bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clec16a is Critical for Autolysosome Function and Purkinje Cell Survival
Authors: Redmann Veronika , Lamb Christopher A. , Hwang Seungmin , Orchard Robert C. , Kim Sungsu , Razi Minoo , Milam Ashley , Park Sunmin , Yokoyama Christine C. , Kambal Amal , Kreamalmeyer Darren , Bosch Marie K. , Xiao Maolei , Green Karen , Kim Jungsu , Pruett-Miller Shondra M. , Ornitz David M. , Allen Paul M. , Beatty Wandy L. , Schmidt Robert E. , DiAntonio Aaron , Tooze Sharon A. , Virgin Herbert W.
Published: March 2016

CLEC16A is in a locus genetically linked to autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, but the function of this gene in the nervous system is unknown. Here we show that two mouse strains carrying independent Clec16a mutations developed neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor impairments and loss of Purkinje cells. Neurons from Clec16a-mutant mice exhibited increased expression of the autophagy substrate p62, accumulation of abnormal intra-axonal membranous structures bearing the autophagy protein LC3 and abnormal Golgi morphology. Multiple aspects of endocytosis, lysosome and Golgi function were normal in Clec16a-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts and HeLa cells. However, these cells displayed abnormal bulk autophagy despite unimpaired autophagosome formation. Cultured Clec16a-deficient cells exhibited a striking accumulation of LC3 and LAMP-1 positive autolysosomes containing undigested cytoplasmic contents. Therefore Clec16a, an autophagy protein that is critical for autolysosome function and clearance, is required for Purkinje cell survival.
Genetic Association of Curative and Adverse Reactions to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Chinese advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients
Authors: Ruan Yunfeng , Jiang Jie , Guo Liang , Li Yan , Huang Hailiang , Shen Lu , Luan Mengqi , Li Mo , Du Huihui , Ma Cheng , He Lin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Qin Shengying
Published: March 2016

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is an effective targeted therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but also causes adverse drug reactions (ADRs) e.g., skin rash and diarrhea. SNPs in the EGFR signal pathway, drug metabolism/ transport pathways and miRNA might contribute to the interpersonal difference in ADRs but biomarkers for therapeutic responses and ADRs to TKIs in Chinese population are yet to be fully investigated. We recruited 226 Chinese advanced NSCLC patients who received TKIs erlotinib, gefitinib and icotinib hydrochloride and systematically studied the genetic factors associated with therapeutic responses and ADRs. Rs884225 (T > C) in EGFR 3′ UTR was significantly associated with lower risk of ADRs to erlotinib (p value = 0.0010, adjusted p value = 0.042). A multivariant interaction four-SNP model (rs884225 in EGFR 3′UTR, rs7787082 in ABCB1 intron, rs38845 in MET intron and rs3803300 in AKT1 5′UTR) was associated with ADRs in general and the more specific drug induced skin injury. The SNPs associated with both therapeutic responses and ADRs indicates they might share a common genetic basis. Our study provided potential biomarkers and clues for further research of biomarkers for therapeutic responses and ADRs in Chinese NSCLC patients.
A new Burgess Shale-type deposit from the Ediacaran of western Mongolia
Authors: Dornbos Stephen Q. , Oji Tatsuo , Kanayama Akihiro , Gonchigdorj Sersmaa
Published: March 2016

Preservation of soft-bodied organisms is exceedingly rare in the fossil record. One way that such fossils are preserved is as carbonaceous compressions in fined-grained marine sedimentary rocks. These deposits of exceptional preservation are known as Burgess Shale-type (BST) deposits. During the Cambrian Period, BST deposits are more common and provide a crucial view of early animal evolution. The earliest definitive fossil evidence for macroscopic animal-grade organisms is found in the preceding Ediacaran Period. BST deposits from the Ediacaran are rarer and lack conclusive evidence for animals. Here we report the discovery of a new Ediacaran BST deposit with exceptional preservation of non-mineralizing macro-organisms in thinly bedded black shale from Zavkhan Province, western Mongolia. This fossil assemblage, here named the Zuun-Arts biota, currently consists of two new species of probable macroscopic multicellular benthic algae. One species,Chinggiskhaania bifurcatan. gen., n. sp., dominates the biota. The other species,Zuunartsphyton delicatumn. gen., n. sp., is known from three specimens. SEM-EDS analysis shows that the fossils are composed of aluminosilicate clay minerals and some carbon, a composition comparable to fossils from the Cambrian Burgess Shale biota. This discovery opens a new window through which to view late Precambrian life.
In situ synthesis of Bi2S3 sensitized WO3 nanoplate arrays with less interfacial defects and enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Liu Canjun , Yang Yahui , Li Wenzhang , Li Jie , Li Yaomin , Chen Qiyuan
Published: March 2016

