bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Megranate-like nanoreactor with multiple cores and an acidic mesoporous shell for a cascade reaction
Authors: Wang Xue , Guan Buyuan , He Yapeng , An Dong , Zhang Ye , Cao Yu , Li Xiang , Liu Yunling , Huo Qisheng
Published: January 2015

This study demonstrated that megranate-like nanoparticles consisting of multiple metal cores and acidic mesoporous SiO2shells show good catalytic properties and recyclability in a cascade reaction.
Making a commercial carbon fiber cloth having comparable capacitances to carbon nanotubes and graphene in supercapacitors through a “top-down” approach
Authors: Zhang Tianchang , Kim Christine H. J. , Cheng Yingwen , Ma Yanwen , Zhang Hongbo , Liu Jie
Published: January 2015

A “top-down” approach prepared carbon fiber cloth with superior mechanical strength and flexibility shows a high specific capacity and excellent cyclic stability.
Synthesis of labile all-trans-7,8,7′,8′-bis-acetylenic carotenoids by bi-directional Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons condensation
Authors: Vaz Belén , Fontán Noelia , Castiñeira Marta , Álvarez Rosana , de Lera Ángel R.
Published: January 2015

Two symmetrical C7,C8-acetylenic carotenoids have been stereoselectively prepared using a bi-directional Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons condensation of the C10-dialdehyde and C15-phosphonates.
Reversal of H-bonding direction by N-sulfonation in a synthetic reverse-turn peptide motif
Authors: Vijayadas Kuruppanthara N. , Kotmale Amol S. , Thorat Shridhar H. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Nair Roshna V. , Rajamohanan Pattuparambil R. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: January 2015

This manuscript depicts an intriguing example of H-bonding reversal upon introduction of a sulfonamide linkage at the N-terminus of a synthetic reverse-turn peptide.
Domino [4 + 1]-annulation of α,β-unsaturated δ-amino esters with Rh(ii)–carbenoids – a new approach towards multi-functionalized N-aryl pyrrolidines
Authors: Medvedev J. J. , Galkina O. S. , Klinkova A. A. , Giera D. S. , Hennig L. , Schneider C. , Nikolaev V. A.
Published: January 2015

Catalytic decomposition of diazoesters using Rh(ii)- and Cu(ii)-complexes in the presence of δ-amino-α,β-unsaturated esters produces multi-functionalized pyrrolidines.
Boroaluminosilicate geopolymers: role of NaOH concentration and curing temperature
Authors: Nazari Ali , Maghsoudpour Ali , Sanjayan Jay G.
Published: January 2015

Boroaluminosilicate geopolymers from a fly-ash source have a variety of microstructures. This may be due to different mechanisms of geopolymerization.
Spectacular oscillations in the dark and photocurrent in thiol-capped CdS quantum dots embedded in PMMA matrix
Authors: Biswas Bipul , Chowdhury Avijit , Mallik Biswanath
Published: January 2015

Oscillatory behaviour of current in thiol-capped CdS QDs embedded PMMA matrix under dark conditions at different sample cell temperatures: (1) 303, (2) 308, (3) 313, (4) 318, (5) 323 and (6) 328 K with a constant bias voltage of 27 V.
Simultaneous determination of multiple components in explosives using ultraviolet spectrophotometry and a partial least squares method
Authors: Lu Tao , Yuan Yuan , He Xuan , Li Menglong , Pu Xuemei , Xu Tao , Wen Zhining
Published: January 2015

We used UV spectrophotometry and a chemometric method to develop a novel method for the simultaneous determination of multiple components in explosives.
Numerical study of melted PCM inside a horizontal annulus with threads in a three-dimensional model
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Tang Qing , Lu Huilin , Wang Shuai , Sun Liyan
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the melting process of a phase change material (PCM) in a tube and shell geometry.
Exploring aliphatic nitro azides for plasticizers: a combined DFT and MD investigation
Authors: Yang Junqing , Gong Xuedong , Wang Guixiang
Published: January 2015

Aliphatic nitro azides M1–M8 were designed and studied using the DFT and MD methods. Results of stability, compatibility, and mechanical properties reveal that M2–M8 are promising plasticizers of GAP and worth further experimental investigations.
Investigation of the tunable properties of graphene complementary terahertz metamaterials
Authors: He Xiaoyong , Liu Chunlin , Zhong Xu , Shi Wangzhou
Published: January 2015

Based on the graphene–SiO2–Si structure, the tunable resonant properties of the complementary graphene metamaterials (MMs) have been investigated in the terahertz regime.
A delocalizable cationic headgroup together with an oligo-oxyethylene spacer in gemini cationic lipids improves their biological activity as vectors of plasmid DNA
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Barrán-Berdón Ana L. , Datta Sougata , Muñoz-Úbeda Mónica , Aicart-Ramos Clara , Kondaiah Paturu , Junquera Elena , Bhattacharya Santanu , Aicart Emilio
Published: January 2015

