bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel submaximal cycle test to monitor fatigue and predict cycling performance
Authors: Lamberts R P , Swart J , Noakes T D , Lambert M I
Published: July 2009

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and predictive value of performance parameters, measured by a new novel submaximal cycle protocol, on peak power and endurance cycling performance in well-trained cyclists.

Methods

Seventeen well-trained competitive male road racing cyclists completed four peak power output (PPO) tests and four 40-km time trials (40-km TT). Before each test, all cyclists performed a novel submaximal cycle test (Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT)). Parameters associated with performance such as power, speed, cadence and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the three stages of the test when cyclists rode at workloads coinciding with fixed predetermined heart rates. Heart rate recovery (HRR) was measured after the last stage of the test.

Results

Parameters measured during the second and third stages of the LSCT were highly reliable (intraclass correlation range: R=0.85−1.00) with low typical error of measurements (range: 1.3−4.4%). Good relationships were found between the LSCT and cycling performance measured by the PPO and 40-km TT tests. Mean power had stronger relationships with measures of cycling performance during the second (r=0.80−0.89) and third stages (r=0.91−0.94) of the LSCT than HRR (r=0.55−0.68).

Conclusions

The LSCT is a reliable novel test which is able to predict peak and endurance cycling performance from submaximal power, RPE and HRR in well-trained cyclists. As these parameters are able to detect meaningful changes more accurately than VO2max, the LSCT has the potential to monitor cycling performance with more precision than other current existing submaximal cycle protocols.
Effect of a neuromuscular warm-up programme on muscle power, balance, speed and agility: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Pasanen K , Parkkari J , Pasanen M , Kannus P
Published: July 2009

Objective:

To investigate whether a 6-month neuromuscular warm-up programme could improve muscle power, balance, speed and agility.

Design:

Cluster randomised controlled study.

Setting:

27 top level female floorball teams in Finland.

Participants:

222 players (mean age 24 years); 119 in the intervention group and 103 in the control group were followed-up for one league season (6 months).

Intervention:

A neuromuscular warm-up programme included sports-specific running technique, balance, jumping and strengthening exercises. The teams were advised to use the programme 1–3 times per week through the league season. One training session took ∼25 min.

Main outcome measures:

Performance tests were assessed before and after the 6-month intervention and included static jump, countermovement jump, jumping over a bar, standing on a bar and figure-of-eight running.

Results:

At 6 months, significant between-group differences were found in two outcome measures: jumping over a bar (number of jumps in 15 s) and standing on a bar (number of balance losses in 60 s). These differences were 2.3 jumps (95% CI 0.8 to 3.8, p = 0.003), favouring the intervention group, and −0.4 balance losses (95% CI −0.8 to 0.0, p = 0.050), again in favour of the intervention group.

Conclusion:

A neuromuscular warm-up programme improved the floorball players’ sideways jumping speed and static balance. The exercises were also safe to perform and can thus be recommended for weekly training of floorball players.

Trial registration number:

ISRCTN26550281.
RENORMALIZATION OF SPONTANEOUSLY BROKEN SU(2) YANG–MILLS THEORY WITH FLOW EQUATIONS
Authors: KOPPER CHRISTOPH , MÜLLER VOLKHARD F.
Published: July 2009

We present a renormalizability proof for spontaneously broken SU(2) gauge theory based on flow equations. It is a conceptually and technically simplified version of the earlier paper [5] including some extensions. The proof of [5] was also incomplete since an important assumption made implicitly in the proof of Lemma 2 there was not verified. So the present paper is also a corrected version of [5].
FACTORS SHAPING MALAYSIA'S MANUFACTURING PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH
Authors: AHMED ELSADIG MUSA
Published: July 2009

Productivity indicators within the Malaysian manufacturing sector for the period of 1970–2001 were compared. Two variation models were generated from the production functions to measure manufacturing sector productivity growth. The first model is an extensive growth theory model and the second is an intensive growth theory model. The extensive theory model had a gap that cast doubt in the results. A statistical analysis was provided to close this gap. The results show a slowdown in the contribution of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth and low growth of labor productivity of the sector. A negative impact of quality of inputs used by the sector was observed in the contribution of TFP, TFP per unit of labor and labor productivity growth in comparison with other productivity indictors of the sector. The study finds that productivity growth of Malaysia's manufacturing sector is input-driven rather than TFP-driven.
PARALLEL IMPORTS, MARKET SIZE AND INVESTMENT INCENTIVE
Authors: PALANGKARAYA ALFONS , YONG JONGSAY
Published: July 2009

This paper proposes a vertical control model that features two-part tariff pricing, leader-fringe-follower competition, and investment to characterize the conditions under which parallel imports will (or will not) occur when such activities are legally permitted. In addition, we analyze the effects of parallel imports on the incentive of an authorized distributor to invest in market development. We find that parallel imports cannot arise if the target and the source market either differ too greatly or are too similar in size. Two results are worth emphasizing. First, parallel imports can arise even if the IP owner has the ability to deter parallel imports. Second, the presence of parallel imports and even the threat posed by parallel imports can reduce the domestic distributor's market development investment.
POVERTY, POLICY REFORMS FOR RESOURCE-USE AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY: NEGLECTED ISSUES
Authors: TISDELL CLEM
Published: July 2009

