bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Missed Conceptions or Misconceptions: Perceived Infertility Among Unmarried Young Adults In the United States
Authors: Polis Chelsea Bernhardt , Zabin Laurie Schwab 
Published: February 2012

CONTEXT:

Perceived infertility is an individual’s belief that she or he is unable to conceive or impregnate, regardless of whether this belief is medically accurate. This perception may lead to contraceptive nonuse, which may, in turn, lead to unintended pregnancy. Little research has examined perceived infertility among young adults, including potential associations with contraceptive behaviors.
METHODS:

The frequency of perceived infertility among young adults was assessed using 2009 data from a nationally representative telephone survey of 1,800 unmarried men and women aged 18–29. Multinomial regression analyses assessed associations between respondents’ perceived infertility and selected background, reproductive knowledge, sexual experience and contraceptive use characteristics.
RESULTS:

Overall, 19% of women and 13% of men believed that they were very likely to be infertile. Hispanic women and women who had received public assistance in the past year had elevated odds of perceived infertility (odds ratios, 3.4 and 3.0, respectively), as did Hispanic men and men of other racial or ethnic minorities, except blacks (2.5 and 6.1, respectively). Men who had some college education, had received sex education or were not in a current relationship had decreased odds of thinking they were very likely to be infertile (0.3–0.4). Among men, perceived infertility was associated with the belief that they were likely to have sex without using a contraceptive in the next three months (2.6).
CONCLUSIONS:

A substantial proportion of young adults believe they are infertile. Improved provider counseling and sex education may be useful in helping them to better understand their actual probability of infertility, and this knowledge may lead to improved contraceptive use.
Ladeinfrastrukturen für die Netzintegration von Elektrofahrzeugen
Authors: Rolink Johannes , Horenkamp Willi , Rehtanz Christian 
Published: February 2012

Zusammenfassung
Zukünftig werden neben Dezentralen Energieumwandlungsanlagen (DEA) vermehrt auch Elektrofahrzeuge an das Niederspannungsnetz angeschlossen. In Zusammenhang mit der Netzintegration wird auch die Bereitstellung von Systemdienstleistungen diskutiert. Damit verbunden ist die Forderung, dass beim Laden der Fahrzeuge als auch bei einer Rückspeisung elektrischer Energie die Versorgungsqualität, Versorgungszuverlässigkeit und Sicherheit des Netzes nicht beeinträchtigt wird. Ein intelligentes Lademanagement ist vor dem Hintergrund eines Smart Grid unabdingbar.
Automatisierte Servicedisposition zur Flotteninstandhaltung am Beispiel car2go
Authors: Göppel Mathias , Blumenstock Axel 
Published: February 2012

