bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocrosslinking and related properties of intumescent flame‐retardant LLDPE/EVA/IFR blends
Authors: Ye Lei , Wu Qianghua , Qu Baojun
Published: May 2011

The photoinitiated crosslinking of halogen‐free flame retarded linear low density polyethylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) blends (LLDPE/EVA) with the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) of phosphorous‐nitrogen compound (NP) in the presence of photoinitiator and crosslinker and their characterization of related properties have been investigated by gel determination, heat extension test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical properties measurements, limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and water resistance test. The data from the gel content and heat extension rate (HER) show that the LLDPE/EVA/IFR blends filled with NP are readily crosslinked to a gel content of above 75% and the HER values reach about 50% by UV‐irradiation of 5 sec under suitable amount of photoinitiator and crosslinker. The data obtained from the CCT and LOI indicate that photocrosslinking can considerably decrease the heat release rates (HRR) by 10–15%, prolongate the combustion time, and increase two LOI values for the LLDPE/EVA/NP blends UV irradiated for 5 sec. The results from TGA and the dynamic FTIR spectra give the evidence that the photocrosslinked LLDPE/EVA/NP samples show slower thermal degradation rate and higher thermo‐oxidative degradation temperature than the uncrosslinked LLDPE/EVA/NP samples. The morphological structures of charred residues observed by SEM give the positive evidence that the compact charred layers formed from the photocrosslinked LLDPE/EVA/NP samples play an important role in the enhancement of flame retardant and thermal properties. The data from the mechanical tests and water‐resistant measurements show that photocrosslinking can considerably improve the mechanical and water‐resistant properties of LLDPE/EVA/NP samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of FTIR Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy and Work Function Measurements for In Situ Studies of Plasma Modified Passive Films on MgZn2
Authors: Giza Miroslaw , Grundmeier Guido
Published: May 2011

The chemical and electronic properties of passive films on a ZnMg alloy coating can strongly influence the cathodic de‐adhesion process of an applied polymeric coating. Chemical composition of the atmospheric passive film on MgZn2 was compared to the surface state after sequences of Ar/H2 and oxygen plasma treatments by means of in situ IRRAS and ex situ XPS. It could be shown that the chemical composition of the passive film and its electronic properties as displayed by its work function could be significantly changed by the applied plasma processes. As analyzed by Kelvin probe measurements the surface potential could be shifted cathodically by the reductive plasma and anodically by the oxidative plasma. The very negative potentials led to polymer/oxide/metal interface potential more negative than the free corrosion potential of MgZn2. Thereby, a cathodic de‐adhesion process could be perfectly inhibited.

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Influence of Substrate Materials on Inactivation of B. atrophaeus Endospores in a Reduced‐pressure Argon Plasma
Authors: Levif Pierre , Séguin Jacynthe , Moisan Michel , Barbeau Jean
Published: May 2011

High disinfection level/sterilization of medical devices (MDs) can be achieved through plasma immersion in an argon discharge operated at reduced pressure (100 Pa). The plasma source is a high‐frequency (HF) discharge from our laboratories. The power density absorbed in this system is low enough to allow the continuous processing of thermally‐sensitive materials. Bacterial B. atrophaeus endospores are deposited either on glass or polystyrene (PS) Petri dishes and thereafter subjected to the argon discharge. The role of these substrates in the spore inactivation process is analysed by means of spore survival curves and through examination by a scanning electron microscope of possible structural damage to the spore morphology. In addition, optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is performed in the presence of the glass and PS Petri dishes in the discharge, and modifications to the surface characteristics of the exposed substrates are evaluated by contact angle measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that: (i) inactivation of spores is less effective when they are deposited on PS substrates; (ii) spores deposited on glass are eroded while those on polystyrene are left almost morphologically intact; (iii) the OES spectrum from the discharge is not affected when glass substrates are introduced into it, whereas the presence of PS substrates strongly modifies it; (iv) exposed PS substrates show surface modifications, as revealed by contact‐angle measurements and XPS analysis; (v) the presence of air impurities in the discharge, even at very low levels, seems to play a key role in the inactivation process, in particular by leading to the generation of UV photons. The results obtained underline the need for a thorough evaluation and control of the materials from which the MDs are made.

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Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment of Steel Buoys for Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Bárdos Ladislav , Baránková Hana
Published: May 2011

Steel sheets used for ocean buoys in the linear wave energy converters have been treated by cold atmospheric plasmas in Ar, Ne, and the wet air. The contact angle has decreased from about 48° at an untreated surface to a minimum of about 24°, depending on the plasma and the treatment time. This corresponds to an increase of the surface energy from about 57 to 69 mN/m. Comparison of the XPS spectra before and after plasma treatment confirmed important role of the plasma activated oxygen. The hydrophilicity of treated surfaces deteriorates within about 120 min. Immediate painting of treated surfaces has lead to considerable better paint adhesion than on untreated surfaces. The plasma treatment of buoys before painting is, therefore, expected to improve their corrosion resistance and lifetime.

