bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Ternary Memory and Logic Operation using a Twin-Stripe Laser Diode
Authors: Watanabe Masanobu , Itoh Hideo , Mukai Seiji , Yajima Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2014

Optical tristability and associated ternary digital functions are demonstrated with a device including a twin-stripe laser diode. A method for ternary memory and logic operation using the device is presented. The device exhibits several characteristics by changing device parameters. Hysteretic and the non-hysteretic characteristics of the device are used for ternary memory and logic operation, respectively.
Carbon‐Coated Li3Nd3W2O12: A High Power and Low‐Voltage Insertion Anode with Exceptional Cycleability for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Satish Rohit , Aravindan Vanchiappan , Ling Wong Chui , Goodenough John B. , Madhavi Srinivasan
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of carbon‐coated Li3Nd3W2O12 (C‐Li3Nd3W2O12), a low voltage insertion anode (0.3 V vs. Li) for a Li‐ion battery, is reported to exhibit extraordinary performance. The low voltage reversible insertion provides an increase in the energy density of Li‐ion power packs. For instance, C‐Li3Nd3W2O12 delivered an energy density of ≈390 Wh kg−1 (based on cathode mass loading) when coupled with an LiMn2O4 cathode with an operating potential of 3.4 V. Furthermore, excellent cycling profiles are observed for C‐Li3Nd3W2O12 anodes both in half and full‐cell configurations. The full‐cell is capable of delivering very stable cycling profiles at high current rates (e.g., 2 C), which clearly suggests the high power capability of such garnet‐type anodes.
Prediction of the Induced Gas Flow Rate from a Self‐Inducing Impeller with CFD
Authors: Fonte Cláudio P. , Pinho Bruno S. , Santos‐Moreau Vania , Lopes José Carlos B.
Published: March 2014

The complex task of describing computationally two‐phase turbulent flows in aerated stirred‐tank reactors was overcome by proposing that the gas flow rate in the hollow impeller can be estimated from single‐phase flow simulations of the liquid phase in the reactor: the pressure at the impeller surface obtained from liquid phase simulations can be related to the gas induction rate. A commercial lab‐scale reactor with a radial six‐bladed hollow impeller was chosen for the study. To validate the presented methodology, the induced gas flow rate was measured experimentally from the tracking of the position of bubbles in a dynamic sequence of flow images. Notwithstanding the simplifications assumed in the presented CFD methodology, good agreement has been obtained between numerical results and experiments.
Preparation and Characterization of C60‐Filled Ethyl Cellulose Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation of Propylene/Propane
Authors: Sun Haixiang , Ma Cheng , Wang Tao , Xu Yanyan , Yuan Bingbing , Li Peng , Kong Ying
Published: March 2014

Mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) consisting of ethyl cellulose as continuous matrix and inorganic particle C60 as dispersed phase were prepared for propylene/propane separation. The impact of the C60 content on the separation properties of MMMs without and with ultraviolet cross‐linking was investigated. The increment of decomposition temperature and single glass temperature of ethyl cellulose/C60 MMMs indicates a strong interfacial interaction between polymer and fullerenes. After UV irradiation, the gas permeability coefficient of propylene and ideal separation factor of propylene/propane decreased, and new features appeared in scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images, testifying the photopolymerization reaction of C60 at a depth near to the surface. C60 could be acted as a possible replaced carrier for the separation of olefin/paraffin using membrane separation technology.
Shutdown Strategy for Flare Minimization at an Olefin Plant
Authors: Wei Tao , Hou Xiaofei , Yu Jiatao , Zhang Jian , Wang Ziyuan , Xu Qiang , Zhao Jinsong , Qiu Tong
Published: March 2014

Shutdown operations in olefin plants generate extensive flare emissions, which cause adverse environmental and societal impacts as well as large amounts of raw material and energy losses that could supposedly be unitized to generate much more needed products. Consequently, shutdown optimization for flare minimization is crucially important to all stake holders. However, the current practice for shutdown flare minimization almost exclusively depends on experienced operators, engineers, and plant administration. There is still a lack of systematic studies on how to cost‐effectively identify and examine shutdown flare minimization strategies through plant‐wide modeling and simulations. A novel process retrofit and shutdown operation strategy for flare minimization in an olefin plant is introduced. Plant‐wide dynamic simulations are employed to examine the operational feasibility and critical information during the plant shutdown operation. The proposed shutdown strategy could virtually reduce the flare emission significantly compared to historical records.
Influence of Thermodynamic, Material, and Bulk Properties on Electrical Resistivity of Particle Layers
Authors: Pieloth Damian , Wiggers Helmut , Walzel Peter
Published: March 2014

Although the influence of gas humidity and particle size distribution on dust resistivity is well known, the impact of thermic and electric balancing periods on the measurement of dust resistivity is less familiar. The dust resistivity of quartz glass (SiO2) and Al2O3 particle layers was measured and exhibits a non‐ohmic behavior as well as time dependence seen in a similar manner during electret formation. However, constant values of dust resistivity for the test dust were first measured after a rather long balancing period which cannot be explained in whole by adsorption and desorption kinetics of H2O into the particle layers. Rather, it could be presumed that the thermic and electric balancing periods overlap, whereas the electric balancing periods take a much longer time.
The Three Ages of Fuel Cell Research in France: A Socio‐Technical System's Resistance to Change
Authors: Belot R. , Picard F.
Published: March 2014

