bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electric-pulse-induced resistance switching effect in the bulk of La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 ceramics
Authors: Wu M. L. , Yang C. P. , Shi D. W. , Wang R. L. , Xu L. F. , Xiao H. B. , Baerner K.
Published: May 2014

In the majority of contributions, the electrical–pulse-induced resistance (EPIR) switching effect of perovskite manganites is thought to originate from the extrinsic interfacial Schottky barrier between the metal electrode and the surface of sample. In this work, La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 (LCMO) ceramic samples were synthesized by solid state reaction and the transport properties, especially, the EPIR effect and memristor behavior were investigated under 4-wire method using silver-glue as electrodes. Although the I-V characteristic of LCMO shows an ohmic linearity under the 4-wire mode at room temperature, a stable and remarkable EPIR can still be observed when the pulse voltage is more than a critical value. This bulk EPIR effect is novel for rare - earth doped manganites.
High-precision thermal and electrical characterization of thermoelectric modules
Authors: Kolodner Paul
Published: May 2014

This paper describes an apparatus for performing high-precision electrical and thermal characterization of thermoelectric modules (TEMs). The apparatus is calibrated for operation between 20 °C and 80 °C and is normally used for measurements of heat currents in the range 0–10 W. Precision thermometry based on miniature thermistor probes enables an absolute temperature accuracy of better than 0.010 °C. The use of vacuum isolation, thermal guarding, and radiation shielding, augmented by a careful accounting of stray heat leaks and uncertainties, allows the heat current through the TEM under test to be determined with a precision of a few mW. The fractional precision of all measured parameters is approximately 0.1%.
Low temperature and high magnetic field spectroscopic ellipsometry system
Authors: Su Sheng-Kai , Li Liang-Chen , Suen Yuen-Wuu , Wu Jau-Yang , Kuo Hong-Rong , Sung Yu-Tai , Lee Chien-Ping , Voskoboynikov Oleksandr
Published: May 2014

We report on the design and implementation of a spectral ellipsometer at near-infrared wavelength (700–1000 nm) for samples placed in high magnetic fields (up to 14 T) at low temperatures (∼4.2 K). The main optical components are integrated in a probe, which can be inserted into a conventional long-neck He dewar and has a very long free-space optical path (∼1.8 m×2). A polarizer-sample-(quarter-wave plate)-rotating analyzer configuration was employed. Two dielectric mirrors, one before and one after the sample in the optical path, helped to reflect the light back to the analyzer and a two-axis piezo-driven goniometer under the sample holder was used to control the direction of the reflected light. Functional test results performed on an intrinsic GaAs wafer and analysis on the random error of the system are shown. We obtained both amplitude and phase ellipsometric spectra simultaneously and observed helicity transformation at energies near the GaAs exciton transitions in the phase spectra. Significant shifts of them induced by magnetic fields were observed and fitted with a simple model. This system will allow us to study the collective magneto-optical response of materials and spatial dispersive exciton-polariton related problems in high external magnetic fields at low temperatures.
Formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures on niobium by femtosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Pan A. , Dias A. , Gomez-Aranzadi M. , Olaizola S. M. , Rodriguez A.
Published: May 2014

The surface morphology of a Niobium sample, irradiated in air by a femtosecond laser with a wavelength of 800 nm and pulse duration of 100 fs, was examined. The period of the micro/nanostructures, parallel and perpendicularly oriented to the linearly polarized fs-laser beam, was studied by means of 2D Fast Fourier Transform analysis. The observed Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) were classified as Low Spatial Frequency LIPSS (periods about 600 nm) and High Spatial Frequency LIPSS, showing a periodicity around 300 nm, both of them perpendicularly oriented to the polarization of the incident laser wave. Moreover, parallel high spatial frequency LIPSS were observed with periods around 100 nm located at the peripheral areas of the laser fingerprint and overwritten on the perpendicular periodic gratings. The results indicate that this method of micro/nanostructuring allows controlling the Niobium grating period by the number of pulses applied, so the scan speed and not the fluence is the key parameter of control. A discussion on the mechanism of the surface topology evolution was also introduced.
Enhanced loss of magnetic-mirror-trapped fast electrons by a shear Alfvén wave
Authors: Wang Y. , Gekelman W. , Pribyl P. , Papadopoulos K.
Published: May 2014

