bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Politics of Language in Manchukuo: Hinata Nobuo and Gu Ding
Authors: AGNEW JUNKO
Published: June 2014

This article explores the language politics of Manchukuo and the implications reflected in the literary texts of the Japanese writer Hinata Nobuo and the Chinese writer Gu Ding. Through the close examination of communicative failures, such as lexical misunderstandings, linguistic barriers, lies, and rumours in Hinata Nobuo's ‘The Eighth Switching Point’ and Gu Ding's ‘The Wilds’, this article illustrates the authors’ different responses to the impact of this language politics. While both authors were aware of the mutable nature of language, Hinata perceived the Japanese language as a symbol of colonial power and thus the miscommunications between Japanese and Chinese in his story address the ethnic hierarchy embedded in language in the specific context of Manchukuo. Gu Ding, on the other hand, did not see language as a defining element of the culture of a nation, and therefore tried to construct a new type of language and community that were not restricted by the discursive notions of the Chinese and Japanese nations. Gu Ding's primary concern was the modernization of his native place and, to him, adherence to traditional language forms was insignificant and deleterious.
State tax subsidies to bolster the long-term care insurance market
Authors: Nixon David C.
Published: June 2014

This paper examines long-term care insurance sales to assess whether state income tax subsidies are effective in encouraging the private purchase of long-term care insurance. Drawing from the most comprehensive available sales data on long-term care insurance policies, cross-state and over-time variation in sales data during the late 1990s and early 2000s are analysed. This analysis uses a panel model with fixed effects controls for potential endogeneity between state provision of tax subsidies and actual sales of long-term care insurance policies. Income, health and family support factors are significant determinants in the sale of long-term care insurance, but the tax incentives provided by many state governments do not induce any more sales of long-term care insurance than could be expected without such incentives. These costly subsidies have not been prudent uses of public dollars, and have not helped states cope with the challenge of long-term care costs.
INTRODUCTION TO MACROECONOMIC DYNAMICS SPECIAL ISSUE ON COMPLEXITY IN ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
Authors: Serletis Apostolos
Published: June 2014

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, questions have been raised regarding the value and applicability of modern macroeconomics. Motivated by these developments and recent advances in dynamical systems theory, the papers in this special issue of Macroeconomic Dynamics deal with specific aspects of the economy as a complex evolving dynamic system.
Direct detection of exoplanets in the 3–10 μm range with E-ELT/METIS
Authors: Quanz Sascha P. , Crossfield Ian , Meyer Michael R. , Schmalzl Eva , Held Jenny
Published: June 2014

We quantify the scientific potential for exoplanet imaging with the mid-infrared E-ELT Imager and Spectrograph (METIS) foreseen as one of the instruments of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). We focus on two main science cases: (1) the direct detection of known gas giant planets found by radial velocity (RV) searches; and (2) the direct detection of small (1–4 R⊕) planets around the nearest stars. Under the assumptions made in our modelling, in particular on the achievable inner working angle and sensitivity, our analyses reveal that within a reasonable amount of observing time METIS is able to image >20 already known, RV-detected planets in at least one filter. Many more suitable planets with dynamically determined masses are expected to be found in the coming years with the continuation of RV-surveys and the results from the GAIA astrometry mission. In addition, by extrapolating the statistics for close-in planets found by Kepler, we expect METIS might detect ≈10 small planets with equilibrium temperatures between 200 and 500 K around the nearest stars. This means that (1) METIS will help constrain atmospheric models for gas giant planets by determining for a sizable sample their luminosity, temperature and orbital inclination; and (2) METIS might be the first instrument to image a nearby (super-) Earth-sized planet with an equilibrium temperature near that expected to enable liquid water on a planet surface.
The relevance of the Fundamental Principles to operations: learning from Lebanon
Authors: O'Callaghan Sorcha , Leach Leslie
Published: June 2014

Many aid agencies and commentators suggest that humanitarian principles are of little value to the humanitarian crises of today. However, through profiling the experience of the Lebanese Red Cross, this article highlights the enduring value and impact of the application of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Fundamental Principles as effective operational tools for acceptance, access and safety. Having suffered a series of security incidents during the civil war and subsequent disturbances and tensions, this National Society deliberately sought to increase its acceptance amongst different groups. One of the approaches used was the systematic operational application of the Fundamental Principles. Today, the Lebanese Red Cross is the only public service and Lebanese humanitarian actor with access throughout the country. This article seeks to address the relative absence of attention to how humanitarian organisations apply humanitarian principles in practice – and their responsibility and accountability to do so – by describing the systematic approach of the Lebanese Red Cross.
Dynamic covalent assembly of tribenzotriquinacenes into molecular cubes
Authors: Klotzbach Stefanie , Scherpf Thorsten , Beuerle Florian
Published: June 2014