Zusammenfassung
Das Streben nach individueller Mobilität hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten begonnen, sich von dem gesellschaftlichen Statussymbol Automobil zu lösen. Diese Entwicklung machte es möglich, über neue Carsharing-Konzepte nachzudenken. One-way Carsharing ohne feste Leih- und Rückgabeorte stellt auch die Instandhaltung der Fahrzeugflotte vor vollkommen neue Herausforderungen. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt den Entwurf und Umsetzung eines Planungssystems zur Flotteninstandhaltung für Mietfahrzeuge. Die Plangenerierung muss effizient implementiert sein, um mit der hochdynamischen Datenbasis — häufig wechelnde Fahrzeugorte und Betriebszustände — Schritt zu halten.
Eco-Efficient Logistics
Authors: Hesse Kathrin , Clausen Uwe 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) like CO2 is one of the predominant concerns for ensuring sustainable future living conditions on Earth. However, current trends in globalization of production processes, just-in-time manufacturing, and increased numbers of parcel shipments due to a growing trend towards online shopping threaten to further increase GHG emissions. An analysis of GHG emissions is complex to perform since it has to include data from multiple sources and processes. The standard way to obtain an overview of the general emission impact is to perform a life cycle assessment (LCA), which is detailed in the first part of this paper. The same trend leads to an increasingly important contribution of logistics processes in the life cycle analysis of GHG emissions. Thus, the reduction of emissions in logistics is a major challenge for logistics research. Reductions are possible using a combination of IT-based and conventional methods on macroscopic as well as microscopic optimizations. However, the resulting economical impact must be considered when applying these optimizations. This article gives an overview of possible optimization approaches, augmented by a description of case studies, based on previous research projects.
Energy efficiency in logistics - SmartKanban as an intelligent intra-logistics architecture for Kanban scenarios
Authors: Bamberg Bernd , Johann Arnold , Waldow Peter 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Information technology offers a high potential in achieving the climate protection goals by encouraging the reduction of energy consumption associated with a decrease of greenhouse gas emissions. This article shows how processes in logistics can be optimized by means of information technology. Using the example of SmartKanban, the additional energy consumption caused by information technology is compared to achievable potential energy savings.
Free energies and mechanisms of water exchange around Uranyl from first principles molecular dynamics
Authors: Atta-Fynn Raymond , Bylaska Eric J. , de Jong Wibe A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTFrom density functional theory (DFT) based ab initio (Car-Parrinello) metadynamics, we compute the activation energies and mechanisms of water exchange between the first and second hydration shells of aqueous Uranyl (UO22+) using the primary hydration number of U as the reaction coordinate. The free energy and activation barrier of the water dissociation reaction [UO2(OH2)5]2+(aq) → [UO2(OH2)4]2+(aq) + H2O are 0.7 kcal and 4.7 kcal/mol respectively. The free energy is in good agreement with previous theoretical (-2.7 to +1.2 kcal/mol) and experimental (0.5 to 2.2 kcal/mol) data. The associative reaction [UO2(OH2)5]2+(aq) + H2O → [UO2(OH2)6]2+(aq) is short-lived with a free energy and activation barrier of +7.9 kcal/mol and +8.9 kca/mol respectively; it is therefore classified as associative-interchange. On the basis of the free energy differences and activation barriers, we predict that the dominant exchange mechanism between [UO2(OH2)5]2+(aq) and bulk water is dissociative.
Study of a new multi channel foam and emulsion generator
Authors: Stoffel Maximilien , Wahl Sebastian , Lorenceau Elise , Hohler Reinhard , Mercier Bruno , Angelescu Dan 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThis work describes the design and operation of two microfluidic emulsion and foam generators. The difference between the two devices consists in the geometry of the output channel - in one case, we used a straight microchannel, whereas in the second case we implemented a fractal channel output geometry. While both devices can produce highly monodisperse foams and emulsions at high throughput (coefficient of variation CV≈1.5% and production frequency of up to 2.5kHz per channel with a total of 256 micro channels capable, in theory, of operating in parallel), the actual CV at the exit of the device was significantly higher due to interactions between adjacent droplets or bubbles. Using a combination of high-viscosity continuous phase liquid and low-solubility gas phase resulted in improved monodispersity. In these conditions, the fractal output channel geometry resulted in the lowest overall CV (≈3%) at the exit of the device for both foam and emulsion production, due to an inhibition of aging and coalescence phenomena as compared to the straight channel.
