bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apes’ Tracking of Objects and Collections
Authors: Cacchione Trix , Hrubesch Christine , Call Josep
Published: December 2013

Recent research suggests that great apes are less vulnerable to cohesion violations than human infants are. In contrast to human infants, apes successfully track nonsolid substances or split solid objects through occlusion ( Cacchione & Call, 2010a ; Cacchione, Hrubesch, & Call, 2012 , 2013 ). The present study aims to investigate whether the lower vulnerability of great apes to cohesion violations also manifests when they are tracking collections. While even very young human infants appreciate the continuous existence of solid bound objects, they fail to show similar intuitions when tracking collections of objects ( Chiang & Wynn, 2000 ). In a manual search task inspired by recent infant research, we tested whether humans’ closest relatives, the great apes, showed a similar contrast in their reasoning about single solid objects and objects within collections. The results suggest that, in contrast to human infants, great apes appreciate the continuous existence of objects within collections and successfully track them through occlusion. This confirms the view that great apes are generally less vulnerable to cohesion violations than human infants.
How Preliminary Are Preliminary Decisions?
Authors: Schrackmann Michael , Oswald Margit E.
Published: December 2013

The present research focuses on the question of whether even a preliminary decision causes a confirmation bias in order to maintain the status quo and examines individual differences in consistency between the preliminary and final decision and biased information processing. Dispositional Need for Closure (NFC, Webster & Kruglanski, 1994 ) was expected to predict revision or maintenance of the preliminary decision (decision consistency) after additional information on the issue was searched for and evaluated. Participants higher on dispositional NFC were less likely to change their preliminary decision than participants lower on dispositional NFC. Furthermore, the effect of NFC on decision consistency was fully mediated by biased information evaluation following the preliminary decision.
Synthesis of γ-labeled nucleoside 5′-triphosphates using click chemistry
Authors: Serdjukow S. , Kink F. , Steigenberger B. , Tomás-Gamasa M. , Carell T.
Published: December 2013

A straightforward and efficient synthesis of γ-fluorophore labeled nucleoside 5′-triphosphates is reported, using Cu(i) catalyzed Huisgen cycloadditions.
A natural prodrug activation mechanism in the biosynthesis of nonribosomal peptides
Authors: Reimer Daniela , Bode Helge B.
Published: December 2013

ThisHighlightdescribes the recently discovered prodrug activation mechanism found in the biosynthesis of nonribosomally produced peptides and peptide/polyketide hybrids as well as related mechanisms.
Role of pH controlled DNA secondary structures in the reversible dispersion/precipitation and separation of metallic and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Maji Basudeb , Samanta Suman K. , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: December 2013

Role of DNA secondary structures in the reversible dispersion/precipitation and separation of metallic and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Simultaneously tuning the electric and magnetic plasmonic response using capped bi-metallic nanoantennas
Authors: Roxworthy Brian J. , Toussaint Kimani C.
Published: December 2013

Capped BNAs exhibit the unique ability to simultaneously enhance optical electric and magnetic fields by >3 orders of magnitude.
Multi-functional NaErF4:Yb nanorods: enhanced red upconversion emission, in vitro cell, in vivo X-ray, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wang Haibo , Lu Wei , Zeng Tianmei , Yi Zhigao , Rao Ling , Liu Hongrong , Zeng Songjun
Published: December 2013

A new type of multi-functional NaErF4 nanoprobe with enhanced red upconversion emission was developed and used for in vitro cell, in vivo X-ray and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the first time.
Conjugated polymer nanoparticles for photoacoustic vascular imaging
Authors: Liu Jie , Geng Junlong , Liao Lun-De , Thakor Nitish , Gao Xiaohu , Liu Bin
Published: December 2013

Conjugated polymer nanoparticles with strong near infrared absorbance and high photostability have been demonstrated to be an efficient photoacoustic contrast agent for vascular imaging.
Room temperature solution processed tungsten carbide as an efficient hole extraction layer for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Cui Wei , Wu Zhongwei , Liu Changhai , Wu Mingxing , Ma Tingli , Wang Suidong , Lee Shuit-Tong , Sun Baoquan
Published: December 2013

We demonstrated tungsten carbide (WC) as an efficient anode buffer layer for a high-performance inverted organic solar cell.
Synthesis and anticancer properties of phenyl benzoate derivatives possessing a terminal hydroxyl group
Authors: Fukushi Yukako , Yoshino Hironori , Ishikawa Junya , Sagisaka Masanobu , Kashiwakura Ikuo , Yoshizawa Atsushi
Published: December 2013

Liquid-crystalline molecules organize into a spherical particle to penetrate the cell membrane in A549 lung cancer cells and the molecules interact with the nucleus via the hydroxyl and ester groups to induce cell death.
Phosphorylation of Arabidopsis transketolase at Ser428 provides a potential paradigm for the metabolic control of chloroplast carbon metabolism
Authors: Rocha Agostinho G. , Mehlmer Norbert , Stael Simon , Mair Andrea , Parvin Nargis , Chigri Fatima , Teige Markus , Vothknecht Ute C.
Published: December 2013

