bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-particle measurements of phase partitioning between primary and secondary organic aerosols
Authors: Robinson Ellis Shipley , Donahue Neil M. , Ahern Adam T. , Ye Qing , Lipsky Eric
Published: January 2016

Organic aerosols provide a measure of complexity in the urban atmosphere. This is because the aerosols start as an external mixture, with many populations from varied local sources, that all interact with each other, with background aerosols, and with condensing vapors from secondary organic aerosol formation. The externally mixed particle populations start to evolve immediately after emission because the organic molecules constituting the particles also form thermodynamic mixtures – solutions – in which a large fraction of the constituents are semi-volatile. The external mixtures are thus well out of thermodynamic equilibrium, with very different activities for many constituents, and yet also have the capacity to relax toward equilibriumviagas-phase exchange of semi-volatile vapors. Here we describe experiments employing quantitative single-particle mass spectrometry designed to explore the extent to which various primary organic aerosol particle populations can interact with each other or with secondary organic aerosols representative of background aerosol populations. These methods allow us to determine when these populations will and when they will not mix with each other, and then to constrain the timescales for that mixing.
The fate of 13C-labelled and non-labelled inulin predisposed to large bowel fermentation in rats
Authors: Butts Christine A. , Paturi Gunaranjan , Tavendale Michael H. , Hedderley Duncan , Stoklosinski Halina M. , Herath Thanuja D. , Rosendale Douglas , Roy Nicole C. , Monro John A. , Ansell Juliet
Published: January 2016

The fate of stable-isotope 13C labelled and non-labelled inulin catabolism by the gut microbiota was assessed in a healthy rat model.
Gracilaria edulis exhibit antiproliferative activity against human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 without causing adverse toxic effect in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sakthivel Ravi , Muniasamy Samuthirapandi , Archunan Govindaraju , Devi Kasi Pandima
Published: January 2016

In the present study, the antiproliferative potential of various solvent extracts ofGracilaria edulis(GE) was tested against various cancer cell lines.
Towards lignin-based functional materials in a sustainable world
Authors: Kai Dan , Tan Mein Jin , Chee Pei Lin , Chua Yun Khim , Yap Yong Liang , Loh Xian Jun
Published: January 2016

The recent developments of lignin were reviewed in terms of different approaches to synthesize lignin-based copolymers, the resulting features and the potential applications of such copolymers.
Ultrathin cobalt phosphide nanosheets as efficient bifunctional catalysts for a water electrolysis cell and the origin for cell performance degradation
Authors: Chang Jinfa , Liang Liang , Li Chenyang , Wang Minglei , Ge Junjie , Liu Changpeng , Xing Wei
Published: January 2016

Ultrathin CoP nanosheets are prepared by a green and facile approach and found to be an effective and robust bifunctional catalyst material for OER and HER in a basic solution.
25 years of energy and green chemistry: saving, storing, distributing and using energy responsibly
Authors: Quadrelli Elsje Alessandra
Published: January 2016

The first in a series of editorial articles celebrating the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.
An immunochemical approach to detect oxidized protein tyrosine phosphatases using a selective C-nucleophile tag
Authors: Garcia Francisco J. , Carroll Kate S.
Published: January 2016

We report a simplified immunochemical approach to directly detect and quantify oxidized protein tyrosine phosphatases modified with dimedone.
Insight into the selective inhibition of JNK family members through structure-based drug design
Authors: Messoussi A. , Chevé G. , Bougrin K. , Yasri A.
Published: January 2016

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) family, which comprises JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3, belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily, whose members regulate myriad biological processes, including those implicated in tumorigenesis and neurodegenerative disorders.
Intermediate pickering emulsion formation as a means for synthesizing hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Pochert Alexander , Ziller Sebastian , Kapetanovic Sasa , Neusser Gregor , Kranz Christine , Lindén Mika
Published: January 2016

Particle and surfactant-stabilized emulsion droplets formed in situ serve as templates for hollow silica nanoparticle growth.
Novel VO2(M)–ZnO heterostructured dandelions with combined thermochromic and photocatalytic properties for application in smart coatings
Authors: Li Wenjing , Ji Shidong , Sun Guangyao , Ma Yining , Guo Hehe , Jin Ping
Published: January 2016

Hierarchical VO2(M)–ZnO dandelion-like heterostructures with ZnO nanorods grown radially on VO2(M) nanoparticle cores have been successfully fabricated.
Crystal structures, tunable emission and energy transfer of a novel GdAl12O18N:Eu2+,Tb3+ oxynitride phosphor
Authors: Lü Wei , Jiao Mengmeng , Huo Jiansheng , Shao Baiqi , Zhao Lingfei , Feng Yang , You Hongpeng
Published: January 2016

By tuning the relative content of the doped ions, tunable blue-green emission can be obtained by irradiation at 365 nm.
Group 9 and 10 complexes with the bidentate di(1H-indazol-1-yl)methane and di(2H-indazol-2-yl)methane ligands: synthesis and structural characterization
Authors: Santos Carina , Gómez Margarita , Álvarez Eleuterio , Ngoune Jean , Marchetti Fabio , Pettinari Riccardo , Pettinari Claudio
Published: January 2016

