bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notes on the metrical semantics of Russian, French and German imitations of Janus Secundus’s Basium II
Authors: Pilshchikov Igor
Published: April 2013

This article links Konstantin Batiushkov's poem Elysium (1810) to the tradition of poetic imitations of Janus Secundus's Basium II. A French equivalent for this poem's pythiambic distichs was invented by Ronsard (Chanson, 1578), who used cross-rhymed quatrains with regular alternation of dodecasyllabic and hexasyllablic lines. However, the French translators of Basia of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries could not use this metre, because its semantic aura was drastically changed by Malherbe's Consolation à Monsieur du Périer (1598). Batiushkov's Elysium as well as its Latin and French sources are poems about a delightful death and the union of lovers in the afterlife; yet the metre, which was used in Malherbe's poem, was for more than two centuries a metre of mournful elegiac stanzas about eternal separation. The question of a metrical prototype for Batiushkov's poem still remains undetermined. His "anacreontic" trochaic tetrameter does not have analogues in the Latin original or its French translations, but coincides with the metre of G. A. Bürger's Die Umarmung from 1776 (of which Batiushkov was hardly aware in 1810), and finds parallels in some eighteenth-century Russian imitations of Basium II which were most likely forgotten by the beginning of the nineteenth century.
The history of humanities as reflected in the evolution of K. Vaginov's novels
Authors: Velmezova Ekaterina
Published: April 2013

In the late 1920s – early 1930s, the Russian poet and novelist Konstantin Vaginov (1899–1934) wrote four novels which reproduce various discourses pertaining to the Russian humanities (philosophy, psychology, linguistics, study of literature) of that time. Trying to go back to the source of the corresponding theories and "hidden" quotations by identifying their authors allows us to include Vaginov's prose in the general intellectual context of his epoch. Analysing Vaginov's prose in the light of the history of ideas enables us to understand how a number of philological and philosophical trends were interpreted by particular groups of Soviet intellectuals (for instance, writers and poets who were Vaginov's contemporaries). Besides, it allows us to propose a new interpretation of Vaginov's novels and their evolution which corresponds to his perception of humanities around him: their many tendencies and peculiarities become unacceptable for the writer in the 1930s.
Exploring local hotspots and deserts: investigating the local distribution of charitable resources
Authors: Lindsey Rose
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates whether regional patterns of uneven charity distribution occur at a local neighbourhood level. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative evidence of charitable resources in two case study areas, one affluent and one deprived, it argues that there is a clear distinction between the case study areas. Charities in the affluent area are more numerous, run by volunteers, and meet a broad range of social, community and cultural needs of the community. Charities in the deprived area are less numerous, meet urgent needs related to deprivation, and are more likely to be larger charities run by professionals with statutory funding. The paper concludes with questions as to how the area of deprivation's charitable resources will be affected by austerity measures and the coalition government's Big Society agenda.
To release and resolve: the power of values in transforming organisational tensions through reflection in a quality framework setting
Authors: Winter Jane
Published: April 2013

Quality includes excellence in organisational systems as well as service provision. Good governance and management, including positive relationships, are required to sustain an effective social action project. Drawing on recent research into quality assessment through reflection in faith-based social action settings, this article explores how reflective practice enables the release and resolution of tensions in organisational governance. Tensions, affecting key individuals or groups within organisations, may lie dormant for some time with no mechanism for addressing them or they may be generated by the measurement process. The research revealed that, by returning to values, staff and trustees were able to express tensions without personalisation, thereby reducing threat and creating a context for transformation.
CpRu-catalyzed asymmetric dehydrative allylation
Authors: Kitamura Masato , Miyata Kengo , Seki Tomoaki , Vatmurge Namdev , Tanaka Shinji
Published: April 2013

Asymmetric Tsuji–Trost allylation is one of the key chiral technologies for construction of pharmaceutically important compounds because of the high utility of alkenyl-substituted products. Particularly, the dehydrative system using allylic alcohols and protic nucleophiles has started to attract the attention of organic synthetic chemists from the viewpoints of atom and step economy, environmental benignity, and operational simplicity. In this paper, two types of new chiral CpRu catalysts, which have been developed on the basis of redox-mediated donor–acceptor bifunctional catalyst (RDACat) concept, are presented. Complementary use of the chiral catalysts has realized the syntheses of a wide rage of carbocyclic compounds, saturated N- or O-heterocyclic compounds with high reactivity, regioselectivity, enantioselectivity, productivity, and generality.
The Chern invariants for parabolic bundles at multiple points
Authors: Taher Chadi Hassan
Published: April 2013

If D ⊂ X is a curve with multiple points in a surface, a parabolic bundle defined on (X;D) away from the singularities can be extended in several ways to a parabolic bundle on a resolution of singularities. We investigate the possible parabolic Chern classes for these extensions.
A product integral representation of mixed volumes of two convex bodies
Authors: Hug Daniel , Rataj Jan , Weil Wolfgang
Published: April 2013

