bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Digital Fluency through a Training Program for Creative Problem Solving Using Computer Programming
Authors: Kim SugHee , Chung KwangSik , Yu HeonChang 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to propose a training program for creative problem solving based on computer programming. The proposed program will encourage students to solve real‐life problems through a creative thinking spiral related to cognitive skills with computer programming. With the goal of enhancing digital fluency through this proposed training program, we investigated its effects. Two sets of experiments were performed in which 119 typical students and 30 younger, gifted students participated. Two synthetic creative problem solving tests, which had a high correlation with logical ability, scientific problem solving ability and divergent thinking ability, were developed to measure creative problem solving ability. We provided the treatment group with a paper‐based booklet with relevant problems developed specifically for that group. ANCOVA statistical procedures were used to analyze the pre‐ and post‐synthetic creative problem solving tests. The findings of our study are as follows: with typical students, the originality of the treatment group outperformed the control group, a result that was compatible with previous research. With gifted students, the fluency of the treatment group outperformed the control group, and overall creative problem solving ability was enhanced. Remarkably, fluency increased significantly, a notable difference from the results of prior studies. In conclusion, we inferred that, given the definition of digital fluency, if creative problem solving ability is enhanced by a training program for creative problem solving based on computer programming, digital fluency will ultimately be improved. In this paper, we discuss the result of fluency enhancement that contradicts prior research. We suggest that this training program could be a new learning environment for the students who have grown up with digital media.
Nanocomposite‐based stretchable optics
Authors: Ghisleri Cristian , Siano Mirko , Ravagnan Luca , Potenza Marco Alberto Carlo , Milani Paolo 
Published: September 2013

AbstractStretchable and conformable optical devices open up very exciting perspectives for the fabrication of systems incorporating diffracting and optical power in a single element. Supersonic cluster beam implantation of silver nanoparticles in an elastomeric substrate grooved by molding allows effective fabrication of cheap and simple stretchable optical elements able to withstand thousands of deformations and stretching cycles without any degradation of their optical properties. The nanocomposite‐based reflective optical devices were characterized both morphologically and optically showing excellent performances and stability compared to similar devices fabricated with standard techniques. The nanocomposite‐based devices can therefore be applied to arbitrary curved nonoptical grade surfaces in order to achieve optical power and to minimize aberrations like astigmatism. The high resilience of the nanocomposite material on which the devices are based allows them to be peeled and reused multiple times.
Investigations on the effect of chloride on the general corrosion behavior of low‐alloy steels in oxygenated high‐temperature water
Authors: Herbst M. , Roth A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis project focused on investigations on the effect of chloride contaminations on the general corrosion and crack initiation behavior of low‐alloy steel (German reactor pressure vessel steel 22NiMoCr3 7) in oxygenated high‐temperature water (HTW). Therefore, tests were performed in oxygenated HTW without chloride and at different chloride contamination levels up to 50 ppb. Chloride was added either permanently or temporarily to simulate a chloride transient during plant operation. During these tests, electrochemical noise (EN) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed to monitor the electrochemical behavior depending on the adjusted environment conditions, especially the effect of chloride on the degradation of low‐alloy steel. After the tests, the specimens were examined macroscopically and microscopically. In addition, the oxide layer thickness was determined using the focused ion beam (FIB) technique and different surface analysis techniques as, e.g., TOF‐SIMS were performed to analyze the composition of the oxide layer. A change of the corrosion behavior of the tested specimens was revealed by the applied electrochemical methods EN and EIS during high‐temperature testing. In addition, the applied post‐test investigations showed a decrease in the oxide layer thickness due to permanently increased chloride concentrations in the HTW. Temporary transients, however, did not cause a long‐term memory effect as shown by both, the electrochemical and the metallographic post‐test investigations.
Determination of critical pitting temperatures for NiCrMo alloys using electrochemical noise measurements
Authors: Schmigalla S. , Heyn A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe determination of critical pitting temperatures (CPT) in various test solutions like ferric chloride solution according to ASTM G48 or “Green Death” solution is a common test method for the comparative assessment of the pitting corrosion resistance of highly alloyed steels and NiCrMo alloys. In addition to the well‐known disadvantages of standard methods, like long test times, subjective examination, and large scatter, for the highest alloyed NiCrMo alloys no stable pitting corrosion can initiate even at the highest test temperatures. This paper describes the limitations of standard test methods and shows how these problems can be solved by an alternative test solution and an adjusted test method. By capturing and examining the current noise under potentiostatic conditions during continuous heating in a 4.5 M calcium chloride solution the transition from metastable to stable pitting corrosion as a criterion for CPT can be detected in a reproducible way.
High Optical Quality Films of Liquid Crystalline Cellulose Derivatives in Acrylates
Authors: Wenzlik Daniel , Zentel Rudolf 
Published: September 2013

