bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmonic Acceleration of a Photochemical Replicator
Authors: Thapaliya Ek Raj , Captain Burjor , Raymo Françisco M.
Published: October 2014

The photoinduced decarbonylation of an α‐diketone adduct generates 2,6‐dimethoxyanthracene in the ground state. The photochemical product can also absorb the incoming photons and transfer its excitation energy to another molecule of the reactant to establish an autocatalytic loop. In the presence of silver nanoparticles, the efficiency of energy transfer increases significantly with a concomitant acceleration of the autocatalytic transformation. In principle, this mechanism to establish kinetic amplification can be extended to any photoactivatable fluorophore, if reactant and product can be engineered to satisfy the spectral requirements necessary for energy transfer. Furthermore, the resulting photochemical replicators can be exploited to monitor the influence of metallic nanostructures on photochemical reactions with convenient fluorescence measurements. In turn, the associated plasmonic effects offer the opportunity to accelerate autocatalysis with nanoscale resolution.
Cytoprotective Alginate/Polydopamine Core/Shell Microcapsules in Microbial Encapsulation
Authors: Kim Beom Jin , Park Taegyun , Moon Hee Chul , Park So‐Young , Hong Daewha , Ko Eun Hyea , Kim Ji Yup , Hong Jong Wook , Han Sang Woo , Kim Yang‐Gyun , Choi Insung S.
Published: October 2014

Chemical encapsulation of microbes in threedimensional polymeric microcapsules promises various applications, such as cell therapy and biosensors, and provides a basic platform for studying microbial communications. However, the cytoprotection of microbes in the microcapsules against external aggressors has been a major challenge in the field of microbial microencapsulation, because ionotropic hydrogels widely used for microencapsulation swell uncontrollably, and are physicochemically labile. Herein, we developed a simple polydopamine coating for obtaining cytoprotective capability of the alginate capsule that encapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting alginate/ polydopamine core/shell capsule was mechanically tough, prevented gel swelling and cell leakage, and increased resistance against enzymatic attack and UV‐C irradiation. We believe that this multifunctional core/shell structure will provide a practical tool for manipulating microorganisms inside the microcapsules.
Delay‐dependent exponential stability analysis of non‐linear switched singular systems with average dwell time approach
Authors: Manivannan A. , Muralisankar S.
Published: October 2014

This manuscript analyzed the delay‐dependent stability problem for non‐linear switched singular time‐delay systems based on average dwell time and delay decomposition approach. Both cases of time‐delays namely constant and time‐varying delays are treated in the switched singular systems. Based on piecewise Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, linear matrix inequality technique and an average dwell time approach, sufficient conditions which ensures that the delay‐dependent exponential stability conditions for uncertain switched singular systems are discussed. Finally, numerical examples and simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 63–78, 2016
N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐phenylpropan‐1‐amine – new designer agent found in athlete urine and nutritional supplement
Authors: Kwiatkowska Dorota , Wójtowicz Marzena , Jarek Anna , Goebel Catrin , Chajewska Katarzyna , Turek‐Lepa Ewa , Pokrywka Andrzej , Kazlauskas Rymantas
Published: October 2014

Reports of new designer agents banned in sport being detected in supplements widely available for athletes are constantly emerging. The task of anti‐doping laboratories is to control athletes for the presence of substances listed by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) and those that are structurally/biologically similar to them. Recently, a new designer stimulant, N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐phenylpropan‐1‐amine (NN‐DMPPA), was detected by the WADA accredited anti‐doping laboratory in Warsaw during routine anti‐doping control. The urine samples from four athletes were analyzed in the screening method for stimulants and narcotics and the presence of NN‐DMPPA was detected. The identity of NN‐DMPPA was confirmed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry using a synthesized reference standard. The measured concentrations of NN‐DMPPA were between 0.51 and 6.51 µg/mL. The presence of the NN‐DMPPA compound has been detected in the ‘nutritional supplement’ NOXPUMP that had been purchased in a store in Poland. NN‐DMPPA at 121.7 µg/g was indicated in the investigated supplement together with another banned stimulant β‐methylphenethylamine. The presence of this new stimulant was not indicated on the labelling of the supplement, a situation which is not unusual within this market. Thus, it is important to make athletes aware of the risk related to the use of supplements. Moreover, specific legistation dealing with the commercialization of drugs banned for sport should be undertaken. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shotgun lipidomic analysis of chemically sulfated sterols compromises analytical sensitivity: Recommendation for large‐scale global lipidome analysis
Authors: Casanovas Albert , Hannibal‐Bach Hans Kristian , Jensen Ole N. , Ejsing Christer S.
Published: October 2014

Recommended sequence of MS analyses for global lipidome analysis using shotgun lipidomics.
Characterization of the Chemical Composition Distribution of Poly(n‐butyl acrylate‐stat‐acrylic acid)s
Authors: Maier Helena , Malz Frank , Radke Wolfgang
Published: October 2014