The Brunn-Minkowski theory in convex geometry relies heavily on the notion of mixed volumes. Despite its particular importance, even explicit representations for the mixed volumes of two convex bodies in Euclidean space ℝd are available only in special cases. Here we investigate a new integral representation of such mixed volumes, in terms of flag measures of the involved convex sets. A brief introduction to (extended) flag measures of convex bodies is also provided.
Index and nullity of a family of harmonic tori in the sphere
Authors: Pacheco Rui
Published: April 2013

In this note we investigate the (E)-index and the (E)-nullity of vacuum solutions from the two-torus into the two sphere.
Review of up-to date digital cameras interfaces
Authors: Linkemann Joachim
Published: April 2013

Over the past 15 years, various interfaces on digital industrial cameras have been available on the market. This tutorial will give an overview of interfaces such as LVDS (RS644), Channel Link and Camera Link. In addition, other interfaces such as FireWire, Gigabit Ethernet, and now USB 3.0 have become more popular. Owing to their ease of use, these interfaces cover most of the market. Nevertheless, for certain applications and especially for higher bandwidths, Camera Link and CoaXPress are very useful. This tutorial will give a description of the advantages and disadvantages, comment on bandwidths, and provide recommendations on when to use which interface.
Natura machinata: artifacts and nature as reciprocal models in Vitruvius
Authors: Roby Courtney
Published: April 2013

The De architectura of Vitruvius represents architecture as a discipline blending elements of theory and practice, science and social utility, and Greek and Roman culture. His vision of architecture accordingly embraces both the natural and the artificial, emphasizing the connections between their governing principles rather than a polar or antagonistic opposition. He uses this connection to clarify and simplify his descriptions of both natural systems and mechanical artifacts, and to reinforce each body of knowledge using what is known from the other.

The analogy between the natural and artificial appears as well in other ancient authors, but Vitruvius restructures this analogy in a distinctive way. His version is predicated on the careful observation of a specific set of mechanical artifacts, each chosen because it models some natural phenomenon particularly well. Artifacts that model natural phenomena, such as clocks and celestial models, help the user to visualize natural systems that may not be subject to direct sensory apprehension because of their great size. He insists that mechanical cleverness can elucidate the divinity within the principles of natural phenomena, which would otherwise remain hidden in the heavens. Vitruvius complements this type of modeling with a reciprocal version in which natural phenomena serve as models to shape technological works like theaters.

Throughout the De architectura, Vitruvius proposes a variety of ways in which the natural and artificial can model one another. A material model may replicate the behavior of a natural system which is already known from observation; a material model may replicate unknown but hypothesized behavior of such a system; finally, a hypothesized material model may replicate the hypothesized behavior of a natural system through a kind of thought-experiment. Alternatively, the unknown behavior of one natural system may be hypothesized to resemble the behavior of another natural system known from observation, and this hypothesis applied to the design of man-made artifacts.

From this viewpoint, describing technological artifacts and explaining the natural world are mutually reinforcing activities. So, in composing the De architectura, Vitruvius is not merely attempting to provide a picture of the state of the art of technology in his day, but is at the same time seeking to communicate a particular technologically-informed way of understanding natura itself.
Raf kinases in signal transduction and interaction with translation machinery
Authors: Migliaccio Nunzia , Sanges Carmen , Ruggiero Immacolata , Martucci Nicola M. , Rippa Emilia , Arcari Paolo , Lamberti Annalisa
Published: April 2013

In recent years, a large amount of evidence has given a central role to translational control in diseases such as cancer, tissue hypertrophy and neurodegeneration. Its deregulation can directly modulate cell cycling, transformation and survival response. The aim of this review is to describe the interaction between Raf activation and the main characters of the translational machinery, such as the elongation factor 1A (eEF1A), which has been recognized in recent years as one of the most interesting putative oncogenes. A particular emphasis is given to an intriguing non-canonical role that eEF1A can play in the relationship between the Ras→Raf-1→MEK1→ERK-1/2 and PI3K→Akt signaling pathways. Recently, our group has described a C-Raf kinase-mediated phosphorylation of eEF1A triggered by a survival pathway induced upon interferon alpha (IFNα) treatment in the human epidermoid cancer cell line (H1355). This phosphorylation seems to be the center of the survival pathway that counteracts the well-known pro-apoptotic function of IFNα. Furthermore, we have identified two new phosphorylation sites on eEF1A (Ser21 and Thr88) that are substrates for Raf kinases in vitro and, likely, in vivo as well. These residues seem to have a significant functional role in the control of cellular processes, such as cell proliferation and survival. In fact, overexpression of eEF1A2 in gemcitabine-treated cancer cells caused the upregulation of phosphoAkt and an increase in cell viability, thereby suggesting that eEF1A2 could exert its oncogenic behavior by participating in the regulation of PI3K pathway.
Ultraviolet radiation modulates the physiological responses of the calcified rhodophyte Corallina officinalis to elevated CO2
Authors: Yildiz Gamze , Hofmann Laurie C. , Bischof Kai , Dere Şükran
Published: April 2013

