bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between the Use of Adult Dementia Day Care and Caregiver Quality of Life
Authors: Thomas Cathleen Carney , Wallace Lisa , Alexander Jeff , Vijayan Aparna
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To qualify the use of adult dementia day care services as an appropriate respite opportunity to improve the quality of life of the caregiver.

Design and Methods

Thirty familial caregivers from the Alzheimer's Association were recruited and divided into three groups based on number of days of use of day care services (non-use, 1–2 day use, and 3–5 day use). Survey data was self-report and measured using scores from the Evaluations Scale of Caregiver's Quality of Life. Quantitative results from the 20-item questionnaire were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests.

Results

The analysis showed statistically significant difference in the perception of burden for the group using day care 1–2 days per week than those that did not use the service at all. These findings were not seen in the group using the services 3–5 days per week.

Implications

Results lead toward the use of an adult day care program attended 3–5 days a week, incorporation of a support group with day care services, and the implementation of a structured home program for all participants to reduce caregiver level of burden.
Erratum
Authors: Fryer Melissa P.
Published: November 2015

A speech-language pathologist's review of the latest publication from audiologist John M. Burkey of Yale University.
Hyperbolic FRFT‐OFDM system BER analysis over high Doppler Rician fading channels
Authors: Mousavi M.R. , Shahzadi A.
Published: November 2015

Hyperbolic fractional Fourier transform (HFRFT) based on hyperbolic chirps utilisation in FRFT is introduced. The exact BER of the HFRFT in a Rician fading channel is derived mathematically. In high speed vehicle applications, specially in LEO orbit satellite communications that have an inherent high Doppler frequency shift, with the HFRFT‐OFDM system better BERs than other OFDM systems can be achieved.
The geometry of the light-cone cell decomposition of moduli space
Authors: Garner David , Ramgoolam Sanjaye
Published: November 2015

The moduli space of Riemann surfaces with at least two punctures can be decomposed into a cell complex by using a particular family of ribbon graphs called Nakamura graphs. We distinguish the moduli space with all punctures labelled from that with a single labelled puncture. In both cases, we describe a cell decomposition where the cells are parametrised by graphs or equivalence classes of finite sequences (tuples) of permutations. Each cell is a convex polytope defined by a system of linear equations and inequalities relating light-cone string parameters, quotiented by the automorphism group of the graph. We give explicit examples of the cell decomposition at low genus with few punctures.
Investigation on target normal sheath acceleration through measurements of ions energy distribution
Authors: Tudisco S. , Altana C. , Lanzalone G. , Muoio A. , Cirrone G. A. P. , Mascali D. , Schillaci F. , Brandi F. , Cristoforetti G. , Ferrara P. , Fulgentini L. , Koester P. , Labate L. , Palla D. , Gizzi L. A.
Published: November 2015

An experimental campaign aiming at investigating the ion acceleration mechanisms through laser-matter interaction in femtosecond domain has been carried out at the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory facility with a laser intensity of up to 2 × 1019 W/cm2. A Thomson parabola spectrometer was used to obtain the spectra of the ions of the different species accelerated. Here, we show the energy spectra of light-ions and we discuss their dependence on structural characteristics of the target and the role of surface and target bulk in the acceleration process.
Investigation of plasmon resonance tunneling through subwavelength hole arrays in highly doped conductive ZnO films
Authors: Nader Nima , Vangala Shivashankar , Hendrickson Joshua R. , Leedy Kevin D. , Look David C. , Guo Junpeng , Cleary Justin W.
Published: November 2015

Experimental results pertaining to plasmon resonance tunneling through a highly conductive zinc oxide (ZnO) layer with subwavelength hole-arrays is investigated in the mid-infrared regime. Gallium-doped ZnO layers are pulsed-laser deposited on a silicon wafer. The ZnO has metallic optical properties with a bulk plasma frequency of 214 THz, which is equivalent to a free space wavelength of 1.4 μm. Hole arrays with different periods and hole shapes are fabricated via a standard photolithography process. Resonant mode tunneling characteristics are experimentally studied for different incident angles and compared with surface plasmon theoretical calculations and finite-difference time-domain simulations. Transmission peaks, higher than the baseline predicted by diffraction theory, are observed in each of the samples at wavelengths that correspond to the excitation of surface plasmon modes.
Propagation characteristics of two-color laser pulses in homogeneous plasma
Authors: Hemlata  , Saroch Akanksha , Jha Pallavi
Published: November 2015

