bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anion–π interactions in protein–porphyrin complexes
Authors: Zlatović Mario V. , Borozan Sunčica Z. , Nikolić Milan R. , Stojanović Srđan Đ.
Published: April 2015

In this work, we have analyzed the influence of anion–π interactions on the stability of high resolution protein–porphyrin complex crystal structures.
pH dependent chemical stability and release of methotrexate from a novel nanoceramic carrier
Authors: Ray Sayantan , Joy Mathew , Sa Biswanath , Ghosh Swapankumar , Chakraborty Jui
Published: April 2015

The study reveals maximum chemical stability of methotrexate in LDH–MTX at pH 7.00 and controlled release profile of PLGA–LDH–MTX.
The importance of Au⋯π(aryl) interactions in the formation of spherical aggregates in binuclear phosphane gold(i) complexes of a bipodal thiocarbamate dianion: a combined crystallographic and computational study, and anti-microbial activity
Authors: Yeo Chien Ing , Khoo Chai-Hoon , Chu Wern-Cui , Chen Bao-Jing , Chu Pek-Lim , Sim Jiun-Horng , Cheah Yoke-Kqueen , Ahmad Jimmy , Abdul Halim Siti Nadiah , Seng Hoi-Ling , Ng Soon , Otero-de-la-Roza A. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: April 2015

Compact molecular structures of antimicrobial (R3PAu)2L (R = Et (1), Ph ((2) and Cy ((3); LH2 = {1,4-[MeOC(S)-N(H)]2C6H4}), arise from intramolecular Au⋯π(aryl) interactions, proven by theory to be attractive and 12 kcal mol–1 more stable than anticipated Au⋯O interactions.
A double core–shell modification of bulk TiO2 microspheres into porous N-doped-graphene carbon nanoflakes/N-doped TiO2 microspheres for lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Rajagopalan Balasubramaniyan , Oh Eun-Suok , Choi Won Mook , Chung Jin Suk
Published: April 2015

Nitrogen (N) doping and double core–shell modification of TiO2 for lithium battery application.
[n]Pseudorotaxanes constructed by a bis(p-phenylene)-34-crown-10-based cryptand: different binding behaviors induced by minor structural changes of guests
Authors: Wang Haoze , Wei Peifa , Yan Xuzhou
Published: April 2015

Investigation on three pseudorotaxanes based on a cryptand and three viologen derivatives demonstrated that small structural changes of guests could greatly affect the host–guest binding behaviors.
HMA6 and HMA8 are two chloroplast Cu+-ATPases with different enzymatic properties
Authors: Sautron Emeline , Mayerhofer Hubert , Giustini Cécile , Pro Danièle , Crouzy Serge , Ravaud Stéphanie , Pebay-Peyroula Eva , Rolland Norbert , Catty Patrice , Seigneurin-Berny Daphné
Published: April 2015

Copper (Cu) plays a key role in the photosynthetic process as cofactor of the plastocyanin (PC), an essential component of the chloroplast photosynthetic electron transfer chain. Encoded by the nuclear genome, PC is translocated in its apo-form into the chloroplast and the lumen of thylakoids where it is processed to its mature form and acquires Cu. In Arabidopsis, Cu delivery into the thylakoids involves two transporters of the PIB-1 ATPases family, heavy metal associated protein 6 (HMA6) located at the chloroplast envelope and HMA8 at the thylakoid membrane. To gain further insight into the way Cu is delivered to PC, we analysed the enzymatic properties of HMA8 and compared them with HMA6 ones using in vitro phosphorylation assays and phenotypic tests in yeast. These experiments reveal that HMA6 and HMA8 display different enzymatic properties: HMA8 has a higher apparent affinity for Cu+ but a slower dephosphorylation kinetics than HMA6. Modelling experiments suggest that these differences could be explained by the electrostatic properties of the Cu+ releasing cavities of the two transporters and/or by the different nature of their cognate Cu+ acceptors (metallochaperone/PC).
Nanostructural features degrading the performance of superconducting radio frequency niobium cavities revealed by transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy
Authors: Trenikhina Y. , Romanenko A. , Kwon J. , Zuo J.-M. , Zasadzinski J. F.
Published: April 2015

Nanoscale defect structure within the magnetic penetration depth of ∼100 nm is key to the performance limitations of niobium superconducting radio frequency cavities. Using a unique combination of advanced thermometry during cavity RF measurements, and TEM structural and compositional characterization of the samples extracted from cavity walls, we discover the existence of nanoscale hydrides in electropolished cavities limited by the high field Q slope, and show the decreased hydride formation in the electropolished cavity after 120 °C baking. Furthermore, we demonstrate that adding 800 °C hydrogen degassing followed by light buffered chemical polishing restores the hydride formation to the pre-120 °C bake level. We also show absence of niobium oxides along the grain boundaries and the modifications of the surface oxide upon 120 °C bake.
Complex structure on the six dimensional sphere from a spontaneous symmetry breaking
Authors: Etesi Gábor
Published: April 2015

