bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key role of scale morphology in flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) in the ability to keep sand
Authors: Spinner Marlene , Kortmann Mareike , Traini Camille , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: May 2016

Flatfishes bury themselves for camouflage and protection. Whereas species-specific preferences for certain sediments were previously shown, the role of scales in interaction with sediment has not been investigated. Here, scale morphology and sediment friction were examined in four European pleuronectiforms:Limanda limanda, Platichthys flesus, Pleuronectes platessaandSolea solea. All species had different scale types ranging from cycloid to ctenoid scales. On the blind side, the number of scales is higher and scales have less ctenial spines than on the eye side. The critical angle of sediment sliding (static friction) significantly depended on the grain size and was considerably higher on the eye side. The effect of mucus was excluded by repeated measurements on resin replicas of the skin. Our results demonstrate the impact of scale morphology on sediment interaction and give an insight about the ability of scales to keep sand. Exposed scales and a higher number of ctenial spines on the eye side lead to an increase of friction forces, especially for sediments with a smaller grain size. Our results suggest that the evolution of scales was at least partly driven by their interactions with sediment which confirms the relevance of sediment for the distribution and radiation of Pleuronectiformes.
The Effects of Tumstatin on Vascularity, Airway Inflammation and Lung Function in an Experimental Sheep Model of Chronic Asthma
Authors: Van der Velden Joanne , Harkness Louise M. , Barker Donna M. , Barcham Garry J. , Ugalde Cathryn L. , Koumoundouros Emmanuel , Bao Heidi , Organ Louise A. , Tokanovic Ana , Burgess Janette K. , Snibson Kenneth J.
Published: May 2016

Tumstatin, a protein fragment of the alpha-3 chain of Collagen IV, is known to be significantly reduced in the airways of asthmatics. Further, there is evidence that suggests a link between the relatively low level of tumstatin and the induction of angiogenesis and inflammation in allergic airway disease. Here, we show that the intra-segmental administration of tumstatin can impede the development of vascular remodelling and allergic inflammatory responses that are induced in a segmental challenge model of experimental asthma in sheep. In particular, the administration of tumstatin to lung segments chronically exposed to house dust mite (HDM) resulted in a significant reduction of airway small blood vessels in the diameter range 10+–20 μm compared to controls. In tumstatin treated lung segments after HDM challenge, the number of eosinophils was significantly reduced in parenchymal and airway wall tissues, as well as in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The expression of VEGF in airway smooth muscle was also significantly reduced in tumstatin-treated segments compared to control saline-treated segments. Allergic lung function responses were not attenuated by tumstatin administration in this model. The data are consistent with the concept that tumstatin can act to suppress vascular remodelling and inflammation in allergic airway disease.
Inverted Gabor holography principle for tailoring arbitrary shaped three-dimensional beams
Authors: Latychevskaia Tatiana , Fink Hans-Werner
Published: May 2016

It is well known that by modifying the wavefront in a certain manner, the light intensity can be turned into a certain shape. However, all known light modulation techniques allow for limited light modifications only: focusing within a restricted region in space, shaping into a certain class of parametric curves along the optical axis or bending described by a quadratic-dependent deflection as in the case of Airy beams. We show a general case of classical light wavefront shaping that allows for intensity and phase redistribution into an arbitrary profile including pre-determined switching-off of the intensity. To create an arbitrary three-dimensional path of intensity, we represent the path as a sequence of closely packed individual point-like absorbers and simulate the in-line hologram of the created object set; when such a hologram is contrast inverted, thus giving rise to a diffractor, it creates the pre-determined three-dimensional path of intensity behind the diffractor under illumination. The crucial parameter for a smooth optical path is the sampling of the predetermined curves, which is given by the lateral and axial resolution of the optical system. We provide both, simulated and experimental results to demonstrate the power of this novel method.
Piperlongumine inhibits lung tumor growth via inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway
Authors: Zheng Jie , Son Dong Ju , Gu Sun Mi , Woo Ju Rang , Ham Young Wan , Lee Hee Pom , Kim Wun Jae , Jung Jae Kyung , Hong Jin Tae
Published: May 2016

Piperlongumine has anti-cancer activity in numerous cancer cell lines via various signaling pathways. But there has been no study regarding the mechanisms of PL on the lung cancer yet. Thus, we evaluated the anti-cancer effects and possible mechanisms of PL on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cellsin vivoandin vitro. Our findings showed that PL induced apoptotic cell death and suppressed the DNA binding activity of NF-κB in a concentration dependent manner (0–15 μM) in NSCLC cells. Docking model and pull down assay showed that PL directly binds to the DNA binding site of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p50 subunit, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis showed that PL binds to p50 concentration-dependently. Moreover, co-treatment of PL with NF-κB inhibitor phenylarsine oxide (0.1 μM) or p50 siRNA (100 nM) augmented PL-induced inhibitory effect on cell growth and activation of Fas and DR4. Notably, co-treatment of PL with p50 mutant plasmid (C62S) partially abolished PL-induced cell growth inhibition and decreased the enhanced expression of Fas and DR4. In xenograft mice model, PL (2.5–5 mg/kg) suppressed tumor growth of NSCLC dose-dependently. Therefore, these results indicated that PL could inhibit lung cancer cell growth via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathwayin vitroandin vivo.
Knockout of ho-1 protects the striatum from ferrous iron-induced injury in a male-specific manner in mice
Authors: Wang Li-Fang , Yokoyama Kazunari K. , Lin Chih-Lung , Chen Tzu-Yin , Hsiao Hsiu-Wen , Chiang Pei-Chi , Hsu Chin
Published: May 2016

