bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerosols optical and physical characteristics and direct radiative forcing during a "Shamal" dust storm, a case study
Authors: Saeed T. M. , Al-Dashti H. , Spyrou C.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Dust aerosols are analyzed for their optical and physical properties during an episode of dust storm that hit Kuwait on 26 March 2003 when "Iraqi Freedom" military operation was in full swing. The intensity of the dust storm was such that it left a thick suspension of dust throughout the following day, 27 March, resulting in a considerable cooling effect at the surface on both days. Ground-based measurements of aerosol optical thickness reached 3.617 and 4.17 on 26–27 March respectively while Ångstrom coefficient, α870/440, dropped to −0.0234 and −0.0318. Particulate matter concentration of diameter 10 μm or less, PM10, peaked at 4800 μg m−3 during dust storm hours of 26 March. Moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS) retrieved optical and physical characteristics that exhibited extreme values as well. The synoptic of the dust storm is presented and source regions are identified using total ozone mapping spectrometer (TOMS) aerosol index retrieved images. The vertical profile of the dust layer was simulated using SKIRON atmospheric model. Instantaneous net direct radiative forcing is calculated at top of atmosphere (TOA) and surface level. The thick dust layer of 26 March resulted in cooling the TOA by −60 Wm−2 and surface level by −175 Wm−2 for a surface albedo of 0.35. Slightly higher values were obtained for 27 March due to the increase in aerosol optical thickness. The large reduction in the radiative flux at the surface level had caused a drop in surface temperature by approximately 6 °C below its average value. Radiative heating/cooling rates in the shortwave and longwave bands were also examined. Shortwave heating rate reached a maximum value of 2 °K day−1 between 3 and 5 km, dropped to 1.5 °K day−1 at 6 km and diminished at 8 km. Longwave radiation initially heated the lower atmosphere by a maximum value of 0.2 °K day−1 at surface level, declined sharply at increasing altitude and diminished at 4 km. Above 4 km longwave radiation started to cool the atmosphere slightly reaching a maximum rate of −0.1 °K day−1 at 6 km.
Stable isotopes dissect food webs from top to the bottom
Authors: Middelburg J. J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Stable isotopes have been used extensively to study food web functioning, i.e. the flow of energy and matter among organisms. Traditional food-web studies are based on the natural variability of carbon and nitrogen isotopes and are limited to larger organisms that can be physically separated from their environment. Recent developments allow isotope ratio measurements of microbes and this in turn allows then measurement of entire food webs, i.e. from small producers at the bottom to large consumers at the top. Here, I provide a concise review on the use and potential of stable isotope to reconstruct end-to-end food webs. I will first discuss food web reconstruction based on natural abundances isotope data and will then show that the use of stable isotopes as deliberately added tracers provides complementary information. Finally, challenges and opportunities for end-to-end food web reconstructions in a changing world are discussed.
Multifractal properties of embedded convective structures in orographic precipitation: toward subgrid-scale predictability
Authors: Nogueira M. , Barros A. P. , Miranda P. M. A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Rain and cloud fields produced by fully nonlinear idealized cloud resolving numerical simulations of orographic convective precipitation display statistical multiscaling behavior, implying that multifractal diagnostics should provide a physically robust basis for the downscaling and sub-grid scale parameterizations of moist processes. Our results show that the horizontal scaling exponent function (and respective multiscaling parameters) of the simulated rainfall and cloud fields varies with atmospheric and terrain properties, particularly small-scale terrain spectra, atmospheric stability, and advective timescale. This implies that multifractal diagnostics of moist processes for these simulations are fundamentally transient, exhibiting complex nonlinear behavior depending on atmospheric conditions and terrain forcing at each location. A particularly robust behavior found here is the transition of the multifractal parameters between stable and unstable cases, which has a clear physical correspondence to the transition from stratiform to organized (banded and cellular) convective regime. This result is reinforced by a similar behavior in the horizontal spectral exponent. Finally, our results indicate that although nonlinearly coupled fields (such as rain and clouds) have different scaling exponent functions, there are robust relationships with physical underpinnings between the scaling parameters that can be explored for hybrid dynamical-statistical downscaling.
Surveillance System and Prevalence of Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Maternity Hospital
Authors: Flevari Pagona , Zorou Irene , Tsakris Athanassios , Saroglou George
Published: September 2013

