bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced sensitivity in H photofragment detection by two-color reduced-Doppler ion imaging
Authors: Epshtein Michael , Portnov Alexander , Kupfer Rotem , Rosenwaks Salman , Bar Ilana
Published: November 2013

Two-color reduced-Doppler (TCRD) and one-color velocity map imaging (VMI) were used for probing H atom photofragments resulting from the ∼243.1 nm photodissociation of pyrrole. The velocity components of the H photofragments were probed by employing two counterpropagating beams at close and fixed wavelengths of 243.15 and 243.12 nm in TCRD and a single beam at ∼243.1 nm, scanned across the Doppler profile in VMI. The TCRD imaging enabled probing of the entire velocity distribution in a single pulse, resulting in enhanced ionization efficiency, as well as improved sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. These advantages were utilized for studying the pyrrole photodissociation at ∼243.1 and 225 nm, where the latter wavelength provided only a slight increase in the H yield over the self-signal from the probe beams. The TCRD imaging enabled obtaining high quality H+ images, even for the low H photofragment yields formed in the 225 nm photolysis process, and allowed determining the velocity distributions and anisotropy parameters and getting insight into pyrrole photodissociation.
Research Updates: Epitaxial strain relaxation and associated interfacial reconstructions: The driving force for creating new structures with integrated functionality
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Chen Aiping , Zhou Honghui , Zhang Wenrui , Narayan Jagdish , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L. , Jia Quanxi , Wang Haiyan
Published: November 2013

Here, we report detailed strain mapping analysis at heterointerfaces of a new multiferroic complex oxide Bi3Fe2Mn2Ox(BFMO322) supercell and related layered structures. The state-of-the-art aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-corrected STEM) and the modified geometric phase analysis (GPA) have been used to characterize the self-assembled transitional layers, misfit defects, and, in particular, the biaxial lattice strain distributions. We found that not only a sufficient lattice misfit is required through substrate selection and to be preserved in initial coherent epilayer growth, but also an appropriate interfacial reconstruction is crucial for triggering the growth of the new BFMO322 supercell structure. The observation of new transitional interfacial phases behaving like coherent film layers within the critical thickness challenges the conventional understanding in existing epitaxial growth model.
Electrical properties of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition a-Si:H and a-Si1−xCx:H for microbolometer applications
Authors: Shin Hang-Beum , Saint John David , Lee Myung-Yoon , Podraza Nikolas J. , Jackson Thomas N.
Published: November 2013

Electrical properties for resistive microbolometer sensor materials including resistivity, temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), and normalized Hooge parameter were explored in n-type a-Si:H and a-Si1−xCx:H prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The complex dielectric function spectra (ε = ε1 + iε2) and structure were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Two-dimensional drift-diffusion simulations were used to understand the band-tail slope dependency of TCR and 1/f noise.
Block algebra in two-component BKP and D type Drinfeld-Sokolov hierarchies
Authors: Li Chuanzhong , He Jingsong
Published: November 2013

We construct generalized additional symmetries of a two-component BKP hierarchy defined by two pseudo-differential Lax operators. These additional symmetry flows form a Block type algebra with some modified (or additional) terms because of a B type reduction condition of this integrable hierarchy. Further we show that the D type Drinfeld-Sokolov hierarchy, which is a reduction of the two-component BKP hierarchy, possess a complete Block type additional symmetry algebra. That D type Drinfeld-Sokolov hierarchy has a similar algebraic structure as the bigraded Toda hierarchy which is a differential-discrete integrable system.
Electron attachment to C2 fluorocarbon radicals at high temperature
Authors: Shuman Nicholas S. , Miller Thomas M. , Viggiano Albert A.
Published: November 2013

Thermal electron attachment to the radical species C2F3 and C2F5 has been studied over the temperature range 300–890 K using the Variable Electron and Neutral Density Attachment Mass Spectrometry technique. Both radicals exclusively undergo dissociative attachment to yield F−. The rate constant for C2F5 shows little dependence over the temperature range, remaining ∼4 × 10−9 cm3 s−1. The rate constant for C2F3 attachment rises steeply with temperature from 3 × 10−11 cm3 s−1 at 300 K to 1 × 10−9 cm3 s−1 at 890 K. The behaviors of both species at high temperature are in agreement with extrapolations previously made from data below 600 K using a recently developed kinetic modeling approach. Measurements were also made on C2F3Br and C2F5Br (used in this work as precursors to the radicals) over the same temperature range, and, for C2F5Br as a function of electron temperature. The attachment rate constants to both species rise with temperature following Arrhenius behavior. The attachment rate constant to C2F5Br falls with increasing electron temperature, in agreement with the kinetic modeling. The current data fall in line with past predictions of the kinetic modeling approach, again showing the utility of this simplified approach.
Analysis of the leakage current in junctionless nanowire transistors
Authors: Trevisoli Renan , Trevisoli Doria Rodrigo , de Souza Michelly , Antonio Pavanello Marcelo
Published: November 2013

