bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles in deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Kumar Atul , Shukla Ratnakar Dutt , Yadav Dhiraj , Gupta Lalit Prakash
Published: May 2015

Application of DES as a solvent and a working catalyst for Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with isatin/homocyclic carbonyl compounds has been developed. The salient features of the present protocol are product selectivity and reusability of reaction media.
Preparation and characterization of poly(3-methylthiophene)/CeY zeolite composites
Authors: Han Pengyue , Liao Junjie , Chang Jinyu , Chang Liping , Bao Weiren
Published: May 2015

Poly(3-methylthiophene)/CeY zeolite nanocomposites are prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization using anhydrous FeCl3 as the oxidizing agent.
Water-catalysis in the gas phase reaction of dithioformic acid with hydroxyl radical: global reaction route mapping of oxidative pathways for hydrogen abstraction
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Vikas Vikas
Published: May 2015

Through the advanced quantum mechanical computations, this work investigates the catalytic-role of single water-molecule during hydrogen abstraction, in dithioformic acid, by the OH radical.
Multifunctionalities of near-infrared upconversion luminescence, optical temperature sensing and long persistent luminescence in La3Ga5GeO14:Cr3+,Yb3+,Er3+and their potential coupling
Authors: Yi Xiong , Chen Zitao , Ye Shi , Li Ye , Song Enhai , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: May 2015

The multifunctionalities of near-infrared upconversion luminescence, optical temperature sensing and long persistent luminescence are demonstrated in La3Ga5GeO14:Cr3+,Yb3+,Er3+and their potential coupling are discussed in detail.
N-doped porous carbon material made from fish-bones and its highly electrocatalytic performance in the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Kai , Song Huihui , Li Hao , Ji Shan , Wang Zihan , Li Shunxi , Wang Rongfang
Published: May 2015

N-doped porous carbon material derived of fish bones showed excellent catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium, as well as long-term stability.
Hydrophilic sulfonated bis-1,2,4-triazine ligands are highly effective reagents for separating actinides(iii) from lanthanides(iii) via selective formation of aqueous actinide complexes
Authors: Lewis Frank W. , Harwood Laurence M. , Hudson Michael J. , Geist Andreas , Kozhevnikov Valery N. , Distler Petr , John Jan
Published: May 2015

Tetrasulfonated bis-1,2,4-triazine ligands can selectively complex and separate actinides from lanthanides in aqueous nitric acid with very high selectivities.
Unravelling the pH-dependence of a molecular photocatalytic system for hydrogen production
Authors: Reynal Anna , Pastor Ernest , Gross Manuela A. , Selim Shababa , Reisner Erwin , Durrant James R.
Published: May 2015

The electron-donating ability of the sacrificial agent and the protonation of the catalyst determine the optimum pH for hydrogen production.
An InIII-based anionic metal–organic framework: sensitization of lanthanide (III) ions and selective absorption and separation of cationic dyes
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Xiao-Nan , Han Zheng-Bo , Gao Ming-Liang , Cao Xiao-Man , Wang Shi-Ming
Published: May 2015

An InIII-based anionic MOF exhibits sensitization of lanthanide (III) ions as well as absorption and separation of cationic dyes via ion-exchange.
Multilayer composite microcapsules synthesized by Pickering emulsion templates and their application in self-healing coating
Authors: Yi Huan , Yang Yu , Gu Xiaoyu , Huang Jian , Wang Chaoyang
Published: May 2015

Multilayer composite microcapsules with IPDI prepared from lignin-stabilized Pickering emulsions were used for self-healing epoxy coatings.
Ultrathin NiCo2O4nanosheets grown on three-dimensional interwoven nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as binder-free electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Jian , Guo Pan , Mi Rui , Liu Xichuan , Zhang Hui , Mei Jun , Liu Hao , Lau Woon-Ming , Liu Li-Min
Published: May 2015

A three-dimensional Ni foam/N-CNT/NiCo2O4nanosheet electrode was synthesized by combining a chemical vapor deposition method and a facile electrochemical deposition method followed by a calcination process.
Electrospun anisotropic architectures and porous structures for tissue engineering
Authors: Sun Bin , Jiang Xue-Jun , Zhang Shuchao , Zhang Jun-Cheng , Li Yi-Feng , You Qin-Zhong , Long Yun-Ze
Published: May 2015

Recent advances in electrospun anisotropic architectures and porous structures, as well as their applications in tissue engineering, are presented.
Lipid-coated ZnO nanoparticles as lymphatic-targeted drug carriers: study on cell-specific toxicity in vitro and lymphatic targeting in vivo
Authors: Zeng Ke , Li Jin , Zhang Zhaoguo , Yan Mina , Liao Yunhui , Zhang Xuefei , Zhao Chunshun
Published: May 2015

Lipid coated ZnO nanoparticles (LZnO NPs) were developed as a novel lymphatic drug delivery system. High lymphotropism and tumour cells selective toxicity ensure the nanoparticles being a promising candidate for treatment of tumor metastasis.
A chopper system for shortening the duration of pulsed supersonic beams seeded with NO or Br2 down to 13 μs
Authors: Lam Jessica , Rennick Christopher J. , Softley Timothy P.
Published: May 2015