It is widely believed that in developing countries, open-access to natural resources, inadequate private property rights, and lack of development of market systems add to the incidence of poverty. Increased economic efficiency is seen as a powerful force for reducing the extent of poverty in developing countries in the long run. While this may be so, it ignores the depth and incidence of poverty that can be generated during adjustments to policy reforms. This possibility constrains policy choices as shown theoretically on natural resource policies and agricultural adjustment policies with Asian examples. Social, behavioral, and institutional features are also considered as they may result in the poverty lock-in of some groups. It is essential to consider dynamic processes and not to rely solely on comparative statics when assessing economic policies to reduce poverty and increase economic efficiency. It is also important to take into account the institutional constraints on policy choices.
THE NP-HARDNESS OF MINIMIZING THE TOTAL LATE WORK ON AN UNBOUNDED BATCH MACHINE
Authors: REN JIANFENG , ZHANG YUZHONG , SUN GUO
Published: July 2009

We consider the problem of minimizing the total late work [Formula: see text] on an unbounded batch processing machine, where Vj = min {Tj, pj} and Tj = max {Cj - dj, 0}. The batch processing machine can process up to B (B ≥ n) jobs simultaneously. The jobs that are processed together form a batch, and all jobs in a batch start and complete at the same time, respectively. For a batch of jobs, the processing time of the batch is equal to the largest processing time among the jobs in this batch. In this paper, we prove that the problem [Formula: see text] is NP-hard.
AN INTERIOR POINT APPROACH FOR SEMIDEFINITE OPTIMIZATION USING NEW PROXIMITY FUNCTIONS
Authors: PEYGHAMI M. REZA
Published: July 2009

Kernel functions play an important role in interior point methods (IPMs) for solving linear optimization (LO) problems to define a new search direction. In this paper, we consider primal-dual algorithms for solving Semidefinite Optimization (SDO) problems based on a new class of kernel functions defined on the positive definite cone [Formula: see text]. Using some appealing and mild conditions of the new class, we prove with simple analysis that the new class-based large-update primal-dual IPMs enjoy an [Formula: see text] iteration bound to solve SDO problems with special choice of the parameters of the new class.
ON TWO TYPES OF WARRANTIES: WARRANTY OF MALFUNCTIONING AND WARRANTY OF MISINFORMING
Authors: CHRISTOZOV DIMITAR , CHUKOVA STEFANKA , MATEEV PLAMEN
Published: July 2009

In this paper we focus on two types of risks, the risk of malfunctioning of a product quantified by its reliability, and the risk of misunderstanding the features and qualities of a product while deciding whether to buy it. The later risk is caused by the information asymmetry, which is a natural property of any communication process. We discuss the relationship between these risks and product warranty. We begin with an overview of warranties from the decision-makers' viewpoint. We elaborate on the purposes, legalities, and types of warranties and follow with a summary of mathematical models and concepts for quantifying the financial implications of warranties of malfunctioning. Further, we propose a model for quantifying the risk of misinforming and elaborate on the relationship between this risk and product warranty.
COMBINING PROCESS SELECTION AND LOT SIZING MODELS FOR PRODUCTION SCHEDULING OF ELECTROFUSED GRAINS
Authors: LUCHE JOSÉ ROBERTO DALE , MORABITO REINALDO , PUREZA VITÓRIA
Published: July 2009

This work presents an optimization model to support decisions in the production planning and control of the electrofused grain industry. A case study was carried out in a Brazilian company with the aim of helping to increase productivity and improve customer service concerning meeting deadlines. A mixed integer linear programming model combining known models of process selection and single-stage lot sizing were applied to the production scheduling of electrofused grains. Optimizing this scheduling is not a simple task mainly because of the scale of the equipment setup times, the diversity of the products and the deadlines of the order due dates. A constructive heuristic is also proposed as an alternative solution method, particularly for large-sized instances. The results show that the model and the heuristic can produce better solutions than the ones currently used by the company.
CORRECTING α3(MZ) in the NMSGUT
Authors: AULAKH CHARANJIT S. , GARG SUMIT KUMAR
Published: July 2009

We show that superheavy threshold corrections in the New Minimal Supersymmetric GUT based on the SO(10) Higgs system [Formula: see text] can comfortably correct the prediction for the value of α3(MZ) from the relatively large value predicted by the two-loop RG equations to the central value determined by the current world average. The unification scale is raised above the one-loop value over almost all of the viable parameter space.
OBSERVATIONAL H(z) DATA AS A COMPLEMENTARITY TO OTHER COSMOLOGICAL PROBES
Authors: LIN HUI , HAO CHENG , WANG XIAO , YUAN QIANG , YI ZE-LONG , ZHANG TONG-JIE , WANG BAO-QUAN
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we use a set of observational H(z) data (OHD) to constrain the ΛCDM cosmology. This data set can be derived from the differential ages of the passively evolving galaxies. Meanwhile, the [Formula: see text]-parameter, which describes the Baryonic Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) peak, and the newly measured value of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) shift parameter [Formula: see text] are used to present combinational constraints on the same cosmology. The combinational constraints favor an accelerating flat universe while the flat ΛCDM cosmology is also analyzed in the same way. We obtain a result compatible with that by many other independent cosmological observations. We find that the observational H(z) data set is a complementarity to other cosmological probes.
A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE ENERGY TRANSFER BETWEEN THE DARK SECTORS OF THE UNIVERSE
Authors: ZHOU JIA , WANG BIN , PAVÓN DIEGO , ABDALLA ELCIO
Published: July 2009