Obstetrician-gynaecologist (Ob-Gyn) medical and nursing personnel usually have minimal in action training on infection control (IC). Limited information exists also about the epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in maternity hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine in a 30-day survey prevalence of HAIs among hospitalised patients and neonates in a maternity hospital in Athens, Greece, and to offer to the IC office a practical IC manual. Patients hospitalized for more than 24 h in the clinics and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were enrolled. An IC guide was created and distributed to the medical and nursing staff through educational seminars. Through the survey, among Ob-Gyn patients 16 HAIs were recognized during hospitalization and 14 HAIs after patients’ discharge; the overall prevalence of infected patients was 2.9% and the prevalence of HAIs was 3.2%. Among NICU patients, the prevalence of HAIs was 3.9%. The IC manual was found easily implemented in daily use improving staff’s compliance to IC practices. The results of the survey can be used as a baseline for future comparisons between maternity hospitals (benchmarking). The implementation of steady IC guideline protocols for a maternity hospital may update staff education and promote staff compliance on IC practices.
Updated assessment of neoblader utilization and morbidity according to urinary diversion after radical cystectomy: A contemporary US-population-based cohort
Authors: Roghmann Florian , Becker Andreas , Trinh Quoc-Dien , Djahagirian Orchidee , Tian Zhe , Meskawi Malek , Shariat Sharokh F , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre , Noldus Joachim , Sun Maxine
Published: September 2013

Background: In this paper, we examine contemporary utilization rates and determinants of neobladder (NB) after radical cystectomy (RC) relative to ileal conduit (IC), as well as provide an updated assessment of postoperative morbidity and mortality between NB and IC.Methods: Relying on the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), we abstracted patients who underwent RC between 2000 and 2010. Subsequently, NB and IC recipients were identified. Use of NB was assessed after accounting for case-mix. Propensity-based matched analyses were used to account for treatment selection biases. Generalized linear regression analyses focused on intra- and postoperative complications, prolonged length of stay, blood transfusions and in-hospital mortality.Results: The utilization rate of NB was 6.9% in 2000 and 9.1% in 2010 (p < 0.001). Younger, healthier, privately-insured and wealthier male individuals were more likely to receive a NB. High-volume hospitals were more likely to offer NB. In the post-propensity matched cohort, urinary diversion type failed to be significantly associated with the examined endpoints, except for intra- and postoperative complications (IC vs. NB odds ratio [OR]:1.15, p = 0.04).Interpretation: Despite comparable morbidity and mortality odds between NB and IC, as of the most contemporary year of the study (2010), IC remains the preferred urinary diversion type. Several sociodemographic factors were associated with NB.
Giant fibroepithelial polyp of the glans penis not associated with condom-catheter Use: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yan Hanmu , Treacy Ann , Yousef George , Stewart Robert
Published: September 2013

Fibroepithelial polyps are rare benign tumours of the glans penis; there are only a few reported cases. The pathogenesis is unknown. However, they have been linked with chronic condom catheter use or prior penile surgery. We report a case of a 62-year-old man with a large fibroepithelial polyp of the glans penis of 11 years duration, which was not associated with condom catheter use or prior surgery. The mass was large, measuring 7 × 5 × 3 cm. Fibroepithelial polyps have been reported in a range of genitourinary sites in males and females, adults and children, and in rare cases may be associated with malignant transformation. They should be considered in the differential diagnosis of both cutaneous and mucosal genitourinary lesions.
Scrapping a Wind Turbine: Policy Changes, Scrapping Incentives and Why Wind Turbines in Good Locations Get Scrapped First
Authors: Mauritzen Johannes
Published: September 2013

The most common reason for scrapping a wind turbine in Denmark is to make room for a newer turbine. The decision to scrap a wind turbine is then highly dependent on an opportunity cost that comes from the interaction of scarce land resources, technological change and changes in subsidy policy. Using a Cox regression model I show that turbines that are located in areas with better wind resources are at a higher risk of being scrapped. Policies put in place in order to encourage the scrapping of older, poorly placed turbines actually have a larger effect on well-placed turbines.
Seasonal Variability of Trace and Heavy Metals Concentration in Groundwater and its Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purpose under Phuleli Canal Command Area (Sindh), Pakistan
Authors: Ashifa Soomro  , Altaf Ali Siyal  , Muhammad Saffar Mirjat  , Nabi Bux Sial
Published: September 2013

The availability of good quality groundwater is a serious problem not only for drinking purpose but also for agriculture production. Human health problems due to waterborne diseases are commonly reported in Phuleli Canal Command area. In this context, a study was conducted to find out the existence of heavy metals as well as trace elements in groundwater of Phuleli Canal Command area, (Sindh) Pakistan which were affected by seasonal variability. The groundwater samples were collected from different seven locations i.e. RD-0, RD-30, RD-50, RD-70, RD-90, RD-110 and RD-130 throughout four seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring). Results of analysis of groundwater samples showed that Fe, Cd, Cr and Pb concentration in groundwater was higher than WHO permissible limit while Cu and Mn concentrations were greater than FAO limit. Comparatively heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb and As) concentrations in groundwater were higher towards downstream reach in winter as compared to upstream reach. Regarding seasons, the values of these parameters decreased in autumn>spring>summer. The results also showed increasing trend of heavy metal concentrations towards downstream reach (RD 130>110>90>70>50>30>0). It was concluded that groundwater in Phuleli Canal Command area contains highly toxic metals above the permissible limits of WHO and FAO for human consumption and agricultural crops respectively. Hence, people using groundwater, directly or indirectly, at downstream reach of the canal are at health risk.
Réflexions méthodologiques sur l’étude des représentations sociales : rétrospectives de recherches antérieures
Authors: Grenon Vincent , Larose François , Carignan Isabelle
Published: September 2013