Calcium is an important second messenger in eukaryotic cells that regulates many different cellular processes. To elucidate calcium regulation in chloroplasts, we identified the targets of calcium-dependent phosphorylation within the stromal proteome. A 73 kDa protein was identified as one of the most dominant proteins undergoing phosphorylation in a calcium-dependent manner in the stromal extracts of both Arabidopsis and Pisum. It was identified as TKL (transketolase), an essential enzyme of both the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. Calcium-dependent phosphorylation of both Arabidopsis isoforms (AtTKL1 and AtTKL2) could be confirmed in vitro using recombinant proteins. The phosphorylation is catalysed by a stroma-localized protein kinase, which cannot utilize GTP. Phosphorylation of AtTKL1, the dominant isoform in most tissues, occurs at a serine residue that is conserved in TKLs of vascular plants. By contrast, an aspartate residue is present in this position in cyanobacteria, algae and mosses. Characterization of a phosphomimetic mutant (S428D) indicated that Ser428 phosphorylation exerts significant effects on the enzyme's substrate saturation kinetics at specific physiological pH values. The results of the present study point to a role for TKL phosphorylation in the regulation of carbon allocation.
Structural and functional characterization of NanU, a novel high-affinity sialic acid-inducible binding protein of oral and gut-dwelling Bacteroidetes species
Authors: Phansopa Chatchawal , Roy Sumita , Rafferty John B. , Douglas C. W. Ian , Pandhal Jagroop , Wright Phillip C. , Kelly David J. , Stafford Graham P.
Published: December 2013

Many human-dwelling bacteria acquire sialic acid for growth or surface display. We identified previously a sialic acid utilization operon in Tannerella forsythia that includes a novel outer membrane sialic acid-transport system (NanOU), where NanO (neuraminate outer membrane permease) is a putative TonB-dependent receptor and NanU (extracellular neuraminate uptake protein) is a predicted SusD family protein. Using heterologous complementation of nanOU genes into an Escherichia coli strain devoid of outer membrane sialic acid permeases, we show that the nanOU system from the gut bacterium Bacteroides fragilis is functional and demonstrate its dependence on TonB for function. We also show that nanU is required for maximal function of the transport system and that it is expressed in a sialic acid-responsive manner. We also show its cellular localization to the outer membrane using fractionation and immunofluorescence experiments. Ligand-binding studies revealed high-affinity binding of sialic acid to NanU (Kd ~400 nM) from two Bacteroidetes species as well as binding of a range of sialic acid analogues. Determination of the crystal structure of NanU revealed a monomeric SusD-like structure containing a novel motif characterized by an extended kinked helix that might determine sugar-binding specificity. The results of the present study characterize the first bacterial extracellular sialic acid-binding protein and define a sialic acid-specific PUL (polysaccharide utilization locus).
Moment generating function‐based pairwise error probability analysis of concatenated low density parity check codes with Alamouti coded multiple input multiple output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems
Authors: Gupta Bhasker , Saini Davinder Singh
Published: December 2013

Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication systems along with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) play a key role in designing next generation broadband wireless systems. Recently, low density parity check codes (LDPC) emerge as a good candidate for error correcting codes with capacity near Shannon's limit. In this study, the authors derive moment generating function‐ based closed‐form upper bounds on the pairwise error probability for serially concatenated LDPC codes with Alamouti coded MIMO‐OFDM systems. Also bit error rate expressions are derived for the mentioned concatenation scheme under spatially independent and correlated quasi‐static Rayleigh, Rician and Nakagami fading channels. The authors’ general framework considers the impact on coding and diversity gains because of spatial, time and frequency correlations, both individually and in combined form. In this study, the authors introduced the coexistence of spatial, time and frequency correlation channel models for proposed concatenation scheme and evaluate its effect on coding and diversity gain. Simulation results show that the proposed concatenation scheme is integrated in such a way that it takes advantage of every individual block. Further, the upper bounds derived in this study matches with the analytical results.
Analytical distributed non‐linear model for symmetric and asymmetric superconducting parallel‐coupled microstrip lines
Authors: Javadzadeh Seyed Mohammad Hassan , Farzaneh Forouhar , Fardmanesh Mehdi
Published: December 2013

