bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of C-shaped aurone human neutrophil elastase inhibitors
Authors: Lucas S. D. , Carrasco M. P. , Gonçalves L. M. , Moreira R. , Guedes R. C.
Published: June 2015

Aurones were discovered as sub-micromolar HNE inhibitors. The activity is rationalized by a C-shape conformation that allows tight binding to HNE S1 and S2 pockets.
Enhanced in vitro and in vivo uptake of a hydrophobic model drug coumarin-6 in the presence of cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Miao Xiaoqing , Li Ye , Wyman Ian , Lee Simon M. Y. , Macartney Donal H. , Zheng Ying , Wang Ruibing
Published: June 2015

Cucurbit[7]uril significantly enhanced in vitro and in vivo uptake of coumarin-6, on an epithelial cell model and a zebrafish model.
Catalytic dehydrogenative borylation of terminal alkynes by POCOP-supported palladium complexes
Authors: Pell Christopher J. , Ozerov Oleg V.
Published: June 2015

A (POCOP)-supported palladium complex was used to catalyse the dehydrogenative borylation of terminal alkynes to form alkynylboronates.
An electrochemical cytosensor based on a PAMAM modified glassy carbon paste electrode
Authors: Tepeli Yudum , Demir Bilal , Timur Suna , Anik Ulku
Published: June 2015

Electrochemical detection of HeLa cancer cells with GCPE/AuNp/Cys/Glu/PAMAM/FA cytosensor.
Hysteresis-free liquid crystal devices based on solution-derived oxide compound films treated by ion beam irradiation
Authors: Lee Ju Hwan , Jeong Hae-Chang , Park Hong-Gyu , Seo Dae-Shik
Published: June 2015

Compounds with a high dielectric constant (high-k compounds) offer fast response times and low threshold voltages, and achieve a hysteresis-free LC device, thereby overcoming a image sticking issue.
Self-assembly formation of NiCo2O4 superstructures with porous architectures for electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Zhu Ting , Ang Zhen Yang , Ho Ghim Wei
Published: June 2015

NiCo2O4 superstructures with porous architectures delivered high specific capacitances with good cycling stability as supercapacitor electrodes.
First principles study of the electronic properties of a Ni3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaaminotriphenylene)2 monolayer under biaxial strain
Authors: Tie De You , Chen Zheng
Published: June 2015

The electronic properties of a 2D π-conjugated Ni3(HITP)2 monolayer change from semi-conductive to metallic due to charge redistribution under biaxial strain.
Molecular understandings on the activation of light hydrocarbons over heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Jian , Chiu Cheng-chau , Gong Jinlong
Published: June 2015

This review describes recent progress on mechanistic understanding of heterogeneous catalytic dehydrogenation reactions of light alkanes.
Invader probes: harnessing the energy of intercalation to facilitate recognition of chromosomal DNA for diagnostic applications
Authors: Guenther Dale C. , Anderson Grace H. , Karmakar Saswata , Anderson Brooke A. , Didion Bradley A. , Guo Wei , Verstegen John P. , Hrdlicka Patrick J.
Published: June 2015

Optimized Invader probes enable efficient (C50 < 1 μM), fast (t50 < 3 h), kinetically stable (>24 h), and single nucleotide specific recognition of DNA targets.
Small molecular logic systems can draw the outlines of objects via edge visualization
Authors: Ling Jue , Naren Gaowa , Kelly Jessica , Fox David B. , Prasanna de Silva A.
Published: June 2015

Like a child with a crayon, logical molecules produce outline drawings from a template.
Rh-catalyzed desymmetrization of α-quaternary centers by isomerization-hydroacylation
Authors: Park Jung-Woo , Kou Kevin G. M. , Kim Daniel K. , Dong Vy M.
Published: June 2015

A Rh-catalyzed desymmetrization of α,α-bis(allyl)aldehydes occurs by enantioselective isomerization followed by olefin-directed hydroacylation.
Enhancing electron affinity and tuning band gap in donor–acceptor organic semiconductors by benzothiadiazole directed C–H borylation
Authors: Crossley D. L. , Cade I. A. , Clark E. R. , Escande A. , Humphries M. J. , King S. M. , Vitorica-Yrezabal I. , Ingleson M. J. , Turner M. L.
Published: June 2015

Electrophilic borylation using BCl3and benzothiadiazole to direct the C–H functionalisation of an adjacent aromatic unit produces fused boracyclic materials with minimally changed HOMO energies but significantly reduced LUMO energies.
Fractional Debye–Stokes–Einstein behaviour in an ultraviscous nanocolloid: glycerol and silver nanoparticles
Authors: Starzonek Szymon , Rzoska Sylwester J. , Drozd-Rzoska A. , Pawlus Sebastian , Biała Ewelina , Martinez-Garcia Julio Cesar , Kistersky Ludmila
Published: June 2015