Existence of a complex structure on the 6 dimensional sphere is proved in this paper. The proof is based on re-interpreting a hypothetical complex structure as a classical ground state of a Yang–Mills–Higgs-like theory on S6. This classical vacuum solution is then constructed by Fourier expansion (dimensional reduction) from the obvious one of a similar theory on the 14 dimensional exceptional compact Lie group G2.
Photoelectron imaging spectroscopy of MoC− and NbN− diatomic anions: A comparative study
Authors: Liu Qing-Yu , Hu Lianrui , Li Zi-Yu , Ning Chuan-Gang , Ma Jia-Bi , Chen Hui , He Sheng-Gui
Published: April 2015

The isoeletronic diatomic MoC− and NbN− anions have been prepared by laser ablation and studied by photoelectron imaging spectroscopy combined with quantum chemistry calculations. The photoelectron spectra of NbN− can be very well assigned on the basis of literature reported optical spectroscopy of NbN. In contrast, the photoelectron spectra of MoC− are rather complex and the assignments suffered from the presence of many electronically hot bands and limited information from the reported optical spectroscopy of MoC. The electron affinities of NbN and MoC have been determined to be 1.450 ± 0.003 eV and 1.360  ±  0.003 eV, respectively. The good resolution of the imaging spectroscopy provided a chance to resolve the Ω splittings of the X3Σ− (Ω = 0 and 1) state of MoC and the X4Σ− (Ω = 1/2 and 3/2) state of MoC− for the first time. The spin-orbit splittings of the X2Δ state of NbN− and the a2Δ state of MoC− were also determined. The similarities and differences between the electronic structures of the NbN and MoC systems were discussed.
Superintegrable deformations of superintegrable systems: Quadratic superintegrability and higher-order superintegrability
Authors: Rañada Manuel F.
Published: April 2015

The superintegrability of four Hamiltonians Hr˜=λ Hr, r = a, b, c, d, where Hr are known Hamiltonians and λ is a certain function defined on the configuration space and depended on a parameter κ, is studied. The new Hamiltonians, and the associated constants of motion Jri, i = 1, 2, 3, are continous functions of the parameter κ. The first part is concerned with separability and quadratic superintegrability (the integrals of motion are quadratic in the momenta) and the second part is devoted to the existence of higher-order superintegrability. The results obtained in the second part are related with the Tremblay-Turbiner-Winternitz and the Post–Winternitz systems.
Analysis of single-layer metamaterial absorber with reflection theory
Authors: Xiong Han , Tang Ming-Chun , Hong Jing-Song
Published: April 2015

A reflection theory is employed to analyze a single-layered metamaterial absorber. With the necessary conditions for zero reflection, the permittivity and permeability as functions of absorptivity were obtained, which are suitable for analyzing the absorption properties of single-layered metamaterial absorber at both normal and oblique incidence cases. With the obtained expressions, it not only can explain why the absorption peaks monotonously decrease with increasing of the incident angles but also can explore the relationship between the absorptivity and spacer thickness of the dielectric slab. A Jerusalem cross metamaterial absorber was simulated and verified the validity of this proposed reflection theory. The main contribution of our work is that it can explain the physical mechanism of the various absorption peaks by using the analytical formula and highlights its potential guidance for designing and analyzing metamaterial absorbers in the future.
High-precision gigahertz-to-terahertz spectroscopy of aqueous salt solutions as a probe of the femtosecond-to-picosecond dynamics of liquid water
Authors: Vinh N. Q. , Sherwin Mark S. , Allen S. James , George D. K. , Rahmani A. J. , Plaxco Kevin W.
Published: April 2015

Because it is sensitive to fluctuations occurring over femtoseconds to picoseconds, gigahertz-to-terahertz dielectric relaxation spectroscopy can provide a valuable window into water’s most rapid intermolecular motions. In response, we have built a vector network analyzer dielectric spectrometer capable of measuring absorbance and index of refraction in this frequency regime with unprecedented precision. Using this to determine the complex dielectric response of water and aqueous salt solutions from 5.9 GHz to 1.12 THz (which we provide in the supplementary material), we have obtained strong new constraints on theories of water’s collective dynamics. For example, while the salt-dependencies we observe for water’s two slower relaxations (8 and 1 ps) are easily reconciled with suggestions that they arise due to rotations of fully and partially hydrogen bonded molecules, respectively, the salt-dependence of the fastest relaxation (180 fs) appears difficult to reconcile with its prior assignment to liberations of single hydrogen bonds.
Effect of shell permutation on electromagnetic properties of ZnFeO4/(PANI, SiO2) core/double-shell nanostructured disks
Authors: Wang Jiaheng , Or Siu Wing , Leung Chung Ming
Published: April 2015