Les représentations sociales font l’objet d’études en sciences humaines et sociales depuis plus de cinquante ans. En fonction de la théorie du noyau central, la représentation sociale peut être définie en tant qu’organisation structurée et hiérarchisée selon deux systèmes : un central et un périphérique. Au fil du temps et à partir du discours des répondants, des travaux réalisés par des chercheurs de l’Université de Sherbrooke ont permis, par l’entremise du recours à l’analyse lexicométrique et à la statistique textuelle, d’identifier des éléments du noyau central ainsi que des éléments périphériques dans les différentes recherches. Cette contribution vise à mettre en perspective nos orientations méthodologiques, à revenir sur la nécessité de recourir à des approches pluriméthodologiques et à proposer des modèles alternatifs pour les échantillons plus faibles.
Les services spécialisés en santé mentale pour des personnes âgées du CSSS Cavendish. Déjà 10 ans
Authors: Nour Kareen , Billette Véronique , Regenstreif Alan
Published: September 2013

Plusieurs CSSS du Québec réfléchissent sur l’organisation des soins et services en santé mentale pour la clientèle âgée afin de mieux les desservir. Certains ont souligné leur intérêt à implanter un modèle organisationnel de services en santé mentale qui s’apparente à celui du CSSS Cavendish-CAU. Ce modèle, en place depuis plus d’une dizaine d’années, fut développé grâce à l’expertises cliniques et aux meilleures pratiques dans le domaine. Avant d’exporter ce modèle novateur de services, il apparaissait important d’analyser son évolution à travers le temps. Une analyse détaillée de plusieurs sources de données (ex. documents de travail, entrevues individuelles, focus groups, etc.) a permis de constater que les services imaginés en 1999 ont passablement changés. Cette analyse souligne plusieurs transformations positives telles que l’amélioration du continuum de soins, l’augmentation et la diversification du panier de services, mais également des changements de paradigmes et de pratiques sont questionnables. Le Plan d’action (2005) du MSSS a évacué deux concepts fondamentaux des services spécialisés en santé mentale 60 ans et plus (SSSM60+), soit l’autonomie psychosociale et les comportements à risques qui sont à la base d’une intervention plus sociale que médicale. Une attention particulière doit être accordée à ces concepts afin de les remettre à l’avant plan dans l’offre de services.
Correction of a typographical error in the protologue of Banksia conferta A.S.George var. penicillata A.S. George.
Authors: Weston Peter , Woods Lisa
Published: September 2013

The protologue of Banksia conferta A.S.George var. penicillata A.S.George incorrectly cites R.G. Coveny 3537 as the type collection of this species, when it should have been cited as R.G. Coveny 3577.
Spinel Coating on Alumina Foam Ceramics for Aluminum Filtration
Authors: Voigt Claudia , Jäckel Eva , Aneziris Christos G. , Hubálková Jana
Published: September 2013

Besides the macro‐porosity, another key issue for the filtration efficiency is the influence of the filter surface. Therefore, the preparation of alumina filters with a spinel coating as a functionalized filter surface was investigated and optimized. Two different coating methods, spraying and dipping of the filter into the slurry combined with a centrifugation, were compared in terms of the cold compression strength and homogeneity of the coating. Furthermore, the influence of the application of one or two sintering steps for the spinel‐coated filter was investigated. The best results regarding the mechanical strength and the global and local homogeneity were achieved for the centrifuged samples, which were sintered two times. In the second step, the filters with spinel and without coating were prepared with a focus on obtaining the same porosity for the different versions and therefore the same surface. The thermal shock behavior of the filters was tested with a “Small Impingement Test” using aluminum melt at a temperature of 750 °C. All the filters pass the “Small Impingement Test”.
Capture–recapture estimates of the undercount of workplace injuries and illnesses: Sensitivity analysis
Authors: Boden Leslie I.
Published: September 2013

Background

In recent years, capture–recapture methods have been applied to state Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) and workers' compensation data, but uncertainties arise because of population differences between the two sources, likely source dependence, and concerns about the accuracy of case linkage.

Methods

We linked SOII and workers' compensation records for California and used capture–recapture methods to estimate the proportion of injuries and illnesses involving at least 4 days away from work captured by each source. We then did a sensitivity analysis.

Results

Assuming source independence, estimates of the proportion of injuries and illnesses involving at least 4 days away from work captured by the SOII varied from 42.4% to 49.0%, while workers' compensation estimates were between 76.9% and 77.6%. Re‐estimating SOII capture rates assuming source dependence (OR = 3) reduced capture estimates substantially.

