bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bipolar stacked quasi-all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries with output cell potentials of over 6 V
Authors: Matsuo Takahiro , Gambe Yoshiyuki , Sun Yan , Honma Itaru
Published: August 2014

Designing a lithium ion battery (LIB) with a three-dimensional device structure is crucial for increasing the practical energy storage density by avoiding unnecessary supporting parts of the cell modules. Here, we describe the superior secondary battery performance of the bulk all-solid-state LIB cell and a multilayered stacked bipolar cell with doubled cell potential of 6.5 V, for the first time. The bipolar-type solid LIB cell runs its charge/discharge cycle over 200 times in a range of 0.1–1.0 C with negligible capacity decrease despite their doubled output cell potentials. This extremely high performance of the bipolar cell is a result of the superior battery performance of the single cell; the bulk all-solid-state cell has a charge/discharge cycle capability of over 1500 although metallic lithium and LiFePO4 are employed as anodes and cathodes, respectively. The use of a quasi-solid electrolyte consisting of ionic liquid and Al2O3 nanoparticles is considered to be responsible for the high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability at the interface between the electrodes and the electrolyte. This paper presents the effective applications of SiO2, Al2O3 and CeO2 nanoparticles and various Li+ conducting ionic liquids for the quasi-solid electrolytes and reports the best ever known cycle performances. Moreover, the results of this study show that the bipolar stacked three-dimensional device structure would be a smart choice for future LIBs with higher cell energy density and output potential. In addition, our report presents the advantages of adopting a three-dimensional cell design based on the solid-state electrolytes, which is of particular interest in energy-device engineering for mobile applications.
NiII, CuIIand ZnIIcomplexes with a sterically hindered scorpionate ligand (TpmsPh) and catalytic application in the diasteroselective nitroaldol (Henry) reaction
Authors: Rocha Bruno G. M. , Mac Leod Tatiana C. O. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Luzyanin Konstantin V. , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: August 2014

The bulky (TpmsPh)−adapts its coordination mode to the electronic and steric preferences of the NiII, CuIIor ZnIIcentre forming complexes which catalyse the nitroaldol reaction.
Mass production of Li4Ti5O12 with a conductive network via in situ spray pyrolysis as a long cycle life, high rate anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Du Guodong , Winton Brad R. , Hashim Israa M. , Sharma Neeraj , Konstantinov Konstantin , Reddy M. V. , Guo Zaiping
Published: August 2014

Nanocrystalline Li4Ti5O12 was synthesized by an in situ spray pyrolysis technique followed by heat treatment in N2 for short periods of time, resulting in self-contained carbon originating from the organic synthetic precursors. The excellent high rate capability and full battery tests indicate that this is a promising 4 anode candidate for high power lithium-ion batteries.
Controlling the direct growth of graphene on an insulating substrate by the solid phase reaction of a polymer layer
Authors: Kalita Golap , Sugiura Takatoshi , Wakamatsu Yuji , Hirano Ryo , Tanemura Masaki
Published: August 2014

Controllable direct graphene growth process on an insulating substrate (SiO2/Si and sapphire) by the solid phase reaction of polymer (polyvinyl alcohol) thin film.
Self-supported construction of 3D CdMoO4 hierarchical structures from nanoplates with enhanced photocatalytic properties
Authors: Wang Wenshou , Cui Jianxun , Wang Panpan , Zhen Liang , Shao Wenzhu , Chen Zhonglin
Published: August 2014

Three-dimensional (3D) CdMoO4 hierarchical structures constructed by single-crystalline nanoplates were prepared by a facile hydrothermal route.
Inertia-activated cell sorting of immune-specifically labeled cells in a microfluidic device
Authors: Shin Joong Ho , Lee Myung Gwon , Choi Sungyoung , Park Je-Kyun
Published: August 2014

This paper demonstrates an inertia-activated cell sorting method to separate cells based on their surface protein expression by using inertial microfluidics.
Cross-linked multiblock copoly(arylene ether sulfone) ionomer/nano-ZrO2composite anion exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells
Authors: Li Xiuhua , Tao Jinxiong , Nie Guanghui , Wang Liuchan , Li Liuhong , Liao Shijun
Published: August 2014

Safe fabrication of multiblock copoly(arylene ether) ionomer/nano-ZrO2composite anion exchange membranes with complex cross-linking networks and zonal distribution of nano-filler.
Large-scale production of high-quality graphene using glucose and ferric chloride
Authors: Zhang Binbin , Song Jinliang , Yang Guanying , Han Buxing
Published: August 2014

A novel method to prepare high-quality graphene is developed using simple calcination of a mixture of glucose and FeCl3.
Engineering entropy in soft matter: the bad, the ugly and the good
Authors: Escobedo Fernando A.
Published: August 2014

Although often fought against or designed accidentally, the intelligent design of entropy can lead to novel materials and phase behaviours.
Transport on the surface of a topological insulator
Authors: Vargiamidis V. , Vasilopoulos P.
Published: August 2014

