bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scandium Complexes Bearing Bis(oxazolinylphenyl)amide Ligands: An Analysis of Their Reactivity, Solution‐State Structures and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Bennett Stacey D. , Pope Simon J. A. , Jenkins Robert L. , Ward Benjamin D.
Published: May 2016

The coordination chemistry of scandium supported by bis(oxazolinylphenyl)amide (R‐BOPA) ligands is reported. The R‐BOPA ligand is too sterically demanding to afford bis(amide) complexes [Sc(R‐BOPA){N(SiMe3)2}2], but reaction of the protio‐ligand with [Sc{N(SiMe3)2}2Cl(THF)] (1) afforded the mixed amido‐chloride complexes [Sc(R‐BOPA){N(SiMe3)2}Cl] (2). The selective reaction of the amido and chloride co‐ligands in 2 has been investigated; whilst the chloride ligand can be removed cleanly by metathesis, protonation of the N(SiMe3)2 ligand results in competitive protonation of the R‐BOPA ligand. The complexes [Sc(R‐BOPA)(CH2SiMe2Ph)2] (5) have been synthesised. Each R‐BOPA‐containing complex exists in two isomeric forms. The equilibrium has been investigated both experimentally and computationally, and the data suggest that a concerted rotation of the phenyl rings interconverts the two diastereomeric isomers. All of the R‐BOPA complexes were found to be luminescent; an analysis of the photophysics, aided by TD‐DFT calculations, suggests ligand‐centred luminescence with distinct emission lifetimes for each isomer.
A Design Process for a Customer Journey Map: A Case Study on Mobile Services
Authors: Moon Heekyung , Han Sung H. , Chun Jaemin , Hong Sang W.
Published: May 2016

A customer journey map (CJM) is a widely used tool to represent user experience with a service. Although numerous companies have used this tool to improve existing services or to develop new services, the maps are neither consistent nor mutually compatible because no clear design process for a CJM has been presented. This study aimed to develop a design process and rule sets for a CJM based on a human factors approach. The 10‐step process and the rule sets were built on case studies of 25 categories of mobile services. Large‐scale case studies were conducted with mobile service providers and combined with the result of a user diary method that collected users’ daily activities and the difficulties that the user perceived when performing a task. We suggested various methods for using the CJM to generate new service opportunities. The proposed design process and the way for opportunity discovery can help service designers to develop unified CJMs and to identify innovative service ideas.
Molecular recognition between insulin and dextran encapsulated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Kai‐Chieh , Chiang Hsiang‐Ling , Chiu Wei‐Ru , Chen Yu‐Chie
Published: May 2016

Insulin is a peptide hormone that can regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. This hormone is closely related to glucose‐uptake in cells and can control blood glucose levels. Dextran is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units. In this study, we discovered that dextran‐encapsulated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@Dextran) and nanoclusters (AuNCs@Dextran) can be used to recognize insulin. The dissociation constant of insulin toward AuNPs@Dextran was estimated to be ∼5.3 × 10−6 M. The binding site on insulin toward the dextran on the nanoprobes was explored as well. It was found that the sequence of numbers 1–22 on the insulin B chain can interact with the dextran encapsulated nanoprobes. Additionally, we also demonstrated that the dextran‐encapsulated nanoprobes could be used as concentration probes to selectively enrich trace amounts of insulin (∼1 pM) from serum samples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A persistent wintertime fog episode at Lisbon airport (Portugal): performance of ECMWF and AROME models
Authors: Belo‐Pereira Margarida , Santos J. A.
Published: May 2016

The 7–8 January 2015 persistent fog episode at Lisbon international airport is analysed. Its persistence was atypical of the local climate (second longest episode since 2004) and caused significant air traffic disruptions. Furthermore, the performance of two operational models (European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and Applications of Research to Operations at Mesoscale (AROME)) used at the Portuguese Weather Service is assessed not only for the selected fog episode, but also for the extended winters (November to March) of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. This episode developed under the following conditions: (1) the occurrence of a strong and persistent midwinter anticyclone over Iberia, driving favourable conditions for the formation of radiation fog; (2) a short interruption of the anticyclonic circulation by a kata‐cold front on the day before, favouring the development of fog/low stratus clouds, which persisted until dawn on 7 January over the Tagus valley; (3) low‐tropospheric easterly/northeasterly winds, favouring the drift of fog patches from the Tagus towards Lisbon. At the nearest grid point to Lisbon airport, both ECMWF and AROME were able to capture fog occurrence, but were unable to predict its persistence throughout the episode. Moreover, both models overestimated the 2 m temperature and dew point depression. Low cloud cover and horizontal visibility from ECMWF revealed higher skill in fog prediction than that derived from AROME. Nonetheless, a modified version of the Fog Stability Index based on AROME was proven to be a more skilful fog predictor, also outperforming other predictors based on ECMWF. These conclusions are also supported by an objective verification over a two‐winter period.
Late Toxicities of Intensity‐Modulated Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Lockney Natalie A. , Friedman Danielle Novetsky , Wexler Leonard H. , Sklar Charles A. , Casey Dana L. , Wolden Suzanne L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose/objectives

To examine the late effects of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck.

