bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Country-level entrepreneurship: Crowding out the population’s need for autonomy
Authors: Reddy Colin D. , Hamann Ralph , Urban Boris
Published: June 2015

Purpose and problem: Governments through their policy support of new and growing enterprises continue to emphasise economic incentives as if most members of the population prioritise material gain. This article argues that high levels of government policy support for new and growing enterprises crowd out the population’s need for autonomy when potential entrepreneurs perceive government to be controlling.Methodology: The researchers constructed a country-level panel data set based on the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, World Bank Group Entrepreneurship Survey, the World Economic Forum competitiveness reports and the International Monetary Fund data base for 44 countries over the period 2000 to 2007. Since we relied on eight years of secondary data, we applied panel analysis to the regressions. We used multiple regression to model the moderating effects of government policy support on the autonomy-entrepreneurship relationship.Findings: The findings show that government policy support tends to buffer the effect of autonomy on entrepreneurship, lending support to the article’s argument.Implications: This research has tested one of the most important anomalies in economics on entrepreneurship data: that ‘crowding out’ might reverse the most fundamental economic law, namely that raising economic incentives increases the supply of entrepreneurship.
Occupational health and safety considerations for women employed in core mining positions
Authors: Botha Doret , Cronjé Freek
Published: June 2015

Orientation: Despite various liberalisation and feminisation processes with regard to gender and sex roles, traditionalistic typologies, especially in terms of occupational roles, are seemingly very reluctant to disappear from relevant theoretical discourses, as well as in practice. One of the main issues remains the terrain of physical work. Although women all over the world have been involved in mining activities for centuries, the mining industry has not been an obvious career choice for women. In South Africa, new mining legislation aims to rectify previous inequalities and disadvantages in the mining sector and specifically provides for the inclusion of women in core mining activities. Although well intended, women’s involvement in the core business of mining also exposes them to the various hazards related to mine work.Research purpose: This research determined perceptions regarding the health and safety of women working in core mining positions.Motivation for the study: Currently there is a paucity of published data regarding health and safety challenges pertaining to women employed in the core business of mining.Method: Quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were used (mixed method research design). Quantitative data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected by means of individual interviews and group interviews.Main findings: From the literature review and the empirical findings it is evident that various factors (physical work capacity, anthropometry and body composition, personal protective equipment, treatment during pregnancy and security measures) need to be considered to ensure the health and safety of women employed in core mining positions.Practical/managerial implications: It is evident from the research that exceptional attention should be given to the promotion of the health and safety of women working in the core business of mines to sustain their involvement in the mining sector.Contribution: Practical recommendations are made to address health and safety concerns of women employed in core mining activities. These can be implemented and used by various stakeholders in the mining sector.
Biomaterial Approaches for Stem Cell-Based Myocardial Tissue Engineering
Authors: Cutts Josh , Nikkhah Mehdi , Brafman David A.
Published: June 2015

Adult and pluripotent stem cells represent a ready supply of cellular raw materials that can be used to generate the functionally mature cells needed to replace damaged or diseased heart tissue. However, the use of stem cells for cardiac regenerative therapies is limited by the low efficiency by which stem cells are differentiated in vitro to cardiac lineages as well as the inability to effectively deliver stem cells and their derivatives to regions of damaged myocardium. In this review, we discuss the various biomaterial-based approaches that are being implemented to direct stem cell fate both in vitro and in vivo. First, we discuss the stem cell types available for cardiac repair and the engineering of naturally and synthetically derived biomaterials to direct their in vitro differentiation to the cell types that comprise heart tissue. Next, we describe biomaterial-based approaches that are being implemented to enhance the in vivo integration and differentiation of stem cells delivered to areas of cardiac damage. Finally, we present emerging trends of using stem cell-based biomaterial approaches to deliver pro-survival factors and fully vascularized tissue to the damaged and diseased cardiac tissue.
Molecular Evolutionary Analysis of β-Defensin Peptides in Vertebrates
Authors: Tu Jianbo , Li Diyan , Li Qingqing , Zhang Long , Zhu Qing , Gaur Uma , Fan Xiaolan , Xu Huailiang , Yao Yongfang , Zhao Xiaoling , Yang Mingyao
Published: June 2015

Vertebrate β-defensins comprise an important family of antimicrobial peptides that protect organisms from a diverse spectrum of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoan parasites. Previous studies have shown a marked variation in the number of β-defensins among species, but the underlying reason is unclear. To address this question, we performed comprehensive computational searches to study the intact β-defensin genes from 29 vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis of the β-defensin genes in vertebrates identified frequent changes in the number of β-defensin genes and multiple species-specific gene gains and losses that have been occurring throughout the evolution of vertebrates. The number of intact β-defensin genes varied from 1 in the western clawed frog to 20 in cattle, with numerous expansions and contractions of the gene family throughout vertebrates, especially among tetrapods. The β-defensin gene number in a species is relevant to the ever-changing microbial challenges from the environment that they inhabit. Selection pressure analysis shows there exist three amino acid sites under significant positive selection. Protein structural characteristics analysis suggests that structural diversity determines the diverse functions of β-defensins. Our study provides a new perspective on the relationships among vertebrate β-defensin gene repertoires and different survival circumstances, which helps explain how β-defensins have evolved.
Rational points on analytic varieties
Authors: Beshenov Alexey , Bilu Margaret , Bilu Yuri F. , Rath Purusottam
Published: June 2015