Lipoplexes of plasmid DNA and mixed liposomes, with a gemini cationic lipid of the 1,2-bis(hexadecyl imidazolium) oxyethylene series, improves their biological activity.
Characteristics of piezoelectric ZnO/AlN−stacked flexible nanogenerators for energy harvesting applications
Authors: Lee Eunju , Park Jaedon , Yim Munhyuk , Kim Yeongseon , Yoon Giwan
Published: January 2015

Flexible piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO)-based nanogenerators (NGs) using an aluminum nitride (AlN) interlayer are proposed for high-efficiency energy harvesting applications. The effects of the AlN interlayer on device performance are studied. Use of the AlN interlayer in ZnO-based vertically integrated NGs (VINGs) results in a significant improvement in terms of the magnitude of the output voltages of up to 200 times when compared with a ZnO-based VING without any AlN interlayer. The improved device energy conversion efficiency is mainly attributed to a high contact potential barrier that the AlN interlayer provides in VINGs, along with the relatively high dielectric constant and large Young's modulus of the AlN material. In addition, the effects of AlN thickness on the electric potential and device performance of the VINGs are investigated through observation of the output voltages of ZnO-based VINGs with thickness/position-controlled AlN interlayers. Our findings in this work are expected to provide effective and useful approaches for realizing highly energy-efficient ZnO-based NGs and their extended applications, including self-power sources and sensor devices.
On performance measures for infinite swapping Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Doll J. D. , Dupuis Paul
Published: January 2015

We introduce and illustrate a number of performance measures for rare-event sampling methods. These measures are designed to be of use in a variety of expanded ensemble techniques including parallel tempering as well as infinite and partial infinite swapping approaches. Using a variety of selected applications, we address questions concerning the variation of sampling performance with respect to key computational ensemble parameters.
The electronic states of TeH+: A theoretical contribution
Authors: Gonçalves dos Santos Levi , de Oliveira-Filho Antonio Gustavo S. , Ornellas Fernando R.
Published: January 2015

This work reports the first theoretical characterization of a manifold of electronic states of the as yet experimentally unknown monotellurium monohydride cation, TeH+. Both Λ + S and Ω representations were described showing the twelve states correlating with the three lowest (Λ + S) dissociation channels, and the twenty five states associated with the five lowest Ω channels. The X 3Σ− state is split into X1 0+ and X2 1 separated by 1049 cm−1; they are followed by the states a 2 (a 1Δ) and b 0+ (b 1Σ+) higher in energy by 8554 and 17 383 cm−1, respectively. These states can accommodate several vibrational energy levels. The potential energy curves of the Ω states arising from the bound A 3Π, the weakly bound 1Π, and the repulsive 5Σ− states have a complex structure as shown by the very close avoided crossings just above ∼30 000 cm−1. In particular, a double minima potential results for the state A1 2 that in principle could be probed experimentally through the A1 2–X2 1 system transitions. The states A2 1, b 0+, and A4 0+ offer possible routes to experimental investigations involving the ground state X1 0+. Higher energy states are very dense and mostly repulsive. The high-level of the electronic structure calculations, by providing a global view of the electronic states and reliable spectroscopic parameters, is expected to further guide and motivate experimental studies on this species. Additional discussions on dipole and transition dipole moments, transition probabilities, radiative lifetimes, and a simulation of the single ionization spectrum complement the characterization of this system.
Nonperturbative spin–boson and spin–spin dynamics and nonlinear Fano interferences: A unified dissipaton theory based study
Authors: Zhang Hou-Dao , Xu Rui-Xue , Zheng Xiao , Yan YiJing
Published: January 2015

We consider the hybrid system–bath dynamics, based on the Yan’s dissipaton formalism [Y. J. Yan, J. Chem. Phys. 140, 054105 (2014)]. This theory provides a unified quasi-particle treatment on three distinct classes of quantum bath, coupled nonperturbatively to arbitrary quantum systems. In this work, to study the entangled system and bath polarization and nonlinear Fano interference, we incorporate further the time-dependent light field, which interacts with both the molecular system and the collective bath dipoles directly. Numerical demonstrations are carried out on a two-level system, with comparison between phonon and exciton baths, in both linear and nonlinear Fano interference regimes.
Anneal-induced enhancement of refractive index and hardness of silicophosphate glasses containing six-fold coordinated silicon
Authors: Zeng Huidan , Jiang Qi , Li Xiang , Ye Feng , Tian Tian , Zhang Haoxuan , Chen Guorong
Published: January 2015

