bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Test of the ‘Interpersonal’ in the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide
Authors: George Sarah E. , Collins Khan R. L. , Cao Temily , Stritzke Werner G. K. , Page Andrew C.
Published: July 2017

The interpersonal theory of suicide posits that failed interpersonal needs for efficacy and belongingness cause suicide ideation (Joiner, 2005). To distinguish whether their mechanism of action is interpersonal or via failure per se, an experimental paradigm was used. In Study 1 (n = 98), participants were randomly allocated to high or low perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness conditions. Those who experienced high levels of the interpersonal factors expressed a heightened desire to disengage from the interactive computerized team task. To test whether disengagement was caused by interpersonal factors or just poor performance, participants in Study 2 (n = 63) were randomly allocated to complete the task in collaborative (i.e., interpersonal) or competitive (i.e., intrapersonal) conditions. The deficits in persistence were greater among participants in the interpersonal condition, indicating that the interpersonal nature of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness makes these factors particularly pernicious, supporting the emphasis of the interpersonal theory of suicide.
Retrieving Vertical Ozone Profiles from Measurements of Global Spectral Irradiance
Authors: Bernhard Germar , Petropavlovskikh Irina , Mayer Bernhard
Published: July 2017

Abstract. A new method is presented to determine vertical ozone profiles from measurements of spectral global (direct Sun plus upper hemisphere) irradiance in the UV. The method is similar to the widely used Umkehr technique, which inverts measurements of zenith sky radiance. The procedure was applied to measurements of a high-resolution spectroradiometer installed near the centre of the Greenland ice sheet. Retrieved profiles were validated with balloon sonde observations and ozone profiles from the space-borne Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). Depending on altitude, the bias between retrieval results presented in this paper and MLS observations ranges between −5 % and +3 %. The magnitude of this bias is comparable, if not smaller, to values reported in the literature for the standard Dobson Umkehr method. Total ozone columns (TOCs) calculated from the retrieved profiles agree to within 0.7 ± 2.0 % (±1σ) with TOCs measured by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) onboard the Aura satellite. The new method is called the “Global-Umkehr” method.
Failed Collaborative Efforts Relating to Public Lands Use in Idaho’s Boulder-White Cloud Mountains Area
Authors: Lee E. Scott
Published: July 2017

U.S. Representative Mike Simpson touted his collaboration efforts regarding the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA). He stated he had worked hard to bring together different stakeholders representing local ranchers, local, state, and federal government officials, recreationists, wilderness proponents, and other interested groups and individuals to work toward resolving the public land use issues facing the Boulder-White Clouds area in Central Idaho. On its face it appeared to be a perfect example of collaborative decision making. Yet, CIEDRA failed every time it was introduced in Congress. Analysis of the process utilized by Simpson reveals that the CIEDRA collaboration was unsuccessful because there was, in fact, no collaboration. The necessary steps for collaborative decision making were not followed and ultimately, when resistance to the collaborative efforts was encountered early on in the process, a conscious switch was made to “shuttle diplomacy” which was ultimately unsuccessful.
An Exploration of Progression Rates of Widening Participation Students on to an Integrated Master of Engineering
Authors: Humphries-Smith Tania , Hunt Clive
Published: July 2017

This paper reports on an investigation into the potential to widen participation to Higher Education provided by a flexible learning MEng Engineering. The MEng is part of an integrated programme that provides progression routes from a traditional day release Apprenticeship, through HNC, FdEng at a Further Education College to a flexible learning BEng/MEng at a Higher Education Institution. The programme was originally developed to answer a demand from local industry to upskill the engineering workforce, however, the nature of the provision means that it meets much of the best practice for widening participation. The investigation concludes that while the programme provides an opportunity for mature learners to undertake higher education, it largely provides an alternative pathway through vocational education to higher education qualifications for a white male middle class cohort. It also highlights that entry to apprenticeships that lead to progression opportunities is controlled not by educational institutions but by industry.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 13, No. 8
Authors: Zhang Jenny
Published: July 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 13, No. 8, 2017.
A Study of Inventory Control Systems by Jamaican SMEs in Retail and Manufacturing/Distribution Industries
Authors: Johnson Fashaya , Ruankaew Thanasak
Published: July 2017

It is widely accepted that firms can achieve effective inventory management with the right strategies. This study analyzed the inventory control strategies of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jamaica. The objectives of the study were to identify whether these companies used the “best practices” in inventory control, the effects of their strategies on business performance, and the factors that affected the development of their strategies. The study employed a methods triangulation approach that included case studies, interviews, questionnaires, and observation with a focus on twelve inventory-intensive SMEs in retail and manufacturing/distribution industries. The SMEs were found to use common inventory control strategies such as stock counts, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, forecasting, and inventory classification.The findings of this study support institutional theory and isomorphism because it was discovered that due to external influences, firms studied within the same industry adopted similar strategies, and even in different industries, the ‘best practices’ in inventory control were the same. The drivers of this isomorphic organizational behavior were found to be costs, government regulations, and imitation of successful strategies in other companies. The SMEs surveyed were classified as semi-automated due to limited automation and confirmed success in their inventory management. The study validates the existence of institutionalism among SMEs in the retail as well as manufacturing/distribution industries in Jamaica. A broader scope examining larger firms and other industries would further identify isomorphic organizational behavior across the Jamaican business landscape. For future research, an investigation of financial performance and changes and adoption of new inventory control strategies of Jamaican SMEs is recommended to achieve a broad view of inventory management on the financial performance of Jamaican SMEs.
Board of Directors’ “Convexification” and Corporate Results: Recent Evidence from Italy under a Linear/PLS Approach
Authors: Taliento Marco , Favino Christian , Fiorella Angelo
Published: July 2017