ZnFe2O4/PANI/SiO2 (ZPS) and ZnFe2O4/SiO2/PANI (ZSP) core/double-shell nanostructured disks comprising PANI conducting dielectric shell and SiO2 insulating dielectric shell on a disk-shaped ZnFe2O4 magnetic core are prepared to study the effect of shell permutation on their electromagnetic properties. The complex relative permittivity (εr=εr′−jεr″) and permeability (μr=μr′−jμr″) of ZPS and ZSP are measured, and the reflection loss (RL) is determined, together with the ZnFe2O4 core, in the 1–18 GHz range. εr′ and εr″ in ZPS and ZSP are smaller than the core because of the induction of disordered dipolar polarizations at various interfaces involving the insulating SiO2 shell. Two obvious dielectric and magnetic abnormalities are observed in ZPS and ZSP. First, εr″ is weakened in the dipolar polarization-rich ZPS when compared to the ZSP of relatively less dipolar polarization. Second, μr′ and μr″ in ZPS become the largest in the 1.5–10.8 and 5.6–18 GHz ranges, respectively, while μr″ in ZSP remains the lowest and changes to be negative in the 10–18 GHz range, among all samples. An electromagnetic energy transformation mechanism is proposed to explain the observed abnormalities and their effects on absorption.
Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and complex magnetotransport behavior of cobalt nanoparticles in silver matrix
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Chaudhary Sujeet , Pandya Dinesh K.
Published: April 2015

A cobalt concentration dependent transition from usual magnetoresistance (MR) to complex MR behavior is reported in the co-sputtered Co-Ag thin films containing cobalt nanoparticles. At 20 K, the MR behavior of 32.6% film consists of three contributions superparamagnetic (SPM), ferromagnetic (FM), and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), which are, respectively, operative at high, intermediate, and low fields. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) provides the supporting evidence for the existence of a magnetic microstructure with magnetization perpendicular to the film plane for a threshold of 32.6% cobalt concentration. MFM images show the presence of regions with perpendicular magnetization having sizes much larger than the particle size. In addition, the magnetization measurements also substantiate the presence of PMA in films above 25.2% cobalt. The observed complex magnetotransport behavior and associated PMA are interpreted in terms of inter-particle (FM-SPM-FM) interactions in which local magnetic fields of the nearby FM particles align the SPM particles out of film plane.
Separation of linear and quadratic magneto-optic Kerr effects in ultra-thin Fe films using a rotating field method
Authors: Liang J. H. , Cao J. Z. , Li J. X. , Wu Y. Z.
Published: April 2015

A rotating field method was applied to separate linear and quadratic magneto-optic Kerr effects (MOKE) of Fe/GaAs(001) and Fe/MgO/GaAs(001) epitaxial films, and two quadratic MOKE terms could be quantitatively separated. The linear MOKE was independent of crystal orientation, but the quadratic MOKE showed a sinusoidal relationship with a 90° period. The experimental results are fully consistent with theory based on the transfer matrix method.
On fast radial propagation of parametrically excited geodesic acoustic mode
Authors: Qiu Z. , Chen L. , Zonca F.
Published: April 2015

The spatial and temporal evolution of parametrically excited geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) initial pulse is investigated both analytically and numerically. Our results show that the nonlinearly excited GAM propagates at a group velocity which is, typically, much larger than that due to finite ion Larmor radius as predicted by the linear theory. The nonlinear dispersion relation of GAM driven by a finite amplitude drift wave pump is also derived, showing a nonlinear frequency increment of GAM. Further implications of these findings for interpreting experimental observations are also discussed.
Research Update: Interface-engineered oxygen octahedral tilts in perovskite oxide heterostructures
Authors: Kan Daisuke , Aso Ryotaro , Kurata Hiroki , Shimakawa Yuichi
Published: April 2015

Interface engineering of structural distortions is a key for exploring the functional properties of oxide heterostructures and superlattices. In this paper, we report on our comprehensive investigations of oxygen octahedral distortions at the heterointerface between perovskite oxides SrRuO3 and BaTiO3 on GdScO3 substrates and of the influences of the interfacially engineered distortions on the magneto-transport properties of the SrRuO3 layer. Our state-of-the-art annular bright-field imaging in aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that the RuO6 octahedral distortions in the SrRuO3 layer have strong dependence on the stacking order of the SrRuO3 and BaTiO3 layers on the substrate. This can be attributed to the difference in the interfacial octahedral connections. We also found that the stacking order of the oxide layers has a strong impact on the magneto-transport properties, allowing for control of the magnetic anisotropy of the SrRuO3 layer through interface engineering. Our results demonstrate the significance of the interface engineering of the octahedral distortions on the structural and physical properties of perovskite oxides.
Dexterous acoustic trapping and patterning of particles assisted by phononic crystal plate
Authors: Wang Tian , Ke Manzhu , Xu Shengjun , Feng Junheng , Qiu Chunyin , Liu Zhengyou
Published: April 2015