Conclusions

Estimated capture rates remained low after changing several of the underlying assumptions. Positive source dependence had the greatest impact. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1090–1099, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physician opinions about an anatomy core curriculum: A case for medical imaging and vertical integration
Authors: Orsbon Courtney P. , Kaiser Rebecca S. , Ross Callum F.
Published: September 2013

Pre‐clinical anatomy curricula must provide medical students with the knowledge needed in a variety of medical and surgical specialties. But do physicians within specialties agree about what anatomical knowledge is most important in their practices? And, what is the common core of anatomical knowledge deemed essential by physicians in different specialties? Answers to these questions would be useful in designing pre‐clinical anatomy courses. The primary aim of this study was to assess the importance of a human gross anatomy course by soliciting the opinions of physicians from a range of specialties. We surveyed 93 physicians to determine the importance of specific anatomical topics in their own practices. Their responses were analyzed to assess variation in intra‐ and inter‐departmental attitudes toward the importance of anatomy. Nearly all of the topics taught in the course were deemed important by the clinicians as a group, but respondents showed little agreement on the rank order of importance of anatomical topics. Overall, only medical imaging received high importance by nearly all respondents, and lower importance was attached to embryology and lymphatic anatomy. Our survey data, however, also suggested distinct hierarchies in the importance assigned to anatomical topics within specialties. Given that physicians view the importance of anatomy differently, we suggest that students revisit anatomy through a vertically integrated curriculum tailored to provide specialty‐specific anatomical training to advanced students based on their areas of clinical interest. Integration of medical imaging into pre‐clinical anatomy courses, already underway in many medical schools, is of high clinical relevance. Anat Sci Educ 7: 251–261. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Exploring the use of a facebook page in anatomy education
Authors: Jaffar Akram Abood
Published: September 2013

Facebook is the most popular social media site visited by university students on a daily basis. Consequently, Facebook is the logical place to start with for integrating social media technologies into education. This study explores how a faculty‐administered Facebook Page can be used to supplement anatomy education beyond the traditional classroom. Observations were made on students' perceptions and effectiveness of using the Page, potential benefits and challenges of such use, and which Insights metrics best reflect user's engagement. The Human Anatomy Education Page was launched on Facebook and incorporated into anatomy resources for 157 medical students during two academic years. Students' use of Facebook and their perceptions of the Page were surveyed. Facebook's “Insights” tool was also used to evaluate Page performance during a period of 600 days. The majority of in‐class students had a Facebook account which they adopted in education. Most students perceived Human Anatomy Education Page as effective in contributing to learning and favored “self‐assessment” posts. The majority of students agreed that Facebook could be a suitable learning environment. The “Insights” tool revealed globally distributed fans with considerable Page interactions. The use of a faculty‐administered Facebook Page provided a venue to enhance classroom teaching without intruding into students' social life. A wider educational use of Facebook should be adopted not only because students are embracing its use, but for its inherent potentials in boosting learning. The “Insights” metrics analyzed in this study might be helpful when establishing and evaluating the performance of education‐oriented Facebook Pages. Anat Sci Educ 7: 199–208. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
ENHANCING THE ACCURACY OF LOW‐FREQUENCY BEHAVIOR DATA COLLECTION BY DIRECT‐CARE STAFF
Authors: Reis Melanie H. , Wine Byron , Brutzman Brian
Published: September 2013

Accurate data collection on low‐frequency problem behavior is imperative given the paucity of opportunities to observe, record, and assess responding. Infrequently occurring behavior also provides a challenge for staff training relative to data collection. The present study evaluated the use of task clarification and feedback to teach direct‐care staff members to take data on recorded, simulated problem behavior. Results indicated that the procedures were effective in increasing accuracy not only in the contrived scenarios but also for problem behavior in the natural environment. These data suggest that task clarification and feedback on simulated problem behavior may be an effective method to increase accurate data collection on problem behavior in the natural environment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studying epigenetic DNA modifications in undergraduate laboratories using complementary bioinformatic and molecular approaches
Authors: Militello Kevin T.
Published: September 2013

Epigenetic inheritance is the inheritance of genetic information that is not based on DNA sequence alone. One type of epigenetic information that has come to the forefront in the last few years is modified DNA bases. The most common modified DNA base in nature is 5‐methylcytosine. Herein, we describe a laboratory experiment that combines bioinformatic and molecular approaches to study the presence and abundance of 5‐methylcytosine in different organisms. Students were originally provided with the protein sequence of the Xenopus laevis DNMT1 cytosine‐5 DNA methyltransferase and used BLASTP searches to detect the presence of protein orthologs in the genomes of several organisms including Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Plasmodium falciparum, Drosophila melanogaster, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Caenorhabditis elegans. Students generated hypotheses regarding the presence and abundance of 5‐methylcytosine in these organisms based on their bioinformatics data, and directly tested their predictions on a subset of DNAs using restriction enzyme isoschizomer assays. A southern blotting assay to answer the same question is also presented. In addition to exposure to the field of epigenetics, the strengths of the laboratory are students are able to make predictions using bioinformatic tools and quickly test them in the laboratory. In addition, students are exposed to two potential misinterpretations of bioinformatic search data. The laboratory is easily modified to incorporate outside research interests in epigenetics. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 41(5):334–340, 2013
A Comparative Study on Environment Credit Risk Management of Commercial Banks in the Asia‐Pacific Region
Authors: Mengze Hu , Wei Li
Published: September 2013

