bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of oblique magnetic field on electron cross-field transport in a Hall effect thruster
Authors: Miedzik Jan , Barral Serge , Daniłko Dariusz
Published: April 2015

The effects of the inclination of the magnetic field with respect to the channel walls in a Hall effect thruster are numerically studied with the use of a one-dimensional quasi-neutral Particle-In-Cell model with guiding center approximation of electron motion along magnetic lines. Parametric studies suggest that the incidence angle strongly influences electron transport across the magnetic field. In ion-focusing magnetic topologies, electrons collide predominantly on the side of the magnetic flux tube closer to the anode, thus increasing the electron cross-field drift. The opposite effect is observed in ion-defocussing topology.
Three-dimensional imaging of biological cells with picosecond ultrasonics
Authors: Danworaphong Sorasak , Tomoda Motonobu , Matsumoto Yuki , Matsuda Osamu , Ohashi Toshiro , Watanabe Hiromu , Nagayama Masafumi , Gohara Kazutoshi , Otsuka Paul H. , Wright Oliver B.
Published: April 2015

We use picosecond ultrasonics to image animal cells in vitro—a bovine aortic endothelial cell and a mouse adipose cell—fixed to Ti-coated sapphire. Tightly focused ultrashort laser pulses generate and detect GHz acoustic pulses, allowing three-dimensional imaging (x, y, and t) of the ultrasonic propagation in the cells with ∼1 μm lateral and ∼150 nm depth resolutions. Time-frequency representations of the continuous-wavelet-transform amplitude of the optical reflectivity variations inside and outside the cells show GHz Brillouin oscillations, allowing the average sound velocities of the cells and their ultrasonic attenuation to be obtained as well as the average bulk moduli.
Suppressing the bipolar contribution to the thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si0.4Sn0.6 by Ge substitution
Authors: Zhang Libin , Xiao Penghao , Shi Li , Henkelman Graeme , Goodenough John B. , Zhou Jianshi
Published: April 2015

The optimized thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of Mg2Si0.4Sn0.6 peaks at about 750 K because its relatively narrow band gap results in pronounced bipolar transport at higher temperatures. To suppress the bipolar transport, we have conducted a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of Ge-substitution effects on the band structures and thermoelectric properties of Sb-doped Mg2Si0.4Sn0.6−yGey (y = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) synthesized by solid state reaction. The measured transport properties of these compositions can be interpreted by a triple-parabolic-band model based on first-principle calculation of band structures. The results show that the bipolar conduction in the temperature range up to 800 K was effectively suppressed by Ge substitution that widens the band gap. As a side effect, Ge substitution induces the separation of two otherwise converged conduction bands in Mg2Si0.4Sn0.6, leading to reduced thermoelectric performance at low temperatures. The result of these two competing effects is that Ge-substituted samples achieve the maximum power factor similar to that of Mg2Si0.4Sn0.6, but with an increased peak temperature. In addition, Ge substitution reduces the bipolar thermal conductivity while maintaining the low lattice thermal conductivity of Mg2Si0.4Sn0.6.
Laser-to-hot-electron conversion limitations in relativistic laser matter interactions due to multi-picosecond dynamics
Authors: Schollmeier M. , Sefkow A. B. , Geissel M. , Arefiev A. V. , Flippo K. A. , Gaillard S. A. , Johnson R. P. , Kimmel M. W. , Offermann D. T. , Rambo P. K. , Schwarz J. , Shimada T.
Published: April 2015

High-energy short-pulse lasers are pushing the limits of plasma-based particle acceleration, x-ray generation, and high-harmonic generation by creating strong electromagnetic fields at the laser focus where electrons are being accelerated to relativistic velocities. Understanding the relativistic electron dynamics is key for an accurate interpretation of measurements. We present a unified and self-consistent modeling approach in quantitative agreement with measurements and differing trends across multiple target types acquired from two separate laser systems, which differ only in their nanosecond to picosecond-scale rising edge. Insights from high-fidelity modeling of laser-plasma interaction demonstrate that the ps-scale, orders of magnitude weaker rising edge of the main pulse measurably alters target evolution and relativistic electron generation compared to idealized pulse shapes. This can lead for instance to the experimentally observed difference between 45 MeV and 75 MeV maximum energy protons for two nominally identical laser shots, due to ps-scale prepulse variations. Our results show that the realistic inclusion of temporal laser pulse profiles in modeling efforts is required if predictive capability and extrapolation are sought for future target and laser designs or for other relativistic laser ion acceleration schemes.
An experimental verification of a criterion for forming metastable phases in containerless solidification
Authors: Kuribayashi K. , Kato H. , Nagayama K. , Inatomi Y. , Kumar M. S. Vijaya
Published: April 2015

