bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to maintain dental machines and instruments
Authors: Bloor Claire
Published: May 2014

In order to perform safe and effective dental, oral and maxillofacial surgery, a practice must ensure its equipment is well maintained and in good working order. All electrical equipment must be serviced annually by qualified personnel and an accurate record kept of these checks. ‘Dental’ equipment ranges from the dental machine including its compressor, the hand pieces associated with the machine (both high and low speed), the coolant system of the machine, the powered scalers and finally the hand instrumentation; this includes scalers, curettes, luxators, elevators and periosteal elevators. If any of these pieces of equipment are faulty, an optimal procedure is going to be difficult to perform and could result in frustrated and injured operating personnel, potentially unnecessarily injured patients and lengthier anaesthetics for patients. Well maintained equipment should save practices money due to less frequent replacement of damaged items.
Factors resulting in delayed wound healing
Authors: O’Dwyer Louise
Published: May 2014

The wound healing process is a complex process involving the synchronization of molecular and biochemical events at a cellular level. If there is malfunction, or interruption in any of the stages of wound healing, this can result in delayed wound healing. When faced with a non-healing wound it is useful to look at all the factors that may be related to this delayed healing and see if any need to be addressed in order to reactivate the wound healing process.
A care report of a feline sacroiliac and coxofemoral luxation following a road traffic accident
Authors: Thomas Claire
Published: May 2014

This article describes the nursing care provided to an elderly domestic short haired cat with a fractured pelvis following a road traffic accident. It is essential to consider the entire animal when presented with a fracture case owing to the high incidence of shock, pain and additional soft tissue injuries. Analgesia and shock therapy treatment commenced immediately and post surgery intense nursing care and physiotherapy began to allow the patient the best chance to make a full recovery.
Extended care report after graft surgery for a descemetocoele
Authors: Thomas Claire
Published: May 2014

This article describes the nursing care provided to a pug treated with a conjunctival graft for a descemetocoele. A descemetocoele is a deep corneal lesion in which the corneal epithelium and stroma are destroyed, leaving a lesion lined only by Descemet's membrane and corneal endothelium. They are commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds and, if not treated with caution rapidly, can lead to a ruptured globe. Nursing care and restraint of these patients are important considerations for a successful outcome.
Gastrointestinal stasis and obstructive Ileus in the rabbit
Authors: Prebble Jennifer
Published: May 2014

Rabbits have a highly specialized digestive tract and consequently they develop different digestive problems to those seen in cats and dogs. Diet, stress and pain can all play a role in the development of gastrointestinal stasis, a disease characterized by reduced motility of the digestive tract. Early signs are often missed by clients and at the time of presentation many rabbits are depressed, anorexic and are developing hepatic lipidosis.

Obstructive Ileus can occur following ingestion of foreign objects and can be difficult to distinguish from gastrointestinal stasis. History, clinical examination and radiography can all be used to distinguish these conditions. An accurate diagnosis ensures the rabbit receives the correct treatment. Prokinetics and assisted feeding while essential in the management of gut stasis are contraindicated in cases of obstructive ileus until an exploratory laparotomy has been performed.

Nursing rabbits with these conditions can be time consuming but plays a very important role in their recovery. Good supportive care consisting of fluid therapy, syringe feeding and reducing stress during hospitalization is essential alongside treatment.
Practice management systems for today’s veterinary nurse
Authors: Garrett Jacqui
Published: May 2014

The fundamental purpose of a veterinary practice has remained essentially the same, but the modern practice is more complex than was the case in previous years. While pets are still seen, checked and treated as they always were, veterinary medicine is now heavily dependent on previously unavailable technology such as x-rays, magnetic resonance images and ultrasounds that require more apparatus, more coordination and more expertise. The institution of practice management, therefore, has had to adapt accordingly to keep up with these changes and dedicated practice management systems are now a truly indispensable part of the operation and administration of veterinary practice. It is necessary for veterinary nurses (and, indeed, all practice staff) to understand the role and capabilities of practice management systems and how this relates to their duties. In light of the ever-increasing complexity of modern veterinary technology, the industry-wide trend towards utilization of computing systems and the continually escalating demand on veterinary practices, the ultimate objective of all veterinary practice — the welfare of the patients — now depends on practice management systems more than ever.
Mental stimulation as a tool to enhance canine patient mental wellbeing
Authors: Greenfield Stuart
Published: May 2014

A kennel environment has been shown to elicit a stress response in animals. This response has been seen in patients during a visit to the veterinary practice. Studies have shown how various aspects of the veterinary experience result in both physiological and behavioural stress responses in dogs. This stress response has also been proven to enhance immunosuppression and increase wound healing time. This article looks at why it is important to understand the potential effects of stress on patients. It also offers a method of reducing stress in patients based on previous research.
What is FIV and what does it mean for FIV positive patients?
Authors: Jarnet Wendy
Published: May 2014

