bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol inhibits release of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin and improves vascular dysfunction – implications as a preeclampsia treatment
Authors: Hannan Natalie J. , Brownfoot Fiona C. , Cannon Ping , Deo Minh , Beard Sally , Nguyen Tuong V. , Palmer Kirsten R. , Tong Stephen , Kaitu’u-Lino Tu’uhevaha J.
Published: May 2017

Preeclampsia is a disease of pregnancy associated with placental oxidative stress, inflammation and elevated release of anti-angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin. These placental factors cause generalized maternal endothelial dysfunction. There are no treatments to halt disease progression; delivery is the only cure. Resveratrol modulates pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress and may offer a potential therapeutic for preeclampsia. Resveratrol reduced sFlt-1, sFlt-1 e15a and soluble endoglin secretion from primary trophoblasts and HUVECs and reduced mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory molecules NFκB, IL-6 and IL-1β in trophoblasts. IL-6, IL-1β and TNFα secretion were also significantly reduced. In HUVECs, resveratrol significantly increased mRNA of anti-oxidant enzymes HO-1, NQO1, GCLC and TXN but did not significantly alter HO-1 protein expression, whilst reducing HO-1 protein in trophoblast. Endothelial dysfunction was induced in HUVECs using TNFα, increasing expression of cell adhesion molecule VCAM1 and adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, both of which were increased further by resveratrol. In contrast, resveratrol significantly reduced TNFα-induced Endothelin-1 (a vasoconstrictor) and significantly increased the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In summary, resveratrol decreases secretion of anti-angiogenic factors however its effects on the endothelium are mixed. Overall, it may have potential as a treatment for preeclampsia.
Airway Microbial Diversity is Inversely Associated with Mite-Sensitized Rhinitis and Asthma in Early Childhood
Authors: Chiu Chih-Yung , Chan Yi-Ling , Tsai Yu-Shuen , Chen Ssu-An , Wang Chia-Jung , Chen Kuan-Fu , Chung I.-Fang
Published: May 2017

Microbiota plays an important role in regulating immune responses associated with atopic diseases. We sought to evaluate relationships among airway microbiota, serum IgE levels, allergic sensitization and their relevance to rhinitis and asthma. Microbial characterization was performed using Illumina-based 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 87 throat swabs collected from children with asthma (n = 32) and rhinitis (n = 23), and from healthy controls (n = 32). Data analysis was performed using QIIME (Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology) v1.8. Significantly higher abundance of Proteobacteria was found in children with rhinitis than in the healthy controls (20.1% vs. 16.1%, P = 0.009). Bacterial species richness (Chao1 index) and diversity (Shannon index) were significantly reduced in children with mite sensitization but not in those with food or IgE sensitization. Compared with healthy children without mite sensitization, the mite-sensitized children with rhinitis and asthma showed significantly lower Chao1 and Shannon indices. Moraxella and Leptotrichia species were significantly found in the interaction of mite sensitization with rhinitis and asthma respectively. Airway microbial diversity appears to be inversely associated with sensitization to house dust mites. A modulation between airway dysbiosis and responses to allergens may potentially cause susceptibility to rhinitis and asthma in early childhood.
Highly integrated catalytic burner with laser-additive manufactured manifolds
Authors: Meißner J. , Weiske S. , Faidel D. , Tschauder A. , Samsun R. C. , Pasel J. , Peters R. , Stolten D.
Published: May 2017

This paper describes a highly integrated catalytic burner for auxiliary power units based on PEM-fuel cells.
Chloride-accelerated Cu-Fenton chemistry for biofilm removal
Authors: Wang Li , Miao Yanni , Lu Mingsheng , Shan Zhi , Lu Shan , Hou Jiaojiao , Yang Qiumei , Liang Xinle , Zhou Tao , Curry Dennis , Oakes Ken , Zhang Xu
Published: May 2017

Chloride ions dramatically enhance the antibacterial and anti-biofilm capability of Cu-based Fenton reagents.
The effect of the ball to reactant ratio on mechanochemical reaction times studied by in situ PXRD
Authors: Kulla Hannes , Fischer Franziska , Benemann Sigrid , Rademann Klaus , Emmerling Franziska
Published: May 2017

The effect of the ball to reactant ratio on reaction times for a cocrystal formation was studied by in situ PXRD.
First-principles study of the structural stability and electrochemical properties of Na2MSiO4 (M = Mn, Fe, Co and Ni) polymorphs
Authors: Bianchini F. , Fjellvåg H. , Vajeeston P.
Published: May 2017

We present a DFT-based study of Na orthosilicates Na2MSIO4 (M = Mn, Fe, CO, Ni), promising novel cathode materials. The configuration space is explored, and the Na intercalation potential and diffusion barriers are calculated.
N-Insertion reaction mechanisms of phenyl azides with a hafnium hydride complex: a quantum chemistry calculation
Authors: Xie Hujun , Wang Lihong , Li Yang , Kuang Jian , Wu Zunyi , Fan Ting , Lei Qunfang , Fang Wenjun
Published: May 2017