Men have worse survival than premenopausal women after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). After ICH, overproduction of iron associated with induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in brain was observed. Rodent ICH model using ferrous citrate (FC)-infusion into the striatum to simulate iron overload, showed a higher degree of injury severity in males than in females. However, the participation of HO-1 in sex-differences of iron-induced brain injury remains unknown. The present results showed a higher level of HO-1 expression associated with more severe injury in males compared with females after FC-infusion. Estradiol (E2) contributed to lower levels of FC-induced HO-1 expression in females compared with males. Heterozygote ho-1 KO decreased the levels of FC-induced injury severity, histological lesions, behavioral deficits, autophagy and autophagic cell death in the striatum of males but not in females. Moreover, ho-1 deficiency enhanced the neuroprotection by E2 only in males. These results suggested that over induction of HO-1 plays a harmful role in FC-induced brain injury in a male-specific manner. Suppression of HO-1 combined with E2 exhibits a synergistic effect on neuroprotection against FC-induced striatal injury in males. These findings open up the prospect for male-specific neuroprotection targeting HO-1 suppression for patients suffering from striatal iron overload.
Transcriptome shock invokes disruption of parental expression-conserved genes in tetraploid wheat
Authors: Zhang Huakun , Gou Xiaowan , Zhang Ai , Wang Xutong , Zhao Na , Dong Yuzhu , Li Linfeng , Liu Bao
Published: May 2016

Allopolyploidy often triggers phenotypic novelty and gene expression remolding in the resulting polyploids. In this study, we employed multiple phenotypic and genetic approaches to investigate the nature and consequences of allotetraploidization between A- and S-subgenome of tetraploid wheat. Results showed that karyotype of the nascent allopolyploid plants (AT2) is stable but they showed clear novelty in multiple morphological traits which might have positively contributed to the initial establishment of the tetraploids. Further microarray-based transcriptome profiling and gene-specific cDNA-pyrosequencing have documented that transcriptome shock was exceptionally strong in AT2, but a substantial proportion of the induced expression changes was rapidly stabilized in early generations. Meanwhile, both additive and nonadditive expression genes showed extensive homeolog expression remodeling and which have led to the subgenome expression dominance in leaf and young inflorescence of AT2. Through comparing the homeolog-expressing patterns between synthetic and natural tetraploid wheats, it appears that the shock-induced expression changes at both the total expression level and subgenome homeolog partitioning are evolutionarily persistent. Together, our study shed new light on how gene expression changes have rapidly occurred at the initial stage following allotetraploidization, as well as their evolutionary relevance, which may have implications for wheat improvements.
Fast MS/MS acquisition without dynamic exclusion enables precise and accurate quantification of proteome by MS/MS fragment intensity
Authors: Zhang Shen , Wu Qi , Shan Yichu , Zhao Qun , Zhao Baofeng , Weng Yejing , Sui Zhigang , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: May 2016

Most currently proteomic studies use data-dependent acquisition with dynamic exclusion to identify and quantify the peptides generated by the digestion of biological sample. Although dynamic exclusion permits more identifications and higher possibility to find low abundant proteins, stochastic and irreproducible precursor ion selection caused by dynamic exclusion limit the quantification capabilities, especially for MS/MS based quantification. This is because a peptide is usually triggered for fragmentation only once due to dynamic exclusion. Therefore the fragment ions used for quantification only reflect the peptide abundances at that given time point. Here, we propose a strategy of fast MS/MS acquisition without dynamic exclusion to enable precise and accurate quantification of proteome by MS/MS fragment intensity. The results showed comparable proteome identification efficiency compared to the traditional data-dependent acquisition with dynamic exclusion, better quantitative accuracy and reproducibility regardless of label-free based quantification or isobaric labeling based quantification. It provides us with new insights to fully explore the potential of modern mass spectrometers. This strategy was applied to the relative quantification of two human disease cell lines, showing great promises for quantitative proteomic applications.
Difference in Visual Social Predispositions Between Newborns at Low- and High-risk for Autism
Authors: Di Giorgio Elisa , Frasnelli Elisa , Rosa Salva Orsola , Luisa Scattoni Maria , Puopolo Maria , Tosoni Daniela ,   NIDA-Network, Apicella Fabio , Gagliano Antonella , Guzzetta Andrea , Molteni Massimo , Persico Antonio , Pioggia Giovanni , Valeri Giovanni , Vicari Stefano , Simion Francesca , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: May 2016