This is a brief, informal and very elementary introduction into the work of Pila and others about counting rational points on analytic and, more generally, definable sets. We also discuss some of the most spectacular applications.
Evaluations of a continued fraction of Ramanujan
Authors: Bagis Nikos D. , Glasser M. Lawrence
Published: June 2015

We study the properties of a general continued fraction of Ramanujan. In certain cases we evaluate it completely.
Pure injective and $\ast$-pure injective LCA groups
Authors: Loth Peter
Published: June 2015

A proper short exact sequence

0\to A\to B\to C\to 0

in the category

\mathcal L

of locally compact abelian (LCA) groups is called

\ast

-pure

if the induced sequence

0\to A[n]\to B[n]\to C[n]\to 0

is proper exact for all positive integers

n

. An LCA group is called

\ast

-pure injective in

\mathcal L

if it has the injective property relative to all

\ast

-pure sequences in

\mathcal L

. In this paper, we give a complete description of the

\ast

-pure injectives in

\mathcal L

. They coincide with the injectives in

\mathcal L

and therefore with the pure injectives in

\mathcal L

. Dually, we determine the topologically pure projectives in

\mathcal L

.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Blastocystis Infection Among Children and Caregivers in a Child Care Center, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Pipatsatitpong Duangnate , Leelayoova Saovanee , Mungthin Mathirut , Aunpad Ratchaneewan , Naaglor Tawee , Rangsin Ram
Published: June 2015

In September 2009, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate parasitic infections in a child care center in Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand. Of 503 children and staff members, 258 (51.3%) stool samples and questionnaires were obtained. The most common parasitic infection was Blastocystis sp. (13.6%). Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 was predominantly found (80.0%), followed by subtypes 2 (12.0%) and 1 (8.0%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection varied among different age groups. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection in non-HIV-infected children aged < 10 and 10–19 years were 14.5% and 10.3%, respectively, which were not significantly different. All 31 HIV-infected children were not infected with Blastocystis sp. The most likely reason could be the result of properly using prevention measures for this specific group.
A Case of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Following Chikungunya Virus Infection
Authors: Tolokh Illya , Laux Timothy , Kim Daniel
Published: June 2015

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has recently become endemic in the Caribbean, including the island of Puerto Rico. We present the case of a 50-year-old Puerto Rican man who traveled to St. Louis for business and was diagnosed with acute chikungunya virus infection with atypical features causing diabetic ketoacidosis. This case highlights the need to keep tropical infectious diseases on the differential diagnosis in appropriate individuals and the ways in which tropical infectious diseases can masquerade as part of common presentations.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in South Korea and Migratory Bird Routes Between China, South Korea, and Japan
Authors: Yun Yeojun , Heo Sang Taek , Kim Gwanghun , Hewson Roger , Kim Hyemin , Park Dahee , Cho Nam-Hyuk , Oh Won Sup , Ryu Seong Yeol , Kwon Ki Tae , Medlock Jolyon M. , Lee Keun Hwa
Published: June 2015

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne viral disease. The SFTS virus (SFTSV) has been detected in the Haemaphysalis longicornis, which acts as a transmission host between animals and humans. SFTSV was first confirmed in China in 2009 and has also been circulating in Japan and South Korea. However, it is not known if a genetic connection exists between the viruses in these regions and, if so, how SFTSV is transmitted across China, South Korea, and Japan. We therefore hypothesize that the SFTSV in South Korea share common phylogenetic origins with samples from China and Japan. Further, we postulate that migratory birds, well-known carriers of the tick H. longicornis, are a potential source of SFTSV transmission across countries. Our phylogenetic analysis results show that the SFTSV isolates in South Korea were similar to isolates from Japan and China. We connect this with previous work showing that SFTSV-infected H. longicornis were found in China, South Korea, and Japan. In addition, H. longicornis were found on migratory birds. The migratory bird routes and the distribution of H. longicornis are concurrent with the occurrence of SFTSV. Therefore, we suggest that migratory birds play an important role in dispersing H. longicornis-borne SFTSV.
Multinational Disease Surveillance Programs: Promoting Global Information Exchange for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Varan Aiden K. , Bruniera-Oliveira Robson , Peter Christopher R. , Fonseca-Ford Maureen , Waterman Stephen H.
Published: June 2015