Ni, Pd and Co bis(indazol-1-yl)methane complexes assemble into 3D-networks based on intermolecular electrostatic, H-bonds and aromatic interactions.
Dense arrays of cobalt nanorods as rare-earth free permanent magnets
Authors: Anagnostopoulou E. , Grindi B. , Lacroix L.-M. , Ott F. , Panagiotopoulos I. , Viau G.
Published: January 2016

We demonstrate in this paper the feasibility to elaborate rare-earth free permanent magnets based on cobalt nanorods assemblies with energy product (BH)max exceeding 150 kJ m−3.
Application of a SERS-based lateral flow immunoassay strip for the rapid and sensitive detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B
Authors: Hwang Joonki , Lee Sangyeop , Choo Jaebum
Published: January 2016

A novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) biosensor was developed to resolve problems associated with conventional LFA strips (e.g., limits in quantitative analysis and low sensitivity).
A Neber approach for the synthesis of spiro-fused 2H-azirine-pyrazolone
Authors: Yue Deng-Feng , Zhao Jian-Qiang , Wang Zhen-Hua , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Xu Xiao-Ying , Yuan Wei-Cheng
Published: January 2016

A base-mediated Neber reaction of enaminopyrazolones with sulfonyl chlorides was developed and various spiro-fused 2H-azirine-pyrazolones were obtained in good yield.
Highly water-dispersed superparamagnetic magnetite colloidal nanocrystal clusters from multifunctional polymeric nanoreactors: synthesis and properties
Authors: Bai Junjing , Wang Xiaobing , Fu Peng , Cui Zhe , Zhao Qingxiang , Pang Xinchang , Liu Minying
Published: January 2016

Uniform superparamagnetic Fe3O4 colloidal nanocrystal clusters were in situ fabricated by using novel water-soluble multi-arm star-shaped brush-like block copolymers of (PEO-g-PAA)-b-PEO as multifunctional polymeric nanoreactors.
Biodegradable polyurethane acrylate/HEMA-grafted nanodiamond composites with bone regenerative potential applications: structure, mechanical properties and biocompatibility
Authors: Alishiri Maryam , Shojaei Akbar , Abdekhodaie Mohammad Jafar
Published: January 2016

It was found that ND-HEMA enhanced considerably the mechanical properties of biocompatible APUA at low concentrations,i.e.1 wt%, while it retained the biocompatibility of the PAUA.
Acid catalyzed synthesis of 2-(2-aminophenyl)quinazoline-4-amine and reaction with aromatic aldehydes
Authors: Marinho Elina , Proença M. Fernanda
Published: January 2016

The hydrochloride salt of 2-(2-aminophenyl)quinazoline-4-amine, prepared from a quinazolino[3,4-a]quinazoline, was reacted with aromatic aldehydes under conventional heating or microwave irradiation, leading to tetracyclic dihydroquinazolines.
Fabrication and characterization of Cu(OH)2/CuO nanowires as a novel sensitivity enhancer of the luminol–H2O2chemiluminescence system: determination of cysteine in human plasma
Authors: Mokhtari A. , Goudarzi A. , Benam M. , Mehdizadeh Langroodi S. , Karimmohammad S. , Keyvanfard Mohsen
Published: January 2016

Cu(OH)2/CuO nanowires as a sensitivity enhancer in luminol–H2O2chemiluminescence system and its application for the determination of cysteine.
Transition-metal-free solid phase synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted 4-quinolones via the regiospecific synthesis of enaminones
Authors: Vinayaka Ajjampura C. , Swaroop Toreshettahally R. , Chikkade Prasanna Kumara , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Sadashiva Maralinganadoddi P.
Published: January 2016

The transition-metal-free economical solid phase synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted 4-quinolones has been developed via the novel regiospecific synthesis of enaminones.
Preparation and characterization of novel Ag doped hydroxyapatite–Fe3O4–chitosan hybrid composites and in vitro biological evaluations for orthopaedic applications
Authors: Anjaneyulu U. , Swaroop V. K. , Vijayalakshmi U.
Published: January 2016

Graphical abstract of novel 5%@Ag:HAP–Fe3O4–CS hybrid composites and biological investigations.
New architecture of a petal-shaped Nb2O5 nanosheet film on FTO glass for high photocatalytic activity
Authors: Liu Xiaobin , Que Wenxiu , Xing Yonglei , Yang Yawei , Yin Xingtian , Shao Jinyou
Published: January 2016

A petal-shaped Nb2O5 nanosheet thin film was grown directly on FTO glass substrate via a facile hydrothermal method. The petal-shaped Nb2O5 nanosheet array film without annealing showed excellent photocatalytic activity for degrading aqueous rhodamine B.
Star-shaped and star-block polymers with a porphyrin core: from LCST–UCST thermoresponsive transition to tunable self-assembly behaviour and fluorescence performance
Authors: Yuan Weizhong , Chen Xiangnan
Published: January 2016

The micelles self-assembled from star-shaped and star-block copolymers present a transition of LCST–UCST thermoresponsive properties through a facile quaternization reaction.
Synthesis of cobalt-based layered coordination polymer nanosheets and their application in lithium-ion batteries as anode materials
Authors: Shi Changdong , Xia Qinghong , Xue Xin , Liu Qi , Liu Hong-Jiang
Published: January 2016

