bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of 16 microsatellite markers for Spiraea alpina and S. mongolica (Rosaceae) of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Khan Gulzar , Zhang Faqi , Gao Qingbo , Jiao Xiujie , Fu Pengcheng , Xing Rui , Zhang Jinhua , Chen Shilong
Published: January 2014

• Premise of the study: A set of microsatellite markers were developed to characterize the level of genetic diversity and gene flow in two plant species endemic to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, Spiraea alpina and S. mongolica.

• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) method, 16 microsatellite loci showed polymorphisms in both species. In two populations of each species, the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 18 in S. alpina and from four to 30 in S. mongolica.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite markers provide an efficient tool for population genetic studies and will be used to assess the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of S. alpina and S. mongolica.
Building Smarter Organizations
Authors: Vala-Webb Gordon
Published: January 2014

Being a “smart” organization—to learn quickly and apply that learning to making changes—is essential for survival in this age of hyper-competition, global power shifts, and technological change. In “dumb” organizations, the flows of knowledge and idea into and through the organization are limited and slow. Those flows are restricted by the organization’s command-and-control culture, the maze-like organizational and business structure, and limitations imposed by closed communication technology. There are three matching and inter-linked solutions to improve flows: reducing unnecessary complexity, moving to a collaborative culture, and using an Enterprise Social Networking (ESN) technology. The focus of this chapter is a step-by-step approach to justify, design, measure, and roll out an ESN suite.
Knowledge Management on Demand
Authors: Ard Constance , de Stricker Ulla
Published: January 2014

For some organizations, “knowledge management” is the name of a department staffed with experts and the description for an element of corporate culture. In others, certain aspects of KM (typically large projects) are outsourced to global consulting firms. In still others - often smaller entities - it may be a function supported by one-time or occasional consulting assistance to diagnose requirements, recommend solutions, and perhaps guide implementation. The chapter explores the business model and value proposition of “purchasing in” consultants who bring to bear their experience and expertise from many other engagements to the specific needs of every new client. Specifically, the chapter looks at success factors for organizational managers in achieving value from the consulting engagement.
Benefits of Cooperation in Multiplayer Coupon Collectors' Games
Authors: Rovatti Riccardo , Passerini Cristiano , Mazzini Gianluca
Published: January 2014

The paper introduces a modified version of the classical Coupon Collector's Problem entailing exchanges and cooperation between multiple players. Results of the development show that, within a proper Markov framework, the complexity of the Cooperative Multiplayer Coupon Collectors' Problem can be attacked with an eye to the modeling of social strategies and community behaviors. The cost of cooperation is computed in terms of exchange protocol burden and found to be dependent on only ensemble parameters such as the number of players and the number of coupons but not on the detailed collection statistics. The benefits of cooperation are quantified in terms of reduction of the average number of actions before collection completion.
Design and Evaluation of Techniques for Resilience and Survivability of the Routing Node
Authors: Wódczak Michał , Tcholtchev Nikolay , Vidalenc Bruno , Li Yuhong
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the final results achieved within the EFIPSANS project on the topic of resilience and survivability in autonomic networks. In particular, the outcome of the investigation of the following issues is presented: adaptive level of recovery, unified architecture for autonomic routing resilience, synergies between autonomic fault-management and resilience in self-managing networks, as well as network resilience through autonomic reroute mechanism enhanced with multi-path node-to-node cooperation. The described ideas are supported by exhaustive descriptions and analyses featuring extensive validation results aimed to prove the applicability of the proposed concepts.
From Dialogue Games to m-ThinkLets
Authors: Hoppenbrouwers Stijn , van Stokkum Wim
Published: January 2014

The authors present an integrated overview and extension of a conversational approach to support analysis and design of goal-driven and focused interaction between stakeholders and facilitators, to be specifically applied in collaborative modeling. Complementary to ‘collaborative diagram drawing’ approaches, the authors provide more focused and accessible, wizard-like or even game-like conceptualization support. This work is rooted in theory as well as (study of) industrial practice. Ideas developed in over half a decade, as well as some new concepts, are coherently presented, centering on the notion of ‘Dialogue Games’. The approach is brought under the umbrella of the ‘ThinkLet’ approach from Collaboration Engineering, and is positioned as a specialization thereof, aiming to fit the specific needs and features of collaborative modeling.
The Effect of Perceived Security on Consumers’ Intent to Use
Authors: Xu Hongjiang
Published: January 2014

M-commerce as a special form of e-commerce has grown rapidly both in developed and developing countries. New advancements in its underlying technology have increased the functionality of m-commerce. However, they also present potential security risks. Security issues have been a top concern for m-commerce management. In spite of the benefits m-commerce could bring, new security and privacy risks, in particular to the wireless medium and devices, abound in m-commerce applications. With the largest mobile market, China has seen the most rapid growth in the development of mobile communications in the world. This study investigates the relationship between consumers’ perceived m-commerce security and their behavior regarding intent to use, satisfaction and loyalty to m-commerce in China. A research framework was developed and tested together with research hypotheses through a cross-sectional large scaled survey. The results showed that the consumers’ perceived m-commerce security has a statistically significant effect on consumers’ intent to use, satisfaction and loyalty to m-commerce in China.
Identification by single‐particle soot photometer of black carbon particles attached to other particles: Laboratory experiments and ground observations in Tokyo
Authors: Moteki Nobuhiro , Kondo Yutaka , Adachi Kouji
Published: January 2014