Detailed reaction mechanisms for the reaction of a hafnium hydride complex with phenyl azides were investigated with the help of density functional theory calculations.
Facile synthesis of 3D nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel nanomeshes with hierarchical porous structures for applications in high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Su Xiao-Li , Cheng Ming-Yu , Fu Lin , Zheng Guang-Ping , Zheng Xiu-Cheng , Yang Jing-He , Guan Xin-Xin
Published: May 2017

3D N-GANMs with hierarchical pores are firstly synthesized using iron nitrate as the etching agent, which display excellent supercapacitive performances.
A porous Ni3N nanosheet array as a high-performance non-noble-metal catalyst for urea-assisted electrochemical hydrogen production
Authors: Liu Qin , Xie Lisi , Qu Fengli , Liu Zhiang , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: May 2017

The porous Ni3N NA/CC acts as a high-performance and durable electrocatalyst for urea oxidation needing a potential of 1.35 V to drive 10 mA cm−2 water-splitting current in 1.0 M KOH with 0.33 M urea.
Near-infrared-light-mediated high-throughput information encryption based on the inkjet printing of upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Qinqin , Wang Jie , Li Zhiheng , Wang Dong , Hu Xiaoxia , Xu Yisheng , Yuan Quan
Published: May 2017

Background-free and high-throughput information encryption on paper is realized by the inkjet printing of upconversion nanoparticles.
CuBr-mediated radical cascade difluoroacetamidation of acrylamides using α,α-difluoro-α-(TMS)-acetamides
Authors: Liu Kai , Sui Lin-Chao , Jin Qiao , Li Deng-Yuan , Liu Pei-Nian
Published: May 2017

Radical cascade difluoroacetamidation ofN-(arylsulfonyl)acrylamides with α,α-difluoro-α-(TMS)-acetamides has been achieved for the first time.
Recent advances in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells: insights into photoanodes, sensitizers, electrolytes and counter electrodes
Authors: Ye Meidan , Gao Xiaoyue , Hong Xiaodan , Liu Qun , He Chunfeng , Liu Xiangyang , Lin Changjian
Published: May 2017

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) are considered as promising candidates for cost-effective solar cells. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent rational strategies in material design for QDSCs with insights into photoanodes, QDs, electrolytes and counter electrodes.
Enantioselective Reduction of 3-Substituted Quinolines with a Cyclopentadiene-Based Chiral Brønsted Acid
Authors: Tang Weijun , Zhao Xiaofang , Xiao Jianliang
Published: May 2017

Enantioselective reduction of 3-substituted quinolines has been achieved using a cyclopentadiene-based chiral Brønsted acid as catalyst and Hantzsch ester as hydrogen donor, affording the corresponding tetrahydroquinolines in good enantioselectivities.
A Novel Glycosyl Donor with a Triisopropylsilyl Nonparticipating Group in Benzyl-Free Stereoselective 1,2-cis-Galactosylation
Authors: Abronina Polina , Kononov Leonid , Zinin Alexander , Malysheva Nelly , Stepanova Elena , Chizhov Alexander , Torgov Vladimir
Published: May 2017

A novel glycosyl donor with a triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) nonparticipating group at O-2 is introduced for use in 1,2-cis-galactosylation. Coupling the 2-O-TIPS-substituted thiogalactoside donor with a series of mono- and disaccharide glycosyl acceptors was found to lead exclusively to α-linked oligosaccharides. The observed exceptionally high α-selectivity was interpreted in terms of conformational changes in the glycosyl cation induced by the bulky 2-O-TIPS group.
Novel RRM2B Mutation and Severe Mitochondrial DNA Depletion: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Scheuerman Oded , Straussberg Rachel , Kropach Nesia , Shkalim-Zemer Vered , Orenstein Naama
Published: May 2017

Purpose To describe the clinical presentation and implications of mitochondrial DNA depletion disorder of two siblings with early fatal encephalomyopathy and a novel mutation in the RRM2B gene. The relevant literature is reviewed.

Methods We describe two brothers aged 2.5 months and 1 month, respectively, who were hospitalized in a tertiary pediatric medical center for evaluation of focal seizures, hypotonia, poor feeding, failure to thrive, lactic acidosis, and developmental delay. The older brother also had seizures, and the younger had severe bilateral neurosensory deafness.

Results Genetic sequencing of the RRM2B gene revealed the same novel mutation in both the siblings. Both children died due to respiratory failure at ages 3 and 2.5 months, respectively.

Conclusion The combination of neonatal hypotonia, developmental delay, and lactic acidosis should raise a clinician's suspicion of a mitochondrial depletion disorder and prompt further genetic studies.
Fascia Lata Free Flap Anastomosed to the Superior Trochlear System for Reconstruction of the Anterior Skull Base
Authors: Reyes Camilo , Fritz Michael , Groves Michael , Bentley Heather , Solares C.
Published: May 2017

Objectives This study aims to introduce a novel technique for the reconstruction of the anterior skull base using a free vascularized anterolateral thigh fascia lata free flap (FLFF) anastomosed to the superior trochlear artery (STA).