Some key behavioural traits of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been hypothesized to be due to impairments in the early activation of subcortical orienting mechanisms, which in typical development bias newborns to orient to relevant social visual stimuli. A challenge to testing this hypothesis is that autism is usually not diagnosed until a child is at least 3 years old. Here, we circumvented this difficulty by studying for the very first time, the predispositions to pay attention to social stimuli in newborns with a high familial risk of autism. Results showed that visual preferences to social stimuli strikingly differed between high-risk and low-risk newborns. Significant predictors for high-risk newborns were obtained and an accurate biomarker was identified. The results revealed early behavioural characteristics of newborns with familial risk for ASD, allowing for a prospective approach to the emergence of autism in early infancy.
High-resolution Imaging of pH in Alkaline Sediments and Water Based on a New Rapid Response Fluorescent Planar Optode
Authors: Han Chao , Yao Lei , Xu Di , Xie Xianchuan , Zhang Chaosheng
Published: May 2016

A new dual-lumophore optical sensor combined with a robust RGB referencing method was developed for two-dimensional (2D) pH imaging in alkaline sediments and water. The pH sensor film consisted of a proton-permeable polymer (PVC) in which two dyes with different pH sensitivities and emission colors: (1) chloro phenyl imino propenyl aniline (CPIPA) and (2) the coumarin dye Macrolex® fluorescence yellow 10 GN (MFY-10 GN) were entrapped. Calibration experiments revealed the typical sigmoid function and temperature dependencies. This sensor featured high sensitivity and fast response over the alkaline working ranges from pH 7.5 to pH 10.5. Cross-sensitivity towards ionic strength (IS) was found to be negligible for freshwater when IS <0.1 M. The sensor had a spatial resolution of approximately 22 μm and aresponse time of <120 s when going from pH 7.0 to 9.0. The feasibility of the sensor was demonstrated using the pH microelectrode. An example of pH image obtained in the natrual freshwater sediment and water associated with the photosynthesis of Vallisneria spiral species was also presented, suggesting that the sensor held great promise for the field applications.
Effect of Exercise and Calorie Restriction on Tissue Acylcarnitines, Tissue Desaturase Indices, and Fat Accumulation in Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Gopalan Venkatesh , Michael Navin , Ishino Seigo , Lee Swee Shean , Yang Adonsia Yating , Bhanu Prakash K. N. , Yaligar Jadegoud , Sadananthan Suresh Anand , Kaneko Manami , Zhou Zhihong , Satomi Yoshinori , Hirayama Megumi , Kamiguchi Hidenori , Zhu Bin , Horiguchi Takashi , Nishimoto Tomoyuki , Velan S. Sendhil
Published: May 2016

Both exercise and calorie restriction interventions have been recommended for inducing weight-loss in obese states. However, there is conflicting evidence on their relative benefits for metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. This study seeks to evaluate the differential effects of the two interventions on fat mobilization, fat metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese animal models. After 4 months ofad libitumhigh fat diet feeding, 35 male Fischer F344 rats were grouped (n = 7 per cohort) into sedentary control (CON), exercise once a day (EX1), exercise twice a day (EX2), 15% calorie restriction (CR1) and 30% calorie restriction (CR2) cohorts. Interventions were carried out over a 4-week period. We found elevated hepatic and muscle long chain acylcarnitines with both exercise and calorie restriction, and a positive association between hepatic long chain acylcarnitines and insulin sensitivity in the pooled cohort. Our result suggests that long chain acylcarnitines may not indicate incomplete fat oxidation in weight loss interventions. Calorie restriction was found to be more effective than exercise in reducing body weight. Exercise, on the other hand, was more effective in reducing adipose depots and muscle triglycerides, favorably altering muscle/liver desaturase activity and improving insulin sensitivity.
Compression loading-induced stress responses in intervertebral disc cells encapsulated in 3D collagen constructs
Authors: Chooi Wai Hon , Chan Barbara Pui
Published: May 2016

Cells protect themselves from stresses through a cellular stress response. In the interverebral disc, such response was also demonstrated to be induced by various environmental stresses. However, whether compression loading will cause cellular stress response in the nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) is not well studied. By using an in vitro collagen microencapsulation model, we investigated the effect of compression loading on the stress response of NPCs. Cell viability tests and gene and protein expression experiments were conducted, with primers for the heat shock response (HSR: HSP70, HSF1, HSP27 and HSP90) and unfolded protein response (UPR: GRP78, GRP94, ATF4 and CHOP) genes and an antibody to HSP72. Different gene expression patterns occurred due to loading type throughout experiments. Increasing the loading strain for a short duration did not increase the stress response genes significantly, but over longer durations, HSP70 and HSP27 were upregulated. Longer loading durations also resulted in a continuous upregulation of HSR genes and downregulation of UPR genes, even after load removal. The rate of apoptosis did not increase significantly after loading, suggesting that stress response genes might play a role in cell survival following mechanical stress. These results demonstrate how mechanical stress might induce and control the expression of HSR and UPR genes in NPCs.
Glycosyltransferase Gene Expression Profiles Classify Cancer Types and Propose Prognostic Subtypes
Authors: Ashkani Jahanshah , Naidoo Kevin J.
Published: May 2016