This letter presents an analysis of the leakage current in Junctionless Nanowire Transistors. The analysis is performed using experimental data together with three-dimensional numerical simulations. The influences of the temperature, device dimensions, and doping concentration have been studied. The results of inversion-mode devices of similar dimensions are also presented for comparison purpose.
High-field critical current enhancement by irradiation induced correlated and random defects in (Ba0.6K0.4)Fe2As2
Authors: Kihlstrom K. J. , Fang L. , Jia Y. , Shen B. , Koshelev A. E. , Welp U. , Crabtree G. W. , Kwok W.-K. , Kayani A. , Zhu S. F. , Wen H.-H.
Published: November 2013

Mixed pinning landscapes in superconductors are emerging as an effective strategy to achieve high critical currents in high, applied magnetic fields. Here, we use heavy-ion and proton irradiation to create correlated and point defects to explore the vortex pinning behavior of each and combined constituent defects in the iron-based superconductor Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 and find that the pinning mechanisms are non-additive. The major effect of p-irradiation in mixed pinning landscapes is the generation of field-independent critical currents in very high fields. At 7 T ‖ c and 5 K, the critical current density exceeds 5 MA/cm2.
Note: Compact, two-dimension translatable slit aperture
Authors: Gao R. S. , Thornberry T. D. , McLaughlin R. J. , Fahey D. W.
Published: November 2013

A compact, light-weight, two-dimension translatable slit aperture is described. The slit dimensions are scalable, allowing for wide application. With all metal construction, the device would be suitable for high temperature degassing and vacuum compatible. Alternatively, the main structure may be printed using a 3D printer for rapid prototyping and/or lighter weight. The precision of the slit movement is 0.014 mm.
Synchronization states and multistability in a ring of periodic oscillators: Experimentally variable coupling delays
Authors: Williams Caitlin R. S. , Sorrentino Francesco , Murphy Thomas E. , Roy Rajarshi
Published: November 2013

We experimentally study the complex dynamics of a unidirectionally coupled ring of four identical optoelectronic oscillators. The coupling between these systems is time-delayed in the experiment and can be varied over a wide range of delays. We observe that as the coupling delay is varied, the system may show different synchronization states, including complete isochronal synchrony, cluster synchrony, and two splay-phase states. We analyze the stability of these solutions through a master stability function approach, which we show can be effectively applied to all the different states observed in the experiment. Our analysis supports the experimentally observed multistability in the system.
Swarming behaviors in multi-agent systems with nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Yu Wenwu , Chen Guanrong , Cao Ming , Lü Jinhu , Zhang Hai-Tao
Published: November 2013

The dynamic analysis of a continuous-time multi-agent swarm model with nonlinear profiles is investigated in this paper. It is shown that, under mild conditions, all agents in a swarm can reach cohesion within a finite time, where the upper bounds of the cohesion are derived in terms of the parameters of the swarm model. The results are then generalized by considering stochastic noise and switching between nonlinear profiles. Furthermore, swarm models with limited sensing range inducing changing communication topologies and unbounded repulsive interactions between agents are studied by switching system and nonsmooth analysis. Here, the sensing range of each agent is limited and the possibility of collision among nearby agents is high. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical analysis.
Waveguide sensor for measurement of viscosity of highly viscous fluids
Authors: Kazys R. , Sliteris R. , Raisutis R. , Zukauskas E. , Vladisauskas A. , Mazeika L.
Published: November 2013

Ultrasonic waveguide sensor for measurement of viscosity of highly viscous fluids has been developed. The measurement principle is based on application of guided shear-horizontal SH0 mode of the Lamb waves propagating in an aluminium planar waveguide immersed in a viscous liquid. Attenuation of the guided wave depends on viscosity of the surrounding liquid and is used for viscosity estimation. The developed sensor is mechanically robust and may be used for in-line process control of viscous liquids.
Effect of antisite formation on magnetic properties of nickel zinc ferrite particles
Authors: Ghosh B. , Sardar M. , Banerjee S.
Published: November 2013

In this report, we have investigated the effect of antisite ordering on the magnetic behavior of NixZn1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles for x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1. Observed magnetization versus temperature data show systematic gradual changes from antiferromagnetic to ferrimagnetic phase with increasing amount of Ni concentration. Saturation magnetization of the parent Zn ferrite increases when substituted by Ni and then decreases for concentration greater than x = 0.5. Coercivity also shows a concentration dependence. Saturation magnetization has no dependence on cooling field at all concentrations. For x = 0.5 the system act as an extremely soft magnetic material with highest saturation magnetization and lowest coercivity. Site occupancy by cations plays an important role for local moment imbalance between different antiferromagnetic sublattices giving rise to ferrimagnetic interaction upon Ni substituted in Zn ferrite.
Development of a new superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source for operations up to 18 GHz at LBNL
Authors: Xie D. Z. , Benitez J. Y. , Caspi S. , Hodgkinson A. , Lyneis C. M. , Phair L. W. , Prestemon S. O. , Strohmeier M. M. , Thuillier T. P. , Todd D. S.
Published: November 2013

