bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of femtosecond laser-driven proton acceleration using nanometer and micrometer thick target foils
Authors: Schnürer M. , Andreev A.A. , Steinke S. , Sokollik T. , Paasch-Colberg T. , Nickles P.V. , Henig A. , Jung D. , Kiefer D. , Hörlein R. , Schreiber J. , Tajima T. , Habs D. , Sandner W. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAdvancement of ion acceleration by intense laser pulses is studied with ultra-thin nanometer-thick diamond like carbon and micrometer-thick Titanium target foils. Both investigations aim at optimizing the electron density distribution which is the key for efficient laser driven ion acceleration. While recently found maximum ion energies achieved with ultra-thin foils mark record values micrometer thick foils are flexible in terms of atomic constituents. Electron recirculation is one prerequisite for the validity of a very simple model that can approximate the dependence of ion energies of nanometer-thick targets when all electrons of the irradiated target area interact coherently with the laser pulse and Coherent Acceleration of Ions by Laser pulses (CAIL) becomes dominant. Complementary experiments, an analytical model and particle in cell computer simulations show, that with regard to ultra-short laser pulses (duration ~45 fs at intensities up to 5 × 1019 W/cm2) and a micrometer-thick target foil with higher atomic number a close to linear increase of ion energies manifests in a certain range of laser intensities.
U.S. Government Burdens on the Exercise of Traditional Religions: Two Cases Provide Conflicting Interpretations
Authors: King Thomas F. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTwo court decisions highlight divergent opinions as to what constitutes a “substantial burden” on the practice of traditional indigenous religions in the United States. One decision, in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, effectively defines the term in such a way as to discriminate against indigenous religious practices; the other, by a district court in the 10th Circuit based on other holdings by that circuit court, gives much more latitude for protecting such practices and the landscapes they often involve.
Ultrasound Assessment of Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Is Not a Valid Measure of Preload Changes During Triggered Positive Pressure Ventilation: A Controlled Cross-Over Study
Authors: Juhl-Olsen P. , Frederiksen C. , Sloth E. 
Published: December 2011

Zusammenfassung
Ziel: Die respiratorischen Veränderungen im Durchmesser der Vena cava inferior (IVC) wurden durch Messung des Volumenstatus und der Vorlastreagilibität während der Spontanatmung und maschinellen Beatmung bewertet. Allerdings erhalten viele Intensivpatienten eine getriggerte Überdruckbeatmung (PPV). Bei dieser Anwendung gibt es keinen Beweis dafür, dass die „Collapsibility“ der IVC (IVCc) als Ersatz für die Vorlast dient. Unser Ziel war es zu klären, welche Auswirkungen die stufenweise Erhöhung der getriggerten PPV und die unterschiedlichen Vorlast-Bedingungen auf die IVCc haben.
Material und Methoden: 10 gesunde Freiwillige wurden an ein Beatmungsgerät mit festsitzender Maske angeschlossen und nach der Basismessung drei verschiedenen Stufen des positiven endexspiratorischen Drucks (PEEP) und der Druckunterstützung (Pressure support, PS) ausgesetzt. Alle Einstellungen des Beatmungsgeräts wurden bei neutraler Vorlast (Horizontalposition), niedriger Vorlast (reverse Trendelenburg-Lage) und hoher Vorlast (Trendelenburg-Lage mit intravenöser Flüssigkeits-Bolusinjektion) durchgeführt. Bei jeder Einstellung des Beatmungsgeräts wurde die IVC während mindestens einem respiratorischen Zyklus durch drei häufig benutzte Ultraschallmethoden dargestellt, darunter der sagittale M-Modus und die 2D-Echokardiografie sowohl in Sagittal- als auch in Transversalansicht.