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes immunodeficiency in cats. A good time to consider testing cats for FIV would be after they have been bitten in a fight however the test needs to be done 2 months or longer after the fight otherwise the results may be inaccurate due to the cat's immune system not generating enough antibodies to be fully detectable. The disease is more dominant in intact adult male cats — this could be due to them roaming more and being generally more aggressive. Following the primary phase of infection most cats are thought to undergo a prolonged period when they are free of clinical signs attributed to FIV infection. The asymptomatic phase may last for years. There are currently no specific anti-viral agents effective against FIV that can be recommended for use in cats.
Gingivostomatitis: an update
Authors: Bloor Claire
Published: May 2014

Chronic gingivostomatitis is a relatively common problem in veterinary patients and can be very debilitating, significantly impacting on their daily lives. The term gingivostomatitis is more of a descriptive term than a diagnostic one and the condition has also been termed ‘lymphoplasmacytic gingivitis stomatitis’, which became apparent components of the disease histopathologically. This article aims to outline the aetiology and pathogenesis of the condition and discuss the presentation and findings on clinical examination of patients with chronic gingivostomatitis, while considering the potential treatment options and nursing care requirements to ensure optimal resolution.
Alocação preferencial de recursos e morfologia de órgãos subterrâneos em plantas resistentes ao fogo em vegetação campestre
Authors: Ferreira Miriã Maria Almeida de Abreu Silva , Conceição Abel Augusto
Published: May 2014

The underground systems are important for survival of plants and their morphological characteristics have special meaning in environments under disorder. The present study evaluated the existence of preferential allocation of resources in the underground parts of plants resistant to fire and discuss implications of resource allocation and morphology in spatial and temporal dynamics of grassland communities susceptible to fire. The study was restricted to six species of grassland, three monocots (Hypolytrum pulchrum, Echinolaena inflexa and Andropogum sp.) and three eudicots (Euphorbia sarcodes, Eryngium paraguariense and Marcetia taxifolia). The morphological characterizations were performed in about five individuals of each species from anatomical cuts, photos, measurements with digital calipers, tape measures and quantification of biomass share of overhead and underground. The plants showed different spatial arrangements that allow the coexistence in space through a set of skills associated with morphofunctional features integrated aerial and underground parts. Most species showed underground system integrated into networks with preferential allocation of resources to aerial parts, except for E. sarcodes. The morphology is a crucial factor in the competitive responses. The buds developed mainly on rhizomes of plants abundant in these open areas are evidence of the importance of these structures in the dynamics of grassland communities.
Flora da Bahia: Cabombaceae
Authors: De Lima Carla Teixeira , Giulietti Ana Maria , Santos Francisco De Assis Ribeiro
Published: May 2014

The floristic survey of the Cabombaceae fromBahia State, Brazil, is presented. Four species of the genus Cabomba were recognized: C.aquatica, C. caroliniana, C. furcata, and C. haynesii. The treatment includes descriptions oftaxa, as well as key for identification, illustrations, and commentaries for each species.
Indução e caracterização morfológica e bioquímica de calos de Hyptis leucocephala (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Pereira Danilo Marcelo Santos , De Oliveira Lenaldo Muniz , Nepomuceno Cristina Ferreira , De Santana José Raniere Ferreira , Silva Marília Lordelo Cardoso , Koblitz Maria Gabriela Bello
Published: May 2014

Hyptis leucocephala is an aromatic herb endemic to the Brazilian semiarid region, with antimicrobial, antifungal,cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV properties. In vitro cultivation makes the production of high genetic andsanitary quality cuttings possible for this species, allowing its sustainable exploitation. In the present study, the effect of 6-benzilaminopurine (BAP) and naftalenoacetic acid (NAA) on callus induction in leaf segments of this species anddifferent organic additives to WPM (Wood Plant Medium) for the callus induction was evaluated. The combination ofBAP and NAA allowed the induction of compact and undifferentiated calluses. The highest rate of callus formation andgrowth was obtained with the combination of 8.88 μM BAP and 21.48 μM NAA. Supplementing the culture medium withcoconut water, malt extract and yeast extract did not induce friable calluses. The levels of total sugars, reducing sugars,protein, and amino acids were reduced in calluses maintained in culture medium supplemented with coconut water, maltextract and yeast extract.
Crenças associadas a serpentes no estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Fernandes-Ferreira Hugo , Cruz Rono Lima , Borges-Nojosa Diva Maria , Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega
Published: May 2014

