bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Making and Breaking Peptide Bonds: Protein Engineering Using Sortase
Authors: Popp Maximilian Wei‐Lin , Ploegh Hidde L.
Published: August 2011

Review: 95 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: From the Surface to Volume: Concepts for the Next Generation of Optical—Holographic Data‐Storage Materials
Authors: Bruder Friedrich‐Karl , Hagen Rainer , Roelle Thomas , Weiser Marc‐Stephan , Faecke Thomas
Published: August 2011

Review: [164 refs.]
ChemInform Abstract: 4,4′‐Difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacenes (BODIPYs) as Components of Novel Light Active Materials
Authors: Benstead Michael , Mehl Georg H. , Boyle Ross W.
Published: August 2011

Review: 154 refs.
New Insights into the Band‐Gap Narrowing of (N, P)‐Codoped TiO2 from Hybrid Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Long Run , English Niall J.
Published: August 2011

The electronic properties of anatase‐TiO2 codoped by N and P at different concentrations have been investigated via generalized Kohn–Sham theory with the Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE06) hybrid functional for exchange‐correlation in the context of density functional theory. At high doping concentrations, we find that the high photocatalytic activity of (N, P)‐codoped anatase TiO2 vis‐à‐vis the N‐monodoped case can be rationalized by a double‐hole‐mediated coupling mechanism [Yin et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 2011, 106, 066801] via the formation of an effective NP bond. On the other hand, Ti3+ and Ti4+ ions’ spin double‐exchange results in more substantial gap narrowing for larger separations between N and P atoms. At low doping concentrations, double‐hole‐coupling is dominant, regardless of the NP distance.
FISCAL SHOCKS AND REAL WAGES
Authors: Bénétrix Agustín S.
Published: August 2011

This paper studies the impact of fiscal shocks in a panel of eleven euro area member countries. It contributes to the existing literature by providing new empirical evidence on the effects of different types of spending shocks on real wages. The main finding is that an increase in government spending raises the real wage. However, its magnitude depends on the spending type. Shocks to government investment and to the number of public employees generate responses that are at the extremes of the wage response spectrum. The former produces the greatest effect, whereas the latter has zero impact. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The neurologic complications of paget's disease
Authors: Poncelet Ann
Published: August 2011

Paget's disease of bone is associated with involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system. The brain, spinal cord, cauda equina, spinal roots, and cranial nerves can be affected in Paget's disease due to their anatomic relationship to bone. Neurologic syndromes are uncommon but include headache, dementia, brain stem and cerebellar dysfunction, cranial neuropathies, myelopathy, cauda equina syndrome, and radiculopathies. The central complications result from pagetic involvement of the skull. Expansion of diseased bone can result in compression of cranial nerves as they exit their bony foramina. Softening of the skull leads to basilar invagination with compression of the brain stem, cerebellum, and lower cranial nerves. Brain stem compression can cause hydrocephalus. Rarely, there is direct compression of the brain from acute epidural hematoma or hypertrophy of the calvarium. Myelopathy, cauda equina syndrome, and radiculopathies most commonly result from hypertrophy of the spine with direct compression. Spinal stenosis can also result from ossification of extradural structures or pathologic fractures. Ischemia from vascular compression or a steal syndrome has also been described. Neurologic complications rarely occur due to sarcomatous transformation of pagetic bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT)-myelography, and bone X-rays are helpful to localize the lesion and direct therapy. Treatment options include surgical decompression, ventricular shunt placement, and medical management with calcitonin and/or the bisphosphonates. The selection of treatment will vary depending upon the rate of progression and the severity of the neurologic deficit.
Effect of transition home from combat on risk‐taking and health‐related behaviors
Authors: Adler Amy B. , Britt Thomas W. , Castro Carl Andrew , McGurk, Dennis , Bliese Paul D.
Published: August 2011

Transition home following a combat deployment involves a period of adjustment. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of a new 16‐item transition scale were conducted with 2 samples and resulted in 4 factors (Benefit, Appreciation, Anger/Alienation, and Guilt/Remorse). In Study 1 (N = 1,651), the number of combat events was positively related to Anger/Alienation 4 months later even after controlling for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, partial r = .18, p < .001. In Study 2 (N = 647), after controlling for PTSD symptoms, Anger/Alienation assessed at 4 months postdeployment predicted more risk‐taking behaviors 4 months later, partial r = .10, p = .01. Appreciation predicted fewer unhealthy habits, partial r = −.13, p = .001, whereas Anger/Alienation predicted more unhealthy habits, partial r = .09, p = .024. Results demonstrate the importance of broadening the conceptualization of adjustment in combat veterans.
Wolf population dynamics in the U.S. Northern Rocky Mountains are affected by recruitment and human‐caused mortality
Authors: Gude Justin A. , Mitchell Michael S. , Russell Robin E. , Sime Carolyn A. , Bangs Edward E. , Mech L. David , Ream Robert R.
Published: August 2011