Ergebnisse: Bei ansteigender PS verminderte sich die IVCc (p = 0,01) in der reversen Trendelenburg-Lage, steigender PEEP verursachte eine höhere IVCc in der Trendelenburg-Lage (p = 0,02). In Horizontalposition wurden keine signifikanten Auswirkungen einer steigenden PS, PEEP oder einer Kombination aus beiden beobachtet. Insgesamt zeigte die ANOVA Analyse, dass die IVCc nicht unabhängig von der Vorlast ist. Unter PPV war die IVCc bei neutraler Vorlast mit den meisten Einstellungen des Beatmungsgeräts am höchsten, die IVCc war bei niedriger Vorlast am niedrigsten, während eine hohe Vorlast in der Regel die ICVc zwischen neutraler und hoher Vorlast ermöglichte. Darüber hinaus überschätzte der sagittale M-Mode und die transversale 2D-Echokardiografie die IVCc im Vergleich zur sagittalen 2D-Echokardiografie.
Schlussfolgerung: Die erhobenen Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen, dass die IVCc nicht als gültiger Parameter für den Vorlaststatus während der PPV angesehen werden kann. Das könnte durch die systematischen Veränderungen der anderen IVCc-Einflussgrößen erklärt werden. Der Vergleich der Methoden ermutigt dazu, die sagittale 2D-Echokardiografie zur dynamischen Darstellung der IVC einzusetzen. Im Vergleich zur sagittalen 2D-Echokardiografie überschätzen der sagittale M-Mode und die transversale 2D-Echokardiografie die IVCc.
Three-Dimensional Volumetric Spatially Angle-Corrected Pixelwise Fetal Flow Volume Measurement
Authors: Scholbach T. , Stolle J. , Scholbach J. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Early attempts to calculate fetal global perfusion used 2 D images. The results were not sufficiently reliable. That‘s why RI measurements are still in use despite the fact that they do not reflect the amount of blood passing through the fetus. We present a novel three-dimensional approach to overcome these limitations.
Materials and Methods: In 124 singleton pregnancies between the 23rd and 4st gestational week, a three-dimensional color Doppler sonographic record of the umbilical cord was made, resulting in 281 volume data sets. With dedicated software (PixelFlux) the spatial angle of the umbilical vein was calculated and the true global fetal perfusion was calculated from its horizontal transection as the product of the area of all pixels and the spatial angle-corrected velocity. To validate the PixelFlux technique, phantom flow measurements were carried out.
Results: Phantom flow measurements revealed a highly significant correlation of actual flow volumes and those measured by the PixelFlux technique (p < 0.001; rPearson = 0.987 – 0.991) with an even higher interobserver correlation (p < 0.001; rPearson = 0.997). We found a significant correlation of fetal volume flow to gestational age and weight (r = 0.529 at spatial angles below 30° to r = 0.724 at spatial angles below 5°) and a significant influence of the spatial angle on this correlation (p = 0.003; r = – 0.865).
Conclusion: Spatial angle-corrected global fetal perfusion measurement improves existing approaches to fetal perfusion evaluation, and is feasible, simple and fast. Thus, it can be recommended to explore the relationship of fetal perfusion and disturbances of fetal development.
Mesenteric Transit Time Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) Does Not Correlate with Disease Activity in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Goertz R. , Heide R. , Bernatik T. , Waldner M. , Mudter J. , Neurath M. , Strobel D. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Evaluation of mesenteric transit time (MTT) – measured by contrast-enhanced ultrasound – as a marker for inflammatory activity in Crohn’s disease.
Materials and Methods: The time of maximum enhancement of the contrast agent in the superior mesenteric artery and vein was determined visually and by software analysis. The MTT was calculated as the difference between these two time points. Findings were correlated with the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). In addition, a healthy control group was evaluated both in the fasting state and 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours postprandially.
Results: In 20 healthy controls the mean visual MTT during fasting was 9.76 ± 2.83 sec and decreased to a minimum 1 hour after the meal (6.6 ± 2.27 sec). 45 patients with Crohn’s disease (9 males, 36 females, mean age 35 years) had a mean HBI of 5.9 ± 4.7 points. The mean software-based MTT of 9.76 ± 3.7 sec was significantly higher (p = 0.034) than the mean visual MTT of 8.22 ± 3.05 sec. The two figures correlated well (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). The HBI correlated neither with the visual (r = 0.14, p = 0.371) nor with the software-based (r = 0.16, p = 0.293) MTT.
