures
Authors: Ebrahimi‐Nejad S. , Shokuhfar A. , Zare‐Shahabadi A. , Heydari P.
Published: June 2010

The mechanical characteristics of high‐strength materials or nanodevices made with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) depend on the intrinsic properties of the CNT building blocks. In this paper, the dynamics of the CNT structure and its stability under heat loading has been studied through molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The ultimate goal was to observe the variations in the overall structure of the CNT and study the quality of the changes occurring in the bond lengths and bond angles in the original hexagonal structure building up the CNT. We have used a Lennard‐Jones pair potential to characterize the interactions between non‐bonded atoms and harmonic potentials for bond stretching and bond angle vibrations. Results of the MD simulations indicate that the overall shape of the CNT and its hexagonal structure are affected by the heat loading under the considered temperatures and the structural orientation of the hexagonal building blocks are highly affected by temperature variations.
A new modified austempering to increase simultaneously strength and ductility for UHS steels
Authors: Safi S. M. , Givi M. K. B.
Published: June 2010

In this paper, a modified up‐quenching heat treatment method for ASSAB 705M (AISI 4340) steel (ultra high strength steel) is proposed. A low alloy steel (0.33% C), was used to study the effect of isothermal austempering, successive austempering and modified up‐quenching austempering heat treatment on the mechanical properties. The specimens, were cut from a bar with 25 mm diameter and after achieving the best temperature and time of austenitizing, austenitized at 800°C for 60 min and followed by quenching at 430°C for the high austempering temperature to achieve the upper bainite morphology and at 360°C for the lower austempering temperature to achieve the lower bainite morphology. In the case of successive austempering, the specimens were first austempered at 430°C for different periods (500 sec and 60 sec) and then austempered at 360°C for 1000 sec to achieve the mixed structure of upper bainite and lower bainite morphology. The specimens selected for up‐quenching, after austenitization were quenched to below MS (martensite start temperature) (320°C) for 120 sec, followed by heating at 400°C to achieve the mixed structure of tempered martensite and lower bainite and 500°C to achieve the mixed structure of tempered martensite and upper bainite for 1000 sec. It is also shown that the best combination of strength and ductility can be achieved by the mixed structure of tempered martensite and lower bainite that has been suggested in this investigation. This modified method, can offer techniques that simultaneously improve not only strength by 12% (comparing with results of strength after other heat treatment methods), but also ductility by 38% (comparing with results of ductility after other heat treatment methods).
Preconditioning of matrices partitioned in 2 × 2 block form: eigenvalue estimates and Schwarz DD for mixed FEM
Authors: Axelsson Owe , Blaheta Radim
Published: June 2010

A general framework for constructing preconditioners for 2 × 2 block matrices is presented, and eigenvalue bounds of the preconditioned matrices are derived. The results are applied both for positive‐definite problems and for saddle point matrices of regularized forms. Eigenvalues and minimal polynomials for certain limit cases are derived. A domain decomposition method, with overlap, is used to solve the pivot block of the regularized matrix. Special attention is paid to problems with heterogeneous coefficients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospective predictors of psychosocial support service use after cancer
Authors: McDowell Michelle E. , Occhipinti Stefano , Ferguson Megan , Chambers Suzanne K.
Published: June 2010

Objective: To identify prospective predictors of psychosocial support service utilisation by people with cancer. Consistent with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), attitudes towards help seeking and behavioural intentions were predicted to lead to greater support service utilisation.

Methods: A heterogeneous sample of cancer patients from a regional cancer treatment centre in Australia completed a prospective survey (n=439 at recruitment, 61.2% response rate; n=396 at follow‐up) examining the utilisation of psychosocial support services. Demographic variables (age and gender), social support, social constraints, cancer specific distress, and positive and negative attitudes towards help seeking were examined as prospective predictors of support service use. Further, a series of regression analyses explored mediation of the relationship between attitudes to seeking help and support service use by behavioural intentions.

Results: Approximately 14% of cancer patients reported using a psychosocial support service in the 6 months following the time of the first study. Females and patients with more positive attitudes towards help seeking were more likely to have utilised a support service in the 6 months following recruitment. The relationship between positive attitudes to seeking help and psychosocial support service use was mediated by behavioural intentions.