On the thermodynamic condition for forming a metastable phase from undercooled melt in a containerless state, we had proposed a criterion that crystals will preferentially form if they have a smaller entropy of fusion than the entropy of fusion of equilibrium crystals (Kuribayashi et al., Mater. Sci. Eng., A 449–451, 675 (2007)). This criterion is proposed for being applied to materials that exhibit a faceted interface, such as semiconductors and oxides. However, no experimental data that support this criterion have been obtained. From this point, we used an aerodynamic levitator as a tool for forming metastable phases from undercooled melt and verified the above-mentioned criterion using LnFeO3 (Ln: lanthanide and Y) as the model material. In addition, the condition for double recalescence, which corresponds to forming metastable phases and stable phases, was discussed in terms of competitive 2D isomorphic nucleation of the metastable phase and 3D polymorphic nucleation of the stable phase.
Valence state change and defect centers induced by infrared femtosecond laser in Yb:YAG crystals
Authors: Wang Xinshun , Liu Yang , Zhao Panjuan , Guo Zhongyi , Li Yan , Qu Shiliang
Published: April 2015

The broad band upconversion luminescence in Yb3+:YAG crystal has been observed in experiments under the irradiation of focused infrared femtosecond laser. The dependence of the fluorescence intensity on the pump power shows that the upconversion luminescence is due to simultaneous two-photon absorption process, which indicates that the broad emission bands at 365 and 463 nm could be assigned to the 5d → 4f transitions of Yb2+ ions and the one at 692 nm could be attributed to the electron-hole recombination process on (Yb2+-F+) centers. The absorption spectra of the Yb:YAG crystal samples before and after femtosecond laser irradiation, and after further annealing reveal that permanent valence state change of Yb ions from Yb3+ to Yb2+ and (Yb2+-F+) centers have been induced by infrared femtosecond laser irradiation in Yb3+:YAG crystal.
Unbiased free energy estimates in fast nonequilibrium transformations using Gaussian mixtures
Authors: Procacci Piero
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we present an improved method for obtaining unbiased estimates of the free energy difference between two thermodynamic states using the work distribution measured in nonequilibrium driven experiments connecting these states. The method is based on the assumption that any observed work distribution is given by a mixture of Gaussian distributions, whose normal components are identical in either direction of the nonequilibrium process, with weights regulated by the Crooks theorem. Using the prototypical example for the driven unfolding/folding of deca-alanine, we show that the predicted behavior of the forward and reverse work distributions, assuming a combination of only two Gaussian components with Crooks derived weights, explains surprisingly well the striking asymmetry in the observed distributions at fast pulling speeds. The proposed methodology opens the way for a perfectly parallel implementation of Jarzynski-based free energy calculations in complex systems.
A Navier-Stokes phase-field crystal model for colloidal suspensions
Authors: Praetorius Simon , Voigt Axel
Published: April 2015

We develop a fully continuous model for colloidal suspensions with hydrodynamic interactions. The Navier-Stokes Phase-Field Crystal model combines ideas of dynamic density functional theory with particulate flow approaches and is derived in detail and related to other dynamic density functional theory approaches with hydrodynamic interactions. The derived system is numerically solved using adaptive finite elements and is used to analyze colloidal crystallization in flowing environments demonstrating a strong coupling in both directions between the crystal shape and the flow field. We further validate the model against other computational approaches for particulate flow systems for various colloidal sedimentation problems.
The Bogolyubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon hierarchy and Fokker-Planck equation for many-body dissipative randomly driven systems
Authors: Sliusarenko O. Yu. , Chechkin A. V. , Slyusarenko Yu. V.
Published: April 2015

By generalizing Bogolyubov’s reduced description method, we suggest a formalism to derive kinetic equations for many-body dissipative systems in external stochastic field. As a starting point, we use a stochastic Liouville equation obtained from Hamilton’s equations taking dissipation and stochastic perturbations into account. The Liouville equation is then averaged over realizations of the stochastic field by an extension of the Furutsu-Novikov formula to the case of a non-Gaussian field. As the result, a generalization of the classical Bogolyubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon (BBGKY) hierarchy is derived. In order to get a kinetic equation for the single-particle distribution function, we use a regular cutoff procedure of the BBGKY hierarchy by assuming weak interaction between the particles and weak intensity of the field. Within this approximation, we get the corresponding Fokker-Planck equation for the system in a non-Gaussian stochastic field. Two particular cases are discussed by assuming either Gaussian statistics of external perturbation or homogeneity of the system.
Linear response to a heat-driven spin torque
Authors: Fitoussi Lucas , Vetro Francesco Antonio , Caspers Christian , Gravier Laurent , Yu Haiming , Ansermet Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2015