We study theoretically dc and ac transport on the surface of a three-dimensional topological insulator when its time-reversal symmetry is broken. Starting with a Kubo formula, we derive an explicit expression for the dc Hall conductivity, valid for finite temperatures. At zero temperature this expression gives the dc half-quantum Hall conductivity, provided the Fermi level lies in the gap. Corrections when the Fermi level is outside the gap and scattering by impurities are quantified. The longitudinal conductivity is also examined. At finite frequencies, we find a modified Drude term in σxx(ω) and logarithmic, frequency-dependent corrections in σyx(ω). The ac Hall conductivity exhibits a robust logarithmic singularity for excitation energies equal to the gapwidth. For these energies, we also find that the power spectrum, which is pertinent to optical experiments, exhibits drastic increase. The Hall conductivity remains almost unaffected for temperatures up to approximately 300 K.
Modifying plant cell walls for bioenergy production.
Authors: Puranik S. , Kumar K. S. , Gailing O. , Joshi C. P.
Published: August 2014

Predictions about future supply of crude oil, increase in greenhouse gases and burgeoning human population have recently necessitated a search for sustainable and environmentally responsible sources of alternative energy. Bioconversion of organic biomass, largely derived from plant residues, to biofuels has been viewed as one of the most attractive avenues of research. More than half of the plant biomass produced on earth consists of cell walls that are enriched in carbohydrate polymers such as cellulose and hemicellulose. Breakdown of these carbohydrate polymers by pre-treatments and cellulolytic enzymes to monomer sugars (saccharification) which is followed by fermentation of sugars to bioethanol is one of the favoured ways of producing biofuels. Presence of phenolic compounds in form of lignin hinders access of cell wall degrading enzymes to carbohydrates, and genetic engineering of genes and metabolic pathways involved in cell wall formation could dramatically alter the outcome for biofuel production. In recent years, several reports have described such approaches that improve saccharification efficiency and this review discusses some of those advances. Another approach is to use quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and/or association mapping to identify genes/molecular markers that are associated with cell wall polymer synthesis. These candidate genes can be used for marker-assisted breeding and/or could be manipulated using transgenic approaches. A combination of these techniques is likely to provide novel tools in producing feedstocks for efficient use of selected plant biomass in biofuel production.
Mutation strategies for obtaining chitooligosaccharides with longer chains by transglycosylation reaction of family GH18 chitinase
Authors: Sirimontree Paknisa , Suginta Wipa , Sritho Natchanok , Kanda Yuka , Shinya Shoko , Ohnuma Takayuki , Fukamizo Tamo
Published: August 2014

Enhancing the transglycosylation (TG) activity of glycoside hydrolases does not always result in the production of oligosaccharides with longer chains, because the TG products are often decomposed into shorter oligosaccharides. Here, we investigated the mutation strategies for obtaining chitooligosaccharides with longer chains by means of TG reaction catalyzed by family GH18 chitinase A from Vibrio harveyi (VhChiA). HPLC analysis of the TG products from incubation of chitooligosaccharide substrates, GlcNAcn, with several mutant VhChiAs suggested that mutant W570G (mutation of Trp570 to Gly) and mutant D392N (mutation of Asp392 to Asn) significantly enhanced TG activity, but the TG products were immediately hydrolyzed into shorter GlcNAcn. On the other hand, the TG products obtained from mutants D313A and D313N (mutations of Asp313 to Ala and Asn, respectively) were not further hydrolyzed, leading to the accumulation of oligosaccharides with longer chains. The data obtained from the mutant VhChiAs suggested that mutations of Asp313, the middle aspartic acid residue of the DxDxE catalytic motif, to Ala and Asn are most effective for obtaining chitooligosaccharides with longer chains.
Comprehensive data on ionising radiation from Fukushima Daiichi
nuclear power plant in the town of Miharu, Fukushima prefecture: The Misho
Project
Authors: Koike T , Suzuki Y , Genyu S , Kobayashi I , Komori H , Otsu H , Sakuma H , Sakuma K , Sarausad E M , Shimada K , Shinozuka T , Tamura H , Tsukada K , Ukai M , Yamamoto T O
Published: August 2014

Data related to radioactivity released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
Plant (FDNPP) accident on 15 March 2011 gathered by residents of Miharu,
Fukushima Prefecture, and by Tohoku University are presented. These data sets
consist of (1) the earliest radiation monitoring by a Geiger counter in the
town, (2) ratios of radioactivity between 132Te and 137Cs
for a wide area between Fukushima and Tokyo, (3) radiation measurement of soil
samples collected from 18 school grounds, and (4) external radiation exposure of
1400 students using OSL badges. By combining and analysing these various data
sets, a curve for the cumulative total external exposure as a function of time,
with 16 : 00 h on 15 March 2011 being time zero, is obtained.
The average cumulative external dosage is estimated to be 10 mSv
(σ = 4.2 mSv) over 10 years. In
addition, the initiative that the residents of Miharu took in response to the
FDNPP accident, which became known as The Misho Project (MP), is documented; in
particular, the time at which the municipality instructed the immediate
ingestion of iodine tablets by those under the age of 40,
13 : 00 h on 15 March 2011, is assessed.
Normal and Abnormal Esophageal Motility
Authors: Katzka David A.
Published: August 2014