In this study, Bi2S3 sensitive layer has been grown on the surface of WO3 nanoplate arrays via an in situ approach. The characterization of samples were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis). The results show that the Bi2S3 layer is uniformly formed on the surface of WO3 nanoplates and less interfacial defects were observed in the interface between the Bi2S3 and WO3. More importantly, the Bi2S3/WO3 films as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells display the enhanced PEC performance compared with the Bi2S3/WO3 films prepared by a sequential ionic layer adsorption reaction (SILAR) method. In order to understand the reason for the enhanced PEC properties, the electron transport properties of the photoelectrodes were studied by using the transient photocurrent spectroscopy and intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS). The Bi2S3/WO3 films prepared via an in situ approach have a greater transient time constant and higher electron transit rate. This is most likely due to less interfacial defects for the Bi2S3/WO3 films prepared via an in situ approach, resulting in a lower resistance and faster carrier transport in the interface between WO3 and Bi2S3.
Diffusion of macromolecules in a polymer hydrogel: from microscopic to macroscopic scales
Authors: Sandrin D. , Wagner D. , Sitta C. E. , Thoma R. , Felekyan S. , Hermes H. E. , Janiak C. , de Sousa Amadeu N. , Kühnemuth R. , Löwen H. , Egelhaaf S. U. , Seidel C. A. M.
Published: March 2016

Characterization of polyacrylamide hydrogels with dextran host molecules using four complementary methods.
Computational materials design of crystalline solids
Authors: Butler Keith T. , Frost Jarvist M. , Skelton Jonathan M. , Svane Katrine L. , Walsh Aron
Published: March 2016

Recent advances in the computational techniques and procedures for the design of functional materials are reviewed.
Formation scheme and antioxidant activity of a novel Maillard pigment, pyrrolothiazolate, formed from cysteine and glucose
Authors: Noda Kyoko , Terasawa Naoko , Murata Masatsune
Published: March 2016

We recently identified 6-hydroxy-3[R],7a[S]-dimethyl-7-oxo-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole-3-calboxylic acid, a novel pyrrolothiazole derivative carrying a carboxy group and named pyrrolothiazolate, as a Mallard pigment formed from l-cysteine and d-glucose.
Toxicological properties of two fluorescent carbon quantum dots with onion ring morphology and their usefulness as bioimaging agents
Authors: Blas-Garcia Ana , Baldoví Herme G. , Polo Miriam , Victor Victor M. , Garcia Hermenegildo , Herance Jose Raul
Published: March 2016

Two carbon quantum dots can be used as bioimaging agents. To check this usefulness, a complete in vitro toxicological study has been performed in human cells. Nanoparticles did not show toxicity at low concentration after a punctual or continuous exposition in these cells.
Fluorescence turn-on for the highly selective detection of nitric oxide in vitro and in living cells
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Liu Shuang , Liang Gaolin
Published: March 2016

A water-soluble, biocompatible, small molecular fluorescent turn-on probe was developed for the highly selective and sensitive detection of NOin vitroand in living cells.
Flow-dependent separation selectivity for organic molecules on metal–organic frameworks containing adsorbents
Authors: Peristyy Anton , Nesterenko Pavel N. , Das Anita , D'Alessandro Deanna M. , Hilder Emily F. , Arrua R. Dario
Published: March 2016

A new effect was discovered which allows changes of selectivity by variation of the mobile phase flow rate.
Synthesis of aryl trimethylstannanes from aryl halides: an efficient photochemical method
Authors: Chen Kai , He Pei , Zhang Shuai , Li Pengfei
Published: March 2016

An efficient transition-metal-free photochemical method featuring excellent functional group tolerance, mild reaction conditions and short reaction times has been discovered and developed for the synthesis of (hetero)aryl trimethylstannanes from (hetero)aryl halides.
3D hierarchical mesoporous NiCo2S4@Ni(OH)2 core–shell nanosheet arrays for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Nguyen Van Hoa , Lamiel Charmaine , Shim Jae-Jin
Published: March 2016

A thin and porous active material on a carbon cloth was synthesized by electrodeposition and its electrochemical performance was studied.
Passive flow regulator for precise high-throughput flow rate control in microfluidic environments
Authors: Zhang Xinjie , Wang Xin , Chen Ke , Cheng Jie , Xiang Nan , Ni Zhonghua
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we propose a passive flow regulator with a five-layer structure for high-throughput flow-rate control in microfluidic environments.
Fabrication of a well-aligned TiO2 nanofibrous membrane by modified parallel electrode configuration with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Wang Jianan , Yang Guorui , Wang Ling , Yan Wei
Published: March 2016

Well-aligned TiO2 nanofibrous membranes with excellent photocatalytic activity were prepared over large areas by a modified electrospinning configuration.
Online stretching of directly electrospun nanofiber yarns
Authors: Ali Usman , Niu Haitao , Abbas Amir , Shao Hao , Lin Tong
Published: March 2016

An online stretching during electrospinning of nanofiber yarn can considerably improve yarn production rate, quality and mechanical strength.
A one-dimensional polyoxomolybdate polymer as a catalyst for the epoxidation of olefins
Authors: Najafi M. , Abbasi A. , Masteri-Farahani M. , Shahbaazi H. , Ahmadniai Motlagh M. , Janczak J.
Published: March 2016