Materials/methods

All 1‐year survivors of pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma treated with IMRT at a single institution from 1999 to 2014 were assessed for long‐term complications. Late toxicities were graded according to CTCAE version 4.03.

Results

Among 30 patients, median age at IMRT was 7.4 (1.5–20.8) years, median follow‐up was 7.7 (1.2–14.4) years, and median IMRT dose was 50.4 (36–50.4) Gy. Tumor subsites included parameningeal (80%), orbit (13%), and other (7%). Common late toxicities were facial disfigurement (n = 23, 77%), growth hormone deficiency (n = 11, 37%), cataract (n = 10, 34%), and dental problems (n = 10, 33%). Twenty‐two patients (73%) had ≥2 late toxicities and 14 patients (47%) had ≥3 late toxicities. Seventeen patients (57%) experienced grade 2 toxicity and 10 patients (33%) had grade 3 toxicity. Grade 3 toxicities included visual disturbance, cataract, facial disfigurement, chronic sinusitis/otitis, and hearing loss. Severe facial deformity was noted in nine patients (30%), and three patients underwent cosmetic surgery. Patients with severe facial deformity were treated at younger ages (median 6.0 years vs. 8.1 years for patients with no/nonsevere facial deformity) and more likely to have infratemporal fossa tumors. There were no secondary solid malignancies.

Conclusions

Late radiation toxicities are common in survivors of pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma treated with IMRT. While the majority of late effects are mild–moderate, they can significantly impact quality of life, particularly facial disfigurement.
Why inter-agency operations break down: US counterterrorism in comparative perspective
Authors: Foley Frank
Published: May 2016

While US counterterrorism has improved in many respects since the attacks of 11 September 2001, there have still been turf battles and many cases of inadequate coordination between security agencies, which have had damaging effects on intelligence work and operations against terrorist groups. Why, more than 14 years after 9/11, do US inter-agency operations still break down in this manner? By comparing the United States with the United Kingdom, this article provides a new explanation for the deficiencies in the American response. It shows how US inter-agency conflict has negative operational consequences and draws a contrast with the British security agencies, which tend to be more closely integrated and refrain from engaging in major turf battles. I argue that the differences between the cases stem from a combination of distinct institutions and different organisational routines in the US and UK. In the United States, divided national institutions and the informal routines of its security agencies have proved problematic for joint operations and intelligence work. The article also critiques some influential existing accounts of US inter-agency counterterrorism, which emphasise bureaucratic politics or organisational culture, and shows how such perspectives can produce unrealistic policy recommendations. A focus on the deep-seated routines and institutions of the United States leads one to be more sceptical about the prospects for meaningful organisational reform.
Visuospatial planning in unmedicated major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder: distinct and common neural correlates
Authors: Rive M. M. , Koeter M. W. J. , Veltman D. J. , Schene A. H. , Ruhé H. G.
Published: May 2016

Background

Cognitive impairments are an important feature of both remitted and depressed major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). In particular, deficits in executive functioning may hamper everyday functioning. Identifying the neural substrates of impaired executive functioning would improve our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying these disorders, and may eventually aid in discriminating between MDD and BD, which is often difficult during depression and remission. To date, mostly medicated MDD and BD subjects have been investigated, which may have influenced results. Therefore, we investigated executive functioning in medication-free depressed and remitted MDD and BD subjects.

Method

We used the Tower of London (ToL) visuospatial planning task to assess behavioural performance and blood oxygen-level dependent responses in 35 healthy controls, 21 remitted MDD, 23 remitted BD, 19 depressed MDD and nine depressed BD subjects.

Results

Visuospatial planning per se was associated with increased frontostriatal activity in depressed BD compared to depressed MDD. In addition, post-hoc analyses indicated that visuospatial planning load was associated with increased parietal activity in depressed compared to remitted subjects, and BD compared to MDD subjects. Task performance did not significantly differ between groups.

Conclusions

More severely affected, medication-free mood disorder patients require greater parietal activity to perform in visuospatial planning, which may be compensatory to maintain relatively normal performance. State-dependent frontostriatal hyperactivity during planning may be a specific BD characteristic, providing clues for further characterization of differential pathophysiology in MDD v. BD. This could potentially provide a biomarker to aid in the differentiation of these disorders.
A comparative study of elastic motions in trajectory tracking of flexible RPR planar manipulators moving with high speed
Authors: Firoozabadi Amirhossein Eshaghiyeh , Ebrahimi Saeed , Font-Llagunes Josep M.
Published: May 2016

