bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of laser spot shapes on polar-direct-drive implosions on the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Weilacher F. , Radha P. B. , Collins T. J. B. , Marozas J. A.
Published: March 2015

Ongoing polar-direct-drive (PDD) implosions on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) [J. D. Lindl and E. I. Moses, Phys. Plasmas 18, 050901 (2011)] use existing NIF hardware, including indirect-drive phase plates. This limits the performance achievable in these implosions. Spot shapes are identified that significantly improve the uniformity of PDD NIF implosions; outer surface deviation is reduced by a factor of 7 at the end of the laser pulse and hot-spot distortion is reduced by a factor of 2 when the shell has converged by a factor of ∼10. As a result, the neutron yield increases by approximately a factor of 2. This set of laser spot shapes is a combination of circular and elliptical spots, along with elliptical spot shapes modulated by an additional higher-intensity ellipse offset from the center of the beam. This combination is motivated in this paper. It is also found that this improved implosion uniformity is obtained independent of the heat conduction model. This work indicates that significant improvement in performance can be obtained robustly with the proposed spot shapes.
Cluster expansion modeling and Monte Carlo simulation of alnico 5–7 permanent magnets
Authors: Nguyen Manh Cuong , Zhao Xin , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Ho Kai-Ming
Published: March 2015

The concerns about the supply and resource of rare earth (RE) metals have generated a lot of interests in searching for high performance RE-free permanent magnets. Alnico alloys are traditional non-RE permanent magnets and have received much attention recently due their good performance at high temperature. In this paper, we develop an accurate and efficient cluster expansion energy model for alnico 5–7. Monte Carlo simulations using the cluster expansion method are performed to investigate the structure of alnico 5–7 at atomistic and nano scales. The alnico 5–7 master alloy is found to decompose into FeCo-rich and NiAl-rich phases at low temperature. The boundary between these two phases is quite sharp (∼2 nm) for a wide range of temperature. The compositions of the main constituents in these two phases become higher when the temperature gets lower. Both FeCo-rich and NiAl-rich phases are in B2 ordering with Fe and Al on α-site and Ni and Co on β-site. The degree of order of the NiAl-rich phase is much higher than that of the FeCo-rich phase. A small magnetic moment is also observed in NiAl-rich phase but the moment reduces as the temperature is lowered, implying that the magnetic properties of alnico 5–7 could be improved by lowering annealing temperature to diminish the magnetism in NiAl-rich phase. The results from our Monte Carlo simulations are consistent with available experimental results.
Inter-dot strain field effect on the optoelectronic properties of realistic InP lateral quantum-dot molecules
Authors: Barettin Daniele , Auf der Maur Matthias , De Angelis Roberta , Prosposito Paolo , Casalboni Mauro , Pecchia Alessandro
Published: March 2015

We report on numerical simulations of InP surface lateral quantum-dot molecules on In0.48Ga0.52 P buffer, using a model strictly derived by experimental results by extrapolation of the molecules shape from atomic force microscopy images. Our study has been inspired by the comparison of a photoluminescence spectrum of a high-density InP surface quantum dot sample with a numerical ensemble average given by a weighted sum of simulated single quantum-dot spectra. A lack of experimental optical response from the smaller dots of the sample is found to be due to strong inter-dot strain fields, which influence the optoelectronic properties of lateral quantum-dot molecules. Continuum electromechanical, k→·p→ bandstructure, and optical calculations are presented for two different molecules, the first composed of two dots of nearly identical dimensions (homonuclear), the second of two dots with rather different sizes (heteronuclear). We show that in the homonuclear molecule the hydrostatic strain raises a potential barrier for the electrons in the connection zone between the dots, while conversely the holes do not experience any barrier, which considerably increases the coupling. Results for the heteronuclear molecule show instead that its dots do not appear as two separate and distinguishable structures, but as a single large dot, and no optical emission is observed in the range of higher energies where the smaller dot is supposed to emit. We believe that in samples of such a high density the smaller dots result as practically incorporated into bigger molecular structures, an effect strongly enforced by the inter-dot strain fields, and consequently it is not possible to experimentally obtain a separate optical emission from the smaller dots.
Strain dependent electron spin dynamics in bulk cubic GaN
Authors: Schaefer A. , Buß J. H. , Schupp T. , Zado A. , As D. J. , Hägele D. , Rudolph J.
Published: March 2015

The electron spin dynamics under variable uniaxial strain is investigated in bulk cubic GaN by time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr-rotation spectroscopy. Spin relaxation is found to be approximately independent of the applied strain, in complete agreement with estimates for Dyakonov-Perel spin relaxation. Our findings clearly exclude strain-induced relaxation as an effective mechanism for spin relaxation in cubic GaN.
Monte Carlo simulation of a cesium atom beam in a magnetic field
Authors: Chen Jiang , Zhu Hongwei , Ma Yinguang , Li Detian , Liu Zhidong , Wang Ji
Published: March 2015