As each emerging socio‐technological system, the fuel cell technology is characterized by hype and disappointment. This paper analyses from an historical perspective, the main events and the role of actors (policy makers, industrials, researchers) in this phenomenon in France from 1960 to 2010. It highlights three ages of fuel cell research. The emerging phase (from 1960 to 1980) is marked by the dominant role of the state and the weight of geopolitical considerations supporting research growth. From 1980 to 1990, a withdrawal phase is explained by the limited prospects for industrial application, the weakening of the state's strategic role and the balance of power within the academic world. In 1990s, the renewal phase seems to come from manufacturers and the European Union, the French state being content to support the process from the side‐line.
Postirradiated carotid blowout syndrome in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case–control study
Authors: Chen Kun‐Chih , Yen Ting‐Ting , Hsieh Yi‐Ling , Chen Hung‐Chieh , Jiang Rong‐San , Chen Wen‐Hsien , Liang Kai‐Li
Published: March 2014

Background

Carotid blowout syndrome is one of the most devastating complications of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) therapy.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted from January 2004 to April 2013. Thirty‐one patients with carotid blowout syndrome were enrolled and a case control study was conducted to analyze the risk factors.

Results

When a comparison was made between the carotid blowout syndrome and matched non‐bleeding group, there was a significantly higher local recurrence rate and prevalence of skull base osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in the carotid blowout syndrome group compared to those of the control group (both p < .001). The hazard ratio of carotid blowout syndrome was 3.599 between patients with or without reirradiation (95% confidence interval, 1.465–8.839; p = .005, adjusted for nasopharyngectomy and chemotherapy) using a Cox proportional hazard model.

Conclusion

Reirradiation and skull base ORN are strong predisposing factors for carotid blowout syndrome, and therefore they should be mentioned in the informed consent form before treatment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 794–799, 2015
A comparison of gateway in‐street sign configuration to other driver prompts to increase yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks
Authors: Bennett Miles K. , Manal Hana , Van Houten Ron
Published: March 2014

Increasing motorists' yielding of the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks reduces the number of collisions between motorists and pedestrians. In this study we examined a gateway in‐street sign configuration (1 in‐street sign installed between the 2 travel lanes in each direction, and 1 on both edges of the roadway in each direction) on multilane roads. The first experiment compared the efficacy of adding multiple in‐street signs used in a gateway configuration with a single sign between the 2 travel lanes in each direction. The second experiment compared the gateway in‐street sign configuration with a more expensive pedestrian hybrid beacon. The third experiment compared the gateway in‐street sign configuration with the more expensive rectangular rapid flashing beacon. The results demonstrated that the gateway in‐street sign configuration produced very high levels of driver yielding, and that it was as effective as the 2 more expensive treatments.
Using goal setting and feedback to increase weekly running distance
Authors: Wack Stephanie R. , Crosland Kimberly A. , Miltenberger Raymond G.
Published: March 2014

We evaluated goal setting with performance feedback to increase running distance among 5 healthy adults. Participants set a short‐term goal each week and a long‐term goal to achieve on completion of the study. Results demonstrated that goal setting and performance feedback increased running distance for all participants.
Visualization of the biochemical markers of atherosclerotic plaque with the use of Raman, IR and AFM
Authors: Marzec Katarzyna M. , Wrobel Tomasz P. , Rygula Anna , Maslak Edyta , Jasztal Agnieszka , Fedorowicz Andrzej , Chlopicki Stefan , Baranska Malgorzata
Published: March 2014

In this work, we describe a methodology to visualize the biochemical markers of atherosclerotic plaque in cross sections of brachiocephalic arteries (BCA) taken from ApoE/LDLR–/– mice. The approach of the visualization of the same area of atherosclerotic plaque with the use of Raman, IR and AFM imaging enables the parallel characterisation of various features of atherosclerotic plaques. This support to the histochemical staining is utilized mainly in studies on mice models of atherosclerotic plaques, where micro and sub‐micro resolutions are required. This work presents the methodology of the measurement and visualization of plaque features important for atherosclerosis development and plaques vulnerability analysis. Label‐free imaging of cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, remodeled media, heme, internal elastic lamina, fibrous cap and calcification provides additional knowledge to previously presented quantitative measurements of average plaque features. AFM imaging enhanced the results obtained with the use of vibrational microspectroscopies with additional topographical information of the sample. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work which demonstrates that co‐localized measurement of atherosclerotic plaque with Raman, IR and AFM imaging provides a comprehensive insight into the biochemical markers of atherosclerotic plaques, and can be used as an integrated approach to assess vulnerability of the plaque. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Promotion of microalgal biomass production and efficient use of CO2 from flue gas by monoethanolamine
Authors: Sun Zhongliang , Zhang Dongmei , Yan Chenghu , Cong Wei , Lu Yunming
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Flue gas as carbon source for microalgae culture has been applied to reduce the high cost of production. However, low mass transfer efficiency owing to the low CO2 partial pressure in flue gas limited its utilization. In this work, monoethanolamine was proposed to enhance CO2 utilization and microalgal biomass production.