As serpentes, desde os primórdios da humanidade, são alocadas em relatos míticos e lendários de diversasetnias e regiões de todo o mundo devido à sua capacidade histórica de despertar o imaginário popular. No Brasil, empraticamente todas as regiões, existe uma grande riqueza de crenças envolvendo esses animais. A fim de realizar umlevantamento etnográfico sobre as crenças e suas respectivas inferências científicas envolvendo ofídios no estado do Ceará,Nordeste do Brasil, foram realizadas, entre os anos de 2008 e 2010, entrevistas semiestruturadas com “especialistaslocais” selecionados nos municípios de Aratuba, Pacoti e Mulungu (área serrana); Itapajé, Irauçuba e Tururu (área sertaneja)e o litoral de São Gonçalo do Amarante e Caucaia (área litorânea). Nas áreas abordadas, há uma diferenciação entre “cobrascom ou sem veneno”, sendo que a maioria das serpentes consideradas peçonhentas pelos entrevistados não possuempotencial venômico letal ao ser humano. Os entrevistados afirmam a prioridade de uso do soro antiofídico em caso deacidentes, porém eles consideram outros procedimentos caseiros como eficazes. Para determinadas espécies de serpentes,foram levantadas crenças constituídas por assimilações de caracteres morfológicos, fisiológicos e ecológicos, a maioria dasquais não corrobora a literatura zoológica. Isso acontece provavelmente porque o sentimento de medo impede umaaproximação que pudesse promover um conhecimento popular que corroborasse de maneira mais consistente o conhecimentocientífico. A relação conflituosa entre humanos e serpentes leva a uma justificativa leiga para o abate indiscriminado dessesanimais, causando problemas ambientais e de saúde pública graves, que devem ser solucionados principalmente através depolíticas públicas de educação ambiental, prevenção e tratamento de acidentes ofídicos.
Flora da Bahia: Aizoaceae
Authors: Lima Laura Cristina Pires , De Oliveira Reyjane Patrícia , Giulietti Ana Maria
Published: May 2014

This account of the Aizoaceae is a further contribution to the ongoing Flora of Bahia project. Two native species, Sesuvium portulacastrum and Trianthema portulacastum, are recognized for the state of Bahia, Brazil. Key, descriptions, illustrations and general notes on taxa are presented.
Ecologia da polinização da cactácea Arrojadoa rhodantha em caatinga hiperxerófila
Authors: Kiill Lúcia Helena Piedade , Batista Santos Amanda Pricilla , MartinS Carla Tatiana de Vasconcelos Dias , Silva Nerimar Barbosa Guimarães , Silva Tamires Almeida
Published: May 2014

Arrojadoa rhodantha is a widely distributed species in the Caatinga. Due to deforestation, however, their populations have suffered considerable reduction both in terms of distribution and abundance. We study the reproductive phenology, floral biology and pollination mechanism of A. rhodantha to provide information about the pollination ecology of this species. The study was conducted between August 2010 and July 2011, in a caatinga area, municipality of Petrolina, Permanbuco State, Brazil, with 15 individuals of A. rhodantha and a sampling effort of 35 h observing floral visitors. Stages of flowering and fruiting occurred throughout the year, with greater production of flowers and fruits in the rainy season. The flowers are magenta, opening at around 4:00 a.m. and closing at 11:00 p.m. They were visited by hummingbirds (3 species), bees (3), flies (1) and butterflies (1). Trigona spinipes, Friseomelitta doederleini and a Halictidae were the most common floral visitors (93.16% of total visits). The hummingbirds are considered potential pollinators of this cactus, but accounted for only 6.18% of total visits, and Eupetomena macroura was the most frequent species. Bees, flies and the butterflies Phoebis philea were classified as nectar/pollen thieves or pollen robbers. Arrojadoa rhodantha produced fruits only in natural conditions (55%) and by xenogamy (35.3%). Because of the continuous flowering and fruiting, this species can be considered as an important source of food for the fauna from the Caatinga, where there is seasonality in the availability of food sources.
The Cine-poetics of Fulldome Cinema
Authors: Chamier-Waite Clea von
Published: May 2014

The fulldome immersive film format is chiefly about space. Immersive film production is currently undergoing stages of development towards a modern, cinematic language comparable to the development of rhythmic montage developed by Eisenstein and Soviet cinema and followed by the avant-garde cinema of the 1920s.

This paper explores the reciprocal interaction of cinematic montage with the fulldome format. In fulldome films, the metric aspect of rhythmic montage can be evoked through the translational time of the eye across the hemispherical screen. Immersion affords the extension of the internal logic of the film into the architectural space of the theatre. This external architecture becomes an organizing element in the compositional flow of the film, giving the viewer room to build their own field of associations to create meaning. This article questions what new cinematic language can emerge specific to a nascent avant-garde/experimental fulldome cinema, examining the potential of structural montage and collage techniques to create rhythm by combining spatial with chronological sequencing.
Mujer, honor y afrodescendientes en Paraguay a fines de la colonia
Authors: Telesca Ignacio
Published: May 2014

Partiendo de un caso jurídico específico en donde una mujer parda libre fue acusada de deshonrar a una española a través de expresiones soeces, el artículo analiza la situación de los afrodescendientes a fines de la Colonia en el Paraguay. El texto hace hincapié en mostrar cómo el imaginario del antiguo régimen permanecía vigente en una provincia alejada de las metrópolis y caracterizada por una pobreza extrema.
Luis Vives y la educación femenina en la América colonial
Authors: García Alarcón Elvira
Published: May 2014

Los conquistadores españoles y los religiosos que marcharon a las Indias dedicaron sus esfuerzos a la educación de indígenas, criollas y españolas. Influenciados por el humanismo europeo, formaron a las mujeres de acuerdo con su sexo. Instrucción de la mujer cristiana de Luis Vives sirvió de modelo en este proceso de adoctrinamiento.
Androcentrismo, eurocentrismo, retórica colonial: amazonas en América
Authors: Mataix Azuar Remedios
Published: May 2014