Aberrant glycosylation in tumours stem from altered glycosyltransferase (GT) gene expression but can the expression profiles of these signature genes be used to classify cancer types and lead to cancer subtype discovery? The differential structural changes to cellular glycan structures are predominantly regulated by the expression patterns of GT genes and are a hallmark of neoplastic cell metamorphoses. We found that the expression of 210 GT genes taken from 1893 cancer patient samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) microarray data are able to classify six cancers; breast, ovarian, glioblastoma, kidney, colon and lung. The GT gene expression profiles are used to develop cancer classifiers and propose subtypes. The subclassification of breast cancer solid tumour samples illustrates the discovery of subgroups from GT genes that match well against basal-like and HER2-enriched subtypes and correlates to clinical, mutation and survival data. This cancer type glycosyltransferase gene signature finding provides foundational evidence for the centrality of glycosylation in cancer.
Curcumin: A multi-target disease-modifying agent for late-stage transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Ferreira Nelson , Gonçalves Nádia P. , Saraiva Maria J. , Almeida Maria R.
Published: May 2016

Transthyretin amyloidoses encompass a variety of acquired and hereditary diseases triggered by systemic extracellular accumulation of toxic transthyretin aggregates and fibrils, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. Since transthyretin amyloidoses are typically complex progressive disorders, therapeutic approaches aiming multiple molecular targets simultaneously, might improve therapy efficacy and treatment outcome. In this study, we evaluate the protective effect of physiologically achievable doses of curcumin on the cytotoxicity induced by transthyretin oligomers in vitro by showing reduction of caspase-3 activity and the levels of endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperone binding immunoglobulin protein. When given to an aged Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy mouse model, curcumin not only reduced transthyretin aggregates deposition and toxicity in both gastrointestinal tract and dorsal root ganglia but also remodeled congophilic amyloid material in tissues. In addition, curcumin enhanced internalization, intracellular transport and degradation of transthyretin oligomers by primary macrophages from aged Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy transgenic mice, suggesting an impaired activation of naïve phagocytic cells exposed to transthyretin toxic intermediate species. Overall, our results clearly support curcumin or optimized derivatives as promising multi-target disease-modifying agent for late-stage transthyretin amyloidosis.
Multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced biomimetic bundled gel fibres
Authors: Kim Young-Jin , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Takahashi Haruko , Sasaki Naruo , Matsunaga Yukiko T.
Published: May 2016

Biomimetic bundled fibre: Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced bundled gel fibre is reported to obtain a cell culture scaffold with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties.
Charge carrier loss mechanisms in CuInS2/ZnO nanocrystal solar cells
Authors: Scheunemann Dorothea , Wilken Sebastian , Parisi Jürgen , Borchert Holger
Published: May 2016

The charge carrier loss mechanisms in solution-processed CuInS2/ZnO nanocrystal solar cells are studied using steady-state and transient techniques. The results represent a step forward in understanding the device physics of copper-based nanocrystal photovoltaics.
Why were alternating-current-driven electrochemiluminescence properties from Ru(bpy)32+ dramatically improved by the addition of titanium dioxide nanoparticles?
Authors: Tsuneyasu Shota , Ichihara Kazuki , Nakamura Kazuki , Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: May 2016

The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles greatly enhances orange electrochemiluminescence (ECL) from Ru(bpy)32+. The electron transfer between these compounds improves the ECL properties.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of glycosylated platinum(iv) complexes as antitumor agents
Authors: Wang Qingpeng , Huang Zhonglv , Ma Jing , Lu Xiaolin , Zhang Li , Wang Xin , George Wang Peng
Published: May 2016

A new series of glycosylated Pt(iv) complexes were designed, synthesized and evaluated for antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo.
Myricetin arrests human telomeric G-quadruplex structure: a new mechanistic approach as an anticancer agent
Authors: Mondal Soma , Jana Jagannath , Sengupta Pallabi , Jana Samarjit , Chatterjee Subhrangsu
Published: May 2016

The use of small molecules to arrest G-quadruplex structure has become a potential strategy for the development and design of a new class of anticancer therapeutics.
Enhanced cytocompatibility and functional group content of poly(l-lysine) dendrimers by grafting with poly(oxazolines)
Authors: England R. M. , Hare J. I. , Kemmitt P. D. , Treacher K. E. , Waring M. J. , Barry S. T. , Alexander C. , Ashford M.
Published: May 2016

