bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sputtering yield measurements with size-selected gas cluster ion beams
Authors: Ichiki Kazuya , Ninomiya Satoshi , Seki Toshio , Aoki Takaaki , Matsuo Jiro 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAr cluster ions in the size range 1000�16000 atoms/cluster were irradiated onto Si substrates at incident energies of 10 and 20 keV and the sputtering yields were measured. Incident cluster ions were size-selected by using the time-of-flight (TOF) method. The sputtering yield was calculated from the sputtered Si volume and irradiation dose. It was found that the sputtering yields decreased with increasing incident cluster size under the same incident energy conditions. The integrated sputtering yields calculated from the sputtering yields measured for each size of Ar cluster ions, as well as the cluster size distributions, were in good agreement with experimental results obtained with nonselected Ar cluster ion beams.
Switching Voltage in a Carbon Nanotube Memory Device
Authors: von Allmen Paul , Vo Trinh , Megerian Krikor , Baron Richard , Kaul Anupama B 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMulti-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) have stable elastic properties over a wide range of deformation amplitudes and their high polarizability is conducive to efficient bending in the inhomogeneous electric field close to patterned electrodes. We simulate the static switching properties of the MWNT using a custom NEMS simulation package. The MWNT is modeled as a solid cylinder with Young�s modulus taken in a range consistent with recent experimental data in the literature. The polarizability of the MWNT is obtained from empirical expressions in the literature. The static equilibrium equations for the bending of the MWNT in an electric field are solved for realistic geometry of the electrodes. The spatial distribution of electric field distribution in the vicinity of the tubes and the electrodes is obtained from a finite element solution of the Poisson equation. A Monte Carlo approach yields the switching voltage as a function of MWNT mechanical properties and electrode geometry, where a Gaussian distribution is assumed for the parametric variations.
Altered C-Fiber Function as an Indicator of Early Peripheral Neuropathy in Individuals With Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Green Alistair Q. , Krishnan Singhan , Finucane Francis M. , Rayman Gerry 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE
This study explored the importance of glycemic burden compared with features of the metabolic syndrome in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy by comparing C-fiber function in people with type 1 diabetes to that in people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The axon reflex–elicited flare areas (LDIflares) were measured with a laser Doppler imager (LDI) in age-, height-, and BMI-matched groups with IGT (n = 14) and type 1 diabetes (n = 16) and in healthy control subjects (n = 16).

RESULTS
The flare area was reduced in the IGT group compared with the control (2.78 ± 1.1 vs. 5.23 ± 1.7 cm2, P = 0.0001) and type 1 diabetic (5.16 ± 2.3 cm2, P = 0.002) groups, whereas the flare area was similar in the type 1 diabetic and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS
This technique suggests that small-fiber neuropathy is a feature of IGT. The absence of similar small-fiber neuropathy in those with longstanding type 1 diabetes suggests that glycemia may not be the major determinant of small-fiber neuropathy in IGT.
Incidence of Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease Among Individuals With Diabetes in the U.S. Continues to Decline
Authors: Burrows Nilka Ríos , Li Yanfeng , Geiss Linda S. 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE
We examined trends in incidence of treatment for diabetes-related end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using the U.S. Renal Data System, we obtained the number of individuals having diabetes listed as primary diagnosis who initiated ESRD treatment between 1990 and 2006. Incidence was calculated using the estimated U.S. population with diabetes from the National Health Interview Survey and then was age adjusted based on the 2000 U.S. standard population. Trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression.

RESULTS
The number of individuals who began diabetes-related ESRD treatment increased from 17,727 in 1990 to 48,215 in 2006. From 1990 to 1996, the age-adjusted diabetes-related ESRD incidence increased somewhat from 299.0 to 343.2 per 100,000 diabetic population (P = 0.45). However, from 1996 to 2006, the age-adjusted diabetes-related ESRD incidence decreased by 3.9% per year (P &lt; 0.01) from 343.2 to 197.7 per 100,000 diabetic population. Among individuals with diabetes aged &lt;45 years, diabetes-related ESRD incidence decreased by 4.3% per year (P &lt; 0.01) from 1990 to 2006. Among older individuals, incidence increased during the 1990s but decreased in later years, by 3.9% per year (P &lt; 0.01) among individuals aged 45–64, by 3.4% per year (P &lt; 0.01) among individuals aged 65–74 years, and by 2.1% per year (P = 0.02) among individuals aged ≥75 years.

