bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Core-shell Au@Pd nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction via core-shell Au@Ag/Pd constructions
Authors: Chen Dong , Li Chengyin , Liu Hui , Ye Feng , Yang Jun 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCore-shell nanoparticles often exhibit improved catalytic properties due to the lattice strain created in these core-shell particles. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of core-shell Au@Pd nanoparticles from their core-shell Au@Ag/Pd parents. This strategy begins with the preparation of core-shell Au@Ag nanoparticles in an organic solvent. Then, the pure Ag shells are converted into the shells made of Ag/Pd alloy by galvanic replacement reaction between the Ag shells and Pd2+ precursors. Subsequently, the Ag component is removed from the alloy shell using saturated NaCl solution to form core-shell Au@Pd nanoparticles with an Au core and a Pd shell. In comparison with the core-shell Au@Pd nanoparticles upon directly depositing Pd shell on the Au seeds and commercial Pd/C catalysts, the core-shell Au@Pd nanoparticles via their core-shell Au@Ag/Pd templates display superior activity and durability in catalyzing oxygen reduction reaction, mainly due to the larger lattice tensile effect in Pd shell induced by the Au core and Ag removal.
Assessing viability of extracorporeal preserved muscle transplants using external field stimulation: a novel tool to improve methods prolonging bridge-to-transplantation time
Authors: Taeger Christian D. , Friedrich Oliver , Dragu Adrian , Weigand Annika , Hobe Frieder , Drechsler Caroline , Geppert Carol I. , Arkudas Andreas , Münch Frank , Buchholz Rainer , Pollmann Charlotte , Schramm Axel , Birkholz Torsten , Horch Raymund E. , Präbst Konstantin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPreventing ischemia-related cell damage is a priority when preserving tissue for transplantation. Perfusion protocols have been established for a variety of applications and proven to be superior to procedures used in clinical routine. Extracorporeal perfusion of muscle tissue though cumbersome is highly desirable since it is highly susceptible to ischemia-related damage. To show the efficacy of different perfusion protocols external field stimulation can be used to immediately visualize improvement or deterioration of the tissue during active and running perfusion protocols. This method has been used to show the superiority of extracorporeal perfusion using porcine rectus abdominis muscles perfused with heparinized saline solution. Perfused muscles showed statistically significant higher ability to exert force compared to nonperfused ones. These findings can be confirmed using Annexin V as marker for cell damage, perfusion of muscle tissue limits damage significantly compared to nonperfused tissue. The combination of extracorporeal perfusion and external field stimulation may improve organ conservation research.
Iso-Oriented Anatase TiO2 Mesocages as a High Performance Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Storage
Authors: Hong Zhensheng , Zhou Kaiqiang , Huang Zhigao , Wei Mingdeng 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA major obstacle in realizing Na-ion batteries (NIBs) is the absence of suitable anode materials. Herein, we firstly report the anatase TiO2 mesocages constructed by crystallographically oriented nanoparticle subunits as a high performance anode for NIBs. The mesocages with tunable microstructures, high surface area (204 m2 g−1) and uniform mesoporous structure were firstly prepared by a general synthesis method under the assist of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). It’s notable that the TiO2 mesocages exhibit a large reversible capacity and good rate capability. A stable capacity of 93 mAhg−1 can be retained after 500 cycles at 10 C in the range of 0.01–2.5 V, indicating high rate performance and good cycling stability. This could be due to the uniform architecture of iso-oriented mesocage structure with few grain boundaries and nanoporous nature, allowing fast electron and ion transport and providing more active sites as well as freedom for volume change during Na-ion insertion. CV measurements demonstrate that the sodium-ion storage process of anatase mesocages is mainly controlled by pseudocapacitive behavior, which is different from the lithium-ion storage and further facilitates the high rate capability.
Two-photon directed evolution of green fluorescent proteins
Authors: Stoltzfus Caleb R. , Barnett Lauren M. , Drobizhev Mikhail , Wicks Geoffrey , Mikhaylov Alexander , Hughes Thomas E. , Rebane Aleksander 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDirected evolution has been used extensively to improve the properties of a variety of fluorescent proteins (FPs). Evolutionary strategies, however, have not yet been used to improve the two-photon absorption (2PA) properties of a fluorescent protein, properties that are important for two-photon imaging in living tissues, including the brain. Here we demonstrate a technique for quantitatively screening the two-photon excited fluorescence (2PEF) efficiency and 2PA cross section of tens of thousands of mutant FPs expressed in E. coli colonies. We use this procedure to move EGFP through three rounds of two-photon directed evolution leading to new variants showing up to a 50% enhancement in peak 2PA cross section and brightness within the near-IR tissue transparency wavelength range.
The relation between the production efficiency of nitrogen atoms and the electrical characteristics of a dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Peeters F J J , Yang R , van de Sanden M C M 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In a nitrogen plasma jet, atomic nitrogen is the longest lived radical species and, through recombination, gives rise to highly reactive excited nitrogen species. In this paper, the atomic nitrogen concentration in the effluent of a nitrogen-fed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is determined by using direct 2D imaging of the visible FPS emission. The relationship between radical production and the electrical characteristics of the discharge is assessed by making use of an electrical model which assumes only a part of the electrode area is discharged every half-cycle. For the pure nitrogen jet used here, the specific energy input per nitrogen atom is found to be 320  ±  20 eV atom−1, comparable to the specific energy for other atomic nitrogen sources in the literature. It is shown that the production efficiency of atomic nitrogen does not depend on the amplitude of the applied voltage of the DBD and any increase in radical production is due to an increase of the electrode area covered by the discharge, i.e. an increase in the number of microdischarges.
On the identifiability of transmission dynamic models for infectious diseases
Authors: Lintusaari Jarno , Gutmann Michael U. , Kaski Samuel , Corander Jukka 
Published: July 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases is important for both biological research and public health applications. It has been widely demonstrated that statistical modeling provides a firm basis for inferring relevant epidemiological quantities from incidence and molecular data. However, the complexity of transmission dynamic models causes two challenges: Firstly, the likelihood function of the models is generally not computable and computationally intensive simulation-based inference methods need to be employed. Secondly, the model may not be fully identifiable from the available data. While the first difficulty can be tackled by computational and algorithmic advances, the second obstacle is more fundamental. Identifiability issues may lead to inferences which are more driven by the prior assumptions than the data themselves. We here consider a popular and relatively simple, yet analytically intractable model for the spread of tuberculosis based on classical IS6110 fingerprinting data. We report on the identifiability of the model, presenting also some methodological advances regarding the inference. Using likelihood approximations, it is shown that the reproductive value cannot be identified from the data available and that the posterior distributions obtained in previous work have likely been substantially dominated by the assumed prior distribution. Further, we show that the inferences are influenced by the assumed infectious population size which has generally been kept fixed in previous work. We demonstrate that the infectious population size can be inferred if the remaining epidemiological parameters are already known with sufficient precision.
Analysing Japanese contractor activity on the basis of panel data
Authors: Konno Yukiko 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors influencing defaults and exits from public works by prime contractors of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Japanese construction industry. By analysing the data for several years as panel data, this study determines the extent of influence of changes in company characteristics on the defaults and exits.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using construction company evaluation (Keiei Jikou Sinsa or Keisin) data and by employing the panel binary logit random effect model, this study empirically analyses the construction industry.