Combinatorial exploration of newly pseudo-quintenary layered-type Li-Ni-Co-Fe-Ti oxides
Authors: Fujimoto Kenjiro , Kanno Tomoyuki , Ikezawa Keita , Imanari Yuichiro , Sakai Maiko , Nakane Kenji , Ito Shigeru 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTIn order to decrease the use of cobalt element as in LiCoO2,which is mainly used for cathode materials in lithium ion secondary batteries, a newly pseudo-quintenary layered-type Fe-doped Li-Ni-Co-Ti oxides library was created using the combinatorial technology "M-ist Combi system" based on the electrostatic spray deposition method.The starting materials used were LiNO3, Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, Co(NO3)2·6H2O, Fe(NO3)3·9H2O and TiO2 nano-slurry. These materials were dissolved or dispersed in a mixture of ethanol and butyl carbitol and mixed in a predefined ratio, respectively. Subsequently, each of the mixtures was sprayed and dried on a grounded reaction plate that was heated to 400˚C. The deposited powder was sintered at 700˚C for 5 hours in air atmosphere. Phase identification of the obtained powder library was evaluated by a combinatorial powder x-ray diffractometer. A reaction phase diagram was established from the structure information and chemical composition by ICP-AES measurement.From all results, single-phase layered-type compounds showed the composition region that included many Co and Ni elements. On the other hand, single phase spinel-type compounds existed in the Ti-rich composition region.
Fine particle preparation and electrode property of layered-type LiNi0.4Co0.6-xTixO2
Authors: Fujimoto Kenjiro , Ikezawa Keita , Ito Shigeru 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTLayered-type LiNi0.4Co0.6-xTixO2 (0≤x≤0.2) were prepared by conventional electrostatic spray deposition method for studying the correlation of crystal structure and electrode property. Starting materials used were LiNO3, Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, Co(NO3)2·6H2O and TiO2 nano-slurry. These materials were dissolved or dispersed in a mixture of ethanol and butyl carbitol and mixed by predefined ratio, respectively. Then, each of mixtures was sprayed and dried on the grounded reaction plate which was heated at 400 °C. Deposited powder was sintered at 700˚C for 10 hours in air atmosphere. Library of LiNi0.4Co0.6-xTixO2 (0≤x≤0.2) was indexed R-3m by powder X-ray diffraction patterns and its chemical compositions from ICP emission spectroscopy method corresponded to the initial composition conditions. From the diffracted intensity ratio of I(003)/I(104) and the structure refinement by Rietveld method, it was found that the proportion of cation mixing effect increased with increasing amount of Ti among of transition metals. And, from the observation by scanning electron microscope and the calculation by Scherrer’s method, the crystallite size decreased with increasing amount of Ti element. From the charge-discharge property of LiNi0.4Co0.6-xTixO2 (0≤x≤0.2) library, LiNi0.4Co0.5Ti0.1O2 showed better cycle behavior among the library.
Modeling High-Viscosity Oil/Water Cocurrent Flows in Horizontal and Vertical Pipes
Authors: Zhang H.Q.. Q. , Vuong D.H.. H. , Sarica C.. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryWater is produced along with heavy oil either during the primary production or during enhanced oil recovery. Therefore, cocurrent oil/water flow is a common occurrence in heavy-oil production and transportation. Production-system design is strongly dependent on accurate predictions of the oil-/water-flow behavior. The predictions of previous mechanistic models for pressure gradient and water holdup are tested with the data acquired, and significant discrepancies are identified, especially for horizontal flow (Vuong 2009). The model performance is largely dependent on the predictions of phase inversion, distribution, and interaction. On the basis of the new understandings from experimental observations, the Zhang and Sarica (2006) unified model is modified by adding a new closure relationship for water-wetted-wall fraction in stratified flow and a new interfacial shear model based on mixing-length theory. The new model is compared with both high-viscosity and low-viscosity oil-/water-flow experimental results, and significant improvements are observed.
Ultrahigh-Temperature/Ultrahigh-Pressure Scale Control for Deepwater Oil and Gas Production
Authors: Fan C.. , Shi W.. , Zhang P.. , Lu H.. , Zhang N.. , Work S.. , Al-Saiari H.A.. A. , Kan A.T.. T. , Tomson M.B.. B. 
Published: February 2012

