bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Enamel Proteins in Protecting Mature Human Enamel Against Acidic Environments: A Double Layer Force Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Lubarsky Gennady V. , D’Sa Raechelle A. , Deb Sanjukta , Meenan Brian J. , Lemoine Patrick 
Published: February 2012

Characterisation of the electrostatic properties of dental enamel is important for understanding the interfacial processes that occur on a tooth surface and how these relate to the natural ability of our teeth to withstand chemical attack from the acids in many soft drinks. Whereas, the role of the mineral component of the tooth enamel in providing this resistance to acid erosion has been studied extensively, the influence of proteins that are also present within the structure is not well understood. In this paper, we report for the first time the use of double-layer force spectroscopy to directly measure electrostatic forces on as received and hydrazine-treated (deproteinated) enamel surfaces in solutions with different pH to determine how the enamel proteins influence acid erosion surface potential and surface charge of human dental enamel. The deproteination of the treated samples was confirmed by the loss of the amide bands (~1,300–1,700 cm−1) in the FTIR spectrum of the sample. The force characteristics observed were found to agree with the theory of electrical double layer interaction under the assumption of constant potential and allowed the surface charge per unit area to be determined for the two enamel surfaces. The values and, importantly, the sign of these adsorbed surface charges indicates that the protein content of dental enamel contributes significantly to the electrostatic double layer formation near the tooth surface and in doing so can buffer the apatite crystals against acid attack. Moreover, the electrostatic interactions within this layer are a driving factor for the mineral transfer from the tooth surface and the initial salivary pellicle formation.
COHOMOLOGY AND PROFINITE TOPOLOGIES FOR SOLVABLE GROUPS OF FINITE RANK
Authors: LORENSEN KARL 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAssume that G is a solvable group whose elementary abelian sections are all finite. Suppose, further, that p is a prime such that G fails to contain any subgroups isomorphic to Cp∞. We show that if G is nilpotent, then the pro-p completion map $G\to \hat {G}_p$ induces an isomorphism $H^\ast (\hat {G}_p,M)\to H^\ast (G,M)$ for any discrete $\hat {G}_p$-module M of finite p-power order. For the general case, we prove that G contains a normal subgroup N of finite index such that the map $H^\ast (\hat {N}_p,M)\to H^\ast (N,M)$ is an isomorphism for any discrete $\hat {N}_p$-module M of finite p-power order. Moreover, if G lacks any Cp∞-sections, the subgroup N enjoys some additional special properties with respect to its pro-p topology.
MIXED NORM INEQUALITIES FOR SOME DIRECTIONAL MAXIMAL OPERATORS
Authors: LUOR DAH-CHIN 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMixed norm inequalities for directional operators are closely related to the boundedness problems of several important operators in harmonic analysis. In this paper we prove weighted inequalities for some one-dimensional one-sided maximal functions. Then by applying these results, we establish mixed norm inequalities for directional maximal operators which are defined from these one-dimensional maximal functions. We also estimate the constants in these inequalities.
POLYNOMIAL ENDOMORPHISMS PRESERVING OUTER RANK IN TWO VARIABLES
Authors: JIN YONG , DU XIANKUN 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAn endomorphism φ of a polynomial ring is said to preserve outer rank if φ sends each polynomial to one with the same outer rank. For the polynomial ring in two variables over a field of characteristic 0 we prove that an endomorphism φ preserving outer rank is an automorphism if one of the following conditions holds: (1) the Jacobian of φ is a nonzero constant; (2) the image of φ contains a coordinate; (3) φ has a ‘fixed point’.
THE EVOLUTION OF SHAREHOLDER AND CREDITOR PROTECTION IN AUSTRALIA: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON
Authors: Anderson Helen , Welsh Michelle , Ramsay Ian , Gahan Peter 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis article is part of a larger international investigation of the effects of a country's legal origins on the style of business regulation. We employ an innovative ‘leximetric’ methodology to numerically code the protective strength of Australian corporate law for both shareholder and creditor protection for the period 1970 to 2010. This leximetric methodology has been used in a prominent international debate concerning the development of legal rules and the effects of different styles of regulation on a range of economic outcomes—the legal origins debate. Drawing on similar data compiled by Armour, Deakin, Lele and Siems in five other countries (France, Germany, India, the UK and the US) for the period 1970 to 2005, we compare changes in the level of protection afforded to Australian shareholders and creditors with developments in other countries. Our analysis finds that in Australia there was a sustained upward trend in shareholder protection, but not in the case of creditor protection. Compared to the five other countries, the level of protection afforded to shareholders under Australian law was relatively high, and this was the case for the level of protection afforded to creditors as well. We also examine the extent of convergence and divergence in shareholder and creditor protection among the countries in the study. We find persistent divergence in shareholder protection, with the extent of divergence in 2005 similar to that in 1970. For creditor protection, we find increasing divergence among the countries over the period of study. Our findings are not supportive of legal origins theory.