A 1-D polyoxomolybdate-based polymer as heterogeneous catalyst for olefin epoxidation.
Assessment of the LFAs-PBE exchange–correlation potential for high-order harmonic generation of aligned H2+ molecules
Authors: Sun Hsiao-Ling , Peng Wei-Tao , Chai Jeng-Da
Published: March 2016

We examine the performance of the LFAs-PBE exchange-correlation potential for the HHG spectra and related properties of H2+ molecules aligned parallel and perpendicular to the polarization of an intense linearly polarized laser pulse.
Rapid capture of Ponceau S via a hierarchical organic–inorganic hybrid nanofibrous membrane
Authors: Li Guihua , Zhu Zhigao , Qi Benyu , Liu Guojuan , Wu Ping , Zeng Gaofeng , Zhang Yanfeng , Wang Wei , Sun Yuhan
Published: March 2016

Hierarchical composite carbon nanofibrous membranes, comprising a high content of magnetic FeOx nanoparticles and an ultrathin PDA–PEI coating layer, were directly prepared using co-electrospun Fe3+/PAN precursors and dopamine self-polymerization.
Nonepitaxial growth of uniform and precisely size-tunable core/shell nanoparticles and their enhanced plasmon-driven photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Mengye , Pang Xinchang , Zheng Dajiang , He Yanjie , Sun Lan , Lin Changjian , Lin Zhiqun
Published: March 2016

Uniform plasmonic/semiconducting core/shell nanoparticles with precisely varied dimensions were judiciously crafted and exhibited largely improved photocatalytic performance.
Electrospun carbon nanofibers coated with urchin-like ZnCo2O4 nanosheets as a flexible electrode material
Authors: Chen Hua , Jiang Guohua , Yu Weijiang , Liu Depeng , Liu Yongkun , Li Lei , Huang Qin , Tong Zaizai
Published: March 2016

Electrospun carbon nanofiber composites (ZnCo2O4/Ag–GO–CNFs) coated with 3D urchin-like ZnCo2O4 nanosheets have been prepared and exhibit excellent specific capacity and cycling stability.
Structure–function relationship exploration for enhanced thermal stability and electro-optic activity in monolithic organic NLO chromophores
Authors: Jin Wenwei , Johnston Peter V. , Elder Delwin L. , Manner Karl T. , Garrett Kerry E. , Kaminsky Werner , Xu Ruimin , Robinson Bruce H. , Dalton Larry R.
Published: March 2016

Structure–function relationship study in a series of organic monolithic electro-optic materials has revealed the impact of donor and bridge molecular modification, leading to material with increased EO behavior and improved thermal stability.
White light emission from a mixture of pomegranate extract and carbon nanoparticles obtained from the extract
Authors: Singh Vikram , Mishra Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2016

White light emission was produced upon 380 nm photoexcitation from a mixture of pomegranate extract and carbon nanoparticles made from the extract in aqueous acidic (pH 1.2) solution as well as in polyvinyl alcohol polymeric film with good Commission Internationale del’Eclairage (CIE) index values (0.28, 0.33) and (0.33, 0.29) respectively.
Substrate determinants of signal peptide peptidase-like 2a (SPPL2a)-mediated intramembrane proteolysis of the invariant chain CD74
Authors: Hüttl Susann , Helfrich Felix , Mentrup Torben , Held Sebastian , Fukumori Akio , Steiner Harald , Saftig Paul , Fluhrer Regina , Schröder Bernd
Published: March 2016

The presenilin homologue signal peptide peptidase-like 2a (SPPL2a) is an intramembrane protease of lysosomes/late endosomes which cleaves type II transmembrane proteins. We recently identified CD74, the invariant chain of the MHCII complex, as the first in vivo validated substrate of this protease. In endosomal compartments, CD74 undergoes sequential proteolysis leading to the generation of a membrane-bound N-terminal fragment (NTF) that requires cleavage by SPPL2a for its turnover. In SPPL2a−/− mice, this fragment accumulates in B-cells and significantly disturbs their maturation and functionality. To date, the substrate requirements of the protease SPPL2a have not been investigated. In the present study, we systematically analysed the molecular determinants of CD74 with regard to the intramembrane cleavage by SPPL2a. Using domain-exchange experiments, we demonstrate that the intracellular domain (ICD) of CD74 can be substituted without affecting cleavability by SPPL2a. Based on IP-MS analysis of the cleavage product, we report identification of the primary SPPL2a cleavage site between Y52 and F53 within the CD74 transmembrane segment. Furthermore, systematic alanine-scanning mutagenesis of the transmembrane and membrane-proximal parts of the CD74 NTF has been performed. We show that none of the analysed determinants within the CD74 NTF including the residues flanking the primary cleavage site are absolutely essential for SPPL2a cleavage. Importantly, we found that alanine substitution of helix-destabilizing glycines within the transmembrane segment and distinct residues within the luminal membrane-proximal segment led to a reduced efficiency of SPPL2a-mediated processing. Therefore we propose that elements within the transmembrane segment and the luminal juxtamembrane domain facilitate intramembrane proteolysis of CD74 by SPPL2a.
Böttcher coordinates at superattracting fixed points of holomorphic skew products
Authors: Ueno Kohei
Published: March 2016