In this letter, we present experimental demonstration of multi-particles trapping and patterning by the artificially engineered acoustic field of phononic crystal plate. Polystyrene particles are precisely trapped and patterned in two dimensional arrays, for example, the square, triangular, or quasi-periodic arrays, depending on the structures of the phononic crystal plates with varying sub-wavelength holes array. Analysis shows that the enhanced acoustic radiation force, induced by the resonant transmission field highly localized near the sub-wavelength apertures, accounts for the particles self-organizing. It can be envisaged that this kind of simple design of phononic crystal plates would pave an alternative route for self-assembly of particles and may be utilized in the lab-on-a-chip devices.
High hole concentration in p-type AlGaN by indium-surfactant-assisted Mg-delta doping
Authors: Chen Yingda , Wu Hualong , Han Enze , Yue Guanglong , Chen Zimin , Wu Zhisheng , Wang Gang , Jiang Hao
Published: April 2015

High hole concentration was achieved in Mg-doped AlxGa1−xN (x ∼ 0.4) by using indium-surfactant-assisted delta doping method. A maximum carrier concentration of 4.75 × 1018 cm−3 was obtained, which is three times higher than that of the conventionally delta-doped sample. Sheet resistivity as low as 2.46 × 104 Ω/sq was realized, benefiting from the high hole concentration (p). Analysis results show that the Mg incorporation is effectively enhanced, while the compensation ratio and acceptor activation energy (EA) are significantly reduced by using In surfactant. It was also found that the In surfactant may induce stronger valence-band modulation, contributing to the decrease of EA and the increase of p.
Magnetism induced by electrochemical nitriding on an austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Sagara Akio , Hishinuma Yoshimitsu , Takayama Sadatsugu , Tanaka Teruya , Sano Saburo
Published: April 2015

The surface of a Fe-Ni-Cr Alloy (SUS316L) plate was electrochemically nitrided in molten LiF-KF salt including Li3N at 873K. The crystal structure changed from fcc structure to bct structure with nitrogen introduction. The Nitrogen diffusion layers were predominately formed at nitrogen concentration of 23 at%. The nitriding process drastically also changed its magnetic property from non-magnetic to ferromagnetic. The magnetic field of 20 kOe saturated the magnetic moment with its magnetization of 81 emu/g at 10K. The anisotropic magnetization is ascertained. Based on CrN formation and Cr extraction from the original Fe-Ni-Cr system, the induced ferromagnetism was discussed.
A geobotanical investigation of the Koedoesfontein Complex, Vredefort Dome, South Africa
Authors: Boneschans R. B. , Coetzee M. S. , Siebert S. J.
Published: April 2015

The Vredefort Dome (impact structure) in South-Africa hosts several unique peralkaline to ultramafic intrusive bodies that were emplaced into its core and collar. Because of the broad difference in mineral composition, between the intrusions as well as the abundant siliciclastic country rocks, abrupt transitions in soil chemical characteristics are produced that can ultimately affect the floristic and physiognomic characteristics of the associated vegetation in the dome. Despite various efforts to study the ultramafic-adapted vegetation of southern Africa, little is known about the effect these particular intrusions have on the soil and floristical components of the dome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the geobotany of one of the ultramafic-peralkaline complexes in the dome, namely the Koedoesfontein Complex. The complex hosts several different intrusions that collectively form a mineralogical gradient ranging from mafic- to felsic-dominant silicates. Three primary components (geology, soil and woody vegetation) were sampled along this gradient and analysed to determine the effect of these intrusions on the residual soil chemistry, and the floristics and physiognomy of the supported vegetation type. Weathering of the peralkaline to ultramafic lithologies greatly affected the soil’s chemical properties and related species composition and physiognomy. Major chemical variation in the soil, including the total chromium and nickel content, is correlated with the difference in abundance of sodium-, calcium-, iron- and magnesium-rich silicate minerals. Significant variations in woody species composition (particularly across Senegalia and Vachellia genera) have been established between soils originating from ultramafic–mafic, intermediate and felsic rock types and can be utilised as indicators for different geological substrates within the dome.
Heterogeneity of functional groups in a metal–organic framework displays magic number ratios
Authors: Sue Andrew C.-H. , Mannige Ranjan V. , Deng Hexiang , Cao Dennis , Wang Cheng , Gándara Felipe , Stoddart J. Fraser , Whitelam Stephen , Yaghi Omar M.
Published: April 2015

Significance

Arranging multiple component types in a controlled manner within solid frameworks may one day allow us to combine the heterogeneity characteristic of biological materials with the robustness characteristic of synthetic ones. Here, we report the synthesis of a metal–organic framework whose two component types are incorporated within it in a manner that is robust with respect to changes of solution composition. Calculations done on a model system suggest that this robustness occurs because component types become kinetically trapped during framework growth. Our calculations also show how different controlled arrangements of component types might be obtained by varying their noncovalent interactions, or by varying the topology of the covalent framework within which they are housed.
Direct force probe reveals the mechanics of nuclear homeostasis in the mammalian cell
Authors: Neelam Srujana , Chancellor T. J. , Li Yuan , Nickerson Jeffrey A. , Roux Kyle J. , Dickinson Richard B. , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: April 2015