Layered cobalt-based coordination polymer ([Co(tfbdc) (4,4′-bpy)(H2O)2], Co-LCP) nanosheets have been synthesized, which show an excellent performance as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Reversible hydrogen-bond-selective phase transfer directed towards noble metal nanoparticles and its catalytic application
Authors: Li Wenjiang , Wang Yanhua , Zeng Min , Jiang Jingyang , Jin Zilin
Published: January 2016

We mainly expanded an easy, highly efficient, and continuously reversible hydrogen-bond-selective phase transfer directed towards noble metal (Pt, Ru, Ir, Pd, and Au) nanoparticles.
Characterization of regio- and stereo-selective sulfation of bufadienolides: exploring the mechanism and providing insight into the structure–sulfation relationship by experimentation and molecular docking analysis
Authors: Ning Jing , Cui Yonglei , Wang Chao , Dong Peipei , Ge Guangbo , Tian Xiangge , Hou Jie , Huo Xiaokui , Zhang Baojing , Ma Tonghui , Ma Xiaochi
Published: January 2016

Bufadienolides are a major class of bioactive compounds derived from amphibian skin secretion.
A nanoscale Fe(ii) metal–organic framework with a bipyridinedicarboxylate ligand as a high performance heterogeneous Fenton catalyst
Authors: Li Yue , Liu Huan , Li Wen-Juan , Zhao Fang-Yao , Ruan Wen-Juan
Published: January 2016

A nanoscale Fe(ii)-bipyridinedicarboxylate based MOF material was used as heterogeneous Fenton catalyst with high activity, stability and H2O2 utilization efficiency.
Evaluation of polyacrylic anion exchange resins on the removal of Cr(vi) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Xiao Ke , Han Guimei , Li Jianhui , Dan Zhigang , Xu Fuyuan , Jiang Linhua , Duan Ning
Published: January 2016

The polyacrylic resin is oxidized by Cr(vi) anions, resulting in the decrease of exchange capacity and degradation of the resin matrix.
Core–shell BaYbF5:Tm@BaGdF5:Yb,Tm nanocrystals for in vivo trimodal UCL/CT/MR imaging
Authors: Zhang Peng , He Yangyang , Liu Jianhua , Feng Jing , Sun Zhiqiang , Lei Pengpeng , Yuan Qinghai , Zhang Hongjie
Published: January 2016

PEGylated core–shell BaYbF5:Tm@BaGdF5:Yb,Tm nanocrystals have been constructed and successfully applied in UCL imaging, CT imaging and MR imaging.
Dual functionality of amphiphilic 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ionic liquids: surfactants with catalytic function
Authors: Nowicki Janusz , Łuczak Justyna , Stańczyk Dorota
Published: January 2016

A series of amphiphilic 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ILs were synthesized. Their co-catalytic activities have been determined and discussed in terms of their structure and surface properties.
High temperature friction and wear properties of graphene oxide/polytetrafluoroethylene composite coatings deposited on stainless steel
Authors: Nemati N. , Emamy M. , Yau S. , Kim J.-K. , Kim D.-E.
Published: January 2016

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating is known as a low friction material that is often used as a solid lubricant coating.
Selective prototropism of lumichrome in cationic micelles and reverse micelles: a photophysical perspective
Authors: Dutta Choudhury Sharmistha , Vir Praveen , Mohanty Jyotirmayee , Bhasikuttan Achikanath C. , Pal Haridas
Published: January 2016

BHDC micelles and reverse micelles selectively transform the alloxazine form of lumichrome to the anionic isoalloxazine form, around neutral pH.
Stability of gum arabic-gold nanoparticles in physiological simulated pHs and their selective effect on cell lines
Authors: Ribeiro de Barros Heloise , Cardoso Mateus Borba , Camargo de Oliveira Carolina , Cavichiolo Franco Célia Regina , de Lima Belan Daniel , Vidotti Marcio , Riegel-Vidotti Izabel C.
Published: January 2016

Stable gold nanoparticles coated with gum arabic (GA-AuNPs) exhibit selective effect on B16-F10 cells that could provide a future alternative for melanoma treatment.
Rhodamine B-sensitized BiOCl hierarchical nanostructure for methyl orange photodegradation
Authors: Zhao Huiping , Zhang Yafang , Li Guangfang , Tian Fan , Tang Han , Chen Rong
Published: January 2016

RhB-sensitized BiOCl hierarchical nanostructures were utilized for visible light MO degradation. The electrons transfer from RhB LUMO orbit to CB of BiOCl facilitates superoxide radical generation, resulting in improved MO degradation efficiency.
Synthesis of high-density jet fuel from plastics via catalytically integral processes
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Lei Hanwu
Published: January 2016

Synthesis of high density jet fuel from plastics via catalytic microwave-assisted degradation and a hydrotreating process.
Synthesis and investigation of imidazolium functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone)s as anion exchange membranes for all-vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Lu Di , Wen Lele , Nie Feng , Xue Lixin
Published: January 2016

A serials of imidazolium functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone) as anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) application are synthesized successfully in this study.
A new synthetic approach to the imidazo[1,5-a]imidazole-2-one scaffold and effective functionalization through Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reactions
Authors: Loubidi M. , Pillard C. , El Hakmaoui A. , Bernard P. , Akssira M. , Guillaumet G.
Published: January 2016