Findings
– This study shows that defaulting and exiting companies have different characteristics. The result shows financial performance indicators, non-financial performance indicators and Keisin scores to significantly affect defaults and exits. In particular, this study finds non-financial performance indicators, such as whether a firm draws insurance, to significantly affect its likelihood to default or exit and the influence varies on the basis of insurance type.

Originality/value
– The feature of this study is that its analysis focuses not only on defaulting companies but also on exiting companies, defined as those that stop operating as prime contractors for public works but otherwise stay in business. In contrast to existing research, this study distinguishes between defaults and exits and analyses the factors that influence a firm following one of these two outcomes. Moreover, although Keisin data are usually used to determine whether companies qualify to enter bids for public works, they can be applied for an attribution analysis of corporate defaults and exits.
Adoption of Building Information Modelling technology (BIM)
Authors: Rogers John , Chong Heap-Yih , Preece Christopher 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology has been well received by the Malaysian construction industry, yet the adoption rate is extremely slow. Many areas of adoption issues and know how regarding BIM were investigated. However, no prior research has considered the perspective from engineering consulting services (ECS) firms. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the overview and adoption of BIM from the perspective of Malaysian ECS firms, with its objectives first, to determine the perceptions, barriers, governmental support and intentions in adopting BIM, and second, to identify the key drivers for adopting BIM within two years.

Design/methodology/approach
– The primary data were collected from focus group interview and questionnaire survey to achieve the first objective, and subsequently, the second objective was achieved based on Pearson relationship analysis.

Findings
– The results show that the firms have a concept of BIM that equates to industry authorities’ norms; yet the lack of well-trained personnel, guidance and governmental supports were identified as the main barriers to adoption. Nevertheless, the firms were prepared to adopt BIM where market demands and competitive advantage were the main drivers to adoption within two years.

Originality/value
– A different perspective has been highlighted in adoption of BIM. It renders a new insight into the effective adoption and use of BIM from the ECS firms’ perspective.
Institutions and development in MENA region: evidence from the manufacturing sector
Authors: Arayssi Mahmoud , Fakih Ali 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to study the role of institutions (including civil law origin), financial deepening and degree of regime authority on growth rates in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper examines the implications of industrial firm-related and national factors for the determinants of economic growth using panel data through a fixed effect model.

