bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective recognition of biogenic amine hydrochlorides by heteroditopic dihomooxacalix[4]arenes
Authors: Gattuso Giuseppe , Notti Anna , Parisi Melchiorre F. , Pisagatti Ilenia , Marcos Paula Maria , Ascenso José Rosário , Brancatelli Giovanna , Geremia Silvano
Published: December 2014

New receptors for the selective binding of monoamine neurotransmitters and trace amine hydrochlorides, as ion pairs, are described.
Correlative electron and X-ray microscopy: probing chemistry and bonding with high spatial resolution
Authors: Goode Angela E. , Porter Alexandra E. , Ryan Mary P. , McComb David W.
Published: December 2014

Benefits and challenges of correlative spectroscopy: electron energy-loss spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM-EELS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the scanning transmission X-ray microscope (STXM-XAS).
Preparation of CoS2 nanoflake arrays through ion exchange reaction of Co(OH)2 and their application as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Tsai Jung-Che , Hon Min-Hsiung , Leu Ing-Chi
Published: December 2014

CoS2 nanoflake arrays prepared on TCO were used as the counter electrode in DSSC application.
In vitro and in vivo synergistic interaction of substituted chalcone derivatives with norfloxacin against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gaur Rashmi , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Pal Anirban , Darokar Mahendra Padurang , Bhakuni Rajendra Singh , Kumar Brijesh
Published: December 2014

The present investigation shows that certain substituted chalcone derivatives diminish the escalation of bacterial cellsviainhibiting bacterial efflux pump and exhibit a synergistic interaction with norfloxacin.
Facial synthesis of hexagonal metal oxide nanoparticles for low temperature ammonia gas sensing applications
Authors: Rawal Ishpal
Published: December 2014

A surfactant assisted facial hydrothermal process has been employed for the synthesis of rutile and wurtzite phase SnO2 and ZnO nanoparticles, respectively, confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies.
Synthesis of hexagonal and cubic ZnIn2S4 nanosheets for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with methanol
Authors: Chen Jingshuai , Xin Feng , Yin Xiaohong , Xiang Tianyu , Wang Yuwen
Published: December 2014

ZnIn2S4 nanosheets with hexagonal and cubic structures have been prepared and displayed high photocatalytic conversion efficiency of CO2 into methyl formate using methanol as a reducing agent.
Improvement of optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties through the insertion of a naphthalenediimide unit in donor–acceptor oligothiophenes
Authors: Bobe Sharad R. , Gupta Akhil , Rananaware Anushri , Bilic Ante , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: December 2014

Herein, we report optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of conjugated naphthalenediimide functionality in a given donor–acceptor small molecular oligothiophene, when used in solution-processable bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Synthesis and properties of novel UV – curable hyperbranched waterborne polyurethane/Fe3O4 nanocomposite films with excellent magnetic properties
Authors: Chen Suli , Zhang Sidi , Li Yanfeng , Zhao Guanghui
Published: December 2014

A novel magnetic WPU/Fe3O4 nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized by in situ polymerization method. The nanocomposite films present excellent magnetic properties, which would have a promising application in microwave-absorption field.
Construction of dispirocyclohexyl-3,3′-bisoxindole and dispirocyclopentyl-3,3′-bisoxindole via domino cycloaddition reactions of N-benzylbenzimidazolium salts with 2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)acetates
Authors: Shen Guo-Liang , Sun Jing , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: December 2014

Two kinds of spirocyclic oxindoles were selectively synthesized from cycloaddition of N-benzyl-N-phenacylbenzimidazolium salts with two molecules of 2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)acetates.
Implications of sample aging on the formation of internally etched silica coated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Volkert Anna A. , Pierre Marie Carmelle S. , Shrestha Binaya , Haes Amanda J.
Published: December 2014

Local refractive index sensitivity modelling using the plasmonic properties of gold nanospheres assists in the elucidation of the nanoparticle-rattle formation as a function of sample age and storage conditions.
One step preparation of ‘ready to use’ Au@Pd nanoparticle modified surface using deep eutectic solvents and a study of its electrocatalytic properties in methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Renjith Anu , Lakshminarayanan V.
Published: December 2014

A facile one pot synthesis andin situelectrodeposition of Au–Pd core–shell nanoparticles (Au@Pd NPs) could be achieved in a deep eutectic solvent. The fabricated Au@Pd NPs modified graphite showed superior electrocatalytic properties for methanol oxidation at low activation energies.
Physiochemical properties and bioapplication of nano- and microsized hydroxy zinc phosphate particles modulated by reaction temperature
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhu Bangshang , Yuan Xiaoya , Tong Gangsheng , Su Yue , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: December 2014

Temperature plays an important part in determining the size, morphology, and physiochemical and biological properties of hydroxy zinc phosphate particles, which can be used in drug-loading and for the removal of heavy metal ions.
VLSI implementation of coupled MRF model using pulse‐coupled phase oscillators
Authors: Matsuzaka Kenji , Tanaka Hideki , Ohkubo Satoru , Morie Takashi
Published: December 2014