A new superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS) is under development at LBNL to harness the winding techniques of a closed-loop sextupole coil for the next generation ECRIS and to enhance the capability of the 88-in. cyclotron facility. The proposed ECRIS will use a superconducting closed-loop sextupole coil to produce the radial field and a substantial portion of the axial field. The field strengths of the injection, central and extraction regions are adjusted by a three solenoids outside the closed-loop sextupole coil. In addition to maintaining the typical ECRIS magnetic field configuration, this new source will also be able to produce a dustpan-like minimum-B field to explore possible ECRIS performance enhancement. The dustpan-like minimum-B field configuration has about the same strengths for the maximum axial field at the injection region and the maximum radial pole fields at the plasma chamber walls but it can be substantially lower at the extraction region. The dustpan-like minimum-B will have a field maximum Bmax ≥ 2.6 T for operations up to 18 GHz with a ratio of Bmax/Bres ≥ 4 and higher ratios for lower frequencies. The field maxima of this new source can reach over 3 T both at the injection and the plasma chamber walls which could also support operation at 28 GHz. The source will be built of cryogen-free with the magnets directly cooled by cryo-coolers to simplify the cryostat structure. The source design features will be presented and discussed.
A comprehensive study of thermoelectric and transport properties of β-silicon carbide nanowires
Authors: Valentín L. A. , Betancourt J. , Fonseca L. F. , Pettes M. T. , Shi L. , Soszyński M. , Huczko A.
Published: November 2013

The temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient, the electrical and thermal conductivities of individual β-silicon carbide nanowires produced by combustion in a calorimetric bomb were studied using a suspended micro-resistance thermometry device that allows four-point probe measurements to be conducted on each nanowire. Additionally, crystal structure and growth direction for each measured nanowire was directly obtained by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The Fermi level, the carrier concentration, and mobility of each nanostructure were determined using a combination of Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity measurements, energy band structure and transport theory calculations. The temperature dependence of the thermal and electrical conductivities of the nanowires was explained in terms of contributions from boundary, impurity, and defect scattering.
In vivo virtual intraoperative surgical photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Han Seunghoon , Lee Changho , Kim Sehui , Jeon Mansik , Kim Jeehyun , Kim Chulhong
Published: November 2013

We developed a virtual intraoperative surgical photoacoustic microscopy system by combining with a commercial surgical microscope and photoacoustic microscope (PAM). By sharing the common optical path in the microscope and PAM system, we could acquire the PAM and microscope images simultaneously. Moreover, by employing a beam projector to back-project 2D PAM images onto the microscope view plane as augmented reality, the conventional microscopic and 2D cross-sectional PAM images are concurrently mapped on the plane via an ocular lens of the microscope in real-time. Further, we guided needle insertion into phantom ex vivo and mice skins in vivo.
Using Ion-velocity Map Imaging Technique to Study Photodissociation of 2-Bromopentane
Authors: Gu Zhong , Chen Min , He Chao , Bai Xi-lin , Mao Rui , Zhang Qun , Chen Yang
Published: November 2013

The photodissociation dynamics of 2-bromopentane at ∼234 nm has been investigated by utilizing ion-velocity map imaging technique. The mapped images of Br(2P3/2) (denoted as Br) and Br(2P1/2) (denoted as Br*) fragments were analyzed by means of the speed and angular distributions, respectively. The speed distributions can be fitted with two Gaussian components which are correlated to the two independent reaction paths on the excited potential energy surfaces (PES). The high-energy component is from the prompt dissociation along the C—Br stretching mode, while the low-energy one is related to the dissociation from the coupling of the C—Br stretching and bending modes. Relative quantum yield is measured to be 0.892 for Br in the photodissociation of 2-bromopentane at 234 nm. Combining the anisotropy parameter with the relative quantum yield of Br and Br* fragments, the contributions of the excited 3Q0, 3Q1, and 1Q1 states to the products Br and Br* were derived. The effect of alkyl branching on the mechanism of photodissociation was discussed by comparing the photodissociation processes of four isomers of bromopentane.
Laser-induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy of NiO between 510 and 650 nm
Authors: Qin Cheng-bing , Zang Jian-zheng , Zhang De-ping , Zhang Qun , Chen Yang
Published: November 2013

Laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectra of NiO have been recorded in the wavelength region of 510–650 nm under supersonic molecular beam conditions. More than fifty bands have been observed and rotationally analyzed to determine the molecular constants. The excited states exhibit highly irregular variations in terms of isotopic shifts, vibrational intervals, and rotational constants. Twenty-six bands attributed to [Ω=0, 1]−X3Σ0− transitions have been tentatively grouped into five vibrational progressions. Furthermore, dispersed fluorescence and lifetimes of the strong bands have also been measured.
Entropy Production along Dominant Pathway of Nonequilibrium Phase Transition in Mesoscopic Chemical System
Authors: Chen Han-shuang , He Gang , Huang Feng , Shen Chuan-sheng
Published: November 2013