Design considerations for the use of laser-plasma accelerators for advanced space radiation studies
Authors: KÖNIGSTEIN T. , KARGER O. , PRETZLER G. , ROSENZWEIG J. B. , HIDDING B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe present design considerations for the use of laser-plasma accelerators for mimicking space radiation and testing space-grade electronics. This novel application takes advantage of the inherent ability of laser-plasma accelerators to produce particle beams with exponential energy distribution, which is a characteristic shared with the hazardous relativistic electron flux present in the radiation belts of planets such as Earth, Saturn and Jupiter. Fundamental issues regarding laser-plasma interaction parameters, beam propagation, flux development, and experimental setup are discussed.
Epidemiological changes in hepatitis A in Korea: increasing age and its effect on clinical outcomes
Authors: SHIM J. J. , CHIN S. O. , LEE C. K. , JANG J. Y. , KIM B. H. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYKorea has recently experienced an increasing number of acute hepatitis A cases. We investigated the dynamics of hepatitis A and changes in the mean age of patients in a hospital in Seoul, Korea. Mean age increased consistently from 19 years in 1996 to 30 years in 2009 (P < 0·0001). Between two acute hepatitis A outbreaks in 1998–1999 and in 2008–2009, mean age increased from 23 to 30 years (P < 0·001). However, the hepatitis A clinical outcomes were similar between the outbreaks. Duration of hospital stay, creatinine level and prothrombin time did not differ. Throughout the study period, individuals born in the 1970s and 1980s comprised the largest proportion (84%) of patients. As this susceptible generation ages, the mean age of hepatitis A patients in Korea will increase consistently. However, at present, the impact of increasing age on clinical outcomes is not apparent.
Dependence of the Electron Beam Energy and Types of Surface to Determine EBSD Indexing Reliability in Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Saraf Laxmikant V. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractElectron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is a powerful technique for surface microstructure analysis. EBSD analysis of cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is demonstrated. The statistics related to EBSD indexing reliability shows that the probability of accurate grain orientation detection increased significantly when the electron beam energy was increased from 10 to 30 kV. As a result of better sampling with increased interaction volume, a disparity between local and average grain misorientation angle also exhibited the dependence of the electron beam energy to determine the accuracy of grain orientation. To study EBSD indexing reliability as a function of surface roughness and overlayer formation, rapid EBSD measurement tests were performed on (a) YSZ surfaces ion-polished at ion beam energies of 65 nA at 30 kV and 1 nA at 30 kV and (b) carbon-coated versus uncoated YSZ surfaces. The EBSD results at both 10 and 30 kV electron beam energies indicate that EBSD indexing reliability is negatively affected by higher ion beam milling current and amorphous overlayer formation.
Redistribution, insurance and incentives to work in Latin-American pension programs
Authors: FORTEZA ALVARO , OURENS GUZMÁN 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe present a new database of social security indicators for 11 Latin-American countries designed to show how much they promise to pay in return to contributions. These are based on micro-simulations according to existing norms. We use response-surface analysis to characterize simulation results. Our results indicate that most programs are progressive. The length of service (LOS) has a strong impact on the expected returns to contributions. In several programs, the expected rates of return exhibit striking discontinuities in the LOS, mostly due to vesting period conditions. This implies these programs may be exacerbating income risk.
Pension reform with variable retirement age: a simulation analysis for Germany
Authors: FEHR HANS , KALLWEIT MANUEL , KINDERMANN FABIAN 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe paper analyzes the recent pension reform in Germany which increases the normal retirement age by two years. The applied simulation model features a realistic demographic transition, distinguishes three skill classes with different life expectancies and allows individuals to choose their labor supply at the intensive and the extensive margin.Our simulation results indicate that under the existing pension rules long-run contribution rates and old-age poverty rates will increase considerably. The proposed rise in the normal retirement age will postpone effective retirement by about one year and redistribute towards future cohorts. A stronger delay in effective retirement may be achieved by raising the actuarial adjustment of benefits.
On the oscillation limits of HBT cross-coupled oscillators
Authors: Barghouthi Atheer , Carta Corrado , Jörges Udo , Ellinger Frank 
Published: February 2012

In evaluating the potential of a given integrated-circuit technology, the negative conductance approach is used to estimate a maximum frequency limit for the ability of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) cross-coupled architecture to function as an oscillator at high frequencies. In this paper, the simple low-frequency estimation of the negative conductance, commonly used in the literature, is extended by deriving a new expression that takes into account the HBT parasitics. An expression for the frequency at which the negative conductance of the circuit crosses zero is given, which gives maximum frequency of oscillation for an ideal tank (no tank losses). In addition, the effect of the feedback capacitor, which is commonly added for direct current (DC) decoupling and boosting the negative conductance, is analyzed and new insight on the choice of the value of this capacitance is introduced. The results were proven by simulations using SiGe HBT transistors with an ft of 190 GHz.