A size exclusion chromatography (SEC)‐gradient method is developed allowing poly(n‐butyl acrylate‐stat‐acrylic acid)s to be separated with respect to content of acrylic acid over the ­complete composition range. After setting up the chromatographic method, samples that, according to the amounts of charged monomers, are expected to have identical chemical composition are compared. The chromatograms reveal differences in elution volume, which, by 1H NMR spectroscopy, can be partially traced back to differences in polymer composition. In addition, samples of similar compositions prepared in ­different solvents exhibit differences in chemical composition distribution.

image
Impacts of surface sulfurization on Cu(In1−x,Gax)Se2 thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Kobayashi Taizo , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Jehl Li Kao Zacharie , Sugimoto Hiroki , Kato Takuya , Hakuma Hideki , Nakada Tokio
Published: October 2014

In this work, the impacts of surface sulfurization of high‐quality Cu(In1−x,Gax)Se2 (CIGS) thin films deposited by three‐stage process on the film properties and the cell performance were investigated. The CIGS thin films were sulfurized at 550 °C for 30 min using H2S gas. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that sulfur atoms diffused into the CIGS surface layer and that the valence band minimum was lowered by the film sulfurization. The open circuit voltage (Voc) drastically increased from 0.590 to 0.674 V as a result of the sulfurization process. Temperature‐dependent current–voltage and capacitance–frequency measurements also revealed that interface recombination was drastically decreased by the lowering of the defect's activation energy level at the vicinity of the buffer/CIGS interface after the sulfurization. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of doped and undoped nanoporous carbon for heavy metal removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Ghiloufi Imed , El Mir Lassaad
Published: October 2014

Nanoporous composites based on pyrogallol and formaldehyde (PF) reached by metallic nickel nanoparticles have been prepared using sol‐gel method to obtain PF/Ni adsorbent materials. The obtained samples were subjected of heat treatment under inert atmosphere at different pyrolysis temperatures during two hours. The X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD) shows that PF sample were composed by amorphous material while PF/Ni XRD spectra exhibited the presence of metal nickel characteristic lines. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate that PF sample was formed by homogenous material, and metallic nickel nanoparticles sized around 30 nm were dispersed in the PF/Ni nanocomposite. These materials were used to study the effect of pyrolysis temperatures on the uptake of Cr, Ni, Cd and Co from aqueous solution. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic resonance in ion‐beam synthesized Fe3Si films (computer simulation)
Authors: Balakirev N. A. , Zhikharev V. A.
Published: October 2014

High dose Fe+ ion implantation into Si assisted by an external magnetic field parallel to silicon surface results in the formation of thin granular film with pronounced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in the film plane. It was suggested that the anisotropy is caused by the growth of elongated clusters of magnetic silicide Fe3Si. In the present work, the features of magnetic resonance spectra for two‐dimensional array of elongated clusters are numerically studied. Absorption spectra reveal anisotropy when observed in the magnetic field lying in the film plane. In magnetic field perpendicular to the film the dipole‐dipole interaction between the clusters results in a bimodal resonance signal at low level of the film filling. The dipolar field distribution over the (400x400) lattice for several values of the lattice filling is computer simulated. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of 2.5 MeV proton irradiation on the critical parameters of composite HTS tapes
Authors: Antonova Landysh , Demikhov Timofey , Troitskii Alexey , Didyk Alexander , Kobzev Alexander , Yurasov Alexander , Samoilenkov Sergey , Mikhailova Galina
Published: October 2014

In this paper we study the radiation resistance of high temperature superconductor (HTS) tapes based on GdBCO produced by SuperOx‐Japan Company to proton irradiation with an energy of 2.5 MeV in the fluence range from 6.1×1014 p/cm2 to 1×1017 p/cm2. The dependences of critical parameters on radiation fluencies were investigated. Strong influence of radiation on critical current is revealed at T=77 K in the self‐field of the sample. The change of the critical temperature dependence is not so significant. The critical current increase after proton irradiation was not revealed at the experiment conditions (at T = 77 K).

The Van de Graaff accelerator in Dubna was used for the iradiation. Measurements of Tc and Ic of the samples were carried out by the DC resistive method. A radiation resistance threshold Φ = 6×1015 p/cm2 was determined. This means that the critical current does not drop by more than 20% of the initial value. The current decreases by more than an order of magnitude at Φ = 6×1016 p/cm2 and 77 K without external magnetic field. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ritual, Religion, and German Home Towns
Authors: Luebke David M.
Published: October 2014