Let

f
:
(

C

2

,
0
)
→
(

C

2

,
0
)

f : (\mathbb {C}^2, 0) \to (\mathbb {C}^2, 0)

be a germ of holomorphic skew product with a superattracting fixed point at the origin. If it has a suitable weight, then we can construct a Böttcher coordinate which conjugates

f
f

to the associated monomial map. This Böttcher coordinate is defined on an invariant open set whose interior or boundary contains the origin.
Origin of forbidden reflections in multiferroic Ba2CoGe2O7by neutron diffraction: symmetry lowering or Renninger effect?
Authors: Sazonov Andrew , Meven Martin , Roth Georg , Georgii Robert , Kézsmárki István , Kocsis Vilmos , Tokunaga Yusuke , Taguchi Yasujiro , Tokura Yoshinori , Hutanu Vladimir
Published: March 2016

For a symmetry-consistent theoretical description of the multiferroic phase of Ba2CoGe2O7a precise knowledge of its crystal structure is a prerequisite. In a previous synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiment on multiferroic Ba2CoGe2O7at room temperature, forbidden reflections were found that favour the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic symmetry lowering of the compound [Hutanu, Sazonov, Murakawa, Tokura, Náfrádi & Chernyshov (2011),Phys. Rev. B,84, 212101]. Here, the results are reported of room-temperature single-crystal diffraction studies with both hot and cold neutrons to differentiate between genuine symmetry lowering and multiple diffraction (the Renninger effect). A comparison of the experimental multiple diffraction patterns with simulated ones rules out symmetry lowering. Thus, the structural model based on the tetragonal space group P\overline{4}2_{1}m was selected to describe the Ba2CoGe2O7symmetry at room temperature. The precise structural parameters from neutron diffraction at 300 K are presented and compared with the previous X-ray diffraction results.
Comparison of structures applying the tools available at the Bilbao Crystallographic Server
Authors: de la Flor Gemma , Orobengoa Danel , Tasci Emre , Perez-Mato Juan Manuel , Aroyo Mois I.
Published: March 2016

A quantitative comparison of similar crystal structures is often convenient to cross-check different experimental and/or theoretical structural models of the same phase coming from different sources. It is also important for the identification of different phases with the same symmetry, and it is fundamental for the still open problem of the classification of structures into structure types. In most cases, even if the setting of its space group is fixed, there is more than one equivalent description for a given structure. The existence of various equivalent structure descriptions makes the comparison of different structural models a non-trivial task in general. To deal with it, the programCOMPSTRUhas been developed, available at the Bilbao Crystallographic Server (http://www.cryst.ehu.es). The program measures the similarity between two structures having the same space-group symmetry (or space groups that form an enantiomorphic pair) with the same or different compositions, and under the condition that the sequence of the occupied Wyckoff positions is the same in both structures (isopointal structures). The efficiency and utility of the program are demonstrated by a number of illustrative examples. It is also shown how the program can be used to outline different structure types within a set of isopointal structures.
Microstrain distributions in polycrystalline thin films measured by X-ray microdiffraction
Authors: Schäfer N. , Chahine G. A. , Wilkinson A. J. , Schmid T. , Rissom T. , Schülli T. U. , Abou-Ras D.
Published: March 2016

Microstrain distributions were acquired in functional thin films by high-resolution X-ray microdiffraction measurements, using polycrystalline CuInSe2 thin films as a model system. This technique not only provides spatial resolutions at the submicrometre scale but also allows for analysis of thin films buried within a complete solar-cell stack. The microstrain values within individual CuInSe2 grains were determined to be of the order of 10−4. These values confirmed corresponding microstrain distribution maps obtained on the same CuInSe2 layer by electron backscatter diffraction and Raman microspectroscopy.
Facilitating model reconstruction for single-particle scattering using small-angle X-ray scattering methods
Authors: Ma Shufen , Liu Haiguang
Published: March 2016

X-ray free-electron lasers generate intense femtosecond X-ray pulses, so that high-resolution structure determination becomes feasible from noncrystalline samples, such as single particles or single molecules. At the moment, the orientation of sample particles cannot be precisely controlled, and consequently the unknown orientation needs to be recovered using computational algorithms. This delays the model reconstruction until all the scattering patterns have been re-oriented, which often entails a long elapse of time and until the completion of the experiment. The scattering patterns from single particles or multiple particles can be summed to form a virtual powder diffraction pattern, and the low-resolution region, corresponding to the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) regime, can be analysed using existing SAXS methods. This work presents a pipeline that converts single-particle data sets into SAXS data, from which real-time model reconstruction is achieved using the model retrieval approach implemented in the software package SASTBX [Liu, Hexemer & Zwart (2012). J. Appl. Cryst.
45, 587–593]. To illustrate the applications, two case studies are presented with real experimental data sets collected at the Linac Coherent Light Source.
2-[(1E)-({[(Benzylsulfanyl)methanethioyl]amino}imino)methyl]-6-methoxyphenol: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Yusof Enis Nadia Md , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T. , Ravoof Thahira B. S. A.
Published: March 2016