A considerable number of optical devices have significantly benefited from the development of phosphate glasses as substrate materials. Introducing silica into sodium phosphate is an effective method to enhance its mechanical and optical properties. Through annealing treatment, the tetrahedral silicon oxide network structure (Si(4)) can be transformed into an octahedral structure (Si(6)) with more constraints. Here, we use high-temperature Raman and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to reveal the mechanism of transformation between the Si(4) and Si(6) silicon oxide structures. The increase of the Si(6) content results in the phosphate glasses having higher refractive index and hardness. Based on this, the refractive index contribution of SiO6 is obtained.
The origin of deep-level impurity transitions in hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Du X. Z. , Li J. , Lin J. Y. , Jiang H. X.
Published: January 2015

Deep ultraviolet photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy has been employed to investigate the origin of the widely observed deep level impurity related donor-acceptor pair (DAP) transition with an emission peak near 4.1 eV in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). A set of h-BN epilayers were grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) under different ammonia (NH3) flow rates to explore the role of nitrogen vacancies (VN) in the deep-level transitions. The emission intensity of the DAP transition near 4.1 eV was found to decrease exponentially with an increase of the NH3 flow rate employed during the MOCVD growth, implying that impurities involved are VN. The temperature-dependent PL spectra were measured from 10 K up to 800 K, which provided activation energies of ∼0.1 eV for the shallow impurity. Based on the measured energy level of the shallow impurity (∼0.1 eV) and previously estimated bandgap value of about 6.5 eV for h-BN, we deduce a value of ∼2.3 eV for the deep impurity involved in this DAP transition. The measured energy levels together with calculation results and formation energies of the impurities and defects in h-BN suggest that VN and carbon impurities occupying the nitrogen sites, respectively, are the most probable shallow donor and deep acceptor impurities involved in this DAP transition.
Self-assembly of metal nanowires induced by alternating current electric fields
Authors: García-Sánchez Pablo , Arcenegui Juan J. , Morgan Hywel , Ramos Antonio
Published: January 2015

We describe the reversible assembly of an aqueous suspension of metal nanowires into two different 2-dimensional stable configurations. The assembly is induced by an AC electric field of magnitude around 10 kV/m. It is known that single metal nanowires orientate parallel to the electric field for all values of applied frequency, according to two different mechanisms depending on the frequency. These different mechanisms also govern the mutual interaction between nanowires, which leads to directed-assembly into distinctive structures, the shape of which depends on the frequency of the applied field. We show that for frequencies higher than the typical frequency for charging the electrical double layer at the metal-electrolyte interface, dipole-dipole interaction leads to the formation of chains of nanowires. For lower frequencies, the nanowires form wavy bands perpendicular to the electric field direction. This behavior appears to be driven by the electroosmotic flow induced on the metal surface of the nanowires. Remarkably, no similar structures have been reported in previous studies of nanowires.
Modeling small-signal response of GaN-based metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistor gate stack in spill-over regime: Effect of barrier resistance and interface states
Authors: Capriotti M. , Lagger P. , Fleury C. , Oposich M. , Bethge O. , Ostermaier C. , Strasser G. , Pogany D.
Published: January 2015

We provide theoretical and simulation analysis of the small signal response of SiO2/AlGaN/GaN metal insulator semiconductor (MIS) capacitors from depletion to spill over region, where the AlGaN/SiO2 interface is accumulated with free electrons. A lumped element model of the gate stack, including the response of traps at the III-N/dielectric interface, is proposed and represented in terms of equivalent parallel capacitance, Cp, and conductance, Gp. Cp -voltage and Gp -voltage dependences are modelled taking into account bias dependent AlGaN barrier dynamic resistance Rbr and the effective channel resistance. In particular, in the spill-over region, the drop of Cp with the frequency increase can be explained even without taking into account the response of interface traps, solely by considering the intrinsic response of the gate stack (i.e., no trap effects) and the decrease of Rbr with the applied forward bias. Furthermore, we show the limitations of the conductance method for the evaluation of the density of interface traps, Dit, from the Gp/ω vs. angular frequency ω curves. A peak in Gp/ω vs. ω occurs even without traps, merely due to the intrinsic frequency response of gate stack. Moreover, the amplitude of the Gp/ω vs. ω peak saturates at high Dit, which can lead to underestimation of Dit. Understanding the complex interplay between the intrinsic gate stack response and the effect of interface traps is relevant for the development of normally on and normally off MIS high electron mobility transistors with stable threshold voltage.
The effects of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine on in vitro fertilisation of porcine oocytes
Authors: Schmidt K. , Clark A. , Mello A. , Durfey C. , Buck A. , Boyd K. , Whitaker B. D.
Published: January 2015

