bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiritual distress of military veterans at the end of life
Authors: Chang Bei-Hung , Stein Nathan R , Skarf Lara M
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Although combat experiences can have a profound impact on individuals' spirituality, there is a dearth of research in this area. Our recent study indicates that one unique spiritual need of veterans who are at the end of life is to resolve distress caused by combat-related events that conflict with their personal beliefs. This study sought to gain an understanding of chaplains' perspectives on this type of spiritual need, as well as the spiritual care that chaplains provide to help veterans ease this distress.

Method:

We individually interviewed five chaplains who have provided spiritual care to veterans at the end of life in a Veterans Administration hospital. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed based on “grounded theory.”

Results:

Chaplains reported that they frequently encounter veterans at the end of life who are still suffering from thoughts or images of events that occurred during their military career. Although some veterans are hesitant to discuss their experiences, chaplains reported that they have had some success with helping the veterans to open up. Additionally, chaplains reported using both religious (e.g., confessing sins) and nonreligious approaches (e.g., recording military experience) to help veterans to heal.

Significance of results:

Our pilot study provides some insight into the spiritual distress that many military veterans may be experiencing, as well as methods that a chaplain can employ to help these veterans. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to examine the value of integrating the chaplain service into mental health care for veterans.
A communication training perspective on AND versus DNR directives
Authors: Levin Tomer T. , Coyle Nessa
Published: April 2014

Background:

From a communication perspective, the term “do not resuscitate” (DNR) is challenging to use in end-of-life discussions because it omits the goals of care. An alternative, “Allow Natural Death” (AND), has been proposed as a better way of framing this palliative care discussion.

Case:

We present a case where a nurse unsuccessfully discusses end-of-life goals of care using the term DNR. Subsequently, with the aid of a communication trainer, he is coached to successfully use the term “AND” to facilitate this discussion and advance his goal of palliative care communication and planning.

Discussion:

We contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the term AND from the communication training perspective and suggest that AND-framing language replace DNR as a better way to facilitate meaningful end-of-life communication. One well-designed, randomized, controlled simulation study supports this practice. We also consider the communication implications of “natural” versus “unnatural” death.
The influence of coping response and health-related quality of life on perceived social support during cancer treatment
Authors: Costa-Requena Gema , Ballester Arnal Rafael , Gil Francisco
Published: April 2014

Objective:

In the biopsychosocial approach, perceived social support has served as a protective factor for psychological adjustment to cancer. This study aimed to determine the influence of different coping responses and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domains on perceived social support during cancer treatment.

Method:

A cross-sectional analysis was carried out in a sample of 757 cancer outpatients. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS–SSS) was employed to assess perceived social support. The Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Scale measured coping response, and HRQoL was tested with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36 (SF–36). Multivariate analyses were carried out to examine the extent to which coping and HRQoL were associated with perceived social support.

Results:

Coping response explained only 2% of the variance in perceived social support, but Hopelessness had a significant influence on perceived social support (p ≤ 0.01). HRQoL, physical, and mental domains made a significant contribution toward perceived social support, accounting for around 10% of total variance. More than coping response, HRQoL's physical and mental domains had an important influence on perceived social support during cancer treatment.

Significance of Results:

The findings of the current study report the importance of HRQoL domains in predicting perceived social support during cancer treatment, emphasizing the holistic and multidisciplinary approach to facilitate adjustment to cancer.
Siamese Twins With Craniofacial Duplication and Bilateral Cleft Lip/Palate in a Ceramic Representation of the Chimú Culture (Peru): A Comparative Analysis With a Current Case
Authors: Pachajoa Harry , Hernandez-Amaris Maria F. , Porras-Hurtado Gloria Liliana , Rodriguez Carlos A.
Published: April 2014

Craniofacial duplication or diprosopus is a very rare malformation that is present in approximately 0.4% of conjoined twins. Here is presented a case of craniofacial duplication in association with bilateral cleft lip/palate in both heads found in a ceramic representation from the early Chimú culture from Peru. A comparative analysis is made with a current case of a 28-week-old fetus with similar characteristics. After reviewing the medical literature on conjoined twins, very few reports of facial cleft in both twins were found, with no reports at all of bilateral cleft lip/palate. This ceramic crock is considered one of the first representations suggestive of craniofacial duplication, and probably the first reporting it in association with facial cleft.
Unique behaviour of dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complexes bearing pincer ligand towards catalytic formation of ammonia
Authors: Tanaka Hiromasa , Arashiba Kazuya , Kuriyama Shogo , Sasada Akira , Nakajima Kazunari , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: April 2014