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Additional Comments on “An Essay on Contact Angle Measurements” by M. Strobel and C. S. Lyons
Authors: Montes Ruiz‐Cabello Francisco Javier , Rodríguez‐Valverde Miguel Angel , Cabrerizo‐Vílchez Miguel A.
Published: May 2011

After the impact of the great review of M. Strobel and C. S. Lyons on contact angle measurements, we discuss some claims of the authors. The Wilhelmy method is not generally “the best technique for measuring the contact angle hysteresis” as the authors claimed. Otherwise, we think that, even though equilibrium contact angle is an “unattainable” angle, the most‐stable contact angle obtained from the system relaxation is experimentally accessible. The most‐stable contact angle is energetically significant for evaluating quantitatively the surface energy value of rough, chemically homogeneous surfaces from the Wenzel equation, and the average surface energy of smooth, chemically heterogeneous surfaces from the Cassie equation. The most‐stable contact angle, the advancing contact angle and the receding contact angles enable the thermodynamic description of the range of contact angle hysteresis and the distribution of metastable system configurations.
Ocean ensemble forecasting. Part I: Ensemble Mediterranean winds from a Bayesian hierarchical model
Authors: Milliff Ralph F. , Bonazzi Alessandro , Wikle Christopher K. , Pinardi Nadia , Berliner L. Mark
Published: May 2011

A Bayesian hierarchical model (BHM) is developed to estimate surface vector wind (SVW) fields and associated uncertainties over the Mediterranean Sea. The BHM–SVW incorporates data‐stage inputs from analyses and forecasts of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and SVW retrievals from the QuikSCAT data record. The process‐model stage of the BHM–SVW is based on a Rayleigh friction equation model for surface winds. Dynamical interpretations of posterior distributions of the BHM–SVW parameters are discussed. Ten realizations from the posterior distribution of the BHM–SVW are used to force the data‐assimilation step of an experimental ensemble ocean forecast system for the Mediterranean Sea in order to create a set of ensemble initial conditions. The sequential data‐assimilation method of the Mediterranean forecast system (MFS) is adapted to the ensemble implementation. Analyses of sample ensemble initial conditions for a single data‐assimilation period in MFS are presented to demonstrate the multivariate impact of the BHM–SVW ensemble generation methodology. Ensemble initial‐condition spread is quantified by computing standard deviations of ocean state variable fields over the ten ensemble members. The methodological findings in this article are of two kinds. From the perspective of statistical modelling, the process‐model development is more closely related to physical balances than in previous work with models for the SVW. From the ocean forecast perspective, the generation of ocean ensemble initial conditions via BHM is shown to be practical for operational implementation in an ensemble ocean forecast system. Phenomenologically, ensemble spread generated via BHM–SVW occurs on ocean mesoscale time‐ and space‐scales, in close association with strong synoptic‐scale wind‐forcing events. A companion article describes the impacts of the BHM–SVW ensemble method on the ocean forecast in comparisons with more traditional ensemble methods. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A column model of moist convection: some exact equilibrium solutions
Authors: Lock A. M. , Norbury J.
Published: May 2011

A radiative‐convective model for a moist single‐column atmosphere is presented. A test problem is considered in which exact, explicit analytical solutions are found by using a form for the saturation specific humidity that closely models that for Earth's atmosphere. Simple equations for the conservation of mass, energy, and moisture are solved with a new type of weak solution, where the fluid satisfies Lagrangian versions of these equations. A numerical method using a Lagrangian‐based hard convective adjustment step calculates solutions which converge to the analytical solutions as the vertical mesh size decreases, and is stable in time. When the thermodynamic paths followed by an ascending and descending parcel do not overlap in a potential temperature–pressure diagram, steady equilibrium solutions are found; otherwise, non‐equilibrium behaviour of the numerical solution occurs. This work suggests that it is useful to interpret column models in a Lagrangian sense as weak solutions of systems of partial differential equations. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
The temperature response to stratospheric water vapour changes
Authors: Maycock A. C. , Shine K. P. , Joshi M. M.
Published: May 2011

This study uses an analytical model, based on the cooling‐to‐space approximation, and a fixed dynamical heating model to investigate the structure of the stratospheric cooling that occurs in response to a uniform increase in stratospheric water vapour (SWV). At all latitudes, the largest cooling occurs in the lower stratosphere and decreases in magnitude with height. The cooling is strongly enhanced in the Extratropics compared to the Tropics. This is markedly different to the case of an increase in CO2, which causes maximum cooling near the stratopause and a small warming in the tropical lower stratosphere. The qualitative differences in the structure of the cooling can be explained by the smaller opacity of water vapour bands in the stratosphere compared to CO2. The small opacity means that the magnitude of the initial heating rate perturbation only decreases by a factor of four between the upper and lower stratosphere for a SWV perturbation. Therefore, to balance the heating rate perturbation, the largest temperature change is required in the lower stratosphere. Increasing the background concentration of SWV causes the water vapour bands to become more opaque. For a SWV perturbation applied to a background SWV concentration ≥30 ppmv, the heating rate perturbation and temperature change structurally resemble those from an increase in CO2. In the Extratropics, the lower height of the tropopause is found to cause the enhancement in the cooling at those latitudes. By controlling the depth of atmosphere which adjusts to the SWV perturbation, the tropopause height affects the net exchange of radiation between the layers in the stratosphere as they cool. The latitudinal gradient in upwelling infrared radiation at the tropopause and variations in the background temperature are found to have only a minor effect on the structure of the stratospheric temperature response to a change in SWV. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A theoretical study of the electronic structure of GaN nanorods
Authors: Kula Mathias , Ojamäe Lars
Published: May 2011