RESULTS

In abiotic absorption experiments, the total inorganic carbon concentration in the medium increased with the increase of monoethanolamine concentration and the CO2 absorptivity remained above 60% for a considerable pH range (6.5–10.0). The biomass productivity and lipid productivity of Scenedesmus dimorphus were enhanced with monoethanolamine ranging from 0 to 100 mg L−1. When 100 mg L−1 monoethanolamine was added, the CO2 utilization efficiency reached 76.1%, which was much higher than the 44.5% obtained in routine culture. The growth of cells was inhibited with monoethanolamine concentration exceeding 150 mg L−1. The changes of net photosynthetic activity revealed that the oxygen evolving complex might be injured by the higher concentration of monoethanolamine.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that the incorporation of monoethanolamine could be a promising solution to the problem of low CO2 utilization efficiency and low biomass productivity in the microalgae culture system. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Microscopic oxygen imaging based on fluorescein bleaching efficiency measurements
Authors: Beutler Martin , Heisterkamp Ines M. , Piltz Bastian , Stief Peter , De Beer Dirk
Published: March 2014

Photobleaching of the fluorophore fluorescein in an aqueous solution is dependent on the oxygen concentration. Therefore, the time‐dependent bleaching behavior can be used to measure of dissolved oxygen concentrations. The method can be combined with epi‐fluorescence microscopy. The molecular states of the fluorophore can be expressed by a three‐state energy model. This leads to a set of differential equations which describe the photobleaching behavior of fluorescein. The numerical solution of these equations shows that in a conventional wide‐field fluorescence microscope, the fluorescence of fluorescein will fade out faster at low than at high oxygen concentration. Further simulation showed that a simple ratio function of different time‐points during a fluorescence decay recorded during photobleaching could be used to describe oxygen concentrations in an aqueous solution. By careful choice of dye concentration and excitation light intensity the sensitivity in the oxygen concentration range of interest can be optimized. In the simulations, the estimation of oxygen concentration by the ratio function was very little affected by the pH value in the range of pH 6.5–8.5. Filming the fluorescence decay by a charge‐coupled‐device (ccd) camera mounted on a fluorescence microscope allowed a pixelwise estimation of the ratio function in a microscopic image. Use of a microsensor and oxygen‐consuming bacteria in a sample chamber enabled the calibration of the system for quantification of absolute oxygen concentrations. The method was demonstrated on nitrifying biofilms growing on snail and mussel shells, showing clear effects of metabolic activity on oxygen concentrations. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:341–347, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A deep tissue fluorescence imaging system with enhanced SHG detection capabilities
Authors: Crosignani Viera , Jahid Sohail , Dvornikov Alexander S. , Gratton Enrico
Published: March 2014

We describe a novel two‐photon fluorescence microscopy system capable of producing high‐quality second harmonic generation (SHG) images in thick turbid media by using an innovative detection system. This novel detection system is capable of detecting photons from a very large surface area. This system has proven effective in providing images of thick turbid samples, both biological and artificial. Due to its transmission detection geometry, the system is particularly suitable for detecting SHG signals, which are generally forward directed. In this article, we present comparative data acquired simultaneously on the same sample with the forward and epidetection schemes. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:368–373, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of oncogenic genital human papillomavirus (HPV) among HPV negative older and younger women after 7 years of follow‐up
Authors: Brogaard Kim Agerholm , Munk Christian , Iftner Thomas , Frederiksen Kirsten , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: March 2014

The knowledge on risk factors of being human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive among older women is sparse. The aim was to determine the frequency of oncogenic HPV appearance after 7 years among initially HPV‐negative women and to examine potential risk factors that influence the occurrence of HPV in older women using multiple logistic regression. For comparison, a younger cohort of women examined under identical study settings was included. This prospective cohort study comprised 1,577 older women (age 40–50 at enrolment) and 2,920 women aged 22–32. Participants were interviewed and underwent a gynecological examination at two time points (7 years apart). Cervical samples were tested for HPV using Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) and only women who tested HC2‐negative at baseline were included. The HPV prevalence among older and younger women was 6.4% and 10.7%, respectively, and there was no “second peak” observed among older women. Recent sexual partners were a strong determinant of HPV appearance irrespective of age. Lifetime number of sexual partners was a significant risk factor for HPV appearance among older women, even after adjustment for recent sexual behavior. In addition, menopause was associated with a non‐significantly increased risk of HPV appearance at follow‐up. In conclusion, appearance of HPV in previously HPV‐negative older women may be due to both recent sexual behavior and previous exposure that is, reactivation of a latent HPV infection. J. Med. Virol. 86:975–982, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of hepatitis C after kidney transplant: A pooled analysis of observational studies
Authors: Fabrizi Fabrizio , Penatti Alessandra , Messa Piergiorgio , Martin Paul
Published: March 2014