Significance

In a cell that is not actively moving, the shape of the nucleus and its central position are robustly maintained in a mechanical homeostasis. How nuclear shape and position are maintained despite the various types of intracellular forces that act on the nuclear surface is an open question. Dysregulated positioning and irregular nuclear shape are associated with a variety of human pathologies. In this paper we estimate the magnitude of the forces that are required to displace and deform the cell nucleus and identify the main molecules that resist these forces. Our results are important because they reveal how the nucleus has such a stable shape and position in the cell, despite the different forces acting on it.
Fine‐Scale Pathways Used By Adult Sea Lampreys during Riverine Spawning Migrations
Authors: Holbrook Christopher M. , Bergstedt Roger , Adams Noah S. , Hatton Tyson W. , McLaughlin Robert L.
Published: April 2015

Better knowledge of upstream migratory patterns of spawning Sea Lampreys Petromyzon marinus, an invasive species in the Great Lakes, is needed to improve trapping for population control and assessment. Although trapping of adult Sea Lampreys provides the basis for estimates of lake‐wide abundance that are used to evaluate the Sea Lamprey control program, traps have only been operated at dams due to insufficient knowledge of Sea Lamprey behavior in unobstructed channels. Acoustic telemetry and radiotelemetry were used to obtain movement tracks for 23 Sea Lampreys in 2008 and 18 Sea Lampreys in 2009 at two locations in the Mississagi River, Ontario. Cabled hydrophone arrays provided two‐dimensional geographic positions from acoustic transmitters at 3‐s intervals; depth‐encoded radio tag detections provided depths. Upstream movements occurred at dusk or during the night (2015–0318 hours). Sea Lampreys were closely associated with the river bottom and showed some preference to move near banks in shallow glide habitats, suggesting that bottom‐oriented gears could selectively target adult Sea Lampreys in some habitats. However, Sea Lampreys were broadly distributed across the river channel, suggesting that the capture efficiency of nets and traps in open channels would depend heavily on the proportion of the channel width covered. Lack of vertical movements into the water column may have reflected lamprey preference for low water velocities, suggesting that energy conservation was more beneficial for lampreys than was vertical searching in rivers. Improved understanding of Sea Lamprey movement will assist in the development of improved capture strategies for their assessment and control in the Great Lakes.
A Retrospective Analysis of Subaxial Subluxation After Atlanto-axial Arthrodesis in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Annual Radiographs Obtained for 5 Years
Authors: Iizuka Haku , Iizuka Yoichi , Mieda Tokue , Kobayashi Ryoichi , Nishinome Masahiro , Ara Tsuyoshi , Sorimachi Yasunori , Nakajima Takashi , Takagishi Kenji
Published: April 2015

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of subaxial subluxation (SAS) after atlanto-axial arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using annual radiographs obtained for 5 years and clarify the characteristics of SAS after surgery.

Summary of Background Data:

Rheumatoid SAS has been reported to occur after atlanto-axial arthrodesis. Many authors have noted that excessive correction of the atlanto-axial angle (AAA) results in a decrease in subaxial lordosis, thereby inducing SAS; therefore, we paid special attention to acquiring a suitable AAA in patients with atlanto-axial arthrodesis.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients with AAS treated with surgery were reviewed. In all patients, lateral cervical radiographs were obtained in neutral, maximal flexion, and maximal extension positions every year for 5 years after surgery. We investigated the occurrence and progression of SAS using these annual radiographs.

Results:

There were no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative value in AAA and subaxial angle (SAA), respectively. Before surgery, SAS was found in 10 patients. The occurrence and progression of SAS after surgery was found in 12 cases (SAS P+ group). There were no significant differences in age, sex, or the duration of RA between the SAS P+ group and the remaining 13 cases. We also found no differences in the preoperative and postoperative AAA and SAA between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Although SAA was maintained after atlanto-axial arthrodesis in RA-AAS patients, 12 of 25 patients (48%) with AAS developed SAS after atlanto-axial fusion. Further surgery was not needed for SAS up to 5 years after the initial surgery. We did not find any relationship between the occurrence of SAS and the AAA and SAA before and after surgery. Therefore, our findings suggest that proper reduction of AAA in patients with atlanto-axial arthrodesis does not affect the occurrence of SAS at 5 years after surgery.
Intravenous Acetaminophen in Orbital Surgery
Authors: Wladis Edward J. , Kattato Dino F. , De Arup
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

To assess the role of intravenous acetaminophen (IVA) in orbital surgery.

Methods:

Fifty control patients underwent orbital surgery without IVA. Fifty patients received 1 g of IVA within 30 minutes of surgery, and 50 patients received 1 g of IVA immediately preoperatively. Postoperative requirements for analgesic and anti-emetic medications and standardized pain scores were recorded.

Results:

44 patients (88%) in the control group and 57 patients (57%) that received IVA preoperatively required analgesic medications (p = 0.0023). 31 patients (62%) that received the medication within 30 minutes of surgery and 26 patients (52%) that received IVA immediately preoperatively required analgesic medications (p = 0.77). The control group had a greater requirement for analgesic medications than patients that received IVA within 30 minutes of orbital surgery (p = 0.0076) and those that received IVA immediately preoperatively (p = 0.032). Twelve patients in the control group (24%) and 4 patients (4%) in the group that received IVA preoperatively received anti-emetic medications (p = 0.0078). Mean pain scores for all patients that received IVA, patients that received IVA within 30 minutes of surgery, and patients that received IVA at the time of surgery were 3.68 (standard deviation = 3.24), 3.12 (standard deviation = 3.05) and 4.39 (standard deviation = 3.37), respectively, as compared to a mean control group score of 7.92 (standard deviation = 3.36), (p = 8.30x10–15).