Cross-border surveillance for emerging diseases such as Ebola and other infectious diseases requires effective international collaboration. We surveyed representatives from 12 multinational disease surveillance programs between January 2013 and April 2014. Our survey identified programmatic similarities despite variation in health priorities, geography, and socioeconomic context, providing a contemporary perspective on infectious disease surveillance networks.
Seasonal predictions of agro-meteorological drought indicators for the Limpopo basin
Authors: Wetterhall F. , Winsemius H. C. , Dutra E. , Werner M. , Pappenberger E.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The rainfall in southern Africa has a large inter-annual variability, which can cause rain-fed agriculture to fail. The staple crop maize is especially sensitive to dry spells during the early growing season. An early prediction of the probability of dry spells and below normal precipitation can potentially mitigate damages through water management. This paper investigates how well ECMWF's seasonal forecasts predict dry spells over the Limpopo basin during the rainy season December–February (DJF) with lead times from 0 to 4 months. The seasonal forecasts were evaluated against ERA-Interim reanalysis data, which in turn were corrected with GPCP (EGPCP) to match monthly precipitation totals. The seasonal forecasts were also bias-corrected with the EGPCP using quantile mapping as well as post-processed using a precipitation threshold to define a dry day. The results indicate that the forecasts show skill in predicting dry spells in comparison with a climatological ensemble based on previous years. Quantile mapping in combination with a precipitation threshold improved the skill of the forecast. The skill in prediction of dry spells was largest over the most drought-sensitive region. Seasonal forecasts have the potential to be used in a probabilistic forecast system for drought-sensitive crops, though these should be used with caution given the large uncertainties.
Micro- and nanocoordinate measurements of micro-parts with 3-D tunnelling current probing
Authors: Schuler A. , Hausotte T. , Sun Z.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Measurement tasks of modern micro- and nanometrology are posing a problem for current measurement instruments with decreasing structure sizes and rising aspect ratios. There is an open requirement for nanometre-resolving 3-D capable sensors and corresponding 3-D positioning systems to operate the sensors for 3-D measurements. A 3-D probing system based on electrical interaction is presented which is operated on a nanopositioning system type SIOS NMM-1. Furthermore, we demonstrate the progress and new possibilities for 3-D measurements with the nanopositioning and nanomeasurement machine NMM-1 and also with the application of a rotary kinematic chain. In addition new 3-D measurement routines for the NMM-1, also for micro-tactile probing systems as well as current plans, are shown.
Seven Q-Tracks Monitors of Laboratory Quality Drive General Performance Improvement: Experience From the College of American Pathologists Q-Tracks Program 1999–2011
Authors: Meier Frederick A. , Souers Rhona J. , Howanitz Peter J. , Tworek Joseph A. , Perrotta Peter L. , Nakhleh Raouf E. , Karcher Donald S. , Bashleben Christine , Darcy Teresa P. , Schifman Ron B. , Jones Bruce A.
Published: June 2015

Context

Many production systems employ standardized statistical monitors that measure defect rates and cycle times, as indices of performance quality. Clinical laboratory testing, a system that produces test results, is amenable to such monitoring.

Objective

To demonstrate patterns in clinical laboratory testing defect rates and cycle time using 7 College of American Pathologists Q-Tracks program monitors.

Design

Subscribers measured monthly rates of outpatient order-entry errors, identification band defects, and specimen rejections; median troponin order-to-report cycle times and rates of STAT test receipt-to-report turnaround time outliers; and critical values reporting event defects, and corrected reports. From these submissions Q-Tracks program staff produced quarterly and annual reports. These charted each subscriber's performance relative to other participating laboratories and aggregate and subgroup performance over time, dividing participants into best and median performers and performers with the most room to improve. Each monitor's patterns of change present percentile distributions of subscribers' performance in relation to monitoring durations and numbers of participating subscribers. Changes over time in defect frequencies and the cycle duration quantify effects on performance of monitor participation.

Results

All monitors showed significant decreases in defect rates as the 7 monitors ran variously for 6, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 13 years. The most striking decreases occurred among performers who initially had the most room to improve and among subscribers who participated the longest. All 7 monitors registered significant improvement. Participation effects improved between 0.85% and 5.1% per quarter of participation.

Conclusions

Using statistical quality measures, collecting data monthly, and receiving reports quarterly and yearly, subscribers to a comparative monitoring program documented significant decreases in defect rates and shortening of a cycle time for 6 to 13 years in all 7 ongoing clinical laboratory quality monitors.
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation—10 Years of Data From a Developing Country
Authors: Ali Natasha , Adil Salman Naseem , Shaikh Mohammad Usman
Published: June 2015

Intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with hematological malignancies. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with mainly lymphoma and multiple myeloma after autologous stem cell transplant. The pretransplant workup consisted of the complete blood count, an evaluation of the liver, kidney, lung, and infectious profile, chest radiographs, and a dental review. For lymphoma, all patients who achieved at least a 25% reduction in the disease after salvage therapy were included in the study. Mobilization was done with cyclophosphamide, followed by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, 300 µg twice daily. The conditioning regimens included BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) and high-dose melphalan. A total of 206 transplants were performed from April 2004 to December 2014. Of these, 137 were allogeneic transplants and 69 were autologous. Of the patients receiving an autologous transplant, 49 were male and 20 were female. Of the 69 patients, 26 underwent transplantation for Hodgkin's lymphoma, 23 for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 15 for multiple myeloma and 4 and 1 for Ewing's sarcoma and neuroblastoma, respectively. The median age ± SD was 34 ± 13.1 years (range, 4–64). A mean of 4.7 × 108 ± 1.7 mononuclear cells per kilogram were infused. The median time to white blood cell recovery was 18.2 ± 5.34 days. Transplant-related mortality occurred in 10 patients. After a median follow-up period of 104 months, the overall survival rate was 86%. High-dose chemotherapy, followed by autologous stem cell transplant, is an effective treatment option for patients with hematological malignancies, allowing further consolidation of response.