The title dithiocarbazate ester, C16H16N2O2S2, comprises two almost planar residues,i.e. the phenyl ring and the remaining 14 non-H atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0410 Å). These are orientated perpendicularly, forming a dihedral angle of 82.72 (5)°. An intramolecular hydroxy-O—H...N(imine) hydrogen bond, leading to anS(6) loop, is noted. An analysis of the geometric parameters is consistent with the molecule existing as the thione tautomer, and the conformation about the C=N bond isE. The thione S and imine H atoms lie to the same side of the molecule, facilitating the formation of intermolecular N—H...S hydrogen bonds leading to eight-membered {...HNCS}2synthons in the crystal. These aggregates are connected by phenyl-C—H...O(hydroxy) interactions into a supramolecular layer in thebcplane; these stack with no directional interactions between them. An analysis of the Hirshfeld surface confirms the nature of the intermolecular interactions.
Hexakis(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)zincmer-aquatris(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)(ethanol-κO)[octadecatungstodiphosphato(V)-κO]zincate(II)–dimethyl sulfoxide–ethanol–water (2/4/2/3)
Authors: Hammami Imen , Ghandour Yassine , Belkhiria Mohamed Salah
Published: March 2016

In the title compound, [Zn(C2H6OS)6]2[Zn(α-P2W18O62)(C2H5OH)(C2H6OS)3(H2O)]·2C2H6OS·C2H5OH·1.5H2O, there are two types of ZnIIcomplex ions. In the [Zn(α-P2W18O62)(C2H5OH)(C2H6OS)3(H2O)]4−anion, the ZnIIcation is coordinated by a Wells–Dawson polyanion [α-P2W18O62]6−(POM)viaa terminal O atom, three dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) ligands, one ethanol ligand and one water ligand in a distorted octahedral geometry. The two independent [Zn(C2H6OS)6]2+cations exhibit similar distorted octahedral coordination spheres, and both ZnIIcations are coordinated by six DMSO ligands. The crystal packing is governed by extensive O—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. The S atoms of some DMSO molecules are disordered over two positions with different site-occupancy ratios.
Awards as non-monetary incentives
Authors: Frey Bruno S. , Gallus Jana
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to shed light on a widely used yet scarcely investigated form of incentive, awards. The paper seeks to explore, first, whether awards can be used to motivate higher performance in academia and volunteering, and second, how often and in what forms awards are in actual fact being used in the voluntary sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper combines a theoretical analysis with various analytical methods, including a new matching technique, randomization in the field, and the survey approach.

Findings

– Awards have the potential to substantially increase performance, yet they are less frequently used in the Swiss voluntary sector than theory suggests.

Research limitations/implications

– The focus lies on awards in academia and the voluntary sector. Future research should investigate awards in other fields, e.g. the for-profit or the cultural sector. It should also assess their use in other countries to facilitate cross-country comparisons. The effects on non-recipients and the public at large are another area worth investigating.

Practical implications

– Practitioners are encouraged to consider awards as an important motivational instrument, which could be integrated more explicitly and more widely in the volunteer management systems of Swiss non-profit organizations.

Originality/value

– This contribution analyzes a widely used yet scarcely investigated form of incentive, awards. originality/value derives naturally from this observation.
Predictors of the perceived importance of food skills of home economics teachers
Authors: Fordyce-Voorham Sandra P
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test an hypothesis that teachers’ personal orientations toward food preparation, nutrition and environmental issues would be related to their perceived importance of food skills.

Design/methodology/approach

– Little research has been conducted on home economics teachers’ views on the importance of the food skills they teach in secondary schools in Australia. Therefore, an online survey was conducted among 261 home economics teachers in Australian secondary schools. The research measured respondents’ ratings of the importance of 70 food skills as well as their teaching preferences and use of resources.

Findings

– Respondents rated the procedural “hands-on” skills required to prepare a healthy meal as most important. Exploratory factor analysis derived five components (procedures for domestic settings, procedures for vocational settings, cookery methods, food economy, using microwave oven appliances) relating to teachers’ perceived importance of food skills. Teachers’ personal orientations were described as food aesthete, consumer-environmentalist and nutritionist. The findings showed that these were better predictors of the perceived importance of food skills than demographic characteristics. The most important perceived skills related to the basic procedures required by young people to be able to prepare meals for themselves when living independently. Teachers’ personal “orientations” were significantly related to the perceived importance of food skills. Demographic and professional characteristics were poor predictors of these perceptions.

Originality/value

– The findings provide home economics teachers with an understanding of their selection of particular food skills to teach their students in skill-based healthy eating programmes.
Social media and sentiment in bioenergy consultation
Authors: Uren Victoria , Wright Daniel , Scott James , He Yulan , Saif Hassan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to address the following challenge: the push to widen participation in public consultation suggests social media as an additional mechanism through which to engage the public. Bioenergy companies need to build their capacity to communicate in these new media and to monitor the attitudes of the public and opposition organizations towards energy development projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– This short paper outlines the planning issues bioenergy developments face and the main methods of communication used in the public consultation process in the UK. The potential role of social media in communication with stakeholders is identified. The capacity of sentiment analysis to mine opinions from social media is summarised and illustrated using a sample of tweets containing the term “bioenergy”.