We present a theoretical study of the evolution of the electronic structure of wurtzite GaN nanorods for different lengths (2.4–15.4 nm) in the [0001] direction and different diameters (0.97–2.25 nm). This study includes both a hybrid density functional theory study and a comparison with the k.p empirical band structure method. From the quantum chemical calculations, surface effects are found to be important. When these have been compensated for the electronic structure properties as a function of rod length or diameter approximately follow the trend expected from the quantum confinement effect. The k.p method predicts a similar behavior although deviations are apparent for smaller sizes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 112:1796–1802, 2012
Pipeline persistence: Examining the association of educational experiences with earned degrees in STEM among U.S. students
Authors: Maltese Adam V. , Tai Robert H.
Published: May 2011

As the global economic crisis continues, sustaining the United States' position as a leader in research and development is a top concern of policy makers. Looking to increase the number of students pursuing degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), calls for improved mathematics and science education abound. We completed a two‐part analysis to assess the school‐based factors related to students choosing to complete a major in STEM. The results indicate that the majority of students who concentrate in STEM make that choice during high school, and that choice is related to a growing interest in mathematics and science rather than enrollment or achievement. These results indicate that the current policy focus on advanced‐level course taking and achievement as measures to increase the flow of students into STEM may be misguided. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 95:877–907, 2011
Discrete‐time semi‐Markov modeling of human papillomavirus persistence
Authors: Mitchell C. E. , Hudgens M. G. , King C. C. , Cu‐Uvin S. , Lo Y. , Rompalo A. , Sobel J. , Smith J. S.
Published: May 2011

Multi‐state modeling is often employed to describe the progression of a disease process. In epidemiological studies of certain diseases, the disease state is typically only observed at periodic clinical visits, producing incomplete longitudinal data. In this paper we consider fitting semi‐Markov models to estimate the persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) type‐specific infection in studies where the status of HPV type(s) is assessed periodically. Simulation study results are presented indicating that the semi‐Markov estimator is more accurate than an estimator currently used in the HPV literature. The methods are illustrated using data from the HIV Epidemiology Research Study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TiO2 Anatase Nanoparticle Networks: Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Kubiak Pierre , Fröschl Thomas , Hüsing Nicola , Hörmann Ute , Kaiser Ute , Schiller Renate , Weiss Clemens K. , Landfester Katharina , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret
Published: May 2011

Nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 materials with different specific surface areas and pore size distributions are prepared via sol–gel and miniemulsion routes in the presence of surfactants. The samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical measurements. The materials show a pure anatase phase with average crystallite size of about 10 nm. The nitrogen sorption analysis reveals specific surface areas ranging from 25 to 150 m2 g−1. It is demonstrated that the electrochemical performance of this material strongly depends on morphology. The mesoporous TiO2 samples exhibit excellent high rate capabilities and good cycling stability.
Graphene Growth via Carburization of Stainless Steel and Application in Energy Storage
Authors: Gullapalli Hemtej , Mohana Reddy Arava Leela , Kilpatrick Stephen , Dubey Madan , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: May 2011

A modified version of the carburization process, a widely established technique used in the steel industry for case hardening of components, is used for the growth of graphene on stainless steel. Controlled growth of high‐quality single‐ and few‐layered graphene on stainless steel (SS) foils through a liquid‐phase chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique is reported. Reversible Li intercalation in these graphene‐on‐SS structures is demonstrated, where graphene and SS act as electrode and current collector, respectively, providing very good electrical contact. Direct growth of an active electrode material, such as graphene, on current‐collector substrates makes this a feasible and efficient process for developing thin‐film battery devices.
Therapeutic Strategies for Epiphrenic Diverticula: Systematic Review
Authors: Zaninotto Giovanni , Portale Giuseppe , Costantini Mario , Zanatta Lisa , Salvador Renato , Ruol Alberto
Published: May 2011

Most patients with epiphrenic diverticula are asymptomatic. When dysphagia or regurgitation is limited and respiratory complaints are absent, these patients usually can live with the diverticulum left in place. Fewer than one‐third of the diverticula produce symptoms severe enough to seek medical attention or to warrant surgery. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the therapeutic strategies for epiphrenic diverticula—from a nonsurgical alternative such as endoscopic dilatation for symptomatic patients unfit for surgery, to the traditional approach of surgical resection (left thoracotomy), and finally to the minimally invasive techniques (thoracoscopy, laparoscopy) used more recently. Whatever treatment and approach are used for the patient with epiphrenic diverticula, a tailored protocol always involves detailed study of the esophageal morphology and function.
A Confidant Support and Problem Solving Model of Divorced Fathers’ Parenting
Authors: DeGarmo David S. , Forgatch Marion S.
Published: May 2011

