bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of CD109 expression in myxofibrosarcoma
Authors: Emori Makoto , Tsukahara Tomohide , Murata Kenji , Sugita Shintaro , Sonoda Tomoko , Kaya Mitsunori , Soma Tamotsu , Sasaki Mikito , Nagoya Satoshi , Hasegawa Tadashi , Wada Takuro , Sato Noriyuki , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: May 2015

Background

CD109, a TGF‐β co‐receptor, is reported to be preferentially expressed during the early stages of tumorigenesis in several carcinoma types. Myxofibrosarcoma is one of the most common soft‐tissue sarcomas found in elderly patients. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of CD109 expression in myxofibrosarcoma on prognosis and recurrence.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining for CD109 was performed on archival specimens from 37 patients. The Fisher exact test was used to evaluate association between CD109 expression and other clinicopathological features. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier curves, and the prognostic significance was evaluated using the log‐rank test. Multivariate analysis of factors was performed using Cox regression analysis.

Results

CD109 overexpression was significantly associated with surgical stage and distant metastasis (P = 0.00499, and 0.011, respectively). The frequency of CD109 overexpression was approximately 10% and CD109 overexpression was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (P = 0.004). Five‐year overall survival rates 77% and 0% for CD109‐negative and CD109‐positive patients, respectively. In multivariate analysis, CD109 overexpression was the only independent risk factor for poor outcome (P = 0.02; hazard ratio, 10.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.47–76.91).

Conclusions

Immunohistochemical CD109 expression in myxofibrosarcoma was associated with poor prognosis.J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:975–979. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Near‐inertial waves in Lake Erie
Authors: Valipour Reza , Bouffard Damien , Boegman Leon , Rao Yerubandi R.
Published: May 2015

Near‐inertial (Poincaré) waves with a period Tp ∼ 17 h are the dominant wind‐induced internal wave motions in central Lake Erie and consequently have a substantial influence on lake circulation, mixing and biogeochemistry. However, due to the complex three‐basin bathymetry in Lake Erie, the vertical and horizontal modal structure of these waves remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyze field data to show wind events energize frequent vertical mode‐one Poincaré waves. The horizontal modal structure was also investigated, in a sensitivity analysis, using a calibrated three‐dimensional hydrodynamic transport model forced with observed and idealized spatially uniform wind events. Strong horizontal mode‐one Poincaré wave cells form in both the Central and Eastern Basins when wind events have a duration of 0.25 Tp to 0.5 Tp, are impulsive and periodic at Tp, or have anticyclonic rotation with a duration of Tp. Momentum transfer from longer wind events (> 0.5 Tp) will oppose the Coriolis‐force rotated currents and damp Poincaré wave generation. In agreement with theory, the most efficient wind events are observed and computationally modeled to have a duration of 0.25 Tp; causing an excitation peak at ∼ 0.4 Tp and converting ∼ 0.8% of the wind energy input to Poincaré waves. The efficiency of wind work in generating Poincaré wave kinetic energy is given by (1‐cos (2πf t)) t−1, where f is the inertial frequency and t is the wind duration. Therefore, the efficiency peaks during each nTp period, where n is a non‐negative integer, and decreases significantly for longer wind events.
A single eye 3D image perception device using vertical double ring resonator construction
Authors: Saktioto T. , Irawan D. , Yupapin Preecha P. , Phatharacorn Prateep
Published: May 2015

A single eye three‐dimensional (3D) imaging perception using a single 3D imaging pixel is designed and manipulated, which is the interesting device configuration that can be used for various applications. The device configuration is consisted of double conjugate mirrors that can be vertically fabricated, which can be used to form the 3D image using a single pixel configuration, from which the large area device construction is also possible. By adjusting the microconjugate mirror parameters, then the matching between both microconjugate mirrors can lead to obtain the required 3D images. Results obtained have shown that the 3D image outputs can be achieved and used for 3D pixel imaging. The 3D image output can be confirmed by the four‐wave mixing output balancing profile, which is achieved. In applications, the large area 3D images can be constructed using the large area 3D imaging device, from which the large area can be coverage by the microconjugate mirror array, which can be useful for various applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1802–1805, 2015
A miniature hext‐band bandpass microstrip filter using stepped‐impedance spiral resonators
Authors: Ali Zeshan , Hejazi Zuhair M.
Published: May 2015

This article presents a new hext‐band bandpass filter by utilizing the stepped impedance resonator (SIR) spirals along with a miniaturization technique. The design considerations for the proposed counterclockwise convoluted SIR spirals has been discussed thoroughly. The performance of the proposed circuit is verified by simulations and measurements, and a good agreement is observed. The in‐band insertion loss is found to be excellent as compared to related works. The size reduction in the proposed hext‐band design is 30.4%, as compared with previous triple‐ and quad‐band counterparts. Comparatively, its size is also still less than other published triple‐, quint‐, and hext‐band filter designs. Such kind of filters could fairly accommodate hept‐ or oct‐sub‐bands if the discussed design constraints are taken into account. This filter type has the advantage of easily being converted to reconfigurable operation using MEMS or pin diodes at specific locations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1842–1847, 2015
A novel RFID‐HIS‐PRS reader antenna for the millimeter wave band 30 GHz
Authors: Necibi O. , Hamzaoui D. , Vuong T. P. , Gharsallah A.
Published: May 2015

