bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combination of high Q factor and chirality in twin cavities and microcavity chain
Authors: Song Qinghai , Zhang Nan , Zhai Huilin , Liu Shuai , Gu Zhiyuan , Wang Kaiyang , Sun Shang , Chen Zhiwei , Li Meng , Xiao Shumin
Published: September 2014

Chirality in microcavities has recently shown its bright future in optical sensing and microsized coherent light sources. The key parameters for such applications are the high quality (Q) factor and large chirality. However, the previous reported chiral resonances are either low Q modes or require very special cavity designs. Here we demonstrate a novel, robust and general mechanism to obtain the chirality in circular cavity. By placing a circular cavity and a spiral cavity in proximity, we show that ultra-high Q factor, large chirality and unidirectional output can be obtained simultaneously. The highest Q factors of the non-orthogonal mode pairs are almost the same as the ones in circular cavity. And the co-propagating directions of the non-orthogonal mode pairs can be reversed by tuning the mode coupling. This new mechanism for the combination of high Q factor and large chirality is found to be very robust to cavity size, refractive index and the shape deformation, showing very nice fabrication tolerance. And it can be further extended to microcavity chain and microcavity plane. We believe that our research will shed light on the practical applications of chirality and microcavities.
Electrochemical preparation of a poly(aniline-co-m-aminobenzoic acid)–ionic liquid composite coating for the head-space solid phase microextraction and analysis of aryl halides
Authors: Ai Youhong , Zhao Faqiong , Zeng Baizhao
Published: September 2014

An electrodeposited poly(aniline-co-m-aminobenzoic acid)–ionic liquid composite coating presents a porous mesh structure, and shows high extraction efficiency for aryl halides.
Facile synthesis of spinel CuCo2O4 nanocrystals as high-performance cathode catalysts for rechargeable Li–air batteries
Authors: Liu Ying , Cao Lu-Jie , Cao Chen-Wei , Wang Man , Leung Kwan-Lan , Zeng Shan-Shan , Hung T. F. , Chung C. Y. , Lu Zhou-Guang
Published: September 2014

CuCo2O4 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple and low-cost urea combustion method and characterized as bifunctional catalysts for non-aqueous Li–air batteries.
The aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition of SnSe and Cu2SnSe3thin films from molecular precursors
Authors: Kevin Punarja , Malik Sajid N. , Malik Mohammad A. , O'Brien Paul
Published: September 2014

SnSe and Cu2SnSe3thin films have been deposited onto glass substrates by AACVD from molecular precursors.
Highly diastereo- and enantioselective copper-catalyzed propargylic alkylation of acyclic ketone enamines for the construction of two vicinal stereocenters
Authors: Zhang De-Yang , Zhu Fu-Lin , Wang Ya-Hui , Hu Xin-Hu , Chen Song , Hou Chuan-Jin , Hu Xiang-Ping
Published: September 2014

Highly diastereo-/enantioselective Cu-catalyzed propargylic alkylation of acyclic ketone enamines to form vicinal tertiary stereocenters was developed using a chiral tridentate ketimine P,N,N-ligand.
Mesoporous BN and BCN nanocages with high surface area and spherical morphology
Authors: Suryavanshi Ulka , Balasubramanian Veerappan V. , Lakhi Kripal S. , Mane Gurudas P. , Ariga Katsuhiko , Choy Jin-Ho , Park Dae-Hwan , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Vinu Ajayan
Published: September 2014

A low temperature synthesis of novel mesoporous BN and BCNs with cage type porous structure, high surface area, and spherical morphology using carbon nanocages has been reported.
Perspective on CO oxidation over Pd-based catalysts
Authors: Zhou You , Wang Zongyuan , Liu Changjun
Published: September 2014

CO oxidation is one of the most extensively investigated reactions in the field of heterogeneous catalysis because of its importance in both environmental protection and fundamental studies.
Magnetophoresis of diamagnetic microparticles in a weak magnetic field
Authors: Zhu Gui-Ping , Hejiazan Majid , Huang Xiaoyang , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: September 2014

We investigated the phenomenon of magnetophoresis of diamagnetic microparticles suspended in a ferrofluid in a weak uniform magnetic field. No high field gradient is required for particle migration.
Resolving the true band gap of ZrNiSn half-Heusler thermoelectric materials
Authors: Schmitt Jennifer , Gibbs Zachary M. , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Felser Claudia
Published: September 2014

Sc-doping of ZrNiSn Half-Heusler materials provides useful insight into why the n-type compounds possess such excellent thermoelectric properties.
Great Prospects for PAF-1 and its derivatives
Authors: Pei Cuiying , Ben Teng , Qiu Shilun
Published: September 2014

PAF-1 and its derivatives contribute to the research on host–guest interactions and extend their application to a wide field.
Synthesis and evaluation of a novel ionophore based on a thiacalix[4]arene derivative bearing imidazole units
Authors: Zhao Jiang-Lin , Tomiyasu Hirotsugu , Ni Xin-Long , Zeng Xi , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Redshaw Carl , Rahman Shofiur , Georghiou Paris E. , Yamato Takehiko
Published: September 2014