An analytical and numerical study of the evolution of two-color, sinusoidal laser pulses in cold, underdense, and homogeneous plasma has been presented. The wave equations for the radiation fields driven by linear as well as nonlinear contributions due to the two-color laser pulses have been set up. A variational technique is used to obtain the simultaneous equations describing the evolution of the laser spot size, pulse length, and chirp parameter. Numerical methods are used to graphically analyze the simultaneous evolution of these parameters due to the combined effect of the two-color laser pulses. Further, the pulse parameters are compared with those obtained for a single laser pulse. Significant focusing, compression, and enhanced positive chirp is obtained due to the combined effect of simultaneously propagating two-color pulses as compared to a single pulse propagating in plasma.
Optimum plasma grid bias for a negative hydrogen ion source operation with Cs
Authors: Bacal Marthe , Sasao Mamiko , Wada Motoi , McAdams Roy
Published: November 2015

The functions of a biased plasma grid of a negative hydrogen (H−) ion source for both pure volume and Cs seeded operations are reexamined. Proper control of the plasma grid bias in pure volume sources yields: enhancement of the extracted negative ion current, reduction of the co-extracted electron current, flattening of the spatial distribution of plasma potential across the filter magnetic field, change in recycling from hydrogen atomic/molecular ions to atomic/molecular neutrals, and enhanced concentration of H− ions near the plasma grid. These functions are maintained in the sources seeded with Cs with additional direct emission of negative ions under positive ion and neutral hydrogen bombardment onto the plasma electrode.
Microstructural influence on the broadband dielectric properties of BaTiO3-Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 core-shell composites: Experiment and modeling
Authors: Sakanas A. , Grigalaitis R. , Banys J. , Curecheriu L. , Mitoseriu L. , Buscaglia V.
Published: November 2015

Dielectric measurements of core-shell BaTiO3-Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferroelectric-ferrimagnetic composites, sintered at two temperatures (1050 °C and 1150 °C), were performed in a broadband frequency range of 10 Hz–1 THz at various temperatures of 100–500 K. The comparison of temperature dependences reveals a drastic change of permittivity as a function of sintering temperature, as a result of modifications induced on the microstructural parameters as grain size and density. Effective medium approach was used in order to better describe processes associated with the constituent composite phases. Complex specific resistivity coupled with Maxwell-Wagner–Hashin-Shtrikman model allowed to associate lower frequency processes with grain boundary effects. We concluded that the main factor influencing the electrical properties of core-shell composites is the structure and interfaces, instead of the constituent materials themselves.
Comment on “Analyses of bifurcation of reaction pathways on a global reaction route map: A case study of gold cluster Au5” [J. Chem. Phys. 143, 014301 (2015)]
Authors: Quapp Wolfgang
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate by an example that the search for valley-ridge transition (VRT) points used in the commented paper does not always indicate a bifurcation of a reaction path. This was claimed.
Hall effect in the extremely large magnetoresistance semimetal WTe2
Authors: Luo Yongkang , Li H. , Dai Y. M. , Miao H. , Shi Y. G. , Ding H. , Taylor A. J. , Yarotski D. A. , Prasankumar R. P. , Thompson J. D.
Published: November 2015

We systematically measured the Hall effect in the extremely large magnetoresistance semimetal WTe2. By carefully fitting the Hall resistivity to a two-band model, the temperature dependencies of the carrier density and mobility for both electron- and hole-type carriers were determined. We observed a sudden increase in the hole density below ∼160 K, which is likely associated with the temperature-induced Lifshitz transition reported by a previous photoemission study. In addition, a more pronounced reduction in electron density occurs below 50 K, giving rise to comparable electron and hole densities at low temperature. Our observations indicate a possible electronic structure change below 50 K, which might be the direct driving force of the electron-hole “compensation” and the extremely large magnetoresistance as well. Numerical simulations imply that this material is unlikely to be a perfectly compensated system.
Microstructural evolution in NaNbO3-based antiferroelectrics
Authors: Guo Hanzheng , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Randall Clive A.
Published: November 2015

Our recent study found that CaZrO3 doping can effectively enhance the antiferroelectric P phase in NaNbO3 ceramics, leading to a double polarization hysteresis loop characteristic of a reversible antiferroelectric ↔ ferroelectric phase transition [Shimizu et al., Dalton Trans. 44, 10763 (2015)]. Here, a thorough transmission electron microscope study was performed to illustrate the CaZrO3 doping-assisted antiferroelectricity stabilization. In parallel to the bright-field imaging and selected area electron diffraction from multiple zone axes, detailed dark-field imaging was utilized to determine the superlattice structural origins, from either oxygen octahedral tilting or antiparallel cation displacements. By analogy with Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 and rare-earth doped BiFeO3 systems, the chemical substitutions are such as to an induced polar-to-antipolar transition that is consistent with a tolerance factor reduction. The resultant chemical pressure has a similar effect to the compressive hydrostatic pressure where the antiferroelectric state is favored over the ferroelectric state.
Generalizing Murray's law: An optimization principle for fluidic networks of arbitrary shape and scale
Authors: Stephenson David , Patronis Alexander , Holland David M. , Lockerby Duncan A.
Published: November 2015