A pathway to new 7-bromo-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-imidazo[1,5-a]imidazole-2-one was reported. The synthetic potential of this scaffold was demonstrated by displacing bromine by Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions.
Influence of calcination temperatures on the formation of anatase TiO2nano rods with a polyol-mediated solvothermal method
Authors: Fathy Marwa , Hamad Hesham , Kashyout Abd El Hady
Published: January 2016

A simple and convenient method has been demonstrated for large-scale synthesis of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods.
Self-powered, ultraviolet-visible perovskite photodetector based on TiO2 nanorods
Authors: Zhou Hai , Song Zehao , Tao Pan , Lei Hongwei , Gui Pengbin , Mei Jun , Wang Hao , Fang Guojia
Published: January 2016

A self-powered, ultraviolet-visible perovskite photodetector based on TiO2 nanorods/CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunction was reported.
Multi-scale strain-stiffening of semiflexible bundle networks
Authors: Piechocka Izabela K. , Jansen Karin A. , Broedersz Chase P. , Kurniawan Nicholas A. , MacKintosh Fred C. , Koenderink Gijsje H.
Published: January 2016

Bundles of polymer filaments are responsible for the rich and unique mechanical behaviors of many biomaterials. We show that the extraordinary strain-stiffening response of networks of fibrin fibers important for blood clotting reflects the fiber's hierarchical architecture.
Self-assembly of three-dimensional ensembles of magnetic particles with laterally shifted dipoles
Authors: Yener Arzu B. , Klapp Sabine H. L.
Published: January 2016

Using molecular dynamics simulations we investigate the self-assembly behaviour of colloidal particles with laterally shifted dipoles.
Unexpected role of linker position on ammonium gemini surfactant lyotropic gyroid phase stability
Authors: Sorenson Gregory P. , Mahanthappa Mahesh K.
Published: January 2016

The aqueous lyotropic phase behaviors of homologous gemini bis(ammonium) surfactants demonstrate that the linker location impacts the gyroid phase stability.
A block copolymer enhances the efficiency of small-molecule bulk-heterojunction photovoltaics
Authors: Chen Hsiu-Cheng , Su Yu-Wei , Wei Kung-Hwa
Published: January 2016

Using a PS-b-PEO block copolymer in the active layer allowed effective tuning of the small molecule active layer morphology and enhanced device efficiency.
Growth of Ni–Co binary hydroxide on a reduced graphene oxide surface by a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method for high performance asymmetric supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Jana Milan , Saha Sanjit , Samanta Pranab , Murmu Naresh Chandra , Kim Nam Hoon , Kuila Tapas , Lee Joong Hee
Published: January 2016

Ni–Co–BH–G was prepared by using a SILAR technique and the corresponding asymmetric supercapacitor showed an energy density of 92 W h kg−1.
A large-deformation phase transition electrothermal actuator based on carbon nanotube–elastomer composites
Authors: Zhou Zhiwei , Li Qingwei , Chen Luzhuo , Liu Changhong , Fan Shoushan
Published: January 2016

Large actuation occurs while the closed water is boiled to steam at an induced heating power. A closed liquid circulation system based on two of these actuators can work like a real heart.
rhHMGB1 drives osteoblast migration in a TLR2/TLR4- and NF-κB-dependent manner
Authors: Li Ming-Jing , Li Fan , Xu Jian , Liu Yu-Dong , Hu Tao , Chen Jian-Ting
Published: January 2016

Osteoblast migration is significant in skeletal development. Recently, high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) has been shown to highly expressed in cartilage to regulate endochondral ossification. Nevertheless, whether HMGB1 can modulate osteoblast proliferation and migration is poorly understood, as well as the intracellular signalling pathways that are involved in this process. Herein, we examined the effects of recombinant human HMGB1 (rhHMGB1) on the proliferation and migration of rat osteoblasts and investigated whether Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)- and TLR4-dependent signalling pathways are involved in the regulation of intracellular signalling. A transwell chamber assay was used to evaluate the migration of osteoblasts and the MTT assay was used to assess osteoblast proliferation. rhHMGB1 could significantly promote the migration of osteoblasts without inhibiting their proliferation. Meanwhile, rhHMGB1 can increase the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65. Specific siRNA constructs that target TLR2 or TLR4 could markedly inhibit HMGB1-induced migration of osteoblasts and HMGB1-enhanced activation of NF-κB. Collectively, HMGB1 could significantly enhance the migration of osteoblasts in vitro, and TLR2/TLR4-dependent NF-κB pathways are involved in HMGB1-induced osteoblast migration.
Calibration‐less direct capacitor‐to‐microcontroller interface
Authors: Lopez‐Lapeña O. , Serrano‐Finetti E. , Casas O.
Published: January 2016

A new technique to measure a capacitor or a capacitive sensor by means of a direct sensor‐to‐microcontroller interface circuit that does not need a calibration capacitor is proposed. Basically, the measurement process consists of three consecutive steps of charge, discharge and charge of the capacitor under test. A non‐linear equation is obtained and solved that is dependent only on known circuit parameters. Experimental results show that it is possible to measure a wide range of capacitor values with a maximum deviation of 2% from the reference value, and that temperature changes from 18 to 70°C yield relative errors below 0.1%. For the lowest measured capacitor range (33 pF–4.7 nF) the uncertainty holds below 1 pF which enables measurement of commercially available capacitive sensors. The main advantage of the proposed technique is cost and space reduction of the final design.
Target motion estimation via multi‐node forward scatter radar system
Authors: Pastina Debora , Contu Micaela , Lombardo Pierfrancesco , Gashinova Marina , De Luca Alessandro , Daniel Liam , Cherniakov Mikhail
Published: January 2016