The esophagus has 3 major functions: to facilitate passage of food and fluid boluses into the esophagus and not the airway, to propel food boluses downward to the stomach, and to keep stomach contents from refluxing upward. The esophagus accomplishes these functions by its tubular anatomy and by motility that involves the contraction and relaxation of sphincter muscles and precisely timed peristaltic waves. When these functions go awry, the most common symptoms are dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease. This chapter focuses primarily on how the food bolus is handled by the esophagus. Swallowing dysfunction can be classified as oropharyngeal swallowing disorders, esophageal body disorders, and esophageal motility disorders. Pathology, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
Authors: Bruining David H.
Published: August 2014

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a vexing clinical challenge. It is a disease process characterized by chronic idiopathic intestinal inflammation. The two main subtypes are ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease. Ulcerative colitis involves the colonic mucosa, extending proximally from the anal verge in an uninterrupted pattern to involve all or part of the colon. Crohn disease is a disorder that typically affects the full thickness of the intestine. Although it has a special predilection for involving the small bowel, the disease can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus.

Typically, Crohn disease results in patchy inflammation with intervening areas of normal mucosa. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease can be associated with extra-intestinal disease manifestations.
Gastrointestinal Infections, Clostridium difficile–Associated Disease, and Diverticular Disease
Authors: Loftus Conor G.
Published: August 2014

Infections are a common cause of gastrointestinal disease. This chapter focuses on the more common infectious causes of diarrhea, food poisoning, and diverticulitis. Worldwide, an estimated 1 billion cases of infectious diarrhea occur annually, and the death rates are second only to those of cardiovascular disease. Most cases of bacterial diarrhea are acquired from food and can be considered forms of “food poisoning.” In Western societies, colonic diverticulosis affects 5% to 10% of the population older than 45 years and 80% of those older than 85 years. Uninflamed and nonbleeding diverticula are asymptomatic. Diverticular hemorrhage is the second most common cause of colonic bleeding after vascular lesions.
Constipation and Disorders of Pelvic Floor Function
Authors: Bharucha Adil E.
Published: August 2014

Colonic functions include the absorption of water and electrolytes, storage of intraluminal contents until elimination is socially convenient, and nutrient salvage from bacterial metabolism of carbohydrates that are not absorbed in the small intestine. Colonic motor activity is extremely irregular, ranging from quiescence to isolated contractions, bursts of contractions, or propagated contractions. Functional constipation is defined by two or more of the following symptoms: 1) fewer than three defecations per week, 2) straining, 3) lumpy or hard stools, 4) sensation of incomplete evacuations, 5) sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage, and 6) manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation. Functional defecatory disorders are characterized by disordered defecation caused by functional obstruction that results from impaired relaxation of the external anal sphincter, impaired relaxation of the puborectalis muscle, or inadequate propulsive forces, or some combination of these.
Gastrointestinal Disease and Pregnancy
Authors: Kane Sunanda V.
Published: August 2014

Pharmacotherapy for the management of common gastrointestinal illnesses has evolved remarkably in the last 10 years. Women with chronic illnesses who would have been unwilling or unable to conceive in the past are now healthy enough to consider pregnancy. In addition, many women are deferring childbearing until later in life, when polypharmacy and illness may be more common. This chapter discusses the use of medications during pregnancy, based on the best available evidence. Because the amount of high-quality controlled data in pregnancy is limited, absolute safety is not guaranteed for any medication. Instead, the risk of the underlying condition versus the safety of the medications used to treat it should be balanced against the overall health of the mother and the fetus in each case. All conversations about medications should be documented carefully, along with possible consequences of not treating the disease during pregnancy.

Communication with the patient's obstetrician during this time is also paramount.
Clinical Approach to Liver Mass Lesions
Authors: Roberts Lewis R.
Published: August 2014

The clinical approach to liver mass lesions requires attention to the clinical context within which the mass is identified, the symptoms of the patient, and the physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. With the advent of frequent ultrasonographic or cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen for various abdominal symptoms, many liver mass lesions are now discovered incidentally during imaging performed for unrelated symptoms. It is important to evaluate fully these incidentally discovered lesions because a significant proportion of them represent malignant or premalignant disease that requires appropriate management. This chapter describes the overall approach to the evaluation and diagnosis of liver mass lesions and summarizes the clinical features and management of the most common benign and malignant liver masses.
Liver Transplantation
Authors: Eileen Hay J.
Published: August 2014

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is highly effective for patients with liver failure, restoring normal health and a normal lifestyle. Patient survival is excellent; nationally, the survival rate is 86% at 1 year after OLT and 72% at 5 years. Timely evaluation for transplant and optimization of pretransplant care is essential for the potential liver recipient. However, the demand for donor organs greatly exceeds supply. In the United States in 2012, about 5,000 deceased donor organs and only 200 living donor organs were available; currently, about 16,000 patients are on the liver transplant list. Patient selection and organ allocation are 2 major problems.
Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Petersen Bret T. , Pearson Randall K.
Published: August 2014