Superconducting materials are known to produce intermodulation distortion and other non‐linear effects. In microstrip structures, the non‐linearity depends on the current distribution on the strip which is mainly determined by the geometrical structure of the device. The current distribution in superconducting parallel‐coupled microstrip lines is computed by a numerical approach based on a three‐dimensional finite element method. This computed current distribution is used to produce a non‐linear circuit model for parallel‐coupled superconducting lines. A numerical technique based on the harmonic balance approach is used for non‐linear analysis of the proposed equivalent circuit. To validate the accuracy of the proposed model, the results of analysis of hairpin resonator superconducting band pass filters are compared with measured results. This proposed technique is useful for fast and efficient non‐linear analysis of the superconducting microstrip coupled lines.
Sleeping ZigBee networks at the application layer
Authors: Azevedo Joaquim , Santos Filipe , Rodrigues Maurício , Aguiar Luís
Published: December 2013

ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 is one of the most used standards for low‐power applications. However, full function devices must be always active to route data in a mesh network. The objective of this work is to implement a sleeping technique at the application layer that enables sleep mode for all nodes of a ZigBee network. A time synchronisation mechanism to deal with the clock drift of the sensor nodes was developed. The technique also enables the recovery of lost messages. A large network is organised into smaller groups to reduce latency and packet collisions. The active interval of each node is dynamically adapted to the network operation to optimise the energy consumption. The proposed technique was applied to a real testbed and the increase in energy efficiency was evaluated. The results demonstrated energy savings of about 95% for networks containing up to 20 nodes per group and wake up periods longer than 2 min.
Datenschutz in der Rehabilitationsforschung
Authors: Exner A.-K. , Gerold H. , Breckenkamp J. , Bahmer J. , Klemke R. , Berg-Beckhoff G. , Horschke A. , Razum O.
Published: December 2013

Der Datenschutz ist in Gesetzen festgelegt und muss von der Wissenschaftlerin/dem Wissenschaftler eingehalten werden. In dieser Übersicht wird aufgezeigt, an welchen Stellen in der Rehabilitationsforschung datenschutzrelevante Aspekte berücksichtigt werden müssen. Dabei sind das Sozialgesetzbuch X, das Bundesdatenschutzgesetz und die jeweiligen Landesdatenschutzgesetze wichtige Quellen. Für die Forschungspraxis mit Studienteilnehmenden werden konkrete Empfehlungen gegeben, was eine Patienteninformation und eine Einwilligungserklärung beinhalten sollte. Die Erhebung, Verarbeitung, Nutzung, Speicherung, Veröffentlichung und Archivierung von personenbezogenen Forschungsdaten unter Berücksichtigung der Vorgaben des Datenschutzes wird erläutert. Ein Beispiel aus der Praxis (siehe online unter www.thieme-connect.de/ejournals/toc/rehabilitation) zeigt, wie mithilfe eines externen Datentreuhänders durch eine Abtrennung der personenbezogenen Daten die Forschungsdaten pseudonymisiert bzw. anonymisiert werden können.
Trends in Bone Morphogenetic Protein Usage since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory in 2008: What Happens to Physician Practices When the Food and Drug Administration Issues an Advisory?
Authors: Mckie Janay , Qureshi Sheeraz , Iatridis James , Egorova Natalia , Cho Samuel , Hecht Andrew
Published: December 2013

Study Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study of spinal procedures from 2002 to 2010 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.

Objective

To determine the patterns of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) usage in fusion surgery before and after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2008 advisory for the anterior cervical spine to understand how advisories affect U.S. physician practices.

Methods

Procedures were identified through International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes and were plotted over time based on fusion procedure type, site, and area of fusion. U.S. national trends were approximated by polynomial regression analysis.

Results

The majority of the data trends of BMP usage reflect a second-order polynomial model. BMP usage in anterior cervical spine fusion procedures plateaued during the fourth quarter of 2007. The most apparent change in trend was noted in BMP usage pre- and postadvisory in the analysis of anterior cervical spine fusions. BMP percentage of use decreased in this area by 5% from the time of the FDA advisory to the fourth quarter of 2010.

Conclusions

The decrease in BMP usage in anterior cervical spinal fusion procedures coincided with the timing of the FDA advisory. The fact that BMP continued to be used in cervical spine fusion procedures, even at lower rates, despite the advisory, may reflect the availability of new clinical information that could lessen complications (i.e., lower BMP dose, perioperative steroids, BMP containment). Furthermore, factors like the natural ceiling effect of use or demand for new technology, complications, prohibitive institutional costs, access to information, and insurance compensation may have all contributed to the BMP usage trends observed.
A room-temperature alternating current susceptometer—Data analysis, calibration, and test
Authors: Alderighi M. , Bevilacqua G. , Biancalana V. , Khanbekyan A. , Dancheva Y. , Moi L.
Published: December 2013

An AC susceptometer operating in the range of 10 Hz to 100 kHz and at room temperature is designed, built, calibrated, and used to characterize the magnetic behaviour of coated magnetic nanoparticles. Other weakly magnetic materials (in amounts of some millilitres) can be analyzed as well. The setup makes use of a digital acquisition system in order to determine the amplitude and the phase of the sample magnetization as a function of the frequency of the driving magnetic field, which is powered by a digital waveform generator. A specific acquisition strategy makes the response directly proportional to the sample susceptibility, taking advantage of the differential nature of the coil assembly. A calibration method based on conductive samples is developed.
Direct numerical simulations of rigid body dispersions. I. Mobility/friction tensors of assemblies of spheres
Authors: Molina John J. , Yamamoto Ryoichi
Published: December 2013