We investigate how the attributes of the board of directors are related to results in the case of top capitalised companies listed on “Borsa Italiana” (2014 to 2016). Consistently with an integrated (agency and resource/stewardship) framework, we provide the assumptions and main statistics, then execute the econometric modelling: the composition and function board’s profiles are used as explanatory variables and the firms’ performance as response variable. In a first phase, we verified the possible 'role' of the key characteristics with accounting and economic performances (OLS) even controlling for the ability to create additional value. In a second phase, we adopted – for the first time in this issue – a SEM approach along a Partial Least Squares path (PLS: a variance-based model increasingly applied in business and social sciences), considering “performance” and “organisational convexity” as the latent operationalised variables. Interesting findings emerged from the research (negative influence of the number of meetings and committees, % of independent members and age of CEO; vs positive influence of external offices, CEO duality and presence of women in the boardroom), allowing new and partly counterintuitive understanding about the governance / performance linkage. In the context of the late post-crisis, our latent variables appear negatively related: corporate performance is higher in presence of an organisational concavity inspired to efficiency-oriented synthesis and concentration/centralisation of competencies, with a curved-in yet resilient, svelte and effective array, rather than a more structured one (that is: deconvexification would provide value), suggesting a shift from the general market-to-board approach to a specific board-to-market approach characterised by strong and influential leadership, interests alignment, high trust and clear commitment.
From the Unusual to the Useful: Digital Platforms and Co-Working Spaces as Instruments for Human Resource Management in Emerging Economic and Organizational Environments
Authors: Pompa Leonardo
Published: July 2017

In this present economic situation, the use of freelance workers, whose role in organizations runs side by side with that of full time workers, is becoming increasingly more important. The joint presence of these two very different forms of human resource, represents an important challenge to Human Resource Management, which has to adequately exploit the qualities of those who work within the organization, irrespective of the type of contractual ties they may have. Managerial literature has come up with limited contributions on this topic and without finding effective solutions to the integrated management of such an assortment of human resources. In this paper we contribute to fill this literature gap by proposing a conceptual model concerning how using digital platforms and co-working spaces may facilitate the company’s human resource management. This particular model outlines how these two instruments can assist the work of HR managers, especially with the conception and implementation of recruitment and motivational processes.
Under Interruptive Effects of Rarity and Mental Accounting, Whether the Online Purchase Intention Can Still Be Enhanced Even with Higher Search Costs and Perceived Risk
Authors: Liaw Shu-Yi , Le Thi Mai
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of search costs and perceived risk to online buying intention under the moderators of rarity and mental accounting in marketing practices. In this study, four types of online products food, toys, travelling and clothing were divided into pre-test and post-test to observe the rarity and mental accounting conditions. To investigate this study a survey was conducted with a sample size of 473 college students. The results found that (1) without moderators, search costs and perceived risk had no significant effects on purchase intention but had a positive significant effect on purchase intention under the interruptive effects of rarity and mental accounting. (2) In rarity moderator, online customers are more sensitive to limited time than limited quantity. (3) In mental accounting interruption, pay less and get more had significant moderating effects. (4) Limited time and get more had the highest contribution to an improvement in purchase intention. Contributions of this study provide to relevant businesses or network operators considerations of rarity and mental accounting in online promotion strategy implementation.
Capital Asset Pricing Model, Theory and Practice: Evidence from USA (2009-2016)
Authors: Al-Afeef Mohammad AbdelMohsen
Published: July 2017

This study discussed the Capital Assets Pricing model (CAPM) and its ability to measure the required return, the researcher tested this model on Amazon Company listed in S&P 500 during the period (2009-2016), to measure the impact of beta stock and market index return on the required return. Multiple regression model was used to test the effect of independent variables (Beta stock, Market Index Return) on the dependent variable (Required return), it should be noted that there is a statistically significant impact of the US stock market Return (S&P500) and Amazon stock Beta factor on Amazon stock required return, and the study model explanatory was 20% , this means that 20% of the changes in the required return are due to beta and market return, and 80% of the changes due to other factors, also find that CAPM can be applied on efficiency markets and huge companies.The researcher recommends applying the variables of the study on a group of large companies in the S&P 500 index, and looking for other factors that may affect the required return.
Pharmaceutical Product Selection: Application of AHP
Authors: Elahi Farzana , Muqtadir Afia , Anam Shahriyar , Mustafiz K.
Published: July 2017