The focus of this study is on the estimation of the kinematic parameters of a moving target via a multiple‐input‐multiple output (MIMO) forward scatter radar (FSR) system. For this purpose, a crossing time‐based estimation technique is proposed that exploits the information on the time instants at which the target crosses the individual baselines of multiple FSR nodes to retrieve the target motion parameters. First the accuracy of such technique is investigated from a theoretical point of view through Monte Carlo simulations and then the effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated by applying it to measured MIMO FSR data. Shown results prove the practical applicability of the proposed technique and demonstrate the potential of MIMO FSR configuration.
A Note on the Names for Winter Storms
Authors: Nuessel Frank
Published: January 2016

This note reviews briefly the history of naming tropical storms. It then discusses the very recent and sometimes controversial phenomenon of naming winter storms. Finally, a list of the most recent designations for winter storms is provided.
Choices and Patterns of English Names among Taiwanese Students
Authors: Chen Lindsey N. H.
Published: January 2016

The English names of 248 students studying at a Taiwan university were examined to study the choices and patterns of English names. Consistent with previous findings, female names were significantly more likely than male names to end in one of three vowels, a, e, or i, while male names were significantly more likely to end in consonants. Monosyllabic English names were equally common among males and females, in contrast to previous findings that one-syllable names are significantly more common among males. Finally, homophonization was a common phenomenon among male and female names. The findings of this study indicate that the choice of an English name is partly motivated by a sense of identity preservation.
A defense of objectivism about evidential support
Authors: Hedden Brian
Published: January 2016

Objectivism about evidential support is the thesis that facts about the degree to which a body of evidence supports a hypothesis are objective rather than depending on subjective factors like one’s own language or epistemic values. Objectivism about evidential support is key to defending a synchronic, time-slice-centric conception of epistemic rationality, on which what you ought to believe at a time depends only on what evidence you have at that time, and not on how you were at previous times. Here, I defend a version of objectivism about evidential support on which facts about evidential support are grounded in facts about explanatoriness.
Revisiting Risk and Rationality: a reply to Pettigrew and Briggs
Authors: Buchak Lara
Published: January 2016

I have claimed that risk-weighted expected utility (REU) maximizers are rational, and that their preferences cannot be captured by expected utility (EU) theory. Richard Pettigrew and Rachael Briggs have recently challenged these claims. Both authors argue that only EU-maximizers are rational. In addition, Pettigrew argues that the preferences of REU-maximizers can indeed be captured by EU theory, and Briggs argues that REU-maximizers lose a valuable tool for simplifying their decision problems. I hold that their arguments do not succeed and that my original claims still stand. However, their arguments do highlight some costs of REU theory.
Memory, belief and time
Authors: Weatherson Brian
Published: January 2016

I argue that what evidence an agent has does not supervene on how she currently is. Agents do not always have to infer what the past was like from how things currently seem; sometimes the facts about the past are retained pieces of evidence that can be the start of reasoning. The main argument is a variant on Frank Arntzenius’s Shangri La example, an example that is often used to motivate the thought that evidence does supervene on current features.
Determinants of labour migration of elite sport coaches
Authors: Orlowski Johannes , Wicker Pamela , Breuer Christoph
Published: January 2016

Previous research examining labour migration in sport focused on athletes in professional team sports. The purpose of this study is to analyse the factors influencing the migration probability of elite sport coaches in Germany (i.e. national coaches, state coaches, and coaches at Olympic training bases). From a theoretical perspective, labour migration of athletes is affected by economic, social, political, competitive, geographic and cultural factors. This study examines whether these factors can be applied to coaches. Primary data were collected using an online survey of elite sport coaches in Germany. Applying a conjoint design, respondents were presented with 10 migration scenarios leading to a sample size of n = 1860 for the empirical analysis. In the scenarios, the coaching position openings abroad differed in terms of income level, contract length, weekly workload, responsibility for personnel, reputation of coaching job, career perspectives, sporting performance of athletes, distance from Germany, and predominant job language. Coaches were asked for their migration probability contingent on the specific scenario. On average, migration probability was 24.2%. The results of regression analysis showed that higher income, contracts of longer duration, responsibility for personnel and speaking the respective language significantly increased the migration probability, while distances of nine flight hours and more, lower reputation and career perspectives reduced it. The findings have implications for policy‐makers: they indicate in what areas the situation of coaches needs improvement to increase the likelihood of retaining elite sport coaches in the German sport system.
An account of the 2008 Syrian–Israeli negotiations in Turkey
Authors: Allah Milad Alodet
Published: January 2016

