bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro application of Mn-ferrite nanoparticles as novel magnetic hyperthermia agents
Authors: Makridis Antonios , Topouridou Konstantina , Tziomaki Magdalini , Sakellari Despoina , Simeonidis Konstantinos , Angelakeris Mavroeidis , Yavropoulou Maria P. , Yovos John G. , Kalogirou Orestis
Published: October 2014

A hyperthermia heating agent of Mn-ferrite MNPs is selectively harmful for Saos-2 osteoblasts.
Photo-triggerable hydrogel–nanoparticle hybrid scaffolds for remotely controlled drug delivery
Authors: Shah Shreyas , Sasmal Pijus K. , Lee Ki-Bum
Published: October 2014

Hydrogel–nanoparticle hybrid scaffolds that combine synthetic photo-triggerable compounds, three-dimensional hydrogels and multifunctional nanoparticles in a single, reservoir-based drug delivery platform.
High speed measurements of neutral beam turn-on and impact of beam modulation on measurements of ion density
Authors: Grierson B. A. , Burrell K. H. , Crowley B. , Grisham L. , Scoville J. T.
Published: October 2014

Modulation of neutral beams on tokamaks is performed routinely, enabling background rejection for active spectroscopic diagnostics, and control of injected power and torque. We find that there exists an anomalous initial transient in the beam neutrals delivered to the tokamak that is not accounted for by the accelerator voltage and power supply current. Measurements of the charge-exchange and beam photoemission on the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] at high speed (200 μs) reveal that the energy of the beam neutrals is constant, but the density of beam neutrals displays dramatic variation in the first 2–3 ms following beam turn-on. The impact of this beam density variation on inferred ion densities and impurity transport is presented, with suggested means to correct for the anomalous transient.
Crumpled globule formation during collapse of a long flexible and semiflexible polymer in poor solvent
Authors: Chertovich A. , Kos P.
Published: October 2014

By introducing explicit solvent particles and hydrodynamic interactions we demonstrate that crumpled globules are formed after the collapse of long polymer chains (N = 104) in a poor solvent. During the collapse crumples of all sizes form sequentially, but small crumples are not stable and convert to blobs with Gaussian statistics. The observed effective mean squared distance R2(n) ∼ n0.38 at n > Ne and contact probability index p(n) ∼ n−0.5 at n ≫ Ne, which is not following either the model of a fractal globule, or the predictions for an equilibrium globule. Polymer chain stiffness pushes the system to form globular crystallite, and this freezes crumpled structure with R2(n) ∼ n0.33 at n > Ne as a stable state. We note that there is some similarity to crumple globule formation and crystallization of polymer melt.
Gate assisted Kelvin test structure to measure the electron and hole flows at the same nanowire contacts
Authors: Yuan Hui , Badwan Ahmad , Richter Curt A. , Zhu Hao , Kirillov Oleg , Ioannou Dimitris E. , Li Qiliang
Published: October 2014

A gate assisted Kelvin test structure based on Si nanowire field effect transistors has been designed and fabricated for the characterization of the transistor source/drain contacts. Because the Si nanowire field effect transistors exhibit ambipolar characteristics with electron current slightly lower than the hole current, we can select the type of carriers (electrons or holes) flowing through the same contacts and adjust the current by the applied gate voltage. In this way, we are able to measure the characteristics of the same contact with either pure electron or hole flow. In addition, we found that the nanowire contacts behave very differently depending on the current flow directions. This indicates that the source and drain contact resistance can be dramatically different. Such a gate assisted Kelvin Test structure will lead to future metrology and applications in nanoelectronics.
Ion boundary conditions in semi-infinite fluid models of electron beam-plasma interaction
Authors: Levko Dmitry
Published: October 2014

The modified Bohm criterion is derived for the plasma consisting of the monoenergetic electron beam and thermal electrons. This criterion allows us to define the accurate ion boundary conditions for semi-infinite collisionless fluid models of electron beam–plasma interaction. In the absence of electron beam, these boundary conditions give the classical sheath parameters. When the monoenergetic electron beam propagates through the plasma, the fluid model with proposed boundary conditions gives the results, which are in qualitative agreement with the results obtained earlier in M. Sharifian and B. Shokri, Phys. Plasmas 14, 093503 (2007). However, dynamics and parameters of the plasma sheath are different.
Plasma channel flows: Electro-fluid dynamic jets
Authors: Campbell Nicholas S. , Roy Subrata
Published: October 2014

The present work builds on the success of a dielectric barrier discharge driven plasma channel by exploring an electrode configuration that directly actuates the bulk fluid minimizing jet impingement and viscosity related losses. Influence of several electrical and physical parameters including electrode materials are experimentally investigated. Results indicate significant variation of performance with these parameters and suggest that in comparison to surface dielectric barrier plasma actuator driven flows, at least an order of magnitude improvement in efficiency is possible. The jet produced from this plasma channel configuration allows greater versatility for applications in boundary layer flow control and internal flows.
Local impedance imaging of boron-doped polycrystalline diamond thin films
Authors: Zieliński A. , Bogdanowicz R. , Ryl J. , Burczyk L. , Darowicki K.
Published: October 2014