It is vital to design effective nitrogen fixation systems that operate under mild conditions, and to this end we recently reported an example of the catalytic formation of ammonia using a dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complex bearing a pincer ligand, where up to twenty three equivalents of ammonia were produced based on the catalyst. Here we study the origin of the catalytic behaviour of the dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complex bearing the pincer ligand with density functional theory calculations, based on stoichiometric and catalytic formation of ammonia from molecular dinitrogen under ambient conditions. Comparison of di- and mono-molybdenum systems shows that the dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum core structure plays a critical role in the protonation of the coordinated molecular dinitrogen in the catalytic cycle.
Fibrinogen plasma concentration is an independent marker of haemodynamic impairment in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hennigs Jan K. , Baumann Hans Jörg , Lüneburg Nicole , Quast Gesine , Harbaum Lars , Heyckendorf Jan , Sydow Karsten , Schulte-Hubbert Bernhard , Halank Michael , Klose Hans
Published: April 2014

Fibrinogen has a crucial role in both inflammation and coagulation, two processes pivotal for the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. We therefore aimed to investigate whether fibrinogen plasma concentrations a) are elevated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and b) may serve as a novel biomarker for haemodynamic impairment. In a dual-centre, retrospective analysis including 112 patients with PAH (n = 52), CTEPH (n = 49) and a control cohort of patients with suspected PAH ruled out by right heart catheterisation (n = 11), we found fibrinogen plasma concentrations to be increased in patients with PAH (4.1 ± 1.4 g/l) and CTEPH (4.3 ± 1.2 g/l) compared to control patients (3.4 ± 0.5 g/l, p = 0.0035 and p = 0.0004, respectively). In CTEPH patients but not in PAH patients fibrinogen was associated with haemodynamics (p < 0.036) and functional parameters (p < 0.041). Furthermore, fibrinogen was linked to disease severity (WHO functional class, p = 0.017) and independently predicted haemodynamic impairment specifically in CTEPH (p < 0.016). Therefore, fibrinogen seems to represent an important factor in CTEPH pathophysiology and may have the potential to guide clinical diagnosis and therapy.
Trapping photons on the line: controllable dynamics of a quantum walk
Authors: Xue Peng , Qin Hao , Tang Bao
Published: April 2014

Optical interferometers comprising birefringent-crystal beam displacers, wave plates and phase shifters serve as stable devices for simulating quantum information processes such as heralded coined quantum walks. Quantum walks are important for quantum algorithms, universal quantum computing circuits, quantum transport in complex systems and demonstrating intriguing nonlinear dynamical quantum phenomena. We introduce fully controllable polarization-independent phase shifters in optical pathes in order to realize site-dependent phase defects. The effectiveness of our interferometer is demonstrated through realizing single-photon quantum-walk dynamics in one dimension. By applying site-dependent phase defects, the translational symmetry of an ideal standard quantum walk is broken resulting in localization effect in a quantum walk architecture. The walk is realized for different site-dependent phase defects and coin settings, indicating the strength of localization signature depends on the level of phase due to site-dependent phase defects and coin settings and opening the way for the implementation of a quantum-walk-based algorithm.
Quantum dots in diagnostics and detection: principles and paradigms
Authors: Pisanic II T. R. , Zhang Y. , Wang T. H.
Published: April 2014

A review of the exceptional phenomena associated with quantum dots that have been and continue to be readily exploited for numerous uses in nanobiotechnology.
A fluorescence “switch-on” approach to detect hydrazine in aqueous solution at neutral pH
Authors: Qu Dian-Yun , Chen Jin-Long , Di Bin
Published: April 2014

The fluorescent probe developed here (1) works well in aqueous solution at neutral pH, (2) has excellent specificity and (3) allows visualization of vaporized hydrazine.
Surfactant-assisted direct electron transfer between multi-copper oxidases and carbon nanotube-based porous electrodes
Authors: Ogawa Yudai , Yoshino Syuhei , Miyake Takeo , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: April 2014

The pre-treatment of carbon nanotube-based nanostructured porous electrodes with surfactant enhanced the efficiency of direct electron transfer of multi-copper oxidases.
Competition between weak hydrogen bonds: C–H⋯Cl is preferred to C–H⋯F in CH2ClF–H2CO, as revealed by rotational spectroscopy
Authors: Feng Gang , Gou Qian , Evangelisti Luca , Vallejo-López Montserrat , Lesarri Alberto , Cocinero Emilio J. , Caminati Walther
Published: April 2014

CH2O is linked to CH2ClF through a C–H⋯Cl weak hydrogen bond, and it rotates along its symmetry axis with a barrier V2 ∼ 125 cm−1.
“Ionic liquids-in-salt” – a promising electrolyte concept for high-temperature lithium batteries?
Authors: Marczewski Maciej J. , Stanje Bernhard , Hanzu Ilie , Wilkening Martin , Johansson Patrik
Published: April 2014

A novel electrolyte concept, “ionic liquid-in-salt”, is presented here through the proof-of-concept system (1 − x)EMIMTFSI–(x)LiTFSI, 0.66 ≤ x ≤ 0.97.
High-throughput computational screening of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Colón Yamil J. , Snurr Randall Q.
Published: April 2014

High-throughput computational screening of MOFs allows identification of promising candidates, new structure–property relationships, and performance limits.
Ionicity of acetate-based protic ionic liquids: evidence for both liquid and gaseous phases
Authors: Sun Xiaofu , Liu Shuangyue , Khan Asim , Zhao Chuan , Yan Chuanyu , Mu Tiancheng
Published: April 2014