Black carbon (BC) aerosols, which are strong contributors to positive radiative forcing, are found in the atmosphere as bare BC or as internal mixtures of BC with non‐BC compounds (mixed BC‐containing particles). Mixed BC‐containing particles can be broadly classified into two morphological types: bare BC on the surface of non‐BC particles (attached type) or BC embedded within or coated by non‐BC compounds (coated type). For the same amount of mixed non‐BC compounds, enhancements of the mass absorption cross section of BC by the coated type are much larger than those of the attached type. Consequently, identification of the two morphological types in mixed BC‐containing particles is important for understanding the impact of BC on climate. We develop a new algorithm to classify mixed BC‐containing particles into attached and coated types by using the single‐particle soot photometer (SP2), based on laboratory experiments generating and detecting mixed BC‐containing particles of known morphological types. Our algorithm allows users to choose an optimal set of operational parameters, depending on their purpose and instrumental conditions. We used the algorithm to identify the morphology of mixed BC‐containing particles with a BC mass of ~8.0 fg in ambient air in Tokyo. The observed number fractions of attached type particles among morphologically identified BC‐containing particles were generally less than 0.1 but occasionally reached ~0.4 during short events. This finding will motivate further observations, including in known outflow regions, to investigate the regional and global abundance of the attached type among mixed BC‐containing particles.
Change in the contribution of spring snow cover and remote oceans to summer air temperature anomaly over Northeast China around 1990
Authors: Wu Renguang , Zhao Ping , Liu Ge
Published: January 2014

Sea surface temperature (SST), snow cover, and soil moisture anomalies are factors for climate variability over land regions. The present study found that the relationship between in situ spring snow cover and Northeast China summer surface temperature variations is not steady. It is significant during mid‐1970s through late 1980s but weak during the 1990s and 2000s. This interdecadal change in the spring snow cover‐summer temperature relationship is found to relate to the effects of SST anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific regions during the recent decades. These SST anomalies induce a meridional circulation pattern along the East Asian coast. The remote SST forcing‐induced circulation and precipitation anomalies overcome local snow cover‐induced soil moisture anomalies and thus disrupt the spring snow cover‐summer temperature connection during the recent decades. The present study indicated that both the North Atlantic SST anomaly pattern and local spring snow cover anomalies contribute to Northeast China summer temperature variations during mid‐1970s through late 1980s. During the 1990s and 2000s, the influence of the North Atlantic SST anomalies is weakened, and the SST anomaly in the tropical Indo‐western Pacific region is a major player in Northeast China summer temperature variations.
Shape‐Dependent Optoelectronic Cell Lysis
Authors: Kremer Clemens , Witte Christian , Neale Steven L. , Reboud Julien , Barrett Michael P. , Cooper Jonathan M.
Published: January 2014

We show an electrical method to break open living cells amongst a population of different cell types, where cell selection is based upon their shape. We implement the technique on an optoelectronic platform, where light, focused onto a semiconductor surface from a video projector creates a reconfigurable pattern of electrodes. One can choose the area of cells to be lysed in real‐time, from single cells to large areas, simply by redrawing the projected pattern. We show that the method, based on the “electrical shadow” that the cell casts, allows the detection of rare cell types in blood (including sleeping sickness parasites), and has the potential to enable single cell studies for advanced molecular diagnostics, as well as wider applications in analytical chemistry.
Extraction and fractionation of polyunsaturated fatty acids from Mortierella sp. using supercritical fluid: experimental and kinetic studies
Authors: Tilay Ashwini , Azargohar Ramin , Dalai Ajay K. , Annapure Uday S. , Kozinski Janusz A.
Published: January 2014

The growing interest in various applications of polyunsaturated fatty acids daily dietary requirements and demand has directed much attention on the industrial production of bio‐oil from plant, animal, fungi, or algae sources. This work signifies that the extraction of polyunsaturated fatty acids from fungal biomass of Mortierella sp. 1458 using supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) with subsequent fractionation of various fatty acids present in biomass using co‐solvents was investigated. The use of co‐solvent in supercritical fluid extraction has provided the green system as a substitute for classical solvent extraction at industrial scale. The optimized extraction temperature (62.3 °C), pressure (298.5 bar), and time (88.6 min) on SC‐CO2 extraction conditions gave maximum recovery up to 66.35% of bio‐oil from dried biomass. Further co‐solvent addition to SC‐CO2 has improved % recovery up to 97.88%. The bio‐oil obtained by this method was examined for use by characterization with value added chemicals such as omega‐3, omega‐6, and omega‐9 fatty acids. Peleg's equation was used to study the bio‐oil extraction kinetics. The equilibrium yield as well as the time required to reach half of equilibrium yield were also calculated. It showed that for an effective extraction process with high yield, CO2 density larger than 700 kg/m3 is needed. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extending the Floor and the Ceiling for Assessment of Physical Function
Authors: Fries James F. , Lingala Bharathi , Siemons Liseth , Glas Cees A. W. , Cella David , Hussain Yusra N. , Bruce Bonnie , Krishnan Eswar
Published: January 2014

Objective

To improve the assessment of physical function by enhancing precision of physical function assessment as it pertains to subjects at extreme ends of the health continuum (i.e., subjects with extremely poor function [“floor”] or extremely good health [“ceiling”]).

