bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamic Simulations of the Collision between Copper Ions, SF6 Molecules and a Polyethylene Surface: A Study of Decomposition Products and an Evaluation of the Self‐Diffusion Coefficients
Authors: Duffour Emmanuel 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMolecular dynamics simulations are used to study the interaction between incident copper ions, SF6 molecules and a polyethylene surface. Average particle velocities from 15 to 21 km · s−1 are tested in steps of 2 km · s−1. The damage to the polyethylene crystal is reviewed in terms of material heating, local molecular disorder and bond breaking accompanied by particle emissions. Two types of emitted particles are distinguished to explain the degradation of the polymer. The first corresponds to free radicals with molecular formula CnH2n+1 and the second takes into account all other possible molecules, especially hydrogen atoms and carbonaceous molecules. The formation of CuF molecules during the interaction is shown and this result is discussed on the basis of other theoretical results concerning the calculations of plasma composition. The self‐diffusion coefficients of the emitted atoms are calculated by using two different methods: the alternative Green‐Kubo expression, based on the integrated velocity autocorrelation function, and the Einstein expression, based on the mean‐square displacement autocorrelation function.magnified image
BDNF levels are not related with levodopa‐induced dyskinesias in MPTP monkeys
Authors: Samadi Pershia , Morissette Marc , Lévesque Daniel , Di Paolo Thérèse 
Published: December 2009

AbstractLevodopa‐induced dyskinesias (LIDs) are frequent in parkinsonian patients and may result from an aberrant plasticity. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents a likely candidate to subserve neuroadaptive processes encountered in LIDs. We compared striatal BDNF levels measured by ELISA in levodopa‐treated 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) monkeys having developed LIDs compared with animals where LIDs were prevented by the addition of CI‐1041 (NR1A/2B NMDA receptor antagonist) or low doses of cabergoline (dopamine D2 receptor agonist). We observed reduced striatal BDNF concentrations in levodopa‐treated MPTP monkeys with or without LIDs, suggesting that levodopa treatment is associated with reduced striatal BDNF levels and is independent of dyskinesias. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Myopathy causing camptocormia in idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Spuler Simone , Krug Henriette , Klein Christine , Medialdea Isabel Chaure , Jakob Wibke , Ebersbach Georg , Gruber Doreen , Hoffmann Karl‐Titus , Trottenberg Thomas , Kupsch Andreas 
Published: December 2009

AbstractExtreme forward flexion of the spine, named camptocormia (CC), and head drop syndrome (HD) may be among the most disabling symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aims to eludicate the etiology of PD‐associated CC and HD via a multidisciplinary approach (clinical examination, electromyography, MRI, genetic analysis, muscle morphology) centering on the histology of the paraspinal muscles. We studied 17 patients with the clinical diagnosis of PD and CC or head drop syndrome and six controls. We performed muscle biopsies of paraspinal muscles and deep neck extensor muscles. Mean age at onset of postural abnormality was 66 years and mean latency between onset of parkinsonian symptoms to first signs of CC or head drop was 7 years. The electromyogram of paraspinal muscles was abnormal in 13–14 patients. Histopathology revealed chronic myopathic changes in 14 of 17 biopsies, consisting of abnormal variation in fiber size, increase in internal nuclei, and increase in connective tissue, myofibrillar disarray and similarities to protein surplus myopathies. Interestingly, heterozygous variants in the Parkin gene were found in 2 of 9 investigated patients. We conclude that CC and HD in PD are predominantly myopathic. Aberrant protein aggregation may link PD and CC. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Inter‐ and intrasubband spectroscopy of cubic AlN/GaN superlattices grown by molecular beam epitaxy on 3C‐SiC
Authors: Mietze C. , DeCuir E. A. , Manasreh M. O. , Lischka K. , As D. J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe report the growth of cubic GaN/AlN multi quantum well (MQW) structures by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy on 10 μm thick 3C‐SiC on top of 300 μm silicon. The samples consist of 115 nm thick GaN buffer and 20 periods of GaN/AlN active regions. The thickness of the AlN barrier is 1.48 nm for all samples, while the thickness of the GaN quantum wells varies between 1.36 nm‐2.94 nm. The growth was observed by in‐situ reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The structural properties of our samples were studied by high resolution x‐ray diffraction (HRXRD). Several peaks in the HRXRD spectra reveal a high structural perfection of the MQW region. Clear evidence for inter‐ and intrasubband transitions was observed in photoluminescence (PL) and infrared absorbance spectra measured at temperatures between 2 K and 300 K. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Identity status change during adolescence and young adulthood: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kroger Jane , Martinussen Monica , Marcia James E. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThe present study was designed to examine developmental patterns of identity status change during adolescence and young adulthood through meta‐analysis. Some 124 studies appearing in PsycINFO, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, and Dissertation Abstracts International between 1966 and 2005 provided data. All calculations were performed using the software program, Comprehensive Meta‐analysis. Results from longitudinal studies showed the mean proportion of adolescents making progressive identity status changes was .36, compared with .15 who made regressive changes and .49 who remained stable. Cross‐sectional studies showed the mean proportion of moratoriums rising steadily to age 19 years and declining thereafter, while the mean proportion of the identity achieved rose over late adolescence and young adulthood; foreclosure and diffusion statuses declined over the high school years, but fluctuated throughout late adolescence and young adulthood. Meta‐analyses showed that large mean proportions of samples were not identity achieved by young adulthood. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are explored.