Ocean acidification reduces the concentration of carbonate ions and increases those of bicarbonate ions in seawater compared with the present oceanic conditions. This altered composition of inorganic carbon species may, by interacting with ultraviolet radiation (UVR), affect the physiology of macroalgal species. However, very little is known about how calcareous algae respond to UVR and ocean acidification. Therefore, we conducted an experiment to determine the effects of UVR and ocean acidification on the calcified rhodophyte Corallina officinalis using CO2-enriched cultures with and without UVR exposure. Low pH increased the relative electron transport rates (rETR) but decreased the CaCO3 content and had a miniscule effect on growth. However, UVA (4.25 W m-2) and a moderate level of UVB (0.5 W m-2) increased the rETR and growth rates in C. officinalis, and there was a significant interactive effect of pH and UVR on UVR-absorbing compound concentrations. Thus, at low irradiance, pH and UVR interact in a way that affects the multiple physiological responses of C. officinalis differently. In particular, changes in the skeletal content induced by low pH may affect how C. officinalis absorbs and uses light. Therefore, the light quality used in ocean acidification experiments will affect the predictions of how calcified macroalgae will respond to elevated CO2.
The role of transcription factors in laboratory medicine
Authors: Kontos Christos K. , Scorilas Andreas , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: April 2013

Accumulating genetic and epigenetic modifications lead to alterations in gene expression, resulting in dysregulation of cellular homeostasis. The transcriptional machinery comprises many factors that cooperate to modulate gene expression. “Crosstalk” between DNA-bound transcription factors may have synergistic or antagonistic effects on the rate of transcription. The aberrant expression of several transcription regulators in the vast majority of pathological conditions including neurodegenerative diseases and various malignancies, as well as their involvement in many cancer-related processes such as cell growth regulation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis, renders transcription factors very appealing as potential molecular biomarkers and as candidates for targeted therapy. In the present mini-review, we provide a brief overview of the transcriptional machinery and summarize current knowledge regarding the implication of key transcription factors such as AP-1, NF-κB, STATs, HOX proteins, and histone modifiers, in human diseases, with emphasis on cancer.
Dimension of elementary amenable groups
Authors: Bridson Martin R. , Kropholler Peter H.
Published: April 2013

This paper has three parts. It is conjectured that for every elementary amenable group G and every non-zero commutative ring k,
the homological dimension hd
k
(G) is equal to the Hirsch length h(G) whenever G has no k-torsion. In Part I this conjecture is proved for several classes, including the abelian-by-polycyclic groups. In Part II it is shown that the elementary amenable groups of homological dimension one are colimits of systems of groups of cohomological dimension one. In Part III the deep problem of calculating the cohomological dimension of elementary amenable groups is tackled with particular emphasis on the nilpotent-by-polycyclic case, where a complete answer is obtained over ℚ for countable groups.
Fluorescence spectroscopic study for competitive binding of antidiabetic drugs and endogenous substances on serum albumin
Authors: Seedher Neelam , Kanojia Mamta
Published: April 2013

Background: The hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetic drugs varies with change in the level of endogenous substances in the body in diseased states largely due to alteration in drug-serum albumin binding affinity. The aim of the present study was to understand and quantify this effect.

Methods: Quenching of intrinsic fluorescence of human serum albumin was used to monitor the competitive binding of antidiabetic drugs (gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide and repaglinide) and bilirubin/hemin/chloride ions.

Results and conclusions: Bilirubin and hemin were bound at site I and site II in human serum albumin with association constants of the order of 105. The presence of bilirubin decreased the binding affinity of all the antidiabetic drugs. In the presence of hemin, the binding of gliclazide and glimepiride increased significantly, whereas that of glipizide and repaglinide decreased. The presence of chloride ions decreased the association constants of all drugs except glimepiride. More than 20% increase in the percentage of free drug was observed for gliclazide in the presence of bilirubin and for repaglinide in the presence of bilirubin and hemin. A large decrease was also observed in the percentage of free gliclazide in the presence of hemin, and free glimepiride in the presence of hemin and chloride ions. Competitive binding mechanism has also been proposed. Significant changes (increase/decrease) in the availability of free pharmacologically active antidiabetic drugs, observed in some cases, can result in fluctuations in the blood glucose level of diabetic patients. The effect, which varied with the nature of the drug and the competing substance, was relatively large for gliclazide and repaglinide compared to other drugs.
Quantifying the Value of Personalized Medicines: Evidence from COX-2 Inhibitors
Authors: Sood Neeraj , Philipson Tomas J. , Huckfeldt Peter
Published: April 2013

We develop a conceptual framework for estimating the value of personalized medicines. We show that personalizing medicines generates value from two sources. The first is a market-expansion effect by persons who initiate treatment due to reduced pre-treatment uncertainty about the effectiveness or side effects of treatment. The second is a market-contraction effect due to discontinuation of treatment by persons unresponsive to treatment. We apply the conceptual framework to evaluate the value of a predictive test to assess whether patients are at elevated risk for cardiac complications from COX-2 inhibitors. We find that this predictive test would yield an overall value to patients of about $16 billion per year or $1284 per likely patient.
Unramified representations of the universal central extension of SL2(𝔽
q
((z)))
Authors: Rose Andrew J.
Published: April 2013