Murray's law states that the volumetric flow rate is proportional to the cube of the radius in a cylindrical channel optimized to require the minimum work to drive and maintain the fluid. However, application of this principle to the biomimetic design of micro/nano fabricated networks requires optimization of channels with arbitrary cross-sectional shape (not just circular) and smaller than is valid for Murray's original assumptions. We present a generalized law for symmetric branching that (a) is valid for any cross-sectional shape, providing that the shape is constant through the network; (b) is valid for slip flow and plug flow occurring at very small scales; and (c) is valid for networks with a constant depth, which is often a requirement for lab-on-a-chip fabrication procedures. By considering limits of the generalized law, we show that the optimum daughter-parent area ratio Γ, for symmetric branching into N daughter channels of any constant cross-sectional shape, is Γ=N−2/3 for large-scale channels, and Γ=N−4/5 for channels with a characteristic length scale much smaller than the slip length. Our analytical results are verified by comparison with a numerical optimization of a two-level network model based on flow rate data obtained from a variety of sources, including Navier-Stokes slip calculations, kinetic theory data, and stochastic particle simulations.
Comparison of software prediction and measured performance of a grid-connected photovoltaic power plant
Authors: Palmero-Marrero Ana , Matos José C. , Oliveira Armando C.
Published: November 2015

In this work, the performance of a photovoltaic (PV) installation is assessed. The plant consists of a grid-connected centralized system, where the supplied power is not associated with a particular electricity customer. Operational data from this PV plant, ground-mounted and located in the north of Portugal, are now available for a period of 3 years. The plant is equipped with PV modules (amorphous Si cells), with 60 Wp per module, and a total generating capacity of 124.2 kWp. In this installation, 24 inverters are used. To obtain an accurate prediction of the efficiency and power output, the characteristics of all plant components were introduced in the PVsyst software and TRNSYS software, together with meteorological data: either those collected at a local meteorological station or those provided by Meteonorm. The results obtained through the simulations and the measured output power values were compared. The results showed that both PVsyst and TRNSYS seem to be good tools to predict the annual electrical production of a PV plant, with an average relative difference in the results between both around 2%. In the simulations, parameters like orientation and inclination of the PV modules were analyzed and recommendations for improving the PV system production are given. The results showed that in the annual electrical production, the effect of panel tilt angle is more significant than the effect of panel orientation.
A novel evaluation method of societal benefits of ultra high voltage power grid optimizing power energy allocation
Authors: Tian Shuxin , Cheng Haozhong , Zeng Pingliang , Liu Lu , Qi Qingru , Yao Liangzhong
Published: November 2015

Although Ultra High Voltage (UHV) power grid requires heavy investment, it can also produce vast social economic benefits by optimizing power energy allocation. Owing to the existing controversy over the economy of the UHV power grid, it is necessary for policymakers to propose a scientific method used to comprehensively analyze huge costs and benefits caused by the UHV power grid. In this paper, Life Cycle Cost (LCC) is introduced to analyze cost dimensions of the UHV power grid and shadow price theory is used to evaluate huge potential social benefits brought by UHV power grid. Based on these shadow prices, social benefits of UHV power grid are put forward from aspects of saving installation benefit, saving coal-fired benefit, power loss reduction benefit, short-circuit current reduction benefit, sustainable development benefit, and social resource distribution optimization benefit. Some evaluation indexes for social benefits based on input-output analysis table of the LCC mode are calculated to be comparable with those of the traditional cost mode. A certain UHV power grid of China is applied to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed evaluation method.
Experimental study of the nonlinear diffusion of a magnetic field and skin explosion of cylindrical conductors
Authors: Chaikovsky S. A. , Oreshkin V. I. , Datsko I. M. , Labetskaya N. A. , Rybka D. V. , Ratakhin N. A.
Published: November 2015

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of the skin explosion of cylindrical conductors of diameter 1–3 mm (copper, aluminum, titanium, steel 3, and stainless steel) at a peak magnetic field of 200–600 T. The experiments were carried out on the MIG pulsed power generator at a current of up to 2.5 MA and a current rise time of 100 ns. The surface explosion of a conductor was identified by the appearance of a flash of extreme ultraviolet radiation. A minimum magnetic induction has been determined below which no plasma is generated at the conductor surface. For copper, aluminum, steel 3, titanium, and stainless steel, the minimum magnetic induction has been estimated to be (to within 10%) 375, 270, 280, 220, and 245 T, respectively.
Elastic behavior of carbon nanocoils: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Zaeri Mohammad Mahdi , Ziaei-Rad Saeed
Published: November 2015