Local impedance imaging (LII) was used to visualise surficial deviations of AC impedances in polycrystalline boron-doped diamond (BDD). The BDD thin film electrodes were deposited onto the highly doped silicon substrates via microwave plasma-enhanced CVD. The studied boron dopant concentrations, controlled by the [B]/[C] ratio in plasma, ranged from 1 × 1016 to 2 × 1021 atoms cm−3. The BDD films displayed microcrystalline structure, while the average size of crystallites decreased from 1 to 0.7 μm with increasing [B]/[C] ratios. The application of LII enabled a direct and high-resolution investigation of local distribution of impedance characteristics within the individual grains of BDD. Such an approach resulted in greater understanding of the microstructural control of properties at the grain level. We propose that the obtained surficial variation of impedance is correlated to the areas of high conductance which have been observed at the grain boundaries by using LII. We also postulate that the origin of high conductivity is due to either preferential boron accumulation, the presence of defects, or sp2 regions in the intragrain regions. The impedance modulus recorded by LII was in full agreement with the bulk impedance measurements. Both variables showed a decreasing trend with increasing [B]/[C] ratios, which is consistent with higher boron incorporation into BDD film.
Electrical detection of spin hyperpolarization in InP
Authors: Caspers Christian , Ansermet Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2014

The electrical detection of surface spin polarization in Indium Phosphide (InP) is demonstrated. Using a planar four-terminal architecture on top of semi-insulating Fe:InP (001) wafers, optical orientation is separated from electrical detection. Spin filter tunnel contacts consisting of InP/oxide/Co reveal significant asymmetries in the differential resistance upon helicity change of the optical pumping. The iron-rich tunnel oxide provides the main spin selection mechanism. A reproducible helicity-dependent asymmetry as high as 18% could be observed at T = 55 K and an external induction field μ0H = 1 T. At room temperature and zero external field, a helicity-dependent asymmetry of 6% suggests the stand-alone applicability of the device either as an electronic spin sensor or as an optical helicity sensor.
The Euler Character: A New Type of Visual Landscape Metric?
Authors: Sang Neil , Hägerhäll Caroline , Ode Åsa
Published: October 2014

Landscape-preference theories such as prospect-refuge theory and Kaplan and Kaplan's landscape-preference matrix and theories of visual perception propose that the physical structure of the landscape has a direct psychological effect on people due to evolved sensitivity to particular defining characteristics. Efforts to identify consistent quantitative relationships between metrics of these characteristics and human preference have had some success. However, the field has also faced some criticisms due to low explanatory power in the results reducing confidence that relationships found can be applied to other contexts. In this paper we argue that dependence on generalised planar maps for the derivation of the metrics but on viewpoint-specific perspective photographs for the preference data is a potential cause of low explanatory power. How viewpoint change may affect scene characteristics needs to be better understood if representative viewpoints are to be chosen to allow results which are general to an area, in particular the difference between discreet (topological) changes and continuous changes. This paper presents the results of an experiment to test whether the topological complexity of a view, as measured by the Euler character of the horizon graph, has perceptual significance. We investigate if images with higher horizon-graph complexity were considered more interesting than those with lower graph complexity via a forced-choice Internet survey.
Aptitude testing over the years
Authors: Russo Mariachiara
Published: October 2014

In the present paper I review the existing literature on aptitude testing with a view to highlighting the main emerging themes: which qualities indicate an aptitude in a prospective interpreter, how these qualities may be measured and which types of test should be administered, the issue of valid and reliable testing, proposals for test designs, and, finally, description of aptitude tests which have identified statistically significant predictors. The focus is on spoken language, but signed-language aptitude testing is also partially covered. Available results so far appear to show that interpreting-related cognitive skills and verbal fluency may be measured and may be predictive both for spoken-language and for signed-language interpreting candidates. In particular, the production of synonyms appears to be a strong aptitude predictor from several independent research projects.
A story of attitudes and aptitudes?
Authors: Rosiers Alexandra , Eyckmans June , Bauwens Daniel
Published: October 2014

Unlike in the early days of interpreter training, most student interpreters nowadays are still in the process of acquiring their target language(s), which raises questions as to which skills — linguistic as well as non-linguistic — may be required at the outset of interpreter training. This study focuses on individual difference variables and how these relate to interpreting students’ performance. It aims to investigate the ways in which the profiles of translation and interpreting students differ by obtaining information regarding their self-perceived communication competence, self-perception of language skills, anxiety levels and integrative motivation. These profiles are then related to the students’ sight translation performances, arguably a hybrid activity between translating and interpreting that is as cognitively demanding as simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. The students’ performances were assessed by a ‘blind judge’ along two parameters: (1) overall interpreting performance and (2) fluency. The results suggest that the two groups indeed differ significantly with regard to some of the individual difference variables. However, no significant correlations between these variables and students’ sight translation performance were found.
A conceptual analysis of strategic capability development within product innovation projects
Authors: Kashan Alireza Javanmardi , Mohannak Kavoos
Published: October 2014