Significance

This report presents the results of autologous stem cell transplant in hematological malignancies from a developing country. This is a large cohort from Pakistan, with overall survival comparable to that from international data.
Représentations de la Confédération comme mise en abyme du Canada-à-renaître
Authors: Trépanier Anne
Published: June 2015

Cet article rend compte d’un certain état de l’imaginaire politique des Canadiens-en-redéfinition et trace les grandes lignes d’une matrice de représentations communes de la Confédération dans les années 1864-1867 dans les espaces du Canada-Est et du Canada-Ouest. Le corpus, constitué de caricatures et de textes éditoriaux, fait une large place aux tableaux du péril et du risque calculé. Les thèmes de l’unité ou de la rupture géographique, nationale, voire identitaire, y sont omniprésents. Entre les représentations monstrueuses et les saynètes familiales, les textes et les images de ce Canada-à-renaître sont très riches pour rendre l’humeur générale du pays. Visuellement parlant, les hydres, pieuvres et têtes de Gorgone sont l’expression de peurs et de craintes envers la Confédération. Les projets de mariage de filles ingénues ou sauvages font partie des hypotyposes déployées dans les journaux pour peindre les rêves de la Confédération incarnés dans la ville d’Ottawa, pressentie comme siège du gouvernement central. Cet article vise à ouvrir une vaste analyse sociocritique sur les représentations du Canada-à-renaître, sur le rôle envisagé de son parlement, sur la représentation démocratique, sur la stabilité ministérielle des élus et à propos de la construction d’une plateforme d’identification à la Confédération.
Parodier et satiriser l’histoire par la bande dessinée, la caricature et la chronique humoristique
Authors: Godin-Laverdière Julie-Anne , Barriault-Fortin Myriam
Published: June 2015

Cet article analyse des planches d’une bande dessinée (Le rêve de Charlot), des caricatures et des chroniques publiées dans La Presse par Albéric Bourgeois entre 1905 et 1957. En tenant compte des théories sur la parodie et la satire de Linda Hutcheon, Sophie Duval et Marc Martinez, nous verrons que ces oeuvres présentent une relecture parodique, parfois critique, d’événements fondateurs tels que la découverte de l’Amérique et l’implantation de la colonie de la Nouvelle-France. Il sera aussi possible de constater que ces dessins et chroniques permettent à Bourgeois de pasticher et de commenter le rôle de l’historien et la discipline de l’histoire. Pour ce faire, Bourgeois use notamment de l’humour et de la parodie, tout en ponctuant ses oeuvres d’anachronismes et de réflexions satiriques.
Les images de presse de la crise des caricatures de Mahomet dans les quotidiens Libération et Le Devoir en février 2006
Authors: Nevert Lélia
Published: June 2015

Présente dans les médias de l’écrit, l’image y révèle une part de subjectivité induite par sa position et la stratégie qui est à l’origine de son choix. Comme le texte écrit, la photographie mise au service de l’information est susceptible de véhiculer un certain nombre de lieux communs. Dans cet article, nous proposons une réflexion sur les photographies publiées dans les quotidiens Libération et Le Devoir au cours de la crise des caricatures de Mahomet. Mettre côte à côte les photographies de ces deux quotidiens francophones est un moyen efficace de pointer les différences et les convergences du traitement de cette crise et, au-delà, de s’intéresser à la représentation faite de la religion et de l’islam dans les médias de France et du Québec.
¿Estamos como estamos porque somos como somos? Importancia de los indicadores socio-ambientales para un desarrollo a escala humana
Authors: Zuñiga Christian Henríquez , Habert Guillermo Pacheco
Published: June 2015

Discutir processos de desenvolvimento e sustentabilidade permite refletir sobre os indicadores objetivos e subjetivos, como também revelar a importância do uso de indicadores sociais e ambientais para melhorar a compreensão do que chamamos de desenvolvimento e apelidamos de sustentável. A utilização do PIB como indicador para distinguir entre países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento é problematizada e discutida neste trabalho. Neste sentido se apresenta uma discussão teórica que permite ampliar a perspectiva sobre os indicadores socioambientais, com vistas a um outro desenvolvimento. O documento se alimenta de pesquisa bibliográfica e empírica, iniciada no contexto de uma dissertação de mestrado e que agora se estende a um projeto de tese de doutorado, no âmbito de um projeto Fondecyt. Conclui-se que o PIB, usado por um longo período para medir a riqueza das nações, vem sendo objeto de crítica por causa de sua limitada cobertura de aplicação, que não responde às necessidades contemporâneas. Os indicadores de participação socioambientais podem melhorar a compreensão dos processos de desenvolvimento territorial sustentável, a partir de uma perspectiva crítica, transdisciplinar e em escala humana.