Cholesteric liquid crystals based on polymers are attractive because of their film‐forming properties. However, their optical properties (sharpness and directionality of the selective reflection) are usually lower than low molar mass compounds because of a polydomain structure and an angular distribution of the helix axes. In this work, cholesteric films made of liquid crystalline cellulose derivatives with improved optical properties are prepared. The careful choice of the solvent, hydrogen bond influencing additives, the synthetic realization of a very high degree of substitution on the cellulosic poly­mer, and the use of mechanical stirring in combination with a tuned substrate treatment and film‐preparation method and subsequent polymerization allow the fabrication of free standing cholesteric films of high optical quality. They show selective reflection with a half width of only 25 nm and nearly only perpendicular reflection. In addition, a method is developed by which fluorescent dyes can be introduced into the films after their preparation.
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Click Construction of Spiro‐ and Bridged‐Quatrefoil Polymer Topologies with Kyklo‐Telechelics Having an Azide Group
Authors: Ko Yee Song , Yamamoto Takuya , Tezuka Yasuyuki 
Published: September 2013

Unprecedented tetracyclic polymer topologies with spiro‐ and a bridged‐type quatrefoil forms are effectively constructed through an alkyne‐azide, click‐linking reaction by employing a kyklo‐telechelic poly(tetrahydrofuran), poly(THF), precursor having an azide group, obtained through an electrostatic self‐assembly and covalent fixation (ESA‐CF) process, and complementary tetrafunctional alkyne reagents of either a pentaerythritol derivative or a four‐armed star telechelic polymer precursor.
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Strong stability and the Cayley transform
Authors: Halikias George 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe general notion of ‘strong’ stability for internal autonomous system descriptions has been recently introduced for continuous and discrete‐time systems. This is a stronger notion of stability compared with alternative definitions (asymptotic, Lyapunov), which prohibits systems described by natural coordinates to have overshooting responses, for arbitrary initial conditions in state space. The paper reviews three refined notions of strong stability, along with the necessary and sufficient conditions corresponding to each notion. Using the Cayley transformation, it is shown that the notions in the two domains are essentially equivalent and that the strong stability conditions can be transformed from one domain to the other in a straightforward way. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vivo Alterations in Drug Metabolism and Transport Pathways in Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases
Authors: Joy Melanie S. , Frye Reginald F. , Nolin Thomas D. , Roberts Brittney V. , La Mary K. , Wang Jinzhao , Brouwer Kim L.R. , Dooley Mary Anne , Falk Ronald J. 
Published: September 2013

Study ObjectiveThis study was designed to prospectively evaluate the in vivo activities of drug transporters, metabolizing enzymes, and pharmacokinetics in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) caused by glomerulonephritis and nonglomerular etiologies.DesignA prospective study design.ParticipantsEighteen adults with CKD.SettingGeneral Clinical Research Center at the University of North Carolina and University of Pittsburgh.Measurement and Main ResultsBlood and urine were collected and assayed for fexofenadine (transporter function) as well as flurbiprofen and 4‐hydroxyflurbiprofen (CYP2C9 function). CYP3A4 activity was assessed by the erythromycin breath test. In patients with glomerulonephritis, the apparent oral clearance of fexofenadine (representing transporter activity) was 58.8 ± 34.4 L/hour, documenting a 40% reduction compared with previous data in healthy controls. The CYP2C9 pathway (4‐hydroxyflurbiprofen formation clearance) was similar in all the patients with CKD and was concordant with previous reports of patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and healthy controls. For flurbiprofen, patients with glomerulonephritis had higher oral clearance than those with nonglomerular CKD, suggesting higher unbound fraction and enhanced metabolism through other (non‐CYP2C9) routes. No statistically significant differences in CYP3A4 activity were observed in either group of patients or when compared with results from previous studies of patients with ESRD or healthy controls.ConclusionsThe current study suggests no statistically significant differences in the in vivo activity of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 in patients with either glomerulonephritis or nonglomerular CKD. However, there are clinical differences in transporter function as defined by at least a 25% reduction in activity in glomerulonephritis as opposed to healthy controls. A similarity in the in vivo function between patients with glomerulonephritis and ESRD, and between patients with glomerulonephritis and nonglomerular CKD was present despite significant differences in kidney function. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are necessary to fully understand the physiologic and disease‐specific nuances that contribute to alterations in drug disposition in patients with kidney diseases.
Molecular Testing for Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Status Practice Guidelines: Recommendations of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Langfelder‐Schwind Elinor , Karczeski Barbara , Strecker Michelle N. , Redman Joy , Sugarman Elaine A. , Zaleski Christina , Brown Trisha , Keiles Steven , Powers Amy , Ghate Sumheda , Darrah Rebecca 
Published: September 2013