This article examines the indirect negotiations that took place between Syria and Israel in 2008. The five rounds of talks were hosted under the auspices of Turkey, acting as a mediator between the two countries which had not held talks for eight years. The discussions focused on the status of the Israelioccupied Golan Heights, as well as issues including borders, water and Syria’s alliances with Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and others. Although it seemed as if a peace agreement could be reached with benefits to both Syria and Israel, political obstacles and the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip eventually led to the talks being suspended in December 2008.
Language hierarchies in Georgia: an experimental approach
Authors: Driscoll Jesse , Berglund Christofer , Blauvelt Timothy
Published: January 2016

How do Georgian citizens of different nationalities evaluate people when they speak in different languages? This article presents the results of three sets of “matched-guise” experiments, a method long used by sociolinguists to evaluate attitudes to different language varieties and their speakers. The results are revealing of the language hierarchies that prevail in Tbilisi and in the southern border regions of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli (where Georgia’s Armenian and Azerbaijani populations are concentrated). Our results suggest that social rewards for linguistic assimilation from one national group to another are very low in both rural and urban parts of Georgia. These findings show that with linguistic assimilation unrewarded, contemporary language hierarchies leave room for Russian to be sustained as a bridge language between communities. The results also show that native speakers of English are afforded higher social status than native speakers of Russian in Tbilisi.
SOLITARY IDIOPATHIC CHOROIDITIS IN THE SETTING OF EXTENSIVE ANIMAL EXPOSURE
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Khoo Chloe T. L. , Shields Carol L.
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To describe solitary idiopathic choroiditis in the setting of extensive animal exposure.

Methods:

A 56-year-old asymptomatic female equestrian with an extensive history of exposure to horses and dogs and a trapper of wild animals and rodents was discovered to have an amelanotic choroidal mass in the macular region and referred for suspicious atypical nevus.

Results:

Funduscopy revealed a deep yellow mass with overlying retinal pigment epithelial thinning and without visible subretinal fluid or lipofuscin. Mild hyperautofluorescence represented unmasking of scleral autofluorescence. Ultrasonography showed a 1.8-mm-thick echodense lesion. Enhanced depth imaging–optical coherence tomography disclosed a dense, elevated scleral mass with “volcanic” configuration, demonstrating choroidal compression and trace overlying subretinal fluid. These features were consistent with solitary idiopathic choroiditis/scleritis. Systemic evaluation for standard cat-related bartonellosis, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and syphilis were negative. Horse-, dog-, and rodent-related bartonellosis testing was not available. Observation was advised, and the findings remained stable at 6 months.

Conclusion:

Solitary idiopathic choroiditis is best imaged on enhanced depth imaging–optical coherence tomography as a scleral lesion with “volcanic” configuration and often secondary to previous Bartonella infection. Serologic positivity for cat-related Bartonella decays over time, and testing for horse-, dog-, or rodent-related Bartonella is not commonly used.
MMP-9 facilitates selective proteolysis of the histone H3 tail at genes necessary for proficient osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Kim Kyunghwan , Punj Vasu , Kim Jin-Man , Lee Sunyoung , Ulmer Tobias S. , Lu Wange , Rice Judd C. , An Woojin
Published: January 2016

Although limited proteolysis of the histone H3 N-terminal tail (H3NT) is frequently observed during mammalian differentiation, the specific genomic sites targeted for H3NT proteolysis and the functional significance of H3NT cleavage remain largely unknown. Here we report the first method to identify and examine H3NT-cleaved regions in mammals, called chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of acetylated chromatin (ChIPac). By applying ChIPac combined with deep sequencing (ChIPac-seq) to an established cell model of osteoclast differentiation, we discovered that H3NT proteolysis is selectively targeted near transcription start sites of a small group of genes and that most H3NT-cleaved genes displayed significant expression changes during osteoclastogenesis. We also discovered that the principal H3NT protease of osteoclastogenesis is matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). In contrast to other known H3NT proteases, MMP-9 primarily cleaved H3K18-Q19 in vitro and in cells. Furthermore, our results support CBP/p300-mediated acetylation of H3K18 as a central regulator of MMP-9 H3NT protease activity both in vitro and at H3NT cleavage sites during osteoclastogenesis. Importantly, we found that abrogation of H3NT proteolysis impaired osteoclastogenic gene activation concomitant with defective osteoclast differentiation. Our collective results support the necessity of MMP-9-dependent H3NT proteolysis in regulating gene pathways required for proficient osteoclastogenesis.
A PTIP–PA1 subcomplex promotes transcription for IgH class switching independently from the associated MLL3/MLL4 methyltransferase complex
Authors: Starnes Linda M. , Su Dan , Pikkupeura Laura M. , Weinert Brian T. , Santos Margarida A. , Mund Andreas , Soria Rebeca , Cho Young-Wook , Pozdnyakova Irina , Kubec Højfeldt Martina , Vala Andrea , Yang Wenjing , López-Méndez Blanca , Lee Ji-Eun , Peng Weiqun , Yuan Joan , Ge Kai , Montoya Guillermo , Nussenzweig André , Choudhary Chunaram , Daniel Jeremy A.
Published: January 2016