Molecular cubes constructed from catechol-functionalized tribenzotriquinacenes and 1,4-phenylene diboronic acids were synthesized in a one-pot procedure by crosslinking 20 individual components through a dynamic covalent approach.
Enhanced photocatalytic water oxidation efficiency with Ni(OH)2 catalysts deposited on α-Fe2O3via ALD
Authors: Young Kelley M. H. , Hamann Thomas W.
Published: June 2014

Photoelectrochemical conditioning of ALD NiO produces a Ni(OH)2 water oxidation catalyst which dramatically improves the performance of iron oxide electrodes.
From π-expanded coumarins to π-expanded pentacenes
Authors: Węcławski Marek K. , Tasior Mariusz , Hammann Tommy , Cywiński Piotr J. , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: June 2014

Dihydroxyanthraquinone can be transformed into head-to-tail bis-coumarins which undergo photo-dehydrogenative coupling leading to coronene derivatives.
Catalytic conversion of aryl triazenes into aryl sulfonamides using sulfur dioxide as the sulfonyl source
Authors: Li Wanfang , Beller Matthias , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: June 2014

Gaseous sulfur dioxide was incorporated into triazenes to form various sulfonamides, catalyzed by boron trifluoride and copper chloride.
Blending conjugated polymers without phase separation for fluorescent colour tuning of polymeric materials through FRET
Authors: Pan Chengjun , Sugiyasu Kazunori , Takeuchi Masayuki
Published: June 2014

Conjugated polymers encapsulated by the identical cyclic sidechains afford an effective host–guest ensemble for designing fluorescent polymeric materials.
Synthesis and investigation of the imprinting efficiency of ion imprinted nanoparticles for recognizing copper
Authors: Jia Jin , Wu Aihua , Luan Shengji
Published: June 2014

The component ratio of template ions and the crosslinking agent determine the morphology and imprinting efficiency of IIPs.
Homoleptic and heteroleptic N-alkylimidazole zinc(ii)-containing ionic liquids for high current density electrodeposition
Authors: Steichen Marc , Brooks Neil R. , Van Meervelt Luc , Fransaer Jan , Binnemans Koen
Published: June 2014

Ionic liquids with a zinc(ii) ion as an integral part of the ionic liquid cation are very useful electrolytes for the fast electrodeposition of high-quality zinc metal coatings.
Life-cycle net energy assessment of large-scale hydrogen production via photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Sathre Roger , Scown Corinne D. , Morrow William R. , Stevens John C. , Sharp Ian D. , Ager Joel W. , Walczak Karl , Houle Frances A. , Greenblatt Jeffery B.
Published: June 2014

This article reports the first prospective life-cycle net energy assessment of a gigawatt-scale photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production facility.
NMR and molecular recognition. The application of ligand-based NMR methods to monitor molecular interactions
Authors: Unione Luca , Galante Silvia , Díaz Dolores , Cañada F. Javier , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús
Published: June 2014

NMR allows the monitoring of molecular recognition processes in solution. Nowadays, a plethora of NMR methods are available to deduce the key features of the interaction from both the ligand or the receptor points of view.
Synthesis of tertiary propargylamines via a rationally designed multicomponent reaction of primary amines, formaldehyde, arylboronic acids and alkynes
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Shen Qiaoying , Li Pinzhen , Peng Yanqing , Song Gonghua
Published: June 2014

A novel approach for the synthesis of tertiary propargylamines is achieved through a Cu(OAc)2-catalyzed multicomponent reaction of primary amines, formaldehyde, arylboronic acids and alkynes.
Nano silver-anchored reduced graphene oxide sheets for enhanced dielectric performance of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Wageh S. , He L. , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed A. , Al-Turki Y. A. , Tjong S. C.
Published: June 2014

Nano silver-anchored reduced graphene oxide (Ag–RGO) was prepared and used as the filler material for a polar polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer.
A new electrochemical impedance spectroscopy model of a high-power lithium-ion battery
Authors: Zhu J. G. , Sun Z. C. , Wei X. Z. , Dai H. F.
Published: June 2014

A new electrochemical impedance spectroscopy model and a preliminary parameter identification strategy are proposed in this paper.
Transient dynamics during stress overshoots in binary colloidal glasses
Authors: Sentjabrskaja T. , Hermes M. , Poon W. C. K. , Estrada C. D. , Castañeda-Priego R. , Egelhaaf S. U. , Laurati M.
Published: June 2014

Caging transitions determine changes in the yield strain, the magnitude of the stress overshoots and the transient single-particle dynamics of binary glasses under an imposed shear rate of deformation.
Pt-free transparent counter electrodes for cost-effective bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Tai Qidong , Zhao Xing-Zhong
Published: June 2014

In this feature article, we pay special attention to the recent advances in the development of Pt-free transparent CEs and highlight their applications in bifacial DSCs.
Subcutaneous Emphysema following Emergent Surgical Conventional Tracheostomy
Authors: Ardekian Leon , Barak Michal , Rachmiel Adi
Published: June 2014