Alkali metal salts play an important role in the conformer distribution of thiacalix[4]areneviaa template effect.
Graphene growth under Knudsen molecular flow on a confined catalytic metal coil
Authors: Bong Hyojin , Jo Sae Byeok , Kang Boseok , Lee Seong Kyu , Kim Hyun Ho , Lee Seung Goo , Cho Kilwon
Published: September 2014

CVD-growth of graphene in a confined geometry on a roll-stacked metal coil provides high-throughput production of large-area graphene in a one-pot synthesis process.
Sequence-controlled multi-block copolymerization of acrylamides via aqueous SET-LRP at 0 °C
Authors: Alsubaie Fehaid , Anastasaki Athina , Wilson Paul , Haddleton David M.
Published: September 2014

Aqueous single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) has been employed to synthesize multi-block homopolymers and copolymers of a range of acrylamide monomers including N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAA), N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA) and N,N-diethylacrylamide (DEA).
Synthesis of monocarboxylic acid-modified CeO2 nanoparticles using supercritical water
Authors: Taguchi Minori , Yamamoto Naomi , Hojo Daisuke , Takami Seiichi , Adschiri Tadafumi , Funazukuri Toshitaka , Naka Takashi
Published: September 2014

This study reports a simple, rapid synthesis technique for the preparation of monocarboxylic acid-modified CeO2 nanoparticles.
Dendritic organic–inorganic hybrid polyphenol and branched benzoxazine monomers with low curing temperature
Authors: Zhang Min , Tan Zhiwei , Ma Hongxia , Qiu Jinjun , Liu Chengmei
Published: September 2014

A novel dendritic organic–inorganic hybrid polyphenol (T2) based on cyclotriphosphazene was synthesized by the condensation reaction of T1 and phenol catalysed by phosphotungstic acid.
Improved high-temperature capacity retention of the LiMn2O4 cathode lithium-ion battery by ion exchange polymer coating
Authors: Xue Peng , Gao Dacheng , Chen Shengyang , Zhao Shuyu , Wang Baofeng , Li Lei
Published: September 2014

An ion exchange polymer coating on the LiMn2O4 cathode to overcome capacity fading of a lithium-ion battery at high temperatures is first demonstrated, and it shows very good capacity retention compared with the pristine LiMn2O4 cathode without coating.
Synergism of mechanical activation and sulfurization to recover copper from waste printed circuit boards
Authors: Ou Zhiyuan , Li Jinhui
Published: September 2014

This work proposed a synergistic route of mechanic activation and sulfurization to recover copper from waste printed circuit boards for the first time and take successful use of free radical theory in assessing the synergism mechanism.
Synthesis of ganglioside Hp-s1
Authors: Chen Wan-Shin , Sawant Ratnnadeep C. , Yang Shih-An , Liao Ying-Ju , Liao Jung-Wei , Badsara Satpal Singh , Luo Shun-Yuan
Published: September 2014

The complete synthesis of the ganglioside Hp-s1 (1) is described in 10 steps.
Aggregation behavior of the blends of PS-b-PEO-b-PS and PS-b-PMMA at the air/water interface
Authors: Wang Xiaoqun , Wen Gangyao , Huang Changchun , Wang Zhuang , Shi Yunbo
Published: September 2014

Upon compression, large close-packed aggregates in the mixed LB films split into small uniform ones. Hysteresis degree can be interpreted with chain entanglement and block mobility.
Lewis acidic strength controlled highly selective synthesis of oxime via liquid-phase ammoximation over titanosilicates
Authors: Zhuo Zuoxi , Wu Lizhi , Wang Lei , Ding Yichun , Zhang Xiaoqian , Liu Yueming , He Mingyuan
Published: September 2014

The Lewis acidity of titanosilicates determines oxime selectivity in ammoximation by influencing the reaction activation energy of Ti–OOH for the highly efficient formation of NH2OH.
Supercritical CO2 extraction of organic carbonate-based electrolytes of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Yuanlong , Mu Deying , Zheng Rujuan , Dai Changsong
Published: September 2014

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was applied to reclaim organic carbonate-based electrolytes of spent lithium-ion batteries.
In situ observations of Pt nanoparticles coalescing inside carbon nanotubes
Authors: Cichocka Magdalena Ola , Zhao Jiong , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Quang Huy Ta , Gorantla Sandeep M. , Gonzalez-Martinez Ignacio G. , Fu Lei , Eckert Jürgen , Warner Jamie H. , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: September 2014

In this in situ study, details of the coalescence of Pt nanoparticles encapsulated within carbon nanotubes are investigated whilst under electron irradiation in aberration corrected transmission electron microscopy.
Carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bond activation at PdIV: a Frontier in C–H functionalization catalysis
Authors: Topczewski Joseph J. , Sanford Melanie S.
Published: September 2014

The direct functionalization of carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bonds has emerged as a versatile strategy for the synthesis and derivatization of organic molecules.
Chelate-free metal ion binding and heat-induced radiolabeling of iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Boros Eszter , Bowen Alice M. , Josephson Lee , Vasdev Neil , Holland Jason P.
Published: September 2014