Efficient pixel‐parallel image processing using a pulse‐coupled phase oscillator model and its very large scale integration (VLSI) implementation is proposed. A processing unit that corresponds to a pixel of an image transmits spike pulses to other units, and updates its own analogue state value at timing when spikes come from other units. From a VLSI implementation point of view, this mechanism is suitable for very low‐power operation because analogue buffers are unnecessary for data transmission. On the basis of this model, a VLSI image processor chip that performs a coupled Markov random field model for image region segmentation is designed and fabricated. A very low‐power VLSI design has been achieved by the combination of an analogue oscillator and digital coupling function generator circuits with time‐domain computation. The processing performance of the fabricated oscillator‐based image processor chip using a 0.25 μm CMOS process has achieved 43.2 GOPS or 656 GOPS/W. Experiments using the fabricated chip have shown successful image region segmentation in one‐ and two‐dimensional images.
Framework for fair objective performance evaluation of single‐image super‐resolution algorithms
Authors: Kim Won‐Hee , Lee Jong‐Seok
Published: December 2014

Single‐image super‐resolution (SISR) is a technology to reconstruct a high‐resolution image from a single low‐resolution input image. The performance of SISR algorithms is usually evaluated by applying full‐reference objective image quality assessment metrics. First, it is argued that the result of objective quality evaluation may become inconsistent with subjective quality assessment, depending on how the input low‐resolution image is generated and how up‐scaling during SISR is conducted. Since such inconsistency is due to subpixel‐level misalignment between the original and output images, a framework is then proposed that compensates any spatial displacement between the two images and enables fair SISR performance evaluation using objective quality metrics.
Compact thermally actuated latching MEMS switch with large contact force
Authors: Dellaert D. , Doutreloigne J.
Published: December 2014

A novel latching microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch is reported, which uses a compact configuration of thermal actuators. In the proposed latching mechanism, the necessary displacement of one of the contacts can be reduced, allowing the use of a linear thermal actuator. This linear actuator together with a V‐shaped actuator can be aligned next to each other, requiring less area than the classical latching switch design. Another advantage of the proposed design is the high contact force of 1.33 mN, ensuring a stable contact resistance. The latching switch was fabricated in the Metal multi‐user MEMS processes (MUMPs) technology and its functionality was successfully tested. In the latched state, a switch resistance of 0.6 Ω was measured.
Increased static RON in GaN‐on‐silicon power transistors under high‐side operation with floating substrate conditions
Authors: Unni V. , Kawai H. , Narayanan E.M.S.
Published: December 2014

An increase in static on‐state resistance (RON) is observed in heterojunction field‐effect transistors (HFETs) fabricated as GaN‐on‐silicon devices with floating substrates, when the device is operated at a higher positive bias with respect to the ground, compared to nominal grounded source measurement conditions. This is unlike the widely discussed and reported phenomenon of dynamic RON increase during current collapse, where an increase in RON is observed only after a high off‐state drain bias is applied to the device. These findings are crucial from the point of view of in power electronic circuit applications either as discrete devices or in monolithic integrated circuits. The impact manifests itself as an increased threshold voltage in the HFET and affects its output characteristics, with an impact equivalent to and observed during Si substrate negative back‐biasing.
Double-diffusive two-fluid flow in a slippery channel: A linear stability analysis
Authors: Ghosh Sukhendu , Usha R. , Sahu Kirti Chandra
Published: December 2014

The effect of velocity slip at the walls on the linear stability characteristics of two-fluid three-layer channel flow (the equivalent core-annular configuration in case of pipe) is investigated in the presence of double diffusive (DD) phenomenon. The fluids are miscible and consist of two solute species having different rates of diffusion. The fluids are assumed to be of the same density, but varying viscosity, which depends on the concentration of the solute species. It is found that the flow stabilizes when the less viscous fluid is present in the region adjacent to the slippery channel walls in the single-component (SC) system but becomes unstable at low Reynolds numbers in the presence of DD effect. As the mixed region of the fluids moves towards the channel walls, a new unstable mode (DD mode), distinct from the Tollman Schlichting (TS) mode, arises at Reynolds numbers smaller than the critical Reynolds number for the TS mode. We also found that this mode becomes more prominent when the mixed layer overlaps with the critical layer. It is shown that the slip parameter has nonmonotonic effect on the stability characteristics in this system. Through energy budget analysis, the dual role of slip is explained. The effect of slip is influenced by the location of mixed layer, the log-mobility ratio of the faster diffusing scalar, diffusivity, and the ratio of diffusion coefficients of the two species. Increasing the value of the slip parameter delays the first occurrence of the DD-mode. It is possible to achieve stabilization or destabilization by controlling the various physical parameters in the flow system. In the present study, we suggest an effective and realistic way to control three-layer miscible channel flow with viscosity stratification.
High conductivity micro-wires in diamond following arbitrary paths
Authors: Sun Bangshan , Salter Patrick S. , Booth Martin J.
Published: December 2014