We study the mutual interaction between the dark sectors (dark matter and dark energy) of the Universe by resorting to the extended thermodynamics of irreversible processes and constrain the former with supernova type Ia data. As a by-product, the present dark matter temperature results are not extremely small and can meet the independent estimate of the temperature of the gas of sterile neutrinos.
DE VAUCOULEURS–IKEUCHI DIAGRAM AND COMMUTATION RELATIONS AMONG PHASE SPACE COORDINATES
Authors: FUKUYAMA TAKESHI , KIKUCHI TATSURU
Published: July 2009

We consider the relations between de Vaucouleurs–Ikeuchi diagram and generalized commutation relations among the coordinates and momenta. All physical objects in the Universe ranging from elementary particles to super-cluster of galaxies are confined within the Triangle of the de Vaucouleurs–Ikeuchi diagram on the matter density versus scale length plane. These three boundaries are characterized by the quantum uncertainty principle, gravitational event horizon, and cosmological constant. These are specified by the nonzero commutation relations [xμ, pν], [xμ, xν] (strictly [xi, t]) and [pμ, pν], respectively. The canonical commutation relation [xi, pj] are slightly modified, which preserves the self consistency as a whole.
COMMUNITY DETECTION IN SOCIAL NETWORKS EMPLOYING COMPONENT INDEPENDENCY
Authors: XIONG ZHONGMIN , WANG WEI
Published: July 2009

Many networks, including social and biological networks, are naturally divided into communities. Community detection is an important task when discovering the underlying structure in networks. GN algorithm is one of the most influential detection algorithms based on betweenness scores of edges, but it is computationally costly, as all betweenness scores need to be repeatedly computed once an edge is removed. This paper presents an algorithm which is also based on betweenness scores but more than one edge can be removed when all betweenness scores have been computed. This method is motivated by the following considerations: many components, divided from networks, are independent of each other in their recalculation of betweenness scores and their split into smaller components. It is shown that this method is fast and effective through theoretical analysis and experiments with several real data sets, which have acted as test beds in many related works. Moreover, the version of this method with the minor adjustments allows for the discovery of the communities surrounding a given node without having to compute the full community structure of a graph.
THEORETICAL STUDIES OF THE SPIN HAMILTONIAN PARAMETERS AND LOCAL STRUCTURE FOR THE TETRAGONALRh2+CENTER IN RHOMBOHEDRALBaTiO3
Authors: ZHANG HUA-MING , WU SHAO-YI , WANG XUE-FENG , HU YUE-XIA
Published: July 2009

The spin Hamiltonian parameters and local structure for the tetragonal Rh2+center in rhombohedral BaTiO3are theoretically studied from the perturbation formulas of these parameters for a 4d7ion with low spin (S=1/2) in tetragonally elongated octahedra. This center is ascribed to substitutional Rh2+at the Ti4+site in BaTiO3. The [ RhO6]10-cluster suffers relative elongation (characterized by the elongation parameter ρ ≈ 0.9%) along the [100] axis due to the Jahn–Teller effect. The tetragonal elongation can entirely depress the slight trigonal distortion of the original Ti4+site in rhombohedral BaTiO3. The calculated spin Hamiltonian parameters based on the above Jahn–Teller elongation show good agreement with the experimental results.
CONTROLLABLE FOUR-WAVE MIXING IN A MICROWAVE-DRIVEN SIX-LEVEL ATOMIC SYSTEM
Authors: CHEN AIXI , WANG ZHIPING , DENG LI
Published: July 2009

A scheme of high-efficiency four-wave mixing (FWM) is discussed in the case of an atomic medium in a six-level configuration via two electromagnetically induced transparencies (EIT) and a multiphoton destructive interference induced transparency. By adjusting the intensity of the microwave field, an increase of several orders in the conversion efficiency of FWM can be obtained. Our scheme may provide new possibilities for technological applications such as nonlinear spectroscopy at very low light intensity, quantum single-photon nonlinear optics and quantum information science.
STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF CARBON-ENCAPSULATED Fe NANOPARTICLES OBTAINED BY A MODIFIED ARC PLASMA METHOD
Authors: WANG GUIZHEN , WAN GENGPING , HAO CHUNCHENG
Published: July 2009

Carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticles were synthesized by a modified arc plasma method using methane and starch as carbon sources, respectively. The particles were characterized in detail by transmission electron microscope and X-ray powder diffraction. They are somewhat spherical in shape and the coating layers of the two sample types are composed of amorphous carbon. Magnetic measurements using a vibrating sample magnetometer demonstrate that the prepared composites have different magnetic properties.
GENERALIZED SYNCHRONIZATION OF FRACTIONAL ORDER HYPERCHAOTIC LORENZ SYSTEM
Authors: WANG TIANSHU , WANG XINGYUAN
Published: July 2009