Pharmaceutical industry caters to the health care needs through manufacturing drugs that cure diseases. With retailers being one of the customers in this industry, it is imperative for any pharmaceutical companyto address the issues concerning their preferences for these drugs to remain competitive in business. This prompts us to investigate the factors that influence their decisions in selecting the pharmaceutical products. This paper aims to identify those factors and rank them through application of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with the support of the Expert Choice Software version 11.0. In this regard, six factors are identified, namely, quality of products, availability of products, variety of products, delivery deadline, flexibility in quantity, and competitive price that affect the purchasing decision of the retailers. The result indicates that among the chosen six factors, quality of products is ranked first followed by variety of products, availability of products, flexibility in quantity, competitive price, and delivery deadline. Inconsistency level as generated by the synthesis of AHP is found to be 9% that falls below the threshold value of 10%, signifying to the acceptability of the result. The implications of the findings on the part of the pharmaceutical companies and suggestions for future research are also put forward.
Impact of Consumers’ Preference for Cultural and Creative Parks on the Attitude Behavior Model
Authors: Wu Shwu-Ing , Tian Man-Li
Published: July 2017

In recent years, Taiwan has actively developed cultural and creative industries, expanded the scale of the national consumer market, and launched international tourism; therefore, diverse Cultural and Creative Parks have appeared. However, what are the characteristics of Cultural and Creative Parks that attract consumers and change their attitude and behavior? The answers to such questions rely on further study. This study focuses on Cultural and Creative Parks to determine whether the various characteristics of Cultural and Creative Parks in Taiwan lead to attraction to the parks and influence the consumers’ attitude model, in order to propose useful decision-making information for Cultural and Creative Parks. By investigating 788 valid questionnaires according to preference degree for Cultural and Creative Parks, this study divides consumers into two groups and compares the group models. According to the findings: (1) in comparison to consumers that do not prefer Cultural and Creative Parks, those who enjoy Cultural and Creative Parks show more significant impact of cultural creative products, creative markets, and performance activities on attraction to Cultural and Creative Parks; (2) in comparison to consumers that do not prefer Cultural and Creative Parks, those who enjoy Cultural and Creative Parks show more significant intensity on path of attraction of Cultural and Creative Parks to behavior to visit; (3) consumers that do not prefer Cultural and Creative Parks have more significant impact on the relationship between cognition, behavior, and affection regarding attitude in the CBA model.
Empowerment and Responsiveness Effect on Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Staffs in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Selvanathan Mahiswaran , Ain Zeni Noor , Jun Tan Pei , Apparavu Kantharow
Published: July 2017

This study focuses on service quality in a public sector, Malaysia. This research is aimed at exploring the relationship between empowerment and responsiveness towards work quality, while reviewing customers’ satisfaction towards government services, particularly towards the Royal Malaysian Police agency. This paper describes how the Royal Malaysian Police can use their employee work quality through the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity systems as tools to help them reach the highest level of customer satisfaction. Multivariate multiple regression technique was used to measure the relationship between the empowerment and responsiveness towards work quality of the employee. This study concludes that empowerment factor does significantly affect the work quality of the government employees, but their work quality does not satisfy the customers.
A Case-Study of Financial Literacy and Wellbeing of Immigrants in Lloydminster, Canada
Authors: Durodola Oludamola , Fusch Patricia , Tippins Steven
Published: July 2017

The sources of financial literacy education accessible to immigrants to Canada and the link between immigrant’s financial literacy and financial decisions could impact their welfare and Canada’s population growth negatively. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore sources of immigrant’s financial literacy education immediately they arrive Canada and the link between their financial knowledge and financial decisions. The life cycle hypothesis, rational choice theory, and bounded rationality theory grounded the study. Data collection from the purposeful sample included semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 13 adult immigrants and a focus group discussion with 6 adult immigrants, all of whom lived, worked, or owned a business in the city of Lloydminster. Data was collected between December 12 and December 19 2016. Using Yin’s 5 step data analytic procedure, the 6 themes that described the pattern between immigrant’s wellbeing and their financial literacy levels are social institutions, economic institutions, pressure impacting financial decisions, credit facility impacting financial decisions, emotions impacting financial decisions, and discount deals impacting financial decisions. The results from this qualitative study might trigger positive social change if immigrants to Canada develop their financial literacy levels and stay committed to making sensible financial decisions.
Is There An Industry Effect in Executive Compensation? Evidence from Aerospace/Defense and Leisure/Hospitality Industry
Authors: Amadi Confidence W. , Amadi Felicia Y.
Published: July 2017

The objective of this study is to compare the executive compensation of two industries that are diametrically opposites in terms of dependence on government: The Aerospace/Defense industry versus Leisure/Hospitality industry. The financial crisis brought the issue of the executive compensation to the attention of government. Congress has often tried to control executive compensation through mandated public disclosures of private contracts, restrictive tax policy, and direct interference with corporate governance. Recent studies show a reduction in donations to nonprofits subsequent to disclosure of high executive compensation. In the same light, since governments are the primary customers of defense industry, we suspect that the issue of high levels of executive compensation will factor into contract negotiations. The study finds a negative relationship, albeit weak, between the Aerospace/Defense industry variable and executive compensation as compared to the Leisure/Hospitality industry.
Impact of Relational Management and Culture on System Success Perceptions in an IT Outsourcing Project
Authors: Dutta Sameer , Silver Milton , Omolayole Olu
Published: July 2017