High incidences of polyspermic penetration continue to challenge researchers during porcine in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The aim of this study was to reduce the incidence of polyspermy by increasing the perivitelline space thickness with glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) supplementation during oocyte maturation. After maturation, zona pellucida and perivitelline space thicknesses, intracellular glutathione concentrations and fertilisation kinetics were measured, in addition to embryonic cleavage and blastocyst formation at 48 h and 144 h after IVF, respectively. There were no significant differences between the treatments for zona pellucida thickness, penetration rates, male pronuclear formation or cortical granule exocytosis. Glucuronic acid supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) the perivitelline space thickness and significantly lowered the incidence (P < 0.05) of polyspermy. GlcNAc supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) intracellular glutathione concentrations. Supplementation with 0.005 mM glucuronic acid plus 0.005 mM GlcNAc during oocyte maturation produced significantly higher rates (P < 0.05) of cleavage and blastocyst formation by 48 and 144 h after IVF compared with all other groups. These results indicate that supplementing with 0.005 mM glucuronic acid and 0.005 mM GlcNAc during oocyte maturation decreases the incidence of polyspermic penetration by increasing perivitelline space thickness and improving embryo development in pigs.
Altered ubiquitin causes perturbed calcium homeostasis, hyperactivation of calpain, dysregulated differentiation, and cataract
Authors: Liu Ke , Lyu Lei , Chin David , Gao Junyuan , Sun Xiurong , Shang Fu , Caceres Andrea , Chang Min-Lee , Rowan Sheldon , Peng Junmin , Mathias Richard , Kasahara Hideko , Jiang Shuhong , Taylor Allen
Published: January 2015

Significance

Eye lens opacification or cataract is the most prevalent age-related disease, blinding 18 million people. Cataractogenesis involves accumulation and precipitation of damaged proteins from the normally clear lens. The ubiquitin proteolytic system is the main cytoplasmic degradative pathway that is charged with selectively removing damaged proteins. Ubiquitin has seven lysines. Although lysine 6 is involved in less than 3% of ubiquitin conjugates and we find few changes in lens proteins when lysine 6 is unavailable, we observed that mutating ubiquitin lysine 6 alters cell coupling, resulting in Ca
2+
elevation, hyperactivation of calpain, and associated cleavage of substrates, culminating in developmental defects and a cataractous lens. The data show previously unidentified connections between ubiquitin proteasome systems (UPSs) and calpain-based degradative systems and illuminate roles for ubiquitin lysine 6 in development.
Constitutive BDNF/TrkB signaling is required for normal cardiac contraction and relaxation
Authors: Feng Ning , Huke Sabine , Zhu Guangshuo , Tocchetti Carlo G. , Shi Sa , Aiba Takeshi , Kaludercic Nina , Hoover Donald B. , Beck Sarah E. , Mankowski Joseph L. , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Bers Donald M. , Kass David A. , Paolocci Nazareno
Published: January 2015

Significance

BDNF plays a key role in neuron development, survival, and function, with actions occurring through the stimulation of the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) receptor. Whether BDNF/TrkB signaling has any physiologic role in governing myocardial function is unknown. Here we report that intact BDNF/TrkB signaling is required for the heart to fully contract and relax. These actions occur independently from and in addition to β-adrenergic influence. BDNF-induced enhancement of myocardial performance occurs via direct modulation of Ca
2+
cycling in a calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-dependent manner. Thus, BDNF/TrkB signaling represents a previously unidentified way by which the peripheral nervous system controls cardiac muscle physiology. Our study suggests that loss or alterations in BDNF/TrkB stimulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of myocardial dysfunction in acute or chronic disease conditions.
Histology of the Reproductive Tracts and Transmission of Sperm in the Corn Earworm, Heliothis zea
Authors: Callahan Philip S. , Cascio Thomas
Published: January 2015

The histology of the reproductive tracts and their secretions are described. The functioning of various tracts in the elaboration and formation of the spermatophore is given, and the movement of sperm is traced through the male tract during spermatophore formation and through the female tract after copulation. The functions of the various reproductive secretions and the reproductive state of the moths during different reproductive periods are discussed.
Pediatric Optic Nerve Meningioma: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Grob Seanna R. , Jakobiec Frederick A. , Rashid Alia , MacIntosh Peter , Kelly Hillary , Fay Aaron
Published: January 2015

A 13-year-old female presented with left unilateral proptosis, blurry vision, and diplopia. Clinical examination showed left sided visual acuity of 20/50, limited extraocular movement, 5-mm proptosis, and optic disc edema. CT and MRI displayed a large, intraconal, well-demarcated soft tissue mass with inferotemporal displacement of the optic nerve. The imaging appearance was unusual and diagnosis remained uncertain. Histopathologic analysis of the biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of atypical syncytial meningioma. The tumor cells were positive for both androgen and progesterone receptors and the Ki67 stain was positive (proliferation index of 8%). The patient was treated with proton beam radiation therapy (total dose 50.4 GyE) that suppressed tumor growth and has preserved visual acuity to date (20/40). Differential diagnosis and approaches to therapy are explored.
Construction project leadership across the team development process
Authors: Senaratne Sepani , Samaraweera Aparna
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The construction industry mostly adopts teams consisting of a collection of diverse professionals in each of its product delivery projects, where normally the construction project manager (CPM) becomes the leader of such a project team. The purpose of this paper is to identify the leadership roles of the CPM across the team development process.