We consider a bistable mesoscopic chemical reaction system and calculate entropy production along the dominant pathway during nonequilibrium phase transition. Using probability generating function method and eikonal approximation, we first convert the chemical master equation into the classical Hamilton-Jacobi equation, and then find the dominant pathways between two steady states in the phase space by calculating zero-energy trajectories. We find that entropy productions are related to the actions of the forward and backward dominant pathways. At the coexistence point where the stabilities of the two steady states are equivalent, both the system entropy change and the medium entropy change are zero; whereas at non-coexistence point both of them are nonzero.
Orientation and Structure of Ionic Liquid Cation at Air/[bmim][BF4] Aqueous Solution Interface
Authors: Deng Gang-hua , Li Xia , Guo You-qi , Liu Shi-lin , Lu Zhou , Guo Yuan
Published: November 2013

The water-miscible room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]) is a model system for studying the interactions between ionic liquid and water molecules. In this work the orientational structure of the low concentrated aqueous solution of [bmim][BF4] at the air/liquid interface was investigated by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy. It has been found that at very low concentrations, the butyl chain exhibited a significant gauche defect, indicating a disordered conformation; and the cation ring oriented with a fairly small tilting angle at the surface. When the concentration increased, the cation ring tended to lie flat at the surface, and the gauche defects of the butyl chain decreased due to the intermolecular chain-chain interactions and the consequent more ordered interfacial molecular arrangement. Additionally, the anti-symmetric stretching mode in the PPP and SPS spectra exhibited a peak shift, showing that there exists more than one kind of orientation or chemical environment for the butyl CH3 group. These results may shed new light on understanding the surface behavior of water-miscible ionic liquids as well as the imidazolium based surfactants.
Hydrogen Adsorption Study upon Ni/Al2O3 Nano-composite Synthesized by MOCVD Technique
Authors: Ullah Hameed , Veith Michael
Published: November 2013

The hydrogen adsorption (storage) studies upon M/AI2O3 nano-composite prepared by metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique (MOCVD) exploiting single source molecular precursor (SSP) approach were carried out. The Ni/Al2O3nano-composite is prepared in cold walled MOCVD reactor by the decomposition of SSP, [H2Al(OtBu)]2, on a substrate holding Ni(acac)2 powder. The SSP is a reducing agent which reduces Ni+2 to Ni0 and works as source for Al2O3 matrix in which the Ni0 is dispersed. The resulting Ni/Al2O3 nano-composite is characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDX. The hydrogen adsorption (storage) studies are performed using home-made Sievert's type apparatus. The hydrogen storage studies reveal that approximately 2.9% (mass ratio) hydrogen can be stored in the Ni/Al2O3 nano-composite. The results show that Ni/Al2O3 nano-composite can be a potential candidate for hydrogen storage which can be used for onboard fuel purposes.
Selective Sensing Characteristics of Ca Doped BeO Nano-sized Tube toward H2O and NH3
Authors: Noei Maziar , Zare-Shahabadi Vali , Razi Seyedeh Najmeh
Published: November 2013

By means of density functional calculations, the structural and electronic properties of chemical modification of pristine and Ca-doped BeO nanotubes were investigated with NH3 and H2O molecules. It was found that the NH3 and H2O molecules can be adsorbed on the Be atom of the tube sidewall with the adsorption energies of about 36.1 and 39.0 kcal/mol, respectively. Density of states analysis shows that the electronic properties of the BeONT are slightly changed after the adsorption processes. Substitution of a Be atom in the tube surface with a Ca atom increases the adsorption energies by about 7.4 and 14.7 kcal/mol for NH3 and H2O, respectively. Unlike the pristine tube, the electronic properties of Ca-doped BeONT are sensitive to NH3 and H2O molecules. Also, the Ca-doped tube is much more sensitive to H2O molecule than NH3 one.
In vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane production differ in selected key pasture species in Australia
Authors: Banik B. K. , Durmic Z. , Erskine W. , Ghamkhar K. , Revell C.
Published: November 2013

Thirteen current and potential pasture species in southern Australia were examined for differences in their nutritive values and in vitro rumen fermentation profiles, including methane production by rumen microbes, to assist in selection of pasture species for mitigation of methane emission from ruminant livestock. Plants were grown in a glasshouse and harvested at 7 and 11 weeks after sowing for in vitro batch fermentation, with nutritive values assessed at 11 weeks of growth. The pasture species tested differed significantly (P < 0.001) in methane production during in vitro rumen fermentation, with the lowest methane-producing species, Biserrula pelecinus L., producing 90% less methane (4 mL CH4 g–1 dry matter incubated) than the highest methane-producing species, Trifolium spumosum L. (51 mL CH4 g–1 dry matter incubated). Proxy nutritive values of species were found not to be useful predictors of plant fermentation characteristics or methane production. In conclusion, there were significant differences in fermentative traits, including methane production, among selected pasture species in Australia, indicating that the choice of fodder species may offer a way to reduce the impact on the environment from enteric fermentation.
Ralph Tate (1840–1901), Naturalist par excellence: Life and Work before Emigration to Australia
Authors: Kidman Barbara P.
Published: November 2013