The existence of a heat-driven spin torque is demonstrated using Co/Cu/Co spin valves embedded in metallic nanowires. Heat currents flowing in one direction or its opposite were obtained by heating optically one end or the other of the nanowires. The spin torque associated with the heat-driven spin current pushes the magnetization out of equilibrium, resulting in a change of the magnetoresistance, which is detected using a charge current small enough not to cause heating or induced fields of any significance. The giant magnetoresistance response to this torque peaks with the magnetic susceptibility, whereas the spurious signal coming from the temperature dependence of the resistance produces merely a field independent baseline.
A novel Mo-W interlayer approach for CVD diamond deposition on steel
Authors: Kundrát Vojtěch , Zhang Xiaoling , Cooke Kevin , Sun Hailin , Sullivan John , Ye Haitao
Published: April 2015

Steel is the most widely used material in engineering for its cost/performance ratio and coatings are routinely applied on its surface to further improve its properties. Diamond coated steel parts are an option for many demanding industrial applications through prolonging the lifetime of steel parts, enhancement of tool performance as well as the reduction of wear rates. Direct deposition of diamond on steel using conventional chemical vapour deposition (CVD) processes is known to give poor results due to the preferential formation of amorphous carbon on iron, nickel and other elements as well as stresses induced from the significant difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of those materials. This article reports a novel approach of deposition of nanocrystalline diamond coatings on high-speed steel (M42) substrates using a multi-structured molybdenum (Mo) – tungsten (W) interlayer to form steel/Mo/Mo-W/W/diamond sandwich structures which overcome the adhesion problem related to direct magnetron sputtering deposition of pure tungsten. Surface, interface and tribology properties were evaluated to understand the role of such an interlayer structure. The multi-structured Mo-W interlayer has been proven to improve the adhesion between diamond films and steel substrates by acting as an effective diffusion barrier during the CVD diamond deposition.
Scientific Writing Seminar for Early-Stage Investigators in Substance Abuse Research
Authors: Guydish Joseph , Masson Carmen , Flentje Annesa , Shopshire Michael , Sorensen James L.
Published: April 2015

Background

There is little information on how to increase the scientific writing productivity of early-stage investigators in the addictions field. A scientific writing seminar is presented in this article, aiming to encourage manuscript writing and dissemination of addiction research, and outcomes are reported for 14 years of the seminar.

Methods

In 14 years, there were 113 postdoctoral fellow enrollments in a 6-month writing seminar. Records of submission and publication rates of manuscripts were collected for 14 cohorts.

Results

Of the 113 participant enrollments, 97 (86%) submitted a manuscript for publication, and 87 participants (77%) published their manuscript.

Conclusions

A scientific writing seminar may benefit writing productivity, but more research is needed to compare this training model with other existing models.
Beyond (but not too much) the male breadwinner model: a qualitative study on child care and masculinities in contemporary Italy
Authors: Puppa Francesco Della , Miele Francesco
Published: April 2015

This study draws on the results of qualitative research conducted in Verona, north-eastern Italy, collecting data from in-depth interviews and examining the ways in which different masculinities emerge in the sphere of child care. The presented research takes as its theoretical frame of reference the plural conception of masculinity developed by Connell during the last 20 years, analysing the dynamics of hegemony and subordination among different masculinities present in some families. The research contributes to the strand of men's studies which analyses the masculinities emerging from practices usually associated with fatherhood. Contrary to the findings of other studies carried out in Italy in the same context, the male breadwinner model seems to have lost strength and legitimacy. The research shows that a multiplicity of social actors (members of couples, educational personnel and users of the early childhood services, employers of parents, local and national institutional actors in the Italian scenario) are constructing and legitimising a ‘male helper’ model of masculinity, which seems more appropriate to the context of reference than other models of masculinity and which is emerging as the hegemonic masculinity in the considered social and geographical context.
Spin norm, pencils, and the u-small convex hull
Authors: Dong Chao-Ping
Published: April 2015

Let

g

\mathfrak {g}

be any finite-dimensional complex simple Lie algebra. In this paper, we show that the spin norm increases strictly along any pencil once it goes beyond the u-small convex hull of

g

\mathfrak {g}

.
A Bernstein type theorem of ancient solutions to the mean curvature flow
Authors: Kunikawa Keita
Published: April 2015

We derive a curvature estimate for the entire graphic solution to the mean curvature flow. As a consequence we show a Bernstein type theorem for ancient solutions (or eternal solutions) to the mean curvature flow.
The Emergence of the Subprime Market
Authors: Engel Kathleen C. , McCoy Patricia A.
Published: April 2015

This chapter traces the emergence of subprime lending. Starting from the home mortgage market in the 1970s, when mortgage lending was the sleepy province of community thrifts and banks; it moves on to the first iteration of subprime lending—coined predatory lending—in the 1990s; all that way to the early 2000s when the subprime industry began moving from the fringe to the mainstream as commercial banks, investment banks, hedge funds, insurance companies, and other financial giants realized the profits that could be made. The chapter also discusses why brokers and loan officers wanted to rip-off their customers with high-cost products, and why borrowers agreed to ridiculously expensive subprime loans.
Aftermath
Authors: Engel Kathleen C. , McCoy Patricia A.
Published: April 2015