In maxillofacial surgery, tracheostomy is indicated in congenital, inflammatory, oncologic, or traumatic respiratory obstruction. In traumatic cases, however, it is sometimes hard to implement. We describe subcutaneous emphysema following emergent surgical conventional tracheostomy performed after stab injury to the floor of the mouth. We analyze the course that led to this complication and discuss suggestions on how to avoid it. In addition, we review the literature to improve our knowledge and practice regarding this entity. Massive subcutaneous neck emphysema occurred because ventilation started at the time when the hemorrhage was not completely managed and the tracheal tube was not fully secured. In traumatic cases with profound bleeding, hemorrhage management must be performed carefully. The recommendation not to ventilate until the hemorrhage is completely managed should be observed.
Directional gamma sensing from covariance processing of inter-detector Compton crosstalk energy asymmetries
Authors: Trainham R. , Tinsley J.
Published: June 2014

Energy asymmetry of inter-detector crosstalk from Compton scattering can be exploited to infer the direction to a gamma source. A covariance approach extracts the correlated crosstalk from data streams to estimate matched signals from Compton gammas split over two detectors. On a covariance map the signal appears as an asymmetric cross diagonal band with axes intercepts at the full photo-peak energy of the original gamma. The asymmetry of the crosstalk band can be processed to determine the direction to the radiation source. The technique does not require detector shadowing, masking, or coded apertures, thus sensitivity is not sacrificed to obtain the directional information. An angular precision of better than 1° of arc is possible, and processing of data streams can be done in real time with very modest computing hardware.
Investigation of 3-fragment photodissociation of O3 at 193.4 and 157.6 nm by coincident measurements
Authors: Ryazanov Mikhail , Harrison Aaron W. , Wang Gregory , Crider Paul E. , Neumark Daniel M.
Published: June 2014

Photodissociation of the ozone molecule at 193.4 nm (6.41 eV) and 157.6 nm (7.87 eV) is studied by fast-beam translational spectroscopy. Coincident detection of the dissociation products allows direct observation of the 3-fragment channel and determination of its kinematic parameters. The results indicate that at each wavelength, 3-fragment dissociation proceeds through synchronous concerted bond breaking, but the energy partitioning among the fragments is different. The branching fraction of the 3-fragment channel increases from 5.2(6)% at 193.4 nm to 26(4)% at 157.6 nm, in agreement with previous studies. It is shown that vibrational excitation of the symmetric stretch mode in O3 molecules created by photodetachment of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm O_3^-}$\end{document}O3− anion enhances the absorption efficiency, especially at 193.4 nm, but does not have a strong effect on the 3-fragment dissociation.
Soft x-ray ionization induced fragmentation of glycine
Authors: Itälä E. , Kooser K. , Rachlew E. , Huels M. A. , Kukk E.
Published: June 2014

X-ray absorption commonly involves dissociative core ionization producing not only momentum correlated charged fragments but also low- and high-energy electrons capable of inducing damage in living tissue. This gives a natural motivation for studying the core ionization induced fragmentation processes in biologically important molecules such as amino acids. Here the fragmentation of amino acid glycine following carbon 1s core ionization has been studied. Using photoelectron-photoion-photoion coincidence technique, a detailed analysis on fragmentation of the sample molecule into pairs of momentum correlated cations has been carried out. The main characteristics of core ionization induced fragmentation of glycine were found to be the rupture of the C–Cα bond and the presence of the \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm CNH}_2^+$\end{document} CNH 2+ fragment.
Sub-wavelength imaging and field mapping via electromagnetically induced transparency and Autler-Townes splitting in Rydberg atoms
Authors: Holloway Christopher L. , Gordon Joshua A. , Schwarzkopf Andrew , Anderson David A. , Miller Stephanie A. , Thaicharoen Nithiwadee , Raithel Georg
Published: June 2014

We present a technique for measuring radio-frequency (RF) electric field strengths with sub-wavelength resolution. We use Rydberg states of rubidium atoms to probe the RF field. The RF field causes an energy splitting of the Rydberg states via the Autler-Townes effect, and we detect the splitting via electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). We use this technique to measure the electric field distribution inside a glass cylinder with applied RF fields at 17.04 GHz and 104.77 GHz. We achieve a spatial resolution of ≈100 μm, limited by the widths of the laser beams utilized for the EIT spectroscopy. We numerically simulate the fields in the glass cylinder and find good agreement with the measured fields. Our results suggest that this technique could be applied to image fields on a small spatial scale over a large range of frequencies, up into the sub-terahertz regime.
Electrical characteristics of Ni Ohmic contact on n-type GeSn
Authors: Li H. , Cheng H. H. , Lee L. C. , Lee C. P. , Su L. H. , Suen Y. W.
Published: June 2014