Holland and co-workers report details of a novel chelate-free reaction for radiolabeling of pre-fabricated nanoparticles using different radionuclides.
MeOx/SBA-15 (Me = Zn, Fe): highly efficient nanosorbents for mid-temperature H2S removal
Authors: Mureddu Mauro , Ferino Italo , Musinu Anna , Ardu Andrea , Rombi Elisabetta , Cutrufello Maria Giorgia , Deiana Paolo , Fantauzzi Marzia , Cannas Carla
Published: September 2014

Novel MeOx/SBA-15 (Me = Zn, Fe) nanosorbents exhibiting an excellent and durable performance for the H2S removal from hot gas streams.
A solution chemistry approach to epitaxial growth and stabilisation of Bi2Ti2O7 films
Authors: Oropeza Freddy E. , Villar-Garcia Ignacio J. , Palgrave Robert G. , Payne David J.
Published: September 2014

Simple solution chemistry for preparation of single crystalline complex oxide films.
Ultratrace detection of glucose with enzyme-functionalized single nanochannels
Authors: Hou Guanglei , Zhang Huacheng , Xie Ganhua , Xiao Kai , Wen Liping , Li Shuhong , Tian Ye , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2014

A sensitive nano-device ford-glucose detection is prepared by modifying a single conical polymer nanochannel with GOx enzymes.
Engineering three-dimensional structures using bio-inspired dopamine and strontium on titanium for biomedical application
Authors: Liu Yen-Ting , Kung Kuan-Chen , Yang Chyun-Yu , Lee Tzer-Min , Lui Truan-Sheng
Published: September 2014

Poly(dopamine) films facilitate the initial attachment and proliferation of cells. Cell differentiation is enhanced by the release of strontium from the coatings.
Preparation and characterizations of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) based antifouling coating by thermally induced immobilization
Authors: Bai Longchao , Tan Lin , Chen Lijuan , Liu Songtao , Wang Yanmei
Published: September 2014

Poly[(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-random-glycidylmethacrylate] was immobilized on a silicon/glass surface via a simple annealing procedure to obtain a covalent and cross-linked antifouling coating.
Perylene crystals: tuning optoelectronic properties by dimensional-controlled synthesis
Authors: Liao Qing , Zhang Haihua , Zhu Weigang , Hu Ke , Fu Hongbing
Published: September 2014

One-dimensional (1D) ribbon-like and two-dimensional (2D) square-like perylene crystals were prepared in a controlled manner via a simple drop-casting solution method by changing the temperature and concentration of the solution.
A protein kinase screen of Neurospora crassa mutant strains reveals that the SNF1 protein kinase promotes glycogen synthase phosphorylation
Authors: De Souza Candido Thiago , Gonçalves Rodrigo Duarte , Felício Ana Paula , Freitas Fernanda Zanolli , Cupertino Fernanda Barbosa , De Carvalho Ana Carolina Gomes Vieira , Bertolini Maria Célia
Published: September 2014

Glycogen functions as a carbohydrate reserve in a variety of organisms and its metabolism is highly regulated. The activities of glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase, the rate-limiting enzymes of the synthesis and degradation processes, respectively, are regulated by allosteric modulation and reversible phosphorylation. To identify the protein kinases affecting glycogen metabolism in Neurospora crassa, we performed a screen of 84 serine/threonine kinase knockout strains. We identified multiple kinases that have already been described as controlling glycogen metabolism in different organisms, such as NcSNF1, NcPHO85, NcGSK3, NcPKA, PSK2 homologue and NcATG1. In addition, many hypothetical kinases have been implicated in the control of glycogen metabolism. Two kinases, NcIME-2 and NcNIMA, already functionally characterized but with no functions related to glycogen metabolism regulation, were also identified. Among the kinases identified, it is important to mention the role of NcSNF1. We showed in the present study that this kinase was implicated in glycogen synthase phosphorylation, as demonstrated by the higher levels of glycogen accumulated during growth, along with a higher glycogen synthase (GSN) ±glucose 6-phosphate activity ratio and a lesser set of phosphorylated GSN isoforms in strain Ncsnf1KO, when compared with the wild-type strain. The results led us to conclude that, in N. crassa, this kinase promotes phosphorylation of glycogen synthase either directly or indirectly, which is the opposite of what is described for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The kinases also play a role in gene expression regulation, in that gdn, the gene encoding the debranching enzyme, was down-regulated by the proteins identified in the screen. Some kinases affected growth and development, suggesting a connection linking glycogen metabolism with cell growth and development.
End‐to‐end rate‐distortion optimisation of multiple description coding utilising multiple redundant pictures
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Chen Yaowu
Published: September 2014