Reliable analyses can help wildlife managers make good decisions, which are particularly critical for controversial decisions such as wolf (Canis lupus) harvest. Creel and Rotella (2010) recently predicted substantial population declines in Montana wolf populations due to harvest, in contrast to predictions made by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP). We replicated their analyses considering only those years in which field monitoring was consistent, and we considered the effect of annual variation in recruitment on wolf population growth. Rather than assuming constant rates, we used model selection methods to evaluate and incorporate models of factors driving recruitment and human‐caused mortality rates in wolf populations in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Using data from 27 area‐years of intensive wolf monitoring, we show that variation in both recruitment and human‐caused mortality affect annual wolf population growth rates and that human‐caused mortality rates have increased with the sizes of wolf populations. We document that recruitment rates have decreased over time, and we speculate that rates have decreased with increasing population sizes and/or that the ability of current field resources to document recruitment rates has recently become less successful as the number of wolves in the region has increased. Estimates of positive wolf population growth in Montana from our top models are consistent with field observations and estimates previously made by MFWP for 2008–2010, whereas the predictions for declining wolf populations of Creel and Rotella (2010) are not. Familiarity with limitations of raw data, obtained first‐hand or through consultation with scientists who collected the data, helps generate more reliable inferences and conclusions in analyses of publicly available datasets. Additionally, development of efficient monitoring methods for wolves is a pressing need, so that analyses such as ours will be possible in future years when fewer resources will be available for monitoring. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Partitioning of anthropogenic watering sites by desert carnivores
Authors: Atwood Todd C. , Fry Tricia L. , Leland Bruce R.
Published: August 2011

We investigated the role of water features as focal attractors for gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and bobcats (Felis rufus) in west Texas to determine if they were foci for interspecific interaction. Mixed effects models indicated that species partitioned use of water features spatially and temporally. Linear models indicated factors influencing relative activity at water features varied by species. For coyotes and bobcats, the water availability model, containing days since last rainfall and nearest‐neighbor distance to water was best supported by the data, with relative activity increasing with time between rainfall and distance between waters. For gray foxes, the best approximating model indicated that relative activity was inversely correlated to coyote and bobcat activity indices, and positively correlated to topographical complexity. Encounters between carnivore species were low, with most occurring between coyotes and gray foxes, followed by coyotes and bobcats, and bobcats and gray foxes. These findings suggest a behavioral‐environmental mechanism that may function to modulate resource partitioning by carnivores in the arid West. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Assignment of phycocyanobilin in HMPT using triple resonance experiments
Authors: Röben Marco , Schmieder Peter
Published: August 2011

A complete assignment of all resonances of a small organic molecule is a prerequisite for a structure determination using NMR spectroscopy. This is conventionally obtained using a well‐established strategy based on COSY, HMQC and HMBC spectra. In case of phycocyanobilin (PCB) in HMPT this strategy was unsuccessful due to the symmetry of the molecule and extreme signal overlap. Since 13C and 15N labeled material was available, an alternative strategy for resonance assignment was used. Triple resonance experiments derived from experiments conventionally performed for proteins are sensitive and easy to analyze. Their application led to a complete and unambiguous assignment using three types of experiments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is Sexism a Gender Issue? A Motivated Social Cognition Perspective on Men's and Women's Sexist Attitudes toward Own and Other Gender
Authors: Roets Arne , Van Hiel Alain , Dhont Kristof
Published: August 2011

The present research investigated the antecedents of ambivalent sexism (i.e., hostile and benevolent forms) in both men and women toward own and other gender. In two heterogeneous adult samples (Study 1: N = 179 and Study 2: N = 222), it was revealed that gender itself was only a minor predictor of sexist attitudes compared with the substantial impact of individual differences in general motivated cognition (i.e., need for closure). Analyses further showed that the relationship between need for closure and sexism was mediated by social attitudes (i.e., right–wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation), which were differently related to benevolent and hostile forms of sexism. In the discussion, it is argued that sexism primarily stems from individual differences in motivated cognitive style, which relates to peoples‘ perspective on the social world, rather than from group differences between men and women. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Usefulness of statistics for establishing evidence‐based reproductive medicine
Authors: Sato Yasunori , Gosho Masahiko , Toshimori Kiyotaka
Published: August 2011

During the last decade, evidence‐based medicine has been described as a paradigm shift in clinical practice, and as “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients”. Appropriate statistical methods for analyzing data are critical for the correct interpretation of the results in proof of the evidence. However, in the medical literature, these statistical methods are often incorrectly interpreted or misinterpreted, leading to serious methodological errors and misinterpretations. This review highlights several important aspects related to the design and statistical analysis for evidence‐based reproductive medicine. First, we clarify the distinction between ratios, proportions, and rates, and then provide a definition of pregnancy rate. Second, we focus on a special type of bias called ‘confounding bias’, which occurs when a factor is associated with both the exposure and the disease but is not part of the causal pathway. Finally, we present concerns regarding misuse of statistical software or application of inappropriate statistical methods, especially in medical research.
On determining spectral parameters, tracking jitter, and GPS positioning improvement by scintillation mitigation
Authors: Strangeways Hal J. , Ho Yih‐Hwa , Aquino Marcio H. O. , Elmas Zeynep G. , Marques H. A. , Monico J. F. Galera , Silva H. A.
Published: August 2011