Elastic behavior of carbon nanocoils is investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. In particular, spring constants of various nanocoils are derived. To do so, first a geometric model is prepared with the aid of finite element mesh generator. Then applying AIREBO potential, the model is simulated under tensile loading. Using the obtained deformation data, the spring constant is calculated. In order to study the effect of structural parameters, change of elastic properties with helix diameter as well as tube diameter is examined. The results are compared to those obtained via other methods reported in literature.
Screw dislocation-induced growth spirals as emissive exciton localization centers in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells
Authors: Funato Mitsuru , Banal Ryan G. , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: November 2015

Screw dislocations in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells cause growth spirals with an enhanced Ga incorporation, which create potential minima. Although screw dislocations and their surrounding potential minima suggest non-radiative recombination processes within growth spirals, in reality, screw dislocations are not major non-radiative sinks for carriers. Consequently, carriers localized within growth spirals recombine radiatively without being captured by non-radiative recombination centers, resulting in intense emissions from growth spirals.
Effects of Van der Waals force on natural frequency for micro cantilever
Authors: Xu Lizhong , Qian Fengqiang , Liu Yulei
Published: November 2015

In this paper, a dynamics equation of the micro cantilever is presented which includes Van der Waals force. Using the equation, the effects of the Van der Waals force on the natural frequency for the micro cantilever is investigated. Results show that Van der Waals force should be considered for small initial clearance between the micro cantilever and base plate, small cantilever thickness and large cantilever length. To illustrate the analysis, a micro Si cantilever is fabricated and a test of the natural frequencies is done which illustrates the calculative results in this paper.
Where do elements bind within the otoliths of fish?
Authors: Izzo Christopher , Doubleday Zoë A. , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: November 2015

Otolith element analyses are used extensively to reconstruct environmental histories of fish based on the assumption that elements substitute for calcium within the CaCO3 otolith structure. However, elements may also be incorporated within the protein component of the otolith in addition to the direct substitution for calcium in the mineral component, and this could introduce errors in environmental reconstructions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether elements were incorporated into the protein or mineral components of otoliths and the relative proportion of each element in each component. Element concentrations from whole ground otoliths and the isolated protein component were quantified using solution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Of the 12 elements investigated, most were found in both the proteinaceous and mineral components, but always in greater concentrations in the latter. Elements considered ‘non-essential’ to fish physiology with Ca-like properties (i.e. alkaline metals) were present in the mineral component in relatively high concentrations. Elements essential to fish physiology with smaller atomic radii than Ca (i.e. transition metals) were distributed throughout the protein and mineral components of the otolith. These findings enhance our understanding of element incorporation in the otolith and, ultimately, improve interpretations of otolith-based environmental reconstructions.
Direct force measurements reveal that protein Tau confers short-range attractions and isoform-dependent steric stabilization to microtubules
Authors: Chung Peter J. , Choi Myung Chul , Miller Herbert P. , Feinstein H. Eric , Raviv Uri , Li Youli , Wilson Leslie , Feinstein Stuart C. , Safinya Cyrus R.
Published: November 2015

Significance

The microtubule-associated protein Tau is known to stabilize microtubules against depolymerization in neuronal axons, ensuring proper trafficking of organelles along microtubules in long axons. Abnormal interactions between Tau and microtubules are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. We directly measured forces between microtubules coated with Tau isoforms by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering of reconstituted Tau–microtubule mixtures under osmotic pressure (mimicking molecular crowding in cells). We found that select Tau isoforms fundamentally alter forces between microtubules by undergoing a conformational change on microtubule surfaces at a coverage indicative of an unusually extended Tau state. This gain of function by longer isoforms in imparting steric stabilization to microtubules is essential in preventing microtubule aggregation and loss of function in organelle trafficking.
Society and culture as container
Authors: Schröder Ulrike
Published: November 2015

Within the social sciences and humanities, especially in the field of cultural studies, research has increasingly been dealing with the dissolution of cultural and social boundaries. However, the question of how interactants perceive themselves and construct and describe their interaction space in a certain ‘culture’ or ‘society’ can only be answered empirically. In this regard, the methodological framework of cognitive metaphor theory has proven to be facilitative. From a cognitive semantics point of view, metaphors by no means refer to an external world in a descriptive sense, but are important mediators between cognition and language, as well as between the individual and society. On the basis of two research projects — one on the metaphorical construction of society in German and Brazilian written and spoken corpora, and another on filmed intercultural interactions in the context of an ongoing research — it will be revealed how participants in communication use culture-specific metaphorizations when localizing themselves and others. In addition, the role of animated ‘compound image schemas’, such as container, outside-inside and up-down, will be explored at the linguistic as well as the gestural level when functioning as ‘patterns of orientation’ and ‘meaning formulas’. While from a communicative-participative perspective such schemas serve to reduce complexity, they are also highly significant from the participants’ own extracommunicative-reflexive point of view where interpretations regarding divergent behavioral patterns are concerned.
Metaphors of Anger in Akan
Authors: Agyekum Kofi
Published: November 2015