This study investigates whether trust between user and vendor can lead to formation of system success perception in the mind of the user in an IT outsourcing project. Further, the impact of culture in the form of user power distance index on the relationship between trust and user system success perception is tested. Results confirm that trust can lead to formation of system success perception, however, culture in the form of user power distance index was not found to impact the relationship between trust and user system success perception.
A Cross-country Study of the Effects of Institutional Ownership on Credit Ratings
Authors: A. AlHares , C. G. Ntim
Published: July 2017

A considerable number of studies have examined the relationship between corporate governance (CG) structures and corporate performance (e.g., Yermack, 1996; Gompers et al., 2003; Beiner et al., 2006; Renders et al., 2010; Ntim et al., 2012; Kumar & Zattoni 2013; Griffin, et al., 2014). In contrast, despite its importance as demonstrated by the recent financial crisis, studies examining why and how a corporation’s CG mechanisms might influence its credit ratings are rare (e.g., Switzer and Wang, 2013;Matthies, 2013; Tran, 2014). This research, therefore, seeks to contribute to the extant literature by exploring the effects of (CG) mechanisms on corporate credit ratings. Specifically, using a sample of 200 firms from 10 OECD countries over ten years covering the pre- and post-2007/08 global financial crisis period from Anglo American (i.e., Australia, Canada, Ireland, UK, and US) and Continental European (i.e., France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain) traditions and employing a total of 200 listed companies, this paper hopes to achieve a number of objectives. First, the paper attempted to assess the levels of compliance with, and disclosure of, CG principles contained in the 2004 OECD CG Code in firms from two different traditions: Anglo America and Continental Europe. Second, the paper sought to investigate the relationship between CG mechanisms and credit ratings. These relationships will be explored by employing firm-level CG mechanisms (ownership structures measured by Institutional Ownership) by accounting for firm-level control variables (e.g., firm size, growth, profitability, and leverage) based on a multi-theoretical framework that incorporates insights from agency and legitimacy theories. The findings revealed that there was a strong negative relationship between institutional ownership and credit ratings. From the descriptive analysis, it was shown that institutional owners did not have a very high credit rating. When the control variables were assessed, it was shown that they had a negative influence on the credit ratings with sales growth and leverage and positive significant relationship with firm size, corruption index, power distance and Anglo American countries.
Financial Sector Development and Economic Growth in Bangladesh: A Factor Analysis Based Causality Approach
Authors: Hossain Altaf , Biswas Suman , Hossain Md. Nasif , Poddar Arnab Kumar
Published: July 2017

To understand the finance-growth nexus, this paper is intended to find a fewer number of important financial factors using Factor Analysis on some selected indicators of Bangladesh financial sector during the period 1988-2013. This paper then tries to check whether the identified financial factors cause economic growth or economic growth causes financial factors using the Granger – Causality test. Factor Analysis shows that financial indicators under the dimensions, depth and stability form Factor 1, and the indicators under the dimensions, use/access and efficiency form Factor 2. Being consistent with economic sense, Granger – Causality test shows that no financial factor significantly causes economic growth; rather economic growth causes “depth/stability” (‘private credit + capitalization’ /non-performing loan) factor of financial sector during the period. In summary, on average, financial sector of Bangladesh is being unstably (being increased non-performing loan) deepened with response to the demand of economic growth since 1988.
On the Existence of Global Weak Solutions to 1D Pollutant Transport Model
Authors: ROAMBA Brahima , ZABSONRE Jean de Dieu , ZONGO Yacouba
Published: July 2017

We consider a one-dimensionnal bilayer model coupling shallow water and Reynolds lubrication equations with a molecular interactions between molecules. These molecular interactions give rise to intermolecular forces, namely the long-range van der Waals forces and short-range Born intermolecular forces. In this paper, an expression will be used to take into account all these intermolecular forces. Our model is a similar model studied in (Roamba, Zabsonré & Zongo, 2017). The model considered is represented by the two superposed immiscible fluids. A similar model was studied in (Zabsonré Lucas & Fernandez-Nieto, 2009) but the authors do not take into  account the intermolecular forces. Without hypothesis about the unknowns as in (Roamba, Zabsonré & Zongo, 2017), we show the existence of global weak solution in time in a periodic domain.
Regulatory Review of European Commission Impact Assessments
Authors: Meuwese Anne C.M.
Published: July 2017

Regulatory Review of European Commission Impact Assessments: What Kind for Which Better Regulation Scenario?