CONCLUSIONS
Diabetes-related ESRD incidence in the diabetic population has declined in all age-groups, probably because of a reduction in the prevalence of ESRD risk factors, improved treatment and care, and other factors.
Influence of synthesis methods on zirconium doped titania photocatalysts
Authors: Binitha Narayanan , Yaakob Zahira , Resmi Ramakrishnan 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Synthesis of various zirconium doped titania based photocatalysts were carried out by adapting different synthetic strategies. Doping is done on commercially available anatase titania, sol-gel titania and template mediated sol gel titania. A comparative study of the various prepared photocataysts was done using physico-chemical characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area- pore volume measurements, UV-VIS Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), elemental analysis (XRF) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. The effect of zirconium and preparation methods on the photocatalytic degradation of methylorange is studied extensively. Both the surface properties and photo activity of zirconium doped titania were found to have a great dependence on the preparation methods. Among the different photocatalytic systems, the catalyst prepared by doping in the presence of urea template was found to produce a maximum photodegradation of 97.5%.
Development of β and α isotactic polypropylene polymorphs in injection molded structural foams
Authors: Djoumaliisky Strashimir , Cerrada Maria , Dobreva Tatyana , Zipper Peter 
Published: December 2009

AbstractStructural foam moldings, composed of three co-axial cylinders differing in diameter (10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm) and length, were produced from isotactic polypropylene (PP) and 0.5 mass % 1,1′-azobisformamide on an in-line injection molding machine in a mould cavity pre-pressurized with nitrogen by the classical low-pressure process combined with egression of foamed melt from the core. Injection-molding conditions were as follows: melt temperature, 220°C, mold temperature, 20°C, cooling time, 5 min, gas-counter pressure, 0.5 MPa. The sprue gate was at the end of the smallest cylinder and its diameter was varied from 4 mm to 7 mm. To investigate the development of β-PP modification in terms of phenomena due to the phase change in the mould cavity (expansion), appropriate specimens (cross-sections) were cut from the middle of each cylinder in parallel and perpendicular orientation to the flow direction and were investigated by WAXS, DSC, and POM. As revealed by WAXS, β-PP is present in all cylinders, always concentrated in certain regions of the cross-section — mainly in the surface layers of the smallest cylinder (D1) and in the foamed core of the other two cylinders (D2 and D3). Its concentration was found to change with the sprue dimensions. High β-PP concentration is associated with a preferred orientation in the skin of the smallest cylinder and with better expansion conditions in larger cylinders. Presence of the β-phase in the surface layers and in the core of the moldings was proved by DSC and POM.
Co-digestion of agricultural and industrial wastes
Authors: Kacprzak Anna , Krzystek Liliana , Ledakowicz Stanisław 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe efficiency of anaerobic digestion process is dependent on the type and composition of the material to be digested. This work examines the co-digestion of corn silage, beet pulp silage, carrot residues, and cheese whey in different configurations together with a glycerin fraction — the waste product of transestrification of oils (biodiesel production) in a 25 L bioreactor operated mesophically in a quasi-continuous mode. Co-digestion of corn silage with carrot residues appeared to be more effective than that with cheese whey resulting in the gas production rate equal to 5.9 L L−1 d−1 and 1.4 L L−1 d−1, respectively. The performed experiments showed that a combination of three substrates: corn silage, cheese whey, and glycerin fraction resulted in the highest methane content equal to 61 % and the biogas production rate of 1.8 L L−1 d−1.
Kinetic study of wood chips decomposition by TGA
Authors: Gašparovič Lukáš , Koreňová Zuzana , Jelemenský Ľudovít 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPyrolysis of a wood chips mixture and main wood compounds such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin was investigated by thermogravimetry. The investigation was carried out in inert nitrogen atmosphere with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 900°C for four heating rates: 2 K min−1, 5 K min−1, 10 K min−1, and 15 K min−1. Hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin were used as the main compounds of biomass. TGA and DTG temperature dependencies were evaluated. Decomposition processes proceed in three main stages: water evaporation, and active and passive pyrolysis. The decomposition of hemicellulose and cellulose takes place in the temperature range of 200–380°C and 250–380°C, while lignin decomposition seems to be ranging from 180°C up to 900°C. The isoconversional method was used to determine kinetic parameters such as activation energy and pre-exponential factor mainly in the stage of active pyrolysis and partially in the passive stage. It was found that, at the end of the decomposition process, the value of activation energy decreases. Reaction order does not have a significant influence on the process because of the high value of the pre-exponential factor. Obtained kinetic parameters were used to calculate simulated decompositions at different heating rates. Experimental data compared with the simulation ones were in good accordance at all heating rates. From the pyrolysis of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin it is clear that the decomposition process of wood is dependent on the composition and concentration of the main compounds.
Steady state and dynamic simulation of a hybrid reactive separation process
Authors: Mihaľ Mário , Švandová Zuzana , Markoš Jozef 
Published: December 2009