In this paper, a type of new fractional order hyperchaotic Lorenz system is proposed. Based on the fractional calculus predictor-corrector algorithm, the fractional order hyperchaotic Lorenz system is investigated numerically, and the simulation results show that the lowest orders for hyperchaos in hyperchaotic Lorenz system is 3.884. According to the stability theory of fractional order system, an improved state-observer is designed, and the response system of generalized synchronization is obtained analytically, whose feasibility is proved theoretically. The synchronization method is adopted to realize the generalized synchronization of 3.884-order hyperchaotic Lorenz system, and the numerical simulation results verify the effectiveness.
QUANTUM CHANNELS IN NONLINEAR OPTICAL PROCESSES
Authors: BRADSHAW DAVID S. , ANDREWS DAVID L.
Published: July 2009

Quantum electrodynamics furnishes a new type of representation for the characterisation of nonlinear optical processes. The treatment elicits the detailed role and interplay of specific quantum channels, information that is not afforded by other methods. Following an illustrative application to the case of Rayleigh scattering, the method is applied to second and third harmonic generation. Derivations are given of parameters that quantify the various quantum channels and their interferences; the results are illustrated graphically. With given examples, it is shown in some systems that optical nonlinearity owes its origin to an isolated channel, or a small group of channels.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR A PSEUDO-PLASTIC WELDING JOINT
Authors: IOSIFESCU OANA , JUNTHAREE PONGPOL , LICHT CHRISTIAN , MICHAILLE GÉRARD
Published: July 2009

An elementary situation in welding involves the perfect assembly of two adherents and a strong adhesive occupying a thin layer. The bulk energy density of the hyperelastic adherents grows superlinearly while that of the pseudo-plastic adhesive grows linearly with a stiffness of the order of the inverse of its thickness ε. We propose a simplified but accurate model by studying the asymptotic behavior, when ε goes to zero, through variational convergence methods: at the limit, the intermediate layer is replaced by a pseudo-plastic interface which allows cracks to appear.
WELL-POSEDNESS OF THE INFINITE PRANDTL NUMBER MODEL FOR CONVECTION WITH TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT VISCOSITY
Authors: GUNZBURGER MAX , SAKA YUKI , WANG XIAOMING
Published: July 2009

We establish the well-posedness of the infinite Prandtl number model for convection with temperature-dependent viscosity, free-slip boundary condition and zero horizontal fluxes.
A Model of Organisational Knowledge Management Maturity Based on People, Process, and Technology
Authors: Pee L. G. , Kankanhalli A.
Published: July 2009

Organisations are increasingly investing in knowledge management (KM) initiatives to promote the sharing, application, and creation of knowledge for competitive advantage. To guide and assess the progress of KM initiatives in organisations, various process models have been proposed but a consistent approach that has been empirically tested is lacking. Based on the life cycle theory, this paper reviews, compares, and integrates existing models to propose a General KM Maturity Model (G-KMMM). G-KMMM encompasses the initial, aware, defined, managed, and optimising stages, which are differentiated in terms of their characteristics related to the people, process, and technology aspects of KM. To facilitate empirical validation and application, an accompanying assessment tool is also developed. As an initial validation of the proposed G-KMMM, a case study of a multi-unit information system organisation of a large public university was conducted. Findings indicate that G-KMMM can be a useful diagnostic tool for assessing and guiding KM implementation in organisations.
Measuring Intellectual Capital in Higher Education
Authors: Jones Nory , Meadow Curtis , Sicilia Miguel-Angel
Published: July 2009

Universities establish strategic plans to achieve their goals. However, these plans may not be successful if the needed resources are not available. Arguably, the most valuable resources in any university are the expertise of its faculty and staff; its intellectual capital. Therefore, if a university effectively measures and manages these valuable resources, it can more effectively create and deploy strategies to achieve its goals. This paper explores methods to effectively measure the intellectual capital in a university. It examines methodologies in the for-profit sector, creates analogies in the academic world, and then seeks to develop classifications which are meaningful in an academic environment. A study is done which mines an institutional repository to analyse expertise and proxy measures of intellectual capital. The results are analysed according to a production possibilities frontier theory.
The Impact of Mobile Technology on a UK Police Force and Their Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Lindsay Rachael , Cooke Louise , Jackson Tom
Published: July 2009

The paper discusses an evaluation study that investigates the impact of mobile technology on a UK police force and on knowledge sharing processes. An empirical, ethnographic approach to the research was adopted, using a mixed method approach of focus groups, questionnaires, observational "work shadowing" and interviews with a total of 42 staff involved in a trial of mobile technology. The findings from the various methods are consistent, suggesting that mobile technology has a positive impact on policing and knowledge sharing. The timeliness of information improved, increasing the availability of information for decision-making. Reductions in information overload were apparent due to mobile technology providing greater control over information. There was a positive impact on knowledge sharing in the course of operational duties. Information and knowledge could be shared more quickly with officers in the field; and mobile technology provided a new avenue for keeping each other up to date with events. The paper contributes towards an understanding of the upcoming concept of "mobile knowledge management" and offers a set of recommendations to manage the possible long-term risk of mobile technology on knowledge sharing.
A Fuzzy Rule-Based Model for Artificial Reef Placement Related to Managing Red Snapper (Lutjanus Campechanus) Ecosystems in Alabama Waters
Authors: Shipley J. Brooke , Shipley Margaret F.
Published: July 2009