The rate‐distortion optimisation of redundant picture‐based multiple description coding is studied, and the minimisation of the end‐to‐end distortion is attacked by fully exploring the redundant allocation utilising multiple redundant pictures. The amount and relative encoding parameters of redundant pictures for each frame are adaptively decided for multiple redundant pictures, and this is different from the relevant existing description generation methods, which mainly focus on determining the amount of inserted redundancy with a fixed single redundant picture. The relationship of encoding parameters between each redundant picture of the same frame is derived according to the classification and formulation of relative distortion and rate. To accelerate the encoding process, the statistical properties between mismatch distortion, bit rate and encoding parameter are explored for the fast decision of redundant picture number. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the overall end‐to‐end rate‐distortion performance compared with the state‐of‐the‐art multiple description coding method utilising redundant coding.
2.4 GHz discrete‐time receiver without subsampling mixer
Authors: Huang Fu‐Chien , Hsu Ming‐Yeh , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Wang Chorng‐Kuang
Published: September 2014

A subsampling filter is proposed for a discrete‐time receiver (DTR). This filter achieves signal discretisation, filtering and downconversion simultaneously. With the proposed subsampling filtering technique, the subsampling mixer in a conventional DTR is eliminated, which can reduce power, cost and noise. The first 2.4 GHz DTR prototype for Zigbee application is fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process. It achieves 23 dB conversion gain, 17.6 dB noise figure and −15 dBm IIP3. Operated from a single 1 V supply, the low‐noise amplifier and following filter stages consume only 3.8 mW and the total receiver power consumption is 25.6 mW.
Quality of video streaming in 38 GHz millimetre‐wave heterogeneous cellular networks
Authors: Kim Joongheon , Ryu Eun‐Seok
Published: September 2014

The quality of video streaming in 38 GHz millimetre‐wave heterogeneous main‐cell and small‐cell networks in terms of signal‐to‐interference‐noise ratio is analysed. According to numerical simulation results, the impacts of interference from small‐cells on the quality of video streaming in main‐cells are numerically measured and analysed.
Quality factor measurements of air‐cored solenoids at overtone frequencies
Authors: Craven R.M. , Smith I.R. , Novac B.M.
Published: September 2014

Although Tesla transformers and helical cavity filters are employed in quite different technical areas, a previous contribution demonstrated that applying the techniques used in designing these filters to the secondary winding configurations of a Tesla transformer improved the spectral purity of the output. In the present reported work, measurements of the quality factors of the original and a number of modified secondary windings are shown to provide results at the fundamental and overtone frequencies, thereby illustrating the scale of the possible benefits that can be achieved.
3‐T ISFET front‐end utilising parasitic device capacitance
Authors: Hu Yuanqi , Georgiou Pantelis
Published: September 2014

A 3‐T ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) chemical sensor that utilises the parasitic drain–gate capacitance of the device is proposed. It is compact and consumes extremely low power, and at the same time is immune to capacitive division. Additionally, it provides in‐pixel amplification dependent on the ratio of passivation and feedback (parasitic) capacitance. The fabricated sensor achieves 200 mV/pH sensitivity using this amplification mechanism.
Strategic early treatment for control of sheep flystrike: potential economic benefits examined using a weather-driven model of flystrike risk
Authors: Horton Brian J.
Published: September 2014

The application of preventive treatment against flystrike early in spring (before strike occurs) may reduce the reproductive success of the sheep blowfly, thereby maintaining a low risk of flystrike throughout the fly season. This hypothesis has been examined using a weather-driven model of flystrike (incorporating a reduced risk due to early treatment), based on previous experimental studies. The model indicates that in the Gunning area (with a high flystrike risk), this reduction in seasonal risk would reduce total costs related to flystrike, reduce the overall use of preventive chemical treatment and reduce the number of sheep struck. However, in a lower risk area (Flinders Island), the value of early treatment would depend on the date of shearing and the local risk of flystrike. Under some conditions, no preventive treatment would be necessary in most years because of a regional low risk of flystrike, so there would be no economic benefit from always using early treatment. Early treatment is least likely to be cost-effective when shearing is required soon after the optimal date for early treatment. Further experimental studies are recommended to fully examine whether the previously reported reduction in flystrike resulting from early treatment is consistent over a wider range of climatic conditions.
Deadly Choices™ community health events: a health promotion initiative for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Authors: Malseed Claire , Nelson Alison , Ware Robert , Lacey Ian , Lander Keiron
Published: September 2014

The present study was an evaluation of the effectiveness of Deadly Choices™ community events for improving participants’ short-term knowledge of chronic disease and risk factors, and increasing community engagement with local health services. Surveys were completed directly before and after participating in health education activities (pre and post surveys, respectively) assessing knowledge of chronic diseases and risk factors at three Deadly Choices community events and four National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) events in south-east Queensland where Deadly Choices health education activities took place. An audit trail was conducted at two Deadly Choices community events in Brisbane to identify the proportion of participants who undertook a health screen at the event who then followed up for a Medicare-funded health check (MBS item 715) or other appointment at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinic in the local area within 2 months. Results were compared with a sample of participants who attended one Deadly Choices community event but did not complete a health screen. There were 472 community members who completed a pre and post survey. All knowledge scores significantly improved between baseline and follow up. Although based on a small sample, the audit trail results suggest individuals who participated in a health screen at the community day were approximately twice as likely to go back to a clinic to receive a full health check or have an alternative appointment compared with attendees who did not participate in a screen. Community events that include opportunities for health education and health screening are an effective strategy to improve chronic disease health literacy skills and appear to have the potential to increase community engagement with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services.
A Grammar of Luwo
Authors: Storch Anne
Published: September 2014