The study of inertial forces effects at high speeds in flexible parallel manipulators, which generate undesired deviations, is a challenging task due to the coupled and complicated equations of motion. A dynamic model of the Revolute Prismatic Revolute (RPR) planar manipulators (specifically 3-RPR, 2-RPR and 1-RPR) with flexible intermediate links is developed based on the assumed mode method. The flexible intermediate links are modeled as Euler-Bernoulli beams with fixed-free boundary conditions. Using the Lagrange multipliers, a generalized set of differential algebraic equations (DAEs) of motion is developed. In the simulations, the rigid body motion of the end-effector is constrained by some moving constraint equations while the vibrations of the flexible intermediate links cause deviations from the desired trajectory. From this analysis, the dynamic performance of the manipulators when tracking a desired trajectory is evaluated. A comparison of the results indicates that in some cases, adding each extra RPR chain in the n-RPR planar manipulators with flexible intermediate links reduces the stiffness and accuracy due to the inertial forces of the flexible links, which is opposite to what would be expected. The study provides insights to the design, control and suitable selection of the flexible manipulators.
Efficacy of Fluidized Bed Bioartificial Liver in Treating Fulminant Hepatic Failure in Pigs: A Metabolomics Study
Authors: Zhou Pengcheng , Shao Li , Zhao Lifu , Lv Guoliang , Pan Xiaoping , Zhang Anye , Li Jianzhou , Zhou Ning , Chen Deying , Li Lanjuan
Published: May 2016

Bioartificial livers may act as a promising therapy for fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) with better accessibility and less injury compared to orthotopic liver transplantation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fluidized bed bioartificial liver (FBBAL) and to explore its therapeutic mechanisms based on metabolomics. FHF was induced by D-galactosamine. Eighteen hours later, pigs were treated with an FBBAL containing encapsulated primary porcine hepatocytes (B group), with a sham FBBAL (containing cell-free capsules, S group) or with only intensive care (C group) for 6 h. Serum samples were assayed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The difference in survival time (51.6 ± 7.9 h vs. 49.3 ± 6.6 h) and serum metabolome was negligible between the S and C groups, whereas FBBAL treatment significantly prolonged survival time (70.4 ± 11.5h, P < 0.01) and perturbed the serum metabolome, resulting in a marked decrease in phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelinase, and fatty acids and an increase in conjugated bile acids. The FBBAL exhibits some liver functions and may exert its therapeutic effect by altering the serum metabolome of FHF pigs. Moreover, alginate–chitosan capsules have less influence on serum metabolites. Nevertheless, the alterations were not universally beneficial, revealing that much should be done to improve the FBBAL.
Subtle reproductive impairment through nitric oxide-mediated mechanisms in sea urchins from an area affected by harmful algal blooms
Authors: Migliaccio Oriana , Castellano Immacolata , Di Cioccio Davide , Tedeschi Gabriella , Negri Armando , Cirino Paola , Romano Giovanna , Zingone Adriana , Palumbo Anna
Published: May 2016

The health of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, a key species in the Mediterranean Sea, is menaced by several pressures in coastal environments. Here, we aimed at assessing the reproductive ability of apparently healthy P. lividus population in a marine protected area affected by toxic blooms of Ostreospsis cf. ovata. Wide-ranging analyses were performed in animals collected prior to and during the bloom, as well as at several times thereafter, during the reproductive season. Adults showed a low fertilization rate, along with high nitric oxide (NO) levels in the gonads and the nitration of the major yolk protein toposome, which is an important player in sea urchin development. Serious developmental anomalies were observed in the progeny, which persist several months after the bloom. NO levels were high in the different developmental stages, which also showed variations in the transcription of several genes that were found to be directly or indirectly modulated by NO. These results highlight subtle but important reproductive flaws transmitted from the female gonads to the offspring with the NO involvement. Despite a recovery along time after the bloom, insidious damages can be envisaged in the local sea urchin population, with possible reverberation on the whole benthic system.
In actio optophysiological analyses reveal functional diversification of dopaminergic neurons in the nematode C. elegans
Authors: Tanimoto Yuki , Zheng Ying Grace , Fei Xianfeng , Fujie Yukako , Hashimoto Koichi , Kimura Koutarou D.
Published: May 2016

Many neuronal groups such as dopamine-releasing (dopaminergic) neurons are functionally divergent, although the details of such divergence are not well understood. Dopamine in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans modulates various neural functions and is released from four left-right pairs of neurons. The terminal identities of these dopaminergic neurons are regulated by the same genetic program, and previous studies have suggested that they are functionally redundant. In this study, however, we show functional divergence within the dopaminergic neurons of C. elegans. Because dopaminergic neurons of the animals were supposedly activated by mechanical stimulus upon entry into a lawn of their food bacteria, we developed a novel integrated microscope system that can auto-track a freely-moving (in actio) C. elegans to individually monitor and stimulate the neuronal activities of multiple neurons. We found that only head-dorsal pair of dopaminergic neurons (CEPD), but not head-ventral or posterior pairs, were preferentially activated upon food entry. In addition, the optogenetic activation of CEPD neurons alone exhibited effects similar to those observed upon food entry. Thus, our results demonstrated functional divergence in the genetically similar dopaminergic neurons, which may provide a new entry point toward understanding functional diversity of neurons beyond genetic terminal identification.
Functional analysis of the N-terminal basic motif of a eukaryotic satellite RNA virus capsid protein in replication and packaging
Authors: Sivanandam Venkatesh , Mathews Deborah , Garmann Rees , Erdemci-Tandogan Gonca , Zandi Roya , Rao A. L. N.
Published: May 2016