El trabajo examina cómo el arquetipo clásico de la Amazona renace y se reinventa al calor de la encrucijada cultural que fue el ‘Descubrimiento’, cómo viaja de Europa a América y cómo, finalmente, regresa para incorporarse al imaginario hispánico siendo ya un referente nuevo que sustenta simbólicamente el arraigo de una «lógica» de la conquista, y convertido en un tropo de la dominación de América que exhibe valores simbólicos redundantes con la concepción providencialista de tal empresa, homogeneizadora, vertical, jerárquica y patriarcal, a la que todos los autores de la época (peninsulares y virreinales) se acogieron.
Eva: la musa secreta de Neruda en «Las furias y las penas»
Authors: Loyola Hernán
Published: May 2014

La figura de Eva Fréjaville se convierte en la clave de indagación de otro tiempo de amor secreto de Pablo Neruda plasmado en su poesía. Esta mujer, esposa momentánea de Alejo Carpentier y después del pintor Alejo Carpentier, con enigmas de origen y de vida, es base para la reconstrucción de un tiempo de vanguardias y bohemia en el que, en 1934, en Madrid, conoció a Pablo Neruda: «La enemiga» del poema «Las furias y las penas» sería Eva Fréjaville pero, por encima de aquella relación fugaz, desde un recuerdo confesado por Pablo Neruda, se reconstruye un episodio de la vida del poeta y de las relaciones mantenidas por varios creadores. La historia nos abre una nueva lectura del citado poema.
Letras judías y árabes en Chile: otros cobijos
Authors: Cánovas Rodrigo
Published: May 2014

Este trabajo consiste en una lectura comparada de la literatura escrita por judíos y árabes en Chile (los inmigrantes y su descendencia) en torno a su experiencia. Si los relatos árabes se presentan como una gran saga familiar que celebra un destino (Chile, la nueva casa), los relatos judaicos se dedican a rememorar un origen que se ve amenazado, concibiéndose como genealogías diaspóricas. En ambas literaturas se reflexiona sobre el prejuicio y la alteridad, proponiéndose nuevos espacios de acogida, distintos de los originales y recreándose imágenes híbridas culturales que conmueven una identidad chilena sentida como fija y monovalente.
Enhancement of carrageenan gel quality in the commercially important tropical seaweed Eucheuma denticulatum (Rhodophyta), with postharvest treatment in low-nutrient conditions
Authors: Villanueva Ronald D. , Montaño Marco Nemesio E.
Published: May 2014

The potential of postharvest culture in low-nutrient conditions was evaluated in terms of enhancement of carrageenan gel quality in the tropical seaweed Eucheuma denticulatum (“spinosum” of commerce) and as an alternative to industrial alkali treatment. Postharvest batch culture of seaweeds with either initially low or high nutrient concentrations (both ending with low nutrient concentrations) produced native carrageenans that had significantly higher gel strengths (48 g cm-2 in both treatments) than those treated with continuous culture in high nutrient concentrations (18 g cm-2). The gel strength of native carrageenans from batch-cultured seaweeds was also significantly higher than that of both native and alkali-treated carrageenans from seaweeds that had not undergone postharvest culture (11 and 29 g cm-2, respectively). The mechanism indicated for the enhancement of carrageenan gel quality involves stopping the production of precursor (galactose-6-sulfate) and converting the preexisting precursor to 3,6-anhydrogalactose units through in vivo enzymatic action. Postharvest batch culture with low nutrient concentrations is considered to be an eco-friendly alternative to industrial alkali treatment in the enhancement of carrageenan gel quality.
Temperature Dependence of Thermodynamic Properties of Thallium Chloride and Thallium Bromide
Authors: Kavanoz H. B.
Published: May 2014

Thermodynamic properties as lattice parameters, thermal expansion, heat capacities
An Investigation of Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Al 2014-SiC Composites
Authors: Çalin Recep , Cilasun Niyazi Selçuk
Published: May 2014

In this study, the effects of SiC reinforcement volume fractions on hardness, porosity and abrasive wear behaviour were examined in Al 2014-SiC (<92.3 μm) reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) of 3%, 6% and 12% reinforcement–volume (R-V) ratios produced by melt-stirring. Abrasive wear tests were carried out by 320 mesh Al
How Do Different Types of Mergers and Acquisitions Facilitate Strategic Agility?
Authors: Brueller Nir N. , Carmeli Abraham , Drori Israel
Published: May 2014

Firms struggle to create an agile organizational system since it requires the development of three enabling capacities: to make sense quickly, make decisions nimbly, and redeploy resources rapidly. While the study of strategic agility is of growing interest as a prime means of organizational growth, the ways by which key mechanisms of growth such as mergers and acquisitions (M&As) help in building this capability remain elusive. This article highlights the differences between platform acquisitions and bolt-on acquisitions (most bolt-on acquisitions in high-technology industries can further be separated into product acquisitions on the one hand, and educational, technological and/or talent acquisitions on the other hand). These different forms of acquisitions can enhance strategic agility in distinct ways along different time horizons. When properly managed, acquisitions can enhance the gradual accumulation of the capabilities underlying strategic agility. This article presents a more complex picture of a non-linear reinforcing dual path between M&As and strategic agility.
How to Tell Which Decisions are Strategic
Authors: Shivakumar Ram
Published: May 2014