Ralph Tate (1840–1901), the foundation Professor of Natural Science at the University of Adelaide, proved to be a remarkable scientist and naturalist with outstanding achievements in several fields. Tate was selected for the Chair in Adelaide, despite having no previous university experience, mainly on the recommendation of T. H. Huxley. This paper examines Tate's background in some detail and establishes that, in fact, as a respected geologist and palaeontologist with interests in conchology and botany, he was particularly well qualified to fill the post. He had had years of teaching practice, a long list of research publications and even experience in exploring new territories.
Paul Ivan Korner 1925–2012
Authors: Chalmers John , Angus James , Graham Robert , Carmody John , Dampney Roger , Jennings Garry , Korner Nicholas
Published: November 2013

Paul Korner's life's work centered on unraveling the sympatho-adrenal control of the circulation and applying this knowledge to understanding the pathogenesis of hypertension and to improving the management of cardiovascular diseases. He made major contributions as Foundation Professor of Physiology at the University of New South Wales (1960–8), as the first Scandrett Professor of Cardiology at the University of Sydney and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (1968–74), and as Director of the Baker Institute for Medical Research (1975–90). After retirement in 1990, he undertook his last major work, writing an influential single-author text, Essential Hypertension and it Causes.
Understanding partnership practice in primary health as pedagogic work: what can Vygotsky's theory of learning offer?
Authors: Hopwood Nick
Published: November 2013

Primary health policy in Australia has followed international trends in promoting models of care based on partnership between professionals and health service users. This reform agenda has significant practice implications, and has been widely adopted in areas of primary health that involve supporting families with children. Existing research shows that achieving partnership in practice is associated with three specific challenges: uncertainty regarding the role of professional expertise, tension between immediate needs and longer-term capacity development in families, and the need for challenge while maintaining relationships based on trust. Recently, pedagogic or learning-focussed elements of partnership practice have been identified, but there have been no systematic attempts to link theories of learning with the practices and challenges of primary health-care professionals working with families in a pedagogic role. This paper explores key concepts of Vygotsky’s theory of learning (including mediation, the zone of proximal development, internalisation, and double stimulation), showing how pedagogic concepts can provide a bridge between the policy rhetoric of partnership and primary health practice. The use of this theory to address the three key challenges is explicitly discussed.
Cancer care coordination: building a platform for the development of care coordinator roles and ongoing evaluation
Authors: Freijser Louise , Naccarella Lucio , McKenzie Rosemary , Krishnasamy Meinir
Published: November 2013

Continuity of care is integral to the quality and safety of care provided to people with cancer and their carers. Further evidence is required to examine the contribution Nurse Cancer Care Coordinator (NCCC) roles make in improving the continuity. The aim of the present study was to clarify the assumptions underpinning the NCCC roles and provide a basis for ongoing evaluation. The project comprised a literature review and a qualitative study to develop program logic. The participants who were purposively sampled included policy makers, practitioners, patient advocates, and researchers. Both the literature and participant reports found that NCCC roles are diverse and responsive to contextual influences to coordinate care at the individual (patient), organisational, and systems levels. The application of the program logic for the development of NCCC roles was explored. The conceptualisation of NCCC roles was also examined in relation to Boundary Spanning and Relational Coordination theory. Further research is required to examine how NCCCs contribute to improving equity, safety, quality and coordination of care. The project has implications for research, policy and practice, and makes explicit existing assumptions to provide a platform for further development and evaluation of these roles.
Improving communication between health-care professionals and patients with limited English proficiency in the general practice setting
Authors: Attard Melanie , McArthur Alexa , Riitano Dagmara , Aromataris Edoardo , Bollen Chris , Pearson Alan
Published: November 2013

Quality service provision and patient safety and satisfaction in encounters with health-care professionals relies on effective communication between the practitioner and patient. This study aimed to identify effective practices for improving communication between clinical staff in general practice and patients with limited English proficiency, and to promote their implementation in general practice. Effective interventions and strategies were identified from a review of international research. Experiences with their use in practice were explored via focus group discussions with general practitioners and practice nurses. The results suggest that, wherever possible, communication in the patient’s primary language is preferable; use of a qualified medical interpreter should be promoted, and practices should have a standardised and documented procedure for accessing interpreter services. General practice staff must increase their awareness about services that are available to facilitate communication with patients with limited English proficiency, and also develop attitudes, both individual and organisational, that will maximise the effectiveness of these strategies. These findings were used to develop brief, evidence-based practice guidelines that were disseminated to focus group participants for evaluation of utility and general feedback. This evidence-based guidance is now available to assist clinical and administrative general practice staff across regional and metropolitan South Australia.
Suppression of Cannibalism during Larviculture of Burbot through Size Grading
Authors: Barron James M , Jensen Nathan R , Anders Paul J , Egan Joshua P , Cain Kenneth D
Published: November 2013