We present Monte Carlo simulations of the deflection of a beam of 133Cs atoms in a two wire magnetic field. Our results reveal the relationship between transmission rate of the atoms and incident parameters. Incident angle and position of the beam with maximum transmission are obtained from the simulations. The effect of the deflection field on the spatial distribution (beam profile) of 133Cs is derived. The method will help with the design of magnetic deflection experiments and to extract the magnetic properties from such experiments.
Capturing humanitarian war: the collusion of violence and care in US-managed military detention
Authors: Nisa Richard
Published: March 2015

In this paper I explore the complex economies of violence that circulate through the US military's enactments of battlefield capture and military detainment. I highlight the ways in which these practices relate to the humanitarian objective of carrying out warfare both for and with humanity. I first outline the emergence of an explicitly protective custody within the landscape of war, describing the broad historical contours of war prisoner treatment. I then detail the ways in which humanitarian law's call to care for detained enemy bodies has itself become linked with highly specific forms of political and bodily violence. Next, I argue that this copractice of care and violence in the camps is underpinned by a relational understanding of humanitarianism. Finally, I turn my attention to the ways in which the battlefield encounter has become an increasingly technical enterprise, one in which questions surrounding the ethical treatment of prisoners are subsumed into an evolving assemblage of spaces, means of data collection, and discursive performances that reframe the limits of military violence and generate new vulnerabilities.
Radical uncertainty: scenario planning for futures
Authors: Zapata Marisa A , Kaza Nikhil
Published: March 2015

The use of scenario planning in urban and regional planning practice has grown in the last decade as one way to face uncertainty. However, in adapting scenario planning from its origins in the business sector, planners have eliminated two key components: (1) the use of multiple scenarios, and (2) the inclusion of diverse organizations, people, and interests through deep deliberations. We argue that this shift limits the ability of planners to plan for multiple plausible futures that are shaped by an increasing number of diverse actors. In this paper, we use case-study research to examine how uncertainty was considered in four scenario-planning processes. We analyzed and compared the cases based on analytical categories related to multiple futures and diversity. We found that the processes that used multiple, structurally distinct scenarios explored a wider range of topics and issues shaping places. All four relied heavily on professional stakeholders as the scenario developers, limiting public input. Only one of the processes that included multiple futures captured the differential effects that scenarios would have on diverse people and interests. Overall, the purpose of the scenario planning drove the participant diversity and ultimately the quality and use of the scenarios.
Grazing defoliation and nutritive value of Setaria pumila and Digitaria sanguinalis in Lolium perenne-based swards
Authors: Tozer K. N. , Cameron C. A. , Matthews L.
Published: March 2015

Setaria pumila and Digitaria sanguinalis are undesirable, C4 annual grass species in intensively managed temperate and subtropical dairy pastures. A comparative, small-plot study was established in Lolium perenne-based dairy pastures to determine the extent to which these species are grazed and how this relates to changes in their nutritive value over summer–early autumn. Setaria pumila was taller than D. sanguinalis before grazing (16–24 and 10–17 cm, respectively) and was grazed to lower post-grazing height and less post-grazing groundcover than D. sanguinalis: height 4.1 and 4.7 cm, cover 67 and 83%, respectively, averaged over January–March (summer–early autumn). Nutritive quality was similar for both species (with metabolisable energy values for December–March averaging 11.1, 10.0, 8.5 and 9.0 MJ kg DM–1) and is unlikely to be a key determinant of differences in grazing defoliation. In addition, post-grazing cover and post-grazing height for both annual grasses increased over the grazing season and were associated with declining nutritive value of both species. The nutritive value of L. perenne was higher than that of both S. pumila and D. sanguinalis and it did not decline over the grazing season (December–March: 11.3, 11.5, 9.3 and 11.4 MJ kg DM–1). Although S. pumila and D. sanguinalis were grazed in all months, they readily produced new panicles between grazings. Given this, these annual grasses are likely to spread in Lolium perenne-based dairy pastures unless interventions are used.
Nucleation of metastable aragonite CaCO
3
in seawater
Authors: Sun Wenhao , Jayaraman Saivenkataraman , Chen Wei , Persson Kristin A. , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: March 2015

Significance

Crystallization from solution is a materials synthesis process common both in nature and in the laboratory. Unlike conventional high-temperature solid-state synthesis, solution-based syntheses often yield metastable phases, contrary to expectations from equilibrium thermodynamics. Using a recently developed ab initio scheme to calculate the surface energy of a critical nucleus in equilibrium with the aqueous environment, we present a framework to compare relative nucleation rates between competing polymorphs as a function of solution chemistry. We apply this approach to demonstrate how seawater chemistry can preferentially bias nucleation toward the metastable aragonite phase of calcium carbonate, rather than the stable phase calcite––which is of great relevance to biomineralization, carbon sequestration, paleogeochemistry, and the vulnerability of marine life to ocean acidification.
Framing the Unframable in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh
Authors: Gabri Richard
Published: March 2015