Efficient replication and assembly of virus particles are integral to the establishment of infection. In addition to the primary role of the capsid protein (CP) in encapsidating the RNA progeny, experimental evidence on positive sense single-stranded RNA viruses suggests that the CP also regulates RNA synthesis. Here, we demonstrate that replication of Satellite tobacco mosaic virus (STMV) is controlled by the cooperative interaction between STMV CP and the helper virus (HV) Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) replicase. We identified that the STMV CP-HV replicase interaction requires a positively charged residue at the third position (3R) in the N-terminal 13 amino acid (aa) motif. Far-Northwestern blotting showed that STMV CP promotes binding between HV-replicase and STMV RNA. An STMV CP variant having an arginine to alanine substitution at position 3 in the N-terminal 13aa motif abolished replicase-CP binding. The N-terminal 13aa motif of the CP bearing alanine substitutions for positively charged residues located at positions 5, 7, 10 and 11 are defective in packaging full-length STMV, but can package a truncated STMV RNA lacking the 3′ terminal 150 nt region. These findings provide insights into the mechanism underlying the regulation of STMV replication and packaging.
Ionic Conduction in Lithium Ion Battery Composite Electrode Governs Cross-sectional Reaction Distribution
Authors: Orikasa Yuki , Gogyo Yuma , Yamashige Hisao , Katayama Misaki , Chen Kezheng , Mori Takuya , Yamamoto Kentaro , Masese Titus , Inada Yasuhiro , Ohta Toshiaki , Siroma Zyun , Kato Shiro , Kinoshita Hajime , Arai Hajime , Ogumi Zempachi , Uchimoto Yoshiharu
Published: May 2016

Composite electrodes containing active materials, carbon and binder are widely used in lithium-ion batteries. Since the electrode reaction occurs preferentially in regions with lower resistance, reaction distribution can be happened within composite electrodes. We investigate the relationship between the reaction distribution with depth direction and electronic/ionic conductivity in composite electrodes with changing electrode porosities. Two dimensional X-ray absorption spectroscopy shows that the reaction distribution is happened in lower porosity electrodes. Our developed 6-probe method can measure electronic/ionic conductivity in composite electrodes. The ionic conductivity is decreased for lower porosity electrodes, which governs the reaction distribution of composite electrodes and their performances.
Genetically diverse CC-founder mouse strains replicate the human influenza gene expression signature
Authors: Elbahesh Husni , Schughart Klaus
Published: May 2016

Influenza A viruses (IAV) are zoonotic pathogens that pose a major threat to human and animal health. Influenza virus disease severity is influenced by viral virulence factors as well as individual differences in host response. We analyzed gene expression changes in the blood of infected mice using a previously defined set of signature genes that was derived from changes in the blood transcriptome of IAV-infected human volunteers. We found that the human signature was reproduced well in the founder strains of the Collaborative Cross (CC) mice, thus demonstrating the relevance and importance of mouse experimental model systems for studying human influenza disease.
Alkoxysilyl functionalized polynorbornenes with enhanced selectivity for heavy hydrocarbon separations
Authors: Sundell Benjamin J. , Lawrence III John A. , Harrigan Daniel J. , Vaughn Justin T. , Pilyugina Tatiana S. , Smith Daniel R.
Published: May 2016

Ethoxy substitution crosslinked and enhanced transport properties in novel ROMP and addition-type polynorbornenes for reverse-selectivity, heavy-hydrocarbon separations.
Kernel locality‐constrained sparse coding for head pose estimation
Authors: Kim Hyunduk , Sohn Myoung‐Kyu , Kim Dong‐Ju , Lee Sang‐Heon
Published: May 2016

In many situations, it would be practical for a computer system user interface to have a model of where a person is looking and what the user is paying attention to. In this study, the authors describe a novel feature coding method for head pose estimation. The widely‐used sparse coding (SC) method encodes a test sample using a sparse linear combination of training samples. However, it does not consider the underlying structure of the data in the feature space. In contrast, locality‐constrained linear coding (LLC) utilises locality constraints to project each input data into its local‐coordinate system. Based on the recent success of LLC, the authors introduce locality‐constrained sparse coding (LSC) to overcome the limitation of Sparse Coding. The authors also propose kernel locality‐constrained sparse coding, which is a non‐linear extension of LSC. By using kernel tricks, the authors implicitly map the input data into the kernel feature space associated with the kernel function. In experiments, the proposed algorithm was applied to a head pose estimation application. Experimental results demonstrated the increased effectiveness and robustness of the method.
Nontyphoidal Salmonellosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection, and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Piggott Damani A. , Carroll Karen C. , Lim Michael , Melia Michael T.
Published: May 2016