One of the major features of glass forming ultraviscous liquids is the decoupling between translational and orientational dynamics.
A rectification-free piezo-supercapacitor with a polyvinylidene fluoride separator and functionalized carbon cloth electrodes
Authors: Song Ruobing , Jin Huanyu , Li Xing , Fei Linfeng , Zhao Yuda , Huang Haitao , Lai-Wa Chan Helen , Wang Yu , Chai Yang
Published: June 2015

The integration of energy harvesting and energy storage in this device not only enables the conversion of ambient energy into electricity, but also provides a sustainable power source for various electronic devices and systems.
Iridium incorporated into deoxygenated hierarchical graphene as a high-performance cathode for rechargeable Li–O2batteries
Authors: Zhou Wei , Cheng Yi , Yang Xiaofei , Wu Baoshan , Nie Hongjiao , Zhang Hongzhang , Zhang Huamin
Published: June 2015

A novel Li–O2cathode was designed with a nanocrystal iridium catalyst functionalized on the deoxygenated surfaces of hierarchical graphene, exhibiting excellent rate capability and cycling performance.
A novel monolithic three-dimensional graphene-based composite with enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Xu Hai-Tao , Qiu Hua-Jun , Fang Ling , Mu Yanping , Wang Yu
Published: June 2015

A monolithic nanocomposite of CoO or PdCo nanoparticles decorated on 3D porous graphene was facilely synthesized and used as an advanced anode material or as an electrocatalyst in fuel cells.
Improved thermal management of InP transistors in transferred‐substrate technology with diamond heat‐spreading layer
Authors: Nosaeva K. , Weimann N. , Rudolph M. , John W. , Krueger O. , Heinrich W.
Published: June 2015

A method to improve the thermal management of indium phosphide (InP) double‐hetero bipolar transistors (DHBTs) fabricated in a transferred‐substrate technology is presented. A vapour‐phase deposited diamond layer acting as a heat spreader is heterogeneously integrated into the vertical layer stack. It is observed that the diamond layer reduces the thermal resistance of a 0.8 × 5 µm2 single emitter–finger HBT by roughly 75% down to 1.1 K/mW which is, to the authors’ knowledge, the best value reported thus far for InP HBTs of comparable size. It is also the first demonstration of heterogeneous integration of diamond into an InP HBT monolithic microwave integrated circuit.
Arctic ground squirrel population collapse in the boreal forests of the Southern Yukon
Authors: Werner Jeffery R. , Krebs Charles J. , Donker Scott A. , Boonstra Rudy , Sheriff Michael J.
Published: June 2015

Context
The arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) comprised 17% of the biomass of herbivores in the Yukon boreal forest during the summer months from 1987 to 1996 and was responsible for 23% of the energy flow at the herbivore level. By 2000, ground squirrel populations in this region collapsed to nearly zero and have remained there.

Aims
We summarise the population monitoring (since 1975) and recent experimental work that has been done on this key herbivore in the Kluane area of the southern Yukon to test one mechanistic hypothesis as the possible explanation for this population collapse and subsequent lack of recovery: predation.

Methods
Ground squirrels are the preferred summer prey of bird and mammal predators when snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) populations are declining. We used translocations into formerly occupied habitat and radiotelemetry to determine movements and causes of death from 2009 to 2014. We surveyed 158 sites between 2008 and 2013 to measure the disappearance of colonies in alpine and forest habitats over 25 000 km2.

Key results
Ground squirrels from 2000 to 2013 comprised a small fraction of the herbivore biomass in the boreal forest zone, down from 17% earlier. Most forest populations (~95%) are currently extinct, whereas just over half (65%) of low-elevation meadow populations are locally extinct. One hypothesis is that ground squirrels in the forest have been driven into a predator pit from which they cannot recover. They remain abundant in alpine tundra (93% occupancy rate) and around airport runways and human habitations (97% occupancy), but there is no apparent dispersal from alpine areas down into the boreal forest.

Conclusion
The predator pit hypothesis is a likely explanation for the initial collapse and sustained decline in population size from 2000 to 2013. Recent attenuation of the hare cycle and milder winter climate have allowed shrubs to expand throughout the forest, thereby reducing visibility and increasing predation risk. This conclusion will be tested in further research using reintroductions to formerly occupied sites.

Implication
If the loss of this herbivore from the boreal forest is not reversed, predator pressure on the other major herbivores of the montane forest zone is likely to change significantly.
We are connected: flea–host association networks in the plague outbreak focus in the Rift Valley, northern Tanzania
Authors: Makundi Rhodes H. , Massawe Apia W. , Borremans Benny , Laudisoit Anne , Katakweba Abdul
Published: June 2015