This study tested a hypothesized social interaction learning (SIL) model of confidant support and paternal parenting. The latent growth curve analysis employed 230 recently divorced fathers, of which 177 enrolled support confidants, to test confidant support as a predictor of problem solving outcomes and problem solving outcomes as predictors of change in fathers’ parenting. Fathers’ parenting was hypothesized to predict growth in child behavior. Observational measures of support behaviors and problem solving outcomes were obtained from structured discussions of personal and parenting issues faced by the fathers. Findings replicated and extended prior cross‐sectional studies with divorced mothers and their confidants. Confidant support predicted better problem solving outcomes, problem solving predicted more effective parenting, and parenting in turn predicted growth in children's reduced total problem behavior T scores over 18 months. Supporting a homophily perspective, fathers’ antisociality was associated with confidant antisociality but only fathers’ antisociality influenced the support process model. Intervention implications are discussed regarding SIL parent training and social support.
Nijmegen paediatric CDG rating scale: a novel tool to assess disease progression
Authors: Achouitar Samira , Mohamed Miski , Gardeitchik Thatjana , Wortmann Saskia B. , Sykut‐Cegielska Jolanta , Ensenauer Regina , de Baulny Hélène Ogier , Õunap Katrin , Martinelli Diego , de Vries Maaike , McFarland Robert , Kouwenberg Dorus , Theodore Miranda , Wijburg Frits , Grünewald Stephanie , Jaeken Jaak , Wevers Ron A. , Nijtmans Leo , Elson Joanna , Morava Eva
Published: May 2011

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of clinically heterogeneous inborn errors of metabolism. At present, treatment is available for only one CDG, but potential treatments for the other CDG are on the horizon. It will be vitally important in clinical trials of such agents to have a clear understanding of both the natural history of CDG and the corresponding burden of disability suffered by patients. To date, no multicentre studies have attempted to document the natural history of CDG. This is in part due to the lack of a reliable assessment tool to score CDG's diverse clinical spectrum. Based on our earlier experience evaluating disease progression in disorders of oxidative phosphorylation, we developed a practical and semi‐quantitative rating scale for children with CDG. The Nijmegen Paediatric CDG Rating Scale (NPCRS) has been validated in 12 children, offering a tool to objectively monitor disease progression. We undertook a successful trial of the NPCRS with a collaboration of nine experienced physicians, using video records of physical and neurological examination of patients. The use of NPCRS can facilitate both longitudinal and natural history studies that will be essential for future interventions.
End‐of‐life opioid administration on neonatal and pediatric intensive care units: Nurses' attitudes and practice
Authors: Gartenl Lars , Daehmlowl Steffen , Reindll Tobias , Wendtl Anke , Münchl Annette , Bührerl Christoph
Published: May 2011

Objectives: (1) To compare caregivers attitudes on the use of end‐of‐life opioid analgesia in neonatal (NICU) and pediatric (PICU) intensive care units. (2) To investigate actual opioid administration to DR (delivery room), NICU and PICU patients in various end‐of‐life situations.

Methods: (1) Administration of an anonymous self‐report questionnaire survey to nurses of 2 level III NICUs and 3 PICUs, presenting 5 hypothetical NICU and PICU patients in end‐of‐life situations. (2) Retrospective chart review of all deaths at the above mentioned DRs (served by NICU staff), NICUs and PICUs during the years 2008–2009.

Results: There was no difference between NICU and PICU nurses in self‐proclaimed opioid administration in dying NICU or PICU patients with signs of pain (about 80%) or distress (about 65%). 35.0% of NICU and 44.5% of PICU nurses favoured opioid administration with the implicit aim of active intentional ending of life. Shortening of life as an adverse effect of end‐of‐life opioid analgesia was acceptable for the majority of PICU (94.5%) and NICU (87.0%) nurses. The rate of dying infants who actually had received opioids was similar in NICUs (41/74, 55.4%) and PICUs (40/68, 58.8%). In contrast, none of the neonates (n =24) who died under primary comfort care in the DR received opioids.

Conclusions: End‐of‐life opioid administration to primary comfort care patients in the DR differs fundamentally from NICU or PICU handling of dying patients. Once patients are admitted to an intensive care unit, practice and attitudes towards end‐of‐life opioid administration are similar in NICUs and PICUs.
Strategies for bypassing the membrane barrier in multidrug resistant Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Bolla Jean-Michel , Alibert-Franco Sandrine , Handzlik Jadwiga , Chevalier Jacqueline , Mahamoud Abdallah , Boyer Gérard , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Pagès Jean-Marie
Published: May 2011

Regarding bacterial susceptibility towards antibacterial agents, membrane permeability is part of the early bacterial defense. The bacterium manages the translocation process, influx and efflux, to control the intracellular concentration of various molecules. Antibiotics and biocides are substrates of these mechanisms and the continuing emergence of multidrug resistant isolates is a growing worldwide health concern. Different strategies could be proposed to bypass the bacterial membrane barrier, comprising influx and efflux mechanisms, in order to restore the activity of antibiotics against resistant bacteria.
Knowledge about emergency contraception among family‐planning providers in urban Ghana
Authors: Creanga Andreea A. , Schwandt Hilary M. , Danso Kwabena A. , Tsui Amy O.
Published: May 2011

Objective

To assess the theoretical and practical knowledge about emergency contraception (EC) among family‐planning (FP) providers in Ghana and to examine the association between FP providers’ theoretical and practical knowledge.