The survival and percentage of North American Burbot Lota lota maculosa larvae and metamorphosing larvae presumed to have been cannibalized during a 15-d period immediately following a size-grading event were compared with those of fish in nongraded control groups. In larvae (mean TL, 11.8 mm), grading immediately produced a size distinction, as the group that passed the grader was significantly narrower and shorter than the group retained by the grader. The mean coefficient of variation of the length of larvae in the retained group was significantly lower than that of the control group, indicating that grading reduced size heterogeneity. Grading significantly increased larval survival, which averaged 74.3% and 93.3% for the passed and retained fish, respectively, compared with 59.3% in the control. Increased survival was linked to a reduction in the percentage of larvae presumed cannibalized in the graded groups. In metamorphosing larvae (mean TL, 21.0 mm), grading did not significantly change TL, width, or the coefficient of variation of length, nor did it improve survival or reduce presumed cannibalism. This study provides initial empirical evidence that size grading can be an effective way to significantly reduce cannibalism when done at the onset of cannibalism in larval-stage Burbot.
Phenotypic Comparisons among Natural-Origin, Hatchery-Origin, and Captive-Reared Female Spring Chinook Salmon from the Tucannon River, Washington
Authors: Gallinat Michael P , Chang Wan-Ying
Published: November 2013

We examined the effects of hatchery rearing on FL, weight, egg size, fecundity, relative fecundity, and reproductive mass of female spring Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha from a population that had been in captivity for 0 (natural-origin), 18 (hatchery-origin), and 48 (captive-reared broodstock) months. Age-4 captive-reared broodstock females that were reared for their entire life in the hatchery environment had significantly lower mean FL, weight, fecundity, relative fecundity, and reproductive mass, but had significantly larger eggs than age-4 females from the other groups after correcting for body size. Hatchery-origin females had significantly lower fecundity than natural-origin fish. Our findings illustrate a phenomenon of lower overall reproductive potential for hatchery-reared fish in the form of reduced fecundity that decreases as time spent in the hatchery environment increases. We also observed that progeny of captive-reared broodstock parents, released as smolts and recaptured as returning age-4 adults, have a size and fecundity distribution that is similar to the hatchery-origin adults, suggesting that the decrease in fecundity was not a genetically linked trait.
A novel chromatin tether domain controls topoisomerase IIα dynamics and mitotic chromosome formation
Authors: Lane Andrew B. , Giménez-Abián Juan F. , Clarke Duncan J.
Published: November 2013

DNA topoisomerase IIα (Topo IIα) is the target of an important class of anticancer drugs, but tumor cells can become resistant by reducing the association of the enzyme with chromosomes. Here we describe a critical mechanism of chromatin recruitment and exchange that relies on a novel chromatin tether (ChT) domain and mediates interaction with histone H3 and DNA. We show that the ChT domain controls the residence time of Topo IIα on chromatin in mitosis and is necessary for the formation of mitotic chromosomes. Our data suggest that the dynamics of Topo IIα on chromosomes are important for successful mitosis and implicate histone tail posttranslational modifications in regulating Topo IIα.
The midbody ring scaffolds the abscission machinery in the absence of midbody microtubules
Authors: Green Rebecca A. , Mayers Jonathan R. , Wang Shaohe , Lewellyn Lindsay , Desai Arshad , Audhya Anjon , Oegema Karen
Published: November 2013

Abscission completes cytokinesis to form the two daughter cells. Although abscission could be organized from the inside out by the microtubule-based midbody or from the outside in by the contractile ring–derived midbody ring, it is assumed that midbody microtubules scaffold the abscission machinery. In this paper, we assess the contribution of midbody microtubules versus the midbody ring in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. We show that abscission occurs in two stages. First, the cytoplasm in the daughter cells becomes isolated, coincident with formation of the intercellular bridge; proper progression through this stage required the septins (a midbody ring component) but not the membrane-remodeling endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Second, the midbody and midbody ring are released into a specific daughter cell during the subsequent cell division; this stage required the septins and the ESCRT machinery. Surprisingly, midbody microtubules were dispensable for both stages. These results delineate distinct steps during abscission and highlight the central role of the midbody ring, rather than midbody microtubules, in their execution.
Facilitation of Resident Scholarly Activity
Authors: Sakai Tetsuro , Emerick Trent D. , Metro David G. , Patel Rita M. , Hirsch Sandra C. , Winger Daniel G. , Xu Yan
Published: November 2013

Background:

Facilitation of residents’ scholarly activities is indispensable to the future of medical specialties. Research education initiatives and their outcomes, however, have rarely been reported.