The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) at millimeter waves has led new applications such as high data rate short range communication, location sensing through narrow‐beam antennas, and so forth. In this article, we present the design of an antenna operating in Ka band for RFID applications based on metamaterials. The frequency band of around 30 GHz, allowing a spectral width of 5 GHz, is a possible solution for the integration of radio frequency devices specially a notched patch antenna at 30 GHz with coplanar feed was designed and characterized. The measurements made with the HP 8510p XF network analyzer are consistent with the simulations using the electromagnetic simulation software CST‐MW Studio. On this antenna, we used primarily a high impedance surface (HIS) to prohibit the propagation of waves. A partially reflective surface layer is added to this HIS‐antenna to increase its directivity and widen the bandwidth. The latter has −25 dB of insertion loss with an impedance bandwidth of 1 GHz and a gain of 14.3 dB at 30 GHz. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1835–1842, 2015
Calibration independent estimation of optical constants using terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy
Authors: Singh Surya Prakash , Akhter Zubair , Akhtar M. J.
Published: May 2015

A novel calibration independent technique that simultaneously determines the optical constants and material thickness with high accuracy, using the transmission and the reflection measurements, is proposed. A generalized closed form expression is derived to calculate the optical constants in terms of the measured transmitted and the reflected signals. The proposed measurement technique is noniterative, self‐calibrated, and independent of prior knowledge of the sample thickness. To validate the proposed technique, two different samples, viz., Gallium arsenide and Silicon, are considered during the numerical simulation. The result shows that the proposed technique provides highly accurate material parameters over a broad frequency domain and also recovers the information of the material thickness. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1861–1864, 2015
Performance of passively Q‐switched ring erbium‐doped fiber laser using a multiwalled carbon nanotubes polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer composite‐based saturable absorber
Authors: Haris H. , Anyi C. L. , Muhammad A.R. , Ahmad F. , Nor R. M. , Zulkepely N. R. , Ali N. M. , Harun S. W. , Arof H.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this article is to report the fabrication and characterization of dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) polymer composites and use them as passive SAs in Q‐switched Erbium‐doped fiber (EDF) for ultrafast laser generation at 1.5‐µm region. CNT polymer composites were fabricated into thin films by homogenizing different concentrations (1.8, 4.8, and 10.1 wt. %) of MWCNTs with host polymers polyethylene oxide. The fabricated thin film was then deposited between two fiber connectors as passive SA and incorporated into fiber laser's ring oscillator. The EDFL exhibited a central wavelength of 1560.5 nm when pump power is fixed at 42 mW. The Q‐switching operation starts at the lowest threshold of 39.3 mW for all the three different SA concentrations. For 1.8 wt. % MWCNTs concentration, the pulse repetition rate of the Q‐switched EDFL is started from 35.6 kHz, while for 4.8 wt. % and 10.1 wt. %, the pulse repetition rate started at 78.5 and 66.1 kHz, respectively. At the MWCNTs concentration of 1.8 wt. %, the pulse energy of the Q‐switched EDFL increases from 7.9 to 24.7 nJ as the pump power increases from 39.3 to 58.8 mW. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1897–1901, 2015
CRPA array with radiating slots for GPS applications
Authors: Lee Dae‐Heon , Kim Woong‐Hee , Shin Dong‐Hoon , Wang Jin‐Chun , Choo Hosung
Published: May 2015

This letter proposes the design of a slot‐loaded controlled reception pattern antenna) array with ground slot radiators to enhance the radiation gain at low‐elevation angles. The array consists of three microstrip patch antennas that are mounted on a circular ground platform, and rectangular slots are inserted at the outer perimeter of the platform. The effectiveness of the inserted slots is verified by comparing the impedance matching and radiating properties of the array with simulation results. The comparison demonstrates that the low‐elevation gain of the proposed design can be improved by the slots, which results in a broad beamwidth covering most of the upper hemisphere. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1991–1995, 2015
Free space optical communication using subcarrier intensity modulation through generalized turbulence channel with pointing error
Authors: Jagadeesh VK , Palliyembil Vineeth , Muthuchidambaranathan P. , Bui Francis M.
Published: May 2015

Free Space Optical (FSO) Communication Systems are wireless systems capable of providing high speed, secure and cost effective communication between two entities. The channel for FSO is expressed in terms of the Malaga‐distribution model. It is a generalized channel model encompassing all the channel conditions and previous models. In this work, the performance of a Subcarrier Intensity Modulation FSO system is analyzed by considering the ill effects channel turbulence and pointing error and derived a closed form analytical expression for bit error rate and channel capacity. The results demonstrate the performance deterioration the system suffers because of the channel and alsohow the m‐distribution model can be used to obtain the performance over other FSO channels. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1958–1961, 2015
Conformational analysis: 3JHCOC and 3JHCCC Karplus relationships for methylene 1H nuclei
Authors: Grimmer Craig D. , Slabber Cathryn A.
Published: May 2015