We report an investigation of the electrical and material characteristics of Ni on an n-type GeSn film under thermal annealing. The current-voltage traces measured with the transmission line method are linear for a wide range of annealing temperatures. The specific contact resistivity was found to decrease with increasing annealing temperature, followed by an increase as the annealing temperature further increased, with a minimum value at an annealing temperature of 350 °C. The material characteristics at the interface layer were measured by energy-dispersive spectrometer, showing that an atomic ratio of (Ni)/(GeSn) = 1:1 yields the lowest specific contact resistivity.
Mid-infrared electro-luminescence and absorption from AlGaN/GaN-based multi-quantum well inter-subband structures
Authors: Hofstetter Daniel , Bour David P. , Kirste Lutz
Published: June 2014

We present electro-modulated absorption and electro-luminescence measurements on chirped AlGaN/GaN-based multi-quantum well inter-subband structures grown by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy. The absorption signal is a TM-polarized, 70 meV wide feature centred at 230 meV. At medium injection current, a 58 meV wide luminescence peak corresponding to an inter-subband transition at 1450 cm−1 (180 meV) is observed. Under high injection current, we measured a 4 meV wide structure peaking at 92.5 meV in the luminescence spectrum. The energy location of this peak is exactly at the longitudinal optical phonon of GaN.
Unusual giant anisotropic magnetoresistance in manganite strips
Authors: Chen Jinjie , Wei Wengang , Zhang Kai , Du Kai , Zhu Yinyan , Liu Hao , Yin Lifeng , Shen Jian
Published: June 2014

Manganites have been known to exhibit giant anisotropic magnetoresistance (GAMR) near metal-insulator transition temperatures. Interestingly, we observed a second GAMR peak at lower temperatures in manganite strips fabricated from epitaxial thin films. The second low-temperature GAMR peak is highly sensitive to magnetic field and vanishes quickly upon increasing of magnetic field. We attribute the emergent GAMR behavior to spatial confinement effect on electronic phase separation in manganite strips.
Structural and resistance switching properties of epitaxial Pt/ZnO/TiN/Si(001) heterostructures
Authors: Punugupati Sandhyarani , Temizer Namik K. , Narayan Jagdish , Hunte Frank
Published: June 2014

We report the bi-epitaxial growth of ZnO and resistance switching characteristics of Pt/ZnO/TiN-based heterojunction devices fabricated on Si(001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The structural properties of the heterostructures characterized by XRD (θ-2θ, φ scans) and TEM confirm that the ZnO films having hexagonal wurtzite structure (six-fold symmetry) grow bi-epitaxially on the TiN buffer layer (four-fold symmetry). The Pt(111) grows epitaxially on ZnO(0001). The epitaxial relationship between the various films is given as (111)Pt ‖ (0001)ZnO ‖ (001)TiN ‖ (001)Si and [100]TiN ‖ [100]Si, [21¯1¯0]ZnO ‖ [110]TiN or [101¯0]ZnO ‖ [110]TiN, and [101¯]Pt ‖ [21¯1¯0]ZnO. The effect of ZnO growth temperature on the electrical properties of Pt/ZnO/TiN devices is studied and correlated with the microstructure of the ZnO/TiN interface. The Pt/ZnO/TiN devices exhibited good bi-polar resistance switching characteristics at voltages as low as ±1 V.
Dissociable contribution of prefrontal and striatal dopaminergic genes to learning in economic games
Authors: Set Eric , Saez Ignacio , Zhu Lusha , Houser Daniel E. , Myung Noah , Zhong Songfa , Ebstein Richard P. , Chew Soo Hong , Hsu Ming
Published: June 2014

Significance

Game theory is used throughout the social and biological sciences to study behavior in social interactions. Recent research suggests an important role for the dopamine neurotransmitter system in these types of decisions. This study used a competitive game to study how people varied in their decision-making processes and related these differences in the set of genes that carry out biological functions required for dopaminergic functioning. We found that genes differentially expressed in separate brain regions influenced distinct components of people’s decision-making processes and that a surprising degree of consistency exists with what is known at the brain level about how people make decisions in social interactions.
Cell cycle dependent oscillatory expression of estrogen receptor-α links Pol II elongation to neoplastic transformation
Authors: Vantaggiato Cristina , Tocchetti Marta , Cappelletti Vera , Gurtner Aymone , Villa Alessandro , Daidone Maria Grazia , Piaggio Giulia , Maggi Adriana , Ciana Paolo
Published: June 2014