Methods The diameter of the STA was measured in 38 (76 sides) computed tomography angiographies (CTAs). Independently, six cadaver heads were used to measure the diameter of the supratrochlear system, and the model was applied to one of them.

Results In women, the average diameter of the STA was 2.5 and 2.8 mm2 for the right and left sides, respectively; for men, it was 3.0 and 3.2 mm2, respectively. In cadavers, the average diameter of both STA was 2.5 mm2. There was no statistical difference when comparing the right and left STA diameters between the CTA from women and men (p < 0.208 and < 0.492, respectively). An FLFF advanced through the nose was anastomosed to the STA to reconstruct the anterior skull base.

Conclusion The STA is a constant vessel with a 2.5 to 3.0 mm2 diameter in men and women that can be used as a recipient free flap vessel. The FLFF can cover the entire skull base. This is a novel method to reconstruct the anterior skull base when local flaps are not available.
Terson Syndrome: Assessment of 53 Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by a Ruptured Aneurysm
Authors: Santos Roney Mendonça , Fagundes Walter
Published: May 2017

Objective Terson syndrome (TS), also known as vitreous hemorrhage, is reported in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm. This study aims to evaluate the presence of ocular hemorrhage in such patients, trying to identify those who could benefit from the specific treatment for visual deficit recovery.

Methods Prospective study of 53 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SSAH) due to ruptured aneurysm. The patients were evaluated for vitreous hemorrhage through indirect fundoscopy with 6 to 12 months of follow-up.

Results The ages of the patients ranged from 17 to 79 years-old (mean age, 45.9 ± 11.7); 39 patients were female (73%) and 14 were male (27%). Six patients (11%) presented TS, and 83.3% had a transient loss of consciousness during ictus.

Conclusions An ophthalmologic evaluation must be routinely performed in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients, especially in those with worse neurological grade. Moreover, prognosis was bad in TS patients.
Abducens Nerve Palsy as Initial Manifestation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Case Report
Authors: Magalhães Marcelo José Silva , Oliva Henrique Nunes Pereira , Pereira Getúlio Paixão , Ramos Lucas Gabriel Quadros , Azevedo Henrique Caires Souza
Published: May 2017

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a form of progressive intracranial hemorrhage, typically associated with cases of trauma. The manifestation of this comorbidity with abducens palsy is a rare finding. The present work aims to describe the case of an adult patient with abducens nerve palsy as a manifestation of CSDH. Chronic subdural hematoma is most commonly found in elderly patients, with systemic hypertension as a manifestation. The relation with the sixth cranial nerve is unusual and draws attention to the case reported. In addition, the prognosis is positive, since trepanation and drainage surgery was performed, as it is recommended in the literature.
Agreement and Reliability of Fasted and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test-Derived Indices of Insulin Sensitivity and Beta Cell Function in Boys
Authors: Cockcroft Emma , Williams Craig , Jackman Sarah , Armstrong Neil , Barker Alan
Published: May 2017

Assessment of plasma insulin and glucose outcomes is important in paediatric studies aimed at reducing future risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aims of this study are to determine the between-method agreement and the day-to-day reliability of fasting and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-derived estimates of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in healthy boys. Fasting and OGTT assesments of insulin resistance and β-cell function were performed on 28 boys (12.3±2.9 years). Measurements were repeated after 1 week (fasting, n=28) and 1 day (OGTT, n=8). Agreement between estimates of insulin resistance and β-cell function was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Reliability was assessed using change in the mean, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and typical error expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV). The Matsuda index was positively related with QUICKI (r=0.88, P<0.001) and negatively related to HOMA-IR (r=−0.76, P<0.001). The Cederholm index was not significantly related with fasting estimates of insulin resistance (all r<0.40, P>0.05). For reliability, QUICKI had the lowest CV% for the fasting (4.7%) and the Cederholm index for the OGTT (6.4%) estimates. The largest CV% was observed in fasting insulin (30.8%) and insulinogenic index 30’ (62.5%). This study highlights differences in between-method agreement and day-to-day reliability for estimates of insulin resistance in youth. The low CV supports the use of the FGIR (fasting) and Cederholm (OGTT) indices in this population.
Suppression of homogeneous crystal nucleation of the NiAl intermetallic by a composition gradient: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yi Peng , Falk Michael L. , Weihs Timothy P.
Published: May 2017

Molecular dynamics simulations of homogeneous nucleation of the NiAl intermetallic phase from a liquid solution on cooling indicate that this phase transformation is suppressed in the presence of a composition gradient. A simulation method is designed to generate a sustaining composition gradient at the interface between two materials. As the composition gradient increases, the nucleation energy barrier rises, the critical nucleus size increases, and the nucleus shape develops an increasing asymmetry. A polymorphic nucleation model for a disk-shaped nucleus that incorporates the composition dependence of interfacial free energies was observed to describe the atomic-scale details of the simulation well. Critical nuclei shapes and volumes predicted by the model match with those appearing in the molecular dynamics simulations.
Stress dependence of the suspended graphene work function: Vacuum Kelvin probe force microscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Volodin A. , Van Haesendonck C. , Leenaerts O. , Partoens B. , Peeters F. M.
Published: May 2017