High quality graphitic wires embedded beneath the surface of single crystal diamond are fabricated using a combination of adaptive ultrashort pulsed laser fabrication, high numerical aperture focusing, and an axial multi-fabrication scheme. Wires are created with micrometer and sub-micrometer dimensions that can follow any three dimensional path within the diamond. The measured conductivities are over an order of magnitude greater than previously reported wires fabricated by ultra-short pulsed lasers. The increased level of graphitization control in this scheme appears particularly important for fabrication of wires parallel to the diamond surface.
A non-intrusive oil temperature measurement method of hydraulic system
Authors: Cai Wei , Yang Zhi-Yong , Xu Wen-Hua , Dai Min-Qiang
Published: December 2014

This paper proposed a simple non-intrusive oil temperature measurement method to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional intrusive one. The heat transmission model between outer and inner tube wall, the temperature distribution model of oil near the inner tube wall, and the temperature distribution model of oil in tube were established, respectively, based on the energy conservation principle. With the constructed models, we can measure the temperature of oil in tube by surveying the temperature of outer tube wall and the temperature of air around the tube. An oil temperature measurement apparatus was designed to demonstrate the new method. We measured the temperature of No. 46 antiwear hydraulic oil under 5 MPa, 15 MPa, and 25 MPa, respectively. Comparative results with traditional intrusive oil temperature measurement method show that the measurement error of the presented method is less than 1 °C, and thus implies its superiority.
Acoustic Wannier-Stark ladders and Bloch oscillations in porous silicon structures
Authors: Lazcano Z. , Arriaga J.
Published: December 2014

We report the experimental observation of the Wannier-Stark ladders and the Bloch oscillations for acoustic waves in porous silicon structures. We designed and fabricated a structure with an acoustic band gap centered around 1 GHz. We introduced a linear gradient in the acoustical parameter η=1/vL2 to obtain an acoustical Wannier-Stark ladder and we observed it from the transmission measurements. The observed behavior is in excellent agreement with transfer matrix calculations.
Effect of electron trap states on spin-dependent transport characteristics in CoFe/MgO/n+-Si junctions investigated by Hanle effect measurements and inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy
Authors: Inokuchi Tomoaki , Ishikawa Mizue , Sugiyama Hideyuki , Tanamoto Tetsufumi , Saito Yoshiaki
Published: December 2014

Spin-dependent transport properties in CoFe/MgO/n+-Si junctions were investigated by Hanle effect measurements and inelastic electron tunneling (IET) spectroscopy. The CoFe/MgO/n+-Si junctions examined in this study exhibited two different Hanle curves. In the low bias region, broad Hanle signals were mainly observed; in the high bias region, narrow Hanle signals were mainly observed. The d2I/dV2-V curves (which correspond to IET spectra) contain several peaks originating from phonon modes and other peaks originating from electron trap states. At the bias voltage where electron trap states are observed, Δd2I/dV2 depends on the magnetic field and the full width at half-maximum of the Δd2I/dV2–H curves corresponds to that of the broad Hanle signals. These results indicate that electron trap states are located in the low energy region and cause a decrease in spin lifetime.
Properties of the c-Si/Al2O3 interface of ultrathin atomic layer deposited Al2O3 layers capped by SiNx for c-Si surface passivation
Authors: Schuldis D. , Richter A. , Benick J. , Saint-Cast P. , Hermle M. , Glunz S. W.
Published: December 2014

This work presents a detailed study of c-Si/Al2O3 interfaces of ultrathin Al2O3 layers deposited with atomic layer deposition (ALD), and capped with SiNx layers deposited with plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. A special focus was the characterization of the fixed charge density of these dielectric stacks and the interface defect density as a function of the Al2O3 layer thickness for different ALD Al2O3 deposition processes (plasma-assisted ALD and thermal ALD) and different thermal post-deposition treatments. Based on theoretical calculations with the extended Shockley–Read–Hall model for surface recombination, these interface properties were found to explain well the experimentally determined surface recombination. Thus, these interface properties provide fundamental insights into to the passivation mechanisms of these Al2O3/SiNx stacks, a stack system highly relevant, particularly for high efficiency silicon solar cells. Based on these findings, it was also possible to improve the surface passivation quality of stacks with thermal ALD Al2O3 by oxidizing the c-Si surface prior to the Al2O3 deposition.
Rejuvenated bouncing of non-Newtonian droplet via nanoparticle enwrapping
Authors: Zang Duyang , Zhang Wenxia , Song Jiayin , Chen Zhen , Zhang Yongjian , Geng Xingguo , Chen Fang
Published: December 2014