Código JEL | O15; Q01; Q56.
O desenvolvimento como alargamento das capacidades humanas: aproximações entre Amartya Sen e Celso Furtado
Authors: Souza Dellany Maria Dantas , Ramalho Ângela Maria Cavalcanti , Mota Leonardo De Araújo e
Published: June 2015

O sentido do termo desenvolvimento muito se alargou e hoje existe um reconhecimento de que o mero crescimento econômico não é obrigatoriamente sinônimo de desenvolvimento. Neste sentido, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o conceito de desenvolvimento como alargamento das capacidades humanas. Para tanto, busca-se discorrer sobre o que é desenvolvimento, a partir dos conceitos elaborados por Amartya Sen e Celso Furtado, para depois realizar um diálogo entre suas teorias. No decorrer da análise, observou-se uma aproximação entre Sen e Furtado acerca da essência do desenvolvimento, uma vez que os conceitos de Expansão das Potencialidades (Celso Furtado) ou Alargamento das Capacidades Humanas (Amartya Sen) estão relacionados à perspectiva do desenvolvimento em sua dimensão humana e social. Constatou-se que é possível verificar uma aproximação entre esses autores, na medida em que o desenvolvimento é entendido como o alargamento das capacidades humanas, e que tal alargamento não ocorre se não forem asseguradas as devidas condições objetivas para a sua realização.

Código JEL | B50; O10; O15.
Política regional brasileira: retrospectiva e novos rumos
Authors: Alves Adriana Melo , Pinto João Mendes da Rocha , Amparo Paulo Pitanga do
Published: June 2015

Este artigo discute e avalia o percurso da Política Nacional de Desenvolvimento Regional (PNDR), de seu lançamento pelo Ministério da Integração Nacional, em 2003, aos dias atuais. Uma primeira seção examina em retrospectiva os desafios impostos a uma política regional de âmbito nacional no país, em que as desigualdades socioeconômicas entre regiões, por quaisquer indicadores, se mostram ainda marcantes; revê a trajetória da PNDR; apresenta seus fundamentos e instrumentos propostos; e analisa as dificuldades enfrentadas no processo de sua implantação. Uma segunda seção revê o processo conferencial instaurado em 2012 – 1ª Conferência Nacional de Desenvolvimento Regional –, por meio do qual o Ministério da Integração Nacional promoveu um amplo debate social e federativo com vistas a colher subsídios para a elaboração de uma proposta legitimada que permitisse seu envio à apreciação do Congresso Nacional. Uma terceira seção destaca os principais aspectos da proposição resultante do processo conferencial da PNDR; a quarta e última seção informa sobre o andamento dos procedimentos adotados com vistas à transformação da PNDR em Política de Estado.

Código JEL | P25; R11; R58.
On the control of riverbed incision induced by run‐of‐river power plant
Authors: Bizzi Simone , Dinh Quang , Bernardi Dario , Denaro Simona , Schippa Leonardo , Soncini‐Sessa Rodolfo
Published: June 2015

Water resource management (WRM) through dams or reservoirs is worldwide necessary to support key human‐related activities, ranging from hydropower production to water allocation and flood risk mitigation. Designing of reservoir operations aims primarily to fulfill the main purpose (or purposes) for which the structure has been built. However, it is well known that reservoirs strongly influence river geomorphic processes, causing sediment deficits downstream, altering water, and sediment fluxes, leading to riverbed incision and causing infrastructure instability and ecological degradation. We propose a framework that, by combining physically based modeling, surrogate modeling techniques, and multiobjective (MO) optimization, allows to include fluvial geomorphology into MO optimization whose main objectives are the maximization of hydropower revenue and the minimization of riverbed degradation. The case study is a run‐of‐the‐river power plant on the River Po (Italy). A 1‐D mobile‐bed hydro‐morphological model simulated the riverbed evolution over a 10 year horizon for alternatives operation rules of the power plant. The knowledge provided by such a physically based model is integrated into a MO optimization routine via surrogate modeling using the response surface methodology. Hence, this framework overcomes the high computational costs that so far hindered the integration of river geomorphology into WRM. We provided numerical proof that river morphologic processes and hydropower production are indeed in conflict but that the conflict may be mitigated with appropriate control strategies.
Ecohydrological modeling in agroecosystems: Examples and challenges
Authors: Porporato A. , Feng X. , Manzoni S. , Mau Y. , Parolari A. J. , Vico G.
Published: June 2015

Human societies are increasingly altering the water and biogeochemical cycles to both improve ecosystem productivity and reduce risks associated with the unpredictable variability of climatic drivers. These alterations, however, often cause large negative environmental consequences, raising the question as to how societies can ensure a sustainable use of natural resources for the future. Here we discuss how ecohydrological modeling may address these broad questions with special attention to agroecosystems. The challenges related to modeling the two‐way interaction between society and environment are illustrated by means of a dynamical model in which soil and water quality supports the growth of human society but is also degraded by excessive pressure, leading to critical transitions and sustained societal growth‐collapse cycles. We then focus on the coupled dynamics of soil water and solutes (nutrients or contaminants), emphasizing the modeling challenges, presented by the strong nonlinearities in the soil and plant system and the unpredictable hydroclimatic forcing, that need to be overcome to quantitatively analyze problems of soil water sustainability in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. We discuss applications of this framework to problems of irrigation, soil salinization, and fertilization and emphasize how optimal solutions for large‐scale, long‐term planning of soil and water resources in agroecosystems under uncertainty could be provided by methods from stochastic control, informed by physically and mathematically sound descriptions of ecohydrological and biogeochemical interactions.
Biorealistic Implementation of Synaptic Functions with Oxide Memristors through Internal Ionic Dynamics
Authors: Du Chao , Ma Wen , Chang Ting , Sheridan Patrick , Lu Wei D.
Published: June 2015