Strategic capability development refers to the renewal of the organisational capabilities which are sources of competitive advantage. The aim of this paper is to examine how strategic capability and competitive advantage build up over time. Recent literature points to the integration of dynamic capability and ambidexterity perspectives in explaining organisational capability development. Literature analysis reveals the role of knowledge integration and product innovation in integrating dynamic capability and ambidexterity. However, little attention has yet been paid to knowledge integration within innovation projects as a context for capability development. Accordingly, this paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for strategic capability development focusing on the role of knowledge integration within product innovation projects. This framework contributes to identifying and emphasising the role of micro processes in capability renewal which in turn enhances our understanding of strategic capability development.
Compatibility of the Feigin-Frenkel Isomorphism and the Harish-Chandra Isomorphism for jet algebras
Authors: Kamgarpour Masoud
Published: October 2014

Let

g

\mathfrak {g}

be a simple finite-dimensional complex Lie algebra with a Cartan subalgebra

h

\mathfrak {h}

and Weyl group

W
W

. Let

g

n

\mathfrak {g}_n

denote the Lie algebra of

n
n

-jets on

g

\mathfrak {g}

. A theorem of Raïs and Tauvel and Geoffriau identifies the centre of the category of

g

n

\mathfrak {g}_n

-modules with the algebra of functions on the variety of

n
n

-jets on the affine space

h

∗

/

W

\mathfrak {h}^*/W

. On the other hand, a theorem of Feigin and Frenkel identifies the centre of the category of critical level smooth modules of the corresponding affine Kac-Moody algebra with the algebra of functions on the ind-scheme of opers for the Langlands dual group. We prove that these two isomorphisms are compatible by defining the higher residue of opers with irregular singularities. We also define generalized Verma and Wakimoto modules and relate them by a nontrivial morphism.
Systematic identification of cancer driving signaling pathways based on mutual exclusivity of genomic alterations
Authors: Babur Özgün , Gönen Mithat , Aksoy Bülent Arman , Schultz Nikolaus , Ciriello Giovanni , Sander Chris , Demir Emek
Published: October 2014

Recent cancer genome studies have identified numerous genomic alterations in cancer genomes. It is hypothesized that only a fraction of these genomic alterations drive the progression of cancer – often called driver mutations. Current sample sizes for cancer studies, often in the hundreds, are sufficient to detect pivotal drivers solely based on their high frequency of alterations. In cases where the alterations for a single function are distributed among multiple genes of a common pathway, however, single gene alteration frequencies might not be statistically significant. In such cases, we expect to observe that most samples are altered in only one of those alternative genes because additional alterations would not convey an additional selective advantage to the tumor. This leads to a mutual exclusion pattern of alterations, that can be exploited to identify these groups.

We developed a novel method for the identification of sets of mutually exclusive gene alterations in a signaling network. We scan the groups of genes with a common downstream effect, using a mutual exclusivity criterion that makes sure that each gene in the group significantly contributes to the mutual exclusivity pattern. We have tested the method on all available TCGA cancer genomics datasets, and detected multiple previously unreported alterations that show significant mutual exclusivity and are likely to be driver events.
Crystal structure of 6-ethoxypyridin-1-ium-2-olate
Authors: Luo Kaijun , Guo Qing , Wang Yan , Luo Daibing
Published: October 2014

In the title compound, C7H9NO2, all non-H atoms are essentially coplanar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.032 Å]. The largest deviation from the plane of the pyridine ring is 0.105 (6) Å for the terminal C atom of the ethoxy group. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. These dimers are further linked by C—H...π interactions and weak π–π interactions between pyridine rings [centroid–centroid distance = 4.023 (1) Å].
Conformation and crystal structures of 1-aminocyclohexaneacetic acid (β3,3Ac6c) in N-protected derivatives
Authors: Ahmad Wani Naiem , Gupta Vivek K. , Kant Rajni , Aravinda Subrayashastry , Rai Rajkishor
Published: October 2014

N-Protected derivatives of 1-aminocyclohexaneacetic acid (β3,3-Ac6c), namely Valeroyl-β3,3-Ac6c-OH [2-(1-pentanamidocyclohexyl)acetic acid, C13H23NO3], (I), Fmoc-β3,3-Ac6c-OH [2-(1-{[(9H-fluoren-9-yloxy)carbonyl]amino}cyclohexyl)acetic acid, C23H25NO4], (II), and Pyr-β3,3-Ac6c-OH {2-[1-(pyrazine-2-amido)cyclohexyl]acetic acid, C13H17N3O3}, (III), were synthesized and their conformational properties were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The backbone torsion angles (ϕ, θ) for β3,3-Ac6c-OH are restricted togaucheconformations in all the derivatives, with a chair conformation of the cyclohexane ring. In the crystal structure of (I), the packing of molecules shows both carboxylic acidR22(8) O—H...O and centrosymmetricR22(14) N—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions, giving rise to chains along thec-axis direction. In (II), centrosymmetric carboxylic acidR22(8) O—H...O dimers are extended through N—H...O hydrogen bonds and together with inter-ring π–π interactions between Fmoc groups [ring centroid distance = 3.786 (2) Å], generate a layered structure lying parallel to (010). In the case of compound (III), carboxylic acid O—H...Npyrazinehydrogen bonds give rise to zigzag ribbon structures extending along thec-axis direction.
Crystal structures of the co-crystalline adduct 5-(4-bromophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine–4-nitrobenzoic acid (1/1) and the salt 2-amino-5-(4-bromophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-3-ium 2-carboxy-4,6-dinitrophenolate
Authors: Smith Graham , Lynch Daniel E.
Published: October 2014