This paper addresses the semantic shifts, extensions, semantic patterns, and pragmatic nature of the metaphor of anger and its usage in different contexts. It looks at the conceptual relationship between the two wordsakoma,“heart” andbo, “chest,” and how they have been lexicalized in the Akan language to express anger. The paper concentrates on fossilized metaphorical expressions relying on the conceptual metaphor frameworks of Lakoff and Johnson (1980). I will discuss the body partsakomaandboin terms of their physical, semantic, metaphoric, and cognitive representations. The data are taken from Akan literature books, the Akan Bible, and recorded materials from radio discussions. The paper illustrates that there is a strong relation between a people’s conceptual, environmental, and cultural experiences and their linguistic systems. We will consider the universal concepts of body part expressions and, in particular, Akan specific body part expressions of anger. In the end, we will be able to establish how body parts help us in the lexicalization of expressions of emotion.
Looking to the future of ecosystem services: a review of available approaches.
Authors: Attlee A. C. , Reed M. S. , Carter C. E. , Scott A. J. , Vella S. , Hardman M. , Neumann R. K.
Published: November 2015

Benefits provided by the natural environment that support future human wellbeing are increasingly being compromised by human activities. Consequently, the effects of socio-economic and environmental drivers on the future provision of these 'ecosystem services' are highly uncertain. It is therefore increasingly important that decision-makers in policy and practice assess the range of futures that they may face, in order to adapt effectively to maintain the essential functions that ecosystems perform to support human wellbeing. This narrative review therefore evaluates futures research tools for the roles they may play in developing and implementing ecosystem services policy and practice. It unpacks their scope, purpose and efficacy, and evaluates how such futures tools have been used to work with ecosystem services. It provides a typology of futures tools based on the epistemological beliefs that underpin them and the extent to which they construct futures as a directed or emergent process. It considers futures tools for assessing ecosystem services ranging from the qualitative to quantitative. The paper concludes that futures tools for assessing and planning ecosystem service futures must be flexible, heterogeneous, scalable, transparent, valid, and useable by stakeholders.
Work-related factors influencing home care nurse intent to remain employed
Authors: Tourangeau Ann E. , Patterson Erin , Saari Margaret , Thomson Heather , Cranley Lisa
Published: November 2015

Background:

Health care is shifting out of hospitals into community settings. In Ontario, Canada, home care organizations continue to experience challenges recruiting and retaining nurses. However, factors influencing home care nurse retention that can be modified remain largely unexplored. Several groups of factors have been identified as influencing home care nurse intent to remain employed including job characteristics, work structures, relationships and communication, work environment, responses to work, and conditions of employment.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to test and refine a model that identifies which factors are related to home care nurse intentions to remain employed for the next 5 years with their current home care employer organization.

Methodology/Approach:

A cross-sectional survey design was implemented to test and refine a hypothesized model of home care nurse intent to remain employed. Logistic regression was used to determine which factors influence home care nurse intent to remain employed.

Findings:

Home care nurse intent to remain employed for the next 5 years was associated with increasing age, higher nurse-evaluated quality of care, having greater variety of patients, experiencing greater meaningfulness of work, having greater income stability, having greater continuity of client care, experiencing more positive relationships with supervisors, experiencing higher work–life balance, and being more satisfied with salary and benefits.

Practice Implications:

Home care organizations can promote home care nurse intent to remain employed by (a) ensuring nurses have adequate training and resources to provide quality client care, (b) improving employment conditions to increase income stability and satisfaction with pay and benefits, (c) ensuring manageable workloads to facilitate improved work–life balance, and (d) ensuring leaders are accessible and competent.
Interventions Promoting Physical Activity in African American Women
Authors: Jenkins Felicia , Jenkins Carolyn , Gregoski Mathew J. , Magwood Gayenell S.
Published: November 2015

Background:

Physical inactivity significantly impacts mortality worldwide. Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. African American women in the United States have the highest rates of physical inactivity when compared with other gender/ethnic groups.1 A paucity of research promoting physical activity (PA) in African American women has been previously identified. The purpose of this review was to identify intervention strategies and outcomes in studies designed to promote PA in African American women.

Methods:

Interventions that promoted PA in African American women published between 2000 and May 2015 were included. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete, and MEDLINE Complete databases. Data were abstracted and synthesized to examine interventions, study designs, theoretical frameworks, and measures of PA.

Results:

Mixed findings (both significant and nonsignificant) were identified. Interventions included faith-based, group-based, and individually focused programs. All studies (n = 32) included measures of PA; among the studies, self-report was the predominant method for obtaining information. Half of the 32 studies focused on PA, and the remaining studies focused on PA and nutrition. Most studies reported an increase in PA or adherence to PA. This review reveals promising strategies for promoting PA.