Conclusions:

When administered prior to orbital surgery, IVA significantly reduced pain scores and postoperative requirements for analgesic and anti-nausea medications.
Immediate Reconstruction After Combined Embolization and Resection of Orbital Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Wu Chris Y. , Kahana Alon
Published: April 2015

Orbital arteriovenous malformations are rare congenital vascular anomalies that can cause eyelid distortion, proptosis, diplopia, and vision loss. The current treatment paradigm involves endovascular embolization followed by resection, with delayed reconstruction. The authors report 2 young adult patients with orbital arteriovenous malformations, who underwent embolization followed days to months later by resection with immediate soft tissue reconstruction. For both patients, the immediate outcome provided good functionality and cosmesis. The authors conclude that immediate reconstruction after embolization-resection of orbital arteriovenous malformations may facilitate early return of form and function for patients, improve quality of life, and potentially reduce the need for further reconstructive procedures.
Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of the Nasolacrimal Duct: Clinical, Radiologic, and Immunopathologic Features
Authors: Jakobiec Frederick A. , Stagner Anna M. , Rubin Peter A. D.
Published: April 2015

Undifferentiated lymphoepithelial carcinoma (exhibiting both begin lymphoid and malignant epithelial components) most commonly arises in the head and neck, especially in the nasopharynx. It may also be encountered in various ocular adnexal sites, including the nasolacrimal duct. A 63-year-old woman developed a swelling in the region of the right lacrimal sac accompanied by epiphora. CT scanning revealed an enlargement of the nasolacrimal duct from the lacrimal sac to the inferior nasal meatus. A biopsy during dacryocystorhinostomy for symptomatic epiphora revealed hypercellular sheets of small lymphocytes which were interpreted as evidence for a chronic dacryocystitis. Two years later the subtotally excised lesion had substantially grown in size. Repeat CT scans demonstrated an inferonasal anterior orbital mass with further enlargement of the nasolacrimal duct with a solid mass in its lumen, and bone erosion. The biopsy combined a rich background of lymphocytes within which were clusters of undifferentiated carcinoma cells that were cytokeratin and p63 positive. Critical review of the earlier biopsy led to the detection of the same cells, but in smaller numbers, that had been overlooked. An awareness of the possibility of lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the lacrimal sac/duct should improve diagnostic accuracy with the aid of immunohistochemistry. Radiation therapy is often successful in managing this highly sensitive malignant tumor.
Mother–offspring and nest-mate resemblance but no heritability in early-life telomere length in white-throated dippers
Authors: Becker Philipp J. J. , Reichert Sophie , Zahn Sandrine , Hegelbach Johann , Massemin Sylvie , Keller Lukas F. , Postma Erik , Criscuolo François
Published: April 2015

Telomeres are protective DNA–protein complexes located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, whose length has been shown to predict life-history parameters in various species. Although this suggests that telomere length is subject to natural selection, its evolutionary dynamics crucially depends on its heritability. Using pedigree data for a population of white-throated dippers (
Cinclus cinclus
), we test whether and how variation in early-life relative telomere length (RTL, measured as the number of telomeric repeats relative to a control gene using qPCR) is transmitted across generations. We disentangle the relative effects of genes and environment and test for sex-specific patterns of inheritance. There was strong and significant resemblance among offspring sharing the same nest and offspring of the same cohort. Furthermore, although offspring resemble their mother, and there is some indication for an effect of inbreeding, additive genetic variance and heritability are close to zero. We find no evidence for a role of either maternal imprinting or Z-linked inheritance in generating these patterns, suggesting they are due to non-genetic maternal and common environment effects instead. We conclude that in this wild bird population, environmental factors are the main drivers of variation in early-life RTL, which will severely bias estimates of heritability when not modelled explicitly.
The incidence of bacterial endosymbionts in terrestrial arthropods
Authors: Weinert Lucy A. , Araujo-Jnr Eli V. , Ahmed Muhammad Z. , Welch John J.
Published: April 2015