Context Plague is a serious health problem in northern Tanzania, with outbreaks since 2008 in two districts located in Rift Valley. There is dearth of knowledge on diversity of small mammal and flea fauna occurring in this plague focus. Knowledge on interactions between fleas and rodent species that harbour the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is important for developing strategies for control and prevention of plague. Aims This study aims to show how rodents and fleas are associated with each other in the plague focus. Methods Animals were trapped bimonthly from 2009 to 2012 in different habitats. The fur of animals was brushed to collect fleas, which were identified and quantified. Network analysis methods, randomisation and rarefaction curves were used to show how hosts and fleas are associated. Key results Thirteen species of rodents were associated with 26 species of fleas of which Dinopsyllus lypusus, Xenopsylla brasiliensis and X. cheopis are confirmed efficient vectors of Y. pestis. Randomisation and rarefaction curves established that Lophuromys flavopunctatus had significantly higher flea species richness (n = 9) than did all other hosts, whereas Xenopsylla cheopis and Dinopsyllus spp. showed greater host species richness than did other species of fleas. There was no significant correlation between host sex and flea abundance (χ2 = 0.8, d.f. = 6, P = 0.371), but significant differences between reproductive states (adults had more fleas than did subadults) were observed, which probably reflected typical positive correlation between size and flea abundance (χ2 = 4.1955, d.f. = 1, P = 0.040). Conclusions The plague outbreak focus in northern Tanzania has a diverse fauna of rodents and fleas with multiple patterns of association and connectivity. Implications Existence of diverse populations of rodents associated with a large number of flea species, some of which are efficient plague vectors, increases the potential for persistence and transmission of plague to humans in northern Tanzania.
Cross-correlations of American baby names
Authors: Barucca Paolo , Rocchi Jacopo , Marinari Enzo , Parisi Giorgio , Ricci-Tersenghi Federico
Published: June 2015

Significance

Societal and cultural transformations are very general and debated topics, both by scientists (e.g., sociologists) and by public opinion (e.g., artists, music producers, brand manufacturers, and advertising agencies). Although almost everyone would be able to express a position on such arguments, it is much more difficult to support such an opinion based on scientific evidence. In this work we analyze the case of American baby names and describe the evolution of tastes of parents regarding the choice of the name during the years of the last century. Using quantitative methods we find that a deep transformation occurred at the end of the 20th century and suggest that this might be studied from a quantitative sociological point of view.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 6 and Ethylene and Auxin Signaling Pathways Are Involved in Arabidopsis Root-System Architecture Alterations by Trichoderma atroviride
Authors: Contreras-Cornejo Hexon Angel , López-Bucio Jesús Salvador , Méndez-Bravo Alejandro , Macías-Rodríguez Lourdes , Ramos-Vega Maricela , Guevara-García Ángel Arturo , López-Bucio José
Published: June 2015

Trichoderma atroviride is a symbiotic fungus that interacts with roots and stimulates plant growth and defense. Here, we show that Arabidopsis seedlings cocultivated with T. atroviride have an altered root architecture and greater biomass compared with axenically grown seedlings. These effects correlate with increased activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MPK6). The primary roots of mpk6 mutants showed an enhanced growth inhibition by T. atroviride when compared with wild-type (WT) plants, while T. atroviride increases MPK6 activity in WT roots. It was also found that T. atroviride produces ethylene (ET), which increases with l-methionine supply to the fungal growth medium. Analysis of growth and development of WT seedlings and etr1, ein2, and ein3 ET-related Arabidopsis mutants indicates a role for ET in root responses to the fungus, since etr1 and ein2 mutants show defective root-hair induction and enhanced primary-root growth inhibition when cocultivated with T. atroviride. Increased MPK6 activity was evidenced in roots of ctr1 mutants, which correlated with repression of primary root growth, thus connecting MPK6 signaling with an ET response pathway. Auxin-inducible gene expression analysis using the DR5:uidA reporter construct further revealed that ET affects auxin signaling through the central regulator CTR1 and that fungal-derived compounds, such as indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-acetaldehyde, induce MPK6 activity. Our results suggest that T. atroviride likely alters root-system architecture modulating MPK6 activity and ET and auxin action.
Influence of factors on mammographic density in premenopausal Chinese women
Authors: Yang Yaping , Liu Jieqiong , Gu Ran , Hu Yue , Liu Fengtao , Yun Miaomiao , Xiao Qiaozhen , Wu Mei , Liu Qiang , Su Fengxi
Published: June 2015

Mammographic density is an independent strong risk factor for breast cancer. However, the influence of factors on mammographic density in premenopausal women remains unclear. In the Southern Professional Women Breast Cancer Screening Project, we assessed the associations between mammographic density and its influential factors using multivariate logistic regression in premenopausal women adjusting for BMI, age, duration of breastfeeding, number of live births, and breast size. A total of 1699 premenopausal women aged 27 to 57 years, who had been screened by mammography, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Overall, 85.2% were categorized as having dense breasts (BI-RADS density 3 and 4) and 14.8% as having fatty breasts (BI-RADS density 1 and 2). In multivariate and logistic regression analysis, only BMI and age were significantly negatively correlated with mammographic density in premenopausal women (P<0.001). No significant associations between mammographic density and number of deliveries, breastfeeding duration, education level, family history of breast cancer, as well as breast size and sleep quality, were identified in the study. Age and BMI are negatively associated with mammographic density in premenopausal Chinese women. Information on the influential factors of mammographic density in premenopausal women might provide meaningful insights into breast cancer prevention.
Inflammatory Orbitopathy Associated With Ipilimumab
Authors: Sheldon Claire A. , Kharlip Julia , Tamhankar Madhura A.
Published: June 2015