A method of determining spectral parameters p (slope of the phase PSD) and T (phase PSD at 1 Hz) and hence tracking error variance in a GPS receiver PLL from just amplitude and phase scintillation indices and an estimated value of the Fresnel frequency has been previously presented. Here this method is validated using 50 Hz GPS phase and amplitude data from high latitude receivers in northern Norway and Svalbard. This has been done both using (1) a Fresnel frequency estimated using the amplitude PSD (in order to check the accuracy of the method) and (2) a constant assumed value of Fresnel frequency for the data set, convenient for the situation when contemporaneous phase PSDs are not available. Both of the spectral parameters (p, T) calculated using this method are in quite good agreement with those obtained by direct measurements of the phase spectrum as are tracking jitter variances determined for GPS receiver PLLs using these values. For the Svalbard data set, a significant difference in the scintillation level observed on the paths from different satellites received simultaneously was noted. Then, it is shown that the accuracy of relative GPS positioning can be improved by use of the tracking jitter variance in weighting the measurements from each satellite used in the positioning estimation. This has significant advantages for scintillation mitigation, particularly since the method can be accomplished utilizing only time domain measurements thus obviating the need for the phase PSDs in order to extract the spectral parameters required for tracking jitter determination.
Exploring land surface temperature earthquake precursors: A focus on the Gujarat (India) earthquake of 2001
Authors: Blackett Matthew , Wooster Martin J. , Malamud Bruce D.
Published: August 2011

There are many reports of land surface temperature (LST) anomalies appearing prior to large earthquakes. A number of methods have been applied in hindcast mode to identify these anomalies, using infrared datasets collected from Earth‐orbiting remote sensing satellites. Here we examine three such methods and apply them to six years (2001–2006) of MODIS LST data collected over the region of the 2001 Gujarat (India) earthquake, which previous studies have identified as a site exhibiting possible pre‐seismic and post‐seismic thermal anomalies. Methods 1 and 2 use an LST differencing technique, while Method 3, the Robust Satellite Technique (RST), has been developed specifically for the identification of thermal anomalies within spatio‐temporal datasets. In relation to the Gujarat Earthquake, results from Methods 1 and 2 (LST differencing) indicate that changes previously reported to be potential precursory thermal ‘anomalies’ appear instead to occur within the range of normal thermal variability. Results obtained with Method 3 (RST) do appear to show significant ‘anomalies’ around the time of the earthquake, but we find these to be related to positive biases caused by the presence of MODIS LST data gaps, attributable to cloud cover and mosaicing of neighboring orbits of data. Currently, therefore, we find no convincing evidence of LST precursors to the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, and urge care in the use of approaches aimed at identifying such seismic thermal anomalies.
Epinephrine Induces PDK4 mRNA Expression in Adipose Tissue From Obese, Insulin Resistant Rats
Authors: Wan Zhongxiao , Frier Bruce C. , Williams Deon B. , Wright David C.
Published: August 2011

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are a commonly prescribed class of insulin sensitizing drugs that increase fatty acid re‐esterification, in part through the induction of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4). Owing to the deleterious side effects of TZDs the identification of alternative approaches with which to increase PDK4 is essential. We recently demonstrated that epinephrine increases PDK4 expression through p38 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) dependent pathways in cultured adipose tissue from lean rats. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute epinephrine treatment, in vivo, can induce PDK4 mRNA expression in adipose tissue from obese, insulin resistant rats and if the reputed signaling pathways mediating this effect are intact. To this end we fed male Wistar rats a chow or high‐fat diet (HFD, 60% kcals from fat) for 6 weeks. Rats were then injected with a weight‐adjusted bolus of epinephrine and tissue harvested. Despite a blunted activation of p38 epinephrine increased PDK4 mRNA expression to a similar extent in adipose tissue from chow and HFD rats. 5′AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling was not altered by the HFD. Similar to epinephrine, 2 h of swim exercise, an intervention that increases plasma catecholamines, also increased PDK4 mRNA levels to a similar extent in adipose tissue from both lean and HFD rats. Collectively these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that acute elevations in catecholamines induce PDK4 in adipose tissue from HFD rats, that this effect is likely independent of p38, a reputed mediator of PDK4 expression and that exercise, similar to TZDs can induce PDK4 in adipose tissue from obese, insulin resistant rats.
Fluorescence detection of GDP in real time with the reagentless biosensor rhodamine–ParM
Authors: Kunzelmann Simone , Webb Martin R.
Published: August 2011