Various authors have given IFN‐based therapy for hepatitis C among renal transplant recipients but the efficacy and safety of this approach remains unclear. A systematic review of the literature with a meta‐analysis of clinical studies was performed in order to assess efficacy and safety of antiviral therapy (IFN‐based therapy) in renal transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus infection. The primary outcomes were sustained virological response (as a measure of efficacy) and/or drop‐out rate (as a measure of tolerability). The random‐effects model of DerSimonian and Laird was used, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. Sixteen studies (187 unique patients) were identified, one being controlled study. The summary estimate for sustained virological response and dropout rate was 0.34 (95% confidence intervals: 0.27, 0.42) and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.44), respectively. The studies were heterogeneous with regard to dropout rate but not to sustained viral response. The most common side‐effect requiring interruption of treatment was graft dysfunction (n = 27; 51%). Stratified analysis reported a higher rate of drop‐outs in those studies based on IFN monotherapy (pooled event rate, 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.63). Meta‐regression analysis showed an inverse relationship between reference year (P = 0.019), length of IFN therapy (P = 0.029) and drop‐out rate. IFN‐based therapy has inadequate safety and tolerance after renal transplantation. The reasons for the high rate of graft dysfunction after IFN have not been fully elucidated. Antiviral treatment of hepatitis C among kidney graft recipients continues to be a challenge to transplant physicians. J. Med. Virol. 86:933–940, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of several models for the hamiltonian p‐median problem
Authors: Gollowitzer Stefan , Gouveia Luis , Laporte Gilbert , Pereira Dilson Lucas , Wojciechowski Adam
Published: March 2014

The Hamiltonian p‐median problem consists of determining p disjoint cycles of minimum total cost covering all vertices of a graph. We present several new and existing models for this problem, provide a hierarchy with respect to the quality of the lower bounds yielded by their linear programming relaxations, and compare their computational performance on a set of benchmark instances. We conclude that three of the models are superior from a computational point of view, two of which are introduced in this article. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 63(4), 350–363 2014
Prenatal examination and postmortem findings in fetuses with gastroschisis and omphalocele
Authors: Faugstad Tone Mæland , Brantberg Anne , Blaas Harm‐Gerd K. , Vogt Christina
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study compares prenatal ultrasound examination and autopsy findings in fetuses and infants with gastroschisis and omphalocele.

Method

Criteria for inclusion in the study were an autopsy of fetuses/infants with gastroschisis or omphalocele performed between January 1985 and December 2009 and a prenatal ultrasound examination performed in a tertiary referral center. The results were organized into five categories depending on the degree of agreement.

Results

Of 11 cases with gastroschisis, only one was not detected at the prenatal ultrasound examination, and the rest had full agreement.

Of 70 fetuses with omphalocele, two were not diagnosed at the prenatal ultrasound examination. Four (15%) had major autopsy findings not detected prenatally. The main diagnosis was correct in 64/70 (91%) and improved from 85% to 95% during this study period. The number of cases with major and minor autopsy findings not detected by ultrasound examination was reduced from 48% to 21%. Full agreement occurred in 46/70 (66%).

Conclusion

This study shows that the correlation between prenatal ultrasound findings and postmortem examination is good and has improved over time. Comparing full agreement during the first 10 years with the last 15 years showed an improvement (p = 0.05) for fetuses with omphalocele. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microscopic chromosome Xp distal deletions – a challenging issue in prenatal genetic counseling
Authors: Sukenik‐Halevy Rivka , Reches Adi , Bar‐Shira Anat , Simchoni Sharon , Goldstein Myriam , Orr‐Ortreger Avi , Yaron Yuval , Ben‐Shachar Shay
Published: March 2014

Objective

A prenatal diagnosis of chromosome X short arm deletions may present a challenge in prenatal genetic counseling. We present clinical and molecular data of carriers of Xp distal deletions.

Methods

We assessed prenatal and postnatal phenotypes of individuals from three families with large Xp distal deletions and from a fourth family with a small Xp distal deletion. The work‐up included karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis, and assessment of the X inactivation pattern.

Results

Five out of eight women with large deletions had a short stature (<3rd percentile). Subjects from one family had developmental and emotional problems. All female carriers with small deletions had markedly short stature, whereas the men had mildly short stature. Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed 11.7‐19.3 Mb deletions in three families and a small ~1 Mb deletion in the fourth. The pseudoautosomal region 1 of the X chromosome was deleted in two families with large deletions. X inactivation was skewed in all tested cases with large deletions.