In this case report, the clinical presentation of an inflammatory orbitopathy seen following treatment with ipilimumab is described. After 3 rounds of ipilimumab (10 mg/kg) treatment for Stage III metastatic melanoma, the subject of this case report developed acute eye pain and proptosis. At initial presentation, she had marked proptosis and diffuse severe ophthalmoparesis. After treatment with high-dose steroids, over a period of 6 months, the symptoms gradually resolved fully. Although the condition may mimic thyroid-associated orbitopathy, imaging and laboratory features suggest that the orbitopathy associated with ipilimumab is not a secondary effect of thyroid dysfunction but a distinct inflammatory condition. The authors conclude that immune-related side effects can occur with biologic agents used to treat malignancies and these side-effects can involve the eye. This case illustrates the occurrence of an inflammatory orbitopathy associated with ipilimumab treatment.
Reconsideration of the ‘well-known’ hypotrichous ciliate Pleurotricha curdsi (Shi et al., 2002) Gupta et al., 2003 (Ciliophora, Sporadotrichida), with notes on its morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny
Authors: Lu Xiaoteng , Shao Chen , Yu Yuhe , Warren Alan , Huang Jie
Published: June 2015

The oxytrichid species Pleurotricha curdsi (Shi et al., 2002) Gupta et al., 2003, isolated from a tributary of the Yangtze River in the Mudong district of Chongqing, southern China, was reinvestigated with emphasis on its morphology, morphogenesis and small-subunit (SSU) rDNA-based phylogeny. Compared with three previously described populations, the Mudong population of P. curdsi is characterized by its large body size, 170–295 × 65–110 μm in vivo, and by having a variable number of right marginal rows, either two or three. Likewise, the number of right marginal rows anlagen (RMA) is also variable, i.e. usually two, but sometimes several small extra anlagen that give rise to the formation of the third row, are present to the left of the RMAs. We posit that the Mudong population is an intermediate form between the three previously described populations. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rDNA sequence data show that all populations of P. curdsi cluster with the type species of the genus, Pleurotricha lanceolata, in a clade nested within the Oxytrichidae.
A two-dimensional ZnIIcoordination polymer constructed from benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid andN,N′-bis[(pyridin-4-yl)methylidene]hydrazine
Authors: Wang Xiangfei , Yang Fang , Tang Meng , Yuan Limin , Liu Wenlong
Published: June 2015

The hydrothermal synthesis of the novel complex poly[aqua(μ4-benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylato)[μ2-4,4′-(hydrazine-1,2-diylidenedimethanylylidene)dipyridine](μ3-hydroxido)dizinc(II)], [Zn(C9H3O6)(OH)(C12H10N4)(H2O)]n, is described. The benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylate ligand connects neighbouring Zn4(OH)2secondary building units (SBUs) producing an infinite one-dimensional chain. Adjacent one-dimensional chains are connected by theN,N′-bis[(pyridin-4-yl)methylidene]hydrazine ligand, forming a two-dimensional layered structure. Adjacent layers are stacked to generate a three-dimensional supramolecular architectureviaO—H...O hydrogen-bond interactions. The thermal stability of this complex is described and the complex also appears to have potential for application as a luminescent material.
Crystal structure of the pyridine–diiodine (1/1) adduct
Authors: Tuikka Matti , Haukka Matti
Published: June 2015

In the title adduct, C5H5N·I2, the N—I distance [2.424 (8) Å] is remarkably shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii. The line through the I atoms forms an angle of 78.39 (16)° with the normal to the pyridine ring.
Crystal structure of 16-hydroxy-4,4,10,13,14-pentamethyl-17-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)-4,5,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3(2H)-one
Authors: Ge Jun-Jun , Chen Pian , Ye Xiao-Xia
Published: June 2015

The title compound, C30H48O2, contains a fused four-ring triterpenoid system. In the molecule, the two cyclohexane rings adopt a chair conformation and a twist boat conformation, respectively, the central cyclohexene ring adopts a half-chair conformation whereas the five membered ring adopts an envelope conformation. In the crystal, O—H...O hydrogen bonds between the hydroxy and carbonyl groups of adjacent molecules link the molecules into supramolecular chains propagating along theb-axis direction.
Crystal structure of azimsulfuron
Authors: Jeon Youngeun , Kim Jineun , Kwon Eunjin , Kim Tae Ho
Published: June 2015

The title compound {systematic name: 1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-[1-methyl-4-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyrazol-5-ylsulfonyl]urea}, C13H16N10O5S, is a sulfonylurea herbicide. In this compound, the dihedral angles between the planes of the central pyrazole and the terminal dimethoxypyrimidine and tetrazole rings are 79.10 (8) and 17.21 (16)°, respectively. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules, formingR22(8) inversion dimers. In addition, weak C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds and weak π–π interactions [ring centroid separation = 3.8255 (12) Å] are present, resulting in a three-dimensional architecture.
Crystal structure of (6-bromo-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)methyl morpholine-4-carbodithioate
Authors: Kumar K. Mahesh , Roopashree K. R. , Vinduvahini M. , Kotresh O. , Devarajegowda H. C.
Published: June 2015