Low ionicity at high temperatures has been detected for a series of acetate-based protic ionic liquids (PILs), which form neutral components as a result of back proton transfer through an equilibrium shift.
Defect controlled water splitting characteristics of gold nanoparticle functionalized ZnO nanowire films
Authors: Kushwaha Ajay , Aslam M.
Published: April 2014

An ITO/FTO free AuNP functionalized ZnO NW photoanode in a dual role such as photo active centers for catalytic activity and an efficient transport medium for photo-generated charge carriers.
Efficient solvent-assisted external treatment for planar heterojunction small-molecule organic solar cells
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Heo Ilsu , Park Dasom , Ahn Sang Jung , Jang Sung-Yeon , Yim Sanggyu
Published: April 2014

We developed a novel solvent-assisted treatment (SAT) technique to modify the nanomorphology of the planar heterojunction (PHJ) bilayer active layers (ZnPc/C60) of organic photovoltaics (OPVs).
Amphiphilic inulin graft co-polymers as self-assembling micelles for doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Licciardi M. , Scialabba C. , Sardo C. , Cavallaro G. , Giammona G.
Published: April 2014

INU-ceramide and INU-ceramide-PEG2000graft copolymers form micelles able to deliver the anticancer drug doxorubicin with a preferential cytotoxic activityversuscancer cells.
A multi-functional polyhydroxybutyrate nanoparticle for theranostic applications
Authors: Kwon Hee-Su , Jung Sung-Geun , Kim Hae-Yeong , Parker Stephanie A. , Batt Carl A. , Kim Young-Rok
Published: April 2014

One-step enzymatic synthesis of theranostic PHB nanoparticles using PHA synthase fused with A33scFv and GFP.
Water-soluble bioprobes with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for light-up sensing of heparin
Authors: Kwok Ryan T. K. , Geng Junlong , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Zhao Engui , Wang Guan , Zhan Ruoyu , Liu Bin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2014

The AIE probe performs better than the ACQ probe in the heparin assay in terms of sensitivity and selectivity.
Bone cement based nanohybrid as a super biomaterial for bone healing
Authors: Kapusetti Govinda , Misra Nira , Singh Vakil , Srivastava Swati , Roy Partha , Dana Kausik , Maiti Pralay
Published: April 2014

A novel bone cement nanohybrid has been developed which is both stiffer and tougher by design than pure bone cement and which heals broken bone at a faster rate.
Eu(ii) luminescence in the perovskite host lattices KMgH3, NaMgH3 and mixed crystals LiBaxSr1−xH3
Authors: Kunkel N. , Meijerink A. , Springborg M. , Kohlmann H.
Published: April 2014

Bright luminescence is observed for the perovskite KMgH3:Eu2+ and a wide red shift in the emission energies of Eu(ii) in NaMgH3. In LiBaxSr1−xH3:Eu2+ the emission energy depends on the value of x.
High‐efficiency all‐fibre optical parametric oscillator based on photonic crystal fibres pumped by ytterbium‐doped fibre laser
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Sigang , Wang Xiaojian , Gou Doudou , Chen Hongwei , Chen Minghua , Xie Shizhong
Published: April 2014

Based on a photonic crystal fibre (PCF) pumped by an ytterbium‐doped fibre laser, a high‐efficiency all‐fibre optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is demonstrated. The high conversion efficiency is guaranteed by the relatively low intra‐cavity loss of the all‐fibre configuration. In the experiment, an internal conversion efficiency of up to 36% is achieved, which is believed to be the largest value for PCF‐based OPOs.
Performance analysis of a power line communication system employing selection combining in correlated log‐normal channels and impulsive noise
Authors: Dubey Ankit , Mallik Ranjan K. , Schober Robert
Published: April 2014

The authors analyse an L‐channel selection combining (SC) scheme for a power line communication (PLC) system with binary phase‐shift keying. The focus is on improving the reliability in data transfer of the system instead of improving the data rate. To enhance the reliability in data transfer, multiple PLC channels are used to send the same information‐bearing signal to the receiver. The L PLC channels are subject to log‐normal fading, which is modelled by a multivariate log‐normal distribution with an exponential correlation. The channels are also corrupted by additive impulsive noise as well as thermal noise. To consider the effect of both types of noises, they adopt a Gaussian mixture noise model, in which the additive noise samples are taken from a Bernoulli–Gaussian process. The system performance is evaluated in terms of the average bit error rate and the average channel capacity, for which approximate closed form expressions are derived. Numerical results showing the impact of the number of PLC channels, the amount of correlation, the noise scenarios, and the fading environments on the performance are presented. The authors' results show that the performance improves with increasing number of PLC channels; however, the amount of improvement reduces with increasing channel correlation.
Stable adaptive sparse filtering algorithms for estimating multiple‐input–multiple‐output channels
Authors: Gui Guan , Adachi Fumiyuki
Published: April 2014