Conclusions: The TPB appears to have utility in explaining in part use of psychosocial help services. Future studies should include contextual factors in the model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer Simulations as a Tool for Investigating Dust Generation in Bulk Solids Handling Operations
Authors: Donohue Timothy J. , Roberts Alan W. , Wheeler Craig A. , McBride William
Published: June 2010

Two computer based modelling approaches are presented in this paper which focus on the flow of dust in bulk solids handling operations. Granular flow through a constant radius chute is modelled using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in which a multiphase simulation is considered. This approach provides valuable information about the flow of dust and the results are confirmed by experimental observations. An expanded approach is then considered for a conveyor transfer in which CFD modelling is combined with the well known continuum model [1], as well as drawing on qualitative results obtained utilising the discrete element method (DEM). The results obtained from this method are also confirmed from experimental observations.
An inverted/scanning near‐field optical microscope for applications in materials science and biology
Authors: Longo Giovanni , Girasole Marco , Pompeo Giuliano , Generosi Renato , Luce Marco , Cricenti Antonio
Published: June 2010

A hybrid conventional inverted/scanning near‐field optical microscope (Inverted/SNOM) has been obtained, by coupling an Olympus IX‐70 optical microscope with a SNOM head to combine the versatility and ease of use of the conventional microscope with the high‐resolution and three‐dimensional reconstruction obtainable with the SNOM technique. The head can be run in shear or tapping mode and is optimized to characterize soft, biological samples including living cells in physiological environment by including the SNOM in a cylindrical chamber that insulates it from the external noise, while maintaining a controlled temperature and atmosphere. Applications in the fields of biology and material science are presented.
Optical polarization characteristics of m ‐plane InGaN films coherently grown on ZnO substrates
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Shimomoto Kazuma , Ohta Jitsuo , Fujioka Hiroshi , Oshima Masaharu
Published: June 2010

We investigated the optical polarization characteristics in m ‐plane In0.33Ga0.67N films grown on ZnO substrates using room temperature grown epitaxial GaN buffer layers. We found that m ‐plane InGaN films with a film thickness of 400 nm can be grown coherently on m ‐plane ZnO substrates at 660 °C by pulsed laser deposition. Reciprocal space mapping revealed that the InGaN film possesses compressive strains as large as 1.7% and 2.6% along the a ‐ and c‐axes, respectively. Photoluminescence polarized along the c‐axis with a peak wavelength of 505 nm was observed from the strongly compressed InGaN film. We also found that the degree of polarization depends strongly upon the strain in the m ‐plane InGaN, and the coherent growth of m ‐plane InGaN on ZnO substrates leads to an enhancement in c‐axis polarization. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bonding patterns of [Ag2‐alanine]0,± hybrid complexes and the implementation of molecular logic gates
Authors: Zhang C.‐G. , Periyasamy G. , Remacle F.
Published: June 2010

A structural and energetic computational analysis of various conformers of positive, neutral and negatively charged hybrid [Ag2‐alanine]0,± complexes is reported using density functional theory. We show that the overall charge on the hybrid complexes influence the silver coordination mode. The positively charged cluster forms stable conformers via chelate bonds between the carboxylic group and silver dimer while the neutral cluster exhibits covalent bonding between silver and the amine nitrogen. In negatively charged clusters, bonding occurs via a weaker Ag‐hydrogen bond. Unary and binary logic gates NOT, FAN‐OUT, AND, NAND, OR, XOR and NOR are designed using the dependence of bonding patterns on the overall charge state of the cluster. The outputs can be read using an IR readout protocol or electrostatic potential charge distributions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Spectral‐ALS data fusion for different roughness parameterizations of forested floodplains
Authors: Forzieri G. , Guarnieri L. , Vivoni E. R. , Castelli F. , Preti F.
Published: June 2010