NAMFIS (NMR Analysis of Molecular Flexibility In Solution) was applied to 1‐[2‐(benzyloxy)phenyl]ethanone using quantitative 1H‐1H NOE distances and 3J proton‐carbon coupling constant (CC) restraints for averaged methylene proton 3JHCOC and 3JHCCC pathways H2‐3J‐X imposed by density functional theory‐generated Karplus relationships. Comparison of the NOE‐only versus the NOE + CC conformational selections illustrates that the experimentally measured average 3J coupling constants of methylene protons can be used for solution conformational analysis, potentially valuable in the study of small‐molecule drugs and natural products which lack the typically studied H1‐3J‐X Karplus relationships. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy‐conserving finite‐difference schemes for quasi‐hydrostatic equations
Authors: Tort Marine , Dubos Thomas , Melvin Thomas
Published: May 2015

The pressure‐based hydrostatic primitive equations model LMD‐Z is extended to solve the quasi‐hydrostatic deep‐atmosphere as well as the non‐traditional shallow‐atmosphere equations (with a complete Coriolis force representation).

The continuous equations are first derived in their curl form using Eulerian horizontal and non‐Eulerian vertical coordinates. The equations are then interpreted as a Hamiltonian system, as they are expressed in terms of functional derivatives of the Hamiltonian. Using a finite‐difference scheme on a longitude/latitude grid and based either on a Lagrangian or mass‐based vertical coordinate, the discrete scheme is obtained by imitating the Hamiltonian formulation at the discrete level. It is shown how this form leads straightforwardly to the conservation of discrete total energy. The relation between the discrete equations and the discrete antisymmetry property of the Poisson bracket is discussed.

The computing infrastructure of the dynamical core is kept essentially unchanged but the modification of the hydrostatic balance requires a mass‐based vertical coordinate. Also, absolute angular momentum is used as a prognostic variable instead of relative velocity, which allows time‐dependent metric terms and the non‐traditional Coriolis force to be absorbed into it.

The prototype implementation is applied to idealized circulations of an Earth‐like small planet and validates the stability and accuracy of the new dynamical core.
Conflict & Community: Twin Tensions in Becoming a Multiethnic Congregation
Authors: Herzog Patricia Snell , Vaidyanathan Brandon
Published: May 2015

This in-depth case study investigates the religious, ethnic, and social conflicts that exist between two groups co-located in the same congregation. A diocesan cost-based merger brought together two religio-ethnic communities that were formerly housed in separate parishes. One group already had their congregation in the existing building and is mostly composed of aging Polish immigrants. The second group had been in a building across town that was closed and moved, and its congregants are mostly younger, Spanish-speaking, Latino immigrants, predominantly from México. The merger appears to have been unsuccessful, and the two groups remain divided, functioning as two congregations within the same building. Analyses focus on first demonstrating the intense group-to-group conflict and then explaining it through their respective interpretations. The two groups evidence distinct demographic, social class, values, norms, and traditions that inform their group-to-group conflict in shared community. The case illuminates larger issues of religio-ethnic conflict and provides rich data on the perceptions and stereotypes each group has of the other. Findings indicate twin tensions of community, with in-group solidarity experienced more intensely as each group expresses their out-group divisions, conflict, and hostilities. As the Impossible Triangle sculpture visualizes (Bess et al. 2002 ), this case highlights the ways in which community encloses those within its boundaries while leaving those outside its boundaries confused about socially acceptable norms. Theoretically, the case contributes to understandings of community and conflict generally, as well as the ways cultural and religious historical memories influence present-day interpretations.
Using OR Patient Classification for Staffing Assignments
Authors: Bell Lynn
Published: May 2015

Traditionally, one nurse is assigned per OR. Recent health care reforms and the AORN “Position statement on perioperative safe staffing and on‐call practices” require managers to rethink this practice. Staffing levels that are insufficient have been linked to sentinel events. A patient classification system that includes patient acuity and procedure complexity can be used to determine which surgical procedures require more than one RN circulator and offer a scientific basis for increasing staff budgetary requests. The goal is to experience fewer sentinel events while providing better patient care and achieving higher nurse retention.
Homocysteine levels in schizophrenia patients newly admitted to an acute psychiatric ward
Authors: Di Lorenzo Rosaria , Amoretti Alessandra , Baldini Samantha , Soli Marcello , Landi Giulia , Pollutri Gabriella , Corradini Rossella , Ferri Paola
Published: May 2015

Objective

After the discovery of ‘homocystinuria syndrome’, many studies have suggested that high blood levels of homocysteine may be associated with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between hyperhomocysteinaemia and schizophrenia.

Methods

In a population of inpatients suffering from exacerbated schizophrenic disorders (N=100), we evaluated homocysteine levels the day after their admission to an acute psychiatric ward and compared it with that of a non-patient control group (N=110), matched for age and gender. We statistically analysed the correlation between homocysteine levels and selected variables: gender, age, years of illness and number of previous psychiatric admissions as well as Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Positive Negative Syndrome Scale and Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) Scores.

Results

We observed elevated homocysteine levels (an increase of 7.84 µM on average per patient) in 32% of the patients, but we did not find any statistically significant difference between the homocysteine levels of our patients and controls. Hyperhomocysteinaemia presented a positive statistically significant correlation with years of illness (p<0.005) and a negative statistically significant correlation with GAF score (p<0.001), but not with other clinical variables.