Memristors have attracted broad interest as a promising candidate for future memory and computing applications. Particularly, it is believed that memristors can effectively implement synaptic functions and enable efficient neuromorphic systems. Most previous studies, however, focus on implementing specific synaptic learning rules by carefully engineering external programming parameters instead of focusing on emulating the internal cause that leads to the apparent learning rules. Here, it is shown that by taking advantage of the different time scales of internal oxygen vacancy (VO) dynamics in an oxide‐based memristor, diverse synaptic functions at different time scales can be implemented naturally. Mathematically, the device can be effectively modeled as a second‐order memristor with a simple set of equations including multiple state variables. Not only is this approach more biorealistic and easier to implement, by focusing on the fundamental driving mechanisms it allows the development of complete theoretical and experimental frameworks for biologically inspired computing systems.
Calcite Single Crystals as Hosts for Atomic‐Scale Entrapment and Slow Release of Drugs
Authors: Magnabosco Giulia , Giosia Matteo Di , Polishchuk Iryna , Weber Eva , Fermani Simona , Bottoni Andrea , Zerbetto Francesco , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Pokroy Boaz , Rapino Stefania , Falini Giuseppe , Calvaresi Matteo
Published: June 2015

Doxorubicin (DOX)/CaCO3single crystals act as pH responsive drug carrier. A biomimetic approach demonstrates that calcite single crystals are able, during their growth in the presence of doxorubicin, to entrap drug molecules inside their lattice along specific crystallographic directions. Alterations in lattice dimensions and microstructural parameters are determined by means of high‐resolution synchrotron powder diffraction measurements. Confocal microscopy confirms that doxorubicin is uniformly embedded in the crystal and is not simply adsorbed on the crystal surface. A slow release of DOX was obtained preferentially in the proximity of the crystals, targeting cancer cells.
Ultrathin and Switchable Nanoporous Catalytic Membranes of Polystyrene‐b‐poly‐4‐Vinyl Pyridine Block Copolymer Spherical Micelles
Authors: Tripathi Bijay P. , Dubey Nidhi C. , Choudhury Soumyadip , Formanek Peter , Stamm Manfred
Published: June 2015

An easy fabrication of close‐packed and block copolymer micelles‐based ultrathin membranes for water purification, separation, catalytic, and dye degradation applications is reported. Nanoporous membranes based on the self‐assembly of 2‐(4′‐hydroxybenzeneazo) benzoic acid (HABA)‐polystyrene‐b‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) diblock copolymers supramolecular complexes are prepared by simple spin coating on pore‐filled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) track‐etched membranes. The prepared membranes are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and water permeation studies. The separation performance is studied by lysozyme protein rejection. The prepared membranes are also used to in situ synthesize gold nanoparticles in the corona of PS‐b‐P4VP spheres for catalytic activity towards the reduction of p‐nitrophenol and degradation of congo red dye in flow through operation mode in a stirred cell membrane reactor. More than 95% reduction for p‐nitrophenol and >98% degradation of Congo red at a sufficiently high flux indicates its suitability for catalytic transformation and environmental remediation applications.
Combined Experimental and Computational Methods Reveal the Evolution of Buried Interfaces during Synthesis of Ferroelectric Thin Films
Authors: Jones Jacob L. , LeBeau James M. , Nikkel Jason , Oni Adedapo A. , Dycus J. Houston , Cozzan Clayton , Lin Fang‐Yin , Chernatynskiy Aleksandr , Nino Juan C. , Sinnott Susan B. , Mhin Sungwook , Brennecka Geoff L. , Ihlefeld Jon
Published: June 2015

Understanding interfaces between dissimilar materials is crucial to the development of modern technologies, for example, semiconductor–dielectric and thermoelectric–semiconductor interfaces in emerging electronic devices. However, the structural characterization of buried interfaces is challenging because many measurement techniques are surface sensitive by design. When interested in interface evolution during synthesis, the experimental challenges multiply and often necessitate in situ techniques. For solution‐derived lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ferroelectric thin films, the evolution of buried interfaces during synthesis (including dielectric–metal and metal–metal) is thought to dramatically influence the resultant dielectric and ferroelectric properties. In the present work, multiple experimental and computational methods are combined to characterize interface evolution during synthesis of ferroelectric PZT films on platinized Si wafers—including in situ X‐ray diffraction during thermal treatment, aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy of samples quenched from various synthesis states, and calculations using density functional theory. Substantial interactions at buried interfaces in the PZT/Pt/Ti/SiO
x
/Si heterostructure are observed and discussed relative to their role(s) in the synthesis process. The results prove that perovskite PZT nucleates directly from the platinum (111)‐oriented bottom electrode and reveal the roles of Pb and O diffusion and intermetallic Pt3Pb and Pt3Ti phases.
Shape‐Controlled, Self‐Wrapped Carbon Nanotube 3D Electronics
Authors: Wang Huiliang , Wang Yanming , Tee Benjamin C.‐K. , Kim Kwanpyo , Lopez Jeffrey , Cai Wei , Bao Zhenan
Published: June 2015