The structures of the 1:1 co-crystalline adduct C8H6BrN3S·C7H5NO4, (I), and the salt C8H7BrN3S+·C7H3N2O7−, (II), obtained from the interaction of 5-(4-bromophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine with 4-nitrobenzoic acid and 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid, respectively, have been determined. The primary inter-species association in both (I) and (II) is through duplexR22(8) (N—H...O/O—H...O) or (N—H...O/N—H...O) hydrogen bonds, respectively, giving heterodimers. In (II), these are close to planar [the dihedral angles between the thiadiazole ring and the two phenyl rings are 2.1 (3) (intra) and 9.8 (2)° (inter)], while in (I) these angles are 22.11 (15) and 26.08 (18)°, respectively. In the crystal of (I), the heterodimers are extended into a chain alongbthrough an amine N—H...Nthiadiazolehydrogen bond but in (II), a centrosymmetric cyclic heterotetramer structure is generated through N—H...O hydrogen bonds to phenol and nitro O-atom acceptors and features, together with the primaryR22(8) interaction, conjoinedR46(12),R21(6) andS(6) ring motifs. Also present in (I) are π–π interactions between thiadiazole rings [minimum ring-centroid separation = 3.4624 (16) Å], as well as short Br...Onitrointeractions in both (I) and (II) [3.296 (3) and 3.104 (3) Å, respectively].
Crystal structure of 6-chloro-5-isopropylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione
Authors: Haress Nadia G. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , El-Emam Ali A. , Chidan Kumar C. S. , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: October 2014

In the molecule of the title compound, C7H9ClN2O2, the conformation is determined by intramolecular C—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, which generateS(6) andS(5) ring motifs. The isopropyl group is almost perpendicular to the pyrimidine ring with torsion angles of −70.8 (3) and 56.0 (3)°. In the crystal, two inversion-related molecules are linkedviaa pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds intoR22(8) dimers; these dimers are connected into chains extending along thebcplaneviaan additional N—H...O hydrogen bond and weaker C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is further stabilized by a weak π–π interaction [3.6465 (10) Å] between adjacent pyrimidine-dione rings arranged in a head-to-tail fashion, producing a three-dimensional network.
Crystallographic study of PET radiotracers in clinical evaluation for early diagnosis of Alzheimers
Authors: Altomare Angela , Capparelli Elena , Carrieri Antonio , Colabufo Nicola A. , Moliterni Anna , Rizzi Rosanna , Siliqi Dritan
Published: October 2014

The title compound, C24H25NO3·2CH3OH, which crystallized as a methanol disolvate, has applications as a PET radiotracer in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The dihedral angle between the biphenyl rings is 8.2 (2)° and the heterocyclic ring adopts a half-chair conformation with the N atom adopting a pyramidal geometry (bond-angle sum = 327.6°). The C atoms of both methoxy groups lie close to the plane of their attached ring [deviations = 0.107 (6) and 0.031 (6) Å]. In the crystal, the components are linked by O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds, generating [010] chains. C—H...O interactions are also observed.
Crystal structure oftrans-difluoridotetrakis(pyridine-κN)chromium(III) trichlorido(pyridine-κN)zincate monohydrate from synchrotron data
Authors: Moon Dohyun , Choi Jong-Ha
Published: October 2014

In the asymmetric unit of the title compound, [CrF2(C5H5N)4][ZnCl3(C5H5N)]·H2O, there are two independent complex cations, one trichlorido(pyridine-κN)zincate anion and one solvent water molecule. The cations lie on inversion centers. The CrIIIions are coordinated by four pyridine (py) N atoms in the equatorial plane and two F atoms in atransaxial arrangement, displaying a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The Cr—N(py) bond lengths are in the range 2.0873 (14) to 2.0926 (17) Å while the Cr—F bond lengths are 1.8609 (10) and 1.8645 (10) Å. The [ZnCl3(C5H5N)]−anion has a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The Cl atoms of the anion were refined as disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.631 (9):0.369 (9) ratio. In the crystal, two anions and two water molecules are linkedviaO—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming centrosymmetric aggregates. In addition, weak C—H...Cl, C—H...π and π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.712 (2) and 3.780 (2)Å] link the components of the structure into a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of [propane-1,3-diylbis(piperidine-4,1-diyl)]bis[(pyridin-4-yl)methanone]–isophthalic acid (1/1)
Authors: Murray Nathan H. , Biros Shannon M. , LaDuca Robert L.
Published: October 2014