This paper explores the ways in which the Shahnameh thematizes the poet's fraught relationship with language to not only complicate our overall understanding of the epic poem but also our understanding of the language which makes the poem, and the world outside the poem, intelligible. Through a close reading of some of the prologues and epilogues that frame the Shahnameh’s tales, this essay argues that rather than helping us understand how to interpret the epic's morally ambiguous tales, the frames to Ferdowsi's tales, ironically represent a narrator who is in no position to offer us any help. Of course, the poet does give us clues as to why he and consequently we are “helpless” (bichāreh) when it comes to understanding his tales, which, in its own way, can be considered helpful. What seems to hinder understanding at every turn for the poet is, paradoxically, the very language or speech (sakhon/sokhan) that makes understanding possible in the first place.
Linezolid resistance in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis from German hospitals and characterization of two cfr-carrying plasmids
Authors: Bender Jennifer , Strommenger Birgit , Steglich Matthias , Zimmermann Ortrud , Fenner Ines , Lensing Carmen , Dagwadordsch Urantschimeg , Kekulé Alexander S. , Werner Guido , Layer Franziska
Published: March 2015

Objectives

This study was a detailed investigation of Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates exhibiting linezolid resistance.

Methods

Thirty-six linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis from eight German hospitals, including isolates from suspected hospital-associated outbreaks between January 2012 and April 2013, were analysed with respect to their antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of cfr and/or mutations in the 23S rRNA, rplC, rplD and rplV genes. Relatedness of isolates was estimated by MLST and SmaI macrorestriction analysis. Characterization of cfr plasmids was carried out by means of Illumina sequencing.

Results

The MICs of linezolid varied substantially between the isolates. No apparent correlation was detected between the level of resistance, the presence of cfr and ribosomal target site mutations. S. epidermidis isolates from two hospitals were confirmed as clonally related, indicating the spread of the respective clone over a period of 1 year. Next-generation sequencing revealed two different categories of cfr-expressing plasmids, both of them varying in genetic arrangement and composition from previously published cfr plasmids: p12-00322-like plasmids showed incorporation of cfr into a pGO1-like backbone and displayed capabilities for intra- and inter-species conjugational transfer.

Conclusions

To date, linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis have rarely been isolated from human clinical sources in Germany. Here, we describe the emergence and outbreaks of these strains. We detected previously described and novel point mutations in the 23S ribosomal genes. The cfr gene was only present in six isolates. However, this is the first known description of cfr incorporation into conjugative vectors; under selective pressure, these vectors could give reasonable cause for concern.
The period-ratio and mass-ratio correlation in extra-solar multiple planetary systems
Authors: Jiang Ing-Guey , Yeh Li-Chin , Hung Wen-Liang
Published: March 2015

Employing the data from orbital periods and masses of extra-solar planets in 166 multiple planetary systems, the period ratio and mass ratio of adjacent planet pairs are studied. The correlation between the period ratio and mass ratio is confirmed, with a correlation coefficient of 0.5303 with a 99 per cent confidence interval (0.3807, 0.6528). A comparison with the distribution of synthetic samples from a Monte Carlo simulation reveals the imprint of planet–planet interactions on the formation of adjacent planet pairs in multiple planetary systems.
Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of brainstem metastases: The MD Anderson experience
Authors: Voong Khinh Ranh , Farnia Benjamin , Wang Qianghu , Luo Dershan , McAleer Mary F. , Rao Ganesh , Guha-Thakurta Nandita , Likhacheva Anna , Ghia Amol J. , Brown Paul D. , Li Jing
Published: March 2015

Background

Brainstem metastases (BSMs) represent a significant treatment challenge. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is often used to treat BSM. We report our experience in the treatment of BSM with Gamma Knife SRS (GK_SRS).

Methods

The records of 1962 patients with brain metastases treated with GK_SRS between 2009 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy-four patients with 77 BSMs and follow-up brain imaging were identified. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity were assessed.

Results

Median follow-up was 5.5 months (range, 0.2–48.5 months). Median tumor volume was 0.13 cm3 (range, 0.003–5.58 cm3). Median treatment dose was 16 Gy (range, 10–20 Gy) prescribed to 50% isodose line (range, 40%–86%). Crude LC was 94% (72/77). Kaplan-Meier estimate of median OS was 8.5 months (95% CI, 5.6–9.4 months). Symptomatic lesions and larger lesions, especially size ≥2 cm3, were associated with worse LC (HR = 8.70, P = .05; HR = 14.55, P = .02; HR = 62.81, P < .001) and worse OS (HR = 2.00, P = .02; HR = 2.14, P = .03; HR = 2.81, P = .008). Thirty-six percent of BSMs were symptomatic, of which 36% (10/28) resolved after SRS and 50% (14/28) had stable or improved symptoms. Actuarial median PFS was 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.7–4.9 months). Midbrain location was significant for worse PFS (HR = 2.29, P = .03). Toxicity was low (8%, 6/74), with size and midbrain location associated with increased toxicity (HR 1.57, P = .05; HR = 5.25, P = .045).