A rough set theory model utilising fuzzy sets was developed to investigate artificial reef placement based on fish ecosystem components. The model incorporates consumption estimates and presumed foraging behavior to provide a rule-based approach to determine how far apart artificial reefs must be placed to eliminate density-dependent competition for prey resources. Simulation of the ecosystem parameters and potential reef distances as triangularly defined fuzzy sets generates input into the rules. Then, based upon the strength of belief in a rule, the artificial reef placement location can be accepted or rejected as being conducive to consumption at the reef and foraging behaviour of the species. Ease of utilisation of the model is highlighted by spreadsheet application to a red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) ecosystem in Gulf of Mexico waters off the coastal shelf of Alabama. Implications exist for similar applications to other ecosystems and different fish species. Further applications are relevant beyond fish management when viewed as a general managerial decision-making process involving fuzzy sets and simulation.
BROAD BUNDLES OF SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE SYNTHESIZED OVER Fe2O3/MgO VIA CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION OF METHANE
Authors: LIU WEI-WEN , AZIZ AZIZAN , CHAI SIANG-PIAO , TYE CHING-THIAN , MOHAMED ABDUL RAHMAN
Published: July 2009

SWCNTs are important materials in manufacturing advanced devices like field effect transistor and field emitters. Fe 2 O 3/ MgO catalyst was developed to grow SWCNTs and was used in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of methane. The catalyst was prepared by mixing iron powder ( Fe 2 O 3) with MgO at the prescribed stoichiometry ratio. The findings show that SWCNTs in bundle form were grown over the catalyst. Most of the observed bundles are broad with each bundle constitutes more than 20 individual SWCNTs. Raman analysis indicates that these nanotubes possessed highly graphitized structure. Comparing with other catalyst preparation methods, this approach creates better efficiency in the synthesis and reproducibility of SWCNTs in the methane CVD.
EFFECT OF EXTERNAL ELECTRICAL STIMULI ON DNA-BASED BIOPOLYMERS
Authors: SUBRAMANYAM GURU , BARTSCH CARRIE M. , GROTE JAMES G. , NAIK RAJESH R. , BROTT LAWRENCE L. , STONE MORLEY , CAMPBELL ANGELA
Published: July 2009

Biopolymers, such as deoxyribonucleic acid-hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DNA-CTMA) and bovine serum albumin-polyvinyl alcohol (BSA-PVA), were studied using a novel capacitive test structure. A variety of external electrical stimuli were applied, including a low frequency alternating current signal and a rf/microwave frequency signal combined with a DC bias. The dynamic responses of the DNA-based biopolymer to the external stimuli are presented in this paper. The electrical transport measurements support the space-charge-limited conduction and the low frequency capacitance–voltage (CV) measurements showed large depletion layer capacitance at the Au –biopolymer interface, at 20 Hz, and the capacitance approaching bulk values at 1 MHz. Electric force microscopy (EFM) was utilized for visualization of charge dynamics and to examine the effect of DC bias combined with an AC signal. Ionic charges in the DNA-CTMA system seem to be responsible for the dynamic response to the various external electrical stimuli.
IN SITUFORMATION OF COBALT NANOCLUSTERS IN SOL–GEL SILICA FILMS FOR SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE GROWTH
Authors: WEI LI , WANG BO , LIU DAPENG , LI LAIN-JONG , YANG YANHUI , CHEN YUAN
Published: July 2009

A facile method was developed for in situ formation of Co nanoclusters in sol–gel silica thin films spin-coated on Si wafers. The size and density of Co nanoclusters can be controlled by spin-coating speeds, annealing methods, reduction temperatures under H2, and metal precursor concentrations in tetraethylorthosilicate solutions. The optimized preparation condition, spin-coating speed of 9000 rpm, annealing at 500°C in air followed by reduction at 800°C in H2, resulted in silica films as thin as 60 nm and Co nanoclusters with a mean diameter of 1.5 nm. Morphological and chemical characteristics of thin films and nanoclusters were studied by atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Subsequently, these Co nanoclusters were successfully used to grow SWCNTs by CO decomposition. Film containing Co monometallic clusters produced SWCNTs of 1.3 nm in diameter, whereas film having Co/Mo bimetallic clusters produced SWCNTs of 0.9 nm. This sol–gel approach allowed not only easy catalyst patterning on a thin film but also a fine-tuning of SWCNT properties, e.g., diameter.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTY CHANGES IN THIN Ni–Ti WIRES HEAT TREATED BY ELECTRIC CURRENT — HIGH ENERGY X-RAY AND TEM INVESTIGATIONS
Authors: MALARD B. , PILCH J. , SITTNER P. , GARTNEROVA V. , DELVILLE R. , SCHRYVERS D. , CURFS C.
Published: July 2009

High energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and mechanical testing were employed to investigate the evolution of microstructure, texture and functional superelastic properties of 0.1 mm thin as drawn Ni – Ti wires subjected to a nonconventional heat treatment by controlled electric current (FTMT-EC method). As drawn Ni – Ti wires were prestrained in tension and exposed to a sequence of short DC power pulses in the millisecond range. The annealing time in the FTMT-EC processing can be very short but the temperature and force could be very high compared to the conventional heat treatment of SMAs. It is shown that the heavily strained, partially amorphous microstructure of the as drawn Ni – Ti wire transforms under the effect of the DC pulse and tensile stress into a wide range of annealed nanosized microstructures depending on the pulse time. The functional superelastic properties and microstructures of the FTMT-EC treated Ni – Ti wire are comparable to those observed in straight annealed wires.
INFLUENCE OF ANNEALING ON RECOVERY STRESS OF COLD-WORKED Ni–Ti WIRE
Authors: YAN XIAO-JUN , VAN HUMBEECK JAN
Published: July 2009

The effect of annealing on the recovery stress of Ni – Ti wire has been studied by using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), TAQ800. The results show that the recovery stresses decrease with increasing annealing temperature in the range of 350–600°C and increase with increasing annealing temperature in the range of 600–900°C. It was found that the recovery stress is proportional to the plateau stress at room temperature, the recoverable strain under zero load and relative temperature increase above As.
THE USE OF SHAPE-MEMORY ALLOYS FOR MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION
Authors: MAÑOSA LLUÍS , PLANES ANTONI , VIVES EDUARD , BONNOT ERELL , ROMERO RICARDO
Published: July 2009

This letter reports on stress–strain experiments on a Cu – Zn – Al single crystal performed using a purpose-built tensile device which enables the load applied to the specimen to be controlled while elongation is continuously monitored. From the measured isothermal tensile curves, the stress-induced entropy changes are obtained at different temperatures. These data quantify the elastocaloric effect associated with the martensitic transition in shape-memory alloys. The large temperature changes estimated for this effect, suggest the possibility of using shape-memory alloys as mechanical refrigerators.
SHAPE MEMORY EFFECT AND CYCLIC DEFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF Ti–Nb–N ALLOYS
Authors: TAHARA MASAKI , KIM HEE YOUNG , HOSODA HIDEKI , MIYAZAKI SHUICHI
Published: July 2009

The effect of 1 at.% N addition on the shape memory effect of Ti – Nb alloys was investigated. The shape memory effect and superelasticity were observed in Ti –(18–20) Nb –1.0 N and Ti –(21–25) Nb –1.0 N alloys, respectively. The Ti –23 Nb –1.0 N alloy exhibits the best superelastic properties with almost perfect recovery and small stress hysteresis among N added ternary alloys. The effect of cyclic deformation on the stability of superelasticity was investigated for the Ti –23 Nb –1.0 N alloy by loading and unloading cyclic tensile tests up to 500 cycles with a constant maximum applied strain of 2.5%. It was confirmed that the stability of superelasticity was improved by the addition of N due to the increase of the critical stress for slip.
EFFECT OF AGING UNDER COMPRESSIVE STRESS ALONG [100] IN Co–Ni–Ga SINGLE CRYSTALS
Authors: PICORNELL C. , PONS J. , CESARI E. , CHUMLYAKOV Y. I. , DUTKIEWICZ J.
Published: July 2009

The pseudoelastic behavior of a Co 49 Ni 21 Ga 30 ferromagnetic shape memory alloy under compression along [100] has been studied in the temperature range 300–500 K. In such a crystals, the effect of aging under a constant stress close to the critical stress to induce the martensitic transformation, produces its separation in two stages. This is due to the different ordering behavior of parent and martensite phases under aging. Increasing order of parent phase leads to a decrease of transformation temperatures, which in return leads to an increase in critical stress to induce the transformation. Aging of martensite produces its stabilization — increase in transformation temperatures. It is remarkable that this stabilization has a very slow recovery, as compared to other alloys systems, such as Cu-based shape memory alloys.
Paraglacial adjustment of the fluvial system to Late Pleistocene deglaciation: the Milfield Basin, northern England
Authors: Passmore David G. , Waddington Clive
Published: July 2009

Landform–sediment assemblages in the middle reaches of the River Till in the Milfield Basin, northern England, provide a comparatively rare example of a fluvial system emerging from drainage of a Late Pleistocene ice-dammed lake. This paper reviews the chronology and sequencing of Late Pleistocene lake drainage and early Holocene valley-floor development using new geomorphological, palaeoenvironmental and radiocarbon data, and considers the results in the context of paraglacial models of landscape response. The balance of currently available evidence suggests drainage of the proglacial lake occurred some time between the end of the Dimlington Stadial and the relatively mild climate of the Windermere Interstadial. Fluvial downcutting through glaciodeltaic and glaciolacustrine sediments was associated with recoupling of the fluvial sediment system to lower reaches of the Till and paraglacial development of inset fluvial terraces and valley widening prior to establishment of early Holocene channel systems at least 13–15 m below the equivalent glaciodeltaic surface. This short-lived phase of high paraglacial sediment yield was followed by relatively abrupt relaxation of coarse-sediment reworking as Holocene channels became largely decoupled from Late Pleistocene sand and gravel terraces in the basin. The combination of a bedrock barrier at the basin outlet and relatively gentle valley gradients in the basin has promoted a tendency towards Holocene floodplain alluviation (in central parts of the basin) with little net change in channel elevation until recent historic times. Paraglacial landscape modifications will have continued to exert an influence on the fluvial system during the Holocene, especially with regard to fine sediment yields from localized erosion of glaciolacustrine deposits, but this has most probably diminished considerably with time as sediment supplies to the basin increasingly reflect the impact of anthropogenic catchment disturbance and reworking of Holocene valley-floor deposits.
Fluvial response to Holocene glacier fluctuations in the Nostetuko River valley, southern Coast Mountains, British Columbia
Authors: Wilkie Kenna , Clague John J.
Published: July 2009