We report on work function measurements on graphene, which is exfoliated over a predefined array of wells in silicon oxide, by Kelvin probe force microscopy operating in a vacuum. The obtained graphene sealed microchambers can support large pressure differences, providing controllable stretching of the nearly impermeable graphene membranes. These measurements allow detecting variations of the work function induced by the mechanical stresses in the suspended graphene where the work function varies linearly with the strain and changes by 62 ± 2 meV for 1 percent of strain. Our related ab initio calculations result in a work function variation that is a factor of 1.4 larger than the experimental value. The limited discrepancy between the theory and the experiment can be accounted for by a charge transfer from the unstrained to the strained graphene regions.
Power control in centralized distributed AC load for wind energy system
Authors: Singh Navdeep , Agarwal Anshul , Agarwal Vineeta
Published: May 2017

In electrical power systems, isolated energy system is a more challenging task to fulfill the active power demand as well as reactive power demand under the fluctuating wind at different load conditions. In this paper, a centralized AC load, centralized distributed hybrid system (CDHS), is analyzed. CDHS has the following features in place of the DC centralized grid system, which is focused on controlling of a permanent magnet synchronous generator, a bi-directional DC-AC converter (BDC) with battery energy storage, and a wind energy conversion system with a single-stage, 3-phase 4-wire AC-AC converter connected to a common AC bus. Non-isolation of the input terminals, multi-stage operation, size and cost of the circuits, and efficient working of the AC-AC converter has been resolved using a 3-phase 4-wire AC-AC converter. A specific triggering pattern of variable frequencies to a constant frequency has been generated for the switching devices in the AC-AC converter to achieve a desired polarity of the output voltage. A BDC connects the isolated load using a natural frame instantaneous current control technique to manage the active and reactive load power flow among the parallel connection AC hybrid systems. Different conditions such as a constant load and a variable load for variable source supplies are demonstrated for the architecture of CDHS in MATLAB/Simulink. The modelling of CDHS and performance analysis have been disseminated out that the proposed CDHS is capable of managing the active power demand with reactive power for voltage variations.
Resolvent expansions for the Schrödinger operator on the discrete half-line
Authors: Ito Kenichi , Jensen Arne
Published: May 2017

Simplified models of transport in mesoscopic systems are often based on a small sample connected to a finite number of leads. The leads are often modelled using the Laplacian on the discrete half-line ℕ. Detailed studies of the transport near thresholds require detailed information on the resolvent of the Laplacian on the discrete half-line. This paper presents a complete study of threshold resonance states and resolvent expansions at a threshold for the Schrödinger operator on the discrete half-line ℕ with a general boundary condition. A precise description of the expansion coefficients reveals their exact correspondence to the generalized eigenspaces, or the threshold types. The presentation of the paper is adapted from that of Ito-Jensen [Rev. Math. Phys. 27, 1550002 (2015)], implementing the expansion scheme of Jensen-Nenciu [Rev. Math. Phys. 13(6), 717–754 (2001) and Rev. Math. Phys. 16(5), 675–677 (2004)] in its full generality.
Investigation of spin scattering mechanism in silicon channels of Fe/MgO/Si lateral spin valves
Authors: Lee Soobeom , Yamashita Naoto , Ando Yuichiro , Miwa Shinji , Suzuki Yoshishige , Koike Hayato , Shiraishi Masashi
Published: May 2017

The temperature evolution of spin relaxation time, τsf, in degenerate silicon (Si)-based lateral spin valves is investigated by means of the Hanle effect measurements. τsf at 300 K is estimated to be 1.68 ± 0.03 ns and monotonically increased with decreasing temperature down to 100 K. Below 100 K, in contrast, it shows almost a constant value of ca. 5 ns. The temperature dependence of the conductivity of the Si channel shows a similar behavior to that of the τsf, i.e., monotonically increasing with decreasing temperature down to 100 K and a weak temperature dependence below 100 K. The temperature evolution of conductivity reveals that electron scattering due to magnetic impurities is negligible. A comparison between τsf and momentum scattering time reveals that the dominant spin scattering mechanism in the Si is the Elliott-Yafet mechanism, and the ratio of the momentum scattering time to the τsf attributed to nonmagnetic impurities is approximately 3.77 × 10−6, which is more than two orders of magnitude smaller than that of copper.
Transport mechanism of the magnetoresistance effects in Ta/CoFe2O4 nanostructures
Authors: Hui Yajuan , Cheng Weiming , Zhang Zhaobing , Wang Haiwei , Xie Changsheng , Miao Xiangshui
Published: May 2017