An improved formulation of the “Smoothed Profile” method is introduced to perform direct numerical simulations of arbitrary rigid body dispersions in a Newtonian host solvent. Previous implementations of the method were restricted to spherical particles, severely limiting the types of systems that could be studied. The validity of the method is carefully examined by computing the friction/mobility tensors for a wide variety of geometries and comparing them to reference values obtained from accurate solutions to the Stokes-Equation.
Energetic beams of negative and neutral hydrogen from intense laser plasma interaction
Authors: Abicht F. , Prasad R. , Borghesi M. , Priebe G. , Braenzel J. , Andreev A. , Nickles P. V. , Schnürer M. , Jequier S. , Revet G. , Tikhonchuk V. , Ter-Avetisyan S.
Published: December 2013

We present observations of intense beams of energetic negative hydrogen ions and fast neutral hydrogen atoms in intense (5 × 1019 W/cm2) laser plasma interaction experiments, which were quantified in numerical calculations. Generation of negative ions and neutral atoms is ascribed to the processes of electron capture and loss by a laser accelerated positive ion in the collisions with a cloud of droplets. A comparison with a numerical model of charge exchange processes provides information on the cross section of the electron capture in the high energy domain.
The Eco-Scalar Fix: Rescaling Environmental Governance and the Politics of Ecological Boundaries in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Cohen Alice , Bakker Karen
Published: December 2013

This paper engages with recent work in political ecology that explores the ways in which scale is imbricated in environmental governance. Specifically, we analyze the deployment of specific ecological scales as putatively ‘natural’ governance units in rescaling processes. To undertake this analysis, the paper brings two sets of literature into dialogue: (1) political ecology of scale and (2) political economy of rescaling, drawing on theories of uneven development. Building on this literature, we develop the concept of an ecoscalar fix and explore its analytical potential through a case study of the rescaling of water governance in Alberta, Canada. We argue that although the ‘eco-scalar fix’ is usually framed as an apolitical governance change—particularly through the framing of particular scales (ie, the watershed) as ‘natural’—it is often, in fact, a deeply political move that reconfigures power structures and prioritizes some resource uses over others in ways that can entrench, rather than resolve, the crises it was designed to address. Moreover, we suggest that, although watershed governance is often discursively depicted as an environmental strategy (eg, internalizing environmental externalities by aligning decision making with ecological boundaries), it is often articulated with—and undertaken to address challenges that arise through—processes of uneven development.
The Contours of Disorder: Crime Maps and Territorial Policing in South Africa
Authors: Vigneswaran Darshan
Published: December 2013

Organised violence strongly shapes political boundaries. The modern state's monopoly on legitimate violence has made national borders the primary dividing line between peaceful and violent places. However, governments that are unable to achieve such a monopoly may opt for the more modest goal of moderating the distribution of violent behaviour across their jurisdiction. This paper explores how this latter approach redefines the contours of political space through a grounded ethnography of crime control strategies in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the postapartheid era, South African police and vigilantes have synthesised statistically oriented policing logics with the racial policing tactics of the past to anticipate, locate, isolate, and redistribute patterns of violent crime. In so doing, they have created forms of territorial power and violence that are neither new nor old, but undeniably postsovereign.
Territorial Phantom Pains (and other Cartographic Anxieties)
Authors: Billé Franck
Published: December 2013

National loss of territory is commonly described in corporeal language of mutilation and dismemberment. In this paper I argue that this language is not simply poetic or metaphoric but that it reflects a genuine association between the individual body and the national contours, and that this identification has been greatly facilitated by the emergence of the national map. In revisiting the common trope of the nation-as-body through inclusion of insights from neuroscience, I explore what happens when a lack of fit intervenes between the physical geographical extent of the nation and the mental map held by its inhabitants. Taking Manchuria as my main focus while suggesting a much wider applicability, I suggest that ‘lost’ territories, no longer included within the national body, remain nonetheless part of a previous national incarnation. As such, they draw national sentiments and affect, eliciting what can be labeled ‘phantom pains’.
Long-term and multi-generational animal feeding studies.
Authors: Ricroch A. E. , Berheim A. , Snell C. , Pascal G. , Paris A. , Kuntz M.
Published: December 2013

This chapter presents recently published studies on the long-term (more than 90 days) and adverse effects of feeding transgenic plants to animals. The GM feeds were derived mainly from marketed insect-resistant (Bt) and herbicide-tolerant varieties, while some studies tested experimental GM lines. These long-term studies and multi-generational studies are compared to 90-day studies that have already been performed. The possible need to update the current regulatory framework is also discussed.
Cultivation and developments in the field of GM plants in Asia.
Authors: Wen Jie Wen Jie , Liu RanRan Liu RanRan
Published: December 2013