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition characterized by severe abdominal pain and locoregional and systemic inflammatory complications. More than 200,000 new cases of acute pancreatitis occur in the United States each year, and its incidence is on the rise. Twenty percent of acute pancreatitis is severe, and about 5% of all patients with pancreatitis die as a result of the disease. In 80% of cases, acute pancreatitis is mild and self-limited, with little or no long-term sequelae to the pancreatic parenchyma or systemic toxicity. In 20% of cases, severe acute pancreatitis develops, leading in the early phase to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, organ failure (hypotension, renal failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome), and pancreatic necrosis. The clinical presentation of acute pancreatitis ranges from mild, nonspecific epigastric pain to a catastrophic acute medical illness. The pain of acute pancreatitis generally is located in the epigastrium and radiates into the back in approximately 50% of patients. The onset of pain usually is swift, with pain reaching maximum intensity within an hour.
Dacryocystitis As the Initial Presentation of Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in Immunocompromised Children
Authors: Davies Brett W. , Gonzalez Mithra O. , Vaughn Ryan C. , Allen Gregory C. , Durairaj Vikram D.
Published: August 2014

Sino-orbital fungal infection is a rare, but life-threatening disease seen mainly in immunocompromised patients. While initial clinical impression may vary, dacryocystitis has rarely been described as the initial presenting sign. The authors present 2 pediatric cases of dacryocystitis as the initial sign of invasive fungal sinusitis. To their knowledge, this presenting sign has not been previously reported in the pediatric population. Management strategies and outcomes are discussed.
Are end‐of‐life practices in Norway in line with ethics and law?
Authors: FØRDE R. , AASLAND O. G.
Published: August 2014

Background

End‐of‐life decisions, including limitation of life prolonging treatment, may be emotionally, ethically and legally challenging. Euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide (PAS) are illegal in Norway. A study from 2000 indicated that these practices occur infrequently in Norway.

Methods

In 2012, a postal questionnaire addressing experience with limitation of life‐prolonging treatment for non‐medical reasons was sent to a representative sample of 1792 members of the Norwegian Medical Association (7.7% of the total active doctor population of 22,500). The recipients were also asked whether they, during the last 12 months, had participated in euthanasia, PAS or the hastening of death of non‐competent patients.

Results

Seventy‐one per cent of the doctors responded. Forty‐four per cent of the respondents reported that they had terminated treatment at the family's request not knowing the patient's own wish, doctors below 50 and anaesthesiologists more often. Anaesthesiologists more often reported to have terminated life‐prolonging treatment because of resource considerations. Six doctors reported having hastened the death of a patient the last 12 months, one by euthanasia, one by PAS and four had hastened death without patient request. Male doctors and doctors below 50 more frequently reported having hastened the death of a patient.

Conclusion

Forgoing life‐prolonging treatment at the request of the family may be more frequent in Norway that the law permits. A very small minority of doctors has hastened the death of a patient, and most cases involved non‐competent patients. Male doctors below 50 seem to have a more liberal end‐of‐life practice.
Measuring Open Innovation in the Bio‐Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Michelino Francesca , Lamberti Emilia , Cammarano Antonello , Caputo Mauro
Published: August 2014

The paper suggests a methodology for measuring the degree of openness in companies' innovation processes through the analysis of annual reports. Four openness dimensions are defined based on costs and revenues deriving from open innovation activities and new investments and divestments of innovation‐related intangibles, occurring in either separate acquisitions or business combinations. A synthetic measure of openness is defined, including all the four dimensions. The model is then applied to a sample of 126 global topR&Dspending companies in the bio‐pharmaceutical industry for the period 2008–2012, for a total of 630 annual reports analysed. Results show a negative correlation of openness degree with firm age, dimension and efficiency, with biotech companies being more open than pharmaceutical ones. The paper contributes to the research on open innovation by suggesting a comprehensive framework for the measure of the pecuniary dimension of the phenomenon in both inbound and outbound processes. From a managerial point of view, the framework can be used by companies to both monitor their own degree of openness and to benchmark it with those of competitors.
Abusive Supervision and Links to Nurse Intentions to Quit
Authors: Rodwell John , Brunetto Yvonne , Demir Defne , Shacklock Kate , Farr‐Wharton Rod
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To investigate forms of abusive supervision, namely personal attacks, task attacks, and isolation, and their links to outcomes for nurses, including job satisfaction, psychological strain, and intentions to quit.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey design. Data collected from July to November 2012.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty public sector nurses employed at five general acute Australian hospitals completed the survey (response rate of 33%).

Findings

Structural equation modeling on the forms of abusive supervision (personal, task, isolation) and nurse outcomes indicated goodness of fit statistics that confirmed a well‐fitting model, explaining 40% of the variance in intent to quit, 30% in job satisfaction, and 33% in strain. An indirect relationship from personal attacks to intentions to quit, via strain, was observed. Task attacks were related directly, and indirectly via job satisfaction, to increased intentions to quit. Surprisingly, isolation was positively related to job satisfaction.

Conclusions

Abusive supervision impacted nurse outcomes. Specifically, personal abuse had personal and health impacts; work‐focused abuse had work‐oriented effects. Applying appraisal theory suggests that personal attacks are primarily assessed as stressful and unchangeable; task‐oriented attacks are assessed as stressful, but changeable; and isolation is assessed as benign. The findings highlight the impact of abusive supervision, especially task attacks, on outcomes important to nurse retention.