The article maps the various ways in which review of Commission impact assessments takes place by the Regulatory Scrutiny Board, the European Ombudsman, the European Court of Auditors, and the Court of Justice of the European Union, among others, and assesses the effect these review activities have on the framework and functioning of this primary Better Regulation tool.
Het Consultatievoorstel schadevergoeding zorg- en affectieschade: een beschrijving
Authors: Rijnhout R.
Published: July 2017

Het Consultatievoorstel schadevergoeding zorg- en affectieschade: een beschrijving

De wetgever is voornemens om vier veranderingen aan te brengen in het schadevergoedingsrecht, zo blijkt uit het Consultatievoorstel schadevergoeding zorg- en affectieschade. Eén daarvan heeft betrekking op de overgang van het recht op vergoeding voor immateriële schade (art. 6:106 BW), de andere drie veranderingen raken direct het vorderingsrecht van naasten en nabestaanden. Deze bijdrage geeft een beschrijving van het voorstel en vormt een inleiding op de bijdragen van Van, Blok en Van Schoonhoven (commissie Wetgeving van de Vereniging van Advocaten voor Slachtoffers van Personenschade) en van Kremer (directeur Stichting Personenschade Instituut van Verzekeraars) in dit nummer.
Multivariate Optimization of Conditions for Digestion of Wet Feeds for Dogs and Cats Using a Closed Digester Block and Multielement Determination by ICP-OES
Authors: Ávila Dayara Virgínia Lino , Souza Sidnei Oliveira , Costa Silvânio Silvério Lopes , Garcia Carlos Alexandre Borges , Alves José do Patrocínio Hora , Araujo Rennan Geovanny Oliveira , Passos Elisangela Andrade
Published: July 2017

A full 24 factorial design was applied to find the best combination of diluted reagents (HNO3 and H2O2), time, and temperature for the digestion of samples of wet feed for dogs and cats using a closed digestion block. The residual carbon concentration (RCC) was used as the response in the factorial design. All variables and their interactions significantly influenced the digestion of the feed samples, as indicated by the RCC. The conditions established for the digestion of 0.05 g (dry mass) wet feed samples were the addition of 3.0 mol/L HNO3 and 5.0% m/m H2O2 in a final volume of 10 mL, followed by heating in a closed digestion block at a temperature of 170°C for 120 min. Analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) optical emission spectrometry (OES). LOQs ranged from 0.2 μg/g (Mg and Sr) to 51 μg/g (P). Accuracy of the analytical method was confirmed through the analysis of the Standard Reference Materials Tomato Leaves (NIST 1573), Apple Leaves (NIST 1515), and Peach Leaves (NIST 1547). The agreement values achieved ranged from 80.2 ± 0.3% for Ba to 113.8 ± 7.1% for Zn (n = 3). Addition and recovery tests were carried out by addingthe analytes to a feed sample at two concentration levels, and the recoveries were between 84 ± 6and 114 ± 10% for macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, and P; n = 3) and between 88 ± 3 and 113 ± 7% for microelements and trace elements (B, Cu, Fe, Sr, and Zn; n = 3). The precision values achieved for the different elements, expressed as RSDs, were better than 7.3%(Zn; n = 3) except for Cu determination, that was 14.6% (n=3). The optimized analyticalmethod was applied to 10 commercial samples of wet feed for cats and dogs, with the concentrations of Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, Sr, and Zn determined by ICP-OES.
Molecular analysis of single circulating tumour cells following long‐term storage of clinical samples
Authors: Mesquita Barbara , Rothwell Dominic G. , Burt Deborah J , Chemi Francesca , Fernandez‐Gutierrez Fabiola , Slane‐Tan Daniel , Antonello Jenny , Carter Mathew , Carter Louise , Parry Marina , Franklin Lynsey , Marais Richard , Blackhall Fiona , Dive Caroline , Brady Ged
Published: July 2017

The CellSearch® semiautomated CTC enrichment and staining system has been established as the ‘gold standard’ for CTC enumeration with CellSearch® CTC counts recognized by the FDA as prognostic for a number of cancers. We and others have gone on to show that molecular analysis of CellSearch® CTCs isolated shortly after CellSearch® enrichment provides another valuable layer of information that has potential clinical utility including predicting response to treatment. Although CellSearch® CTCs can be readily isolated after enrichment, the process of analysing a single CellSearch® patient sample, which may contain many CTCs, is both time‐consuming and costly. Here, we describe a simple process that will allow storage of all CellSearch®‐enriched cells in glycerol at −20 °C for up to 2 years without any measurable loss in the ability to retrieve single cells or in the genome integrity of the isolated cells. To establish the suitability of long‐term glycerol storage for single‐cell molecular analysis, we isolated individual CellSearch®‐enriched cells by DEPArray™ either shortly after CellSearch® enrichment or following storage of matched enriched cells in glycerol at −20 °C. All isolated cells were subjected to whole‐genome amplification (WGA), and the efficacy of single‐cell WGA was evaluated by multiplex PCR to generate a Genome Integrity Index (GII). The GII results from 409 single cells obtained from both ‘spike‐in’ controls and clinical samples showed no statistical difference between values obtained pre‐ and postglycerol storage and that there is no further loss in integrity when DEPArray™‐isolated cells are then stored at −80 °C for up to 2 years. In summary, we have established simple yet effective ‘stop‐off’ points along the CTC workflow enabling CTC banking and facilitating selection of suitable samples for intensive analysis once patient outcomes are known.
The application of heliospheric imaging to space weather operations: Lessons learned from published studies
Authors: Harrison Richard A. , Davies Jackie A. , Biesecker Doug , Gibbs Mark
Published: July 2017