Laboratory observations of enhanced loss of magnetic mirror trapped fast electrons irradiated by a shear Alfvén Wave (SAW) are reported. The experiment is performed in the quiescent after-glow plasma in the Large Plasma Device [Gekelman et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 62(12), 2875–2883 (1991)]. A trapped energetic electron population (>100 keV) is generated in a magnetic mirror section (mirror ratio ≈ 2, length = 3.5 m) by an X-mode high power microwave pulse, and forms a hot electron ring due to the grad-B and curvature drift. SAWs of arbitrary polarization are launched externally by a Rotating Magnetic Field source (δB/B0 ≈ 0.1%, λ∥ ≈ 9 m). Irradiated by a right-handed circularly polarized SAW, the loss of electrons, in both the radial and the axial direction of the mirror field, is significantly enhanced and is modulated at fAlfvén. The periodical loss continues even after the termination of the SAW. Experimental observations suggest that a spatial distortion of the ring is formed in the SAW field and creates a collective mode of the hot electron population that degrades its confinement and leads to electron loss from the magnetic mirror. The results could have implications on techniques of radiation belt remediation.
The formation of reverse shocks in magnetized high energy density supersonic plasma flows
Authors: Lebedev S. V. , Suttle L. , Swadling G. F. , Bennett M. , Bland S. N. , Burdiak G. C. , Burgess D. , Chittenden J. P. , Ciardi A. , Clemens A. , de Grouchy P. , Hall G. N. , Hare J. D. , Kalmoni N. , Niasse N. , Patankar S. , Sheng L. , Smith R. A. , Suzuki-Vidal F. , Yuan J. , Frank A. , Blackman E. G. , Drake R. P.
Published: May 2014

A new experimental platform was developed, based on the use of supersonic plasma flow from the ablation stage of an inverse wire array z-pinch, for studies of shocks in magnetized high energy density physics plasmas in a well-defined and diagnosable 1-D interaction geometry. The mechanism of flow generation ensures that the plasma flow (ReM ∼ 50, MS ∼ 5, MA ∼ 8, Vflow ≈ 100 km/s) has a frozen-in magnetic field at a level sufficient to affect shocks formed by its interaction with obstacles. It is found that in addition to the expected accumulation of stagnated plasma in a thin layer at the surface of a planar obstacle, the presence of the magnetic field leads to the formation of an additional detached density jump in the upstream plasma, at a distance of ∼c/ωpi from the obstacle. Analysis of the data obtained with Thomson scattering, interferometry, and local magnetic probes suggests that the sub-shock develops due to the pile-up of the magnetic flux advected by the plasma flow.
Coaxial foilless diode
Authors: Kong Long , Liu QingXiang , Li XiangQiang , Wang ShaoMeng
Published: May 2014

A kind of coaxial foilless diode is proposed in this paper, with the structure model and operating principle of the diode are given. The current-voltage relation of the coaxial foilless diode and the effects of structure parameters on the relation are studied by simulation. By solving the electron motion equation, the beam deviation characteristic in the presence of external magnetic field in transmission process is analyzed, and the relationship between transverse misalignment with diode parameters is obtained. These results should be of interest to the area of generation and propagation of radial beam for application of generating high power microwaves.
Fundamental limitation to the magnitude of piezoelectric response of ⟨001⟩pc textured K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramic
Authors: Gupta Shashaank , Belianinov Alexei , Baris Okatan Mahmut , Jesse Stephen , Kalinin Sergei V. , Priya Shashank
Published: May 2014

⟨001⟩pc textured K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) ceramic was found to exhibit a 65% improvement in the longitudinal piezoelectric response as compared to its random counterpart. Piezoresponse force microscopy study revealed the existence of larger 180° and non-180° domains for textured ceramic as compared to the random ceramic. Improvement in piezoresponse by the development of ⟨001⟩pc texture is discussed in terms of the crystallographic nature of KNN and domain morphology. A comparative analysis performed with a rhombohedral composition suggested that the improvement in longitudinal piezoresponse of polycrystalline ceramics by the development of ⟨001⟩pc texture is determined by the crystal structure.
Orientation dependence on piezoelectric properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-BaTiO3-SrTiO3 epitaxial thin films
Authors: Li Wei , Li Peng , Zeng Huarong , Hao Jigong , Zhai Jiwei
Published: May 2014

Orientation-engineered 0.755(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-0.065BaTiO3-0.18SrTiO3 thin films deposited on Nb doped SrTiO3 (N:STO) single crystalline (001), (110), and (111) substrates via a sol-gel process were investigated. Highly epitaxial growth was observed in the as-deposited thin films. Excellent piezoelectric properties are exhibited by the (111) oriented thin films with the highest strain level (0.32%) and local effective piezoelectric coefficient (d33 = 210 pm/V). Strong orientation dependence of piezoelectric properties on the thin films is attributed to the relative alignment of crystallites and spontaneous polarization vector. These findings are of great significance for piezo-micro electro mechanical systems.
Compliant ferroelastic domains in epitaxial Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films
Authors: Feigl L. , McGilly L. J. , Sandu C. S. , Setter N.
Published: May 2014

Ordered patterns of highly compliant ferroelastic domains have been created by use of tensile strained epitaxial Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films, of very low defect density, grown on DyScO3 substrates. The effect of 180° switching on well-ordered a/c 90° domain patterns is investigated by a combination of transmission electron microscopy, piezoelectric force microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. It is shown that ferroelastic a-domains, having an in-plane polarization, can be created and completely removed on a local level by an out-of-plane electric field. The modifications of the ferroelastic domain pattern can be controlled by varying the parameters used during switching with a piezoresponse force microscope to produce the desired arrangement.
Authorship, plagiarism and cooperation in higher education
Authors: Balve Johannes
Published: May 2014