AbstractModelling and simulation of hybrid reactive separation system in steady state and in dynamic regime was carried out. The investigated hybrid process consisted of a reactive distillation column and a pervaporation membrane located in the distillate stream to remove water from the process. Heterogeneously catalysed esterification of propionic acid with propan-1-ol to propyl propionate and water was chosen as the model chemical reaction. Esterification reactions are a typical example of equilibrium-limited reactions producing water as a by-product. Using just a pervaporation membrane brings the biggest benefit in increasing the yield of one of the reactants due to the removal of water. To study reactive separation processes, a model of the hybrid system in steady state and in dynamic regime was developed. Steady state behaviour of the model was studied for different hybrid system configurations. The effect of catalyst amount doubling was also investigated. Dynamic behaviour of the system during the step changes of propionic acid feed flow rate and during the membrane module failure was investigated. For this reason, the conversion of propionic acid, purity of the product stream, mole fraction of water, and the temperature in three different parts of the reactive distillation column were monitored.
Prediction of liquid-liquid flow in an SMX static mixer using large eddy simulations
Authors: Pianko-Oprych Paulina , Jaworski Zdzisław 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe main purpose of the paper is to apply the large eddy simulations (LES) technique and to verify its use as a predicting tool for turbulent liquid-liquid flow in an SMX static mixer. LES modeling was carried out using the Smagorinsky-Lilly model of the turbulent subgrid viscosity for the Reynolds number of 5000 and 10000. The continuous phase was water and the dispersed phase was silicon oil. The investigation covers the effects of the density ratio between the phases. Three different cases of liquid densities were considered. The dispersed phase concentration distribution in the mixer cross-sections was compared with the corresponding time averaged results obtained formerly for the same configuration in a steady-state simulation using the standard RANS approach with the k-ɛ model. The dependency of the standard deviation of the dispersed phase concentration on the distance from the mixer inlet and the impact of the centrifugal force on the phase concentration distribution were investigated. The presented results for the SMX static mixer confirm conclusions of previous studies by Jaworski et al. (2006) obtained for a Kenics static mixer and show less a pronounced influence of the centrifugal force on the phase concentration distribution of the LES results in comparison to the RANS case.
Influence of tapering process on changes of optical fiber refractive index distribution along a structure
Authors: Stasiewicz K.A. , Krajewski R. , Jaroszewicz L.R. , Kujawińska M. , Świłło R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractInvestigations of internal structure changes along an optical fiber during the manufacture of biconical taper have been described. Basing on the constant volume theory, classification of biconical structures manufactured on a special set-up is presented and discussed. The interferometric tomography method has been used for determination of 3D geometry and refractive index distribution in manufactured optical fiber tapers. The experiments provide detailed information on external (diameter of cladding) as well as internal (core diameter and refractive index profile) changes along the taper region. The results have been discussed in relation to the parameters of the manufacturing process.
Some aspects of population biology of the mud crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould, 1841) in the Odra estuary, Poland
Authors: Czerniejewski Przemysław 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The mud crab is the only non-indigenous xanthid encountered in the River Odra estuary. In 2007-2008, the crabs were collected, using fish traps, to determine sex and to follow variations in individual weight and carapace length and width over a year. Sex-dependent differences in the crab morphometry were studied as well. The largest catch was that obtained in September (23.48% of the total number of 264 individuals) and October (31.82%). Male crabs accounted for 56.44% of the total number; males dominated in autumn (September-December) and spring (March, May, June) catches. Males showed significantly wider carapaces (16.81 ±3.98 mm; range: 5.60-22.90 mm) and mean individual weight (2.15 ±0.94 g; range: 0.15-3.93 g) than females (mean carapace width of 15.05 ±3.33 mm; range: 5.30-19.80 mm, and mean individual weight of 1.47 ±0.60 g; range: 0.13-2.56 g). Of the 11 morphometric characters analyzed, expressed in relative values (%), related to the carapace width, males showed significantly larger claw dimensions (CHL1, CHW1, CHH1, CHL2, CHW2, CHH2) and smaller abdomen widths (AW).
Demographic Determinants of the Activity of Farms in Poland in the Acquisition of European Union Funds in the Years 2004-2006
Authors: Rudnicki Roman 
Published: December 2009