We have studied the impact dynamics of non-Newtonian droplets containing poly-(ethylene oxide) (PEO) by using a high speed camera. To get a deeper insight into the droplet-substrate interaction on droplet impact behavior, both the bare droplet and the liquid marbles have been investigated. The usually observed anti-rebound phenomenon caused by the PEO additives can be rejuvenated by enwrapment of droplets with nanoparticles. The presence of PEO in bare droplets greatly enhances the contact line friction and leads to irreversible impalement of the surface structure. Whereas for liquid marbles, the nanoparticle shell on the droplet surface inhibits the impalement. Our results clearly demonstrate that it is the droplet-substrate friction rather than the bulk rheological properties of the liquid that plays the essential role in the anti-rebound effect.
Cascaded Brillouin lasing in monolithic barium fluoride whispering gallery mode resonators
Authors: Lin Guoping , Diallo Souleymane , Saleh Khaldoun , Martinenghi Romain , Beugnot Jean-Charles , Sylvestre Thibaut , Chembo Yanne K.
Published: December 2014

We report the observation of stimulated Brillouin scattering and lasing at 1550 nm in barium fluoride (BaF2) crystal. Brillouin lasing was achieved with ultra-high quality (Q) factor monolithic whispering gallery mode mm-size disk resonators. Overmoded resonators were specifically used to provide cavity resonances for both the pump and all Brillouin Stokes waves. Single and multiple Brillouin Stokes radiations with frequency shift ranging from 8.2 GHz up to 49 GHz have been generated through cascaded Brillouin lasing. BaF2 resonator-based Brillouin lasing can find potential applications for high-coherence lasers and microwave photonics.
Cascade energy transfer versus charge separation in ladder-type oligo(p-phenylene)/ZnO hybrid structures for light-emitting applications
Authors: Bianchi F. , Sadofev S. , Schlesinger R. , Kobin B. , Hecht S. , Koch N. , Henneberger F. , Blumstengel S.
Published: December 2014

Usability of inorganic/organic semiconductor hybrid structures for light-emitting applications can be intrinsically limited by an unfavorable interfacial energy level alignment causing charge separation and nonradiative deactivation. Introducing cascaded energy transfer funneling away the excitation energy from the interface by transfer to a secondary acceptor molecule enables us to overcome this issue. We demonstrate a substantial recovery of the light output along with high inorganic-to-organic exciton conversion rates up to room temperature.
Dynamics of ionization-induced electron injection in the high density regime of laser wakefield acceleration
Authors: Desforges F. G. , Paradkar B. S. , Hansson M. , Ju J. , Senje L. , Audet T. L. , Persson A. , Dobosz-Dufrénoy S. , Lundh O. , Maynard G. , Monot P. , Vay J.-L. , Wahlström C.-G. , Cros B.
Published: December 2014

The dynamics of ionization-induced electron injection in high density (∼1.2 × 1019 cm−3) regime of laser wakefield acceleration is investigated by analyzing the betatron X-ray emission. In such high density operation, the laser normalized vector potential exceeds the injection-thresholds of both ionization-injection and self-injection due to self-focusing. In this regime, direct experimental evidence of early on-set of ionization-induced injection into the plasma wave is given by mapping the X-ray emission zone inside the plasma. Particle-In-Cell simulations show that this early on-set of ionization-induced injection, due to its lower trapping threshold, suppresses the trapping of self-injected electrons. A comparative study of the electron and X-ray properties is performed for both self-injection and ionization-induced injection. An increase of X-ray fluence by at least a factor of two is observed in the case of ionization-induced injection due to increased trapped charge compared to self-injection mechanism.
Chemical and bioanalytical assessment of coal seam gas associated water
Authors: Tang Janet Y. M. , Taulis Mauricio , Edebeli Jacinta , Leusch Frederic D. L. , Jagals Paul , Jackson Gregory P. , Escher Beate I.
Published: December 2014

Environmental context Water associated with coal seam gas is generally of poor quality and thus its management and potential further usage is a subject of concern. In a comprehensive study involving chemical and bioanalytical assessments of coal seam gas associated water, we found that less than 5% of the biological effects could be explained by chemical analysis. The use of bioanalytical tools to complement chemical analysis is recommended for monitoring the quality of water associated with coal seam gas. Abstract A comprehensive study was undertaken involving chemical (inorganic and organic) and bioanalytical assessments of coal seam gas associated water (CSGW) in Queensland, Australia. CSGW is a by-product of the gas extraction process and is generally considered as water of poor quality. CSGW is disposed of by release to surface water, reinjected to groundwater or beneficially reused. In this study, groundwater samples were collected from private wells tapping into the Walloon Coal Measures, the same coal aquifer exploited for coal seam gas production in the Surat Basin. The inorganic characteristics of these water samples were almost identical to the CSGW from the nearby gas field, with high sodium, bicarbonate and chloride concentrations but low calcium, magnesium and negligible sulfate concentrations. As for organic compounds, low levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in the water samples, and neither phenols nor volatile organic compounds were found. Five of the fourteen bioassays tested gave positive responses (arylhydrocarbon-receptor gene activation, estrogenic endocrine activity, oxidative stress response, interference with cytokine production and non-specific toxicity), whereas the other nine assays showed no genotoxicity, protein damage or activation of hormone receptors other than the estrogen receptor. The observed effects were benchmarked against known water sources and were similar to secondary treated wastewater effluent, stormwater and surface water. As mixture toxicity modelling demonstrated, the detected PAHs explained less than 5% of the observed biological effects. These results showed that bioanalytical assessment can open new avenues for research into the potential environmental and health risk from CSGW.
Plant hydraulic conductance adapts to shoot number but limits shoot vigour in grapevines
Authors: Keller Markus , Deyermond Laura S. , Bondada Bhaskar R.
Published: December 2014