This chapter describes efforts in 2009, under the new Obama administration, to deal with the effects of the subprime crisis. These include the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a $787 billion economic stimulus package; passage of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009 in May to rein in the worst practices of credit card companies and clean up disclosures; stepped-up loan modifications; stabilization of the banking system; and long-term financial reforms. The chapter also details the emergence of “foreclosure rescue” companies who sought to exploit people behind on their mortgage payments; and the resurgence of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured loans.
Consumer Protection
Authors: Engel Kathleen C. , McCoy Patricia A.
Published: April 2015

The subprime crisis showed that federal banking regulators cannot be relied on to put consumer safety over the interests of regulated banks. This chapter evaluates whether the Dodd-Frank Act achieves the goals that are critical to consumer protection. The Dodd-Frank Act transfers most of the responsibility for consumer financial protection from federal banking regulators to a new, dedicated agency called the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The Act empowers the CFPB to establish rules for many aspects of mortgage lending. It also allows the states to protect consumers over and above the standards set by federal law. The chapter argues that although the Dodd-Frank takes bold steps toward protecting consumers, with the ultimate effect of reducing the threat of systemic risk, the consumer protection reforms do not eliminate that threat altogether.
Introduction
Authors: Kivivuori Janne
Published: April 2015

This book charts the scientific, cultural, and political origins of the self-report delinquency survey as a modern method of discovering hidden crime and examines it in the context of criminal policy. It looks at the birth of the self-report delinquency survey within a distinct moral framework that was developed to show that crime was very prevalent and, therefore, normal. By asking people directly about the crimes they have committed, criminologists challenge the domination of psychiatrists and psychologists in the study of crime and the punitive attitudes of society more generally. As a result, they expose the so-called white collar offenders and remind people that crime is something that could also be found among the middle and upper classes. The huge prevalence of anonymous crime confessions solicited in the self-report surveys is consistent with Michel Foucault's epochal theory. This book offers important insights into how criminology has evolved and continues to advance in light of facts and policy goals.
Key Concepts
Authors: Kivivuori Janne
Published: April 2015

This chapter discusses the key concepts underlying the self-report delinquency survey as a modern method of discovering hidden crime. It begins with an overview of the context of discovery and justification before turning to a discussion of evaluative-descriptive terms that are used in the rhetorical redescription of behavioural forms as part of the self-report crime survey. It then considers the concept of normalisation, that is, the scholarly attempt to redescribe previously condemned behaviours as normal. It also examines the neutralisation theory of criminology developed by Gresham Sykes and David Matza, who argue that the ‘innovating ideologists’ are the offenders themselves. Finally, the chapter focuses on the rhetorical redescription of criminal activity as a form of public criminology that seeks to influence the way people see crime and criminals.
Concluding Discussion
Authors: Kivivuori Janne
Published: April 2015

This concluding chapter discusses the moral motives and ideals underlying hidden crime research. It first considers the policy struggle triggered by the self-report delinquency survey as a modern method of discovering hidden crime, with particular emphasis on issues relating to humane criminal policy and sociology. It then turns to the internal logic of the discovery of hidden crime, along with the social preconditions that had to be met before the crime survey concept could proliferate. It also examines the change in how social regulation functions and the shift in focus from the abnormality of crime to flexible normalisation. Finally, the chapter explores the hidden crime survey in relation to populism and whether self-report surveys can increase crime, citing three research programmes that imply a causal link between high prevalence announcement and offending behaviour: neutralisation theory, pluralistic ignorance, and basic social influence.
Part 4 Constitutionalism and Separation of Powers, 4.7 Westminster Democracy in an Islamic Context: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia
Authors: Rainer Grote
Published: April 2015

This chapter examines the development of parliamentary democracy in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, which arrived in all three countries as an import from the West, i.e. the UK. Their experience suggests that there have been few conceptual difficulties in introducing parliamentary democracy in these societies. The real challenge to the functioning of parliamentary democracy in these as in other, non-Islamic societies is not represented by religion, but by the persistence of undemocratic practices, particularly among the political elites, which prevents the mechanisms of electoral democracy from becoming a faithful expression of the political and social grievances and aspirations of the population at large.
Artificial Surfaces in Phyllosphere Microbiology
Authors: Doan Hung K. , Leveau Johan H. J.
Published: April 2015