In this paper we are interested in investigating the principal series representations of a certain rank 2 Kac–Moody group. This group (denoted by

SL
˜

2

(

𝔽
q

(

(
z
)

)

)

${\protect \widetilde{{\rm SL}}_2(\mathbb {F}_q((z)))}$

) is introduced as a central extension by

𝔽
q
*

${\mathbb {F}_q^*}$

of the group of two-by-two unimodular matrices over the non-archimedean local field,

𝔽
q

(

(
z
)

)

${\mathbb {F}_q((z))}$

. We begin by determining a formula for a cocycle that defines this central extension. This is used to classify all irreducible representations of the centrally extended torus inside

SL
˜

2

(

𝔽
q

(

(
z
)

)

)

${\protect \widetilde{{\rm SL}}_2(\mathbb {F}_q((z)))}$

and, as a consequence of this classification, we are able to determine the irreducible unramified principal series representations of

SL
˜

2

(

𝔽
q

(

(
z
)

)

)

${\protect \widetilde{{\rm SL}}_2(\mathbb {F}_q((z)))}$

.
Storage-induced emissions from different wood species
Authors: Paczkowski Sebastian , Kraft Redelf , Kharazipour Alireza
Published: April 2013

In this study, the extractive contents and the storage-induced emissions from chips of Salix alba, Betula pendula, Populus tremula, and Alnus glutinosa are compared with emissions from Pinus sylvestris chips. Soxhlet extraction was performed, and carbon monoxide (CO) and O2 concentration in the gas phase as well as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of volatile organic compounds were analyzed. Pinus sylvestris showed the highest extractive content in the petrol ether fraction and emitted CO in the highest concentration. Salix alba, B. pendula, P. tremula, and A. glutinosa have lower extractive contents in the petrol ether fraction and the CO concentrations decreased in the headspace accordingly. The emission of aldehydes was lower in the case of woods with lower petrol ether contents (P. sylvestris, S. alba, and B. pendula), but the situation was not as clear for P. tremula and A. glutinosa. The origin of CO and aldehyde emissions is discussed in view of the possible oxidative degradation processes of lipids and terpenes.
On the Dynamic Strain Aging Effects during Elevated Temperature Ratcheting of Type 316LN Stainless Steel
Authors: Sarkar Aritra , Nagesha A. , Sandhya R. , Mathew M.D.
Published: April 2013

Ratcheting experiments were carried out on type 316LN stainless steel (SS) at different temperatures in the range, 300–923 K using different mean stress (σm) – stress amplitude (σa) combinations. Occurrence of dynamic strain aging (DSA) in the intermediate temperature range led to an anomalous temperature dependence of ratcheting strain accumulation. While the peak DSA temperature was found to be 823 K for all mean stress-stress amplitude combinations, the temperature regime of occurrence of DSA was found to depend on the σm–σa combinations used.
Adaptation of an internet-based depression prevention intervention for Chinese adolescents: from “CATCH-IT” to “grasp the opportunity”
Authors: Sobowale Kunmi , Zhou A. Ning , Van Voorhees Benjamin W. , Stewart Sunita , Tsang Anita , Ip Patrick , Fabrizio Cecilia , Wong Kwong Leong , Chim David
Published: April 2013

Background: There is a dearth of information on the compatibility of Western-developed, internet-based interventions that prevent onset and precipitation of depression in global settings. Recently, Project CATCH-IT (Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive-behavioral, Humanistic and Interpersonal Training), an information technology-based intervention, was adapted to prevent depression in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents. This paper evaluates qualitative data from consultations to develop a revised intervention of CATCH-IT for Hong Kong youth.

Methods: A theoretical thematic analysis approach was used to analyze data. Materials from three consultation trips which included focus groups (2007), an expert panel (2007), a public health campaign (2009), and a joint primary care physician-social worker review group (2010) were compiled. Authors (KS and AZ) independently reviewed the data and applied the theoretical framework of behavioral vaccines to code the data. These data were subsequently consolidated to provide a coherent narrative analysis.

Results: The cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral activation (BA), and resiliency modules were maintained, while the interpersonal therapy (IPT) modules of CATCH-IT were excluded in the Hong Kong adaptation. Concurrent self-reports of drinking, smoking, illicit drug use and gambling behavior were added. Rather than primary care consultations, social worker consultations may be the best point of entry for intervention.