A chopper wheel construct is used to shorten the duration of a molecular beam to 13 μs. Molecular beams seeded with NO or with Br2 and an initial pulse width of ≥200 μs were passed through a spinning chopper wheel, which was driven by a brushless DC in vacuo motor at a range of speeds, from 3000 rpm to 80 000 rpm. The resulting duration of the molecular-beam pulses measured at the laser detection volume ranged from 80 μs to 13 μs and was the same for both NO and Br2. The duration is consistent with a simple analytical model, and the minimum pulse width measured is limited by the spreading of the beam between the chopper and the detection point as a consequence of the longitudinal velocity distribution of the beam. The setup adopted here effectively eliminates buildup of background gas without the use of a differential pumping stage, and a clean narrow pulse is obtained with low rotational temperature.
Development of a vector-tensor system to measure the absolute magnetic flux density and its gradient in magnetically shielded rooms
Authors: Voigt J. , Knappe-Grüneberg S. , Gutkelch D. , Haueisen J. , Neuber S. , Schnabel A. , Burghoff M.
Published: May 2015

Several experiments in fundamental physics demand an environment of very low, homogeneous, and stable magnetic fields. For the magnetic characterization of such environments, we present a portable SQUID system that measures the absolute magnetic flux density vector and the gradient tensor. This vector-tensor system contains 13 integrated low-critical temperature (LTc) superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) inside a small cylindrical liquid helium Dewar with a height of 31 cm and 37 cm in diameter. The achievable resolution depends on the flux density of the field under investigation and its temporal drift. Inside a seven-layer mu-metal shield, an accuracy better than ±23 pT for the components of the static magnetic field vector and ±2 pT/cm for each of the nine components of the gradient tensor is reached by using the shifting method.
Accurate ab initio potential for the krypton dimer and transport properties of the low-density krypton gas
Authors: Waldrop Jonathan M. , Song Bo , Patkowski Konrad , Wang Xiaopo
Published: May 2015

A new highly accurate potential energy curve for the krypton dimer was constructed using coupled-cluster calculations up to the singles, doubles, triples, and perturbative quadruples level, including corrections for core-core and core-valence correlation and for relativistic effects. The ab initio data points were fitted to an analytic potential which was used to compute the most important transport properties of the krypton gas. The viscosity, thermal conductivity, self-diffusion coefficient, and thermal diffusion factor were calculated by the kinetic theory at low density and temperatures from 116 to 5000 K. The comparisons with literature experimental data as well as with values from other pair potentials indicate that our new potential is superior to all previous ones. The transport property values computed in this work are recommended as standard values over the complete temperature range.
Infinitely many solutions to a linearly coupled Schrödinger system with non-symmetric potentials
Authors: Wang Chunhua , Yang Jing
Published: May 2015

We study a linearly coupled Schrödinger system in ℝN(N ≤ 3). Assume that the potentials in the system are continuous functions satisfying suitable decay assumptions, but without any symmetry properties, and the parameters in the system satisfy some suitable restrictions. Using the Liapunov-Schmidt reduction methods two times and combining localized energy method, we prove that the problem has infinitely many positive synchronized solutions, which extends result Theorem 1.2 about nonlinearly coupled Schrödinger equations in Ao and Wei [Calculus Var. Partial Differ. Equations 51, 761-798 (2014)] to our linearly coupled problem.
Adaptive deployment of model reductions for tau-leaping simulation
Authors: Wu Sheng , Fu Jin , Petzold Linda R.
Published: May 2015

Multiple time scales in cellular chemical reaction systems often render the tau-leaping algorithm inefficient. Various model reductions have been proposed to accelerate tau-leaping simulations. However, these are often identified and deployed manually, requiring expert knowledge. This is time-consuming and prone to error. In previous work, we proposed a methodology for automatic identification and validation of model reduction opportunities for tau-leaping simulation. Here, we show how the model reductions can be automatically and adaptively deployed during the time course of a simulation. For multiscale systems, this can result in substantial speedups.
Relaxation time in disordered molecular systems
Authors: Rocha Rodrigo P. , Freire José A.
Published: May 2015

Relaxation time is the typical time it takes for a closed physical system to attain thermal equilibrium. The equilibrium is brought about by the action of a thermal reservoir inducing changes in the system micro-states. The relaxation time is intuitively expected to increase with system disorder. We derive a simple analytical expression for this dependence in the context of electronic equilibration in an amorphous molecular system model. We find that the disorder dramatically enhances the relaxation time but does not affect its independence of the nature of the initial state.
Collective and individual glycolytic oscillations in yeast cells encapsulated in alginate microparticles
Authors: Amemiya Takashi , Obase Kouhei , Hiramatsu Naoki , Itoh Kiminori , Shibata Kenichi , Takinoue Masahiro , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Yamaguchi Tomohiko
Published: May 2015

