bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public sector institutions, politics and outsourcing: Reforming the provision of primary healthcare in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Iram A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLodhran/Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) model of primary healthcare is a home‐grown experiment in Pakistan. The model envisaged transferring the management of primary healthcare facilities to a public sector NGO. The paper finds that through the re‐alignment of interest groups, the model was replicated in several other districts of the province. It also examines the evolution of stakeholders' behaviour, interest, position and influence in its implementation over a period of time. The study concludes that sustainability of the model remains doubtful unless public sector health bureaucracy is restructured and made to work effectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditionality covenants: Commitment versus discretion in sovereign credit contracts
Authors: Khalifa Sherif 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of imposing conditionality covenants on the performance of the signatories to a sovereign credit contract. A two period model is developed in which creditors provide a loan to a sovereign conditional upon the implementation of investments. Commitment to these covenants overcome the debt repudiation problem, as it increases the likelihood of repayment, if the implemented conditionalities contribute to an increase in the sovereign's productive capacity. A three period model is also developed to entertain the possibility that the sovereign engage in credit activities in subsequent periods, where in the final period the debtor has obligations towards junior and senior creditors. This allows for dynamic inconsistency, as the sovereign may be tempted to increase its debt in the second period, thus increasing the probability of repudiation in the third period. Imposing conditionality covenants by senior creditors that increase the portion they can appropriate in case of repudiation, relative to junior creditors, reduces the supply of credit by junior creditors in the second period and thus overcomes the debt dilution problem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Secular and multidecadal warmings in the North Atlantic and their relationships with major hurricane activity
Authors: Enfield David B. , Cid‐Serrano Luis 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAnalysis of recent literature finds weaknesses in arguments to the effect that the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO)—roughly 50–90 year fluctuations in North Atlantic sea surface temperatures—is externally forced by anthropogenic aerosols and greenhouse gases rather than an internal climate mode, plus indications from other sources that the contrary may be true. We are led to the conclusion that the AMO is probably comprised of both natural and anthropogenic forcing in ways that preclude a physically based separation of the two, using the limited historical data sets. A straightforward quadratic fitting of trend to temperature data accounts for some of the 20th century nonlinearity in secular warming and separates the secular and multidecadal components of variability without inherent assumptions about the nature of the multidecadal fluctuations. Doing this shows that the 20th century secular ocean warming in the North Atlantic is about equal to the peak‐to‐peak amplitude of the multidecadal fluctuations. However, over the last quarter‐century (1975–2000) the most recent multidecadal warming has been almost three times the secular sea surface temperature (SST) increase over the main development region (MDR) for major Atlantic hurricanes. In the last quarter‐century the multidecadal increase in late summer Atlantic warm pool (AWP) size (area of SSTs in excess of 28 °C) has been 36%, and the secular increase, 14%. Projections to the year 2025 show that the cumulative change in summer warm pool size since 1975 will depend critically on whether a subsequent cooling in the multidecadal cycle occurs, comparable to the warming between 1975 and 2000 AD. This places a high premium on understanding to what extent the AMO is a man‐made or a natural phenomenon. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Classification of CIE standard skies using probabilistic neural networks
Authors: Li Danny H. W. , Tang H. L. , Lee Eric W. M. , Muneer Tariq 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn 2003, the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) adopted 15 standard skies that cover a broad spectrum of the usual skies found in the world. Each sky represents a unique sky luminance distribution, which is the most effective way to classify the 15 CIE Standard Skies. However, luminance distributions for the whole sky vault are far from being widely available. Alternatively, the standard skies can be categorized by various climatic parameters but the criteria to distinguish individual skies are not always clear‐cut and may lead to ambiguous results. The artificial neural networks (ANNs) represent a powerful tool for pattern recognition. This paper presents the work on the classification of the standard skies using a new form of neural network architecture, namely the probabilistic neural network (PNN), which is particularly apposite in classification problems. Five meteorological variables, viz. zenith luminance, global, direct‐beam and sky‐diffuse illuminance, and solar altitude are employed as input data. Totally, 9000 samples covering the time span between 1999 and 2005 are shuffled. The findings suggest that the PNN is an appropriate tool for sky classification. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of selenate addition on selenium accumulation and plant growth of two Prunus rootstock genotypes
Authors: Pezzarossa Beatrice , Remorini Damiano , Piccotino Diletta , Malagoli Mario , Massai Rossano 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA pot experiment was conducted with two Prunus genotypes (GF 677 and Mr.S.2/5, commercial rootstocks for peach), which are widely used in Italy and other European countries. Selenium (Se) was added as sodium selenate to 3‐month‐old micropropagated plants at a rate of 0 (control), 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg Se (kg soil)–1. Plant growth, gas exchange, and Se accumulation were studied. Selenium added at a rate of 2.5 and 5.0 mg Se kg–1 appeared to be highly toxic for the two young peach rootstocks. Thirty‐three days after the treatment, the plants showed a high mortality rate. The fast growing rootstock, GF 677, appeared to be more sensitive to Se toxicity, the mortality rate reaching 52%. The higher the Se concentration in the soil, the higher it also was in the plant. In general, both genotypes were able to take up Se and to translocate high amounts from root to leaf. After selenate addition to the soil, both GF 677 and Mr.S.2/5 plants showed reduced plant growth with the highest Se treatments. Furthermore, Se induced a partial stomatal closure, as evidenced by the values of stomatal conductance, resulting in a reduction in net assimilation, and thus a decrease in dry‐matter production. Selenate applied at a low rate (1 mg Se kg–1) stimulated plant growth in GF 677. One year after the Se treatment, a remobilization of Se from the storage organs to the young shoots was detected. This study demonstrates genotypic variation in Se uptake and accumulation in peach rootstocks.