Conclusion: Socio-cultural relevance of psychotherapeutics and delivery context of internet-based interventions will require significant adaptation for the Hong Kong setting. However, because of community engagement throughout the process of adaptation, we believe the CATCH-IT intervention can be adapted for Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong with retained fidelity. The revised intervention is called “Grasp the Opportunity”.
Single Stage Single Switch Power Supply (S4PS)Design for Low Power HB-LED Lighting
Authors: Shrivastava Ashish , Singh Bhim
Published: April 2013

This paper presents an improved power quality converter (IPQC)-based power supply design for high brightness light emitting diode (HB-LED) low power lighting. The IPQC circuit uses a Cuk buck-boost converter to operate it in a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) using the voltage follower technique for the mitigation of harmonic contents present in the AC mains current. Subsequently, reduction in harmonic contents results in improving the power quality indices at the AC mains. Single-stage single switch converter topology is used, which has less component count, size and cost as compared to the two-stage converter topology. DCM operation has an advantage that only output voltage control loop is required as compared to three control loops required in the continuous conduction mode operation. An 18-W LED driver is designed, modeled and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software for 220 V, 50 Hz AC mains. The performance of the proposed LED driver is observed in terms of total harmonic distortion of the input current (THDi), input power factor (PF) and crest factor (CF) taking into account the strict international standard of IEC 61000-3-2 for class C equipments.
Use of Synchronized Phasor Measurements for Model Validation in ERCOT
Authors: Nuthalapati Sarma , Chen Jian , Shrestha Prakash , Huang Shun-Hsien , Adams John , Obadina Diran , Mortensen Tim , Blevins Bill
Published: April 2013

This paper discusses experiences in the use of synchronized phasor measurement technology in Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interconnection, USA. Implementation of synchronized phasor measurement technology in the region is a collaborative effort involving ERCOT, ONCOR, AEP, SHARYLAND, EPG, CCET, and UT-Arlington. As several phasor measurement units (PMU) have been installed in ERCOT grid in recent years, phasor data with the resolution of 30 samples per second is being used to monitor power system status and record system events. Post-event analyses using recorded phasor data have successfully verified ERCOT dynamic stability simulation studies. Real time monitoring software “RTDMS”® enables ERCOT to analyze small signal stability conditions by monitoring the phase angles and oscillations. The recorded phasor data enables ERCOT to validate the existing dynamic models of conventional and/or wind generator.
Alternatives for pseudofinite groups
Authors: Ould Houcine Abderezak , Point Françoise
Published: April 2013

The famous Tits alternative states that a linear group either contains a non-abelian free group or is soluble-by-(locally finite). In this paper we study similar alternatives in pseudofinite groups. We show, for instance, that an ℵ
Stabilizers and orbits of first level vectors in modules for the special linear groups
Authors: Osinovskaya Anna A. , Suprunenko Irina D.
Published: April 2013

Under some restrictions on the highest weight, the stabilizers of certain vectors in irreducible modules for the special linear groups with a rational action are determined. We consider infinitesimally irreducible modules whose highest weights have all coefficients at least 2 when expressed as a linear combination of the fundamental dominant weights and vectors whose nonzero weight components have weights that differ from the highest weight by a single simple root. For such vectors and modules a criterion for lying in the same orbit is obtained, and we prove that the stabilizers of vectors from different orbits are not conjugate. The orbit dimensions are also found. Furthermore, we show that these vectors do not lie in the orbit of a highest weight vector and their stabilizers are not conjugate to the stabilizer of such a vector.
Report of the first case of precocious puberty in Rett syndrome
Authors: Baş Veysel Nijat , Çetinkaya Semra , Ağladıoğlu Sebahat Yılmaz , Aksoy Ayşe , Gülpınar Başak , Aycan Zehra
Published: April 2013

Rett syndrome is an X-linked dominant disorder frequently caused by the mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2). Its prevalence in the population is 1/15,000–20,000. Patients with Rett syndrome present apparently normal psychomotor developments during the first 6–18 months of life. Subsequently, they show a short period of developmental stagnation followed by a rapid regression in language and motor development. Precocious puberty is characterized by premature breast and pubic hair development, and advanced bone age development at 8 years of age. We present a case of Rett syndrome and precocious puberty in a 6-year-old girl. At the age of 6, the first signs of precocious puberty appeared (Tanner stage 3). Laboratory measurements were detected as follows: luteinizing hormone (LH), 0.2 mIU/mL; follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 1.1 mIU/mL; estradiol, 36 pg/mL; bone age, 9 years. The response to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test) was characteristic for true precocious puberty (LH, 32 mIU/mL; FSH, 26 mIU/mL). This is the first reported case of precocious puberty related to Rett syndrome.
Ethnic disparities in perinatal mortality at 40 and 41 weeks of gestation
Authors: Ravelli Anita C.J. , Schaaf Jelle M. , Eskes Martine , Abu-Hanna Ameen , de Miranda Esteriek , Mol Ben Willem J.
Published: April 2013

Objective: To evaluate whether maternal ethnicity affects perinatal mortality by week of gestation from 39 weeks onwards.

Study design: In this cohort study, we used data from the nationwide Netherlands Perinatal Registry from 1999 until 2008. All singleton infants born between 39+0 and 42+6 weeks of gestation without congenital anomalies were included. We used crude and multivariate logistic regression analyses with white Europeans as the reference to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of South Asian, African and Mediterranean women. The main outcome measure was perinatal mortality (antepartum and intrapartum/neonatal mortality within 7 days after birth).

Results: We studied 1,092,255 singleton deliveries. Perinatal mortality occurred in 2315 infants (2.1‰). There was interaction between gestational age and ethnicity (P<0.0001). In week 40 (40+0–40+6) South Asian (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.4) and Mediterranean (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.04–1.7) women had an increased risk of perinatal mortality. The perinatal mortality risk became greater in week 41 for South Asian (aOR 4.5 95% CI 2.8–7.2), African (aOR 2.2; 95%CI 1.4–3.4) and Mediterranean (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.8–2.9) women, especially among small for gestational age infants.