Design/methodology/approach

– This was approached through a multiple case study research method carried out using three construction projects in Sri Lanka; two projects on traditional procurement method and another on design and build procurement method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the respective project managers and with other three distinct team members of each project.

Findings

– Based on the findings, leadership roles of the CPM across the team development process were revealed with the situational factors that affect these leadership roles in each stage of the team development process.

Originality/value

– Even though project leadership is discussed by pervious researchers, concrete evidence has not been provided to show how it should change at different stages of a project. This research addresses this gap and would guide CPMs to change their leadership role appropriately to suit the needs of each team development stage.
Food hygiene knowledge in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Mullan Barbara , Wong Cara , Todd Jemma , Davis Esther , Kothe Emily Jane
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to utilise the comprehensive Food Safety Knowledge Instrument to compare food hygiene knowledge across a population of high school and university students in Australia and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 475 students from secondary schools and universities in Australia and the UK took part in a survey, which included a Food Safety Knowledge Instrument and demographic items.

Findings

– Food safety knowledge was generally very low. High school students had a mean score of only 38 per cent, while university students just reached a “pass” with a mean of 54 per cent. Demographics accounted for 41 per cent of variance in food knowledge scores. Female gender, being at university rather than high school, and living out of home rather than with parents were associated with greater food knowledge. Residing in Australia rather than the UK and being older were also associated with greater knowledge; however, these findings were subsumed by education group. Socio-economic status was not a significant predictor of food knowledge.

Practical implications

– Identifying demographic and cultural differences in food knowledge can help to identify at-risk populations to better target in theory and knowledge-based interventions.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to apply the knowledge instrument in an Australian population. Understanding the baseline knowledge in this population is an important first step at developing effective interventions for food safety.
Polish final purchasers’ expectations towards the features of dairy product packaging in the context of buying decisions
Authors: Baruk Agnieszka Izabela , Iwanicka Anna
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and to make an in-depth analysis of importance of the environmental elements of dairy product packaging during consumer buying decisions process according to these elements’ compliance with consumer expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is of theoretical and empirical character. In the theoretical part, the cognitive-and-critical analysis of the world’s literature on marketing and marketing management was applied. In the empirical part, such research methods were used as: questionnaire survey for gathering primary data and statistical analysis (including factor analysis and cluster analysis) for the analysis of the primary data and for the statistical reasoning, which made the basis for the final conclusions.

Findings

– On the basis of the research, it is possible to state that: environmental features of dairy product packaging are of great significance for the respondents, and meeting their expectations in this respect influences positively their buying decisions.

Originality/value

– The original contribution of the paper to theory is the identification of Polish purchasers’ expectations toward elements of dairy product packaging in the context of their buying decisions taken thanks to the fact that their expectations concerning the features of packaging are fulfilled. This knowledge makes it possible for offerers to manage efficiently and effectively dairy product packaging as a tool of influencing recipients, as well as to shape properly and use their marketing potential, which, in turn, determines the applicability value of the research and the conclusions drawn on the basis of the results.
Influence of shelf life labelling on the sensory acceptability of potato snacks
Authors: Samotyja Urszula
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess how shelf-life labelling affects the sensory acceptability of potato snacks.

Design/methodology/approach

– The panel of assessors determined the key sensory attributes. Subsequently, affective sensory consumer testing was conducted. The samples of potato snacks with labels suggesting valid and false shelf life or without dating information were presented to 110 students. They rated the degree of colour intensity, oxidised flavour and crispness liking with the use of hedonic scale and accepted or rejected the sample. The testing was carried out in a sensory laboratory.

Findings

– Shelf-life labelling affects the overall acceptability of potato snacks, perception of crispness and oxidative flavour. These attributes were rated less favourably when the label suggested post-expiration. The influence of shelf-life labelling decreased with storage time period. Consumers are more willing to trust their own perception than labelling.

Practical implications

– The product may be rejected not only because of quality depletion when the shelf life is overestimated, but also as a result of denigration when the shelf life is underestimated.

Social implications

– Date legislation is necessary but it may be not sufficient without consumer education on food labelling and safety.

Originality/value

– Research on the influence of shelf-life labelling on the sensory acceptability of food is scarce. Understanding how consumers are affected by shelf-life information has important implications for both public policy as well as food manufacturers.
Short food safety videos promote peer networking and behavior change
Authors: Quick Virginia , Corda Kirsten W. , Martin-Biggers Jennifer , Chamberlin Barbara , Schaffner Donald W , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to create a series of 30-60-second short videos to promote improved food safety behaviors of middle school youth, determine the feasibility of disseminating the videos through peer networks, and measure their effects on food safety attitudes, perceived social norms, and behaviors of youth.