This book is a description of Luwo, a Western Nilotic language of South Sudan. Luwo is used by multilingual, dynamic communities of practice as one language among others that form individual and flexible repertoires. It is a language that serves as a means of expressing the Self, as a medium of art and self-actualization, and sometimes as a medium of writing. It is spoken in the home and in public spaces, by fairly large numbers of people who identify themselves as Luwo and as members of all kinds of other groups. In order to provide insights into these dynamic and diverse realities of Luwo, this book contains both a concise description and analysis of the linguistic features and structures of Luwo, and an approach to the anthropological linguistics of this language. The latter is presented in the form of separate chapters on possession, number, experiencer constructions, spatial orientation, perception and cognition. In all sections of this study, sociolinguistic information is provided wherever this is useful and possible, detailed information on the semantics of grammatical features and constructions is given, and discussions of theory-oriented approaches to various linguistic features of Luwo are presented.
The empire's new clothes: Africa, liberal interventionism and contemporary world order
Authors: Wai Zubairu
Published: September 2014

This paper interrogates the current upsurge in humanitarian interventionism in Africa. Disagreeing with those who see it in altruistic terms, the paper argues that the increasing militarisation of world politics seen in the routinisation of interventions in Africa is a function of a neo-imperialist posture driven by a Western will to domination and desire to restructure the world in line with the ideological preferences of liberalism as the dominant ideological formation of contemporary imperialism. Supported by power-knowledge regimes of Western intellectual production, which provide the legitimating frame and moral justification for imperial interventions, this Western will to domination disguises its violent imperialist pretensions under the cloak of benevolence and altruism.
Trapping Effects and Fisheries Research: A Case Study of Sockeye Salmon in the Wenatchee River, USA
Authors: Murauskas Joshua G , Fryer Jeffery K , Nordlund Bryan , Miller Joseph L
Published: September 2014

Trapping facilities are regularly used to achieve a variety of fishery research and management goals. Though care of sampled organisms is a central tenet of most agencies, the effects of trapping on fish behavior are seldom quantified. We used passive integrated transponder technology to calculate passage delay and blockage of adult Sockeye Salmon at a facility where all spring-migrating fishes were trapped for research between 2008 and 2010. Median passage delay ranged from 0.4 to 8.7 days, and 8% to 38% of the return (2,387 to 21,090 adults) was precluded from reaching upriver spawning habitat. A protocol limiting trapping to less than 24 h per week was implemented in 2011 and median delay decreased to 6 min, with the result being that nearly all fish were able to ascend to spawning grounds for two consecutive years. The annual variation in delay was unrelated to run size or river flow, indicating that research activities requiring intensive trapping operations had inadvertently blocked tens of thousands of adult salmon from reaching spawning tributaries. We use this case study to advocate the adoption of a precautionary approach where trapping of adult migratory fishes is proposed but the effects are unknown.

RESUMEN

las instalaciones para el entrampamiento normalmente se utilizan en el cumplimiento de diversas investigaciones pesqueras y objetivos de manejo. Mientras que el cuidado de los organismos muestreados representa uno de los temas centrales para la mayoría de las agencias, los efectos del entrampamiento en la conducta de los peces son raramente cuantificados. Se utilizó un transponedor pasivo integrado para calcular el retraso y bloqueo durante el paso de salmones rojos adultos en instalaciones en las que todos los peces migrantes de primavera fueron asegurados para su posterior investigación entre 2008 y 2010. La mediana del retraso durante el paso varió de 0.4 a 8.7 días y se impidió que entre 8% y 38% (2,387 a 21,090 adultos) de los individuos regresaran al hábitat de desove. Se implementó un protocolo para limitar el entrampamiento a menos de 24 horas por semana y la mediana del retraso disminuyó a 6 minutos, dando como resultado que casi todos los peces fueran capaces de ascender a las áreas de desove durante dos años consecutivos. La variación anual en el retraso del paso resultó ser independiente del tamaño de la corrida y de la magnitud del flujo, indicando que las actividades de investigación que requieren de operaciones de entrampamiento han bloqueado de manera inadvertida el paso de decenas de miles de salmones adultos hacia sus sitios de desove en los tributarios. Se utilizó este caso de estudio para abogar por la adopción de un enfoque precautorio en el que se propone el entrampamiento de peces migratorios adultos aunque su efecto se desconozca.
Open-Access Databases as Unprecedented Resources and Drivers of Cultural Change in Fisheries Science
Authors: McManamay Ryan A , Utz Ryan M
Published: September 2014

Open-access databases with utility in fisheries science have grown exponentially in quantity and scope over the past decade, with profound impacts to our discipline. The management, distillation, and sharing of an exponentially growing stream of open-access data represents several fundamental challenges in fisheries science. Many of the currently available open-access resources may not be universally known among fisheries scientists. We therefore introduce many national- and global-scale open-access databases with applications in fisheries science and provide an example of how they can be harnessed to perform valuable analyses without additional field efforts. We also discuss how the development, maintenance, and utilization of open-access data are likely to pose technical, financial, and educational challenges to fisheries scientists. Such cultural implications that will coincide with the rapidly increasing availability of free data should compel the American Fisheries Society to actively address these problems now to help ease the forthcoming cultural transition.