The study of microorganisms that reside on plant leaf surfaces, or phyllosphere microbiology, greatly benefits from the availability of artificial surfaces that mimic in one or more ways the complexity of foliage as a microbial habitat. These leaf surface proxies range from very simple, such as nutrient agars that can reveal the metabolic versatility or antagonistic properties of leaf-associated microorganisms, to the very complex, such as silicon-based casts that replicate leaf surface topography down to nanometer resolution. In this review, we summarize the various uses of artificial surfaces in experimental phyllosphere microbiology and discuss how these have advanced our understanding of the biology of leaf-associated microorganisms and the habitat they live in. We also provide an outlook into future uses of artificial leaf surfaces, foretelling a greater role for microfluidics to introduce biological and chemical gradients into artificial leaf environments, stressing the importance of artificial surfaces to generate quantitative data that support computational models of microbial life on real leaves, and rethinking the leaf surface (‘phyllosphere’) as a habitat that features two intimately connected but very different compartments, i.e., the leaf surface landscape (‘phylloplane’) and the leaf surface waterscape (‘phyllotelma’).
The Linac Coherent Light Source
Authors: White William E. , Robert Aymeric , Dunne Mike
Published: April 2015

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory was the first hard X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) to operate as a user facility. After five years of operation, LCLS is now a mature FEL user facility. Our personal views about opportunities and challenges inherent to these unique light sources are discussed.
Structures of aspartate aminotransferases fromTrypanosoma brucei,Leishmania majorandGiardia lamblia
Authors: Abendroth Jan , Choi Ryan , Wall Abigail , Clifton Matthew C. , Lukacs Christine M. , Staker Bart L. , Van Voorhis Wesley , Myler Peter , Lorimer Don D. , Edwards Thomas E.
Published: April 2015

The structures of three aspartate aminotransferases (AATs) from eukaryotic pathogens were solved within the Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID). Both the open and closed conformations of AAT were observed. Pyridoxal phosphate was bound to the active siteviaa Schiff base to a conserved lysine. An active-site mutant showed thatTrypanosoma bruceiAAT still binds pyridoxal phosphate even in the absence of the tethering lysine. The structures highlight the challenges for the structure-based design of inhibitors targeting the active site, while showing options for inhibitor design targeting the N-terminal arm.
Structures of a histidine triad family protein fromEntamoeba histolyticabound to sulfate, AMP and GMP
Authors: Lorimer Donald D. , Choi Ryan , Abramov Ariel , Nakazawa Hewitt Stephen , Gardberg Anna S. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Staker Bart L. , Myler Peter J. , Edwards Thomas E.
Published: April 2015

Three structures of the histidine triad family protein fromEntamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebic dysentery, were solved at high resolution within the Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID). The structures have sulfate (PDB entry 3oj7), AMP (PDB entry 3omf) or GMP (PDB entry 3oxk) bound in the active site, with sulfate occupying the same space as the α-phosphate of the two nucleotides. The Cαbackbones of the three structures are nearly superimposable, with pairwise r.m.s.d.s ranging from 0.06 to 0.13 Å.
Copper coin-embedded printed circuit board for heat dissipation: manufacture, thermal simulation and reliability
Authors: Chen Yuanming , Wang Shouxu , He Xuemei , He Wei , Silberschmidt Vadim V. , Tan Ze
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to form copper coin-embedded printed circuit board (PCB) for high heat dissipation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Manufacturing optimization of copper coin-embedded PCB involved in the design and treatment of copper coin, resin flush removal and flatness control. Thermal simulation was used to investigate the effect of copper coin on heat dissipation of PCB products. Lead-free reflow soldering and thrust tests were used to characterize the reliable performance of copper coin-embedded PCB.

Findings

– The copper coin-embedded PCB had good agreement with resin flush removal and flatness control. Thermal simulation results indicated that copper coin could significantly enhance the heat-dissipation rate by means of a direct contact with the high-power integrated circuit chip. The copper coin-embedded PCB exhibited a reliable structure capable of withstanding high-temperature reflow soldering and high thrust testing.

Originality/value

– The use of a copper coin-embedded PCB could lead to higher heat dissipation for the stable performance of high-power electronic components. The copper coin-embedded method could have important potential for improving the design for heat dissipation in the PCB industry.
We rule the world: an emerging global class fraction?
Authors: Murray Georgina
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate who rules the world. The hypothesis is that it is the 0.1 per cent of owners and controllers of capital.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used secondary sources including the Bureau Van Dyk and The World Top Incomes database to look at distributions of income and wealth (stock ownership). This is supplemented with a secondary source analysis and with some interviews.

Findings

– The top point one per centers, the wealthy, those on the top incomes and transnational capitalist class are all distinct but overlapping categories that describe the (white) men and (few) women who hold power through their ownership and/or control of capital and who are thereby directly or indirectly able to act hegemonically on an emerging global basis.

Research limitations/implications

– Theorists of the global school of capitalism Alveredoet al., 2013 argue that there has been a qualitatively new twenty-first century transnational capitalism in the process of emerging (see Robinson, 2012a). This paper tests this assumption and relates it to the work by Hamm 2010.

Social implications

– The flip side of this progressively widening concentration of income and wealth into fewer (0.1 per cent) hands brings new lows to the polarisation of class, exploitation and domination. All of these have intensified since the 1980s with the end of the Keynesian Compromise. This north/south accentuated division has implications for social justice.