Conclusion

Xp distal deletions are mainly associated with short stature. Skewing of the abnormal X chromosome may attenuate the phenotype in cases with large deletions. We suggest that prenatal evaluation in such cases should include sonographic follow‐up and assessment of the X inactivation pattern. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of nanogels as supports for enzyme immobilization
Authors: Chauhan Ghanshyam S
Published: March 2014

Nanogels are hydrophilic polymers made up of crosslinked nano‐sized particles. These nanogels have large surface area that offers several functional groups as reserves for binding drugs, generating biosensors and as supports for enzyme immobilization. This mini‐review is an attempt to evaluate the recent developments in the use of nanogels as supports in enzyme immobilization. Emphasis is laid on the effect of nanogel structure and immobilization protocol on the property profile of the immobilized enzymes as compared with their free counterparts. The prospective applications of the nanogel‐immobilized enzymes are also evaluated. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Computational study of singlet and triplet sulfonylnitrenes insertion into 1,3‐butadienes: 1,2‐ or 1,4‐cycloaddition?
Authors: Shainyan Bagrat A. , Kuzmin Anton V.
Published: March 2014

The formation of N‐trifluoromethylsulfonyl‐2‐vinylaziridine and N‐trifluoromethylsulfonyl‐3‐pyrroline by the reaction of the singlet and triplet trifluoromethanesulfonylnitrenes with s‐cis‐ and s‐trans‐1,3‐butadienes was studied theoretically at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) and M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) levels of theory. The singlet trifluoromethanesulfonylnitrene adds to s‐cis‐ and s‐trans‐1,3‐butadiene exothermally in one step to give the product of 1,2‐cycloaddition, N‐trifluoromethylsulfonyl‐2‐vinylaziridine, the energy decreasing by 88.5 and 86.2 kcal/mol at the B3LYP level and by 105.2 and 103.0 kcal/mol at the M06‐2X level, respectively. The formed 2‐vinylaziridine can undergo rotation about the C(2)–Csp2 bond with the barrier not exceeding 3.5 kcal/mol and to rearrange into N‐trifluoromethylsulfonyl‐3‐pyrroline. The triplet trifluoromethanesulfonylnitrene reacts with s‐cis‐ and s‐trans‐1,3‐butadiene in two steps. The first exothermic step is the formation of the triplet diradical adducts. The second step is the spin inversion with the energy raising by 5.8 and 17.8 kcal/mol at the B3LYP level and by 11.0 and 20.8 kcal/mol at the M06‐2X level for the adducts to s‐cis‐ and s‐trans‐1,3‐butadiene, respectively. Recombination of the radical centers occurs selectively to give N‐trifluoromethylsulfonyl‐2‐vinylaziridine that is exothermally rearranged into N‐trifluoromethylsulfonyl‐3‐pyrroline with the energy barrier of 40 kcal/mol at the B3LYP level and of 50 kcal/mol at the M06‐2X level. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Drug Tariff specials have reduced prescribing costs
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: March 2014

Steve Chaplin describes what specials are, who manufactures them and how the introduction of Drug Tariff specials in 2011 has led to a reduction in costs.
Nutrient Contributions from Alluvial Soils Associated with the Restoration of Shallow Water Habitat in the Lower Missouri River
Authors: Heimann D. C. , Morris D. M. , Gemeinhardt T. R.
Published: March 2014

The Missouri River has been extensively altered as the result of channelization, bank stabilization, and the construction of six main stem reservoirs. In response to the resultant habitat loss, the US Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with restoring approximately 8100 ha of shallow water habitat (SWH), in part, for the benefit of the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). Construction of off‐channel habitats involves the removal and disposal of excavated alluvium either by direct discharge into the river or by secondary erosion, which raised concerns regarding the introduction of sediment and associated nutrients into the Missouri River.

Soils from nine side‐channel chutes were sampled to represent nutrient concentrations from habitat restoration activities. Soils from 12 historically undisturbed sites were also sampled to represent reference conditions in the Missouri River flood plain. The results of this study indicate that nutrient characteristics of soils from selected SWH locations generally are similar to those of historically undisturbed soils. The estimated mass of total phosphorus from chutes accounted for 1.9% of Missouri River and 0.5% of Mississippi River total phosphorus loads during the 1993–2012 analysis period. The mass of nitrate, the constituent most closely related to gulf hypoxia, was 0.01% or less of the Missouri and Mississippi River nitrate loads. Sediment volumes from the chutes accounted for 3.1 and 1.5% of total suspended loads from the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Overall, the introduced sediment from side‐channel chute construction associated with SWH restoration accounts for a small portion of total nutrient and sediment transport in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. River Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Politically connected boards and top executive pay in Chinese listed firms
Authors: Chizema Amon , Liu Xiaohui , Lu Jiangyong , Gao Lan
Published: March 2014

Drawing on social comparison theory, this study examines the relationship between politically connected boards and top executive pay. Moreover, given the socialist orientation of China, tests are also carried out to establish the relationship between politically connected directors and pay dispersion across the firm. We find a negative association between politically connected boards and top executive pay. We also find that politically connected boards are negatively associated with pay dispersion, i.e., the higher the number of political directors on the board the smaller the gap between top executive pay and average employee pay. Finally, our study shows that politically connected directors weaken the pay‐performance link. These findings have important theoretical, policy, and managerial implications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redesigning routines for replication
Authors: Gupta Anuja , Hoopes David G. , Knott Anne Marie
Published: March 2014