RESUMEN

en la última década, el número de bases de datos de acceso abierto con utilidad para la ciencia pesquera ha crecido exponencialmente en cantidad y alcance y su impacto ha sido considerado como muy importante en esta disciplina. El manejo, depuración e intercambio de datos de acceso abierto representa retos fundamentales en la ciencia pesquera. Muchos de los recursos actualmente disponibles de acceso abierto pueden no ser conocidos por los científicos pesqueros. Por lo tanto, aquí se presentan varias bases de datos a nivel nacional e internacional de libre acceso con aplicación en las ciencias pesqueras y se da un ejemplo de cómo pueden ser aprovechadas para realizar valiosos análisis sin hacer esfuerzos adicionales de trabajo de campo. También se discute cómo el desarrollo, mantenimiento y uso de las base de datos de libre acceso muy posiblemente representarán retos importantes para los científicos de la pesca en cuanto a las dimensiones técnica, financiera y educativa. Tales implicaciones culturales, que coincidirán con la disponibilidad cada vez mayor de datos gratuitos, debieran servir de impulso a la Sociedad Americana de Pesquerías a que volcara activamente su atención sobre estos problemas con el fin de facilitar la transición cultural que se avecina.
A Retrospective Study of the Accuracy of Surgical Care Improvement Project Metrics for Documenting Normothermia
Authors: Boyce John M. , Sullivan Linda , Vaughn Douglas , Nuzzo Jessica , Davis Kimberly A.
Published: September 2014

A retrospective study of a systematic sample of 150 patients who underwent abdominal surgery revealed that 53 (35.3%) had all intraoperative temperatures in the hypothermic range (<36.0°C). Fifty-two (98.1%) of the 53 patients met 1 or both surgical care improvement project criteria for normothermia. Improved metrics are needed to assure normothermia.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2014;35(11):1408–1410
Attributable Inpatient Costs of RecurrentClostridium difficileInfections
Authors: Dubberke Erik R. , Schaefer Eric , Reske Kimberly A. , Zilberberg Marya , Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Olsen Margaret A.
Published: September 2014

Objective.

To determine the attributable inpatient costs of recurrentClostridium difficileinfections (CDIs)

Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting.

Academic, urban, tertiary care hospital.

Patients.

A total of 3,958 patients aged 18 years or more who developed an initial CDI episode from 2003 through 2009.

Methods.

Data were collected electronically from hospital administrative databases and were supplemented with chart review. Patients with an index CDI episode during the study period were followed up for 180 days from the end of their index hospitalization or the end of their index CDI antibiotic treatment (whichever occurred later). Total hospital costs during the outcome period for patients with recurrent versus a single episode of CDI were analyzed using zero-inflated lognormal models.

Results.

There were 421 persons with recurrent CDI (recurrence rate, 10.6%). Recurrent CDI case patients were significantly more likely than persons without recurrence to have any hospital costs during the outcome period (P< .001). The estimated attributable cost of recurrent CDI was $11,631 (95% confidence interval, $8,937–$14,588).

Conclusions.

The attributable costs of recurrent CDI are considerable. Patients with recurrent CDI are significantly more likely to have inpatient hospital costs than patients who do not develop recurrences. Better strategies to predict and prevent CDI recurrences are needed.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2014;35(11):1400–1407
Introduction to “A Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals: 2014 Updates”
Authors: Yokoe Deborah S. , Anderson Deverick J. , Berenholtz Sean M. , Calfee David P. , Dubberke Erik R. , Ellingson Katherine , Gerding Dale N. , Haas Janet , Kaye Keith S. , Klompas Michael , Lo Evelyn , Marschall Jonas , Mermel Leonard A. , Nicolle Lindsay , Salgado Cassandra , Bryant Kristina , Classen David , Crist Katrina , Foster Nancy , Humphreys Eve , Padberg Jennifer , Podgorny Kelly , VanAmringe Margaret , Weaver Tom , Wise Robert , Maragakis Lisa L.
Published: September 2014

Since the publication of “A Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals” in 2008, prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) has become a national priority. Despite improvements, preventable HAIs continue to occur. The 2014 updates to the Compendium were created to provide acute care hospitals with up-to-date, practical, expert guidance to assist in prioritizing and implementing their HAI prevention efforts. It is the product of a highly collaborative effort led by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and The Joint Commission, with major contributions from representatives of a number of organizations and societies with content expertise, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS), the Society for Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), the Society for Hospital Medicine (SHM), and the Surgical Infection Society (SIS).
Crafting a career in molecular animation
Authors: Iwasa Janet
Published: September 2014