Originality/value

– This seeks to identify empirical evidence to support the theory of an emerging transnational capitalist class.
Leading or managing? Assistant Regional Directors, School Performance, in Queensland
Authors: Bloxham Ray , Ehrich Lisa C. , Iyer Radha
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Education reform aimed at achieving improved student learning is a demanding challenge for leaders and managers at all levels of education across the globe. In 2010, the position of Assistant Regional Directors, School Performance (ARD-SP), was established to positively impact upon student learning across public schools in Queensland, Australia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of the role and leadership understandings of ARDs in Queensland in order to understand more fully the tensions and opportunities they face within this reasonably newly created position.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative study is based on interviews with 18 ARDs and two of their supervisors to gauge a better understanding of the nature of the role as it relates to leadership and management in the Queensland context.

Findings

– Interview data revealed three key themes pertaining to the nature of the role and these were performance, supervision, and professional challenges. A key finding was that the notion of supervision was experienced as problematic for ARDs-SP.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has limitations and these include a sample that focused on ARDs within one State of Australia and one schooling system (i.e. public education); and interviews were the primary data collection source.

Originality/value

– Although there have been studies of supervisors of principals (referred to as superintendents, directors) in other countries and other systems, this study is a first to explore the tensions and opportunities faced by executive leaders in Queensland.
Ineffective brand extensions and the Sisyphus Effect
Authors: Zheng Chundong , Ma Ke , Duan Qi , Wang Han
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to extend previously reported research on the Sisyphus Effect in consumers’ decision making to consumers classified as either maximizers or satisficers. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the Sisyphus Effect influences consumer behavior related to purchasing brand-extension products and explore factors that influence the Sisyphus Effect in brand extension.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was administered to participants in three studies. A convenience sample consisting of 875 participants was asked to complete the questionnaires. The authors assessed whether the participants were maximizers or satisficers. In addition, the participants were given information on brand-extension products that differed in the level of involvement and price and were asked whether they would purchase them.

Findings

– Using regression analysis, the authors found that consumers’ willingness to purchase extended products became weaker as maximization tendencies became stronger. In addition, purchase involvement was confirmed as a situational factor that can increase maximization tendencies even in individuals who do not maximize as a default strategy. Finally, for low-involvement extended products, the authors found that product price played a moderating role in the negatively correlated relationship between maximization tendency and willingness to purchase a product.

Originality/value

– This study suggests avenues to increase the effectiveness of a brand-extension strategy and illustrates some tactics that are not likely to be successful.
Pain reduction after total laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy among women with dysmenorrhoea: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Berner E , Qvigstad E , Myrvold AK , Lieng M
Published: April 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of total laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy for alleviating dysmenorrhoea.

Design

Randomised blinded controlled trial.

Setting

Norwegian university teaching hospital.

Sample

Sixty‐two women with dysmenorrhoea.

Methods

Participants randomised to either total laparoscopic hysterectomy (n = 31) or laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (n = 31).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure, measured 12 months after intervention, was reduction of cyclic pelvic pain (visual analogue scale, 0–10). Secondary outcome measures included patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale, 0–10) and quality of life (Short Form 36, 0–100).

Results

The groups were comparable at baseline. There was no difference in self‐reported dysmenorrhoea at 12 months (mean 0.8 [SD 1.6] versus 0.8 [SD 2.0], P = 0.94). There was no difference in patient satisfaction (mean 9.3 [SD 1.5] versus 9.1 [SD 1.2], P = 0.66) or quality of life (mean 81.6 [SD 17.8] versus 80.2 [SD 18.0], P = 0.69).

Conclusion

Improvement in dysmenorrhoea and quality of life as well as patient satisfaction were comparable in the medium term when comparing total laparoscopic hysterectomy with laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy.
Identifying differentially expressed genes under heat stress and developing molecular markers in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) through transcriptome analysis
Authors: Huang L. K. , Yan H. D. , Zhao X. X. , Zhang X. Q. , Wang J. , Frazier T. , Yin G. , Huang X. , Yan D. F. , Zang W. J. , Ma X. , Peng Y. , Yan Y. H. , Liu W.
Published: April 2015