German Home Townsis a very forward-looking book. I say that not because it proved so influential—although it certainly had a profound impact on my generation of historians. My point is more prosaic, namely thatGerman Home Townsoccupies a set point in time and social milieu, the inaugural moment of an attenuated phase of stability for a peculiar type of human community in central Europe. That moment, of course, is 1648; the milieu is that of walled and privileged towns—large and differentiated enough for self-sufficiency in most economic functions, but not so large or so differentiated as to generate the degrees of stratification and anonymity that characterized larger commercial or manufacturing cities. In contrast to metropolitan centers, “home towns” embraced all inhabitants in a web of face-to-face relations, at once integrating, enabling, and controlling all inhabitants through guilds and the political systems built around them. Usually, almost all hometown inhabitants were citizens, too—again in contrast to larger cities, with their substrates of noncitizen residents. From the vantage of 1648, and within the stream of early modern German history,German Home Townspeers into a future of confrontation with “movers and doers”—those vanguards of the “general estate,” as Walker called them, who trampled idiosyncrasy, leveled difference, and, with some help from Napoleon, replaced both local corporatism and the imperial “incubator” with provincial and national systems of general, liberal delegation.
Acceleration of yoghurt fermentation time by yeast extract and partial characterisation of the active components
Authors: Smith Esti-Andrine , Myburgh Jacobus , Osthoff Gernot , de Wit Maryna
Published: October 2014

Water soluble autolysate of yeast, usually utilised for microbial growth support, was used as additive in yoghurt fermentation. The yeast extract (YE) resulted in a decrease of fermentation time by 21% to reach a pH of 4·6. However, the YE resulted in unacceptable flavour and taste. By size exclusion chromatography, a fraction of the YE was obtained that could account for the observed 21% decrease in fermentation time. The fraction contained molecules of low molecular weight, consisting of minerals, free amino acids and peptides. The acceleration of the yoghurt fermentation was ascribed to the short peptides in the fraction. It is proposed that the application of this extract in industrial yoghurt manufacture would result in savings for both the industry and the consumer.
Bear farms in Lao PDR expand illegally and fail to conserve wild bears
Authors: Livingstone Emily , Shepherd Chris R.
Published: October 2014

Bear farms, established for the extraction of bile from live bears, have unknown effects on the conservation of bears in Asia. Whilst some major bile producing countries have tightened legislation on this practice, traders have responded by establishing bile extraction facilities in countries with weaker legislation. We conducted a survey of all known facilities in Lao PDR through direct observation or examination of governmental and non-governmental records, and documented the birth and rapid growth of this industry since the first farm was established in 2000. We also obtained trading values for gall bladders from wild bears in Lao PDR from literature, databases and direct observation. The number of farmed bears tripled from 2008 to 2012. In 2012 121 Asiatic black bearsUrsus thibetanusand one sun bearHelarctos malayanuswere kept on 11 commercial facilities. Evidence suggests that all bears were wild caught domestically or illegally imported internationally, in violation of national and international law. Moreover, some bile from these farms was being illegally exported internationally. Farmed bile availability has apparently not diminished the demand for wild bile, as the market value has increased dramatically since 2000. We suggest that bear farming in Lao PDR may be increasing the incentive to poach wild bears.
Measuring Teachers’ Knowledge of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: the MAE-TDAH Questionnaire
Authors: Soroa Marian , Balluerka Nekane , Gorostiaga Arantxa
Published: October 2014

The lack of methodological rigor is frequent in most of instruments developed to assess the knowledge of teachers regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire, namely Questionnaire for the evaluation of teachers’ knowledge of ADHD (MAE-TDAH), for measuring the level of knowledge about ADHD of infant and primary school teachers. A random sample of 526 teachers from 57 schools in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country and Navarre was used for the analysis of the psychometric properties of the instrument. The participant teachers age range was between 22 and 65 (M= 42.59;SD= 10.89), and there were both generalist and specialized teachers. The measure showed a 4 factor structure (Etiology of ADHD, Symptoms/Diagnosis of ADHD, General information about ADHD and Treatment of ADHD) with adequate internal consistency (Omega values ranged between .83 and .91) and temporal stability indices (Spearman’s Rho correlation values ranged between .62 and .79). Furthermore, evidence of convergent and external validity was obtained. Results suggest that the MAE-TDAH is a valid and reliable measure when it comes to evaluating teachers’ level of knowledge of ADHD.
On the absence of intrahelical DNA dynamics on the μs to ms timescale
Authors: Galindo-Murillo Rodrigo , Roe Daniel R. , Cheatham Thomas E.
Published: October 2014

DNA helices display a rich tapestry of motion on both short (<100 ns) and long (>1 ms) timescales. However, with the exception of mismatched or damaged DNA, experimental measures indicate that motions in the 1 μs to 1 ms range are effectively absent, which is often attributed to difficulties in measuring motions in this time range. We hypothesized that these motions have not been measured because there is effectively no motion on this timescale, as this provides a means to distinguish faithful Watson–Crick base-paired DNA from damaged DNA. The absence of motion on this timescale would present a ‘static’ DNA sequence-specific structure that matches the encounter timescales of proteins, thereby facilitating recognition. Here we report long-timescale (~10–44 μs) molecular dynamics simulations of a B-DNA duplex structure that addresses this hypothesis using both an ‘Anton’ machine and large ensembles of AMBER GPU simulations.
How valence bond theory can help you understand your (bio)chemical reaction
Authors: Shurki Avital , Derat Etienne , Barrozo Alexandre , Kamerlin Shina Caroline Lynn
Published: October 2014