Conclusion: The MTT decreases in the first two hours after eating. The visually assessed and the software-based MTT correlate well, however MTT does not correlate with disease activity in patients with Crohn‘s disease.
PopDrowser: the Population Drosophila Browser
Authors: Ràmia Miquel , Librado Pablo , Casillas Sònia , Rozas Julio , Barbadilla Antonio 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Motivation: The completion of 168 genome sequences from a single population of Drosophila melanogaster provides a global view of genomic variation and an understanding of the evolutionary forces shaping the patterns of DNA polymorphism and divergence along the genome.
Results: We present the ‘Population Drosophila Browser’ (PopDrowser), a new genome browser specially designed for the automatic analysis and representation of genetic variation across the D. melanogaster genome sequence. PopDrowser allows estimating and visualizing the values of a number of DNA polymorphism and divergence summary statistics, linkage disequilibrium parameters and several neutrality tests. PopDrowser also allows performing custom analyses on-the-fly using user-selected parameters.
Availability: PopDrowser is freely available from http://PopDrowser.uab.cat.
Contact: miquel.ramia@uab.cat
Pulmonary hypertension predicts all‐cause mortality in patients with heart failure: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Szwejkowski Benjamin R. , Elder Douglas H.J. , Shearer Fiona , Jack David , Choy Anna Maria J. , Pringle Stuart D. , Struthers Allan D. , George Jacob , Lang Chim C. 
Published: December 2011

AimsThe presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and symptomatic heart failure is an ominous sign. There are insufficient data regarding the risk conferred by increasing severity of PH in patients with heart failure.Methods and resultsWe performed a record linkage study in Tayside, Scotland (population ∼400 000) utilizing the Tayside echocardiogram database (>50 000 echocardiograms) maintained by the Health Informatics Centre (HIC). Data sets from the HIC include mortality data, cardiovascular medications, and other healthcare activities linked anonymously by the community health index (CHI) number. Patients were included in the analysis if they had LVSD, had a valid right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) measurement, and had a loop diuretic prescription (provided not more than 1 year prior to echocardiogram). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the effects of RVSP on all‐cause mortality. A total of 1612 patients [mean age, 75.2 ± 10.9 (SD) years; 57.4% male] met the entry criteria. Mean RVSP for the cohort was 44.9 ± 13.1 mmHg and mean follow‐up was 2.8 ± 2.5 years. For each 5 mmHg stepwise increase in RVSP, after adjustment for confounding factors including the degree of LVSD and the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the hazard ratio (HR) for all‐cause mortality was 1.06 (1.03–1.08, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPulmonary hypertension predicted all‐cause mortality in a heterogeneous group of patients with heart failure. Each 5 mmHg rise in RVSP was associated with a 6% increased risk of death.
An Arabidopsis GluTR Binding Protein Mediates Spatial Separation of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthesis in Chloroplasts
Authors: Czarnecki Olaf , Hedtke Boris , Melzer Michael , Rothbart Maxi , Richter Andreas , Schröter Yvonne , Pfannschmidt Thomas , Grimm Bernhard 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is the universal precursor for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis and is synthesized in plants in three enzymatic steps: ligation of glutamate (Glu) to tRNAGlu by glutamyl-tRNA synthetase, reduction of activated Glu to Glu-1-semialdehyde by glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GluTR), and transamination to ALA by Glu 1-semialdehyde aminotransferase. ALA formation controls the metabolic flow into the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway. GluTR is proposed to be the key regulatory enzyme that is tightly controlled at transcriptional and posttranslational levels. We identified a GluTR binding protein (GluTRBP; previously called PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION7) that is localized in chloroplasts and part of a 300-kD protein complex in the thylakoid membrane. Although the protein does not modulate activity of ALA synthesis, the knockout of GluTRBP is lethal in Arabidopsis thaliana, whereas mutants expressing reduced levels of GluTRBP contain less heme. GluTRBP expression correlates with a function in heme biosynthesis. It is postulated that GluTRBP contributes to subcompartmentalized ALA biosynthesis by maintaining a portion of GluTR at the plastid membrane that funnels ALA into the heme biosynthetic pathway. These results regarding GluTRBP support a model of plant ALA synthesis that is organized in two separate ALA pools in the chloroplast to provide appropriate substrate amounts for balanced synthesis of heme and chlorophyll.