Methods

Under the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) (a National Institutes of Health initiative), we developed new items to assess floor and ceiling physical function in order to supplement the existing item bank. Using item response theory and standard PROMIS methodology, we developed 31 floor items and 31 ceiling items and administered the items during a 12‐month prospective, observational study of 737 subjects whose health status was at either extreme. Effect size was calculated and change over time was compared across anchor instruments and across items. Using the observed changes in scores, we back‐calculated sample size requirements for the new and comparison measures.

Results

We studied 444 subjects who had been diagnosed as having a chronic illness and/or were of old age and 293 generally fit subjects (including athletes in training). Item response theory analyses confirmed that the new floor and ceiling items outperformed reference items (P < 0.001). The estimated post hoc sample size requirements were reduced by a factor of 2–4 for the floor population and a factor of 2 for the ceiling population.

Conclusion

Extending the range of items by which physical function is measured can substantially improve measurement quality, reduce sample size requirements, and improve research efficiency. The paradigm shift from assessing disability to assessing physical function focuses assessment on the entire spectrum of physical function, signals improvement in the conceptual base of outcome assessment, and may be transformative as medical goals more closely approach societal goals for health.
A Fluorogenic Probe with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics for Carboxylesterase Assay through Formation of Supramolecular Microfibers
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Liu Huan , Li Jingwen , Ding Kaiguo , Lv Zhonglin , Yang Yonggang , Chen Hong , Li Xinming
Published: January 2014

Herein, we report a novel fluorescent “light‐up” probe useful for carboxylesterase assay that is based on a tetraphenylethylene derivative containing carboxylic ester groups. The specific cleavage of the carboxylic ester bonds by carboxylesterase results in the generation of a relatively hydrophobic moiety that self‐assembles into supramolecular microfibers, thus giving rise to “turn‐on” fluorescent signals. A high sensitivity towards carboxylesterase was achieved with a detection limit as low as 29 pM, which is much lower than the corresponding assays based on other fluorescent approaches.
Glasfaserverstärkte Holzrohre für Kleinwindkraftanlagen
Authors: Wehsener Jörg , Werner Tom‐Egmont , Heiduschke Andreas , Hartig Jens , Haller Peer
Published: January 2014

In diesem Bericht werden Kleinwindkraftanlagen mit Schäften aus Holzrohren und einer äußeren Bewehrung aus glasfaserverstärktem Kunststoff vorgestellt. Zum Antrieb der Generatoren kommen jeweils sich um die Vertikalachse drehende Darrieus‐Rotoren zum Einsatz. Das erste Ausführungsbeispiel besitzt einen konischen Schaft aus verleimten Vollholzsegmenten mit einer Höhe von 7,7 m. An diesem Anlagentyp experimentell gewonnene Daten zum Schwingverhalten werden kurz vorgestellt. Als zweites Ausführungsbeispiel wird eine Windkraftanlage mit einem Schaft, bestehend aus einem Bündel von drei Formholzrohren, die über Stahlschellen verbunden sind, beschrieben. Die Höhe des Rohrbündels beträgt 9 m. Beide Anlagentypen ließen sich durch das geringe Eigengewicht des Schafts leicht montieren und verrichten seit ihrer Montage zuverlässig ihren Dienst. Vorteilhaft für die Lebensdauer der Anlagen sind der Witterungsschutz des Holzes durch die äußere Faserbewehrung und die hohe Schwingfestigkeit. Die gute Materialdämpfung des Holzes reduziert gegenüber vergleichbaren Konstruktionen aus Stahl die Geräuschentwicklung und die Ermüdung durch starke Schwingungen in den aufgesetzten Maschinenteilen.

Glass fiber reinforced wooden tubes for small‐sized wind power plants

In this report, small‐sized wind power plants with towers of wooden tubes and an outer reinforcement of glass fiber reinforced plastic are presented. The power for the generator is produced by vertical axis Darrieus rotors. The first example of application has a shaft of glued laminated solid wood segments. The height is 7.7 m. Experimentally determined data on the vibration behavior of this construction is briefly presented. As a second example of application, a wind power plant with a shaft consisting of a bundle of three moulded wooden tubes, which are connected by steel clamps, are described. The height of the bundle of tubes is 9 m. Both constructions could be assembled easily because of the low deadweight of the shaft and are reliably in service since. The outer coating with fiber reinforced plastic and the high vibration resistance are advantageous for the endurance of the facility. The good material damping of the wood reduces the noise emission and the fatigue of the machine parts due to heavy vibrations compared to similar constructions made of steel.
Wissenschaft in praktischer Absicht
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: January 2014

Meilensteine der Bautechnikgeschichte:

Historischer Aufsatz von Stefan Polónyi: Der Tragwerksingenieur und seine Wissenschaft

mit einem Kommentar von Karl‐Eugen Kurrer
Ni‐Catalysts Supported on Gd‐Doped Ceria for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells in Methane Steam Reforming
Authors: Andrade Maria Luiza , Almeida Lindaura , do Carmo Rangel Maria , Pompeo Francisco , Nichio Nora
Published: January 2014