Conclusions

GK_SRS is associated with high LC (94%) and low toxicity (8%) for BSMs. Presence of symptoms or lesion size ≥ 2 cm3 was predictive of worse LC and OS.
Social conformity despite individual preferences for distinctiveness
Authors: Smaldino Paul E. , Epstein Joshua M.
Published: March 2015

We demonstrate that individual behaviours directed at the attainment of distinctiveness can in fact produce complete social conformity. We thus offer an unexpected generative mechanism for this central social phenomenon. Specifically, we establish that agents who have fixed needs to be distinct and adapt their positions to achieve distinctiveness goals, can nevertheless self-organize to a limiting state of absolute conformity. This seemingly paradoxical result is deduced formally from a small number of natural assumptions and is then explored at length computationally. Interesting departures from this conformity equilibrium are also possible, including divergence in positions. The effect of extremist minorities on these dynamics is discussed. A simple extension is then introduced, which allows the model to generate and maintain social diversity, including multimodal distinctiveness distributions. The paper contributes formal definitions, analytical deductions and counterintuitive findings to the literature on individual distinctiveness and social conformity.
Back to Tanganyika: a case of recent trans-species-flock dispersal in East African haplochromine cichlid fishes
Authors: Meyer Britta S. , Indermaur Adrian , Ehrensperger Xenia , Egger Bernd , Banyankimbona Gaspard , Snoeks Jos , Salzburger Walter
Published: March 2015

The species flocks of cichlid fishes in the East African Great Lakes are the largest vertebrate adaptive radiations in the world and illustrious textbook examples of convergent evolution between independent species assemblages. Although recent studies suggest some degrees of genetic exchange between riverine taxa and the lake faunas, not a single cichlid species is known from Lakes Tanganyika, Malawi and Victoria that is derived from the radiation associated with another of these lakes. Here, we report the discovery of a haplochromine cichlid species in Lake Tanganyika, which belongs genetically to the species flock of haplochromines of the Lake Victoria region. The new species colonized Lake Tanganyika only recently, suggesting that faunal exchange across watersheds and, hence, between isolated ichthyofaunas, is more common than previously thought.
Tepidicaulis marinus gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium that reduces nitrate to nitrous oxide under strictly microaerobic conditions
Authors: Takeuchi Mio , Yamagishi Takao , Kamagata Yoichi , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Katayama Taiki , Hanada Satoshi , Tamaki Hideyuki , Marumo Katsumi , Maeda Hiroto , Nedachi Munetomo , Iwasaki Wataru , Suwa Yuichi , Sakata Susumu
Published: March 2015

A moderately thermophilic, aerobic, stalked bacterium (strain MA2T) was isolated from marine sediments in Kagoshima Bay, Japan. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MA2T was most closely related to the genera

Rhodobium

,

Parvibaculum

, and

Rhodoligotrophos

(92–93 % similarity) within the class

Alphaproteobacteria

. Strain MA2T was a Gram-stain-negative and stalked dimorphic bacteria. The temperature range for growth was 16–48 °C (optimum growth at 42 °C). This strain required yeast extract and NaCl (>1 %, w/v) for growth, tolerated up to 11 % (w/v) NaCl, and was capable of utilizing various carbon sources. The major cellular fatty acid and major respiratory quinone were C18 : 1ω7c and ubiquinone-10, respectively. The DNA G+C content was 60.7 mol%. Strain MA2T performed denitrification and produced N2O from nitrate under strictly microaerobic conditions. Strain MA2T possessed periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap) genes but not membrane-bound nitrate reductase (Nar) genes. On the basis of this morphological, physiological, biochemical and genetic information a novel genus and species, Tepidicaulis marinus gen. nov., sp. nov., are proposed, with MA2T ( = NBRC 109643T = DSM 27167T) as the type strain of the species.
Lysinibacillus acetophenoni sp. nov., a solvent-tolerant bacterium isolated from acetophenone
Authors: Azmatunnisa M. , Rahul K. , Lakshmi K. V. N. S. , Sasikala Ch. , Ramana Ch. V.
Published: March 2015

A Gram-stain-positive, solvent-tolerating, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that formed terminal endospores was isolated from the organic solvent acetophenone. The strain, designated JC23T, was oxidase- and catalase-positive. The strain grew in the presence of a wide range of organic solvents with partition coefficients (log p values) between 1 and 4, which are exceptionally toxic to micro-organisms. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain JC23T was identified as belonging to the genus

Lysinibacillus

and was most closely related to

Lysinibacillus manganicus

Mn1-7T (98.5 % similarity),

L. massiliensis

440831T (97.2 %) and

L. chungkukjangi

2RL3-2T (96.8 %). DNA–DNA relatedness of strain JC23T with the type strains of the closest species was <39 %. Strain JC23T grew chemo-organoheterotrophically with optimal growth at pH 7 (range pH 6–9) and at 35 °C (range 25–40 °C). The DNA G+C content was 41 mol%. Major cellular fatty acids of strain JC23T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was determined to be A4α (l-Lys–d-Asp), which is in agreement with the cell-wall characteristics of the genus