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a long‐lived, cool‐season forage grass that is commonly used for hay production. Despite its economic importance, orchardgrass genome remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we used Illumina RNA sequencing to identify gene‐associated molecular markers, including simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as heat stress‐induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two orchardgrass genotypes, ‘Baoxing’ (heat resistant) and ‘01998’ (heat susceptible). Approximately 163 million high‐quality trimmed reads were generated from 207 million raw reads using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. A total of 126 846 unigenes were obtained after de novo assembly of the trimmed reads, and 40 078 unigenes were identified as coding sequences (CDSs). Based on the assembled unigenes, 669 300 high‐quality SNPs, including 416 099 transitions and 257 736 transversions, were contained in 75 875 unigenes. In addition, a total of 8475 microsatellites were detected in 7764 unigenes. When placed under heat stress, the total number of DEGs in ‘Baoxing’ (3527) was higher than in ‘01998’ (2649), indicating that in comparison with heat‐susceptible ‘01998’, heat‐resistant ‘Baoxing’ seems to have more unigenes that respond to heat stress. The high‐throughput transcriptome sequencing of orchardgrass under heat stress provides useful information for gene identification and for the development of SNP and SSR molecular markers. The comparison of DEGs under different periods of heat stress allowed us to identify a wealth of candidate DEGs that can be further analysed in order to determine the genetic mechanisms underlying heat tolerance in orchardgrass.
Differentiated regulation: the case of charities
Authors: Cordery Carolyn J. , Sim Dalice , van Zijl Tony
Published: April 2015

The increasing number and influence of charities in the economy, evidence of mismanagement and the need for information for policymaking are all reasons for establishing charity regulators. Public interest and public choice theories explain charity regulation which aims to increase public trust and confidence in charities (and thus increase voluntarism and philanthropy) and to limit tax benefits to specific organisations and donors. Nevertheless, regulation is resource intensive, and growing pressure on government budgets requires efficiencies to be found. This study proposes regulation differentiated according to charities' main resource providers, to reduce costs and focus regulatory effort, and provides a feasible segmentation.
Perfusion‐Decellularization of Porcine Lung and Trachea for Respiratory Bioengineering
Authors: Weymann Alexander , Patil Nikhil Prakash , Sabashnikov Anton , Korkmaz Sevil , Li Shiliang , Soos Pal , Ishtok Roland , Chaimow Nicole , Pätzold Ines , Czerny Natalie , Schmack Bastian , Popov Aron‐Frederik , Simon Andre Rüdiger , Karck Matthias , Szabo Gabor
Published: April 2015

Decellularization of native organs may provide an acellular tissue platform for organ regeneration. However, decellularization involves a trade‐off between removal of immunogenic cellular elements and preservation of biomechanical integrity. We sought to develop a bioartificial scaffold for respiratory tissue engineering by decellularization of porcine lungs and trachea while preserving organ architecture and vasculature. Lung–trachea preparations from 25 German Landrace pigs were perfused in a modified Langendorff circuit and decellularized by an SDC (sodium deoxycholate)‐based perfusion protocol. Decellularization was evaluated by histology and fluorescence microscopy, and residual DNA quantified spectrophotometrically and compared with controls. Airway compliance was evaluated by endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation to simulate physiological breathing‐induced stretch. Structural integrity was evaluated by bronchoscopy and biomechanical stress/strain analysis by measuring passive tensile strength, all compared with controls. Decellularized lungs and trachea lacked intracellular components but retained specific collagen fibers and elastin. Quantitative DNA analysis demonstrated a significant reduction of DNA compared with controls (32.8 ± 12.4 μg DNA/mg tissue vs. 179.7 ± 35.8 μg DNA/mg tissue, P < 0.05). Lungs and trachea decellularized by our perfusion protocol demonstrated increased airway compliance but preserved biomechanical integrity as compared with native tissue. Whole porcine lungs–tracheae can be successfully decellularized to create an acellular scaffold that preserves extracellular matrix and retains structral integrity and three‐dimensional architecture to provide a bioartifical platform for respiratory tissue engineering.
Bayesian modeling and analysis for gradients in spatiotemporal processes
Authors: Quick Harrison , Banerjee Sudipto , Carlin Bradley P.
Published: April 2015

Stochastic process models are widely employed for analyzing spatiotemporal datasets in various scientific disciplines including, but not limited to, environmental monitoring, ecological systems, forestry, hydrology, meteorology, and public health. After inferring on a spatiotemporal process for a given dataset, inferential interest may turn to estimating rates of change, or gradients, over space and time. This manuscript develops fully model‐based inference on spatiotemporal gradients under continuous space, continuous time settings. Our contribution is to offer, within a flexible spatiotemporal process model setting, a framework to estimate arbitrary directional gradients over space at any given timepoint, temporal derivatives at any given spatial location and, finally, mixed spatiotemporal gradients that reflect rapid change in spatial gradients over time and vice‐versa. We achieve such inference without compromising on rich and flexible spatiotemporal process models and use nonseparable covariance structures. We illustrate our methodology using a simulated data example and subsequently apply it to a dataset of daily PM2.5 concentrations in California, where the spatiotemporal gradient process reveals the effects of California's unique topography on pollution and detects the aftermath of a devastating series of wildfires.
Jumping translocations, a novel finding in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Miller Cecelia R. , Stephens Deborah , Ruppert Amy S. , Racke Frederick , McFaddin Andrew , Breidenbach Heather , Lin Huey‐Jen , Waller Kathy , Bannerman Tammy , Jones Jeffrey A. , Woyach Jennifer A. , Andritsos Leslie A. , Maddocks Kami , Zhao Weiqiang , Lozanski Gerard , Flynn Joseph M. , Grever Michael , Byrd John C. , Heerema Nyla A.
Published: April 2015