Mountain rivers, like alpine glaciers, are sensitive indicators of climate change. Some rivers may provide a more complete record of Holocene climate change than the glaciers in their headwaters. We illustrate these points by examining the record preserved in the upper part of the alluvial fill in the Nostetuko River valley in the southern Coast Mountains, British Columbia (Canada). Glacier advances in the upper part of the watershed triggered valley-wide aggradation and complex changes in river planform. Periods when glaciers were restricted in extent coincide with periods of incision of the valley fill and floodplain stability. As many as 10 overbank aggradation units are separated by peat layers containing tree roots and stems in growth position. Twenty-five radiocarbon ages on roots, tree stems and woody plant detritus in several of the peat layers closely delimit periods of aggradation. The oldest phase of aggradation occurred about 6500 years
bp
and coincides with the Garibaldi Advance documented elsewhere in the southern Coast Mountains. A second phase of aggradation, recorded by several units of clastic sediment, dates to about 2500 years
bp
, near the peak of the middle Neoglacial Tiedemann Advance. The third phase occurred shortly after 1400 years
bp
during or shortly after the First Millennium Advance, which has been recently documented in coastal British Columbia and Alaska. The most recent phase of aggradation began about 800 years
bp
and continued until recently. It coincides with the Little Ice Age, when glaciers in the Nostetuko River basin and elsewhere in the southern Coast Mountains attained their greatest Holocene size. Several periods of peat deposition during the Little Ice Age indicate periods of floodplain stability separated by brief intervals of floodplain aggradation that coincide with Little Ice Age glacier advances in western Canada. The results imply that the west fork of Nostetuko River is sensitive to upvalley glacier fluctuations and, indirectly, to relatively minor changes in climate.
Glacially conditioned rock-slope failures and disturbance-regime landscapes, Upper Indus Basin, northern Pakistan
Authors: Hewitt Kenneth
Published: July 2009

The possible role of paraglacial adjustments in catastrophic rock-slope failures is investigated. Most of some 250 rockslide–rock-avalanche events identified in the Upper Indus Basin descended from slopes affected by Quaternary glaciations. Examples from the lower Gilgit Basin in the Karakoram Himalaya illustrate relations of rock-wall failure to former glacier activity and post-glacial responses, including
sackung
features. In many cases there is strong morphological evidence for paraglacial adjustments. However, other conditions must be considered as partial or alternative controls. They include a complex bedrock geology and seismo-tectonic conditions, and vertical shifts in periglacial and moisture climates. Given the enormous relief, the landslides themselves may involve a range of temporal and spatial distributions influenced by different topo-climates, geological terranes and stages of deglaciation. Meanwhile, post-glacial rock avalanche barriers have blocked and fragmented the river system. They exercise a major control over intermontane sedimentation and valley morphology. These impacts are treated as part of a broader ‘disturbance-regime’ geomorphology, where late Quaternary landscape evolution is driven by transient, but recurring, interactions among geomorphic process systems. Post-glacial conditions have also tended to partition the landscape into subunits with different mixes of geomorphic activity or rates of adjustment. The findings presented here depart from existing interpretations of Quaternary events in the region, and pose challenges for process geomorphology and the role of large landslides.
From climatic to global change geomorphology: contemporary shifts in periglacial geomorphology
Authors: André Marie-Françoise
Published: July 2009

Periglacial geomorphology developed in the 1940s–1960s as a branch of climatic geomorphology, focusing first on Quaternary studies and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, then on current geomorphic activity in cold regions. The ‘periglacial fever’ of the 1960s–1970s was dominated by the ‘freeze–thaw dogma’: periglacial areas were regarded as necessarily submitted to efficient frost-driven processes ruling over the geomorphic activity. Such a view was severely criticized in the 1980s–1990s based both on monitoring studies and on time–space multiscale approaches that pointed to the need to cross the ‘smokescreen of the periglacial scenery’ to search for the real past and present processes responsible for the landform geometry. The role of non-cold-related processes in the making of ‘periglacial’ landcapes was re-evaluated, and the necessity to better take into account the rock properties and the pre-Quaternary history of slope systems was emphasized. Whereas the part of the cold-related processes was being minimized, the interest of genuine periglacial landforms as geoindicators of climate change was growing, providing a new legitimacy to periglacial geomorphology. Polar and Alpine regions are nowadays considered as key observatories of ongoing climate change, and periglacial geomorphologists are involved in the detection, monitoring and prediction of environmental changes. Finally, the evolution of ‘periglacial geomorphology’ over the past six decades is in accordance with the development of the whole geomorphology. Based on the quantitative and technological revolution, it tends to find a balance between the functional and historical approaches.
Paraglacial rock slope failure as an agent of glacial trough widening
Authors: Jarman David
Published: July 2009