Nontyphoidal Salmonella infection and stroke are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with increased risk in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population. We report a rare case of ischemic stroke associated with Salmonella enteritidis subdural empyema in an older HIV-infected patient with multimorbidity, despite surgery and treatment with susceptible antimicrobial drugs.
Lateral Column of the Foot Arthroplasty With Interpositional Fascia Lata Graft: A New Technique
Authors: Hood Christopher R. , Hoffman Scott M. , Miller J. Michael
Published: May 2016

Tarsometatarsal reconstruction is common after a traumatic event as joint pain develops and progresses to chronic arthritis. Often, the surgeon elects to reconstruct the foot, performing arthrodesis of the medial, middle, and lateral columns. However, debate exists regarding whether lateral column reconstruction should consist of arthrodesis or arthroplasty at this joint level. This is attributed to the greater amount of motion present to the lateral versus the medial and middle columns. Although many sources advocate joint salvage through arthroplasty, few techniques are described in the literature as to how to accomplish this. We present a review of the literature pertaining to lateral column arthroplasty as well as a technique performed by the authors utilizing a tensor fascia lata allograft as an interpositional spacer after joint resection. The senior author has used this technique with great success for many years.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 4. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
D-(−)-2-Azaniumyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetate: an orthorhombic polymorph
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Yu Yuzhen , Li Zhanjun , Li Wen
Published: May 2016

The title compound, C8H9NO3, is the zwitterionic form of D-(−)-4-hydroxyphenylglycine. The plane of the hydroxybenzene ring is inclined at an angle of 88.89 (5)° to the best-fit plane through the five non-H atoms of the aminoacetate substituent. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules, forming a three-dimensional network. Weak C—H...π interactions are also observed.
3′,6′-Bis(diethylamino)-2-(prop-2-ynyl)spiro[isoindoline-1,9′-xanthen]-3-one
Authors: Naaz Y. Aamina , Savithri Jothinathan Sathiya , Rajakumar Perumal , SubbiahPandi A.
Published: May 2016

In the title compound, C31H33N3O2, the spiropyrrolidine ring has a twisted conformation on the Cspiro—N bond, whereas the tetrahydropyran ring adopts a sofa confirmation. The spiro joined fragments are almost orthogonal, with a dihedral angle of 89.1 (2)° between the mean planes of the pyrrolidine and tetrahydropyran rings. In the diethylamine group, the ethanamine portion is disordered over the two positions, with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.73 (1):0.27 (1). In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(10) ring motif. The dimers are linked by further C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming slabs parallel to (100).
(3,5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)(phenyl)methanone
Authors: Wang Fengzhen , Peng Songsong , Yue Mingbo , Zhu Ruitao
Published: May 2016

In the title molecule, C13H13NO, the dihedral angle between phenyl and pyrrole rings is 57.2 (1)°. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules, forming chains propagating along thebaxis.
5-Bromo-1-nonylindoline-2,3-dione
Authors: Kharbach Yassine , Haoudi Amal , Capet Frédéric , Mazzah Ahmed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: May 2016

In the title compound, C17H22BrNO2, the indoline ring system, the two ketone O atoms and the Br atom are nearly coplanar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.029 Å. The indoline ring system makes a dihedral angle of 70.64 (7)° with the mean plane through the nonyl chain, which has an extended conformation. In the crystal, molecules pack in a herringbone arrangement. They are linked by two strong and two weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming slabs parallel to (010).
Causal link between insulin‐like growth factor 1 and growth in nestlings of a wild passerine bird
Authors: Lodjak Jaanis , Mägi Marko , Sild Elin , Mänd Raivo
Published: May 2016

Life history of animals is strongly linked with the variability in postnatal growth rates, because the ability to achieve necessary body mass early in life is directly connected with the ability to survive and reproduce later in life. Surprisingly, little is known about the physiological mechanisms connecting food availability with the variability of growth in wild animals.

We used a hormonal injection treatment in free‐living nestlings of the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca). In doing this, we aimed to see how their plasma insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) levels and its mediation of growth rate vary in response to administration of exogenous IGF‐1 during the early period of postnatal development.

We showed that the levels of IGF‐1 as well as growth rate and body size, in terms of body mass and tarsus length, were significantly higher in IGF‐1‐injected nestlings, compared with those in the control group. These differences became especially pronounced from day 7 post‐hatch onwards during the 13‐day nestling period. Additionally, the proportional investment into growth was more profoundly downregulated in IGF‐1‐injected nestlings at the end of the nestling period, which achieved fledging size earlier, compared with control nestlings.

Our results are the first to highlight IGF‐1 as the causal link between growth conditions and variability of growth rate and body size in wild vertebrates. Interestingly, the change in IGF‐1 levels also showed a plausible, distinct adaptive age‐ and physical maturity‐dependent pattern in nestlings to match the benefits gained by them when investing in growth, with the cost endured during the early days of postnatal development to maximize their fitness. Therefore, this mechanism might be among those mediating the maintenance of genetic variability in growth rates in populations, presumably regardless of the presence of strong directional selection acting upon them.