Design/methodology/approach

– Food safety content specialists, learning experts, programmers, illustrators, project managers, instructional designers, scriptwriters, and stakeholders were involved in creation of the Don’t Be Gross short videos before evaluation by middle school youth (sixth to eighth grades). The experimental group (n=220) completed the following activities at about one-week intervals: pre-test, viewed videos, post-test, and follow-up test. The control group (n=112) completed the same activities at similar intervals but did not have access to the videos until after the follow-up test.

Findings

– Controlling for grade and gender, linear mixed-effects models revealed significant time by group effects for participants’ perceived susceptibility to foodborne illness; intentions to perform recommended food safety behaviors approached significance. Additionally, compared to the pre-test, the experimental group perceived their friends as being significantly more confident in performing food safety behaviors at post- and follow-up tests. Google Analytics data revealed that the bounce rate from the home page of the videos was low (38 percent) suggesting that the videos were engaging.

Originality/value

– The Don’t Be Gross videos were liked by youth and shared among their peers and may have the potential to promote positive food safety behaviors and intentions among youth.
Risk perception and propensity in bid/no-bid decision-making of construction projects
Authors: Chen Yong Qiang , Zhang Su Juan , Liu Li Sha , Hu Jia
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Making the right bid/no-bid decision is critical to the success and development of construction contracting enterprises. Decision makers’ personal characteristics, such as risk perception and propensity, have great impact on bid/no-bid decisions, which is the major concern of this research. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship among decision makers’ risk perception, risk propensity, and their bid/no-bid decision making of construction projects, as well as the factors influencing the risk perception and propensity.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, four hypotheses were proposed based on an extensive literature review. Experimental questionnaires were distributed to employees working in Chinese construction contracting enterprises with knowledge of construction bidding, and 134 valid questionnaires were obtained. Multivariate statistical analysis through SPSS 19.0 was used to analyze the acquired data.

Findings

– Data analysis shows that in the context of international construction contracting: risk perception has a negative influence on bid/no-bid decision making; while risk propensity produces a positive influence and the probability and magnitude of potential gain or loss both have significant impacts on risk perception, and the probability plays a more important role.

Originality/value

– This research studied the bid/no-bid decision making of construction projects from the new perspectives of risk perception and risk propensity of the decision makers.
Modeling failure rate of a robotic welding station using generalized q-distributions
Authors: Assis Edilson M. , Borges Ernesto P. , Vieira de Melo Silvio A.B. , Schnitman Leizer
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare four life data models, namely the exponential and the Weibull models, and their corresponding generalized versions,q-exponential andq-Weibull models, by means of one practical application.

Design/methodology/approach

– Application of the models to a practical example (a welding station), with estimation of parameters by the use of the least squares method, and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC).

Findings

– The data of the example considered in this paper is divided into three regimes, decreasing, constant and increasing failure rate, and theq-Weibull model describes the bathtub curve displayed by the data with a single set of parameters.

Practical implications

– The simplicity and flexibility of theq-Weibull model may be very useful for practitioners of reliability analysis, and its benefits surpasses the inconvenience of the additional parameter, as AIC shows.

Originality/value

– Theq-Weibull model is compared in detail with other three models, through the analysis of one example that clearly exhibits a bathtub curve, and it is shown that it can describe the whole time range with a single set of parameters.
The development of innovations in organizations: the role of creative energy fields
Authors: Johannessen Jon-Arild , Skaalsvik Hugo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– One problem that many organisations face today in the global economy is that too few ideas are turned into innovations. The purpose of this paper is to show how innovations in organisations may be obtained by means of creative energy fields.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design employed in the research represents a holistic, change oriented approach to innovation, and the methodology is conceptual where an analytical model is used.

Findings

– The paper provides arguments that organisations need to develop creative energy fields in order to enhance their innovative capacity and performance. In the paper the construct creative energy field is conceptualised as “a spot in an organisation where a Group of creative individuals collaborate and work together in order to bring to surface new ideas which may fuel innovation processes and Development in organisations”. The paper shows that creative energy fields are influenced by five distinct components; those of making a clear purpose, planning after the results have become apparant, an organisation’s rule breakers, drawing a map that changes the landscape, and igniting the flame of innovation. Furthermore, the findings encompass three conditions which need to be present in an organisation in order to make creative energy fields work.

Research limitations/implications

– The carried out focuses on the individual organisation which aims to enhance innovation performance.