Demographic Determinants of the Activity of Farms in Poland in the Acquisition of European Union Funds in the Years 2004-2006
Out of the several assistance measures of the European Union orientated towards the development of agriculture, there are two in which demographic criteria have been set for the beneficiaries, viz. support for young farmers (applications can be submitted by farmers up to 40 years old) and structural pensions (eligible farmers are of pre-retirement age: from 55 to the start of retirement age). The number of applications processed under those measures in the years 2004-2006 (the actual absorption level) as against the total number of young farmers and those of pre-retirement age (the potential absorption level) was adopted as a basis for a spatial analysis and assessment of the use of the EU funds in those fields. Indices constructed on the basis of the number of applications per 1,000 farm operators, both young and of pre-retirement age, showed there to be wide spatial differences. It was shown that the lowest activity of farms in this respect was characteristic of those in south-eastern Poland. In turn, the measures determined by the demographic structure of farmers were the most popular in the voivodeships of Kujavia-Pomerania and Wielkopolska. Such a spatial distribution contributes to a further deepening of regional disparities in Polish agriculture.
Internal Migration in Germany in 1990 And 2005
Authors: Szymańska Daniela , Środa-Murawska Stefania , Świderska Karolina , Adamiak Czesław 
Published: December 2009

Internal Migration in Germany in 1990 And 2005The article seeks to answer the questions concerning the possibility of identifying regular patterns within internal migration in the towns and rural areas of the Federal Republic of Germany as well as factors contributing to regional variations in the process. The research involves 439 German counties (Kreise) and compares data on internal migration in the country in the years 1991 and 2005, i.e. from its reunification until the year 2005. The 15-year period of functioning of one reunited state has been assumed sufficient for capturing some regularities and trends.
Hybrid Approach to Delineation of Homogeneous Regions for Regional Precipitation Frequency Analysis
Authors: Gaál Ladislav , Szolgay Ján , Lapin Milan , Faško Pavol 
Published: December 2009