The field of heliospheric imaging has matured significantly over the last 10 years—corresponding, in particular, to the launch of NASA's STEREO mission and the successful operation of the heliospheric imager (HI) instruments thereon. In parallel, this decade has borne witness to a marked increase in concern over the potentially damaging effects of space weather on space and ground‐based technological assets, and the corresponding potential threat to human health, such that it is now under serious consideration at governmental level in many countries worldwide. Hence, in a political climate that recognizes the pressing need for enhanced operational space weather monitoring capabilities most appropriately stationed, it is widely accepted, at the Lagrangian L1 and L5 points, it is timely to assess the value of heliospheric imaging observations in the context of space weather operations. To this end, we review a cross section of the scientific analyses that have exploited heliospheric imagery—particularly from STEREO/HI—and discuss their relevance to operational predictions of, in particular, coronal mass ejection (CME) arrival at Earth and elsewhere. We believe that the potential benefit of heliospheric images to the provision of accurate CME arrival predictions on an operational basis, although as yet not fully realized, is significant and we assert that heliospheric imagery is central to any credible space weather mission, particularly one located at a vantage point off the Sun‐Earth line.
Chimeric ZHHH neuroglobin acts as a cell membrane‐penetrating inducer of neurite outgrowth
Authors: Takahashi Nozomu , Onozuka Wataru , Watanabe Seiji , Wakasugi Keisuke
Published: July 2017

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a heme protein expressed in the vertebrate brain. We previously engineered a chimeric Ngb protein, in which module M1 of human Ngb is replaced by that of zebrafish Ngb, and showed that the chimeric ZHHH Ngb has a cell membrane‐penetrating activity similar to that of zebrafish Ngb and also rescues cells from death caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation as does human Ngb. Recently, it was reported that overexpression of mammalian Ngb in neuronal cells induces neurite outgrowth. In this study, we performed neurite outgrowth assays of chimeric Ngb using rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Addition of chimeric Ngb, but not human or zebrafish Ngb, exogenously to the cell medium induces neurite outgrowth. On the other hand, the K7A/K9Q chimeric Ngb double mutant, which cannot translocate into cells, did not induce neurite outgrowth, suggesting that the cell membrane‐penetrating activity of the chimeric Ngb is crucial for its neurite outgrowth‐promoting activity. We also prepared several site‐directed chimeric Ngb mutants and demonstrated that residues crucial for neurite outgrowth‐inducing activity of the chimeric Ngb are not exactly the same as those for its neuroprotective activity.
Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials for Improving Neural Interfaces
Authors: Wang Mian , Mi Gujie , Shi Di , Bassous Nicole , Hickey Daniel , Webster Thomas J.
Published: July 2017

A successful biomaterial–neural tissue interface should demonstrate biocompatibility, cytocompatibility, the ability to integrate properly within neural tissues, and the prolonged maintenance of desired electrical properties. Neural electrodes implanted in vivo often experience degradation of these properties due to implant micromotion, mechanical mismatch, an extensive foreign‐body response, and the formation of glial scar tissue that interfere with signal transmission. However, recent advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials show great promise to address these problems due to their biologically inspired surface features and enhanced electrical properties. This review will discuss how nanomaterials and nanotechnology are being used to fabricate advanced neural electrodes that demonstrate greater bio‐integration properties, enhanced prolonged electrical properties, and an improved signal specificity down to the single molecule range. First, an overview of current biomaterial–neural tissue interface technology is provided, followed by an examination of conventional and newly developed micro‐ and nano‐fabrication methodologies. Nanomaterials that have shown the most promise for neural interfacial applications are then discussed, including carbon nanomaterials, conductive polymers, and hybrid nanomaterials. The purpose of this review is to describe recent advances in nanotechnology for improved biomaterial–neural tissue interfaces, and identify their advantages and disadvantages from a researcher's perspective.
Reversible, Fast, and Wide‐Range Oxygen Sensor Based on Nanostructured Organometal Halide Perovskite
Authors: Stoeckel Marc‐Antoine , Gobbi Marco , Bonacchi Sara , Liscio Fabiola , Ferlauto Laura , Orgiu Emanuele , Samorì Paolo
Published: July 2017

Nanostructured materials characterized by high surface–volume ratio hold the promise to constitute the active materials for next‐generation sensors. Solution‐processed hybrid organohalide perovskites, which have been extensively used in the last few years for optoelectronic applications, are characterized by a self‐assembled nanostructured morphology, which makes them an ideal candidate for gas sensing. Hitherto, detailed studies of the dependence of their electrical characteristics on the environmental atmosphere have not been performed, and even the effect of a ubiquitous gas such as O2 has been widely overlooked. Here, the electrical response of organohalide perovskites to oxygen is studied. Surprisingly, a colossal increase (3000‐fold) in the resistance of perovskite‐based lateral devices is found when measured in a full oxygen atmosphere, which is ascribed to a trap healing mechanism originating from an O2‐mediated iodine vacancies filling. A variation as small as 70 ppm in the oxygen concentration can be detected. The effect is fast (<400 ms) and fully reversible, making organohalide perovskites ideal active materials for oxygen sensing. The effect of oxygen on the electrical characteristics of organohalide perovskites must be taken into deep consideration for the design and optimization of any other perovskite‐based (opto‐) electronic device working in ambient conditions.
Transparent, Flexible, and Conductive 2D Titanium Carbide (MXene) Films with High Volumetric Capacitance
Authors: Zhang Chuanfang (John) , Anasori Babak , Seral‐Ascaso Andrés , Park Sang‐Hoon , McEvoy Niall , Shmeliov Aleksey , Duesberg Georg S. , Coleman Jonathan N. , Gogotsi Yury , Nicolosi Valeria
Published: July 2017