A Lay Summary is available for this article.
Subjectification in Times of Indebtedness and Neoliberal/Austerity Urbanism
Authors: Di Feliciantonio Cesare
Published: May 2016

How can we analyse the (re)emergence of squatting in relation to the current housing crisis in Italy? Centred on the case of Rome, the paper theorizes this return as resulting from processes of subjectification in the housing sector linked to the raising of indebtedness as a main dispositif of capitalism under neoliberal/austerity urbanism agendas. The political economy‐oriented literature on neoliberal/austerity urbanism is bridged with the post‐Marxist approach of Maurizio Lazzarato. Debt is seen as the archetype of social relations, shaping and controlling subjectivities, making the “work on yourself” essential to the reproduction of (indebted) society. However, given the circular nature of power, indebtedness can be generative of new processes of subjectification aimed at subverting the same power relation. In this sense, the paper operationalizes the conceptualization of Foucauldian subjectification recently proposed by Judith Revel, emphasizing how subjectification always results from (1) an action/gesture and (2) a consequent deconstruction of the identity.
Design Aspect of Scraper Blade Assembly for Enhancing Film Heat Transfer Coefficient of Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger
Authors: Juyal Dhruv , Sawhney I.K. , Dodeja A.K. , Minz P.S.
Published: May 2016

Scraped surface heat exchangers (SSHEs) are known for thermal processing of viscous food products. Heat transfer coefficient is one of the main parameter which influences the performance of processing liquid products in SSHE. The present study was undertaken to determine the film heat transfer coefficient for different blade assembly configurations. Milk was concentrated from 15 to 26% total solids using SSHE. Effect of number of blades (2, 4, 6), weight of blades (1.6, 1.75, 2.0 kg) and rotor speed (150, 175, 200 rpm) was investigated on scraped film heat transfer coefficient (hs) using Response Surface Methodology. The results showed that hs increased linearly with increase in number of blades as well as rotor speed and that it was inversely related to blade weight. The hs varied from 695.3 to 1,415.4 W/m2K. The study was helpful in determining the design factors affecting film heat transfer coefficient of SSHE.

Practical Applications

In many of the earlier studies on SSHE, effect of scraper speed, flow rate or the number of blades has been individually studied. Therefore, effort was made to study the combined effect of these parameters. This article gives important insights on the design aspect of rotor blade assembly for thin film SSHE.
IMPROVEMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE RELATIONSHIPS: CULTURAL THEORY AND INSTITUTIONAL WORK
Authors: SIMMONS RICHARD
Published: May 2016

This article examines the influence of cultural‐institutional factors on user–provider relationships in public services. Using Grid‐Group Cultural Theory (CT) as a way to structure the complexity of public service relationships, the article considers the extent to which public services are attuned to users' relational concerns. This analysis shows particular tensions between how users think the service ‘should be’ compared with how they think the service ‘actually is’. Additional study evidence is used to assess these findings; in particular, the effects of different patterns of compatibility on both the perceived quality of public service relationships and the value added by this. Finally, relationships between ‘good opportunities’ for user voice and the above results are discussed. In response, opportunities for improvement are identified (within the institutional work done by public service organizations), and the implications for the relative value of CT analysis are discussed.
A role for loop G in the β1 strand in GABAA receptor activation
Authors: Baptista‐Hon Daniel T. , Krah Alexander , Zachariae Ulrich , Hales Tim G.
Published: May 2016

Key points

The role of the β1 strand in GABAA receptor function is unclear. It lies anti‐parallel to the β2 strand, which is known to participate in receptor activation.

Molecular dynamics simulation revealed solvent accessible residues within the β1 strand of the GABAA β3 homopentamer that might be amenable to analysis using the substituted Cys accessibility method.

Cys substitutions from Asp43 to Thr47 in the GABAA α1 subunit showed that D43C and T47C reduced the apparent potency of GABA. F45C caused a biphasic GABA concentration–response relationship and increased spontaneous gating.

Cys43 and Cys47 were accessible to 2‐aminoethyl methanethiosulphonate (MTSEA) modification, whereas Cys45 was not. Both GABA and the allosteric agonist propofol reduced MTSEA modification of Cys43 and Cys47.

By contrast, modification of Cys64 in the β2 strand loop D was impeded by GABA but unaffected by propofol.

These data reveal movement of β1 strand loop G residues during agonist activation of the GABAA receptor.