The rate of shoot growth (vigour) in grapevines tends to decrease as the number of shoots per plant increases. Because the underlying causes of this relationship remain unclear, they were studied by variable pruning of field-grown, deficit-irrigated Merlot grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Shoot number ranged from 11 to 124 per vine and was inversely correlated with shoot growth rate, leaf appearance rate, axillary bud outgrowth, internode length, leaf size, shoot leaf area, carbon partitioned to the fruit (Cfruit) per shoot, average daily maximum photosynthesis (Amax), stomatal conductance (gmax), and leaf-specific hydraulic conductance (Kl). Shoot number was positively correlated with canopy leaf area, whole-vine Cfruit, whole-plant hydraulic conductance (Kv), and canopy conductance (Kc). Higher shoot vigour was associated with higher Amax, gmax, predawn leaf water potential (Ψpd), shoot hydraulic conductance (Ks), Kl, and Kv. Vigorous shoots supported both more vegetative growth and more reproductive growth; thus fruit growth did not compete with shoot growth for photosynthates. These results indicate that the hydraulic capacity of grapevines adapts to varying shoot numbers to support leaf physiology, growth, and carbon partitioning, but adaptation may be limited, putting upper bounds on the growth of individual shoots and fruit.
Associations between the frequency of cycling and domains of quality of life
Authors: Crane Melanie , Rissel Chris , Standen Christopher , Greaves Stephen
Published: December 2014

Issue addressed

This study examined the association between domains of quality of life (QoL) and the frequency of cycling by men and women.

Method

A cross‐sectional survey of 846 healthy adults in Sydney, Australia measured cycling behaviour and self‐reported QoL. Participants were aged 18–55 years and were living within 5 km of the centre. Cycling frequency for all purposes was recorded as weekly, less than weekly or never cycling. QoL was measured using the four QoL domains of the WHOQOL‐BREF: physical psychological, social and environment. Linear regression was used to assess the association between cycling and QoL.

Results

Among men, at least weekly cycling was associated with physical QoL (P = 0.002) and any cycling was positively associated with psychological wellbeing (at least weekly P = 0.01, less than weekly P = 0.01) after adjusting for age, education and income. No significant associations were observed for women.

Conclusion

Frequent cycling was associated with higher physical and psychological QoL in men, but not among women in this sample. No relationship was observed between cycling and the environment and social QoL domains.

So what?

These findings suggest that cycling offers physical and psychological QoL benefits for men.
Host size constrains growth patterns in both female and male Ceratothoa italica, a mouth-dwelling isopod
Authors: Pawluk Rebecca J. , Ciampoli Marco , Mariani Stefano
Published: December 2014

Host–parasite associations are among the primary drivers of evolutionary diversification, and hold considerable importance for understanding ecological equilibria. In particular, crustacean ectoparasites are typically associated with many fish families, and may, under certain conditions, pose threats to fisheries and aquaculture. Cymothoid isopods include blood-feeding genera that inhabit the mouth of their host, and whose variation in life-history strategies remains largely unexplored. Here we investigate the size relationship between the highly prevalent Ceratothoa italica and its main natural host, the striped sea bream, Lithognathus mormyrus. We found significant correlation between host size and that of both female and male parasites. Although the generality of a host–female size association in mouth-dwelling cymothoids had been widely recognised for some time, here we provide the first robust support for the occurrence of this size association also in mouth-dwelling male parasites. The potential underlying biological causes of the patterns are discussed, contributing to the debate on the evolution of host–parasite interactions, and the adaptive radiation of this family of parasitic isopods.
Rebuilding and new housing development after wildfire
Authors: Alexandre Patricia M. , Mockrin Miranda H. , Stewart Susan I. , Hammer Roger B. , Radeloff Volker C.
Published: December 2014

The number of wildland–urban interface communities affected by wildfire is increasing, and both wildfire suppression and losses are costly. However, little is known about post-wildfire response by homeowners and communities after buildings are lost. Our goal was to characterise rebuilding and new development after wildfires across the conterminous United States. We analysed all wildfires in the conterminous USA from 2000 to 2005. We mapped 42 724 buildings, of which 34 836 were present before the fire and survived, 3604 were burned, 2403 were post-fire new development, and 1881 were burned and rebuilt. Before the fires, 38 440 buildings were present within fire perimeters (surviving plus burned). Within 5 years post-fire, there were 39 120 buildings (surviving, rebuilt and new development). Nationally, only 25% of burned homes were rebuilt within 5 years, though rates were higher in the west, the south and Kansas. New development rates inside versus outside fire perimeters were similar. That the number of buildings inside fire perimeters within 5 years post-fire was greater than pre-fire indicated that homeowners are either willing to face wildfire risks or are unaware of them; or that economic incentives to rebuild in the same place outweigh perceived risks.
Method of determining the optimal dilution ratio for fluorescence fingerprint of food constituents
Authors: Trivittayasil Vipavee , Tsuta Mizuki , Kokawa Mito , Yoshimura Masatoshi , Sugiyama Junichi , Fujita Kaori , Shibata Mario
Published: December 2014