Clinical Relevance

The findings can be used to devise programs to educate, train, and support supervisors and their subordinates to adhere to zero tolerance policies toward antisocial workplace behaviors and encourage reporting incidents.
Early vertebrate evolution
Authors: Donoghue Philip C. J. , Keating Joseph N.
Published: August 2014

Debate over the origin and evolution of vertebrates has occupied biologists and palaeontologists alike for centuries. This debate has been refined by molecular phylogenetics, which has resolved the place of vertebrates among their invertebrate chordate relatives, and that of chordates among their deuterostome relatives. The origin of vertebrates is characterized by wide‐ranging genomic, embryologic and phenotypic evolutionary change. Analyses based on living lineages suggest dramatic shifts in the tempo of evolutionary change at the origin of vertebrates and gnathostomes, coincident with whole‐genome duplication events. However, the enriched perspective provided by the fossil record demonstrates that these apparent bursts of anatomical evolution and taxic richness are an artefact of the extinction of phylogenetic intermediates whose fossil remains evidence the gradual assembly of crown gnathostome characters in particular. A more refined understanding of the timing, tempo and mode of early vertebrate evolution rests with: (1) better genome assemblies for living cyclostomes; (2) a better understanding of the anatomical characteristics of key fossil groups, especially the anaspids, thelodonts, galeaspids and pituriaspids; (3) tests of the monophyly of traditional groups; and (4) the application of divergence time methods that integrate not just molecular data from living species, but also morphological data and extinct species. The resulting framework will provide for rigorous tests of rates of character evolution and diversification, and of hypotheses of long‐term trends in ecological evolution that themselves suffer for lack of quantitative functional tests. The fossil record has been silent on the nature of the transition from jawless vertebrates to the jawed vertebrates that have dominated communities since the middlePalaeozoic. Elucidation of this most formative of episodes likely rests with the overhaul of early vertebrate systematics that we propose, but perhaps more fundamentally with fossil grades that await discovery.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN 15 DOGS WITH EOSINOPHILIC BRONCHOPNEUMOPATHY
Authors: Mesquita Luis , Lam Richard , Lamb Christopher R. , McConnell J. Fraser
Published: August 2014

Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy is a disease characterized by the infiltration of the lung and bronchial mucosa by eosinophils. The aim of the present study was to describe the CT findings in a large series of dogs with confirmed diagnosis of eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Computed tomographic scans of 15 dogs with confirmed diagnosis of eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy were evaluated retrospectively by two boarded radiologists who reached a consensus. Abnormalities were identified in 14/15 (93%) dogs, including pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities in 14/15 (93%) dogs, bronchial wall thickening in 13 (87%) dogs, which was considered marked in eight (53%), plugging of the bronchial lumen by mucus/debris in 11 (73%) dogs, and bronchiectasis in nine (60%) dogs. Pulmonary nodules were identified in 5/15 (33%) dogs including one dog with a mass. All dogs with a nodular lung pattern had additional abnormalities. Lymphadenopathy was present in 10 dogs (67%). Lesions associated with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy are variable and heterogeneous and encompass a wider variety of computed tomographic features than reported previously. Computed tomographic images were abnormal in the majority of affected dogs, hence CT is a useful modality to characterize the nature and distribution of thoracic lesions in dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy.
Novel Method of Crosstalk Analysis in Multiple Image Encryption and Image Quality Equalization Technology
Authors: Kim Do-Hyung , Park No-Cheol , Jeon Sungbin , Park Young-Pil
Published: August 2014

Novel crosstalk analysis method is suggested in optical encryption of multiple image. To optimize the total capacity of stored images in optical encryption of multiple images. We analyze the effect of crosstalk noise with each individual image by using suggested method. From the results, individual crosstalk robustness is verified with various target images and unbalance of image qualities among encrypted multiple images could be explained effectively. In addition, simple modulation method is adapted to equalizing image quality and it shows the highly improved results compare to conventional methods.
Shock Analysis and Structural Dynamics Modification of Shock Container for Cartridge in a Blu-Ray Disc Type Archiving System
Authors: Oh Wonseok , Park No-Cheol , Park Young-Pil , Park Kyoung-Su , Yoo SeungHon , Lee Han-Baek
Published: August 2014

In this research, the shock container was designed to protect the cartridge of archiving system from the external shock during shipping.
Programmed self-assembly of microscale components using biomolecular recognition through the avidin–biotin interaction
Authors: Olsen Trevor , Ng Jason , Stepanova Maria , Dew Steven K.
Published: August 2014