Class switch recombination (CSR) diversifies antibodies for productive immune responses while maintaining stability of the B-cell genome. Transcription at the immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) locus targets CSR-associated DNA damage and is promoted by the BRCT domain-containing PTIP (Pax transactivation domain-interacting protein). Although PTIP is a unique component of the mixed-lineage leukemia 3 (MLL3)/MLL4 chromatin-modifying complex, the mechanisms for how PTIP promotes transcription remain unclear. Here we dissected the minimal structural requirements of PTIP and its different protein complexes using quantitative proteomics in primary lymphocytes. We found that PTIP functions in transcription and CSR separately from its association with the MLL3/MLL4 complex and from its localization to sites of DNA damage. We identified a tandem BRCT domain of PTIP that is sufficient for CSR and identified PA1 as its main functional protein partner. Collectively, we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that a PTIP–PA1 subcomplex functions independently from the MLL3/MLL4 complex to mediate transcription during CSR. These results further our understanding of how multifunctional chromatin-modifying complexes are organized by subcomplexes that harbor unique and distinct activities.
Control of heterochromatin localization and silencing by the nuclear membrane protein Lem2
Authors: Barrales Ramón Ramos , Forn Marta , Georgescu Paula Raluca , Sarkadi Zsuzsa , Braun Sigurd
Published: January 2016

Transcriptionally silent chromatin localizes to the nuclear periphery, which provides a special microenvironment for gene repression. A variety of nuclear membrane proteins interact with repressed chromatin, yet the functional role of these interactions remains poorly understood. Here, we show that, in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the nuclear membrane protein Lem2 associates with chromatin and mediates silencing and heterochromatin localization. Unexpectedly, we found that these functions can be separated and assigned to different structural domains within Lem2, excluding a simple tethering mechanism. Chromatin association and tethering of centromeres to the periphery are mediated by the N-terminal LEM (LAP2–Emerin–MAN1) domain of Lem2, whereas telomere anchoring and heterochromatin silencing require exclusively its conserved C-terminal MSC (MAN1–Src1 C-terminal) domain. Particularly, silencing by Lem2 is epistatic with the Snf2/HDAC (histone deacetylase) repressor complex SHREC at telomeres, while its necessity can be bypassed by deleting Epe1, a JmjC protein with anti-silencing activity. Furthermore, we found that loss of Lem2 reduces heterochromatin association of SHREC, which is accompanied by increased binding of Epe1. This reveals a critical function of Lem2 in coordinating these antagonistic factors at heterochromatin. The distinct silencing and localization functions mediated by Lem2 suggest that these conserved LEM-containing proteins go beyond simple tethering to play active roles in perinuclear silencing.
Chromosome-specific NOR inactivation explains selective rRNA gene silencing and dosage control in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chandrasekhara Chinmayi , Mohannath Gireesha , Blevins Todd , Pontvianne Frederic , Pikaard Craig S.
Published: January 2016

In eukaryotes, scores of excess ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes are silenced by repressive chromatin modifications. Given the near sequence identity of rRNA genes within a species, it is unclear how specific rRNA genes are reproducibly chosen for silencing. Using Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype (strain) Col-0, a systematic search identified sequence polymorphisms that differ between active and developmentally silenced rRNA gene subtypes. Recombinant inbred mapping populations derived from three different ecotype crosses were then used to map the chromosomal locations of silenced and active RNA gene subtypes. Importantly, silenced and active rRNA gene subtypes are not intermingled. All silenced rRNA gene subtypes mapped to the nucleolus organizer region (NOR) on chromosome 2 (NOR2). All active rRNA gene subtypes mapped to NOR4. Using an engineered A. thaliana line in which a portion of Col-0 chromosome 4 was replaced by sequences of another ecotype, we show that a major rRNA gene subtype silenced at NOR2 is active when introgressed into the genome at NOR4. Collectively, these results reveal that selective rRNA gene silencing is not regulated gene by gene based on mechanisms dependent on subtle gene sequence variation. Instead, we propose that a subchromosomal silencing mechanism operates on a multimegabase scale to inactivate NOR2.
Characteristics of highly talented international business professionals defined
Authors: van Heugten Petra , Heijne-Penninga Marjolein , Paans Wolter , Wolfensberger Marca
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of talent in relation to international business to facilitate selection and development of talent in human resources (HR) and human resource development (HRD).

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed method design was used: focus groups with business professionals to identify the characteristics of highly talented international business professionals (HTIBP), resulting in a concept profile; Delphi study for validation; systematic comparison of the open coding results to existing literature to identify characteristics of talent.

Findings

– A specific and concise profile of HTIBP has been developed. This profile has five domains: achieving results; communicating; innovating; self-reflecting; seeing patterns and interrelationships in a global context. From literature cross-referencing, we have identified innovating, being creative and having a drive to achieve results are most distinguishing for HTIBP.

Practical implications

– The paper facilitates an ongoing discussion about what constitutes talent, and offers new perspectives for companies to consider when selecting and developing talent.

Originality/value

– The conceptual contribution of the paper offers a fresh and practical empirical perspective on what talent entails.
Emotional intelligence research within human resource development scholarship
Authors: Farnia Forouzan , Nafukho Fredrick Muyia
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to review and synthesize pertinent emotional intelligence (EI) research within the human resource development (HRD) scholarship.

Design/methodology/approach

– An integrative review of literature was conducted and multiple electronic databases were searched to find the relevant resources. Using the content analysis technique, the literature was reviewed and thematically organized.