The anode materials used in solid oxide fuel cells at intermediate temperature (IT‐SOFC) consist of a mixture of nickel and cerium oxide doped with rare earth, forming a composite with a conductor metal and a ceramic with ionic conductivity. Nickel catalysts supported on gadolinium‐doped ceria were prepared in this work in order to obtain materials with catalytic properties suitable for their use as anodes in IT‐SOFC. The catalysts were evaluated in steam reforming of methane. It was noted that gadolinium caused an increase in the metal‐support interaction and in the resistance to sintering of metal particles. Although the carbon content is not reduced, the carbon deposited in the 30CG10 catalyst is more reactive due to its amorphous nature, and it can therefore be regenerated at temperatures lower than 400 °C.
Unusual Orthogonality in the Cleavage Process of Closely Related Chelating Protecting Groups for Carboxylic Acids by Using Different Metal Ions
Authors: Mundinger Stephan , Jakob Uwe , Bannwarth Willi
Published: January 2014

Three structurally related relay protecting groups for carboxylic acids that are based on chelating amines have been developed. These protecting groups can easily be introduced by coupling the carboxylic acid and the corresponding amine in the presence of 2‐(1H‐benzotriazole‐1‐yl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU). In addition to being stable to a whole array of reaction conditions, these protecting groups are also stable under acidic and basic conditions, allowing them to be used in combination with the ester protection of carboxylic acids. The cleavage of these protecting groups is activated by the chelation of metal ions, involving an unusual coordination of the amide nitrogen. Despite their similarity, cleavage of these protecting groups is possible in both a stepwise and an orthogonal fashion by applying different metal salts.
An Unexpected Fluctuating Reactivity for Odd and Even Carbon Numbers in the TiO2‐Based Photocatalytic Decarboxylation of C2‐C6 Dicarboxylic Acids
Authors: Sun Yiran , Chang Wei , Ji Hongwei , Chen Chuncheng , Ma Wanhong , Zhao Jincai
Published: January 2014

The degradation behaviours of five straight‐chain dicarboxylic acids (from ethanedioic acid to hexanedioic acid) were compared in aqueous TiO2‐based photocatalysis. When all other conditions were identical, the degradation rates were found to fluctuate regularly with the parity of the number of carbon atoms. Dicarboxylic acids with an even number of carbon atoms (e‐DAs) always degraded more slowly than those acids with an odd number of carbon atoms (o‐DAs). This unusual fluctuation in the reactivity for the degradation of dicarboxylic acids by TiO2‐based photocatalysis is very closely related to the different pre‐coordination modes of the acids with the photocatalyst. Attenuated total reflection FTIR (ATR‐FTIR) of e‐DAs labelled with 13C showed that both carboxyl groups of the acid coordinate to TiO2 through bidentate chelating forms. In contrast, only one carboxyl group of the o‐DAs coordinated to TiO2 in a bidentate chelating manner, whereas the other formed a monodentate binding linkage. The bidentate chelating form with bilateral symmetric coordination did not favour degradation. Isotope‐labelling experiments were performed with 18O2 to observe the different ways in which incorporated oxygen entered the initial decarboxylated products of e‐ and o‐DAs. For the degradation of butanedioic acid, (45.9±0.5) % of the oxygen in the formed propanedioic acid came from H2O, whereas for pentanedioic acid, (97.4±0.2) % of the oxygen in the formed butanedioic acid came from H2O. Our results demonstrate that in TiO2‐based photocatalysis, the reactivity of active species, such as .OH/hvb+, is far from non‐selective and that the attacks of these active species on organic substrates are significantly affected by the coordination patterns of the substrates on the TiO2 surface.
Formation of “Quasi” Contact or Solvent‐separated Ion Pairs in the Local Environment of Probe Molecules Dissolved in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Strauch Matthias , Roth Christian , Kubatzki Falk , Ludwig Ralf
Published: January 2014

The change from “quasi” contact to “quasi” solvent‐separated ion‐pair configuration in the local environment of a probe molecule in ionic liquids depends on the varying interaction strength of the chosen anions. The ion speciation in these Coulomb fluids could be shown by combining infrared spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and natural bond orbital analysis using a low‐self‐clustering probe molecule.
Multi‐Color Imaging of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds in Living HeLa Cells Using Direct Electron‐Beam Excitation
Authors: Nawa Yasunori , Inami Wataru , Lin Sheng , Kawata Yoshimasa , Terakawa Susumu , Fang Chia‐Yi , Chang Huan‐Cheng
Published: January 2014

Multi‐color, high spatial resolution imaging of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) in living HeLa cells has been performed with a direct electron‐beam excitation‐assisted fluorescence (D‐EXA) microscope. In this technique, fluorescent materials are directly excited with a focused electron beam and the resulting cathodoluminescence (CL) is detected with nanoscale resolution. Green‐ and red‐light‐emitting FNDs were employed for two‐color imaging, which were observed simultaneously in the cells with high spatial resolution. This technique could be applied generally for multi‐color immunostaining to reveal various cell functions.
Tetracyanoquinodimethane Reduction by Complexed Guanidinyl‐Functionalized Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Herrmann Hendrik , Ziesak Alexandra , Wild Ute , Leingang Simone , Schrempp David , Wagner Norbert , Beck Johannes , Kaifer Elisabeth , Wadepohl Hubert , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: January 2014