Following continuing trends in nanofabrication, the near future may see the requirement to integrate and assemble devices and integrated circuits that are below the scale that conventional robotic pick-and-place systems can successfully accommodate. Presented here is a protein–ligand based approach to self-assembling micronscale components onto specific patterned locations on a substrate. Other than the benefits in scale, this integration method may be advantageous for its parallel nature, 3D capabilities, and the ability to integrate devices made from incompatible processing technologies into a single platform (heterogeneous integration). Five micrometer square silicon microtiles were fabricated as model devices for microscale integrated circuits. They were fabricated from a silicon-on-insulator substrate and released into solution by bath ultrasonication after the buried oxide layer underneath them was underetched. A silicon target substrate was also patterned with gold pads for the microtiles to assemble onto. Self-assembled monolayers were employed to functionalize both the microtiles and the gold pads with biotin and avidin, respectively. Due to the very strong protein–ligand binding between avidin and biotin, the functionalized microtiles in solution were able to attach onto the target gold pads with a high selectivity. In this demonstration, for 5 μm square microtiles assembling onto square gold pads of the same size, 2.0% of the gold pads were covered by the microtiles and a selectivity (microtiles assembling onto the gold pads as opposed to the silicon substrate) of 7.3:1 was achieved.
Active Commuting by Bicycle: Results of an Educational Intervention Study
Authors: Diniz Ilca M.S. , Duarte Maria de Fátima S. , Peres Karen G. , de Oliveira Elusa S.A. , Berndt Angélia
Published: August 2014

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention on active commuting by bicycle.

Methods:

An intervention study with workers from a metallurgical industry in Santa Catarina state, Brazil was carried out in 2011. A total of 464 individuals were placed in the intervention group (IG) and 468 in the control group (CG). The intervention consisted of strategies based on the transtheoretical model and stages of behavior change. The intervention group took part in activities for 6 months, including 23 meetings. The statistical analysis included intergroup comparison (IG × CG) at baseline and after the intervention. Intragroup analysis was performed 6 months after the intervention. Student’s t-test, chi-square, and McNemar tests were used to analyze the data.

Results:

Of the original total, 876 individuals (94%) participated in the study. The proportion of participants that used bicycles to commute to work (IG) increased significantly from baseline (45.3%) to the final interventional period (47.5%). No difference was found between the CG and the IG group after the interventional period.

Conclusion:

We suggest taking these findings into consideration in further studies to understand better the role of educational intervention on active commuting by bicycle.
Parenthood and Physical Activity in Young Adults: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hull Ethan E. , Garcia Jeannette M. , Kolen Angela M. , Robertson Robert J.
Published: August 2014

Background:

New parents have to adjust to less sleep, less free time, and more responsibility as a result of having a child. The purpose of this study was to examine how having a child impacts the physical activity (PA) beliefs and behaviors of new parents over a 2- to 3-year time period.

Methods:

Participants included 49 men and women (31% men, 96% white) who did not have a child at baseline (26.3 ± 1.1 years old) but did have a child at the time of follow-up (28.9 ± 1.7 years old). The child’s mean age at follow-up was 12 ± 7 months old. PA was measured via questionnaire at baseline and again at follow-up. Interviews regarding PA occurred at follow-up.

Results:

PA significantly decreased in parents across the time period (P < .001), and parents attributed this decrease to having a child and being pregnant. Parents mentioned they lack time, energy, and motivation for PA as a result of caring for a new child. Parents who maintained their activity level stated they prioritized PA and chose activities they enjoyed.

Conclusion:

These results show that although activity levels decrease in individuals who have a child, PA in new parents may be a function of priority, intensity, and enjoyment.
Effects of computer-aided clinical decision support systems in improving antibiotic prescribing by primary care providers: a systematic review
Authors: Holstiege Jakob , Mathes Tim , Pieper Dawid
Published: August 2014

Objective To assess the effectiveness of computer-aided clinical decision support systems (CDSS) in improving antibiotic prescribing in primary care.

Methods A literature search utilizing Medline (via PubMed) and Embase (via Embase) was conducted up to November 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster randomized trials (CRTs) that evaluated the effects of CDSS aiming at improving antibiotic prescribing practice in an ambulatory primary care setting were included for review. Two investigators independently extracted data about study design and quality, participant characteristics, interventions, and outcomes.

Results Seven studies (4 CRTs, 3 RCTs) met our inclusion criteria. All studies were performed in the USA. Proportions of eligible patient visits that triggered CDSS use varied substantially between intervention arms of studies (range 2.8–62.8%). Five out of seven trials showed marginal to moderate statistically significant effects of CDSS in improving antibiotic prescribing behavior. CDSS that automatically provided decision support were more likely to improve prescribing practice in contrast to systems that had to be actively initiated by healthcare providers.

Conclusions CDSS show promising effectiveness in improving antibiotic prescribing behavior in primary care. Magnitude of effects compared to no intervention, appeared to be similar to other moderately effective single interventions directed at primary care providers. Additional research is warranted to determine CDSS characteristics crucial to triggering high adoption by providers as a perquisite of clinically relevant improvement of antibiotic prescribing.
Biofilm nutrient limitation, metabolism, and standing crop responses to experimental application of salmon carcass analog in Idaho streams
Authors: Ebel Jonathan D. , Marcarelli Amy M. , Kohler Andre E.
Published: August 2014