Findings
– The results reveal that English civil law origin and the establishment of the rule of law work with the development of financial institutions to increase economic growth in these economies; however, the democratization of the political institutions and foreign direct investment do not assist financial development in promoting economic growth.

Research limitations/implications
– Data covered is limited to four years.

Social implications
– The findings emphasize the prominence of overcoming institutional weaknesses and establishing transparent public policy governing businesses as a pre-requisite for successful universal integration in developing countries.

Originality/value
– This paper contributes to the literature on the relationship between finance and economic growth in two aspects. First, the authors focus on the contribution of the institutional setting and its interaction with the financial development and how this affects economic growth of the manufacturing firms. Second, the authors explore the relationship between the role of institutions, governance, the country civil law origin and the economic growth.
Analysis of arable crop farmers’ awareness to causes and effects of climate change in south western Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim Shakirat Bolatito , Ayinde Idris Akanbi , Arowolo Aisha Olushola 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the determinants of arable crop farmers’ awareness to causes and effects of climate change in south western Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using primary data, 150 arable crop farmers in Ogun State were selected through a multi stage sampling technique. Survey method was used to elicit information on farmers’ socioeconomic, production characteristics, and their level of awareness to causes and effects of climate change. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, environmental awareness index (EAI), and Tobit regression analysis.

Findings
– Most (81.08 percent) of the arable crop farmers were males with an average household size of eight persons, farming experience of 24 years and farm size of approximately 1 ha. The computed climate change EAI showed that only 47 percent of the respondents were aware of causes of climate change, while 68 percent were aware of its effects. Results further revealed that age, income from secondary occupation (p
<
0.10), marital status, household size (p
<
0.05), years of farming experience, frequency of extension contact, land size in hectare, and farm revenue (p
<
0.01) were the determinants of respondents awareness to causes and effects of climate change.

Practical implications
– The study recommended among others that, awareness should be created among arable crop farmers on climate change causes and effects for appropriate mitigation actions to be taken for improved agricultural productivity.

Originality/value
– The study provided new empirical evidence on the awareness level of respondents to causes and effects of climate change on their production activities and livelihood in general. Implications for policy will be to provide a public education program that will target females, the poor, the illiterate, and the people in the economically active age group among others in order to create awareness and provide information and adequate knowledge on the causes and effects of climate change for proper mitigation and adaptation options.
The role of migrant workers remittances in fostering economic growth
Authors: Azam Muhammad 
Published: July 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the macroeconomic impact of migrant workers’ remittances on economic growth in four developing Asian countries namely: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approach– This study utilizes annual time series data over the period 1976-2012 and the ordinary least squares as an analytical technique for parameters estimation.Findings– Empirical results support the existence of a significant positive relationship between migrant workers remittances and economic growth. The other control variables such as foreign direct investment, openness to trade and infrastructure are also found to be statistically significant with expected signs.Practical implications– The findings of this study are expected to guide policy makers in formulating the right and relevant policies through which migrant workers’ remittances can be made more productive and its benefits for both migrants and the country of origin are maximized. Consequently, it will foster economic growth and development.Originality/value– This paper provides some valuable evidences on the significance of migrant workers remittances as a source of economic growth. Moreover, the study differs from the erstwhile studies in terms of control variables, time period and method of estimation. Finally, the empirical results established are relatively robust.
Susceptibility ofHelicobacter pylorito antibiotics inChinese patients
Authors: Bai Peng , Zhou Li Ya , Xiao Xiu Mei , Luo Yang , Ding Yu 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveAntibiotic resistance toHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) has been increasing worldwide. The study aimed to evaluatein vitrosusceptibility and resistance patterns to antibiotics in empiricalH. pylorieradication regimens, and to determine the optimal antibiotics for treatment.MethodsH. pyloristrains (n=181) were obtained from gastric biopsies of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy fromMarch toDecember 2013. The susceptibility ofH. pyloristrains to amoxicillin (AMX), metronidazole (MTZ), clarithromycin (CLR), amoxicillin‐clavulanate (AMC), cephalothin (CEP), cefuroxime (CXM), cefixime (CFM), moxifloxacin (MFX) and minocycline (MNO) was determined.ResultsDual resistance toMTZ + CLRwas detected in 48 (26.5%) isolates,MTZ + MFXin 94 (51.9%), andCLR + MFXin 49 (27.1%). Overall, 41 (22.7%) were resistant toMTZ + CLR + MFX.MTZandCLRresistance rates were significantly associated with the history ofH. pylorieradication but there was no significant difference inMFXresistance rates between treated and untreated patients (P = 0.674). No significant relationship was found between antibiotic resistance and patient's gender, age, endoscopic findings, inflammatory severity or gastric atrophy.ConclusionsAMX,AMC,MNOand cephalosporins, but notMTZ,CLRandMFX, showed goodin vitroanti‐H. pyloriactivity. Among cephalosporins,CXMwas the most active.H. pyloriresistance is higher in patients with previousH. pylorieradication.
Interactions between the intestinal microbiota and bile acids in gallstones patients
Authors: Keren Nirit , Konikoff Fred M. , Paitan Yossi , Gabay Gila , Reshef Leah , Naftali Timna , Gophna Uri 
Published: July 2015