One factor affecting the replicability of routines is the template of what gets replicated. There isn't much work on where this comes from. One view is that the routine is discovered over time. Another view is that in some cases firms prefer to copy the last incarnation exactly. A third view is that in completely new contexts, neither evolution nor copy‐exactly is completely appropriate. In those instances firms need to redesign the routine prior to introducing it to the new context. We conduct an exploratory study of a redesign process that ends in failure. Analysis of the failure provides preliminary hypotheses about how to create theory for redesigning routines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behaviors of Normal Grain Growth in Polycrystalline Fe–3%Si Alloys
Authors: Mao Weimin , Zhang Maohua , Yang Ping
Published: March 2014

The grain growth processes of model alloys Fe–3%Si–MnS and Fe–3%Si were investigated. The MnS particles did not completely inhibit normal grain growth but drastically reduced growth velocity. Activation enthalpy (57.72 kJ mol−1) and pre‐exponential factor (7.82 × 10−9 m2 s−1) for boundary migration obtained by statistical regressive calculations were significantly lower than those obtained by bicrystal investigations. The observations indicated that atoms should be pre‐activated before they jump over moving boundaries. Activation enthalpy and pre‐exponential factor decreased with increased pre‐activation energy. The predominant migrations of strongly curved boundaries and triple junctions during grain growth in polycrystals increased the pre‐activation energy, which differed from the simplified behaviors of boundary migration in bicrystals.
Identification and characterization of a drug‐sensitive strain enables puromycin‐based translational assays in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cary Gregory A. , Yoon Sung Hwan , Garmendia Torres Cecilia , Wang Kathie , Hays Michelle , Ludlow Catherine , Goodlett David R. , Dudley Aimée M.
Published: March 2014

Puromycin is an aminonucleoside antibiotic with structural similarity to aminoacyl tRNA. This structure allows the drug to bind the ribosomal A site and incorporate into nascent polypeptides, causing chain termination, ribosomal subunit dissociation and widespread translational arrest at high concentrations. In contrast, at sufficiently low concentrations, puromycin incorporates primarily at the C‐terminus of proteins. While a number of techniques utilize puromycin incorporation as a tool for probing translational activity in vivo, these methods cannot be applied in yeasts that are insensitive to puromycin. Here, we describe a mutant strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is sensitive to puromycin and characterize the cellular response to the drug. Puromycin inhibits the growth of yeast cells mutant for erg6∆, pdr1∆ and pdr3∆ (EPP) on both solid and liquid media. Puromycin also induces the aggregation of the cytoplasmic processing body component Edc3 in the mutant strain. We establish that puromycin is rapidly incorporated into yeast proteins and test the effects of puromycin on translation in vivo. This study establishes the EPP strain as a valuable tool for implementing puromycin‐based assays in yeast, which will enable new avenues of inquiry into protein production and maturation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic and SERS Activities of Tryptophan‐EDTA Capped Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Verma Sandeep
Published: March 2014

This report describes the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by in situ reduction of silver nitrate with designed ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐tryptophan bioconjugates. Conjugation of EDTA was chosen to augment water solubility of resulting conjugate, which in turn facilitates synthesis of AgNPs in aqueous medium. Various spectroscopic and microscopy techniques were employed to characterize the EDTA‐tryptophan capped AgNPs. The nanoparticles show excellent catalytic activity towards reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol with a rate constant of 16.43 × 10–2 min–1. In addition, as‐synthesized AgNPs show high SERS activity, which was used for low concentration detection of biomolecules.
The Value of Negotiating Cost-Based Transfer Prices
Authors: Chwolka Anne , Martini Jan Thomas , Simons Dirk
Published: March 2014

This paper analyzes the potential of one-step transfer prices based on either variable or full costs for coordinating decentralized production and quality-improving investment decisions. Transfer prices based on variable costs fail to induce investments on the upstream stage. In contrast, transfer prices based on full costs provide strong investment incentives for the upstream divisions. However, they fail to coordinate the investment decisions. We show that negotiations prevent such coordination failure. In particular, we find that the firm benefits from a higher degree of decentralization so that total profit increases in the number of parameters being subject to negotiations.
Economic Loan Loss Provision and Expected Loss
Authors: Hlawatsch Stefan , Ostrowski Sebastian
Published: March 2014

The intention of a loan loss provision is the anticipation of the loan’s expected losses by adjusting the book value of the loan. Furthermore, this loan loss provision has to be compared to the expected loss according to Basel II and, in the case of a difference, liable equity has to be adjusted. This however assumes that the loan loss provision and the expected loss are based on a similar economic rationale, which is only valid conditionally in current loan loss provisioning methods according to IFRS. Therefore, differences between loan loss provisions and expected losses should only result from different approaches regarding the parameter estimation within each model and not due to different assumptions regarding the outcome of the model. The provisioning and accounting model developed in this paper overcomes the before-mentioned shortcomings and is consistent with an economic rationale of expected losses. Additionally, this model is based on a close-to-market valuation of the loan that is in favor of the basic idea of IFRS. Suggestions for changes in current accounting and capital requirement rules are provided.
GRASP with Hybrid Path Relinking for Bi-Objective Winner Determination in Combinatorial Transportation Auctions
Authors: Buer Tobias , Pankratz Giselher
Published: March 2014