In the crystal structure of the title co-crystal, C25H32N4O2·C8H6O4, isophthalic acid and [propane-1,3-diylbis(piperidine-4,1-diyl)]bis(pyridin-4-ylmethanone) molecules are connected into supramolecular chains aligned along thecaxis by O—H...N hydrogen bonding. These aggregate into supramolecular layers oriented parallel to theacplane by C—H...O interactions. These layers then stack in anABCDpattern along theb-axis direction by additional C—H...O interactions to give the full three-dimensional crystal structure. The central chain in the dipyridylamide molecule has ananti–gaucheconformation.
Scientific data exchange: a schema for HDF5-based storage of raw and analyzed data
Authors: De Carlo Francesco , Gürsoy Dogˇa , Marone Federica , Rivers Mark , Parkinson Dilworth Y. , Khan Faisal , Schwarz Nicholas , Vine David J. , Vogt Stefan , Gleber Sophie-Charlotte , Narayanan Suresh , Newville Matt , Lanzirotti Tony , Sun Yue , Hong Young Pyo , Jacobsen Chris
Published: October 2014

Data Exchange is a simple data model designed to interface, or `exchange', data among different instruments, and to enable sharing of data analysis tools. Data Exchange focuses on technique rather than instrument descriptions, and on provenance tracking of analysis steps and results. In this paper the successful application of the Data Exchange model to a variety of X-ray techniques, including tomography, fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence tomography and photon correlation spectroscopy, is described.
Ultra-thin optical grade scCVD diamond as X-ray beam position monitor
Authors: Desjardins Kewin , Pomorski Michal , Morse John
Published: October 2014

Results of measurements made at the SIRIUS beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron for a new X-ray beam position monitor based on a super-thin single crystal of diamond grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are presented. This detector is a quadrant electrode design processed on a 3 µm-thick membrane obtained by argon–oxygen plasma etching the central area of a CVD-grown diamond plate of 60 µm thickness. The membrane transmits more than 50% of the incident 1.3 keV energy X-ray beam. The diamond plate was of moderate purity (∼1 p.p.m. nitrogen), but the X-ray beam induced current (XBIC) measurements nevertheless showed a photo-charge collection efficiency approaching 100% for an electric field of 2 V µm−1, corresponding to an applied bias voltage of only 6 V. XBIC mapping of the membrane showed an inhomogeneity of more than 10% across the membrane, corresponding to the measured variation in the thickness of the diamond plate before the plasma etching process. The measured XBIC signal-to-dark-current ratio of the device was greater than 105, and the X-ray beam position resolution of the device was better than a micrometer for a 1 kHz sampling rate.
Interdisciplinary accounting research in the Public Sector
Authors: Jacobs Kerry , Cuganesan Suresh
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review and present a contemporary perspective on interdisciplinary accounting research in the context of the public services.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors present the experience, interpretations and perspective on the state of this research and how it might usefully proceed. The authors use the concept of knowledge production modes to inform the discussion on how the authors might tackle wicked problems.

Findings

– The interdisciplinary accounting research project in the public services needs to do more in terms of moving outside the disciplines of accounting scholarship. Shifting to a mode of knowledge production that addresses wicked problems requires the interdisciplinary accounting project to work on specific problems with real world application. The authors must re-envision how the work with practice in the doing of research.

Originality/value

– This timely perspective argues for a transition in the interdisciplinary accounting research project in the public services before its approach, assumptions and methods become taken-for-granted, potentially missing this opportunity to shift into a more engaged research enterprise.
Realizing the potential of interdisciplinarity in accounting research
Authors: O’Dwyer Brendan , Unerman Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the meaning of interdisciplinarity in accounting research and the possible benefits of moving toward a more integrated interdisciplinary approach. It also examines the drawbacks and institutional impediments to such a move.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws upon and synthesizes the authors’ experiences of involvement in the interdisciplinary accounting community over the past two decades.

Findings

– The paper distinguishes between interdisciplinarity at the field level and interdisciplinarity within individual studies. Noting a lack of study-level interdisciplinarity within accounting research, it explores the potential for novel insights emerging from encouragement of such an approach.

Research limitations/implications

– Institutional impediments to study-level interdisciplinarity need to be addressed if the accounting academy is to realize the potentially powerful benefits and social contribution of such an approach to research. A key limitation is that the paper is based primarily on the observations and perspectives of the authors.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a distinction between field-level and study-level interdisciplinarity.
Coarticulation and speech synchronization in MPEG-4 based facial animation
Authors: Leandro Parreira Duarte Ricardo , El Rhalibi Abdennour , Merabti Madjid
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a novel coarticulation and speech synchronization framework compliant with MPEG-4 facial animation (FA).

Design/methodology/approach

– The system the authors have developed uses MPEG-4 FA standard and other development to enable the creation, editing and playback of high-resolution 3D models; MPEG-4 animation streams; and is compatible with well-known related systems such as Greta and Xface. It supports text-to-speech for dynamic speech synchronization. The framework enables real-time model simplification using quadric-based surfaces.

Findings

– The preliminary experiments show that the coarticulation technique the authors have developed gives overall good and promising results when compared to related techniques.

Originality/value

– The coarticulation approach provides realistic and high performance lip-sync animation, based on Cohen-Massaro's model of coarticulation adapted to MPEG-4 FA specification.
Service branding: suggesting an interactive model of service brand development
Authors: Skaalsvik Hugo , Olsen Bjørn
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest an interactive model of service brand development.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design employed in the research represents a holistic and systemic approach to services branding and the methodology employed is conceptual desk research.