Intracellular endosymbiotic bacteria are found in many terrestrial arthropods and have a profound influence on host biology. A basic question about these symbionts is why they infect the hosts that they do, but estimating symbiont incidence (the proportion of potential host species that are actually infected) is complicated by dynamic or low prevalence infections. We develop a maximum-likelihood approach to estimating incidence, and testing hypotheses about its variation. We apply our method to a database of screens for bacterial symbionts, containing more than 3600 distinct arthropod species and more than 150 000 individual arthropods. After accounting for sampling bias, we estimate that 52% (CIs: 48–57) of arthropod species are infected withWolbachia, 24% (CIs: 20–42) withRickettsiaand 13% (CIs: 13–55) withCardinium. We then show that these differences stem from the significantly reduced incidence ofRickettsiaandCardiniumin most hexapod orders, which might be explained by evolutionary differences in the arthropod immune response. Finally, we test the prediction that symbiont incidence should be higher in speciose host clades. But while some groups do show a trend for more infection in species-rich families, the correlations are generally weak and inconsistent. These results argue against a major role for parasitic symbionts in driving arthropod diversification.
Water window ptychographic imaging with characterized coherent X-rays
Authors: Rose Max , Skopintsev Petr , Dzhigaev Dmitry , Gorobtsov Oleg , Senkbeil Tobias , von Gundlach Andreas , Gorniak Thomas , Shabalin Anatoly , Viefhaus Jens , Rosenhahn Axel , Vartanyants Ivan
Published: April 2015

A ptychographical coherent diffractive imaging experiment in the water window with focused soft X-rays at 500 eV is reported. An X-ray beam with high degree of coherence was selected for ptychography at the P04 beamline of PETRA III synchrotron radiation source. The beam coherence was measured with the newly developed non-redundant array method, and a coherence length of 4.1 µm and global degree of coherence of 35% at 100 µm exit slit opening in the vertical direction were determined. A pinhole, 2.6 µm in size, selected the coherent part of the beam that was used to obtain ptychographic reconstruction results of a lithographically manufactured test sample and a fossil diatom. The achieved resolution was 53 nm for the test sample and was only limited by the size of the detector. The diatom was imaged at a resolution better than 90 nm.
Supply chain integration, information technology, market orientation and firm performance in container shipping firms
Authors: Tseng Po-Hsing , Liao Chun-Hsiung
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use a theoretical framework (i.e. resource-based view) to investigate causal relationships between the supply chain integration, market orientation, information technology (IT) application and firm performance of container shipping firms in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data are collected from 124 container shipping firms in Taiwan. The methodologies used in the paper are exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The findings indicated that IT application and market orientation positively influence supply chain integration. It revealed that IT-based and market-oriented firms more easily integrate market information related to partners, departments and customers. Further, supply chain integration and market orientation have a positive effect on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Such a result indicated a market-oriented firm quickly responds to market information and competitors’ strategies; and thus, it would make effort to offer satisfactory customer services in dynamically fluctuating markets, and obtain better firm performance. Also, the integration provides higher operation efficiency and obtains an enhanced performance improvement.

Practical implications

– The results also indicated that firms are able to develop their market-oriented strategies through electronic information transmission and exchange platform. Based on the study’s findings, managerial strategies are proposed to improve firm performance.

Originality/value

– This paper clarifies the concept of supply chain integration, market orientation and IT application in the context of container shipping, and investigates the inter-relationship between supply chain integration, market orientation, IT application and firm performance and develop a conceptual model in the context of container shipping.
The effects of the global financial crisis on the capital structure of EPRA/NAREIT Europe index companies
Authors: Morri Giacomo , Artegiani Andrea
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test whether the financial crisis has affected the capital structure of real estate companies in Europe and whether these impacts can be studied utilizing the variables traditionally used by the trade-off and pecking-order theories to explain the capital structure of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses a fixed-effect panel regression analysis and a sample composed of companies included in the EPRA/NAREIT Europe Index. The effect of the financial crisis has been accounted for within the model by means of a dummy variable.

Findings

– The global financial crisis did have an impact on the capital structure of companies and the main variables traditionally used by the trade-off and pecking order theories proved to be suitable in explaining the capital structure of real estate companies. Real estate investment trusts are, on average, more leveraged than traditional real estate companies due to their special regulatory status.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to the European market and UK companies in particular account for a large part of the sample. In addition, major regulatory differences between the various European countries are not taken into account in the model.

Originality/value

– Similar studies have been performed for the US and Australian market. However, the impact of the global financial crisis has not been traditionally considered in these studies.
Development of barrel heating system in injection molding machine via induction heating
Authors: Bui Huy-Tien , Hwang Sheng-Jye
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a barrel heating system using induction heating instead of resistance heating. And, a working coil for the induction heating system was designed so that the barrel has uniform temperature distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

– A coupling design combining the pitch of turns of working coil with the magnetic flux concentrators in the barrel induction heating system was developed to achieve uniform temperature distribution which was approximately the same as temperature uniformity obtained from that of resistance heating system.

Findings

– In contrast to resistance heating method, induction heating is more efficient because the heating is directly applied on the work-piece. Its heating rate is higher than that of resistance heating method. However, the uneven temperature distribution in the barrel is the main disadvantage of the induction heating system. But, with proper design of adjusting the pitch of turns at the center of working coil and adding magnetic flux concentrators at areas with lower magnetic flux, the barrel heating system via induction can achieve temperature distribution uniformity.