In the title compound, C15H14BrNO3S2, the 2H-chromene ring system is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.034 (2) Å, and the morpholine ring adopts a chair conformation. The dihedral angle between best plane through the 2H-chromene ring system and the morpholine ring is 86.32 (9)°. Intramolecular C—H...S hydrogen bonds are observed. In the crystal, inversion-related C—H...S and C—H...O interactions generateR22(10) andR22(8) rings patterns, respectively. In addition, the crystal packing features π–π interactions between fused benzene rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7558 (12) Å].
The dogs bark and the circus moves on
Authors: Robinson John D
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to set out challenges that libraries face while developing their Digital Library capabilities and capacity and propose an approach to estimating the costs for these functions. There is a skills challenge as well as an organisational challenge. The opportunities to build new teams or re-train existing staff are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach builds on a 2008 paper about Digital Library economics and discusses the changes in the environment since then. A model is described in which a library takes on the full responsibility for building and operating a Digital Library function in-house. This is used to benchmark other options such as managed services, outsourced infrastructure and “cloud” services.

Findings

– The Open Access Publication and Research Data Management mandates present challenges to all libraries based in academic institutions in the UK. New working methods and new costs are unavoidable. There are a number of ways to deal with this depending upon the institutional circumstance. The bottom line can be increases in revenue budgets of around 10 per cent with variable requirements for capital investment.

Originality/value

– Libraries and librarians have different experiences in closely working with colleagues in information technology (IT). A number of propositions are presented about the value of cooperation and collaboration between library and IT and also with external partners and service providers.
From Plimsoll Line to triple bottom line: adding value through partnership
Authors: Law Derek G
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to argue that university libraries need to rethink their relationship with their parent institution.

Design/methodology/approach

– Personal view based on managerial experience in universities.

Findings

– Libraries must focus first on institutional mission and align their mission and strategy to that.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations of the paper are that this paper is only based on a single point of view.

Practical implications

– Rethink approaches to relationships with the parent body.

Originality/value

– It is an original point of view which is at least worth reading to see if it has value.
A review of changes in the delivery of information to users
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the changes that have taken place in Interlending
&
Document Supply over the past 12 years.

Design/methodology/approach

– Research of the past 48 literature reviews published in Interlending
&
Document Supply.

Findings

– Over the past 12 years, Interlending
&
Document Supply has declined dramatically in much of the world, although less so in the US. It is likely to increase in the developing world but not as much as to compensate for the decline elsewhere.

Originality/value

– This is the only study that has been made of the changes in document supply in this century.
Public libraries digital services and sustainability issues
Authors: Michnik Katarina
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization.

Findings

– According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries’ physical spaces, librarians’ tasks and competencies and libraries’ economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

– Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians’ views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians.

Originality/value

– When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library’s contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.
The economics of MOOCs: a sustainable future?
Authors: Porter Sarah
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the present interest in the current and predicted business models of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC); the business models that are being used by MOOC platforms and MOOC providers; discussion of the key issues and challenges; predictions about the future MOOC business models from the perspectives of platforms, providers and consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Review of the current literature for business models and costs for MOOCs and including the business models of higher education and possible future of the higher education system.

Findings

– The findings of this paper show that most MOOCs are currently based upon a “freemium” model where content is provided freely and additional services are charged for; that there are already a range of different “flavours” of MOOC and that this range is likely to further develop over time with some clear winners emerging; and that completely free and open MOOCs are not likely to be the focus of growth in the future, rather MOOCs that are sustained through charges to customers.

Practical implications

– To inform the debate about likely future business models and to help greater understanding of possible business models for MOOCs to inform decision-making by managers at universities.

Originality/value

– To inform the debate about likely future business models and to help greater understanding of possible business models for MOOCs to inform decision-making by managers at universities.
International perspectives on English teaching
Authors: Locke Terry
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer a personalised overview of the content ofEnglish Teaching: Practice and Critiquefor the years it was hosted at the Wilf Malcolm Institute for Educational Research (WMIER) at the University of Waikato (2002-2014).

Design/methodology/approach

– It notes trends in relationship to the context of origin of 335 articles published in this period (excluding editorials), including significant increases in articles originating in the USA and Pacific Rim Asian nations, particularly South Korea and Taiwan. It comments on articles that relate to the original vision of the editors’ founders, especially their emphasis on practice, criticality and social justice.

Findings

– Prevailing themes across 13 years are mapped and in some cases discussed.

Originality/value

– A number of reflections are shared in relation to the future of the journal and some challenges currently facing subject English.
A lightweight robot system designed for the optimisation of an automotive end-off line process station
Authors: Scholer Matthias , Vette Matthias , Rainer Mueller
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to deliver an approach of how lightweight robot systems can be used to automate manual processes for higher efficiency, increased process capability and enhanced ergonomics. As a use case, a new collaborative testing system for an automated water leak test was designed using an image processing system utilized by the robot.