Findings

– The research findings encompass an interactive model of service brand components grounded on a systemic perspective. By building on services brand theory, three key actors constitute the components of the model, namely service leadership, service employees and customers. The findings also state how successful service branding may be obtained at the level of the individual service enterprise.

Practical implications

– The paper outlines a set of practical implications. For example, successful service brand development is obtained through a high degree of service orientation, customer involvement, an involvement model of service leadership and a motivated, committed and empowered workforce, particularly those employees at the frontline.

Originality/value

– The originality and value of the research rests on using systemic thinking in the development of an interactive model of services brand development
Phylogenetic diversity and co‐evolutionary signals among trophic levels change across a habitat edge
Authors: Peralta Guadalupe , Frost Carol M. , Didham Raphael K. , Varsani Arvind , Tylianakis Jason M.
Published: October 2014

Incorporating the evolutionary history of species into community ecology enhances understanding of community composition, ecosystem functioning and responses to environmental changes.

Phylogenetic history might partly explain the impact of fragmentation and land‐use change on assemblages of interacting organisms and even determine potential cascading effects across trophic levels. However, it remains unclear whether phylogenetic diversity of basal resources is reflected at higher trophic levels in the food web. In particular, phylogenetic determinants of community structure have never been incorporated into habitat edge studies, even though edges are recognized as key factors affecting communities in fragmented landscapes.

Here, we test whether phylogenetic diversity at different trophic levels (plants, herbivores and parasitoids) and signals of co‐evolution (i.e. phylogenetic congruence) among interacting trophic levels change across an edge gradient between native and plantation forests. To ascertain whether there is a signal of co‐evolution across trophic levels, we test whether related consumer species generally feed on related resource species.

We found differences across trophic levels in how their phylogenetic diversity responded to the habitat edge gradient. Plant and native parasitoid phylogenetic diversity changed markedly across habitats, while phylogenetic variability of herbivores (which were predominantly native) did not change across habitats, though phylogenetic evenness declined in plantation interiors. Related herbivore species did not appear to feed disproportionately on related plant species (i.e. there was no signal of co‐evolution) even when considering only native species, potentially due to the high trophic generality of herbivores. However, related native parasitoid species tended to feed on related herbivore species, suggesting the presence of a co‐evolutionary signal at higher trophic levels. Moreover, this signal was stronger in plantation forests, indicating that this habitat may impose stresses on parasitoids that constrain them to attack only host species for which they are best adapted.

Overall, changes in land use across native to plantation forest edges differentially affected phylogenetic diversity across trophic levels, and may also exert a strong selective pressure for particular co‐evolved herbivore–parasitoid interactions.
Ca2+/calmodulin dependent kinase II: A critical mediator in determining reperfusion outcomes in the heart?
Authors: Bell James R , Erickson Jeffrey R , Delbridge Lea MD
Published: October 2014

Ischaemic heart disease is a major cause of death and disability in the Western world, and a substantial health burden. Cardiomyocyte Ca2+ overload is known to significantly contribute to contractile dysfunction and myocyte death in ischaemia and reperfusion, and significant advancements have been made in identifying the downstream mediators and cellular origins of this Ca2+ mismanagement. Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is recognized as an important mediator linking pathological changes in subcellular environments to modifications in cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling. Activated in response to fluctuations in cellular Ca2+ and to various post‐translational modifications, CaMKII targets numerous Ca2+ channels/transporters involved in Ca2+ handling and contractile function regulation. CaMKII is activated early in reperfusion, where it exacerbates Ca2+ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and promotes the onset of ventricular arrhythmias. Inhibiting CaMKII can increase functional recovery in reperfusion and reduce apoptotic/necrotic death, at least partly through indirect and direct influences on mitochondrial Ca2+ levels and function. Yet, CaMKII can also have beneficial actions in ischaemia and reperfusion, in part by providing inotropic support for the stunned myocardium and contributing as an intermediate to cardioprotective preconditioning signalling cascades. There is considerable potential in targeting CaMKII as a part of a surgical reperfusion strategy, though further mechanistic understanding of the relationship between CaMKII activation status and the extent of ischaemia/reperfusion injury are required to fully establish an optimal pharmacological approach.
Optimisation of sweetener and bulking agent levels for the preparation of functional Chhana‐murki
Authors: Gurditta Harsh , Patel Ashok A. , Arora Shalini
Published: October 2014

A functional Chhana‐murki (FCM) was formulated at laboratory scale using different levels of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC): inulin (fibre) blend (1:1), isomalt:lactitol (polyol) blend (1:1), gum arabic and sucralose by response surface methodology (RSM) and sensory analysis. The colour and appearance, texture, flavour and overall acceptability scores increased by increasing the fibre level from 5 to 10% (w/w) and polyol level from 5 to 15% (w/w). The sweetness score increased significantly by increasing the sucralose level from 600 to 800 ppm (w/w). The optimised product had 738 ppm sucralose, 10% fibre, 15% polyol and 1.1% gum arabic.
Gender‐ and site‐specific differences of colorectal neoplasia relate to vitamin D
Authors: Aigner E. , Stadlmayr A. , Huber‐Schönauer U. , Zwerina J. , Husar‐Memmer E. , Niederseer D. , Trauner M. , Heuberger A. , Hohla F. , Schett G. , Patsch W. , Datz C.
Published: October 2014

Background

The effect of vitamin D on colorectal adenomas may vary with regard to gender, localisation and histological type of the lesion.