Methods

Data on 600 FP providers were collected through a census of facilities offering FP services in Kumasi, Ghana, in 2008. Nested linear multivariate regression analysis was used to identify sociodemographic, facility‐related, and work‐related variables associated with FP providers’ theoretical and practical knowledge about EC.

Results

On average, FP providers gave 4.1 correct answers to the 11 questions assessing theoretical knowledge and 5.6 correct answers to the 8 questions assessing their practical ability to provide EC. The FP providers seemed to learn provision‐related aspects through practice without having a particularly good theoretical knowledge on EC as a contraceptive method. The health sector in which FP providers worked, their education and having received EC‐specific training, the number of services offered, and the number of women seen during a week were all significant correlates of both theoretical and practical knowledge about EC. The 2 knowledge domains were significantly and positively associated.

Conclusion

There is need to improve knowledge about EC among FP providers in Ghana through in‐service training.
Dynamic roughness model for large-eddy simulation of turbulent flow over multiscale, fractal-like rough surfaces
Authors: ANDERSON W. , MENEVEAU C.
Published: May 2011

Many flows especially in geophysics involve turbulent boundary layers forming over rough surfaces with multiscale height distribution. Such surfaces pose special challenges for large-eddy simulation (LES) when the filter scale is such that only part of the roughness elements of the surface can be resolved. Here we consider LES of flows over rough surfaces with power-law height spectraEh(k) ~kβs(−3 ≤ βs< −1), as often encountered in natural terrains. The surface is decomposed into resolved and subgrid-scale height contributions. The effects of the unresolved small-scale height fluctuations are modelled using a local equilibrium wall model (log-law or Monin–Obukhov similarity), but the required hydrodynamic roughness length must be specified. It is expressed as the product of the subgrid-scale root-mean-square of the height distribution and an unknown dimensionless quantity, α, the roughness parameter. Instead of specifying this parameter in anad hocempirical fashion, a dynamic methodology is proposed based on test-filtering the surface forces and requiring that the total drag force be independent of filter scale or resolution. This dynamic surface roughness (DSR) model is inspired by the Germano identity traditionally used to determine model parameters for closing subgrid-scale stresses in the bulk of a turbulent flow. A series of LES of fully developed flow over rough surfaces are performed, with surfaces built using random-phase Fourier modes with prescribed power-law spectra. Results show that the DSR model yields well-defined, rapidly converging, values of α. Effects of spatial resolution and spectral slopes are investigated. The accuracy of the DSR model is tested by showing that predicted mean velocity profiles are approximately independent of resolution for the dynamically computed values of α, whereas resolution-dependent results are obtained when using other, incorrect, α values. Also, strong dependence of α on βsis found, where α ranges from α ~ 0.1 for βs= −1.2 to α ~ 10−5for βs= −3.
Breakfast frequency inversely associated with BMI and body fatness in Hong Kong Chinese children aged 9–18 years
Authors: So H. K. , Nelson E. A. S. , Li Albert M. , Guldan G. S. , Yin J. , Ng P. C. , Sung R. Y. T.
Published: May 2011

The present study assessed the relationship between breakfast frequency and measures of obesity in Hong Kong Chinese children aged 9–18 years. A total of 11 570 children (50 % boys) underwent anthropometric measurements and completed a simple self-administered dietary behaviour questionnaire. Their parents completed a questionnaire providing demographic information. Breakfast frequency was assessed by a single question, ‘How many days over the past week did you have breakfast?’ Children were categorised into three groups: skippers (ate breakfast 0–2 times/week); semi-skippers (ate breakfast 3–4 times/week); non-skippers (ate breakfast 5–7 times/week), to assess all associated characteristics. Of the 3644 primary and 7926 secondary school students, 8 % (8·7 % of boys and 6·9 % of girls) and 14 % (14 % of boys and 15 % of girls), respectively, were breakfast skippers. The prevalence of obesity among breakfast skippers, semi-skippers and non-skippers was, respectively, 9·8, 10·6 and 3·8 % (P < 0·001) for primary school students and 3·9, 3·1 and 2·4 % (P < 0·001) for secondary school students. The 12 % of Hong Kong children aged 9–18 years who skipped breakfast had higher BMI, BMIz-scores and percentage of body fat (PBF) than their counterparts. The dose effects of breakfast frequency (unstandardised regression coefficient,P < 0·001) on BMI and PBF were, respectively, − 0·125 kg/m2and − 0·219 % for boys and − 0·165 kg/m2and − 0·353 % for girls, adjusting for physical activity per additional breakfast meal per week. Further study is recommended to elucidate whether regular breakfast consumption may have a role in the prevention of childhood obesity.
The Languages of Charles Reznikoff
Authors: DAVIDSON IAN
Published: May 2011