We report the use of polyoxazolines as materials for modifying the surface of a generation 5 l-lysine dendrimer resulting in a significant improvement in the biocompatibility properties compared to the unmodified dendrimer. The polyoxazoline coatings represent interesting alternatives to polyethylene glycol and can also offer an opportunity for increasing drug loading.
Transamidation catalysed by a magnetically separable Fe3O4 nano catalyst under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Thale Pranila B. , Borase Pravin N. , Shankarling Ganapati S.
Published: May 2016

Transamidation catalysed by magnetically separable Fe3O4 nano catalyst under solvent-free condition.
Carbon nanotube-mediated delivery of budesonide to macrophages
Authors: Foillard Stéphanie , Russier Julie , Seifert Cécile , Dumortier Hélène , Doris Eric
Published: May 2016

A carbon nanotube-based carrier was developed for the delivery of anti-inflammatory budesonide to intracellular compartments of macrophages.
Design of recyclable TEMPO derivatives bearing an ionic liquid moiety and N,N-bidentate group for highly efficient Cu(i)-catalyzed conversion of alcohols into aldehydes and imines
Authors: Guo Bin , Xue Jiang-Yan , Li Hong-Xi , Tan Da-Wei , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2016

Recyclable TEMPO derivatives carrying an ionic liquid moiety and N,N-bidentate group are designed for Cu(i)-catalyzed alcohol to aldehyde and imine conversion.
Intramolecular multi-bond strain: the unrecognized side of the dichotomy of conjugated systems
Authors: Mo Yirong , Zhang Huaiyu , Su Peifeng , Jarowski Peter D. , Wu Wei
Published: May 2016

Apart from the more familiar π-conjugation, there is also significant π–π repulsion which is a kind of unrecognized intramolecular strain and can be quantified with the linear B4H2 model system.
Novel photodriven composite phase change materials with bioinspired modification of BN for solar-thermal energy conversion and storage
Authors: Yang Jie , Qi Guo-Qiang , Tang Li-Sheng , Bao Rui-Ying , Bai Lu , Liu Zheng-Ying , Yang Wei , Xie Bang-Hu , Yang Ming-Bo
Published: May 2016

A novel design guidance for the preparation of photodriven composite PCMs with greatly enhanced thermal conductivity based on the bioinspired modification of BN for solar-thermal energy storage is provided.
Mimicking natural cell environments: design, fabrication and application of bio-chemical gradients on polymeric biomaterial substrates
Authors: Benetti Edmondo M. , Gunnewiek Michel Klein , van Blitterswijk Clemens A. , Julius Vancso G. , Moroni Lorenzo
Published: May 2016

Gradients of biomolecules on synthetic, solid substrates can efficiently mimic the natural, graded variation of properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM).
Correction: Nanoparticles of Cu2ZnSnS4 as performance enhancing additives for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Kevin Punarja , Malik Mohammad Azad , O'Brien Paul , Cameron Joseph , Taylor Rupert G. D. , Findlay Neil J. , Inigo Anto R. , Skabara Peter J.
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘Nanoparticles of Cu2ZnSnS4 as performance enhancing additives for organic field-effect transistors’ by Punarja Kevin et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6tc01650b.
Managing Australia's Scarce Water Resources for the Environment
Authors: T. Kingsford Richard
Published: May 2016

Australia has 12 major drainage basins, but most water use and extraction comes from the Murray- Darling Basin, despite not having Australia?s more populous cities. About 66% of surface water use in Australia is extracted from the rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin (NLWRA 2001). The ecological impacts are widespread and insurmountable: key ecosystems are in various stages of collapse. Many of these are conservation reserves and wetlands recognized for their international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Populations of native fish species are considered to be only at 10% of pre European levels with 46% of the 35 fish species now listed as threatened at state level (MDBC 2004). Waterbird populations are also declining significantly, sometimes up to 80% over a period of about 25 years (Kingsford and Thomas 2004; Nebel et al. 2008). Many communities of floodplain vegetation are also in decline. The River Murray no longer breaks through the sand barriers to naturally flow out to sea, with flow now only maintained by a dredge (costing ~$100,000 per week) to ensure that sand does not completely block the Murray mouth. The lower lakes are below sea level for the first time in more than 7,000 years and marine incursions into this freshwater ecosystem have allowed colonies of marine worms Ficopomatus enigmaticus to build their calcareous colonies on the backs of freshwater turtles and crabs weighing them down.
A case study of the conservation value of a small tourist resort island: Birds of Rottnest Island, Western Australia 1905-2007
Authors: A. Saunders Denis , De Rebeira Perry
Published: May 2016