One leading question of this paper is, whether the postulate of true authorship can be generally applied to all learning and research environments in higher education. Experience shows at least that this postulate has no global reach. I am referring to the cultures and traditions in East Asia where other concepts of authorship and intellectual property rights exist. However, Western standards of ethical behaviour in science demand academic integrity everywhere in order to fight the violation of intellectual property and copy rights known as plagiarism and piracy. This generalized claim does not consider the diversity of epistemic traditions which can be also found in Western history. Moreover, it seems to ignore the collaborative background of knowledge construction. This paper aims to contribute to the ethical discussions with another than a moralistic view at the problem. In the first place it has to be asked how the idea of authorship and its protection by intellectual property laws became crucial. It will be necessary to focus on the historical background of intellectual property and how it gained importance in the West and in the East. Findings regarding differences in the adoption of this idea due to diversity in Asian culture and tradition have to be discussed. Experiences in the learning environment of East Asian higher education institutions will be confronted with the general demand for authentic authorship in academia. It has to be asked if the function of protected intellectual property opposes cooperative structures in higher education. The discussion on educational issues leads to the question what role protected authorship plays today in academic research.
The interaction between Mandarin Chinese and English
Authors: Hsieh Shelley Ching-yu , Wang Mei-Rong , Wang Meg Ching-yi
Published: May 2014

This paper explores the linguistic and interactional properties of computer-mediated communication in Taiwan. We collected data from messages posted asynchronously on Internet websites. The three primary sources of messages were, in volume order, online Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs), chatrooms, and MSN messenger. We identify innovative uses of English and Mandarin Chinese hybrids, examine their function, and examine the online interlocutors’ ideologies when using them. Because of computer hardware and software, English plays an essential role even in a Mandarin-dominant online discourse by offering English expressions, words, pronunciations, and Roman letters to give loanwords, euphemisms, abbreviations, sentence-final particles, and emoticons in unique ways. The resultant hybrid language forms are easier to type, playful, funny, friendly, and trendy. The writer’s personality and cultural mentality are disclosed in such communication. Many speakers are alarmed about the effects of this language practice — the online interaction between English and Mandarin Chinese — on the development of Chinese in Taiwan.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa type IV pilus assembly system in three dimensions.
Authors: Tammam S. , Howell P. L. , Burrows L. L.
Published: May 2014

This chapter discusses recent structure-function insights into type IV pilus (T4P) and type II secretion (T2S) components, highlighting those that might relate to the motility function of T4aP. It also offers explanations on how and where the assembly systems are inserted into the cell envelope, and how assembly dynamics may be controlled.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae pili: assembly, structure and function.
Authors: Huang I. H. , Hung T. T.
Published: May 2014

This chapter reviews current knowledge of the pilus assembly mechanism in Corynebacterium diphtheriae as well as the importance of C. diphtheriae pili as adhesive determinants. Three-dimensional structural insights into pilus assembly in C. diphtheriae, and functional features of C. diphtheriae pili are presented.
Three-dimensional structures of pilin subunits and their role in Gram-positive pilus assembly and stability.
Authors: Paterson N. G. , Baker E. N.
Published: May 2014

Gram-positive bacterial pili are comprised of chains of covalently linked pilin subunits, resulting in long (3-5 µm) and very thin (∼3 nm) fibres whose primary role is adhesion, both in colonization and as an aid to biofilm formation. This chapter focuses on insights that have come from structural studies of the individual pilin subunits, primarily crystallographic analyses, but complemented by electron microscopy (EM) studies of the fibres themselves. High-resolution structural studies of the individual pilin components have given remarkable new insights into the fine structure of Gram-positive bacterial pili. These have included the discovery of autocatalytically-formed internal isopeptide bonds, which provide a completely unanticipated means of stabilizing these assemblies; the discovery of novel structures in the adhesin subunits that suggest how these may engage host cells; the recognition of the modular nature of pilin subunits, with repeated Ig-like domains; and testable models for the assembled pili.
The role of pili in the formation of biofilm and bacterial communities.
Authors: Manetti A. G. O. , Spadafina T.
Published: May 2014

This chapter discusses the key role of pili expressed by gram-positive bacterial pathogens in biofilm formation and the influence of environmental factors on their expression. The gram-positive bacterial pathogens described herein include Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, and Actinomyces spp.
Fimbriae/pili from oral bacteria.
Authors: Echlin H. , Wu H.
Published: May 2014