This Tutorial Review describes modern VB theory, using a didactic example of an SN2 reaction to illustrate its immediate applications.
Silk fibroin–keratin based 3D scaffolds as a dermal substitute for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Bhardwaj Nandana , Sow Wan Ting , Devi Dipali , Ng Kee Woei , Mandal Biman B. , Cho Nam-Joon
Published: October 2014

Development of highly vascular dermal tissue-engineered skin substitutes with appropriate mechanical properties and cellular cues is in need for significant advancement in the field of dermal reconstruction.
Relativistic Bessel cylinders
Authors: Krisch J. P. , Glass E. N.
Published: October 2014

A set of cylindrical solutions to Einstein's field equations for power law densities is described. The solutions have a Bessel function contribution to the metric. For matter cylinders regular on axis, the first two solutions are the constant density Gott-Hiscock string and a cylinder with a metric Airy function. All members of this family have the Vilenkin limit to their mass per length. Some examples of Bessel shells and Bessel motion are given.
Classical and quantum dynamics in an inverse square potential
Authors: Guillaumín-España Elisa , Núñez-Yépez H. N. , Salas-Brito A. L.
Published: October 2014

The classical motion of a particle in a 3D inverse square potential with negative energy, E, is shown to be geodesic, i.e., equivalent to the particle's free motion on a non-compact phase space manifold irrespective of the sign of the coupling constant. We thus establish that all its classical orbits with E < 0 are unbounded. To analyse the corresponding quantum problem, the Schrödinger equation is solved in momentum space. No discrete energy levels exist in the unrenormalized case and the system shows a complete “fall-to-the-center” with an energy spectrum unbounded by below. Such behavior corresponds to the non-existence of bound classical orbits. The symmetry of the problem is SO(3) × SO(2, 1) corroborating previously obtained results.
The age factor in language practices and attitudes: continuity and change in Ukraine's bilingualism
Authors: Kulyk Volodymyr
Published: October 2014

This article analyzes inter-cohort differences and intra-cohort changes in language proficiencies, use patterns and attitudes in a society undergoing a radical political and cultural transformation. My analysis focuses on Ukraine, a country with an asymmetrical bilingualism where the new independent state mildly promotes the titular language but the formerly dominant Russian maintains an active presence in most social domains and individual repertoires. While confirming earlier findings on the small scale of age differences, this study detects the end of the inter-cohort shift toward Russian. Another important finding is that the apparent continuity with a slow drift toward the titular language in Ukraine as a whole conceals two radically different developments in the two geographical “halves” of the country. The study demonstrates an advantage of combining a synchronic analysis of inter-cohort differences with a diachronic analysis of intra-cohort changes.
The X-method for klt surfaces in positive characteristic
Authors: Tanaka Hiromu
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we establish a weak version of the Kodaira vanishing theorem for surfaces in positive characteristic. As an application, we obtain some fundamental theorems in the minimal model theory for klt surfaces.
Influence of Fungal Strain, Temperature, and Wetness Duration on Infection of Grapevine Inflorescences and Young Berry Clusters byBotrytis cinerea
Authors: Ciliberti Nicola , Fermaud Marc , Languasco Luca , Rossi Vittorio
Published: October 2014

The effect of temperature and wetness duration on infection of Vitis vinifera inflorescences (from “inflorescence clearly visible” to “end of flowering” stages) and young berry clusters (at “fruit swelling” and “berries groat-sized” stages) by Botrytis cinerea was investigated. Artificial inoculations were carried out using conidial suspensions of eight B. cinerea strains belonging to the transposon genotypes transposa and vacuma. Infection incidence was significantly affected by strain but not by transposon genotype (transposon genotype accounted for only 6.5% of the variance). Infection incidence was also affected by the interaction between strain and growth stage of the inflorescence or berry cluster (overall accounting for approximately 57% of the experimental variance). Thus, under our experimental conditions, the ability to cause infection was a strain rather than a transposon genotype attribute. Across all strains, infection incidence was lowest when inflorescences were clearly visible or fully developed, highest at flowering (from beginning to end of flowering), and intermediate at the postflowering fruit stages (fruit swelling and berries groat-sized). One transposa strain, however, was highly virulent on all grapevine growth stages tested. The effects of temperature and wetness duration on infection incidence were similar for all fungal strains and grapevine growth stages; infection incidence was highest at 20°C and lowest at 30°C, and was also low at 5°C. Similar results were obtained for mycelial growth and conidial germination. Based on the pooled data for all strains and grapevine growth stages, an equation was developed that accounted for the combined effects of temperature and wetness duration on relative infection incidence. This equation should be useful for developing decision-making systems concerning B. cinerea control at early grapevine growth stages.
Predator–vole interactions in northern Europe: the role of small mustelids revised
Authors: Korpela Katri , Helle Pekka , Henttonen Heikki , Korpimäki Erkki , Koskela Esa , Ovaskainen Otso , Pietiäinen Hannu , Sundell Janne , Valkama Jari , Huitu Otso
Published: October 2014