The avifauna of Rottnest Island, off the southwest coast of Western Australia, has been studied by three authorities from 1953?1963, 1980?1992 and 1998?2007. In addition, several annotated bird lists have been published since 1905. Over the period 1905 to 2007, 101 species have been recorded from the island, including 41 species of vagrant (species rarely seen with no pattern of occurrence) that have not changed in status over the 102 years. Of the 60 species recorded as part of the island?s avifauna, 24 have apparently not changed in status over that period. Thirty-five species have changed in status and/or abundance, including nine species of transequatorial migrant; all Charadriiformes. Seven of these species were formerly absent or vagrants but now are regular visitors, several possibly as a result of range extensions. Two species of transequatorial migrant, formerly regarded as members of the island?s avifauna, have become vagrants. Six passerine and one non-passerine species have resident populations that are isolated on the island with no populations on the adjacent mainland. Populations of three of these species are sufficiently different from mainland populations to constitute conservation management units. Rottnest Island is managed as a holiday resort. In the past this management has compromised some of the conservation values. Recommendations for dedicated monitoring programmes and management for the conservation of the island?s avifauna are provided.
Update on Longevity and Movements of Carnaby?s Black Cockatoo
Authors: A Saunders Denis , Dawson Rick
Published: May 2016

Carnaby's Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris is an endangered species, found only in the southwest of Western Australia. Between 1971 and 1976 this species was the subject of a detailed ecological study (Saunders 1982). As part of that study, adults and fledglings were individually marked on each wing with stainless steel tags (patagial tags) described by Rowley and Saunders (1980). They were also marked with a numbered leg band of stainless steel supplied by the Australian Bird Banding Scheme. Observations made of tagged individuals provided much of the data used to explain the breeding biology, behaviour and movements of this species (Saunders 1980, 1982, 1986; Saunders and Ingram 1998). Despite major problems associated with the use of patagial tags (Saunders 1988), much of the ecology of the species could not have been investigated without their use.
Ownership relevance in aspect-oriented business process models
Authors: Leite Julio Cesar Sampaio do Prado , Santoro Flavia Maria , Cappelli Claudia , Batista Thais Vasconcelos , Santos Fabiana Jack Nogueira
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a representation scheme based on the i* strategic actor model to represent the process owner information and show how to incorporate this approach into the event driven process chain and Business Process Modeling Notation-BPMN meta-models and also into the aspect-oriented business process modeling (BPM) context.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a case study in a real setting to evaluate the proposal and a controlled experiment to get more evidence about its relevance.

Findings

– The authors presented evidence both from a case study in a real-world library showing the importance of representing – previously unavailable – process owner information, and from an experiment which involved participants analyzing the same models of the case study, confirming the preliminary evidences. It is important to stress the recognition that the proposed representation provided more transparency, in terms of ownership, than the usual BPM models. These benefits are due to the combination of the aspect-oriented approach and the strategic actor model, providing ownership information in a more transparent way.

Originality/value

– The authors not only argue the importance of clearly established process ownership, both of the core process and the aspectual process, but also the authors presented an approach to represent the actor involved in process and aspect ownership as an instantiation of the i* strategic actor. Using this approach, the process owner can be defined in terms of actors instead of the activities performed. It is also possible to define the aspect owner and to include the aspectual process concept in the business process model.
From local IT needs to global process transformation: Hilti’s customer service program
Authors: vom Brocke Jan , Schmiedel Theresa , Simons Alexander , Schmid Alexander M. , Petry Martin , Baeck Christoph
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to summarize an information technology (IT) initiative at Hilti Corporation that began with a local IT need and ended with the global transformation of the company’s customer service processes and infrastructures. The authors highlight 12 lessons learned from the transformation, which Hilti referred to as the Global Contact Center (GCC) program.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyze Hilti’s GCC program based on first-hand experience. Hilti applied an innovative, wave-like implementation approach that facilitated a fast roll-out, fostered peer-to-peer knowledge transfer, and helped to overcome reluctance to change.

Findings

– The analysis of Hilti’s approach to its new customer service management reveals a number of simple, yet, critical lessons learned regarding leveraging IT-driven business value through global process transformation.

Research limitations/implications

– The case report can help researchers to further theorize about IT-enabled process transformation. The GCC program resulted in significant improvements in the performance and quality of customer service processes and enabled transparent reporting and performance measurement on a global scale.

Practical implications

– Overall, the GCC case provides an illustrative example of successful process transformation at the global level that also demonstrates implementation challenges. As such, the case report can help practitioners in planning and executing similar projects toward customer service excellence.

Originality/value

– Hilti’s GCC case not only provides fresh insights into a successful process transformation. As it focusses on customer service, it also concerns an application area that has received little in the way of attention from process transformation research.
Turbulence models assessment for separated flows in a rectangular asymmetric three-dimensional diffuser
Authors: Lu Lipeng , Zhong Luyang , Liu Yangwei
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a full three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a rectangular asymmetric 3D diffuser utilizing seven turbulence models frequently used in engineering to assess the predictive capabilities of the turbulence models for separated flows in internal flows.

Design/methodology/approach

– The structured computational grids are generated by means of the mesh generation tool IGG software package. The computational grids are imported into the commercial CFD code Fluent. The performance of the different turbulence models adopted has been systematically assessed by comparing the numerical results with the available experimental and direct numerical simulation/large eddy simulations data.