We report an investigation of temperature dependent spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in Ta/CoFe2O4 nanostructures. The AMR of the Ta/CoFe2O4 nanostructure starts to appear at 50 K and its magnitude enhances dramatically with the decrease in temperature due to the suppressed spin-flip scattering. However, the SMR shows a complex temperature dependence correlated with the thickness of Ta layers. It increases monotonically and slightly with the decrease in temperature in thicker (7 nm) Ta. Moreover, Ta/CoFe2O4 nanostructures with thinner (3 nm) Ta exhibit a significant peak of SMR at about 75 K, probably owing to a good matching between the Ta layer thickness and its spin diffusion length. The fundamental distinct temperature dependences reveal different transport mechanisms of the two magnetoresistance effects. Our results will contribute to the further understanding and optimization of the magnetoresistance effects in spinel magnetic insulator heterojunctions.
TiO2/BiVO4, a Heterojuncted Microfiber with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance for Methylene Blue under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Ma Zhan-ying , Li Xiao-bo , Zhou Cai-hua , Deng Ling-juan , Fan Guang
Published: May 2017

Novel TiO2/BiVO4 microfiber heterojunctions were constructed using cotton as biomorphic templates. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra and photocatalytic experiment. The morphology of the as-synthesized TiO2/BiVO4 composites was consisted of a large quantity of microfiber structures with diameter from 2.5 µm to 5 µm, and the surface of samples became more coarse and compact with the increase of weight ratio of TiO2. The TiO2/BiVO4 samples with proper content (10.00wt%) showed the highest photocatalytic degradation activity for methylene blue (MB) degradation among all the samples under visible light, and 88.58%MB could be degraded within 150 min. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the formation of n-n heterojunction at the contact interface of TiO2 and BiVO4, which not only narrowed the band gap of BiVO4 for extending the absorption range of visible light, but also promoted the transfer of charge carriers across interface. A possible photodegradation mechanism of MB in the presence of TiO2/BiVO4 microfibrous photocatalyst was proposed.
Paclitaxel Hydrogelator Delays Microtubule Aggregation
Authors: Mei Bin , Liang Gao-lin
Published: May 2017

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most efficient anticancer drugs for the treatment of cancers through β-tubulin-binding. Our previous work indicated that a PTX-derivative hydrogelator Fmoc-Phe-Phe-Lys(paclitaxel)-Tyr(H2PO3)-OH (1) could promote neuron branching but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Using tubulin assembly-disassembly assay, in this work, we found that compound 1 obviously delayed more microtubule aggregation than PTX did. Under the catalysis of alkaline phosphatase, Fmoc-Phe-Phe-Lys(paclitaxel)-Tyr(H2PO3)-OH could self-assemble into nanofiber Fmoc-Phe-Phe-Lys(paclitaxel)-Tyr-OH with width comparable to the size of αβ-tubulin dimer. Therefore, we proposed in this work that nanofiber Fmoc-Phe-Phe-Lys(paclitaxel)-Tyr-OH not only inhibits the αβ-tubulin dimer binding to each other but also interferes with the plus end aggregation of microtubule. This work provides a new mechanism of the inhibition of microtubule formation by a PTX-derivative hydrogelator.
γ-Ray-Radiation-Scissioned Chitosan as a Gene Carrier and Its Improved in vitro Gene Transfection Performance
Authors: Lin Fu-xing , Zeng Kun , Yang Wen-xiu , Wang Mo-zhen , Rong Jie-lin , Xie Juan , Zhao Yu , Ge Xue-wu
Published: May 2017

Chitosan (CS) is expected to be an ideal gene carrier for its high biosafety. In this work, CS with low molecular weight were prepared through the γ-ray radiation on the acetic acid solution of CS. The CS chains were scissioned under the γ-ray radiation, and the molecular weight (MW) of CS decreased with the absorbed dose. When the absorbed dose was above 30 kGy, the molecular weight of CS decreased about an order of magnitude. The γ-ray-radiation-scissioned CS can effectively bind with plasmid (pEGFP) through complex coacervation method, forming pEGFP/γ-ray-radiation-scissioned CS complex particles with a size of 200–300 nm. The complex particles have good stability and little cytotoxicity. The in vitro gene transfection efficiencies of the pEGFP/γ-ray-radiation-scissioned CS complex particles were investigated by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. The results showed that the gene vectors using γ-ray-radiation-scissioned CS as the carrier will possess better gene transfection efficiency than those using natural high-MW CS as the carrier. The higher the absorbed dose, the smaller the MW of CS and the better transfection efficiency of the corresponding gene vector. This work provides a green and simple method on the preparation of CS-based gene vectors with high efficiency and biosafety.
Construction of Renewable Superhydrophobic Surfaces via Thermally Induced Phase Separation and Mechanical Peeling
Authors: Zhu Qi , Yu Yuan , Wu Qing-Yun , Gu Lin
Published: May 2017

We report a simple preparation method of a renewable superhydrophobic surface by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and mechanical peeling. Porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with hierarchical structures were prepared by a TIPS process under different cooling conditions, which were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. After peeling off the top layer, rough structures with hundreds of nanometers to several microns were obtained. A digital microscopy determines that the surface roughness of peeled PVDF membranes is much higher than that of the original PVDF membrane, which is important to obtain the superhydrophobicity. Water contact angle and sliding angle measurements demonstrate that the peeled membrane surfaces display superhydrophobicity with a high contact angle (152°) and a low sliding angle (7.2°). Moreover, the superhydrophobicity can be easily recovered for many times by a simple mechanical peeling, identical to the original superhydrophobicity. This simple preparation method is low cost, and suitable for large-scale industrialization, which may offer more opportunities for practical applications.
Grazing management of dairy pastures based on tall fescue in southern Australia
Authors: Lawson A. R. , Kelly K. B. , Rogers M. E.
Published: May 2017