Channel estimation problem is one of the key technical issues for broadband multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) signal transmission. To estimate the MIMO channel, a standard least mean square (LMS) algorithm was often applied to adaptive channel estimation because of its low complexity and stability. The sparsity of the broadband MIMO channel can be exploited to further improve the estimation performance. This observation motivates us to consider adaptive sparse channel estimation (ASCE) methods using sparse LMS (ASCE‐LMS) algorithms. However, conventional ASCE methods have two main drawbacks: (i) sensitivity to random scaling of training signal and (ii) poor estimation performance in low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) regime. The former drawback is tackled by proposing novel ASCE‐NLMS algorithms. ASCE‐NLMS mitigates interference of random scale of training signal and therefore it improves its algorithm stability. It is well‐known that stable sparse normalised least‐mean fourth (NLMF) algorithms can achieve better estimation performance than sparse NLMS algorithms. Therefore the authors propose an improved ASCE method using sparse NLMF algorithms (ASCE‐NLMF) to improve the estimation performance in low SNR regime. Simulation results show that the proposed ASCE methods are shown to achieve better performance than conventional methods, that is, ASCE‐LMS by computer simulations. Also, the stability of the proposed methods is confirmed by theoretical analysis.
Input‐constrained formation control of differential‐drive mobile robots: geometric analysis and optimisation
Authors: Chen Xiaohan , Jia Yingmin
Published: April 2014

This study considers the formation control of differential‐drive mobile robots subject to diamond‐shaped input constraints. A basic controller form in terms of two feedback functions is proposed in a leader‐follower setup. The existence of suitable feedback functions, guaranteeing the achievement of desired formation and the satisfaction of input constraints, is confirmed by a sufficient condition derived from geometric analysis. The geometric analysis also helps selections of feedback functions. Optimal feedback functions are designed to fully exploit the maneuverability of mobile robots. In addition, the performance assignment, which confines the velocities of the follower robot in a specified subset of diamond‐shaped input domain to avoid slippage and reduce mechanical wear, is discussed. Simulation results are included to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.
Delay‐dependent dissipative control for a class of non‐linear system via Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy descriptor model with time delay
Authors: Zhu Baoyan , Zhang Qingling , Chang Chunling
Published: April 2014

This paper studies the dissipative control problems for the non‐linear descriptor system via a Takagi–Sugeno descriptor model with time delay and uncertainties. The considered systems are not necessarily regular or impulse free. Using the free‐weighting‐matrix approach combined with the developed linear matrix inequality techniques, the authors proposed an improved delay‐dependent stability criterion to guarantee the system to be admissible. Based on this criterion, the solvable conditions for the existence of dissipative controller are derived, which guarantees that the closed‐loop system is not only admissible but also strictly dissipative for all admissible uncertainties. The proposed method is more suitable for the robust stability analysis and control synthesis. Moreover, different control processes can be achieved for the targeted systems in the same design process. Therefore it could potentially reduce cost and time in the controller design for an actual physical system. The authors perform simulations to validate the obtained method for practical examples.
Soft switching resonant converter with flying capacitor and two series half‐bridge legs
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Chen Chih‐Chieh
Published: April 2014

A new soft switching resonant converter is presented in this study to reduce the switching losses on power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and overcome the reverse recovery losses on rectifier diodes. Two half‐bridge legs connected in series and two split capacitors are adopted to limit the voltage stress of each MOSFET at half‐input voltage and to reduce the current rating of transformer windings and passive components at output side. A flying capacitor is connected between two half‐bridge legs in order to automatically balance two input capacitor voltages. Therefore MOSFETs with low‐voltage stress can be used at high‐input voltage applications. The resonant converter is adopted in each half‐bridge circuit to reduce the switching losses of active devices. Finally, experiments based on a laboratory prototype are provided to verify the circuit performance.
Three‐phase hybrid multilevel inverter with less power electronic components using space vector modulation
Authors: Hasan Mubashwar , Mekhilef Saad , Ahmed Mahrous
Published: April 2014

This study presents a new design and implementation of a three‐phase hybrid multilevel inverter (MLI) using space vector modulation. The proposed MLI consists of a reduced number of dc sources and switches to minimise the control complexity. The developed topology consists of two stages: main stage and auxiliary stage. The main stage is a conventional three‐phase inverter with one high‐voltage input dc source and six switches. The auxiliary stages contain three individual cells. Each cell consists of two switches and one low‐voltage input dc source. This topology is a modular type and without changing the previous connection it can be extended for more number of output voltage levels by adding certain number of auxiliary stages. A space vector modulation control technique has been utilised in order to generate different switching sequences. The special feature of the proposed system is its capability to maximise the number of voltage levels using a reduced number of isolated dc voltage sources and electronic switches. A prototype has been developed and tested for various modulation indexes to verify the control technique and performance of the topology. Experimental results validate the simulation results and the experimental results show a good similarity with the simulation results.
Step‐up/down three‐phase resonant high‐frequency ac‐link inverters
Authors: Keyhani Hamidreza , Toliyat Hamid A. , Todorovic Maja Harfman , Lai Rixin , Datta Rajib
Published: April 2014