This chapter focuses on fimbriae and pili and the recent advances made in understanding their role in bacterial adhesion and invasion in the oral cavity. The two primary groups of gram-positive bacteria present in the oral cavity are Streptococcus and Actinomyces. Gram-negative species often comprise the later colonizers of the oral cavity and the noticeable ones are often regarded as periodontal disease-associated pathogens, including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. In this chapter, these bacteria are used as models to discuss bacterial surface structures pili and fimbriae, and their contributions to bacterial adhesion and invasion.
Comparison between conventional and organic agriculture in terms of nutritional quality of food - a critical review.
Authors: Jensen M. M. , Jørgensen H. , Lauridsen C.
Published: May 2014

The consumption of organic foods has been increasing over the last decades and organic products are becoming more visible on the market. Consumers perceive that organic foods are of better quality, more nutritious and healthier, and these perceptions are some of the main drivers of the organic market. Scientific research on organic foodstuffs is contradictory, and knowledge regarding the effect of cultivation system on the nutritive value and the possible relationship with human health could be further explored. Although some systematic differences in the nutritional content, i.e. nitrogen, protein, vitamin C, phosphorous and phenolic compounds of plant products grown under different cultivation systems have been observed, it is a difficult task to prove the claim that organic food improves human well-being or health after consumption. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the research on nutritional quality of food, comparing conventional and organic agriculture; i.e. the nutrient content of plant products and livestock products, digestibility or bioavailability of the nutrients, preference and the potential health effects after consumption. We established a systematic approach for the identification of components and nutrients that can affect human health, and considered different models (animal and human) in which the potential health effects had been tested. In addition, we found it essential to identify suitable health-related biomarkers as measures for nutritive quality. Reviewing the existing scientific literature on potential relationships between agricultural practice and health, nutritional factors such as vitamin E/antioxidant status and the fatty acid composition appear to be interesting in relation to cultivation systems effect on health. It was concluded that while agricultural practice (i.e. organic and conventional) together with other factors, such as year, location and genotype had an effect on the nutritional quality of the foods, no clear effect could be established on health-related biomarkers.
Engineering the rhizosphere for the purpose of bioremediation: an overview.
Authors: Pajuelo E. , Rodríguez-Llorente I. D. , Lafuente A. , Pérez-Palacios P. , Doukkali B. , Caviedes M. A.
Published: May 2014

The increasing levels of environmental pollution are a problem that needs urgent solution at a global scale. Bioremediation has emerged in recent decades as an effective environmentally friendly, aesthetic and low-cost technology for the treatment of a wide variety of contaminants. Rhizoremediation involves the removal of pollutants from contaminated sites by mutual interaction of plant roots and suitable microbiota, and it is considered as the most evolved process of phytoremediation. In this work, different updated techniques, including biostimulation, bioagumentation and the use of transgenic plants, modified rhizosphere microorganisms or genetically engineered endophytes for improved rhizoremediation, are reviewed.
Protection of free radical-induced cytotoxicity by 2-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Hanada Yukako , Iomori Atsuko , Ishii Rie , Gohda Eiichi , Tai Akihiro
Published: May 2014

The stable ascorbic acid (AA) derivative, 2-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (AA-2G), exhibits vitamin C activity after enzymatic hydrolysis to AA. The biological activity of AA-2G per se has not been studied in detail, although AA-2G has been noted as a stable source for AA supply. The protective effect of AA-2G against the oxidative cell death of human dermal fibroblasts induced by incubating with 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) for 24 h was investigated in this study. AA-2G showed a significant protective effect against the oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent manner. AA-2G did not exert a protective effect during the initial 12 h of incubation, but had a significant protective effect in the later part of the incubation period. Experiments using a α-glucosidase inhibitor and comparative experiments using a stereoisomer of AA-2G confirmed that AA-2G had a protective effect against AAPH-induced cytotoxicity without being converted to AA. Our results provide an insight into the efficacy of AA-2G as a biologically interesting antioxidant and suggest the practical use of AA-2G even before being converted into AA as a beneficial antioxidant.
Additivity of the Gerlits–Nagy property and concentrated sets
Authors: Tsaban Boaz , Zdomskyy Lyubomyr
Published: May 2014

We settle all problems concerning the additivity of the Gerlits–Nagy property and related additivity numbers posed by Scheepers in his tribute paper to Gerlits. We apply these results to compute the minimal number of concentrated sets of reals (in the sense of Besicovitch) whose union, when multiplied with a Gerlits–Nagy space, need not have Rothberger’s property. We apply these methods to construct a large family of spaces whose product with every Hurewicz space has Menger’s property. Our applications extend earlier results of Babinkostova and Scheepers.
Remark on the periodic mass critical nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Kishimoto Nobu
Published: May 2014