Quantitative determination by fluorescence spectroscopy is possible because of the linear relationship between the intensity of emitted fluorescence and the fluorophore concentration. However, concentration quenching may cause the relationship to become nonlinear, and thus, the optimal dilution ratio has to be determined. In the case of fluorescence fingerprint (FF) measurement, fluorescence is measured under multiple wavelength conditions and a method of determining the optimal dilution ratio for multivariate data such as FFs has not been reported. In this study, the FFs of mixed solutions of tryptophan and epicatechin of different concentrations and composition ratios were measured. Principal component analysis was applied, and the resulting loading plots were found to contain useful information about each constituent. The optimal concentration ranges could be determined by identifying the linear region of the PC score plotted against total concentration.
The ppuI-rsaL-ppuR quorum-sensing system regulates cellular motility, pectate lyase activity, and virulence in potato opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas sp. StFLB209
Authors: Kato Taro , Morohoshi Tomohiro , Someya Nobutaka , Ikeda Tsukasa
Published: December 2014

Pseudomonas sp. StFLB209 was isolated from potato leaf as an N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-producing bacterium and showed a close phylogenetic relationship with P. cichorii, a known plant pathogen. Although there are no reports of potato disease caused by pseudomonads in Japan, StFLB209 was pathogenic to potato leaf. In this study, we reveal the complete genome sequence of StFLB209, and show that the strain possesses a ppuI-rsaL-ppuR quorum-sensing system, the sequence of which shares a high similarity with that of Pseudomonas putida. Disruption of ppuI results in a loss of AHL production as well as remarkable reduction in motility. StFLB209 possesses strong pectate lyase activity and causes maceration on potato tuber and leaf, which was slightly reduced in the ppuI mutant. These results suggest that the quorum-sensing system is well conserved between StFLB209 and P. putida and that the system is essential for motility, full pectate lyase activity, and virulence in StFLB209.
Unlocking the secrets of chitinase secretion
Authors: Short Ben
Published: December 2014

Researchers discover a new mechanism of protein secretion in a pathogenic bacterium.
Handling Ethical Dilemmas in Multidisciplinary Teams
Authors: Thistlethwaite Jill , Hawksworth Wendy
Published: December 2014

This chapter explores the concept and practice of teamwork and interprofessional collaboration in the support and treatment of clients with mental health problems. Mental health care provision is complex, ethically challenging, and frequently delivered via mental health care teams (MHCT) in both primary and secondary health care settings. We consider how such teams may work together optimally using values-based and client-centered approaches. We discuss the nature of and reasons for conflict arising in multidisciplinary MHCTs, focusing on ethical dilemmas that occur where there is diversity amongst team members in respect of personal, professional, and/or organizational values. The specific ethical issues discussed are: boundary issues; receiving gifts; confidentiality, and involuntary treatment and restraint. Three case studies are used to provide examples of values in action.
America’s New Racial/Ethnic Diversity
Authors: Lee Jennifer , Bean Frank D.
Published: December 2014

The United States is more racially/ethnically diverse than at any point in the country’s history as a result of immigration, intermarriage, and multiracial identification. The Latino and Asian populations have more than tripled in size since 1970; Latinos are now the largest racial/ethnic minority group, and Asians, the fastest growing group in the country. Also contributing to America’s new diversity is increasing intermarriage and a growing multiracial population. Intermarriage soared more than twenty-fold between 1960 and 2000, and the multiracial population is poised to account for one in five Americans by 2050, and one in three by 2100. However, this new diversity is not evenly apparent across the country. Some states—like California—reflect the new diversity, which is also evident at the metropolitan level. In other states, the new diversity is nearly invisible. The pattern of high and low diversity in the United States reflects the country’s vast heterogeneity.
Applications of Neuroscience to Mathematics Education
Authors: De Smedt Bert , Grabner Roland H.
Published: December 2014

In this chapter, we explore three types of applications of neuroscience to mathematics education: neurounderstanding, neuroprediction, and neurointervention. Neurounderstanding refers to the idea that neuroscience is generating knowledge on how people acquire mathematical skills and how this learning is reflected at the biological level. Such knowledge might yield a better understanding of the typical and atypical development of school-taught mathematical competencies. Neuroprediction deals with the potential of neuroimaging data to predict future mathematical skill acquisition and response to educational interventions. In neurointervention, we discuss how brain imaging data have been used to ground interventions targeted at mathematics learning and how education shapes the neural circuitry that underlies school-taught mathematics. We additionally elaborate on recently developed neurophysiological interventions that have been shown to affect mathematical learning. While these applications offer exciting opportunities for mathematics education, some potential caveats should be considered, which are discussed at the end of this chapter.
Information Structure and the Landscape of (Non-)at-issue Meaning
Authors: Horn Laurence R.
Published: December 2014