Rock slope failure (RSF) generates the largest single erosional events in the glacial–paraglacial land system, leaving numerous obvious cavities and less obviously weakened valley walls. Its contribution to trough widening in a mountain range has not previously been systematically quantified. Map-based measures of RSF ‘depth of bite’ are applied to five sample areas in the Scottish Highlands, and a comparator area in north Norway, all in metasediments structurally conducive to mass deformation and block sliding. Problems in applying map-based measures include bedrock cavities remaining partially occupied by failed debris or subsequent infill, and multiple planes of reference. The most practical measure is of maximum recess depth on any single contour (
D
MAX
). This is a standardizable single-point indicator of visible impact, not a measure of actual cavity depth, nor an average applying to the whole RSF. In four of the five areas, average
D
MAX
is consistent at 40–45 m. RSF breadth averages 270–600 m over the five areas. RSF affects 9% and 14% of total valley wall length in the two densest RSF areas, rising to 47% and 52% on two specific valley sides. The depth:breadth ratio in areas dominated by slope deformation can be twice that in areas of translational sliding. An evolutionary model of glacial–paraglacial cycling proposes a ‘zone of paraglacial relaxation’ in which RSF is intense in early cycles as fluvial profiles adjust to ice discharge, diminishing with maturity as trough walls become stress-hardened, and reviving in response to neotectonic and glaciological perturbations, notably ice piracy via transfluent breaching. However, a major unknown is the efficacy of glacial exploitation of RSFs: if it takes several cycles to evacuate debris and pare back cavity angles, cumulative RSF impact is lessened. Glacial–paraglacial cycling is a classic positive feedback loop, promoting valley widening beyond the parabolic norm. Preferential exploitation of structure by RSF promotes asymmetrical trough profiles. RSF acts both as a scarp retreat process, and as a slope reduction counterpoint to glacial slope steepening. In landscape evolution, it is a powerful agent in destruction of paleic relief, notably around watersheds that are undergoing breaching by transfluent ice, where trough development and widening is still vigorous.
Rockfall talus slopes and associated talus-foot features in the glaciated uplands of Great Britain and Ireland: periglacial, paraglacial or composite landforms?
Authors: Wilson Peter
Published: July 2009

The traditional interpretation of talus slopes and talus-foot landforms in the glaciated uplands of Great Britain and Ireland has been that they are periglacial landforms associated with freeze–thaw activity and permafrost. Since about 1990 some reassessment of this widely held view has occurred, and paraglacial rockfall and rock-slope failure are now considered to have played a significant role in the development of some talus landforms; in certain cases a wholly paraglacial origin is advocated. In order to determine formative processes, critical site-specific evidence (morphological and sedimentological) needs to be obtained. This will enable models of the deglacial–post-glacial evolution of these landscapes to be proposed and allow the palaeoenvironmental significance of the landforms to be established. Distinguishing between a periglacial and paraglacial origin might be assisted by application of cosmogenic isotope surface-exposure dating, which may demonstrate a Holocene age for a particular landform and thus rule out a permafrost-related origin. However, there will be instances where the application of dating will not differentiate, as in the case of Late Glacial landforms that could be either periglacial or paraglacial. It is likely that equifinality applies with respect to these landforms and a composite origin for them should also be considered. This latter issue is one that has not previously been given much consideration, probably because of the inherent difficulties in recognizing the products of different processes in landforms for which exposures of their constituent materials are rare.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Low-Carbohydrate Diets
Authors: York Linda Wasserbach , Puthalapattu Swathy , Wu George Y.
Published: July 2009

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and other features of metabolic syndrome and is known to be the most common cause for abnormal liver enzymes. The recent surge in the number of patients with NAFLD has been accompanied by an increase in research on potential treatment options, particularly weight loss and dietary interventions. Given the growing interest on the role of carbohydrates in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD, this review discusses the relationship between the amount of carbohydrates in the diet and effects on NAFLD, with special emphasis on a low-carbohydrate diet. We discuss the role of insulin resistance in the pathophysiology of NAFLD and provide an overview of various popular diets and their role as a treatment option for NAFLD. Additional large, longer-duration trials studying the efficacy of a low-carbohydrate diet in the treatment and prevention of NAFLD are eagerly awaited.
Nutritional Systems Biology: Definitions and Approaches
Authors: Panagiotou Gianni , Nielsen Jens
Published: July 2009

Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics are nascent areas that are evolving quickly and riding on the wave of “personalized medicine” that is providing opportunities in the discovery and development of nutraceutical compounds. The human genome sequence and sequences of model organisms provide the equivalent of comprehensive blueprints and parts lists that describe dynamic networks and the bases for understanding their responses to external and internal perturbations. Unfolding the interrelationships among genes, gene products, and dietary habits is fundamental for identifying individuals who will benefit most from, or be placed at risk by, intervention strategies. More accurate assessment of the inputs to human health and the consequences of those inputs measured as accurate transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses would bring personalized health/diet to practice far faster than would waiting for a predictive knowledge of genetic variation. It is widely recognized that systems and network biology has the potential to increase our understanding of how nutrition influences metabolic pathways and homeostasis, how this regulation is disturbed in a diet-related disease, and to what extent individual genotypes contribute to such diseases.