Findings

– Social media have the potential to improve information flows between stakeholders and developers. Sentiment analysis is a viable methodology, which bioenergy companies should be using to measure public opinion in the consultation process. Preliminary analysis shows promising results.

Research limitations/implications

– Analysis is preliminary and based on a small dataset. It is intended only to illustrate the potential of sentiment analysis and not to draw general conclusions about the bioenergy sector.

Social implications

– Social media have the potential to open access to the consultation process and help bioenergy companies to make use of waste for energy developments.

Originality/value

– Opinion mining, though established in marketing and political analysis, is not yet systematically applied as a planning consultation tool. This is a missed opportunity.
Using the private finance initiative for energy efficiency projects at the urban scale
Authors: De Marco Alberto , Mangano Giulio , Michelucci Fania Valeria , Zenezini Giovanni
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest the usage of the project finance (PF) scheme as a suitable mechanism to fund energy efficiency projects at the urban scale and present its advantages and adoption barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study is developed to renew the traffic lighting system of an Italian town via replacement of the old lamps with new light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Several partners are involved in the case project to construct a viable PF arrangement.

Findings

– The case study presents the viability of the proposed PF scheme that provides for acceptable financial returns and bankability. However, it also shows that the need for short concession periods may call for a public contribution to the initial funding to make the project more attractive to private investors.

Practical implications

– This case study is a useful guideline for governments and promoters to using the PF arrangement to fund energy efficiency investments in urban settings. It helps designing an appropriate PF scheme and understanding the advantages of PF to reduce risk and, consequently, increase the debt leverage and profitability of energy efficiency projects.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to bridging the gap about the lack of works addressing the implementation of the PF mechanism in the energy efficiency sector in urban areas. The importance of this paper is also associated with the shortage of traditional public finance faced by many cities that forces to seek for alternate forms of financing.
Developing service research – paving the way to transdisciplinary research
Authors: Gustafsson Anders , Högström Claes , Radnor Zoe , Friman Margareta , Heinonen Kristina , Jaakkola Elina , Mele Cristina
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss how service, as an interdisciplinary area of research, can increase its potential for transdisciplinary contributions from the perspective of what signifies intra-, multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The essay first discusses common perspectives on the service concept before presenting a review on what signifies intra-, multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary research. The emerging theoretical framework is followed by a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for service research in making interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary theoretical contributions.

Findings

– The research provides a typological framework for understanding intra-, multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary service research and, implications related to how service research contributions can become increasingly inter- and transdisciplinary.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to widening the scope of service research by focussing on how the domain can overcome hurdles and increase its potential for making theoretical contributions that are applicable across and beyond established research disciplines.
Brand hate
Authors: Zarantonello Lia , Romani Simona , Grappi Silvia , Bagozzi Richard P.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the nature of brand hate, its antecedents and its outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conduct two quantitative studies in Europe. In Study 1, a measure of brand hate is developed and its effects are tested on behavioral outcomes. In Study 2, the authors show how brand hate and its behavioral outcomes change depending on the reasons for brand hate.

Findings

– The study conceptualizes brand hate as a constellation of negative emotions which is significantly associated with different negative behavioral outcomes, including complaining, negative WOM, protest and patronage reduction/cessation. Reasons for brand hate related to corporate wrongdoings and violation of expectations are associated with “attack-like” and “approach-like” strategies, whereas reasons related to taste systems are associated with “avoidance-like” strategies.

Research limitations/implications

– The study views brand hate as an affective phenomenon occurring at a point in time. Researchers could adopt a wider perspective by looking at the phenomenon of hate as a disposition/sentiment, not merely as an emotion. They could also adopt a longitudinal perspective to understand how brand hate develops over time and relate it to brand love.

Practical implications

– The authors’ conceptualization of brand hate offers insights to companies about how to resist and prevent brand hate for one’s own brand.

Originality/value

– The study provides a first conceptualization of brand hate and develops a scale for measuring it. The authors relate this conceptualization and measurement of brand hate to important behavioral outcomes and different types of antecedents.
Current status and future of clinical islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Matsumoto Shinichi , Tomiya Masayuki , Sawamoto Osamu
Published: March 2016

β‐Cell replacement therapy, including allogeneic pancreas and islet transplantation, can normalize HbA1c levels in unstable type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients, but a donor shortage is a serious issue. To overcome this problem, xenotransplantation is an attractive option. In fact, islet transplantation from porcine pancreata was performed in the 1990s, which opened the door for islet xenotransplantation, but the possibility of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) infection was raised, which has restricted progress in this field. The International Xenotransplantation Association published a consensus statement on conditions for undertaking clinical trials of porcine islet products in T1D to restart islet xenotransplantation safely. Clinical porcine islet xenotransplantation was restarted under comprehensive regulations in New Zealand. In addition, newly emerged gene‐editing technologies have activated the xenotransplantation field. Islet xenotransplantation is becoming a clinical reality, with the results of recent studies showing promise to advance this field.
Trophic web associated with the South American tomato mothTuta absoluta: implications for its conservation biological control in Argentina
Authors: Salas Gervassio Nadia G. , Luna María G. , Lee Sangmi , Salvo Adriana , Sánchez Norma E.
Published: March 2016

The South American tomato mothTuta absolutais a major pest targeted for biological control by entomophagous insects. Trophic interactions among parasitoids ofT. absolutaand other gelechiids feeding on crop and spontaneous wild solanaceous were investigated in north‐eastern Buenos Aires (Argentina), with the aim of assisting in the design of conservation biological control strategies.