2D transition‐metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, have displayed promising properties in numerous applications, such as energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, and catalysis. Titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx), in particular, has shown significant energy‐storage capability. However, previously, only micrometer‐thick, nontransparent films were studied. Here, highly transparent and conductive Ti3C2Tx films and their application as transparent, solid‐state supercapacitors are reported. Transparent films are fabricated via spin‐casting of Ti3C2Tx nanosheet colloidal solutions, followed by vacuum annealing at 200 °C. Films with transmittance of 93% (≈4 nm) and 29% (≈88 nm) demonstrate DC conductivity of ≈5736 and ≈9880 S cm−1, respectively. Such highly transparent, conductive Ti3C2Tx films display impressive volumetric capacitance (676 F cm−3) combined with fast response. Transparent solid‐state, asymmetric supercapacitors (72% transmittance) based on Ti3C2Tx and single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films are also fabricated. These electrodes exhibit high capacitance (1.6 mF cm−2) and energy density (0.05 µW h cm−2), and long lifetime (no capacitance decay over 20 000 cycles), exceeding that of graphene or SWCNT‐based transparent supercapacitor devices. Collectively, the Ti3C2Tx films are among the state‐of‐the‐art for future transparent, conductive, capacitive electrodes, and translate into technologically viable devices for next‐generation wearable, portable electronics.
Engineering Elastic ZIF‐8‐Sponges for Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Zhu He , Zhang Qi , Li Bo‐Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: July 2017

This work reports a rapid and straightforward method to fabricate ZIF‐8‐melamine sponge composite with good mechanical properties, which overcomes the outstanding challenge of fabricating mechanically stable metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based 3D structures. A continuous ZIF‐8 thin layer is grown onto sponge skeleton by simple immersion of pristine sponge in ZIF‐8 precursor solution. This method is rapid, cost‐effective, easily scaled‐up, and it does not require any premodification. The obtained ZIF‐8 sponge shows an excellent compressive behavior and ZIF‐8 thin layer remained intact after over ten cycles of compression tests. In addition, the MOF/polymer shows an outstanding absorption performance of organic solvents, good recoverability, and good recyclability, demonstrating its potential in cleaning up oil spills.
Simple and Fast Patterning Process by Laser Direct Writing for Perovskite Quantum Dots
Authors: Chen Jun , Wu Ye , Li Xiaoming , Cao Fei , Gu Yu , Liu Kai , Liu Xuhai , Dong Yuhang , Ji Jianping , Zeng Haibo
Published: July 2017

For the application of quantum dots (QDs) on next‐generation displays, it is of significant importance to improve QDs patterning technology. Here, this paper reports a simple and fast approach of perovskite QDs patterning based on laser direct writing (LDW). It is a mask‐free and programmable method, including three steps: spin‐coating perovskite QDs, laser writing, and solvent washing. The LDW patterning on QDs relies on the removal of surfactant around the QDs by laser scanning. Macroscopic QD patterns are composed of many microscale QD lines formed via laser scanning. The width and morphology of QD lines can be controlled by varying LDW parameters, including the laser spot size, scanning speed, and laser energy, which also leads to the variation of QDs brightness. Moreover, a large‐scale (100 mm × 100 mm) patterning is demonstrated by LDW, which implies its great potential for large area display application.
Additive Manufacturing: Unlocking the Evolution of Energy Materials
Authors: Zhakeyev Adilet , Wang Panfeng , Zhang Li , Shu Wenmiao , Wang Huizhi , Xuan Jin
Published: July 2017

The global energy infrastructure is undergoing a drastic transformation towards renewable energy, posing huge challenges on the energy materials research, development and manufacturing. Additive manufacturing has shown its promise to change the way how future energy system can be designed and delivered. It offers capability in manufacturing complex 3D structures, with near‐complete design freedom and high sustainability due to minimal use of materials and toxic chemicals. Recent literatures have reported that additive manufacturing could unlock the evolution of energy materials and chemistries with unprecedented performance in the way that could never be achieved by conventional manufacturing techniques. This comprehensive review will fill the gap in communicating on recent breakthroughs in additive manufacturing for energy material and device applications. It will underpin the discoveries on what 3D functional energy structures can be created without design constraints, which bespoke energy materials could be additively manufactured with customised solutions, and how the additively manufactured devices could be integrated into energy systems. This review will also highlight emerging and important applications in energy additive manufacturing, including fuel cells, batteries, hydrogen, solar cell as well as carbon capture and storage.
Photothermal Catalyst Engineering: Hydrogenation of Gaseous CO2 with High Activity and Tailored Selectivity
Authors: Jia Jia , Wang Hong , Lu Zhuole , O'Brien Paul G. , Ghoussoub Mireille , Duchesne Paul , Zheng Ziqi , Li Peicheng , Qiao Qiao , Wang Lu , Gu Alan , Ali Feysal M. , Dong Yuchan , Wang Qiang , Ghuman Kulbir Kaur , Wood Thomas , Qian Chenxi , Shao Yue , Qiu Chenyue , Ye Miaomiao , Zhu Yimei , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Zhang Peng , Helmy Amr S. , Singh Chandra Veer , Kherani Nazir P. , Perovic Doug D. , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: July 2017