Conclusion: With increasing gestational age beyond 39 weeks, perinatal mortality risk increases more strongly among South Asian, African and Mediterranean women compared to European whites.
Are there gender related differences in neonatal abstinence syndrome following exposure to buprenorphine during pregnancy?
Authors: O’Connor Alane B. , O’Brien Liam , Alto William A.
Published: April 2013

Aim: To determine whether infant gender influences the course of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) following exposure to buprenorphine during pregnancy.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in which maternal and infant data were collected for 46 male and 44 female infants. All infants were born to women enrolled in a buprenorphine treatment program from December 2007 until October 2012. Maternal and infant characteristics and outcomes were compared by infant gender.

Results: Male infants had a significantly higher mean peak NAS score (10.04 vs. 7.98, P=0.028) and were more likely to require pharmacologic treatment for NAS (39.1% vs. 11.4%, P=0.005).

Conclusions: These data indicate that, following exposure to buprenorphine during pregnancy, male infants experience a more severe withdrawal syndrome and are more likely to require pharmacologic treatment for NAS.
Subsequent pregnancy after stillbirth: obstetrical and medical risks
Authors: Ofir Keren , Kalter Anat , Moran Orit , Sivan Eyal , Schiff Eyal , Simchen Michal J.
Published: April 2013

Objective: To evaluate obstetric outcome after stillbirth according to placental and prothrombotic risk factors.

Methods: Obstetric outcomes of women with prior stillbirth and subsequent pregnancies were reviewed. Data on the immediate subsequent pregnancy included fetal loss, stillbirth, obstetric/medical complications, gestational age and birth weight at delivery, mode of delivery, thrombophilia, and prescribed medication. Placental stillbirth was defined as stillbirth associated with placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or histological evidence of placental infarcts. Controls were unselected women who gave birth at our center during a single calendar year. Factors influencing recurrence risks were estimated.

Results: Seventy-three subsequent pregnancies were identified. Five out of 73 (6.8%) women had a repeat stillbirth, significantly higher than controls (relative risk 22.2, 95% confidence interval 8.9–55.4). Four out of five repeat stillbirth cases occurred <37 weeks gestation. Hypertensive complications, diabetes and abruption were higher, while gestational age and birth weight at delivery were significantly lower than controls. Prior placental stillbirth was associated with a 10.5 times higher risk of IUGR in the subsequent pregnancy compared with non-placental stillbirth. All five repeat stillbirth cases occurred in thrombophilic women.

Conclusion: Women with prior stillbirth face an increased risk of pregnancy complications and stillbirth recurrence, especially with concurrent thrombophilia. Most repeat stillbirth cases occur preterm.
Blueshift of the surface plasmon resonance in silver nanoparticles studied with EELS
Authors: Raza Søren , Stenger Nicolas , Kadkhodazadeh Shima , Fischer Søren V. , Kostesha Natalie , Jauho Antti-Pekka , Burrows Andrew , Wubs Martijn , Mortensen N. Asger
Published: April 2013

We study the surface plasmon (SP) resonance energy of isolated spherical Ag nanoparticles dispersed on a silicon nitride substrate in the diameter range 3.5–26 nm with monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy. A significant blueshift of the SP resonance energy of 0.5 eV is measured when the particle size decreases from 26 down to 3.5 nm. We interpret the observed blueshift using three models for a metallic sphere embedded in homogeneous background material: a classical Drude model with a homogeneous electron density profile in the metal, a semiclassical model corrected for an inhomogeneous electron density associated with quantum confinement, and a semiclassical nonlocal hydrodynamic description of the electron density. We find that the latter two models provide a qualitative explanation for the observed blueshift, but the theoretical predictions show smaller blueshifts than observed experimentally.
The electronic structure and geometric structure of nanoclusters as catalytic active sites
Authors: Li Hao , Li Linsen , Li Yadong
Published: April 2013

In the past few decades, metal nanoparticles applied in heterogeneous catalysis have attracted extensive attention. The term nanocatalysis is broadly referred to as the unique catalytic effect of this series of materials. Although considerable progress has been made in nanocatalysis, it still remains a great challenge to fully understand the nature of active sites in the nanoscale. Many concepts and models have been put forwarded to describe the properties and performances of nano- and subnanoparticles in catalysis. In this review, we propose our perspective on the active sites of heterogeneous catalysis from the aspects of electronic structure and geometric structure of nanoclusters and consider briefly how these clusters function in catalysis. The challenge in nanocatalysis research methods is also discussed.
Mapping the Preservation Landscape for the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Harvey Ross , Mahard Martha
Published: April 2013