How can one tell which decisions are strategic? This article proposes a framework that helps distinguish strategic decisions from non-strategic ones. Whether a decision is strategic or non-strategic depends on how a decision ranks along two dimensions: its influence on the degree of commitment and its influence on the scope of the firm. Four distinct types of decisions emerge: strategic, neo-strategic, tactical, and operational. This categorization of decisions can help the firm prioritize decisions, allocate resources, and develop capabilities.
Forced displacement in Colombia: Magnitude and causes
Authors: Ibanez Ana Maria
Published: May 2014

The article describes the magnitude, geographical extent,  and causes of forced population displacements in Colombia. Forced migration in Colombia is a war strategy adopted by armed groups to strengthen territorial strongholds, weaken civilian support to the enemy, seize valuable lands, and produce and transport illegal drugs with ease. Forced displacement in Colombia today affects 3.5 million people. Equivalent to 7.8 percent of Colombia's population, and second worldwide only to Sudan, this shows the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis the country is facing. The phenomenon involves all of Colombia's territory and nearly 90 percent of the country's municipalities expel or receive population. In contrast to other countries, forced migration in Colombia is largely internal. Illegal armed groups are the main responsible parties, migration does not result in massive refugee streams but occurs on an individual basis, and the displaced population is dispersed throughout the territory and not focused in refugee camps. These characteristics pose unique challenges for crafting state policy that can effectively mitigate the impact of displacement.
Short-term versus long-term military planning
Authors: Bar-El Ronen , Kagan Kobi , Tishler Asher
Published: May 2014

This article analyzes the allocation of the government budget to civilian and military expenditure by two rival countries that are involved in an arms race. We compare the consequences of myopic (period by period) planning versus rational (long-term) planning and show that although myopic planning is always favorable for both countries, they are likely to become locked in a prisoners' dilemma equilibrium in which they plan rationally. The prisoners' dilemma equilibrium results in higher stocks of weapon systems and lower welfare for both countries. We also find some evidence of the existence of a prisoners' dilemma equilibrium in the current Israeli-Syrian arms race. Generally, this article suggests that solving military/political conflicts that evolve into an arms race by relying only on military might is an expensive and suboptimal solution. Each country should identify this phenomenon and attempt to take it into account in its decisionmaking by using appropriate policy alternatives. There are two major policy options in this case. The first option is to reach some kind of agreement with the rival (directly or through a third party). The second option is to institute force multipliers techniques.
A new arms race? The political economy of maritime military modernization in the Asia-Pacific
Authors: Bitzinger Richard A.
Published: May 2014

During the 2000s, navies in the Asia-Pacific region have experienced a significant, if not unprecedented, bout of naval expansion. This buildup has been quantitative, but more importantly, qualitative as well, and in many cases goes beyond mere modernization. It has been driven by both rising regional defense spending and by an increasingly competitive arms business, which is resulting in the export of some of the most advanced types of weaponry. Regional military modernization activities are intended to increase national deterrent and defensive capabilities, but the process of mutual, reciprocated arming with increasingly advanced conventional weapons can also lead to costly arms competitions, perhaps draining resources from other, more pressing social needs. It also contains the kernel of a classic security dilemma, whereby such arming can actually undermine that very security it was intended to improve.
Reduction of Contact Resistance between NaxCoO2 Thermoelectric Chip and Ag Electrode by Using Spark Plasma Sintering Method.
Authors: Hachiya Haruna , Arai Koya , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Minowa Masahiro , Yamaguchi Yuki , Fujimoto Kenjiro , Nishio Keishi
Published: May 2014

NaxCoO2 has a particularly high contact resistance because it forms an insulated layer of NaHCO3 and Na2CO3, which are produced in a chemical reaction with carbon dioxide and water in air on the surface. In this study, we tried to improve the interface resistance between NaxCoO2 and Ag sheet electrodes by connecting these materials with the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The interface resistance between NaxCoO2 and Ag sheet electrodes connected by SPS is compared with that connected with Ag paste. In an experiment, the interface resistance of a sample treated by decrease to less than 1/600 of the former value. It is thought that the NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 insulated layer is decomposed through the application of a large value of applied DC current by using the SPS technique.
Fabrication of Freestanding Graphene Nanoribbon Network by Utilizing Laser Technology
Authors: Van Hai H. , Badura Kaelyn , Zhang Mei
Published: May 2014

Laser is used to produce graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) by unzipping carbon nanotubes (CNTs). It is found that laser can not only unzip CNTs, but also join GNRs through covalent reconnections. Because the CNTs are aligned in a freestanding CNT sheet, the laser irradiation process results in a freestanding GNR network. Experimental results show that the expected results can be achieved by controlling the delivery of laser beam energy to the sheet. Moreover, this process is a solid-state process and a scalable manufacturing process.
Electronic Properties of Hydrogenated Graphene-Like Materials Under Strains
Authors: Mihara K. , Shintani K.
Published: May 2014