This study has designed and implemented a library of hetero‐nanostructured catalysts, denoted as Pd@Nb2O5, comprised of size‐controlled Pd nanocrystals interfaced with Nb2O5 nanorods. This study also demonstrates that the catalytic activity and selectivity of CO2 reduction to CO and CH4 products can be systematically tailored by varying the size of the Pd nanocrystals supported on the Nb2O5 nanorods. Using large Pd nanocrystals, this study achieves CO and CH4 production rates as high as 0.75 and 0.11 mol h−1 gPd−1, respectively. By contrast, using small Pd nanocrystals, a CO production rate surpassing 18.8 mol h−1 gPd−1 is observed with 99.5% CO selectivity. These performance metrics establish a new milestone in the champion league of catalytic nanomaterials that can enable solar‐powered gas‐phase heterogeneous CO2 reduction. The remarkable control over the catalytic performance of Pd@Nb2O5 is demonstrated to stem from a combination of photothermal, electronic and size effects, which is rationally tunable through nanochemistry.
Congenital disorders of glycosylation: The Saudi experience
Authors: Alsubhi Sarah , Alhashem Amal , Faqeih Eissa , Alfadhel Majid , Alfaifi Abdullah , Altuwaijri Waleed , Alsahli Saud , Aldhalaan Hesham , Alkuraya Fowzan S. , Hundallah Khalid , Mahmoud Adel , Alasmari Ali , Mutairi Fuad Al , Abduraouf Hanem , AlRasheed Layan , Alshahwan Saad , Tabarki Brahim
Published: July 2017

We retrospectively reviewed Saudi patients who had a congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG). Twenty‐seven Saudi patients (14 males, 13 females) from 13 unrelated families were identified. Based on molecular studies, the 27 CDG patients were classified into different subtypes: ALG9‐CDG (8 patients, 29.5%), ALG3‐CDG (7 patients, 26%), COG6‐CDG (7 patients, 26%), MGAT2‐CDG (3 patients, 11%), SLC35A2‐CDG (1 patient), and PMM2‐CDG (1 patient). All the patients had homozygous gene mutations. The combined carrier frequency of CDG for the encountered founder mutations in the Saudi population is 11.5 per 10,000, which translates to a minimum disease burden of 14 patients per 1,000,000. Our study provides comprehensive epidemiologic information and prevalence figures for each of these CDG in a large cohort of congenital disorder of glycosylation patients.
Novel PRPS1 gain‐of‐function mutation in a patient with congenital hyperuricemia and facial anomalies
Authors: Porrmann Joseph , Betcheva‐Krajcir Elitza , Di Donato Nataliya , Kahlert Anne‐Karin , Schallner Jens , Rump Andreas , Schröck Evelin , Dobritzsch Doreen , Roelofsen Jeroen , van Kuilenburg André B. P. , Tzschach Andreas
Published: July 2017

Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase (PRPPS) superactivity (OMIM 300661) is a rare inborn error of purine metabolism that is caused by gain‐of‐function mutations in the X‐chromosomal gene PRPS1 (Xq22.3). Clinical characteristics include congenital hyperuricemia and hyperuricosuria, gouty arthritis, urolithiasis, developmental delay, hypotonia, recurrent infections, short stature, and hearing loss. Only eight families with PRPPS superactivity and PRPS1 gain‐of‐function mutations have been reported to date. We report on a 7‐year‐old boy with congenital hyperuricemia, urolithiasis, developmental delay, short stature, hypospadias, and facial dysmorphisms. His mother also suffered from hyperuricemia that was diagnosed at age 13 years. A novel PRPS1 missense mutation (c.573G>C, p.[Leu191Phe]) was detected in the proband and his mother. Enzyme activity analysis confirmed superactivity of PRPP synthetase. Analysis of the crystal structure of human PRPPS suggests that the Leu191Phe mutation affects the architecture of both allosteric sites, thereby preventing the allosteric inhibition of the enzyme. The family reported here broadens the clinical spectrum of PRPPS superactivity and indicates that this rare metabolic disorder might be associated with a recognizable facial gestalt.
Asymmetric Synthesis of α,α‐Disubstituted Allylic Amines through Palladium‐Catalyzed Allylic Substitution
Authors: Guo Wusheng , Cai Aijie , Xie Jianing , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: July 2017

The first asymmetric synthesis of important α,α‐disubstituted N‐alkyl allyl amine scaffolds through allylic substitution is reported. This approach is based on palladium catalysis and features ample scope with respect to both the allylic precursor and amine reagent, and high asymmetric induction with enantiomeric ratios (e.r.) up to 98.5:1.5. The use of less‐reactive anilines is also feasible, providing enantioenriched α,α‐disubstituted N‐aryl allylic amines.