The cyclic population dynamics of vole and predator communities is a key phenomenon in northern ecosystems, and it appears to be influenced by climate change. Reports of collapsing rodent cycles have attributed the changes to warmer winters, which weaken the interaction between voles and their specialist subnivean predators. Using population data collected throughout Finland during 1986–2011, we analyse the spatio-temporal variation in the interactions between populations of voles and specialist, generalist and avian predators, and investigate by simulations the roles of the different predators in the vole cycle. We test the hypothesis that vole population cyclicity is dependent on predator–prey interactions during winter. Our results support the importance of the small mustelids for the vole cycle. However, weakening specialist predation during winters, or an increase in generalist predation, was not associated with the loss of cyclicity. Strengthening of delayed density dependence coincided with strengthening small mustelid influence on the summer population growth rates of voles. In conclusion, a strong impact of small mustelids during summers appears highly influential to vole population dynamics, and deteriorating winter conditions are not a viable explanation for collapsing small mammal population cycles.
Antigenic and genomic characterization of human influenza A and B viruses circulating in Argentina after the introduction of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09
Authors: Russo Mara L. , Pontoriero Andrea V. , Benedetti Estefania , Czech Andrea , Avaro Martin , Periolo Natalia , Campos Ana M. , Savy Vilma L. , Baumeister Elsa G.
Published: October 2014

This study was conducted as part of the Argentinean Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses Surveillance Network, in the context of the Global Influenza Surveillance carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective was to study the activity and the antigenic and genomic characteristics of circulating viruses for three consecutive seasons (2010, 2011 and 2012) in order to investigate the emergence of influenza viral variants. During the study period, influenza virus circulation was detected from January to December. Influenza A and B, and all current subtypes of human influenza viruses, were present each year. Throughout the 2010 post-pandemic season, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, unexpectedly, almost disappeared. The haemagglutinin (HA) of the A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses studied were segregated in a different genetic group to those identified during the 2009 pandemic, although they were still antigenically closely related to the vaccine strain A/California/07/2009. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses were the predominant strains circulating during the 2011 season, accounting for nearly 76 % of influenza viruses identified. That year, all HA sequences of the A(H3N2) viruses tested fell into the A/Victoria/208/2009 genetic clade, but remained antigenically related to A/Perth/16/2009 (reference vaccine recommended for this three-year period). A(H3N2) viruses isolated in 2012 were antigenically closely related to A/Victoria/361/2011, recommended by the WHO as the H3 component for the 2013 Southern Hemisphere formulation. B viruses belonging to the B/Victoria lineage circulated in 2010. A mixed circulation of viral variants of both B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages was detected in 2012, with the former being predominant. A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses remained antigenically closely related to the vaccine virus A/California/7/2009; A(H3N2) viruses continually evolved into new antigenic clusters and both B lineages, B/Victoria/2/87-like and B/Yamagata/16/88-like viruses, were observed during the study period. The virological surveillance showed that the majority of the circulating strains during the study period were antigenically related to the corresponding Southern Hemisphere vaccine strains except for the 2012 A(H3N2) viruses.
Reorienting the cultural script of teaching: cross cultural analysis of a science lesson
Authors: Reza Sarkar Arani Mohammad , Shibata Yoshiaki , Christine Lee Kim-Eng , Kuno Hiroyuki , Matoba Masami , Lay Lean Fong , Yeo John
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reveal the cultural script of the teaching of a lower secondary science lesson on the topic “Classification of Non-living Things” in Singapore through the eyes of Japanese and Singaporean researchers and teachers. In particular, the study analyzes the structural content, i.e. organization of learning activities of a lower secondary science lesson of Singapore and the culture of teaching, i.e. views about teaching held as tacit knowledge of science teachers. It focusses on students’ inquiry skills in a participative and problem-driven science lesson in the Singapore classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

– This exploratory study adopts a cultural approach of viewing teaching and learning and compares classroom practice in two countries – Japan and Singapore. Contextually, the cultural differences in beliefs and values define how educators learn about what is “good” teaching.

Findings

– The cultural script of teaching of the science lesson case values the setting of learning tasks that encourage a variety of ideas. It also sets a tone of inquiry-based learning where students are open to questioning, the formulation of ideas and the presentation of solutions. In the science lesson case, the teacher aimed at providing opportunities for students to think for themselves and to engage in group discussion. This study identifies key aspects of the science lesson for revealing the teaching script based on a cross-cultural lesson analysis. Figure 1 summarizes such facets of teacher teaching and student learning in detail as a result of the lesson analysis. Furthermore, it draws attention to recognizing areas of the lesson script which the Japanese team found effective/ineffective as well as identifying the Singaporean team's reflections on feedback from Japanese educators.

Research limitations/implications

– Through this study, the research team raises the following questions. Are there common practices that make for effective learning and if so what are these? From the perspectives of Japanese and Singaporean researchers and educators, what might be the different elements of teaching that will bring about better student learning?