The current status, regulatory aspects and future of transgenic fodder crop production, nutritional assessment and safety in China, India, Japan, Korea and the Philippines.
Experiments to Reduce the Over-Reporting of Voting: A Pipeline to the Truth
Authors: Hanmer Michael J. , Banks Antoine J. , White Ismail K.
Published: December 2013

Voting is a fundamental part of any democratic society. But survey-based measures of voting are problematic because a substantial proportion of nonvoters report that they voted. This over-reporting has consequences for our understanding of voting as well as the behaviors and attitudes associated with voting. Relying on the “bogus pipeline” approach, we investigate whether altering the wording of the turnout question can cause respondents to provide more accurate responses. We attempt to reduce over-reporting simply by changing the wording of the vote question by highlighting to the respondent that: (1) we can in fact find out, via public records, whether or not they voted; and (2) we (survey administrators) know some people who say they voted did not. We examine these questions through a survey on US voting-age citizens after the 2010 midterm elections, in which we ask them about voting in those elections. Our evidence shows that the question noting we would check the records improved the accuracy of the reports by reducing the over-reporting of turnout.
Growth and Fatty Acid Profiles of VLBW Infants Receiving a Multicomponent Lipid Emulsion From Birth
Authors: Vlaardingerbroek Hester , Vermeulen Marijn J. , Carnielli Virgilio P. , Vaz Frédéric M. , van den Akker Chris H.P. , van Goudoever Johannes B.
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

Very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants are dependent on parenteral nutrition after birth. A parenteral lipid emulsion with a multicomponent composition may improve growth and neurodevelopment and may prevent liver injury, which is often observed in association with long‐term parenteral nutrition with pure soybean oil. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a multicomponent lipid emulsion containing 30% soybean oil, 30% medium‐chain triacylglycerol, 25% olive oil, and 15% fish oil compared with a conventional pure soybean oil emulsion in VLBW infants.

Methods:

We conducted a double‐blind randomized controlled trial in VLBW infants randomized to parenteral nutrition with the multicomponent (study group) or pure soybean oil emulsion (control group) from birth at a dose of 2 to 3 g · kg−1 · day−1 until the infants were receiving full enteral nutrition. We assessed efficacy by growth rates and measuring plasma fatty acid profiles (representative subset). Safety was evaluated by assessing hematologic and biochemical parameters, potentially harmful phytosterol concentrations (same subset), and clinical neonatal outcome parameters.

Results:

Ninety‐six infants were included (subsets n = 21). The multicomponent emulsion was associated with higher weight and head circumference z scores during admission. Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were higher in the study group. The hematological, biochemical, and neonatal outcomes were not different between groups, whereas the plasma concentrations of phytosterols were higher in the control group.

Conclusions:

The multicomponent lipid emulsion was well tolerated and associated with improved growth and higher plasma fatty acid profiles in VLBW infants in comparison with the pure soybean oil emulsion.
Investigation of early cell–surface interactions of human mesenchymal stem cells on nanopatterned β-type titanium–niobium alloy surfaces
Authors: Medda Rebecca , Helth Arne , Herre Patrick , Pohl Darius , Rellinghaus Bernd , Perschmann Nadine , Neubauer Stefanie , Kessler Horst , Oswald Steffen , Eckert Jürgen , Spatz Joachim P. , Gebert Annett , Cavalcanti-Adam Elisabetta A.
Published: December 2013

Multi-potent adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow have therapeutic potential for bone diseases and regenerative medicine. However, an intrinsic heterogeneity in their phenotype, which in turn results in various differentiation potentials, makes it difficult to predict the response of these cells. The aim of this study is to investigate initial cell–surface interactions of human MSCs on modified titanium alloys. Gold nanoparticles deposited on β-type Ti–40Nb alloys by block copolymer micelle nanolithography served as nanotopographical cues as well as specific binding sites for the immobilization of thiolated peptides present in several extracellular matrix proteins. MSC heterogeneity persists on polished and nanopatterned Ti–40Nb samples. However, cell heterogeneity and donor variability decreased upon functionalization of the gold nanoparticles with cyclic RGD peptides. In particular, the number of large cells significantly decreased after 24 h owing to the arrangement of cell anchorage sites, rather than peptide specificity. However, the size and number of integrin-mediated adhesion clusters increased in the presence of the integrin-binding peptide (cRGDfK) compared with the control peptide (cRADfK). These results suggest that the use of integrin ligands in defined patterns could improve MSC-material interactions, not only by regulating cell adhesion locally, but also by reducing population heterogeneity.
Interaction of leech neurons with topographical gratings: comparison with rodent and human neuronal lines and primary cells
Authors: Tonazzini Ilaria , Pellegrini Monica , Pellegrino Mario , Cecchini Marco
Published: December 2013