Psychometric Functions for Shortened Administrations of a Speech Recognition Approach Using Tri-Word Presentations and Phonemic Scoring
Authors: Gelfand Stanley A. , Gelfand Jessica T. 
Published: February 2012

MethodComplete psychometric functions for phoneme and word recognition scores at 8 signal-to-noise ratios from −15 dB to 20 dB were generated for the first 10, 20, and 25, as well as all 50, three-word presentations of the Tri-Word or Computer Assisted Speech Recognition Assessment (CASRA) Test (Gelfand, 1998) based on the results of 12 normal-hearing young adult participants from the original study.ResultsThe psychometric functions for both phoneme and word scores were very similar and essentially overlapping for all set sizes. Performance on the shortened tests accounted for 98.8% to 99.5% of the full (50-set) test variance with phoneme scoring, and 95.8% to 99.2% of the full test variance with word scoring. Shortening the tests accounted for little if any of the variance in the slopes of the functions.ConclusionsThe psychometric functions for abbreviated versions of the Tri-Word speech recognition test using 10, 20, and 25 presentation sets were described and are comparable to those of the original 50-presentation approach for both phoneme and word scoring in healthy, normal-hearing, young adult participants.
A multifactorial intervention to improve blood pressure control in co‐existing diabetes and kidney disease: a feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Williams Allison , Manias Elizabeth , Walker Rowan , Gorelik Alexandra 
Published: February 2012

williams a., manias e., walker r. & gorelik a. (2012) A multifactorial intervention to improve blood pressure control in co‐existing diabetes and kidney disease: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2515–2525.AbstractAims.  The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and impact of an intervention consisting of self‐monitored blood pressure, medicine review, a Digital Versatile Disc, and motivational interviewing telephone calls to help people with diabetes and kidney disease improve their blood pressure control and adherence to prescribed medications.Background.  People with co‐existing diabetes, kidney disease and hypertension require multiple medications to manage their health. About 50% of people are non‐adherent to their prescribed medications with non‐adherence increasing in the presence of chronic conditions.Design.  Randomized controlled trial.Methods.  Patients aged ≥18 years with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and systolic hypertension were recruited from nephrology and diabetes outpatients’ clinics of an Australian metropolitan hospital between 2008–2009. Participants were randomly allocated on a 1:1 basis to one of two groups in a randomized controlled trial: the intervention delivered over 3 months (n = 39) and usual care (n = 41), with follow‐up at 3, 6 and 9 months postintervention. People collecting data and assessing outcomes were blinded to group assignment.Results.  Seventy‐five participants completed the study. The intervention was acceptable and feasible for this cohort. There were no statistically significant differences between groups, although the mean systolic blood pressure reduction in the intervention group (n = 36) was −6·9 mmHg 95% CI (−13·8, −0·02) at 9 months postintervention.Conclusion.  The study was feasible and statistically significant differences may be determinable in a larger sample to overcome the variability between groups, paying attention to recommendations for further research.Trial registration.  The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN12607000044426).
Drought Impacts Mineral Contents in Andean Potato Cultivars
Authors: Lefèvre I. , Ziebel J. , Guignard C. , Hausman J.‐F. , Gutiérrez Rosales R. O. , Bonierbale M. , Hoffmann L. , Schafleitner R. , Evers D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMineral micro‐ and macronutrients in tubers of 21 Andean potato cultivars were investigated in a field trial under control and drought conditions. Mineral concentrations in potato tubers were highly variable between genotypes; some were significantly and positively correlated with each other, the most noteworthy associations being Na–Ca, Mn–Mg and Zn–Fe, in both control and drought‐stressed plants. Overall, increasing yields are related to decreased concentrations of some nutrients, albeit some higher‐yielding cultivars also displayed important concentrations of nutrients in their tubers. The most striking result was the increase in the concentration of the majority of the analysed cations in a large number of cultivars in response to water depletion; some of them, such as K, may be related to water homeostasis and/or to sucrose loading and unloading in phloem sap. Tuber mineral concentrations were not related to drought tolerance in terms of tuber productivity. Interestingly, yield loss under drought was not correlated with yield potential under control conditions. Identification of cultivars such as 703264 and 701106 able to maintain good yield stability in association with high mineral contents under water deprivation is of particular interest, especially in view of the importance of potato as a staple crop and the expansion of its cultivation to non‐optimal cultivation areas in the context of changing climatic conditions.