Conclusions

Hyperhomocysteinaemia, which occurred in our schizophrenia patients with poor social and relational functioning after many years of illness, could represent an effect of altered lifestyle due to psychosis, but not a specific marker for schizophrenia.
Psychotherapie und klinisch- psychologische Maßnahmen im Alter
Authors: Gatterer Gerald
Published: May 2015

Psychotherapeutische und klinisch-psychologische Maßnahmen werden immer mehr in die Behandlung älterer Menschen miteinbezogen. Es gibt derzeit auch bereits einige speziell für diese Gruppe ausgebildete Therapeuten. Trotzdem ist das Thema im Vergleich zur Therapie bei jüngeren Menschen in der Literatur unterrepräsentiert. Dies ist wahrscheinlich durch die doch noch sehr «medizinorientierte» Sicht von Krankheiten im Alter bedingt. Die vorliegende Arbeit soll diese Thematik deshalb enttabuisieren und die Anwendung einiger therapeutischer Methoden bei älteren Menschen erläutern. Schwerpunkte sind verhaltenstherapeutische Interventionen, psychoanalytische Therapie, Gesprächstherapie, Validation und klinisch-psychologische Maßnahmen. Es wurden dabei jene Orientierungen ausgewählt, die vermehrt zu dieser Thematik publizieren. Natürlich sind jedoch auch alle anderen psychotherapeutischen Methoden bei entsprechender Modifikation auf diese Klientel anwendbar.
Informationen und Diskussionsforen im World Wide Web am Beispiel Essstörungen
Authors: Laszig Parfen , Rieg Kathy
Published: May 2015

Das World Wide Web (WWW) gilt gegenwärtig als benutzerfreundlichste und meist genutzte Anwendung des Internets. Mit der  auch gerade in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz  zunehmenden Zahl der Nutzer/innen entwickelt es sich zu einem wichtigen Informations- und Kommunikationsforum sowohl in wissenschaftlichen als auch in privaten Bereichen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird eine systematische Darstellung der Nutzungsmöglichkeiten von WWW und anderen Internetdiensten anhand einer Auswahl spezifischer Ressourcen zum Thema »Essstörungen« gegeben. Die Auswahl konzentriert sich dabei auf deutsch- und teilweise englischsprachige klinische Informationen, Einrichtungen, Forschungsprojekte, Beratungs- und Therapieangebote, Selbsthilfegruppen, Mailinglisten, Literaturempfehlungen, Erfahrungsberichte etc.
Umsetzung, Akzeptanz und Auswirkungen der Tabaksteuererhöhung in Deutschland vom 1.Januar 2002
Authors: Hanewinkel Reiner , Isensee Barbara
Published: May 2015

Fragestellung: Effekte der Tabaksteuererhöhung
vom 1.1.2002.
Methodik:
Befragung repräsentativer Stichproben
vor und nach der Erhöhung;
Analyse von Daten zur Menge versteuerter
Zigaretten.
Ergebnisse: Die
Tabaksteuererhöhung wurde nicht
komplett an die Verbraucher weitergegeben.
65 Raucher (4,7 %) haben
wegen der Erhöhung das Rauchen
aufgegeben, 11,5 % haben den Konsum
reduziert. Die Anzahl konsumierter
Zigaretten reduzierte sich um
1,33 % (Preiselastizität: -0,46 für Zigaretten
aus Automaten). Auf Basis der
Daten zur Menge versteuerter Zigaretten
ergibt sich eine Preiselastizität von
-0,28.

Schlussfolgerungen: Bei Rauchern
ist eine kognitive Auseinandersetzung
mit dem Rauchverhalten und
eine behaviorale Modifikation des
Rauchens festzustellen.
Sozialschicht und Konsum von Alkohol und Tabak im Bundesgesundheitssurvey 1998
Authors: Henkel Dieter , Zemlin Uwe , Dornbusch Peer
Published: May 2015

Fragestellung: Bestehen im Alkohol- und
Tabakkonsum schichtspezifische
Prävalenzdifferenzen?

Methode: Die
Survey-Stichprobe wurde nach dem
modifizierten Winkler-Index in drei
Schichten unterteilt.

Ergebnisse: In
Relation zur Oberschicht rauchen
Frauen und Männer der Unterschicht
häufiger, häufiger mehr als 10 Zigaretten
täglich, beginnen mit dem Rauchen
früher und geben das Rauchen seltener
auf (Frauen). Bei der Alkoholabstinenz
besteht bei beiden Geschlechtern ein
Anstieg von der Ober- hin zur Unterschicht.
Der regelmäßige und riskante
Alkoholkonsum nimmt bei den Frauen
von der Unter- zur Oberschicht zu. Bei
den Männern ergaben sich hier u-förmige
Verteilungen.