The GABAA receptor α subunit β1 strand runs anti‐parallel to the β2 strand, which contains loop D, known to participate in receptor activation and agonist binding. However, a role for the β1 strand has yet to be established. We used molecular dynamics simulation to quantify the solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of β1 strand residues in the GABAA β3 homopentamer structure. Residues in the complementary interface equivalent to those between Asp43 and Thr47 in the α1 subunit have an alternating pattern of high and low SASA consistent with a β strand structure. We investigated the functional role of these β1 strand residues in the α1 subunit by individually replacing them with Cys residues. D43C and T47C substitutions reduced the apparent potency of GABA at α1β2γ2 receptors by 50‐fold and eight‐fold, respectively, whereas the F45C substitution caused a biphasic GABA concentration–response relationship and increased spontaneous gating. Receptors with D43C or T47C substitutions were sensitive to 2‐aminoethyl methanethiosulphonate (MTSEA) modification. However, GABA‐evoked currents mediated by α1(F45C)β2γ2 receptors were unaffected by MTSEA, suggesting that this residue is inaccessible. Both GABA and the allosteric agonist propofol reduced MTSEA modification of α1(D43C)β2γ2 and α1(T47C)β2γ2 receptors, indicating movement of the β1 strand even during allosteric activation. This is in contrast to α1(F64C)β2γ2 receptors, where only GABA, but not propofol, reduced MTSEA modification. These findings provide the first functional evidence for movement of the β1 strand during gating of the receptor and identify residues that are critical for maintaining GABAA receptor function.
Social work at Whakatipuria Teen Parent Unit
Authors: Dale Michael
Published: May 2016

A formative evaluation of social work services at Whakatipuria Teen Parent Unit (TPU) was undertaken to improve the delivery of social work support services in order to maintain and enhance the achievement of student outcomes. The views of participants were sought regarding the nature and purpose of social work support in the TPU context, and how this support could be improved. The findings presented are consistent with research that demonstrates that teen mothers respond positively to wrap-around support at their high school. Two substantive conclusions are drawn from the research. First, that a relatively high degree of consensus exists among key stakeholders regarding: (a) the purpose of social work services (i.e. that they contribute to educational achievement, social skills development and outcomes for children); and (b) the range of tasks associated with this service (i.e. advocacy, counselling and family intervention/support). Second, there was less clarity regarding the social work practice framework that informs the delivery of social work services. While there was evidence of core social work practice approaches/models (e.g. a holistic approach and strengths-based practice), a strong, shared understanding did not emerge from the responses of participants. It is suggested that a review of the foundational social work practice framework be completed with a focus on models of assessment and intervention, and joint planning protocols between the social worker and teachers.
Enhancing engagement in CAMHS
Authors: Appleby Joanna , Phillips Deb
Published: May 2016

Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are tasked with working with young people with moderate-severe mental health needs. However, for many of those young people who are in most need, there are several barriers to engaging with CAMHS. These barriers can be environmental, cultural and psychological.For CAMHS to provide effective services, these barriers must be addressed by both clinicians (including social workers) and referrers. A review of the literature suggests engagement interventions that target all levels of barriers, providing an ecological approach to enhancing engagement. New Zealand CAMHS are trying new initiatives to improve access rates. Social work values of choice, self-determination and collaboration underpin these interventions.
What’s happening in Taranaki? Social workers and the environment
Authors: Pitt Lesley
Published: May 2016

Climate change is altering our physical world (Alston 2013; Gray, Coates & Hetherington 2013; Dominelli 2012; Hetherington & Boddy 2013; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC] 2012) and forcing us to consider the way we live with Papa-tūā-nuku. Globally, nationally and locally we are forced to consider 'green’ issues as a result of climate change (Alston 2013; Coates 2004; Coates 2003; Gray, Coates & Hetherington 2013; IPCC 2012). The International Federation of Social Workers (2013: 4) state, ‘…the last twenty years has demonstrated as never before the inter-dependence of life on the globe’, and advocate for social workers recognising the importance of the natural world in their work. This article considers what this means for social workers in Taranaki.
The engagement phase of Wraparound Systems of Care
Authors: Kirkwood Tauke
Published: May 2016

This is a brief introduction to the Engagement Phase of the Wraparound Systems of Care kaupapa and its connection to Te Triti o Waitangi principles which underpin the work of the Intensive Clinical Support Service in the Child & Adolescent Team at Waitemata District Health Board.
Prepared to die: A reflection on responding appropriately to complex questions
Authors: Kendall Stewart
Published: May 2016

This article is a reflective journey of my own ‘in-the-moment’ response to a client’s question about how to appropriately respond to a terminal diagnosis. A brief summary is provided of the way I responded to this situation, followed by an exploration of other ways that I may have been able to respond that could have been more appropriate to the client’s needs. My reflection proceeds to incorporate general ideas of how social workers can respond to challenging questions and situations.
‘Is a funeral a right?‘ Exploring indigent funerals from social work perspectives
Authors: Thompson Phillipa , Yeung Polly
Published: May 2016