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (Schreb) Darbysh.) has the potential to become a useful component of irrigated dairy pastures in northern Victoria owing to its high dry matter (DM) production compared with perennial ryegrass. However, tall fescue is not widely grown because its grazing management is perceived as difficult. In October 2010, a tall fescue–white clover pasture was established and irrigated. In September 2011, six grazing-management treatments were imposed over 3 years, involving grazing: at 1-leaf stage; at 2-leaf stage (1.5-leaf stage during spring); at 3-leaf stage (2.5-leaf stage during spring); at intervals based upon days between grazings ranging from 15 days in October–December to 60 days in winter; at intervals as above except for 21 days in October–December; and at intervals approximating that of a well-managed perennial-ryegrass-based pasture . Measurements included pre- and post-grazing pasture mass, nutritive characteristics, botanical composition and plant frequency. Pasture consumption from the treatment grazed at the 3-leaf stage was >3.5 t DM ha–1 year–1 (30%) greater than from the three most frequently grazed treatments. However, crude protein content was 1–3% DM units lower when grazed at the 3-leaf stage compared with the two most frequently grazed treatments. There was no effect on estimated metabolisable energy or neutral detergent fibre contents of the pasture on offer. Differences in pasture composition between the pastures grazed at the 3-leaf stage and those most frequently grazed emerged over time and were most conspicuous in the third year, with a greater plant frequency (79% v. 66%) and tall fescue content (61% v. 40% DM) and lower weed content (14% v. 28% DM). From the study, a grazing regime for tall fescue based on the 3-leaf stage appears promising because it produced the most DM over the experiment. A disadvantage of this regime was the need for an extra mowing each year. The practicality of this approach to grazing tall fescue needs to be tested at the whole-farm level.
A Nineteenth-century Exploration of Phytochemistry in Botanical Systematics: Joseph Henry Maiden and Eucalyptus Kinos
Authors: Lucas A. M.
Published: May 2017

In the early 1890s, J. H. Maiden considered that kino exudates might be a useful character to consider alongside structural features in grouping Eucalyptus species. He found that although some types of kino supported morphological analyses, most did not and they were not as useful as he had hoped. His commitment to the concept of variability caused him to oppose his former colleagues R. T. Baker and H. G. Smith in their use of essential oils as an over-riding characteristic in Eucalyptus taxonomy and higher classification. When their work was rebutted in the late 1920s by the discovery that differences in the oils included intra-specific polymorphisms, the concept of phyto-chemical classification went into abeyance, and Maiden's insightful, but cautious, pioneering work was also forgotten.
The Proctor-Parkes Incident: Politics, Protestants and Popular Astronomy in Australia in 1880
Authors: Bush Martin
Published: May 2017

Henry Parkes' intervention to placate the Sabbatarian movement and prevent British astronomer Richard Proctor from delivering an astronomical lecture on Sunday 5 September 1880 created a major controversy in the Australian colonies. Controversy had been central to much of Proctor's success, and in this case drew on a long-standing connection between astronomy and religion. An examination of the Proctor-Parkes incident shows how popular science works in culture by drawing on and sustaining the analogical connections between scientific ideas and broader cultural concerns.
Commissioning for healthcare: a case study of the general practitioners After Hours Program
Authors: Carlisle Karen , Fleming Rhonda , Berrigan Alison
Published: May 2017

A strong primary healthcare system that is effective and efficient is a priority for health reform in Australia. Commissioning to support primary healthcare delivery has received increasing attention as part of healthcare reform in Australia and beyond. The aim of this paper is to present a case study of transitioning to an activity-based model for the provision of GP after-hours services in Australia. The GP After-Hours Program utilised a commissioning model that comprised of needs assessment, service development, provider engagement and evaluation. Evaluation of the new model showed a 17% increase in after-hours services, with service providers indicating that they were satisfied with the new process. Examination of the experience of implementation suggests that the commissioning model provided a useful framework for guiding activity-based funding for after-hours services. However, relational factors, such as engagement with the community, knowledge of the wider context and legitimacy of the commissioning body, can affect the implementation process.
Grasping the Syrian War, a view from Albanians in the Balkans
Authors: Sadriu Behar
Published: May 2017

Reactions to the brutal Syrian War from European governments and Europe's Muslims have been diverse and subject to many shifts over the past few years. This paper focuses on how Albanian political and Islamic religious figures living in the Balkans have come to interpret the war. I focus on discourse, the ways in which these different agents communicate with their audience, and the wider contexts they evoke. Government sources and religiously themed lectures delivered by prominent imams on the social networking site YouTube are used to assess these trends. The most obvious aspect of these debates is the ways in which these agents use the war to press their own agendas, the government to affirm their commitment to the “West” and an ethnicized view of Islam, while Islamic religious leaders use it to reconnect their audiences to a more cosmopolitan vision of their past. War thus becomes a catalyst for a resurgent contestation between different groups vying for control over what it means to be “Albanian” and “Muslim” in the twenty-first century.
The difference that ‘capitalism’ makes: on the merits and limits of critical political economy in African Studies
Authors: Ouma Stefan
Published: May 2017