Yeast cells were encapsulated into alginate microparticles of a few hundred micrometers diameter using a centrifuge-based droplet shooting device. We demonstrate the first experimental results of glycolytic oscillations in individual yeast cells immobilized in this way. We investigated both the individual and collective oscillatory behaviors at different cell densities. As the cell density increased, the amplitude of the individual oscillations increased while their period decreased, and the collective oscillations became more synchronized, with an order parameter close to 1 (indicating high synchrony). We also synthesized biphasic-Janus microparticles encapsulating yeast cells of different densities in each hemisphere. The cellular oscillations between the two hemispheres were entrained at both the individual and population levels. Such systems of cells encapsulated into microparticles are useful for investigating how cell-to-cell communication depends on the density and spatial distribution of cells.
Experimental, numerical, and mechanistic analysis of the nonmonotonic relationship between oscillatory frequency and photointensity for the photosensitive Belousov–Zhabotinsky oscillator
Authors: Ren Lin , Fan Bowen , Gao Qingyu , Zhao Yuemin , Luo Hainan , Xia Yahui , Lu Xingjie , Epstein Irving R.
Published: May 2015

The oscillation frequency of a nonlinear reaction system acts as a key factor for interaction and superposition of spatiotemporal patterns. To control and design spatiotemporal patterns in oscillatory media, it is important to establish the dominant frequency-related mechanism and the effects of external forces and species concentrations on oscillatory frequency. In the Ru(bipy)32+-catalyzed Belousov–Zhabotinsky oscillator, a nonmonotonic relationship exists between light intensity and oscillatory frequency (I–F relationship), which is composed of fast photopromotion and slow photoinhibition regions in the oscillation frequency curve. In this work, we identify the essential mechanistic step of the I–F relationship: the previously proposed photoreaction Ru(II)* + Ru(II) + BrO3− + 3H+ → HBrO2 + 2Ru(III) + H2O, which has both effects of frequency-shortening and frequency-lengthening. The concentrations of species can shift the light intensity that produces the maximum frequency, which we simulate and explain with a mechanistic model. This result will benefit studies of pattern formation and biomimetic movement of oscillating polymer gels.
Practical silicon deposition rules derived from silane monitoring during plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Bartlome Richard , De Wolf Stefaan , Demaurex Bénédicte , Ballif Christophe , Amanatides Eleftherios , Mataras Dimitrios
Published: May 2015

We clarify the difference between the SiH4 consumption efficiency η and the SiH4 depletion fraction D, as measured in the pumping line and the actual reactor of an industrial plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system. In the absence of significant polysilane and powder formation, η is proportional to the film growth rate. Above a certain powder formation threshold, any additional amount of SiH4 consumed translates into increased powder formation rather than into a faster growing Si film. In order to discuss a zero-dimensional analytical model and a two-dimensional numerical model, we measure η as a function of the radio frequency (RF) power density coupled into the plasma, the total gas flow rate, the input SiH4 concentration, and the reactor pressure. The adjunction of a small trimethylboron flow rate increases η and reduces the formation of powder, while the adjunction of a small disilane flow rate decreases η and favors the formation of powder. Unlike η, D is a location-dependent quantity. It is related to the SiH4 concentration in the plasma cp, and to the phase of the growing Si film, whether the substrate is glass or a c-Si wafer. In order to investigate transient effects due to the RF matching, the precoating of reactor walls, or the introduction of a purifier in the gas line, we measure the gas residence time and acquire time-resolved SiH4 density measurements throughout the ignition and the termination of a plasma.
B27−: Appearance of the smallest planar boron cluster containing a hexagonal vacancy
Authors: Li Wei-Li , Pal Rhitankar , Piazza Zachary A. , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: May 2015

Photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations have been carried out to probe the structures and chemical bonding of the B27− cluster. Comparison between the experimental spectrum and the theoretical results reveals a two-dimensional (2D) global minimum with a triangular lattice containing a tetragonal defect (I) and two low-lying 2D isomers (II and III), each with a hexagonal vacancy. All three 2D isomers have 16 peripheral boron atoms and 11 inner boron atoms. Isomer I is shown to be mainly responsible for the observed photoelectron spectrum with isomers II and III as minor contributors. Chemical bonding analyses of these three isomers show that they all feature 16 localized peripheral B–B σ-bonds. Additionally, isomer I possesses 16 delocalized σ bonds and nine delocalized π bonds, while isomers II and III each contain 17 delocalized σ bonds and eight delocalized π bonds. It is found that the hexagonal vacancy is associated generally with an increase of delocalized σ bonds at the expense of delocalized π bonds in 2D boron clusters. The hexagonal vacancy, characteristic of borophenes, is found to be a general structural feature for mid-sized boron clusters. The current study shows that B27− is the first boron cluster, where a hexagonal vacancy appears among the low-lying isomers accessible experimentally.
Diffusion-driven instabilities by immobilizing the autocatalyst in ionic systems
Authors: Tóth Ágota , Horváth Dezső
Published: May 2015