Design/methodology/approach

– The “water leak test” in an automotive final assembly line is often a significant cost factor due to its labour-intensive nature. This is particularly the case for premium car manufacturers as each vehicle is watered and manually inspected for leakage. This paper delivers an approach that optimizes the efficiency and capability of the test process by using a new automated in-line inspection system whereby thermographic images are taken by a lightweight robot system and then processed to locate the leak. Such optimization allows the collaboration of robots and manual labour, which in turn enhances the capability of the process station.

Findings

– This paper examines the development of a new application for lightweight robotic systems and provides a suitable process whereby the system was optimized regarding technical, ergonomic and safety-related aspects.

Research limitations/implications

– A new automated testing process in combination with a processing algorithm was developed. A modular system suitable for the integration of human–robot collaboration into the assembly line is presented as well.

Practical implications

– To optimize and validate the system, it was set up in a true to reality model factory and brought to a prototypical status. Several original equipment manufacturers showed great interest in the system. Feasibility studies for a practical implementation are running at the moment.

Social implications

– The direct human–robot collaboration allows humans and robots to share the same workspace without strict separation measures, which is a great advantage compared with traditional industrial robots. The workers benefit from a more ergonomic workflow and are relieved from unpleasant, repetitive and burdensome tasks.

Originality/value

– A lightweight robotic system was implemented in a continuous assembly line as a new area of application for these systems. The automated water leak test gives a practical example of how to enrich the assembly and commissioning lines, which are currently dominated by manual labour, with new technologies. This is necessary to reach a higher efficiency and process capability while maintaining a higher flexibility potential than fully automated systems.
Critical analysis of the application of the Safe Working Cycle (SWC)
Authors: Chan Daniel W.M. , Choi Tracy N.Y.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of the safe working cycle (SWC) in improving existing site safety performance of construction projects in Hong Kong and to identify the perceived benefits, potential difficulties and insightful recommendations of implementing the SWC in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

– The professional views on the effectiveness of implementing the SWC, the benefits and difficulties of the SWC, together with the effective recommendations for future execution of the SWC, were gleaned by ten in-depth interviews involving the representatives of senior professional staff members from major construction companies and related government works departments.

Findings

– Responses from in-depth interviews indicated that the SWC is generally effective in improving site safety performance and preventing the occurrence of construction accidents. The implementation of the SWC is also found useful in facilitating safety-related communications, enhancing safety awareness of frontline workers and identifying potential hazards. However, the industrial practitioners encountered some difficulties associated with the SWC, including limited space on worksites, irregular working schedules for the different trades working on-site, a lack of motivation for participation by workers and an over-tight project schedule that causes time pressure to complete work resulting in a lack of priority.

Practical implications

– The recommended measures include the establishment of a reward scheme, engagement of professional aerobic trainers, design of site-specific SWC, mandatory enforcement of the SWC through legislation, regular review of the SWC effectiveness, increased financial support from client organisations and creation of a more realistic project schedule.

Originality/value

– This study has instigated a wider debate on the underlying benefits and potential difficulties of the SWC for reference by the construction industry at large. Although the SWC is being currently executed in those new-build construction projects only, it may likewise be applied to other projects within the wide spectrum of facilities management sector and large-scale building repair/maintenance services in both Hong Kong and overseas. Therefore, the contribution from this paper could be extended to the discipline of facilities management as well.
Exploring collaboration technology use: how users’ perceptions twist and amend reality
Authors: Dulipovici Alina , Vieru Dragos
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine how a collaboration technology is used by three organizational groups. The main focus is on the interplay between the users’ perceptions (of the technology and of the knowledge shared) and the material properties of the collaboration technology.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two theoretical frameworks (social representations and sociomaterial practice perspective) examine collaboration technology use to better understand the underlying dynamics. The research is conducted as a case study in a US company where a collaboration technology was being implemented.

Findings

– The findings reveal a process model showing how social dynamics and users’ perceptions of what the collaboration technology can do and cannot do to share the users’ knowledge influence the users’ behaviour. Based on these perceptions, users will twist or amend their interpretation of the reality (the material properties of the technology) to justify their use of the collaboration technology.

Research limitations/implications

– This research is conducted as a single case study. However, the significant amount of time spent at the research site allowed for a very rich description of the events and processes involved.

Practical implications

– This study offers guidelines on what influences use and adoption of collaboration technologies. It highlights the importance of providing more than just training, as social dynamics and users’ perceptions continuously influence users’ behaviour.