We consider the mass critical NLS onT\mathbb {T}andT2\mathbb {T} ^2. In theRd\mathbb {R}^dcase the Strichartz estimates enable us to show well-posedness of the IVP inL2L^2(at least for small data) via the Picard iteration method. However, counterexamples to theL6L^6Strichartz onT\mathbb {T}and theL4L^4Strichartz onT2\mathbb {T}^2were given by Bourgain (1993) and Takaoka-Tzvetkov (2001), respectively, which means that the Strichartz spaces are not suitable for iteration in these problems. In this note, we show a slightly stronger result, namely, that the IVP onT\mathbb {T}andT2\mathbb {T}^2cannot have a smooth data-to-solution map inL2L^2even for small initial data. The same results are also obtained for most of the two dimensional irrational tori.
Sequential formulae for the normal cone to sublevel sets
Authors: Cabot A. , Thibault L.
Published: May 2014

Let

X
X

be a reflexive Banach space and let

Φ
\Phi

be an extended real-valued lower semicontinuous convex function on

X
X

. Given a real

λ
\lambda

and the sublevel set

S
=
[
Φ
≤
λ
]

S=[\Phi \leq \lambda ]

, we establish at

x
¯

∈
S

{\overline {x}}\in S

the following formula for the normal cone to

S
S

:
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartLayout 1st Row with Label left-parenthesis star right-parenthesis EndLabel upper N Subscript upper S Baseline left-parenthesis x overbar right-parenthesis equals limit sup double-struck upper R Subscript plus Baseline partial-differential normal upper Phi left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis if normal upper Phi left-parenthesis x overbar right-parenthesis equals lamda comma EndLayout">

(

⋆

)

N
S

(

x
¯

)
=

lim sup

x
→

x
¯

R

+

∂
Φ
(
x
)

if

Φ
(

x
¯

)
=
λ
,

\begin{equation*} N_S(\overline {x}) = \limsup _{x\to \overline {x}} \mathbb {R}_+ \partial \Phi (x) \;\; \text {if} \;\; \Phi (\overline {x}) = \lambda , \tag {$\star $} \end{equation*}

without any qualification condition. The case

Φ
(

x
¯

)
>
λ

\Phi ({\overline {x}})>\lambda

is also studied. Here

R

+

:=
[
0
,
+
∞
[

\mathbb {R}_+:=[0,+\infty [

and

∂
Φ

\partial \Phi

stands for the subdifferential of

Φ
\Phi

in the sense of convex analysis. The proof is based on the sequential convex subdifferential calculus developed previously by the second author. Formula

(
⋆
)

(\star )

is extended to nonreflexive Banach spaces via the use of nets. The normal cone to the intersection of finitely many sublevel sets is also examined, thus leading to new formulae without a qualification condition. Our study goes beyond the convex framework: when

dim
⁡
X
>
+
∞

\dim X>+\infty

, we show that the inclusion of the left member of

(
⋆
)

(\star )

into the right one still holds true for a locally Lipschitz continuous function. Finally, an application of formula

(
⋆
)

(\star )

is given to the study of the asymptotic behavior of some gradient dynamical system.
QZ Aurigae: An eclipsing cataclysmic variable with a white dwarf of almost equivalent mass to its companion
Authors: Shi Guang , Qian Sheng-Bang
Published: May 2014

We present CCD photometric monitoring of the classic nova QZ Aurigae (Nova Aur 1964) since 2008 with the 2.4-m telescope at Lijiang station of Yunnan Astronomical Observatory in China, as well as the 2.16-m telescope and the 85-cm telescope at Xionglong station of the National Astronomical Observatory in China. By utilizing eight new eclipse timings and the data from the last literature, published almost 20 years ago, we construct the O − C diagram of this system to analyze the orbital period variation. We find no evidence of long-term orbital period variations in QZ Aur. Moreover, the light curves showing the main eclipse process of the white dwarf suggest the presence of a bright spot component and a disk, as commonly found in nova-like variables. This may reveal high mass accretion and high mass transfer in this system. However, even high mass transfer rates from the donor are inconsistent with our result of no period variations, unless the mass ratio is almost equal to 1. Hence, the observed results here possibly support that the mass of the primary white dwarf is extremely close to that of the donor star in the eclipsing binary QZ Aur.
Radiation hydrodynamic instability in a plane-parallel, super-Eddington atmosphere: A mechanism for clump formation
Authors: Takeuchi Shun , Ohsuga Ken , Mineshige Shin
Published: May 2014

In order to understand the physical processes underlying clump formation in outflow from supercritical accretion flow, we perform two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic (RHD) simulations. We focus our discussion on the nature of RHD instability in a marginally optically thick, plane–parallel, super-Eddington atmosphere. Initially we set a two-layered atmosphere with a density contrast of 100 exposed to strong, upward continuum-radiation force; the lower layer is denser than the upper one, the condition for RHD instability. We assume non-zero but negligible gravitational force, compared with the radiation force. We find that short-wavelength perturbations grow first, followed by the growth of longer-wavelength patterns, which lead to the formation of clumpy structure. The typical size of clumps (clouds) corresponds to about one optical depth. An anti-correlation between the radiation pressure and the gas pressure is confirmed: this anti-correlation provides a damping mechanism for perturbations of longer wavelength than the typical clump size. Matter and radiation energy densities are correlated. These features are exactly what we found in the radiation-magnetohydrodynamic (radiation-MHD) simulations of supercritical outflow.
Endoscopic Necrosectomy in Children
Authors: Trikudanathan Guru , Arain Mustafa , Mallery Shawn , Freeman Martin , Attam Rajeev
Published: May 2014