Findings

– The comparisons show that the Reynolds stress model (RSM) evidently performs better than the other turbulence models for predicting wall pressure, velocity, and vorticity fields. Moreover, only the RSM can predict the separation bubble region around the top right corner, which is consistent with the experiment. It is found that the RSM can well predict Prandtl’s secondary flow of the second kind for considering turbulence anisotropy, whereas the other models cannot.

Originality/value

– The paper utilizes seven turbulence models frequently used in engineering in detailed numerical investigations of a real 3D diffuser to expand the scope of application for various turbulence models. The studies are valuable for the proper use of the turbulence models, allowing the designers to understand the numerical results further and contributing to the modification of the turbulence models for 3D flows.
Forming limit prediction for two-stage aluminum alloy sheet forming process considering the effect of normal stress
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Chen Jieshi , Chen Jun
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze theoretically the influence of normal stress on the formability of aluminum alloy sheets in non-linear strain paths.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four loading modes of non-linear strain paths are investigated in detail to consider the effect of normal stress on formability of aluminum alloy sheets.

Findings

– Results show that the influence of normal stress in the first stage can be ignored. However, the normal stress in the second stage enhances the formability of aluminum alloy sheets obviously. Besides, the normal stress in the second stage is found to have larger effect on forming limit stress than that in the first stage.

Research limitations/implications

– Maybe more experiment data should be obtained to support the theoretical findings.

Originality/value

– This current study provides a better understanding of normal stress effect on the formability of aluminum alloy sheets in non-linear strain paths. Since the reacting stage of normal stress play important roles in normal stress effect on the formability of aluminum alloy sheets, the insight obtained in this paper will help to judge the instability of aluminum alloy sheets in complex forming processes with normal stress reacting on the sheet or tube.
Thermomechanical modeling of fiber reinforced material including interphasial properties and its application to epoxy/glass composites
Authors: Bozic Marko , Fleischhauer Robert , Kaliske Michael
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate of interphasial effects, including temperature dependency, within fiber reinforced polymers on the overall composite behavior. Providing theoretical and numerical approaches in terms of a consistent thermomechanical finite element method framework are further goals of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Starting points for achieving the aims of this research are the partial differential equations describing the evolution of the displacements and temperature within a continuum mechanical setting. Based on the continuous formulation of a thermomechanical equilibrium, constitutive equations are derived, accounting for the modeling of fiber reinforced thermosets and thermoplastics, respectively. The numerical solutions of different initial boundary value problems are obtained by a consistent implementation of the proposed formulations into a finite element framework.

Findings

– The successful theoretical formulation and numerical modeling of the thermoinelastic matrix materials as well as the thermomechanical treatment of the composite interphase (IP) are demonstrated for an epoxy/glass system. The influence of the IP on the overall composite behavior is successfully investigated and concluded as a further aspect.

Originality/value

– A thermomechanical material model, suitable for finite thermoinelasticity of thermosets and thermoplastics is introduced and implemented into a novel kinematic framework in context of the inelastic deformation evolution. The gradually changing material properties between the matrix and the fiber of a composite are continuously formulated and numerically processed, in order to achieve an efficient and realistic approach to model fiber reinforced composites.
Inverse surrogate modeling for low-cost geometry scaling of microwave and antenna structures
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate strategies for expedited dimension scaling of electromagnetic (EM)-simulated microwave and antenna structures, exploiting the concept of variable-fidelity inverse surrogate modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

– A fast inverse surrogate modeling technique is described for dimension scaling of microwave and antenna structures. The model is established using reference designs obtained for cheap underlying low-fidelity model and corrected to allow structure scaling at high accuracy level. Numerical and experimental case studies are provided demonstrating feasibility of the proposed approach.

Findings

– It is possible, by appropriate combination of surrogate modeling techniques, to establish an inverse model for explicit determination of geometry dimensions of the structure at hand so as to re-design it for various operating frequencies. The scaling process can be concluded at a low computational cost corresponding to just a few evaluations of the high-fidelity computational model of the structure.

Research limitations/implications

– The present study is a step toward development of procedures for rapid dimension scaling of microwave and antenna structures at high-fidelity EM-simulation accuracy.

Originality/value

– The proposed modeling framework proved useful for fast geometry scaling of microwave and antenna structures, which is very laborious when using conventional methods. To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to surrogate-assisted dimension scaling of microwave components at the EM-simulation level.
Low-cost multi-objective optimization and experimental validation of UWB MIMO antenna
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to validate methodologies for expedited multi-objective design optimization of complex antenna structures both numerically and experimentally.

Design/methodology/approach

– The task of identifying the best possible trade-offs between the antenna size and its electrical performance is formulated as multi-objective optimization problem. Algorithmic frameworks are described for finding Pareto-optimal designs using auxiliary surrogate models and two alternative approaches to design refinement: response correction techniques and co-kriging. Numerical and experimental case studies are provided to demonstrate feasibility of solving real-world and complex antenna design tasks.