The development of novel fluorescence methods for the detection of key biomolecules is of great interest, both in basic research and in drug discovery. Particularly relevant and widespread molecules in cells are ADP and GDP, which are the products of a large number of cellular reactions, including reactions catalysed by nucleoside triphosphatases and kinases. Previously, biosensors for ADP were developed in this laboratory, based on fluorophore adducts with the bacterial actin homologue ParM. It is shown in the present study that one of these biosensors, tetramethylrhodamine–ParM, can also monitor GDP. The biosensor can be used to measure micromolar concentrations of GDP on the background of millimolar concentrations of GTP. The fluorescence response of the biosensor is fast, the response time being <0.2 s. Thus the biosensor allows real-time measurements of GTPase and GTP-dependent kinase reactions. Applications of the GDP biosensor are exemplified with two different GTPases, measuring the rates of GTP hydrolysis and nucleotide exchange.
Visible whispering-gallery modes in ZnO microwires with varied cross sections
Authors: Dai Guozhang , Zhang Yongyou , Liu Ruibin , Wan Qiang , Zhang Qinglin , Pan Anlian , Zou Bingsuo
Published: August 2011

ZnO microwires with hexagonal, dodecagonal, and circular cross sections were achieved by a micro-environment control vapor deposition method. Laser induced micro-photoluminescence spectra of single wires showed separated emission modes in the visible range, and in which the higher the number of sides in cross section for the ZnO MWs, the more resonant modes are induced. Theoretical calculations indicated the nature of resonant whispering-gallery modes, in agreement with the spectral and mapping profiles of these modes. The results demonstrated that the as-prepared ZnO MWs can be used as high-quality microresonators to produce whispering-gallery modes.
Photoinduced mass-transport based holographic recording of surface relief gratings in amorphous selenium films
Authors: Trunov M. L. , Lytvyn P. M. , Yannopoulos S. N. , Szabo I. A. , Kökényesi S.
Published: August 2011

Surface relief gratings formation in amorphous selenium thin films in two recording configurations with light intensity modulation were studied in situ by real-time atomic force microscopy and diffraction efficiency measurements. We report observation of mass transport effect in films induced by band-gap irradiation when the light polarization of the recording beams has a component along the light intensity gradient (“p-p” scheme of recording) that allows obtaining giant stable gratings in this versatile chalcogenide material. On the contrary, only a pure scalar weak grating caused by photoinduced volume shrinkage is obtained in the “s-s” recording configuration, even for long-term irradiation.
Structural behaviour of alkaline sulfides under compression: High-pressure experimental study on Cs2S
Authors: Santamaría-Pérez D. , Vegas A. , Muehle C. , Jansen M.
Published: August 2011

The high-pressure behaviour of cesium sulphide Cs2S has been studied up to 19 GPa at room temperature using angle-dispersive x-ray powder diffraction in a diamond-anvil cell. X-ray results show that the initial anticotunnite-type structure (S.G. Pnma) seems to undertake a continuous transformation to a distorted Ni2In-type structure (also with S.G. Pnma), starting below 1 GPa and being almost completed at 5 GPa. The profile of the x-ray diffraction patterns did not change noticeably from this pressure to 17 GPa. The observed structural changes in Cs2S are discussed in relation to the high-pressure behaviour of the rest of alkaline sulfides and their systematic trends are pointed out. Finally, we discuss the analogies between the structures of alkaline-metal chalcogenides and those of the cationic arrays of their corresponding oxides (sulfates, selenates, and tellurates) comparing the insertion of oxygen and the application of pressure.
Angular emission properties of a layer of rare-earth based nanophosphors embedded in one-dimensional photonic crystal coatings
Authors: Sánchez-Sobrado O. , Yacomotti A. M. , Calvo M. E. , Martínez O. E. , Ocaña M. , Núñez N. , Levenson J. A. , Míguez H.
Published: August 2011

The angular properties of light emitted from rare-earth based nanophosphors embedded in optical resonators built in one-dimensional photonic crystal coatings are herein investigated. Strong directional dependence of the photoluminescence spectra is found. Abrupt angular variations of the enhancement caused by the photonic structure and the extraction power are observed, in good agreement with calculated polar emission patterns. Our results confirm that the optical cavity favors the extraction of different wavelengths at different angles and that integration of nanophosphors within photonic crystals provides control over the directional emission properties that could be put into practice in phosphorescent displays.
Inhibition of polydomain formation in PbTiO3/PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 superlattices by intercalation of ultra-thin SrTiO3 layers
Authors: Hubault C. , Davoisne C. , Dupont L. , Perrin A. , Boulle A. , Holc J. , Kosec M. , Karkut M. G. , Lemée N.
Published: August 2011