GLYCOALKALOID METABOLISM1 Is Required for Steroidal Alkaloid Glycosylation and Prevention of Phytotoxicity in Tomato
Authors: Itkin Maxim , Rogachev Ilana , Alkan Noam , Rosenberg Tally , Malitsky Sergey , Masini Laura , Meir Sagit , Iijima Yoko , Aoki Koh , de Vos Ric , Prusky Dov , Burdman Saul , Beekwilder Jules , Aharoni Asaph 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Steroidal alkaloids (SAs) are triterpene-derived specialized metabolites found in members of the Solanaceae family that provide plants with a chemical barrier against a broad range of pathogens. Their biosynthesis involves the action of glycosyltransferases to form steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs). To elucidate the metabolism of SGAs in the Solanaceae family, we examined the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) GLYCOALKALOID METABOLISM1 (GAME1) gene. Our findings imply that GAME1 is a galactosyltransferase, largely performing glycosylation of the aglycone tomatidine, resulting in SGA production in green tissues. Downregulation of GAME1 resulted in an almost 50% reduction in α-tomatine levels (the major SGA in tomato) and a large increase in its precursors (i.e., tomatidenol and tomatidine). Surprisingly, GAME1-silenced plants displayed growth retardation and severe morphological phenotypes that we suggest occur as a result of altered membrane sterol levels caused by the accumulation of the aglycone tomatidine. Together, these findings highlight the role of GAME1 in the glycosylation of SAs and in reducing the toxicity of SA metabolites to the plant cell.
Flexible working conditions and decreasing levels of trust
Authors: Svensson Sven 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse levels of generalized trust among employees who have adapted to increasing demands for flexibility in their working lives (nonstandard work) compared with employees in traditional employment (standard work).Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire distributed to randomly selected individuals in Sweden (2004,n=5,080) and a workplace survey study of temporary agency workers (2008,n=119). Data were analysed using chi‐square tests and logistic regression analysis.FindingsThe results reveal that people in nonstandard positions display significantly lower levels of generalized trust compared to standard employees, where age, gender, and socio‐economic position are constant.Practical implicationsSince trust has proved to be a prerequisite for innovativeness, and both flexibility and innovation are officially accepted solutions for the troubles of post‐industrial society, the findings point to a possible paradox in the “new economy”.Originality/valueThe results of this study are unique in that they provide valuable support for the theory that flexible working conditions lead to decreasing levels of trust in society.
Which firms use measures?
Authors: Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen Esben , Sudzina Frantisek 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the anatomy of firms which adopt comprehensive performance measurement (PM) systems in order to gain an understanding of how internal (organisational capabilities) and external (perceived environmental uncertainties) factors shape performance measurement practices.Design/methodology/approachThis paper hypothesises that firms dominated by organic capabilities and operating in unpredictable markets are more likely to adopt comprehensive PM systems. The statistical test of these hypotheses is based on a 2008 survey of 299 Danish firms.FindingsThis paper concludes that a limited number of internal and external factors have a significant influence on the adoption of PM systems. There is no consistent pattern, however, between the different sub‐categories of organisational capabilities/perceived environmental uncertainties and PM adoption.Originality/valueMuch has been said about how changes in the environment and business structure require firms to develop new ways to measure performance. Less has been done to study whether firms adopting comprehensive PM systems actually match the characteristics of the “new economy”. The findings from this study indicate that the relationship between PM adoption and the organisational characteristics/external environment is more complicated than anticipated.