A new family of three‐phase resonant inverters with a high‐frequency (HF) ac‐link and zero‐voltage switching is introduced. In these inverters, the maximum output voltage is not limited to the dc‐bus voltage, and the converters can conveniently operate in the step‐up and step‐down modes in both the forward and the reverse directions. The HF ac‐link of the converters is composed of an ac inductor and a small ac capacitor. The link inductor is the main component for transferring power, and the link capacitor provides partial resonances for the zero voltage switching of all the power switches. The link inductor can be replaced by a small HF transformer to achieve galvanic isolation. This transformer is substantially smaller and more efficient than the conventional line‐frequency three‐phase isolation transformers. The total number of switches of the proposed unidirectional dc–ac converter is as low as seven, suitable for the low power applications. By adding three more switches, the converter can transfer power in both directions. The basic operation of the new converters includes six modes and is described in detail. A detailed analysis of the introduced topology is also given to reveal its behaviour at various operating points. Several simulation and experimental results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed power converters.
Double‐layer silver nanoparticle arrays‐based localised surface plasmon resonance optical sensor for sensitive detection of concanavalin A
Authors: Ye Weixiang , Zhang Wei , Wang Cheng , Li Wenbin , Yu Huawei , Liu Guohua
Published: April 2014

A localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) optical sensor with double‐layer silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) arrays has been developed for the sensitive detection of concanavalin A (ConA). Based on the principle of carbohydrate–protein interactions, double‐layer dextran capped Ag NP arrays were initially constructed. The increase of adsorption apparent mass and LSPR coupling between the two Ag NP arrays can effectively enhance the LSPR spectral shift response. Compared with the single‐layer Ag NP arrays configuration, the double‐layer Ag NP arrays configuration improves the limitation of detection of ConA concentration from 3.42 to ∼1.14 µg/ml.
Incorporating the Spine Instability Neoplastic Score into a Treatment Strategy for Spinal Metastasis: LMNOP
Authors: Ivanishvili Zurab , Fourney Daryl R.
Published: April 2014

Study Design

Review.

Objective

To describe a decision framework that incorporates key factors to be considered for optimal treatment of spinal metastasis and highlight how this system incorporates the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS).

Methods

We describe how treatment options for spinal metastasis have broadened in recent years with advancements in stereotactic radiosurgery, vertebral augmentation, and other minimally invasive techniques. We discuss classification-based approaches to the treatment of spinal metastasis versus principles-based approaches and argue that the latter may be more appropriate for optimal patient informed consent. Case examples are provided.

Results

Scoring systems at best produce an estimate of life expectancy but fall short in incorporating all of the relevant factors that determine which treatment(s) may be indicated. We advocate a principle-based decision framework called LMNOP that considers: (L) location of disease with respect to the anterior and/or posterior columns of the spine and number of spinal levels involved (contiguous or non-contiguous); (M) mechanical instability as graded by SINS; (N) neurology (symptomatic epidural spinal cord compression); (O) oncology (histopathologic diagnosis), particularly with respect to radiosensitivity; and (P) patient fitness, patient wishes, prognosis (which is mostly dependent on tumor type), and response to prior therapy.

Conclusions

LMNOP is the first systematic approach to spinal metastasis that incorporates SINS. It is easy to remember, it addresses clinical factors not directly addressed by other systems, and it is adaptable to changes in technology.
Facial Selectivity in the Addition of Lithium Dimethylcuprate to 6-Substituted Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]deca-4,8-dienones. Synthesis of β-Substituted Cyclopentenones Using Flash Vacuum Thermolysis
Authors: Klunder Antonius J. H. , Volkers Andries A. , Zwanenburg Binne
Published: April 2014

The stereoselectivity of the nucleophilic addition of lithium dimethylcuprate and lithium di-n-pentylcuprate to 6-substituted tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]deca-4,8-dienones was investigated. It was shown that substituents at the 6-position can either exert a steric effect or an electronic effect. Steric approach control predominantly giving the endo product was observed for 6-alkyl substituents. Stereoelectronic control could be adequately rationalised using the Cieplak model. Flash vacuum thermolysis was used to prepare a series of β-substituted cyclopentenoids. The sequence leading to cyclopentenoids has an attractive scope.
Nutrient responses and macronutrient composition of some Trifolium repens×Trifolium uniflorum interspecific hybrids
Authors: Nichols S. N. , Hofmann R. W. , Williams W. M. , Crush J. R.
Published: April 2014