Acute pancreatitis in children is rarely complicated by the development of necrosis. Although endoscopic transluminal necrosectomy is evolving as the standard of care in adults, its feasibility in the pediatric population has not been established. We hereby report the first case series of children with necrotizing pancreatitis successfully treated with endoscopic therapy. We believe the use of fully covered self‐expanding metallic stents in the cystgastrostomy may reduce the number of transluminal necrosectomy sessions for large necrotic collections in children.
Preventing Bloodstream Infection in Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Muir Alison , Holden Christine , Sexton Elaine , Gray James W.
Published: May 2014

Patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) are at particularly high risk of meticillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). We developed a multidisciplinary enhanced care pathway encompassing a number of minimal cost interventions involving line/exit site care, training for staff and parents, multidisciplinary discharge planning, and monitoring compliance. Implementation reduced the mean rates of MSSA CRBSI (from 0.93, 95% CI 0.25–1.61, to 0.23, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.52, per 1000 parenteral nutrition [PN] days) and all‐cause CRBSI (from 1.98, 95% CI 0.77–3.19, to 0.45, 95% CI 0.10–0.80, per 1000 PN days). A similar approach could be applied to preventing health care–associated infections in other complex, vulnerable patient groups.
Overexpression of a Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Confers Salt and Drought Tolerance in Rice by Preventing Membrane Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Campo Sonia , Baldrich Patricia , Messeguer Joaquima , Lalanne Eric , Coca María , San Segundo Blanca
Published: May 2014

The OsCPK4 gene is a member of the complex gene family of calcium-dependent protein kinases in rice (Oryza sativa). Here, we report that OsCPK4 expression is induced by high salinity, drought, and the phytohormone abscisic acid. Moreover, a plasma membrane localization of OsCPK4 was observed by transient expression assays of green fluorescent protein-tagged OsCPK4 in onion (Allium cepa) epidermal cells. Overexpression of OsCPK4 in rice plants significantly enhances tolerance to salt and drought stress. Knockdown rice plants, however, are severely impaired in growth and development. Compared with control plants, OsCPK4 overexpressor plants exhibit stronger water-holding capability and reduced levels of membrane lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage under drought or salt stress conditions. Also, salt-treated OsCPK4 seedlings accumulate less Na+ in their roots. We carried out microarray analysis of transgenic rice overexpressing OsCPK4 and found that overexpression of OsCPK4 has a low impact on the rice transcriptome. Moreover, no genes were found to be commonly regulated by OsCPK4 in roots and leaves of rice plants. A significant number of genes involved in lipid metabolism and protection against oxidative stress appear to be up-regulated by OsCPK4 in roots of overexpressor plants. Meanwhile, OsCPK4 overexpression has no effect on the expression of well-characterized abiotic stress-associated transcriptional regulatory networks (i.e. ORYZA SATIVA DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING PROTEIN1 and ORYZA SATIVA No Apical Meristem, Arabidopsis Transcription Activation Factor1-2, Cup-Shaped Cotyledon6 genes) and LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT genes in their roots. Taken together, our data show that OsCPK4 functions as a positive regulator of the salt and drought stress responses in rice via the protection of cellular membranes from stress-induced oxidative damage.
2-[(Z)-1,1-Dioxo-2-(2,4,5-trifluorobenzyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2-benzothiazin-4-ylidene]acetic acid
Authors: Parveen Shagufta , Hussain Saghir , Zhu Shaojuan , Hao Xin , Zhu Changjin
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C17H12F3NO4S, the heterocyclic thiazine ring adopts a half-chair conformation and the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 43.28 (9)°. The α,β-unsaturated C=C group is inclined at an angle of 21.0 (3)° to the benzene ring of the benzothiazine moiety. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of carboxylic acid O—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(8) loops. Each of the F atoms accepts a Ca—H...F (a = aromatic) hydrogen bond from an adjacent molecule, resulting in (001) sheets.
La3Si6N11
Authors: Yamane Hisanori , Nagura Toshiki , Miyazaki Tomohiro
Published: May 2014

Colorless transparent single crystals of trilanthanum hexasilicon undecanitrogen, La3Si6N11, were prepared at 0.85 MPa of N2and 2273 K. The title compound is isotypic with Sm3Si6N11. Silicon-centered nitrogen tetrahedra form a three-dimensional network structure by sharing their corners. Layers of one type of SiN4tetrahedra and slabs composed of the two different La3+cations and the other type of SiN4tetrahedra are alternately stacked along thecaxis of the tetragonal unit cell. The site symmetries of the two La3+cations are are ..mand 4.., respectively.
N,N′-(Propane-1,3-diyl)dibenzothioamide
Authors: Nagasawa Masayuki , Sasanuma Yuji , Masu Hyuma
Published: May 2014