Spatiotemporal coupling of an autocatalytic chemical reaction between ions with diffusion yields various types of reaction-diffusion patterns. The driving force is short range activation and long range inhibition which can be achieved by selective binding of the autocatalyst even for ions with equal mobility. For Turing and lateral instability, we show that identical charge on the autocatalyst and its counterpart has a stabilizing effect on the base state, while opposite charge on them favors the formation of spatial patterns with reversible binding.
Structural and elastic anisotropy of crystals at high pressures and temperatures from quantum mechanical methods: The case of Mg2SiO4 forsterite
Authors: Erba A. , Maul J. , De La Pierre M. , Dovesi R.
Published: May 2015

We report accurate ab initio theoretical predictions of the elastic, seismic, and structural anisotropy of the orthorhombic Mg2SiO4 forsterite crystal at high pressures (up to 20 GPa) and temperatures (up to its melting point, 2163 K), which constitute earth’s upper mantle conditions. Single-crystal elastic stiffness constants are evaluated up to 20 GPa and their first- and second-order pressure derivatives reported. Christoffel’s equation is solved at several pressures: directional seismic wave velocities and related properties (azimuthal and polarization seismic anisotropies) discussed. Thermal structural and average elastic properties, as computed within the quasi-harmonic approximation of the lattice potential, are predicted at high pressures and temperatures: directional thermal expansion coefficients, first- and second-order pressure derivatives of the isothermal bulk modulus, and P-V-T equation-of-state. The effect on computed properties of five different functionals, belonging to three different classes of approximations, of the density functional theory is explicitly investigated.
Influence of cation off-stoichiometry on transport properties of metal/Nb-SrTiO3 junctions
Authors: Kan Daisuke , Shimizu Takuya , Shimakawa Yuichi
Published: May 2015

We investigated the influence of the cation off-stoichiometry on the transport properties of junctions consisting of a metal (Ti or Pt) and a Nb-doped SrTiO3 (Nb-STO) epitaxial film. Ti/Nb-STO junctions with a Ti-deficient Nb-STO film show slightly asymmetric I-V characteristics and a large zero-bias differential junction resistance. Junctions with a Sr-deficient film, in contrast, exhibit nearly ohmic I-V characteristics and a differential resistance comparable to that of junctions with a stoichiometric film. We also found that the cation off-stoichiometry of the Nb-STO film has a strong influence on the rectifying and hysteric I-V characteristics of Pt/Nb-STO Schottky junctions. For Schottky junctions with the Ti-deficient film, the junction currents are largely reduced while the hysteric behavior remains. Junctions with the Sr-deficient film, on the other hand, have hysteric I-V characteristics that are comparable to those of junctions with the stoichiometric film. The results show the strong influence of the cation off-stoichiometry of the Nb-STO film on the junction properties. Based on the experimental results including transient behavior measurements, we discuss how the cation off-stoichiometry affects the transport properties of the metal/Nb-STO junctions.
Experimental characterization of quantum correlated triple beams generated by cascaded four-wave mixing processes
Authors: Qin Zhongzhong , Cao Leiming , Jing Jietai
Published: May 2015

Quantum correlations and entanglement shared among multiple modes are fundamental ingredients of most continuous-variable quantum technologies. Recently, a method used to generate multiple quantum correlated beams using cascaded four-wave mixing (FWM) processes was theoretically proposed and experimentally realized by our group [Z. Qin et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 023602 (2014)]. Our study of triple-beam quantum correlation paves the way to showing the tripartite entanglement in our system. Our system also promises to find applications in quantum information and precision measurement such as the controlled quantum communications, the generation of multiple quantum correlated images, and the realization of a multiport nonlinear interferometer. For its applications, the degree of quantum correlation is a crucial figure of merit. In this letter, we experimentally study how various parameters, such as the cell temperatures, one-photon, and two-photon detunings, influence the degree of quantum correlation between the triple beams generated from the cascaded two-FWM configuration.
Numerical investigation into the injection-locking phenomena of gain switched lasers for optical frequency comb generation
Authors: Ó Dúill Sean P. , Anandarajah Prince M. , Zhou Rui , Barry Liam P.
Published: May 2015

We present detailed numerical simulations of the laser dynamics that describe optical frequency comb formation by injection-locking a gain-switched laser. The typical rate equations for semiconductor lasers including stochastic carrier recombination and spontaneous emission suffice to show the injection-locking behavior of gain switched lasers, and we show how the optical frequency comb evolves starting from the free-running state, right through the final injection-locked state. Unlike the locking of continuous wave lasers, we show that the locking range for gain switched lasers is considerably greater because injection locking can be achieved by injecting at frequencies close to one of the comb lines. The quality of the comb lines is formally assessed by calculating the frequency modulation (FM)-noise spectral density and we show that under injection-locking conditions the FM-noise spectral density of the comb lines tend to that of the maser laser.
Suppression of martensitic transformation in Fe50Mn23Ga27 by local symmetry breaking
Authors: Ma Tianyu , Liu Xiaolian , Yan Mi , Wu Chen , Ren Shuai , Li Huiying , Fang Minxia , Qiu Zhiyong , Ren Xiaobing
Published: May 2015