Significance

PvuII andXbaI polymorphisms at the estrogen receptor-α (ERα) intron 1 are associated with several estrogen-dependent pathologies including cancers. Here, we demonstrate that these SNPs map within a pausing site of Pol II elongation, a block that is cyclically released producing an oscillatory expression of ERα during cell division. The protoncogene c-MYB is part of this oscillator modulating the amplitude of ERα fluctuations in the presence of different SNP haplotypes. During breast cancer progression toward a hormone refractory phenotype, Pol II pausing contributes to turn off ERα synthesis highlighting the clinical relevance of the mechanism. Furthermore, the wide range of physio-pathological conditions associated with these SNPs, indicates this oscillator as a novel level of regulation of the hormonal signal throughout the body.
Evaluation of chitosan-binding amino acid residues of chitosanase from Paenibacillus fukuinensis
Authors: Isogawa Danya , Morisaka Hironobu , Kuroda Kouichi , Kusaoke Hideo , Kimoto Hisashi , Suye Shin-ichiro , Ueda Mitsuyoshi
Published: June 2014

Chitosan oligosaccharides longer than a hexamer have higher bioactivity than polymer or shorter oligosaccharides, such as the monomer or dimer. In our previous work, we generated Paenibacillus fukuinensis chitosanase-displaying yeast using yeast cell surface displaying system and demonstrated the catalytic base. Here we investigated the specific function of putative four amino acid residues Trp159, Trp228, Tyr311, and Phe406 engaged in substrate binding. Using this system, we generated chitosanase mutants in which the four amino acid residues were substituted with Ala and the chitosanase activity assay and HPLC analysis were performed. Based on these results, we demonstrated that Trp159 and Phe406 were critical for hydrolyzing both polymer and oligosaccharide, and Trp228 and Tyr311 were especially important for binding to oligosaccharide, such as the chitosan-hexamer, not to the chitosan polymer. From the results, we suggested the possibility of the effective strategy for designing useful mutants that produce chitosan oligosaccharides holding higher bioactivity.
The Cavβ1a subunit regulates gene expression and suppresses myogenin in muscle progenitor cells
Authors: Taylor Jackson , Pereyra Andrea , Zhang Tan , Messi Maria Laura , Wang Zhong-Min , Hereñú Claudia , Kuan Pei-Fen , Delbono Osvaldo
Published: June 2014

Voltage-gated calcium channel (Cav) β subunits are auxiliary subunits to Cavs. Recent reports show Cavβ subunits may enter the nucleus and suggest a role in transcriptional regulation, but the physiological relevance of this localization remains unclear. We sought to define the nuclear function of Cavβ in muscle progenitor cells (MPCs). We found that Cavβ1a is expressed in proliferating MPCs, before expression of the calcium conducting subunit Cav1.1, and enters the nucleus. Loss of Cavβ1a expression impaired MPC expansion in vitro and in vivo and caused widespread changes in global gene expression, including up-regulation of myogenin. Additionally, we found that Cavβ1a localizes to the promoter region of a number of genes, preferentially at noncanonical (NC) E-box sites. Cavβ1a binds to a region of the Myog promoter containing an NC E-box, suggesting a mechanism for inhibition of myogenin gene expression. This work indicates that Cavβ1a acts as a Cav-independent regulator of gene expression in MPCs, and is required for their normal expansion during myogenic development.
CNS myelin induces regulatory functions of DC-SIGN–expressing, antigen-presenting cells via cognate interaction with MOG
Authors: García-Vallejo J.J. , Ilarregui J.M. , Kalay H. , Chamorro S. , Koning N. , Unger W.W. , Ambrosini M. , Montserrat V. , Fernandes R.J. , Bruijns S.C.M. , van Weering J.R.T. , Paauw N.J. , O’Toole T. , van Horssen J. , van der Valk P. , Nazmi K. , Bolscher J.G.M. , Bajramovic J. , Dijkstra C.D. , ’t Hart B.A. , van Kooyk Y.
Published: June 2014

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), a constituent of central nervous system myelin, is an important autoantigen in the neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS). However, its function remains unknown. Here, we show that, in healthy human myelin, MOG is decorated with fucosylated N-glycans that support recognition by the C-type lectin receptor (CLR) DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3–grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) on microglia and DCs. The interaction of MOG with DC-SIGN in the context of simultaneous TLR4 activation resulted in enhanced IL-10 secretion and decreased T cell proliferation in a DC-SIGN-, glycosylation-, and Raf1-dependent manner. Exposure of oligodendrocytes to proinflammatory factors resulted in the down-regulation of fucosyltransferase expression, reflected by altered glycosylation at the MS lesion site. Indeed, removal of fucose on myelin reduced DC-SIGN–dependent homeostatic control, and resulted in inflammasome activation, increased T cell proliferation, and differentiation toward a Th17-prone phenotype. These data demonstrate a new role for myelin glycosylation in the control of immune homeostasis in the healthy human brain through the MOG–DC-SIGN homeostatic regulatory axis, which is comprised by inflammatory insults that affect glycosylation. This phenomenon should be considered as a basis to restore immune tolerance in MS.
Modeling ion channels: Past, present, and future
Authors: Sigg Daniel
Published: June 2014