Environmental credit risk management (ECRM) is significant in the reduction of environmental risks for banks, the expansion of economic instruments for governmental environmental management and the promotion of green growth in the Asia‐Pacific region. In this paper, we reconstructed an evaluation criterion with 32 indicators for ECRM performance of banks, and selected 120 sample banks from 12 countries in this region for a comparative study. We conducted a gap analysis among banks with systematic ECRM and those with preliminary ECRM, suggesting that five indicators need to be improved by the former and 12 indicators caused gaps of the latter. We found banks in different countries with different ECRM performance levels: the Canadian, US and Japanese banks performed the best; the banks from Australia, Republic of Korea, China and Thailand had modest performance and the banks from the other five countries had a low level of performance. The influential factors of policy, voluntary code and green income incentive for banks' ECRM performance are discussed with the results of a correspondence analysis graph and policy practice in several representative countries. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Business Strategy and Firm Reorganization: Role of Changing Environmental Standards, Sustainable Business Initiatives and Global Market Conditions
Authors: Ghosal Vivek
Published: September 2013

My study is framed against the backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental demands on the pulp and paper industry to reduce water and air pollution, and the changing global market conditions. I first present an observation‐based analysis conducted by visiting selected paper mills in Finland, the US, Germany and Sweden. Interesting differences and similarities emerge. Some of the observed differences lie in their focus on achieving incremental efficiency gains from better management of production processes, inventories, supply‐chain, product distribution and timing of modernization investments such as information technology. In the second part of the paper I present evidence on firms' productivity paths and the heterogeneity in productivity among relatively similar firms, and selected evidence of firms' investments in specific areas and how these affected productivity. My findings have implications for organizational behavior and business strategies employed by firms to improve their performance and productivity under changing environmental standards and market conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Synthesis, Properties, and Remarkable 2 D Self‐Assembly at the Liquid/Solid Interface of a Series of Triskele‐Shaped 5,11,17‐Triazatrinaphthylenes (TrisK)
Authors: Bertrand Hélène , Guillot Régis , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule , Fichou Denis
Published: September 2013

A series of 5,11,17‐triazatrinaphthylene (TrisK) derivatives, large disk‐like π‐conjugated molecules with C3h symmetry, has been synthesised by following an optimised synthetic pathway. The synthesis was performed by a four‐step protocol based on the N‐arylation of 1,3,5‐tribromobenzene with appropriate anthranilate derivatives. This strategy permits the generation of either chlorinated (TrisK‐Cl‐OCn) or non‐chlorinated (TrisK‐H‐OCn) alkoxy‐substituted derivatives (OCnH2n+1 with n=3, 10, 12 and 16), thus providing additional versatility in the control of the structure–property relationships. The electronic properties of the various TrisK compounds have been characterised in solution by absorption and emission spectroscopies as well as cyclic voltammetry. The crystal structure of 2,8,14‐propyloxy‐5,11,17‐triazatrinaphthylene TrisK‐H‐OC3 has been determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis, which revealed the presence of stabilising weak intermolecular H bonds. Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) at the liquid/solid interface has revealed the remarkable 2D self‐assembling properties of the TrisK compounds. In particular, it has shown that TrisK‐H‐OC12 forms three concomitant self‐organised 2D phases with different row‐packing arrangements. This 2D polymorphism arises from slow ordering due to the presence of three long dodecyloxy chains on the molecular backbone. Individual molecules can be imaged with spectacular intramolecular resolution, thus providing the possibility of correlating the STM features with the calculated charge density distribution.
Crack‐Free Periodic Porous Thin Films Assisted by Plasma Irradiation at Low Temperature and Their Enhanced Gas‐Sensing Performance
Authors: Dai Zhengfei , Jia Lichao , Duan Guotao , Li Yue , Zhang Hongwen , Wang Jingjing , Hu Jinlian , Cai Weiping
Published: September 2013

Homogenous thin films are preferable for high‐performance gas sensors because of their remarkable reproducibility and long‐term stability. In this work, a low‐temperature fabrication route is presented to prepare crack‐free and homogenous metal oxide periodic porous thin films by oxygen plasma irradiation instead of high temperature annealing by using a sacrificial colloidal template. Rutile SnO2 is taken as an example to demonstrate the validity of this route. The crack‐free and homogenous porous thin films are successfully synthesized on the substrates in situ with electrodes. The SnO2 porous thin film obtained by plasma irradiation is rich in surface OH groups and hence superhydrophilic. It exhibits a more homogenous structure and lower resistance than porous films generated by annealing. More importantly, such thin films display higher sensitivity, a lower detection threshold (100 ppb to acetone) and better durability than those that have been directly annealed, resulting in enhanced gas‐sensing performance. The presented method could be applied to synthesize other metal oxide homogenous thin films and to fabricate gas‐sensing devices with high performances.
The mediating role of employee strategic alignment in the relationship between rational strategic planning and firm performance: A European study
Authors: Ouakouak Mohamed Laid , Ouedraogo Noufou
Published: September 2013