Controlling and improving neuronal cell migration and neurite outgrowth are critical elements of tissue engineering applications and development of artificial neuronal interfaces. To this end, a promising approach exploits nano/microstructured surfaces, which have been demonstrated to be capable of tuning neuronal differentiation, polarity, migration and neurite orientation. Here, we investigate the neurite contact guidance of leech neurons on plastic gratings (GRs; anisotropic topographies composed of alternating lines of grooves and ridges). By high-resolution microscopy, we quantitatively evaluate the changes in tubulin cytoskeleton organization and cell morphology and in the neurite and growth cone development. The topography-reading process of leech neurons on GRs is mediated by filopodia and is more responsive to 4-µm-period GRs than to smaller period GRs. Leech neuron behaviour on GRs is finally compared and validated with several other neuronal cells, from murine differentiated embryonic stem cells and primary hippocampal neurons to differentiated human neuroblastoma cells.
Impact of laser-structured biomaterial interfaces on guided cell responses
Authors: Fadeeva Elena , Deiwick Andrea , Chichkov Boris , Schlie-Wolter Sabrina
Published: December 2013

To achieve a perfect integration of biomaterials into the body, tissue formation in contact with the interface has to be controlled. In this connection, a selective cell control is required: fibrotic encapsulation has to be inhibited, while tissue guidance has to be stimulated. As conventional biomaterials do not fulfil this specification, functionalization of the biointerface is under development to mimic the natural environment of the cells. One approach focuses on the fabrication of defined surface topographies. Thereby, ultrashort pulse laser ablation is very beneficial, owing to a large variety of fabricated structures, reduced heat-affected zones, high precision and reproducibility. We demonstrate that nanostructures in platinum and microstructures in silicon selectively control cell behaviour: inhibiting fibroblasts, while stimulating neuronal attachment and differentiation. However, the control of fibroblasts strongly correlates with the created size dimensions of the surface structures. These findings suggest favourable biomaterial interfaces for electronic devices. The mechanisms which are responsible for selective cell control are poorly understood. To give an insight, cell behaviour in dependence of biomaterial interfaces is discussed—including basic research on the role of the extracellular matrix. This knowledge is essential to understand such specific cell responses and to optimize biomaterial interfaces for future biomedical applications.
Preparation and characterization of cellulose-based foams via microwave curing
Authors: Demitri Christian , Giuri Antonella , Raucci Maria Grazia , Giugliano Daniela , Madaghiele Marta , Sannino Alessandro , Ambrosio Luigi
Published: December 2013

In this work, a mixture of a sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA700) was used for the preparation of a microporous structure by using the combination of two different procedures. First, physical foaming was induced using Pluronic as a blowing agent, followed by a chemical stabilization. This second step was carried out by means of an azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride as the thermoinitiator (TI). This reaction was activated by heating the sample homogeneously using a microwave generator. Finally, the influence of different CMCNa and PEGDA700 ratios on the final properties of the foams was investigated. The viscosity, water absorption capacity, elastic modulus and porous structure were evaluated for each sample. In addition, preliminary biological characterization was carried out with the aim to prove the biocompatibility of the resulting material. The foam, including 20% of PEGDA700 in the mixture, demonstrated higher viscosity and stability before thermo-polymerization. In addition, increased water absorption capacity, mechanical resistance and a more uniform microporous structure were obtained for this sample. In particular, foam with 3% of CMCNa shows a hierarchical structure with open pores of different sizes. This morphology increased the properties of the foams. The full set of samples demonstrated an excellent biocompatibility profile with a good cell proliferation rate of more than 7 days.
TAP46 Plays a Positive Role in the ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5-Regulated Gene Expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hu Rongbin , Zhu Yinfeng , Shen Guoxin , Zhang Hong
Published: December 2013

TAP46 is a protein phosphatase2A (PP2A)-associated protein that regulates PP2A activity in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). To study how PP2A is involved in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in plants, we studied the function of TAP46 in ABA-regulated seed maturation and seedling development. Expression of TAP46 coincides with the action of ABA in developing seeds and during seed germination, and the TAP46 transcript reaches to the highest level in mature seeds. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicates that external ABA can increase TAP46 transcript level transiently during seed germination. Overexpression of TAP46 increases plant sensitivity to ABA, while tap46 knockdown mutants are less sensitive to ABA during seed germination, suggesting that TAP46 functions positively in ABA signaling. Overexpression of TAP46 also leads to lower PP2A activity, while tap46-1 knockdown mutant displays higher PP2A activity, suggesting that TAP46 negatively regulates PP2A activity in Arabidopsis. Both TAP46 and PP2A interact with the ABA-regulated transcription factor ABA INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5) in vivo, and TAP46’s binding to ABI5 can stabilize ABI5. Furthermore, TAP46’s binding to the phosphorylated ABI5 may prevent PP2A or PP2A-like protein phosphatases from removing the phosphate from ABI5, thereby maintaining ABI5 in its active form. Overexpression of TAP46 and inhibition of activities of PP2A or PP2A-like protein phosphatases can increase transcript levels of several ABI5-regulated genes, suggesting that TAP46 is a positive factor in the ABA-regulated gene expression in Arabidopsis.
Three trithiadiazepines and a trithiatriazepine
Authors: Jones Ray
Published: December 2013