This paper examines the representation of American everyday life and the language of the legal system in the work of Charles Reznikoff. It draws comparisons between Reznikoff's accounts of the lives of immigrants to America in his work, and Jacques Derrida's experience of colonial relationships as described in his book Monolingualism of the Other or The Prosthesis of Origin. Charles Reznikoff was the son of Russian Jews who moved to America to escape the pogroms of the late nineteenth century. His parents spoke Yiddish and Russian, his grandparents spoke Hebrew, and Reznikoff's first language was English. This familial linguistic complexity was further added to by his associations with experimental modernist poetry and poetics through the “Objectivists,” an environment that provided him with the poetic forms in which to explore relationships between language, experience and its representation. I cite two other linguistic contexts: that of the law, acquired through his legal training, and that of commerce and sales, acquired through working as a hat salesman for his parents' business. Reznikoff therefore had no naturalized relationship between language and either family or national identity, or between language and place. I use Derrida's notion of “a first language that is not my own” to explore the implications for Reznikoff's poetry, and particularly the relationship between the specific accounts of experience in Testimony and the more general notions of nation and justice. While I conclude that a concern of the poems is always language, and what language means in different contexts, the poems also seek to connect with the material consequences of injustice for the fleshly bodies of the victims.
Creditor-Focused Corporate Governance: Evidence from Mergers and Acquisitions in Japan
Authors: Mehrotra Vikas , van Schaik Dimitri , Spronk Jaap , Steenbeek Onno
Published: May 2011

Mergers in Japan have the dubious distinction of not creating wealth for shareholders of target firms, in sharp contrast to what occurs in much of the rest of the world. Using a sample of 91 mergers from 1982 through 2003 we document several distinctive features of the merger market in Japan: Mergers tend to be countercyclical and appear to be driven chiefly by creditor concerns. In particular, where the merging firms share a common main bank, we find that merger gains are lower. Overall, our results point to a market that is distinctly less shareholder focused than that in the U.S., and a market where creditors play an important, perhaps dominant, role in corporate governance.
Foreign body aspiration and language spoken at home: 10-year review
Authors: Choroomi S , Curotta J
Published: May 2011

Objective:

To review foreign body aspiration cases encountered over a 10-year period in a tertiary paediatric hospital, and to assess correlation between foreign body type and language spoken at home.

Study design and method:

Retrospective chart review of all children undergoing direct laryngobronchoscopy for foreign body aspiration over a 10-year period. Age, sex, foreign body type, complications, hospital stay and home language were analysed.

Results:

At direct laryngobronchoscopy, 132 children had foreign body aspiration (male:female ratio 1.31:1; mean age 32 months (2.67 years)). Mean hospital stay was 2.0 days. Foreign bodies most commonly comprised food matter (53/132; 40.1 per cent), followed by non-food matter (44/132; 33.33 per cent), a negative endoscopy (11/132; 8.33 per cent) and unknown composition (24/132; 18.2 per cent). Most parents spoke English (92/132, 69.7 per cent; vs non-English-speaking 40/132, 30.3 per cent), but non-English-speaking patients had disproportionately more food foreign bodies, and significantly more nut aspirations (p = 0.0065). Results constitute level 2b evidence.

Conclusion:

Patients from non-English speaking backgrounds had a significantly higher incidence of food (particularly nut) aspiration. Awareness-raising and public education is needed in relevant communities to prevent certain foods, particularly nuts, being given to children too young to chew and swallow them adequately.
Diet, insulin-like growth factor-1 and cancer risk
Authors: Key Timothy J.
Published: May 2011

Despite extensive research it has proved difficult to establish the role of diet in the aetiology of common types of cancer. Obesity and alcohol definitely increase the risk for several types of cancer, but the importance of particular foods and nutrients is not clear. Part of the difficulty is our poor understanding of the physiological changes that might mediate the effect of diet on cancer risk. Recent research in prospective studies with biobanks of stored blood samples has shown that the serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is positively associated with the risk for both breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. It is also known that circulating IGF-1 concentrations can change in response to nutritional changes including energy and protein restriction, and some studies suggest that, even within well-nourished western populations, men and women with relatively high intakes of protein from dairy products have higher blood levels of IGF-1. These observations have led to the hypothesis that high intakes of protein from dairy products might increase the risk for some cancers by increasing the endogenous production of IGF-1. Further evaluation of this hypothesis requires clinical nutritional studies of the effects of diet on IGF-1 metabolism, and large epidemiological studies of cancer risk incorporating reliable measures of diet and serum IGF-1 concentrations.
THE MEDIEVAL ARCHIVE AND THE HISTORY OF THEATRE: ASSESSING THE WRITTEN AND UNWRITTEN EVIDENCE FOR PREMODERN PERFORMANCE
Authors: Symes Carol
Published: May 2011

Soon after he was consecrated bishop in 963, Æthelwold of Winchester (909–84) began to promulgate a series of new rules for worship and religious life in the monasteries of England. In one passage that is well known to theatre historians, Æthelwold insisted on the following performance of the Easter morning liturgy.