Previous empirical studies examining the direct relationship between rational strategic planning and firm performance have produced contradictory results. Therefore, in order to better understand the nature of this relationship, it is important to take into consideration the role of some mediating and moderating variables. We take into account this aspect by testing the mediating role of employee strategic alignment in the rational strategic planning–firm performance relationship. Based on a quantitative empirical study conducted among 372 European firms, we find that employee strategic alignment is a full mediator in this relationship. We then discuss the theoretical contributions and practical implications of our study. Copyright © 2013 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drying of milk–blackberry pulp mixture in spouted bed
Authors: Braga Matheus B. , Rocha Sandra C. S.
Published: September 2013

Spouted bed drying of a paste mixture of milk and blackberry pulp using inert beads of polystyrene and polypropylene was analysed in this work. Atomisation and dripping of the paste were compared as feeding modes. The experimental design used atomisation feeding to analyse the effects of air temperature, paste feeding flow rate and paste atomisation pressure on the drying performance. The best results were obtained for drip feeding on polystyrene beads, yielding powder production efficiency >60%, low final moisture content of the powder and <15% anthocyanin degradation.
Superfluorescent Squaraine with Efficient Two‐Photon Absorption and High Photostability
Authors: Belfield Kevin D. , Bondar Mykhailo V. , Haniff Hafeez S. , Mikhailov Ivan A. , Luchita Gheorghe , Przhonska Olga V.
Published: September 2013

The synthesis, linear photophysical, two‐photon absorption (2PA), femtosecond transient absorption, and superfluorescence properties of a new symmetrical squaraine derivative (1) are reported. Steady‐state linear spectral and photochemical properties, fluorescence lifetimes, and excitation anisotropy of 1 were investigated in various organic solvents. High fluorescence quantum yields (≈0.7) and very high photostability (photodecomposition quantum yields ≈10−6–10−8) were observed. An open‐aperture Z‐scan method was used to obtain 2PA spectra of 1 over a broad spectral range (maximum 2PA cross section ≈1000 GM). Excited‐state absorption (ESA) and gain was observed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, in which both reached a maximum at approximately 500 fs. Squaraine 1 exhibits efficient superfluorescence. The quantum chemical study of 1 revealed the simulated vibronic nature of the 1PA and 2PA spectra were in good agreement with experimental data; this may provide the ability to predict potential advanced photonic materials.
Initial Psychometric Evaluation of the Moral Injury Questionnaire—Military Version
Authors: Currier Joseph M. , Holland Jason M. , Drescher Kent , Foy David
Published: September 2013

Moral injury is an emerging construct related to negative consequences associated with war‐zone stressors that transgress military veterans' deeply held values/beliefs. Given the newness of the construct, there is a need for instrumentation that might assess morally injurious experiences (MIEs) in this population. Drawing on a community sample of 131 Iraq and/or Afghanistan Veterans and clinical sample of 82 returning Veterans, we conducted an initial psychometric evaluation of the newly developed Moral Injury Questionnaire—Military version (MIQ‐M)—a 20‐item self‐report measure for assessing MIEs. Possibly due to low rates of reporting, an item assessing sexual trauma did not yield favourable psychometric properties and was excluded from analyses. Veterans in the clinical sample endorsed significantly higher scores across MIQ‐M items. Factor analytic results for the final 19 items supported a unidimensional structure, and convergent validity analyses revealed that higher scores (indicative of more MIEs) were correlated with greater general combat exposure, impairments in work/social functioning, posttraumatic stress and depression in the community sample. In addition, when controlling for demographics, deployment‐related factors and exposure to life threat stressors associated with combat, tests of incremental validity indicated that MIQ‐M scores were also uniquely linked with suicide risk and other mental health outcomes. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the validity of the MIQ‐M and support the applicability of this measure for further research and clinical work with Veterans. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Military service can confront service members with experiences that undermine their core sense of humanity and violate global values and beliefs. These types of experiences increase the risk for posttraumatic maladjustment in this population, even when accounting for rates of exposure to life threat traumas.

Moral injury is an emerging construct to more fully capture the many possible psychological, ethical, and spiritual/existential challenges among persons who served in modern wars and other trauma‐exposed professional groups. There is currently a need for psychometrically sound instrumentation for assessing morally injurious experiences (MIEs).