The procurement of transportation services via large-scale combinatorial auctions involves a couple of complex decisions whose outcome highly influences the performance of the tender process. This paper examines the shipper’s task of selecting a subset of the submitted bids which efficiently trades off total procurement cost against expected carrier performance. To solve this bi-objective winner determination problem, we propose a Pareto-based greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP). As a post-optimizer we use a path relinking procedure which is hybridized with branch-and-bound. Several variants of this algorithm are evaluated by means of artificial test instances which comply with important real-world characteristics. The two best variants prove superior to a previously published Pareto-based evolutionary algorithm.
Incorporating Latent Variables into Discrete Choice Models — A Simultaneous Estimation Approach Using SEM Software
Authors: Temme Dirk , Paulssen Marcel , Dannewald Till
Published: March 2014

Integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) models represent a promising new class of models which merge classic choice models with the structural equation approach (SEM) for latent variables. Despite their conceptual appeal, applications of ICLV models in marketing remain rare. We extend previous ICLV applications by first estimating a multinomial choice model and, second, by estimating hierarchical relations between latent variables. An empirical study on travel mode choice clearly demonstrates the value of ICLV models to enhance the understanding of choice processes. In addition to the usually studied directly observable variables such as travel time, we show how abstract motivations such as power and hedonism as well as attitudes such as a desire for flexibility impact on travel mode choice. Furthermore, we show that it is possible to estimate such a complex ICLV model with the widely available structural equation modeling package Mplus. This finding is likely to encourage more widespread application of this appealing model class in the marketing field.
The validity of circulating microRNAs in oncology: Five years of challenges and contradictions
Authors: Jarry J. , Schadendorf D. , Greenwood C. , Spatz A. , van Kempen L.C.
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in circulation have received an increasing amount of interest as potential minimal invasive diagnostic tools in oncology. Several diagnostic, prognostic and predictive signatures have been proposed for a variety of cancers at different stages of disease, but these have not been subjected to a critical review regarding their validity: reproducible identification in comparable studies and/or with different platforms of miRNA detection. In this review, we will critically address the results of circulating miRNA research in oncology that have been published between January 2008 and June 2013 (5.5 years), and discuss pre‐analytical challenges, technological pitfalls and limitations that may contribute to the non‐reproducibility of circulating miRNA research.
THE COHERENCE OF THE DOCTRINE OF LEGITIMATE EXPECTATIONS
Authors: Ahmed Farrah , Perry Adam
Published: March 2014

The doctrine of legitimate expectations is a developing area of administrative law, and many issues remain outstanding. Promises, practices, and policies generate legitimate expectations, but what is special about them? Why do they and only they generate legitimate expectations? The lack of an obvious answer has led some commentators to claim that the doctrine is ultimately incoherent and should be disaggregated. In this paper, we challenge this claim by arguing, first, that promises, practices, and policies each comprise or make applicable a certain type of rule, and second, that having a legitimate expectation is a matter of such a rule binding a public body to act in some way. This rule-based account gives the doctrine of legitimate expectations both coherence and distinctiveness.
EXPRESS TERMINATION CLAUSES IN CONTRACTS
Authors: Randall John
Published: March 2014

Having set express termination clauses (ETCs) in their legal context, this article's first aim is briefly to explain three significant points concerning their operation which have now been clarified. Other important questions remain unresolved, and the second aim is to explore four of them: the judicial “reading down” of ETCs; whether termination need be immediate; the recoverability of expectation damages; and the avoidance of an unintended repudiation. Respects in which the English law of contract on each of them would benefit from development or change are identified, and it is argued that the Canadian approach to the award of expectation damages following termination pursuant to an ETC is preferable to the established Anglo-Australian position.
Advancing the analysis of impurities in hydrogen by use of a novel tracer enrichment method
Authors: Murugan Arul , Brown Andrew S.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents and validates a novel hydrogen impurity enrichment method that can be used for concentrating the impurities in hydrogen to facilitate more routine and cost-effective purity analysis of fuel cell hydrogen.
From structure to function: the convergence of structure based models and co-evolutionary information
Authors: Jana Biman , Morcos Faruck , Onuchic José N.
Published: March 2014

A combination of physical models and co-evolutionary information helps to improve our understanding of biomolecular structure and function.
Integration of accessible secondary metal sites into MOFs for H2S removal
Authors: Nickerl Georg , Leistner Matthias , Helten Stella , Bon Volodymyr , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan
Published: March 2014