We used pulsed laser deposition to grow a series of PbTiO3/PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 superlattices on SrTiO3 and SrRuO3/SrTiO3 substrates. An a/c polydomain structure was evidenced by reciprocal space mapping and by transmission electron microscopy. Insertion of ultra-thin layers of SrTiO3 at the interfaces between PbTiO3 and PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 layers has inhibited this polydomain formation. A strong decrease in the tetragonality indicates clearly that the polarization state in these superlattices has changed due to the insertion of the SrTiO3 layers. A purely elastic mechanism does not seem to explain the determined structural parameters.
Transport and thermoelectric properties in Copper intercalated TiS2 chalcogenide
Authors: Guilmeau E. , Bréard Y. , Maignan A.
Published: August 2011

We report on the thermoelectric properties of CuxTiS2 bulk compounds. Copper cations have been intercalated into the layered chalcogenide TiS2 by spark plasma sintering. X-ray diffraction analysis coupled to transmission electron microscopy shows that the lattice constant c expands linearly as the Cu content x increases. The Cu-intercalation into TiS2 leads to substantial decrease in both electrical resistivity and lattice thermal conductivity as compared to those of pristine TiS2. The figure of merit, ZT, is increased up to 0.45 at 800 K for x = 0.02. The power factor, PF, reaches 1.7 mW/mK2 in TiS2 at 325 K.
Downscaling effects on self-heating related instabilities in p-channel polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors
Authors: Valletta A. , Gaucci P. , Mariucci L. , Pecora A. , Maiolo L. , Fortunato G.
Published: August 2011

Downscaling of polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) thin film transistors (TFTs) is currently pursued to improve device speed, and in the present work we analyze the effects of downscaling on the self-heating related instability. Experimental results show improved stability of scaled polysilicon TFTs operating at same power densities. To explain this effect we performed three-dimensional thermo-electric numerical simulations, indicating that channel temperature reduction occurs in the scaled devices due to enhanced lateral thermal dissipation. Therefore, the present results show that downscaling not only provides higher speed devices but also a route for reducing self-heating related instability in polysilicon TFTs.
An effective continuum approach for modeling non-equilibrium structural evolution of protein nanofiber networks
Authors: Cheng Liang , Englander Ongi , Paravastu Anant , Oates William S.
Published: August 2011

We quantify the formation and evolution of protein nanofibers using a new phase field modeling framework and compare the results to transmission electron microscopy measurements (TEM) and time-dependent growth measurements given in the literature. The modeling framework employs a set of effective continuum equations combined with underlying nanoscale forces and chemical potential relations governing protein nanofiber formation in solution. Calculations based on the theoretical framework are implemented numerically using a nonlinear finite element phase field modeling approach that couples homogenized protein molecular structure via a vector order parameter with chemical potential relations that describe interactions between the nanofibers and the surrounding solution. Homogenized, anisotropic molecular and chemical flux relations are found to be critical in obtaining nanofiber growth from seed particles or a random monomer bath. In addition, the model predicts both sigmoidal and first-order growth kinetics for protein nanofibers for unseeded and seeded models, respectively. These simulations include quantitative predictions on time scales of typical protein self-assembly behavior which qualitatively match TEM measurements of the RADA16-I protein and growth rate measurements for amyloid nanofibers from the literature. For comparisons with experiments, the numerical model performs multiple nanofiber protein evolution simulations with a characteristic length scale of ∼2.4 nm and characteristic time scale of ∼9.1 h. These results provide a new modeling tool that couples underlying monomer structure with self-assembling nanofiber behavior that is compatible with various external loadings and chemical environments.
High-density G-centers, light-emitting point defects in silicon crystal
Authors: Murata Koichi , Yasutake Yuhsuke , Nittoh Koh-ichi , Fukatsu Susumu , Miki Kazushi
Published: August 2011

We propose a new method of creating light-emitting point defects, or G-centers, by modifying a silicon surface with hexamethyldisilazane followed by laser annealing of the surface region. This laser annealing process has two advantages: creation of highly dense G-centers by incorporating carbon atoms into the silicon during heating; freezing in the created G-centers during rapid cooling. The method provides a surface region of up to 200 nm with highly dense carbon atoms of up to 4 × 1019 cm−3 to create G-centers, above the solubility limit of carbon atoms in silicon crystal (3 × 1017 cm−3). Photoluminescence measurement reveals that the higher-speed laser annealing produces stronger G-center luminescence. We demonstrate electrically-driven emission from the G-centers in samples made using our new method.
Highly simplified small molecular phosphorescent organic light emitting devices with a solution-processed single layer
Authors: Wang Zhaokui , Lou Yanhui , Naka Shigeki , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: August 2011

A highly simplified single layer solution-processed phosphorescent organic light emitting device (PHOLED) with the maximum ηP 11.5 lm/W corresponding to EQE 9.6% has been demonstrated. The solution-processed device is shown having comparable even exceeding device performance to vacuum-processed PHOLED. The simplified device design strategy represents a pathway toward large area, low cost and high efficiency OLEDs in the future. The charge injection and conduction mechanisms in two solution- and vacuum-processed devices are also investigated by evaluating the temperature dependence of current density – voltage characteristics.
An Interventionist Framework for Promoting Sustainable Growth in SMEs: The Role of Heis as Implementation Specialists
Authors: Ismail Hossam S , Poolton Jenny , Sharifi Hossein
Published: August 2011