PurposeTo provide practice recommendations for genetic counselors whose clients are considering cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier testing or seeking information regarding CF molecular test results. The goals of these recommendations are to: 1) Provide updated information about the natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of CF and related conditions. 2) Supplement genetic counselors’ knowledge and understanding of the available carrier screening and diagnostic testing options. 3) Describe the current state of genotype/phenotype correlations forCFTRmutations and an approach to interpreting both novel and previously described variants. 4) Provide a framework for genetic counselors to assist clients’ decision‐making regarding CF carrier testing, prenatal diagnosis, and pregnancy management.DisclaimerThe practice guidelines of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) are developed by members of the NSGC to assist genetic counselors and other health care providers in making decisions about appropriate management of genetic concerns; including access to and/or delivery of services. Each practice guideline focuses on a clinical or practice‐based issue, and is the result of a review and analysis of current professional literature believed to be reliable. As such, information and recommendations within the NSGC practice guidelines reflect the current scientific and clinical knowledge at the time of publication, are only current as of their publication date, and are subject to change without notice as advances emerge.In addition, variations in practice, which take into account the needs of the individual patient and the resources and limitations unique to the institution or type of practice, may warrant approaches, treatments and/or procedures that differ from the recommendations outlined in this guideline. Therefore, these recommendations should not be construed as dictating an exclusive course of management, nor does the use of such recommendations guarantee a particular outcome. Genetic counseling practice guidelines are never intended to displace a health care provider's best medical judgment based on the clinical circumstances of a particular patient or patient population.Practice guidelines are published by NSGC for educational and informational purposes only, and NSGC does not “approve” or “endorse” any specific methods, practices, or sources of information.
Airport metal detector activation is rare after posterior spinal fusion in children with scoliosis
Authors: Fabricant Peter D. , Robles Alex , Blanco John S. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, travel security has become an ever-increasing priority in the United States. Frequent parent and patient inquiry and recent literature reports have generated interest in the impact of heightened security measures on patients with orthopaedic implants, and have indicated increasing rates of metal detector triggering. There are no reports to date, however, evaluating children and adolescents who have undergone posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis, so responses to patient and parent inquiries are not data-driven. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of airport metal detector triggering by patients who have had posterior-only spinal fusion and to characterise any potential predictors of metal detector activation. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed by interviewing 90 patients who underwent posterior-only spinal fusion for a diagnosis of juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and have travelled by air in the past year. Demographic, clinical and surgical instrumentation data were collected and evaluated, along with patients’ reports of airport metal detector triggering and subsequent screening procedures. Results Five patients with stainless steel instrumentation (5.6 % of the cohort) triggered an airport walkthrough metal detector, and an additional five patients who did not trigger an airport detector triggered a handheld detector at a different venue. All patients who triggered an airport metal detector had stainless steel instrumentation implanted prior to 2008, and no patient with titanium instrumentation triggered any detector in any venue. All trigger events required subsequent screening procedures, even when an implant card was presented. Conclusions In this cohort of children and adolescents with posterior spinal instrumentation, airport walkthrough metal detector triggering was a rare event. Therefore, we advise patients and families with planned posterior scoliosis fusions using titanium instrumentation that airport detection risk is essentially non-existent, and only rare for those with planned stainless steel instrumentation. We no longer issue implant cards postoperatively, as these did not prevent further screening procedures in this cohort. Level of evidence Prognostic level 2. Study design: cross-sectional.
The changing prevalence of infertility
Authors: Petraglia Felice , Serour Gamal I. , Chapron Charles 
Published: September 2013

AbstractInfertility is a major, multifaceted issue worldwide whose prevalence is increasing in both high‐ and low‐income countries. The reasons are numerous, and may differ among world regions, but lifestyle and nutritional factors, epidemic infections, and sexually transmitted diseases are major determinants in most latitudes. Three other reasons may explain the increasing incidence of infertility. First, owing to the widespread use of contraception, the choice of delaying the first pregnancy until the third decade of life places men and women at higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases, and women at higher risk for uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and chronic anovulation. Second, prolonged exposure to chronic stress and environmental pollutants may play a critical role in decreasing fertility. Third, gonadotoxic oncologic treatments allow many patients to survive cancer, at the cost of their fertility. This consideration may justify the development of treatments that preserve fertility.
Numerical investigation of the flow dynamics past a three-element aerofoil
Authors: Deck Sébastien , Laraufie Romain 
Published: September 2013