Ion channels are membrane-bound enzymes whose catalytic sites are ion-conducting pores that open and close (gate) in response to specific environmental stimuli. Ion channels are important contributors to cell signaling and homeostasis. Our current understanding of gating is the product of 60 plus years of voltage-clamp recording augmented by intervention in the form of environmental, chemical, and mutational perturbations. The need for good phenomenological models of gating has evolved in parallel with the sophistication of experimental technique. The goal of modeling is to develop realistic schemes that not only describe data, but also accurately reflect mechanisms of action. This review covers three areas that have contributed to the understanding of ion channels: traditional Eyring kinetic theory, molecular dynamics analysis, and statistical thermodynamics. Although the primary emphasis is on voltage-dependent channels, the methods discussed here are easily generalized to other stimuli and could be applied to any ion channel and indeed any macromolecule.
Nonfarm Employment and Rural Welfare: Evidence from the Himalayas
Authors: Scharf Maja Micevska , Rahut Dil Bahadur
Published: June 2014

The potential importance of nonfarm employment for the welfare of rural households has long been recognized, but whether the nonfarm sector offers prospects for improving the welfare of the rural poor remains a contentious issue. We examine distributional and well‐being effects of nonfarm employment of rural households in the Himalayas. We account for heterogeneity of nonfarm employment, and estimate a system of structural equations to better understand the causal linkages between nonfarm employment and household well‐being. The results confirm that disaggregating nonfarm employment activities matters for understanding the relationship between nonfarm employment and rural welfare. While low‐return nonfarm employment is associated with lower income inequality, high‐return nonfarm activities have a disequalizing effect on the distribution of household incomes. We also find that the ability to engage in high‐return nonfarm activities is associated with higher economic well‐being. Poor households, on the other hand, tend to rely on low‐return activities that do not contribute to improved well‐being.
Automated Writing Assistance
Authors: Dale Robert
Published: June 2014

The ability to communicate in writing is an essential skill in modern society. But ability in writing varies considerably; and no matter what their existing level of competence, most writers would acknowledge that what they write could often be improved. Given that the output of the writing process is natural language, it seems plausible that natural language processing techniques might be used to analyse this output and to suggest ways to improve it. In various guises, this has indeed been an application of NLP at least since the 1960s. In this chapter, we survey the different kinds of assistance to authors that NLP makes possible; we describe what can be done today, and explore what might be possible in the future.
Neuronal Correlates of Non-verbal Numerical Competence in Primates
Authors: Nieder Andreas
Published: June 2014

Non-verbal numerical competence, such as the estimation of set size, is rooted in biological primitives that can also be explored in animals. Over the past years, the anatomical substrates and neuronal mechanisms of numerical cognition in primates have been unravelled down to the level of single neurons. Studies with behaviourally-trained monkeys have identified a parietofrontal network of individual neurons selectively tuned to the number of items (cardinal aspect) or the rank of items in a sequence (ordinal aspect). The properties of these neurons’ numerosity tuning curves can explain fundamental psychophysical phenomena, such as the numerical distance and size effect. Functionally overlapping groups of parietal neurons represent not only numerable-discrete quantity (numerosity), but also innumerable-continuous quantity (extent) and relations between quantities (proportions), supporting the idea of a generalized magnitude system in the brain. Moreover, many neurons in the prefrontal cortex establish semantic associations between signs and abstract numerical categories, a neuronal precursor mechanisms that may ultimately give rise to symbolic number processing in humans. These studies establish putative homologies between the monkey and human brain, and demonstrate the suitability of non-human primates as model system to explore the neurobiological roots of the brain’s non-verbal quantification system, which may constitute the phylogenetic and ontogenetic foundation of all further, more elaborate numerical skills in humans.
The Hostile Media Effect
Authors: Feldman Lauren
Published: June 2014

The “hostile media effect” occurs when opposing partisans perceive identical news coverage of a controversial issue as biased against their own side. This is a robust phenomenon, which has been empirically demonstrated in numerous experimental and observational studies across a variety of issue contexts and has been shown to have important consequences for democratic society. This chapter reviews the literature on the hostile media effect with an eye toward the theoretical explanations for it, its relationship to other psychological processes, and its broader implications for perceived public opinion, news consumption patterns, attitudes toward democratic institutions, and political discourse and participation. Particular attention is paid to how the hostile media phenomenon can help explain the public’s eroding trust in the news media and the recent polarization among news audiences. The chapter concludes with several suggestions for future research.
Teaching in Vain
Authors: McCormick John P.
Published: June 2014

This chapter traces Carl Schmitt’s attempt, in his 1932 book The Concept of the Political, to quell the near civil war circumstances of the late Weimar Republic and to reinvigorate the sovereignty of the German state through a reappropriation of Thomas Hobbes’s political philosophy. The chapter then examines Schmitt’s reconsideration of the Hobbesian state, and his own recent reformulation of it, in light of the rise of the “Third Reich,” with particular reference to Schmitt’s 1938 book The Leviathan in the State Theory of Thomas Hobbes.
Concepts of the Political in Twentieth-Century European Thought
Authors: Moyn Samuel
Published: June 2014