Originality/value

– An important avenue for inquiry in teaching is how to create teaching-learning processes that nurture students’ ability to deal with the unexpected as well as their application skills – competencies that are required of students to function in the twenty-first century. The research team suggests a cross-cultural analysis approach for future research investigating the cultural script of teaching.
The balanced scorecard and the construction of a management control discourse
Authors: Seal Will , Ye Linna
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to synthesise a pragmatic constructivist view of management control and a critical discourse perspective on organizational action. These theories are deployed to build a conceptual framework that can be used to interpret the construction of a management control discourse in specific empirical situations. The framework is deployed to show how, in a particular instance, the balanced scorecard (BSC) can be seen as impacting on organizational action and success/failure.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper develops a theoretical framework for management control which is used to interpret a case study of a BSC implementation in a major bank.

Findings

– The paper reports on a case study of a major bank where the BSC changed actors’ perceptions and actions. Although the bank avoided some of the worst excesses of pre-Credit Crunch delinquency, other problems such as misselling suggest that the BSC’s impact on organizational success/failure was ambiguous. The BSC may have improved organizational coordination but long-standing values based on a bonus culture contributed to long-term commercial problems.

Research limitations/implications

– With mainstream researchers on the BSC lacking a conceptual basis that explains the communicative impact of the BSC and interpretive researchers focusing on the role of rhetoric in spreading the BSC amongst practitioners, then the conceptual framework in this paper suggests a way of synthesising mainstream and interpretive research on the BSC.

Originality/value

– The originality of the paper lies in its application of pragmatic constructivism and critical discourse analysis to interpret and explain the impact of the BSC in a particular organizational setting.
Intraoperative gastrojejunoscopy‐assisted fistulojejunostomy for postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Toihata Tasuku , Hashimoto Daisuke , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Chikamoto Akira , Beppu Toru , Baba Hideo
Published: October 2014

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a known complication after pancreaticojejunostomy. When an anastomosis collapses completely, two‐stage reconstruction is necessary. Herein, we describe the case of a 70‐year‐old woman who underwent subtotal stomach‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with pancreaticojejunostomy after she had developed a severe postoperative pancreatic fistula. The pancreaticojejunostomy was divided, and an external pancreatic drainage tube was placed. Four months later, fistulojejunostomy between the pancreas and the stump of the jejunum was performed successfully using intraoperative gastrojejunoscopy.
Single‐incision multiport laparoendoscopic technique to repair retrocaval ureter using the Santosh PGI ureteric tacking fixation technique
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Shankaregowda Sriharsha Ajjoor , Devana Sudheer Kumar , Jain Siddharth , Singh Shrawan Kumar
Published: October 2014

Introduction

A retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly associated with upper urinary tract obstruction. It can cause varying degrees of ureteral obstruction, and surgical intervention is often necessary. Here, we present a case of a retrocaval ureter repaired with the single‐incision multiport laparoendoscopic technique. We used a new fixation technique, Santosh PGI (Postgraduate Institute) ureteric tacking fixation technique, on both ureteric ends for easy ureteroureteric anastomosis.

Materials and Surgical Technique

A 45‐year‐old man presented with right loin pain. CT urography showed a retrocaval ureter. Because the patient was symptomatic, he underwent retrocaval ureter repair by the single‐incision multiport laparoendoscopic technique. A double‐J stent was placed in the right ureter with the patient in the lithotomy position. Then, the patient was placed in a modified flank position. After pneumoperitoneum was created, a 2.5‐cm incision was made in the umbilicus, and three conventional laparoscopic ports were inserted. The narrow retrocaval segment of ureter was resected, and both spatulated ureteric ends were fixed using the Santosh PGI ureteric tacking fixation technique, and ureteroureteral anastamosis was done. The duration of the procedure was 105 min. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 3. Follow‐up intravenous pyelography at 3 months showed normal drainage.

Discussion

The single‐incision multiport laparoendoscopic technique is feasible and cost effective, has good cosmesis, and has minimal morbidity when performed by an expert laparoscopic surgeon. The Santosh PGI ureteric tacking fixation technique enabled us to suture easily and rapidly within the limited range of motion allowed by conventional laparoscopic instruments in SILS.
Thrombin generation assay identifies individual variability in responses to low molecular weight heparin in pregnancy: implications for anticoagulant monitoring
Authors: Chowdary Pratima , Adamidou Despoina , Riddell Anne , Aghighi Saman , Griffioen Anja , Priest Paul , Moghadam Lida , Kelaher Nicholas , Huq Farah Y. , Kadir Rezan A. , Tuddenham Edward G. , Gatt Alex
Published: October 2014