Defects-induced local symmetry breaking has led to unusual properties in nonferromagnetic ferroelastic materials upon suppressing their martensitic transformation. Thus, it is of interest to discover additional properties by local symmetry breaking in one important class of the ferroelastic materials, i.e., the ferromagnetic shape memory alloys. In this letter, it is found that local symmetry breaking including both tetragonal nano-inclusions and anti-phase boundaries (APBs), suppresses martensitic transformation of a body-centered-cubic Fe50Mn23Ga27 alloy, however, does not affect the magnetic ordering. Large electrical resistivity is retained to the low temperature ferromagnetic state, behaving like a half-metal ferromagnet. Lower ordering degree at APBs and local stress fields generated by the lattice expansion of tetragonal nanoparticles hinder the formation of long-range-ordered martensites. The half-metal-like conducting behavior upon suppressing martensitic transformation extends the regime of ferromagnetic shape memory materials and may lead to potential applications in spintronic devices.
A CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction coupled to an in-plane exchange-biased magnetic layer
Authors: Zhu M. , Chong H. , Vu Q. B. , Vo T. , Brooks R. , Stamper H. , Bennett S. , Piccirillo J.
Published: May 2015

We report a stack structure which utilizes an in-plane exchange-biased magnetic layer to influence the coercivity of the bottom CoFeB layer in a CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction. By employing a thickness wedge deposition technique, we were able to study various aspects of this stack using vibrating sample magnetometer including: (1) the coupling between two CoFeB layers as a function of MgO thickness; and (2) the coupling between the bottom CoFeB and the in-plane magnetic layer as a function of Ta spacer thickness. Furthermore, modification of the bottom CoFeB coercivity allows one to measure tunneling magnetoresistance and resistance-area product (RA) of CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB in this pseudo-spin-valve format using current-in-plane-tunneling technique, without resorting to (Co/Pt)n or (Co/Pd)n multilayer pinning.
An Optimality-Theoretic approach to dialect code-switching
Authors: Cramer Jennifer
Published: May 2015

Despite the numerous frameworks for analyzing patterns of code-switching (CS) in multilingual communities, previous analyses have lacked a thorough treatment of the universality of the functions of CS. A recent model (Bhatt and Bolonyai 2011) addresses this gap by presenting a framework that incorporates principles of Optimality Theory (OT) and offers a precise model in which the countless functions of CS are reduced to five meta-constraints, the interaction and satisfaction of which account for the different grammars of bilingual language use. This framework’s applicability to situations of dialectal CS must be tested in order to show the breadth and depth of the model. This paper presents a reanalysis of the data in Mishoe (1995), which utilized the Markedness Model (Myers-Scotton 1993), within Bhatt and Bolonyai’s (2011) OT framework, demonstrating that data previously analyzed using another model of CS receives a better account under Bhatt and Bolonyai’s OT approach.
Street on Torts
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

Street on Torts provides a wide-ranging overview, and a clear and accurate explanation of tort law. The book consists of nine parts. Part I provides an introduction to the subject. Part II looks at negligent invasions of interests in the person, property and financial interests as well as examining the liability in negligence of public authorities. Part III looks at intentional invasions of protected interest. The next part looks at interference with economic and intellectual property interests. Part V is about torts and strict or stricter liability. Part VI considers interests in reputation (i.e. defamation). The next part is about the misuse of private information. The part that follows looks at the misuse of process and public powers. The final part, Part IX, is about parties and remedies.
1. Overview of Tort Law
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter provides an overview of tort law. It explains that tort law is a branch of the law of obligations which imposes liability for the breach of norms of conduct based on the type of interest at stake and the degree of fault. It provides a brief history of tort law. It then moves on to discuss the rights and interests protected by tort. It also considers theoretical perspectives about the proper parameters of tort, particularly about the bases of tortious liability and about whether tort law should serve individual or collective goals.
2. Duty of Care I:
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the foundational principles of the duty of care under tort law. It explains that duty of care comprises three stages which include reasonable foreseeability of injury to a class of persons including the claimant; a sufficient relationship of proximity between the claimant and defendant; and inquiry into whether it would be fair, just, and reasonable to recognise a duty. It discusses the precedent set by Caparo Industries v Dickman and modern approaches to the duty of care.
6. Causation and Remoteness
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the issues of causation and remoteness in tort law. It considers causation in fact, the question of causation in law, and the principles governing the related question of remoteness of damage. This chapter also explains that many of the more complex causation cases concern negligence and that in negligence causation must be specifically proved before any liability will be imposed. It analyses court decisions in several relevant cases, including the several exceptions to but-for causation that have developed over time.
15. The General Economic Torts
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter explains the five general economic torts in England. These are inducing breach of contract, causing loss by unlawful means, lawful means conspiracy, unlawful means conspiracy, and intimidation. The chapter suggests that each of these five torts can be considered to be under the authority of the House Lords in light of recent decisions in OBG v Allan and Total Network v Revenue and Customs Commissioners. It also analyses court decisions in several relevant cases.
17. Nuisance
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the provisions of tort law concerning private and public nuisance. It explains that the tort of private nuisance protects the rights in the use of land, rights in the enjoyment of land, and rights in land itself so as to protect against physical damage to land. It highlights the difficulty in establishing whether private nuisance constitutes a tort of strict liability. This chapter also discusses the elements of public nuisance and analyses relevant court cases.
20. Defamation:
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the foundational principles of defamation in tort law. It explains that there are two types of defamation, libel and slander, and that different rules are applicable to each. It suggests that the liability for defamation reflects efforts of both the legislature and the courts to strike a balance between the interests of free speech and preserving one’s reputation. This chapter incorporates the provisions of the Defamation Act 2013 and analyses relevant court cases.
Knock-Down of Heat-Shock Protein 90 and Isocitrate Lyase Gene Expression Reduced Root-Knot Nematode Reproduction
Authors: Lourenço-Tessutti Isabela Tristan , Souza Junior José Dijair Antonino , Martins-de-Sa Diogo , Viana Antônio Américo Barbosa , Carneiro Regina Maria Dechechi Gomes , Togawa Roberto Coiti , de Almeida-Engler Janice , Batista João Aguiar Nogueira , Silva Maria Cristina Mattar , Fragoso Rodrigo Rocha , Grossi-de-Sa Maria Fatima
Published: May 2015