This chapter surveys the fate of Carl Schmitt’s concept of the political in twentieth-century European thought. It starts with the main outlines of his founding text The Concept of the Political, with emphasis on conceptual ambiguities in Schmitt’s argumentation that others would identify and exploit. It then turns to a recent debate about which young German Jew—Hans Morgenthau or Leo Strauss—most influenced the revisions Schmitt made to his text between editions, concluding that the role of both has been overstated. The balance of the chapter reconstructs an alternative—and in some ways opposed—French tradition of conceptualizing the political with roots in the thought of Raymond Aron. Culminating in Claude Lefort, this tradition decentered the role of enmity that Schmitt wanted to define the political, a point dramatized in conclusion with discussion of international relations theory and how the French tradition conceived of warfare and strife.
On recent developments in marginal separation theory
Authors: Braun S. , Scheichl S.
Published: June 2014

Thin aerofoils are prone to localized flow separation at their leading edge if subjected to moderate angles of attack
α
. Although ‘laminar separation bubbles’ at first do not significantly alter the aerofoil performance, they tend to ‘burst’ if
α
is increased further or if perturbations acting upon the flow reach a certain intensity. This then either leads to global flow separation (stall) or triggers the laminar–turbulent transition process within the boundary layer flow. This paper addresses the asymptotic analysis of the early stages of the latter phenomenon in the limit as the characteristic Reynolds number

, commonly referred to as marginal separation theory. A new approach based on the adjoint operator method is presented that enables the fundamental similarity laws of marginal separation theory to be derived and the analysis to be extended to higher order. Special emphasis is placed on the breakdown of the flow description, i.e. the formation of finite-time singularities (a manifestation of the bursting process), and on its resolution being based on asymptotic arguments. The passage to the subsequent triple-deck stage is described in detail, which is a prerequisite for carrying out a future numerical treatment of this stage in a proper way. Moreover, a composite asymptotic model is developed in order for the inherent ill-posedness of the Cauchy problems associated with the current flow description to be resolved.
The moderating effect of normative commitment on the service quality-customer retention relationship
Authors: Fullerton Gordon
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– Limited attention has been given to the effects of normative commitment (NC) in a marketing relationship. This paper investigates the effects of service quality and normative commitment on customer retention in a consumer-retailer relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two distinct studies; a longitudinal experiment and a SEM model were conducted to tease out the normative commitment-service quality interaction on customer switching intentions in services.

Findings

– Both studies supported the existence of a significant normative commitment-service quality interaction on switching, in addition to the main effects of both variables.

Research limitations/implications

– The longitudinal experiment has the limitation of being a simple test of theory in a controlled setting. Study II validates this theory in a real-world retail services setting, but there are questions about the extent to which the relationship may hold in other service sectors. The results indicate that the effect of service quality on customer loyalty is moderated by normative commitment. This may also allow us to think about customer commitment in a new way in that it could be a construct rooted in attitude confidence rather than attitude.

Practical implications

– The findings allow practitioners to recognize that the development of obligation-based normative commitment can give them a basis for successful competition against other firms, even those that may outperform them on other salient attributes, including basic service quality.

Originality/value

– This is one of a very small number of studies in the discipline that have examined the effects of normative commitment and the first that has demonstrated that normative commitment moderates the service quality-service customer retention relationship. This opens the door for the possibility that other forms of commitment may moderate the relationship between service quality and customer retention.
NEETs: a case study in addressing the issues relating to disengaged youth in East Cleveland
Authors: William Stoten David
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on the challenges and approaches taken to address the issue of NEETs in North East England. The area around Redcar in East Cleveland has high levels of unemployment, particularly youth unemployment. This paper compared actions taken in England in the support offered to disaffected youth and reports on the strategy pursued in East Cleveland.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research was primarily desk-based, interrogating Government publications as well as that generated by executive agencies and local educational institutions. A number of key figures were surveyed in addition to obtain a grounded insight into the challenges that confront those who work in this area.

Findings

– This study identified areas of good practice that could be considered elsewhere. Its conclusions emphasise that solutions to the NEETs problem are to be found in bespoke and individually focused programmes that value the contribution of young people to society and aim to build their self-esteem and confidence. It also highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation and joined up strategic planning.

Research limitations/implications

– This study would have benefited from the opportunity to survey the views of young people involved in support programmes. Given issues of confidentiality, this was not possible.