Methods:

Since academic year 2006, research education initiatives, including research lectures, research problem–based learning discussions, and an elective research rotation under a new research director’s supervision, have been used. The effectiveness of the initiatives was evaluated by comparing the number of residents and faculty mentors involved in residents’ research activity (Preinitiative [2003–2006] vs. Postinitiative [2007–2011]). The residents’ current postgraduation practices were also compared. To minimize potential historical confounding factors, peer-reviewed publications based on work performed during residency, which were written by residents who graduated from the program in academic year 2009 to academic year 2011, were further compared with those of rank-to-match residents, who were on the residency ranking list during the same academic years, and could have been matched with the program of the authors had the residents ranked it high enough on their list.

Results:

The Postinitiative group showed greater resident research involvement compared with the Preinitiative group (89.2% [58 in 65 residents] vs. 64.8% [35 in 54]; P = 0.0013) and greater faculty involvement (23.9% [161 in 673 faculty per year] vs. 9.2% [55 in 595]; P < 0.0001). Choice of academic practice did not increase (50.8% [Post] vs. 40.7% [Pre]; P = 0.36). Graduated residents (n = 38) published more often than the rank-to-match residents (n = 220) (55.3% [21 residents] vs. 13.2% [29]; P < 0.0001, odds ratio 8.1 with 95% CI of 3.9 to 17.2).

Conclusion:

Research education initiatives increased residents’ research involvement.
Designing and Implementing the Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Anesthesiology
Authors: Hastie Maya Jalbout , Spellman Jessica L. , Pagano Parwane P. , Hastie Jonathan , Egan Brian J.
Published: November 2013

Since its description in 1974, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) has gained popularity as an objective assessment tool of medical students, residents, and trainees. With the development of the anesthesiology residents’ milestones and the preparation for the Next Accreditation System, there is an increased interest in OSCE as an evaluation tool of the six core competencies and the corresponding milestones proposed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

In this article the authors review the history of OSCE and its current application in medical education and in different medical and surgical specialties. They also review the use of OSCE by anesthesiology programs and certification boards in the United States and internationally. In addition, they discuss the psychometrics of test design and implementation with emphasis on reliability and validity measures as they relate to OSCE.
Can Simulation Help to Answer the Demand for Echocardiography Education?
Authors: Clau-Terré Fernando , Sharma Vivek , Cholley Bernard , Gonzalez-Alujas Teresa , Galiñanes Manuel , Evangelista Artur , Fletcher Nick
Published: November 2013

There has been a recent explosion of education and training in echocardiography in the specialties of anesthesiology and critical care. These devices, by their impact on clinical management, are changing the way surgery is performed and critical care is delivered. A number of international bodies have made recommendations for training and developed examinations and accreditations.

The challenge to medical educators in this area is to deliver the training needed to achieve competence into already overstretched curricula.

The authors found an apparent increase in the use of simulators, with proven efficacy in improving technical skills and knowledge. There is still an absence of evidence on how it should be included in training programs and in the accreditation of certain levels.

There is a conviction that this form of simulation can enhance and accelerate the understanding and practice of echocardiography by the anesthesiologist and intensivists, particularly at the beginning of the learning curve.
Cognitive Processes in Anesthesiology Decision Making
Authors: Stiegler Marjorie Podraza , Tung Avery
Published: November 2013

The quality and safety of health care are under increasing scrutiny. Recent studies suggest that medical errors, practice variability, and guideline noncompliance are common, and that cognitive error contributes significantly to delayed or incorrect diagnoses. These observations have increased interest in understanding decision-making psychology.

Many nonrational (i.e., not purely based in statistics) cognitive factors influence medical decisions and may lead to error. The most well-studied include heuristics, preferences for certainty, overconfidence, affective (emotional) influences, memory distortions, bias, and social forces such as fairness or blame.

Although the extent to which such cognitive processes play a role in anesthesia practice is unknown, anesthesia care frequently requires rapid, complex decisions that are most susceptible to decision errors. This review will examine current theories of human decision behavior, identify effects of nonrational cognitive processes on decision making, describe characteristic anesthesia decisions in this context, and suggest strategies to improve decision making.
Impact of the Section 179 tax deduction on machinery investment
Authors: C. Hadrich Joleen , Larsen Ryan , E. Olson Frayne
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purposes of this paper are to determine the financial, structural, and tax policy factors that influence the probability of buying machinery and the intensity of the machinery purchases on North Dakota farming operations.

Design/methodology/approach

– A double hurdle model was used to estimate the two decisions: purchasing machinery and the intensity of the machinery purchase. Data were collected from the North Dakota Farm and Ranch Management Business Association Annual Summaries for 1993-2011.

Findings

– Results demonstrated that the tax incentive provided by Section 179 deduction had the largest positive effect on machinery purchases when compared to operating profit margin, leverage ratio, producer type, and experience of the principal operator of the farm.