Conclusions:

Future studies should include long-term follow-up, larger sample sizes, and objective measures of PA. Additional research promoting PA in African American women is warranted, particularly in studies that focus on increasing PA in older African American women.
Need for Rectal Biopsy for Childhood Constipation Predicts Severity of Illness and Need for Laxatives
Authors: Tran Khoa , Staller Kyle , Macklin Eric , Goldstein Allan , Belkind‐Gerson Jaime , Kuo Braden
Published: November 2015

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the long‐term clinical outcomes of children with severe constipation, as defined by need for rectal biopsy (RB), and to determine which baseline characteristics were predictors of successful outcome.

Methods:

Children with severe constipation who underwent RB for evaluation of Hirschsprung disease at a tertiary medical center were eligible. A cohort of children with constipation without a history of RB served as controls (matched 2:1 by sex and age). Retrospective chart review of clinic visits was performed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Successful clinical outcomes were defined as ≥3 bowel movements weekly for ≥4 weeks, with ≤2 fecal incontinence episodes monthly, irrespective of laxative use.

Results:

A total of 175 RB children (90 boys, mean age: 6.7 years) were matched to 350 controls. Mean duration of constipation symptoms before intake in the RB group was significantly longer compared with controls (3.7 vs 0.4 years, P < 0.001). By 24 months, the cumulative percentage of children achieving at least 1 period of successful outcome was significantly higher in the control group compared with RB population (73% vs 24%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age (P = 0.001, odds ratio 0.87) and shorter duration of constipation before RB (P = 0.03, odds ratio 0.45) were significant predictors of successful outcome.

Conclusions:

Only one‐quarter of patients with severe constipation achieved successful outcome during 2‐year follow‐up. Younger age and shorter duration of constipation at time of biopsy were predictors of successful outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and initiation of treatment in this population.
Molecular basis for histone N-terminal methylation by NRMT1
Authors: Wu Ruoxi , Yue Yuan , Zheng Xiangdong , Li Haitao
Published: November 2015

NRMT1 is an N-terminal methyltransferase that methylates histone CENP-A as well as nonhistone substrates. Here, we report the crystal structure of human NRMT1 bound to CENP-A peptide at 1.3 Å. NRMT1 adopts a core methyltransferase fold that resembles DOT1L and PRMT but not SET domain family histone methyltransferases. Key substrate recognition and catalytic residues were identified by mutagenesis studies. Histone peptide profiling revealed that human NRMT1 is highly selective to human CENP-A and fruit fly H2B, which share a common “Xaa-Pro–Lys/Arg” motif. These results, along with a 1.5 Å costructure of human NRMT1 bound to the fruit fly H2B peptide, underscore the importance of the NRMT1 recognition motif.
A one-dimensional chloride-bridged PtII/PtIVmixed-valence complex with a 4-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]benzenesulfonate counter-ion
Authors: Matsushita Nobuyuki , Taira Ayako
Published: November 2015

The title compound,catena-poly[[[bis(ethylenediamine-κ2N,N′)platinum(II)]- μ-chlorido-[bis(ethylenediamine)platinum(IV)]-μ-chlorido] tetrakis{4-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]benzenesulfonate} dihydrate], {[PtIIPtIVCl2(C2H8N2)4](HOC6H4N=NC6H4SO3)4·2H2O}n, has a linear chain structure composed of square-planar [Pt(en)2]2+(en is ethylenediamine) and elongated octahedraltrans-[PtCl2(en)2]2+cations stacked alternately, bridged by Cl atoms, along thebaxis. The Pt atoms are located on an inversion centre, while the Cl atoms are disordered over two sites and form a zigzag ...Cl—PtIV—Cl...PtII... chain, with a PtIV—Cl bond length of 2.3140 (14) Å, an interatomic PtII...Cl distance of 3.5969 (15) Å and a PtIV—Cl...PtIIangle of 170.66 (6)°. The structural parameter indicating the mixed-valence state of the Pt atom, expressed by δ = (PtIV—Cl)/(PtII...Cl), is 0.643.
Synthon preference in a hydrated β-resorcylic acid structure and its cocrystal with thymine
Authors: Sridhar Balasubramanian
Published: November 2015