Dramatic declines of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) populations have decreased delivery of marine-derived material to Pacific Northwest streams where juvenile salmon reside. Managers use artificial nutrient additions to increase juvenile salmon growth and survival and typically assume nutrient-driven increases in biofilm production are an important pathway by which nutrients become available to higher trophic levels. To evaluate how biofilms respond to additions of salmon carcass analog, a pasteurized, processed form of nutrient mitigation materials, we quantified biofilm nutrient limitation, benthic and whole-stream metabolism, and biofilm standing crops before and following experimental additions in tributaries of the Salmon River, Idaho, USA. Biofilm nutrient limitation did not change and standing crop did not increase in response to analog additions at two different levels (low, 30 g·m−2; or high, 150 g·m−2) within 1 month of addition. In contrast, whole-stream and benthic primary productivity and respiration increased in a high-analog treated segment, but did not increase in a low-analog treated segment. Together, our results suggest that metabolism may be a more appropriate tool for assessing the ecosystem effects of nutrient additions than biofilm standing crop or nutrient limitation, which are constrained by a variety of abiotic and biotic factors like hydrology and grazing.
On the existence threshold for positive solutions of p-Laplacian equations with a concave–convex nonlinearity
Authors: Charro Fernando , Parini Enea
Published: August 2014

We study the following boundary value problem with a concave–convex nonlinearity: [Formula: see text] Here Ω ⊂ ℝnis a bounded domain and 1 < q < p < r < p*. It is well known that there exists a number Λq, r> 0 such that the problem admits at least two positive solutions for 0 < Λ < Λq, r, at least one positive solution for Λ = Λq, r, and no positive solution for Λ > Λq, r. We show that [Formula: see text] where λ1(p) is the first eigenvalue of the p-Laplacian. It is worth noticing that λ1(p) is the threshold for existence/nonexistence of positive solutions to the above problem in the limit case q = p.
On Lagrangian fibrations by Jacobians, II
Authors: Sawon Justin
Published: August 2014

Let Y → ℙn be a flat family of reduced Gorenstein curves, such that the compactified relative Jacobian [Formula: see text] is a Lagrangian fibration. We prove that X is a Beauville–Mukai integrable system if n = 3, 4, or 5, and the curves are irreducible and non-hyperelliptic. We also prove that X is a Beauville–Mukai system if n = 3, d is odd, and the curves are canonically positive 2-connected hyperelliptic curves.
Hypersurfaces invariant by Pfaff systems
Authors: Corrêa Maurício , Maza Luis G. , Soares Márcio G.
Published: August 2014

We present results expressing conditions for the existence of meromorphic first integrals for Pfaff systems of arbitrary codimension on complex manifolds. Some of the results presented improve previous ones due to Jouanolou and Ghys. We also present an enumerative result counting the number of hypersurfaces invariant by a projective holomorphic foliation with split tangent sheaf.
Enteric neural progenitors are more efficient than brain-derived progenitors at generating neurons in the colon
Authors: Findlay Quan , Yap Kiryu K. , Bergner Annette J. , Young Heather M. , Stamp Lincon A.
Published: August 2014

Gut motility disorders can result from an absent, damaged, or dysfunctional enteric nervous system (ENS). Cell therapy is an exciting prospect to treat these enteric neuropathies and restore gut motility. Previous studies have examined a variety of sources of stem/progenitor cells, but the ability of different sources of cells to generate enteric neurons has not been directly compared. It is important to identify the source of stem/progenitor cells that is best at colonizing the bowel and generating neurons following transplantation. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of central nervous system (CNS) progenitors and ENS progenitors to colonize the colon and differentiate into neurons. Genetically labeled CNS- and ENS-derived progenitors were cocultured with aneural explants of embryonic mouse colon for 1 or 2.5 wk to assess their migratory, proliferative, and differentiation capacities, and survival, in the embryonic gut environment. Both progenitor cell populations were transplanted in the postnatal colon of mice in vivo for 4 wk before they were analyzed for migration and differentiation using immunohistochemistry. ENS-derived progenitors migrated further than CNS-derived cells in both embryonic and postnatal gut environments. ENS-derived progenitors also gave rise to more neurons than their CNS-derived counterparts. Furthermore, neurons derived from ENS progenitors clustered together in ganglia, whereas CNS-derived neurons were mostly solitary. We conclude that, within the gut environment, ENS-derived progenitors show superior migration, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation compared with CNS progenitors.
Hemodynamic responses during graded and constant-load plantar flexion exercise in middle-aged men and women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kiely Catherine , O'Connor Eamonn , O'Shea Donal , Green Simon , Egaña Mikel
Published: August 2014