The structures of 6-nitro-1,3λ4δ2,5,2,4-trithiadiazepine [C2HN3O2S3, (1)], 6,7-dinitro-1,3λ4δ2,5,2,4-trithiadiazepine [C2N4O4S3, (2)], 1,3λ4δ2,5,2,4-trithiadiazepine-6,7-dicarbonitrile [C4N4S3, (3)] and 7-acetyl-1,3λ4δ2,5,2,4,6-trithiatriazepine [C3H3N3OS3, (4)] presented here include the most precise determinations of these seven-membered 10 π-electron aromatic ring systems published to date. Both (2) and (3) are sited around crystallographic twofold axes with half a molecule per asymmetric unit. Comparison with other published derivatives of these rings reveals the effect of substituents on bonding, conformations and intermolecular interactions, including π-stacking. The deformation density analysis of (2) is consistent with the expected bonding electron density from other theoretical and experimental studies.
To the ends of the earth: student mobility in southern Chile
Authors: K. Vázquez Lynda , R. Mesa Francisco , A. López Daniel
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Although student mobility worldwide is increasing dramatically, systematic analysis of the effects and variables associated with its results is still recent, especially in new destinations. The purpose of this paper is to examine student mobility in southern Chile from a case study perspective. An exploratory study is presented to analyze the experiences of students in an exchange program over a five-year period and the academic performance of local students abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

– A single-case design with two embedded units of analysis is presented. Data were drawn from semi-structured surveys and students’ grade records. Content analysis was applied to the students’ reports and statistical methods were used to verify the influence of certain variables.

Findings

– The experience of Chilean students abroad centered on building up personal competences, while visiting international students concentrated on intercultural interaction, influenced mainly by the quality of accommodation and language factors, the latter determining their relations with professors and local students. Academic performance of local students abroad was determined by the type of academic activity undertaken, course validation, and the selected destination.

Practical implications

– Some patterns recorded in international literature are similar to the results of this particular case. However, this study reveals some unique findings that can be associated to the operation of study abroad programs in emerging countries, especially in young regional universities unprecedented in aspects related to student mobility.

Originality/value

– The lack of scientific studies on student mobility in Chile, a country which international student population is rapidly growing, concedes great value to this exploratory study.
The necessity to incorporate TQM and QA study into the undergraduate chemistry/science/engineering curriculum
Authors: A. Chowdhury Mohammad
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to define the necessity of total quality management (TQM) and quality assurance (QA) study into the undergraduate chemistry/science/engineering curriculum based on the consideration of current declining trend of science education, lack of social, business and technological implications with science, and for students to perceive science knowledge as useful, interesting and relevant.

Design/methodology/approach

– The course design is outlined as an integrated and part of the science curriculum where “student-centred” and participative “inquiry-based” learning approaches is suggested to teach TQM and QA.

Findings

– TQM and QA provide the opportunity to learn applied science and associated business consequences, enhance student motivation and engagements, improves decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Students become creative, develop thinking capability in a structured and logical way to express views, and evidently their knowledge-building efforts become apparent.

Research limitations/implications

– The impetus of the “unit course” design is to focus on the fundamental concepts and understanding of TQM and QA, develop basic knowledge and practices, and explain quality system development and continuous improvement process.

Practical implications

– TQM and QA study help students easily accommodate into the workforce; and enhance employability. Students achieve higher awareness of the social implications of science studies, better prepared to become future informed citizens, and take responsibility.

Originality/value

– The paper discusses the rationale of TQM and QA study in the undergraduate course, and explains the underlying causes for not being receptive in the higher education. The paper discusses implicated contents and issues related to TQM and QA required to consider for implementation and, in context of the outlined course.
Theory and practice of knowledge managed ISO 9001:2000 supported quality system
Authors: Mohan Sivakumar V. , Devadasan S.R. , Murugesh R.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to initiate researches in the direction of integrating knowledge management (KM) principles with ISO 9001:2008 Supported Quality System and motivate the practitioners to implement such integrated system in real-time practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The principles of KM were integrated with the five major clauses of ISO 9001:2000 standard. After designing this integrated system, it was subjected to peripheral implementation study in a government-managed company situated in India. The knowledge portal required for maintaining this integrated system was also developed.