My older sibling was drunk – Younger siblings' drunkenness in relation to parental monitoring and the parent–adolescent relationship
Authors: Gossrau‐Breen Diana , Kuntsche Emmanuel , Gmel Gerhard 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThis study explored the links between having older siblings who get drunk, satisfaction with the parent–adolescent relationship, parental monitoring, and adolescents' risky drinking. Regression models were conducted based on a national representative sample of 3725 8th to 10th graders in Switzerland (mean age 15.0, SD = .93) who indicated having older siblings. Results showed that both parental factors and older siblings' drinking behaviour shape younger siblings' frequency of risky drinking. Parental monitoring showed a linear dose–response relationship, and siblings' influence had an additive effect. There was a non‐linear interaction effect between parent–adolescent relationship and older sibling's drunkenness. The findings suggest that, apart from avoiding an increasingly unsatisfactory relationship with their children, parental monitoring appears to be important in preventing risky drinking by their younger children, even if the older sibling drinks in such a way. However, a satisfying relationship with parents does not seem to be sufficient to counterbalance older siblings' influence.
Bipenalty method for time domain computational dynamics
Authors: Askes Harm , Caramés-Saddler Miguel , Rodríguez-Ferran Antonio 
Published: December 2009

Penalty functions can be used to add constraints to systems of equations. In computational mechanics, stiffness-type penalties are the common choice. However, in dynamic applications stiffness penalties have the disadvantage that they tend to
decrease
the critical time step in conditionally stable time integration schemes, leading to increased CPU times for simulations. In contrast, inertia penalties
increase
the critical time step. In this paper, we suggest the simultaneous use of stiffness penalties and inertia penalties, which is denoted as the
bipenalty method
. We demonstrate that the accuracy of the bipenalty method is at least as good as (and usually better than) using either stiffness penalties or inertia penalties. Furthermore, for a number of finite elements (bar elements, beam elements and square plane stress/plane strain elements) we have derived ratios of the two penalty parameters such that their combined effect on the critical time step is neutral. The bipenalty method is thus superior to using stiffness penalties, because the decrease in critical time step can be avoided. The bipenalty method is also superior to using inertia penalties, since the constraints are realized with higher accuracy.
Dynamic Landscapes of Four Histone Modifications during Deetiolation inArabidopsis
Authors: Charron Jean-Benoit F. , He Hang , Elling Axel A. , Deng Xing Wang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAlthough landscapes of several histone marks are now available for Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, such profiles remain static and do not provide information about dynamic changes of plant epigenomes in response to developmental or environmental cues. Here, we analyzed the effects of light on four histone modifications (acetylation and trimethylation of lysines 9 and 27 on histone H3: H3K9ac, H3K9me3, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3, respectively). Our genome-wide profiling of H3K9ac and H3K27ac revealed that these modifications are nontransposable element gene-specific. By contrast, we found that H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 target nontransposable element genes, but also intergenic regions and transposable elements. Specific light conditions affected the number of modified regions as well as the overall correlation strength between the presence of specific modifications and transcription. Furthermore, we observed that acetylation marks not only ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 and HY5-HOMOLOG upon deetiolation, but also their downstream targets. We found that the activation of photosynthetic genes correlates with dynamic acetylation changes in response to light, while H3K27ac and H3K27me3 potentially contribute to light regulation of the gibberellin metabolism. Thus, this work provides a dynamic portrait of the variations in histone modifications in response to the plant's changing light environment and strengthens the concept that histone modifications represent an additional layer of control for light-regulated genes involved in photomorphogenesis.