Findings

– Seven major themes emerged through the process of content analysis on the body of the reviewed literature. The themes which described the presence of EI-related research within the field of HRD, included: Conceptual connections between EI and HRD; various aspects of EI training and development; the strengths and weaknesses of different EI measurement tools; EI profiles of individuals across various careers; the influence of context in the interpretation of EI; the role of EI in productive interpersonal interactions; and, finally, the impact of EI in leadership development and performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The search for this review was limited to peer-reviewed published EI-related articles which contained the keywords “human resource development” or “HRD”. While the field of HRD encompasses a wide variety of areas, this study has the limitation of excluding other relevant articles that did not contain the key terms.

Originality/value

– The originality of this study lies in its focus on EI and developing human resources. It argues that EI is a legitimate organization development intervention that can be effectively utilized to improve performance at individual, group, process and organizational levels.
Are organizations destined to fail?
Authors: Purves Nigel , Niblock Scott , Sloan Keith
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the non-financial causes of organizational success or failure, provide a better understanding of the symptoms of financial distress and improve the predictive capacity of financial failure models.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper utilizes exploratory case studies in investigating the relationship of non-financial factors to organizational success or failure across a sample of sector-specific Australian firms listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. A two-tailed study was designed, in which seven cases from both extremes were chosen from three Australian business sectors: finance, property and manufacturing.

Findings

– Non-financial factors associated with the organizations studied impacted their success or failure. These factors included management skill, experience and involvement in organizational strategy, feedback and resultant activity, together with board of director composition. The identification of financial and non-financial factors and sound internal processes could be utilized for the development of an early warning predictor of organizational success or failure.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of this method is very time-consuming but is highly valuable in case study research, providing a more in-depth understanding of how non-financial factors impact organizational success or failure.

Practical implications

– The research will provide a better understanding of the symptoms of financial distress and improve the predictive capacity of financial failure models. The improvement in prediction of organizational failure will reduce the costs of failure to all areas affected, from the large corporation to the small business. The inter-connectivity of all businesses to each other often results in a knock-on effect of failure with the cost being borne by all members of the community in some manner. The level of social impact and cost of failure can only be seen by the enormous costs of the Global Financial Crisis failures.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the literature on effective qualitative research and explores important areas of consideration for those conducting qualitative multiple-case studies. It is intended to be of use to researchers investigating the area of predictors of organizational failure or success.
Should relationship quality be measured as a disaggregated or a composite construct?
Authors: Izogo Ernest Emeka
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an empirical study that tested two competing models of relationship quality for superiority and further examined the effect of relationship quality antecedents as well as relationship quality constructs on customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative cross-sectional data generated from 332 informants who are experienced users of banking services formed the final database. The construct validity and reliability of the data set was confirmed. The two competing models were tested with partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

– Although the two competing models support all the hypothesised relationships as expected, the disaggregated model of relationship quality was found to be a better predictor of customer loyalty than the composite model of the construct. The two models also show that relationship quality does transmit the effect of customer orientation, expertise and information sharing to customer loyalty. But each of these determinants contributed differentially to relationship quality in both models just as trust and satisfaction contributed differentially to customer loyalty in the disaggregated model.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper questions the predictive ability of all previous models that tested relationship quality as a composite construct. The concern is that outputs from those studies may not have reflected the accurate explanation of the construct on companies’ bottom line. Future research integrating the construct into behavioural models should, therefore, examine the construct from a disaggregated viewpoint.

Practical implications

– Retail managers especially those within the banking sector are better placed to enhance customer loyalty when relationship quality implementation is initiated from the lens of both trust and satisfaction as separate and interdependent constructs, rather than a composite measure. Such approach widens the latitude to identify areas where attention to improvement is needed most.

Originality/value

– The uniqueness of this paper is the measurement of relationship quality both as a disaggregated and composite construct in one study. As far as could be established, in exception of Rafiq et al. (2013) whose model was rather too simplistic, no study of this sort is found within the relationship marketing literature in general and the financial services sector in particular. Based on the two competing models tested, the disaggregated model of relationship quality ahead of the composite/global measure emerged as a superior approach to testing the construct.
Second Life as a research environment: avatar-based focus groups (AFG)
Authors: Gadalla Eman , Abosag Ibrahim , Keeling Kathy
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the nature and the potential use of avatar-based focus groups (AFGs) (i.e. focus groups conducted in three-dimensional [3D] virtual worlds [VWs]) as compared to face-to-face and online focus groups (OFGs), motivated by the ability of VWs to stimulate the realism of physical places. Over the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in using 3D VWs as a research tool.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a two-phase reflective approach, data were collected first by using traditional face-to-face focus groups, followed by AFGs. In Phase 2, an online, semi-structured survey provided comparison data and experiences in AFGs, two-dimensional OFGs and traditional face-to-face focus groups.

Findings

– The findings identify the advantages and disadvantages of AFGs for marketing research. There is no evident difference in data quality between the results of AFGs and face-to-face focus groups. AFG compensates for some of the serious limitations associated with OFGs.

Practical implications

– The paper reflects on three issues, data quality, conduct of AFGs (including the moderator reflection) and participant experience, that together inform one’s understanding of the characteristics, advantages and limitations of AFG.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to compare between AFGs, traditional face-to-face focus groups and OFGs. AFG holds many advantages over OFGs and even, sometimes, over face-to-face focus groups, providing a suitable environment for researchers to collect data.