Lattice dynamics and low‐temperature Raman spectroscopy studies of PMN–PT relaxors
Authors: Lima J. A. , Paraguassu W. , Freire P. T. C. , Souza Filho A. G. , Paschoal C. W. A. , Filho J. Mendes , Zanin A. L. , Lente M. H. , Garcia D. , Eiras J. A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this work we present a Raman scattering study of a specific region of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of the [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]1−x (PbTiO3)x relaxor system. We performed low‐temperature measurement for the x = 0.4 composition in the 20–300 K temperature range, and a detailed analysis of Raman spectra of x = 0.4 and x = 0.37 compositions at 180 K. The analysis of Raman spectra indicates a structural phase transition at around 170 K for x = 0.4. The comparison of Raman data from x = 0.4 and x = 0.37 compositions suggests different phases for these samples at 180 K. These results are in accordance with the tetragonal to monoclinic structural phase transition observed in the PMN–PT MPB and contribute to improve the knowledge of the MPB of this solid solution. Additionally, we have performed the lattice dynamics phonon calculation of the (1 − x) PMN–xPT relaxor in order to best understand its complex Raman spectral properties. The normal mode analyses (at q ∼ 0) were performed by considering tetragonal symmetry for the (1 − x) PMN–xPT system and using the rigid ion model and mean field approximation. Our calculated wavenumber values are in good agreement with experimental and calculated results reported for PbTiO3 thus providing a reliable assignment of the various Raman modes. The low wavenumber modes are interpreted as arising from a lifting of the degeneracy of the vibrational modes related to Mg, Nb and Ti sites.
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct visual evidence for the chemical mechanism of surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering via charge transfer: (II) Binding‐site and quantum‐size effects
Authors: Sun Mengtao , Liu Shasha , Li Zhipeng , Duan Jianmin , Chen Maodu , Xu Hongxing 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe describe quantum‐size and binding‐site effects on the chemical and local field enhancement mechanisms of surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS), in which the pyridine molecule is adsorbed on one of the vertices of the Ag20 tetrahedron. We first investigated the influence of the binding site on normal Raman scattering (NRS) and excited state properties of optical absorption spectroscopy. Second, we investigated the quantum‐size effect on the electromagnetic (EM) and chemical mechanism from 300 to 1000 nm with charge difference density. It is found that the strong absorption at around 350 nm is mainly the charge transfer (CT) excitation (CT between the molecule and the silver cluster) for large clusters, which is the direct evidence for the chemical enhancement mechanism for SERRS; for a small cluster the strong absorption around 350 nm is mainly intracluster excitation, which is the direct evidence for the EM enhancement mechanism. This conclusion is further confirmed with the general Mie theory. The plasmon peak in EM enhancement will be red‐shifted with the increase of cluster size. The influence of the binding site and quantum‐size effects on NRS, as well as chemical and EM enhancement mechanisms on SERRS, is significant. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of short‐term N2 treatment on quality and antioxidant ability of loquat fruit during cold storage
Authors: Gao Haiyan , Tao Fei , Song Lili , Chen Hangjun , Chen Wenxuan , Zhou Yongjun , Mao Jinlin , Zheng Yonghua 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Loquat fruit is susceptible to microbial decay and quality deterioration during postharvest distribution. In this study, in a search for effective alternatives to methods currently used for quality maintenance, the effects of short‐term pre‐storage N2 treatment on the quality and antioxidant ability of loquat fruit were investigated.RESULTS: Loquat fruits were exposed to 100% N2 for 6 h at 20 °C and then stored at 5 °C for 35 days. Short‐term N2 treatment significantly delayed the increase in fruit decay rate and decreases in total soluble solid and titratable acidity contents, thereby maintaining better eating quality and extending the storage life of fruits. It also markedly delayed increases in membrane permeability, malondialdehyde content and superoxide anion production rate. In addition, N2‐treated fruits exhibited significantly higher superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and lower lipoxygenase activity than control fruits.CONCLUSION: Short‐term pre‐storage N2 treatment effectively reduced fruit decay and maintained quality in loquat fruits during cold storage. The reduction in fruit decay and quality deterioration by the treatment was correlated with enhanced antioxidant ability and reduced lipid peroxidation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
An evaluation of satisfaction levels among Chinese tourists in Vietnam
Authors: Truong Thuy‐Huong , King Brian 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the extent to which Vietnam satisfies the various destination attributes sought by Chinese tourists. The research investigates a number of variables, including socio‐demographics and travel characteristics, and compares the importance that travellers attach to various destination attributes with their associated satisfaction with Vietnam's various tourism products. By investigating the relationship between importance and satisfaction from the perspective of Chinese tourists, the paper makes a contribution to the literature. The findings should provide Vietnamese service providers with insights into the perceptions and satisfaction levels of Chinese tourists. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progress in Cr2+and Fe2+doped mid‐IR laser materials