Diskussion: Sie
umfaßt Vergleiche mit anderen Studien,
mögliche Faktoren zur Erklärung
der Schichtdifferenzen und präventive
Schlussfolgerungen.
Effect of low thermal budget annealing on surface passivation of silicon by ALD based aluminum oxide films
Authors: Vandana Vandana , Batra Neha , Gope Jhuma , Singh Rajbir , Panigrahi Jagannath , Tyagi Sanjay , Pathi P. , Srivastava S. K. , Rauthan C. M. S. , Singh P. K.
Published: May 2015

Silicon surface passivation is studied using Al2O3 films by the thermal ALD process. A surface recombination velocity of below 10 cm s−1 is realized for short annealing times (∼100 s). As-deposited and annealed films show the presence of positive fixed charges.
Etching-based transformation of dumbbell-shaped gold nanorods facilitated by hexavalent chromium and their possible application as a plasmonic sensor
Authors: Alex Sruthi Ann , Satija Jitendra , Khan Mohd Azeem , Bhalerao Gopalkrishna M. , Chakravarty Sujay , Kasilingam Boobalan , Sivakumar A. , Chandrasekaran N. , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: May 2015

Investigation of the transformation of morphology, optical properties, and zeta potential of dumbbell-shaped gold nanorods upon Cr(vi) interaction was performed.
Titanium migration driven by Li vacancies in Li1−xTi2O4 spinel
Authors: Kitada A. , Arevalo-Lopez A. M. , Attfield J. P.
Published: May 2015

Gentle oxidation of lithium titanate by water gives Li0.33Ti2O4 with many Ti cations displaced to alternative octahedral sites (marked ‘X’).
Cyclodextrin-based switchable DNA condenser
Authors: Hu Ping , Chen Yong , Liu Yu
Published: May 2015

Switchable DNA condensers based on β-CD bearing imidazolium and hydrolysable linkages were synthesized, showing base or enzyme-responsive switchable condensation ability.
In situ site-selective transition metal K-edge XAS: a powerful probe of the transformation of mixed-valence compounds
Authors: Bordage Amélie , Trannoy Virgile , Proux Olivier , Vitoux Hugo , Moulin Robinson , Bleuzen Anne
Published: May 2015

The Co2+ and Co3+ sites of the CoCo-PBA during its calcination into Co3O4 are now singly characterized by in situ site-selective XAS.
12-Metal 36-membered ring based WV–CoIIlayers showing spin-glass behavior
Authors: Zhao Liang , Duan Ran , Zhuang Peng-Fei , Zheng Hui , Jiao Cheng-Qi , Wang Jun-Li , He Cheng , Liu Tao
Published: May 2015

Two cyano-bridged bimetallic WV–CoIIlayers were synthesized, which contain 12 metal 36 membered rings and present spin-glass behavior.
The impact of carbon nanomaterials on the development of phenanthrene catabolism in soil
Authors: Oyelami Ayodeji O. , Semple Kirk T.
Published: May 2015

The presence of high concentrations of MWCNTs and fullerene soot affected the development of catabolism.
NiMoO4-modified MnO2 hybrid nanostructures on nickel foam: electrochemical performance and supercapacitor applications
Authors: Ma Xue-Jing , Zhang Wei-Bin , Kong Ling-Bin , Luo Yong-Chun , Kang Long
Published: May 2015

A novel electrode of NiMoO4-modified MnO2 not only keeps MnO2 from dissolving in an alkaline electrolyte, but also improves the capacitance.
Resistive switching in metallic Ag2S memristors due to a local overheating induced phase transition
Authors: Gubicza Agnes , Csontos Miklós , Halbritter András , Mihály György
Published: May 2015

Resistive switching in Ag2S nanojunctions is quantitatively understood by considering the local overheating of the junction volume at finite bias.
Synthesis and evaluation of a novel Rhodamine B pyrene [2]rotaxane as an intracellular delivery agent for doxorubicin
Authors: Shi Jiaxin , Xu Yuan , Wang Xinlong , Zhang Luyong , Zhu Jing , Pang Tao , Bao Xiaofeng
Published: May 2015

RhBPy [2]rotaxane has been demonstrated to be an efficient transport agent for delivering the cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) into tumor cells.
Palladium-catalyzed ortho-C–H alkenylation of 2-benzyl-1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: He Ping , Tian Qingshan , Kuang Chunxiang
Published: May 2015

A mild and efficient method for the direct alkenylation of 2-benzyl-1,2,3-triazoles via Pd-catalyzed C–H bond activation was developed.
Linseed oil polyol/ZnO bionanocomposite towards mechanically robust, thermally stable, hydrophobic coatings: a novel synergistic approach utilising a sustainable resource
Authors: Sharmin Eram , Rahman Obaid ur , Zafar Fahmina , Akram Deewan , Alam Manawwer , Ahmad Sharif
Published: May 2015

Linseed polyol/ZnO bionanocomposite produced strong, well-adherent, flexibility-retentive, thermally stable, hydrophobic, “green” corrosion protective coatingsviaanin situsolventless “green” approach.
Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative allylic coupling of acetates of Baylis–Hillman alcohols with propiolic acids: a highly regio- and stereoselective synthesis of 1,5-diarylpent-1-en-4-yne derivatives
Authors: Tummanapalli Satyanarayana , Muthuraman Parthasarathy , Vangapandu Dhanunjaya Naidu , Shanmugavel Gnanakalai , Kambampati Sanjeeva , Lee Kee Wei
Published: May 2015

Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative allylic coupling of acetates of Baylis–Hillman alcohols with alkynyl carboxylic acids leading to the formation of 1,5-diarylpent-1-en-4-ynes in a highly regio- and stereoselective manner has been developed.
Synthesis, photophysical, electrochemical and laser properties of anthracene conjugated glycodendrimers with triazole as a bridging unit
Authors: Kannan Ayyavoo , Rajakumar Perumal
Published: May 2015

Blue light emitting glycodendrimers1,2and3were successfully synthesized by click reaction and the higher generation glycodendrimers showed enhanced optical, photophysical, laser and electrochemical properties.
Correction: Ni–Cu alloy nanoparticles loaded on various metal oxides acting as efficient catalysts for photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Yamada Yusuke , Shikano Shinya , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: May 2015

Correction for ‘Ni–Cu alloy nanoparticles loaded on various metal oxides acting as efficient catalysts for photocatalytic H2 evolution’ by Yusuke Yamada et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 44912–44919.
High-density Cu–In intermetallic nanocrystal layers: towards high-efficiency printable CuInSe2 solar cells
Authors: Lee Byung-Seok , Hwang Yoonjung , Pham Hong Nhung , Kim Jin Young , Song Myoung Hoon , Lee Doh-Kwon
Published: May 2015

The increase in the relative density of Cu–In intermetallic nanocrystal layers via a mild, wet-milling process resulted in low-bandgap CuInSe2 solar cells with the best power conversion efficiency of 9.32%.
Mn3O4 nano-octahedrons on Ni foam as an efficient three-dimensional oxygen evolution electrocatalyst
Authors: Yu Ming Quan , Li Yu Hang , Yang Shuang , Liu Peng Fei , Pan Lin Feng , Zhang Le , Yang Hua Gui
Published: May 2015

A Mn3O4/Ni foam electrode prepared by a facile method exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Preface: Special Topic on Multidimensional Spectroscopy
Authors: Mukamel Shaul , Bakker Huib J.
Published: May 2015

Multidimensional signals are generated by subjecting molecules to sequences of short optical pulses and recording correlation plots related to the various controlled delay periods. These techniques which span all the way from the THz to the x-ray regimes provide qualitatively new structural and dynamical molecular information not available from conventional one-dimensional techniques. This issue surveys the recent experimental and theoretical progresses in this rapidly developing 20 year old field which illustrates the novel insights provided by multidimensional techniques into electronic and nuclear motions. It should serve as a valuable source for experts in the field and help introduce newcomers to this exciting and challenging branch of nonlinear spectroscopy.
Crop sequences in Western Australia: what are they and are they sustainable? Findings of a four-year survey
Authors: Harries Martin , Anderson Geoffrey C. , Hüberli Daniel
Published: May 2015

A survey was conducted of commercial broadacre paddocks in the south-west cropping zone of Western Australia from 2010 to 2013. In total, 687 paddock years of data were sampled from 184 paddocks. The land use of each paddock was recorded together with measurements of weed density, the incidence of soilborne pathogen DNA, and soil inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium). The dynamics of these biophysical variables were related to the crop and pasture sequences employed.
Wheat was the most frequent land use (60% of paddock years), followed by canola and pasture (12% each), and lupins and barley (6% each). Four crop species, wheat, canola, barley and lupins, accounted for 84% of land use. By region, wheat, canola, barley and lupin accounted for 90% of land use in the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR), 83% in the Central Agricultural Region (CAR) and 78% in the Southern Agricultural Region (SAR). Conversely, pasture usage in the SAR was 21%, compared with 12% in the CAR and 7% in the NAR.
Over the surveyed paddocks, weed density, soilborne pathogens and soil N were maintained at levels suitable for wheat production. The inclusion of land uses other than wheat at the frequency reported maintained the condition of these biophysical variables.
13. Background to the Protection of Economic and Intellectual Property Interests
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the protection for economic and intellectual property interests provided by tort law. It explains that there are three types of protection provided. The first concerns the protection granted by the general economic torts, the second comprises the protection afforded by the misrepresentation torts, and the final is loosely concerned with the protection of intellectual property (and analogous) rights. This chapter also suggests that economic torts do not inhibit aggressive competition per se, but instead draw the line at excessive competition.
19. Breach of Statutory Duty
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the provisions of tort law concerning breach of statutory duty. It explains that a breach of a statutory duty will not automatically confer a right of action on anyone adversely affected by it and that a breach of statutory duty will not ground an action for negligence. It analyses and offers comments on the decisions made by the court in several related cases including Ex p Island Records Ltd and Lonrho Ltd v Shell Petroleum Co Ltd.
21. Defences and Remedies in Defamation
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the defences that can be used in defamation cases and the available remedies for defendants. Principal defences include consent and assumption of risk, truth, innocent dissemination, offers of amends, honest opinion, absolute privilege, and qualified privilege. The available remedies for defamation claims are mainly damages and injunctions. This chapter incorporates discussion of the Defamation Act 1996 and the Defamation Act 2013 and analyses relevant court cases.
23. Misuse of Process and Public Powers
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the provisions of tort law concerning misuse of process and public powers. It discusses elements of the three principal causes of action, these being malicious prosecution, abuse of process, and misfeasance in a public office. It highlights the need to balance the protection of individual rights and interests with the conduct of public administration and the administration of justice. This chapter also considers the limits to witness immunity and abuse of the legal process.
Assessing information system readiness for mitigating malpractice risk through simulation: results of a multi-site study
Authors: Wright Adam , Maloney Francine L , Wien Matthew , Samal Lipika , Emani Srinivas , Zuccotti Gianna
Published: May 2015

Objective To develop and test an instrument for assessing a healthcare organization’s ability to mitigate malpractice risk through clinical decision support (CDS).