Originality/value

– By combining two complementary theoretical frameworks, this study provides a novel and more in-depth explanation of collaboration technology use (or lack thereof).
Why Probation Matters
Authors: HALL SUE
Published: June 2015

Probation matters because of its role in creating a humane justice system. At probation's core is a value base which unites the profession and has been sustained through political change. The politically driven restructuring of probation through ‘Transforming Rehabilitation’ did not build on probation's achievements, nor was it evidence led. International examples show the negative impact of privatisation if values are secondary to profit. The fragmentation of service provision and removal of the requirement of a unifying probation qualification framework also pose major threats to the profession. The new Probation Institute will be important in maintaining professional identity and standards.
Automated tracing of myelinated axons and detection of the nodes of Ranvier in serial images of peripheral nerves
Authors: KRESHUK A. , WALECKI R. , KOETHE U. , GIERTHMUEHLEN M. , PLACHTA D. , GENOUD C. , HAASTERT‐TALINI K. , HAMPRECHT F.A.
Published: June 2015

The development of realistic neuroanatomical models of peripheral nerves for simulation purposes requires the reconstruction of the morphology of the myelinated fibres in the nerve, including their nodes of Ranvier. Currently, this information has to be extracted by semimanual procedures, which severely limit the scalability of the experiments.

In this contribution, we propose a supervised machine learning approach for the detailed reconstruction of the geometry of fibres inside a peripheral nerve based on its high‐resolution serial section images. Learning from sparse expert annotations, the algorithm traces myelinated axons, even across the nodes of Ranvier. The latter are detected automatically.

The approach is based on classifying the myelinated membranes in a supervised fashion, closing the membrane gaps by solving an assignment problem, and classifying the closed gaps for the nodes of Ranvier detection.

The algorithm has been validated on two very different datasets: (i) rat vagus nerve subvolume, SBFSEM microscope, 200 × 200 × 200 nm resolution, (ii) rat sensory branch subvolume, confocal microscope, 384 × 384 × 800 nm resolution. For the first dataset, the algorithm correctly reconstructed 88% of the axons (241 out of 273) and achieved 92% accuracy on the task of Ranvier node detection. For the second dataset, the gap closing algorithm correctly closed 96.2% of the gaps, and 55% of axons were reconstructed correctly through the whole volume. On both datasets, training the algorithm on a small data subset and applying it to the full dataset takes a fraction of the time required by the currently used semiautomated protocols. Our software, raw data and ground truth annotations are available at http://hci.iwr.uni‐heidelberg.de/Benchmarks/. The development version of the code can be found at https://github.com/RWalecki/ATMA.
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Expression Induced by Varicella‐Zoster Virus Infection Results in the Modulation of Virus Replication
Authors: Choi E.‐J. , Lee C.‐H. , Shin O. S.
Published: June 2015

Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) is an important viral pathogen that is responsible for causing varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). VZV has been shown to suppress early anti‐viral innate immune responses, but the exact mechanisms are not yet well understood. Here we demonstrate that host control of VZV is impaired by the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)3. We used three different cell types to characterize VZV‐induced anti‐viral and inflammatory responses. Infection of human fibroblasts (MRC‐5) and human macrophages (THP‐1) with VZV triggered upregulation of anti‐viral responsive gene expression (IFN‐α, IFN‐β) in the early phases of infection, followed by the waning of these IFNs in the late phases of infection. Conversely, VZV infection in keratinocytes (HaCaT) resulted in a persistent increase in type I IFN gene expression. Interestingly, increase in SOCS1 and 3 expressions coincided with a reduction in phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (STAT3) in VZV‐infected MRC‐5 cells. Furthermore, VZV infection increased the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐6, ‐8, and IFN‐γ‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10). Knockdown of SOCS3 inhibited viral replication and enhanced secretion levels of IL‐6, whereas overexpression of SOCS3 did not affect viral replication efficiency and host response. In conclusion, our data suggest that VZV infection induces SOCS3 expression, resulting in modulation of type I IFN signaling and viral replication.
Genomic Analysis of Broad-Host-Range Enterobacteriophage Av-05
Authors: Amarillas Luis , López-Cuevas Osvaldo , León-Félix Josefina , Castro-del Campo Nohelia , Gerba Charles P. , Chaidez Cristóbal
Published: June 2015

Lytic bacteriophages have reemerged as an alternative for the control of pathogenic bacteria. However, the effective use of phage relies on appropriate genomic characterization. In this study, we report the genome of bacteriophage Av-05 and its sequence analysis, which has strong lytic activity against
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 strains and several
Salmonella
serotypes. The analysis revealed that the phage Av-05 genome consists of 120,938 bp, containing 209 putative open reading frames (ORFs) and 9 tRNAs.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas psychrophila MTCC 12324, Isolated from the Arctic at 79°N
Authors: Abraham Wilson Peter , Thomas Sabu
Published: June 2015

Pseudomonas psychrophila
MTCC 12324 is a facultatively psychrophilic bacterium isolated from the Arctic fjord Ny-alesund in the Svalbard Archipelago. Here, we present a 5.2-Mb draft genome sequence of
P. psychrophila
MTCC 12324, reported for the first time, from the Arctic. This enables a study of the cold adaptation mechanisms to survive under the extreme cold conditions.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium obuense Strain UC1, Isolated from Patient Sputum
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Cunningham Gail , Hsu Elaine D. , Yu Joanna M. , Chiu Charles Y. , Miller Steve
Published: June 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium obuense
strain UC1 from a patient sputum sample. This is the first draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium obuense
, a rapidly growing scotochromogenic mycobacterium.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Cyanogenic Phosphate-Solubilizing
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain CCOS 191, a Close Relative of Pseudomonas mosselii
Authors: Smits Theo H. M. , Pothier Joël F. , Ruinelli Michela , Blom Jochen , Frasson David , Koechli Chantal , Fabbri Carlotta , Brandl Helmut , Duffy Brion , Sievers Martin
Published: June 2015