Lysinibacillus

. The predominant quinone system was MK-7. Polar lipids of strain JC23T included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids, β-gentiobiosyldiacylglycerol, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified lipids. On the basis of our morphological, physiological, genetic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses, we conclude that strain JC23T should be assigned to a novel species of the genus

Lysinibacillus

, for which the name Lysinibacillus acetophenoni sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain JC23T ( = CCUG 57911T = KCTC 13605T = NBRC 105754T = DSM 23394T).
Three R2R3-MYB Transcription Factors Regulate Distinct Floral Pigmentation Patterning in Phalaenopsis spp.
Authors: Hsu Chia-Chi , Chen You-Yi , Tsai Wen-Chieh , Chen Wen-Huei , Chen Hong-Hwa
Published: March 2015

Orchidaceae are well known for their fascinating floral morphologic features, specialized pollination, and distinctive ecological strategies. With their long-lasting flowers of various colors and pigmentation patterning, Phalaenopsis spp. have become important ornamental plants worldwide. In this study, we identified three R2R3-MYB transcription factors PeMYB2, PeMYB11, and PeMYB12. Their expression profiles were concomitant with red color formation in Phalaenopsis spp. flowers. Transient assay of overexpression of three PeMYBs verified that PeMYB2 resulted in anthocyanin accumulation, and these PeMYBs could activate the expression of three downstream structural genes Phalaenopsis spp. Flavanone 3-hydroxylase5, Phalaenopsis spp. Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase1, and Phalaenopsis spp. Anthocyanidin synthase3. In addition, these three PeMYBs participated in the distinct pigmentation patterning in a single flower, which was revealed by virus-induced gene silencing. In the sepals/petals, silencing of PeMYB2, PeMYB11, and PeMYB12 resulted in the loss of the full-red pigmentation, red spots, and venation patterns, respectively. Moreover, different pigmentation patterning was regulated by PeMYBs in the sepals/petals and lip. PeMYB11 was responsive to the red spots in the callus of the lip, and PeMYB12 participated in the full pigmentation in the central lobe of the lip. The differential pigmentation patterning was validated by RNA in situ hybridization. Additional assessment was performed in six Phalaenopsis spp. cultivars with different color patterns. The combined expression of these three PeMYBs in different ratios leads to a wealth of complicated floral pigmentation patterning in Phalaenopsis spp.
Shaping destination image and identity: insights for Arab tourism at the Gold Coast, Australia
Authors: Abodeeb Jamila , Wilson Erica , Moyle Brent
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore how destination image can be shaped, created and crafted, from an induced-source, supply-side perspective to better cater to Arab visitors, drawing on empirical research conducted on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two sequential stages of research were implemented. The first stage conducted an analysis of websites to compare and contrast the image of the Gold Coast projected with the image perceived by Arab visitors. The second stage conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals from two destination marketing organisations (DMOs) directly responsible for marketing the Gold Coast to Arab visitors.

Findings

– Key findings indicate that the DMOs sought to portray a strong destination brand to Arab visitors, specifically around its current branding of “Gold Coast: Famous for Fun”. The Gold Coast has highly evolved strategies to target Arab visitors, including productive working relationships between DMOs and strategic partnerships with tourism organisations in the Arab world. However, analysis of websites revealed some incongruence between core attractions. Arab websites emphasise the beach more than do the Australian, state and local DMOs, and entertainment did not rate as highly as the need for beaches, shopping and accommodation.

Research limitations/implications

– Importantly, this research highlights the need for DMOs to clearly understand the needs of Arab visitors and integrating such information into targeted marketing campaigns aligned with the core destination brand.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this research is in providing a more nuanced understanding of the importance of using culture as a key segmentation tool not only to help attract more tourists but to assist DMOs to understand the special needs of various cultures in the destination.
Dry sliding friction and wear behavior of self-lubricating wollastonite filled polycarbonate composites
Authors: Akinci Akin
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the friction and wear performance of pure polycarbonate (PC) and 5-30 per cent wollastonite-filled (by weight) PC were comparatively evaluated under dry sliding conditions. Wear tests were carried out at room temperature under the loads of 5-20 N and at the sliding speeds of 0.5-1.5 m/s.

Design/methodology/approach

– The microstructures of the wollastonite, pure PC and composites were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The friction and wear tests were realized using a pin-on-disk arrangement against the hardened AISI 4140 steel.

Findings

– The result of this study indicated that the coefficients of friction wear rate of the materials were significantly influenced by an increase in wollastonite content. The friction coefficient of the PC was getting decreased from 0.457 to 0.198 with an increase in wollastonite content, depending on applied loads and sliding speeds. On the other hand, the results showed that the wear rates of pure PC and wollastonite-filled PCs decreased with an increase in loads. The wear rate of the PC decreased from 1.2 × 10−6 to 8.7 × 10−6 mm3/m with an increase in wollastonite content, depending on applied loads.