AbstractA numerical investigation of the flow dynamics around a two-dimensional high-lift configuration was carried out by means of a zonal detached eddy simulation (ZDES) technique for flow conditions corresponding to aircraft approach. Both slat and flap regions have been scrutinized and compared with experimental data available in the literature. It is shown that slat and flap coves behave like shallow cavities. The distance between the upstream cusp and the downstream edge is the relevant length scale for each cove taken separately. Consistently with previous findings, this study indicates that the maximum of the broadband spectrum of slat (respectively flap) pressure fluctuations occurs for Strouhal numbers$0. 5\leq \mathit{St}\leq 4$when based on slat chord (respectively on flap chord) and free-stream velocity. It is shown that mode$(n)$of the slat cove and mode$(n+ 1)$of the flap cove are very close making a coherent phase relationship possible. A large-scale coupled self-sustained oscillations mechanism between slat and flap cavities, evidenced by spectral analysis, occurs at a Strouhal number$\mathit{St}= 3{\unicode{x2013}} 6$based on the main wing chord and free-stream velocity. This yields to an acoustic feedback mechanism characterized by a normalized frequency depending on the free stream Mach number like$\mathit{St}= (1- { M}_{0}^{2} )/ 2{M}_{0} $. The present result appears to line up with the findings by Heinet al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 582, 2007, pp. 179–202) who showed that two types of resonance could exist: surface waves ones, scaling with the total aerofoil length and longitudinal cavity-type resonances, scaling with the slat cove length.
Inertial instability of intense stratified anticyclones. Part 1. Generalized stability criterion
Authors: Lazar Ayah , Stegner A. , Heifetz E. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe stability of axisymmetric vortices to inertial perturbations is investigated by means of linear stability analysis, taking into account stratification, vertical eddy viscosity, as well as finite depth of the flow. We consider different types of circular barotropic vortices in a linearly stratified shallow layer confined with rigid lids. For the simplest case of the Rankine vortex we develop an asymptotic analytic dispersion relation and a marginal stability criterion, which compares well with numerical results. This is a further generalization to the well-known generalized Rayleigh criterion, which is only valid for non-dissipative and non-stratified eddies. Unlike the Rayleigh criterion, it predicts that intense anticyclones may be stable even with a core region of negative absolute vorticity, and that the dissipation and stratification work together to stabilize the flow. Numerical analysis reveals that the stability diagrams for various types of vortices are almost identical in the Rossby, Burger and Ekman parameter space. This allows extension of our analytical solutions for the Rankine vortex to a wide variety of vortices. Furthermore, we show that a more suitable parameter for the intensity of the vortex is the vortex Rossby number, while for the inviscid case it is the local normalized vorticity. These predictions are in agreement with laboratory experiments presented in part 2 (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 732, 2013, pp. 485–509).
Inertial instability of intense stratified anticyclones. Part 2. Laboratory experiments
Authors: Lazar Ayah , Stegner A. , Caldeira R. , Dong C. , Didelle H. , Viboud S. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractLarge-scale laboratory experiments were performed on the Coriolis rotating platform to study the stability of intense vortices in a thin stratified layer. A linear salt stratification was set in the upper layer on top of a thick barotropic layer, and a cylinder was towed in the upper layer to produce shallow cyclones and anticyclones of similar size and intensity. We focus our investigations on submesoscale eddies, where the radius is smaller than the baroclinic deformation radius. Towing speed, cylinder size and stratification were changed in order to cover a large range of the parameter space, staying in a relatively high horizontal Reynolds number ($Re= 2000{{\unicode{x2013}}}7000$). The Rayleigh criterion states that inertial instabilities should strongly destabilize intense anticyclonic eddies if the vorticity in the vortex core is negative enough ${\zeta }_{0} / f\lt - 1$, where ${\zeta }_{0} $ is the relative vorticity in the core of the vortex, and $f$ is the Coriolis parameter. However, we found that some anticyclones remain stable even for very intense negative vorticity values, up to ${\zeta }_{0} / f= - 3. 5$, when the Burger number is large enough. This is in agreement with the linear stability analysis performed in part 1 (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 732, 2013, pp. 457–484), which shows that the combined effect of a strong stratification and a moderate vertical dissipation may stabilize even very intense anticyclones, and the unstable eddies we found were located close to the marginal stability limit. Hence, these experimental results agree well with the simple stability diagram proposed in the Rossby, Burger and Ekman parameter space for inertial destabilization of viscous anticyclones within a shallow and stratified layer.
STRICTLY POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ONE-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR PROBLEMS INVOLVING THE -LAPLACIAN
Authors: KAUFMANN U. , MEDRI I. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractLet $\Omega $ be a bounded open interval, and let $p\gt 1$ and $q\in (0, p- 1)$. Let $m\in {L}^{{p}^{\prime } } (\Omega )$ and $0\leq c\in {L}^{\infty } (\Omega )$. We study the existence of strictly positive solutions for elliptic problems of the form $- (\vert {u}^{\prime } \mathop{\vert }\nolimits ^{p- 2} {u}^{\prime } ){\text{} }^{\prime } + c(x){u}^{p- 1} = m(x){u}^{q} $ in $\Omega $, $u= 0$ on $\partial \Omega $. We mention that our results are new even in the case $c\equiv 0$.