The electronic band structures of the hydrogenated graphene-like materials, graphane, silicane, and germanane, under tensile strains are calculated using first-principles calculation. The imposed tensile strain is in either the armchair or zigzag direction in the honeycomb lattice. It is found that the band gap of graphane gradually increases with the increase of the strain, whereas the band gaps of silicane and germanane decrease with the increase of the strain. There is little effect of the direction of the imposed strain on such strain dependences.
Synthesis of graphene nanoribbons from amyloid fibrils by solid-phase graphitization using liquid gallium catalyst
Authors: Murakami Katsuhisa , Dong Tianchen , Kajiwara Yuya , Hiyama Takaki , Ueki Ryuichi , Ohashi Gai , Shiraki Kentaro , Yamada Yoichi , Fujita Jun-ichi
Published: May 2014

Amyloid fibrils, which are linear proteins with widths of less than 10 nm and lengths of more than 1 μm, were used as an amorphous carbon template for graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) synthesized by solid-phase graphitization using liquid Ga as the catalyst. The crystal quality of the GNRs improved with increasing synthesis temperature. However, the shape of the GNRs synthesized at temperatures higher than 900 °C became broader, losing the original amyloid shape, whereas the GNRs synthesized at 900 °C seemed to maintain the original amyloid shape in the SEM observation. The conducting paths of GNRs synthesized at 900 °C were found to be slightly diffused outside the topography of the GNRs in the conductive atomic force microscopy map. In addition, some of the sapphire terrace edges of the substrate showed conductivity, which indicates that the growth mechanism of graphene on a sapphire substrate might be a step-flow growth mode.
The Effects of Auditors' Accessibility to “Tone at the Top” Knowledge on Audit Judgments
Authors: Schmidt Regan N.
Published: May 2014

This study examines how external auditors' accessibility to “tone at the top” knowledge impacts subsequent audit judgments. To examine this relationship, a decision aid is investigated that differentially facilitates the auditors' retrieval of “tone at the top” evidence from memory. Results of an experiment indicate that, holding the client's “tone at the top” constant, the structure of a control environment decision aid influences the auditors' mental representation of the “tone at the top.” Further, favorable “tone at the top” mental representations transfer to induce relatively favorable control environment and fraud risk assessments, and greater reliance on management's explanation for variances detected in analytical procedures. Mediation analyses identify the control environment assessment as a mediator between the influenced mental representation and the subsequent fraud risk and analytical procedure judgments. The results of the paper underscore the importance of how auditors develop their “tone at the top” mental representations, the influence of these mental representations on subsequent audit judgments, and the stage in the audit process where interventions can improve audit quality.

Data Availability: Contact the author.
Significant Immunohistochemical Expression of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in High-Grade Osteosarcoma is Rare, but May Be Associated with Clinically Elevated Serum Levels
Authors: Lee Anna F. , Pawel Bruce R. , Sullivan Lisa M.
Published: May 2014

Survival rates have plateaued at 70% for osteosarcoma. Proteins ectopically produced by malignant tumors may provide insight into new therapeutic targets. Osteosarcomas secreting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have been suggested to have a worse prognosis. We examined the frequency of expression of β-subunit of hCG (β-hCG) in pretreatment osteosarcoma biopsies, and asked if it was associated with various clinical prognostic parameters, and the development of metastases. We subjected 51 pretreatment biopsies of high-grade osteosarcoma, from 51 patients, to β-hCG immunohistochemistry. In 19 of these patients, postchemotherapy metastatic biopsies also were examined for β-hCG expression. Clinical information (patient age, sex, survival status, and serum hCG in females only), and tumor characteristics (site, size, and presence of metastases) were recorded. The β-hCG positive and negative biopsies were separated and compared. Of 49 interpretable pretreatment biopsies, 28 (57%) showed positive cytoplasmic β-hCG expression: 27 with sparse positivity (1% of tumor cells) and 1 with frequent positivity (10% of tumor cells). The patient with frequent β-hCG positivity in her pretreatment biopsy had elevated serum hCG (88.2 mIU/mL) at diagnosis, decreasing to undetectable following chemotherapy and definitive resection. There was no difference in clinical parameters or rate of metastasis between β-hCG positive versus negative groups. Expression of β-hCG may be seen in high-grade osteosarcoma, but frequent β-hCG immunohistochemical expression by tumor cells, associated with clinically elevated serum β-hCG, is rare. Recognition that some nongerm cell tumors may produce β-hCG can prevent confusion with malignancies containing neoplastic syncytiotrophoblast cells, including germ cell and trophoblastic tumors.
Enumerating the Hidden Homeless: Strategies to Estimate the Homeless Gone Missing From a Point-in-Time Count
Authors: Agans Robert P. , Jefferson Malcolm T. , Bowling James M. , Zeng Donglin , Yang Jenny , Silverbush Mark
Published: May 2014