2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylic acid (H2bipy) was utilized for the synthesis of a zirconium based MOF isoreticular to UiO-67. The chelating bipyridine moiety was used for postsynthetic functionalization of the MOF with different metal salts giving materials with good performance in capture of toxic H2S.
Synthesis of dihydrofuro- and C-alkenylated naphthoquinones catalyzed by manganese(III) acetate
Authors: Alagöz Oğuzhan , Yılmaz Mehmet , Pekel A. Tarık , Graiff Claudia , Maggi Raimondo
Published: March 2014

The easily synthesis of dihydrofuronaphthoquinones and C-alkenylated naphthoquinones has been investigated through the radical oxidative cyclization of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones and thiophene or furan substituted alkenes catalyzed by manganese(III) acetate.
The development of ultrasound-assisted extraction/dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with DSI-GC-IT/MS for analysis of essential oil from fresh flowers of Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl.
Authors: Wen Ya , Nie Jing , Li Zu-Guang , Xu Xin-Yi , Wei Dan , Lee Maw-Rong
Published: March 2014

A simple and novel method was successfully developed for determination of essential oil from fresh flowers of Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl. by using UAE-DLLME coupled with DSI-GC-IT/MS.
Catalytic activity of Pd-doped Cu nanoparticles for hydrogenation as a single-atom-alloy catalyst
Authors: Cao Xinrui , Fu Qiang , Luo Yi
Published: March 2014

The concept of single atom alloy that comes from extended surfaces can be effectively applied to nanoscales.
The synthesis and characterization of nonperipherally tetra terminal alkynyl substituted phthalocyanines and glycoconjugation via the click reaction
Authors: Kanat Zeliha , Dinçer Hatice
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of nonperipherally tetra terminal alkynyl substituted phthalocyanines and the glycoconjugation of a ZnPc derivativeviathe click reaction and further deacylation were carried out.
Porous SnO2 nanocubes with controllable pore volume and their Li storage performance
Authors: Wei Wei , Gao Sen , Yang Zhao , Wu Yongmin , Chen Chang , Guo Lin , Li Jinghong
Published: March 2014

SnO2 nanocubes with controllable pore volume show the best Li storage performance.
Facile synthesis of 2-amino-3-bromoquinolines by palladium-catalyzed isocyanide insertion and cyclization of gem-dibromovinylanilines
Authors: Jiang Baishan , Hu Langxi , Gui Weijun
Published: March 2014

A novel and efficient synthesis of 2-amino-3-bromoquinolines through palladium-catalyzed isocyanide insertion followed by intramolecular cyclization of gem-dibromovinylanilines was developed.
Nano-QSAR modeling for predicting biological activity of diverse nanomaterials
Authors: Singh Kunwar P. , Gupta Shikha
Published: March 2014

Case study-1 (diverse metal core NPs); case study-2 (similar metal core NPs); case study-3 (metal oxide NPs); case study-4 (surface modified multi-walled CNTs); case study-5 (fullerene derivatives).
A fast and efficient pre-doping approach to high energy density lithium-ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Kim Minho , Xu Fan , Lee Jin Hong , Jung Cheolsoo , Hong Soon Man , Zhang Q. M. , Koo Chong Min
Published: March 2014

We demonstrate that the internal short (IS) approach is a fast and efficient process for lithium pre-doping in lithium-ion capacitors.
Compact dual‐notched balanced UWB BPF with folded triple‐mode slotline resonator
Authors: Deng Hong‐wei , Zhao Yongjiu , He Ying , Jia Sheng‐li , Wang Min
Published: March 2014

A compact dual‐notched balanced ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) is designed by using the folded triple‐mode slotline resonators and differential microstrip–slotline transitions. Two differential‐mode transmission zeros near the passband edges are created to improve the selectivity, due to a cross‐coupling between two microstrip open stubs beyond the cross‐junction position as well as between the input and output. Good matching in the whole passband can be achieved by properly choosing the width of the microstrip open stubs. The inverse QWRs coupling stepped‐impedance microstrip stub loaded in the 50 Ω microstrip feedlines can generate multiple transmission zeros to suppress the common‐mode resonance and realise dual‐notched bands in the UWB passband. Good agreement can be obtained between the measured results and simulated ones.
Development of gesture‐based human–computer interaction applications by fusion of depth and colour video streams
Authors: Dondi Piercarlo , Lombardi Luca , Porta Marco
Published: March 2014

Hand detection and gesture recognition are two of the most studied topics in human–computer interaction (HCI). The increasing availability of sensors able to provide real‐time depth measurements, such as time‐of‐flight cameras or the more recent Kinect, has helped researchers to find more and more efficient solutions for these issues. With the main aim to implement effective gesture‐based interaction systems, this study presents an approach to hand detection and tracking that exploits two different video streams: the depth one and the colour one. Both hand and gesture recognition are based only on geometrical and colour constraints, and no learning phase is needed. The use of a Kalman filter to track hands guarantees system robustness also in presence of many persons in the scene. The entire procedure is designed to maintain a low computational cost and is optimised to efficiently execute HCI tasks. As use cases two common applications are described: a virtual keyboard and a three‐dimensional object manipulation virtual environment. These applications have been tested with a representative sample of non‐trained users to assess the usability and flexibility of the system.