A quantitative parasitoid trophic web was constructed that included five gelechiid leafminers, five solanaceous species and a complex of 18 parasitoid species.

The relative abundance ofT. absolutawas highest in theSolanum melongenacrop, followed by the wild plantsNicotiana glauca,Solanum americanum,Solanum sisymbriifoliumandSalpichroa origanifolia. Greater parasitoid species richness associated withT. absolutawas found in the wild plantsN. glaucaandS. americanum.

Pseudapanteles dignuswas the main parasitoid ofT. absolutaand co‐occurred with this pest in four plant species.

Parasitism ofT. absolutabyP. dignuswas observed throughout the year inS. melongena, reaching values up to 33%, whereas it was sporadic and exhibited lower parasitism rates in the noncropS. sisymbriifolium,N. glaucaandS. americanum.

The presence of some wild solanaceous plants should be promoted to maintain theT. absoluta– P. dignusinteraction in horticultural farms.
The Evolution of Scientific Skepticism in the Media Violence “Debate”
Authors: Gentile Douglas A.
Published: March 2016

After 60 years of research on media violence and aggression, the scientifically skeptical positions have evolved. This article examines some of the reasons why this issue continues to be a difficult one, and argues that, after examining the preponderance of data, the interesting skeptical questions are: (1) How can we put the pieces of the puzzle back together, given humans’ inherent complexity? (2) How do differing perspectives affect the interpretation of the data? Questions such as these may help to move past the polarizing rhetoric that has characterized much of the recent debate.
Pectin nanocoating of titanium implant surfaces ‐ an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Gurzawska Katarzyna , Dirscherl Kai , Jørgensen Bodil , Berglundh Tord , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Gotfredsen Klaus
Published: March 2016

Introduction

A major determinant of successful osseointegration of endosseous implants is the surface of the implant, which influences the cellular response of the surrounding tissues. A new strategy to improve osseointegration and bone healing is biochemical stimulation by surface nanocoatings that may increase adhesion of bone proteins, and bone cells at the implant surface. Nanocoating with pectins, plant cell wall‐derived polysaccharides, is frequently done using rhamnogalacturonan‐I (RG‐I).

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nanocoating titanium implants with plant cell wall‐derived rhamnogalacturonan‐I, on bone healing and osseointegration.

Material and methods

Machined titanium implants were coated with three modifications of rhamnogalacturonan‐I (RG‐I). Chemical and physical surface properties were examined before insertion of nanocoated implants (n = 96) into the left and right tibia of rabbits. Machined titanium implants without RG‐I nanocoating were used as controls (n = 32). Total number of 128 implants was placed in tibias of 16 rabbits. Fluorochrome bone labels, calcein green and alizarin red S were given intravenously after 9 and 12 days, respectively. The bone response to the nanocoated implants was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of healing using light microscopy and histomorphometric methods.

Results

The RG‐I coating influenced the surface chemical composition; wettability and roughness, making the surface more hydrophilic without any major effect on surface micro roughness compared to control implant surfaces.

The different modifications of pectin RG‐I did not significantly enhance bone healing and osseointegration analyzed after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of healing compared to control implants. Although the qualitative analyses of the fluorochromes indicated a higher activity of bone formation in the mineralization front at the early stage, after 9 and 12 days at the RG‐I nanocoated implants compared to the control implants although no significant quantitative difference was demonstrated.

Conclusion

The present study showed that nanocoating of titanium implants with pectin RG‐Is did not significantly enhance bone healing and osseointegration when placed in rabbit tibia bone.
The integration of alien plants in mutualistic plant–hummingbird networks across the Americas: the importance of species traits and insularity
Authors: Maruyama Pietro K. , Vizentin‐Bugoni Jeferson , Sonne Jesper , Martín González Ana M. , Schleuning Matthias , Araujo Andréa C. , Baquero Andrea C. , Cardona Juliana , Cardona Paola , Cotton Peter A. , Kohler Glauco , Lara Carlos , Malucelli Tiago , Marín‐Gómez Oscar Humberto , Ollerton Jeff , Rui Ana M. , Timmermann Allan , Varassin Isabela G. , Zanata Thais B. , Rahbek Carsten , Sazima Marlies , Dalsgaard Bo
Published: March 2016

Aim

To investigate the role of alien plants in mutualistic plant–hummingbird networks, assessing the importance of species traits, floral abundance and insularity on alien plant integration.

Location

Mainland and insular Americas.