Interspecific hybridisation is being utilised in white clover (Trifolium repens L.) breeding programs to overcome factors currently restricting productivity and persistence. Valuable new traits that may be introduced from the wild relative T. uniflorum include root characteristics and other adaptations to its natural, Mediterranean habitat. This study examined the effect of hybridisation on growth and macronutrient composition of white clover compared with T. uniflorum and T. repens × T. uniflorum backcross 1 (BC1) hybrids in two glasshouse sand culture experiments. Shoot and root dry weights of BC1 hybrids were greater than of white clover in low-concentration nutrient treatments but not in a more concentrated treatment. Decreases in dry weight with decreasing nutrient treatment strength were also smaller for some BC1 hybrids compared with white clover and other hybrid families. Most foliar macronutrient levels were adequate for white clover growth, but mean shoot or leaf phosphorus (P) concentrations were below published critical levels. Higher dry matter production under these low internal P concentrations suggests that some T. repens × T. uniflorum BC1 hybrids may be more tolerant of lower soil P levels than white clover. Such adaptations are likely to have been inherited from T. uniflorum. However, transgressive segregation may also be occurring, as T. uniflorum was larger than white clover in some, but not all, cases of low nutrient supply.
The development of electrochemical methods for determining nanoparticles in the environment. Part I. Voltammetry and in-situ electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy (EC-STM) study of FeS in sodium chloride solutions
Authors: Marguš M. , Batina N. , Ciglenečki I.
Published: April 2014

Environmental context
The dramatic change in physical and chemical characteristics that substances experience at reduced length scales (1–100nm), together with a potential risk of ecotoxicity, are two of the reasons for the scientific interest in nanoparticles. The current understanding of the behaviour and fate of nanoparticles in natural waters is limited because of a lack of efficient methods for their characterisation. Electrochemistry is a promising tool for the determination and characterisation of nanoparticles in the natural environment.

Abstract
In-situ electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy (EC-STM) has been used for the characterisation and determination of FeS nanoparticles (NPs) at a Au(111) electrode in NaCl solutions oversaturated with FeS. In parallel, voltammetric measurements in different electrode systems (Hg and Au) have been conducted. Particle deposition was studied in relation to variations in applied and scanning electrode potentials over a range of 0.1 to –1.5V v. Ag/AgCl. EC-STM images obtained on the Au(111) electrode revealed the presence of FeS NPs, accompanied by a drastic transformation in the electrode’s surface topography during scanning from 0.1 to –1.2V. A majority of FeS NPs (diameter 2–5nm) were detected in the potential range of –0.15 to –0.25V v. Ag/AgCl. The EC-STM results are in very good agreement with previous voltammetric measurements at Hg and Au electrodes. The combination of in-situ EC-STM and cyclic voltammetry complementary techniques appears to be a powerful tool for the characterisation of complex electrochemical systems such as chalcogenide NPs in aqueous solutions.
In-situ electrochemical method for detecting freely dissolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water
Authors: Penezić Abra , Gašparović Blaženka , Stipaničev Draženka , Nelson Andrew
Published: April 2014

Environmental context Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds found in the atmosphere, soil, sediments and water. They can bioaccumulate in marine organisms where they pose a threat to the health of the organisms. We are developing a low-cost and simple electrochemical method to monitor the concentrations of these compounds in the aquatic environment. Abstract A new sensing system for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waters is being developed. The system consists of a wafer-based device with a chip-based mercury on platinum microelectrode as a working electrode and a platinum auxiliary electrode, incorporated into a flow cell system with an external reference electrode. The Hg microelectrode was coated with a phospholipid–triglyceride mixed layer and interactions between anthracene, phenanthrene, pyrene and fluoranthene and the layer were monitored using rapid cyclic voltammetry. The layer proved sensitive to interactions with PAHs in ‘organic matter free’ seawater, with respective detection limits of 0.33, 0.35, 0.15 and 0.32μgL–1 for phenanthrene, pyrene, anthracene and fluoranthene. Tested interferences, such as sodium humate, dextran T-500 and bovine serum albumin, representing humic substances, polysaccharides and proteins, did not have an influence on the layer response. The system was also tested with a river water sample where concentrations of PAHs were determined using the standard addition method and compared with the results obtained by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentration of total PAHs obtained by the standard addition method is ~80% lower compared with the results obtained by GC-MS analysis. The difference is explained by the fact that the electrochemical method measures water-soluble and free PAHs whereas the chromatographic method measures both dissolved and particulate–organic PAHs.
Limited photosynthetic plasticity in the leaf-succulent CAM plant Agave angustifolia grown at different temperatures
Authors: Holtum Joseph A. M. , Winter Klaus
Published: April 2014