The mechanical flexibility and structural softness of ultrathin devices based on organic thin films and low‐dimensional nanomaterials have enabled a wide range of applications including flexible display, artificial skin, and health monitoring devices. However, both living systems and inanimate systems that are encountered in daily lives are all 3D. It is therefore desirable to either create freestanding electronics in a 3D form or to incorporate electronics onto 3D objects. Here, a technique is reported to utilize shape‐memory polymers together with carbon nanotube flexible electronics to achieve this goal. Temperature‐assisted shape control of these freestanding electronics in a programmable manner is demonstrated, with theoretical analysis for understanding the shape evolution. The shape control process can be executed with prepatterned heaters, desirable for 3D shape formation in an enclosed environment. The incorporation of carbon nanotube transistors, gas sensors, temperature sensors, and memory devices that are capable of self‐wrapping onto any irregular shaped‐objects without degradations in device performance is demonstrated.
Supramolecular Polymerization Promoted In Situ Fabrication of Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Graphene Sheets as Anode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ai Wei , Jiang Jian , Zhu Jianhui , Fan Zhanxi , Wang Yanlong , Zhang Hua , Huang Wei , Yu Ting
Published: June 2015

A novel strategy of utilizing supramolecular polymerization for fabricating nitrogen doped porous graphene (NPG) with high doping level of 12 atom% as the anode material for lithium ion batteries is reported for the first time. The introduction of supramolecular polymer (melamine cyanurate) functions not only as a spacer to prevent the restacking of graphene sheets but also as a sacrificial template to generate porous structures, as well as a nitrogen source to induce in situ N doping. Therefore, pores and loose‐packed graphene thin layers with high N doping level are very effectively formed in NPG after the annealing process. Such highly desired structures immediately offer remarkably improved Li storage performance including high reversible capacity (900 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles) with good cycling and rate performances. The effects of annealing temperature and heating rates on the final electrochemical performance of NPG are also investigated. Furthermore, the low cost, facile, and scalable features of this novel strategy may be helpful for the rational design of functionalized graphene‐based materials for diverse applications.
Etiology and pathogenesis of robin sequence in a large Dutch cohort
Authors: Basart Hanneke , Paes Emma C. , Maas Saskia M. , van den Boogaard Marie‐Jose H. , van Hagen Johanna M. , Breugem Corstiaan C. , Cobben Jan Maarten , Don Griot J. Peter W. , Lachmeijer Augusta M. A. , Lichtenbelt Klaske D. , van Nunen Daan P. F. , van der Horst Chantal M. , Hennekam Raoul C.
Published: June 2015

Robin sequence (RS) can be defined as the combination of micrognathia and upper airway obstruction/glossoptosis causing neonatal respiratory problems, with or without a cleft palate and either isolated or non‐isolated. Pathogenesis varies widely. We hypothesize that optimal treatment depends on pathogenesis and therefore patients should be stratified according to diagnosis. Here, we evaluate diagnoses and (presumed) pathogeneses in an RS cohort. Medical records of all RS patients presenting between 1995–2013 in three academic hospitals were evaluated. Four clinical geneticists re‐evaluated all information, including initial diagnosis. Diagnoses were either confirmed, considered uncertain, or rejected. If uncertain or rejected, patients were re‐evaluated. Subsequent results were re‐discussed and a final conclusion was drawn. We included 191 RS patients. After re‐evaluation and changing initial diagnoses in 48 of the 191 patients (25.1%), 37.7% of the cohort had isolated RS, 8.9% a chromosome anomaly, 29.3% a Mendelian disorder, and 24.1% no detectable cause. Twenty‐two different Mendelian disorders were diagnosed, of which Stickler syndrome was most frequent. Stratification of diagnoses according to (presumed) pathogenic mechanism in 73 non‐isolated patients with reliable diagnoses showed 43.9% to have a connective tissue dysplasia, 5.5% a neuromuscular disorder, 47.9% a multisystem disorder, and 2.7% an unknown mechanism. We diagnosed more non‐isolated RS patients compared to other studies. Re‐evaluation changed initial diagnosis in a quarter of patients. We suggest standardized re‐evaluation of all RS patients. Despite the relatively high diagnostic yield pathogenesis could be determined in only 59.7% (71/119), due to limited insight in pathogenesis in diagnosed entities. Further studies into pathogenesis of entities causing RS are indicated. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bildung von GaN‐Schichten auf Saphir durch Niedertemperatur‐Pufferschichten und Erzeugung von p‐GaN durch Magnesium‐Dotierung und Elektronenbeschuss (Nobel‐Aufsatz)
Authors: Amano Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