Aim

To define the role of vitamin D and gender in a Caucasian cohort of subjects undergoing screening colonoscopy after consideration of established risk factors.

Methods

One thousand five hundred and thirty‐two subjects (813 males, 58.8 ± 9.7 years; 719 females, 59.7 ± 10.7 years) were allocated to tertiles of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] serum concentrations. The number, localisation, size and histology of the detected colonic lesions were recorded.

Results

Among men, no association was found between vitamin D and the total number, size and histological stage of adenomas at any site. In female subjects, less women with adenomas were found in the highest vitamin D tertile (N = 42/239; 17.2%) as compared to the low vitamin D group (N = 60/240; 25.0%; P = 0.035). In particular, the number of women with adenomas in the proximal colon was significantly lower in the highest tertile (N = 21/239, 8.8%) compared to the low vitamin D group (N = 41/240; 17.1%; P = 0.007). The rates at other sites were not different. The inverse association of vitamin D serum concentrations with the presence of adenomas in the proximal colon was maintained after adjustment for potential confounders. In 80 women on vitamin D supplementation, the rate of adenomas was lower compared to those not on supplementation (3/80; 3.8%; vs. 90/719; 12.5%; P = 0.016).

Conclusions

A potential preventive effect of vitamin D on colorectal adenomas was found in the proximal colon in women. This observation is supported by further decrease of lesions in the proximal colon of women on vitamin D supplementation.
Lower aldosterone–renin ratio is a risk factor for total and cancer death in Japanese individuals: the Takahata study
Authors: Daimon Makoto , Konta Tsuneo , Oizumi Toshihide , Kameda Wataru , Susa Shinji , Terui Ken , Nigawara Takeshi , Kageyama Kazunori , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kubota Isao , Yamashita Hidetoshi , Kayama Takamasa , Kato Takeo
Published: October 2014

Objective

A higher plasma aldosterone–renin ratio (ARR) is an established marker for screening for primary aldosteronism (PA). The association between higher ARR and mortality in a general population has not been fully explored. We here examined whether higher ARR is a risk factor for total and cause‐specific mortality in a Japanese population.

Subjects and Methods

A population‐based, longitudinal study of 1,310 Japanese individuals (age: 63·9 ± 9·8 years) enrolled in the Takahata study between 2004 and 2006 and followed for up to 8 years. The incidence and causes of death were monitored annually until 10 January 2012 (median follow‐up: 2691 days).

Results

During the follow‐up period, 64 subjects died. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significantly increased risk for total and cancer mortality in subjects with lower ARR (log‐rank P < 0·001). Cox's proportional hazard model analyses with adjustment for age and gender showed that lower ARR was associated with increased total and cancer mortality in subjects with low (≦72) vs high (>72) ARR (hazard ratios and 95% confidential intervals: 2·56, 1·44–4·56 and 2·78, 1·16–6·65, respectively).

Conclusions

Lower ARR was a significant and independent risk factor for increased total and cancer mortality in this Japanese population. Subjects with higher ARR were not‐at‐risk for total death in general. These findings increase the necessity for identifying people with PA from those with higher ARR. People with higher ARR without PA may be at very low risk for total and cancer death.
Relationships of serum lipid profiles and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Chinese women
Authors: Li Shuang , Guo Hongbing , Liu Youshuo , Wu Feng , Zhang Hongbing , Zhang Zhimin , Xie Zhongjian , Sheng Zhifeng , Liao Eryuan
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Recent studies suggest that serum lipid profiles are related to bone mineral density (BMD). But data about this relationship on Chinese population are scarce. We investigated the relationships between serum lipid and BMD in postmenopausal Chinese women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 790 Chinese postmenopausal women. BMDs were measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry. Serum lipid profiles were obtained after a 12‐h fasting.

Results

Women with serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels of at least 1·55 mmol/l had a greater prevalence of osteoporosis compared with women with lower HDL‐C (≤1·54 mmol/l). After controlling for age, menopausal duration, body mass index, serum creatinine levels, outdoor activity, smoking and alcohol intake, high HDL‐C levels were associated with osteoporosis (OR = 1·64, 95%CI 1·16–2·33, P < 0·01). BMD at femoral neck and total hip was significantly lower in the higher HDL‐C class than the lower class (0·722 ± 0·118 vs 0·744 ± 0·120 g/cm2, P < 0·01; 0·800 ± 0·126 vs 0·824 ± 0·125 g/cm2, P < 0·01, respectively). No association was found between total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) with BMD.

Conclusions

In Chinese postmenopausal women, elevated levels of serum HDL‐C had a greater probability of being osteoporosis than the lower HDL‐C levels. Our analysis showed higher HDL‐C level that is favourable for cardiovascular diseases should be regarded as a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Do sensation differences exist between dental implants and natural teeth?: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Higaki Nobuaki , Goto Takaharu , Ishida Yuichi , Watanabe Megumi , Tomotake Yoritoki , Ichikawa Tetsuo
Published: October 2014

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review was to survey evidence pertaining to the sensation differences between natural teeth and osseointegrated dental implants.