Originality/value

– This study adds to the literature generated by Government bodies and educational institutions on the issue of disaffected youth. Its value lies in its reference to a specific geographic area and its insight into the work of local professionals in tackling this complex social issue.
Recession: a chance for hospitality SMEs?
Authors: Nachmias Stefanos , Paddison Brendan , Mortimer Chris
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The research takes a comprehensive evaluation of hospitality students’ perceptions towards small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) employment and explores whether the current recession and labour market changes influence hospitality students career-related decisions. Such exploration would provide vital information as to how the new economic environment has modified the nature and context of hospitality students perceptions towards SMEs. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research focuses on a constructionist philosophy in order to interpret how hospitality students construct of career choice. The qualitative methodology adopts semi-structured interviews in order to explore the socially constructed views of hospitality students’ perception of SMEs employment.

Findings

– In spite of recessional challenges which particularly affect the graduate labour market, the research confirms the original academic arguments that socially constructed barriers and influencing factors do not highlight SMEs as an attractive first employment destination.

Practical implications

– This research recognises the need to reconsider the curriculum for hospitality students to embed the notion of SMEs as a possible career choice.

Social implications

– Socially SMEs have not either historically or in the present day been seen as providing adequate resources for graduates entering the world of work. Such an implication has a considerably impact upon the supply and demand side of SMEs graduate labour market.

Originality/value

– The economic downturn now poses a real challenge for new graduates as it is difficult to predict and discuss future labour market issues and trends. The research allows key stakeholders in graduate employment to understand the effects of the economic environment to graduate SMEs perceptions and take measures in improving SMEs-graduate employment in hospitality.
Employment fluctuations and sectoral shifts in Egypt
Authors: Hassan Mohamed , Kandil Magda
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– Job creation is the most important challenge facing Egypt today. Economic performance has been uneven over the last three decades, but even in periods of high growth, the job content of growth has not been strong enough to absorb new entrants. The 1990s and early 2000s saw the acceleration in the structural adjustments. The fast growing role of the private sector and the contraction of public sector employment are considered the most important characteristics of this period. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The findings of the paper support the view that sectoral shifts, in response to structural transformations, have been an important source of private employment fluctuations in Egypt, and the implications on aggregate employment have varied with the stage of the business cycle in the private sector. Moreover, one of the important findings of the paper shows that public sectoral shifts have caused stronger effects on private employment growth than private sectoral shifts do. However, failure to align public sectoral shifts with growth in the private sector has had a negative effect on employment growth, increasing aggregate unemployment.

Findings

– The findings also confirm the crowding-out effect of higher government expenditure on private employment, particularly during a boom. Finally, the findings show that changes in domestic credit going to the private sector as a ratio of private GDP, and higher exports ratio to GDP have statistically significant positive effects on private employment growth.

Originality/value

– Overall, the findings signify the importance of policies that aim at increasing the job content of private-led growth in Egypt.
Exports, financial development and economic growth in Pakistan
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Mafizur Rahman Mohammad
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the relationship between exports, financial development and economic growth in case of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

– The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach to cointegration and error correction model are applied to test the long-run and short-run relationships, respectively. The direction of causality between the variables is investigated by the vector error correction model Granger causality test and robustness of causality analysis is tested by applying innovative accounting approach.

Findings

– The analysis confirms cointegration for the long-run relation between exports, economic growth and financial development in case of Pakistan. The results indicate that economic growth and financial development spur exports growth in Pakistan. The causality analysis reveals feedback hypothesis that exists between financial development and economic growth, financial development and exports, and, exports and economic growth.

Originality/value

– This study provides new insights for policy makers to sustain exports growth by stimulating economic growth and developing financial sector in Pakistan.
Urban regeneration
Authors: Huston Simon , Darchen Sébastien
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review sustainable planning literature and investigate a major development in an Australian regional city, looking for broad sustainable insights to improve urban growth management.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the authors sketched the backdrop to Ipswich and looked for the drivers propelling its rapid growth. They then generated a sustainability framework from the urban regeneration literature. In the empirical phase, they analysed a major development – theIconproject. They evaluated three of five regeneration domains using secondary sources, site observations and interviews with stakeholders and experts.

Findings

– First, each city’s situation is unique, so the authors proffer no simplistic development formula. Internally, cities, including Ipswich, are spatially fragmented. Second, urban regeneration extends temporally and spatially beyond the project site boundaries or deadlines. Diminished property-driven regeneration neglects the social dimensions to sustainable housing or relegates it to an afterthought, but community participation is insufficient. Government needs to seed or drive (directly or via incentives) substantive social transformation. Projects supported with credible community social development are less risky, but, in competing for investment funds, local government can rush approve unsuitable projects.

Research limitations/implications

– The analysis focused on the planning and urban design aspects of the project. Only limited demographic, economic and social analyses were conducted, and the study would also benefit from interviews with a broader sample of experts.

Practical implications

– Sustainable urban regeneration needs to consider not only the unique mix of regional growth drivers and constraints, but also specific local precinct characteristics. Intelligently configured community consultation should inform but not dilute design leadership.

Originality/value

– This work investigates appropriate urban responses to growth pressure for sustainable outcomes in fast-growing regional cities.