Understanding inpatient violence in a New Zealand child and adolescent psychiatric setting
Authors: van Kessel Kirsten , Milne Duncan , Hunt Kessiah , Reed Peter W. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the rate of violent episodes at a youth psychiatric unit, identifies significant clinical and demographic differences between service users who had admissions with violent episodes and those who did not, and describes characteristics of violent incidents, including antecedents, consequences, victim type, and severity of violence. A retrospective file audit over a 2‐year period reviewed 303 admissions. Characteristics of violent incidents (n = 242) and service users (violent/non‐violent) were recorded. Of 263 service users, 21.7% exhibited violent behaviour. Significant differences between admissions with and without violent episodes were found in terms of ethnicity, legal status, length of admission, and diagnosis. Staff were the most frequent victims and less severe incidents were most common. The most frequent antecedents to violence were positive symptoms of psychosis, hostility, and agitation, while the most common consequences were seclusion, physical restraint and ‘as‐required’ medication. This study has identified that violent incidents are a common and significant issue. The findings might help staff in reviewing current management approaches. Future areas of study have been identified.
Antenatally diagnosed congenital orbital teratoma in which rupture was associated with intrauterine fetal death
Authors: Anami Ai , Fukushima Kotaro , Fujita Yasuyuki , Satoh Shoji , Matsumoto Emi , Endo Makoto , Oda Yoshinao , Wake Norio 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe report a case of a fetus with a congenital orbital teratoma (COT), in which rupture of the tumor was associated with an intrauterine fetal demise. An ultrasound scan at 27 weeks' revealed a solid and cystic, complex mass in the orbital region with extensive vascularization suggestive of an orbital cystic teratoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) supported this diagnosis and clarified tumor localization. At 32 weeks', the patient presented with fetal demise and rupture of the mass was noted. Fetal COTs, like sacrococcygeal teratomas, carry the risk of rupture. MRI in utero is useful for evaluating the extent of disease.
Effects of social cognitive demand on Theory of Mind in conversations of adults with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Byom Lindsey J. , Turkstra Lyn 
Published: February 2012

Abstract  Background: A requisite skill for successful conversation is the ability to adjust one's language according to contextual factors.Aims: This study examined one aspect of language use in context—the use of mental‐state terms, i.e. words that communicate thoughts, beliefs or feelings—in conversations between adult males with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI) and familiar partners.Methods & Procedures: Participants were five males in the chronic stage of recovery following severe TBI and five male peers matched for age, conversing with friends. Conversational context was manipulated using conversation starters that were designed to induce differing levels of self‐disclosure or intimacy, with the expectation that mental‐state term use would increase when participants talked about more intimate topics.Outcomes & Results: Participants in both groups used more mental‐state terms in more intimate conversations; however, adults with TBI did not increase their mental‐state term use to the same extent as matched peers. Adults with TBI also used a significantly different pattern of mental‐state term types across intimacy levels as compared with peers.Conclusions & Implications: These quantitative and qualitative differences may contribute to social conversation problems of adults with TBI.
Does the magnetic anal sphincter device compare favourably with sacral nerve stimulation in the management of faecal incontinence?
Authors: Wong M. T. C. , Meurette G. , Wyart V. , Lehur P.‐A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  The magnetic anal sphincter (MAS) is a recent surgical innovation for severe faecal incontinence (FI). With its place in the treatment algorithm of FI yet to be defined, we report a nonrandomized comparison between MAS and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in a single‐centre cohort of patients with FI.Method  Data were reviewed from prospective databases. From December 2008 to December 2010, 12 women [median age 65 (42–76) years], having FI for a median of 6.5 years, were implanted with a MAS. Sixteen women, of similar age, preoperative function scores, aetiology and duration of incontinence, and implanted with a permanent SNS pulse generator during the same period, served as a reference group. The duration of hospital stay, complications, change in incontinence and quality of life scores and anal physiology were compared between the two groups.Results  The duration of follow up was similar [MAS = 18 (8–30) months vs SNS = 22 (10–28) months; P = 0.318]. Four patients with MAS experienced a 30‐day complication, and the device was removed from one patient in each group. A significant improvement in incontinence (P < 0.001) and quality‐of‐life scores (P < 0.04) occurred in both groups. Mean anal resting pressure increased significantly in patients implanted with a MAS (P = 0.027).Conclusion  In this single‐centre nonrandomized cohort of FI patients, MAS was as effective as SNS in improving continence and quality of life, with similar morbidity. These results can now serve as a prelude to a randomized trial comparing the procedures.