The goal of this Briefing is to weigh in carefully on the respective merits and limits of critical political economy perspectives in African Studies (and beyond) and to make a case for ontological and theoretical modesty. Rather than taking African capitalist societies for granted, we should unpick how particular social entities are being made.
Swinging support? Economic cycles and changes in the public attitudes towards welfare recipients in Finland 1995–2010
Authors: Kuivalainen Susan , Erola Jani
Published: May 2017

This article analyses the variation in public attitudes towards welfare recipients according to economic cycles. This question is of great importance at the time of recent fiscal crisis across Europe. Previous research has indicated that economic recession leads to declining welfare state support, although some findings show stronger support during times of increased financial strain. Finland provides ample opportunity to investigate the effects of situational factors, as it experienced two severe economic downturns during the period of examination. Unlike many previous studies, we also considered whether the association between economic cycles and attitudes was dependent on socioeconomic status. Analyses reveal that high unemployment and economic downturns diminish public support for welfare provisioning. Furthermore, the results show that both individual and spousal unemployment, as well as social class position, are associated with people's attitudes towards welfare recipients. These associations remain when the national unemployment rate and GDP growth rate are taken into account. Overall, the working class has stricter opinions of welfare recipients during economic downturns, whereas the opposite is true for the service classes and the self-employed. Moreover, men have stricter attitudes towards welfare recipients during economic recessions.
Homological stability for moduli spaces of high dimensional manifolds. I
Authors: Galatius Søren , Randal-Williams Oscar
Published: May 2017

We prove a homological stability theorem for moduli spaces of simply connected manifolds of dimension

2
n
>
4

2n > 4

, with respect to forming connected sum with

S
n

×

S
n

S^n \times S^n

. This is analogous to Harer’s stability theorem for the homology of mapping class groups. Combined with previous work of the authors, it gives a calculation of the homology of the moduli spaces of manifolds diffeomorphic to connected sums of

S
n

×

S
n

S^n \times S^n

in a range of degrees.
Protective effects of hot spring water drinking and radon inhalation on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in mice
Authors: Etani Reo , Kataoka Takahiro , Kanzaki Norie , Sakoda Akihiro , Tanaka Hiroshi , Ishimori Yuu , Mitsunobu Fumihiro , Taguchi Takehito , Yamaoka Kiyonori
Published: May 2017

Radon therapy using radon (222Rn) gas is classified into two types of treatment: inhalation of radon gas and drinking water containing radon. Although short- or long-term intake of spa water is effective in increasing gastric mucosal blood flow, and spa water therapy is useful for treating chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer, the underlying mechanisms for and precise effects of radon protection against mucosal injury are unclear. In the present study, we examined the protective effects of hot spring water drinking and radon inhalation on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in mice. Mice inhaled radon at a concentration of 2000 Bq/m3 for 24 h or were provided with hot spring water for 2 weeks. The activity density of 222Rn ranged from 663 Bq/l (start point of supplying) to 100 Bq/l (end point of supplying). Mice were then orally administered ethanol at three concentrations. The ulcer index (UI), an indicator of mucosal injury, increased in response to the administration of ethanol; however, treatment with either radon inhalation or hot spring water inhibited the elevation in the UI due to ethanol. Although no significant differences in antioxidative enzymes were observed between the radon-treated groups and the non-treated control groups, lipid peroxide levels were significantly lower in the stomachs of mice pre-treated with radon or hot spring water. These results suggest that hot spring water drinking and radon inhalation inhibit ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury.
Why mindfulness at work matters – the ‘reboot’ for emotional intelligence development
Authors: Chapman-Clarke Margaret
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to inspire practitioners to look critically at how and in what ways mindfulness can enhance emotional intelligence interventions. The paper also aims to provide practical and evidence-based guidance on what and how to design, implement and evaluate mindfulness-based emotional intelligence (EI) programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a critical, practitioner-perspective on mindfulness as it transitions into the workplace. The author draws on her own work in the field of EI practice and research and the experiences of peers who have implemented mindfulness-based interventions to offer insights on how to navigate the “mindfulness phenomenon” to enhance EI interventions.

Findings

A series of practical steps on how to implement organizational mindfulness-based interventions (O-MBIs), distilled from case studies, entitled “top ten tips from the field”.

Research limitations/implications

The author argues that whilst organizational scholars debate as to whether mindfulness is a topic worthy of interest, practitioners are already engaged and generating practitioner-led research.

Practical implications

Mindfulness is rapidly capturing development and learning practitioner attention, yet there is little empirical work that is initiated by practitioners and shared with practitioners. This paper goes some way to helping peers navigate what has been described as the “mindfulness phenomenon”.

Social implications

Many commentators have noted that we operate in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world. We are trapped in a “prison of busyness”, and the author argues that the popularity of mindfulness, not only in the workplace but more broadly in society, is indicative of the need to equip people to cope and a desire to create more compassionate and mindful organizations.