While the third lesson is being read aloud, four of the brothersshould dress themselves.One of them, wearing an alb,should come in as though intent on other businessand gostealthilyto the place of the sepulchre, and therehe should sit quietly….The three remaining brothers …should make their way slowly and haltingly, coming before the place of the sepulchreas if they are seeking something. For these things are done in imitation of the angel seated on the tomb and of the women coming with perfumes to anoint the body of Jesus.When, therefore, the one sitting there sees the three drawing near, who are still wandering aboutas though seeking something, he should begin to singsweetly, in amoderatevoice: “Whom do you seek?”
Falls Risk Factors: Assessment and Management To Prevent Falls and Fractures
Authors: Martin Finbarr C.
Published: May 2011

Les chutes et les fractures pathologiques sont des défis communs, dangereux et importants de la santé publique. Ils sont mieux compris comme des syndromes gériatriques étroitement liés à la fragilité et d’autres problèmes de la santé liés à l’âge. Ils sont associés à de nombreux facteurs de risque, dans tous les domaines de la santé – physiques, psychologiques, sociaux et environnementaux. Au niveau de la population, le défi consiste à améliorer la santé et le bien-être de toutes les personnes âgées à réduire l’incidence des chutes. Au niveau clinique, le défi consiste à évaluer les facteurs de risque individuels et d’appliquer des interventions multifactorielles factuelles sur mesure. » La composante plus puissante est l’entraînement physique de l’équilibre et de la résistance.
The Role of Culture and Diversity in the Prevention of Falls among Older Chinese People
Authors: Horton Khim , Dickinson Angela
Published: May 2011

Cette étude, fondée sur la grounded théorie, a exploré les perceptions des personnes âgées chinoises, vivant en Angleterre, concernant les chutes et la peur de tomber, et les animateurs et les entraves à l’intervention pour prévenir les chutes. En utilisant un échantillon de 30 personnes âgées chinoises, nous avons mené deux groupes de discussion et 10 entretiens en profondeur, en mandarin ou en cantonais. Les transcriptions des entretiens ont été traduites en arrière et analysées à l’aide de N6. Une analyse comparative et constante mis en évidence une gamme de comportements sains après une chute : les personnes âgées chinoises manifestaient de la réticence à utiliser les services de santé formels ; on évite de parler des chutes ; les personnes âgées ont caché les chutes de leurs enfants pour éviter les inquiéter ; et des vues fatalistes sur les chutes et la méconnaissance de la disponibilité et le contenu des interventions ont été repandus. Le côut des inter-ventions était important. Les personnes âgées chinoises apprécient leur indépendence, et les relations entre les générations ont eu un impact sur leur prise de mesures pour prévenir les chutes. La diversité culturelle a un effet sur l’acceptation des personnes agées des interventions visant à prévenir les chutes.
NEW EXACT SOLUTIONS OF COUPLED (2+1)-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR SYSTEMS OF SCHRÖDINGER EQUATIONS
Authors: KHANI F. , DARVISHI M. T. , FARMANY A. , KAVITHA L.
Published: May 2011

The Exp-function method is applied to construct a new type of solution of the coupled (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear system of Schrödinger equations. It is shown that the method provides a powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics.
The Fear of Being Laughed at in Switzerland
Authors: Samson Andrea C. , Proyer René T. , Ceschi Grazia , Pedrini Pier Paolo , Ruch Willibald
Published: May 2011

This study compares the characteristics and possible causes of gelotophobia (the fear of being laughed at) in different parts of Switzerland. In addition, we examined how gelotophobia was related to variables of positive psychological functioning. The first study (N = 1,006) revealed that gelotophobia can be found in all language regions of Switzerland with an approximate prevalence of 5%. The results suggest that cultural background is more relevant for the development of gelotophobia than the language spoken in the respective area. The second study (N = 196) showed gelotophobia to be negatively related to subjective well-being, grit (i.e., a perseverance and passion for long-term goals), gratitude, cognitive aspects of subjective well-being, and subjective happiness. Variables of positive psychological functioning contribute to the understanding of the experiential world of gelotophobes, but might also be relevant when developing interventions to alleviate the fear of being laughed at.
De l’Idéologie à la Perception Sociale
Authors: Codou Olivier , Schadron Georges , Priolo Daniel , Denis-Remis Cédric
Published: May 2011

This article investigates how our cognitions are influenced by various values of liberal ideology. Two pre-tests were used to identify two ordinary and daily objects (advertising and coaching) as vectors of liberal ideology. We used these objects to prime liberal values in two experiments. The results confirmed our hypotheses. The first experiment showed that liberal priming is more conducive to competitive decisions than to neutral decisions. Similar results have been found with respect to competitive attitudes. In the second experiment, as compared to neutral priming, liberal priming was found to be more conducive to perceived outgroup homogeneity. Similar results have been found with respect to responsibility judgment. The results are discussed in view of the social perception framework.
Qualitätsmanagement in der sportpsychologischen Betreuung im Leistungssport
Authors: Kleinert Jens , Brand Ralf
Published: May 2011