Originality/value

– There are many reports which deal with the friction and wear performance of the polymers and polymer composites. However, the effect of wollastonite effect on tribological performance of PC has up to now not been extensively researched.
Static characteristics of thermohydrodynamic journal bearing operating under lubricants containing nanoparticles
Authors: Kalakada Sreedhar Babu , Kumarapillai Prabhakaran Nair Nair , P K Rajendra Kumar
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this work is to investigate the static performance characteristics of thermohydrodynamic journal bearing operating under nanolubricants (lubricants containing per cent weight concentration of nanoparticles).

Design/methodology/approach

– Addition of nanoparticles in the lubricant increases lubricant viscosity. To study the effect of this variation on journal bearing, analytical models are developed for the relationship between viscosity, 0-0.5 per cent weight concentration of nanoparticles and temperature range of 300-900°C. To obtain pressure and temperature distribution, modified Reynolds and energy equations are solved by using the finite element method. The viscosity field (varies with temperature and per cent weight concentration of nanoparticles) is updated in these two equations by using the developed analytical model. The steady-state performance characteristics are computed for various values of eccentricity ratios for non-thermoviscous (viscosity of lubricant varies with per cent weight concentration of nanoparticles) and thermoviscous (viscosity of lubricant varies with per cent weight concentration of nanoparticles and temperature) cases. The lubricant and the nanoparticles used for the present work are SAE15W40, copper oxide (CuO), cerium oxide (CeO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

Findings

– The pressure and temperature distribution across the lubricant film in the clearance space of journal bearing and static performance characteristics are calculated.

Originality/value

– The computed results show that addition of nanoparticles in the lubricant influences the performance characteristics considerable in thermoviscous case than non-thermoviscous case.
The effect of tenure on auditor realization rates
Authors: Johnson Lynn , O'Keefe Terrence B.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to test whether the realization rate on audit engagements increases with auditor tenure in competitive markets, suggesting the presence of initial audit lowballing.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using regression analysis, we test this hypothesis with fee- and cost-related data from a sample of local governments audited by a single audit firm. Based on representations of the firm, we classify the audit market for the 127 cities, counties and school districts in our sample as competitive and the audit market for the 93 special district audits as non-competitive.

Findings

– As hypothesized, we find that in the competitive market, the realization rate on audit engagements increases with auditor tenure but does not do so in the non-competitive audit market.

Research limitations/implications

– We cannot identify the specific engagements which were subject to a competitive bidding process, so we rely on the auditor’s representation of competitiveness by entity type.

Originality/value

– To our knowledge, the central prediction of audit pricing models that the auditor’s realization rate increases with auditor tenure has not been tested in real audit markets because proprietary cost data are rarely available. Testing this prediction is the primary contribution of this paper.
Leadership, governance and the mitigation of risk: a case study
Authors: Rooney Jim , Cuganesan Suresh
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine how managers in financial institutions satisfy themselves of the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategy and management control. It studies the co-opting of accounting tools within a single financial institution case study, examining the recursive and emergent characteristics of risk management practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Adopting a field study approach within the strategy-as-practice perspective, the paper provides insights into the role of actor perceptions of risk and accounting as a calculative practice in the adaptive enactment of risk strategy.

Findings

– Results highlight the interactions between risk management strategy, management controls and actor interests at Lehman Brothers. The actions and reactions of risk management decision-makers such as Executive Committee and Board members are examined to better understand the role of accounting and leadership.

Research limitations/implications

– Results of this study may not be generalised beyond this single case study.

Practical implications

– The paper emphasises that concern for the social relations and the performative interests of actors in a risk management network needs to be understood and considered in accounting research. It is argued that the market prices of tradable financial asset will continue to be opaque without these insights.

Originality/value

– This study explores an under-researched topic in the accounting literature in examining how management controls are affected by and, in turn, affect risk strategising.
Tracking change in Northern Ireland policing: temporal phases and key themes
Authors: Murphy Joanne
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore and explain the change process in Northern Ireland policing through an analysis of temporally bracketed change phases and key change delivery themes ranging from 1996 to 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research approach adopted is process based, longitudinal and multi-method, utilising “temporal bracketing” to determine phases of change and conjunctural reasoning to unravel the systematic factors interacting over time, within the case.

Findings

– The paper identifies and temporally brackets four phases of change: “Tipping point”; “Implementation, Symbolic Modification and Resistance”; “Power Assisted Steering”; and “A Return to Turbulence”, identifies four themes that emerge from RUC-PSNI experience: the role of adaptive leadership; pace and sequencing of change implementation; sufficient resourcing; and the impact of external agents acting as boundary spanners, and comments on the prominence of these themes through the phases. The paper goes on to reflect upon how these phases and themes inform our understanding of organisational change within policing organisations generally and within politically pressurised transition processes.

Originality/value

– The contribution of the paper lies in the documentation of an almost unique organisational case in an environmentally forced change process. In this it contains lessons for other organisations facing similar, if less extreme challenges and presents an example of intense change analysed longitudinally.
Policing and procedural justice: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Donner Chirstopher , Maskaly Jon , Fridell Lorie , Jennings Wesley G.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to systematically and comprehensively review the literature on procedural justice in policing, in the context of both police-citizen encounters and organizational decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

– The current study reflects a narrative meta-review of procedural justice within policing generated through a systematic and exhaustive search of several academic databases (e.g. Criminal Justice Abstracts, Criminology: A SAGE Full Text Collection, EBSCO Host, PsychInfo, etc.).