We tested the hypotheses that type 2 diabetes (T2D) impairs the 1) leg hemodynamic responses to an incremental intermittent plantar-flexion exercise and 2) dynamic responses of leg vascular conductance (LVC) during low-intensity (30% maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) and high-intensity (70% MVC) constant-load plantar-flexion exercise in the supine posture. Forty-four middle-aged individuals with T2D (14 women), and 35 healthy nondiabetic (ND) individuals (18 women) were tested. Leg blood flow (LBF) was measured between each contraction using venous occlusion plethysmography. During the incremental test peak force (Fpeak) relative to MVC was significantly reduced ( P < 0.05) in men and women with T2D compared with their respective nondiabetic counterparts. Peak LBF and the slope of LBF relative to percentage Fpeakwere also reduced ( P < 0.05) in women with T2D compared with healthy women (peak blood flow, 460.6 ± 126.8 vs. 628.3 ± 347.7 ml/min; slope, 3.78 ± 1.74 vs. 5.85 ± 3.14 ml·min−1·%Fpeak−1) and in men with T2D compared with nondiabetic men (peak blood flow, 621.7 ± 241.3 vs. 721.2 ± 359.7 ml/min; slope, 5.75 ± 2.66 vs. 6.33 ± 3.63 ml·min−1·%Fpeak−1). During constant-load contractions at 30% MVC T2D did not affect the dynamic responses of LVC (LBF/MAP). However, at 70% MVC [completed by a subgroup of participants (20 with T2D, 6 women; 13 ND, 6 women)] the time constant of the second growth phase of LVC was longer and the amplitude of the first growth phase was lower ( P < 0.05 for both) in men and women with T2D. The results suggest that the T2D-induced impairments in performance of the leg muscles are related to reductions in blood flow in both men and women.
Caffeine consumption around an exercise bout: effects on energy expenditure, energy intake, and exercise enjoyment
Authors: Schubert Matthew M. , Hall Susan , Leveritt Michael , Grant Gary , Sabapathy Surendran , Desbrow Ben
Published: August 2014

Combining an exercise and nutritional intervention is arguably the optimal method of creating energy imbalance for weight loss. This study sought to determine whether combining exercise and caffeine supplementation was more effective for promoting acute energy deficits and manipulations to substrate metabolism than exercise alone. Fourteen recreationally active participants (mean ± SD body mass index: 22.7 ± 2.6 kg/m2) completed a resting control trial (CON), a placebo exercise trial (EX), and a caffeine exercise trial (EX+CAF, 2 × 3 mg/kg of caffeine 90 min before and 30 min after exercise) in a randomized, double-blinded design. Trials were 4 h in duration with 1 h of rest, 1 h of cycling at ∼65% power at maximum O2 consumption or rest, and a 2-h recovery. Gas exchange, appetite perceptions, and blood samples were obtained periodically. Two hours after exercise, participants were offered an ad libitum test meal where energy and macronutrient intake were recorded. EX+CAF resulted in significantly greater energy expenditure and fat oxidation compared with EX (+250 kJ; +10.4 g) and CON (+3,126 kJ; +29.7 g) ( P < 0.05). A trend for reduced energy and fat intake compared with CON (−718 kJ; −8 g) ( P = 0.055) was observed. Consequently, EX+CAF created a greater energy deficit ( P < 0.05). Caffeine also led to exercise being perceived as less difficult and more enjoyable ( P < 0.05). Combining caffeine with exercise creates a greater acute energy deficit, and the implications of this protocol for weight loss or maintenance over longer periods of time in overweight/obese populations should be further investigated.
Description of four new species of the genus Ptilocerembia Friederichs, 1923 (Embioptera: Ptilocerembiidae) from Thailand
Authors: POOLPRASERT PISIT , EDGERLY JANICE S.
Published: August 2014

Four new species of webspinners in the genus Ptilocerembia Friederichs (Ptilocerembiidae) are described including Ptilocerembia thaidina sp. n., P. senathami sp. n., P. catherinae sp. n. and P.  rossi sp. n. . from Thailand. Illustrations of heads, genitalia and papilla of adult males, sternite pattern of adult females together with photographs of adult males, females and their galleries for each species are provided. Notes on field observations and egg mass structure are given for P. catherinae sp. n. A distribution map and a dichotomous key to the Thai species in the genus Ptilocerembia are also included.
Burrowing crickets endemic to summits in Mauritius (Orthoptera, Gryllidae): occupation of similar niches by species possibly derived from Australasian and African colonists
Authors: HUGEL SYLVAIN
Published: August 2014

Two ground burrowing crickets are described from the oceanic island of Mauritius (South Western Indian Ocean): Gialaia (Eugialaia) strasbergi n. sp. belongs to a subgenus that was only known from Papua-New Guinea, and Taciturna baiderae n.sp. belongs to a genus that was only known from South Africa. Taciturna baiderae n. sp. displays a maternal care behavior to clutch of eggs and offspring. Elements of the biology of these two new species are given and their conservation status is assessed.
Coming to terms with innovative high-stakes assessment practice: Teachers’ viewpoints on assessment reform
Authors: East Martin
Published: August 2014

Implementing assessment reform can be challenging. Proposed new assessments must be seen by stakeholders to be fit for purpose, and sometimes the perceptions of key stakeholders, such as teachers and students, may differ from the assessment developers. This article considers the recent introduction of a new high-stakes assessment of spoken proficiency for students of foreign languages in New Zealand high schools. The new assessment aims to measure spoken proficiency through the recording of a range of unstaged peer-to-peer interactions as they take place throughout the year. It contrasts with an earlier assessment that drew on a summative teacher-led interview. The article presents findings from a survey of teachers ( n = 152), completed two years into the assessment reform, in which teachers were asked to consider the relative usefulness of the two assessment formats. Findings suggest that teachers consider the new assessment to be, in most respects, significantly more useful than the earlier model, and that the new assessment is working relatively well. Some challenges emerge, however, in particular around the feasibility and fairness of collecting ongoing evidence of spontaneous peer-to-peer performance. Findings raise issues to be considered if the new assessment is to work more successfully.