In this work, we report on the reduction of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) with dicationic complexes of guanidinyl‐functionalized aromatic (GFA) electron donors. In contrast to reduction with free GFAs, milder reduction conditions were achieved, and this led to semiconducting materials with extended TCNQ π stacking. The charge on the TCNQ units was estimated from the structural data obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and from IR spectroscopic data. The electrical conductivity was studied and the activation energy of the semiconducting materials was estimated from the temperature dependence of the conductivity.
Magnetite/Bi‐Doped Carboxylate‐Rich Carbon Spheres – A Highly Efficient Magnetic Photocatalyst Based on Dimetallic FeII/FeIII and BiIII/BiIV Photoredox Cycles
Authors: Luo Zhijun , Qu Lingling , Han Tingting , Zhang Zhen , Shao Xiaoling , Wu Xiangyang , Chen Zhong‐lin
Published: January 2014

A new magnetically separable visible‐light photocatalyst, magnetite/Bi‐doped carboxylate‐rich carbon spheres (Bi‐MCRCSs), was synthesized under ultrasonic irradiation by using magnetite/carboxylate‐rich carbon spheres (MCRCSs) as a precursor. The Bi‐MCRCSs showed much better photocatalytic activity than MCRCSs in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible‐light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Compared with MCRCSs, the Bi‐MCRCSs show more intensive photoabsorption in the whole UV and visible region. In particular, Bi‐MCRCSs display a broad absorption band centered at 550 nm, which give Bi‐MCRCSs advantages over MCRCSs in the utilization of visible light for the degradation of organic pollutants. Owing to the Bi3+ doping, the BiIII/BiIV redox cycle can be established in the FeII/FeIII redox cycle system, which result in the establishment of dimetallic FeII/FeIII and BiIII/BiIV photoredox cycles for Bi‐MCRCSs. This dimetallic FeII/FeIII and BiIII/BiIV photoredox cycle possesses a significantly enhanced photocatalytic degradation rate compared to that of the monometallic photocycles of FeII/FeIII for MCRCS. The synergistic effects between the FeII/FeIII cycle and the BiIII/BiIV cycle promote the regeneration of FeII ions in FeII/FeIII cycle and, hence, accelerate the degradation of organic pollutants. In addition, the magnetic saturation (Ms) value is about 20 emu/g. After completion of the reaction, the Bi‐MCRCSs could be rapidly separated under an applied magnetic field.
Correlations of the Structural Properties of a Complete R2PX Series (X = Hydrogen or Halogen)
Authors: Hopewell Jonathan P. , McMullin Claire L. , Pringle Paul G. , Shuttleworth Timothy A. , Woodall Christopher H.
Published: January 2014

The CgP(Se)X series (X = H, F, Cl, Br and I; CgP = 6‐phospha‐2,4,8‐trioxa‐1,3,5,7‐tetramethyladamant‐6‐yl) is generated by the addition of elemental Se to the corresponding CgPX. The crystal structures of CgPX (X = H, F, Cl, Br and I) and CgP(Se)X (X = F, Cl, Br and I) are compared. TheJP,Sevalues are correlated with the P–Se distance and the electronegativity of X. For both the CgP(Se)X and the CgPX series, the P–C bond lengths correlate with the P–X bond lengths and with the C–P–C bond angle. These trends can be explained in terms of the δ+ charge on the P atom, which has been calculated in the gas phase. Cone‐angle measurements suggest that CgPCl, CgPBr and CgPI have essentially the same steric bulk.
Synthesis and characterization of novel poly(phenylene sulfide) containing a chromophore in the main chain
Authors: Li Hong , Lv Guo‐yu , Zhang Gang , Ren Hao‐hao , Fan Xiao‐xia , Yan Yong‐gang
Published: January 2014

A kind of novel poly(phenylene sulfide)s (PPSs) containing a chromophore group were synthesized by the reaction of dihalogenated monomer and sodium sulfide (Na2S.xH2O) via nucleophilic substitution polymerization under high pressure. The polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, XRD, DSC, TGA, mechanical testing and dissolvability experiments. The intrinsic viscosity of the polymers obtained with optimum synthesis conditions was 0.22 − 0.38 dl g−1 (measured in 1‐chloronaphthalene at 208 °C). These polymers were found to have good thermal performance with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 90.5 − 94.6 °C and initial degradation temperature (Td) of 475–489 °C, showing improved thermal properties compared with homo‐PPS. At the same time the resultant resins had a high tensile strength of 67.5 − 74.1 MPa and compressive strength of 70.7 − 85.4 MPa. Additionally, these polymers exhibited a weak UV − visible reflectivity minimum at 450–570 nm, and the fluorescence spectra of the polymers showed maximum emission around nearly 370 nm. Also they showed excellent chemical resistance and another special property − bright shiny colors changed into different colors in acid solution. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Goffman on Gender, Sexism, and Feminism: A Summary of Notes on a Conversation with Erving Goffman and My Reflections Then and Now
Authors: Deegan Mary Jo
Published: January 2014