Findings

– The current meta-review identified 46 studies that matched the selection criteria. In this body of research, 28 studies analyzed procedural justices within the context of police-citizen encounters and 18 studies examined procedural justice within the context of police organization decision making. In general, the body of research yields two main findings. First, citizens’ perceptions of procedural justice during interactions with the police positively affect their views of police legitimacy, satisfaction with police services, satisfaction with interaction disposition, trust in the police, and confidence in the police. Second, the perception of police personnel of procedural justice in organizational decision making positively influences their views of decision outcomes, trust in the administration, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, desire to stay with the agency, and overall views of the agency.

Practical implications

– The practical implications derived from this meta-review are twofold. First, police personnel engaged in police-citizen encounters reap many benefits when they treat citizens with fairness and maintain an encounter process that is marked by objectivity and equity. Second, police supervisors and administrators reap benefits when their subordinates perceive that there is procedural justice within the organization.

Originality/value

– The state-of-the-art meta-review on procedural justice in policing is the first of its kind. This study comprehensively reviews the literature on two important bodies of policing research. This study will be useful for researchers who wish to further explore procedural justice issues in policing, and for police managers/administrators who wish to strengthen citizens’ perceptions of the police and their employees’ perceptions of the organization.
Benefits Gained, Benefits Lost: Comparing Baby Boomers to Other Generations in a Longitudinal Cohort Study of Self‐Rated Health
Authors: BADLEY ELIZABETH M. , CANIZARES MAYILEE , PERRUCCIO ANTHONY V. , HOGG‐JOHNSON SHEILAH , GIGNAC MONIQUE A.M.
Published: March 2015

Policy Points:

Despite beliefs that baby boomers are healthier than previous generations, we found no evidence that the health of baby boomers is substantially different from that of the previous or succeeding cohorts.

The effects of increased education, higher income, and lower smoking rates on improving self‐rated health were nearly counterbalanced by the adverse effect of increasing body mass index (BMI).

Assumptions that baby boomers will require less health care as they age because of better education, more prosperity, and less propensity to smoke may not be realized because of increases in obesity.

Context

Baby boomers are commonly believed to be healthier than the previous generation. Using self‐rated health (SRH) as an indicator of health status, this study examines the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on the trajectory of health across 4 generations: World War II (born between 1935 and 1944), older baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1954), younger baby boomers (born between 1955 and 1964), and Generation X (born between 1965 and 1974).

Methods

We analyzed Canada’s longitudinal National Population Health Survey 1994‐2010 (n = 8,570 at baseline), using multilevel growth models to estimate the age trajectory of SRH by cohort, accounting for period and incorporating the influence of changes in education, household income, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI) on SRH over time.

Findings

SRH worsened with increasing age in all cohorts. Cohort differences in SRH were modest (p = 0.034), but there was a significant period effect (p = 0.002). We found marked cohort effects for increasing education, income, and BMI, and decreasing smoking from the youngest to the oldest cohorts, which were much reduced (education and smoking) or removed (income and BMI) once period was taken into account. At the population level, multivariable analysis showed the benefits of increasing education and income and declines in smoking on the trajectory of improving SRH were almost counterbalanced by the effects of increasing BMI (obesity).

Conclusions

We found no evidence to support the expectation that baby boomers will age more or less healthily than previous cohorts did. We also found that increasing BMI has likely undermined improvements in health that might have otherwise occurred, with possible implications for the need for health care. Period effects had a more profound effect than birth cohort effects. This suggests that interventions to improve health, such as reducing obesity, can be targeted to the entire, or a major portion of the, population and need not single out particular birth cohorts.
Making ‘Global Sydney’: Spatial Imaginaries, Worlding and Strategic Plans
Authors: Baker Tom , Ruming Kristian
Published: March 2015

This article critically examines the expression of global spatial imaginaries in urban policy and planning. Following recent calls to understand how the global is ‘made up' in and through cities, we argue for the usefulness of Roy and Ong's concept of ‘worlding’. By analysing how strategic spatial plans envisage ‘Global Sydney’, the article reveals a constitutive spatial imaginary informed by the articulation of three interrelated elements: global city standards, comparative techniques and extra‐local policy models. Unpacking how cities are selectively worlded through spatial imaginaries, the article advances an approach to urban globality as actively cultivated and differentially produced.
Manipulation of Omega‐3 PUFAs in Lamb: Phenotypic and Genotypic Views
Authors: Alvarenga Tharcilla Isabella Rodrigues Costa , Chen Yizhou , Furusho‐Garcia Iraides Ferreira , Perez Juan Ramon Olalquiaga , Hopkins David L.
Published: March 2015