Multicomponent crystals or cocrystals play a significant role in crystal engineering, the main objective of which is to understand the role of intermolecular interactions and to utilize such understanding in the design of novel crystal structures. Molecules possessing carboxylic acid and amide functional groups are good candidates for forming cocrystals. β-Resorcylic acid monohydrate, C7H6O4·H2O, (I), crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP-1 with one β-resorcylic acid molecule and one water molecule in the asymmetric unit. The cocrystal thymine–β-resorcylic acid–water (1/1/1), C5H6N2O2·C7H6O4·H2O, (II), crystallizes in the orthorhombic space groupPca21, with one molecule each of thymine, β-resorcylic acid and water in the asymmetric unit. All available donor and acceptor atoms in (I) and (II) are utilized for hydrogen bonding. The acid and amide functional groups are well known for the formation of self-complementary acid–acid and amide–amide homosynthons. In (I), an acid–acid homosynthon is observed, while in (II), an amide–acid heterosynthon is present. In (I), the β-resorcylic acid molecule exhibits the expected intramolecularS(6) motif between the hydroxy and carbonyl O atoms, and an intermolecularR22(8) dimer motif between the carboxylic acid groups; only the former motif is observed in (II). The water solvent molecule in (I) propagates the discrete dimers into two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded sheets. In (II), thymine and β-resorcylic acid molecules do not form self-complementary amide–amide and acid–acid homosynthons; instead, a thymine–β-resorcylic acid heterosynthon is observed. With the help of the water molecule, this heterosynthon is aggregated into a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network. The absence of thymine base pairing in (II) might be linked to the availability of additional functional groups and the preference of the donor and acceptor hydrogen-bond combinations.
Multilayer supercapacitor threads for woven flexible circuits
Authors: Qiu Fulian , Harrison David
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Wearable electronic devices have emerged which require compact, flexible power storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. Recently, energy storage devices have been developed based on supercapacitor threads. However, current supercapacitor energy storage threads which use electrolytes based on aqueous gels have a 1 V potential window. This is much lower than the voltage required by most electronic devices. This current contribution presents an approach for fabricating a multilayer supercapacitor working as a circuit unit, in which series combinations of the multiple layer structures can achieve a higher potential window, which can better meet the needs of wearable electronic devices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two-capacitive layer thread supercapacitors were fabricated using a semi-automatic dip coating method by coating two capacitive layers sequentially on a 50 μm stainless steel core wire, each capacitive layer includes ink, aqueous-based gel electrolyte and silver conductive paint layers.

Findings

– Two capacitive layers of the single thread supercapacitor can work independently, or as combination circuits – parallel and series. Cyclic voltammograms showed that all flexible circuits have high electrochemical stability. For the case of series circuit configuration, with H3PO-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel electrolyte, a working potential window of 2 V was achieved.

Originality/value

– A flexible single thread supercapacitor of multilayer structure, with working voltage above 1 V in H3PO4-PVA gel electrolyte, has not been reported before. A semi-automatic dip coating setup used to process the thread supercapacitor has high potential for transfer to an industrial environment for mass production.
Detection method of PCB component based on automatic optical stitching algorithm
Authors: Qiang Ge , Shanshan Zheng , Yang Zhao , Mao Chen
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to propose image stitching by reduction of full line and taking line image as registration image to solve the problem of automatic optic inspection in PCB detection. In addition, surf registration was introduced for image stitching to improve the accuracy and speed of stitching.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, image stitching proceeded by method of full line reduction and taking line image as registration image; second, surf registration was introduced based on the traditional PCB image stitching algorithm. Scale space of the image pyramid was adopted for confirming relative future points between stitching image. The registration means of nearest neighbourhood and next neatest neighborhood was selected for feature matching and fused in region of interest to fulfil image stitching.

Findings

– The improved stitching algorithm with small data size of image, high speed and noncumulative transitive error eliminated displacement deviation and solved the stitching gap caused by uneven illumination, to greatly improve the accuracy and speed of stitching.

Research limitations/implications

– The research of this paper can only used for appearance detection and cannot be used for solder joint inspection with circuit detection or invisible solder joint detection; it can identify and mark PCB component defects but cannot classify automatically, thus artificial confirmation and processing is needed.

Originality/value

– Based on the traditional image stitching means, this paper proposed full line reduction for image stitching, which reduces processing of data and speeds up image stitching; in addition, surf registration was introduced into the study of PCB stitching algorithm, which greatly improves the accuracy and speed of stitching and solves stitching gap formed by opposite variation trend of image local edge caused by uneven illumination.
Exploring the experiences of women and migrant medical professionals in Swedish hospitals
Authors: Mulinari Paula
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the different ways in which experiences of marginalisation within organisations are named and acted upon. Of particular interest is examining the ways in which the visibility of gender discrimination and the invisibility of ethnic discrimination indicate what the professionals in the study identify as horizons of possible individual and collective resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper takes as its point of departure Cho et al. (2013) notion of “intersectionality as an analytical sensibility” (p. 795). The material consists of qualitative semi-structured interviews with 15 chief medical doctors employed in two Swedish hospitals.