Originality/value

The paper summarizes themes captured in what has been described as a seminal book in the practitioner literature on mindfulness in the workplace. It is designed to provoke readers into looking critically at their existing EI programs and examine how and in what ways, a holistic, embodied practice (mindfulness) can hone the skills of attention, focus and presence. With the intention of facilitating kinder and more compassionate individuals and organizations, potentially leading to more mindful and ethical societies.
Dams on a Myanmar–Thai transboundary river
Authors: Chan Steve Kwok-Leung
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study dams on transboundary rivers. In this study, the case of the Nu–Salween–Thanlwin River is reviewed. This study is an attempt toward developing a conceptual model to explain the unequal hydropower exchange of hydropower dams on transboundary rivers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews big dam project plans on the Salween–Thanlwin River near the Myanmar–Thailand border from the perspective of critical hydropolitics. The evidence is drawn from an extensive review of academic literature, reports, newspapers and websites on this topic. Cascao and Zeitoun’s (2010) four pillars of power, namely, geographical, material, bargaining and ideational power, are reviewed in the case of the Salween–Thanlwin River and its riparian states.

Findings

On the basis of a realist discourse, power relationships between dams and their socio-environmental effects are discussed from the perspective of critical hydropolitics. Multiple levels of power asymmetry regarding geographical, material, bargaining and ideational power are observed. The powerful states are high electricity consumers and importers. They invest in hydroelectric dams of adjacent developing states and buy back most of the electricity generated to fuel their industrialization and urbanization. Weak states generally do not have high bargaining power. They depend on the investment of high material power states for domestic and economic development and gain from the export of electricity. However, the externalities of hydropower dams are transferred to these weak states. This contributes to an unequal hydropower exchange model.

Practical implications

The model provides an analytical framework for hydropower dam projects through which comprehensive and multidimensional views are extracted. Academia, policymakers, private developers, international development agencies and nongovernment organizations will have a better understanding of hydropower dam projects and the interactions among riparian states.

Originality/value

This conceptual model stems from Cascao and Zeitoun’s (2010) four pillars of power – geographical, material, bargaining and ideational power. The author limits the framework to hydroelectric dams in transboundary rivers. The powerful states are high electricity consumers and importers that dominate the dam development projects and exchange process.
Modeling disruption in a fresh produce supply chain
Authors: MacKenzie Cameron A. , Apte Aruna
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify elements that make fresh produce supply chains (FPSCs) vulnerable to disruptions and to quantify the benefits of different disruption-management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a mathematical model of a disruption in a FPSC and analyzes the relationships among variables.

Findings

The model determines the optimal safety stock as a function of the perishability of the produce, the length of time it takes to find the contamination, the level of demand during the disruption, and the amount of produce that can be rerouted. Applying the model to the 2006E. colispinach contamination reveals that the drop in customer demand for fresh spinach plays the largest role in Dole losing sales.

Research limitations/implications

The model includes several parameters that may be difficult to estimate. Future models can incorporate uncertainty that is inherent in supply chain disruptions.

Practical implications

The model in this paper can help a supply chain (SC) manager explore the trade-offs of different disruption-management strategies. For example, a SC manager can determine the value of holding additional safety stock vs trying to improve traceability in the SC.

Originality/value

This paper quantifies and models insights delivered in the qualitative analyses of FPSC disruptions. The theoretical contributions include an analysis of the interaction among safety stock, levels of demand, communication, and traceability parameters in order to help SC managers evaluate different strategies to mitigate the effects of contaminated produce.
Optimization model for the new coordinated replenishment and delivery problem with multi-warehouse
Authors: Liu Rui , Liu Shan , Zeng Yu-Rong , Wang Lin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new and practical decision support model of the coordinated replenishment and delivery (CRD) problem with multi-warehouse (M-CRD) to improve the performance of a supply chain. Two algorithms, tabu search-RAND (TS-RAND) and adaptive hybrid different evolution (AHDE) algorithm, are developed and compared as to the performance of each in solving the M-CRD problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed M-CRD is more complex and practical than classical CRDs, which are non-deterministic polynomial-time hard problems. According to the structure of the M-CRD, a hybrid algorithm, TS-RAND, and AHDE are designed to solve the M-CRD.

Findings

Results of M-CRDs with different scales show that TS-RAND and AHDE are good candidates for handling small-scale M-CRD. TS-RAND can also find satisfactory solutions for large-scale M-CRDs. The total cost (TC) of M-CRD is apparently lower than that of a CRD with a single warehouse. Moreover, the TC is lower for the M-CRD with a larger number of optional warehouses.

Practical implications

The proposed M-CRD is helpful for managers to select the suitable warehouse and to decide the delivery scheduling with a coordinated replenishment policy under complex operations management situations. TS-RAND can be easily used by practitioners because of its robustness, easy implementation, and quick convergence.

Originality/value

Compared with the traditional CRDs with one warehouse, a better policy with lower TC can be obtained by the new M-CRD. Moreover, the proposed TS-RAND is a good candidate for solving the M-CRD.