Originality/value

– Under proper design of working coil, the barrel heating system by induction method can achieve the same uniform temperature distribution as the barrel heated by resistance method, and could be practically used in an injection molding machine.
Tensile and fatigue behavior of layered acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Authors: Ziemian Sophia , Okwara Maryvivian , Ziemian Constance Wilkens
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to define the effect of specimen mesostructure on the monotonic tensile behavior and tensile-fatigue life of layered acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Design/methodology/approach

– Tensile tests were performed on FDM dogbone specimens with four different raster orientations according to ASTM standard D638-03. Resulting ultimate tensile stresses (UTS) for each raster orientation were used to compute the maximum stress for fatigue testing, i.e. 90, 75, 60 and 50 or 45 per cent nominal values of the UTS. Multiple specimens were subjected to tension – tension fatigue cycling with stress ratio of R = 0.10 in accordance with ASTM standard D7791-12.

Findings

– Both tensile strength and fatigue performance exhibited anisotropic behavior. The longitudinal (0°) and default (+45/−45°) raster orientations performed significantly better than the diagonal (45°) or transverse (90°) orientations in regards to fatigue life, as displayed in the resulting Wohler curves.

Practical implications

– Raster orientation has a significant effect on the fatigue performance of FDM ABS components. Aligning FDM fibers along the axis of the applied stress provides improved fatigue life. If the direction of applied stresses is not expected to be constant in given application, the default raster orientation is recommended.

Originality/value

– This project provides knowledge to the limited work published on the fatigue performance of FDM ABS components. It provides S-N fatigue life results that can serve as a foundation for future work, combining experimental investigations with theoretical principles and the statistical analysis of data.
Mechanical and thermal properties of photopolymer/CB (carbon black) nanocomposite for rapid prototyping
Authors: Chiu Shih-Hsuan , Wicaksono Sigit Tri , Chen Kun-Ting , Chen Chiu-Yen , Pong Sheng-Hong
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanical properties of photopolymer/CB (carbon black) nanocomposite when applied in a visible-light rapid prototyping (RP) machine.

Design/methodology/approach

– The mechanical properties of the samples such as hardness and tensile strength along with thermal stability were analyzed. The curing time behavior of the photopolymer/CB nanocomposites was tested by using a rigid-body pendulum rheometer. The shrinkage property and dimensional stability were also analyzed using the technique according to ASTM D2566 and ASTM D1204, respectively.

Findings

– The results showed that the prototype fabricated from pristine photopolymer tended to exhibit poor mechanical properties and low thermal stability. However, after adding the photopolymer with various concentrations of nano-CB and dispersant in appropriate composition, the photopolymer/CB nanocomposite prototype not only reduced its curing time but also enhanced its mechanical properties, thermal stability and dimensional stability.

Practical implications

– The presented results can be used in a visible-light RP machine.

Originality/value

– The mechanical and thermal properties of photopolymer are improved with nano-CB additives for a RP system.
Five‐year efficacy of finasteride in 801 Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Yoshitake Toshihiro , Takeda Akira , Ohki Kensaku , Inoue Yuko , Yamawaki Takanori , Otsuka Saori , Akimoto Minekatsu , Nemoto Mitsuru , Shimakura Yasuhito , Sato Akio
Published: April 2015

Finasteride is standard medical treatment for androgenetic alopecia; however, no large studies with 5 years or more of follow up have been performed in Japan. The authors followed Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia treated with finasteride for 5 years to evaluate long‐term treatment efficacy. Of 903 men treated with finasteride (1 mg/day), 801 patients were evaluated over 5 years by modified global photographic assessment. Although the proportion of improvement was high (99.4%), modified global photographic assessment scores after 5 years of treatment were lower in patients with more advanced disease as measured by the modified Norwood–Hamilton scale. After separating patients into “sufficient” and “insufficient” efficacy groups according to the modified global photographic assessment score after 5 years (scores ≥6 and <6, respectively), multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors of insufficient efficacy were age at start of treatment of 40 years or more (P = 0.021) and classification on the modified Norwood–Hamilton scale (P < 0.001), whereas presence of stress at start of treatment was a negative predictor (P = 0.025). In conclusion, continuous finasteride treatment for 5 years improved androgenetic alopecia with sustained effect among Japanese. Younger age and less advanced disease at start of treatment were the key predictors of higher finasteride efficacy.
Higher Education and the Referendum on Scottish Independence
Authors: Riddell Sheila , Minty Sarah , Weedon Elisabet , Hunter Blackburn Lucy
Published: April 2015

During the course of the referendum campaign, the Scottish government argued that free tuition for Scottish and EU students symbolised Scotland's preference for universal services and was intrinsically fairer than the ‘marketised’ systems operating in the rest of the UK. Invoking principles of both social justice and pragmatism, three distinct critiques of the Scottish government's higher education policy were mounted and adopted by different policy actors for different political purposes. Following a discussion of these arguments, this article concludes that a more nuanced discussion of higher education policy in Scotland is required, focusing not just on the absence of tuition fees but also on the distribution of debt and allocation of funds across the entire education system. We also note that the focus on tuition fees policy suggests that higher education systems across the UK are set on a process of divergence, whereas there are strong pressures towards policy convergence in areas such as research policy and internationalisation.