Research shows that funerals take place in a tension between the desire for a meaningful event and the reality of cost. Every culture has traditions for marking life‘s end and this must include responses to people who die indigent (without resources). This study takes place in the context of current welfare debates and the growing aging population which will require increasing numbers of people to organise and fund funerals. Yet funeral poverty and funeral welfare policy are an under-researched element of the welfare debate. In Aotearoa New Zealand some assistance with costs is available from the Government through Work and Income New Zealand or the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). However, grants are not designed to meet the full cost of a funeral. It is expected that family and/or friends will meet the remaining costs, but there are times when there is no one able or willing to do this. This exploratory study interviewed four professionals (two social workers, one community worker and a funeral director) who had taken responsibility for arranging an indigent funeral, in order to explore their motivations and experiences. Findings from the participants revealed that the level of current government support is inadequate; however, they also suggested that communities may need to take more responsibility for funerals, particularly for vulnerable population groups. Social workers can play a role both by initiat- ing conversations about funerals with clients and advocating for enhanced access to funeral services and grants to prevent the increase of funeral poverty
Prevalence and associated factors of elder abuse in a community-dwelling population of Aotearoa New Zealand: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yeung Polly , Cooper Lareen , Dale Michael
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of elder abuse in a representative sample of older people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Analysis was conducted on responses from the second wave of the New Zealand Longitu- dinal Study of Ageing (NZLSA) omnibus survey of 3,923 adults aged 50-87 years. Using the elder mistreatment screening questions, the sample was split between those who identified of having experienced elder abuse (n = 529) and those who did not (n = 2417) from a large population-based study to compare on 19 variables (i.e. age, gender, marital status, living arrangement, education levels, ethnicity, personal income, total number of health conditions, physical health, mental health, ability to get around, economic wellbeing, loneliness, social and emotional loneliness, depression, happiness, satisfaction with life and quality of life). Significant differences were found on 16 of the variables assessed. Results suggested that those who have experienced elder abuse had a higher level of loneliness and poor economic wellbeing. They were more likely to experience depression, have poorer mental health and be less happy. The experience of abuse had significant impact on their satisfaction with life and overall quality of life. A better understanding of these risk factors associated with elder abuse in aging population will assist with both prevention and intervention.
Reflections on the new Scottish innovative child protection system
Authors: Agnew Robyn
Published: May 2016

This paper reflects on my work in Scotland in child protection during 2009 and 2010. It reflects on the Scotland I discovered and The Highlands I worked in. It describes recent innovative political decisions that have informed social work practice across all professions and government departments. It describes the implementation of an essentially simple system, which provides support for every child in need, specific to that need. It is a system that could positively inform the further development of child protection in New Zealand. Given the current plan to seek ways to ‘modernise’ Child Youth and Family (CYF), this paper seeks to encourage a debate on the merits of this path-finding Scottish solution to their political, social, ethnic and professional barriers, which could also produce positive outcomes for children in New Zealand (Tolley, 2015). It describes the overlaying of this approach on top of a professional workforce, despite the silo bureaucracy of service delivery and regardless of professional jealousies protecting individual professions. It describes the responsibilities of all who interact with children and sets certain overlying responsibilities for ‘named’ persons. In this way the responsibilities for the protection of children is moved from the realm of the social work profession, which is overloaded, as it is currently in New Zealand, and applied directly to all professions that interact with children. The Scots have produced a reliable system which strengthens protective mechanisms at the point of service delivery to the child. This in turn develops a reliable and accountable protective society, in which children in need are identified early and supported throughout their contact with different services. The goal is an on-going intervention that can achieve change for the child and allow the child to reach their potential. It is an aspirational system of care, aiming for development of innate potential. I reflect on the system and the safety it provided to myself as a social worker, the relief of ‘sharing’ child protection responsibilities with all other professions and the clarity of roles which defines this system.
Editorial: Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work rebooted: Open access and the intellectual commons
Authors: Ballantyne Neil , Lowe Simon
Published: May 2016

This issue of the journal marks a new stage in the continuing journey of Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work: this is our first open access issue and all journal content will now be freely available to anyone in the world from our new journal website (http://anzswjournal.nz). By taking this step we are contributing to a worldwide open access movement and to the foundation of an intellectual commons where the fruits of academic labour are available to all.
First principles calculations of formation energies and elastic constants of inclusions α-Al2O3, MgO and AlN in aluminum alloy
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang Yuanchun , Xiao Zhengbing , Yang Chuge , Reng Xianwei
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the formation energies and elastic constants of [Formula: see text]-Al2O3, MgO and AlN in both rock salt (cubic) and wurtzite (hexagonal) structures were investigated by first principles calculations. The results show that the formation energy being −17.8, −6.3, −3.06 and −3.46 eV/formula unit for [Formula: see text]-Al2O3, MgO, AlN (rock salt) and AlN (wurtzite). It suggests that in the ground state, [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 is relatively more stable than MgO and AlN. The elastic properties for a polycrystalline in the ground state were calculated with the obtained elastic constants, the elastic properties reveal the rock salt structure AlN is the hardest particles among all the inclusions, and all of these inclusions are classified as brittle materials, which is detrimental to the ductile nature of aluminum matrix. The calculated anisotropy index shows that the AlN (wurtzite) and [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 have a lower degree of anisotropy compared with MgO and AlN (rock salt). The calculated results are in good agreement with the values of experimental and other works.