In Agave angustifolia Haw., a leaf-succulent constitutive crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant of tropical Panama, we tested whether nocturnal CO2 uptake and growth were reduced at night temperatures above 20°C. Unlike some CAM model species from habitats with pronounced day-night temperature variations, in A. angustifolia temperature affected little the relative contributions of CAM and C3 photosynthesis to growth. In plants grown under 12 h light/dark regimes of 25/17, 30/22 and 35/27°C, biomass increased with temperature. Maintaining day temperature at 35°C and reducing night temperature from 27 to 17°C markedly lowered growth, a reduction partially reversed when roots were heated to 27°C. Across all treatments, whole-shoot δ13C values ranged between –14.6 and –13.2 ‰, indicating a stable proportion of CO2 was fixed at night, between 75 and 83%. Nocturnal acidification reflected growth, varying between 339 and 393 μmol H+ g–1 fresh mass and 63–87 μmol H+ cm–2. In outdoor open-top chambers, warming the air 3°C above ambient at night did not reduce biomass accumulation. The persistence of a high capacity for nocturnal CO2 fixation at the expense of a limited capacity for switching between C3 and CAM probably makes this Agave, and others like it, potential species for biomass production in seasonally-dry landscapes.
Consumer satisfaction with practice nursing: a cross-sectional survey in New Zealand general practice
Authors: Halcomb Elizabeth , Davies Deborah , Salamonson Yenna
Published: April 2014

An important consideration in health service delivery is ensuring that services meet consumer needs. Whilst nursing services in primary care have grown internationally, there has been limited exploration of consumer satisfaction with these services. This paper reports a descriptive survey that sought to evaluate consumers’ perceptions of New Zealand practice nurses (PNs). One thousand, five hundred and five patients who received nursing services at one of 20 participating New Zealand general practices completed a survey tool between December 2010 and December 2011. The 64-item self-report survey tool contained the 21-item General Practice Nurse Satisfaction (GPNS) scale. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Internal consistency of the GPNS scale was high (Cronbach’s α 0.97). Participants aged over 60 years and those of European descent were significantly less satisfied with the PN (P = 0.001). Controlling for these characteristics, participants who had visited the PN more than four times previously were 1.34 times (adjusted odds ratio 1.34 (95% CI: 1.06–1.70) more satisfied than the comparison group (up to 4 previous visits to PN). In addition to the further validation of the psychometric properties of the GPNS scale in a different setting, the study also revealed a high level of satisfaction with PNs, with increased satisfaction with an increased number of visits. Nevertheless, the lower levels of satisfaction with PNs in the older age group as well as those of European descent, warrants further examination. The study also highlights the need for PNs and consumers to discuss consumer’s expectations of services and create a shared understanding of treatment goals.
Calibration equations for Diviner 2000 capacitance measurements of volumetric soil water content in salt-affected soils
Authors: Tedeschi Anna , Huang Cui Hua , Zong Li , You Quan Gang , Xue Xian
Published: April 2014

The capacitance sensor Diviner 2000 was used in an open field to monitor the volumetric soil water content (θν) in the Minqin Oasis of Northwest China. The objectives of the work were to evaluate the accuracy of the factory calibration equation; to obtain a soil-specific calibration as a linear and a power equation with both a saline and a tapwater reference; and to obtain a general equation for multiple soil layers. Calibration was done during an irrigation experiment by using water with different salinities. The soil was characterised by different salinities and textures across the plots and soil layers. The calibration was carried out using water of the same salinity and composition as the local irrigation water. This procedure would yield a better normalisation of the scaled frequency (SF) for each irrigation treatment. For the treatments under study, the accuracy of the factory calibration equation was not good (range of the root mean square error, RMSE: 0.048–0.171 cm3 cm–3). The accuracy of the soil-specific field calibration was higher. We therefore concluded that a soil-specific calibration is necessary. The RMSE shows no difference for the calibration equation with either tap or saline water reference. The linear and power equations, determined with a tap and saline water reference for each treatment and layer, gave larger differences in θν, Δθν, at high SF than at low SF values. The Δθv values increased with increasing salinity, i.e. from the control to the most saline water irrigation treatment. The linear equation had a significantly different slope for the 0.3–0.6 m layer, which has higher clay content. Pooling in a single equation of the data from multiple layers and/or treatments was satisfactory for the 0.3–0.6 m layer of the treatments W2 and W5, with RMSE of 0.026, with the higher clay content.
The koala immunological toolkit: sequence identification and comparison of key markers of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) immune response
Authors: Morris Katrina , Prentis Peter J. , O'Meally Denis , Pavasovic Ana , Brown Alyce Taylor , Timms Peter , Belov Katherine , Polkinghorne Adam
Published: April 2014

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an Australian marsupial that continues to experience significant population declines. Infectious diseases caused by pathogens such as Chlamydia are proposed to have a major role. Very few species-specific immunological reagents are available, severely hindering our ability to respond to the threat of infectious diseases in the koala. In this study, we utilise data from the sequencing of the koala transcriptome to identify key immunological markers of the koala adaptive immune response and cytokines known to be important in the host response to chlamydial infection in other species. This report describes the identification and preliminary sequence analysis of (1) T lymphocyte glycoprotein markers (CD4, CD8); (2) IL-4, a marker for the Th2 response; (3) cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12 and IL-1β, that have been shown to have a role in chlamydial clearance and pathology in other hosts; and (4) the sequences for the koala immunoglobulins, IgA, IgG, IgE and IgM. These sequences will enable the development of a range of immunological reagents for understanding the koala’s innate and adaptive immune responses, while also providing a resource that will enable continued investigations into the origin and evolution of the marsupial immune system.
English as a visual language
Authors: James Allan R.
Published: April 2014