Findings

– The findings indicate that while there is an organisational visibility of gender inequality, there is an organisational invisibility of ethnic discrimination. These differences influence the ways in which organisational criticism takes place and inequalities are challenged. Female Swedish identified doctors acted collectively to challenge organisations that they considered male-dominated, while doctors with experience of migration (both female and male) placed more responsibility on themselves and established individual strategies such as working more or des-identification. However, they confronted the organisation by naming ethnic discrimination in a context of organisational silence.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper does not explore the different forms of racism (islamophobia, racism against blacks, anti-Semitism). In addition, further research is needed to understand how these various forms of racism shape workplaces in Sweden.

Originality/value

– The paper offers new insights into the difference/similarities between how processes of ethnic and gender discrimination are experienced among employees within high-status professions. The value of the paper lies in its special focus on how forms of resistance are affected by the frames of the organisation. The findings stress the importance of intersectional analyses to understand the complex patterns of resistance and consent emerging within organisations.
Lacking the right aesthetic
Authors: Ramjattan Vijay A.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Expertise in English language teaching (ELT) is determined by being a white native speaker of English. Therefore, ELT is a type of aesthetic labour because workers are expected to look and sound a particular way. As nonwhite teachers cannot perform this labour, they may experience employment discrimination in the form of racial microaggressions, which are everyday racial slights. The purpose of this paper is to investigate what types of microaggressions inform several nonwhite teachers that they cannot perform aesthetic labour in private language schools in Toronto, Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper utilizes a critical race methodology in which several nonwhite teachers told stories of racial microaggressions.

Findings

– The teachers were told that they lacked the right aesthetic through microaggressions involving employers being confused about their names, questioning their language backgrounds, and citing customer preferences.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research must find out whether nonwhite teachers experience discrimination throughout Canada. Other studies must investigate how intersecting identity markers affect teachers’ employment prospects.

Practical implications

– To prevent the discrimination of nonwhite teachers (in Canada), increased regulation is needed. The international ELT industry also needs to fight against the ideology that English is a white language.

Originality/value

– There is little literature that examines language/racial discrimination in the Canadian ELT industry and how this discrimination is articulated to teachers.
Developing public private people partnership (4P) for post disaster infrastructure procurement
Authors: Zhang Junqi , Zou Weiwu , Kumaraswamy Mohan
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to integrate relevant “people” into public-private partnerships (PPP) to establish a public–private–people partnership (4P) approach that targets more sustainable and better value for money post-disaster infrastructure projects. This recognises “people” as major stakeholders apart from the public and private sectors. This paper also draws on a parallel study of relationship management (RM) to counteract problems arising from multiple participants and to synergise the public, private and “people” groupings.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews, questionnaire surveys, a case study and a validation exercise through a focus group meeting were adopted to obtain empirical data and develop the 4P framework. Triangulation research strategy combining literature review, interviews and questionnaire survey were adopted in the parallel study of RM.

Findings

– It is concluded that 4P has great potential to achieve the targets of enhanced sustainability and value of money in post-disaster scenarios. In addition, “people” can provide the “missing link” in traditional PPP to further cement the partnership and achieve effective and integrated partnership between multiple participants.

Originality/value

– This paper adds a new dimension to PPP in proposing the integration of “people” into PPP to address prevalent gaps in identifying overall sustainable value. It also develops a practical 4P framework to guide practitioners who may wish to test it, to whatever extent possible. In parallel, it provides a methodological and theoretical foundation for such public, private and people partnerships in post-disaster infrastructure development.
Analysis of disasters impacts and the relevant role of critical infrastructures for crisis management improvement
Authors: Laugé Ana , Hernantes Josune , Sarriegi Jose Mari
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Disasters are complex phenomena, by diverse nature and whose management is complicated. An efficient analysis of potential impacts that may result as consequence of a disaster has to be conducted to improve the preparation and response in face of future events.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of impact evaluation methodologies and real disasters’ impacts has been performed to develop an impact indicators’ framework. Then, a questionnaire has been administered to critical infrastructure (CI) operators to identify CI dependencies and their consequences.

Findings

– A proper impact analysis improves learning about the consequences of a disaster and the way those impacts should be managed. Moreover, current impact evaluation methodologies do not make special focus on CIs even if their proper functioning is essential for society’s welfare. Crisis managers such as civil protection, emergency services and local authorities among others need to be aware of the importance of critical infrastructure s when managing a disaster. Also crisis managers and managers of CIs need to know how dependencies make impacts spread from one CI to others or to different sectors.

Social implications

– Through an efficient management, the development of preventive measures and response programs can help to mitigate impacts’ harshness for CIs and for the whole society and may even prevent future disasters. However, if crisis managers and managers of CIs are unaware of disasters consequences, their management will result inefficient.

Originality/value

– A holistic and dynamic analysis of disaster impacts has been performed. The integration of impact indicators together with their behaviour over time analysis will help improving future crises management.