Findings

– ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2000 standards rest on the same process-based quality system model which is comprised of five major clauses. Hence, the integrated system proposed in this paper can be utilized by the contemporary organizations to infuse KM principles in ISO 9001:2008 based quality system.

Research limitations/implications

– Though the integrated system designed in this research could not be implemented in a full-fledged manner, the experiences gained have been useful to indicate the future direction of research and practice for integrating KM principles with ISO 9001:2008 Supported Quality System.

Practical implications

– A roadmap has been evolved to guide the practitioners to implement Knowledge Managed ISO 9001:2008 Supported Quality System.

Originality value

– No researcher or practitioner has so far contributed a model integrating the process-based quality system incorporated in ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 standards with KM principles. As this gap is filled in this paper, the contributions of this paper are valuable to both researchers and practitioners.
Emerging trend of customer satisfaction in academic process
Authors: Mitra Debnath Roma , Shankar Ravi
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The recent expansion in tertiary education in India, an increased student enrollment as well as global competition have created a challenge for the existence of the institutes. It has been realized that a quality of service is associated with customer satisfaction and it is one of the key points for survival for any organization as it minimizes the various risks associated with an organization. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an empirical study conducted to obtain the impact of various academic systems on student's satisfaction across the institution. Second, it focusses on minimizing various risks by providing an optimum combination of parameters of different academic activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– This empirical research investigates customer satisfaction on support services of academic process and focus on minimizing various risks by finding an optimum combination of parameters of academic activities.

Findings

– It identifies the levels of sensitivity of the various factors affecting the academic process of technical education that might influence the management to design the technical curricula to increase student's satisfaction.

Practical implications

– The study demonstrates the impact of statistical process control (SPC) and Taguchi parameter design to monitor the academic process of the institution and finding an optimum condition of the various parameters involved with the process, which would maximize customer satisfaction across the institution. The result suggests that this approach may add more value to both academics and practitioners.

Originality/value

– It is an original contribution to integrate SPC and Taguchi robust parameter design in assessing customers’ satisfaction in Indian scenario.
Identifying endosymbiont bacteria associated with free‐living amoebae
Authors: Goñi Pilar , Fernández María Teresa , Rubio Encarnación
Published: December 2013

The association between free‐living amoebae and pathogenic bacteria is an issue that has gained great importance due to the environmental and health consequences that it implies. In this paper, we analyse the techniques to follow an epidemiological study to identify associations between genera, species, genotypes and subgenotypes of amoebae with pathogenic bacteria, analysing their evolution and considering their usefulness. In this sense, we highlight the combination of microscopic and molecular techniques as the most appropriate way to obtain fully reliable results as well as the need to achieve the standardization of these techniques to allow the comparison of both environmental and clinical results.
The Civic Personality: Personality and Democratic Citizenship
Authors: Dinesen Peter Thisted , Nørgaard Asbjørn Sonne , Klemmensen Robert
Published: December 2013

This article examines the foundations of democratic citizenship along three dimensions: generalised trust in other people; norms of citizenship; and participation in organisations. Contrary to previous research, which mainly focuses on situational factors, this article scrutinises how individual predispositions, in terms of personality traits, influence the three dimensions of democratic citizenship. In accordance with recent research, personality is conceptualised according to the Big Five personality model encompassing the five traits Openness (to experience), Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism. Based on a nationally representative Danish survey, which includes a 60-item Big Five personality inventory, we show that personality traits to a considerable extent influence all three dimensions of democratic citizenship. Furthermore, for norms of citizenship and organisational involvement, the personality traits have differential impacts contingent on the norm and type of organisational involvement in question.
The frequency of wars: reply to Gleditsch and Pickering
Authors: Harrison Mark , Wolf Nikolaus
Published: December 2013

We show that the frequency of bilateral militarized conflicts between independent states has indeed been rising steadily over the last century. We show that this finding is not driven by any selection bias in our data but a fact that needs to be explained. Finally we highlight our main contribution, namely that state formation and the capacity to fight are at the heart of the observed upward trend in conflicts.
Stepping out of the Twilight? Assessing the Governance Implications of Land Titling and Regularization Programmes
Authors: Earle Lucy
Published: December 2013

This article engages with the discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of land titling programmes that seek to regularize informal urban settlements in developing countries. It is based on fieldwork in two neighbourhoods of Maputo, Mozambique, that are currently part of a municipal government regularization programme supported by the World Bank. The fieldwork explored an informal titling system administrated by the neighbourhood authorities upon which local residents rely to prevent land conflicts and to provide proof of residence. The findings add to the literature that demonstrates growing unease with a strictly dyadic formal/informal analysis of land occupation, and further queries the assumption that the state and the informal settler are diametrically opposed, with the former granting formal rights to the latter. In the process of these discussions, the article highlights the limited scholarly attention that has been granted to the governance implications of land titling programmes.