Handwashing programme in kindergarten: a pilot study
Authors: Au W.H. , Suen L.K.P. , Kwok Y.L. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured programme on handwashing which has taken into account of the developmental stage of children.Design/methodology/approachThis is a pilot study using a structured handwashing programme as intervention. The intervention group (n=15) receives the structured education programme on handwashing in addition to their existing curriculum, whereas the control group (n=15) receives only the teaching content of their curriculum. The programme contains five teaching sessions delivered on a weekly basis. Storytelling, health education, games, experiments, and hands‐on activities are planned. Outcome evaluations include the knowledge level and behaviours on handwashing. The behaviour compliance over time is also assessed after the programme.FindingsAfter the education programme, the knowledge level of students in both groups increased, but significant improvement in handwashing practice is observed only in the intervention group. A noticeable improvement in the handwashing practice of the experimental group is seen immediately after the programme, but the children seem to have difficulties in maintaining the habit.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size may limit the external validity of findings to other preschool institutions. Future replications of the study are needed with larger, representative samples.Originality/valueThe paper indicates that the knowledge and skills of proper handwashing of preschool children can be positively influenced by the use of a structured education programme. The results of the study suggest some implications for preschool educators, parents, and school health educators.
We are healthy so we can behave unhealthily
Authors: Ridder Monica A.M. , Heuvelmans Maartje A. , Visscher Tommy L.S. , Seidell Jacob C. , Renders Carry M. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate perceptions of second grade lower vocational students concerning benefits, barriers and strategies of healthy eating and physical activity.Design/methodology/approachFocus group discussions are conducted with 37 adolescents, from three schools in The Netherlands. A semi‐structured questioning‐scheme is used. Recorded data are transcribed, analysed using Atlas.ti and arranged in the EnRG‐framework.FindingsAdolescents find health and a healthy weight important and like having a choice when it comes to health behaviour. The choices they make, however, are often unhealthy, especially when related to food. The risk perception of these adolescents is low; as long as they feel healthy, they feel no need to change their behaviour. Parents are held responsible for providing opportunities for healthy behaviour. At the same time, parental influence lessens and adolescents start to develop unhealthy habits, usually under the influence of a peer group. Adolescents accept the interference of school, meaning that there are good opportunities for school‐based interventions.Research limitations/implicationsThe number (37) of respondents may not be representative for the different personalities of peer‐students.Practical implicationsAdolescents need to take on greater responsibility for their own health behaviour, especially in the school setting where they are more autonomous than at home. More information is needed about the perceptions of parents and school staff regarding stimulating healthy dietary and physical behaviour to develop, implement and preserve integral school health interventions successfully.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on adolescents' perceptions on their responsibility for their health behaviour, which is needed to develop school‐based health intervention consistent with their needs.
Coaching to enhance quality of implementation in prevention
Authors: Dusenbury Linda , Hansen William B. , Jackson‐Newsom Julia , Pittman Donna S. , Wilson Cicely V. , Nelson‐Simley Kathleen , Ringwalt Chris , Pankratz Melinda , Giles Steven M. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the topics covered by coaches assisting teachers implementing a research‐based drug prevention program and explore how coaching affects student outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe All Stars drug prevention curriculum is implemented by 16 urban teachers who received four coaching sessions. Two coaches participated. Coaches are interviewed by investigators to assess topics covered. Students completed pre‐test‐post‐test measures of mediators and substance use behaviours.FindingsThe average teacher is coached on 11.7 different topics, out of a total of 23 topics. Coaching topics most heavily emphasized include: introduction and wrap up; time management; general classroom management; teacher's movement around the class; asking open‐ended questions; using students' questions, comments and examples to make desired points; general preparation; engaging high‐risk youth; reading from the curriculum; implementing activities correctly; focusing on objectives and goals; maintaining a focus on the task; and improving depth of understanding. Seven coaching topics are found to relate to changes in student mediators and behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study is exploratory. Future research should explore how teachers develop the particular skills required by prevention programs and how coaches can assist them.Practical implicationsFive levels of skill development are postulated, which coaches may address: fundamental teaching skills, mechanics of program delivery, development of an interactive teaching style, effective response to student input, and effective tailoring and adaptation.Originality/valueThe paper is one of a very few studies that explores how coaching impacts outcomes in substance abuse prevention.