This article examines cases that illustrate the relation of information structure to truth-conditional semantics, grammatical form, and assertoric force. Before discussing the interaction between information structure and (non-)at-issue meaning, it considers the nature of information and what constitutes information. It then looks at two aspects of the common ground, common ground (CG) content and CG management, as well as the criteria of category membership. The article also explores the varying degrees of at-issueness, the role of rhetorical opposition and but clauses, as well as the variable strength of at-issue content. The landscape of non-at-issue meaning is presented, and the distinction between conventional implicature and assertorically inert entailments is highlighted using a range of distributional diagnostics. The article concludes by analysing the relation between structural focus and exhaustivity using the semantic and pragmatic approaches.
The Impact of Democracy on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, 1982–2012
Authors: Masaki Takaaki , van de Walle Nicolas
Published: December 2014

There is still an ongoing debate over the economic implications of democracy, and this has gained critical importance particularly in the African context, where a wave of democratization in the early 1990s coincided with the start of a new era of rapid economic growth. In this chapter, it is argued that the existing literature is inadequate in distinguishing the effects of regime transitions and democratic consolidation on economic growth. Through the analysis of the latest economic and political data, which include up to 43 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for the period of 1982–2012, strong evidence is found that democracy is positively associated with economic growth, and that this “democratic advantage” is more pronounced for those African countries that have remained democratic for longer periods of time. The findings call for more nuanced studies that carefully distinguish potentially divergent effects of regime transitions and democratic consolidation on economic growth.
Canonical Tag Questions in Asian Englishes
Authors: Hoffmann Sebastian , Blass Anne-Katrin , Mukherjee Joybrato
Published: December 2014

The present chapter provides a comparative study of canonical tag questions in Hong Kong, Indian, and Singapore English on the basis of their respective spoken components of the International Corpus of English (ICE). These three postcolonial Asian Englishes represent different phases in the evolutionary model of variety-formation proposed by Schneider (2003, 2007). The present-day manifestation of their shared historical input variety British English is used as a basis of comparison. Differences across these four varieties in terms of forms, functions, and frequencies of tag questions are described and interpreted from a variational-pragmatic perspective. The findings reveal considerable intervarietal differences, with the variety that has furthest progressed in Schneider’s model, Singapore English, displaying preferences that diverge markedly from the patterns of use in British English. This suggests that a process of ‘pragmatic nativization’—in parallel to well-documented processes of structural nativization—can be observed in the development of New Englishes.
Medical Management of Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Reddy Cara Camiolo , Huie Henry N.
Published: December 2014

Concussion in sports can result in somatic, cognitive, sleep-related, and emotional symptoms. Although the majority of athletes recover within days to weeks, some concussed patients develop longer lasting symptoms, consistent with a postconcussive syndrome (PCS), that can be disabling and limit sport participation. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, individualized treatment plans should include patient education, physical and cognitive rest, appropriate therapies, close monitoring, and medical management of symptoms. This chapter provides recommendations for the medical management of sport-related concussion.
Effort, Invalid Performance, and the Evaluation of Sports-Related Concussion
Authors: Bailey Christopher M.
Published: December 2014

This chapter reviews the identification and management of poor effort and invalid performance on sports-related concussion testing. Included in the review is a discussion about how invalid performance and poor effort can obscure cognitive deficits following concussion, the factors associated with invalid performance, as well as the specific methods for the identification of invalid performance and a review of relevant literature associated with those methods. Finally, recommendations for clinical practice at both baseline and during postconcussion testing are provided.
Conservation Criminology, Environmental Crime, and Risk
Authors: McGarrell Edmund F. , Gibbs Carole
Published: December 2014

Conservation criminology emerges from the environmental movement and the development of green criminology as a subfield within criminology. Conservation criminology builds on this foundation and calls for interdisciplinary theory and methods for addressing legally defined harms as well as risks to human health, wildlife, ecosystems, and the environment. Conservation criminology complements and contributes to the green criminology perspective by integrating theory and methods drawn from criminology, natural resource management, and risk and decision sciences. This essay reviews the development of green and conservation criminology and compares and contrasts the perspectives. The essay then applies these perspectives to the issue of climate change. Conservation criminology, grounded in criminology, natural resource management, and risk perception and decision making, offers systematic tools for assessing and characterizing harm; analyzing risks; weighing costs and benefits; integrating and balancing technical, scientific, and lay perspectives; and informing governance at local and global levels.
Evaluation of a Novel Transfusion Algorithm Employing Point-of-care Coagulation Assays in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Karkouti Keyvan , McCluskey Stuart A. , Callum Jeannie , Freedman John , Selby Rita , Timoumi Tarik , Roy Debashis , Rao Vivek
Published: December 2014

AbstractAbstract

Institution of a practical point-of-care-based transfusion algorithm in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass was associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in blood component transfusion.