The Moral Injury Questionnaire – Military Version (MIQ-M) was developed to provide a tool for assessing possible MIEs among military populations. This study provides preliminary evidence of the validity – including factorial, concurrent, and incremental – and clinical utility of the MIQ‐M for further applications in clinical and research contexts.
The Resource‐worthiness of Environmental Responsibility: A Resource‐based Perspective
Authors: Walker Matthew , Mercado Haylee
Published: September 2013

Due to the public/private funding debate and their social and physical presence in the community, the most visible touch‐points for environmental responsibility (ER) are arguably seen among public assembly facilities. However, while cost savings and perceptual benefits are considered the most salient outcomes of ‘going green’, little attention has been paid to the resource‐worthiness of ER. Applying facility manager perceptions to the Resource‐based View of the Firm (RBV), various ER impacts and outcomes were assessed. The RBV dimensions were theorized to influence stakeholder and local impacts, the outcomes of which are image enhancement and economic reward. The structural model results confirm our assertions; however, not all paths were in the hypothesized directions. The results show that as a resource, ER is perceived as valuable and to a lesser extent, rare, by facility managers, but it may not necessarily substitute for other organizational resources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The effect of dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibition on bone in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gallagher Emily Jane , Sun Hui , Kornhauser Caroline , Tobin‐Hess Aviva , Epstein Sol , Yakar Shoshana , LeRoith Derek
Published: September 2013

Background

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at greater risk of bone fractures than those without diabetes. Certain oral diabetic medications may further increase the risk of fracture. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitors are incretin‐based therapies that are being increasingly used for the management of T2D. It has been hypothesized that these agents may reduce fracture risk in those with T2D. In this study, we used a mouse model of T2D to examine the effects of the DPP‐IV inhibitor, MK‐0626, on bone.

Methods

Male wild type (WT) and diabetic muscle‐lysine‐arginine (MKR) mice were treated with MK‐0626, pioglitazone, alendronate or vehicle. The effects of treatment with MK‐0626 on bone microarchitecture and turnover were compared with treatment with pioglitazone, alendronate and vehicle. Osteoblast differentiation was determined by alkaline phosphatase staining of bone marrow cells from WT and MKR mice after treatment with pioglitazone, MK‐0626 or phosphate buffered saline.

Results

We found that MK‐0626 had neutral effects on cortical and trabecular bone in diabetic mice. Pioglitazone had detrimental effects on the trabecular bone of WT but not of diabetic mice. Alendronate caused improvements in cortical and trabecular bone architecture in diabetic and WT mice. MK‐0626 did not alter osteoblast differentiation, but pioglitazone impaired osteoblast differentiation in vitro.

Conclusions

Overall, the DPP‐IV inhibitor, MK‐0626, had no adverse effects on bone in an animal model of T2D or directly on osteoblasts in culture. These findings are reassuring as DPP‐IV inhibitors are being widely used to treat patients with T2D who are already at an increased risk of fractures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a better understanding of how to improve lipase‐catalyzed reactions using deep eutectic solvents based on choline chloride
Authors: Durand Erwann , Lecomte Jérôme , Baréa Bruno , Villeneuve Pierre
Published: September 2013

The new generation of designer solvents, such as deep eutectic solvents (DES), are generally claimed to be renewable and environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, this classification depends entirely on the nature of the selected components. The DES derived from choline chloride (ChCl) combined with a safe hydrogen‐bond donor, such as urea, seemed ideal for the design of eco‐friendly processes. In mixtures with water, it has been successfully used for lipase‐catalyzed reactions of polar substrates. However, no studies have yet examined the role of the different components involved in these mixtures (ChCl, urea, and water) in the medium's functional properties, especially in the biocatalysis field where the enzymes are very sensitive to the environment. By analyzing the water activity (aw) and water content of the solvent, this paper reveals two different thermodynamic areas controlled by the strong association between ChCl and water. In addition, by varying the urea concentration, we show that urea has a denaturing effect on the enzyme and a positive effect on the selectivity of the reaction. Overall, this study made it possible to optimize the lipase‐catalyzed alcoholysis reactions, with the synthesis of high yields of a wide range of lipophilic derivative compounds of phenolic acids.
Capillary electrophoresis in the diagnosis of surgical site infections
Authors: Kłodzińska Ewa , Kupczyk Wojciech , Jackowski Marek , Buszewski Boguslaw
Published: September 2013

A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place. An SSI may range from a spontaneously limited wound discharge within 7–10 days of an operation to a life‐threatening postoperative complication, such as a sternal infection after open heart surgery. Most SSIs are caused by contamination of an incision with microorganisms from the patient's own body during surgery. From the analytical point of view, the complex nature of these samples as well as the low concentrations of analytes require a system with high sensitivity and efficiency. Such situation requires a technique such as CE, which is a powerful and versatile separation technique that promises to rival HPLC when applied to the separation of both charged and neutral species. During the study, it has been demonstrated that CZE identifies characteristics of such groups of pathogens such as bacteria Gram (+) and different species of bacteria Gram (−), and also develops weekly individual profiles for patients after application of antibiotics. This was done in order to show the impact of antibiotic therapy in change “numbers” of bacteria present in the wound after surgery. The method proved to be the ideal straight specificity in the case of Escherichia coli (100%). Finally, analysis of the spectra and the second derivatives of the UV‐Vis spectra confirmed the similarity in the profiles and showed that the CZE is a great method for fast screening test in bacterial infection.
Numerical and statistical evidence for long‐range ducted gravity wave propagation over Halley, Antarctica
Authors: Snively J. B. , Nielsen K. , Hickey M. P. , Heale C. J. , Taylor M. J. , Moffat‐Griffin T.
Published: September 2013