Information technology has had a profound effect on the preservation landscape at the beginning of the twenty-first century, blurring the traditional boundaries separating cultural heritage institutions and demanding new skills and approaches to the management of cultural assets, whether digital or analog. Concepts around which the core principles of preservation were built have been challenged and are shifting to accommodate new practices and standards. Changes in our approach to longevity, choice, quality, integrity, and access are being driven by digital technologies. A new set of principles, applicable to all materials, whether digital or not, are proposed. In the context and aims of preservation as we understand it today, these principles are a framework for the management of our cultural heritage collections.
Study on the effective ablation volume of microwave ablation of porcine livers
Authors: Hu Guangxia , Qian Zhiyu , Ding Shangwen , Zhang Ye , Xie Jieru
Published: April 2013

This paper reports on an effective ablation volume model for microwave ablation of porcine liver. Firstly, in order to obtain the temperature field distribution, a theoretical simulation model of the microwave ablation of porcine liver was developed by solving Pennes bioheat transfer equation using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Then the effective ablation volume and the effective ablation volume model were obtained using the 1stOpt fitting software by 7D-Soft High Technology Inc. (China). Finally, microwave ablation experiments were carried out using porcine liver to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the model. The results show that according to the ablation volume model, one can determine the scope of the effective ablation under varying conditions of microwave power and duration. This provides an important basis for the preoperative planning system of microwave ablation.
Application of high-resolution label-free imaging methods to obtain tissue images for histological analysis/Anwendung hochauflösender markierungsfreier Bildgebungsverfahren zur histologischen Analyse von Gewebebildern
Authors: Wu Yuxiang , Hu Wenyan , Fu Ling , Lv Xiaohua , Zeng Shaoqun
Published: April 2013

In routine clinical work, classical histology is regarded as the gold standard for the discrimination of healthy and pathological tissue. However, the whole process can be tediously long and has some restraints. As a result, under most conditions, doctors have to wait for the histological results until decisions can be made. In this paper, a practical procedure of tissue preprocess, serial section, label-free imaging and image analysis is demonstrated, which costs less time and could give sufficiently good contrast to obtain information about cellular structure and organization of biological tissues.
Compact AOTF-based spectral imaging system for medical endoscopic analysis
Authors: Machihin Alexander , Pozhar Vitold , Batshev Vladislav
Published: April 2013

A prototype of a spectral imaging module is described which can be attached to conventional rigid and flexible medical endoscopes. It is based on acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF) and provides fast spectral image registration at an arbitrary series of wavelengths. The main advantage of the device is the minimization of spatial and spectral image distortion by use of a specialized double AOTF monochromator. These properties ensure immediate and reliable detection of spectral features in any image pixel. Real-time spectral analysis, in addition to spectral visualization, provides the opportunity to make medical photoluminescence diagnostics more effective.
Novel proton exchange membranes with dimensional stability and permeability resistance based on sulfonate polynorbornenes
Authors: Xiao Shuqin , Zeng Rong , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: April 2013

The novel proton exchange membranes of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), the sulfonated functional polynorbornenes P(BN/NOH/NS), are successfully prepared via the sulfobutylation of poly(butoxymethylenenorbornene-co-norbornenemethanol) [P(BN/NOH)] with 1,4-butane sultone, and a cross-linked composite membrane consisting of P(BN/NOH/NS), P(BN/NOH), 4,5-imidazole dicarboxylic acid (IDA), and H3PO4 has also been developed. Adding the IDA/H3PO4 to the membrane promotes the proton conductivity of the cross-linked composite membrane to 2.79×10-3 S/cm at 80°C, which is six times higher than the P(BN/NOH/NS) membrane. At the same time, the rigid polynorbornene backbones remarkably improved the methanol permeability resistance and dimensional stability of P(BN/NOH/NS) and its cross-linked membrane, compared with the Nafion 115 membrane. A single cell based on the cross-linked composite membrane showed an open-circuit voltage of 0.483 V and power density of 1.35 mW/cm2.
Natural weather ageing of starch/polyvinyl alcohol blend: effect of glycerol content
Authors: Appu Sreekumar Parambathmadhom , Kumar De Sadhan , Khan Massihullah J. , Al-Harthi Mamdouh A.
Published: April 2013

Starch plasticized with glycerol and blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is recommended for use as a biodegradable material. The present article reports the results of studies of the natural weather ageing of starch/PVA blends having various amounts of glycerol in natural weather conditions of Saudi Arabia, with special reference to morphology and thermal behavior. Neat PVA has been used as a control to understand its behavior in its blend with starch. Differential scanning calorimeter studies indicated that an increase in the exposure time of samples to natural environment increases the crystallinity of PVA due to the breakage of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, thus facilitating the removal of the amorphous portion of the polymers in the blend. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that an increase in glycerol content enhanced the degradation of the polymer, which is corroborated with the findings from the surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy analyses.
Die deutsche Religionswissenschaft im transnationalen Fachdiskurs
Authors: Freiberger Oliver
Published: April 2013