Authors: Mirov S. , Fedorov V. , Moskalev I. , Martyshkin D. , Kim C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRecent progress in chromium and iron doped II‐VI semiconductor materials makes them the laser sources of choice when one needs a compact system with tunability over 1.9–5.1 μm. Output powers exceeding 10 W and efficiency up to 70% were demonstrated in several Cr doped semiconductors. The unique combination of technological (low‐cost ceramic material) and spectroscopic characteristics makes these materials ideal candidates for mid‐IR tunable laser systems. This article reviews transition metal doped II–VI materials and recent progress in Cr‐ and Fe‐doped solid‐state mid‐IR lasers.
Non‐Isothermal Kinetics of Hard α‐Keratin Thermal Denaturation
Authors: Istrate Daniel , Popescu Crisan , Möller Martin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDSC measurements carried out at different heating rates were used for the kinetic analysis of the endothermic process assigned to the denaturation of the helical material from human hair in water excess. We found that the kinetic mechanism is autocatalytic and that the value of the activation energy is close to disulphide bond scission rather than to protein denaturation. This allowed us to propose a multistep mechanism for the thermal denaturation of hard α‐keratins in water excess that relies on the 3‐phase model which describes their structure. The limiting step of the thermal denaturation process is then the scission of S–S bonds between the main morphological components, namely IF and matrix (IFAP). The theoretical proposed model shows a good agreement with the experimental recorded data.magnified image
Preparation and Properties of Degradable Shape Memory Material Based on Partial α‐Cyclodextrin–Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Inclusion Complex
Authors: Luo Haiya , Fan Minmin , Yu Zhijun , Meng Xianwei , Li Bangjing , Zhang Sheng 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA series of supramolecular degradable inclusion complex (IC) films were formed by threading α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) molecules over poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) according to the designed ratio of α‐CD–PCL. Due to containing both α‐CD–PCL inclusion crystallites and uncovered PCL crystallites, the resulting supramolecular α‐CD–PCL IC partial films displayed a shape memory effect. The properties of the materials were investigated by 1H NMR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and swelling measurement. It was found that the casting temperature and solvent have great influence on the formation and properties of the α‐CD–PCL partial ICs. The modes of complexes on different conditions were proposed. In addition, the introduction of inclusion structure accelerates the degradation of materials strongly.magnified image
Visualisation of Nanoclay Dispersion in Polymer Matrix by High‐Resolution Electron Microscopy Combined with Electron Tomography
Authors: Ray Suprakas Sinha 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn order to establish the structure‐property relationship in the case of clay containing polymer nanocomposites, detailed understanding of silicate layers dispersion into the polymer matrix is necessary. In this study, biodegradable poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] (PBSA) was chosen as a model polymer and the nanocomposite of PBSA with organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) was prepared via the melt‐mixing in a batch mixer. The degree of dispersion of silicate layers in the PBSA matrix was investigated by means of wide angle X‐ray diffraction, small angle X‐ray scattering, high‐annular‐angle‐dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy combined with electron tomography. Results demonstrated the homogeneous dispersion of clay platelets in the PBSA matrix. However, the true exfoliation of silicate layers in the polymer matrix is quite difficult to achieve, although there are strong favourable interactions between the polymer matrix and the OMMT surface.magnified image
Processed allografts and type I collagen conduits for repair of peripheral nerve gaps
Authors: Whitlock Elizabeth L. , Tuffaha Sami H. , Luciano Janina P. , Yan Ying , Hunter Daniel A. , Magill Christina K. , Moore Amy M. , Tong Alice Y. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Borschel Gregory H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAutografting is the gold standard in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries that are not amenable to end‐to‐end coaptation. However, because autografts result in donor‐site defects and are a limited resource, an effective substitute would be valuable. In a rat model, we compared isografts with Integra NeuraGen® (NG) nerve guides, which are a commercially available type I collagen conduit, with processed rat allografts comparable to AxoGen's Avance® human decellularized allograft product. In a 14‐mm sciatic nerve gap model, isograft was superior to processed allograft, which was in turn superior to NG conduit at 6 weeks postoperatively (P < 0.05 for number of myelinated fibers both at midgraft and distal to the graft). At 12 weeks, these differences were no longer apparent. In a 28‐mm graft model, isografts again performed better than processed allografts at both 6 and 22 weeks; regeneration through the NG conduit was often insufficient for analysis in this long graft model. Functional tests confirmed the superiority of isografts, although processed allografts permitted successful reinnervation of distal targets not seen in the NG conduit groups. Processed allografts were inherently non‐immunogenic and maintained some internal laminin structure. We conclude that, particularly in a long gap model, nerve graft alternatives fail to confer the regenerative advantages of an isograft. However, AxoGen processed allografts are superior to a currently available conduit‐style nerve guide, the Integra NeuraGen®. They provide an alternative for reconstruction of short nerve gaps where a conduit might otherwise be used. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Treatment strategies and regimens of graduated intensity for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in low‐income countries: A proposal
Authors: Hunger Stephen P. , Sung Lillian , Howard Scott C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCure rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are 80–85% in high‐income countries (HICs) in North America and Western Europe. However, cure rates are much lower in many low‐income countries (LICs), where most cases of ALL occur. Over the past several decades partnerships (“twinning”) between HIC and LIC pediatric oncology programs have led to major improvements in outcome for children with ALL in some LICs, often by developing time and resource intensive relationships that allow LIC centers to treat children with regimens similar or identical to those used in HICs. However, the resources are not available in most LICs to allow immediate introduction of intensive ALL treatment regimens similar to those used in HICs. With these thoughts in mind, we present a proposal for a systematic and graduated approach to ALL diagnosis, risk classification, and treatment in LICs. We have based the strategy and the proposed regimens on those developed by the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) and Children's Oncology Group (COG) over the past several decades, beginning with a first level regimen similar to CCG therapy of the early 1980s and then layering on successive treatment intensifications proven effective in randomized clinical trials. Simple monitoring rules are included to help centers decide when they are ready to add new treatment components. This proposal provides a framework that LIC centers can use to provide effective ALL therapy, particularly in regions of the world where few children are currently being cured. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:559–565. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Start‐up of slot die coating
Authors: Chang Yi‐Rong , Lin Chi‐Feng , Liu Ta‐Jo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA flow visualization technique was employed to observe the start‐up of slot die coating. The effects of five variables, i.e., prewetting on the die surface, fluid viscosity, slot gap, coating gap, and die lip length on the start‐up time were investigated. Prewetting on the die surface can effectively reduce the start‐up time. Any variable that enlarges the steady‐state coating bead would increase the start‐up time. Therefore, increasing the fluid viscosity, coating gap, slot gap and decreasing the die lip length can be helpful in reducing the start‐up time. It was found that there exist four distinct modes for the establishment of steady‐state coating bead. The four distinct modes can be distinguished by a Reynolds number, which is defined as the ratio of the inertial force of the coating solution impinging on the moving web to the viscous force needed to pull the coating solution on the web. Comparison of the experimental observation with the theoretical prediction based on the commercial package Flow3D was also performed; the four modes can be found in the numerical simulations, the start‐up time computed to reach steady state is shorter. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface modification of gold nanoparticles with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and incorporation within polymer matrices
Authors: Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Wu Yung‐Chien , Lu Chu‐Hua , Chang Feng‐Chih 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA new approach to achieve polymer‐mediated gold ferromagnetic nanocomposites in a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐containing random copolymer matrix has been developed. Stable and narrow distributed gold nanoparticles modified by 3‐mercaptopropylisobutyl POSS to form Au‐POSS nanoparticles are prepared by two‐phase liquid‐liquid method. These Au‐POSS nanoparticles form partial particle aggregation by blending with poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PnBMA) homopolymer because of poor miscibility between Au‐POSS and PnBMA polymer matrix. The incorporation the POSS moiety into the PnBMA main chain as a random copolymer matrix displays well‐dispersed gold nanoparticles because the POSS‐POSS interaction enhances miscibility between gold nanoparticles and the PnBMA‐POSS copolymer matrix. This gold‐containing nanocomposite exhibits ferromagnetic phenomenon at room temperature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 811–819, 2009