Natural river floodplains and adjacent wetlands grow typically a diverse and heterogeneous combination of herbs, shrubs and trees, which play an essential role in determining the total flow resistance. Hydrodynamic effects of trees in forested floodplains can provide the majority of flow resistance during flood events. Nevertheless, ground‐based techniques to acquire vegetation parameters are expensive and difficult to apply over long reaches. This paper presents a novel method of automated roughness parameterization of riparian woody vegetation by fusion of Quickbird multi‐spectral image with airborne laser scanning (ALS) data. The data fusion approach includes: individual tree detection and estimation of vegetation metrics from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, assessment of predictive models for the vegetation parameters and spatial mapping of the vegetation parameters for the forest plants in the riparian corridor. The proposed method focuses on estimation of plant density (d), crown diameters (DC), tree height (h), stem diameter (DS), crown base height (cbh) and leaf area index (LAI). The procedure is tested along a 14‐km reach of the Sieve River (Tuscany, Italy) characterized by high woody plant density. Due to the complex study area, the data fusion approach explains with variable reliability the local vegetation properties (R2(DC) = 0.14, R2(h) = 0.84, R2(DS) = 0.25, R2(cbh) = 0.66). The generated structural parameter maps represent spatially explicit data layers that can be used as inputs to hydrodynamic models used to analyse flow resistance effects in different submergence conditions of vegetation. A simple flow resistance model was applied over a test area comparing the results of the proposed method and a traditional ground‐based approach. The modelling results showed that the new method is able to provide accurate output data to describe the interaction between water levels and bio‐mechanical characteristics of vegetation. The proposed methodology provides a fast, repeatable and accurate way of obtaining floodplain roughness, which enables regular updating of vegetation characteristics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐passage percolation on a ladder graph, and the path cost in a VCG auction
Authors: Flaxman Abraham , Gamarnik David , Sorkin Gregory B.
Published: June 2010

This paper studies the time constant for first‐passage percolation, and the Vickrey‐Clarke‐Groves (VCG) payment, for the shortest path on a ladder graph (a width‐2 strip) with random edge costs, treating both in a unified way based on recursive distributional equations.

For first‐passage percolation where the edge costs are independent Bernoulli random variables we find the time constant exactly; it is a rational function of the Bernoulli parameter. For first‐passage percolation where the edge costs are uniform random variables we present a reasonably efficient means for obtaining arbitrarily close upper and lower bounds. Using properties of Harris chains we also show that the incremental cost to advance through the medium has a unique stationary distribution, and we compute stochastic lower and upper bounds. We rely on no special properties of the uniform distribution: the same methods could be applied to any well‐behaved, bounded cost distribution.

For the VCG payment, with Bernoulli‐distributed costs the payment for an n‐long ladder, divided by n, tends to an explicit rational function of the Bernoulli parameter. Again, our methods apply more generally. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 38, 350‐364, 2011
The use of frequency and wavelet analysis for monitoring surface quality of wood machining applications
Authors: Lemaster Richard L.
Published: June 2010

The research described in this study is part of a project to provide the technology and theory to quantify surface quality for a variety of wood and wood‐based products. The ultimate goal is to provide a means of monitoring trends in surface quality, which can be used to discriminate between “good” products and “bad” products (the methods described in this research are not intended to provide “grading” of individual workpieces) as well as to provide information to the machine operator as to the source of poor‐quality machined surfaces. This research investigates the use of both frequency domain analysis as well as the more advanced joint time frequency analysis (JTFA). The disadvantages of traditional frequency analysis as well as the potential of the JTFA are illustrated. Sample surface profiles from actual machining defects were analyzed using traditional frequency analysis. A surface with multiple machining defects was analyzed with both traditional frequency analysis and JTFA (harmonic wavelet). Although the analysis was empirical in nature, the results show that the harmonic wavelet transform is able to detect both stationary and non‐stationary surface irregularities as well as pulses (localized defects). SCANNING 32: 224–232, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural analysis of rattle‐type hollow mesoporous silica spheres using electron tomography and energy filtered imaging
Authors: Okuda Mitsuhiro , Takeguchi Masaki , Zhu Yufang , Hashimoto Ayako , Ogawa Nobuhiro , Tagaya Motohiro , Chen Song , Hanagata Nobutaka , Ikoma Toshiyuki
Published: June 2010

Rattle‐type hollow mesoporous silica spheres including an internal Fe2O3‐containing particle were prepared using a carbon–iron template method. Elemental distribution of the silica spheres was analyzed using an energy‐filter transmission electron microscopy, and the three‐dimensional (3D) structure was visualized by a computer tomography with a scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). From the 3D structure reconstructed with a tilted series of high‐angle annular dark field images, the diameter and shell thickness of the hollow mesoporous silica spheres were determined to be 381 ± 14 and 61 ± 10 nm. It was also found that the internal Fe2O3‐containing particle with the diameter of 104 ± 7 nm also exhibited a hollow structure with the shell thickness of 24 ± 6 nm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of executive cognition on competitive dynamics
Authors: Marcel Jeremy J. , Barr Pamela S. , Duhaime Irene M.
Published: June 2010