The vast majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across EU and OECD regions are medium-to-low-tech firms, and by far the main type of innovation that SMEs undergo can be described as incremental innovations whereby small changes in processes or management procedures are ongoing over a period of time. Despite this, regional innovation initiatives are recognised to be narrowly focused as well as biased towards high-tech firms and ‘radical’ innovations whilst incremental innovation assumes a secondary role. If SMEs are to achieve their growth potential, and especially manufacturing-based SMEs, we argue that an incremental approach to innovation, at least initially, is crucial. It is our contention that higher education institutions—by virtue of their knowledge base, mentoring capabilities, and access to resources—should seek to position themselves as key ‘practical implementation’ players for this form of regional innovation. On the basis of research and practical implementation projects carried out in medium-to-low-tech SMEs located in the UK North West, we present an interventionist framework to assist manufacturing-based SMEs to develop and implement sustainable agile growth strategies, and consider the policy implications of such an approach.
Who Greens the Northern Light? Green inside Activists in Local Environmental Governing in Sweden
Authors: Hysing Erik , Olsson Jan
Published: August 2011

With this paper we aim to further our understanding of local environmental governing by analysing green inside activists who use expert-based authority, networks, and a professional position within public administration to green government policy and action from the inside. Using new survey data, we identify and analyse who these actors are and whether they matter for local environmental governing in Sweden. The results show that green inside activists operate within 23% of the Swedish municipalities and that these municipalities score higher on three different measurements of environmental governing performance, which supports the conclusion that green inside activists do make a difference. We also show that green inside activists differ from other public officials working with environmental issues in that they are more frequently involved in policy making, have more extensive horizontal and vertical networks, and promote societal changes to a greater degree. We end by raising key questions concerning the democratic legitimacy of these actors.
A Survey of Tax Compliance Costs of Flemish SMEs: Magnitude and Determinants
Authors: Schoonjans Bilitis , Van Cauwenberge Philippe , Reekmans Catherine , Simoens Gudrun
Published: August 2011

This study presents survey evidence on the magnitude and determinants of tax compliance costs in Flemish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Data were obtained from an Internet questionnaire among members of a professional network of Flemish entrepreneurs, called VOKA. Analyzing a sample of 151 Flemish SMEs, we find that the tax compliance costs—exceeding over 7% of gross added value—are relatively high. Value-added tax, labor taxes, and corporate taxes are the main components of tax compliance costs. In addition, our evidence confirms the regressivity hypothesis, according to which smaller companies face relatively higher compliance costs. Furthermore, industry, age, and the proportion of blue-collar workers prove to be determining factors of relative compliance costs. Our study concludes by formulating a number of policy recommendations that might contribute to lower compliance costs.
Growth cones as soft and weak force generators
Authors: Betz Timo , Koch Daniel , Lu Yun-Bi , Franze Kristian , Käs Josef A.
Published: August 2011

Many biochemical processes in the growth cone finally target its biomechanical properties, such as stiffness and force generation, and thus permit and control growth cone movement. Despite the immense progress in our understanding of biochemical processes regulating neuronal growth, growth cone biomechanics remains poorly understood. Here, we combine different experimental approaches to measure the structural and mechanical properties of a growth cone and to simultaneously determine its actin dynamics and traction force generation. Using fundamental physical relations, we exploited these measurements to determine the internal forces generated by the actin cytoskeleton in the lamellipodium. We found that, at timescales longer than the viscoelastic relaxation time of
τ
 = 8.5 ± 0.5 sec, growth cones show liquid-like characteristics, whereas at shorter time scales they behaved elastically with a surprisingly low elastic modulus of
E
 = 106 ± 21 Pa. Considering the growth cone’s mechanical properties and retrograde actin flow, we determined the internal stress to be on the order of 30 pN per μm
2
. Traction force measurements confirmed these values. Hence, our results indicate that growth cones are particularly soft and weak structures that may be very sensitive to the mechanical properties of their environment.
The relation between the military and the political in contemporary Algerian history
Authors: Lounici Rabaḥ
Published: August 2011

This article details the background to the Algerian military establishment that assumed effective control of the country upon independence from France in 1962 and its subsequent internal power struggles between the likes of Iban Ramadan, Ahmad Ben Bellah and Houwari Boumedienne. While the Algerian adage that ‘some states have an army, but in Algeria, the army has a state’ has had a degree of applicability – especially throughout the 1960s and 1970s, there have been various attempts by Algerians to carve out a political sphere independent from the military. Chastened by the bloody experiences of the crucible in the wake of the abrogated 1992 elections – when the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) had emerged victorious, the army which had paid a heavy price in casualties and damage to its reputation sought to distance itself from the political sphere. The author also makes the case that while independence from France was won primarily through the fighting and sacrifices of the Algerian army of the interior, the Revolution was co-opted largely by elements of the army of the exterior – from the border regions – which participated little or not at all in the actual liberation, but which would subsequently go on to revise history to imply that their role had been crucial to the process. With many of the most prominent figures of the independence generation either deceased or stepping down, and with their replacement by younger generations of officers who are patriotic but less dogmatic and more sympathetic to the Algerian people, the article provides essential background to current events and suggests that the ‘new’ Algerian military is distinct from the previous and more receptive to an enlarged political and civil space.No. 29, Winter 2011.
Society of crisis in the fictional text: a sociological reading of Algerian fiction
Authors: Fadhila Drouche Fatima
Published: August 2011