Often known as cynical, contentious, and exhibiting a complicated approach to objectivity, Erving Goffman could also be generous, civil, insightful, open to feminist ideas, and surprisingly political. A 1977 collective feminist writing project led to my conversation with Goffman in 1980 about his ideas on gender, sexism, and feminism. A summary of that conversation is presented, together with my formal reflections then (1980) and now (2013). While documenting the sociological practice of an earlier era, this paper concludes that feminist sociological theory must move beyond its locations in the past and the present into the liberating knowledge of the future.
Synthesis and Thermodynamic Properties of Rosin‐Based Cationic Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Deng Weixing , Zhang Yongchang , Zhong Yuanwei , Peng Jinwen
Published: January 2014

A series of rosin‐based cationic gemini surfactants with different spacer length (n = 2, 3, 4) were synthesized and characterized. Surface activity and micellization parameters including the critical micelle concentration, the degree of counterion dissociation, and thermodynamic functions of micellization in aqueous solutions have been investigated. Free energy perturbation was performed to study the enthalpy‐entropy compensation of the synthesized gemini surfactants in aqueous solutions. The experimental results showed that the micellization of rosin‐based gemini surfactants in aqueous solutions is a spontaneous and entropy‐driven process. The micellization process was found to follow the entropy–enthalpy compensation phenomenon.
The Effect of Maternity Support Belts on Postural Balance in Pregnancy
Authors: Cakmak Bulent , Inanir Ahmet , Nacar Mehmet Can , Filiz Behcet
Published: January 2014

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternity support belts (MSB) on postural balance during pregnancy.

Design

Prospective, observational cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient visits at a university hospital, obstetrics and gynecology clinic.

Participants

A total of 90 pregnant women in first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy; 30 pregnant women for each trimester.

Methods

Dynamic and postural stability by using a Biodex Stability System and comparing pregnant women with and without an MSB in each cohort group.

Main Outcome Measures

Overall, anterior‐posterior stability index, medial‐lateral stability index, and fall risk test (FRT) scores were obtained with 1 stance at platform stability of level 8. Four measurements from the Biodex Stability System were compared between pregnant women with and without an MSB in each group.

Results

The scores of anterior‐posterior stability index and FRT were significantly lower in the first‐trimester group with an MSB than without an MSB (P < .05). Medial‐lateral stability index and FRT scores were significantly lower in the second‐trimester group with an MSB than without an MSB (P < .05). In the third‐trimester group, overall, medial‐lateral stability index, and FRT scores were lower for participants with an MSB compared with participants without an MSB (P < .05). In all trimester groups, FRT scores were detected to be lower in pregnant women with an MSB than in those without an MSB (P < .05).

Conclusions

MSB use improves impaired balance and FRT scores during all periods of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. MSB is useful for fall prevention during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester.
The First Guadalupan Pastoral Manual: Luis Laso De La Vega'sHuei Tlamahuiçoltica(1649)
Authors: Matovina Timothy
Published: January 2014

Millions of devotees acclaim the Nahuatl-languageNican mopohuaaccount of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego as the foundational text of the Guadalupe tradition. A number of scholarly analyses have also examined theNican mopohuaas a prime source for that tradition. But no previous study has focused on a theological examination of Luis Laso de la Vega'sHuei tlamahuiçoltica(1649), in which theNican mopohuawas first published.Huei tlamahuiçolticais the premier Guadalupan pastoral manual and encompasses other important material, such as theNican motecpanaaccount of miracles attributed to Guadalupe's intercession, and the earliest published synopsis of Juan Diego's life posed as a model for Christian discipleship. This article explores Laso de la Vega's contributions and the ongoing significance of his treatise for the development of theological works and pastoral ministries centered on Guadalupe.
Deconversion and Disaffiliation in Contemporary US Roman Catholicism
Authors: Portier William L.
Published: January 2014

Disaffiliation—when members of religious communities leave—has recently become a popular topic for theological and social scientific investigation. Today, fewer Roman Catholics than in recent memory describe themselves as strong members of their church. Many have left to seek other spiritual paths, and many of those who remain do not believe and practice as the Church teaches that they should. These essays propose that the theoretical framework of “deconversion” provides a broader and more effective way to understand forms of religious change that are occurring in contemporary America. In the classroom, teaching theology can take on a specific productive shape when the surrounding culture challenges theologians to take deconversion seriously as an element of, and larger context for, spiritual identity today. Theology remains vital when patient curiosity about the current adventure of religious identity is foregrounded pedagogically. Concluding thoughts sketch some important characteristics of an evangelical church, more concerned with its mission and witness in the world than with maintaining its internal life.
Simple one-pot synthesis of ZnO/Ag heterostructures and the application in visible-light-responsive photocatalysis
Authors: Dong Yuming , Feng Cuiyun , Jiang Pingping , Wang Guangli , Li Kun , Miao Hongyan
Published: January 2014