Dieser Aufsatz ist eine persönliche Schilderung der Forschungsarbeiten, die zur Entwicklung einer Methode zur Kristallzüchtung von Galliumnitrid (GaN) auf einem Saphir‐Substrat führten. Die Ergebnisse bereiteten den Weg für die Entwicklung von smarten Anzeigesystemen auf der Basis blauer LEDs. Die wichtigsten Arbeiten wurden Mitte bis Ende der 80er Jahre durchgeführt. Die Hintergründe der Arbeiten des Autors und die Ereignisse, die in der Technologie für die GaN‐Züchtung und die Erzeugung von p‐GaN resultierten, werden zusammengefasst.
Sensitivity analysis for selection of an optimum amine gas sweetening process with minimum cost requirement
Authors: Sharif Dashti Sajjad , Shariati Ahmad , Khosravi Nikou Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2015

One of the most commonly used processes for the removal of acid gases from natural gas is absorption in alkanolamine‐based solvents. Operating cost and energy consumption beside environmental cares are the main limiting factors, which lead process designers to select optimum values of sensitive parameters in sweetening plants. This paper summarizes a study that determines values of optimum operating parameters for sweetening a sour gas stream with 5 mol% of CO2 and 0.39 mol% of H2S considering optimum cost and energy consumption. A typical amine sweetening process plant is used to accomplish a steady–state simulation by HYSYS process simulator v8.4 using different amine solutions, i.e. single, mixed, and also activated amines. It also examined some of the important amine process parameters for each amine type such as amine circulation rate, lean amine temperature, corrosion and amine loss considerations. Finally, an economic evaluation is performed by Aspen process economic analyzer to compare operational and total capital costs of processes. It has been revealed that mixture of methyldiethanolamine and dieathanolamine is more applicable due to its higher absorption capacity, lower capital and operational expenditure, and lower costs related to corrosion and amine losses. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of biomedical and health queries: Lessons learned fromTRECandCLEFevaluation benchmarks
Authors: Tamine Lynda , Chouquet Cécile , Palmer Thomas
Published: June 2015

A large body of research work examined, from both the query side and the user behavior side, the characteristics of medical‐ and health‐related searches. One of the core issues in medical information retrieval (IR) is diversity of tasks that lead to diversity of categories of information needs and queries. From the evaluation perspective, another related and challenging issue is the limited availability of appropriate test collections allowing the experimental validation of medically task orientedIRtechniques and systems. In this paper, we explore the peculiarities ofTRECandCLEFmedically oriented tasks and queries through the analysis of the differences and the similarities between queries across tasks, with respect to length, specificity, and clarity features and then study their effect on retrieval performance. We show that, even for expert oriented queries, language specificity level varies significantly across tasks as well as search difficulty. Additional findings highlight that query clarity factors are task dependent and that query terms specificity based on domain‐specific terminology resources is not significantly linked to term rareness in the document collection. The lessons learned from our study could serve as starting points for the design of future task‐based medical information retrieval frameworks.
Information retrieval from historical newspaper collections in highly inflectional languages: A query expansion approach
Authors: Järvelin Anni , Keskustalo Heikki , Sormunen Eero , Saastamoinen Miamaria , Kettunen Kimmo
Published: June 2015

The aim of the study was to test whether query expansion by approximate string matching methods is beneficial in retrieval from historical newspaper collections in a language rich with compounds and inflectional forms (Finnish). First, approximate string matching methods were used to generate lists of index words most similar to contemporary query terms in a digitized newspaper collection from the 1800s. Top index word variants were categorized to estimate the appropriate query expansion ranges in the retrieval test. Second, the effectiveness of approximate string matching methods, automatically generated inflectional forms, and their combinations were measured in aCranfield‐style test. Finally, a detailed topic‐level analysis of test results was conducted. In the index of historical newspaper collection the occurrences of a word typically spread to many linguistic and historical variants along with optical character recognition (OCR) errors. All query expansion methods improved the baseline results. Extensive expansion of around 30 variants for each query word was required to achieve the highest performance improvement. Query expansion based on approximate string matching was superior to using the inflectional forms of the query words, showing that coverage of the different types of variation is more important than precision in handling one type of variation.
Success in online searches: Differences between evaluation and finding tasks
Authors: Wirth Werner , Sommer Katharina , von Pape Thilo , Karnowski Veronika
Published: June 2015

Several studies have identified important factors for search success in online searches, but until now it has not been determined whether the influence of these factors varies during the search process. This study analyzes (a) whether search expertise, prior topic knowledge, topic interest, or flow experience during a search of the World Wide Web (WWW) influence success in finding relevant information and (b) whether the effects of these predictors vary during the course of the search process. Two different search tasks are investigated: The evaluating task focuses on the selection of relevant websites from a large number of potentially relevant sites, whereas the finding task focuses on the difficulty of finding information in the case of a lack of potentially relevant websites. Survival analysis is applied to data from a quasi‐experiment. This analysis considers not only the question of whether information is found, but also when. Findings show that search expertise and flow explain success in the evaluation task; however, flow is only influential in the first phase of the search process. For the finding task, the predictors have no explanatory strength.