This article undertakes a sociological reading of three contemporary Algerian novels to assess the text as a social product indicative of social practice, where fiction casts the realities of Algerian life in a concise and highly revealing form– potentially more indicative of its intricacies and particulars than documentary forms. The novels under consideration are Dhākirat al-Māʾ (The memory of water) by Wāsīnī al-Aʿwaj; Khwayyā Daḥmān (My brother Dahman) by Mirzāq Biqṭāsh; and Al-waram (The Tumor) of Muḥammad Ṣārī. Examined are key issues in Algeria, including issues of daily life from unemployment to alienation as well as Islamic fundamentalism — to whom it appeals — and how it pertains to the apparatuses of state and Algerian nationalism and identity. As the characters in the novels constitute archetypes of Algerian society, exploration of the stories, states of mind, pressures, influences and religious, cultural, and socio-economic factors can be effectively elucidated through these. Through the narratives of the characters in the novel, one is party to what Georg Lukács and René Girard referred to as a ‘degraded search’ for authentic values in a ‘degraded world’ where the most distinguishing features of narrative content reside in the disharmony and conflict between the fictional character and the Algerian reality in which he lives. The sociological reading of these novels suggests that one of the most effective ways of comprehending Algerian reality — especially at the level of the microcosm and the internal panorama of the self in society—may actually be through the fiction of Algerian writers.
Zaha Hadid, genius of the place
Authors: ‘Aref Mohammad
Published: August 2011

After a startling and meteoric rise to fame, Arab Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid is one of the most sought after and in-demand architects of the twenty-first century. Hadid’s work, which often defies description, draws on a diverse palette of influences including Soviet Constructivism, Suprematism, and what her colleague Patrick Shumacher has termed ‘Parametricism’. At the same time, Hadid’s work – she studied under Rem Koolhaas – is infused on multiple levels with her Arab culture and identity. Originally more famous for her designs and un-built works, those which have been constructed or are on the verge of completion span the globe from China to Azerbaijan to Europe, the US and – more recently – the Arab world. She is the recipient of some of architecture’s most prestigious awards including the Pritzker Prize. Simultaneously, Hadid has met with controversy and obstacles to her single-minded approach to design and utilization of space in both Europe and the Arab world. This article contains previously unpublished interviews – which examine her approach to form and space, her relation to computer-assisted design, as well as her Iraqi identity – undertaken with Zaha Hadid by the author over a decade, as well as photographs and illustrations of her paradigmatic work that pose serious challenges and hurdles for structural engineers and builders, while engaging all those who view or encounter them to assess their own relation to space and concepts of it.
Post-transcriptional generation of miRNA variants by multiple nucleotidyl transferases contributes to miRNA transcriptome complexity
Authors: Wyman Stacia K. , Knouf Emily C. , Parkin Rachael K. , Fritz Brian R. , Lin Daniel W. , Dennis Lucas M. , Krouse Michael A. , Webster Philippa J. , Tewari Muneesh
Published: August 2011

Modification of microRNA sequences by the 3′ addition of nucleotides to generate so-called “isomiRs” adds to the complexity of miRNA function, with recent reports showing that 3′ modifications can influence miRNA stability and efficiency of target repression. Here, we show that the 3′ modification of miRNAs is a physiological and common post-transcriptional event that shows selectivity for specific miRNAs and is observed across species ranging from C. elegans to human. The modifications result predominantly from adenylation and uridylation and are seen across tissue types, disease states, and developmental stages. To quantitatively profile 3′ nucleotide additions, we developed and validated a novel assay based on NanoString Technologies' nCounter platform. For certain miRNAs, the frequency of modification was altered by processes such as cell differentiation, indicating that 3′ modification is a biologically regulated process. To investigate the mechanism of 3′ nucleotide additions, we used RNA interference to screen a panel of eight candidate miRNA nucleotidyl transferases for 3′ miRNA modification activity in human cells. Multiple enzymes, including MTPAP, PAPD4, PAPD5, ZCCHC6, ZCCHC11, and TUT1, were found to govern 3′ nucleotide addition to miRNAs in a miRNA-specific manner. Three of these enzymes–MTPAP, ZCCHC6, and TUT1–have not previously been known to modify miRNAs. Collectively, our results indicate that 3′ modification observed in next-generation small RNA sequencing data is a biologically relevant process, and identify enzymatic mechanisms that may lead to new approaches for modulating miRNA activity in vivo.
Semaphorin 4D, a lymphocyte semaphorin, enhances tumor cell motility through binding its receptor, plexinB1, in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kato Shingo , Kubota Kensuke , Shimamura Takeshi , Shinohara Yoshiyasu , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Watanabe Seitaro , Yoneda Masato , Inamori Masahiko , Nakamura Fumio , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Nakaigawa Noboru , Nagashima Yoji , Taguri Masataka , Kubota Yoshinobu , Goshima Yoshio , Morita Satoshi , Endo Itaru , Maeda Shin , Nakajima Atsushi , Nakagama Hitoshi
Published: August 2011