SummaryCholecystectomy, surgical removal of the gallbladder, changes bile flow to the intestine and can therefore alter the bidirectional interactions between bile acids (BAs) and the intestinal microbiota. We quantified and correlated BAs and bacterial community composition in gallstone patients scheduled for cholecystectomy before and after the procedure, using gas–liquid chromatography and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, followed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Gallstone patients had higher overall concentrations of faecal BAs and a decreased microbial diversity, accompanied by a reduction in the beneficial genus Roseburia and an enrichment of the uncultivated genus Oscillospira, compared with controls. These two genera may thus serve as biomarkers for symptomatic gallstone formation. Oscillospira was correlated positively with secondary BAs and negatively with primary BAs, while the phylum Bacteroidetes showed an opposite trend. Cholecystectomy resulted in no substantial change in patients' faecal BAs. However, bacterial composition was significantly altered, with a significant increase in the phylum Bacteroidetes. Given that cholecystectomy has been associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer and that members of the Bacteroidetes are increased in that disease, microbial consequences of cholecystectomy should be further explored.
Displacement or Force Control Knee Simulators? Variations in Kinematics and in Wear
Authors: Affatato Saverio 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe problems associated with prosthetic failure and revision surgery still constitute the main clinical problem of prosthetic surgery. The objective of wear evaluation is to determine the wear rate and its dependence on the test conditions. To obtain realistic results, a wear test can be performed to reproduce in vivo working conditions and compare the wear characteristics of various total knee prostheses designs. At the state of the art, two simulation concepts are available and defined in ISO 14243 standards series. In both these guidelines, level walking is the sole activity of daily living that is represented for testing. With so many variables and so many sources of error and the sensitivity of the output to these errors, can the motion determined in the simulator be representative of the in vivo motion? This article goes beyond the current status of these knee simulations comparing literature results.
Clinical Validation of a Peritoneal Dialysis Prescription Model in the PatientOnLine Software
Authors: Hodzic Emir , Rasic Senija , Klein Christian , Covic Adrian , Unsal Abdulkadir , Cunquero José Manuel Gil , Prischl Friedrich C. , Gauly Adelheid , Kalicki Robert M. , Uehlinger Dominik E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPeritoneal transport characteristics and residual renal function require regular control and subsequent adjustment of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) prescription. Prescription models shall facilitate the prediction of the outcome of such adaptations for a given patient. In the present study, the prescription model implemented in the PatientOnLine software was validated in patients requiring a prescription change. This multicenter, international prospective cohort study with the aim to validate a PD prescription model included patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Patients were examined with the peritoneal function test (PFT) to determine the outcome of their current prescription and the necessity for a prescription change. For these patients, a new prescription was modeled using the PatientOnLine software (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). Two to four weeks after implementation of the new PD regimen, a second PFT was performed. The validation of the prescription model included 54 patients. Predicted and measured peritoneal Kt/V were 1.52 ± 0.31 and 1.66 ± 0.35, and total (peritoneal + renal) Kt/V values were 1.96 ± 0.48 and 2.06 ± 0.44, respectively. Predicted and measured peritoneal creatinine clearances were 42.9 ± 8.6 and 43.0 ± 8.8 L/1.73 m2/week and total creatinine clearances were 65.3 ± 26.0 and 63.3 ± 21.8 L/1.73 m2/week, respectively. The analysis revealed a Pearson's correlation coefficient for peritoneal Kt/V of 0.911 and Lin's concordance coefficient of 0.829. The value of both coefficients was 0.853 for peritoneal creatinine clearance. Predicted and measured daily net ultrafiltration was 0.77 ± 0.49 and 1.16 ± 0.63 L/24 h, respectively. Pearson's correlation and Lin's concordance coefficient were 0.518 and 0.402, respectively. Predicted and measured peritoneal glucose absorption was 125.8 ± 38.8 and 79.9 ± 30.7 g/24 h, respectively, and Pearson's correlation and Lin's concordance coefficient were 0.914 and 0.477, respectively. With good predictability of peritoneal Kt/V and creatinine clearance, the present model provides support for individual dialysis prescription in clinical practice. Peritoneal glucose absorption and ultrafiltration are less predictable and are likely to be influenced by additional clinical factors to be taken into consideration.