When I first set out on a path to becoming a cell biologist, I would have never imagined that it would lead to a career in molecular animation. I had always thought I would follow a more traditional route. What happened? In this essay, I will describe the experiences that led to my decision to forge a career as an academic molecular animator, and how my work has evolved over the years. I will also provide some resources and advice for those who may be considering following a similar route.
Continuous X-ray multiple-beam diffraction with primary Bragg angle from 0 to 90°
Authors: Huang Xian-Rong , Jia Quanjie , Wieczorek Michael , Assoufid Lahsen
Published: September 2014

The interesting phenomenon of continuous multiple-beam diffraction (MBD) occurring within special crystallographic planes of cubic structures is illustrated for any Bragg angles of the primary reflection. On the one hand, this effect must be avoided in crystal-based X-ray optics or general crystal diffraction experiments that are designed to utilize two-beam diffraction mechanisms, since the MBD process can significantly reduce the diffraction efficiency and the monochromatization quality. On the other hand, the continuous MBD mechanism may have unique practical applications, with the advantage that it can be activated at arbitrary X-ray wavelengths by simply adjusting the azimuthal angle of the primary reflection. A simple mathematical procedure for determining the continuous MBD planes of any primary reflections is developed for optimization of X-ray monochromator designs and for general X-ray characterization of (pseudo)cubic structure crystals using MBD.
Strain resolution of scanning electron microscopy based Kossel microdiffraction
Authors: Bouscaud D. , Morawiec A. , Pesci R. , Berveiller S. , Patoor E.
Published: September 2014

Kossel microdiffraction in a scanning electron microscope enables determination of local elastic strains. With Kossel patterns recorded by a CCD camera and some automation of the strain determination process, this technique may become a convenient tool for analysis of strains. As for all strain determination methods, critical for the applicability of the Kossel technique is its strain resolution. The resolution was estimated in a number of ways: from the simplest tests based on simulated patterns (of an Ni alloy), through analysis of sharp experimental patterns of Ge, to estimates obtained byin situtensile straining of single crystals of the Ni-based superalloy. In the latter case, the results were compared with those of conventional X-ray diffraction and synchrotron-based Kossel diffraction. In the case of high-quality Ge patterns, a resolution of 1 × 10−4was reached for all strain tensor components; this corresponds to a stress of about 10 MPa. With relatively diffuse patterns from the strained Ni-based superalloy, under the assumption of plane stress, the strain and stress resolutions were 3 × 10−4and 60 MPa, respectively. Experimental and computational conditions for achieving these resolutions are described. The study shows potential perspectives and limits of the applicability of semiautomatic Kossel microdiffraction as a method of local strain determination.
Lattice parameters and site occupancy factors of magnetite–maghemite core–shell nanoparticles. A critical study
Authors: Cervellino Antonio , Frison Ruggero , Cernuto Giuseppe , Guagliardi Antonietta , Masciocchi Norberto
Published: September 2014

The size-driven expansion and oxidation-driven contraction phenomena of nonstoichiometric magnetite–maghemite core–shell nanoparticles have been investigated by the total scattering Debye function approach. Results from a large set of samples are discussed in terms of significant effects on the sample average lattice parameter and on the possibility of deriving the sample average oxidation level from accurate, diffraction-based, cell values. Controlling subtle experimental effects affecting the measurement of diffraction angles and correcting for extra-sample scattering contributions to the pattern intensity are crucial issues for accurately estimating lattice parameters and cation vacancies. The average nanoparticle stoichiometry appears to be controlled mainly by iron depletion of octahedral sites. A simple law with a single adjustable parameter, well correlating lattice parameter, stoichiometry and size effects of all the nanoparticles present in the whole set of samples used in this study, is proposed.
What is driving economic and financial success of US cow-calf operations?
Authors: Nehring Richard , Gillespie Jeffery , Hallahan Charles , Michael Harris James , Erickson Ken
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the drivers of economic financial success of US cow-calf operations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research uses a system of equations (DuPont analysis) in conjunction with 2008 farm-level data from the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Resource Management Survey to evaluate the factors driving cow-calf profitability, namely net profit margins, asset turnover ratio, and asset-to-equity ratio.

Findings

– The study finds that the main drivers of return on equity are region, number of harvested acres on the farm, diversification of the farm, operator off-farm work, spousal off-farm work, and adoption of technologies. Of these factors, those for which producers can make short-term adjustments include off-farm work decisions and adoption of technologies. Longer-term adjustments can be made for farm diversification.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, no existing research has used farm-level data across US production regions to examine the factors affecting returns to equity of US cow-calf operations. These research results may be used to identify strategies producers can use to improve their farm's economic viability, areas where extension services can assist farmers in making better financial decisions and economic factors that are likely to lead to structural changes in the beef industry.
Crop yield distributions: fit, efficiency, and performance
Authors: J. Sherrick Bruce , A. Lanoue Christopher , Woodard Joshua , D. Schnitkey Gary , D. Paulson Nicholas
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the empirical evidence about crop yield distributions that are often used in practical models evaluating crop yield risk and insurance. Additionally, a simulation approach is used to compare the performance of alternative specifications when the underlying form is not known, to identify implications for the choice of parameterization of yield distributions in modeling contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a unique high-quality farm-level corn yield data set, commonly used parametric, semi-parametric, and non-parametric distributions are examined against widely used in-sample goodness-of-fit (GOF) measures. Then, a simulation framework is used to assess the out-of-sample characteristics by using known distributions to generate samples that are assessed in an insurance valuation context under alternative specifications of the yield distribution.