The present article develops a theoretical framework for the analysis of the semiotics of the English of mixed-language texts as are found worldwide in various domains of public and private communication. The social meaning of such anglography, it will be argued, must be interpreted as a result of the bi-modality (verbal and visual) of its material realisation. Drawing on a range of relevant contexts (e.g. ‘linguistic landscapes’, print advertising, print journalism and social communication via the digital media), the article proposes an integrated framework of analysis, incorporating and expanding tenets of both Systemic Functional Grammar and Critical Discourse Analysis, which shows that the employment of ‘English as a visual language’ directly enhances the social semiotic impact of such texts by mediating between them as linguistic products and social events. Close empirical analysis of representative texts (public signage, print ads and private e-communication) illustrates the proposed theory at work.
The Spatial Language of Time
Authors: Moore Kevin Ezra
Published: April 2014

The Spatial Language of Time presents a crosslinguistically valid state-of-the-art analysis of space-to-time metaphors, using data mostly from English and Wolof (Africa) but additionally from Japanese and other languages. Metaphors are analyzed in terms of their most direct motivation by basic human experiences (Grady 1997a; Lakoff & Johnson 1980). This motivation explains the crosslinguistic appearance of certain metaphors, but does not say anything about temporal metaphor systems that deviate from the types documented here. Indeed, we observe interesting culture- and language-specific metaphor phenomena. Refining earlier treatments of temporal metaphor and adapting to temporal experience Levinson’s (2003) idea of frames of reference, the author proposes a contrast between perspective-neutral and perspective-specific frames of reference in temporal metaphor that has important crosslinguistic ramifications for the temporal semantics of FRONT/BEHIND expressions. This book refines the cognitive-linguistic approach to temporal metaphor by analyzing the extensive temporal structure in what has been considered the source domain of space, and showing how temporal metaphors can be better understood by downplaying the space-time dichotomy and analyzing metaphor structure in terms of conceptual frames. This book is of interest to linguists, psychologists, anthropologists, philosophers, and others who may have wondered about relationships between space and time.
Literary Detective Work on the Computer
Authors: Oakes Michael P.
Published: April 2014

Computational linguistics can be used to uncover mysteries in text which are not always obvious to visual inspection. For example, the computer analysis of writing style can show who might be the true author of a text in cases of disputed authorship or suspected plagiarism. The theoretical background to authorship attribution is presented in a step by step manner, and comprehensive reviews of the field are given in two specialist areas, the writings of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries, and the various writing styles seen in religious texts. The final chapter looks at the progress computers have made in the decipherment of lost languages. This book is written for students and researchers of general linguistics, computational and corpus linguistics, and computer forensics. It will inspire future researchers to study these topics for themselves, and gives sufficient details of the methods and resources to get them started.
A method of analysing recontextualisation in the communication of science
Authors: Connolly John
Published: April 2014

Although communication is a creative process, this does not mean that all
discourse is entirely novel. On the contrary, speakers and writers often draw
upon material encountered within previous discourse-situations, and reuse it
in their current discourse-environment. This process, whereby content that
has been given expression in one context is subsequently lifted into a different
context, is known as recontextualisation. Furthermore, such recontextualisation
is frequently accompanied by the recasting or reexpression of the text itself, a
process which may be termed resemiotisation. The present chapter proposes a
broadly-based, three-tier method for the systematic analysis of recontextualisation
and of the accompanying resemiotisation, and applies it to the practical
study of communication in science education.
Contrastive corpus annotation in the CONTRANOT project
Authors: Lavid Julia , Carretero Marta , Arús-Hita Jorge , Moratón Lara , Zamorano-Mansilla Juan Rafael
Published: April 2014

In this paper we outline a number of issues and problems which arise during
the process of contrastive human-coded corpus annotation of certain semantic
and discourse categories within the framework of the CONTRANOT project,
aimed at the creation and validation of contrastive functional descriptions
through corpus analysis and annotation. Human-coded corpus annotation is a
preliminary step for the training of computer algorithms which allow the automation
of the annotation of large corpora, but it can also serve as a mechanism
for testing aspects of linguistic theories empirically, such as theory formation
and theory-redefinition, as well as enriching theories with quantitative information.
The work reported in this paper focuses on the annotation of the category
of Thematisation, on the one hand, and on Modality, on the other, to illustrate
the challenges researchers have to face when confronted with the task of developing
well-designed and reliable annotation procedures for complex linguistic
phenomena in a contrastive manner. We describe the annotation tasks and
procedures developed so far, which include the design of annotation schemas
on the basis of available linguistic theories and the testing of their reliability
through agreement studies. We also evaluate and discuss the results of the annotations
on the basis of their relevance for the theoretical characterisation of the
investigated phenomena. We expect that our work will have an impact in the
area of contrastive textual analysis, and that it will pave the way for the development
of automated annotation systems for computational applications.