The title compound, C17H18N2S2, exhibits atrans–trans–trans–gauche+(tttg+) conformation with regard to the NH–CH2–CH2–CH2–NH bond sequence. In the crystal, molecules are connected by N—H...S=C and C—H...S=C hydrogen bonds, forming a herringbone arrangement along thec-axis direction. The two thioamide groups make dihedral angles of 43.0 (2) and 33.1 (2)° with the adjacent phenyl rings.
Digitization initiatives and special libraries in India
Authors: Paul Shampa , P. Singh Sashi
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the study is to evaluate the objectives, priorities and criteria of digitization. It also analyses the open access initiatives adopted by the special libraries in National Capital Region of India. The paper further examines the motivating factors of using digital resources.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research paper is based on primary survey of librarians and users of special libraries. Weighted index has been used to analyse the factors of digitization while factor analysis is used to study the open access initiatives adopted by the libraries.

Findings

– Based on the primary goal of libraries, i.e. to increase their global visibility and the ultimate purpose of such digital projects is to provide greater access to their collections to promote research activities. The paper summarizes that increased accessibility is the most preferred objective; content value is most preferred criterion for digitization. The paper further identifies factors that motivated users to use digital resources.

Practical implications

– The availability of digital literature not only helps the local users but provides access to their resources and thus increases the visibility of these libraries globally. The revelation of special libraries to undertake such ventures is not only helpful to establish better information availability and visibility but also to maximize its value and worthiness.

Originality/value

– Most existing studies remain on the level of collecting data and interpreting specific cases on digital conversion but this paper not only interprets the reasons of digitization but also investigates reasons of user needs by factorizing them. This paper examines the objectives, criteria and prioritization of material for digitization. It further identifies the factors motivating users to access these digital resources.
Success factors of inter-organizational knowledge sharing: a proposed framework
Authors: Nooshinfard Fatemeh , Nemati-Anaraki Leila
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The dynamism of new economy requires information professionals not only to create knowledge quickly but also to acquire and apply knowledge through knowledge sharing (KS). So, determining factors that may influence knowledge sharing within an organization or among organizations has become an important area of research. This paper aims to review determinant factors influencing inter- and intra-organizational knowledge sharing in order to offer a framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– The present paper proceeds in three phases. In the first phase, the published literature on knowledge sharing has been reviewed extensively with consideration of their empirical applications. Next, based on the understanding gained from the previous stage, a conceptual framework of successful factors for effective inter-organizational knowledge sharing has been proposed. In the third phase, the proposed framework has been developed and finalized towards its maturity.

Findings

– Based on the literature, the authors have developed a framework for understanding factors which influence inter-organizational knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing among organizations appears theoretically sound, but it is a difficult task due to some complexities.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper attempts to set a theoretical framework for inter-organizational knowledge sharing as a foundation to address the gap in current literature though it does not claim to be comprehensive.

Originality/value

– A few attempts have been made to investigate success factors for inter-organizational knowledge sharing empirically or even theoretically, but this is the first of its kind that provides a theoretical framework to arrange success factors for the knowledge sharing based on inter-organizational collaborations. It serves as a useful starting point for those interested in knowledge management (KM). So it can serve as a roadmap of significant knowledge sharing research for researchers, designers and managers considering their options for fostering KM.
Integrating Semantic Web technologies with XML Schema using role-mapping annotations
Authors: Hsu I-Ching , Yang Lee Jang , Huang Der-Chen , Lai Kuan-Yang
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– XML Schema is used to define schema of XML documents that have become standards for data exchange in various Web-based information applications. The main problem of XML Schema is that it emphasizes syntax and format rather than semantics and knowledge representation. Hence, even though having the advantage of describing the structure and constraining the contents of XML documents, XML Schema lacks the computer-interpretability to support knowledge representation for existing information systems. The purpose of this study is to propose role-mapping annotations for XML Schema (RMAXS) to integrate Semantic Web with XML Schema, which allows the facilitation interoperability between adjoining layers of the Semantic Web stack.

Design/methodology/approach

– The XML, XML Schema, ontology, and rule can be completely integrated into a multi-layered intelligent framework (MIF) for XML-based applications in the current web environment. This work presents a semantic-role-mapping intelligent system, called SRMIS, based on the MIF. SRMIS consists of XML-based document repository, search engine, inference engine and transformation engine, which provides different approaches to present the various metadata and knowledge representations.

Findings

– The traditional Semantic Web stack has three gaps between adjoining layers. The first gap, between the XML and XML Schema layers can be bridged with an XMLSchema-instance mechanism. The third gap, between the ontology and rule layers can be connected by building rules on top of ontologies. This study proposes RMAXS to couple the second gap, between the XML schema and ontology layers. The proposed multi-layered intelligent framework (MIF) adopts these coupling technologies to facilitate interoperability between adjoining layers. Therefore, the XML, XML Schema, ontology, and rule can be completely integrated into the MIF for intelligent applications in the web environment.