In diesem Beitrag, der als Eröffnungsvortrag der Jahrestagung der Deutschen Vereinigung
für Religionswissenschaft in Heidelberg (2011) präsentiert wurde, geht es um die
internationale Präsenz der gegenwärtigen deutschen Religionswissenschaft. Es werden
vier Thesen vorgestellt und diskutiert: Dass die Religionswissenschaft eine transnationale Disziplin
sei; dass sich die deutsche Religionswissenschaft in ihrer Forschung zunehmend auf Europa
fokussiere, insbesondere auf das der Gegenwart; dass ihre Beteiligung am transnationalen Fachdiskurs
gering und weiter rückläufig sei; und dass ein Zusammenhang zwischen den letzten
beiden Punkten bestehe. Der Beitrag schließt mit dem Aufruf an die deutsche
Religionswissenschaft, sich thematisch breiter aufzustellen und international stärker
einzubringen.
A Common Enemy
Authors: Heß Cordelia
Published: April 2013

Die Benutzung des Begriffs Antiklerikalismus für eine Vielzahl von Phänomenen ohne eigentliche strukturelle Gemeinsamkeiten wird von der deutschsprachigen Mediävistik weitgehend abgelehnt, während im englischsprachigen Raum Geschichts- und Literaturwissenschaftler damit gerne die Kontinuitäten vom Spätmittelalter zur Reformation bezeichnen. Der vorliegende Artikel versucht, den für eine Binnendifferenzierung von kleruskritischen Bewegungen, Texten und Gruppen zugegebenermaßen ungeeigneten Begriff statt dessen für eine Kontextualisierung derselben nutzbar zu machen, indem er Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen kleruskritischen und orthodoxen Ideologien ausmacht: Antijudaismus und Antifeminismus. Dabei werden sowohl die Bruchstellen zwischen katholischer Kirche und antiklerikalen Bewegungen relativiert als auch die Bedeutung, die Antiklerikalismus als Indikator für die Epochengrenze zwischen Mittelalter und Früher Neuzeit beigemessen wird.
Structure of the Al2Cu(001) and Al9Co2(001) surfaces: role of the covalent-like bonding network and off-stoichiometric effects
Authors: Gaudry Émilie , Villaseca Sebastián Alarcón , Ledieu Julian , Dubois Jean-Marie , Fournée Vincent
Published: April 2013

The Al2Cu and Al9Co2 intermetallic compounds share structural similarities: they are bothdescribed in terms of coordination polyedra with a tetragonal symmetry and covalent-like bonding occur in both compounds. In this paper, the (001) surface structure of Al2Cu and Al9Co2 is described based on a combined scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (XPS and UPS) and density functional theory (DFT) study. Surface models are elaborated from stoichiometric ideal compounds, leading to a pure aluminium plane as the surface termination in both cases. The nature of the constitutional defect in Al9Co2 is determined using density functional theory calculations. The influence of the surface atomic density, of the surface composition and of off-stoichiometric effects on the (001) surface structures of Al2Cu and Al9Co2 are discussed.
Molecular Magnet Induced Transformative Effects in Molecular Spintronics Devices: A Monte Carlo Study
Authors: D’Angelo Christopher , Tyagi Pawan
Published: April 2013

Molecular spintronics devices (MSDs) are capable of harnessing the controllable transport and magnetic properties of molecular device elements and are highly promising candidates for revolutionizing computer logic and memory. A MSD is typically produced by placing magnetic molecule(s) between the two ferromagnetic electrodes. Recent experimental studies show that the molecules produced unprecedented strong exchange couplings between the two ferromagnets, leading to intriguing magnetic and transport properties in a MSD. Future development of MSDs will critically depend on obtaining an in-depth understanding of the molecule induced exchange coupling and its impact on MSD’s switchability and temperature stability. However, the large size of MSD systems and unsuitable device designs are the two biggest hurdles in theoretical and experimental studies of magnetic attributes produced by molecules in a MSD. This research theoretically studies the MSD by performing Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) studies, which have the capacity to tackle large systems- such as MSD based on magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) test bed. The MTJ based MSD has the distinctive advantage that MTJ test bed can be subjected to experimental magnetic characterizations before and after transforming it into a MSD by bridging the molecules of interest between the two metal electrodes of a MTJ. Hence the result of our MCS can be verified experimentally.
Evaluation of GBV-C / HVG viremia in HIV-infected women
Authors: Silva Synara Araújo , Rodrigues Célia Lima , Campos Aléia Faustino , Levi José Eduardo
Published: April 2013

The present study aimed at standardizing a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay to evaluate the presence of GBV-C/HGV RNA. A "TaqMan" assay using primers and probe derived from the 5¢ NCR region was developed and validated. Two hundred and fifty-three plasma samples from HIV-infected women were tested for GBV-C viremia and antibody against the envelope protein 2. GBV-C RNA was detected in 22.5% of the patients whereas the antibody was identified in 25.3% of the cohort. Detection of viral RNA and of antibodies was mutually exclusive. Viral loads showed a mean of 1,777 arbitrary units / mL, being 1.1 and 13,625 arbitrary units / mL respectively the lowest and highest values measured. We conclude that the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method developed is appropriate for the investigation of GBV-C RNA since it was shown to be highly specific and sensitive, as well as requiring few steps, preventing contamination and providing additional information as to the relative viremia of carriers, a parameter that must be included in studies evaluating the co-factors influencing the clinical outcome of HIV/AIDS.