Crop losses caused by nematode infections are estimated to be valued at USD 157 billion per year. Meloidogyne incognita, a root-knot nematode (RKN), is considered to be one of the most important plant pathogens due to its worldwide distribution and the austere damage it can cause to a large variety of agronomically important crops. RNA interference (RNAi), a gene silencing process, has proven to be a valuable biotechnology alternative method for RKN control. In this study, the RNAi approach was applied, using fragments of M. incognita genes that encode for two essential molecules, heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) and isocitrate lyase (ICL). Plant-mediated RNAi of these genes led to a significant level of resistance against M. incognita in the transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants. Bioassays of plants expressing HSP90 dsRNA demonstrated a delay in gall formation and up to 46% reduction in eggs compared with wild-type plants. A reduction in the level of HSP90 transcripts was observed in recovered eggs from plants expressing dsRNA, indicating that gene silencing persisted and was passed along to first progeny. The ICL knock-down had no clear effect on gall formation but resulted in up to 77% reduction in egg oviposition compared with wild-type plants. Our data suggest that both genes may be involved in RKN development and reproduction. Thus, in this paper, we describe essential candidate genes that could be applied to generate genetically modified crops, using the RNAi strategy to control RKN parasitism.
Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache Concurrent With Cervical Stenosis by Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
Authors: Liu Hong , Ploumis Avraam , Wang Shijun , Li Chunde , Li Hong
Published: May 2015

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objective:

To report the efficacy of anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery as treatment method for cervicogenic headache (CeH).

Summary of Background Data:

The exact diagnostic criteria and optimal treatment of CeH is still under investigation.

Methods:

A total of 34 consecutive patients (mean age 55.8 y) with CeH (in addition to cervical stenosis symptomatology) resistant to nonoperative treatment were treated by anterior cervical decompression and fusion from 1 up to 3 levels and were followed for at least 1 year. Clinical visual analog pain scale for headache, patient satisfaction index as well as radiographic examinations (flexion-extension radiographs and, when diagnosis of fusion status was uncertain, computed tomography) were documented for all patients at regular intervals. Statistical comparisons of outcome measures between different time points of examinations were performed.

Results:

All patients reported relief of their CeH with mean (range) visual analog pain scale scores as 8.1 (3–9), 2.4 (0–4), and 3.1 (0–5) preoperatively, at 2 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up, respectively. There was a significant improvement (P<0.001) of visual analog pain scale score between before surgery and at 2 months postoperatively or at the last follow-up. Thirty patients (88%) reported satisfied with their treatment, whereas 4 patients (12%) were not satisfied with surgery. No major surgical complication was seen and only 1 patient had symptomless pseudoarthrosis.

Conclusions:

CeH when associated with cervical spinal stenosis of the subaxial spine can improve when stenosis is treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
Dose-Volume Predictors of Esophagitis After Thoracic Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Authors: Harder Eileen M. , Chen Zhe (Jay) , Park Henry S. , Mancini Brandon R. , Decker Roy H.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Esophageal toxicity has become a major concern as stereotactic hypofractionated radiation therapy is increasingly utilized for central pulmonary tumors. Our purpose was to define esophageal dosimetric parameters that predict potentially dose-limiting toxicities.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 157 patients with a planning target volume ≤5 cm from the esophagus were selected from an institutional database. Toxicity was scored with the CTCAE v4.0. Esophageal D
max and Dv (dose D in Gy covering volume v in mL) in 0.5 mL increments were collected. Corresponding biologically effective dose (BED) was calculated for α/β=10,3 (BED10, BED3). Normal tissue complication probability was computed with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy parameters and equivalent dose in 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2). Dosimetric predictors were identified with multivariate logistic regression with a manual forward stepwise selection technique.