Abundant short‐period, small‐scale gravity waves have been identified in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere over Halley, Antarctica, via ground‐based airglow image data. Although many are observed as freely propagating at the heights of the airglow layers, new results under modeled conditions reveal that a significant fraction of these waves may be subject to reflections at altitudes above and below. The waves may at times be trapped within broad thermal ducts, spanning from the tropopause or stratopause to the base of the thermosphere (∼140 km), which may facilitate long‐range propagation (∼1000s of km) under favorable wind conditions.
Paleogeographic controls on the onset of the Antarctic circumpolar current
Authors: Hill Daniel J. , Haywood Alan M. , Valdes Paul J. , Francis Jane E. , Lunt Daniel J. , Wade Bridget S. , Bowman Vanessa C.
Published: September 2013

Development of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) during the Cenozoic is controversial in terms of timing and its role in major climate transitions. Some propose that the development of the ACC was instrumental in the continental scale glaciation of Antarctica and climate cooling at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. Here we present climate model results that show that a coherent ACC was not possible during the Oligocene due to Australasian paleogeography, despite deep water connections through the Drake Passage and Tasman Gateway and the initiation of Antarctic glaciation. The simulations of ocean currents compare well to paleoenvironmental records relating to the physical oceanography of the Oligocene and provide a framework for understanding apparently contradictory dating of the initiation of the ACC. We conclude that the northward motion of the Australasian land masses and the reconfiguration of the Tasman Seaway and Drake Passage are necessary preconditions for the formation of a strong, coherent ACC.
Long‐term neurobiological consequences of early postnatal hCMV‐infection in former preterms
Authors: Dorn Maik , Lidzba Karen , Bevot Andrea , Goelz Rangmar , Hauser Till‐Karsten , Wilke Marko
Published: September 2013

Early postnatal infection with human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) may contribute to an adverse cognitive outcome in early preterm‐born children (PT). We here set out to explore whether long‐term neurobiological consequences of such an infection are detectable using fMRI in children and adolescents who were born very preterm and who either did (PThCMV+) or did not (PThCMV−) suffer from an early postnatal hCMV‐infection, when compared with typically developing healthy control (HC) subjects. Overall, data from 71 children and adolescents could be included, 34 PT (of which 15 were PT hCMV+ and 19 were PT hCMV−) and 37 HC. Using a recently established “dual use” fMRI task, we investigated language and visuospatial functions. There were significant activation differences in the left hippocampus (PT > HC and PThCMV+ > HC), and in the right anterior cingulate cortex (PThCMV− > PThCMV+) when performing the language task. Surprisingly, only a small region in the occipital cortex showed a significant activation difference (HC > PT HCMV−) when performing the visuospatial task. Targeted analyses revealed differences in gray matter volume, but not density, in several brain regions. Our results suggest that long‐term neurobiological consequences of an early postnatal hCMV infection are detectable even in older children and adolescents formerly born very preterm, compatible with a higher effort when performing a cognitive task. This suggests that measures to prevent such an infection are warranted. Furthermore, an interrelation of brain structure and function was detected that may constitute a severe confound when using fMRI to compare structurally differing groups. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2594–2606, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
‘Now I See The Difference’ — The Use Of Visual News Of Difference In Clinical Practice
Authors: Sanders Catherine
Published: September 2013

Differences between events, values, attitudes and relationships provide therapists with the most meaningful data in the search for a circular perspective. Systems change is believed to be dependent on the reception of relevant information by the system.

Traditionally, information has been collected verbally and Tomm (1984) outlines a schema of the types of difference questions.

However, clinical practice suggests that these questions are not suitable to all clients. Difference questions may be confusing and unproductive when working with young children whose language skills are not fully developed and auditory memory limited. Adults whose verbal skills are limited or whose primary mode for processing information is not auditory, also have difficulty.

An alternative visual method for collecting news of difference is proposed, using Tomm's (1984) categories as a basis.

Case examples are given of this technique, at the stage of data collection and as a way of marking and reinforcing change through the course of therapy.
Working With a Deadly Serious Problem — An Interview With Brian Cade
Authors: Sanders Catherine
Published: September 2013

Brian Cade is an internationally respected family therapist, noted for his work with teams and the one‐way screen, for the creative use of metaphor and humour, and strategic interventions. Yet our interview, squeezed into a lunch‐break in the middle of a workshop held in Adelaide in September 1984, touched none of these. Instead we talked of the nuclear issue and beneath this discussion ran basic questions all therapists should ask of themselves — What is the appropriate role of the therapist? Should a therapist's own strong values have a place within therapy? And how can the therapist make an impact on society?