We sequenced the complete genome of the isolate
Pseudomonas
sp. CCOS 191. This strain is able to dissolve phosphate minerals and form cyanide. The genome sequence is used to establish the phylogenetic relationship of this species.
Draft Genome Sequences of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strains Rafaela_II (Clade 8) and 7.1_Anguil (Clade 6) from Cattle in Argentina
Authors: Amadio Ariel Fernando , Amigo Natalia , Puebla Andrea Fabiana , Farber Marisa Diana , Cataldi Angel Adrián
Published: June 2015

Escherichia coli
O157:H7 is a major etiologic agent of diseases in humans that cause diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two strains isolated from cattle that had high levels of Shiga toxin 2 and high lethality in mice.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus Isolated from a Bama Minipig in Guangxi, Southern China
Authors: Tang Hai-bo , Ouyang Kang , Ma Ling , Bai Anbin , Qin Shaomin , Chen Fenglian , Lin Jun , Cao Yinyin , Wu Jianmin
Published: June 2015

A porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) strain, PERV-A-BM, was isolated from a Bama minipig in Guangxi, China. This is the first entire genome sequence of PERV isolated from Guangxi Bama minipigs. The isolate is closely related to isolates from Wuzhishan miniature pigs and distantly related to isolates from large white pigs.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Linear Plasmid pJD12 Hosted by
Micrococcus
sp. D12, Isolated from a High-Altitude Volcanic Lake in Argentina
Authors: Dib Julian Rafael , Angelov Angel , Liebl Wolfgang , Döbber Johannes , Voget Sonja , Schuldes Jörg , Gorriti Marta , Farías Maria Eugenia , Meinhardt Friedhelm , Daniel Rolf
Published: June 2015

The linear plasmid pDJ12 from
Micrococcus
D12, isolated from the high-altitude volcanic Diamante Lake in the northwest of Argentina, was completely sequenced and annotated. It is noteworthy that the element is probably conjugative and harbors genes potentially instrumental in coping with stress conditions that prevail in such an extreme environment.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Moderately Halophilic Methanotroph Methylohalobius crimeensis Strain 10Ki
Authors: Sharp Christine E. , Smirnova Angela V. , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G. , Bringel Françoise , Hirayama Hisako , Jetten Mike S. M. , Khmelenina Valentina N. , Klotz Martin G. , Knief Claudia , Kyrpides Nikos , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Reshetnikov Alexander S. , Sakai Yasuyoshi , Shapiro Nicole , Trotsenko Yuri A. , Vuilleumier Stéphane , Woyke Tanja , Dunfield Peter F.
Published: June 2015

Methylohalobius crimeensis
strain 10Ki is a moderately halophilic aerobic methanotroph isolated from a hypersaline lake in the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine. This organism has the highest salt tolerance of any cultured methanotroph. Here, we present a draft genome sequence of this bacterium.
Draft Genome Sequence of Antimicrobial-Producing
Clostridium
sp
.
JC272, Isolated from Marine Sediment
Authors: Tushar L. , Sasi Jyothsna T. S. , Sasikala C. , Ramana C. V.
Published: June 2015

We announce the draft genome sequence of
Clostridium
sp. JC272, isolated from a sediment sample collected from marine habitats of Gujarat, India.
Clostridium
sp. JC272 is an obligate anaerobe and has the ability to produce antimicrobial compounds. The genome sequence indicates the strain's capability of producing small peptides (microcins), which are potential novel antibiotics.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bordetella pertussis D420
Authors: Boinett Christine J. , Harris Simon R. , Langridge Gemma C. , Trainor Elizabeth A. , Merkel Tod J. , Parkhill Julian
Published: June 2015

Bordetella pertussis
is the causative agent of whooping cough, a highly contagious, acute respiratory illness that has seen resurgence despite the use of vaccines. We present the complete genome sequence of a clinical strain of
B. pertussis
, D420, which is representative of a currently circulating clade of this pathogen.
GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay as initial test for diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Shrestha Poojan , Paudyal Buddhi , Basnyat Buddha
Published: June 2015

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains the most dangerous form of tuberculosis with high mortality and potential complications. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition remains a key for better prognosis. A 39-year-old woman presented with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, with a history of headache for a month. On examination, confusion, neck rigidity, ptosis and upward plantar reflexes were present. After 7 days of empiric treatment without resolution of her symptoms, she had another spinal tap performed. The diagnosis of TBM was performed by the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay from her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Antitubercular chemotherapy was started. The patient subsequently improved. Where available, the GeneXpert assay should be used immediately in CSF samples of patients suspected of TBM as an adjunct to clinical algorithms to increase the chance of a prompt diagnosis and treatment.