Summary
Scale control in deepwater oil and gas production is often challenging not only because of the geological and mechanical limitations associated with deepwater wells, but also because of the high-temperature (&gt;150°C) and high-pressure (&gt;10,000 psi) (HT/HP) environment, which may be associated with brine containing high total dissolved solids (TDSs) (&gt;300,000 mg/L). These extreme conditions make scale prediction, control, and testing difficult because of the requirements for special alloys, pumps, and control equipment that are not readily available. Therefore, few reliable ultrahigh-temperature/ultrahigh-pressure (ultra-HT/HP) data are available. To overcome such challenges, an efficient flow-loop method has been established to study both the equilibrium and the kinetics of scale formation and inhibition at ultra-HT/HP conditions. This paper will discuss (1) an efficient flow-loop method to study the solubility of scale minerals at ultra-HT/HP conditions, (2) solubility of barite at temperature up to 200°C and pressure up to 20,000 psi, and (3) scale control and inhibitor selection for deepwater oil and gas production at ultra-HT/HP conditions. Specifically, the performance and thermal stability of some common scale inhibitors at the high-temperature conditions were studied in terms of barite-scale inhibition. The results to date indicated that (1) the solubility of barite at up to 200°C and 24,000 psi can be measured precisely by this newly developed flow-loop apparatus, (2) the rate of mineral scale formation at HT/HP may be considerably faster than previously projected from low-temperature studies and, hence, difficult to inhibit, (3) different scale inhibitors have shown considerably different thermal stability. The results and findings from these studies validate a new HT/HP apparatus for scale and inhibitor testing and information for better scale control at HT/HP conditions.
Association of Hyperuricemia with Renal Outcomes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Mortality
Authors: Liu Wan-Chun , Hung Chi-Chih , Chen Szu-Chia , Yeh Shih-Meng , Lin Ming-Yen , Chiu Yi-Wen , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Chang Jer-Ming , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chen Hung-Chun 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBackground and objectivesHyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease in general population. However, the relationship between hyperuricemia with clinical outcomes in CKD remains controversial.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsThe study investigated the association between uric acid with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, renal replacement therapy, and rapid renal progression (the slope of estimated GFR was less than −6 ml/min per 1.73 m2/y) in 3303 stages 3–5 CKD patients that were in the integrated CKD care system in one medical center and one regional hospital in southern Taiwan.ResultsIn all subjects, the mean uric acid level was 7.9±2.0 mg/dl. During a median 2.8-year follow-up, there were 471 (14.3%) deaths, 545 (16.5%) cardiovascular events, 1080 (32.3%) participants commencing renal replacement therapy, and 841 (25.5%) participants with rapid renal progression. Hyperuricemia increased risks for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events (the adjusted hazard ratios for quartile four versus quartile one of uric acid [95% confidence interval] were 1.85 [1.40–2.44] and 1.42 [1.08–1.86], respectively) but not risks for renal replacement therapy (0.96 [0.79–1.16]) and rapid renal progression (1.30 [0.98–1.73]).ConclusionsIn stages 3–5 CKD, hyperuricemia is a risk factor for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events but not renal replacement therapy and rapid renal progression.
Cervical Margin Integrity of Class II Resin Composite Restorations in Laser- and Bur-Prepared Cavities Using Three Different Adhesive Systems
Authors: Oskoee PA , Kimyai S , Ebrahimi ME , Rikhtegaran S , Pournaghi-Azar F 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARY
One of the challenges in durability of posterior tooth-colored restorative materials is polymerization shrinkage, which results in gap formation between the restoration and tooth structure. The aim of the present study was to investigate marginal adaptation of Class II composite restorations using a self-etching and two etch-and-rinse adhesive systems in cavities prepared either with bur or Er,Cr:YSGG laser. A total of 45 extracted sound human premolars were selected. In each tooth, mesial and distal Class II cavities were prepared either by a diamond bur or by Er,Cr:YSGG laser with the margins 1 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction. Then the teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 15 each, according to the type of the adhesive system used (Single Bond, Single Bond 2, and Adper Easy One adhesive systems). Subsequent to restoring the teeth, the specimens were subjected to thermal cycling between 5 ± 2°C and 55 ± 2°C for 500 cycles and were then cut longitudinally into two halves using a diamond disk. Marginal adaptation was evaluated using a stereomicroscope, and the values for gap widths were obtained in micrometers. Data were analyzed using two-factor analysis of variance and post hoc tests. There were statistically significant differences in mean marginal gap widths between the adhesive type and preparation groups (p&lt;0.05). The interfacial gap width in bur-prepared cavities was significantly less than that in laser-prepared cavities, and the lowest gap width was observed in Adper Easy One regardless of the type of the preparation.
Parallel performance of the fine-grain pipeline FPGA image processing system
Authors: Gorgoń M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe use of FPGA circuits in imaging systems increases. They compete with other computing environments. The article describes the indications to be followed while choosing the type of image processing computing system taking under consideration the advantages and disadvantages of each technology: general purpose processor, digital signal processor, graphical processing unit, application specific Integrated circuit and field programmable gate array. Attention is drawn to various video transmission standards. The state of research and development trends in the field of FPGA-based image processing are briefly presented. A defining processing performance method for image processing is proposed. It is proven that for a pipeline architecture implemented in FPGA, a linear speedup is achieved and parallel efficiency is equal to one.
Modular non-computational-connectionist-hybrid neural network approach to robotic systems *
Authors: Bamford C.D. , Mitchell R.J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSpiking neural networks are usually limited in their applications due to their complex mathematical models and the lack of intuitive learning algorithms. In this paper, a simpler, novel neural network derived from a leaky integrate and fire neuron model, the ‘cavalcade’ neuron, is presented. A simulation for the neural network has been developed and two basic learning algorithms implemented within the environment. These algorithms successfully learn some basic temporal and instantaneous problems. Inspiration for neural network structures from these experiments are then taken and applied to process sensor information so as to successfully control a mobile robot.
Structural pattern and emplacement mechanisms of the Krížna cover nappe (Central Western Carpathians)
Authors: Prokešová Roberta , Plašienka Dušan , Milovský Rastislav 
Published: February 2012