Triple‐A supply chain performance
Authors: Dwayne Whitten G. , Green Kenneth W. , Zelbst Pamela J. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeIn 2004 Lee proposed that successful supply chains must be agile, adaptable, and aligned and described those chains as “Triple‐A” supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to theorize a Triple‐A supply chain performance model that incorporates Triple‐A supply chain status as antecedent to supply chain performance and supply chain performance as antecedent to organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a national sample of 132 supply chain professionals collected in partnership with APICS, the authors develop scales based on descriptive items listed by Lee for the Triple‐A supply chain strategy dimensions of agility, adaptability, and alignment and assess the complete model using a structural equation methodology.FindingsResults indicate that Triple‐A supply chain strategy positively impacts supply chain performance and that, in turn, supply chain performance positively impacts organizational performance. Supply chain performance is more strongly related to the marketing performance than to the financial performance of the organization. Additionally, marketing performance positively impacts financial performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation is that only one person in each organization was surveyed with regards to both organizational and supply chain performance. Future research can be aimed at multiple respondents per organization.Practical implicationsBased on the results of this study, the authors argue that organizational success depends on the agility, adaptability, and alignment of supply chains.Originality/valueThis is the first research which has empirically tested Lee's suggestions; his propositions were based on his extensive supply chain research and experience and reported in the Harvard Business Review. The paper's findings are valuable to both practitioners and academic researchers.
An empirical investigation of the impact of strategic sourcing and flexibility on firm's supply chain agility
Authors: Chiang Chung‐Yean , Kocabasoglu‐Hillmer Canan , Suresh Nallan 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate two potentially key drivers of a firm's supply chain agility, namely strategic sourcing and firm's strategic flexibility. Despite some theoretical and conceptual works suggesting that some elements of these two constructs may relate to agility, this has not yet been assessed together empirically. This study aims to address this gap in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThis study involves an empirical investigation of a theory‐based model based on the competence‐capability framework, and a dynamic capabilities theoretical perspective, where the internal competencies of strategic sourcing and firm's strategic flexibility relate to the dynamic capability of the firm's supply chain agility. This investigation also includes the testing of a possible mediation effect of firm's strategic flexibility on the relationship between strategic sourcing and the firm's supply chain agility. The model is tested utilizing data from 144 US manufacturing firms via partial least square methodology.FindingsThe results of the empirical study indicated that both strategic sourcing and firm's strategic flexibility were significantly related to the firm's supply chain agility. In addition, while a full mediation effect was not found on the part of strategic flexibility, there was evidence for partial mediation.Research limitations/implicationsGiven that the data are from specific US industries, the generalizability of current findings to other industries or countries may require additional investigation.Originality/valueGiven the attention paid to agility in terms of its importance to responding to business uncertainty, and more recently, as an important capability in managing supply chain disruption risks, this paper investigates how strategic sourcing and flexibility can contribute to agility.
A dynamic feedback model for partner selection in agile supply chains
Authors: Wu Chong , Barnes David 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a four‐phase dynamic feedback model for supply partner selection in agile supply chains (ASCs). ASCs are commonly used as a response to increasingly dynamic markets. However, partner selection in ASCs is inherently more complex and difficult under conditions of uncertainty and ambiguity as supply chains form and re‐form.Design/methodology/approachThe model draws on both quantitative and qualitative techniques, including the Dempster‐Shafer and optimisation theories, radial basis function artificial neural networks (RBF‐ANN), analytic network process‐mixed integer multi‐objective programming (ANP‐MIMOP), Kraljic's supplier classification matrix and principles of continuous improvement. It incorporates modern computer programming techniques to overcome the information processing difficulties inherent in selecting from amongst large numbers of potential suppliers against multiple criteria in conditions of uncertainty.FindingsThe model enables decision makers to make efficient and effective use of the vastly increased amount of data that is available in today's information‐driven society and it offers a comprehensive, systematic and rigorous approach to a complex problem.Research limitations/implicationsThe model has two main drawbacks. First, practitioners may find it difficult to match supplier evaluation criteria with the strategic objectives for an ASC. Second, they may perceive the model to be too complex for use when speed is of the essence.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is that, for the first time, it draws together work from previous articles that have described each of the four stages of the model in detail to present a comprehensive overview of the model.