Findings

– Bias and efficiency trade-offs are identified for both in- and out-of-sample contexts, including a simple insurance rating application. Use of GOF measures in small samples can lead to inappropriate selection of candidate distributions that perform poorly in straightforward economic applications. The β distribution consistently overstates rates even when fitted to data generated from a β distribution, while the Weibull consistently understates rates; though small sample features slightly favor Weibull. The TCMN and kernel density estimators are least biased in-sample, but can perform very badly out-of-sample due to overfitting issues. The TCMN performs reasonably well across sample sizes and initial conditions.

Practical implications

– Economic applications should consider the consequence of bias vs efficiency in the selection of characterizations of yield risk. Parsimonious specifications often outperform more complex characterizations of yield distributions in small sample settings, and in cases where more demanding uses of extreme-event probabilities are required.

Originality/value

– The study helps provide guidance on the selection of distributions used to characterize yield risk and provides an extensive empirical demonstration of yield risk measures across a high-quality set of actual farm experiences. The out-of-sample examination provides evidence of the impact of sample size, underlying variability, and region of the probability measure used on the performance of candidate distributions.
Agricultural investors valuing sequences of monetary rewards – results of an experiment
Authors: Philipp Steinhorst Martin , Bahrs Enno
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to quantify the differences between the classical normative investment theory and alternative investment models of agricultural stakeholders’ choices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Farmers (n=1,024) and agricultural commodity traders (n=509) were asked to rank investment alternatives. Non-linear regressions were integrated into a Monotonic Analysis of Variance algorithm to analyze the investment rankings. The results reveal coefficients for classical constant discounting, hyperbolic discounting and a preference for a sequence model. Two information criteria indicate the models’ goodness of fit and allow a comparison of the investment rankings of different age groups.

Findings

– Agribusiness stakeholders have preferences for sequences and could be willing to accept lower internal rates of return for monotone-distributed rewards.

Practical implications

– The results are useful for state-aided agricultural investment policies and contractual relations within agribusiness.

Originality/value

– To the author's knowledge, this paper is the first paper to analyze agricultural stakeholders’ preferences for sequences.
Domestic and foreign direct investment in Ghanaian agriculture
Authors: Gameli Djokoto Justice , Yao Srofenyoh Francis , Gidiglo Kobla
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) into agriculture on domestic investment in agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

– Time series data from 1976 to 2007 was fitted to a derived model.

Findings

– Foreign direct investment into agriculture crowd-in domestic investment into agriculture.

Research limitations/implications

– A targeted approach that will attract foreign direct investment into agriculture is required as to complement existing efforts at boosting domestic agricultural investment.

Originality/value

– Numerous papers investigated the relationship between foreign direct investment and domestic investment at the aggregate national and regional levels. However, the evidence for this relationship has been conflicting. That for agriculture is rare. For Ghana, a developing agrarian economy that has promoted foreign direct investment for some decades now, it is imperative to establish the relationship between foreign direct investments and domestic investment. Also, the estimation was based on a theoretically derived model.
The structure of bio-information-nano technology convergence from firms’ perspective
Authors: Kim Keun-Hwan , Shim We , Moon Young-Ho , Kwon Oh-Jin , Kim Kang-hoe , Son Jong-ku
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to contribute to the comprehension of managerial implications in all the new convergences fields: bioinformation technology (BIT), nanoinformation technology (NIT), nanobiotechnology (NBT) and bioinformation–nanotechnology (BINT). The phenomenon of convergence that significantly impacted economies and societies in the information technology era has continued to be combined with new technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology. Many countries have tried to seize the initiative to strengthen the future competitiveness, and it become increasingly important for roles of companies to expand applications of the new convergence.

Design/methodology/approach

– From a company-based perspective, the study quantifies leading companies’ degree of influence in each convergence field.

Findings

– However, the result shows that companies’ influences are not mature enough to transfer the initiatives from both the NBT and BINT convergence fields. In addition, this study presents a perceivable framework for companies/institutions by identifying which technological fields the companies/institutions are influential in and what degrees of technological impact are shaped among them. As a result, this allows companies/institutions to recognize their environments squarely.

Originality/value

– This study applied the replacement process that can reinforce the investigation of the extent to which a firm has a significant ability to influence others directly and indirectly. From the methodology perspective, such replacement can intensely display the structure and the extent of competition among firms. Therefore, the results provide an explicit information to understand the overall business situation.

Paper type

– Research paper