Materials and Methods Based on a previously collected malpractice data set, we identified common types of CDS and the number and cost of malpractice cases that might have been prevented through this CDS. We then designed clinical vignettes and questions that test an organization’s CDS capabilities through simulation. Seven healthcare organizations completed the simulation.

Results All seven organizations successfully completed the self-assessment. The proportion of potentially preventable indemnity loss for which CDS was available ranged from 16.5% to 73.2%.

Discussion There is a wide range in organizational ability to mitigate malpractice risk through CDS, with many organizations’ electronic health records only being able to prevent a small portion of malpractice events seen in a real-world dataset.

Conclusion The simulation approach to assessing malpractice risk mitigation through CDS was effective. Organizations should consider using malpractice claims experience to facilitate prioritizing CDS development.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Lower Eyelid: Case Presentation and Literature Review
Authors: Lindsay Rebecca A. , Gupta Divakar , Keene Christopher D. , Bhrany Amit D. , Chang Shu-Hong
Published: May 2015

Solitary benign neurogenic tumors are common in the orbit, but only rarely arise from peripheral nerves in the eyelids. In contrast, malignant tumors of neural or nerve sheath elements are exceedingly rare in the orbit and, to date, have never been reported in the lower eyelid. The authors report a 55-year-old man with multiple recurrent lower eyelid masses initially treated as chalazia then misdiagnosed as neurotropic malignant melanoma on pathology. Diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor was ultimately confirmed histopathologically after surgical resection. The patient has since undergone multiple resections and adjuvant radiotherapy. Twenty-two months since the last procedure, the patient remains disease-free.
A business process modeling-enabled requirements engineering framework for ERP implementation
Authors: Panayiotou Nikolaos A. , Gayialis Sotiris P. , Evangelopoulos Nikolaos P. , Katimertzoglou Petros K.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the benefits of the application of a requirements engineering framework to assist Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) development. This framework combines the technology-driven and the process-driven approaches for requirements analysis and implementation. Specific business process modeling methods enhance the framework and assist the formulation of the functional specifications of the ERP system and the management of requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study strategy was chosen as the most appropriate method to answer the research question and test the theoretical propositions. The case study’s unit of analysis is a Greek manufacturing company and its ERP implementation project. A requirements engineering framework enhanced with business process modeling methods was applied and the results were evaluated using metrics for ERP implementation success. Data were collected using multiple sources of evidences, including interviews with various stakeholders, structured questionnaires, direct observations, vendors’ functionality papers and company’s documentation.

Findings

– This study proves that the configuration of ERP’s reference models together with the adjustments of organization’s processes, provided through a structured requirements engineering framework can lead to reliable functional specifications, a smooth transition to an ERP system and, eventually, to successful ERP implementation, concerning its alignment with requirements.

Research limitations/implications

– A single case study is conducted in a typical manufacturing company, providing opportunities for further research in other industries, testing in parallel well-defined requirements and other success factors for ERP implementation.

Originality/value

– The paper fulfils the identified needs for applied methodologies and frameworks for requirements engineering which can assist successful ERP implementations.
SPIEF 2014: technology, energy and Russia’s future development agenda
Authors: Saritas Ozcan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to report the author’s observations and opinions during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2014. Discussions presented focus on recent technological developments and their impacts on society with three plausible future scenarios; the energy agenda with new technological advancements and future energy partnerships; and the dynamics of Russia’s future development agenda amid the Ukraine crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper includes a commentary on the SPIEF 2014 Forum. Ideas presented are extended through the review of relevant references and future scenarios.

Findings

– Technological development will continue to shape societies and may even result with the transformation of social classes. Energy will remain as a top priority area on the global and regional socio-economic agenda, with political implications across the world and in Russia.

Research limitations/implications

– A number of research questions arose through the discussion on the relationships between science, technology and society; future energy technologies; and geo-politics.

Social implications

– Technological development will certainly have implications on society. The paper explores those impacts through “visionary”, “negative” and “different” scenarios. Similarly, the transformations in the energy sector will have broader social and environmental impacts.

Originality/value

– With the original ideas presented, this viewpoint paper addresses some of the grand social, technological, economic, environmental and political challenges that societies face today.
Building and branding talent hub: an outlook
Authors: TIWARI BINITA , Lenka Usha
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– In the era of knowledge economy and global crisis, managing talent across the globe has become a strategic challenge for organizations to create long-term business success. Getting the right employees in pivotal roles at the right time is crucial for firms to gain competitive advantage. Firms confront challenges to attract the prospective employees, develop, and retain their existing ones simultaneously to deliver excellence in the marketplace. Therefore, firms are required to address the needs and expectations of their employees through the involvement of top management, and provide challenging tasks and opportunities to enhance employees’ professional, social, and personal competencies. Such employees feel motivated and become highly engaged toward their job and organizational goals. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework to build talent hub through engaging and branding employees in the organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– General review.