Originality/value

– Section 179 deductions have changed substantially over the 19-year period studied and have not been analyzed in previous machinery investment work. This analysis puts a numerical value on the effect of Section 179 deductions over time and demonstrates the large effect tax incentives have on machinery purchase decisions and levels.
The impact of liquidity and solvency on cost efficiency
Authors: Alan Russell Levi , R. Langemeier Michael , C. Briggeman Brian
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop and utilize a conceptual framework to examine the impact of liquidity and solvency on cost efficiency for a sample of Kansas farms.

Design/methodology/approach

– A standard cost-efficiency model is modified to incorporate liquidity and solvency ratios. Tobit regressions are used to determine the impact of farm characteristics on improvements in efficiency.

Findings

– Results confirm that liquidity and solvency measures have a significant impact on improving cost efficiency. Farms with larger expenditures on purchased inputs relative to capital were less likely to improve efficiency when liquidity and solvency were considered.

Originality/value

– To the authors' knowledge, the paper is the first to add liquidity and solvency ratios to the cost-efficiency model developed by Färe et al. for the analysis of farms.
Innovations and lessons learned from the Canterbury earthquakes
Authors: Richardson Sandra , Ardagh Michael
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify innovations and lessons learned from interviews with members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team who participated in the response to the 22 February earthquake, affecting the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island.

Design/methodology/approach

– Narratives from individual staff members who were associated with the Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department response were recorded and analysed. This data, together with other contextual documents have been used to identify the responses of healthcare workers to an unexpected natural disaster. Perspectives were sought from a range of individuals, including allied health professionals, social workers, Maori health workers, orderlies, medical and nursing staff.

Findings

– The individual as well as the organisational responses to the earthquake events are significant, and need to be considered in relation to future planning and responses. In particular, the importance of encouraging and supporting a culture which values innovation and responsiveness was identified. While specific, practical responses to the earthquake disaster are noted, it is also important to acknowledge the implication for individuals of an acute, unanticipated event.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings from this study have the potential to illuminate possible responses in other crisis situations, and to guide the development of targeted support measures in response to disaster events.

Originality/value

– Little documentation has occurred to date relating the experiences of health care responders who are not only reacting to a natural disaster, but are also part of it. This is a unique and valuable perspective that has relevance within a number of settings.
Casting an architectural lens on disaster reconstruction
Authors: Lee Alexandra-Jayeun
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to serve two main purposes: first, casting an architectural lens over the disaster context propagates deeper understanding of affected communities who depend on, and can benefit from, better understanding of rebuilding processes; second, by reframing architecture as a “social equaliser” we can make sustainable buildings more accessible to a society that is undergoing massive post-disaster change.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents the findings of my doctoral research on the role of architects in humanitarian endeavours. Based on empirical research and fieldwork conducted on professional responses to three recent disasters: the 2010 Canterbury earthquake; the 2010 Haiti earthquake; and the 2004 Hurricane Katrina, the author has used Horst Rittel's design methods paradigm as a conceptual framework to reconstruct and re-evaluate our understanding of disasters. Drawing from 49 semi-structured interviews with key architectural-design practitioners in the three case sites, this study proposes a re-conceptualisation of urban reconstruction that prioritises community empowerment through design processes rather than through architectural symbolism.

Findings

– Drawing from 49 semi-structured interviews with key architectural-design practitioners in the three case sites, this study proposes a re-conceptualisation of urban reconstruction that prioritises community empowerment through design processes rather than through architectural symbolism.

Practical implications

– This study is an attempt to reconcile the contentious views that exist across multiple sectors by offering design as an ultimately renewable resource and a source of community empowerment.

Originality/value

– The main value proposition of this research paper is that, while many studies acknowledge disasters as truly “wicked problems” (resistant to resolution and riddled with complexities), few attempts to integrate the multi-disciplinary perspectives that can advance our understanding of disasters.
Competitive strategy: the link between service characteristics and customer satisfaction
Authors: Collett Miles Patti
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This study aims to examine how firm strategy may affect customer satisfaction in relationship to service the characteristics of quality, servicescape and value. Specifically, this research utilizes Porter's depiction cost leaders and differentiation strategy to suggest customers may be satisfied even if they rate value or quality lower than for another similar firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research utilizes survey data gathered from 179 customers of four services representing two industry segments. Analysis of variance is utilized to test four hypotheses proposing firm strategy may affect customer rating of a service characteristic, while customers may still remain loyal with high levels of customer satisfaction.

Findings

– The results support the assertion that customer expectations of firm strategy may enable firms in the same industry to receive very different ratings on service characteristics such as value, quality and servicescape, while having equally loyal and satisfied customers.

Practical implications

– The results point to the importance of aligning firm strategy and operational decisions when seeking to maximize customer satisfaction. Decision-makers benefit from understanding how strategy matters in service operational choices.

Originality/value

– This research connects strategy and operations academic disciplines, highlighting the importance of linking firm competitive strategy with service operation choices to enhance customer satisfaction. The model developed here, supported with empirical results, provides decision-makers with an important tool to help determine the competitive payoff for investment in service dimensions.