Zusammenfassung. Qualitätsmanagement (QM) hat sich im letzten Jahrzehnt zu einer der wichtigsten Anforderungen im Feld der praktischen Sportpsychologie entwickelt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Strukturen, Prozesse und Ergebnisse von QM auf der Basis des QM-Modells der European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) diskutiert. Im Zusammenhang mit QM-Ergebnissen kann Arbeitsqualität in drei Perspektiven definiert werden: Der Betreuungsprozess selbst (z. B. Zufriedenheit und Wohlbefinden), psychologische Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten (z. B. effektives Nutzen von Techniken) und die Gesundheit, Persönlichkeit sowie sportliche Leistung (z. B. technische Abläufe in Training und Wettkampf). Maßnahmen und Prozesse, die solche Qualitätsmerkmale verbessern oder sichern sollen, werden in Abhängigkeit von vier Bestimmungsfaktoren diskutiert: Prozessassoziierte Institutionen, der Sportpsychologe selbst (d. h. seine individuellen aufgabenbezogenen Kompetenzen und Valenzen), die Form der Betreuung und sozio-ökonomische Einflussfaktoren. Als Schlüsselprozesse von QM werden in dieser komplexen Struktur sowohl die Orientierung an Stakeholdern als auch die Kommunikation über Qualität und Qualitätsprozesse identifiziert.
Das Berufsfeld Sportpsychologie im Leistungssport aus der Sicht der in der Praxis Tätigen
Authors: Ehrlenspiel Felix , Droste Anna , Beckmann Jürgen
Published: May 2011

Zusammenfassung. Der Bologna-Prozess bietet die Chance zur Entwicklung berufsfeldspezifischer Studiengänge, etwa der Sportpsychologie im Leistungssport. Für die notwendige Kenntnis über die Anforderungen des Feldes, mögliche Tätigkeitsfelder sowie Beschäftigungschancen zukünftiger Absolventen existieren jedoch nur wenig belastbare Daten einer Studie von Allmer, Schlicht und Singer, (2000) . Daher wurden im Berufsfeld Tätige zu den Bereichen Qualifikationen, Kompetenzen, Tätigkeitsfelder und Perspektiven online befragt. Die Daten weisen auf die Bedeutung der Psychologie für das Berufsfeld, auch wenn der Zugang breiter möglich ist. Bei den Fachkompetenzen werden sowohl psychologische als auch sportpsychologische Kenntnisse betont. Die Befragten sind meist in mehreren Berufsfeldern tätig, in der Sportpsychologie überwiegend in der Einzelbetreuung. Sie sehen insgesamt gute Perspektiven für sich selbst und für zukünftige Sportpsychologen, wenngleich sie mit den finanziellen Bedingungen nicht ganz zufrieden sind. Einschlägige sportpsychologische Studiengänge erscheinen angemessen, die Fachdisziplin muss aber die Verbindung zur Psychologie erhalten und einheitliche Qualitätsstandards definieren.
The Case of Thematic Tests Adapted to Older Adults
Authors: Verdon Benoît
Published: May 2011

Since the 1950s, the growing interest of clinicians in using projective tests to study normal or pathological aging processes has led to the creation of several thematic tests for older adults. This development reflects their authors’ belief that the TAT is not suitable to the concerns and anxieties of elderly persons. The new material thus refers explicitly to situations related to age; it aims to enable older persons to express needs they cannot verbalize during consultations. The psychodynamic approach to thematic testing is based on the differentiation between the pictures’ manifest and latent content, eliciting responses linked to mental processes and issues the respondent is unaware of. The cards do not necessarily have to show aging characters to elicit identification: The situations shown in the pictures are linked to loss, rivalry, helplessness, and renunciation, all issues elderly respondents can identify with and that lead them to express their mental fragilities and resources. The article first explains the principles underlying four of these thematic tests, then develops several examples of stories told for card 3BM of the TAT, thus showing the effectiveness of this tool for the understanding and differentiation of loss-related issues facing older men and women.
The History and Development of the Rorschach Test in Turkey
Authors: İkiz Tevfika
Published: May 2011

The history of Turkish psychology, the cultural changes, and the rise of psychoanalysis have accompanied the development of Rorschach in Turkey. Yani Anastasiadis, the Turkish Rorschach pioneer, perceived Rorschach as “the radiography of human spirit.” So the history of the Rorschach begins in 1943, and it became widely utilized in hospitals and clinical settings. Although in the 1950s statistical evaluation ruled, Anastasiadis continued his research and presented several articles at conferences and published many written articles. Today other approaches such as Exner’s Comprehensive System and the currently used psychoanalytically oriented Rorschach, highly influenced by French schools, have emerged. The psychoanalytically oriented Rorschach system and the development of psychoanalysis in Turkey in general occurred at the same time, which is not a coincidence. The spread of psychoanalysis as well as the Rorschach test has been helped by a number of associations. The Society of Rorschach and Projective Tests was formed in 2003. Today, there are standardized Turkish norms of adults and adolescents, and several books have been published.
Superchron cycles driven by variable core heat flow
Authors: Driscoll P. , Olson P.
Published: May 2011

A numerical dynamo with time variable core heat flow and inner core growth rate links the thermal state of the Earth's core to the long term trends in the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale (GPTS). Increasing core heat flow over 100 Myr drives the numerical dynamo from a superchron state to reversing behavior, whereas a similar decrease in core heat flow produces a decrease in reversal frequency, driving the dynamo back into a superchron. The polarity sequence, including more than 400 reversals and two superchrons, compares favorably with the GPTS, as does the dynamo frequency spectrum. We find that core heat flow is positively correlated with polarity reversal frequency, dipole variability, and the relative strength of the non‐dipole field. Our results imply that changes in geomagnetic reversal frequency can be attributed to long period fluctuations in core heat flow, and suggest heat flow minima during superchrons and a maximum near the present‐day.