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant tumor, for which the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets has become critical. The main cause of poor prognosis in PDAC patients is the high invasive and metastatic potential of the cancer. In the present study, we report a new signaling pathway that was found to mediate the enhanced tumor cell motility in pancreatic cancer. Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) is a ligand known to be expressed on different cell types, and has been reported to be involved in the regulation of immune functions, epithelial morphogenesis, and tumor growth and metastasis. In this study, we revealed for the first time that the cancer tissue cells expressing Sema4D in PDAC are tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes. The overexpression of Sema4D and of its receptor, plexinB1, was found to be significantly correlated with clinical factors, such as lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. Through in vitro analysis, we demonstrated that Sema4D can potentiate the invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells and we identified the downstream molecules. The binding of Sema4D to plexinB1 induced small GTPase Ras homolog gene family, member A activation and resulted in the phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt. In addition, in terms of potential therapeutic application, we clearly demonstrated that the enhanced‐cell invasiveness induced by Sema4D could be inhibited by knockdown of plexinB1, suggesting that blockade of plexinB1 might diminish the invasive potential of pancreatic cancer cells. Our findings provide new insight into possible prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in PDAC patients. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 2029–2037)
The modular structure of haemagglutinin/adhesin regions in gingipains of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Li Nan , Yun Peter , Jeffries Cy M. , Langley David , Gamsjaeger Roland , Church W. Bret , Hunter Neil , Collyer Charles A.
Published: August 2011

High‐molecular‐weight arginine‐ and lysine‐specific (Kgp) gingipains are essential virulence factors expressed by the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Haemagglutinin/adhesin (HA) regions of these proteases have been implicated in targeting catalytic domains to biological substrates and in other adhesive functions. We now report the crystal structure of the K3 adhesin domain/module of Kgp, which folds into the distinct β‐jelly roll sandwich topology previously observed for K2. A conserved structural feature of K3, previously observed in the Kgp K2 module, is the half‐way point anchoring of the surface exposed loops via an arginine residue found in otherwise highly variable sequences. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering data for the recombinant construct K1K2K3 confirmed a structure comprising a tandem repeat of three homologous modules, K1, K2 and K3 while also indicating an unusual ‘y’‐shape arrangement of the modules connected by variable linker sequences. Only the K2 and K3 modules and a K1K2 construct were observed to be potently haemolytic. K2, K3 and the K1K2 construct showed preferential recognition of haem‐albumin over albumin whereas only low affinity binding was detected for K1 and the K1K2K3 construct. The data indicate replication of some biological functions over the three adhesin domains of Kgp while other functions are restricted.
Yucca schidigera extract: a potential biofungicide against seedborne pathogens of sorghum
Authors: Wulff E. G. , Zida E. , Torp J. , Lund O. S.
Published: August 2011

Treatment of seeds with an aqueous extract of yucca (YE), Yucca schidigera, was evaluated for antifungal activity against seedborne pathogens as well as its effect on seed germination and seedling growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). The antifungal effect of YE was observed against Leptosphaeria sacchari (syn. Phoma sorghina) when the extract was applied at 2·5 and 10% concentrations. At 10% concentration, YE significantly reduced not only the incidence of L. sacchari, but also that of Fusarium spp., Cochliobolus lunatus (syn. Curvularia lunata) and Cladosporium spp. The effect of 10% YE on seedborne fungi was broader than the fungicide fludioxonil, particularly with regard to Fusarium. Furthermore, the number of normal, healthy‐looking seedlings increased in a dose‐responsive manner with YE treatment. Seedling vigour was also stimulated by YE but no correlation was observed with the concentrations tested. Under glasshouse conditions, the treatment of seeds with 10% YE increased the emergence of seedlings and plant height and reduced the number of seedlings with crown rot compared to negative controls and saponin. The positive effect was similar to the effect obtained with fungicide‐treated seeds. Treatment of seeds with synthetic saponin inhibited seedborne fungi less effectively and also negatively affected germination and vigour of the seedlings, compared to the treatment with YE. The results demonstrate an agronomic potential for the use of YE as a biofungicide for seed treatment of sorghum. The difference between the antifungal and the vigour‐stimulating effects of YE warrants further investigation.