Findings

– Engaged employees act as brand representatives, harmonize with firm’s values, and reflect the same in the external market, forming a talent hub.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an outlook for building and branding organizations as a talent hub through valuing and engaging employees to ensure a prolonged succession for business success.
Investigating emergency room service quality using lean manufacturing
Authors: Abdelhadi Abdelhakim
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a lean manufacturing metric called Takt time as a benchmark evaluation measure to evaluate a public hospital’s service quality. Lean manufacturing is an established managerial philosophy with a proven track record in industry. A lean metric called Takt time is applied as a measure to compare the relative efficiency between two emergency departments (EDs) belonging to the same public hospital. Outcomes guide managers to improve patient services and increase hospital performances.

Design/methodology/approach

– The patient treatment lead time within the hospital’s two EDs (one department serves male and the other female patients) are the study’s focus. A lean metric called Takt time is used to find the service’s relative efficiency.

Findings

– Findings show that the lean manufacturing metric called Takt time can be used as an effective way to measure service efficiency by analyzing relative efficiency and identifies bottlenecks in different departments providing the same services.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a new procedure to compare relative efficiency between two EDs. It can be applied to any healthcare facility.
Care quality instruments
Authors: Glarcher Manela , Schumacher Petra , Fritz Elfriede
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe instruments used for quality assessment in acute care. Quality care assessment is essential for improving care delivery. Quality instruments can be used to evaluate nurse and patient perspectives in multi-professional care. Therefore, valid and reliable measurement instruments are vital.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature search identified several instruments that measure quality from a nurse and patient perspectives. The questionnaires were appraised in several steps with specific criteria: psychometric properties, underlying construct or test theory, study context, sample characteristics and target population.

Findings

– Overall, 14 instruments were evaluated, but only eight questionnaires represented nurse and patient views regarding quality. Instruments showed several disparities in their theoretical foundations and their psychometric properties. Two instruments did not provide validity data and one questionnaire did not report reliability data.

Practical implications

– To inform healthcare managers about acute care quality, the authors demonstrated the need for more valid and reliable measurements by using the Guidelines for Critiquing Instrument Development and Validation Reports to evaluate quality care instruments’ psychometric properties.

Originality/value

– There is a long tradition in quality care evaluations using questionnaires. Only a few instruments can be recommended for practical use.
A study of different annealing schedules in SARNA-predict
Authors: Tsang Herbert H. , Wiese Kay C.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a study of the effect of different types of annealing schedules for a ribonucleic acid (RNA) secondary structure prediction algorithm based on simulated annealing (SA).

Design/methodology/approach

– An RNA folding algorithm was implemented that assembles the final structure from potential substructures (helixes). Structures are encoded as a permutation of helixes. An SA searches this space of permutations. Parameters and annealing schedules were studied and fine-tuned to optimize algorithm performance.

Findings

– In comparing with mfold, the SA algorithm shows comparable results (in terms of F-measure) even with a less sophisticated thermodynamic model. In terms of average specificity, the SA algorithm has provided surpassing results.

Research limitations/implications

– Most of the underlying thermodynamic models are too simplistic and incomplete to accurately model the free energy for larger structures. This is the largest limitation of free energy-based RNA folding algorithms in general.

Practical implications

– The algorithm offers a different approach that can be used in practice to fold RNA sequences quickly.

Originality/value

– The algorithm is one of only two SA-based RNA folding algorithms. The authors use a very different encoding, based on permutation of candidate helixes. The in depth study of annealing schedules and other parameters makes the algorithm a strong contender. Another benefit is that new thermodynamic models can be incorporated with relative ease (which is not the case for algorithms based on dynamic programming).
Prodigality in Islamic lifestyle: a new scale development
Authors: emari hossein
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to propose a new construct – prodigality and develop a measurement scale to support the construct.

Design/methodology/approach

– Combining the paradigms of Churchill, Malhotra and Birks, the item generation and content validity yielded the development of a modified scale. Three main steps in assessment of the scale: dimensional structure, reliability and validity led to the development of a prodigality scale. A total of 32 items were generated, through assessing Qur’anic verses that are related to Muslim consumption patterns linked to in Islam.

Findings

– In total, 23 items remained after content validity. A pre-test using exploratory factor analysis on the 23-item scale created a two-factor scale. According to extracted validity and reliability scores, prodigality scale was statistically supported. A pool of nine items is proposed for the eventual measurement of the prodigality.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed measurement scale warrants further exploratory study. Future research should assess the validity across different Muslim geographies and Islamic schools of thought and practice.

Originality/value

– Prodigality is proposed as a new construct that focuses primarily on the Qur’an and seeks to achieve relevance and acceptance by both Sunni and Shia denominations. The measurement scale is believed to extend the existing body of literature and contribute new knowledge on Muslim consumption.