Workplace health promotion within small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Moore Ann , Parahoo Kader , Fleming Paul 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore managers' understanding of workplace health promotion (WHP) and experiences of WHP activity within small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in a Health and Social Care Trust area of Northern Ireland. The paper aims to focus on engagement with activities within the context of prevention of ill‐health and health protection, lifestyle issues and working culture and the environment as defined in the Luxembourg Declaration on WHP.Design/methodology/approachA Heideggerian interpretive phenomenological methodology is adopted, using in‐depth telephone interviews with a purposive sample of 18 SME managers. Data are analysed using Benner's strategy for data analysis.Findings“Levels of awareness of WHP activity” are revealed as a central theme and interpreted as “high awareness activities”, including the need to: preserve and protect employee health and safety, prevent ill‐health and injury and promote employees' quality of daily living, and “low awareness activities”, including the provision of training and development, human resource management and environmental considerations.Originality/valueAn “Iceberg” model, grounded in the data, draws attention to the limited awareness of what constitutes WHP activities and the untapped meaningfulness of organisational and environmental activities.
Management of technology in Thai automotive parts companies
Authors: Bongsebandhu‐phubhakdi Chan‐orn , Saiki Tomoko , Osada Hiroshi 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThai domestic automotive parts companies have to manage their technology and human resources effectively and efficiently. This paper attempts to identify the key factors for management of their technology and human resources.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were sent to, and interviews conducted in, Thai domestic automotive parts companies.FindingsEnhancement of employee support is useful for domestic companies and there are significant differences among companies of Tier 1 or 2 and Tier 3 in quality management and the number of proprietary and management technologies adopted.Practical implicationsIt can be said that Thai domestic automotive parts companies should adopt higher level quality management tools as well as more proprietary and management technologies in order to raise their technology level.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes the responses of questionnaires directly mailed to Thai domestic automotive parts companies and direct interviews to some of them. It was found that Thai domestic automotive parts companies have to enhance employee support and to improve their technology level to increase their product quality.
A new approach for selecting slightly non‐homogeneous vendors
Authors: Farzipoor Saen Reza 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a straightforward model for selecting slightly non‐homogeneous vendors.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper the use of the interval data envelopment analysis (DEA) is suggested. The bounds of intervals are constant and can be obtained by various estimation techniques. The interval DEA model provides for the decision making units (DMUs) with missing values a lower and an upper bound of their efficiency score corresponding to their most favorable and unfavorable option.FindingsEmploying the proposed method for selecting slightly non‐homogeneous vendors largely reduced practical difficulties for vendor selection. This method does not exclude any vendor from the selection problem. For all the vendors it provides bounds of the efficiency scores depended on the particular data values that the vendors with missing data assign within the intervals so to maximize their efficiency score.Practical implicationsThe proposed model considers a slightly non‐homogeneous situation for vendor selection. The proposed approach is driven by multiple criteria. The joint consideration of multiple criteria in a slightly non‐homogeneous environment helps managers select vendors using a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just purchase costs.Originality/valueThis paper is believed to be the first to discuss the problem of slightly non‐homogeneous vendor selection with respect to interval mathematics.
Pricing radio frequency spectrum in South Africa
Authors: Neethling Claudine 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe wireless revolution of the last decade has fuelled unprecedented demand for access to radio frequency spectrum in South Africa. For the first time, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa faces the daunting task of pricing radio frequency spectrum in a transparent and quantitative manner, while allocating the asset within the framework of black economic empowerment.Design/methodology/approachThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate how real options analysis may be applied to achieve the goal of right pricing of radio frequency spectrum. This paper aims to combine theoretical insights with an empirical case study.FindingsResults suggest that the primary price of a licence will vary according to the profit an entity expects to realize, rather than the licence having one fair value price.Originality/valueAlthough such a conclusion may be counter‐intuitive to normal business practice, it is particularly relevant in the South African milieu of empowerment and economic participation by all.
Technology transfer for rural housing
Authors: Kumar Nirmal , Prasad Rajendra , Shankar Ravi , Iyer K.C. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeTechnological intervention for housing construction in rural areas in India is very low. The purpose of this paper is to understand the mutual influences of the variables influencing technology transfer in the rural housing sector.Design/methodology/approachUsing interpretive structural modeling, the research presents a hierarchy‐based model and the mutual relationships among the variables of innovative and cost‐effective technology transfer.FindingsThe outcome of the research is a framework for technology transfer in rural India. The research shows that there exists a group of variables having a high driving power and low dependence requiring maximum attention. Another group consists of those variables which have high dependence and are the resultant actions.Practical implicationsThis framework provides a useful tool to understand the mutual relationships among different variables in effective technology transfer.Originality/valuePresentation of variables in a hierarchy and the classification into driver and dependent categories is unique in the area of technology transfer in the rural housing sector.