Background:

Cardiac surgery requiring the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is frequently complicated by coagulopathic bleeding that, largely due to the shortcomings of conventional coagulation tests, is difficult to manage. This study evaluated a novel transfusion algorithm that uses point-of-care coagulation testing.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery with bypass at one hospital before (January 1, 2012 to January 6, 2013) and after (January 7, 2013 to December 13, 2013) institution of an algorithm that used the results of point-of-care testing (ROTEM®; Tem International GmBH, Munich, Germany; Plateletworks®; Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, TX) during bypass to guide management of coagulopathy were included. Pre- and postalgorithm outcomes were compared using interrupted time-series analysis to control for secular time trends and other confounders.

Results:

Pre- and postalgorithm groups included 1,311 and 1,170 patients, respectively. Transfusion rates for all blood products (except for cryoprecipitate, which did not change) were decreased after algorithm institution. After controlling for secular pre- and postalgorithm time trends and potential confounders, the posttransfusion odds ratios (95% CIs) for erythrocytes, platelets, and plasma were 0.50 (0.32 to 0.77), 0.22 (0.13 to 0.37), and 0.20 (0.12 to 0.34), respectively. There were no indications that the algorithm worsened any of the measured processes of care or outcomes.

Conclusions:

Institution of a transfusion algorithm based on point-of-care testing was associated with reduced transfusions. This suggests that the algorithm could improve the management of the many patients who develop coagulopathic bleeding after cardiac surgery. The generalizability of the findings needs to be confirmed.
Performance of ultrasound as a second line test to serum CA125 in ovarian cancer screening
Authors: Menon Usha , Talaat Ahmed , Rosenthal Adam N. , Macdonald Nicola D. , Jeyerajah Arjun R. , Skates Steven J. , Sibley Karen , Oram David H. , Jacobs Ian J.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess the performance of ultrasonography in a multimodal ovarian cancer screening strategy.

Design

Prospective ovarian cancer screening trial between December 1986 and June 1993.

Setting

General practice, occupational health departments and an ovarian cancer screening clinic at a London teaching hospital.

Population

Postmenopausal women, ≥ 45 years with a raised CA125.

Methods

Volunteers with a CA125 ≥ 30 U/mL underwent a pelvic ultrasound. Scans were classified as normal, abnormal (ovarian volume ≥ 8·8 mL) or equivocal (normal volume with abnormal morphology). Abnormal ovarian morphology was subclassified as simple cyst (single, thin walled cyst with no septa or papillary projections) or complex (all other abnormalities). Volunteers with abnormal scans were referred for a gynaecological opinion. Follow up was via the cancer registry and postal questionnaires.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of different ultrasound criteria for detection of index cancer (e.g. primary invasive epithelial carcinoma of the ovary and fallopian tube).

Results

Seven hundred and forty‐one women underwent 1219 scans and 20 index cancers occurred during a median follow up of 6·8 years. The sensitivity for detection of ovarian cancer of different ultrasound criteria was 100% for abnormal morphology, 89·5% for abnormal volume and 84% for complex morphology. The highest specificity (97%) and positive predictive value (37·2%) was achieved using complex morphology.

Conclusion

A variety of ultrasound criteria can achieve high sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value for index cancers in postmenopausal women with an elevated CA125. Use of ovarian morphology to interpret ultrasound may increase sensitivity and use of complex ovarian morphology may increase the positive predictive value.
The role of ghrelin signalling for sexual behaviour in male mice
Authors: Egecioglu Emil , Prieto‐Garcia Luna , Studer Erik , Westberg Lars , Jerlhag Elisabet
Published: December 2014

Ghrelin, a gut‐brain signal, is well known to regulate energy homeostasis, food intake and appetite foremost via hypothalamic ghrelin receptors (GHS‐R1A). In addition, ghrelin activates the reward systems in the brain, namely the mesolimbic dopamine system, and regulates thereby the rewarding properties of addictive drugs as well as of palatable foods. Given that the mesolimbic dopamine system mandates the reinforcing properties of addictive drugs and natural rewards, such as sexual behaviour, we hypothesize that ghrelin plays an important role for male sexual behaviour, a subject for the present studies. Herein we show that ghrelin treatment increases, whereas pharmacological suppression (using the GHSR‐1A antagonist JMV2959) or genetic deletion of the GHS‐R1A in male mice decreases the sexual motivation for as well as sexual behaviour with female mice in oestrus. Pre‐treatment with L‐dopa (a dopamine precursor) prior to treatment with JMV2959 significantly increased the preference for female mouse compared with vehicle treatment. On the contrary, treatment with 5‐hydroxythyptohan (a precursor for serotonin) prior to treatment with JMV2959 decreased the sexual motivation compared to vehicle. In separate experiments, we show that ghrelin and GHS‐R1A antagonism do not affect the time spent over female bedding as measured in the androgen‐dependent bedding test. Collectively, these data show that the hunger hormone ghrelin and its receptor are required for normal sexual behaviour in male mice and that the effects of the ghrelin signalling system on sexual behaviour involve dopamine neurotransmission.