Practical implications

– To demonstrate the SRMIS applications, this work implements a prototype that helps researchers to find interested papers.

Originality/value

– This work presents a semantic-role-mapping intelligent system, called SRMIS, based on the MIF. SRMIS consists of XML-based document repository, search engine, inference engine and transformation engine, which provides different approaches to present the various metadata and knowledge representations. The proposed SRMIS can be applied in various application domains.
The causal relationships between stock returns, trading volume, and volatility
Authors: Sana Hsieh Hui-Ching
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The real estate markets in Asia have attracted significant investor attention as they have grown rapidly in recent years. Both local and foreign investors continue to display a strong appetite for Asian real estate investment projects. Given the different characteristics of listed real estate stocks, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the causal relations between the financial variables of these stocks. This financial analysis can help investors to understand the characteristics of listed real estate companies, provide implications for optimal asset allocation decisions, and also increase the predictability of portfolio returns.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this research, the paper investigates the contemporaneous and causal relations between stock returns, trading volume and volatility in a domestic market context and between different national markets for listed real estate companies in seven Asian economies.

Findings

– The paper finds that there are positive contemporaneous relations between trading volume and both returns and absolute returns. When the paper examines the causal relations between the financial variables, the evidence implies that current trading volume helps to explain the returns indirectly by leading return volatility; however, trading volume does not help to explain future returns directly. Extending the causality test to international markets, the listed real estate portfolios of the four Southeast Asian countries are found to be more closely correlated than those of the other three countries studied here. Among the four Southeast Asian countries, Singapore, the only developed country, is found to play an influential role, its current financial variables having predictive power for the other countries.

Originality/value

– This research provides global investors with a better understanding of the Asian listed real estate market, showing that trading volume contains important information regarding returns, that the characteristics of listed real estate companies are closer to those of the financial market than those of the real estate markets, and that the markets of the major economies have extensive influence over the smaller markets. Moreover, given the scarcity of research on the performance of Asian listed real estate companies themselves, this study improves the completeness of the academic literature.
Managing integrated information flow for delivery reliability
Authors: Durugbo Christopher , Tiwari Ashutosh , R. Alcock Jeffrey
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the management of information flow for delivery reliability. It analyses how the integration strategies of traceability, transaction costs and vertical integration that shape integrated information flow are managed during delivery processes of firms. While delivery reliability contributes to firm competitiveness, information flow is central to firms interaction internally and externally to facilitate delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper applies an exploratory multiple-case study involving 21 delivery team members in three industrial technology-based firms. Informed by a multidisciplinary framework from literature, the study captures “what” and “how” existing firms manage information flow during delivery. Individual cases from the company were compared analysed to determine themes that drive delivery-related integrated information flow management.

Findings

– The paper finds that case firms prioritised understanding interaction logics, maintaining process timeliness, review-oriented streamlining and communication-oriented coordination. The study also finds that for delivery reliability in technology-based firms, the interplay of vertical integration, market relations and long term, voluntary relations, especially through the use of small, dedicated and highly skilled team, is required to effectively manage delivery-related integrated information flow.

Originality/value

– The major contribution of this paper is an exposition on practices for facilitating information flow integration. It also offers insights that suggest integrated information flow for delivery reliability could be enhanced through the use of customer-focused communication channels, context-driven documentations, multiple and alternate communication channels as well as intuitive and user-friendly documentation strategies.
Factors affecting online repurchase intention
Authors: Lin Chinho , Lekhawipat Watcharee
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of online shopping experience and habit in relation to adjusted expectations for enhancing online repurchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors employed partial least square (PLS) as a technique used to analyze the measurement and structural models. Data for this research were collected from 240 Taiwanese online shoppers who had experienced online shopping at least four times.

Findings

– The result of this study indicates that online shopping habit acts as a moderator of both customer satisfaction and adjusted expectations, whereas online shopping experience can be considered a key driver for customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the research findings confirm that customer satisfaction is a vital driver of adjusted expectations and online repurchase intention. Adjusted expectations do mediate the impact of online repurchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper highlights the effect of online shopping experience and online shopping habit on enhancing repurchase intention. The result implies that the acquisition of usage experience and spontaneous purchases not only leads to higher customer satisfaction and customer expectations, but also strengthens online repurchase intention. The use of self-report scales suggests the possibility of a common method bias. Future studies may further test the robustness of this study in the interplay of experience and habit to shed more light on their relative importance in explaining online repurchase intention.

Originality/value

– This study extends expectancy-disconfirmation paradigm, especially in the context of online shopping, by emphasizing cognitive, affective, and behavioral change on the attitude-intention behavior of online shoppers.