To receive federal homeless funds, communities are required to produce statistically reliable, unduplicated counts or estimates of homeless persons in sheltered and unsheltered locations during a one-night period (within the last ten days of January) called a point-in-time (PIT) count. In Los Angeles, a general population telephone survey was implemented to estimate the number of unsheltered homeless adults who are hidden from view during the PIT count. Two estimation approaches were investigated: i) the number of homeless persons identified as living on private property, which employed a conventional household weight for the estimated total (Horvitz-Thompson approach); and ii) the number of homeless persons identified as living on a neighbor’s property, which employed an additional adjustment derived from the size of the neighborhood network to estimate the total (multiplicity-based approach). This article compares the results of these two methods and discusses the implications therein.
Recruiting an Internet Panel Using Respondent-Driven Sampling
Authors: Schonlau Matthias , Weidmer Beverly , Kapteyn Arie
Published: May 2014

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a network sampling technique typically employed for hard-to-reach populations when traditional sampling approaches are not feasible (e.g., homeless) or do not work well (e.g., people with HIV). In RDS, seed respondents recruit additional respondents from their network of friends. The recruiting process repeats iteratively, thereby forming long referral chains.

RDS is typically implemented face to face in individual cities. In contrast, we conducted Internet-based RDS in the American Life Panel (ALP), a web survey panel, targeting the general US population. We found that when friends are selected at random, as RDS methodology requires, recruiting chains die out. When self-selecting friends, self-selected friends tend to be older than randomly selected friends but share the same demographic characteristics otherwise.

Using randomized experiments, we also found that respondents list more friends when the respondent’s number of friends is preloaded from an earlier question. The results suggest that with careful selection of parameters, RDS can be used to select population-wide Internet panels and we discuss a number of elements that are critical for success.
Explosives Vapors–Concentrating and Optoelectronic Detection
Authors: Wojtas J. , Rutecka B. , Popiel S. , Nawała J. , Wesołowski M. , Mikołajczyk J. , Cudziło S. , Bielecki Z.
Published: May 2014

Detection of explosives vapors is an extremely difficult task. The sensitivity of currently constructed detectors is often insufficient. The paper presents a description of an explosive vapors concentrator that improves the detection limit of some explosives detectors. These detectors have been developed at the Institute of Optoelectronics. The concentrator is especially dedicated to operate with nitrogen oxide detectors. Preliminary measurements show that using the concentrator, the recorded amount of nitrogen dioxide released from a 0.5 ng sample of TNT increases by a factor of approx. 20. In the concentrator an induction heater is applied. Thanks to this and because of the miniaturization of the container with an adsorbing material (approx. 1 cm3), an extremely high rate of temperature growth is achieved (up to 500 °C within approx. 25 s). The concentration process is controlled by a microcontroller. Compact construction and battery power supply provide a possibility of using the concentrator as a portable device.
Design of a Race-Track Coil For Measurements of Ac Power Losses in High-Temperature Superconducting Tapes
Authors: Trojanowski Stanisław , Ciszek Marian , Maievskyi Eduard
Published: May 2014

One of the most important parameters, crucial to applications of superconductors in cryo-electrotechnique, is power loss. Measurements of losses in superconducting long sample wires require AC magnetic fields of a special geometry and appropriate high homogeneity. In the paper part of the theoretical basis for calculations and a simple design method for a race-track coil set are presented. An example of such home-made coils, with a magnetic field uniformity of about 0.2 % over the range of about 8 cm, is given. Also a simple electronic measurement system for the determination of AC magnetization loss in samples of superconducting tapes is presented.
Automatic Calibration System for Digital-Display Vibrometers Based on Machine Vision
Authors: He Wen , Xu Guanhua , Rong Zuochao , Li Gen , Liu Min
Published: May 2014

Considering the low efficiency during the process of traditional calibration for digital-display vibrometers, an automatic calibration system for vibrometers based on machine vision is developed. First, an automatic vibration control system is established on the basis of a personal computer, and the output of a vibration exciter on which a digital-display vibrometer to be calibrated is installed, is automatically adjusted to vibrate at a preset vibration level and a preset frequency. Then the display of the vibrometer is captured by a digital camera and identified by means of image recognition. According to the vibration level of the exciter measured by a laser interferometer and the recognized display of the vibrometer, the properties of the vibrometer are calculated and output by the computer. Image recognition algorithms for the display of the vibrometer with a high recognition rate are presented, and the recognition for vibrating digits and alternating digits is especially analyzed in detail. Experimental results on the built-up system show that the prposed image recognition methods are very effective and the system could liberate operators from boring and intense calibration work for digital-display vibrometers
Tree-ring based temperature reconstruction for the west Qinling Mountains (China): linkages to the High Asia, solar activity and Pacific-Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Chen Feng , Yuan Yujiang , Wei Wenshou , Yu Shulong , Shang Huaming , Zhang Tongwen , Zhang Ruibo , Wang Huiqin , Qin Li
Published: May 2014