Practical implications

– In relation to practical implications, the paper shows, in particular, how an organisation may move into areas of innovation by means of a Lego system of organising.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, the creation and use of a novel construct, that of creative energy fields, represents newness and originality in innovation research at the level of the individual enterprise. Furthermore, the paper contributes to the extant management knowledge of innovation by showing how a Lego system of organising may foster innovation at the enterprise level.
Cystic trichoblastoma: A report of two cases with an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Misago Noriyuki , Inoue Takuya , Narisawa Yutaka
Published: January 2015

We herein report two cases of cystic trichoblastoma with an immunohistochemical study. The histopathological findings in these cases included new information, namely, their being composed of two and three cysts, the cystic components had features of a steatocystoma and a hybrid cyst in one case, and there were projections of an aggregation of trichoblastoma, as well as papillary projections of follicular germinative cells, from the cyst walls. The follicular germinative cells observed in the papillary projections and in the aggregations of trichoblastoma expressed cytokeratin‐15 (clone C8/144B) and PHLDA1, markers of follicular stem cells. Cystic trichoblastoma is a unique type of trichoblastoma, which originates from the cyst walls of an infundibular cyst (usually) or steatocystoma/hybrid cyst (rarely). In some cases, a trichoblastic infundibular cyst is considered to be a minor form (or possibly a primitive stage) of cystic trichoblastoma.
Are decreased AdipoR1 mRNA levels associated with adiponectin resistance in coronary artery disease patients?
Authors: Sopić Miron , Joksić Jelena , Spasojević‐Kalimanovska Vesna , Kalimanovska‐Oštrić Dimitra , Anđelković Kristina , Jelić‐Ivanović Zorana
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate if circulating adiponectin levels and the expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are altered in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, with and without significant stenosis, compared to healthy patients. The present study included 69 patients with presenting symptoms of CAD (26 patients with significant stenosis and 43 patients without significant stenosis). The control group (CG) consisted of 33 healthy patients. Circulating adiponectin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA levels in PBMC were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Adiponectin levels were significantly higher in patients with and without significant stenosis compared to the CG (P < 0.001 vs P = 0.006, respectively). Both patient groups had lower AdipoR1 levels compared to the CG (P < 0.001 vs P < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in these parameters between the two patient groups. Adiponectin negatively correlated with body mass index, triglycerides, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA IR), and positively with high‐denisty lipoprotein cholesterol in the CG. Glucose, insulin, and the HOMA IR index negatively correlated with adiponectin in patients. A positive correlation between adiponectin receptors was found in patients and the CG. Decreased AdipoR1 mRNA levels and increased circulating adiponectin in advanced stages of CAD, as well as in patients without significant stenosis, compared to the CG, implies that CAD could be related to ‘adiponectin resistance’. Despite increased adiponectin, its protective effects could be diminished even in early stages of atherosclerosis.
Can Tightness in the Housing Market Help Predict Subsequent Home Price Appreciation? Evidence from the United States and the Netherlands
Authors: Carrillo Paul E. , de Wit Eric R. , Larson William
Published: January 2015

This article assesses the predictive power of variables that measure market tightness, such as seller's bargaining power and sale probabilities, on future home prices. Theoretical insights from a stylized search‐and‐matching model illustrate that such indicators can be associated with subsequent home price appreciation. The empirical analysis employs listings data on residential units offered for sale through a real estate broker in the Netherlands and for certain U.S. regions. Individual records are used to construct quarterly home price indices, an index that measures seller's bargaining power and (quality‐adjusted) home sale probabilities. Using conventional time‐series models we show that current sale probabilities and bargaining power can significantly reduce home price appreciation forecast errors and help to predict turning points in local area housing markets. The measures and approaches in this article help to demonstrate ways in which researchers and practitioners can leverage listings data to gain knowledge about the current and future state of the housing market.
A Silver‐Stain Modification of Standard Histological Slide Preparation for Use in Anthropology Analyses
Authors: Pinto Deborrah C. , Pace Eric D.
Published: January 2015

The traditional histology method typically employed by forensic anthropologists involves plastic embedding of undecalcified bone. The embedded sample is then cut by a diamond blade saw and ground to the required thickness of ~50–100 microns using a grinder. There are several limitations to this method: Cement lines may be blurred; depth‐of‐field artifacts may result from viewing thick sections; and medicolegal offices with limited budgets may not be able to invest in additional equipment or training for this method. A silver nitrate stain modification of the standard histology preparation technique of decalcified bone is presented. The benefits of this technique are that: Cement lines are viewed clearly; no depth‐of‐field artifacts are present; and because this is a modification of the standard technique used by histology laboratories typically employed by medicolegal offices, no additional equipment or training is required.
Impact of a structured intern education programme on clinical documentation in the emergency department
Authors: McLean Andrew , Lawlor Jenine , Mitchell Rob , Kault David , O'Kane Carl , Lees Michelle
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of More Learning for Interns in Emergency (MoLIE) on clinical documentation in the ED of a large regional hospital.

Methods

MoLIE was implemented at The Townsville Hospital (TTH) in 2010, and has since provided ED interns with structured off‐floor teaching and a dedicated clinical supervisor. A pre‐ and post‐intervention study was conducted using retrospective medical record review methodology. Charts were selected by identifying all TTH ED patients seen by interns in the period 2008–2011. Two hundred pre‐intervention records (2008–2009) and 200 post‐intervention records (2010–2011) were reviewed. These were randomly selected following an initial screen by an ED staff specialist. The quality of clinical documentation for five common ED presentations (asthma, chest pain, lacerations, abdominal pain and upper limb fractures) was assessed. For each presentation, documentation quality was scored out of 10 using predefined criteria. An improvement of two or more was thought to be clinically significant. Mean scores for each group were compared using a Student's t‐test for independent samples.