Material and methods

Using the MEDLINE (online PubMed) database, Cochrane Library, and Scientific Citation index, we performed a systematic search of articles. We used the following search terms: “perception or sensation and dental implant.” The systematic review of the extracted articles was performed to see the sensation differences between natural teeth and dental implants.

Results

A total of six studies on oral sensation, “tactile sensibility,” and “thickness discrimination” were included in the meta‐analysis. As to the “tactile sensibility”, all studies indicated the threshold levels of the implants were about 4–20 times higher than that of natural teeth. The tactile sensibility of an implant was significantly higher than that of a natural tooth, with an standardized mean difference (SMD) of 8.3619 (95% CI, 6.3920–10.3317) and a P < 0.0001. As to the “thickness discrimination”, all studies indicated the threshold levels of implants were about 1.2–2.3 times higher than that of natural teeth. The thickness discrimination was significantly higher than that of natural teeth with an SMD of 1.2368 (95% CI, 0.8699–1.6038) and a P < 0.0001.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis suggested that both tactile sensibility and thickness discrimination thresholds of implants were significantly higher than those of natural teeth. This meta‐analysis reconfirms that sensation differences between dental implants and natural teeth exist.
Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome: A consensus approach to differential diagnosis
Authors: Bourgeois Blaise F. D. , Douglass Laurie M. , Sankar Raman
Published: October 2014

Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy that shares many features and characteristics of other treatment‐resistant childhood epilepsies. Accurate and early diagnosis is essential to both prognosis and overall patient management. However, accurate diagnosis of LGS can be clinically challenging. This article summarizes key characteristics of LGS and areas of overlap with other childhood epilepsies. Drawing upon input from a committee of established LGS experts convened in June 2012 in Chicago, Illinois, the authors highlight key diagnostic tests for making the differential diagnosis and propose a diagnostic scheme for people with suspected LGS.
The ecological effects of providing resource subsidies to predators
Authors: Newsome Thomas M. , Dellinger Justin A. , Pavey Chris R. , Ripple William J. , Shores Carolyn R. , Wirsing Aaron J. , Dickman Christopher R.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Predators often have important roles in structuring ecosystems via their effects on each other and on prey populations. However, these effects may be altered in the presence of anthropogenic food resources, fuelling debate about whether the availability of such resources could alter the ecological role of predators. Here, we review the extent to which human‐provided foods are utilised by terrestrial mammalian predators (> 1 kg) across the globe. We also assess whether these resources have a direct impact on the ecology and behaviour of predators and an indirect impact on other co‐occurring species.

Location

Global.

Methods

Data were derived from searches of the published literature. To summarise the data we grouped studies based on the direct and indirect effects of resource subsidies on predators and co‐occurring species. We then compared the types of predators accessing these resources by grouping species taxonomically and into the following categories: (1) domesticated species, (2) mesopredators and (3) top predators.

Results

Human‐provided foods were reported to be utilised by 36 terrestrial predator species in 34 different countries. In the presence of these resources we found that: (1) predator abundance increased, (2) the dietary preferences of predators altered to include the food subsidy, (3) life‐history parameters such as survival, reproduction and sociality shifted to the benefit or detriment of the predator, and (4) predators changed their home ranges, activity and movements. In some instances, these modifications indirectly affected co‐occurring species via increased predation or competition.

Main conclusions

The availability of human‐provided food to predators often results in behavioural or population‐induced changes to predators and trophic cascades. We conclude that there is an urgent need to reduce the access of predators to food subsidies to minimise human–wildlife conflicts and to preserve the integrity of ecosystem functioning in human‐influenced landscapes world‐wide.
Increasing the oxidative stability of soybean oil through fortification with antioxidants
Authors: Sarkar Anwesha , Golay Pierre‐Alain , Acquistapace Simone , Craft Brian D.
Published: October 2014

Vegetable oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), like soybean oil (SO), are known for lowering the risk of consumers for contracting cardiovascular disease as well as improving cognitive health. However, they are more susceptible to lipid oxidation than recently introduced high‐oleic cultivars like high‐oleic sunflower oil (HOSFO). Thus, the objective of this study was to increase the stability of PUFA oils to maintain the aforementioned health benefits by supplementing them with industrially relevant antioxidant compounds that prevent or delay oxidation during food production and storage. Herein, a variety of synthetic and natural antioxidants tested alone or in mixtures was screened to bring the stability of SO closer to that of HOSFO. Oils were stored under accelerated conditions (35 °C) in the dark for 28 weeks, and the evolution of primary (hydroperoxides) and secondary (hexanal) lipid oxidation products was monitored. Oxidative stability index data showed that addition of 300 ppm of ascorbyl palmitate (AP) stabilised SO to the greatest magnitude. Further, a combination of AP (300 ppm) and M‐TOC (1000 ppm) was able to limit hydroperoxide and hexanal formation in SO at 35 °C for 12 weeks. It was demonstrated that assessing multiple quality parameters for lipid stability are a necessary undertaking.