Prior competitive dynamics research has drawn on theories of information processing to model the subjective antecedents of executives' retaliation choices. This prior work has made great progress in developing our understanding of the retaliation choices most firms will make to a given type of attack. What the information processing perspective has not been able to do is explain firm‐specific behavior to predict which competitive moves individual firms will challenge, or explain why individual firms differ in the types of actions that they are most likely to challenge. The goal of this paper is to sharpen the theoretical and empirical focus on predicting firm‐level retaliation proclivities. We leverage managerial cognition research to examine the relationship between firm‐level differences in the cognitive frameworks that executives possess, and firm‐level differences in whether and how quickly firms challenge a market move. Results from a longitudinal study of the airline industry suggest that the addition of a cognitive perspective provides important insights into competitive retaliation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is the most reliable ultrasound parameter for assessment of fetal head descent?
Authors: Molina F. S. , Terra R. , Carrillo M. P. , Puertas A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

The aims of this study were, first, to establish the agreement between digital and ultrasound assessment of occipital position and, second, to evaluate the repeatability of the measurements of head direction, angle of the middle line, progression distance and angle of progression in women in the second stage of labor.

Methods

Digital examination and then transabdominal ultrasound examination was performed on 50 women in the second stage of labor to determine the fetal occipital position. We also obtained three‐dimensional (3D) blocks of the fetal head by transperineal sonography, and two experts in 3D ultrasound measured head direction, angle of the middle line, progression distance and angle of progression. Intraclass correlation coefficients with 95% CIs, and Bland–Altman analysis, were used to evaluate intraobserver and interobserver repeatability of measurements.

Results

The fetal head position, determined by ultrasound examination, was occiput anterior in 33 (66%) cases and occiput lateral in 17 (34%) cases. Vaginal digital examination failed to identify the correct fetal head position by more than 45° in 33 (66%) cases. All four 3D ultrasound measurements were reproducible but the progression angle had the highest intraclass correlation coefficient for the same observer (0.94; 95% CI, 0.90–0.97) and for two different operators (0.84; 95% CI, 0.73–0.91). The progression angle was also the measurement for which smaller limits of agreement (LOA) were found in the Bland–Altman test, performed to calculate the intraobserver (bias 0.9; LOA, − 9.2 to 11.1%) and interobserver (bias 1.5; LOA, − 15.4 to 18.3%) variability.

Conclusions

Digital pelvic examination for determining the fetal head position during labor is not accurate. The most reproducible of the 3D measurements for progression of the fetal head in labor is the progression angle. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signalling in the genomic era
Authors: Lo Vasco Vincenza Rita
Published: June 2010

For a complex organism, short range signalling is not sufficient to coordinate the behaviour of all cells composing itself. The response to stimuli is the reprogramming of cell activity (resulting in differentiation, proliferation, stand by or apoptosis depending on the set of signals). Cells own elaborate and complex systems of proteins that enable them to communicate, including both secreted signalling molecules and related factors, deriving from relic mechanisms. The intra and intercellular signalling are actively studied not only to comprehend the basic mechanisms that allowed the evolution of mammals species on earth, but also because the alteration of one or more of these pathways is recognized to be involved in a crescent number of human diseases, both degenerative and tumoural. That is, a growing body of evidences suggest that every human disease may be analyzed and classified by a “signalling disease” point of view. This approach opens new therapeutic perspectives, virtually amplifying for every single disease the number of therapeutic targets (in terms of both genes and proteins) to upstream and/or downstream, short and/or long distance proteins interacting with the altered molecule, thus individuating many other targets to which act upon.
Lighting it Up: Securing the Future of Europe's Energy Supply
Authors: Oettinger Günther
Published: June 2010

Europe's economic growth has never been jeopardised by lack of energy security; however, that situation may have come to an abrupt end. Falling energy production, increasingly strict environmental standards and an ageing energy infrastructure are all threats to Europe's energy security. The EU has taken steps to ensure its energy security; however, the ‘Europeanisation’ of energy policy remains weak. Coordination among EU Member States is required not only to create an internal energy market, but also for the external dimension of the EU's energy policy. Liberalisation of energy markets and mediation of the Ukraine–Russia gas crisis have shown that such coordination is indeed possible.