We developed a Faxon fir (Abies faxoniana) tree-ring width chronology at the timberline in the western Qinling Mountains, China. Herein February–July mean temperature was reconstructed for Zhouqu in the western Qinling Mountains back to AD 1650 based on the standard chronology. The climate/tree-growth model accounts for 43.5% of the instrumental temperature variance during the period 1972–2006. Spatial correlation analyses with the gridded temperature data shows that the temperature reconstruction captures regional climatic variations over central and southeast China, and strong teleconnections with the nearby High Asia. There is a good agreement with cold and warm periods previously estimated from tree-rings in Nepal, India and southwest China. The temperature re-construction indicates that there was pronounced cooling in Zhouqu during the Maunder Minimum (late 1600s to early 1700s). The cold period (1813–1827) of the temperature reconstruction coincide with the volcanic eruptions. Significant spectral peaks are found at 56.9, 22.3, 11.4, 2.9, 2.8, 2.6, 2.2 and 2.0 years. The spatial correlation patterns between our temperature reconstruction and SSTs of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans suggest a connection between regional temperature variations and the atmospheric circulations. It is thus revealed that the chronology has enough potential to reconstruct the climatic variability further into the past.
Teachers Choosing Rich Tasks
Authors: Aubusson Peter , Burke Paul , Schuck Sandy , Kearney Matthew , Frischknecht Bart
Published: May 2014

This article reports on the pioneering use in education of Discrete Choice Experiments (DCEs) to assess teachers’ decisions regarding deployment of rich tasks. The incorporation of this quantitative method into what is usually considered the domain of qualitative researchers is an innovative feature of this study. The DCEs enabled rigorous, reliable, and efficient investigation of the relationships between attributes of the complex environment in which teachers operate. The findings articulate the choices made by teachers related to rich task pedagogy, technology use, and other resources. Understanding the influences on these choices will inform the adoption and adaptation of productive technologies, improve dissemination of good practices, and enhance the design of digital technologies, resulting in better student learning outcomes.
The Iconography of Divinity: Kali as a Power-Cluster of Ten Different Goddesses
Authors: Sapkota Jiblal
Published: May 2014

This article is an exploration of Kali, a Hindu deity, through Panofskian three-tiered meanings of a visual art: pre-iconographical description, iconographical analysis and iconological interpretation. It presents neither a dogmatic nor an erotic interpretation of Kali but a purely objective analysis of the Hindu deity. It is argued that Kali has layers of implications, associations and meanings as well as multiple forms, namely Kali, Chinnamasta Kali, Tara, Bhuvaneshwori, Bagalamukhi, Dhumbavati, Kamala, Bhairavi, Sodasi, and Matangi. Each form is also associated with different mythologies, allegories and allusions of their origin. It is assumed that this article has had great significance in the academia as well as for the academicians and academics who are interested in carrying out research works, with an objective description, analysis and interpretation of any visual art. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v1i1.10464 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.1(1) 2013; 11-20
Doris Lessing's The Grass is Singing: a Projection of Naturalism
Authors: Tiwari Rajendra P
Published: May 2014

This article explores the demonstration of naturalism in Doris Lessing’s first tragic novel the Grass is Singing. It relates how the main characters in the novel are influenced by their instinct, their social and economic environment and how their failure or success depends on their adaptability and ability to compete in the struggle for survival. It is based on library study and textual analysis. Result shows that the central characters, Mary Turner and Moses, are the victims of heredity (sexual instinct) and environment (social, economic and political forces), and Dick Turner suffers the consequence of his environment and his failure to prove himself in the competition or struggle for survival.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v1i1.10467 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.1(1) 2013; 39-50
New Particle Size-Dependent Kinetic Model of the Water–Gas-Shift Reaction Using an Iron-Based Catalyst under Fischer – Tropsch Conditions
Authors: Pour Ali Nakhaei , Housaindokht Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2014

The effect of nanoparticle size on the kinetics of the water–gas-shift (WGS) reaction using an iron based catalyst used in the Fischer – Tropsch synthesis (FTS) was studied in a continuous spinning basket reactor. A series of iron oxide particles with different particle sizes doped with copper and lanthanum was prepared as the catalyst. A new size-dependent kinetic model for the WGS reaction has been developed by a thermodynamic method. The kinetic parameters of the model were evaluated from experimental results for iron catalysts with different particle sizes. The results show that the parameters of the size-dependent model changed with temperature and particle size. The surface tension energy (σ) of the iron oxide catalyst and the size-independent activation energy for the WGS reaction was calculated from the experimental results. The size-independent activation energy for the WGS reaction is calculated as 4 kJ mol–1 based on haematite particles.
Specific Solvation Effects on the Formation of Urea Anion in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Li Taohong , Wang Hui , Liang Jiankun , Guo Xiaoshen , Xie Xiaoguang , Du Guanben
Published: May 2014

The reaction between urea and HO– in alkaline solution was investigated at B3LYP and MP2 levels. The PCM solvent model was used to include the implicit solvent effects. To estimate the specific solvation effects, explicit water molecules were added stepwise to form molecular clusters. The results show that the OH– anion can abstract a proton from urea, forming the urea anion. The calculated energies indicate the hydrogen bonds formed between the reactants and solvent water molecules affect both the potential and thermodynamic energy barriers. The changing trend of the barriers appears to be 1W> 2W> 3W> 0W. A fast equilibrium can be established between the reactants and the products but the reverse reaction is both kinetically and thermodynamically more favourable, suggesting that the concentration of urea anion in alkaline solution would be low, in agreement with known weak acidity. The results of this study suggest that for reaction systems involving strongly polar reactants and solvent, the employment of only implicit solvent model is not enough, and explicit solvent molecules must be included.