Structural pattern and emplacement mechanisms of the Krížna cover nappe (Central Western Carpathians)The Central Western Carpathians are characterized by both the thick- and thin-skinned thrust tectonics that originated during the Cretaceous. The Krížna Unit (Fatric Superunit) with a thickness of only a few km is the most widespread cover nappe system that completely overthrusts the Tatric basement/cover superunit over an area of about 12 thousands square km. In searching for a reliable model of its origin and emplacement, we have collected structural data throughout the nappe body from its hinterland backstop (Veporic Superunit) to its frontal parts. Fluid inclusion (FI) data from carbonate cataclastic rocks occurring at the nappe sole provided useful information about the p-T conditions during the nappe transport. The crucial phenomena considered for formulation of our evolutionary model are: (1) the nappe was derived from a broad rifted basinal area bounded by elevated domains; (2) the nappe body is composed of alternating, rheologically very variable sedimentary rock complexes, hence creating a mechanically stratified multilayer; (3) presence of soft strata serving as décollement horizons; (4) stress and strain gradients increasing towards the backstop; (5) progressive internal deformation at very low-grade conditions partitioned into several deformation stages reflecting varying external constraints for the nappe movement; (6) a very weak nappe sole formed by cataclasites indicating fluid-assisted nappe transport during all stages; (7) injection of hot overpressured fluids from external sources (deformed basement units) facilitating frontal ramp overthrusting under supralithostatic conditions. It was found that no simple mechanical model can be applied, but that all known principal emplacement mechanisms and driving forces temporarily participated in progressive structural evolution of the nappe. The rear compression operated during the early stages, when the sedimentary succession was detached, shortened and transported over the frontal ramp. Subsequently, gravity spreading and gliding governed the final nappe emplacement over the unconstrained basinal foreland.
Blocking and Non-Blocking Process Synchronization: Analysis of Implementation
Authors: Nazaruk Vladislav , Rusakov Pavel 
Published: February 2012

Blocking and Non-Blocking Process Synchronization: Analysis of Implementation
—In computer programs with multiple processes, inter-process communication is of high importance. One of its main aspects is process synchronization, which can be divided into two classes: blocking and non-blocking. Blocking synchronization is simpler and mostly used; however, non-blocking synchronization allows avoiding some negative effects. In this paper, there is discussed the logic of widespread process synchronization mechanisms and is analyzed the support of these mechanisms in different platforms.
Mercury Pollution Exploration in Latvia with High-Sensitivity Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Bogans Egils , Gavare Zanda , Svagere Anda , Poikane Rita , Skudra Jānis 
Published: February 2012

Mercury Pollution Exploration in Latvia with High-Sensitivity Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
This research presents Hg pollution measurements performed in Latvia with sensitive method using Zeeman AAS analyzer RA-915+ and necessary attachments. Air in Riga city and water samples from a number of rivers and lakes of Latvia were analyzed for presence of low-level Hg concentrations. Ombrotrophic bog peat was analyzed to get insight into long-term trends. Environment in the sites sampled is relatively clean according to the results obtained, but there are local spots of pollution.