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) given to inhibit coagulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis, is typically monitored by anti‐Xa assay. However, anti‐Xa levels may not necessarily provide an accurate measure of coagulation inhibition. Moreover, pregnancy is associated with hypercoagulability, which may compromise the efficacy of LMWH. We looked at the association between anti‐Xa levels and parameters of thrombin generation assay [TGA; area under the curve (AUC), peak height (PH) and time to peak (ttP)] using samples from 41 pregnant women receiving LMWH and 40 normal pregnant women controls. TGA results confirmed the physiological hypercoagulability of normal pregnancy (mean normalised values: AUC 119%; PH 157%; ttP 72%). Although anti‐Xa measures correlated with all three TGA parameters, this group correlation masked significant inter‐individual variability, demonstrated by the R2 value or coefficient of determination. Anti‐Xa levels contributed to 74% of variation in AUC values, 63% of variation in PH values and only 53% of variation in ttP values. The remainder reflects the contribution of patients’ intrinsic coagulation status. Hence, some patients with ‘safe’ anti‐Xa levels may potentially be under‐anticoagulated, particularly in pregnancy. Measuring coagulability directly with TGA may lower the risk of adverse events due to under‐anticoagulation in selected patients.
Working with Problems of Perversion
Authors: Wood Heather
Published: October 2014

Psychoanalytic psychotherapists increasingly find themselves treating patients who present with problems of compulsive sexual behaviour or sexual perversions. Drawing from clinical examples and theoretical perspectives, the author delineates six key themes which encapsulate her own learning when commencing work with perverse patients. The first is the heterogeneity of this group of patients, both in terms of symptoms and presentation, but also in terms of the depth and developmental implications of the pathology. Further themes are the patient's fear of the object and the inability to bear separation. The author explores the significance of negative countertransference which may be experienced in relation to perverse patients, as well as the risks of being drawn into exhibitionistic or voyeuristic dynamics. Finally, the nature of the superego in perverse patients and the impact of this on the transference are discussed drawing on O'Shaughnessy's notion of the abnormal superego.
Follow‐up of extreme neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia in 5‐ to 10‐year‐old children: a Danish population‐based study
Authors: Vandborg Pernille Kure , Hansen Bo Moelholm , Greisen Gorm , Mathiasen Rene , Kasper Frederikke , Ebbesen Finn
Published: October 2014

Aim

To investigate whether infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia but without intermediate or advanced bilirubin encephalopathy develop long‐term sequelae, with impairment of motor development, executive function, or hearing.

Method

This nested double‐cohort study included 167 exposed children (107 males, 60 females) born in Denmark 2000 to 2005 at gestational age ≥35 weeks with a total serum bilirubin ≥450 μmol/L (26.3mg/dL) and 163 age‐, sex‐, and gestational age‐matched unexposed children (103 males, 60 females). The children were examined at a mean age of 7.7 years (SD 1.7y) using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition (MABC‐2), pure tone audiometry, and the Behavioural Regulation Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire.

Results

The follow‐up rate was 70% of the eligible infants in the exposed group and 45% in the unexposed group. Mean difference was −0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.1 to 0.8) in adjusted standard score for MABC‐2 and 0.3 (95% CI −2.9 to 3.5) in adjusted BRIEF executive composite standard score. No children had significant hearing impairment or a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, attention‐deficit–hyperactive disorder, or autism spectrum disorder recorded in national registries.

Interpretation

No evidence was found of an increased risk of deficits in motor development, executive function, or hearing in children with extreme hyperbilirubinaemia who did not have intermediate or advanced bilirubin encephalopathy.
A retrospective analysis of prevalence and characteristics of pre‐eruptive intracoronal resorption in unerupted teeth of the permanent dentition: a multicentre study
Authors: Uzun İ. , Gunduz K. , Canitezer G. , Avsever H. , Orhan K.
Published: October 2014

Aim

This multicentred study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pre‐eruptive intracoronal resorption (PIR) in unerupted teeth of the permanent dentition using a large sample of panoramic radiographs of a Turkish population.

Methodology

Records of 28 612 patients from three cities in the different regions of Turkey were screened retrospectively in this multicentred study. Patient records and panoramic radiographs were evaluated by three oral and maxillofacial radiologists in the sites. The following data were recorded: age, gender, number of unerupted teeth, number of teeth showing intracoronal resorption, affected tooth type and number of intracoronal resorptions in each case.

Results

Overall, 5554 patients had at least one unerupted tooth in 28 612 patients, with a prevalence of 19.4%. Of the 5554 patients screened, 2267 were female and 3287 were male. Intracoronal resorption was observed in 40 of 5554 subjects, with a frequency of 0.7%. The mean age of the patients was 35.9 years.

Conclusion

Pre‐eruptive intracoronal resorption defects occurred in 40 subjects. Increased awareness and careful radiographic examination of unerupted teeth may improve early detection and treatment of PIR defects.
Quantitative FRET measurement using emission‐spectral unmixing with independent excitation crosstalk correction
Authors: ZHANG J. , LI H. , CHAI L. , ZHANG L. , QU J. , CHEN T.
Published: October 2014