A number of studies have shown that dietary omega‐6 and omega‐3 long‐chain fatty acids can be incorporated into muscle tissue of ruminants despite the biohydrogenation of dietary fatty acids in the rumen. The main focus of this review is on eicosapentaenoic (20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n‐3) fatty acids because health authorities around the world consider the sum of these fatty acids as the basis of classifying a food as a source or good source of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). A high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids are hydrogenated in the rumen, leading to a higher concentration of 18:0, but some escapes the rumen to be absorbed intact by the small intestine. Feeding strategies for ruminants have been successfully applied to increase the absorption of PUFAs in the small intestine and therefore to increase the levels of PUFAs in muscle tissue. Protected fats and algae are strong candidates to improve the nutritional value of red meat in ruminants in terms of health‐claimable omega‐3 fatty acids. Efforts to understand the genetic basis of fatty acid metabolism have been underway. The knowledge of the main genes which control the output of omega‐3 fatty acids is still lacking, but gene expression studies have helped to explain the deposition of these acids in muscle, liver, and subcutaneous fat.
A Case of Contested Cremains Analyzed Through Metric and Chemical Comparison
Authors: Bartelink Eric J. , Sholts Sabrina B. , Milligan Colleen F. , Van Deest Traci L. , Wärmländer Sebastian K.T.S.
Published: March 2015

Since the 1980s, cremation has become the fastest growing area of the U.S. funeral industry. At the same time, the number of litigations against funeral homes and cremation facilities has increased. Forensic anthropologists are often asked to determine whether the contents of an urn are actually cremated bone, and to address questions regarding the identity of the remains. This study uses both metric and chemical analyses for resolving a case of contested cremains. A cremains weight of 2021.8 g was predicted based on the decedent's reported stature and weight. However, the urn contents weighed 4173.5 g. The urn contents also contained material inconsistent with cremains (e.g., moist sediment, stones, ferrous metal). Analysis using XRD and SEM demonstrated that the urn contained thermally altered bone as well as inorganic material consistent with glass fiber cement. Although forensically challenging, cremains cases such as this one can be resolved using a multidisciplinary approach.
The insecticidal activity and action mode of an imidacloprid analogue, 1‐(3‐pyridylmethyl)‐2‐nitroimino‐imidazolidine
Authors: Zhuang An‐Xiang , Zhang Yi‐Xi , Zhang Hui , Liu Ze‐Wen
Published: March 2015

Neonicotinoids, such as imidacloprid, are key insecticides extensively used for control of Nilaparvata lugens. However, imidacloprid resistance has been reported in many Asian countries in recent years. To understand the roles of the chlorine atom of pyridyl group on insecticidal activity and resistance, the atom was removed to generate an imidacloprid analogue DC‐Imi (DesChlorine Imidacloprid). DC‐Imi showed significantly higher toxicity than imidacloprid in the susceptible strain of N. lugens, but had medium level cross‐resistance in an imidacloprid‐resistant strain. In Xenopus oocyte expressed nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) Nlα1/rβ2, the inward currents evoked by DC‐Imi were detected and could be blocked by typical nAChRs antagonist dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (DHβE), which demonstrated that DC‐Imi acted as an agonist on insect nAChRs. The efficacy of DC‐Imi on Nlα1/rβ2 was 1.8‐fold higher than that of imidacloprid. In addition, the influence of an imidacloprid resistance associated mutation (Y151S) on agonist potencies was evaluated. Compared with the wild‐type receptor, the mutation reduced maximal inward current of DC‐Imi to 55.6% and increased half maximal effective concentration (EC50) to 3.53‐fold. Compared with imidacloprid (increasing EC50 to 2.38‐fold of wild‐type receptor), Y151S mutation decreased DC‐Imi potency more significantly. The results indicated that the selective and possibly high toxicities could be achieved through the modification of 6‐chloro‐3‐pyridyl group in imidacloprid and other neonicotinoids.
CD1 Antigen Presentation and Autoreactivity in the Pregnant Human Uterus
Authors: Guerin Leigh , Wu Vernon , Houser Brandy , Tilburgs Tamara , de Jong Annemieke , Moody D. Branch , Strominger Jack L.
Published: March 2015

Problem

CD11cHI human decidual macrophages express several isoforms of CD1 molecules. Their expression pattern and function required investigation.

Method of Study

CD11cHI macrophages were isolated from decidua. Expression of CD1 isoforms and their ability to present lipid antigens to T cells was studied.

Results

CD1a, CD1c, and CD1d were all expressed on CD11cHI dMϕ, a pattern differing from those previously observed. Exposure of peripheral monocytes and dendritic cells to lipid isolates from decidua led to increased surface CD1a levels only. The CD1a and CD1c on dMϕ were able to present the appropriate lipid antigens to lipid antigen‐specific T cells. Finally, autoreactivity of decidual T cells to CD1a was observed.

Conclusion

The unique pattern of expression of CD1 isoforms on CD11cHI dMϕ is consistent with organ‐specific roles of CD1 in human T‐cell responses. dMϕ are able to present lipid antigens to both peripheral and decidual T cells and are major antigen‐presenting cells in human decidua.