A simple, mild and large-scale one-pot synthesis method for visible light active ZnO/Ag heterostructures was proposed.
Some remarks on quasi-Hermitian operators
Authors: Antoine Jean-Pierre , Trapani Camillo
Published: January 2014

A quasi-Hermitian operator is an operator that is similar to its adjoint in some sense, via a metric operator, i.e., a strictly positive self-adjoint operator. Whereas those metric operators are in general assumed to be bounded, we analyze the structure generated by unbounded metric operators in a Hilbert space. Following our previous work, we introduce several generalizations of the notion of similarity between operators. Then we explore systematically the various types of quasi-Hermitian operators, bounded or not. Finally, we discuss their application in the so-called pseudo-Hermitian quantum mechanics.
A diamond-based scanning probe spin sensor operating at low temperature in ultra-high vacuum
Authors: Schaefer-Nolte E. , Reinhard F. , Ternes M. , Wrachtrup J. , Kern K.
Published: January 2014

We present the design and performance of an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) low temperature scanning probe microscope employing the nitrogen-vacancy color center in diamond as an ultrasensitive magnetic field sensor. Using this center as an atomic-size scanning probe has enabled imaging of nanoscale magnetic fields and single spins under ambient conditions. In this article we describe an experimental setup to operate this sensor in a cryogenic UHV environment. This will extend the applicability to a variety of molecular systems due to the enhanced target spin lifetimes at low temperature and the controlled sample preparation under UHV conditions. The instrument combines a tuning-fork based atomic force microscope (AFM) with a high numeric aperture confocal microscope and the facilities for application of radio-frequency (RF) fields for spin manipulation. We verify a sample temperature of <50 K even for strong laser and RF excitation and demonstrate magnetic resonance imaging with a magnetic AFM tip.
Analysis of plasmon resonances in metallic nanostructures in proximity to dielectric objects with application to heat-assisted magnetic recording
Authors: Hung L. , McAvoy P. , Bowen D. , Krafft C. , Mayergoyz I.
Published: January 2014

A novel approach to the calculation of plasmon resonance in metallic nanoparticle located nearby a dielectric object is presented. The plasmon resonance problem for such structure is formulated as a constrained eigenvalue problem for specific coupled boundary integral equations. By solving this eigenvalue problem, the resonance frequencies (wavelengths) of the metallic nanoparticle as well as the corresponding plasmon modes are computed. In this paper, two examples of application are considered and a good agreement between the computational results and analytical solution as well as with available experimental and numerical data is demonstrated.
Topological Hall conductivity of vortex and skyrmion spin textures
Authors: Jalil M. B. A. , Ghee Tan Seng , Eason Kwaku , Kong Jian Feng
Published: January 2014

We analyze the topological Hall conductivity experienced by conduction electrons whose spins are strongly coupled to axially symmetric spin textures, such as magnetic vortex and skyrmion of types I and II, theoretically by gauge theory, and numerically via micromagnetic simulations. The numerical results are in agreement with the theoretical predictions. Divergence between the two is seen when the vortex/skyrmion core radius is comparable or larger than the element size, and when the skyrmion configuration breaks down at high Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction strength.
First-principles survey on the doping of Ga in Nd2Fe14B
Authors: Liu X. B. , Ma Yilong , Altounian Z. , Zhang Qiming , Ping Liu J.
Published: January 2014

The preferential site substitution of Fe by Ga and its effect on magnetic moments have been studied in Nd2Fe14B by a first-principles density functional calculation. The calculated substitution energies of Ga are positive values and unfavorable for the Ga substitution at the sites of 8j2, 16k1, and 4e, while those are negative values and favorable for the Ga substitution at the sites of 4c, 8j1, and 16k2, in good agreement with the experimental results. The Ga atom shows a small induced negative moment with a size of about 0.2 μB. The magnetic moments of Fe with the nearest neighbor of Ga reduce by about 0.1–0.2 μB while the moments of Nd with the Ga nearest neighbors are enhanced slightly. These magnetic moment changes originate from the hybrid of the Ga 4p- with the Fe 3d- or the Nd 5d-electron states.
The application scope of the reductive perturbation method and the upper limit of the dust acoustic solitary waves in a dusty plasma
Authors: Qi Xin , Xu Yan-xia , Duan Wen-shan , Yang Lei
Published: January 2014

The dust acoustic solitary waves have been numerically investigated by using one dimensional electrostatic particle-in-cell method. By comparing the numerical results with those obtained from the traditional reductive perturbation method, it is found that there exist the maximum dimensionless amplitude and propagation speed of the dust acoustic solitary wave. And these limitations of the solitary wave are explained by using the Sagdeev potential technique. Furthermore, it is noticed that although ϵ ≪ 1 is required in the reductive perturbation method generally, the reductive perturbation method is also valid for ϵ < 1 in a dusty plasma, which may be extended to branches where the reductive perturbation method is used.
Bias and Conditioning in Sequential Medical Trials
Authors: Nardini Cecilia , Sprenger Jan
Published: January 2014