A jumping translocation (JT) is a rare cytogenetic aberration that can occur in haematological malignancy. It involves the translocation of the same fragment of donor chromosome onto two or more recipient chromosomes, typically in different cells. In this study, we describe the first series of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients with JTs reported to date. Following a review of 878 CLL patient karyotypes, we identified 26 patients (3%) with 97 JTs. The most commonly occurring breakpoint in these translocations was 17p11.2. Loss of TP53 was identified prior to or at the same time as JT in 23 of 26 patients (88%). All patients eventually developed a complex karyotype. All but one patient has required treatment for CLL, with estimated median time to treatment of 11·5 months. This study establishes JTs as a recurrent abnormality found in CLL patients with aggressive disease. JTs contribute to complex karyotypes and, in many cases, are involved in chromosomal rearrangements that result in loss of the tumour suppressor gene TP53.
Bendamustine, thalidomide and dexamethasone combination therapy for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients: results of the MUKone randomized dose selection trial
Authors: Schey Steve , Brown Sarah R. , Tillotson Avie‐Lee , Yong Kwee , Williams Cathy , Davies Faith , Morgan Gareth , Cavenagh Jamie , Cook Gordon , Cook Mark , Orti Guillermo , Morris Curly , Sherratt Debbie , Flanagan Louise , Gregory Walter , Cavet James ,   the Myeloma UK Early Phase Clinical Trial Network
Published: April 2015

There is a significant unmet need in effective therapy for relapsed myeloma patients once they become refractory to bortezomib and lenalidomide. While data from the front line setting suggest bendamustine is superior to melphalan, there is no information defining optimal bendamustine dose in multiply‐treated patients. We report a multi‐centre randomized two‐stage phase 2 trial simultaneously assessing deliverability and activity of two doses of bendamustine (60 mg/m2 vs. 100 mg/m2) days 1 and 8, thalidomide (100 mg) days 1–21 and low dose dexamethasone (20 mg) days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of a 28‐d cycle. Ninety‐four relapsing patients were treated on trial, with a median three prior treatment lines. A pre‐planned interim deliverability and activity assessment led to closure of the 100 mg/m2 arm due to excess cytopenias, and led to amendment of entry criteria for cytopenias. Non‐haematological toxicities including thromboembolism and neurotoxicity were infrequent. In the 60 mg/m2 arm, treatment was deliverable in 61·1% subjects and the partial response rate was 46·3% in the study eligible population, with 7·5 months progression‐free survival. This study demonstrates bendamustine at 60 mg/m2 twice per month with thalidomide and dexamethasone is deliverable for repeated cycles in heavily pre‐treated myeloma patients and has substantial clinical activity.
Performance measurement in Canadian employment service delivery, 1996‐2000
Authors: Grundy John
Published: April 2015

This article draws on the theoretical insights of Foucauldian governmentality scholarship to analyze a performance measurement system developed by the federal government in the 1990s to assess employment services for the unemployed. An examination of Human Resource Development Canada's Results‐Based Accountability Framework yields insights into contestation and incoherence in performance measurement, often overlooked in governmentality research. This argument is developed by detailing three obstacles to implementing the performance measurement system: dilemmas of technical coordination, contestation by actors invested in different terms of measurement, and widespread recognition of the ambiguities of the performance data. The paper concludes by calling for more variegated accounts of governance in governmentality scholarship.
Bringing accountability up to date with the realities of public sector management in the 21st century
Authors: Perrin Burt
Published: April 2015

This article identifies basic shortcomings of traditional approaches to accountability and considers some of the reasons for the persistence of an approach that is known to: provide an inaccurate and distorted view of actual performance; inhibits rather than facilitates improved performance; and contributes to less rather than more confidence in government. The article then presents a vision of accountability more in keeping with the realities of public sector management in the twenty‐first century.
Transitions in Executive Function: Insights From Developmental Parallels Between Prospective Memory and Cognitive Flexibility
Authors: Mahy Caitlin E. V. , Munakata Yuko
Published: April 2015

As children develop, they need to remember to carry out their intentions and overcome habits to switch flexibly to new ways of behaving. Developments in these domains—prospective memory and cognitive flexibility—are essential for children to function and predict important outcomes. Prospective memory and cognitive flexibility are similar in the psychological processes proposed to support them (particularly executive functions), in how they are measured, and in the behavioral transitions observed (e.g., dissociations between actions and intentions, and nonlinear developmental trajectories). In this article, we highlight how such parallels can inform debates about the specific executive functions and types of developments that support prospective memory, cognitive flexibility, and related future‐oriented abilities, and can deepen understanding of executive function development more generally.