Results

Mean documentation scores (and 95% confidence intervals) were 5.55 (5.17–5.93) in 2008, 5.42 (4.98–5.86) in 2009, 6.37 (5.99–6.75) in 2010 and 6.08 (5.71–6.45) in 2011. There was a statistically but not clinically significant improvement in scores pre‐ and post‐intervention (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

The introduction of MoLIE was associated with a small but statistically significant improvement in documentation, despite an 80% increase in intern placements. These results suggest that structured training programmes have potential to improve intern performance while simultaneously enhancing training capacity. The impact on quality of care requires further evaluation.
Effect of Short Ageing on Lees on the Mannoprotein Content, Aromatic Profile, and Sensorial Character of White Wines
Authors: Juega Marta , Carrascosa Alfonso V. , Martinez‐Rodriguez Adolfo J.
Published: January 2015

In Albariño white wines, aging of wines on lees is a technique not used or only used empirically by some producers to obtain a distinctive character in the final wine. This study analyzes the influence of a short aging on lees on the chemical and sensorial parameters of this young white wine. Albariño grape must was inoculated with a locally selected yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1) and the effect of a short aging on lees was studied during different times (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 d). Mannoprotein content and the aromatic profile were determined and a sensorial analysis of the wines was conducted. Results showed that aging time was correlated with the concentration of some key aroma compounds and mannoproteins in Albariño wines. The best sensorial character was obtained in wines aged 20 d on lees. Further aging times decreased the sensorial quality of Albariño wine and modified its volatile profile and mannoprotein concentration.
Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus open thoracotomy for pulmonary metastasectomy: a systematic review
Authors: Cheang Mun Yoong , Herle Pradyumna , Pradhan Neelprada , Antippa Phillip
Published: January 2015

Background

Pulmonary metastasectomy has become a popular procedure for patients with pulmonary metastases. It can be achieved via the traditional open thoracotomy or the more recently developed video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). However, there has been much debate as to which approach is better in terms of detection of pulmonary metastases and, in turn, survival and recurrence outcomes. We aim to compare the two different approaches in terms of survival and recurrence outcomes.

Methods

Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant publications dated prior to May 2013. The bibliographies of the included articles were examined for additional relevant articles that were not included in the search. All publications reporting on overall survival and recurrence‐free survival were included. The articles were carefully examined and data were extracted. STATA 12L and RevMan5.2 software were used to combine the data using the random effects model.

Results

A total of 1960 studies were identified through the search. Thirty‐two articles had extractable data regarding overall survival and recurrence‐free survival. However, only eight articles were included in the end as the other 24 articles had incomplete data. From the included articles, we found that the VATS group had slightly higher odds of 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival with odds ratios of 1.53, 1.69 and 1.41, respectively, and also higher odds of 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival with odds ratios of 1.29, 1.54 and 1.54, respectively.

Conclusion

VATS offers a suitable alternative to open thoracotomy for the treatment of pulmonary metastases.
Mock Circulation Loop to Investigate Hemolysis in a Pulsatile Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Gräf Felix , Finocchiaro Thomas , Laumen Marco , Mager Ilona , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: January 2015

Hemocompatibility of blood pumps is a crucial parameter that has to be ensured prior to in vivo testing. In contrast to rotary blood pumps, a standard for testing a pulsatile total artificial heart (TAH) has not yet been established. Therefore, a new mock circulation loop was designed to investigate hemolysis in the left ventricle of the ReinHeart TAH. Its main features are a high hemocompatibility, physiological conditions, a low priming volume, and the conduction of blood through a closed tubing system. The mock circulation loop consists of a noninvasive pressure chamber, an aortic compliance chamber, and an atrium directly connected to the ventricle. As a control pump, the clinically approved Medos‐HIA ventricular assist device (VAD) was used. The pumps were operated at 120 beats per minute with an aortic pressure of 120 to 80 mm Hg and a mean atrial pressure of 10 mm Hg, generating an output flow of about 5 L/min. Heparinized porcine blood was used. A series of six identical tests were performed. A test method was established that is comparable to ASTM F 1841, which is standard practice for the assessment of hemolysis in continuous‐flow blood pumps. The average normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) values of the VAD and the ReinHeart TAH were 0.018 g/100 L and 0.03 g/100 L, respectively. The standard deviation of the NIH was 0.0033 for the VAD and 0.0034 for the TAH. Furthermore, a single test with a BPX‐80 Bio‐Pump was performed to verify that the hemolysis induced by the mock circulation loop was negligible. The performed tests showed a good reproducibility and statistical significance. The mock circulation loop and test protocol developed in this study are valid methods to investigate the hemolysis induced by a pulsatile blood pump.