Methods

We used species‐level network indices to assess the role of alien plants in 21 quantitative plant–hummingbird networks where alien plants occur. We then evaluated whether plant traits, including previous adaptations to bird pollination, and insularity predict these network roles. Additionally, for a subset of networks for which floral abundance data were available, we tested whether this relates to network roles. Finally, we tested the association between hummingbird traits and the probability of interaction with alien plants across the networks.

Results

Within the 21 networks, we identified 32 alien plant species and 352 native plant species. On average, alien plant species attracted more hummingbird species (i.e. aliens had a higher degree) and had a higher proportion of interactions across their hummingbird visitors than native plants (i.e. aliens had a higher species strength). At the same time, an average alien plant was visited more exclusively by certain hummingbird species (i.e. had a higher level of complementary specialization). Large alien plants and those occurring on islands had more evenly distributed interactions, thereby acting as connectors. Other evaluated plant traits and floral abundance were unimportant predictors of network roles. Short‐billed hummingbirds had higher probability of including alien plants in their interactions than long‐billed species.

Main conclusions

Once incorporated into plant‐hummingbird networks, alien plants appear strongly integrated and, thus, may have a large influence on network dynamics. Plant traits and floral abundance were generally poor predictors of how well alien species are integrated. Short‐billed hummingbirds, often characterized as functionally generalized pollinators, facilitate the integration of alien plants. Our results show that plant–hummingbird networks are open for invasion.
Defining disaster resilience: comparisons from key stakeholders involved in emergency management in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Goode Natassia , Salmon Paul M. , Spencer Caroline , McArdle Dudley , Archer Frank
Published: March 2016

Three years after the introduction of the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience there remains no unanimously adopted definition of disaster resilience within Australia's emergency management sector. The aim of this study is to determine what the concept means to key stakeholders in the emergency management sector in the Australian State of Victoria, and how these conceptualisations overlap and diverge. Via an online survey, 113 people were asked how they define disaster resilience in their work in the emergency management sector. A data mining software tool, Leximancer, was employed to uncover the relationships between the definitions provided. The findings show that stakeholders see resilience as an ‘ability’ that encompasses emergency management activities and personal responsibility. However, the findings also highlight some possible points of conflict between stakeholders. In addition, the paper outlines and discusses a number of potential consequences for the implementation and the success of the resilience‐based approach in Australia.
The humanitarian common logistic operating picture: a solution to the inter‐agency coordination challenge
Authors: Tatham Peter , Spens Karen , Kovács Gyöngyi
Published: March 2016

Although significant progress has been made in developing the practice of humanitarian logistics, further improvements in efficiency and effectiveness have the potential to save lives and reduce suffering. This paper explores how the military/emergency services’ concept of a common operating picture (COP) can be adapted to the humanitarian logistics context, and analyses a practical and proven approach to addressing the key challenge of inter‐agency coordination and decision‐making. Successful adaptation could provide the mechanism through which predicted and actual demands, together with the location and status of material in transit, are captured, evaluated, and presented in real time as the basis for enhanced decision‐making between actors in the humanitarian supply network. Through the introduction of a humanitarian logistics COP and its linkages to national disaster management systems, local communities and countries affected by disasters and emergencies will be better placed to oversee and manage their response activities.
Can local adaptation research in plants inform selection of native plant materials? An analysis of experimental methodologies
Authors: Gibson Alexis L. , Espeland Erin K. , Wagner Viktoria , Nelson Cara R.
Published: March 2016

Local adaptation is used as a criterion to select plant materials that will display high fitness in new environments. A large body of research has explored local adaptation in plants, however, to what extent findings can inform management decisions has not been formally evaluated. We assessed local adaptation literature for six key experimental methodologies that have the greatest effect on the application of research to selecting plant materials for natural resource management: experimental environment, response variables, maternal effects, intraspecific variation, selective agents, and spatial and temporal variability. We found that less than half of experiments used reciprocal transplants or natural field conditions, which are both informative for revegetation and restoration. Population growth rate was rarely (5%) assessed, and most studies measured only single generations (96%) and ran for less than a year. Emergence and establishment are limiting factors in successful revegetation and restoration, but the majority of studies measured later life‐history stages (66%). Additionally, most studies included limited replication at the population and habitat levels and tested response to single abiotic selective factors (66%). Local adaptation research should be cautiously applied to management; future research could use alternative methodologies to allow managers to directly apply findings.
Paragraphing beliefs, pedagogy, and practice: Omani TESOL teacher attempts to hold it all together
Authors: McGee Iain
Published: March 2016

The pedagogical implications of recent research into paragraphing have rarely been considered by the TESOL community. This paper begins by providing a state‐of‐the‐art research‐based overview of the paragraph and paragraphing from language, learner, teacher, reader and writer perspectives. Following this, a questionnaire‐based investigation into Omani teacher beliefs about paragraphing and pedagogical practice is reported, and these self‐reported data are considered in the light of the relevant research, and similarities and differences are noted. In addition, teacher writing and beliefs are examined and a summary of interview data with teachers about belief‐praxis tensions is provided. It is suggested that researching teacher beliefs and reflecting on areas of tension between prescriptivism and descriptivism is a necessary step in considering how paragraphing pedagogy might be updated.