Randomized controlled trials are currently the gold standard within evidence-based medicine. Usually they are monitored for early signs of effectiveness or harm. However, evidence from trials stopped early is often charged with bias toward implausibly large effects. To our mind, this skeptical attitude is unfounded and caused by the failure to perform appropriate conditioning in the statistical analysis of the evidence. We contend that conditional hypothesis tests give a superior appreciation of the obtained evidence and significantly improve the practice of sequential medical trials, while staying firmly rooted in frequentist methodology.
The Myopia of Imperfect Climate Models: The Case of UKCP09
Authors: Frigg Roman , Smith Leonard A. , Stainforth David A.
Published: January 2014

The United Kingdom Climate Impacts Program’s UKCP09 project makes high-resolution forecasts of climate during the twenty-first century using state of the art global climate models. The aim of this article is to introduce and analyze the methodology used and then urge some caution. Given the acknowledged systematic errors in all current climate models, treating model outputs as decision-relevant probabilistic forecasts can be seriously misleading. This casts doubt on our ability, today, to make trustworthy, high-resolution predictions out to the end of this century.
Appraising Models Nonrepresentationally
Authors: Grüne-Yanoff Till
Published: January 2014

Many scientific models lack an established representation relation to actual targets and instead refer to merely possible processes, background conditions, and results. This article shows how such models can be appraised. On the basis of the discussion of how-possibly explanations, five types of learning opportunities are distinguished. For each of these types, an example—from economics, biology, psychology, and sociology—is discussed. Contexts and purposes are identified in which the use of a model offers a genuine opportunity to learn. These learning opportunities offer novel justifications for modeling practices that fall between the cracks of standard representationalist appraisals of models.
When to Expect Violations of Causal Faithfulness and Why It Matters
Authors: Andersen Holly
Published: January 2014

I present three reasons why philosophers of science should be more concerned about violations of causal faithfulness (CF). In complex evolved systems, mechanisms for maintaining equilibrium states are highly likely to violate CF. Even when such systems do not precisely violate CF, they may nevertheless generate precisely the same problems for inferring causal structure from probabilistic relationships in data as do genuine CF violations. Thus, potential CF violations are particularly germane to experimental science when we rely on probabilistic information to uncover causal structures since we cannot then use those structures to predict the right experiments to ‘catch out’ hidden causal relationships.
Operationalizing Consciousness: Subjective Report and Task Performance
Authors: Boone Worth
Published: January 2014

There are two distinct but related threads in this article. The first is methodological and is aimed at exploring the relative merits and faults of different operational definitions of consciousness. The second is conceptual and is aimed at understanding the prior commitments regarding the nature of conscious content that motivate these positions. I consider two distinct operationalizations: one defines consciousness in terms of dichotomous subjective reports, the other in terms of graded subjective reports. I ultimately argue that both approaches are inadequate and that a third alternative that involves integration of subjective report and task performance should be adopted.
A Difficulty for Testing the Inner Sense Theory of Introspection
Authors: Roche Michael
Published: January 2014

A common way of testing the inner sense theory of introspection exploits the possibility of damage to inner sense. Such damage is expected to lead to first-personal deficits/impairments of one kind or another. I raise various problems for this way of testing the theory. The main difficulty, I argue, stems from the existence of the method subserving confabulation.
A Soybean Acyl Carrier Protein, GmACP, Is Important for Root Nodule Symbiosis
Authors: Wang Jun , Tóth Katalin , Tanaka Kiwamu , Nguyen Cuong T. , Yan Zhe , Brechenmacher Laurent , Dahmen Jeremy , Chen Mingjie , Thelen Jay J. , Qiu Lijuan , Stacey Gary
Published: January 2014

Legumes (members of family Fabaceae) establish a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria (rhizobia) to overcome nitrogen source limitation. Single root hair epidermal cells serve as the entry point for bacteria to infect the host root, leading to development of a new organ, the nodule, which the bacteria colonize. In the present study, the putative role of a soybean acyl carrier protein (ACP), GmACP (Glyma18g47950), was examined in nodulation. ACP represent an essential cofactor protein in fatty acid biosynthesis. Phylogenetic analysis of plant ACP protein sequences showed that GmACP was classified in a legume-specific clade. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that GmACP was expressed in all soybean tissues but showed higher transcript accumulation in nodule tissue. RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of GmACP resulted in a significant reduction in nodule numbers on soybean transgenic roots. Fluorescent protein-labeled GmACP was localized to plastids in planta, the site of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in plants. Analysis of the fatty acid content of root tissue silenced for GmACP expression, as determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, showed an approximately 22% reduction, specifically in palmitic and stearic acid. Taken together, our data provide evidence that GmACP plays an important role in nodulation.
The corn snake yolk sac becomes a solid tissue filled with blood vessels and yolk-rich endodermal cells
Authors: Elinson Richard P. , Stewart James R.
Published: January 2014

The amniote egg was a key innovation in vertebrate evolution because it supports an independent existence in terrestrial environments. The egg is provisioned with yolk, and development depends on the yolk sac for the mobilization of nutrients. We have examined the yolk sac of the corn snake
Pantherophis guttatus
by the dissection of living eggs. In contrast to the familiar fluid-filled sac of birds, the corn snake yolk sac invades the yolk mass to become a solid tissue. There is extensive proliferation of yolk-filled endodermal cells, which associate with a meshwork of blood vessels. These novel attributes of the yolk sac of corn snakes compared with birds suggest new pathways for the evolution of the amniote egg.