Results:

The grade≥2 esophagitis rate was 5.7%. BED10 to 1.5 mL was the best predictor of esophagitis. BED10 to 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5 mL were also predictive but less strong. Results were similar when BED3 and physical dose were examined. Tumor-esophageal distance correlated with esophagitis (10.5% risk of≥grade 2 events with distance≤3.9 cm vs. 1.3% when>3.9 cm, P=0.016). BED10 to 1.5 mL correlated well with EQD2 normal tissue complication probability estimates.

Conclusions:

BED to 1.5 mL was the strongest predictor of grade≥2 esophagitis (independent of α/β ratio) with a 10.6% toxicity risk when BED10>21.1 Gy (14.3 Gy in 3 fractions, 16.0 Gy in 5). The overall rate of severe toxicity is low, suggesting that higher doses may be tolerable.
Ipilimumab and Stereotactic Radiosurgery Versus Stereotactic Radiosurgery Alone for Newly Diagnosed Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Patel Kirtesh R. , Shoukat Sana , Oliver Daniel E. , Chowdhary Mudit , Rizzo Monica , Lawson David H. , Khosa Faisal , Liu Yuan , Khan Mohammad K.
Published: May 2015

Background:

We compared the safety and efficacy of ipilimumab and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to SRS alone for newly diagnosed melanoma brain metastases (MBM).

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed records of newly diagnosed MBM patients treated with SRS from 2009 to 2013. The primary endpoint of overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints of local control, distant intracranial failure, and radiation necrosis were compared using Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazards method.

Results:

Fifty-four consecutive MBM patients were identified, with 20 (37.0%) receiving ipilimumab within 4 months of SRS. Ipilimumab-treated and non-ipilimumab–treated patients had similar baseline characteristics. No difference in symptomatic radiation necrosis or hemorrhage was identified between cohorts. Compared with patients in the nonipilimumab group, 1 year local control (71.4% vs. 92.3%, P=0.40) and intracranial control (12.7% vs. 29.1%, P=0.59) were also statistically similar. The ipilimumab cohort also had no difference in 1-year OS (37.1% vs. 38.5%, P=0.84). Patients administered ipilimumab within 14 days of SRS had higher 1-year (42.9%) and 2-year OS (42.9%) relative to ipilimumab delivered >14 days (33.8%, 16.9%) and SRS alone (38.5%, 25.7%) but these difference were not statistically significant. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis both confirmed single brain metastasis, controlled primary, and active systemic disease as predictors for OS.

Conclusions:

Use of ipilimumab within 4 months of SRS seems to be safe, with no increase in radiation necrosis or hemorrhage; however, our retrospective institutional experience with this treatment regimen was not associated with improved outcomes.
Endoscopy Following Pediatric Intestinal Transplant
Authors: Yeh Joanna , Ngo Khiet D. , Wozniak Laura J. , Vargas Jorge H. , Marcus Elizabeth A. , McDiarmid Sue V. , Farmer Douglas G. , Venick Robert S.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Biopsies remain the criterion standard in the diagnosis of intestinal transplant (ITx) rejection, and gastrointestinal endoscopy plays a pivotal role in patient management. Herein, we describe a single‐center 23‐year endoscopic experience in pediatric ITx recipients.

Methods:

A retrospective review of endoscopy and pathology reports of all ITx recipients <18 years old transplanted between 1991 and 2013 was performed with the aim of describing the procedural indications, findings, and complications.

Results:

A total of 1770 endoscopic procedures within 1014 sessions were performed. A combination of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileoscopy was the most common procedure (36%). Increased stool output (35%) and surveillance endoscopy (32%) were the most common indications. A total of 162 episodes of biopsy‐proven rejection were diagnosed. The first episode of rejection occurred at a median of 1 month after ITx. Of histology‐proven rejections, 45% had normal‐appearing endoscopies. The rate of procedural complications, including but not limited to bleeding and perforation, was 1.8%.

Conclusions:

Endoscopy with biopsy plays a significant role in the care of ITx recipients. Multiple procedures are required for graft surveillance, diagnosis of rejection, subsequent treatment, and follow‐up of therapy. The gross endoscopic appearance, particularly in mild to moderate acute cellular rejection, does not correlate well with histology. Complex anatomy, complication rates that are higher than patients with non‐ITx pediatric endoscopy, and timely histologic interpretation by experienced pathologists are reasons that these procedures should be performed at centers accustomed to caring for ITx recipients. The field would benefit from the development of a noninvasive biomarker to reliably and efficiently detect rejection.
PDGFRα signaling drives adipose tissue fibrosis by targeting progenitor cell plasticity
Authors: Iwayama Tomoaki , Steele Cameron , Yao Longbiao , Dozmorov Mikhail G. , Karamichos Dimitris , Wren Jonathan D. , Olson Lorin E.
Published: May 2015