Findings

– It is possible, through appropriate combination of the surrogate modeling techniques (both data driven and physics based) and response correction methods, to find the set of alternative designs representing the best possible trade-offs between conflicting design objectives, here, electrical performance and size. Design optimization can be performed at practically feasible computational costs.

Research limitations/implications

– The study demonstrates feasibility of automated multi-objective design optimization of antennas at low computational cost. The presented techniques reach beyond the commonly used design approaches based on parameter sweeps and similar hands-on methods, particularly in terms of automation, reliability and reduction of the computational costs of the design processes.

Originality/value

– Multi-objective design of antenna structures is very challenging when high-fidelity electromagnetic simulations are utilized for performance evaluation of the structure at hand. The proposed design framework permits rapid optimization of complex structures (here, MIMO antenna), which is hardly possible using conventional methods.
Silica precursor as synergist for cotton flame retardancy
Authors: Grancaric Ana Marija , Botteri Lea , Alongi Jenny , Tarbuk Anita
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The cotton and its blends is the most commonly used textile material in the design and production of protective clothing. However, as the cellulose textiles are the most flammable materials it is necessary to improve its flame retardancy. The government regulations have been the driving force for developing durable flame retardants finishes for textile, to improve its performance and to reduce the negative impact on the environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper investigates the effect of silica precursor (tetraethoxysilane – TEOS) added in bath with conventional flame retardant urea/ammonium polyphosphate in full and half concentration for achieving environmental-friendly cotton flame retardancy. Silica precursors have excellent thermal stability and high heat resistance with very limited release of toxic gases during the thermal decomposition. Synergistic effect between urea/ammonium polyphosphate and TEOS has been calculated. Thermal properties of treated cotton fabrics were determined by limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC).

Findings

– TEOS, significantly improves the flame retardancy of cotton when added in the bath with conventional flame retardants urea/ammonium polyphosphate by increasing the LOI values and other thermal properties as increasing char residue measured by TGA and higher heat release rate measured by MCC.

Originality/value

– This paper represent a good synergistic effect between urea/ammonium polyphosphate and TEOS. This phenomena is evident in better thermal properties when TEOS was added in the bath with conventional flame retardant especially for half concentration of urea/ammonium polyphosphate.
E-learning spaces and the digital university
Authors: Pates Dominic , Sumner Neal
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to share lessons already learned and work currently in progress from one higher education institution’s experiences of developing several flexible and technology-enhanced active learning spaces. It further proposes that the potential of such spaces can be more fully realised through the enactment of programmes of digital literacy development amongst their users.

Design/methodology/approach

– In identifying a convergence of profound challenges facing higher education and proposing that innovations in physical learning spaces are one approach to addressing such challenges, the paper examines a number of institutional policies and initiatives for rethinking and redesigning several physical classroom environments. It sets internal findings and position statements amidst a broader context of relevant field literature.

Findings

– The paper provides insights from several years of experience in higher education learning space development, including the benefits of iterative experimentation, the consultative role of a multi-stakeholder specialist group, the challenges of balancing pedagogic need with often conflicting institutional requirements and the value of varied programmes of staff development.

Originality/value

– This paper’s insights will be of value to individuals and institutions engaged in reconsidering their provision of physical classroom spaces in higher education and to those promoting the effective use of learning spaces in the digital university.
Entrepreneurial skills and wage employment
Authors: Kucel Aleksander , Vilalta-Bufi Montserrat
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Promotion of entrepreneurial skills is often considered as an adequate policy to enhance job creation and economic growth. However, neither the definition of entrepreneurial skills, nor the costs and benefits of such a policy are clear. The purpose of this paper is to check whether the benefits of entrepreneurial skills extent beyond self-employment. The authors denote entrepreneurial skills as those competencies that enhance the likelihood of self-employment. Then the authors analyze whether they are rewarded in wage employment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors estimate a Heckman selection model with wages in a salaried job as the main dependent variable and working in wage employment vs self-employment as the selection equation. The authors use a sample of higher education graduates from Spain, from the year 2000 interviewed in 2005 within the REFLEX survey.

Findings

– Results reveal that alertness to new opportunities, ability to mobilize others and knowledge of other fields are the competencies that enhance self-employment in Spain. Yet, these skills are not rewarded in a salaried job. Therefore, benefits of policies fostering entrepreneurial skills do not extend to wage employment in Spain.

Research limitations/implications

– The exclusion restriction used in the analysis is father’s education. The authors assume that all the effect of parental education on wages goes through education attainment of the individual and her ability (proxied by her grade in secondary education). A better proxy for ability would be desirable.

Originality/value

– The authors identify which competencies enhance self-employment in Spain. The authors find that these competencies are not rewarded in wage employment, so the benefits of policies promoting entrepreneurial education remain within self-employment activity only.