Quantification of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) needs at least two external samples, an acceptor‐only reference and a linked FRET reference, to calibrate fluorescence signal. Furthermore, all measurements for references and FRET samples must be performed under the same instrumental conditions. Based on a novel notion to predetermine the molar extinction coefficient ratio (RC) of acceptor‐to‐donor for the correction of acceptor excitation crosstalk, we present here a robust and independent emission‐spectral unmixing FRET methodology, Iem‐spFRET, which can simultaneously measure the E and RC of FRET sample without any external references, such that Iem‐spFRET circumvents the rigorous restriction of keeping the same imaging conditions for all FRET experiments and thus can be used for the direct measurement of FRET sample. We validate Iem‐spFRET by measuring the absolute E and RC values of standard constructs with different acceptor‐to‐donor stoichiometry expressed in living cells. Our results demonstrate that Iem‐spFRET is a simple and powerful tool for real‐time monitoring the dynamic intermolecular interaction within single living cells.
Growing into Export Markets: The Impact of Exporting on Firm‐level Investment in Indonesia
Authors: Rho Youngwoo , Rodrigue Joel
Published: October 2014

This paper documents the impact of exporting on capital accumulation across heterogeneous manufacturing firms in Indonesia. The findings show that entering export markets significantly increases investment behavior during the year of initial entry and for as much as three years after entry. The results imply that the investment rate among new exporters is 37% higher than non‐exporters in the year of entry and 14–26% higher in the three years after entry. Using detailed data on firm ownership, the paper further show that foreign‐owned affiliates invest at systematically higher rates upon entry into export markets. The estimates indicate that domestically owned exporters are potentially credit constrained and suggest that improving credit market access may increase the investment rate among domestic exporters by as much as 40% in the year of entry.
Impact Response of Elasto-Plastic Granular Chains Containing an Intruder Particle
Authors: Kumar Pal Raj , Morton Jeremy , Wang Erheng , Lambros John , Geubelle Philippe H.
Published: October 2014

Wave propagation in homogeneous granular chains subjected to impact loads causing plastic deformations is substantially different from that in elastic chains. To design wave tailoring materials, it is essential to gain a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of heterogeneous granular chains under loads where the effects of plasticity are significant. In the first part of this work, contact laws for dissimilar elastic–perfectly plastic spherical granules are developed using finite element simulations. They are systematically normalized, with the normalizing variables determined from first principles, and a unified contact law for heterogeneous spheres is constructed and validated. In the second part, dynamic simulations are performed on granular chains placed in a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) setup. An intruder particle having different material properties is placed in an otherwise homogeneous granular chain. The position and relative material property of the intruder is shown to have a significant effect on the energy and peak transmitted force down the chain. Finally, the key nondimensional material parameter that dictates the fraction of energy transmitted in a heterogeneous granular chain is identified.
Geometrical Simulation of Multiscale Toleranced Surface With Consideration of the Tolerancing Principle
Authors: Yanlong Cao , Bo Li , Xuefeng Ye , Jiayan Guan , Jiangxin Yang
Published: October 2014

Surface quality and accuracy are the most important factors that affect the performance and life cycle of products. Surface deviations are confirmed to be nonstationary random signals. They show characteristics of randomness, irregularity and multiscale. For precise components, those deviations, i.e., the location/orientation deviations, form deviations, waviness and roughness are constrained by different scales of tolerances. In addition, tolerancing principles are specified to deal with the relationship between geometrical and dimensional deviations of the workpiece. Conventional modeling methods are unable to express surfaces with those features. This paper proposed a new method for geometrical modeling of multiscale toleranced workpiece with consideration of tolerancing principles. The workpiece deviations are decomposed into different scale of deviations. Each scale of deviations is expressed as the products of the normalized deviations and deviation factors. To balance the conflict between computing time and accuracy, a multilevel displaying method is developed. Those deviations are presented at different levels. In the simulation, each scale of tolerances and the tolerancing principles are integrated into the geometrical model of the workpiece. At the end of this paper, a case study was carried out to validate the proposed method.
A Comparative Analysis of Accelerometer and Time–Motion Data in Elite Men’s Hockey Training and Competition
Authors: Polglaze Ted , Dawson Brian , Hiscock Daniel J. , Peeling Peter
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

To determine the relationship between distance covered and player load (PL: sum of accelerations in all 3 planes of movement) in hockey training and competition.

Methods:

Elite male hockey players (N = 24) wore player-tracking devices in 7 international matches and 7 training sessions. Players were arranged in 4 positional groups (strikers, attacking midfielders, defensive midfielders, defenders) in competition but had generic roles in training. Relationships between distance and PL were assessed in both absolute (m, AU) and relative (m/min, AU/min) terms and were compared between matches and training and between positions within matches, using the Fisher Z test.

Results:

In competition, the absolute distance–PL relationship was very large overall (r = .868), with no differences between positions. The relative distance–PL relationship was moderate overall (r = .486) and weaker in strikers than in defensive midfielders (Z = 1.785, P = .037) and defenders (Z = 1.690, P = .045). In training, the absolute distance–PL relationship was very large (r = .742), and large (r = .633) in relative terms. The relationship was stronger in competition than training for absolute values (Z = 2.824, P = .005) but not different for relative values.

Conclusions:

The strong relationship between these variables suggests that PL in hockey is mostly accumulated through running and other locomotor actions, such that PL is not effective in quantifying other activities (evasion, low stance) that contribute to physiological demands, particularly in training.