Fibrosis is a common disease process in which profibrotic cells disturb organ function by secreting disorganized extracellular matrix (ECM). Adipose tissue fibrosis occurs during obesity and is associated with metabolic dysfunction, but how profibrotic cells originate is still being elucidated. Here, we use a developmental model to investigate perivascular cells in white adipose tissue (WAT) and their potential to cause organ fibrosis. We show that a Nestin-Cre transgene targets perivascular cells (adventitial cells and pericyte-like cells) in WAT, and Nestin-GFP specifically labels pericyte-like cells. Activation of PDGFRα signaling in perivascular cells causes them to transition into ECM-synthesizing profibrotic cells. Before this transition occurs, PDGFRα signaling up-regulates mTOR signaling and ribosome biogenesis pathways and perturbs the expression of a network of epigenetically imprinted genes that have been implicated in cell growth and tissue homeostasis. Isolated Nestin-GFP+ cells differentiate into adipocytes ex vivo and form WAT when transplanted into recipient mice. However, PDGFRα signaling opposes adipogenesis and generates profibrotic cells instead, which leads to fibrotic WAT in transplant experiments. These results identify perivascular cells as fibro/adipogenic progenitors in WAT and show that PDGFRα targets progenitor cell plasticity as a profibrotic mechanism.
A systematic review of Lean Six Sigma for the manufacturing industry
Authors: Albliwi Saja Ahmed , Antony Jiju , Lim Sarina Abdul halim
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the most common themes within Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the manufacturing sector, and to identify any gaps in those themes that may be preventing users from getting the most benefit from their LSS strategy. This paper also identifies the gaps in current literature and develops an agenda for future research into LSS themes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The following research is based on a review of 37 papers that were published on LSS in the top journals in the field and other specialist journals, from 2000 to 2013.

Findings

– Many issues have emerged in this paper and important themes have cited which are: benefits, motivation factors, limitations and impeding factors. The analysis of 19 case studies in the manufacturing sector has resulted in significant benefits cited in this paper. However, many gaps and limitations need to be explored in future research as there have been little written on LSS as a holistic strategy for business improvement.

Practical implications

– It is important for practitioners to be aware of LSS benefits, limitations and impeding factors before starting the LSS implementation process. Hence, this paper could provide valuable insights to practitioners.

Originality/value

– This paper is based on a comprehensive literature review which gives an opportunity to LSS researchers to understand some common themes within LSS in depth. In addition, highlighting many gaps in the current literature and developing an agenda for future research, will save time and effort for readers looking to research topics within LSS.
Adding service means adding knowledge: an inductive single-case study
Authors: Leoni Luna
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how knowledge management systems can support the adoption of the servitization strategy in a manufacturing firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to reach the paper aim, an inductive single-case study has been adopted. The analysis focuses on the IBM Corporation.

Findings

– In spite of the paucity of studies that simultaneously address both servitization and knowledge management topics, the case study findings show five connections points between the two streams of research, proving not only that they are closely connected to each other, but also how the adoption of a good knowledge management system can facilitate the implementation of a servitization strategy.

Research limitations/implications

– As far as the adoption of a single-case study is concerned, this could create biases that can affect the final product in terms of reliability, validity, and generalizability. However, as stated by Erickson (1986), the general lies in the particular and, as argued by Flyvbjerg (2006), the strength of a single example is underestimated in its contribution to scientific progress. Thus, even though this paper is based on a single-case study, it is reasonable to believe that it could be considered as a representative case of companies of the time and its findings sufficiently generalizable.

Practical implications

– Case study findings could guide managers towards understanding if their knowledge management tools and practices are appropriate, or if they need to be modified in order to successfully implement the servitization strategy adopted.

Originality/value

– This study represents the first attempt to fill the paucity of studies contemporaneously addressing both servitization and knowledge management topics, and could be used as a pilot case for future research works.
Toward an inclusive understanding of technology intelligence: a literature review
Authors: Safdari Ranjbar Mostafa , Tavakoli Gholam Reza
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to promote the authors' understanding of technology intelligence by responding to two questions: What is technology intelligence? How is it accomplished?

Design/methodology/approach

– To respond to the two main questions about technology intelligence in this paper, the authors have studied relevant academic, peer-reviewed journals and books using the literature databases of Google Scholar, Sciencedirect, Inderscience, Wiley and Emerald Insight. They have used few selection criteria to choose papers and books for inclusion in their study.

Findings

– Enhancing the authors' understanding of the technology intelligence concept by responding to the two main questions (What is technology intelligence? How is it accomplished?), classifying the main studies in the field of technology intelligence and several practical and theoretical implications are the findings in this paper.

Practical implications

– A number of practical implications related to technology intelligence structure, process, methods, tools and players are suggested to managers of organizations and companies to improve their technology-related planning processes and decision-making.

Originality/value

– Despite the considerable level of consensus on the necessity of precise scanning and monitoring technological changes and trends, there is still limited understanding of the technology intelligence concept. This paper intends to enhance the authors' understanding of technology intelligence by responding to two questions: What is technology intelligence? And how is it accomplished?