Hybrid Approach to Delineation of Homogeneous Regions for Regional Precipitation Frequency AnalysisRegional frequency analysis of heavy precipitation amounts based on the estimation of the parameters of a regional distribution function usingL-moments is adopted for the specific geographical-climatological settings of Slovakia. The paper focuses on the first step of the regionalL-moment algorithm (Hosking, Wallis, 1997), which is the delineation of homogeneous regions. Objective and process-based logical pooling techniques are used to form homogeneous pooling groups of rainfall gauging stations for regional frequency analysis ofk-day precipitation amounts (k= 1 to 5 days). Even though the delineation of homo-geneous regions by means of objective methods is generally accepted and recommended in the literature, it is concluded here that such a pooling of similar sites should not be carried out automatically in precipitation analysis. Instead, a combination of physical/geomorphological considerations and objective methods should be preferred.
The Influence of Different Canopies on Groundwater Table Level Changes at Kláštorské Lúky Natural Reserve.
Authors: Skalová Jana , Jaroš Branislav , Novák Viliam 
Published: December 2009

Vplyv rozdielnych porastov na úroveń hladín podzemných vûod v národnej prírodnej rezervácii Kláštorské LúkyMokrade sú citlivé ekosystémy charakteristické výskytom hladiny podzemnej vody v blízkosti terénu alebo aj na jeho povrchu. Významným mokradným systémom je aj národná prírodná rezervácia (NPR) Kláštorské lúky, ležiaca v povodí rieky Turiec. Zmena vo vlastníckych vzťahoch spôsobila aj zmenu ob-hospodarovania mokrade a vzácne travinno-bylinné porasty sú postupne nahrádzané spoločenstvami inváznymi, najmä tŕstím. Ďalším nepriaznivým javom, ku ktorému došlo v poslednom období v NPR, je pokles hladiny podzemnej vody (HPV). Táto práca je zameraná na zistenie možného vplyvu manažmentu na evapotranspiráciu a jej štruktúru, na zmeny chodov HPV a na zmeny obsahu vody vo vrchnej vrstve pôdy, spôsobené nahradením pôvodného porastu trávy inváznym porastom - tŕstím.
Clozapine and Cardiometabolic Health in Chronic Schizophrenia: Correlations and Consequences in a Clinical Context
Authors: Malhi Gin , Adams Danielle , Plain Janice , Coulston Carissa , Herman Michael , Walter Garry 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its putative precursors in a naturalistic study of non-acute inpatients at a psychiatric hospital. Method: Anthropometric and biochemical data collected from the hospital's annual cardiometabolic survey, along with information about prescribed medications, were used to assess the prevalence and predictors of physical health problems in patients with schizophrenia. Results: Of the 167 patients included in the survey, 52.4% met criteria for metabolic syndrome. A shorter duration of hospital admission and clozapine use were significant predictors of metabolic syndrome. Age, gender, duration of admission and clozapine use were all predictors of individual cardiometabolic risk factors. Conclusions: The findings from this naturalistic study reinforce the high prevalence of physical health problems in patients with schizophrenia and the important influence that psychiatric treatments can have on physical health. The impact of clozapine on cardiometabolic health appears to occur early in the course of treatment and emphasizes the need for proactive monitoring and interventions from the outset of management.
Through the Prism Darkly: How do Others See Psychiatrists?
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh , Gupta Susham , Smyth Genevieve , Webber Martin 
Published: December 2009

Objective: With changes in healthcare delivery and public expectations of psychiatry and psychiatric services changing, we set out to explore how other professions and psychiatrists themselves see their roles. In the UK and the USA, recent political imperatives have influenced training and roles of psychiatrists. We wanted to explore patient and carer perspectives as well. Methods: We conducted two focus groups with patients and carers to explore their views about the roles of the psychiatrist. For occupational therapists and social workers, a brief questionnaire was placed on their respective professional organization's website. Psychiatric trainees and psychiatrists attending different meetings were asked to fill in the questionnaire. Results: Patients and carers wanted to be more involved in planning their care. In common with other groups, being technically competent, being honest, approachable and being a good listener were general characteristics of a good psychiatrist. Occupational therapists saw psychiatrists as having a unique expertise and ability to provide leadership and also having skills in teaching, research, evaluating evidence and being respectful of other professions. Social workers would like psychiatrists to look beyond the medical model. Conclusions: In spite of different methods of collecting information, common themes emerge in what stakeholders expect from psychiatrists. As a profession, we need to respond to this.